Prescott Living - Summer 2017

ButterBurgers®

Taste the small-town family favorite that started it all. Made with fresh, never frozen, 100% beef, your ButterBurger is cooked up only after you order, topped just the way you want it and served on a lightly buttered toasted bun.

Sundaes, Cones & Dishes

Frozen Custard in a Waffle Cone or Dish

Choose

• 21-years as a full-time Realtor® in Arizona

• #1 Coldwell Banker Agent Prescott continuously since 2009

• Over 1,400 closed transactions

• Certified with all national relocation companies

• USAA Movers Advantage agent & Navy Federal preferred agent • Top 2% of all Coldwell Banker Realtors® Nationally

• Extensive experience in the all the Quad Cities and surrounding area.

• Call me today and let me show you what I can do for you!

• Our advertising rates are very competitive

• Direct mailed to the targeted (top) households by postal carrier route in Prescott and Prescott Valley

• Distributed copies available via indoor and green outdoor rack locations throughout the region including Downtown Prescott Square

• Racked at seven major grocery stores in Prescott, Prescott Valley & Chino Valley including Fry’s, Safeway, and CVS in Prescott

• Racked by Brochure Works serving over 35 high traffic areas in hotels, restaurants, the Prescott airport, museums and many other key locations

No other publication of this kind has this reach!

or email

Tandem kayakers Donovan Hanley, Director of Sales and Marketing for Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise, and Robin Marquis, Senior Sales Manager for Aramark, Lake Powell Resort and Marina, smile as they enjoy beautiful Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona on Sunday, June 18. The outing was part of the Grand Circle Association Quarterly Meeting held at Residence Inn by Marriott, Prescott. The Prescott area is known for its magnificent lakes, and Watson Lake -- with its placid blue water surrounded by granite boulders and vegetation -- is no exception.

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel’s got you covered.

• Newest, most popular slot machines

• Live music Friday and Saturday nights

• Vegas-style live Blackjack and Poker

• Family fun amenities

• Hotel Play & Stay Packages

• 4 restaurants offering casual to upscale dining

Come

MANAGING

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com

COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@roxco.com

CALENDAR INQUIRES calendar@roxco.com

1129 Iron Springs Rd., Ste. 210 Prescott, AZ 86305 928.777.2397

Corporate

442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.426.2074

Dear Reader:

Every proud community deserves a publication that represents its residents, local businesses and visitors in an engaging and upscale format. The magazine you hold in your hands today will be the vehicle that shares your beautiful city with everyone who lives in or visits Prescott and the Quad-City area. But, more importantly, it will become the heartbeat of your community.

There is much to celebrate as we bring you this inaugural issue of Prescott LIVING Magazine. Along with our alliance partner, we’re also celebrating the 30th issue of Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine – in the Casa Grande region –and the 50th issue of Lake Havasu LIVING Magazine.

As all of our LIVING publications strive to accomplish in the regions we serve, we hope this debut issue will offer you the opportunity to learn more about this vibrant community and delight in its stories, while also bringing you some fun!

Living in Prescott is so much more than breathtaking scenery, incredible weather, great entertainment and history – it’s about the people, businesses and organizations that bring us together.

So, sit back, put your feet up and indulge yourself in the first of many great issues we have planned for you.

ENJOY!

Elaine Earle Publisher Prescott LIVING Magazine

Corridor LIVING Magazine

Magazine

Hello! We’re ROX Media Group

Prescott LIVING Magazine is brought to you by ROX Media Group, a multimedia organization providing an annual portfolio of 3.6 million print copies of community, custom and travel publications throughout Arizona and in neighboring states. Our publications collectively reach 10 million consumers who reside in or travel to Arizona every year, and bring engaging local content to the communities and marketing partners we serve.

Since our founding in 2011, we have earned the respect of our readers and marketing partners through our dedication to high quality, local content and our understanding of the key informational needs that drive media consumption, messaging and interaction.

Some of our additional offerings include:

• A full suite of creative services for any project

• Custom publications created, designed, edited, printed and distributed

• Digital media marketing services and website creation

• Project management services

• Events services

Although this publication you hold in your hand is our inaugural issue, ROX Media Group has been serving the Prescott area with our publications Quad-City Smart Shopper, 928HOMES and TravelHost Arizona beginning in 2013 and we are also the proud publisher of the Visitor Guide – Greater Prescott Area, which is published for the City of Prescott Office of Tourism. We are honored to expand our relationship with your community through the launch of our quarterly Prescott LIVING Magazine.

You can visit us any time at our temporary local office, located at 1129 Iron Springs Road, as we renovate and prepare for the grand opening of our new building at 130 N. Granite St. in Prescott or call us at 844-729-9769.

Meet Our Team: roxmediagroup.net

Larry Bagan

Publisher&ChiefOperations

Officer,VisitorMediaGroup

Elaine is an accomplished publisher and management professional with 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant and publisher of destination marketing products. Elaine and her team bring a “one firm” solution to clients. She has a passion for traveling and has been to over 30 countries.

Tim is a digital design professional with more than 25 years of experience. Tim is responsible for all creative consulting, magazine design, print production and web development for Contract Media Group and RAXX Direct Marketing. He manages production for multiple publications as well as multiple Drupal and Wordpress sites for clients.

Julie is a marketing professional with 20 years of experience working in client and agency settings. Julie has created and managed marketing strategies across many industries, designed to meet client objectives and stay within an established budget.

Larry provides more than 20 years of media experience, including successful tenures at Putman Media, Hanley Wood, Chilton/Cahners and McGraw-Hill. A graduate of the University of Tampa, Larry possesses a strong marketing and sales mindset and loves to assist organizations with growing revenue and market share.

Jake Pagano is an experienced and driven graphic designer whose creative design work can be found in dozens of consumer, travel and lifestyle publications throughout Arizona. Jake is currently responsible for a number of publications at ROX Media Group including Quad-CityShopper,SunHealthLiveWell and 928 Homes.

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

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

Chip has worked for Facebook as an advertising representative in the company’s Start to Success program and as a dedicated account manager for the Marketing Expert program. Chip has also helped clients build their digital presence on other social media platforms such as Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

Jerry’s an award-winning photographer/ filmmaker, with a formal arts education and 30-plus years as a photo-illustrator and crewing on Hollywood film and television productions. Relocating to Prescott in 1990, Jerry has since produced documentary films and pursued his passion for travel, which includes leading expeditions to Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Jon Flinner is an Account Executive at Rox Media Group and has over ten years in sales and customer service experience. He moved from San Diego with his family in the summer of 2004 to the Prescott area and has since resided in Arizona.

VOICES

[Editor’sNote:ROXMediaGroupwouldliketothankallof ourcontributorsformakingthisinauguralissueasuccess. Wewouldliketoextendaspecial“ThankYou!”toPrescott Pioneercontributorandauthorofthisissue’s“TheInterview,” RayNewton.Ray’slong-standingrelationshipsinthis communityopenedmanydoorsaswelaunchedthisinaugural edition,andresultedinmanyoftheamazingcontributors youseetoday.Hisvastexperienceinprintjournalismand educationhelpedtakeourpublicationtothenextlevel,while hiswisdomandwitmadeworkingwithhimatruepleasure! Wethankyouforsharingyourmanygiftswithus,Ray.]

Ray Newton

Journalist and Professor-AdministratorEmeritus, NorthernArizona University

A veteran of mass media ranging from weekly and daily newspapers to directing writing workshops for the Reader’s Digest, from book editing to book writing — Ray has been there. He is a professor-administrator emeritus from Northern Arizona University, now retired and residing in Prescott with his wife, Patty.

Martha Baden

Manager, Public Services, PrescottPublic Library

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

Judy Bluhm

REALTOR®, Century21AZWest

Judy is a writer and columnist, winning the Arizona Newspaper Association Best Column award in 2015. She is a REALTOR with Century 21 AZ West and lives in Skull Valley.

Rita Carey Rubin, MS, RD, CDE

RegisteredDietitianandCertifiedDiabetesEducator

Yavapai Regional Medical Center

Rita is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with the Preventive Medicine Team at Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona. Rita is also the host of Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s popular nutrition program “Your Healthy Kitchen.”

Tim Carter

School Superintendent

Yavapai CountyEducation ServiceAgency

Tim is a lifelong Arizonan, residing in Prescott since 1979. He is in his 43rd year as an educator, serving as a teacher-coach, before serving as the principal of Prescott High School for 12 years. He has served as the elected Yavapai County School Superintendent since 2005.

John Cox, C.M.,

C.A.E

Manager,ErnestA.LoveField(PRC)

John is the manager of Ernest A. Love Field (PRC) and responsible for creating a vision for the future of PRC and enhancing the economic stability of the airport area. John graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), and has over 25 years of aviation management and airport development experience at various-sized airports.

Margo Christensen

Vice PresidentofMarketing and Public Relations

Ponderosa Hotel ManagementServices

Margo is vice president of marketing and public relations for Ponderosa Hotel Management Services, LLC. As well, serves on the board of directors for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. She is also a founding member of the City of Prescott Tourism Advisory Committee.

Kathy DeFreitas

PrescottStation Manager, GreatLakesAirlines

Kathy has been at the Prescott Municipal Airport since December 1998 in the capacity of station manager. She has worked for America West Express and US Airways Express under Air Midwest (Mesa Airlines.) She has been with Great Lakes Airlines since 2008.

Tim Diesch

Marketing Specialist,Yavapai College

Tim has worked in marketing, advertising and tourism promotion in Prescott since 2003. Clients served include the City of Prescott, Prescott Frontier Days and The World’s Oldest Rodeo, The Phippen Museum and Sharlot Hall Museum. Tim has worked to promote enrollment at Yavapai College for the past four years.

John Flicker

President, PrescottCollege

Formerly the president of the National Audubon Society, John has transitioned from protecting birds to helping sustain a private liberal arts school in Northern Arizona, serving as president of Prescott College. Flicker also worked at the Nature Conservancy for 21 years.

of the Community

Robin and Linda Forbes

Co-owners and Developers,The Old Firehouse Plaza

Robin and Linda are the owners and developers of The Old Firehouse Plaza and also own the Classy N Sassy Boutique, Prescott Lobster and Seafood Co. and Quality Software Solutions, Inc. They are members of the Chamber of Commerce and Prescott Downtown Partnership.

Dennis Gallagher

FounderandPresident,PrescottWesternHeritageFoundation

Dennis is the founder and president of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc., a 50l(c)3 nonprofit organization, whose mission is to preserve and promote our Western heritage. He is also a Western artist/bronze sculptor, and an active volunteer for numerous community events. He and his wife, MaryAnn, have been married 50 years and have resided in Prescott for 10 years.

Michael Grady

Playwright, FreelanceWriterand Storyteller

Michael is an Arizona playwright, freelance writer and storyteller whose plays have included “Lights,” “Past History,” “The Harmony Codes,” and “White Picket Fence.” He has written for The Tucson Weekly, Phoenix Magazine and the Phoenix New Times, and works in Marketing for Yavapai College in Prescott.

Sandy Griffis

Executive Director,Yavapai CountyContractorsAssociation

Sandy is executive director of Yavapai County Contractors Association, and has lived in the Prescott area for 21 years. Sandy has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and an MBA in business with a minor in music from San Diego State.

Dr. Mary Ellen Halvorson

FounderandSuperintendent,Tri-CityCollegePrepHighSchool

Mary Ellen, founder and superintendent of Tri-City College Prep High School, received her Doctor of Education from California Coast University. After graduating from NAU, she began her teaching career with Prescott Unified School District. She has also taught at Yavapai Community College and directed programs for the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe.

Richard Heath

Executive Director, NAU-PrescottValleycampus

Richard is the executive director of the NAU-Prescott Valley campus and administrative lead for the Community Development and Sustainability (CDSY) Program. He has worked full-time for NAU since October 2016. He has 27 years of experience working in community and economic development and organizational management.

Sheri L. Heiney

President/CEO, Prescott ChamberofCommerce

Sheri was hired as the President/CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in January 2017. She moved to Arizona from Michigan, and has over 23 years of chamber professional experience.

Joe Howard

Superintendent,PrescottUnifiedSchoolDistrict

A Prescott High School Alum, Joe has been in the Prescott area for 30 years total. Joe started his teaching career in Chino Valley, then became the principal at Prescott Mile High Middle School. He then served for five years as assistant superintendent. Joe is currently in his first year of superintendency and is focused on success for all students.

Ken Lain

Owner,Watters Garden Center

Ken grew up in Prescott, attended Yavapai College and obtained his degrees from ASU. He married his college sweet Lisa WattersLain and has four children. His garden advice can be heard each week on the radio. Throughout the week, Ken can be found at Watters Garden Center.

Tricia Lewis

Communications Professional ADOT and World’s Oldest Rodeo

Tricia is a communications professional with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). She also serves as the marketing agency for the World’s Oldest Rodeo® and other highprofile clients in the greater Prescott area.

Abby McCarty

Head ofSchool, BASIS Prescott

Abby has been with BASIS Prescott since inception in 2014, as a teacher, dean of students and currently, the head of school. She is a graduate from the Appalachian State University and has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in secondary education.

Harry Oberg

Mayor, CityofPrescott

Harry was born in Laramie, Wyoming in 1947. He grew up in Prescott, Arizona. After being drafted in 1966, Harry served 33 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. Harry and his wife Jeanna returned to Prescott in 2007 and he was elected Mayor in August 2015.

Submit your events online at prescottlivingmag.com

JULY

1 Prescott Winter Farmers Market - 10:00 AM - 930 Division St. YRMC Pendleton Ctr., Prescott

1

Gheral Brownlow Memorial 10k & 2 mi Fun Run! - 6:30 AM8:30 AM - Brownlow Trail, Pioneer Park 1200 Commerce Dr., Prescott Register @ www.runprescott.com

1 Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade - 9:00 AM-12:00 PMCourthouse Plaza 120 S. Cortez St., Prescott

1

Cooking Class Grilling and Broiling - 11:00 AM-1:00 PM - Watson Lake Inn Bed & Breakfast 3155 N. State Route 89, Prescott

1 Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Art & Crafts Show - 9:00 AM-4:00 PM - Courthouse Plaza 120 S. Cortez St., Prescott

1 Night of Nostalgia @ The Pine Cone - 5:30 PM-8:30 PM - The Pine Cone 1245 White Spar Rd., Prescott

2 StoneRidge Freedom Festival - 4:00 PM-7:00 PM - Prescott Club @ StoneRidge 1601 N. Bluff Top Dr., Prescott Valley Free For Residence $15 For Non-residents

4 4th of July Fireworks and Celebration! - 12:00 PM-10:00 PM - Mile High Middle School 300 S. Granite St., Prescott. GA:$5 Unlimited Inflatable Pass $10

4 Firecracker Express/Verde Canyon Railroad - 11:00 AM5:00 PM - Verde Canyon Railroad 300 N. Broadway Clarkdale

5 Red Cross Community Blood Drive - 4:00 PM-7:00 PMStoneRidge Community Center 1300 Stoneridge Dr., Prescott Valley

6 Plaza Suite - Live Theatre7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

6 Build A Better World With Magician Eric Giliam - 10:00 AM11:00 AM - Prescott Public Library 215 E. Goodwin St., Prescott

6 Red Cross Community Blood Drive - 10:00 AM-3:00 PMEmbry Riddle 3700 Willow Creek Rd., Prescott

6 Arizona Humanities Lecture: The Woman Who Shot Cowboys5:00 PM-6:30 PM - Prescott Public Library 215 E. Goodwin St., Prescott

7 Plaza Suite - Live Theatre7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

8 Prescott Winter Farmers Market - 10:00 AM - 930 Division St. YRMC Pendleton Ctr., Prescott

8 Bus Stop - 7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

8 Starlight Train Ride - 5:30 PM-9:30 PM - Verde Canyon Railroad 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale First class: $89.95 Coach: Adults $64.95 Seniors $59.95 Children (2-12)

$44.95

8 20th Annual Prescott Indian Art Market - 9:00 AM-5:00 PMSharlot Hall Museum 415 W. Gurley St. $10 adults $8 members & Free for 17 and under

8 Containers that Bloom Like Crazy!/ Garden Class - 9:30 AM10:30 AM - Watters Garden Center 1815 Iron Springs Rd., Prescott

8 GCFD Bingo Night - 6:00 PM8:00 PM - Groom Creek Fire District 1110 E. Friendly Pines Rd., Prescott $1 Card

9 20th Annual Prescott Indian Art Market - 9:00 AM-4:00 PMSharlot Hall Museum 415 W. Gurley St. $10 adults $8 members & Free for 17 and under

