Prescott LIVING - Late Summer 2022

2022 PHOTO CONTEST

FROM THE PUBLISHER: Photos, especially cover photos, are an ongoing challenge for any magazine. There are two key points to making the final selection. The first is to ask, “Is the image compelling enough for someone to pick up the magazine?” And then the important question for production, “Is the image the resolution quality needed for print, and will it work with the portrait aspect of the magazine layout?”

We received over 180 photos, making the final selection extremely difficult! Not all images worked for our production needs. You can find all of the photos in our 2022 Photography Contest – Prescott LIVING Magazine Facebook album and many, including our People’s Choice winners, can be found in this issue. We hope you enjoy them! www.facebook.com/PrescottLivingMagazine

Do you have questions regarding Medicare?

Do you need help understanding the Medicare process?

Medicare can be difficult to understand, especially if you are just beginning the process. You might be receiving large amounts of mailers and letters regarding your options, and it can be complicated to navigate through. But that’s what we do- we help you quickly understand, and make the right choices. There is never a cost for our advice, and there is no obligation to enroll. Our job is to help you understand, and earn your trust so when you do need a plan, you feel confident working with us!

When it comes to Medicare plans, one size does not fit all. Let us help you make a confident decision.

We are licensed Medicare plan specialists, locally focused in Yavapai County since 2007. We help educate our clients by answering their questions and providing clarity. We can be as in depth or as concise as you’d like to be, and we are happy to meet in person or by phone. We know ALL the plans in Arizona, and can help you select the right one this year, as well as help you year after year.

NOW IS THE TIME TO LIST! INVENTORY IS LOW! CALL ME TODAY! LIST WITH ME BY THE 15TH OF THE

SUPERVIEWS!

VIEWS! RV GARAGE! 4 ACRES & GUEST HOUSE $1,325,000!

A slice of Paradise, Main house with Extended deck and 3 bed 3 bath + Den, Guest house 2 bed 1 bath, 8 Car RV Barn with shop set up & detached 1 Car garage & Attached 2G. Truly a find!

VIEWS! + SEPARATE GUEST HOUSE. $834,900!

4 Bed 3 baths, huge garage, super views and an amazing kitchen open to the great room with fireplace, 3 bedrooms Plus Den and 3 baths. Grassy front and back yards, Extended covered patio and Gazebo area with pavers.

BUILT IN 2014! 4 BED 2 BATH IN PRONGHORN! $534,900!

Open floor plan 4 bedroom 2 bath, kitchen with granite counter tops, inviting back yard with low maintenance synthetic grass. Solar to keep the electric bills down. Move in ready!

ALMOST 10 ACRES IN PRESCOTT VALLEY WITH VIEWS! $249,900!

Approx. 9.8 Acres of vacant land all flat and easy build site, with great views. Electric is near and there is a short dirt road to the property.

PLACING YOUR NEEDS FIRST!

27 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING FOR AND WITH YOU.

17 FRUIT TREES! VIEWS! BUILT IN 2015!

3 ½ CAR GARAGE! $974,900!

2.31 Acres, Stunning Landscaping, Impressive interior with gourmet kitchen, high end granite, open floor plan and all tile floors. Enjoy the over 1,000 Sq.ft. Garage, A gardeners paradise with raspberry patch, Grape vineyard, raised bed garden, Also Privately gated with Elec gate! BUILT IN 2017! VIEWS! 2 ACRES! ONLY $649,900!

Open floor plan 3 bed 2 bath all tile and laminate floors, Dog run in back 2.5 Car garage, super insulated home quality custom built! Best price in Prescott Valley on Acerage!

1 ACRE, ONLY 1 MILE FROM TOWN SQUARE PRESCOTT! $349,900!

Cute cottage 2 bed 1 bath, close to down town Prescott, NO HOA, county island so Air B and B possible, super investment opportunity. See it today! SOLD FOR $110,000 OVER ASKING FOR $1,110,000 RV Garage! 4 Acres! Super Views! Built in 2013! Workshop/car collectors’ dreams come true! Huge attached 3+ car Garage 28 deep by 40 wide, + detached 2G & RV garage, inside enjoy a gourmet kitchen 3 bed 2 ½ baths and incredible views!

Born out of a love for delicious food and wine Papa’s has become a premier location for Italian dining in Prescott, AZ. Papa’s is a family-owned business that has served the Prescott community for over 25 years. Papa’s Uptown is in the heart of Prescott and is reminiscent of Grandpa Benedetto’s spaghetti house and bar in Auburn, NY.

A treasured time when families would gather, eat, drink and connect as laughter filled the air.

Papa’s is more than just a place to get a dish of pasta. It’s a “feeling” that guests enjoy coming back to again and again. Everyone who walks through their doors becomes an extension of the Papa’s family.

The Papa’s family has a passion to serve, offering the warmth and hospitality of the Italian home. Mama proudly shares a taste of her amazing minestrone soup as she welcomes

her guests in for dinner. You can enjoy thoughtful craft cocktails or a beautiful glass of vino from their delightful wine list.

The menu features traditional southern Italian fare, hearty comfort food, brick oven pizza, and delicious pasta dishes that will satisfy every palate. The vibe is “old world eclectic” featuring a mix of Tuscan décor, hand-painted chairs, mosaic art, the sounds of Frank & Dean, and creations by Mama that brighten the walls.

Papa’s has been ranked the #1 restaurant in several categories including Best Italian Restaurant, #1 in dining excellence, Prescott’s most romantic restaurant, best happy hour, best wait staff, and best family restaurant.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Fridays & Saturdays 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Closed Sundays & Mondays

SHOPPING DESTINATION

INDOOR MALL

WEEKDAY MORNINGS 6AM-10AM

At Residence Inn, a suite is more than just a room – it’s a space for you to spread out, open up and be yourself. And with our convenient location right between Prescott and Prescott Valley, you’ll be close to everything. We’re operated by local people who live here and know the area. We’re part of the community and it shows! Enjoy your stay!

Located in historic downtown Prescott, it’s an easy walk to Whiskey Row, local restaurants and nightlife. We’re operated by local people who live here and know the area. We’re part of the community and it shows! Enjoy your stay!

Features

The Annual Photo Contest Issue

BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY

It was the second night of the World’s Oldest Rodeo® and the storm was coming in. The Wild Horse Race had started, the horse reared up and the lightning flashed against the brilliant sunset. Tracy was so focused on the action in the arena that she had no idea she had captured the lightning in the distance until she was going through her photos later in the evening. It was a once-in-a-lifetime shot for a photographer, and Tracy Scheffer is grateful to have captured the moment. We granted the photo special entrance into the contest.

ZACH ROHE PHOTOGRAPHY

A farrier reshoes a horse to get it ready for the rodeo.

HEATHER M. SPENCER

A monsoon lightning storm at sunset created a gorgeous multicolored sky with Granite Mountain in the background.

DARYL G. WEISSER

A tribal member says a prayer before the Grand Entrance at the Prescott Powwow at Watson Lake.

32 The Interview with Teri Drew, Professor, Regional Director, Northern Arizona Regional Council of Governments (NACOG)

Women In Business and Leadership

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Laurie Fisher SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher Director of Sales & Marketing

Julie Turetzky Director of Public Relations

Jacey Bailey

Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant

Jenna Leatherman

Michele Rodriguez Creative Director

Lindsey Fojtik

Graphic Designer

Stephanie Vander Mel Social Media Manager

Keith Dobie

Social Media Coordinator

Jennifer Conrad Digital Media Representative EDITORIAL

Christia Gibbons Senior Editor

Blake Herzog Staff Writer

Ray Newton

Prescott Pioneer Writer OPERATIONS

Bea Lueck

General Manager Terry Scheib

Delivery Manager

Marianne Haun

Delivery Associate

Comments and ideas: editor@roxco.com

Calendar Inquiries: calendar@roxco.com prescottlivingmag.com/calendar

Subscriptions: info@roxco.com prescottlivingmag.com/copies

Advertising Inquiries: info@roxco.com prescottlivingmag.com/advertise

86301

Advertiser Index

HELLO WE’RE

TEAM MEMBERS NOT PICTURED:

From the Publisher Picture Perfect PRESCOTT

We hope you all are basking in the glory of late summer in Greater Prescott! We can absorb the warmth while relaxing in our backyards or at our lakes or staying active by hiking in our mountains or strolling through our neighborhoods.

It’s a time to celebrate the traits that draw people to live and play here — a mild climate, natural beauty, hometown friendliness and always having something to do. Prescott LIVING is doing that with two of our favorite annual features driven by our readers.

This is our Annual Photography Issue, and we’re delighted every year by the depth and quality of our readers’ talent. This year is no exception as our landscape and community has triggered their shutter fingers to capture stunning images throughout our region.

It’s the only time we have multiple covers for our publication to showcase the diversity of the submissions and their subject matter. You’ll find gorgeous skies, majestic forests, curious wildlife and people representing all walks of life.

You’ll also find our Best of Yavapai County survey results as our readers told us their favorite local businesses, places and people to turn to for food and drink, shopping, services and recreation.

We learn about new destinations every year through your nominations, and we’re thrilled to share them along with the repeat winners everyone has come to rely on.

And we have much more for you!

This also is our Education/Back-to-School edition of learning options and achievements, alongside our regular sections for home and garden, arts and culture, beauty and style, outdoor adventures, restaurants and pets content.

Our ROX Interview is with Teri Drew, who has worked an amazing 43 years with the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) and advocates for more jobs, better broadband, improved access to education and other key Yavapai County priorities.

This issue is a snapshot of Greater Prescott at its best, and we’re thrilled to share it with you all!

Elaine Earle

Elaine Earle Publisher, Prescott LIVING Magazine

Voices of the Community

See more Voices and full bios at PrescottLIVINGMag.com/voices

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

The Prescott Pioneer

Dunkin’ Has Grand Opening

Following weeks of delay caused by supply chain disruptions, the new Dunkin’ had its grand opening Friday, July 1 — just in time to benefit from large crowds in town for potentially record-setting July 4th activities.

General manager Robert Routh said, “We’re really pleased. This is a perfect location, across from the hospital, near schools and a lot of stores. I know it’s just my opinion, but I think we’ve got the best coffee in town. We cater to diverse customers — teens to seniors.”

Dunkin’ is the largest coffee and doughnut brand in the nation.

Located at 1020 Willow Creek Road, the new store is open Monday-Friday

from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Leona Browning, a 14-year employee of Dunkin’, has her home base in Phoenix, but relocated to Prescott for several weeks to train new employees. Currently, the store has 22 employees, both full-time and part-time.

Dunkin’ (formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts) is part of a larger corporate firm called Inspire Brands. Inspire, founded in 2018, is the second-largest restaurant company in the U.S. Other brands owned by Inspire include Arby’s, BaskinRobbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s, Sonic Drive-in and Rusty Tacos.

Golden Eagles Win 14th National Championship

For the second consecutive year and the 14th time in competition history, the Golden Eagles Flight Team from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityPrescott (ERAU) has won the National Intercollegiate Flying Association national SAFECON championship.

The Golden Eagles beat 27 other university flight teams, which collectively included more than 500 students from across the United States.

Ohio State University in Columbus hosted the national flight competition May 9 to May 14.

ERAU Head Coach Shaun Shepherd, an ERAU 2003 graduate, said: “I get to coach and teach the best of the best.”

In all, ERAU participated in 12 events and finished in first place in eight of them.

Earlier in the spring, the Golden Eagle team won the 37th SAFECON regional competition, marking the 37th time it had won that honor.

Parker Northrup, the ERAU Flight Department chair, praised the Eagles, saying their dedication was among the keenest he had seen in three decades of his personal and military flight education programs.

True Course Simulations Create VR Flight Training for Air Force Academy

True Course Simulations grew from a small, isolated business in Prescott into one that now manufactures virtual reality (VR) flight simulators for the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

AJ Smith, True Course director of sales, said the academy issued a contract for units to support operation of 40 simulators.

Company owner Ray Bedard said the new U.S. Air Force Academy agreement’s value is “comfortably over a million dollars.” Its first contract with the academy was signed in 2018-19.

Smith said True Course is the one of the few companies doing professional virtual reality.

“It’s the only company to develop a ‘virtual flight instructor’. VR allows educators to reduce substantially their students-to-instructor ratio,” Bedard said.

Formally called Immersive Training Devices, some users suggest that operating such a device is more difficult that piloting actual airplanes.

“Simulation isn’t meant to replace real airplanes,” Bedard said. “You must combine simulators and airplanes together for the things each of them is good at.”

Bedard started the company following his retirement from a 20-plus year

career as a faculty member at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Previously, he had been in the Canadian Air Force.

Six full-time employees work for the company, 430 N. Mount Vernon Ave., including Bedard, Smith, IT Specialist Ken Watts and Brett Watts, an ERAU graduate and co-owner and vice president.

Two more are full-time instructors at the Air Force Academy. Two part-time employees help with setting up machines.

True Course Simulations has built simulators for ERAU’s Daytona Beach campus. Four simulators are being constructed for a high school in Liberty Creek, Tennessee, and another eight for additional clients.

The company was invited to partner with Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, the largest U. S. aviation lobby group, at the world’s largest airshow — Air Venture, July 22-25, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

True Course manufactures two distinct simulator platforms. Both are about the size of a large rectangular table, with a large screen at the front. One is focused on simulation for flying a Cessna 172, a popular aircraft used for student pilot training. Other prototypes are in design,

among them one for the Cirrus aircraft out of Duluth, Minnesota.

The second device is called “the fighter,” for aircraft which have a side or center “stick” rather than a yoke or control wheel as found in the Cessna and other planes.

The cost of the Cessna simulator is around $35,000. For the fighter unit, it’s a bit higher, around $38,000.

All simulators have virtual reality helmets praised as having amazing fidelity, realism, high impact graphics and sound appropriate to terrain over which aircraft are being flown.

Smith, the sales director, says considerable effort is dedicated to creating virtual reality videos, diagrams, development of tests and instructional diagrams. The curriculum — 73 missions in virtual reality — costs $495.

“Students can repeat VR missions until they are mastered. Think of the cost savings as opposed to taking lessons in a real airplane,” he said.

“We hope we can create enough awareness of our ITDs (Immersive Training Devices) to get them into every career and technical education program at high schools and colleges across the country,” Smith said.

Making a Difference in People’s Lives — TERI DREW Puts People First

by Ray Newton

AS REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR THE NORTHERN ARIZONA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (NACOG) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (EDD), OVER THE YEARS TERI HAS INFLUENCED ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGHOUT THE FOUR COUNTIES (YAVAPAI, COCONINO, APACHE AND NAVAJO) AND 24 COMMUNITIES THAT MAKE UP THE NACOG EDD.

Teri Drew began her career with NACOG as a teenager in the mid-1970’s as an Administrative Assistant. After about six weeks of employment, she was on her own to develop her career. Within just a few years Teri was appointed to the position of Case Manager and eventually as the Regional Director.

The NACOG EDD consists of 47,786 square miles and is home to over half a million people, including portions of nine tribal nations. NACOG has been a catalyst for regional planning for Northern Arizona, taking a leadership role to address critical issues facing the region, drive policy changes and champion projects to ensure long-term sustainability.

Teri Drew has successfully led the way to investing millions of dollars to build strong communities and create job opportunities for thousands

of individuals across the District. She is the Regional Director for the Northern Arizona Council of Governments Economic Development District, and she serves as Executive Director for the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.

Teri is the Chair of the Arizona Workforce Association and is a past President of the Arizona Association for Economic Development. Teri is also an active member of the United States Workforce Association. She also serves on the Arizona Town Hall Board of Directors. Other Boards, Commissions and Councils Teri has served include the Governor’s Commission on Non-Traditional Employment for Women, which she cochaired, the Governor’s Digital Arizona Council, Arizona Rural Development Council, the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and

the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership Board of Directors, as well as the Greater Prescott Region Economic Partnership.

Teri was named Prescott Area Leadership Woman of the Year in 2012. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, has gained the Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro) certification through AAED, and is a recipient of numerous regional, state and national innovation awards.

A native of California, Teri moved to Prescott early enough that she “feels like a Prescott native.” She and her husband, Rick, have two adult children and two grandchildren. Teri’s favorite role in life is as a wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Q

PRESCOTT LIVING:

The Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) has had some significant changes in recent months. Can you share what some of those changes involve and their impact upon residents?

Teri Drew: The federal government is putting out a lot of funds, making major investments in communities. One of those investments was in Northern Arizona – a $400,000 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant for us to develop and implement a recovery and resilience plan for our four member counties – Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo and Apache.

The major disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other natural and economic emergencies during 2020 confirmed the strengths, challenges and opportunities identified in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). They also highlighted additional actions and modifications to priorities for the CEDS. That helps us to study and understand how we can do better in the future

responding to pandemics and other similar economic injuries that come to our front door.

We had two years to accomplish that plan. We were pleased to have accomplished it within the first year. That allowed us to begin implementation in year two to best leverage the CARES Act funds.

We worked with the Arizona Town Hall as primary partner of our process to gather community information and input.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How did you achieve all this?

Teri Drew: We held seven Town Halls overall. More than 300 people participated in the development of the plan. It was really eye-opening.

First of all, we realized that we have become very reliant on broadband. To best prepare our communities to have access to federal resources, we developed a Regional Broadband Plan with our consultants, Magellan Advisors (MA). MA first conducted a regional survey that included a live broadband speed test for folks who participated, which documented

many shortfalls in internet access across the four counties. The federal definition of reliable broadband is 25 Megabytes per second (Mbps downstream/2 Mbps upstream).

The other thing that survey accomplished was to identify existing broadband infrastructure above and below ground and the various connections.

What we found out is that we don’t have reliable 25Mbps/3 Mbps broadband in Northern Arizona. We identified that as the Number 1 problem – an issue because the economy turned very quickly toward telehealth and related online healthcare, distance learning education and remote work, among several other internet-reliant strategies. To be competitive in our global markets we need broadband.

During the pandemic, folks went home. Everything went remote as we sheltered in place and became solely reliant on taking care of ourselves. We were told to wash our hands over and over and over and to use sanitizers and avoid crowds – multiple things like that. However, we realized that tribal areas in the Navajo Nation didn’t have running water – they didn’t have hand

sanitizers and they didn’t have clean water for a long while there. And, they didn’t have broadband.

Communication was lacking and inconsistent. Take COVID measures, for example. Prescott was more lenient in terms of masks, closures and enforcement. Shift into Prescott Valley, and there was a different rule there. We found that boundaries became blurred and it became a critical issue across the entire region.

Another thing we recognized was that there is not a well-known evacuation plan for other mass emergencies, should there be a fire or a flood – how do we communicate exit strategies? How do we communicate an evacuation route? How do we better communicate with our neighboring communities? Not just community to community, but county to county and county to state?

Being able to provide our communities strategies to access funding opportunities to develop broadband is helping us to solve those issues. Together as a region we can improve, implement and maybe speed up the process for sustainable and resilient broadband access in Northern Arizona.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Some people don’t really know what broadband means. What’s the importance of broadband?