9 Same Time, Next Year - 2:00 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

11 American Legion Post 108 Meeting - 7:00 PM - United Methodist Church 8944 E. Sommer Dr., Prescott Valley

July/August/September 2017

JULY

(continued)

11

Gospel @ The Elks / Eagle Rock Gospel Singers - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Elks Opera House Theatre 117 E. Gurley St., Prescott $20

13

Same Time, Next Year7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

13

Build a Better World With Trout Fishing in America10:00 AM-11:00 AM - Prescott Public Library 215 E. Goodwin St., Prescott

13

Build a Better World With Trout Fishing in America5:30 PM-6:30 PM - Prescott Public Library 215 E. Goodwin St., Prescott

14

Same Time, Next Year7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

14

Urinetown - 7:30 PMPrescott Center for the Arts

@ Stage Too 208 N. Marina Prescott Adults: $17 Youth: $12

15 Plaza Suite - Live Theatre7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

15

Master Gardeners’ Plant and Yard Sale - 7:30 AM-12:30 PM - Prescott Rodeo Grounds

Parking Lot 840 Rodeo Rd., Prescott Free, No Pets

15 Urinetown - 7:30 PMPrescott Center for the Arts

@ Stage Too 208 N. Marina Prescott Adults: $17 Youth: $12

15

Attract Birds, Bees & Butterflies - 9:30 AM-10:30

AM - Watters Garden Center 1815 Iron Springs Rd., Prescott

15 Prescott Winter Farmers Market - 10:00 AM - 930

Division St. YRMC Pendleton Ctr., Prescott

16 Urinetown - 2:00 PMPrescott Center for the Arts

@ Stage Too 208 N. Marina Prescott

Adults: $17 Youth: $12

16 Bus Stop - 2:00 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

15

Master Gardeners’ Plant and Yard Sale - 7:30 AM-12:30

PM - Prescott Rodeo Grounds

Parking Lot 840 Rodeo Rd., Prescott Free, No Pets

18 If You Give a Cat a Cupcake: Cupcake Bonanza! - 1:00

PM-2:30 PM - Prescott Public Library

215 E. Goodwin St., Prescott

19 Territorial Talent: Cadillac Angels - 5:00 PM-6:00

PM - Prescott Public Library 215 E. Goodwin St., Prescott

20 Bus Stop - 7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

20 Air Force Association Luncheon - 11:00 AM -

Augie’s Restaurant 1721 AZ 69, Prescott

21 Urinetown - 7:30 PMPrescott Center for the Arts

@ Stage Too 208 N. Marina Prescott

Adults: $17 Youth: $12

21 The Merry Wives of Windsor/ Flagstaff

Shakespeare Festival - 7:30 PM-9:30

PM - Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff

Adults $20 Ages 16 & Under $10

21 Third Friday Chamber Music Series - 3:30 PM-4:30

PM - Prescott Public Library 215 E. Goodwin St., Prescott

21 Bus Stop - 7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

21 The Merry Wives of Windsor/ Flagstaff

Shakespeare Festival - 7:30 PM-9:30

PM - Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff

Adults $20 Ages 16 & Under $10

22

Same Time, Next Year7:30 PM - Stage Too! in the alley behind the Peregrine Book C, Prescott $17

22

The Merry Wives of Windsor/ Flagstaff

Shakespeare Festival - 2:00 PM-4:00

PM - Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff

Adults $20 Ages 16 & Under $10

22 The Merry Wives of Windsor/ Flagstaff

Shakespeare Festival - 7:30 PM-9:30

PM - Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff

Adults $20 Ages 16 & Under $10

22

Urinetown - 7:30 PMPrescott Center for the Arts @ Stage Too 208 N. Marina Prescott

Adults: $17 Youth: $12

22 12th Annual Shootout on Whiskey Row - 9:00 AM-5:00 PM - Historic/Western Downtown Prescott S. Montezuma St., Prescott

22

Prescott Winter Farmers Market - 10:00 AM - 930

Division St. YRMC Pendleton Ctr., Prescott

22 The Art Of Brewing Your Own Kombucha - 9:00 AM-11:00 AM - 219 W. Gurley St., Prescott $30 Registration Call 928.445.4656, Visit Location Or Online https://nectarapothecary. com/product/art-of-brewing-yourown-kombucha/

22

Perennial Flowers with Impressive Blooms/ Garden Class - 9:30 AM-10:30 PM - Watters Garden Center 1815 Iron Springs Rd., Prescott

Exciting events and striking scenery in the greater Prescott area!

UTABOUT

-ANDcontinued on page 96...

Your photo could be featured in the next edition of Prescott LIVING Magazine. One lucky (randomly selected) winner will receive two first-class tickets on the Verde Canyon Railroad!

Submit your photo of people, places or events online at prescottlivingmag.com/photocontest or on our facebook page.

This edition’s winner is: DAN HAMMEL!

See the photos on page 30...

THE PRESCOTT

Stories by Ray Newton

Why Prescott is the softball capital of Arizona

Some call them “The Boys of Summer”—the historic and traditional name for ballplayers, professional, semi-professional and amateur—who scramble onto baseball diamonds across the nation.

But in Prescott, change it to “Boys and Girls, Men and Women of Summer”— all ages, sizes and abilities. What’s more, they come from all over the country to play in what the City of Prescott proudly boasts “The Softball

Joe Baynes, director of Recreation Services for City of Prescott, says that for generations—almost since the community was founded in 1864 by early frontiersmen – miners, ranchers, cowboys (and some say, a few outlaws), have swung bats and rounded bases. Those early settlers brought what was initially called baseball into the community after the Civil War. Over the years, it morphed into softball because more and more people –youth, men and women— played it as an entertaining sport and recreation.

Baynes also says softball is such an integral part of Prescott’s summer culture, that every day, from morning

until often late evening, fields throughout the city are used by hundreds of ballplayers.

Baynes credits City of Prescott Recreation Supervisor Rick Hormann and his talented team with recently having propelled Prescott into the national softball spotlight.

“These past few years we’ve seen hundreds of teams and thousands of ballplayers come to Prescott,” he said. “They come from all over the country. It’s because our Recreation Services crew dedicates its efforts to making this the best softball venue in the country.”

The city is proud of its 12 immaculately groomed and well-lit fields scattered across the community. Additionally,

PIONEER

Prescott National Forest and local cooperators entered Stage I Fire Restrictions

The Prescott National Forest entered into Stage I Fire Restrictions on June 1. The following prohibitions were placed into effect for all Prescott National Forest lands:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except in developed recreation sites with metal fire rings or cooking grills. Forest visitors are urged to reference the Prescott National Forest website for a list of developed recreation sites allowing campfires under Stage I Fire Restrictions (https://www.fs.usda.gov/ prescott). These sites are also listed below.

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a developed recreation site in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

• Discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal laws and regulations.

In late May and early June, the forest and adjacent lands began experiencing dry and windy conditions along with an increase in fire activity, including numerous abandoned campfires over the Memorial Day holiday.

Pete Gordon, Fuels, Fire, & Aviation Staff Officer for the Prescott National Forest said, “The dry condition of vegetation across much of the Central Highlands of Yavapai County, including the Prescott National

Forest is climbing steadily above average, trending toward very high or extreme conditions.”

He added, “The winter and spring precipitation brought much-needed relief from the drought, but with it, an abundance of grasses. These grasses are now tall and curing, making them quickly available for fast-moving wildfires. We see these restrictions as an opportunity to limit the wildfire occurrence at a time when we are likely to see fires become more difficult to control, and at a time we’re likely to see competition for resources across the region.”

Gordon said the decision to implement Stage I restrictions was made with agency partners. The Prescott National Forest

has worked closely with the Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Yavapai County Emergency Services, and all municipal and volunteer fire departments in the Verde Valley, Prescott area and others adjacent to the forest. Neighboring community members as well as forest visitors are encouraged to act responsibly and remain vigilant. Fires can be started by many activities taken for granted and are not just limited to careless campfires or a carelessly placed cigarette. Officials warn that people should pay attention to anything that creates heat or sparks, such as dragging tow chains, welding a corral fence or

even mowing the grass where a hiding rock can cause a spark. Wildfires are often started on private land and move into public lands, such as the Prescott National Forest. Fire managers and police remind all forest visitors that the use of exploding targets, incendiary devices and fireworks are always illegal on national forests land.

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST DEVELOPED RECREATION SITES:

Campfires are allowed in metal fire rings and metal pedestal grills provided by the Forest Service in the following developed recreation sites only:

continued on page 21...

CEO OF FANN CONTRACTING MAKES PLEDGE TO HIS HOMETOWN

by Mike Fann, CEO of Fann Contracting

Dear Prescott:

I must confess. I’m not much of a sentimental, “let my emotions show” guy. The requirements of my CEO job – making objective, fact-based decisions which often involve millions of dollars –don’t leave much wiggle room for sentimentality. The margins are too close and the consequences too severe to let me do something impulsively. But, I also must confess that I don’t follow that path when it comes to doing something to

give back to my hometown of Prescott. I grew up here, went to school, played sports, went to movies and dances and made friends who are yet part of my life here. I benefited tremendously.

I also learned early in life from Mom and Dad (Sylvia and Jim Fann) that I should be socially responsible in everything I do.

I love Prescott and everything the community and its citizens have done for me. Therefore, it’s only fair and fitting that I give

back what I can, when I can. I owe that to Prescott.

It was that belief that prompted me to found FEMAD -- Fann Employees Making A Difference. Since its founding in 2006, our employees, most of whom live in the immediate

Prescott area, have contributed more than $340,000 to help support qualified local charitable organizations.

As long as Fann Contracting is around, it will remain a vibrant part of the community.

That’s my pledge to Prescott.

THE PAKIS CENTER FOR BUSINESS PHILANTHROPY AT THE ARIZONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Two Arizona companies receive $40,000 each for their innovative philanthropy initiatives

The Arizona Community Foundation’s Pakis Center for Business Philanthropy recently announced the prize-winning companies in its first-ever BOOST! Prize competition. Fann Contracting, Inc., a Prescott-based highway and civil construction company, and Goodmans Interior Structures, an office furniture dealer with offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Albuquerque, will each receive $40,000 to boost their efforts as good corporate citizens.

“Strong executives know it’s also good for business, helping companies maintain an engaged and productive work force, improving employee recruitment and retention, and enhancing their reputation in the community,” said Fred Pakis, who co-founded Scottsdale-based JDA Software in 1985 and serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Community Foundation.

Fann Contracting was established in 1960 by James and Sylvia Fann, and for over a half-century the company has been fundamental to Arizona’s infrastructure. From the beginning, it has been the Fann family’s tradition to share their success by contributing to area nonprofit organizations. President Mike Fann — with his son, Jason, who is part-owner—proudly follows in his parents’ footsteps

in many ways, including leadership of the company’s corporate giving program dubbed FEMAD, for Fann Employees Making a Difference. With employee engagement, matching gifts and in-kind giving, Fann Contracting actively supports charities that provide assistance to adults with disabilities, individuals with health-related issues, and programs that relate to the development of children and healing for families in crisis. In addition to increasing Fann Contracting’s giving portfolio, the BOOST! Prize dollars will support the community outreach program Fann intends to develop.

Goodmans Interior Structures serves corporations, hospitals, universities and government agencies located in Arizona and New Mexico. Established in 1954, the company has developed a reputation for being a family-owned business that specializes in customer-centered service, innovative office design and a commitment to the community. Goodmans is one of the first certified B Corporations in Arizona, a legal designation that recognizes commitment to the community, the environment and employees. Under the leadership of third-generation President and CEO, Adam Goodman, the company has become a nationwide leader in products that

support cultural alignment, workplace strategy and sustainable construction practices.

Goodmans will use the BOOST! Prize dollars to enhance three of its many programs for giving back to the community. GoodTHREADS Boutique is a clothing bank in Southern Arizona that collects and distributes clothing to foster, adoptive, and kinship families. The AIM to Make a Difference program will get a website portal for furniture repurposing that matches local nonprofits with surplus used office furniture. Good Inc. is an incubator that gives mission-aligned startups access to the Goodmans world-class work environment, including mentorship with executives in human resources, marketing, technology, finance, operations and sales. Last fall, ACF’s Pakis Center for Business Philanthropy began accepting applications for a $40,000 BOOST! Prize from mid-size, Arizona-based companies. The challenge was designed to encourage business leaders to commit more deeply to their charitable efforts and make philanthropy a core part of their operations. Both BOOST! Prize winning companies will utilize a portion of the prize money to engage other mid-size businesses in making a difference in the communities where they live and work.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Visitors Keep Discovering Prescott

Seeing several out-of-state license tags is routine when you search for a parking place in downtown Prescott.

The same is true with finding seats at restaurants or vacant rooms at hotels and motels. Such places are filling up.

That’s not surprising, considering that hotel occupancy numbers are higher by more than 5.8 percent over the same time last year. Likewise, daily revenue for hotels is up by almost the same.

The City of Prescott, in a recent news release, indicated fiscal year bed tax revenues, created by taxes on hotel rooms, increased substantially.

In fact, a study recently completed revealed that about 45 percent of the city’s consumer credit card expenditures occur when visitors spend more than one day in Prescott. Another 16 percent comes from day-visitors, and 39 percent from local residents, the study indicated.

Margo Christensen, a founding member of the City of Prescott Tourism Advisory Committee and an executive board member for the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, said, “As a tourism industry stakeholder, I am pleased to see the city’s steady and consistent improvement in travel and tourism numbers and bed tax collections. The recent study commission by the City of Prescott Office of Tourism from the Buxton Company in Dallas shows the majority of consumer spending comes from outside visitors. Without visitors, our local economy and quality of life would diminish significantly.”

Christensen, vice president for marketing and management, Ponderosa Hotel Management Services, also noted the Prescott consistently is a leader in Arizona in being cited as a dynamic tourism community.

Just recently, the national newspaper, USA Today, indicated Prescott had been nominated as one of the “Best Arizona Attractions.”

Yet another recent poll, Expedia Viewfinder, cited Prescott as one of the “…coolest downtowns in North America.” Among criteria used: ”…one of a kind dining options, local arts and crafts venues, unique shop-

continued on page 37...

FIRE RESTRICTIONS..cont. from page 19

Prescott National Forest - BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT

• Alto Pit OHV campground & day-use

• Yavapai campground

• Cayuse Equestrian TH day-use

• Wekuvde day-use

• Groom Creek Horse campground

• Hazlett Hollow campground

• Lower Wolf Creek campground

• Upper Wolf Creek group campground

• Hilltop campground

• Lynx Lake campground

• Lynx Creek Ruin day-use

• Lynx Lake North Shore day-use

• Lynx Lake South Shore day-use

CONTINUED…

• Eagle Ridge Group campground

• Thumb Butte day-use (Group, individual and Ramada sites)

• Turney Gulch group campground

• Horsethief Cabin rental

• White Spar campground

Prescott National Forest - VERDE RANGER DISTRICT

• Mingus Mountain campground

• Playground group campground

• Potato Patch campground

• Powell Springs campground

• Beasley Flat day-use

• White Bridge day-use (Coconino NF)

• Summit day-use

• Copper Canyon trailhead

• Sycamore Cabin rental

Additional resources:

Arizona Fire Restrictions: firerestrictions.us/az/

Public Lands in Arizona: wildlandfire.AZ.gov or call 1-877-864-6985

Prescott National Forest Fire Information Hotline: 928-777-5799

Prescott National Forest Web Site: fs.usda.gov/prescott/

Local Ranger Stations:

Bradshaw Ranger District 928- 443-8000

Chino Valley Ranger District 928- 777-2200

Verde Ranger District 928- 567-4121

The LIVING Interview

Melissa Ruffner

Melissa Ruffner and her mother, Elisabeth, know Prescott’s history. Get to know them.

Interview by R ay Newton

You can often find Melissa dressed in Victorian costumes, providing walking tours and sharing stories from Prescott’s past. Or, you may find her appearing in a dinner show at the Palace Restaurant and Saloon. She has written Prescott: A Pictorial History, Arizona Territorial Sampler: Food and Lifestyles of a Frontier and Prescott Yesteryears. She is also the author and contributor of a number of monologues. And all of this is just the start! She recently took a break from talking about Prescott’s history to share with us more about her family’s history and impact on our community.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Tell us about the Ruffner family’s roots in Arizona.

MELISSA RUFFNER: The Ruffner family first arrived in Arizona in 1867 when Marion Andrew “Andy” Ruffner co-discovered copper in what is now the Town of Jerome. After Andy Ruffner came to Arizona, he then talked to his nephew, my Great-Uncle George, about coming out. So, George came out sometime in the 1880s. He cowboyed for a while, and in 1888, he was one of five men who helped start the rodeo here in Prescott. And it is the world’s oldest, which is why the little TM trademark is by the name. Actually there is a (board) game called Trivial Pursuit. One question is, “Where is the home of World’s Oldest Rodeo?” And the answer is Prescott.

George Ruffner is the first man in Arizona to actually bulldog a steer, and it was not even an event in the rodeo at that time. He was supposed to be steer- roping and he missed the toss, which meant no day money, because he didn’t do anything. This was down in Phoenix. He saw the steer going toward the pinewood bleachers, which had no barrier in front of the crowd. He was afraid the audience was going to be mauled by this huge bull, which was already pretty upset that somebody was trying to rope

him. So, he threw himself off the back of his horse onto the back of the steer and wrestled it to the ground.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How is George connected to the rest of your family?

MELISSA RUFFNER: George, as a young man, met a woman from Tempe, and her name was Mary. She went by Molly Birchett, because there was already a Mary Ruffner, who my grandfather had married. (Laughs) So, Molly Birchett was Great-Aunt Molly. It seems like the Ruffner men seemed to attract or be attracted to pretty strongwilled women.

PRESCOTT LIVING: During these days, Prescott was the Territorial Capital, correct?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Yes. Prescott was where you came to file deeds or mining claims or to interest people in funding you, so you could continue on (prospecting). You also came to buy groceries. And Yavapai County, where my Great-Uncle George became sheriff, ran as far north as Utah and as far east as New Mexico. It was huge. In fact, it is known as the ‘Mother of Arizona Counties’—Coconino, Navajo, Apache and Gila among them.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Speaking of family, your mother Elisabeth is one of the well-known community leaders in the State of Arizona, as are you?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Yes, she is.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How has your mother inspired you?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Well, let me tell you how my mom came to be in Prescott, Arizona. She was a pre-med student at the University of Cincinnati and in a sorority. She went out on a blind date along with a sorority sister, who was on a blind date with the man who ended up being my dad. At the time, my mom was on a blind date with another gentleman. Well, Mom and Dad liked each other better than they liked the people they were with on this blind date. And so, they started dating. My father asked my grandmother for my mother’s hand, and my grandmother and mother came out here on a train, got off in Williams and came into Prescott. My grandmother saw my mother properly married and then she went back to Cincinnati. So, they married in August of 1940. I was born a year later. Mom had to go to work while Dad was away at war, so Mom went to work in Dr. Yount’s office and set up a laboratory, so that they could test, among other things, the “working girls,” who were here working during the war. So, the sorority girl, from Cincinnati, Ohio, ends up doing blood work to test the working girls who were here. I can’t imagine what a cultural shock that must have been.

My father – God bless him. He was an Arizona Western man, and he thought a wedding trip – hauling my mother around on their honeymoon to visit all of his Indian friends on the Hopi and Navajo reservations – was just the ticket. Now, she’d never slept on the ground before, or any place

The LIVING Interview (continued)

except a bed. And she had no idea why anybody would want to. He brought one big sleeping bag and a coffee pot. They made campfires and, you know, they bought food at the trading post and things like that.

But that had to be a culture shock. I’ve said to Mom often, “Why you didn’t take me and get on the train and say, ‘Oh, hell no?’” And you don’t even have to print that part. (Laughs)

Anyway, Mom helped start the hospital district. She was a Pink Lady, which is a volunteer. I was a candy striper, because Mom recruited her kids first to do the things that she felt were important. There’s a plaque that was just recently put up at the library. She’s been a volunteer at our public library for 75 years, so they put a little placard for her.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Tell us more about your family.

MELISSA RUFFNER: Dad influenced us in so many ways. My brother, George, has a company called EcoPlan. They do environmental impact studies. I have worked for 36 years for Road Scholar, which was formerly called Elderhostel, doing outdoor programs. So Dad also influenced us in so many ways. I love the outdoors. When the weather is nice, I have to be back outside and doing something. In fact, I have a fishing license, and I’m going to go fishing when I get the chance. My father taught me an important thing and that was, “If you don’t know how to do something, say yes, you’ll do the job. Then find out how to do it.” And I have learned how to do more things because I’ve said, “Sure, I’ll do that.” And so, you know, that’s where we are today.

PRESCOTT LIVING: That’s wonderful.

MELISSA RUFFNER: All the members of the family have been involved in all kinds of things. And it’s gone down to our children and grandchildren. They’re all involved in doing all kinds of different things.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Has your family ever been involved in politics?

MELISSA RUFFNER: (Laughs) Whenever I travel, like back East, when my daughter was stationed back East, people would say, “Oh, you’re from Arizona.” People have asked me why my parents…never ran for office, and they both answered, “Because they could do more by not being a politician.” And so, they were always active in things that mattered to this town, but they never ran for a political office for that reason, because then people might expect them to do things that they didn’t feel they could accomplish or feel right about doing.

PRESCOTT LIVING: The Ruffners are highly acknowledged. Tell some of the accolades you’ve received for your work?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Mom and I both received the Sharlot Hall Award. Mom is a Culture Keeper, as am I, so Mom and I both have Culture Keeper and Sharlot Hall awards. Mom and Dad and I have all received the Al Merito award from the Arizona Historical Society. I have to tell you that when I first started doing my historical tours downtown and dressing in costume, my children were humiliated. They’d say “Oh yeah, Mom’s downtown walking, you know, running around telling people about the town, and she’s dressed up like one of those old ladies, you know?” And we used to have a tour that ran a couple of summers downtown, so when my youngest daughter was downtown once, when she was supposed to have already been home, I said on the mic on the trolley, “And over here we have a young lady who should have been home 45 minutes ago.” (Laughs) She booked it home.

PRESCOTT LIVING: So, you are here in costume, and you can often be seen out and about in costume. Tell us about that.

MELISSA RUFFNER: One of the reasons that I dress up in Victorian costume – especially in the summertime – and come down and talk with visitors and so forth, is that my Great-Uncle George’s picture, with his feet up on the desk, is on the wall out here in The Palace. I often point that out to people and tell them a little about it. Just to share

a funny story with you. One day a man was sitting at a table pretty close to the front of the saloon part of the restaurant. I always sit toward the back where the display cases are, kind of in that little corner at that table. The Palace had just opened, and I had come in and sat down and had my Diet Pepsi. Then, Steven Waller, who you probably will see out here came in, because he’s one of the re-enactors. He also helps get people seated and so forth, and Bob Anderson, who’s always down here and is another re-enactor, along with Clark, Ray and several of the gentlemen, came up to me and would doff their hat and greet me and ask how I was. I have always believed that if you’re going to wear the costume of the period, you need to respect the manners of the period as well. [Editor’s note: “Re-enactors” are local volunteers who dress in late 19th century Western garb and role-play those parts in events around the community]. So, this man is sitting at this table. After five or six of my friends all in costume have come up, he comes up to me and he says, “You must be the madam because every man is checking in with you.” And I said, “No, I am not the madam (Laughs). I am a town historian in costume,” or something to that effect. All very lady-like of course. But yeah, you know, people say funny things when they come in here. You just never ever know what’s going to come up.

PRESCOTT

LIVING: You’re the founder of Victorian Society. What prompted you to do that?

MELISSA RUFFNER: I was the first president because no one else wanted to do it. I said, “If we’re going do this, we have to have officers.” So, I was the president. I wasn’t really the founder. I suppose you might even call me the co-founder, possibly, because Pat Stotts, who’s a dear friend of mine for years, had been in Virginia and had gone to some event that included the Victorian Society in whatever town she was in. She came back and had a number of us ladies get together. Pat Stotts sews, so costumes were no problem for her. In fact, one of the ladies made this dress for me and sewed it. I don’t sew. I design costumes. I make a lot of my own hats, but I don’t sew. And so, we met at the Prescott Public Library and decided who would do what, and we were very active for probably 10 years or so. Then, be-

CITY SPEAK SUMMER EVENT SEASON IS HEATING UP IN PRESCOTT

by Harry B. Oberg, Mayor of Prescott

The summer and fall seasons are packed with great outdoor events in the City of Prescott. These events bring out residents and visitors alike to experience all that our fine city has to offer.

Greetings! I am pleased to be invited to write a column for the new Prescott LIVING Magazine. I would like to focus my first such column on all of the great outdoor events in Prescott throughout the summer and early fall.

Prescott’s special events season is already in mid-season form. The summer and fall seasons are packed with great outdoor events in the City of Prescott. These events bring out residents and visitors alike to experience all that our fine city has to offer.

May was a great month, with the Whiskey Row Marathon, which was in its 39th year. It is considered to be one of the toughest races in the country, due to elevation, terrain and possible weather challenges. The Mountain Artists Guild Fine Art and Wine Festival took place Mother’s Day weekend, and on the same weekend, the Prescott Highland Games brought Celtic traditional games, food and fun to Watson Lake. At the end of May, the Phippen Western Art Show took place at the Courthouse Plaza. Now in its 43rd year, the event features fine artists from all over the country.

June started with the Summer Concert Series hosted by the Prescott Downtown Partnership on June 1, with multiple dates each week through August. Party in the Pines Beer, Food and Music Festival took place at Mile High Middle School, and the Territorial Days Fine Art & Craft Show on the Courthouse Plaza was hosted by the Prescott Chamber. The Yavapai Classic Cruiser Car Show also rolled in to Mile High Middle School. June 24-25 brought the Prescott Bluegrass Festival on Goodwin Street. And, we round out the month with the start of the World’s Oldest Rodeo® June 28. Finally, the Kiwanis Club Kiddie Parade is on June 30 on Cortez Street.

July kicks off with the world-famous Prescott Fron-

tier Days Rodeo Parade in downtown Prescott and the Whiskey Row Street Dance on July 1 on Montezuma Street. Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Art & Crafts Show is held from July 1-3 at the Courthouse Plaza. The World’s Oldest Rodeo® takes place at the Rodeo grounds June 28 through July 4. Of course, we have fireworks downtown on July 4, as well, at Mile High Middle School, where there will also be family activities and food. July 22-23 Prescott continues the Old West theme with the Shootout on Whiskey Row, performed by the famous Prescott Regulators and their Shady Ladies. We close the month on July 29-30 with the Williamson Valley Fire District Arts and Crafts show on the Courthouse Plaza. Summer attractions wind down in August and September with some memorable events. August 4-6 is the Prescott Antique Auto Club Car Show at Watson Lake. The Mountain Artist Guild Fine Art and Crafts Show takes place on Courthouse Plaza. The Prescott Food Truck Festival takes place September 2 at Mile High Middle School, coinciding with the Faire on the Square at Courthouse Plaza September 2-4. Yavapai County Fair returns to the Rodeo Grounds September 7-10.

Great outdoor events continue October 7-8 with the 26th Annual Fallfest, art fair in the Courthouse Square, hosted by the Prescott Chamber.

As you can see, Prescott is brimming with great events. This list only covers the outdoor “highlights” for the season. For more, go to the City’s Visit-Prescott.com website, or check out our Facebook page at Visit Prescott. The Prescott Chamber’s Visitor Center at 117 Goodwin Street has information and brochures about most of these events and more. During and after the events, be sure to visit the one of a kind, locally-owned restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes and shops that add to the unique charm of Prescott.

PROTECTING

Grassroots citizens for Vote Yes on Prop

The accolades for Prescott are numerous and welcomed by the folks who chose to live, learn, work and play in our amazing city. Recently, it was named the No. 1 place in which to live in the Southwest by Sunset magazine, ranked first by the American Lung Association for the cleanest air in the USA, and one of the Happiest & Healthiest Cities in the country by TIME magazine. Yes, Prescott is a fantastic city! However, for the past several years, the City of Prescott has been challenged with a crippling debt caused by an unfunded liability within the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). Currently, the debt is $78.4 million and rising exponentially. It’s to the point where the PSPRS payments have placed a severe burden on the city’s general fund, which covers police, fire, library, parks and recreation – those assets which create the quality of life Prescottonians and tourists enjoy. Making these payments has crippled the city’s ability to keep parks operating, special events scheduled and the public library open fulltime. For several months, the city “browned out” fire stations due to limited firefighter staff. Community policing has also been forced to scale back. This year, the city is obligated to pay $6.5 million to service this debt. Next year, the projected payment is $7.5 million. When almost 25 percent of the general fund is required to service debt, it does not take long for quality of life assets to begin to diminish. What to do? The city is

PRESCOTT’S FUTURE

create Stand for Prescott a Political Action Committee

443

tackling the issue with a variety of different approaches. Difficult cuts in staff and services were made, including to the library and all departments in the city. Staff has been reorganized for greater efficiency and effectiveness, which is a positive step; however, continued cuts will diminish the quality of life and public safety. Working closely with the League of Cities & Towns and the Arizona Legislature, the city sought and received legislative relief. Last year, the legislature and the citizens of Arizona passed Prop 124, bringing needed reform to PSPRS; however, most of the reform focuses on fixing the system going forward into the future. No matter what reforms happen going forward, Prescott is responsible by law to pay our unfunded liability. Even the Arizona Legislature cannot erase the current unfunded liability. A debt accrued is a debt that must be paid. As with all debt, the longer the city waits, the more it will cost. Waiting is expensive, costing a minimum of an extra $60 million to the city due to compounding of debt, which will ultimately continue.

There is hope. The Prescott City Council referred a sales tax initiative, Proposition 443, to the August 29th ballot. In addition to electing three council members and a mayor, the citizens of Prescott will be given the opportunity to vote “yes” on 443, approving a ¾ cent sales tax that will be dedicated solely to paying down the unfunded liability. This tax is guaranteed by law to sunset in 10 years and can expire even earlier if the unfund-

ed liability is reduced to no more than $1.5 million. It is expected that the tax will raise approximately $10 million per year. The City Council may also approve additional payments from the general fund in order to pay the debt down sooner, saving money in the long run and expiring the tax before the sunset.

Councilman Steve Sischka sees the sales tax as the fairest way to generate this revenue because, “45 percent of Prescott’s sales tax revenue is generated by tourists, and 16 percent is from non-residents who come to Prescott to shop. A total of 61 percent of our sales tax comes from folks who live outside of Prescott, but enjoy our amenities and use our services.”

Deeply concerned about the devastating effect this crippling debt is having on Prescott’s quality of life, a group of grassroots citizens created Stand for Prescott, a Political Action Committee dedicated to keeping Prescott the best it can be. Cochairs Sherrie Hanna and Cecelia Jernegan have worked tirelessly with these citizens to get the truth out about the necessity of passing Prop 443. Along with their committee, they’ve united together to ask their fellow citizens to Stand for Prescott and Vote Yes on Prop 443. Supporter, Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk stated, “Simply put, we either pass this tax or we cut other city services that make Prescott such an incredible place to live.”

Prescottonians enjoy a very low property tax. Some folks have suggested raising the

property tax. However, the State Legislature capped the amount a municipality can raise property tax to 2 percent. Last year that 2 percent for the City of Prescott was $65,000 for the entire city. Our current sales tax is 8.35 percent. The city receives 2 percent of that tax, the state gets 5.6 percent and the remaining ¾ percent goes to Yavapai County. Even with the ¾ cent increase, Prescott will have the lowest sales tax rate in the region at 9.1 percent.

Councilwoman Billie Orr

recently stated “Passing 443 will be a pivotal moment in Prescott’s history. It is time to stop kicking this can down the road. We have all invested our lives and money in our homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Let’s protect those investments by voting ‘Yes on 443.’”

Keeping Prescott prosperous and protecting its future is essential ,and passing 443 is critical in making that a reality.

To learn more about Prop 443 visit www.standforprescott.com

EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY Aviation and so much more

by Keaton S. Ziem, Digital Strategy & Business Intelligence, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus has been a mainstay of the Quad-City Area and northern Arizona since 1978. Since opening, countless students have gathered inside its doors for guidance into the professional world—most notably in the industries of aviation and aerospace. Rightly so, as Embry-Riddle’s excellence and renown in the air is well-chronicled. The Golden Eagles Flight Team is the premier national championship team for ERAU’s Prescott Campus, and has won the past 30 consecutive National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) regional championships and a total of 11 national championships. Embry-Riddle is a reliable source for produc-

Coming to the Prescott campus this fall will be a $22 million, 52,000 square-foot STEM Education Center.

ing fixed-wing airplanes and rotary-wing helicopter pilots of the highest pedigree, as well as developing knowledgeable leaders in aeronautics, air traffic management, meteorology, and developers of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Indeed, Embry-Riddle is synonymous with quality and professional aviation, and they should be—but few are aware of the many other equally significant programs that are provided by this technologically advanced and expertly facilitated university.