Teri Drew: Broadband is internet connectivity. It’s how we’re going to school. It’s how we’re working. It’s how we’re receiving healthcare. We do our banking online. So, it’s your internet connectivity from among many sources. It can be above ground or underground. The point is, broadband is vital to economic development and sustainability.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How does Yavapai County compare to the rest of the state?

Teri Drew: Yavapai County has done an outstanding job. I want to compliment the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors for leading the way with the School & Library Districts with internet accessibility. The Board of Supervisor’s visionary planning has us well ahead of the curve in broadband expansion.

Yavapai County is making a considerable investment at more than $20 million and asking all the towns and cities within Yavapai County to contribute to make Yavapai County wholly connected.

When you think about it, education has changed. Remote/distance learning is our future. Broadband expands our opportunities and becomes more accessible for more students. We hope this raises Arizona’s annual educational attainment level.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Do you have any soft spots in the County?

Teri Drew: We have several outlying areas that are either unserved or underserved. Among them are the Congress, Yarnell and Wickenburg areas. Congress and Yarnell are developing and expanding very rapidly as a result of the I-10 corridor. As they grow, lack of broadband may impede development. An average business cannot come in and open operations without reliable, high-speed internet connectivity. Wickenburg is partially in Yavapai County. These areas are included in the County’s public broadband development plan. The County has contracted with Cox and Altice to bring last mile broadband service to Congress, Yarnell and everything north from Vulture Mine Road in Wickenburg.

The Verde Valley has several “dark” areas with little to no internet, for example, Jerome. Different types of terrain affect the type of internet infrastructure available to various communities and locations.

Broadband is getting a lot of attention because during the pandemic we recognized how reliant we are on it. The Arizona Commerce Authority has made significant investments in rural and urban broadband development statewide through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The Northern Arizona counties of Apache, Coconino and Navajo were big winners in the first round of grant funding.

and Rick 40th Anniversary

The I-17 corridor will be a hot spot because there’s an expansion going on. I had served on the Governor’s Digital Arizona Council. At that time our number 1 accomplishment was to partner with the Arizona Department of Transportation. Our partnership with them was for any roads that they are expanding or building they would lay fiber in the roadways. Once you have the fiber in the ground, the lion’s share of middle-mile construction is done.

PRESCOTT LIVING: When the I-17 expansion begins, it will really make a difference.

Teri Drew: It will make a big difference – it will be fiber-ready.

Continued on page 70 Q

Mayor Phil Goode PRESCOTT

LET’S USE OUR RESOURCES WISELY

“We all know that Prescott is a highly desirable community to live and work it. This is, in part, due to the high quality of core public services that the city provides to ensure the safety of our residents.

“However, community growth has impacted our ability to provide these public safety services. Both the fire department and the police department have been experiencing a significant increase in calls for service over the past several years.

“New fire stations and personnel are needed, but by also focusing our budget on initiatives that increase the efficiency of current and future resources, we can reduce the overall cost of catching up to the growth we have all experienced.

“Over the long-term this will ensure that the investments of taxpayer dollars are applied in the most efficient and responsible manner and focusing on positive outcomes.”

Faire on the Square — Arts & Crafts Show

Saturday-Monday, Sept. 3-5

Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza

120 S. Cortez St.

928.445.2000, ext. 114

BE PREPARED FOR WILDFIRE SEASON

“Living safely in our beautiful city comes with a lot of responsibility for all of us. The city must do its part to effectively invest the tax dollars to implement wise initiatives that respect those investments.

“I urge citizens to also do their part, by ensuring their properties are ready for wildfire. Yavapai Firewise provides resources for property owners to create defensible space around their property.

“Other ways you can be ready for emergencies is to check your smoke detectors, and if you are a business owner to make sure you are up to date on all of the safety regulations impacting your industry.

“As your mayor, I am responsible for ensuring that our policies are effective, available and responsive. As a citizen, I urge you to also do your part to keep Prescott as vibrant, beautiful and safe as ever.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

10th annual Hope Fest Arizona 2022

Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Free to the public with a Family Fun Zone

Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza

120 S. Cortez St. 928.387.4673 or www.hopefestaz.com

FallFest in the Park — Arts & Crafts Show

Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 1-2

Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza

120 S. Cortez St. 928.445.2000, ext. 114

Mayor Kell Palguta

PRESCOTT VALLEY

“I’m sure many of you have seen recent changes happening in and around Prescott Valley. We are completing road work, improving on and adding park amenities, and expanding programming at our library and recreation departments.

“We are actively and aggressively pursuing ways to make Prescott Valley a dynamic and self-sufficient community. The end result? More amenities and choices for all our residents and ultimately a better quality of life.

“When Prescott Valley holds itself to a higher level of service, organizations, companies, medical and higher education providers, all take note and ultimately will want to be a part of our future.”

PRESCOTT VALLEY LIBRARY OPENS TWEEN SPACE

A new Tween Space is officially open at the Prescott Valley Public Library! The space is next to the Children’s department and is open for tweens (age 9 to 12). The space has a craft corner, books for tweens, comfortable chairs and more.

This was made possible thanks to a grant from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records and federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

MUSIC ON THE GREEN THROUGH AUGUST AT PRESCOTT VALLEY CIVIC CENTER — FREE!

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an enjoyable evening of music on the rolling green lawn of the Prescott Valley Civic Center campus! Each week features a different local artist. All concerts are free and open to all ages. Music will start at 7 p.m.

• Aug. 20, Hit Squad 17

• Aug. 27, Jazz Kats

• Sept. 3, Kjamma

TAKE IN THE VIEWS AND THE CLIMB AT GLASSFORD HILL RUN FOR THE HILL OF IT FUN RUN!

Prescott Valley’s annual Run for the Hill of It will take place this year Saturday, Sept. 24. Starting and finishing on the Glassford Hill Summit Trail, the Run for the Hill of It fun run offers panoramic views of Northern Arizona all the way to the summit of the mountain.

Enjoy the trail at your own pace! For times and entry information stay tuned at www. prescottvalley-az.gov/1144/Run-for-the-Hill-of-It or call Community Services at 928.759.3090.

For more information, please contact Community Services at 928.759.3090.

Late night eats Friday & Saturday night until 12am

Call to book your corporate or private party on our patio.

DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC AND GREAT FOOD.

Now Serving Lunch & Dinner Tuesday-Sunday Brunch on Saturday and Sundays 10:30-3:00pm LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY

JOIN US ON WHISKEY ROW FOR GREAT FOOD & LIVE MUSIC

September 1st

ANDREW DEERING

6:30-9:30PM

September 2nd

WELL DRESSED WOLVES

8:00-11:00PM

September 3rd CHEEKTONES

8:00-11:00PM

September 4th

JUSTIN AND AUTUMN HITSON

2:00-6:00PM

September 7th

ZANDER RODRIGUEZ

6:30-9:30PM

September 8th

ANDREW DEERING

6:30-9:30PM

Live Music Schedule for September

September 9th FUNQ FREQUENCY

8:00-11:00PM

September 10th

FISH OUT OF WATER

1:00-4:00pm

September 10th HIT SQUAD

8:00-11:00PM

September 11th

JUSTIN AND AUTUMN HITSON

2:00-6:00PM

September 14th

ZANDER RODRIGUEZ

6:30-9:30PM

September 15th

ANDREW DEERING

6:30-9:30PM

September 16th

STEFNROCK 8:00-11:00PM

September 17th

ARAGON BROTHERS

8:00-11:00PM

September 18th

JUSTIN AND AUTUMN HITSON

2:00-6:00PM

September 21st

ZANDER RODRIGUEZ

6:30-9:30PM

September 22nd

ANDREW DEERING

6:30-9:30PM

September 23rd

KICKED OUT OF COTTONWOOD

8:00-11:00PM

September 24th

TREBLEMAKERS 1:00-4:00pm

September 24th

GROOVE DAWGS 8:00-11:00PM

September 25th

JUSTIN AND AUTUMN HITSON

2:00-6:00PM

September 28th

ZANDER RODRIGUEZ

6:30-9:30PM

September 29th

ANDREW DEERING

6:30-9:30PM

September 30th

LIVE MUSIC (BAND TBD) 8:00-11:00PM

Town of CHINO VALLEY

““I think Chino comes down to three things; front porches, iced tea and neighbors. The front porch goes with the atmosphere, sitting out in the evening. The iced tea goes back to the good water that we have here, and then the neighbors. This town is small enough that if you’ve been here for very long everybody here is your neighbor.” Mayor Jack Miller

Compass Training Center

Anniversary Party www.compasstrainingaz.org/event/ first-anniversary-shoot-aug-6-22

Chino Valley Territorial Days

Sept. 2 & Sept. 3. Beginning Friday there will be music, activities and a beer garden to dance the night away. Saturday lineup of events:

• 6 a.m., Lions Pancake Breakfast (@ Chino Valley Senior Center 1021 W. Butterfield Road

• 7 a.m., 10K, 5K and 2-mile run/walk (Memory Park)

• 8 a.m., vendors in the park (Memory Park until 12:30 p.m.)

• 9:15 a.m., 35th annual Territorial Days Parade (traveling North from Heritage Middle school to Memory Park)

Call the Chino Valley Recreation Department for additional information on upcoming events at 928.636.9780.

• 10 a.m., Family Fun Carnival and activities in Memory Park along with acts, groups, music and entertainment on the stage (until 3 p.m.)

• 3 p.m., annual FFA Corn Dinner (Del Rio Elementary School until 7 p.m.)

Town of DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

From Mayor John Hughes:

“Arizona’s Country Town welcomes the summer tourists. Whether you are passing through or end up staying awhile, we will always greet you with a honk and a smile.

Let’s remember Carol White.

Carol (Cleckner) White’s Celebration of Life will be Aug. 28 at Cherry Creek Ranch Venue & Events.

Carol was a long-time Dewey resident, one of the best Humboldt Elementary School teachers and volleyball coaches. She encouraged children with singing, guitar playing, and she played hand bells for the Christmas programs.

She always blessed others with her giving to the local Lions club, charities, scholarship programs, Boys and Girls Cub and volunteering with the Yavapai County Republican Party. Carol White was also a Yavapai Cowbelle and an Arizona State Cowbelle.

Please join her family as they celebrate her life — my wife Carie (White) Hughes and I invite you to attend. Cherry Creek Ranch Events, 928.848.8717.”

Dancing for the Stars

Come out and support your local Yavapai County Sheriff Dave Rhodes and First Lady of DeweyHumboldt Carie Hughes as they raise money for the Boys & Girls Club Central Arizona for the Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 Dancing for the Stars competition.

Your sponsorship and votes are greatly appreciated. Building our communities future leaders one dance step at a time. Go to www.dancingforthestars. net for sponsorship, votes and tickets.

Agua Fria Festival

Held in historic downtown Humboldt, the Agua Fria Festival will be Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Main and Prescott streets. The event will include a pet parade, Old West parade, best beard competition, best Western attire contest, an Arizona Territorial Society fashion show, a silent auction and closing ceremonies.

Live entertainment and music, food and crafts, raffles and more also will be available. Additional information is available at www.aguafriafestival.com.

LET EDUCATION CONTINUE TO Drive Our Community

by Cathy Stonecipher, Administrative Director, Guidance Helicopters, Inc.

Our community’s education is extremely important to Guidance Helicopters, Inc., and we strive to promote community awareness.

By sponsoring the education section, we hope that our community members become aware of all of our children’s educational opportunities in Yavapai County. We are blessed to live in a dynamic community that is education driven.

We are an FAA-approved helicopter pilot training institution that offers the most comprehensive, effective training available.

Our goal is to produce pilots who set the standard in the industry for professionalism and safety.

Founded in 1998 by John L. Stonecipher, Guidance Helicopters has trained more than 400 pilots who are working in the helicopter industry today. Guidance’s dedication to excellence is evident in the caliber of pilots who graduate and are employed immediately afterward to their highly experienced staff.

Stonecipher was the United States SBA National Business Person of the Year in 2013, and Guidance Helicopters received the Safety Excellence Award in 2014 by the Helicopter Association International Augusta Westland.

Student pilots at Guidance have a well-defined, straightforward path to follow to reach their completion goals. In 24 months, students go from having no experience to certificated flight instructor rating. Training conforms to a rigorous schedule that’s been fine-tuned to promote the most success and certificate completion.

Education Directory Sponsored by Guidance Helicopters, Inc.

UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 3700 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott 928.777.6600 www.prescott.erau.edu

Northern Arizona University - Prescott Campus 1100 E. Sheldon St. Prescott 928.523.2988

www.nau.edu/statewide-campuses/ nau-yavapai-college

Northern Arizona University - Yavapai 7351 Skoog Blvd.

Prescott Valley 928.523.2988 www.nau.edu/prescottvalley

Prescott College 220 Grove Ave. Prescott 877.350.2100 www.prescott.edu

Yavapai College

1100 E. Sheldon St. Prescott 928.445.7300 www.yc.edu

TECHNICAL & TRADE SCHOOLS

Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC)

220 Ruger Rd., Suite 1

Prescott 928.776.2002 www.yc.edu/ctec

Guidance

Helicopters, Inc. Helicopter Flight School

6565 Crystal Ln.

Prescott 928.443.9370 www.guidanceaero.com

Mountain Institute Joint Technical Education District (JTED)

220 Ruger Rd., Suite 2

Prescott 928.771.0791

www.micted.net

Rogers Academy of Beauty 2375 AZ-69

Prescott 928.848.9929 www.rogersacademyofbeauty.com

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Chino Valley Unified School District #51 650 E. Center St. Chino Valley 928.636.2458 www.chinovalleyschools.com

Humboldt Unified School District 6411 N. Robert Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.759.4000 www.humboldtunified.com

Prescott Unified School District

300 E. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.445.5400 www.prescottschools.com

Mayer Unified School District No. 43 PO Box 1059 12606 E. Main St. Mayer 928.642.1000 www.mayerschools.org

Yavapai Accomodation School District No. 99 K-12 7497 E. Addis Ave. Prescott Valley 928.759.8126 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

PRESCHOOLS

American Lutheran School

Private School 1085 Scott Dr. Prescott 928.778.7049 www.americanlutheranschool.com

Bright Futures Preschool Humboldt Unified School District 6411 N. Robert Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.759.5130 www.bf.humboldtunified.com

Busy Bee Learning Center 8665 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley 928.772.6333 www.busybeelearningcenter.net

Cedar Tree Montessori Private School

129 N. Pleasant St Prescott 928.771.8785 www.cedartreemontessori.com

Christian Academy of Prescott Private School

148 S. Marina St. Prescott 928.445.2565

Cornerstone Christian Preschool Private School

700 W. Rosser St. Prescott 928.771.2754 www.prescottcornerstone.com/ preschool

Discovery Gardens Early Childhood Center

Prescott Unified School District 300 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.442.1283 www.prescottschools.com/ discoverygardens

James Family Prescott YMCA

750 Whipple St. Prescott 928.445.7221 www.prescottymca.org/preschool

Little Dreamers

Preschool Academy 7175 E. 2nd St. Prescott Valley 928.800.1488 www.azlittledreamers.com

Little Explorers Learning Academy 12150 E. Turquoise Cir. Dewey 928.379.5068 www.facebook.com/ littleexplorerslearningacademy

Valley Learning Center 2235 AZ-89, Ste.1 Chino Valley 928.636-1656 www.valleylearningcenters.com

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Abia Judd Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 1749 Williamson Valley Rd. Prescott 928.717.3263 www.prescottschools.com/aj

Coyote Springs Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 6625 N. Cattletrack Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4300 www.cs.humboldtunified.com

Del Rio Elementary School

Chino Valley Unified School District 1036 North Rd. 1 West Chino Valley 928.636.4414 www.chinovalleyschools.com

Granville Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 5250 N. Stover Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4800 www.ge.humboldtunified.com

Humboldt Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 2750 S. Corral St. Prescott Valley 928.759.4400 www.he.humboldtunified.com

Lake Valley Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District 3900 N. Starlight Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4200 www.lv.humboldtunified.com

Liberty Traditional School

Humboldt Unified School District K-8

3300 N. Lake Valley Rd. Prescott Valley 928.759.4500

www.lib.humboldtunified.com

Lincoln Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District

201 Park Ave.

Prescott

928.717.3249

www.prescottschools.com/lincoln

Mayer Elementary School

Mayer Unified School District No. 45

12568 E. Main St.

Mayer

928.642.1101

www.mayerschools.org

Mountain View Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District

8601 E. Loos Dr. Prescott Valley

928.759.4700

www.mv.humboldtunified.com

Taylor Hicks

Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District

1845 Campbell Ave.

Prescott

928.717.3276

www.prescottschools.com/th

Territorial Early Childhood Center

Chino Valley Unified School District

Preschool-2nd Grade 1088 Mahan Lane

Chino Valley

928.636.3842

www.tecc.chinovalleyschools.com

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Bradshaw Mountain Middle School

Humboldt Unified School District

12255 Turquoise Circle Dewey

928.759.4900

www.ms.humboldtunified.com

Glassford Hill Middle School

Humboldt Unified School District

6901 Panther Path

Prescott Valley

928.759.4600

www.gh.humboldtunified.com

Granite Mountain School

Prescott Unified School District 1800 Williamson Valley Rd.

Prescott

928.717.3253

www.prescottschools.com/gms

Heritage Middle School

Chino Valley Unified School District

1076 North Rd. 1 W. Chino Valley

928.636.4464

www.chinovalleyschools.com

Prescott Mile High

Middle School

Prescott Unified School District

300 S. Granite St.

Prescott 928.717.3241

www.prescottschools.com/pmhms

HIGH SCHOOLS

Aspire High School

Yavapai Accomodation School

District No. 99

2970 Centerpointe East Dr. Prescott

928.759.8126

www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

Bradshaw Mountain High School

Humboldt Unified School District

High School

6000 Long Look Dr.

Prescott Valley 928.759.4100

www.hs.humboldtunified.com

Chino Valley High School

Chino Valley Unified School District

760 E. Center St. Chino Valley 928.636.2298

www.cvhs.chinovalleyschools.com

Prescott High School

Prescott Unified School District

1050 N. Ruth St. Prescott 928.445.2322 www.prescottschools.com/phs

Mayer High School

Mayer Unified School

District No. 44 17300 E. Mule Deer Dr. Mayer 928.642.1200 www.mayerhs.mayerschools.org

Yavapai County High School

Yavapai Accomodation School

District No. 99 6325 Baja Circle

Prescott Valley 928.759.8126 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Acorn Montessori Schools

Preschool-8 8556 E. Loos Dr. Prescott Valley 928.772.5778 www.acornmontessori.com

Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center (AAEC) High School 7500 E. Skoog Blvd. Prescott Valley 928.775.3200 www.aaechs.com/campuses

BASIS Prescott K-12

1901 Prescott Lakes Pkwy. Prescott 928.277.0334 www.basised.com/prescott

Canyon View Prep Academy High School 9030 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley 928.775.5115 www.canyonview-prep.org

Franklin Phonetic Primary School K-8 6116 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott Valley 928.775.6747 www.franklinphoneticschool.com

La Tierra Community School K-7 124 N. Virginia St. Prescott 928.445.5100 www.latierracommunityschool.org

Mingus Springs Charter School K-8

3600 N. Sunset Dr. Chino Valley 928.636.4766 www.mingusspringsschool.org

Mountain Oak School Preschool-8th Grade 1455 Willow Creek Rd., Prescott 928.541.7700 www.mountainoakschool.org

Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy High School 551 1st St., Prescott 928.717.3272 www.northpointacademy.org

Park View Schools Middle School 9030 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley 928.775.5115 www.parkviewschool.org

PACE Preparatory Academy High School 6711 E. 2nd St. Prescott Valley 928.775.9675 www.paceacademy.com

Prescott Valley School K-8

9500 E. Lorna Ln. Prescott Valley 928.772.8744 www.pvschool

Skyview School K-8

125 S. Rush St. Prescott 928.776.1730 www.skyviewschool.org

Tri-City College Prep High School 5th-12th 5522 Side Rd. Prescott 928.777.0403 www.tricityprep.org

Willow Creek Charter School K-8 2100 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott 928.776.1212 www.willowcreekcharter.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

ASCEND School

K-12 special education 3021 Centerpointe East Dr. Prescott 928.443.9290 www.azautismascend.org

Orme School High School 1000 E. Orme School Rd. Mayer 928.632.7601 www.ormeschool.org

Prescott Adventist Christian School K-8

2980 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott 928.224.8022 www.prescottadventistchristian school.com

Primavera School

Preschool-5th Grade 1446 Moyer Rd. Prescott 928.445.5382 www.primaveraschool.org

Sacred Heart Catholic School

Preschool-8th Grade 131 N. Summit Ave. Prescott 928.445.2621

sacredhearteducation.com

Trinity Christian School K-12 1212 Warrior Way Prescott 928.445.6306 www.trinitychristianaz.com

Spring Camping Trips Made Learning Fun

Submitted by La Tierra Community School

La Tierra Community School kicked off its gradeby-grade camping trip season in May with a thirdgrade trip to Walnut Creek Station. The class was learning about plant adaptations as part of their second semester themed learning.

While at the station, the kids got a visit from the Prescott National Forest fire prevention crew, who explained the role of fire in the Southwest and taught them about fireadapted plants and local animals. For fun, they put out a pretend fire.

Camping trips play an important role in La Tierra’s expeditions. They are engaging theme-based lessons allowing kids to get out and have fun as they learn core math, science and English language arts concepts.

So while David McNelly, the third-grade teacher, is out in Walnut Creek building challenges based on the Deltora Quest book series, it’s all happening with an evidence-based approach.

The spring camping trips are just one part of the school’s programmatic approach to out-of-desk learning.

“We do at least six fieldwork outings a year — every teacher, every grade — to emphasize learning outside the classroom,” Director Julie Jongsma says. “I think that that inspires a love of learning.”

The expeditions are just one part of a data-driven push to help La Tierra’s students excel in core subjects. Each year, the teachers work in professional learning communities to use the data they gather to make improvements to the school’s curriculum.

“Every year, we get better. We do it as an organized group with clear protocols, and we stick with it,” he says. “It’s really paying off.”

Other trips the kids took this spring includes a visit to Southern California for the sixth- and seventh-graders, who have been learning about the ocean. The trip included a sea kayak tour and an up-close and personal glimpse of marine animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Meanwhile, the first camping trip for the kindergartners and their parents was closer home. The trip was planned for Lynx Lake, but its closure due to the Crooks fire meant their camping trip happened in town. They pitched their tents and found plenty to study as they wrapped up their theme: Trees.

La Tierra Community School is a public charter K-7 school. More information is available at 928.445.5100 or by visiting online at www.latierracommunityschool.org.

ERAU, YAVAPAI COLLEGE Break Graduation Records

by Ray Newton

The two largest higher education institutions in Yavapai County both set records when they had commencement ceremonies in May.

The institutions hosted their commencement programs a day apart in the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Prescott (ERAU) honored 465 students who received either bachelor’s or master’s degrees during its May 7 ceremonies. That number included 21 Worldwide campus graduates, nine of whom received master’s degrees. Four ERAU-Prescott students also earned master’s degrees.

Presenting the degrees were ERAU President P. Barry Butler and Chancellor Anette Karlsson.

Twenty-nine ROTC cadets were commissioned as officers in the U.S. Air Force, while 11 were commissioned in the U.S. Army.

Yavapai College graduated 668 students with associate degrees and certificates during its ceremonies on May 8. YC Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland, herself a YC graduate, bestowed the degrees and certificates.

YC President Lisa Rhine praised the graduates, saying she admired their perseverance, strength and dedication in completing degrees under often challenging circumstances.

For both institutions, the number of students who earned degrees broke all prior commencement records for spring commencements.

Student enrollments at both schools were up during the 2021-2022 academic year. In contrast, many colleges and universities around the nation faced declining enrollments the past two years.

Sponsored by Guidance Helicopters, Inc.

Extraordinary Every Day? READY TO EXPLORE THE

by Yvonne Gibbs, Retired NASA Employee | Photography courtesy of NASA

At NASA you can use your creativity and innovation, work and explore careers — all while still in school.

NASA internship programs provide current students with paid work experience and recent graduates with a career development program. You will be part of an amazing team with real-world experiences while contributing to the operation of a NASA facility and advancing NASA’s missions.

There are 10 NASA Centers and each features a distinct mission. Each offers training, mentoring and career development through their Pathways Internship Programs and the STEM Internship Engagement Programs. Students work with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world.

PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Pathways Internship is like a coop opportunity; current students are provided with paid work experiences and dynamic development opportunities for multiple semesters.

Pathways offers the chance to jump start a NASA career, as it can lead to a path to NASA employment after program

completion. Pathways internships are available on www.usajobs.gov

STEM ENGAGEMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM*

STEM Engagement Internships provide students with hands-on, project-based experiences, both stipend-paid and volunteers, that directly relate to students’ academic majors. Interns work on mentor-directed tasks designed to advance projects. Internship opportunities are available for

ƒ high school students

ƒ undergraduate students

ƒ graduate students

ƒ educators

*These internships are not listed on www.usajobs.gov.

By working on authentic NASA programs, interns add to the capability, diversity, and size of the nation’s future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce as well as many other professional career disciplines.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

ƒ U.S. citizen

ƒ Cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

ƒ Full-time students (high school through graduate)

ƒ 16 years old at the time of

application (no exceptions)

ƒ Undergraduate and graduate students must be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at an accredited college or university.

ƒ Educators can also apply

THERE ARE THREE SESSIONS FOR NASA INTERNSHIPS:

ƒ Fall: Late August/ early September, midDecember, 16 weeks

ƒ Spring: Mid-Januaryearly May, 16 weeks

ƒ Summer: Late May/early June, August 10 weeks

A NASA internship makes a brilliant start for career advancement.

NASA is consistently named the “Best Place to Work in the Federal Government” by the Partnership for Public Service. Join us!

MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT:

ƒ Pathways Internships, www. nasa.gov/careers/studentsand-recent-graduates

ƒ STEM Engagement Internships, intern.nasa.gov

Need help contacting NASA about these programs? Email ydgibbs@ yahoo.com for additional information.

ERAU HONORS Faculty,ExceptionalStudents

by Ray Newton

Exceptional student scholars and top professors at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) were recognized during formal spring ceremonies sponsored by the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) April 15.

Four senior and 12 juniors were inducted into the nation’s oldest and most selective alldiscipline academic honor society.

Seniors were: Elizabeth Dieringer, Thomas R. Fike, Nathan Fuentes and Carol D. Martin. Juniors were Prince Gersom Anselmo, Blake M. Blomquist, Kaylee T. Chavez, Elizabeth Chwiakowski, Michael D. Finigian, William O. Moody, Rowdy D. Morman, Jacob B. Peterson, Edwyn R. Schindler, Abigail M. Slease, Michael T. Szoke and Brennah A. Van Cleave.

Also inducted were five faculty. They were: Derek S. Fisher, Megan E. Hanna, Zafer Hatahet, Jennah C. Perry and Joel Schipper.

Schipper, Ph.D., was singled out as the 2021-22 Top Faculty Scholar. He teaches in the electrical engineering curriculum.

Named as the 2022 Top Student Scholar was Brenn Barkis, who earned a degree in forensic psychology and global security and intelligence.

A Meritorious Service Award was given to Prescott resident Ray Newton, who serves on the ERAU Board of Visitors. A former national officer for PKP, Newton and his wife Patricia were among founding members of ERAU chapter 337 when it was established in the fall of 2016.

Presiding at the initiation ceremony were ERAU faculty members Curtis James, president; Jon Haass, vice president; Jules Yimga, treasurer; Hong Zhan, secretary; Anne Boettcher, Fellowships & Scholarships; and Steven Bobinsky, public relations officer. They were aided by Brenn Barkis and Jessica Rader, student vice presidents.

Also speaking was Chancellor Anette Karlsson, who praised the students for their academic excellence and exceptional grades.

Sacred Heart Catholic School

OUR

Guided by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are a community of faith, dedicated to teaching the whole child by providing a Catholic education that promotes academic excellence, quality of character, social responsibility, and spiritual growth, being the living example of God’s love to others.

We provide a broad and relevant curriculum based on our mission, philosophy, and Schoolwide Learning Expectations. We are devoted educators dedicated to curriculum development and best practices in instructional methodology to meet students needs in the 21st century.

We welcome you to visit our school, talk with our faculty and families, and take a tour or shadow for a

YC Names Outstanding Career and Technical Students

Submitted by Yavapai College

The top students in the Yavapai College Career and Technical Education Center’s of hands-on training programs gathered with faculty, staff and loved ones April 8 during the annual Evening of Recognition event.

Twenty-two students were honored as Most Outstanding Student for the 2021-2022 academic year. CTEC Dean John Morgan said the student honorees wisely chose technical education paths because of the many doors swinging wide open for them as they pursue careers or continue their education.

Two CTEC students also won Awards for Excellence.

The highest honor, the President’s Award for Excellence, was bestowed on Cassidy Farias of Prescott, an aerospace science student and aspiring commercial pilot and entrepreneur who is a member of the College Honors Program, earned an All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship and is a prolific community volunteer. Cassidy also was named Most Outstanding Student in aviation technology.

Pre-engineering student Preston Norbury of Chino Valley earned the Vice President’s Award for Excellence. Preston also was named the pre-applied engineering program’s Most Outstanding Student.

Custodians Tony Fritts and Chris Robles were honored for their tireless efforts to keep the campus clean and COVIDfree over the last two years. Also earning outstanding staff recognition this year was Adviser Jenn Zimmerman.

Ed Fisher, who teaches air traffic control, was named Outstanding Adjunct Faculty.

Outstanding CTEC Faculty member honors went to 12-year agribusiness technology faculty member, 22-year employee, YC alumna and current Faculty Senate President Marnee Zazueta.

Most Outstanding Student recipients:

Theresa Lozo of Congress, animal care and management

William “Shane” Keeble of Chino Valley, production horticulture

Mackenzie Dell of Prescott Valley, agribusiness technology

Nova Celik of Prescott Valley, diesel technology

Nelson Voldeng of Prescott, automotive technology

Michael Johnson, (hometown not identified), automotive body & paint collision technology

Austin Tosh of Prescott, electrical instrumentation technology

Carson Villalobos of Prescott, advanced manufacturing technology

Matthew West of Prescott, unmanned aircraft systems

Silas Chillquist of Prescott, welding technology

Eric Brannon of Chino Valley, computer numerical control

Chris McDowell of Prescott Valley, gunsmithing technology

Quintero Burkeen of Glendale, electric utility technology

Anna Componovo of Devon, Pennsylvania, equine care and management

Michael Rinaldi of Cottonwood, fire science

Hannah McCarrick of Williams, construction building technology

Dustin Cushman of Paulden, commercial driver training

Torey Gilsdorf of Prescott, emergency medical services

Merrill Fleig of Chino Valley, film & media arts

Rasan Lawrence of Prescott, 3D printing and manufacturing

Better Together: Strengthening Communication, Compassion in Our Community

by Emma Wymore, Teen Advisory Council Member, The Launch Pad Teen Center

When I think of “Everybody’s Hometown,” I think of sharing a home-cooked meal.

Imagine being at the dinner table — passing down the Brussels sprouts. As you lean in for your first bite, Uncle Rob opens his mouth. You feel queasy, not because of the sprouts, but because your uncle has a way of making any conversation uncomfortable.

Whether it’s inflation or the way his eggs are cooked, his opinions always feel inflammatory. You remember the last family dinner with Uncle Rob because it left a pit in your stomach; he refused to understand why calling your crochet hobby “stupid” offended you.

You didn’t know how to de-escalate the conflict and articulate how your feelings.

If we can feel this level of powerlessness with our loved ones, how can we feel comfortable creating a dialogue to solve issues affecting our broader community?

It’s easy for conversations to be disrupted by anger and anxiety. We’re sensitive to buzzwords and easily close ourselves off when a situation becomes uncomfortable, but are we to blame? We take math, English and science classes, but we were never taught how to listen, stand up for ourselves and communicate effectively.

For this reason, the Launch Pad’s Teen Advisory Council organized the Better Together Campaign. It began as a workshop for Prescott youth to learn communication skills from a professional and give them a space to put those skills into practice — it has now grown to include all of Yavapai County.

After receiving a generous grant from the Arizona Community Foundation, we’re surveying as many people as possible to learn what they believe are the roots of division in our communities. We will task our youth with using qualitative research methods to dissect the results and curate a handbook to unpack what the surveys revealed. These handbooks will be distributed to families to record their progress, using the methods provided to improve conversation at the dinner table and eventually with the broader community.

Our mission is to engage Yavapai County in civil discourse and encourage respect for differences. Through Better Together, we hope to uncover the issues affecting our community and offer tools to facilitate meaningful conversations communitywide.

We want your voice to be heard, so please take the survey, share it and tell us your thoughts! Q

Learning never exhausts the mind.

—Leonardo da Vinci

Education is the basis for the growth and progress of society, allowing people to contribute more in their areas of expertise and create better communities. Education on every level develops problem-solving skills and provides the opportunity for empowerment through hard work.

Welcome to our newest, regular section in Prescott LIVING Magazine, the Education Section! The section appears in every bi-monthly issue including a complete directory, local articles and messages from local schools to help you decide what best suits your personal or family needs.

A special thank you goes out to Guidance Helicopters, Inc. for sponsorship of the Education Section! Because of their generosity, we are able to bring you more information from our local schools.

Sponsored by Guidance Helicopters, Inc.

Espire Sports Offers

Indoor Recreation

The recently opened Espire Sports multisport complex on the east side of Prescott Gateway Mall contains indoor active sports and fitness opportunities ranging from 14 pickleball courts, a basketball court, volleyball, ping-pong, a golf putting green to billiards — and more.

Located in what was once the Sears store at 3400 Gateway Boulevard off Highway 69, the interior of the 100,000-square-foot space was gutted and remodeled to accommodate sports, fitness and wellness venues.

CEO-founder Jim Thomas said he conceived of Espire four years ago: “I realized that pickleball was going to be the most popular participant sport in the country.

“Ten years ago, if I had asked someone to play pickleball, they’d ask, ‘What’s that?’ Now, it’s sweeping the country. I believe Espire Sports and other community pickleball courts can make Prescott into the finest pickleball destination in the nation.”

In addition to the indoor courts, five outdoor pickleball courts are under construction on the south side of the building.

The team supervising Espire includes Thomas, his brother Randy, General Manager Rita Kavanaugh and Membership Director Peg Travers.

Thomas bought the former Sears store and then spent several million more in the reconstruction.

“When the Sears site became available,

we knew it was what we wanted,” he said. “I negotiated and bought the Sears property for $3.6 million. Because the location is next to other mall retail shops, it is convenient for locals and visitors. And parking is more than adequate.”

Kavanaugh added, “Jim didn’t mention that we’ve got a café and refreshment bar with juice, smoothies, organic products and healthy snacks. We’ve also got an arcade, fitness center with full range of exercise equipment, rooms for yoga, aerobics and Pilates, complete locker rooms with showers.

“In 2023, we’ll have a large boutiquestyle hotel with more than 110 rooms and suites and a swimming pool.”

Travers, the membership director, said, “Even before we opened, more than 300 persons had signed up for memberships.” Four levels of membership are available from Founder, Player, Player + Fitness, to Fitness only. Sub-categories in each level range from individual to family to couples and day passes.

Owner Thomas said he’s pleased his vision is now a reality. “We did it. We’re open. No matter why you are coming — personal visit, tournament, clinic, camp, family recreation or to make new friends and enjoy the terrific Prescott hospitality — you are welcome. We want people to take advantage of what the first three letters of Espire mean: Eat, Stay and Play.”

For more details, call 928.533-1535 or visit www.espiresports.com.

‘Experience Prescott’—New Tourism Focus

During a June meeting, the City of Prescott destination marketing team announced a new strategic plan within the City’s Tourism and Economic Development Office.

More than 40 persons representing the business and residential community heard the detailed presentation.

John Heiney, community outreach manager, told Prescott LIVING that development of the strategic plan began more than three years ago. He said the focus has shifted from “Visit Prescott” to “Experience Prescott.”

What that means, he said, is that new emphasis will be placed on attracting visitors who will stay longer and experience everything Prescott has to offer. The intent is to increase the average spending per day by visitors who will celebrate and honor the history, culture, traditions and natural beauty of Prescott and the area.

Heiney emphasized the City’s Tourism Department is funded through bed tax revenue. Those dollars are generated by a tax at hotels and shortterm rental units. Bed taxes for the current year are up substantially over last year. City officials estimate that they could amount to as much as $1.4 million to $1.5 million for the current fiscal year.

The department, a destination marketing organization (DMO), is required to use 75% of the bed tax revenue to attract more visitors and to improve and upgrade recreation and tourism-related efforts, Heiney said. Already, funds have been directed to events and activities such as the World’s Oldest Rodeo, the annual Courthouse Plaza lighting, several museums and other nonprofit events.

Future activities for the Tourism Department include updating of website and social media, new brochures, videos, and improving open space management and recreation projects.

Yavapai College Passes Budget without Tax Increase

The Yavapai College (YC) Governing Board approved a $91.1-million budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year in May 17.

YC President Lisa Rhine credited the District Governing Board and the college’s administrative team, faculty and staff with exceptional fiscal efficiency, creativity and prudent management.

“Led by Debbie McCasland, the board approved a strong budget and once again, we did not have a tax increase. In fact, our budget this year was 1.7% lower than last year,” she said.

It’s the fourth consecutive year that no tax increase has been requested.