In addition to its excellence

in the realm of aviation, Embry-Riddle has gone to great lengths to become an eclectic resource of knowledge and instruction in multiple professional disciplines that are in high-demand in today’s fastpaced, technologically driven world. For instance, Embry-Riddle is home to the nation’s first and only College of Security and Intelligence—a program which focuses on the training of future security and intelligence professionals, on both the national and international level. ERAU produces a valuable recruitment pool for the likes of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and analogous professional and corporate entities around the world.

Likewise, Embry-Riddle’s

College of Engineering provides students not only with the technology and lab facilities to develop powerful engineering knowledge, but pairs them with a skilled and experienced faculty who impart their insight and passion into their instruction. Starting from their first day as students, engineering graduates experience everything from hands-on design projects to theoretical analysis, and are challenged, supported, prepared and mentored by some of the nation’s most outstanding faculty among the College of Engineering’s three departments—Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer, Electrical & Software Engineering. Embry-Riddle’s College of Arts & Sciences offers a wealth

of learning opportunities with vast career applicability. The Arts & Science Departments at Embry-Riddle include Business, Humanities & Communication, Mathematics, Physics, and Behavioral & Safety Science. By offering such varied and dynamic resources, graduates are fully equipped to succeed in the professional world.

In all, Embry-Riddle offers students the choice of over 25 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focused degree programs, and is accredited by SACS with a coed student population of just over 2,450 undergraduates who hail from all 50 states and over 30 nations. With such a diverse range of educational expression among the student population, over 100 extracurricular student clubs

and organizations provide additional depth to Embry-Riddle’s campus culture. Embry-Riddle students compete in 11 intercollegiate sports in the California Pacific Athletic Conference (CalPac) and have earned wide renown for their athletic achievements, including 15 conference championships.

To further enhance the educations of its students, Embry-Riddle has equipped its campus with cutting-edge academic facilities that give students experience using the highest-end tools of their various trades and professions. Coming to the Prescott campus this fall will be a $22 million, 52,000 square-foot STEM Education Center. This facility will house impressive new labs for students, including the only fully operational planetarium and multimedia learning center in Northern Arizona, which will be open to the greater Prescott and Quad-City public as a valuable teaching tool for children of all ages.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers the world’s most comprehensive collection of academic programs focused in aviation, aerospace, business, engineering and security. For decades, the faculty and staff at the Prescott campus has been laying the foundations of a multi-faceted university that can immediately propel every student to realize his or her full and ultimate potential. They have also been active members of the greater Prescott community— hosting public events, contributing communally to volunteer service projects, and paving a way toward a bright and exciting future for Prescott and its people.

Embry-Riddle University truly is so much more than just aviation.

Economy • Local Business

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEW VIRTUAL REALITY PROGRAM

To prepare students for high-demand careers in virtual reality (VR), computer gaming, animation and aviation simulation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Simulation Science, Games and Animation at the Prescott Campus. Student applications for the only program of its kind in Arizona are being accepted now for classes that start this August. More advanced than the introductory curriculum typically taught in vocational schools or as an online offering, the new bachelor’s degree takes a deeper dive to deliver a technical, multidisciplinary collegiate education. The coursework combines aspects of computer science, aeronautics, mathematics, physics, engineering, military science, security management and business for students interested in pursuing careers in virtual reality, aviation simulation, computer-aided design systems, animation, computer games and more.

“We have built a compelling simulation program using the formidable strengths of our long-respected engineering and aviation expertise for a career path that is ripe with professional opportunity,” said Dr. Paul Hriljac, mathematics faculty member and chair of the new program at Embry-Riddle.

Graduates will have strong job prospects. Information technology jobs are among the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. today. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the category most in demand nationally is software developers, with a 17 percent increase expected between 2014 and 2024. Locally, in a 2015 report, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council forecasts a 14 percent growth rate in Information and Communication Technology by 2019, 4.5 percent faster than the national average. Additionally, Microsoft estimates more than 80 million virtual reality devices will be sold by 2020.

Upon graduation, students can expect to work as a graphics or network programmer in the areas of gaming, virtual reality, artificial intelligence or user interfaces for such companies as Microsoft, Sony, Disney, Boeing, Oculus and others. This is a technical, multidisciplinary degree where students can design and build virtual worlds using applied mathematics and technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD) systems, aviation simulators, animation software and video. A new specialized lab facility will be dedicated to this degree.

“Embry-Riddle strives to get its students to the forefront of technology and exploration. We are designing and delivering this new degree program to do just that,” said Hriljac. “New discoveries and industries are emerging in areas such as virtual reality, computer games and data visualization. This degree program is designed for students pursuing careers in these new worlds.”

PUSD/ERAU PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS

by Joe Howard, Superintendent, Prescott Unified School District

On behalf of Prescott Unified School District (PUSD), I am excited to welcome Prescott LIVING Magazine to “town” with the first of many columns about the PUSD partnerships within our community. A school district is nothing without community partnerships. PUSD has an unbelievable amount of this support, which allows us to thrive. One of my favorite collaborations is with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). It is no secret that ERAU is one of the finest, most successful universities in the country. What I really appreciate about ERAU is that they have a culture where there is no ceiling to possibilities. To that point, one of my favorite moments visiting the ERAU campus was when Chancellor Frank Ayers mentioned that one of their students was literally orbiting above us in outer space as we spoke.

Years ago, very few students graduating from Prescott High School (PHS) attended ERAU. The university attacked that problem through a change of focus on local students, offering local incentives, and working directly with the local high schools to spread the word about the ex-

panding opportunities at ERAU. The result: 40 students from PHS currently attend ERAU.

One of my favorite current student success stories is that of Veronica Norkus. Veronica graduated from PHS with an entire year of college completed through our dual-enrollment offerings. With that head start, she will have all her college math classes completed after only one year at ERAU. She plans to graduate in three years, and then pursue her graduate degree. Veronica was recently honored for being one of the top female students at ERAU, and is currently on the university’s volleyball team. Veronica’s experience as a cadet and commander in the PHS Air Force ROTC program was also a great preparation for her success at ERAU.

Speaking of the PHS ROTC program, another great partnership is our ROTC Science Flight Class at PHS, where students learn about how to fly airplanes. ERAU has one of the premier crash labs in the world, and they invite PHS students into the lab to participate in a crash investigation. PHS ROTC also visits the ERAU ROTC, where ERAU hosts a leadership reaction course, a large obstacle course focusing on teamwork.

Over the past year, Embry-Riddle’s College of Security and Intelligence has partnered with PUSD to understand how social media threatens our community’s young people. Embry-Riddle and PUSD take our young people’s safety and well-being seriously. This partnership leads the nation in developing a grassroots program to educate our students to create a safer learning environment. Social media is a powerful instrument for good, but the reasons why it is so good — broad networking and rapid information sharing and collection — make it equally dangerous. Dr. Ty Groh is leading this project

that began as a senior capstone project. It has turned into an applied research project with plans for a multi-year partnership between ERAU and PUSD. The ultimate goal is to present a program that can be used to promote social media safety in any school in the nation.

Additional Partnership Initiatives

• ERAU’s Meteorologist, Curtis James, a PHS Graduate works with the district to help consult on road safety for snow days

• A planetarium is slated to be completed this summer to offer many opportunities to the community including students at all the schools

• ERAU will be offering weekly STEM outreach events to high school students starting this fall.

• ERAU hosts frequent tours for local educators to see the facilities and brainstorm ideas for future partnerships

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

SOFTBALL CAPITAL..cont. from page 19

when needed, the city contracts with local schools and communities for additional facilities. Baynes boast that the grounds and maintenance crews prepare what are probably the best ball fields in Arizona.

An example of how popular Prescott is in the big scheme of things is that in 2008, the community was selected by the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team for an exhibition game as a part of its “Bound for Bejing”national tour. That team, led by Jenny Finch, the All-American pitcher from the University of Arizona, went on to win the 2008 Olympics.

The softball season starts in May and doesn’t end until September. During that five-month period, cars, vans and busses from throughout the U.S. find their way to “Everybody’s Hometown.”

Just locally, more than 140 teams –male, female and mixed—play in City League games. “It’s surprising for most people to realize that we have more local softball teams in Prescott than any other city in Arizona—even Phoenix and Tucson. In fact, we’ve been told that we have more softball teams per capita than any other community in the United States,” Hormann said.

City Recreation Programs Go Far Beyond Softball

Hormann, who earned his degree in recreation management from Northern Arizona University and worked for several years in Folsom, California, before he moved to Prescott, brags that Prescott and the QuadCity area are perfect for

summer recreation.

“Though we’re known nationally for softball, locals know that we offer many more recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors,” Hormann said.

“We have youth and adult baseball, volleyball, youth football, soccer, basketball, bike racing, car shows—and more. In fact, this year, I think we’ve scheduled 33 sporting or recreational events from the end of March until mid-October.”

Hormann said he was really pleased that city-sponsored events included something for virtually everyone—male and female – youngsters, teens, adults and seniors.

“We’re lucky, too, because we’ve probably got the best, most moderate summer weather in Arizona right here in Prescott,” he said.

That’s what appeals to the hundreds of players and their families and fans who come to compete in various events. They stay in hotels throughout the area, eat in local restaurants, shop in local stores, and buy gas and other goodies in local service stations.

“Having that happen has major economic impact for everyone. But what’s really pleasing—when we get feedback from visitors who found everyone in the Quad-City areas to be so friendly and hospitable,” Hormann said.

Personnel at the Recreation Services Department track the local economic impact of its various summer programs. In 2016, the estimated economic impact of “Out of Town direct spending” was $2,162,100. Combined with estimated “Local Spending,” – $170,150

– the cumulative total was $2,332,250.

“We think everyone benefits from those dollars coming into our community—money which otherwise would not be here,” Hormann said.

Girls Fast Pitch Southwest World Series Debuts in Prescott

Even so, it’s still softball that resonates with so many. The fact is, Hormann said, Prescott’s reputation as a softball mecca led to the National Softball Association selecting Prescott to host the 2017 NSA Girls Fast Pitch Southwest World Series. That tournament will bring the best teams possible from Washington, Oregon, California, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and of course, Arizona, for a full week of championship play.

The double-elimination tournament will run from July 11-16 and take every field in the area, Hormann said.

“We really don’t know how many teams to expect, but we estimate a minimum of 40 to 50 of the top teams from those states. If we have more, that’s great. We’ll accommodate them,” he said.

The predicted economic impact on the greater community is of magnitude. The team’s impact— each with 14 girls and two coaches—plus their families and friends, will probably result in some $600,000 to $700,000.

“That’s a huge economic stimulus. It helps businesses employee a lot of people,” said Hormann. “In fact, I think it’s a home run for everyone.”

WHO IS THE CHAMBER? WHY DO WE NEED A

CHAMBER?

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

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce is uniquely situated to be the connecting force in the Prescott area, as well as across the nation. Your chamber helps bridge together businesses, schools, development authorities, tourism, citizens, churches, the arts community, sports, and agricultural groups. Chambers are more than just an entity or nonprofit that provides a business directory on a website. The POWER chambers wield is in the wide network of members and even non-members.

Because many chambers have longstanding reputations as being the “welcome wagon” for new residents to communities, they are set up to have information centralized. Your chamber helps connect residents, visitors, and new residents to services and events happening in your area. When people want to know when the fireworks display starts, who do they call? When people need directions to the historical church, or the phone number to a government office or professional services and retail options — who do they call? The local chamber is the answer to all these questions – and more. Chambers have the ability to align resources more so than any other agency in the area. Our goal at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce is to develop a community calendar that will help the broader community plan events, with a goal of eliminating event conflicts and boosting respective attendance.

While many local governments are developing tourism departments and visitor centers, the chamber has been leading the way on tourism for years. Locally, our chamber is a state-designated Visitor Information Center, which houses materials promoting historical sites, retail shops, restaurants, area maps, area special events and ministries, just to name a few. But we don’t stop there. We help arrange tours for visitors as well.

Chambers promote the welfare and advancement of area businesses every day. Many times, the chamber is the first point of contact for someone interested in opening a new

business. We are the gateway connecting new businesses to the appropriate development group. We also market and promote our existing businesses. Hosting ribbon cuttings is something you have most likely seen. But there are so many other ways the chamber connects businesses and members. We host monthly networking events and a Business Educational Series, Quarterly Women in Business Luncheons and an annual meeting. You can find those events at www. Prescott.org. The chamber also leverages social media and email marketing by promoting special events, promotions and announcements from our members. We support our members in communicating their message.

Area businesses routinely contact local chambers to announce a job opening. Through our network, chambers are able to connect applicants to job opportunities. We also support the workforce by offering soft-skills coaching. Chambers, with their unique makeup of members, are able to advocate for their members’ concerns. Bringing local government leaders and chamber members together at chamber events allows for casual conversation and discussion. Our newsletters and involvement with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce allows us to push out vital information affecting businesses. The influencing factor that local chambers offer is vital to community concerns. Chambers provide the hands and feet on the ground for local nonprofits, ministries and events. The chamber understands the pulse of the community So when someone asks, “Who is the chamber?” the answer is, “You are the chamber. We are the chamber. The chamber is everyone!”

For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.prescott.org or call us at 928-445-2000 or 1-800-266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center located at 117 W. Goodwin Street, Prescott, AZ 86303.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Requests have doubled for services at Coalition for Compassion and Justice

Since the highly visible Prescott-based Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) relocated to 531 Madison Avene, just southeast of the U.S. Post Office on Miller Valley, requests for its services have more than doubled.

With a primary mission of providing vital services, education and advocacy for those living in poverty, CCJ shifted its administrative and daily operations from the Prescott United Methodist Church (PUMC) to a 7,360 square-foot building now called the CCJ/Howard Mechanic Social Justice Center. Mechanic is a Prescott resident and community advocate who donated funds to purchase the building, said Paul Mitchell, CCJ executive director.

Services now available through the CCJ have expanded to include the following:

• Dormitory-style lodging for 45 to 50 people per night, 365 days

of the year, at the CCJ Center. Only men and women—no children—are allowed.

Sleeping accommodations for women are separate. The cost is $3 a night.

• Housing for qualified individuals and families in mobile home units and microliving sleeping cottages in a program called “Second Chance Housing.” Cost depends on the facility.

• Providing meals Tuesday through Friday at the café, open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Now named Daily Bread Café, it was formerly called Open Door when it was located at PUMC. Now housed at the CCJ/Mechanic Social Center, it provides 85 to 100 meals Tuesdays through Fridays for men, women and children. It also distributes pantry items to be taken for home preparation.

• The CCJ Thrift Store, located at 1034 Fair St. It is a convenient

location for people to donate clothing, household goods, appliances and furniture or other serviceable items for a “second life.”

• “The Little Treehouse,” located at PUMC campus on 505 Gurley St. It provides a safe haven where children can play safely while parents or family members work, or seek jobs, or have other warranted activities. Seasonal activities also are scheduled in that facility.

PRESCOTT VISITORS..cont. from page 21

ping experiences, fascinating historical sites and access to green urban space.”

Recently, the City of Prescott Tourism Office was reorganized, said City Manager Michael Lamar. It will be managed by John Heiney, community outreach manager, and Wendy Bridges, who has 10 years of experience in tourism and economic de-

Two major challenges are ahead for the CCJ at this time, said Gail Haugland, CCJ assistance director.

“A major need we always have is finding housing for our clients,” she said. “Because we have expanded so significantly these past few years, we’re almost always behind in trying to find housing for those in need.”

Haugland added, “Our second need, of course, is mid-year funding. Our budget is now approaching $750,000 annually, mainly because we have added so many new programs to serve our clients and our community.”

She noted that since its founding 17 years ago by 15 different community congregations, the CCH has now increased to the point that it has six fulltime staff: herself, Executive Director Mitchell, Operations Supervisor Jessi Hans, Special Project Director Diane Iverson, Home Repair Coordinator Montana Morris and Second Chance Housing Coordinator Craig Hope.

For additional information, contact CCJ at 928-445-8382 or by visiting www.yavapaiccj.org.

velopment coordination. Other personnel may be added later.