Rodney Jenkins, YC vice president of community relations and student development, said a major reason for success in budget management is because the college reallocated existing resources to make programs and services even more accessible

throughout the entire college community — two campuses and four centers.

“We also had access to CARES (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security) Act funds,” he said. “We used those funds judiciously.”

Rhine added “We’re one of the few community colleges nationally that’s growing in enrollment. We focus on giving students access to practical programs that lead to good-paying jobs in meaningful careers here in Yavapai County.

“For example, our nursing and health sciences program is viewed as one of the best in the state. So are construction, applied and career technology curricula.

“Because of efforts through our business and management program, often in cooperation with our Regional Economic Development Center (REDC), we’re able to develop strong partnerships and internships in the business community for

students. Many don’t know it, but we’re the only community college with a REDC.”

Rhine cited a 58% increase in graduating students over the past three years. “The past spring commencement was the largest ever — 668 graduates. Add those to winter commencement. That’s 1,133 graduates just this year who can enter the job market,” she said.

Jenkins said the college has put more emphasis on marketing and recruiting that focuses on identifying student career interests.

YC Receives Award from Bellwether College Consortium

Yavapai College (YC) received a prestigious Bellwether Award at the annual Community Colleges Futures Assembly in San Antonio, Texas, March 1.

Only 30 institutions were selected from among 3,300 members nationally.

YC was cited for “its cuttingedge, trendsetting programs worthy of replication” following a thorough selection review process by judges and academicians.

YC President Lisa Rhine said the award solidifies “our college commitment to innovative programs that are accessible and affordable.”

“We’ve also increased our female enrollment substantially,” he said. “More than 60 % of our students are women. What we also find interesting — our Hispanic student population has increased from just 7% three years ago to 24% currently.” Read

How Businesses, Schools Can Successfully Partner

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

Businesses have a vested interest in their communities. They need a strong pool of local workers to choose from and consumers who can afford their products.

Many businesses want to give to the community and invest in it, but sometimes they aren’t sure where to start. Schools can also benefit from these partnerships, providing students with opportunities for success in the workforce.

Businesses can help provide a more rigorous and skills-based curriculum, highlighting employable skills like teamwork, communication and presentation skill, among others.

And they provide students with the third R, relationships. Relationships not only are important in the job market, but also in their personal lives — students gain access to role models they many not otherwise have.

So with clear benefits to students, how do you get started? Here are some ideas:

Build a local advisory board. This group can be charged to invite local businesspeople into the classroom. Students can be the intermediaries between school and the business partner; they can talk about what is happening in the classroom.

Start small. Provide opportunities that aren’t too time intensive or expensive for businesses. For local, small business owners in a tough economy, there may be a perception that these programs will go beyond their means.

Highlight benefits! Highlight for business the benefits they gain by hiring a 16- or 17-year-old student. Students are learning relevant, 21st century skills and global knowledge. They have a lot of energy, excitement,

plus a desire to succeed. And these students return from college as highly skilled laborers. Stress to businesses that the skills and relevance they provide will benefit them as well as the students.

Understand teachers are learners, too. Businesses can provide opportunities for teachers. For instance, a twoweek externship for a finance teacher could allow them to practice their classroom knowledge and return to it with real-world examples. Teachers sitting in on advisory board meetings often leads to new ideas.

Be flexible. Create flexible, simple programs.

Make it international. Look for companies in your community that depend on exporting, importing or international banking. Make contact with your local Rotary, World Trade Council, or Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, visit www. prescott.org, call 928.445.2000 or 1.800.266.7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 117 W. Goodwin St.

Come Stroll Civic Center Campus, View the Art

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

A prosperous and quality community is based on several factors — safety, good roads, schools, an active parks and recreation element, strong business and great leadership. A superior community makes an investment in that which brings beauty, a sense of pride and opportunities for creativity.

Prescott Valley is all that and more.

Celebrating 44 years of incorporation, Prescott Valley has grown from a sleepy little stop on the road to a vibrant, active and flourishing Town. While growth and development naturally came along to this beautiful valley, it was a planned investment in the arts that brought the community to the next level of excellence.

The Arts and Culture Commission was developed as a part of Prescott Valley’s Parks and Recreation Department to advance the arts by providing distinct opportunities for community participation and artistic growth.

For 18 years, the commission has provided a public art program through its Art at the Center program, which has defined Prescott Valley as a forward thinking, progressive and creative community. The sculptures that inhabit the Civic Center campus represent a variety of media and approach to form created by regional and international artists.

Each year the commission reaches out to the art community with a call for submissions. The Civic Center displays are on loan for a year, but many pieces become part of a permanent collection for the Town of Prescott Valley. Artists are recognized at an annual reception and given the opportunity to share the story of their creation. And each piece does have a special story.

As the community promoter and destination marketing organization, the Chamber of Commerce recognizes the value public art has to our Town’s asset portfolio. A beautiful community will be seen as one that cares for its residents and citizens above and beyond providing for basic services and needs.

You are invited to stroll the 20-acre Prescott Valley Civic Center campus with its rolling lawn, Theater on the Green and beautiful art and sculptures. Currently there are 34 beautiful and diverse sculptures on the Civic Center grounds and within the building, with another four gracing George Anderson Park, Bob Edwards Park, View Point Park and Pronghorn Park.

In investment in art is an investment in the quality of life for a community. Well done, Prescott Valley. We are so proud to live here.

Meet Olivia Sanwick

The Marketing Intern Experience at Northern AZ Social

Since I was little, I remember the various ways my favorite brands captured my attention and begging my parents for the hot, new item. The art and science of marketing has always been intriguing. But up until now, I have only been exposed to the consumer-facing side of marketing. Given the opportunity, I jumped at the chance to intern under Donna Werking, owner of Northern AZ Social.

This internship has been a wonderful experience. Throughout my internship, I have had the opportunity to help with many different tasks. Some of these duties have included the creation of radio ads, writing articles for magazines, attending client meetings, and assisting with the back-end production of the World’s Oldest Rodeo™. During my internship, the 2022 rodeo was the main focus for this summer. I was tasked with capturing video and social media content for the rodeo’s 2023 marketing campaigns. It has been awesome to see the behind the scenes of rodeo. Furthermore, I have been able to experience how much preparing and planning goes into marketing major events. I enjoyed seeing the efforts of all the marketing for the rodeo online and around town. It truly takes a village to pull it off, and in the scope of things, we are one critical part of a very large operation.

Before starting my internship with Northern AZ Social, I was eager to see all the facets of marketing applied in the real world. From the beginning, I found myself amazed at how much I was learning each day. Donna has introduced me to radio, print, social media, production, graphic design and digital marketing. I find it inspiring how she has brought digital marketing to a new level in Prescott. I have also learned about event planning. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to talk to experts about their experiences and how she built her own business. I admire Donna tremendously for being hard-working, diligent and passionate about her job.

Based on what I’ve learned so far, my favorite aspect of marketing is the versatility of how it fits in any industry. All businesses need to differentiate themselves from their competition. I look forward to discovering where I can best apply my talents and passions as I build my own marketing career.

FFC Founder Garners National Award

by Ray Newton | Photos courtesy of NACOG

Grant Quezada, creator of Prescott’s Founding Fathers Collective (FFC), received the National Association of Workforce Boards’ 2022 W. O. Layton Business Leadership award this spring in Washington, D.C.

He and the collective were selected from among more than 300 nominations from across the U.S. The workforce boards group represents about 12,000 U. S. business members in individual communities.

They were nominated by Teri Drew, regional director of the Northern Arizona Council of Government and executive director to the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.

Drew’s nomination said, “Grant worked with the WDB and WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) to support recruitment, training and placement and hired a management team, including co-owner Jesse Burke, through his partnership with us.”

Originally, Quezada opened the John Hancock Barbershop in the fall of 2014. It was the first of a collection of businesses that now employs 67 full and part-time employees — and continues to expand.

He and co-owner Burke worked with the Northern Arizona Council of Governments Yavapai County ARIZONA @Work Workforce Development Board to use grants and create opportunities to give back to the veteran community.

OTHER BUSINESSES ARE:

ƒ City Tavern Taproom, the largest selfserve beer taproom in Arizona.

ƒ Merchant Coffee, featuring local specialty coffees.

ƒ Seven-Six, an exclusive and nostalgic ’20s style speakeasy.

ƒ Liberty Mercantile Shop selling items for men.

ƒ Founders Gym, a fully equipped fitness center.

ƒ Mountain Tribe Jiu-jitsu Studio, which includes youngsters as well as adults.

Quezada and FFC also were recognized June 1 by the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors. They noted it is the first time the national award has ever gone to an Arizona recipient.

Quezada said he was genuinely surprised when FFC was nominated: “All of us associated with FFC are honored. But the honor belongs to everyone who has helped support us and our growth.”

Expansion continues. Quezada and colleagues spent several million dollars acquiring property just east of FFC and a large building just west of FFC. They’ll spend several million more remodeling the smaller property into a wine bar/event center.

“We’re developing plans for the larger five-story building and will start on it in 2023-24.

But our mission will remain the same — creating opportunities for veterans and encouraging the entrepreneur spirit.”

Prescott’s premier wine event.

August 27, 2022

4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Experience Prescott’s premier wine event at the Sharlot Hall Museum’s annual fundraiser.

Fine wines, craft brews, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and more make up a sumptuous smorgasbord— the perfect way to spend a summer evening.

$100/person ($75 tax-deductible); tickets on sale now by phone and online. Attendees must be 21 or older. Limited admission (500 max).

Continued from page 35 Q

The I-17 corridor becomes a vital connection to make the Regional network whole. Additionally, the Arizona Commerce Authority is investing $68.1 million to expand broadband and connectivity along the I-40 corridor from Flagstaff to the California border.

In some estimates a 10 – 15 mile project could be about a $25 million broadband project. It’s not cheap – that’s why our effort at NACOG was to create the mapping and data for the grants. Every grant in Northern Arizona helps us build a bigger, more sustainable system for the region.

That’s our vision, our plan and our primary goal.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You’re the Regional Director for NACOG. Define what that means. How many people know what that means?

Teri Drew: Probably not very many. I actually wear a few hats. As the Regional Director, I’m responsible for

the Economic Development District (EDD) under the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Having an EDD gives Northern Arizona access to federal funds. These particular funds through the U.S. Department of Commerce were not accessible without an EDD. NACOG is the lead, and I am their Director for the EDD. In my role as Regional Director I have led investments of hundreds of millions of dollars that contribute to local communities, creating thousands of jobs and several hundreds of businesses.

Another hat I wear is the Executive Director for the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board. I am hired by the Board to manage their planning, implementation and performance for workforce recruitment, training and placement for Yavapai County.

Workforce is critical right now – it’s in high demand. We can talk about broadband, but equally important is having conversations about the workforce and talent pipeline. It’s so, so important right now. I think that,

as a result of the pandemic and the aftershocks that followed, people have changed how they think about work. Before the pandemic, we would go to work, put in our eight hours and come home. But, during the pandemic, both companies and individuals found there are other ways to accomplish the same goals – maybe more efficiently. For many of the Fortune 500 companies it became more efficient and less expensive to have people work at home.

For moms and dads raising their families, it became evident what they were missing during the 9 – 5 workday. They missed being a part of their children’s educations, and their “latchkey” children missed having mom and dad there when they got home after school. Now, flexible work hours allowed parents to go to their child’s recitals or ballgames, then go home and get back to work. They could work after the kids went to bed or before they get up in the morning. Flexibility became very important, especially to young families.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Flexibility is a key word.

Teri Drew: Yes, and it’s equally important for seniors. Growing numbers of applicants out there in the workforce right now are returning retirees. With fluctuations in our economy, planned retirement income is not self-sustaining anymore. Many seniors are also bored and anxious to return to work.

Retirees offer a lot of opportunity to employers – their knowledge and experience, and beyond that, their work ethics and moral values. Retirees are at a point in time where they don’t need or have to reach for the stars, so they don’t need to be the CEO or manager. What they want to

do is contribute to community. Seniors want to feel valued. They’ve become a No. 1 commodity in the workforce. We have lots of returning retirees in Yavapai County, and we welcome them.

We also have had a campaign to recruit returning Afghanistan Veterans. Our communities and our employers need Veterans.

It’s a critical time in workforce development to attract and retain workers in our area. Some employers are closing their doors, or they are greatly reducing their productivity because of the lack of labor to fill open positions.

We have advertised in Phoenix trying to attract workers to the cooler climate in the mountains. When summer temperatures reach 110 or 112 there, many folks are ready to make a change. We are experiencing in-migration from all over the country, particularly California, Texas and the midwest. We know our friends in California drive long hours for short distances, so why not go a longer distance for the same amount of time and come into Yavapai County – or better yet, relocate? A lot of people have realized they don’t need to live in the city to hold good jobs anymore. They can move to more rural areas and raise their families while maintaining a good wage with remote work.

PRESCOTT LIVING: There’s confusion among the public about what exactly NACOG is. Some people think you are part of a government agency.

Teri Drew: Sometimes people classify NACOG as a government entity – we are not government, but we are a Council of Governments. That means that our Board of Directors are elected officials from around our Region, making up the

Council of Governments. NACOG is a large non-profit organization.

NACOG administers millions of dollars in programs and services to individuals – services such as Economic and Workforce Development, Senior Services, Head Start, Planning and Community Development. A common response from public presentation of our services is “Why don’t I know about this?”

I think sometimes people don’t know about us until they need us. For instance, for workforce development, eligibility is not population-specific. We don’t just serve the underprivileged, youth or adults, we serve all individuals to have a barrier to employment. A barrier to employment can be unemployment or underemployment – you are not sustaining your household. You may want to change careers. You may have been laid off, or you might be starting your own business.

We continue to educate our constituents just as I’ve been doing for 45 years – what NACOG does and what we bring to the table. And, we’re just what it says – a Council of Governments. We are a nonprofit 501 (C)(3), but our Council represents local governments.

PRESCOTT LIVING:

You are non-political. Bi-partisan.

Teri Drew: We are non-political. We really have to be. We’re very strict and just don’t go there. We don’t promote politics or religion. With a diverse region operating state and federal programs, it would not be a good idea.

NACOG serves four counties covering nearly 48,000 square miles and 24 communities. Our Board of Directors is made up of elected officials from each of those

four counties and communities. We have 30 board members on the Regional Council.

On the Economic Development Council (EDC) are city managers, elected officials and economic & workforce practitioners for the counties and communities – another 30 individuals.

In Yavapai County we have a particular interest in workforce development – the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is made up of 20 individuals, mostly private sector business CEOs and optimum policy makers. Other partners include our education leaders, labor organizations and state workforce development program representation.

Each one of those councils and boards have dedicated committees to help them accomplish their goals and objectives.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Committees?

Teri Drew: There are more than 100 committee members in my department alone that we’re managing.

We recruit board members (as kind of a responsibility). Our EDC is well advised based on our collective accomplishments. Our councils are a great training ground for newly electeds or economic development professionals to hear about the District as a whole and connect for responsible economic development. They learn about a multitude of programs, services and economic development opportunities they would not probably otherwise know. We’ve had good fortune to have so many powerful voices supporting us.

Continued on page 172 Q

2022 PHOTO CONTEST

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

WINNERZach Rohe Photography A farrier re-shoes a horse to get it ready for the rodeo.

3 Zach Rohe Photography Local yogi Bailee Vanderleest soaks in the sunlight during her daily meditation

4 Susan Johnson Taken near Wilhoit on the way back to Prescott at sunset It features a rare atmospheric phenomenon called a light pillar

2

Zach Rohe Photography • A dreamy sunset and tiny tree rowing in the rocks at Watson Lake

5 Broken Star Photography

“Maternity Ward” Taken on New Year’s day after a fresh snow A herd of over 150 pronghorn grazing in the fields along Outer Loop Road Each one of these beautiful ladies was very pregnant and chose to pose for their portrait

6 Broken Star Photography Ranch sunset - A monsoon sunset taken on the historic Bar Triangle Ranch in Williamson Valley

Winners of the People’s Choice award from our 2022 photography contest received the highest number of votes in our Facebook album.

Behind the Lens with

Because this issue features the winners of Prescott LIVING’s Annual Photography Contest, it’s also a good time to highlight the couple whose images grace most of our covers: Tracy and Jeremiah Scheffer of Blushing Cactus Photography.

Their images also anchor many of our features, and they shoot the portraits for the Women in Business and Men of Vision annual sections.

Both are devoted to being photographers for the Greater Prescott community, though their clients occasionally draw them elsewhere. They celebrate and support life in and around Everybody’s Hometown through documenting

events from intimate weddings to the World’s Oldest Rodeo®

“I think we’ve been really fortunate to make some really good connections here in our community, and I think that goes back to why we both moved up here, albeit for different reasons, but it has been a healing community for both of us,” Jeremiah says. “It just kind of gave both of us a new purpose, and the people up here have been really genuine and accepting. And it’s been a good springboard for our business.”

Tracy was the first to arrive in 2015, a hospital compliance specialist with a photography hobby who’d just escaped an abusive relationship in Tennessee. She remembers, “I went

down to the square and I was sitting on the courthouse steps. I had my camera and all of a sudden, a huge domestic violence rally started taking place right in front of my eyes.

“I was surrounded by signs of hope and I was overcome by the support of complete strangers. This is Prescott. People genuinely caring about each other, and I knew in that moment that I was at the right place for healing and that I had to use my survival story as one of encouragement for anyone else experiencing domestic violence,” she says.

She launched Blushing Cactus Photography the following year, leaving her hospital desk job in 2017 after a rare virus

BLUSHING CACTUS

by Blake Herzog

triggered a heart failure she continues to overcome today. Just months later she was shooting a band playing at a bar owned by a friend of Jeremiah’s. The part-time photog from Phoenix also loved capturing musicians, and a conversation about their shared craft started a friendship that soon evolved into romance.

They became collaborators, and in 2019 Jeremiah relocated to Prescott. After tragedies befell three of his closest friends, he says, “Visiting Prescott and finding new places to explore in the mountains, meeting new people and my now wife, it has been a place of change for me — in focus and in hope.”

From the start, Tracy has dedicated Blushing Cactus to serving the Prescott-area community, and the Scheffers have woven themselves into its fabric by working with groups and firms like Prescott Frontier Days®, Yavapai College, NAZ Wranglers arena football team, the holiday Courthouse lighting and other events sponsored by Prescott Downtown Partnership, Dancing With the Stars for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona, Make-A-Wish, the Pure Imagination and Big Sting festivals and more.

They’re particularly passionate about making an impact through their nonprofit work, Tracy says. “You have to have compelling images to raise awareness for

your cause, so when people go to the website, it’s not about stock images, it’s about real images.”

Jeremiah says both are more engaged in their community here than in their prior homes: “Between the friends we have made and their associations and the overall sense that everyone wants to give back in some sort of a way, Prescott is a much more community-minded city, and it has spoken to our core value to give back and be more involved in bettering our community.”