A city news release said the new configuration of the Tourism Office will leverage the skills of current staff members.

Lamar said, “It’s clear that Prescott has a vibrant tourism-based economy. All the indicators show a strong tourism industry that makes up a healthy portion of the City’s general fund revenues.”

The LIVING Interview (continued)

...continued from page 25

a month to write this book, because I had four little kids at home and I had to concentrate. There are over 250 pictures in here, and each one of them had to have a caption, and it had to be correct. It also had to be spelled correctly, and there was no spell-check back then. I had to use index cards to actually index every single caption (Laughs) in this book. So, I locked myself in there. In 1981, that the book first came out, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. I decided that since I didn’t have a regular job anymore, I would start a walking tour. If I knew all of this history, why not share it with people who came to town?

PRESCOTT LIVING: This was your first book?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Yes, that was my first book. So, during my first tour, I would hang around Sharlot Hall Museum and I would wait for a motor coach to pull up, because they would let people go in to Sharlot Hall Museum and look around while they were gassing the motor coach. So, when I saw the motor coach roll up, it was Great Western Tours out of Pasadena, California. I ran home. I put on a black skirt and a white blouse and a big black hat – I still have the photograph of me in it – and went back down. And as they’re coming out of Sharlot Hall Museum, I’m handing each of them a business card. I didn’t have a real one of back then, but something that said, “Welcome to Prescott,” or something like that. Then, I got on the motor coach. I’d never used a microphone before. I said, “Thank you for coming,” and, “Here’s what’s going on other times of the year, so please come back,” and all that kind of thing. Great Western Tours was the first motor coach company to hire me, and I did many tours for them. I still do tours as a step-on guide on motor coaches. And I like to meet people on Mt. Vernon Street, in costume of course, in front of the house on Mt. Vernon Street where I was born. My parents didn’t own the house, but it had been turned into Mrs. Lenox’s lying-in hospital, because that’s where the babies were born after the hospital that the Sisters of Mercy had on Grove Street burned down.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What is your fee for a tour?

MELISSA RUFFNER: It depends on motor coach capacity. I also do all kinds of talks

and performances.

PRESCOTT LIVING: At Sharlot Hall and Phippen?

MELISSA RUFFNER: I’ve done a dinner show at Phippen.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How many a year, ballpark?

MELISSA RUFFNER: (Laughs) Well, let’s just say I’ve been doing it since 1981, so technically, I’ve been walking the streets longer than most people have been in business in this town.

PRESCOTT LIVING: So, you’re a street walker. (Laughs) I could see that headline.

MELISSA RUFFNER: Yeah. (Laughs) Let’s not do that headline. My mother will call me. In fact, my kids call me sometimes if I’m on Facebook. If I’ve had a photograph taken with a tourist or something, and my kids will call me up and say, “OK, Mom. Where are you, and who are these people?” (Laughs)

PRESCOTT LIVING: How do we encourage younger people to remain involved in the history and the preservation of the history and the culture of this area?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Well, I would think that the start would be to go to events, different events. Sharlot Hall Museum has a folk arts fair, where they have pioneers and teach all kinds of crafts of the pioneers. That would be the place to start. Where I started was that my father was a wonderful storyteller. He always had a story. In fact, I helped start

the Elderhostel at Yavapai College with two other gentlemen, and myself. They were in business for--gosh, this is my 36th year, and they’re 40 years old as a company. Also, Dennis Gallagher and I are some of the early members of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, which he founded. We hope to have a Western Heritage Center here in the future, some place in the downtown area.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What do you do for fun?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Well, let’s see here. (Sighs)

PRESCOTT LIVING: Fly fishing? (Laughs)

MELISSA RUFFNER: My sister, Becky, is the fly fisher. It’s hard to know. I connect with my kids by phone. I connect with friends by phone. I check and see how Mom is doing, if Mom needs to go on errands or anything like that. I enjoy my Mom’s company. She always tells me some story, or corrects me about something (Laughs) that I thought I knew. But when I have time to actually do something, maybe even away from Prescott… I have been to Alaska five times. I’ve hiked on a glacier. I’ve ridden in a dog sled. I’ve been to over 60 national parks and monuments, historic sites and battlefields in probably 20 or 25 years. I was married in the chapel in Yosemite, because my late husband was from that area. But, I’d never been to Yellowstone, so late last August, I

continued on page 60...

OLD FIREHOUSE PLAZA

Owners transform humble plaza into shopping and dining hot spot

by Linda Forbes, Co-owner, Old Firehouse Plaza

So, it all started with a book.

On a family vacation, one of our three sons asked us to read “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. I read it cover-to-cover on the flight to Hawaii, and my husband, Robin, read it on the return flight to the main land. That book changed our lives forever. We wanted to get out of the “rat race.” We immediately began searching for commercial properties. A couple of other opportunities fell out of escrow, and then in August of 2004, we purchased the building that eventually became the Old Firehouse Plaza.

At the time of the purchase, the building was poorly maintained, and was partially leased with offices and two local favorite restaurants. It had a very tiny parking lot. Back when I attended Mile High Middle School, I remembered when the building was a fire station for the City of Prescott. After some discussion, Robin and I decided to rename the property the “Old Firehouse Plaza” and we painted it red and black.

I immediately went to Sharlot Hall Museum and Prescott Fire Department to start collecting old photos. I really wanted to find and restore the old “talking” bell that sat on the corner of Goodwin and Granite streets, but later found that it had eventually made its permanent residence at Station 72.

Our transition to an upscale retail shopping center actually began

without a plan. We had a tenant that moved out of a space, and we started to remodel and clean it up. Robin and I discovered an expansive high ceiling structure that had been hidden by a drop ceiling as well as beautiful brick walls that had been covered up with drywall. My parents thought we were crazy, because we immediately started demolition and couldn’t stop tearing the place apart! We wanted to expose all of the original beauty of this space, which is where the Classy N Sassy Boutique is located today.

One by one, suite by suite, we continued to remodel and restore every brick wall and high ceiling structure that we could find.

In September 2006, we started construction on the new building. To maximize space, we used the old hose tower (where the fireman used to hang the cotton fire hoses to dry them) as our elevator shaft and connected the two buildings with a walking sky bridge. Those with a keen eye will notice a lot of subliminal decoration details with ladders, flames, etc. that were designed into the construction.

Last summer, we transformed the old loading dock into another beautiful outdoor patio dining space, located behind the newly renovated space where the English Garden Tea Room and Bistro now offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today, we are pleased to say that our renovations are almost complete, and that we have been able to have the amazing opportunity to help create “Prescott’s Hot Spot for Shopping and Dining!”

So, to summarize, no, we are not out of the “rat race.” We are still working diligently, side-by-side, with all of our amazing hard-working tenants who share our commitment to providing the most elite collection of the finest, locally owned and operated businesses in downtown Prescott!

Visit the plaza to experience a fine collection of charming boutiques and fabulous eateries housed within a beautifully restored historic firehouse.

SHOPPING

• Adventure Travel

• Bella By Leah Makeup and Skin Care

• Black Butterfly Artisan Chocolates

• Classy N Sassy Boutique

• Nanke Signature Group Showroom

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE

• CNN Mortgage

SALONS & WELLNESS

• Amazing Foot Spa

• Belle’s Skinsational Studio

• Complexion Skin & Makeup Studio

• Dr. Kate Sage, Naturopathic Doctor

• Hair Station 105 Salon

• Hot Spot Nail Spa

• Intentions Yoga Studio & Apparel

• Z Brow Bar

FOOD & BEVERAGE

• English Garden Tea Room & Bistro

• Limonchello Pizzaria Napoletana

• Prescott Lobster & Seafood Co

Retail • Restaurants • Salons • Wellness Center

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

• Sunday Brunch (Mimosas and Bloody Mary's available)

Full bar serving Beer, Wine and HighTeaserved dailyat2:00pm and4:00p.m.

(Reservationsrequired)

Follow us on Facebook for specials, events and live music

• Grab N Go Breakfast - Muffins, Scones, Turnovers baked fresh daily and ready when you are

Hours: 10am-6pm Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-8pm Friday-Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday, Closed Monday

(928) 776-0477

220 W. Goodwin St. #1 • Prescott, AZ www.englishgardentearoom.com

• Tea, Coffee and Espresso available

Business Spotlight

REFLECTIONS ON OWNING A BOUTIQUE AD AGENCY IN PRESCOTT FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS

by Tracey Horn, Owner, Helken & Horn Advertising Agency

Looking back on more than 20 years of change and growth in any business can be extraordinary, but looking at a small advertising agency in Prescott seems fortuitous. A random person stumbled into our office the other day and was quite surprised that Prescott even had an advertising agency. So, what has changed in 22 years in the world of a small-town ad agency? Simply put—technology.

In years past, if you wanted to reach us at the agency, a phone call on a landline or using a pager was about it. Cell phones were not used much locally until 1998, and even then, they were flip phones that worked intermittently up here in the mountains. Today, we communicate more often via email, though weekly meetings are still necessary to see how campaigns are working and how overall business is increasing. Our hope is this will not change. There is nothing like one-on-one contact with clients.

In the mid-90s when Helken & Horn opened its doors, if we wanted to place a print ad, we had to buy special paper for clearer graphics at the right weight for the newspaper to put rubber cement on the back. We actually hand-delivered ads to the newspaper office if we wanted them placed. There was no instantly emailing a pdf file, and an ad could take weeks to produce. Our type font choices were very limited and clip art

was really cool (or at least we thought so then). Eventually, we progressed to floppy disks and zip drives to share information. They were expensive and didn’t hold much, so we had a storage closet full of them. That information today would probably fit on one thumb drive.

Being in a small town, where everyone knew everybody, many clients liked to record their own radio spots. Twenty years ago, this was not an easy task for many of them – not being professional voice-over folks. It would take many takes as the reel rolled, and there was no computer program to edit mistakes and long breaths. It could take hours for a client to get a 30-second radio spot just right!

Producing television commercials has evolved too – from videotape to digital. It could take a week to shoot and edit it to perfection. At the time, there were only eight stations to play these television ads locally, whereas today we have about 20 thanks to cable. And, there are many more uses for producing a television spot these days. We didn’t have YouTube or social media to reach the audience, like today.

This brings me to the biggest change in the ad world since we opened our doors – the Internet. Our computers at the agency were used for graphic design and copywriting only. We didn’t have email for at least the first five years, and meetings were all done in person. The Internet has

changed all of this. It’s just been the last 10 years that we’ve expanded into Internet marketing. Most business owners are aware that their marketing dollars are crossing over into areas beyond traditional media, so it has added a whole new division of many advertising agencies around the world, not just ours. Websites and online marketing is a new avenue we all must embrace today. It’s instant and it’s everywhere. It’s been very exciting for us to use this new form of marketing for all of our clients. Our first websites were pretty basic and limited in style. One or two photos were used, and video could not be added. Facebook and other forms of social media did not exist, and the new buzz word was making sure you had good ‘Meta Tags.’ Search Engine Optimization (SEO) also did not exist, as there were very few clients that even had a website when we started creating them. It’s just amazing how far we’ve really come since

we began 22 years ago, and our industry is not slowing down. So, has all this technology helped our industry? Yes. It has allowed us to create campaigns faster, be more productive and add more accounts, so it has had its benefits. But being in a smaller market, face-to-face meetings are truly a necessity. We’ve worked hard to create strong relationships throughout the community, and we are proud to have maintained many long-term clients. We love our hometown and look forward to helping more area businesses grow along with us.

Tracey Horn is the owner of Helken & Horn Advertising Agency, Inc. in Prescott, Arizona. Founded in 1995, Helken & Horn is among Northern Arizona’s leading full-service advertising agencies, with a broad base of both business and nonprofit clients throughout the Quad-City region. To learn more, visit online at www.azadagency.com or call 928-776-0234.

Mix up your family vacation with adventure education!

Family vacations can be challenging for restless bodies forced to spend endless hours in the car with little creative activity and frequent potty stops getting you nowhere fast. What if there was a place where everyone could recharge, interact, and activate the mind?

The Canyon Country Discovery Center in Monticello, Utah sits at the base of the Abajo or Blue Mountains, 54 miles south of Moab. Located on Highway 191, Monticello is a on the way to all of southeast Utah! This beautifully crafted campus has a little something for everyone, and with self-directed exploring, you can relax and let everyone discover something different!

The campus is filled with challenging and creative experiences to get your family energized and back on the road within two to three hours. Travelers can stop in for free to explore 1.5 miles of campus trails, play in the outdoor nature playscape or have a picnic in the many pavilions with outdoor restrooms

provided. Pay a $9 adult and $6 children admission and take advantage of more than 15 hands-on learning exhibits, youth bouldering wall and outdoor science programs or reading nook with puppets for imagination play. Pick up small puzzles or games, perfect for the car, in the gift shop. The Discovery Center also has a night sky astronomy program to view the sky through a variety of telescopes, including a 14-inch telescope observatory!

Have more time? Schedule a tour with a member of the education team for a fun interactive hike in Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep, Natural Bridges and Bears Ears National Monuments located nearby! Hike to ruins and rock art, geologic arches and bridges, or specialize your hike with a guided experience for plants, animal tracks/signs, geology and cultural history. Kayak the San Juan River for exclusive river views and fun excursions to archaeology sites along the river! Guided adventures are limited, so call ahead!

Four Corners School DISCOVERY CENTER

A LEGACY OF CAMARADERIE

Arizona’s Capital Canyon Club

by Tom Mackin

TTTHERE’S NO BIGGER FAN OF THE GOLF COURSE at the Capital Canyon Club in Prescott, Arizona, than Bill Ware. He’s played it thousands of times, starting in the late 1950s when it was a nine-hole layout known as the Hassayampa Country Club. “If people see this golf course today, I don’t know how they can resist it,” said the 80-year-old, whose home overlooks the first tee. “It is just a stunning place to play.”

HERE’S NO BIGGER FAN OF THE GOLF COURSE at the Capital Canyon Club in Prescott, Arizona, than Bill Ware. He’s played it thousands of times, starting in the late 1950s when it was a nine-hole layout known as the Hassayampa Country Club. “If people see this golf course today, I don’t know how they can resist it,” said the 80-year-old, whose home overlooks the first tee. “It is just a stunning place to play.”

He won’t get any arguments from fellow members or guests. Originally built in 1919 as a gathering place for visitors seeking refuge from the summer heat of the lower valley, where Phoenix and Scottsdale are located, Capital Canyon Club still exudes a sense of social camaraderie nearly a century after its founding. And there’s much more to it than just a very memorable 18 holes.

HERE’S NO BIGGER FAN OF THE GOLF COURSE at the Capital Canyon Club in Prescott, Arizona, than Bill Ware. He’s played it thousands of times, starting in the late 1950s when it was a nine-hole layout known as the Hassayampa Country Club. “If people see this golf course today, I don’t know how they can resist it,” said the 80-year-old, whose home overlooks the first tee. “It is just a stunning place to play.”

He won’t get any arguments from fellow members or guests. Originally built in 1919 as a gathering place for

He won’t get any arguments from fellow members or guests. Originally built in 1919 as a gathering place for visitors seeking refuge from the summer heat of the lower valley, where Phoenix and Scottsdale are located, Capital Canyon Club still exudes a sense of social camaraderie nearly a century after its founding. And there’s much more to it than just a very memorable 18 holes.

A busy social calendar includes

visitors seeking refuge from the summer heat of the lower valley, where Phoenix and Scottsdale are located, Capital Canyon Club still exudes a sense of social camaraderie nearly a century after its founding. And there’s much more to it than just a very memorable 18 holes.

A busy social calendar includes bridge groups, cooking classes, and activities connecting members with the Prescott community (the historic downtown is just a six-minute drive away). The food and beverage program is known for its consistency of quality along with creative menus,

bridge groups, cooking classes, and activities connecting members with the Prescott community (the historic downtown is just a six-minute drive away). The food and beverage program is known for its consistency of quality along with creative menus, including theme nights and a chef’s table featuring a four-course meal with wine pairings.

including theme nights and a chef ’s table featuring a four-course meal with wine pairings.

Members and guests can dine at the clubhouse in multiple areas: the Capital Room (for fine dining and weddings/parties), the Club Room, and the Canyon Room, plus an outdoor patio popular for cookouts, live music, and a monthly “Yappy Hour” that brings together dog owners. A seasonal pool facility and extensive fitness center are also among the amenities. The club even has its own water treatment facility, a critical sustainability factor in Arizona.

bridge groups, cooking classes, and activities connecting members with the Prescott community (the historic downtown is just a six-minute drive away). The food and beverage program is known for its consistency of quality along with creative menus, including theme nights and a chef’s table featuring a four-course meal with wine pairings.