We have been selected by the City of Prescott to be the “Official Christmas City Photographers”, capturing the events and spirit of the Holidays here in Prescott.

The Best of Yavapai County 2022

Once again, we bring our Best of Yavapai County results to you — an in-depth guide to the area’s best providers of goods and services as selected by our readers and social media followers.

These are people and places who help give our communities their shine, drawing loyal residents and visitors alike as customers. Our more than 100 categories are grouped into sections for people, pets, services, lifestyle, shopping and food and drink, covering most of the facets of life here.

It’s always a joy for us to celebrate excellence in our community, and Yavapai County teems with it!

Our readers turn to the tried and true (Matt’s Saloon on Whiskey Row) and the new (Cocky’s Chicken and Brew on the east end of Frontier Village) for their favorite meals and desserts. Their favorite place to hike is the Constellation Trail off State Route 89 and preferred radio station is Magic 99.1, featuring Leza Live and Local. They’ve given shoutouts to dozens of local businesses from Iconic Automotive for car repair to Strada Salon for hair care!

And don’t forget the people and organizations who give our area its heart and soul, ranging from Best Elected

Official, Constable Ron Williams of the Prescott Justice Precinct, to the mostsupported nonprofit, Youth Advocate Program, Inc.’s Yavapai County office. This is just a sneak peek at this year’s award winners, the people and places who’ve helped make Everybody’s Hometown shine on all from its perch in the forest and mountains.

Read on to see who they are, and then thank them for all they do through your patronage and support!

2022 Best of Yavapai County People

Prescott LIVING 2022 Best of Yavapai County Services

BEST

of Yavapai County 2022

SERVICE CATEGORY WINNER

ATTORNEY

AUTO DEALERSHIP

AUTO REPAIR

BANK | CREDIT UNION

BARBER

CAR WASH

CATERER

CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE CENTER

CUSTOM CABINETRY/WOODWORKING

DANCE STUDIO

DAY CARE | PRESCHOOL

DENTIST

ELECTRICIAN

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FLORIST

HAIR SALON

HOME REPAIR | REMODELING

HOUSEKEEPING

INTERIOR DESIGN

LANDSCAPING

MASSAGE

MEDICAL PRACTICE

MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY

NAIL SALON

OPTOMETRIST

ORTHODONTIST

PAINTING

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHYSICIAN

PLUMBER

REAL ESTATE AGENT

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

RECOVERY CENTER

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

SCHOOL

SPA

SURGERY CENTER

TATOO STUDIO

WEDDING VENUE

Roberts & Carver

Findlay Auto Group

Iconic Automotive

OneAZ Credit Union

John Hancock Barbershop

Ocean Blue Car Wash

Goods From the Garden

Prescott Family Chiropractic

MCK Woodworks

The Dance Studio

Acorn Montessori School

Prescott Smile Care

DAK Electric

Cambium Wealth and Legacy Strategies

Florian Floral Design & Events

Strada Salon

Ability Remodeling

Prescott Maid to Order

Prescott Interior Design Group

ZebraScapes Landscaping

A Valley of Vitality Wellness Studio

The Mobile Health Doc

Polara Health

Cherry Nails & Spa

M&M Eye Institute

Patterson Orthodontics

Tri-City Home Improvement Pros

Michelle Mills Photography

Dr. Karissa Walton

Patriot Plumbing

Carissa Maxwell

Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert

Silver Sands Recovery

Touchmark at The Ranch

BASIS Prescott

SkinPlus Med Spa

Prescott Outpatient Surgical Center

Modern Craft Tattoo

Windmill House

Group Working to Buy Land in Mexico for Medical Needy

Submitted by Set Free Ministries

Set Free Ministries and In It For The Cause Foundation are headquartered in Prescott and run by founders Dr. Tim and Heather Parker along with a group of volunteers of the nonprofit organization.

They take teams on mission trips to Mexico and Haiti helping the undernourished and medically needy children through feeding and clothing programs, dentistry and medical clinics, and Bible school.

In the Quad-City areas, Set Free Ministry helps to feed and clothe the homeless and hurting men, women and children along with veterans. It also offers counseling and coaching for those needing a listening ear and encouraging prayer.

Set Free Ministries and In It For The Cause Foundation presently is raising money to purchase a plot of land in Mexico for a dental and medical clinic for children and families that will also house women coming out of drug and alcohol recovery.

This land will accommodate teaching a new way of living as well as helping meet the needs within the communities. Partnering with people to help grow in Faith, Hope and Love!

Here’s a story from one of the women in substance abuse recovery in Mexico:

Set Free Ministries and In It For The Cause Foundation is a remarkable outreach sharing the true love of Jesus Christ. For my whole life, I have questioned whether I was worthy of love. I believe I have taught my children this as well. I felt that no one could ever love someone like me. Then I met Pastor Tim and Heather. They showed God’s love by loving us themselves. Now I believe I am worthy of love because God says so and not because of what I do or do not do. My life has been changed! For years my body had been engulfed in fear accompanied by guilt, shame and shock. Now my life is filled with hope, love and joy.

Set Free Ministries also runs a thrift store at their downtown church, 116 N. Cortez St. The thrift center is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and run by volunteers. All financial donations received for the clothing and other items go directly to help with Mission Outreach.

For more information visit www.setfreecenter.org, 480.353.1125 or 928.899.5236, or email SetFreeMinistries1@gmail.com.

The Prescott Pioneer Prescott POPS Symphony Names New Director

Prescott native Ryan Gastonguay has been named director of the Prescott POPS Symphony and will lead the popular music group into its 30th season, which began Aug. 7.

Gastonguay replaces Joseph Place, who ended his seventh year as conductor when he closed the 2021-2022 season May 22. Place has relocated to Phoenix.

Dozens of local musicians form the core of the POPS, which was founded three decades ago by then-music teacher and director Paul Manz. He later retired and moved to North Carolina. Gastonguay is a former student of Manz, who taught music in the Prescott Unified School District.

Granite Creek Improvement Likely Begins in Fall

The 2022-2023 season opened Aug. 7 with An Afternoon with Lerner and Lowe, featuring selections from their awardwinning Broadway shows. Manz was present to help open the new season.

Upcoming concerts:

• Sept. 18, A Tribute to Film Composers

• Dec. 11, Many Moods of Christmas

• Feb. 26, Irving Berlin: From Rags to Riches

• May 21, Starring Steven Moeckel

All performances begin at 3 p.m. in the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center (YCPAC), 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott.

Tickets for season ticket holders or for single performances for all concerts are now available through the ticket office of the YCPAC (928.776.2000) or online at www. ycpac.com.

Long-awaited improvements along what is commonly known as the Granite Creek Corridor, which runs through the heart of Prescott, have received “go-aheads” from various planning committees and the Prescott City Council.

Some of these improvements will begin this fall — October or November, Community Outreach Manager John Heiney said.

Heiney said the City grant proposal for outside funds was not filed by the 2021 deadline, but has been accepted for fiscal year 2022-2023.

In addition, because of $5.9 million received by the City from federal COVID recovery funds, the City now can support additional recreation expansion projects.

Among those projects is construction of a $1-million pavilion and community

meeting area west of Granite Creek, across from the splash pad that opened last year near the Hilton Garden Inn. That same project would include a grassy area where small mid-week farmers markets and other activities can be staged.

Plans also include an estimated 100 more parking spaces in cooperation with the Hilton Garden Inn, said City Recreation Service Director Joe Baynes.

In March, the City Council approved a separate proposal for the Granite Creek Greenways Trail, which will include signage, improved lighting and public accessibility.

Consultant Leslie Dorn from PLAN-et Communities, a Phoenix-based consulting firm, told the council it was wise in leveraging the substantial investment being made in the Granite Creek corridor.

New CCJ Executive Director Works for the Vulnerable

After three months on the job as the new executive director for the Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ), Allison Lenocker said she is feeling optimistic about the future for the nonprofit organization that seeks to serve the homeless population of the Greater Prescott area.

Lenocker, who since 2018 had been the assistant director at CCJ, replaced Jessi Hans, who relocated in May to Tucson.

“I’m eager to continue the legacy of CCJ in finding solutions to housing concerns for the homeless,” she said.

Lenocker leads a 16-member team in meeting the Housing First model CCJ has adopted as its mission for the next several years. A major objective will be completion of the $2.2-million Paloma Village housing project in north Chino Valley. It consists of placing 24 manufactured homes on a 4-acre tract. The homes will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms.

She told Prescott LIVING she’ll dedicate considerable efforts to moving that program forward.

She’ll also oversee an annual budget of $1.6 million, supervise rental properties for 26 clients and continue expansion of the larger, modernized Second Glance Thrift Store on Miller Valley Road in Prescott.

The coalition also operates a 10- to 12-bed emergency shelter for men and women needing immediate assistance.

The bulk of group’s budget comes from donations, grants and from rental properties, she said.

“We want to be a beacon of hope for the vulnerable population,” Lenocker said.

Prescott Bark Selected Wins Moonshot Award

Elaine and Mike O’Connor of Prescott won the second annual Shoemaker Award, sponsored by Moonshot Pioneer Pitch, which celebrates entrepreneurship.

The O’Connors received $10,000 to support their innovative dog care startup called Prescott Bark. The money was gifted by Arizona Public Service (APS) through Moonshot, a 22-yearold nonprofit Flagstaff-based innovation center and incubator. Its mission is helping entrepreneurs create businesses.

The couple received the award during formal ceremonies June 17 at Little America’s grand ballroom in Flagstaff. Prescott Bark was selected from among seven firms competing from throughout the state.

Elaine O’Connor said the award will help acquire property and facilities to house from 80 to 120 dogs for day care, for professional grooming and other premium services for dogs. Prescott Bark also will have access to veterinary services.

Prescott Bark will have a Bark Bus to pick up and deliver dogs. Ultimately, services will include

petsitting. Staff size will be at least 20 full-time and part-time employees.

O’Connor praised the Small Business Development Center at Yavapai College for providing hours of professional counsel in development of a business plan.

“I talked to city officials about the need for premium dog facilities. They suggested working with the Small Business Development Center at Yavapai College. We did and received terrific advice,” she said.

Prescott Bark was named this past March as the best of 13 projects locally, making it eligible to compete at the state competition in Flagstaff.

O’Connor estimated the project will cost over $1 million: “We are at least six to eight months away from opening — if we don’t have any complications or unexpected delays.”

More information about Prescott Bark is available at 617.827.7282 or by contacting the O’Connors via Prescott Mailboxes, 3623 Crossings Drive, Suite 213, Prescott, AZ 86305.

Beauty Taboos

are Made to be Broken

by Blake Herzog

The world of beauty is built on trends and rules, and with the rate things are changing today it can be almost reassuring to fall back on the bedrock rules that seem to hang on.

But if you’re searching for an exit ramp from the treadmill or simply wanting to shake things up a little, consider turning some of these no-nos into sparkling green lights! Q

NATURAL EYEBROWS

The bias toward slender, arched eyebrows left many a woman feeling like she was sporting caterpillars on her face if she didn’t get them waxed, plucked, threaded or trimmed every couple of weeks.

Then around the time we started masking, the tide turned, and everyone was abruptly urged to thicken those brows via microblading or lamination.

But with few exceptions we’re born with the most flattering brows to frame our peepers, so maybe it’s time to go with the flow on this one.

MULTIPLE FACIAL FOCI

Most of us know the rule of thumb of picking one area of the face, generally the eyes or lips, to lavish with color and intensity.

Still, choosing complementary hues for our bold lips and smokey eyes can add up to a ravishingly dramatic presence that draws your face into a gorgeous whole.

CHIPPED NAILS

Artfully chipped nail polish has occasionally cycled into the edges of style over the last 15 years or so,

courtesy of epochs like the Olsen twins’ grunge in 2008 and a Rhianna spread in Vogue Italia last year.

When your manicure starts to fray at the edges it’s not necessarily a cosmetic emergency. But once you’ve lost more than a quarter of any nail’s surface paint it’s pretty much game over.

GLITTER OVERLOAD

Glitter can be overdone, but it’s harder to achieve than you may assume. A dash of sparkle on your eyelids and a light-to-moderate dusting over the rest of your face and even decolletage can give you an infectiously bright vibe that accentuates your positives.

SHIMMER AFTER 40

“Shimmer” usually means eyeshadow made of smaller fragments that produce a more subtle effect; more of a shine than a sparkle. Some so-called experts try to warn women age 40 and older away from this look on the grounds it will accentuate wrinkles.

If you lay down a matte base color before spreading on the shimmer, you’ll look as alluring as ever.

IV VITAMINS & HYDRATION

IMMUNITY VIBES Cold & Flu Prevention

HELLO SUNSHINE Health & Wellness Nutrients

PRESCOTT RISING Boost Energy

WHISKEY ROW PREP Prevent Hangovers

HAIR OF THE JAVELINA Hangover Relief

STAMINA Athletic Endurance

HAPPY DAZE Migraine Relief

MYERS’ COCKTAIL Improve Conditions

There

Thyroid Disorders Cause Multiple Symptoms

by Blake Herzog

Are you gaining or losing weight without trying to? Has your typical mood swung up or down? Do you have trouble going to sleep and feel fatigued or simply feel rundown most of the time? Do you seem to feel either warmer or colder than most of the people you’re around, rarely feeling comfortable?

These symptoms sound diametrically opposed but could be traceable to the same cause — a malfunctioning thyroid.

When this gland secretes hormone levels too high or low it affects many processes and either puts our bodies into overdrive or slows them down. In either case we’re eventually left tired, unhappy and at risk for other health problems.

If either of these clusters of symptoms sounds familiar to you, ask your doctor to test your thyroid hormone levels.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

When your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, your cells don’t have enough energy to function as they normally do. Patients often report gaining weight even though their diet hasn’t changed. They can feel depressed and find themselves becoming more forgetful and less focused.

Those with hypothyroidism experience fatigue and tire more easily than they used to and may want to turn up the thermostat higher than others in the same room.

Common causes of hypothyroidism include autoimmune disease, radiation treatment to the head or neck and certain medications. If not treated, hypothyroidism can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, depression, reduced mental function and infertility, among other complications.

HYPERTHYROIDISM

If your thyroid secretes too many hormones, you may lose weight without effort, which most people count as a win until other symptoms emerge.

People can feel irritable and anxious, and some report having increased energy until their body starts to wear down from overstimulation by the thyroid. Racing heartbeat, hand tremors and difficulty sleeping also are common, as are thinning hair and skin.

The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are Graves’ disease, nodules on the thyroid and thyroiditis. Potential complications include congestive heart failure, osteoporosis and impaired vision.

Love Local

BEAUTY

Aboost Wellness and Salon

543 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.910.4111

www.aboostwellness.com

A Valley of Vitality

2047 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott

928.442.6026

www.avalleyofvitality.com

ERA Salon & Spa

515 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott 928.778.0860

www.erasalonandspa.com

Prescott Medical Aesthetics

172 E. Merritt St., Ste. D

Prescott

928.277.7414

www.prescottbotox.com

Rogers Academy of Beauty 2375 E. State Rte. 69

Prescott

928.848.9929

www.rogersbeautyschool.com

Salon Tru Blu & Day Spa

1436 W. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.445.4126

www.salontrublu.com

Salud Spa

130 W. Gurley St., No. 307

Prescott 928.800.1777

www.salud-spa.com

SkinFit

223 White Spar Rd.

Prescott 928.460.3317

SkinPlus MedSpa 1747 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott 928.582.0716

www.skinplusmedspa.com

Skin Perfection 3190 Clearwater Dr.

Prescott

928.541.0003 www.skinperfectionaz.com

Strada Salon 931 12th Pl.

Prescott 928.778.2028

www.stradasalonaz.com

Sundara Sanctuary 6594 E. 2nd St., Ste. B

Prescott Valley 928.277.4874 www.sundarasanctuary.com

The Cut Above Salon & Spa 8600 E. Valley Road, Ste. D Prescott Valley 928.772.8728

www.thecutabovesalonandspa.com

Wilson Aesthetics & Beauty+Wellness

8196 Florentine Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.350.5484 www.wilsonaestheticsaz.com

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Love Local

Your Guide to Prescott’s Style Stores and Services

STYLE

Artful Eye Jewelers

124 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.445.5570

www.artfuleyejewelers.com

Bashford Courts

130. W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.642.7984

www.bashfordcourts.com

Classy N Sassy

220. W. Goodwin St., No. 3

Prescott

928.776.7467

Drawn West

134 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.778.5725

Fancy That!

124 N. Granite St., No. A

Prescott

928.445.1883

www.fancythatprescott.com

French Hen Boutique

108 N. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.445.3424

Hello Gorgeous Boutique

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 309

Prescott

928.273.0499

www.shophgb.com

Lost in Socks

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 303

Prescott

928.445.1833

www.lostinsocks.com

Purple Clover Boutique

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 205

Prescott

928.499.5195

www.purplecloverprescott.shop

Raskin’s Jewelers

110 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.445.6120

www.raskinsjewelers.com

Scarlett’s Curated Collection

107 N. Cortez St.

Prescott

928.227.2581

www.scarlettsinprescott.com

The Clothes Hound

122 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.771.0811

www.clotheshoundclothingco. com

Vincenzo’s for Men

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 310

Prescott 928.445.3501

Wardrobe

520 W. Sheldon St., Ste. 2A Prescott 310.709.8099

2022 Best of Yavapai County Shopping

SHOPPING CATEGORY WINNER

ANTIQUES

BABY | KIDS

FARMERS MARKET

FURNITURE

JEWELRY

NURSERY | PLANTS

OUTDOOR DECOR

PLACE TO BUY GIFTS

SECOND-HAND CLOTHING

WESTERN WEAR

WOMEN'S BOUTIQUE

Cowgirl Country Antiques

Ruthie’s Closet Children’s Resale Boutique

Prescott Farmers Market

Bella Home Furnishings

Raskin’s Jewelers

Watters Garden Center

Watters Garden Center

Fancy That!

NOAH Thrift Store

C-A-L Ranch

Purple Clover

• ALLERGY CLINIC

• BRAIN & SPINE CENTER

• CARDIOLOGY

• CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

• CT SCAN & X-RAY

• DERMATOLOGY

• FAMILY CARE

• FOOT & ANKLE SURGERY

• GASTROENTEROLOGY

• GERIATRIC CARE

• HIGH-END RADIOLOGY CENTER WITH MRI

• INTERNAL MEDICINE

• INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY (LARGE BORE MRI)

• MEDICAL LABORATORIES

• NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE /HOLISTIC MEDICINE

• NEPHROLOGY

• NEUROLOGY

• PAIN MANAGEMENT

• PHARMACY

• PRIMARY CARE

• URGENT CARE / WALK-IN CLINIC

• UROLOGY

• VASCULAR SPECIALISTS AND WOMEN’S HEALTH

In Memoriam: CHRIS GRAFF

by ROX Media | Photography by Blushing Cactus Photography

Prescott Frontier Days, Inc.® (PFD) President Chris Graff passed away on July 2, 2022 during the Saturday Performance at the World’s Oldest Rodeo®, which is exactly how many people who knew him say he would have wanted to go.