Members and guests can dine at the clubhouse in multiple areas: the

Members and guests can dine at

Capital Room (for fine dining and weddings/parties), the Club Room, and the Canyon Room, plus an outdoor patio popular for cookouts, live music, and a monthly “Yappy Hour” that brings together dog owners. A seasonal pool facility and extensive fitness center are also among the amenities. The club even has its own water treatment facility, a critical sustainability factor in Arizona.

Capital Room (for fine dining and weddings/parties), the Club Room, and the Canyon Room, plus an outdoor patio popular for cookouts, live music, and a monthly “Yappy Hour” that brings together dog owners. A seasonal pool facility and extensive fitness center are also among the amenities. The club even has its own water treatment facility, a critical sustainability factor in

“Listening to and providing what members are interested in is said general manager Laura Scrivner. “We respect their feedback engage as many of them as we regular basis for new ideas activities.”

“Listening to and providing what our members are interested in is key,” said general manager Laura Scrivner. “We respect their feedback and engage as many of them as we can on a regular basis for new ideas and activities.”

ON THE COURSE

“Listening to and providing what our members are interested in is key,” said general manager Laura Scrivner. “We respect their feedback and engage as many of them as we can on a regular basis for new ideas and activities.”

THE COURSE

ON THE COURSE

Tom Weiskopf created a 6,600-yard layout that is almost three in one. Holes one through around the higher parts of property; holes seven through 14 the flat portion (stone tables back to the club’s early 20th origins are visible between and 13th holes); and the final holes go through a number of with multiple creeks. holes are unique in their way and each has wonderful said Ware. “The conditions stunning. There are no bad lies, sand is beautiful.” well-bunkered course includes drivable par-4 (the 317-yard seventh)

“Listening to and providing what our members are interested in is key,” said general manager Laura Scrivner. “We respect their feedback and engage as many of them as we can on a regular basis for new ideas and activities.”

ON THE COURSE

In 1998, Tom Weiskopf created a 6,600-yard layout that is almost three courses in one. Holes one through six wrap around the higher parts of the property; holes seven through 14 are on the flat portion (stone tables dating back to the club’s early 20th century origins are visible between the 12th and 13th holes); and the final three holes go through a number of canyons with multiple creeks.

In 1998, Tom Weiskopf created a 6,600-yard layout that is almost three courses in one. Holes one through six wrap around the higher parts of the property; holes seven through 14 are on the flat portion (stone tables dating back to the club’s early 20th century origins are visible between the 12th and 13th holes); and the final three holes go through a number of canyons with multiple creeks.

a hallmark of every Weiskopf design.

“The holes are unique in their own way and each has wonderful vistas,” said Ware. “The conditions are stunning. There are no bad lies, and the sand is beautiful.”

In 1998, Tom Weiskopf created a 6,600-yard layout that is almost three courses in one. Holes one through six wrap around the higher parts of the property; holes seven through 14 are on the flat portion (stone tables dating back to the club’s early 20th century origins are visible between the 12th and 13th holes); and the final three holes go through a number of canyons with multiple creeks.

“The holes are unique in their own way and each has wonderful vistas,” said Ware. “The conditions are stunning. There are no bad lies, and the sand is beautiful.”

The well-bunkered course includes a drivable par-4 (the 317-yard seventh)

“The holes are unique in their own way and each has wonderful vistas,” said Ware. “The conditions are stunning. There are no bad lies, and the sand is beautiful.”

The most scenic hole is No. 16, a 168-yarder that features a beautiful rock formation and a devilish little bunker just short of the green.

the course. Cart tours are also used to introduce the beautiful landscape to nongolfers.

bunker just short of the green.

a hallmark of every Weiskopf design. The most scenic hole is No. 16, a 168-yarder that features a beautiful rock formation and a devilish little bunker just short of the green.

From the driving range, where instruction clinics are conducted, you can see the San Francisco Peaks almost 75 miles away near Flagstaff, while 360-degree views of the surrounding Prescott area, including Thumb Butte, are found throughout

The well-bunkered course includes a drivable par-4 (the 317-yard seventh) a hallmark of every Weiskopf design. The most scenic hole is No. 16, a 168-yarder that features a beautiful rock formation and a devilish little

From the driving range, where instruction clinics are conducted, you can see the San Francisco Peaks almost 75 miles away near Flagstaff, while 360-degree views of the surrounding Prescott area, including Thumb Butte, are found throughout the course. Cart tours are also used to introduce the beautiful landscape to nongolfers.

The well-bunkered course includes a drivable par-4 (the 317-yard seventh)

A variety of memberships are available, including two new offerings. An annual Corporate membership can be customized to include at least one

a hallmark of every Weiskopf design. The most scenic hole is No. 16, a 168-yarder that features a beautiful rock formation and a devilish little bunker just short of the green. From the driving range, where instruction clinics are conducted, you can see the San Francisco Peaks almost 75 miles away near Flagstaff, while 360-degree views of the surrounding Prescott area, including Thumb Butte, are found throughout

“If people see this golf course today, I don’t know how they can resist it... It is just a stunning place to play.”

—BILL WARE, CLUB MEMBER

Golf and one Social designee. The Discovery membership is a one-time, 90-day trial membership for $2,500 which includes unlimited golf without cart fees and access to all club amenities, with no food and beverage minimum. For those who decide to transition from Discovery to a full golf membership, the $2,500 is applied toward the initial fee.

From the driving range, where instruction clinics are conducted, you can see the San Francisco Peaks almost 75 miles away near Flagstaff, while 360-degree views of the surrounding Prescott area, including Thumb Butte, are found throughout

A variety of memberships are available, including two new offerings. An annual Corporate membership can be customized to include at least one Golf and one Social designee. The Discovery membership is a onetime, 90-day trial membership for $2,500 which includes unlimited golf without cart fees and access to all club amenities, with no food and beverage minimum. For those who decide to transition from Discovery to a full golf membership, the $2,500 is applied toward the initial fee.

the course. Cart tours are also used to introduce the beautiful landscape to nongolfers.

the course. Cart tours are also used to introduce the beautiful landscape to nongolfers.

A variety of memberships are available, including two new offerings.

A variety of memberships are available, including two new offerings. An annual Corporate membership can be customized to include at least one Golf and one Social designee. The Discovery membership is a onetime, 90-day trial membership for $2,500 which includes unlimited golf without cart fees and access to all club amenities, with no food and beverage minimum. For those who decide to transition from Discovery to a full golf membership, the $2,500 is applied toward the initial fee.

As for Bill Ware — who can remember putting on the old cottonseed greens that were hand-rolled by golfers back in the 1950s — well, he plans on using the Capital Canyon Club for years to come. “I will keep playing this course as much as I can until I croak,” he said. “I still never get tired of it. There’s something new every day. It’s a great ride.”

As for Bill Ware — who can remember putting on the old cottonseed greens that were hand-rolled by golfers back in the 1950s — well, he plans on using the Capital Canyon Club for years to come.

“I will keep playing this course as much as I can until I croak,” he said. “I still never get tired of it. There’s something new every day. It’s a great ride.” 

AT-AGLANCE

As for Bill Ware — who can remember putting on the old cottonseed greens that were hand-rolled by golfers back in the 1950s — well, he plans on using the Capital Canyon Club for years to come.

An annual Corporate membership can be customized to include at least one Golf and one Social designee. The Discovery membership is a onetime, 90-day trial membership for $2,500 which includes unlimited golf without cart fees and access to all club amenities, with no food and beverage minimum. For those who decide to transition from Discovery to a full golf membership, the $2,500 is applied toward the initial fee.

“I will keep playing this course as much as I can until I croak,” he said. “I still never get tired of it. There’s something new every day. It’s a great ride.” 

Capital Canyon Club Prescott, Arizona (928) 350-3150 www.CapitalCanyonClub.com

Capital Canyon Club Prescott, Ariz. (928)350-3150 www.CapitalCanyonClub.com

As for Bill Ware — who can remember putting on the old cottonseed greens that were hand-rolled by golfers back in the 1950s — well, he plans on using the Capital Canyon Club for years to come.

“I will keep playing this course as much as I can until I croak,” he said. “I still never get tired of it. There’s something new every day. It’s a great ride.”

Capital Canyon Club Prescott, Ariz. (928)350-3150 www.CapitalCanyonClub.com

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY’S PRESCOTT VALLEY CAMPUS

Many options for many different types of students

by Richard Heath, Executive Director, NAU

In addition to traditional freshmen, many of our students are older, have families and extensive work experience, have owned businesses or served in the military.

Iam excited to be a contributing writer for the Prescott LIVING Magazine on behalf of Northern Arizona University. It is a pleasure to highlight what the university’s campus in Prescott Valley has to offer, in terms of the educational opportunities as well as the positive impact it is making on the greater Prescott region. In upcoming editions of the magazine, I will not only profile the programs available on the Prescott Valley campus, but possibly even more importantly, the students and faculty who have created such a special learning environment.

With its May 2017 graduating class, NAU’s campus in Prescott Valley now boasts nearly 200 alumni. The most recent 30 graduates exemplify the campus mission of serving the more nontraditional student. Each graduate has his or her own unique story and reasons for earning their bachelor’s degree. In addition to traditional freshmen, many of our students are older, have families and extensive work experience, have owned businesses or served in the military. Students at this campus range in age from 18 to 62, with a median

age of 27, and all of them successfully apply their age and life experiences into their academic responsibilities.

The campus opened in 2010 through a partnership between NAU, Yavapai College, and the Town of Prescott Valley. The university and college often share instructors and resources to ensure that there is consistency in the availability and quality of each class. Although many of our students have never attended a community college, the partnership with Yavapai College enables students to enroll in a 2+2 degree program or dual enroll between the two intuitions. This format, combined with flexible class scheduling, enables students to take a more accelerated course load at a lower cost than any other university in the state. Because classes are available online or in a blended format, students are still able to work and handle family commitments thus enabling them to remain on track to graduate on time.

Then campus director, Dr. Susan Johnstad, laid the foundation for the Prescott Valley campus by creating four interdisciplinary degrees specifically addressing current needs and projected job growth in the area: applied human behavior; community development and sustainability; entrepreneurship; and service management and leadership. To manage and deliver these four degrees, she hired knowl-

edgeable and dedicated facility who, themselves, brought several decades of work experience with them to the campus. The success of these degrees is proven in campus alumni who are now working in local companies and organizations, pursuing a higher degree, or starting their own businesses. People often ask me what the longterm plans are for the campus. My response is that NAU is committed to serving the greater Prescott region today and for many years to come. The university views itself as a catalyst for regional economic development. There are plans in the works for a larger, more expansive campus that offers additional degrees based on the needs of local public and private employers. In addition, NAU is working on building stronger relationships with our community, the private sector and higher education partners. We are collectively working toward the goal of creating a diversified, sustainable and growing regional economy. Institutions of higher education are an important component in that formula, and NAU will continue to provide leading-edge degrees to educate the 21st century workforce.

Why Use a Realtor®

Real estate is a big deal. For most Americans, a home is the most expensive purchase they’ll make in their lifetime. It’s a serious transaction with significant financial and emotional ramifications for the parties involved, and having proper representation is critical.

Here are six important reasons to use a Realtor®

1. Fiduciary responsibility. When you work with a Realtor®, the fiduciary responsibility is to you. That means you have an expert who is looking out for your best financial interests, an expert who’s contractually bound to do everything in his or her power to protect you.

2. Complex, ever-changing real estate regulations. Buying or selling a home is not like purchasing a plane ticket.

3. Help finding the right home, beyond square footage and baths. Browsing online is a terrific way to start a home search. In fact, almost 90 percent of people start their home searches online. But when it’s time to buy, knowing all the pros and cons of a property can help you make the right decision.

4. Pricing and selling a home. There are lots of sites where you can view price estimates for your home before you list it for sale, but you take a risk using them.

5. Contracts and negotiations. Finding the right home is the fun part. Then the real work begins.

6. Following a code of ethics. When you work with a Realtor®, you’re partnering with a professional who operates according to a strict code of ethics.

Happy Home Hunting,

Pete Weaver Owner

/

Broker

West USA of Prescott 231 North Marina, Prescott 86301

PRESCOTT: THE NAME AND THE HISTORY

by Melissa Ruffner, Historian and Author

I loved growing up in Prescott, and our rodeo was a huge deal every year.

On May 30, 1864, Prescott, Arizona’s first territorial capital was named during a meeting at Fort Misery (now located at Sharlot Hall Museum) attended by members of the Walker Party—who had discovered placer gold in area creeks—and government officials appointed by President Abraham Lincoln. After numerous suggestions, first Secretary of State Richard McCormick proposed the name of the author of The History Of The Conquest Of Mexico by William Hickling Prescott, feeling this name would be recognized by citizens back east because Prescott’s grandfather was a hero of the Revolutionary War in Boston.

Independence Day was celebrated that same year on July 4th. Our first restaurant was called the Juniper House, although it was not an actual house, but near some Juniper trees, which at that time, covered the public Plaza. The menu was venison and chili, bread, tea and coffee with milk, which was a rare commodity in a wilderness.

In 1888, our rodeo was organized by city fathers concerned about “goings on” over on Montezuma Street ( by now, it was nicknamed “Whiskey Row”).Today, more genteel crowds participate in numerous Frontier Days activities around the Plaza, including a patriotic 4th of July parade.

I loved growing up in Prescott, and our rodeo was a huge deal every

year. My Great-Uncle George Ruffner (shown carrying the American flag) helped start our rodeo in 1888. My Granddad Lester Lee Ruffner was involved every year as was my Dad Lester “Budge” Ruffner. My sister and I participated in the Kiddie Parade, as did our children. It was “Cowboy Christmas,” visiting with friends from the ranches we only saw that week. Hope to see you at our fun event! Stop by and visit with me, if you can.

To book a historical walking tour, step-on guide services or historic presentation for your organization or event...in full Victorian regalia...please call Melissa Ruffner at (928) 830-4930 or e.mail historymelissa@cableone.net.

Why We Live Here

by Judy Bluhm, REALTOR ®, Century

21 AZ West

Recently, our fair City of Prescott has been named as one of the “Top Ten” places to live, play, work and retire in the United States. The “rating scales” list virtues like affordable housing, vibrant downtown activities, mild four seasons, colleges, a robust art community, top-notch medical facilities, a variety of events, concerts, rodeos, culturally interesting things to do, plenty of lakes and parks and a positive economic outlook. What wasn’t mentioned here?

The People. Yes, the reason many of us moved to Prescott are contained in the list above. But, what is the reason we stay? The folks who live here know one thing to be true – life is better here. And it’s not because of a view, lake or downtown parade. It’s the people who make this town the No. 1 place to live. And once you have “started drinking the Kool-Aid,” you will know what I mean. We are a town of “friends.”

We Volunteer. Perhaps no other town in America has as many volunteers per capita. We have people getting up every day and doing the incredible “work” of cooking, packaging and driving for Meals on Wheels. We have volunteers helping children, rocking babies in shelters, searching for stray cats and

In this town, there is nothing that cannot be achieved, because we have the spirit of givers.

dogs, rescuing horses, reading to children, helping with veterans, caring for homeless and donating to the needy and less fortunate. In this town, there is nothing that cannot be achieved because we have the spirit of givers. We Love Local. We live and buy and work local. OK, so the Internet is factoring in to all of our lives, but go downtown any day and stroll around the square. Check out shops like the French Hen, which might have the best women’s clothing in North America! Or, stop by the Newman Gallery and find every treasure, large and small, that you could ever imagine. Hungry? Stop by the Lone Spur Cafe for a huge Western-style breakfast, or maybe grab a drink at the Prescott Brewing Company. In other words, it is ALL RIGHT HERE in the heart of our beautiful little town square!

The Great Outdoors. Yes, we have the most beautiful lakes, trails and scenery of anywhere in the world! We can walk around Lynx Lake and feel so close to nature that we cannot believe how close we are to town! Go for a leisurely stroll; take a hike; drop your kayak in the water; maybe go fishing or enjoy a picnic with friends, because it is all waiting for us at this one, fine park. Also, there are the Thumb Butte Trail and campsites await-

ing us at Granite Basin. Beauty, peace and serenity are all within a few-miles radius of this amazing town! And if hiking is not your “cup of tea,” then sit on your patio and sip a cup of something tasty while enjoying the birds, nature, mountains, trees and wildlife that will come to greet you. Prescott is all about the outdoors.