The all-around community leader was born May 18, 1960 in Clifton, Texas and raised in Paullina, Iowa, and brought his own family to Prescott in 1997. An avid outdoorsman, he became an integral part of the local rodeo community and loved the history and culture that its central event brought to the city. His determination and “noguff” attitude helped to ensure the nonprofit’s ongoing success and led to his selection as PFD’s president in 2016, a title he held for the rest of his life. One of his favorite quotes was: “Tell me I can’t, then watch me work

twice as hard to prove you wrong.”

Jim Dewey Brown, PFD general manager, said, “Graff is now a part of our rodeo’s legacy. He strived to share rodeo traditions with people from all over the world. We will be forever thankful for all he has done for the organization, and our community.”

The Prescott Valley resident was respected as a businessman as vice president of Asphalt Paving/ McCormick Construction, where he was employed for 17 years. He was active in numerous other organizations, serving as Chairman of the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation.

He was a board member of Arizona’s chapter of Associated General

Contractors, a recent past member of the board of directors for the Association of Rodeo Committees and earlier this year became vice president of the Mohave Valley Contractors Association and a board member for United Way of Yavapai County.

He was a big fan of our Prescott Frontier Days® Rodeo Cookbook to which he donated several of his cherished family recipes.

He is survived by his wife Denine Graff; his mother, Cynthia Lenz; his children: TC “Travis” Graff, Tasha Robbins, Erica Buckavich and Tera Stubelfield; and his six grandchildren. Chris was a friend to ROX Media and we will miss him, as will the rest of Greater Prescott.

Have Happy

Hikes with your Hound

by Blake Herzog

Whether we’re in the Granite Dells, by Goldwater Lake or atop Glassford Hill, we marvel at the vistas and fresh air as we share them with everyone in our family, including our BFFs — best furry friends. There are a few things we should always keep in mind to ensure our canines will be as carefree as they always are, their tails bobbing happily along the trail. Q

ARE THEY READY?

Don’t take dogs uphill or over long distances straight out of the gate. Puppies younger than a year old don’t have fully developed bones and joints, so you should hold off on hiking. Also, any dogs prone to back or joint pain should approach hiking slowly if at all.

Make sure your dog isn’t easily worn out by a regular walk and, when you do hike, take plenty of breaks for resting and “Scooby snacks.” If you have any concerns, have a veterinarian asses your pet’s physical condition before hiking.

LOW-LEVEL HAZARDS

We need to remember that no matter how big their bodies and personalities are, dogs stand about 10 to 30 inches high, on average, and are more vulnerable to aggressive or venomous wildlife, bugs and ticks, poisonous plants, deep puddles and other dangers that might not register the same with us.

Look at the surroundings from your pet’s perspective and use their leash to steer them away from such threats. (And yes, they need to be on a leash.)

HYDRATE SAFELY

Keeping dogs well-hydrated during hikes is just as important as it is with humans, so don’t forget to bring a collapsible bowl and enough water to keep them well-lubricated. The American Hiking Society recommends carrying 8 ounces per dog per hour.

Be wary about allowing them to drink from lakes, streams and other water sources. Even if they’ve done so in the past with no trouble, there’s always a chance they could encounter a parasite or worse.

GEAR UP FOR PUP

Besides water, a bowl and treats, you’ll need bags for poop, pet-safe insect repellent, weather-appropriate gear and anything else your dog’s specific needs call for. If you already have your hands or backpack full carrying stuff for you and your family, you can even strap some of it onto your dog, but keep it at no more than 25% of their body weight.

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Photo by Jeneda Benally

THE BEAUTY BEHIND THE WORLD’S UGLIEST DOG, Mr. Happy Face!

stories written or compiled by Loree Walden, Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

Mr. Happy Face, formerly known as Mathias when he was with us at Yavapai Humane Society (YHS), is a star! From a life most of us could never imagine from a hoarding situation with over 100 other animals to making a huge impact on the world!

We first heard of this hoarding situation in June 2021, and through our partnership with the Prescott Animal Control Department we helped rescue these precious pups and bring them to YHS to start new lives.

Mr. Happy Face was a little guy weighing in at just around 20 pounds and was 17 years old. He had a dry eye on the left side, some lipomas, cysts, he was moving very stiff, had no teeth so his tongue hung out, and had a hacking cough with a mass on his chest.

Our medical staff helped with his eye, cough and the issues we could see, but also checked him for other health issues. Every single staff member loved how happy he was, and after we were cleared by the courts, he was made available for adoption.

On Aug. 21, 2021, Mr. Happy Face’s life changed when he met Jeneda Bennally, who had driven down from Flagstaff to meet the dogs from the hoarding case. She was there to find “one of the hardest to adopt dogs” and give them a loving home.

She met a couple of other Chinese Crested dogs and then Mathias! She learned of all his ailments and his age, and it didn’t matter. He was the ONE!

She says despite all he’d been through, he looked happy and made her smile. That’s when she knew his name was forever going to be, Mr. Happy Face!

She vowed that day that he would be so loved he would never remember how awful his previous life had been.

He quickly became her shadow, following her everywhere; sleeping with her, going for walks (she bought him his very own doggie stroller), and he even has his own wardrobe.

He was having health issues with his joints and coughing, and Jeneda helped him. She has studied traditional Navajo medicine with her father Jones Benally, the first medicine man to work in a hospital, and often works alongside him.

They used traditional Diné (Navajo) musculoskeletal body work to align every bone in his body. He received this treatment and multiple massages daily (and still does) to help keep him healthy and in alignment.

She happened to be in California recording a radio show she’s doing for indigenous youths when she heard about the World’s Ugliest Dog contest. She entered Mr. Happy Face on a whim.

She says he was far too beautiful to ever win an ugliest dog contest, but he did! And a star was born. He won a big trophy, some money which has been donated to his new mission, and even a trip to New York to appear on the Today Show.

He now has his own Instagram account with over 1,000 followers, @mrhappyface_wud and has taken on the new title of “Ambassador of Kindness.” His mission? To help senior dogs and rez dogs find a better life.

Jeneda told me Mr. Happy Face is now providing a platform to bring awareness and a call to action to raise funds for organizations that don’t have resources or accessibility to spay and neuter clinics and vaccines — most of these being on the rez where there is little help for these animals.

Any funds earned for appearances or prize money are donated to Mr. Happy Face’s mission!

Mr. Happy Face recently was featured on an Australian game show and even received a $500 prize being used to spread his message!

Mr. Happy Face currently is touring the country with Jeneda’s band Sihasin, and I encourage you to check out her music as it is truly a spiritual experience.

Jeneda wants to give all animals a better life. She wants to make a difference, and I do believe Mr. Happy Face came into her life to allow her a platform to do exactly that! She said in an ICT Newscast: “This is about respecting elders and adopting old dogs.”

Respecting our elders and those who came before us — we can never repay the debt, or can we, with this precious soul?

Mr. Happy Face has brought endless smiles to people worldwide! Who would’ve ever thought this poor abused animal who came to Yavapai Humane Society would end up being the face of his own campaign, “Create Kindness”?

Jeneda says she loves seeing how much joy his happy face brings to people — the simple act of seeing a happy dog, making such a difference in our lives!

Mr. Happy Face has no idea he’s the World’s Ugliest Dog (Jeneda doesn’t let him hear those words). He only knows a love like he’s never known in his 18 years of life because of Jeneda.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be like Mr. Happy Face? And wouldn’t it be nice to be more like Jeneda? To not look at appearance, age, or health issues — to just see a living being that makes you smile, brings you joy and changes your life.

Senior dogs, dogs with health issues, dogs of specific breed, dogs that aren’t cute are overlooked every day in shelters across the country including Yavapai Humane Society. But you never know what will happen when you give an animal a chance at a new life, no matter how long it may be. You never know the change it will make in both of your lives, because you both need each other more than you could ever know.

Sometimes these precious angels come into our lives to make a difference, and Mr. Happy Face, you have made a difference in the world you will never know, but we thank you and we love you.

Mr. Happy Face, you may be the World’s Ugliest Dog but, in our hearts, you are BEAUTIFUL!

SUCCESS AFTER SUCCESS IN FINDING Love Matches

by Tanner Greer

It was August 2019 when I saw a post on Facebook from the Yavapai Humane Society about a “Name Your Price” adoption event coming up. I had recently gone through a lot of change that had left me in a position where I desperately wanted another canine companion to fill a hole in my heart and my days.

I clicked through the pictures, hoping to find a senior dog known to be good with cats, as my girlfriend (now wife) Ariana had one. I wanted our future to be free of incompatible furry friends.

I didn’t have much luck with my search, but I came across the picture of a tiny 2-month-old retriever/ Rottweiler mix named Bubbles. I absolutely adore Rottweiler mixes — I was in love the second I saw her.

We went that day and we were brought to a large kennel filled with puppies! I knelt down to look for her, and I kid you not, she walked right out of the whirlwind of yips and wagging tails to me.

I reached out my hand for her to sniff, and she instantly started licking me as if to say “I choose this one!” Almost three years later she is forever a puppy daddy’s girl. I will never forget the instantaneous love that kicked off the intertwining of our lives.

Ellie is not our only pet, or our only love story to come from YHS. Six months after Ellie came into our lives, so did her sister Shelbie, a Catahoula only a month younger than Ellie, who had stolen our hearts while being fostered by my mom through another local agency.

Then in December 2020, the Yavapai Humane Society Facebook page struck again, this time in the form of a post about a 3-year-old calico cat named Karina.

I never expected to willingly adopt a cat, as Ariana’s cat Nia loves her mom so completely, and barely tolerates anyone else. Yet there was something about

Karina that compelled me to learn more, so I read through her heartbreaking story, and at the end of it I just knew we were the happy ending for her.

See, Karina has severe allergies to almost everything and due to this she had been adopted and returned several times. We called YHS and asked to come meet her. They set up a time for us, and I believe that everyone in the room when we walked in and saw her precious face knew this was it, this was the one that was going to stick. We sat on the floor and absorbed all of the needs that Karina had as we coaxed her to come to us so we could introduce ourselves to her. After what felt like an eternity, she approached and gave us the sweetest little cat hugs in the world.

She came home with us that night with a bag of her specialty food and a vial of her medication, and through tears and smiles she received goodbyes from all of the people who had come to love her beautiful soul.

That very first night she snuggled up to me; she hasn’t stopped since.

We added one last pet (for now) this past January with Miles, a kitten from a litter my sister’s cat had; he and Karina became fast friends.

We are forever grateful to the amazing staff and volunteers at YHS for the love and dedication they show to all of the animals and the tireless effort they put into ensuring they live the best lives possible.

2022 Best of Yavapai County Pets

PETS CATEGORY WINNER

ANIMAL CLINIC

ANIMAL RESCUE

ANIMAL SHELTER

Prescott Animal Hospital

United Animal Friends

Yavapai Humane Society

DOG PARK Willow Creek

DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Barley Hound

PET BOARDING Run-a-Muk

PET GROOMING

Shearly Pawsitive Grooming

PET STORE Whiskers Barkery

TACK | FEED STORE

Olsen’s for Healthy Animals

without Breaking the Bank Remake Bedroom

by Blake Herzog

When it comes to remodeling and updating homes, bedrooms often get passed over.

They’re tucked away in the back of the house, not usually seen by visitors and often not really noticed by the people who sleep there because they spend most of their sentient hours elsewhere.

It can also get pricey to replace beds, dressers and vanities, though the cost generally pales in comparison to a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Yet making bedrooms as comfortable and pleasant as possible is important for promoting restful, restorative sleep.

It’s also a space you can truly make your own; you don’t have to take outside opinions into consideration. Here are some affordable ways to transform your sleeping quarters into a haven. Q

COLOR IT BEAUTIFUL

Your room may already be coated in neutral, nonthreatening colors, but do you actually like them? If you find them too neutral, look for a paint scheme that engages you without overstimulating you as you drift off to sleep.

You can look anywhere for inspiration — your yard, closet, travels, childhood memories, ambitions or whatever else sparks your creativity. Consider an accent wall behind or in front of your bed.

If you’re renting you can refresh faded paint with a similar color for a cheerier appearance.

GET CREATIVE WITH WALL ART

This doesn’t mean you need to paint, draw or photograph something on your own, though it’s a fabulous idea if you have the time and inclination!

Other unconventional choices like rugs, quilts, plates and baskets may be found elsewhere in

you want to try a heavier object like an old bicycle, make sure you have the right mounting support.

LIVEN WITH LINENS

Sheets and comforters are another obvious source of color and comfort. Finding a new, compelling duvet over a decade-old quilt or blanket might be all it takes to revitalize your space and make it a place that draws you in.

Buying new sheets doesn’t have to be expensive, and it can make your bed much more inviting and soothing as you wind down from the energy and stress of the day. Invest in personal statements

Sometimes it just takes one large piece to level your bedroom up to a refuge.

A statement lighting fixture can be suspended from the ceiling or positioned as a lamp in the corner to revamp its atmosphere. A roomier nightstand could be more accommodating to your evening and morning routines.

FROM A TO U Grow Most Popular Houseplants

by Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, Watters Garden Center

Houseplants add style, color and brightness, all while cleaning the air we breathe. Even if you’re not an experienced Plant Parent, these 10 houseplants thrive indoors with minimal care.

ALOE VERA gel from cut leaves is widely used in first aid remedies and cosmetics, adding function to form as a houseplant. Like most succulents, it prefers dry sandy soil and bright light. Healthy plants produce pups to replace any leaves you harvest.

• Light: High

• Water: Dry

• Color varieties: Christmas Carol has red leaf edges; Walmsley’s Variegated has cream streaks

CROTON, CODIAEUM, produce a colorful “wow.” Bright light is essential for good leaf coloration and plant health. All varieties have stripes or splotched of yellow, red, orange and pink, all on the same plant.

• Light: High

• Water: Medium

• Color varieties: Orange, white, yellow, red, pink, purple

DUMB CANE plant (dieffenbachia) does not describe the elegance of the large speckled and splotched leaves when displayed in bright light. Provide moderate moisture, and keep the toxic leaves away from kids and pets.

• Light: Medium to bright

• Water: Medium

• Color varieties: Honeydew has gold leaves; Mary, splotches of cream; Snow, white speckles

JADE PLANT, Crassula ovata, you can’t go wrong for a bright room. It’s every bit as pretty as those trendy faux plants you see at the hobby store. Only fake plants don’t continue to grow and become more stately over time like a natural jade plant. Water sparingly; add supplemental lighting if leaf drop occurs.

• Light: High

• Water: Dry

• Color varieties: Calico Kitten has pink and cream leaves; Variegata, cream streaking

FIDDLE LEAF FIG, Ficus lyrata, provides a fresh, modern twist in their decor, even smaller spaces. Natural light is essential for the large leaves, so place it close to a south- or east-facing window.

• Light: Bright light

• Water: Dry between waterings

• Color varieties: A variegated cultivar with creamy leaf margins

PEACE LILY, Spathiphyllum wallisii, the graceful white spathes of the peace lily have long been rendered in silk plants. There is no reason to go fake when a living specimen is easy to grow. Peace lilies do well in dark rooms; they need regular moisture.

• Light: Low light

• Water: Moist

• Color varieties: Domino has white stippling on leaves

PHILODENDRON thrives in any room with classic low care for any beginner. You might see the heart-shaped leaves grow to giant proportions outdoors in frost-free gardens, but it’s just as happy in your bedroom.

• Light: Low to high

• Water: Medium

• Color varieties: Brandi has silver variegation; Micans, purple-tinted leaves; Prince of Orange, orange-tinted leaves

SNAKE PLANT, Sansevieria trifasciata, is as close to plant and forget it as they come. It tolerates a wide range of moisture, soil and light conditions. The plants look great grown in metal or concrete containers for industrial chic.

• Light: Low to high

• Water: Low

• Color varieties: Bantel’s Sensation has cream leaves; Black Gold, thin gold edging; Gold Hahnii, wide gold bands.

SPIDER PLANT, Chlorophytum comosum, is a top seller year after year for its super low maintenance needs and air purification qualities. The arching leaves make these plants great for pedestals or hanging baskets.

• Light: Indirect light

• Water: Average to dry

• Color varieties: Bonnie Variegated has white striping

UMBRELLA PLANT, Schefflera arboricola, can grow 10-feet tall in the jungles of Taiwan. You can check this growth in containers, especially with slow-growing variegated cultivars like Gold Capella or Sunburst.

• Light: High

• Water: Medium

• Color varieties: Sun Burst is a gold variegated type; Janine, a white variegated type

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MAKING HOME ECO-FRIENDLY IS EASY

by Blake Herzog

With energy costs soaring and concern about greenhouse gasses rising, many homeowners are looking to integrate “green,” energy-efficient features into new and existing homes.

You may be spending more time at home than you’re used to, but you don’t have to guzzle nonrenewable energy while you’re there.

It takes just a few adjustments to shave at least a few toes off your existing carbon footprint.

SMART DEVICES — If your home isn’t already smart, it’s time to connect it to as many readers and sensors as you possibly can. They can monitor and conserve your energy and water use for you, as well as let you check data and conditions when you aren’t there.

OPEN FLOOR PLAN — Some trend lists say this ubiquitous design is going out of fashion and there are reasons for that, but it does have several advantages where energy use is concerned. A relative lack of walls and barriers means better air circulation and ventilation and a reduced need for lighting sources, in part, because of better access to natural light during the day.

WINDOW MATERIALS AND PLACEMENT — Proper installation of windows and using Energy Starcertified products puts a huge dent in energy leakage. When you’re designing a new home or major remodel, making sure they’re well-placed to take advantage of where the sun is shining during the course of the day will reduce your energy needs further.

PLANT YOUR YARD WELL —

Using beautiful, drought-tolerant landscaping that fits the surrounding environment benefits the Earth in multiple ways by reducing water use, being a haven for wildlife from the surrounding habitat and setting an example for how it can be done.

Growing your own vegetables and fruit is the ultimate form of local sourcing — no need to transport or preserve anything!

SOLAR POWER — Some homes are better positioned for this than others, but most can get at least some of their power from panels. Install your system in 2022 to get a 26% federal income tax credit; that amount drops to 22% next year, and the credit currently is set to expire in 2024.

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LOCATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL GATED COMMUNITY, The Ridge At Iron Springs, Near Forest Trails Just 5-10 min to Prescott Courthouse Square. Original Owner. You will Love this Like New Well Maintained Home Featuring Open Floor Plan, Large Granite Kitchen Island; Hooded Gas Stove, Alder Cabinetry, 8’ Doors, Quality Window Treatments and Luxury Vinyl Flooring; Spacious Master Bedroom & Closet With Pass Through Laundry Room; Drop Zone Pantry. Stone Finished Fireplace, AquaSauna Water Filter & Softener System, Solar Tube in Kitchen for Natural Lighting; 3 Car Garage, Low Maintenance Landscaping, Backs up to a Creek and HOA Open Space To Enjoy Wildlife and a Feeling of a Private Sanctuary. Home Completed June 2018.