Arizona Lifestyle. And we don’t even have backyard pools! Friends from the Valley-ofthe-Constant- Summer-Inferno are always amazed when they come up to Prescott. We have big shade trees, cool breezes and green grass. Life is different here. We can walk barefoot in the park (in Phoenix this would result in third-degree burns). Our kids, grandkids and pets can run around like crazy in the summer. We can actually play baseball on a summer’s evening or watch an outdoor concert in the square. We can eat an ice cream cone outside and not have it melt away. Prescott might not be perfect. Or maybe it is. And those of us, who are blessed to call this place home, know exactly why we are here.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@ judybluhm.com.

PHOTO BY JERRY CHINN

MOUNTAIN ARTISTS GUILD

Supporting the arts in Prescott and throughout Yavapai County

Since 1949, Mountain Artists Guild (MAG) has been supporting the arts in Prescott and throughout Yavapai County. Founding members included George Phippen. Currently with almost 300 members, MAG, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to the emerging artist, with educational programs including workshops by master artists, art for youth, youth camp, open studios (water color, acrylics, oils, mixed media and portraiture) and a gallery to feature our members’ artistic talents.

MAG is committed to educating youth, and has scholarships that are awarded annually to those entering or attending college and working on their fine arts degrees. We hold an annual Scholarship Auction with art and both silent and live auctions that include gifts from our members and local community busi-

nesses. Other programs support our seniors, who want to explore their creative talents in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Annually, MAG holds two festivals on the Courthouse Square in Prescott, with over 150 artists and 10 wineries in May and arts and crafts in August. In October, we sponsor Prescott Studio Tour, with over 40 artist’s studios and four art centers.

Primarily a volunteer organization, MAG welcomes all those interested in the arts

to join and invites everyone to attend our monthly 4th Friday events from 5 – 7 p.m. in our gallery. Come enjoy refreshments and meet our featured artist(s).

Mountain Artists Guild is open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday. Located at 228 N. Alarcon, Prescott, AZ 86301 Phone: 928-445-2510 or 928-776-4009

Visit our website for more information at mountainartistsguild.org or write to us at guild@mountainartistsguild.org

PRESCOTT

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

365

SOCIAL MEDIA THAT KEEPS IT SOCIAL

When planning a vacation or weekend getaway, the online resources seem endless. There are Trip Advisor and Yelp reviews to explore, chamber of commerce and tourism bureau calendars to research and good old Trivago and Kayak, purporting to “find you the cheapest hotel.” Well, cheapest isn’t always the best, and saving a few bucks might diminish an otherwise great vacation experience. When considering Prescott as your next getaway, all of the aforementioned resources are available to you when researching where to stay and what do to while you’re in town. Another great (and fun!) social media resource to follow are the Prescott 365 Facebook and Instagram social media sites. Prescott 365 is dedicated to helping you explore ideas to include in your travels in and around the Prescott area. Ideas and images are focused primarily on

Prescott 365 is dedicated to helping you explore ideas to include in your travels in and around the Prescott area.

outdoor recreation, arts and culture, Western heritage and events and festivals – family-focused, multi-generational ideas for planning your custom vacation. You can follow these sites and you won’t be spammed or followed. Also, pop-up advertising windows won’t plague you in the future, and we will never share your information with anyone. You may even have some fun conversing with us and sharing your own photos and stories. And, you might even win one of our sweepstakes – free concert tickets, rodeo tickets or an entire vacation package. Maybe you’ll start planning your next vacation before you ever leave! Prescott 365 is brought to you by SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn by Marriott and Quality Inn by Choice, all located in Prescott. But wherever you decide to lay your head, we hope our sites will be a valuable resource to you, and we wish you happy and safe travels.

EXERCISE PROGRAM PITFALLS

…and how to avoid them

by Brandon Thomas, ACE Certified Trainer and Managing Director for Planet Fitness

Acommon factor in not succeeding in an exercise program is inherent in the program itself. Therefore, it is important to design a workout program around your lifestyle. I see a lot of people making the mistake of committing to the gym for two hours per day, six days a week when they are transitioning from a mostly sedentary lifestyle. This approach often results in a very strong first month, with a drastic drop in attendance toward the end of the second or third month. My experience has shown me that this is usually due to underestimating our regular commitments outside of work. By jumping into such a strenuous workout schedule too early you are adding 12-15 hours of commitments to your already busy lifestyle. All workout programs should first start with these important questions:

“What is your long-term goal?” This question will define the overall focus of your exercise program. This should also help you keep in mind why you are exercising – your motivation.

“What is your goal over the next 5-10 weeks?” Focusing on a short-term goal helps us to keep motivated by having checkpoints on the path toward our long-term goal. For weight loss, one to two pounds per week is considered healthy weight loss, and less likely come back later on.

“How many days a week can you realistically come to the gym, and how many days can you definitely commit to?” This question helps us to be realistic in designing our programs. If you can definitely come three times a week, but would like to come four, then design a program for three days. This is a mental technique that will allow you to feel good about your progress and increases adherence. The fourth day now feels like a bonus day, and you can feel great about it. If you had designed the program for four days and are constantly only able to go three days, because you are busy, that same experience now becomes negative and you feel like you aren’t sticking with your goals. Leverage your mental motivation!

“How long can you realistically spend at the gym on these days?” If you can only spend 45 minutes at the gym, then don’t commit to a 1.5-hour workout program. Many people often forget to calculate driving time and changing time into their schedule, resulting in stress due to time restraints. Sometimes, this stress is then wrongfully associated with working out.

“Do you currently have any injuries? In the last 5-10 years?” Be honest with yourself. If you have a weak shoulder, we need to address that realistically in the program design. Not spending the adequate amount of time required to rebuild and strengthen injured muscles is a common cause of injury. Make

yourself earn heavier weights through adherence to strict form and incremental progress.

“Are you on any medications, and do you know how these affect your heart rate or other exercise related effects?” This is a biggie. If you are on medications affecting or controlling your heart rate, you need to speak with your doctor about beginning an exercise program and what your restrictions are. Be cautious using the national guidelines for target heart rate zones, because there are external factors involved.

Planet Fitness offers free fitness training with all of their memberships and is a great resource for helping you to succeed. Their “Design Your Own Program” will use these questions to guide the design of your fitness program. They are open and staffed 24/7, and their $10 per month membership allows you to workout whenever it’s convenient, without breaking the bank. Planet Fitness also offers full-service locker rooms, over 100 pieces of cardio equipment, cutting-edge weight machines, a stretching area, as well as both a 30-minute full body express circuit training room and a PF360 dynamic workout focused on function. With over 10 million members nationwide, their Judgement Free Zone is providing a comfortable, non-intimidating gym environment for first time gym users and experienced gym users, young and old, conditioned and deconditioned people alike.

here because they are passionate about what they teach and experts in their subject matters. Students are here because they recognize the values of responsibility, hard work and selfdirected learning.

CONFESSIONS OF A FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

by Sarah Cowels, Basis College Counselor

Ivy League? I asked myself, “What does that even mean?” I had worked in college admissions for seven years, but at a small private school – one that definitely did not qualify as an “Ivy.” I had heard of Cornell, Princeton and Yale, but did not know what this “League” thing was really all about.

Questions and concerns, like these, ran through my head hard and fast as I attended training to become the new “College Guidance Coordinator” for BASIS Prescott.

The more I heard, the more I knew I was in for a wild year of learning and growth. And the more student statistics I heard, the more in awe I became. I had my work cut out for me, and I couldn’t wait to meet these kids.

BASIS Prescott started three years ago, with a group of talented and aspirational 10th graders. Meeting them for the first time as 12th graders, I understood why they were here. They are some of the hardest working, most studious, most industrious students I have ever met. One student brought me a color-coded spreadsheet containing college data on my first day of College Counseling Workshop. Five of my 11 students had perfect 4.0 GPAs. Another student applied for almost every scholarship I listed in my scholarship newsletter. She consistently brought me stacks of 10-20 essays to edit at a time. Most of the students were involved in activities outside of school, including athletics, volunteer work, and church ministry. These students were the real deal.

Many people ask, “Why BASIS?” Let me give you two

strong reasons: First, BASIS is about college prep. We expect students to go to college. Why? The pay gap between high school and college graduates has grown to be 56 percent (Rugaber, 2017). Students need to go to college to build a bright future for themselves. BASIS students are ready to go to college. Our BASIS seniors passed over 60 AP (college level class) tests before they entered 12th grade. Each of the 11 seniors this year were accepted to at least one four-year university. The 11 students in the class of 2017 drew in over $2.5 million in merit scholarship offers. Accepting colleges included 17 colleges on the list of top 50 colleges and universities from US News (n.d.), and 11 schools listed in the top 50 by Times Higher Education (2016). All seven students who applied to Arizona State University received acceptance to Barrett Honors College, a top-producer of Fulbright scholars, tied at No. 5 with Yale and Berkley. One student was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania, a member of that coveted Ivy League. We are proud of our BASIS community. Secondly, and more importantly, BASIS is in a league of it’s own. Teachers are here because they are passionate about what they teach and experts in their subject matters. Students are here because they recognize the values of responsibility, hard work and self-directed learning. The administration is committed to the students – not just to the advancement of their own careers. BASIS Prescott is a special place, one at which I have been privileged to work.

REFERENCES: BARRETT FACTS AND FIGURES – FALL 2016. (N.D.) RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://BARRETTHONORS.ASU.EDU/ABOUT/FACTS.

• BEST COLLEGES. (N.D.) US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.USNEWS.COM/BEST-COLLEGES.

• BEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE UNITED STATES 2017. (2016, SEPTEMBER 21). TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.TIMESHIGHEREDUCATION.COM/STUDENT/BEST-UNIVERSITIES/BEST-UNIVERSITIES-UNITED-STATES.

RUGABER, C. S. (2017, JANUARY 12). PAY GAP BETWEEN COLLEGE GRADS AND EVERYONE ELSE AT A RECORD. USA TODAY. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW. USATODAY.COM/STORY/MONEY/2017/01/12/PAY-GAP-BETWEEN-COLLEGE-GRADS-AND-EVERYONE-ELSE-RECORD/96493348/.

BULLYING: NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE

by Rhonda Orr

In my day, before social media, my family moved a lot.

In fact, I had to switch high schools five times, skipped my junior year and moved three times in my senior year.

Being the new kid all the time meant I was bullied just for being different. I was different in my accent, clothes or anything else not common to that area.

I hid that from my family because one member already bullied me, and I was sexually, physically and emotionally abused by another.

Still, the bullying I endured didn’t hold a candle to the horror that is bullying today. I’ve heard others tell me they were bullied when they were kids, and got over it by either ignoring the bully or punching back, literally or emotionally.

In our culture of ever-present electronic communication, the bully can’t equivocate. There’s nowhere to hide, no alternatives to take and no way to stay out of the bully’s way. There’s zero relief.

That lack of relief even drives

some of our young people to suicide.

I have learned that my mission in life is helping kids. Having an anti-abuse nonprofit in California in the early 90s and producing theater to create funds and awareness for existing child abuse organizations, such as Children of the Night and KidsPeace, started that journey.

Four years ago, I began to see the need for substantive solutions to the epidemic of bullying beyond saying, “Be nice.”

Abuse and bullying fall under the same umbrella as maltreatment. I knew a better solution had to exist other than a simple platitude.

Why? Because in our complicated world of communication, “amusing” texts that often say things like, “You’re fat,” “You’re ugly,” “You’re stupid,” “Why don’t you kill yourself?” … “Just kidding,” are the norm.

Our nonprofit, Rhonda’s Stop Bullying Foundation, and our advice column, “Dear Rhonda

and Dr. Cheri …” offer serious solutions:

• Our Triangle of Triumph™ teaches how to go from Victim to Survivor to Leader;

• Our 5 C’s of Leadership teaches five key values: Civility (exhibiting courtesy, consideration and caring), Confidence (standing tall and having eye contact, feeling well enough about yourself to focus on others), Courage (to report, report, report bullying and never just standing-by), Creativity (developing talents to share with others), and Communication with C.L.A.S.S. (Connect, Listen, Ask, Summarize, Suggest);

• Our motto, Define Yourself Before Others Do™ teaches victims how to define themselves before bullies try to define them by labeling, shaming related to sexuality and name-calling.

We know the answer to bullying is civility! We are holding a Civility March around the Courthouse Plaza on Oct. 13. Please join us for speeches, music and our awareness march. Civility begins where bullying ends. Help Prescott to become the most civil city in the country. Think it’s a lofty goal? Why not? We can make a difference and end bullying now.

Rhonda Orr is the president and founder of the Prescott-based Rhonda’s STOP BULLYING Foundation. She does a weekly podcast at TheRhondaOrrShow.com and writes a weekly advice column with Cheri McDonald, PhD., LMFT, called “Dear Rhonda & Dr. Cheri...” Sundays in the Prescott Daily Courier. Write to her at rhonda@rhondastopbullying.org. Find out more about Rhonda’s STOP BULLYING Foundation at RhondaStopBullying.org.

HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE?

A healthy lifestyle changes genes to reduce your risk

by Rita Carey-Rubin, Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator, Yavapai Regional Medical Center

If you have a family history of heart disease, here’s some good news: a healthy diet and lifestyle can actually influence your genes and reduce your risk of disease. According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can turn off disease-causing genes, and may cut your risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in half.

Scientists at the Center for Human

Genetic Research at Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed data from four large studies involving over 55,000 people. They developed a lifestyle score based on whether people smoked; if they ate a diet featuring fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains and nuts; if they exercised at least once a week and whether or not they were obese. Lifestyle scores were then compared to a genetic score based on 50 genes associated with heart disease. What these researchers discovered was remarkable. People who inherited the genes for CVD from their parents had double the risk of developing heart disease, but a healthy

lifestyle cut their risk in half. Conversely, people with ‘good’ genes (no family history of CVD), lowered their genetic protection and doubled their risk of disease if they smoked, had a poor diet, were inactive and/or obese. Thanks to advances in genetic research, scientists can now observe the direct effects that diet, exercise, stress and other lifestyle habits have on our genetic code - the unique cellular operating system we inherit from our parents. In 2008, Dr. Dean Ornish demonstrated how healthy lifestyle choices influence cancer-causing genes in a small population of men with early stage prostate cancer. Or-

nish and his team analyzed the effects of a plant-based diet, regular exercise, stress management and peer and family support on 500 genes known to either promote or protect against prostate cancer. Remarkably, healthy habits turned off the genes that stimulate cancer growth, and turned on genes that help the body to stop cancer in its tracks. Other studies have demonstrated that healthy lifestyle choices can also turn off genes that promote inflammation, weight gain, obesity and even depression.

In spite of advances in medicine, CVD is still the number one killer of adults in the United States, and people with a family history are doubly at risk. However, research is proving that the lifestyle choices we make every day can influence the genes we inherit, and possibly change the course of disease.

Each month, at the Pendleton Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, the Reversing Heart Disease Support Group meets to explore the diet and lifestyle strategies that Dr. Ornish and other prominent physicians recommend for preventing, treating and reversing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. For more information, call The Pendleton Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, at 928-771-5794.

GREAT LAKES AIRLINES ‘Flying High’

by Ray Newton

With passenger count already nearly double what it was last year at the same time, management personnel for Great Lakes Airlines, the regional carrier serving Prescott and the greater area, anticipate even more growth in coming months.

John Freeman, GLA director of customer services for the Cheyenne, Wyoming-based airline, attributes the increasing enplanements to expanded flights to Los Angeles, and recently added flights to Denver.

He explained, “Both those destinations give passengers the opportunity to make connections for national or international destinations. Because of our code-sharing agreements with other airlines, the transfer between flights is relatively painless. What passengers tell us they really like is that they can catch a plane from Prescott without the hassle of fighting traffic, finding a parking spot or waiting in lines for tickets, security and check-in.”

GLA General Manager for Prescott, Kathy DeFreitas, says passengers especially like the non-stop flight to Los

Angeles International Airport (or return).

“The flight only takes about 90 minutes,” she said. “We’ve had passengers fly out there in the morning, take care of business, and they’re back here that evening. That’s convenience.”

Flights to Denver are not as frequent—only Mondays and Thursdays. DeFreitas says, "LAX is by far the more popular flight—about a 9-1 ratio.”