Happy Place Laundry Room can be a

by Blake Herzog

If you’re like most people you try to get out of the space you keep your washer and dryer in as quickly as possible as you wrap up your crucial but tedious laundry duties.

But with a little TLC you can reframe it into a place that invites you in, if not one you actively seek out.

Your dedicated space for your laundry machines may be a small room or multipurposed as a mudroom, hallway or even a kitchen. But it can always be more than it is by adding in a little bit of style, along with the functionality it needs.

SIGNAGE

Cute, retro signs telling everyone that this is a laundry room is always an option, but if you’re not so interested in being reminded of what you’re doing there you can always stick to more functional graphics and labels on jars and shelves and flippable signs reminding everyone what’s dirty and clean. You can frame aesthetically pleasing signs explaining the “universal” laundry care labels not everyone understands or even decals for the washer and dryer, if they’re similar enough where they would work.

LOOK UP

When you’re working with a small footprint scaling the walls with shelves and cabinets can make it much easier to organize detergents, stain sticks, fabric softeners and other cleaning supplies.

Installing a set of drawers can make it much easier to sort and fold clothes and can even be a place to store towels and other linens. Bars and pegs can be used to hang up clothes and string up a clothesline.

The right pattern on one or more walls can bring a fun vibe to what is often a dreary workspace.

GIVE ‘EM A BOOST

If your back complains when you’re unloading or loading the washer or dryer, especially if they’re both frontloading models, putting them on a pedestal can be a smart idea. Most manufacturers sell these for their models; many incorporate drawers into their design. A custom-built platform can be more attractive and tailored to your taste and the existing design.

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The Perfect Retaining Wall System

VERSA-LOK retaining wall systems are cost-effective, easy-to-install, and give you endless design options.

VERSA-LOK segmental retaining walls are made from high-strength concrete units, dry-stacked, interlocked with pins, and set on granular leveling pads. These mortarless walls do not need frost footings. And when stabilized with geogrid soil reinforcement, VERSA-LOK walls can be built 50 feet tall and even higher. From intricate landscaping features to tall, commercial walls, VERSA-LOK delivers your best value in segmental retaining wall solutions.

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Get Every Room SCHOOL-READY at Home

by Blake Herzog

We’ve all love our lazy summer days at home with the kids, but it’s already time to think about getting organized for the next academic year to avoid that last-minute push before the first school bell rings!

ADD BOOKSHELVES — If you don’t already have enough, now’s the time to ensure there’s easily accessible storage for textbooks, old favorites and new discoveries that will help to nurture a lifetime love of reading and learning.

ESTABLISH STUDY AREAS — This can be as simple as a kitchen table or as detailed as a separate desk with a laptop, depending on your space and needs. What’s most important is for there to be few distractions but still be close to parents for feedback.

BUILD A BACKPACK STATION — Add shelves to the entryway, mudroom or wherever else make sense so backpacks, jackets and other daily supplies will have a place to go when kids get home and before bedtime.

STOCK UP ON AND ORGANIZE SUPPLIES — Get out those lists and check them off early, ahead of other families and possible supply-chain hiccups. Then find some divided drawers, baskets and cups and other containers to set them up for the year.

CREATE A FAMILY CALENDAR —

Hang one large calendar on a wall everyone can easily see for reminders, homework deadlines, sports practices and games and other scheduling. You can also add message boards, folders for homework assignments and more.

ORGANIZE CLOSETS — Have the kids help you decide where to put school uniforms, underwear, socks and shoes and other gear so they will be easy to grab and go.

GET BATHROOMS IN ORDER — Sort soap, shampoo and other toiletries for each child into separate bins to eliminate confusion and turf wars in the mornings and evenings.

SET UP A SNACK STATION — Put healthy grab-and-go snacks in separate bins in the pantry or on the kitchen table, and add more in the fridge if your kids are old enough to make their breakfasts and lunches.

SQUARE-FOOT GARDEN your Way to Fresh Food

by Blake Herzog

Many of us love the idea of becoming a little more self-sufficient by growing at least a bit of our food, but we think we don’t have enough space, time, energy or know-how to pull it off.

Square-foot gardening can solve all of these issues.

The name is a little bit of a misnomer because you get to grow more than a single square foot of plants — the original design, developed almost 50 years ago, uses a raised 4-foot-by-4-foot garden bed divided into 16 square-foot cubes.

They’re 6 to 12 inches deep and filled with rich, moist soil that can support a lot of plants. Placing a grid of wooden slats, strong tape or anything else on top that can demarcate makes

it easy to separate crops and rotate them to prolong the life of the soil.

Each one can be designated for a different crop, or multiple squares can be devoted to larger plants or those you’re especially keen on. You can put up to 16 plants in each square, though that will only work for the skinniest crops like carrots.

Some, including tomato plants, need a square of their own to thrive.

Planting seeds or sprouts in these squares rather than the more traditional elongated rows saves space and leaves little room for weeds to take root, saving the time that’s usually spent trying to keep them out.

Focused watering can give you a net

savings over a larger garden, though it can feel like you’re dumping a lot of it in a relatively small space.

SO, WHAT CAN I GROW?

Pretty much anything aside from the largest crops like corn, watermelons, pumpkins and the like will grow in your square(s). Most vegetables that thrive in the Prescott area can easily fit into this framework including kale, lettuce, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, cabbage, peas and beets.

Trellises can support climbing plants including cucumbers, peas, squashes and pole beans.

The smaller scale of square-foot gardening makes it ideal for beginners, and there are many online resources to glean information from, including

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• BioFeeder® S-Series Automatic Fertilizer Injectors

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Burgundy,a Gift for the Five Senses

by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist | Photography by Tori Ward

I hesitated when my husband suggested a food and wine canal trip through Burgundy. Then he added cheese.

He should have led with that.

We were a bit apprehensive because we certainly are not wine experts. However, we boarded a train in Paris with plenty of enthusiasm and, in less than 2 hours, were stepping aboard our four-suite hotel barge the Savoir Vivre.

Our captain and host Ricard welcomed us with flutes of icy Champagne and warm gougère. Second mate Axelle escorted us to our comfortable rooms equipped with adjustable beds and surprisingly large bathrooms.

We learned that our fellow passengers also were hoping to increase their knowledge of wine and none were experts.

Although there are other hotel barges, we chose this one because it was the only one offering a dine-around option. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch on board each day, however, our nightly meals included pre-selected and vetted restaurants with abundant wines served as part of the cruise package.

They ranged from elegant white linen service in restaurants built on the foundations of 11-century

abbeys to more relaxed timbered ceiled bistros. One night our table was in the valley below the imposing castle of Chateauneuf en Auxois with its ghostly lights beckoning us to explore its ancient interiors.

Our limited knowledge of wine was never an obstacle as during each lunch and dinner we shared our observations and descriptions ranging from, “Smells of aged leather like the upholstery of a 1960 Cadillac,” to “As fruit forward as my grandma’s Jello mold with fresh strawberries.”

And although we had a morning of rain showers, by lunch our wine was, “As dry as the New Mexican desert during an episode of Breaking Bad.”

What we did take seriously were the beautiful fields full of golden buttercups, swaying lavender and the ivory-colored Charolais cattle snoozing in tall grass lining both sides of the canal. Our route started in Escommes and followed the canal to our final mooring just outside Dijon.

The mornings were spent strolling or biking along the tow paths lining the canal. The multiple locks that make the canal navigable provide an opportunity to quickly step off and on the boat with ease. Most of the lock-gates are opened by hand crank and the lock keepers travel from one lock to the next mostly by motorcycle.

Our afternoons were spent touring

the various cultural or agricultural locations along our route. After our tour of Hótel-Dieu, a hospital dating to 1443, we strolled around the charming city of Beaune. On the way back to the boat, our tour guide stopped for a loaf of fresh bread dispensed at a roadside vending machine. Right beside it was one dispensing cheese.

Toward the end of the week we arrived in the Cote d´Or wine region where we visited the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot where Cistercian monks began producing wine in the 12th century.

If you would like more information about this trip and how to book an adventure of your own ROX Travel is open for business at tori@roxtravel.com.

TORI’S

TIPS

ƒ Speaking French is not necessary in this friendly region of France.

ƒ The perfect time to visit is spring with its abundant flowers and baby animals. However, if you experience allergies make sure to pack your meds.

ƒ Train service from Paris or London to Dijon is frequent, affordable.

ƒ The dress code for this trip is comfortable and casual.

ƒ As tempting as it is, fresh meat and cheese can’t be brought back to the U.S.

ƒ Do bring back wine!

2022 Best of Yavapai County Lifestyle

LIFESTYLE CATEGORY WINNER

ART GALLERY

CASINO

CITY PARK

FESTIVAL

FITNESS STUDIO | GYM

HIKING TRAIL

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

MUSEUM

NONPROFIT

PERFORMANCE THEATER

PLACE TO TAKE KIDS

PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

ROMANTIC RESORT

YOGA STUDIO

Ian Russell Gallery of Fine Art

Bucky’s Casino

James S. Acker Park

The Big Sting

The Movement Studio

Constellation Trail

Yavapai College Performing Arts Center

Sharlot Hall Museum

Youth Advocate Program

Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center

Park Collective

Yavapai Humane Society

Forest Villas Hotel

The Movement Studio

2022 Best of Yavapai County Food & Drink

FOOD & DRINK CATEGORY WINNER

BAKERY

BAR | TAVERN

BARBEQUE

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

BREWERY & TAPROOM

BURGER

CHINESE

COFFEE SHOP

COMFORT FOOD

DELI

DESSERT

DONUTS

FINE DINING & SPECIAL OCCASION

FOOD TRUCK

FRIED CHICKEN

FROZEN YOGURT | ICE CREAM

HAPPY HOUR

INDIAN

ITALIAN

LOCAL FOOD PRODUCT

MARGARITA

MEXICAN

NEW RESTAURANT

PATIO

PIE

PIZZA

SANDWICH

SEAFOOD

STEAKHOUSE

SUSHI

TAPAS

THAI

WINE BAR

WINERY

Cupcakes by Leanne

Matt’s Saloon

Colt Grill, BBQ & Spirits

Jen's 7th Ave. Cafe

LazyG Brewhouse

Montezuma Tavern

W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

Wild Iris Coffeehouse

Zeke’s Eatin’ Place

Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

Essence Kitchen + Bar

Outlaw Donuts

Essence Kitchen + Bar

The Hungry Badger Adventure Catering

Cocky’s Chicken & Brew

Frozen Frannies

Essence Kitchen + Bar

Taj Mahal Restaurant and Lounge

Rosa’s Pizzeria

Farm Provisions

Dry Gulch Steakhouse

Taco Don’s

Red White and Brew

El Gato Azul

Berry’s Pie Pantry

Bill's Pizza

Scout’s Gourmet Grub

Essence Kitchen + Bar

Leff-T’s Steak House & Grill

Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

El Gato Azul

Chai's Thai

Back Alley Wine Bar

Château Tumbleweed

Prescott Valley

Performing Arts

Prescott Valley Performing Arts began sharing plays and musicals with life lessons with the community 19 years ago.

It finally has a home of its own, thanks to an ensemble of volunteers and donors bringing the 156-seat Main Street Theatre to life.

The group, primarily dedicated to giving kids and teens a turn in the spotlight, is back from a four-year hiatus after losing its performance venue near the Harkins movie theater, building its own while contending with pandemic-fueled shutdowns, and dealing with budget constraints. Q

Opens Main Street Theatre

by Blake Herzog

“We’ve had such generous donors coming out to help us make this dream come true,” executive director Rebecca Riffle-Bakody says. “We don’t owe anything on it, it’s our building. We didn’t have to go to a bank and get a big loan or anything. We did it all with donations and volunteers, which is something that’s almost unheard of.”

Prescott Valley Performing Arts stepped onto the brandnew stage April 30 to May 1 for a “soft opening” with a student-directed production of A Doll’s House, followed by Gilligan’s Island: The Musical as the public grand opening. It drew 500 attendees over several nights. It also hosted two kids’ summer camp shows and a concert.

The group will continue following the all-inclusive vision of founder and artistic director Clyde Neville, who created what was originally known as the Lonesome Valley Playhouse because there were very few youth activities in the Town that weren’t sports-based.

“When we did Alice in Wonderland, which was our very first show, I needed 17 kids and 42 kids showed up, and I cast all 42 of them. They were ladybugs, they were dragonflies, they were butterflies. It was such a success that we just kept going with it,” Neville says.

He adds that they’ve done 89 shows over the years, 54 devoted to showcasing children up to age 18. The group’s reach has extended to 16 “family” shows with cast members of all ages and 19 “Mainstage” productions for performers 18 and older.

“We teach a lot of life skills to these kids, all the way up to 80 years old,” he says.

The Main Street Theatre, on the north side of Findlay Toyota Center on property being leased for $1 a year from the Fain family of developers and ranchers, will primarily be a venue for Prescott Valley Performing Arts’ theatrical productions, as well as for some concerts, community receptions and similar gatherings.

Other sources of support include Home Depot, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott and almost 20,000 volunteer hours, including multiple contractors who have worked for free or reduced cost.

A grant from the Town of Prescott Valley completed the construction and will go toward ongoing operations and maintenance, as well as a new youth choir.

Prescott Valley Performing Arts’ schedule for the rest of the year includes:

• A Wrinkle in Time Aug. 19-20 and Aug. 26-27

• Pirates Past Noon Sept. 30-Oct. 1 and Oct. 7-8

• The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 28-29 and Nov. 4-5

• Two holiday-themed shows in December

Positively A Cappella Builds on MUSICAL HISTORY

by Blake Herzog | Photography courtesy of Positively A Cappella

Irene Zimmer says Positively A Cappella is more than a name, it’s an attitude.

The vocal performance group adopted the moniker last year to represent the “rebirth” of the almost 60-year-old Song of the Pines Chorus following the challenges of the pandemic, which ground inperson performances and rehearsals to a halt.

“The faith and strength of a core of women with an even stronger desire to keep the music alive is why we are now Positively A Cappella,” she says.

Chartered with Sweet Adelines International since 1963, the ensemble has more than a dozen female singers — office and hospital workers, moms, retirees and others. They are out to recruit more as the choir rebuilds on its foundation within the international organization, which strives to elevate women singers through education, performance and competition.

Zimmer, Positively A Cappella’s team coordinator for 202223, says the singers were proud to perform at the Club at Prescott Lakes for a 4th of July celebration and are looking forward to joining other entertainers at the Prescott

Festival of Trees in November. The group anticipates more performances in the coming months at a variety of venues.

As Song of the Pines, the group was a fixture at the Hassayampa Hotel for Acker Night, the Gingerbread Village, the World’s Oldest Rodeo® and numerous churches, senior centers and clubs around Prescott. The group also is a six-time Division A gold medalist for Sweet Adelines’ Region 21, competed internationally in 2014 and is scheduled to compete again next year in Albuquerque.

With a new director in Dan Ryan, a 45-year veteran of performing and music education, the revitalized group is moving forward, Zimmer says: “He has breathed new life into our organization with his extensive knowledge and knack for teaching the barbershop style of a cappella singing.”

Anyone who would like to learn more about joining Positively A Cappella or booking a performance can contact the group through its website, www.positivelyacappella.org, and can also visit during their weekly rehearsals Thursdays at The Monday Club, 1306 Stetson Road in Prescott.

Through the Lens of My Windshield Glass

by Tod Christensen

I hopped into my pickup and the drive started out just like any other, Springsteen was coming out of my speakers singing about his Blood Brothers. I rolled out onto the highway and started driving toward town no particular destination I just felt like driving around.

I passed a gentleman in another truck which had a vanity plate, on it was a purple heart and one word Danang for anyone who could relate. His black MIA cap matched his salt and pepper beard I wondered what his eyes had seen while in my mirror he slowly disappeared.

I cruised down into town with the sun shining bright slowly rolling to a stop as I came to the very first light. I glanced to my right toward the Safeway parking lot and saw Mrs. Johnson’s Mini Cooper pulling out of her spot.

She was in her 70s but still very attractive, she had a fighter’s attitude and she and her friends were all very active. A cancer survivor two times over was what you couldn’t see, if God wants me home she would smile then he’s going to have to catch me.

A little farther down the road I passed my favorite diner, maybe there’s better food out there but in our town nothing could be finer. Getting out of their car were Jake and Sara with their three little kids I smiled to myself they better slow down or their going to need a bigger rig.

At the next corner I saw Bobby in his letter jacket flirting with his girl she was laughing at whatever was said with a finger in her hair that she started to twirl. Bobby was hot stuff fresh off his player of the week last Friday night, it was nice to see him laughing so easy since I always thought he was wound up a little tight.

Walking down the sidewalk was Miss Roberts with her service dog Thor although for the life of us we could never figure out what his service was for. But that’s all right, everyone needs a companion so nobody ever gave her any grief and maybe she just needed some kindness and love and just a little bit of relief.

I honked at Don sweeping off some leaves in front of his Tire Store he always smiled when he saw you even if you didn’t buy all four.

He had some tough times a few years ago and nearly lost everything but everyone rallied around him because small towns usually do that very thing.

That’s when it hit me that if you pay attention everyone has a story, they aren’t all like the old legends full of tales of adventure and glory.

Most are just everyday stories but interesting none the less everyone has their share of heartache and struggle as well as happiness and success.

So I started driving a little slower then and I would pass by other stories and I would remember when We had another time when laughter seemed easier and there wasn’t as much worry but maybe that time still exists if we just slow down and stopped thinking we have to hurry.

Maybe instead of time being money, maybe the real money is time.

Maybe the stories we really need are the ones we don’t even have to look for to find.

So I smiled as I listened to the local station tell us all about next week’s forecast I smiled as I watched more stories pass by me through the lens of my windshield glass.

Wine, Beer & Cider

From Around

State and Globe

Historic Agreement Nation, Camp Verde Reach

by Aaron Moss, Cliff Castle

The Yavapai-Apache Nation and the Town of Camp Verde entered into an intergovernmental agreement June 16 over future management and development of land the Nation is working to obtain as part of a land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service.

The Nation will transfer certain nonreservation lands it owns to the Forest Service in exchange for ancestral lands adjacent to the Nation’s Middle Verde Reservation. These lands are a small part of the larger reservation established for the Nation by President Grant in 1871.

That reservation was lost in 1875 when the U.S. forcibly removed the Yavapai and Apache from their Verde Valley home to imprisonment at San Carlos.

The intergovernmental agreement formalizes a process for continued cooperation between Camp Verde and the Nation on future development projects within

the exchange lands, providing that existing roads, utility and other easements will be maintained on any lands added to the Nation’s reservation.

The agreement also cements the Nation’s support for the town’s potential acquisition of up to 40 acres of land along General Crook Road to develop new public safety facilities to improve emergency response times.

The town will benefit from collecting retail sales tax revenues from private, nontribal developments on the Nation’s new lands. The Nation will contribute 1% of its sales tax revenues to Camp Verde, on sales generated within the 1,200-acre portion of the new lands designated as the Yavapai-Apache—Camp Verde Economic Development Corridor.

The Yavapai-Apache Nation is a significant employer in Camp Verde, boasting best-in-class establishments,

namely Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel, which draws visitors from near and far, year-round, for traditional Indian gaming, world renowned entertainment and general tourism.

“The recognition of our history of land loss and the future return to the Nation of a small part of our original homeland is critical to the well-being of the Yavapai-Apache Nation,” said Vice Chairwoman Tanya Lewis. “This is a humbling, historic event for our communities to work together for a better tomorrow for generations to come.”

The Nation’s Attorney General Scott Canty said, “The Yavapai-Apache Nation leadership has always known that land was crucial for the Nation to develop, grow, prosper and provide for its people; the path was set long ago, and it was through the determination of the Nation’s leaders that today’s agreement with the Town was made possible.”

2022-2023Season Discover Delight

2022

Raul Midón (cabaret series) August 26 & 27

Tumbledown House September 17

Little River Band September 24

Prescott Film Festival September 27 - Oct 2

The Righteous Brothers October 15

Brian Chartrand Quartet (cabaret series) October 21

Hello, Dolly! Starring Toni Tennille

Nov 3-6, 10-13, 17-20

Tanya Tucker December 1

Let The Season Begin! December 2-3

2023

Tony Orlando January 13

The Texas Tenors January 20

Rita Rudner February 19

NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players in H.M.S. Pinafore February 3

Bill Saxton (cabaret series) February 24

Kathy Mattea & Suzy Bogguss March 2

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall March 11

Masters of Illusion March 25

Jane Eyre April 14-16 & 21-23

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy April 28

Croce Plays Croce May 26

Sofrito & the Blues (cabaret series) May 5

Prescott Harpist Named Good Samaritan Winner

by Ray Newton | Photography by Rob Mangold

It’s safe to say that whenever 87-year-old Luana Mangold performs, there are strings attached. The musician strums a handmade Paraguayan folk harp.

Her performances over the past 20 years earned her the national Good Samaritan Society Ever Forward Champion Volunteer Award June 24 at the Good Samaritan Society national headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mangold, who has lived in Prescott for 32 years, has played in museums, concert halls and hospitals but most frequently at hospice facilities.

She was nominated by Adam Bissell, chaplain for the Prescott Good Samaritan Living Facility and Apartments.

“In one word, she’s a ‘saint’,” he says. “As people are transitioning into the next world, to have that harp in the background is majestic.”

Luana is a longtime certified music practitioner.

An American Indian born in 1935 into a large family — 17 siblings — in the Jemez Springs Pueblo Tribe just north of Albuquerque, Mangold was removed from her family during the era in American education when Indian students were taken away from their family.

She took classes in music, graduating from high school at Albuquerque Indian School. She

attended University of New Mexico on scholarship and later earned a master’s in health education from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

She was married for 50 years to Werner Mangold, a German-born engineer. The couple, who had three sons, traveled for her husband’s work, eventually coming to Prescott in 1990. Werner died in 2004.

Luana, already a pianist, discovered her love for the harp taking classes at Yavapai College. “The Harp Lady” worked in the health department at Yavapai Regional Medical Center and played both instruments for patients.

“All the strings are exposed, and the sound is so pure and gentle,” Luana says of the harp. “I love the reverberations that flow through the body and mind to sooth the person within.

“That’s especially true when a patient is near death. You don’t come into the world alone, and if you chose not to, why should you leave it alone.”

For more than 12 years, she performed at the Good Samaritan Society Prescott Hospice and Marley House.

The retiring Luana says: “I’m pleased, though, to accept the thought that when you give of yourself, you get back much more. I know I feel that way because of my experiences with Good Samaritan here in Prescott. “

Stand Up on that

Paddleboard

this Summer

by Blake Herzog

You may have spent past summers on your boat or kayak at Prescott’s lakes watching people dart by while standing on these not-quitesurfboards with a commanding posture and wondered: Can I do that? Is it more fun than what I’m doing? The answers are yes and probably! Q

Most beginners can stand on a paddleboard and launch their first voyage after just a little bit of instruction, and doing it engages every muscle in your body and gives you a sweeping view of the horizon as well as the underwater world.

This naturally should be done with the proper equipment. To start out you can rent a paddleboard and paddle from one of several local services or borrow them from a friend, and you’ll also need to wear a vest or other personal flotation device.

GETTING ON BOARD

Take your board out into water that’s about knee-high, making sure the fin is at the back and in the water. Stand on whatever side you’re most comfortable mounting from. Put your paddle across the board horizontally with the grip on your side and the fin touching the water on the other. Hold the board on both sides while gripping the paddle handle on your side and in one motion ease your way into a kneeling position just behind the board’s center.

Let go of the board and kneel upright, maybe trying a few paddle strokes to make sure you’re centered on the board and stable. When you’re ready, hold the sides of the board and your paddle and replace your knees with your feet, one at a time and slowly stand up with the paddle.

MOVE ALONG

Bring the paddle to the side you want to start with, putting the hand from the opposite side on top and the other hand a couple of feet lower. Make sure the tear-shaped blade at the bottom of the paddle is angled away from you before you put it in the water. Place it as far forward in the water as you can while keeping it mostly vertical and pull it back to your feet.

Switch the side you paddle on after three or four strokes to keep moving forward. Use reverse strokes to slow down or stop and sweeping strokes to the side to turn around.

FALL GRACEFULLY

When you do lose balance, and everyone does at some point, do whatever you can to land in the water instead of on your board, which is how you’re least likely to be injured. Keep your body as close to the surface as you can to avoid hitting hidden rocks or objects underneath.

In most cases your board will include a “leash” you can wrap around your ankle to keep it close. To get back on, grab the center handle if there is one, or both sides of the board if not, and kick your legs to propel your torso back on top.

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Carrion-Eating Birds Play Important Role

by Sandy Stoecker, Naturalist, Highlands Center for Natural History

Because all living organisms are interconnected, someone has to clean up messes — the shells of previously living organisms and their rotting soft parts that would otherwise be littering the environment.

Many animals do their bit to help out to a greater or lesser degree. Some animals that we normally think of as predators do not hesitate to clean up scraps left by other predators. A large grizzly bear will even chase wolves away from their kill.

Smaller predators, such as coyotes, foxes and wolverines will hang around nearby waiting for their larger cousins to eat their fill, before seizing an opportunity to help themselves. Mountain lions will often kill a deer, eat as much as they can, then cover the rest to hide it from these opportunists.

However, that doesn’t always work.

Many of these opportunistic carrion feeders are members of the corvid family of birds — jays, crows and especially ravens. It is not unusual to see these birds industriously cleaning up a recent (or not so recent) roadkill, though their normal diets are usually made up of fresher food, but, a meal is a meal.

Some birds, however, eat only carrion such as: the California condor, which is still quite rare; the black vulture, which lives mainly in the eastern part of the country; and the ubiquitous turkey vulture, which is a common sight in the Central Highlands of Arizona, as well as in most of the rest of the United States and southern Canada.

Turkey vultures are most interesting creatures. One can tell, just by looking at them that they are wellsuited to their task as disposers of dead things. Their beaks and feet lack the power and the design for killing living things, though their hooked beaks allow them to free the last shred of meat clinging to a carcass.

Their heads are completely featherless, which makes it easier to clean them of bacteria and parasites encountered while rooting around in dead carcasses.

Turkey vultures nest on crags, caves and clefts in rock piles. They don’t bother to build a nest. The female lays her two white eggs on the bare ground and incubates them for 41 days. When the babies hatch, they are fed exclusively on a diet of regurgitated carrion. (Yum!??)

These birds sound totally disgusting, right? Actually, they are quite impressive. They are a very large bird — males and females are quite similar in appearance, with shiny black feathers. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet, and the underside tips of their flying feathers are grayish white.

When they are observed soaring aloft on the thermals, they are quite beautiful indeed, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Every living organism has its purpose in the circle of life, and turkey vultures are no exception. They fulfill their purpose efficiently, if not beautifully. It all depends upon one’s perspective.

Open Space Preserves Prescott’s Natural Charm

by Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, Recreation Services Administrative Supervisor, City of Prescott

Open space has long been a vital part of the small-town character and unique natural environment of Prescott, and for just as long, has been recognized as a key issue for maintaining a high quality of life for residents and visitors.

Since the 1980s, the Recreation Services Department has found opportunities to manage these open spaces, which are defined as appropriate for preservation, having outstanding or significant characteristics: biological, geological, scenic, riparian, recreational, cultural and/or historical.

Tourism (and its more responsible sister, ecotourism) can provide significant economic value to a community that protects open space, has an attractive and accessible trails system, encourages wildlife populations, and the like. Once open space is acquired, it costs very little to maintain it relative to the potential economic benefits.

The City can use open space as an enticement for visitation and as a destination virtue, which, together with historical and cultural amenities, can encourage longer stays.

Since the early 2000s, the City has increased the amount of open space to approximately 2,200 acres.

A main focal point in open space preservation has been the Granite Dells region. Through joint ventures with community partners, private sale acquisitions and bed-tax revenue here is a timeline of open space in the last decade.

In 2010, trail building began to expand through the Granite Dells area with additional trails throughout the Watson and Willow lakes areas. This continued for several years, along with improvements on the Peavine Trail, and connected trails to create loops around Watson and Willow.

By mid-2011 a total of 11 miles of trail were built through the Granite Dells. In 2019, the City purchased 160 acres of the Storm Ranch, which allowed for an additional 6 miles of trail. That same year, the City partnered with ECOSA, a program at Prescott College that studies the importance of design in shaping both natural and human environments, to build a ½-mile trail connection from Granite Dells to Willow Lake.

Fast forward to 2021; after nearly five years of negotiations, the City of Prescott and Arizona Eco Development reached an annexation agreement resulting in the City acquiring 474-acres of open space including No Name Creek and historic Point of Rocks. This acquisition is significant to the connectivity of the Peavine National Recreation Trail to the Chino Valley portion.

by Maggie Tidaback,

The Office of Economic Development for the Town of Chino Valley has launched a full fledge tourism campaign called “Discover Chino Valley.” Yes, there is tourism in Chino! We have a beautiful winery called Granite Creek Vineyards #morevinoinchino, an amazing micro-brewery with games and outdoor seating, hidden swimming holes, a Buddhist Temple and amazing and unique eating adventures for your not-so-everyday foodie. Most importantly, did someone say off-roading? Chino hosts the best off-roading adventure to Jerome. At a full 50-mile loop, you will have a very enjoyable day trip while soaking in the out of this world vistas and Arizona sun. The town applied for a rural co-op grant with the Arizona Office of Tourism and was granted the 50/50 match for the campaign. The campaign consists of an entire new brand kit, which includes a website, logo, colors, photography, videography, rack cards, electronic billboards in Phoenix in 2 strategic locations and more. Chino is on the map and ready to be discovered by new visitors. Please visit discoverchinovalley.org and sign up.

PRESCOTT LIVING:

Where do you get your budget?

Teri Drew: It’s determined by demographics. For workforce development, as an instance, funds are allocated based on demographics, unemployment numbers, poverty rates and declining industries. The state takes those numbers and applies a formula to decide how federal dollars will be distributed across the state.

In economic development, when we write applications for annual planning grants, we demonstrate the distress level of the District as the factor that determines our base funding.

and responsibility with federal funds and performance.

We are bound by federal regulations and rules for the management of each program that falls under federal funding. Those rules and regulations can be impeding sometimes, especially when the rules were development 5, 10 or 15 years ago. Then we have a pandemic, and none of the old rules really apply. Sometimes for the federal government to keep pace with what’s actually going on in the states is a bit of a challenge.

PRESCOTT LIVING:

Teri, you’re one COG of many in the nation. How many COGs are there?

Continued from page 71 Q

Take tourism, for example. We have an EDC Tourism Committee. Folks have asked to be on that committee to represent their community tourism opportunities from a regional perspective.

We offer opportunities for workforce requirements for boards and committees. We’ve been fortunate to have on our WDB large and small business industry representation, including YRMC Dignity Health, Fann Contracting and APS, as well as higher education representation from Yavapai College, NAU and Prescott College.

So, lots of board members, lots of time and lots of energy. So when you think about what NACOG does, we’re a clearinghouse. We contract for and invest state and federal funds to improve community.

We need firm data to indicate that we need those investments in our NACOG District. For example, data for workforce development funding includes the unemployment rate, poverty levels, etc. Higher unemployment equals higher demand for services, resulting in more funding; decreased unemployment indicates a decrease in demand for services, and consequently a decrease in funding.

PRESCOTT LIVING:

How big is the annual budget? Can you share that with us?

Teri Drew: For NACOG, the annual average operating budget is about $38 million, but can fluctuate on an annual basis. The Workforce Development budget is approximately $1.7 million. The annual Economic Development budget is a shared federal amount of $75,000 and community assessments of about 20% of the federal investment.

We are fortunate to not have to fundraise or beg, borrow or steal for our paychecks – and with that comes a demonstration of a solid reputation, success

Teri Drew: Across the country there are 600 COGs. In Arizona there are six, of which NACOG is among the largest.

When COGs came into being, they were primarily planning organizations. However, we’ve morphed into direct services. We’re larger in terms of staffing. NACOG has more than 500 staff. We’re a little bit different –some COGs don’t provide direct services an focus as planning organizations, consequently they are more limited. As I have said, we are one of the few COGs that serve our constituents directly.

PRESCOTT LIVING:

You are one of the largest COGs in the nation.

Teri Drew: In land area we are one of the largest, and while we aren’t as heavily populated as many COGs nationally, we have the advantage of diversity of populations when being considered for federal funding opportunities. Included in the federal definition of “equity” are indigenous communities. Being very populous in terms of sharing our District with nine tribal nations, we are at an advantage

for partnering together to access federal funds for mutual economic development opportunities.

With a land area of 47,786 square miles, we are roughly the same size as the entire state of New York, and we are bigger than many states. And we are quite diverse, home to very small rural communities as well as large cities and towns, such as Flagstaff, Prescott and Prescott Valley. We live in one of the most beautiful COG districts with many landmark tourism opportunities.

PRESCOTT LIVING:

Who sets the priorities for NACOG activities?

Teri Drew: Chris Fetzer is the Executive Director for NACOG. He leads the Board of Directors, known as Regional Council. I describe the Regional Council as one of NACOG’s “brain trusts” –our curators to develop a vision and a voice to combat common challenges in Northern Arizona.

Together as NACOG Program Directors, we help Regional Council understand the rules and regulations tied to funding sources as a means to guide Regional Council in the approval of community planning and processes.

The Yavapai County Workforce Development Board works cooperatively with the Board of Supervisors and the State of Arizona for the development and approval of plans for Yavapai County workforce development. NACOG is the agency that provides contracted services for plan implementation.

PRESCOTT LIVING:

What are your top priorities right now?

Teri Drew: There are so many. It would probably depend on who you talk to, but one of our top

priorities is the aging population and the loss of workers from the Great Baby Boomer labor force, which was the largest, wealthiest and most educated population in U.S. history.

There are just so many priorities, it’s hard to pare them down to a few. One example is early childhood education. Folks can’t get to work if they don’t have someone to care for their children. Another related concern is that NACOG’s Early Childhood Education Program is running well over 35 staffing vacancies right now, 19 in Yavapai County alone. Workforce is really important.

Economic development can’t happen without a talent pipeline. Some of our strategies are to develop that talent pipeline and help relocate folks and improve their skills so they can take local jobs and enjoy economic success. That is our priority.

Other priorities that I have already talked about is affordable, accessible and reliable broadband development in Northern Arizona. I would also add affordable housing and infrastructure improvement.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You’ve been doing this for a few years. What prompts you? What provokes you? Satisfies you?

Teri Drew: Gratitude. I’m grateful to contribute. I feel gladdened when somebody comes back and says, “You really made a difference in my life.”

Just a few days ago, I was at the Fry’s market. A woman came over and asked to give me a hug because I helped her with tuition fees. I’m always so grateful for that. That’s what motivates me to continue to do what I do.

Prescott is my home. I want my home to be the best that it can

be. I want to create and be any part of creating the best home –that extends to the community.

The other thing I tell folks is that I’m never bored. I’m challenged every single day. I need that for my personality – I need to be challenged. I need to be creative. I need to be innovative. I’ve been known to stretch the rubber band – and with those federal rules, let’s stretch them as far as they’ll go. We don’t step outside of the rules, but we can make them more flexible for our constituents.

My job is to spend money – my husband tells me that this is the best job for me. He says “You’re really good at that, honey.”

That’s what we do at NACOG. We invest federal funds on behalf of local communities and local government. We want our communities and residents to have the best they deserve.

PRESCOTT LIVING: We’re near the end of our time. Anything you want to share? Anything you want people to know?

Teri Drew: I raised my family from birth to successful adulthood while at NACOG. My husband, Rick Drew, is my life partner, we have been together for 50 years, married for 45. We had the good fortune to renew our vows in the company of our children and grandchildren in 2017.

My family is my #1 priority, my pride and my joy. They lift me up every day.

I have been blessed to serve the NACOG District, especially Yavapai County where I office and lead the workforce development system.

QA &

TONY BURRIS

Executive Chef, The Barley Hound

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

A: I moved from Nebraska in 2000 to attend Prescott College. After graduation, I worked for the Prescott National Forest in the wildlife department doing bird surveys before moving into the timber crew. I moved back home in 2004 to be with my family for a couple of years before Prescott pulled me back in 2006.

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

A: I’ve been drawn to cooking since I was a child; I grew up in the kitchen. Since it was so natural to me, I saw it more as a hobby. It took me a long time to make this my official career path, it was a hard decision that took a lot of self-confidence and risk.

Q: What is the biggest challenge of your job?

A: The staff shortages that all employers are currently facing. The challenge is not overworking the staff we do have and finding creative ways to retain them along with keeping their spirits up.

Q: What is the greatest reward of your job?

A: Being part of a successful hospitality group that continues to innovate and move forward. The fact that I play a role in that success is an immense privilege and something I’m incredibly proud of.

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

A: I am very interested in visiting Nashville, Tennessee. There are a few reasons why, one being I have never been and the history of that area is very fascinating to me. More importantly, I am looking forward to visiting a restaurant that belongs to a chef I personally look up to.

Q: If you could have dinner with any three to five people, who would it be?

A: My grandfather Michael Jordan Anthony Bourdain e.e. cummings Martin Luther King Jr.

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

Eat a Peach: A Memoir by David Chang. What starts off as a humble bragging story, the story turns into an intertwining journey of his life, restaurant empire, mental wellness, all while sharing stories of race, gender, family along with lessons on leadership, management and life.

Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?

A: Birding. Prescott has incredible landscapes that allow for great bird-watching opportunities throughout each season.

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