DeFreitas cites another “like” for passengers—the 30-passenger Embraer 210 Brasilia twin-engine turbo prop aircraft. An attendant provides onboard services, and the planes are equipped with a restroom.

Both Freeman and DeFreitas are hoping that Prescott’s Ernest A. Love Field will soon be designated as a “regional airport” by the Federal Aviation Authority. That designation likely will lead to airport expansion and a new passenger terminal, they say.

The City of Prescott currently is working with leaders from Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey, Humboldt-Mayer and several business organizations to achieve that designation.

THIRD-BUSIEST AIRPORT IN ARIZONA IS GROWING

by Ray Newton

Acknowledging that the Prescott Municipal Airport (also known as Earnest A. Love Field) is the third-busiest airport in Arizona, local elected leaders from Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt and Yavapai County Supervisors are aggressively seeking the designation of “regional airport” by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Regional Airports are defined by the FAA as those serving smaller and often lightly populated regions as opposed to those in metropolitan areas.

Part of that pursuit is because the Prescott airport is the third-busiest in Arizona, behind only Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, both in the heavily populated Valley of the Sun. More than 272,000 operations (takeoffs and landings) occur at the local airport. A major reason is the flight-training program offered by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU).

But a long-term motive is that of viewing the airport as a significant economic development engine for the entire region, said John Cox, airport manager for the City of Prescott. Cox reflects the attitude of Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg. Oberg has advocated airport expansion and regionalization ever since he was elected.

Cox also said the City of Prescott is working with Chancellor Frank Ayers at ERAU in initiating a technology incubator to help attract businesses

involved in cyber security, drone technology, robotics, intelligence and national security. Yavapai College and Northern Arizona University-Yavapai also are supportive of such efforts.

Attracting such enterprises to an expanded regional airport complex would result in providing job opportunities for local college and university graduates with technological skills, Ayers has said.

The City of Prescott received a funding grant which will cover approximately 95 percent of the estimated $950,000 cost for developing a comprehensive Airport Master Plan. Some additional funding will come from the Arizona Department of Transportation. Among items to be included in that master plan are these:

• An environmental assessment for a new passenger terminal;

• Design and installation of new LED runway lighting;

• Design of a comprehensive airport security upgrade;

• Extension of the runway so that larger planes can use the facility, especially those from the U.S. Forest Service, which uses larger planes to fight fires.

Cox emphasized that the Master Planning Action Committee (MPAC) will conduct public work sessions and open houses throughout 2017.

“We want citizens from the Quad Cities and others who live in

Yavapai County to express their opinions of the airport planning process at these meetings or to their respective elected officials, “he said.

Jessie Baker, who joined the airport administration staff in September 2015 as Cox’s assistant, is positive that airport expansion and designation as a regional airport will make a dynamic economic difference for the community. Baker has experience in the aviation industry with Boeing in Wichita, Kansas. She said she moved to Prescott because she views the airport and its affiliated development as “ …unique and vital to the greater community. I look at this as having potential to benefit our collective communities.”

Those involved in the MPAC process hope the plan will be ready for the FAA and ADOT to adopt by 2018. Those wanting further information may obtain it by contacting Cox at his office: Prescott Airport, 6546 Crystal Lane, Prescott; or by calling 928-777-1114.

The LIVING Interview (continued)

...continued from page 38

was able to go to Yellowstone. I car-camped in an apple orchard outside of a hostel for five days. So, I was near a toilet and everything. Then, for five days, I went on my very first Road Scholar trip as a participant.

PRESCOTT LIVING: As a participant?

MELISSA RUFFNER: I didn’t want the people who were running the program to think I was like a spy or something, so I didn’t tell anybody that I was with Road Scholar. And a lady, who had been on one of my programs when I worked with Yavapai College, outted me the first night and said, “There can only be one Melissa Ruffner from Arizona.” (Laughs) I loved my time in Yellowstone. I was in the north end. I would drive into the park and just pull up off on a side road, where there wasn’t a bunch of trailers. Oh, I took better pictures than some of the postcards they had. The animals would just come by.

PRESCOTT LIVING: I have a question to ask you-- very important. When they make a movie about your life, who is going to play you?

MELISSA RUFFNER: (Laughs) Well, it’s a tossup between Reese Witherspoon in that movie she made about hiking after she lost her mother, or it’s going to be Sally Field, because she’s feisty.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Not Meryl Streep?

MELISSA RUFFNER: No, and I’ll tell you why. Sally Field would’ve done what I did last Veteran’s Day. I came downtown, and I was dressed in red, white and blue, but Victorian. I was standing out on the sidewalk, watching the different troops and kids from schools going by with cards they had made for the veterans, which thanked them for their service and all of that. This guy walks up behind me, who obviously doesn’t live here, which I could tell from his haircut and clothing. He says, “I see the hookers have arrived.” I turned around and chased him down on Whiskey Row. And I said, “My name is Melissa Ruffner, and I’m very wellknown in this town, and we don’t talk that way.” Well, the man who he’d been walking with is watching all of this. I’m sure he gave him a big ‘raspberry’ later on. I normally wouldn’t have reacted that way, but that was just extremely rude. Nobody else was dressed in costume, and we’re a military family. And so, I chased the man down. And Sally Field would do that.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Oh, yeah. Now, speaking of certain types of people, what types of qualities do you admire in colleagues and associates?

MELISSA RUFFNER: People who are genuine, people who are friendly and who are trustworthy and people who keep their word. And that’s, on the opposite side, the thing that I dislike the most. If someone says that they will do something…I expect that to be done.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Melissa, you know this community well. In your opinion, what are key issues facing the community?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Oh, water – water, water, water, water and water. Just because you have to have water and, I know that it is a concern. I don’t have a great deal of information about how it’s being handled. We have aquifers in Chino Valley. We pull out of the Verde River, but so do other people. And that’s a huge concern. The other huge concern is fires. This season is going to be really bad.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Yes, it will.

MELISSA RUFFNER: There are 19 young men who perished on a hillside in Yarnell, fighting a fire that was probably set by a person. Fires are either set by lighting, or they are set by a person, and that one

wasn’t set by lightning.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots?

MELISSA RUFFNER: Yes. I knew two of the grandparents of those young men and went to school with one of the grandparents of those young men.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How many books have you written?

MELISSA RUFFNER: I’ve written history books and historical cookbooks, and then I’ve done a couple of monographs.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How come one of your books is worth $2,300 on the Web on Amazon?

MELISSA RUFFNER: (Laughs) That’s a typo. That’s got to be a typo. I don’t know…I’m a widow, maybe I come along with it? No, no – forget that. That’s only $2,000. I want a whole lot more than that.

PRESCOTT LIVING: So, with books, popular walking tours, speaking engagements and a little time for fun and travel, what else do you have planned for the future?

MELISSA RUFFNER: First and foremost, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. With that in mind, I love all our family gatherings – kids and grandkids coming home when they can. I love to travel and have family members who live everywhere from Northern California to the Florida Keys. I always find some interesting event or locale wherever I visit. I hope to continue teaching with the Northern Arizona University ‘over-the-road’ Road Scholar programs – it is my 36th year. Also, I plan to continue sharing my family history and the magnificent places in Arizona and New Mexico. I serve on boards, including Prescott Western Heritage Foundation and the Arizona Pioneers Home Foundation, and I always vote “yes” on every issue, because I plan to live there someday. I belong to the Civil War re-enactment groups and am a docent at the Elks Opera House--dressed in full Victorian costumes. In addition to my historical walking tours downtown, I am also a step-on guide on motor coaches. And, I entertain all kinds of groups, from conventions to reunions, as well as a sold-out dinner show every second Monday in November at the Palace Saloon and Restaurant. Whew. As my Dad, Budge Ruffner, when asked if he had lived in Prescott his whole life, would reply, “so far.” Me, too…so far. 

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SCHOOL CHOICE

ALIVE AND WELL

by Tim Carter, Yavapai County School Superintendent

Arizona has been a leader in establishing and maintaining charter schools, which offer a variety of course offerings based on the individual school charter.

Arizonans are blessed with a school choice system that is second to none in the United States. The Arizona Legislature has created attendance opportunities for parents and students that other states can only dream about. Parents, especially those in more highly populated areas like Prescott, have significant options for the education of their children.

Yavapai County alone has 26 school districts, including at least one of each type of school district allowed by law – unified districts (serving Pre K-12), elementary districts (Pre-K-8), union high school districts (9-12), joint technical education districts (career and technical education), transporting districts (serving students in remote and isolated areas), accommodation school districts (providing options for students to complete their education) and community college districts (offering certificates, associate arts degrees, and articulated transfer to universities). Districts are supported by both the state general fund and local property taxes, and are governed

by an elected governing board.

Arizona has been a leader in establishing and maintaining charter schools, which offer a variety of course offerings based on the individual school charter. Yavapai County currently has 24 charter schools, operating predominantly in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Camp Verde, Sedona and Cottonwood.

Charter schools, like school districts are “public schools,” yet funded by the state general fund, and governed by the charter operator or board in conjunction with the State Charter Board.

Open enrollment has been in place for decades in Arizona. This allows parents and students to move to any school they wish to attend, without adhering to district boundaries, as long as the school to which the student is transferring is not at capacity. Parents must provide their own transportation in this situation, but many districts will also provide that option upon a reasonable request.

Arizona also has statutory provisions that allow homeschooling, where parents may educate their own chil-

dren in their own homes. Homeschool networks, where parents and others work collectively to educate their children, are also popular. Homeschooling rules in Arizona are some of the least restrictive in the nation.

Private schools are also alive and well. In general, these schools operate outside of the authority of the state.

The Arizona Legislature began a system of “empowerment scholarship accounts” several years ago, which continues to expand. In the most recent session, the legislature included a controversial provision allowing the funding of private schools.

The Arizona Constitution, Article 11, also creates the office of an elected county school superintendent, who works with local authorities to provide the best possible education options for Arizona children. That is accomplished by operation of county education service agencies. For more information about Prescott schools and those throughout Yavapai County, go to the Yavapai County Education Service Agency webpage at YCESA.com.

BROKEN HORN D RANCH

by Kim McElroy, Owner, Broken Horn D Ranch

Broken Horn D Ranch is located in Prescott, Arizona. Dave Pawel and Kim McElroy raise Corriente cattle and produce 100 percent grass fed Criollo beef on more than 4,000 acres. All of the beef comes from animals born and raised on the ranch, spending their days in pastures grazing on native grasses and browsing in the irrigated pasture. After calves are weaned at eight months of age, they spend the next year-and-a-half growing to market weight. Cattle are handled quietly from horseback and are processed locally at Perkinsville Processing in Chino Valley, an Arizona Department of Agriculture-inspected slaughter facility.

Criollo beef comes from cattle of Spanish origin. These cattle are especially well adapted to the hot, arid Arizona climate. They are vigorous breeders and are known for their ability to “utilize the country” as well as all available forages. Criollo cattle are a smaller animal than the traditional English beef breeds and are typically slaughtered at 800 pounds. Their muscle fibers are fine, like buffalo or elk, making the meat tender and incredibly flavorful. Because they are grass fed, the beef is not only good tasting, but good for you as well! Grass fed beef is higher in protein and

lower in fat and cholesterol than grain finished beef.

All Broken Horn D Ranch, Criollo beef meets the USDA Standards for grass fed, no hormones, no antibiotics and no animal by products ever for the life of the animal, as independently verified by TechniTrack, LLC. McElroy is also a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certified Producer, further verifying the ranch operates by the highest industry standards for humane handling and care of cattle. Pawel and McElroy are passionate about their cattle (and horses), and being good stewards of the land. They feel truly blessed to be able to live their dream while providing friends and neighbors with healthy and delicious food.

A new product offering in 2017 is Brewer’s Grain/Grass Fed Criollo Beef. Brewers’ grains are spent barley and hops from the brewing of beer. Brewer’s grains are a great source of protein, TDN, minerals and vitamins. They are metabolized by cattle like forage, and do not have the negative effects on the rumen that uncooked grain has. The BHD Ranch uses the spent brewer’s grains from Prescott Brewing Company to supplement the pasture diet of some of their cattle. The meat from these animals is a healthy alternative to grain finished beef.

Broken Horn D Ranch Criollo Beef is available in individual cuts such as steaks, roasts and ground beef. Purchases can be made at the Prescott Farmer’s Market 7:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at Yavapai College; Prescott Valley 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

every Tuesday in the Harkins Theater parking lot and Chino Valley at Olsen’s Grain 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Whole and half animals are available for custom processing. Contact the ranch at 928-708-9385 or www. BHDRanch.com.

Locally-Grown, Grass Fed Criollo Beef

USDA Process verified Grass Fed, No Hormones, No antibiotics, No animal byproducts.

Locally-Grown, Grass Fed Criollo Beef

USDA Process verified Grass Fed, No Hormones, No antibiotics, No animal byproducts. Ever, for the life of the animal Individual cuts for sale • Whole or half sides available!

Ever, for the life of the animal Individual cuts for sale • Whole or half sides available!

“ I must tell you that this was absolutely, hands down, THE best steak and hamburger that I’ve ever had!” – JC Bell, Scottsdale

Prescott Valley Farmers Market, Tuesdays, 2-6pm @ Harkins Theater parking lot

Available at the Prescott Farmers Market, Saturdays, 7:30am-Noon @ Yavapai College

Available at the Prescott Farmers Market, Saturdays, 10am-1pm @ YMCA.

Available at the Prescott Farmers Market, Saturdays, 10am-1pm @ YMCA.

“ I must tell you that this was absolutely, hands down, THE best steak and hamburger that I’ve ever had!” – JC Bell, Scottsdale

Chino Valley Farmers Market, Thursdays, 3-6pm @ Olsen’s Grain

Prescott Valley, Tuesdays, 2-5pm at Harkins Th

Tuesdays, 3-6pm at Harkins eater.

Prescott Valley, Tuesdays, 2-5pm at Harkins Theater.

Tuesdays, 3-6pm at Harkins eater.

SUMMER SPORTS WITH THE CITY OF PRESCOTT

The Recreation Services Programming Division not only serves our QuadCity residents with adult softball and basketball leagues during the summer months, but also hosts tournaments that attract participants from all over the country. In 2016, the estimated economic impact to our community was more than $2.3 million in estimated direct spending, and we expect that number to continue to rise.

Along with youth soccer events, our department is always searching for additional youth tournaments that increase visitation to our city as these athletes bring parents, grandparents and siblings to our community throughout the weekend. Examples of these events include youth baseball tournaments, girls youth fastpitch softball tournaments, a youth football jamboree and a variety of youth sports camps. We also host many adult tournaments including senior baseball, volleyball, golf and many softball tournaments throughout the summer.

Not to be outdone by the many visitors who come to Prescott to enjoy the tournaments we offer, our local residents participate in the biggest sports leagues per capita in the state during the summer. The annual summer softball program consists of 140 adult teams that play from early May through August. There are a variety of softball leagues offered including, men’s, women’s, coed, senior and men’s fast-pitch. We also offer a summer basketball program with more than two dozen men’s teams competing.

On average, there are more than 150 teams and over 2,000 participants coming from Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley,

Dewey as well as Paulden to enjoy some quality of life in the summer’s evenings.

Along with the adult leagues, Prescott Little League and the Prescott Girls Softball Association enjoys time on the fields playing baseball and softball during the summer months, paving the way for the fall youth soccer and football programs to take over the fields in September.

As summer comes to a close and the season changes to fall, the Recreation Services Department shifts its focus to youth soccer, football and adult indoor volleyball leagues. We also become busier in the Grace Sparkes Activity Center as the athletes come to participate in open gym basketball and volleyball during the hours of operation and charter schools rent the volleyball courts for practice.

The City of Prescott Recreation Service Sports Division remains busy year-round. As the summer comes to a close and the tournament calendar winds down, the fall and winter months still buzz with many sports opportunities available to our youth and adult athletes. For more information please contact the Recreation Services Department via the website www.prescott-az.gov or 928-777-1122.

2017 Calendar of Sporting Events

DATES EVENT CONTACT SITES

July 8-9

July 14-16

July 16-20

July 19-23

July 22-27

July 26-30

USSSA Baseball

NSA Best of the West

Nike Baseball Camp

SSUSA Men’s Sr. Slow-Pitch Western St. Championships

Catalina Foothills Band

NSA Southwest World Series

Aug 4-6 Antique Auto Club Car Show

August 4-6

August 12-13

Women’s Senior Summer Softball Smash

NSA Sanctioning Invitational

August 19-20 Senior Volleyball Tournament

August 19-20 Alliance Youth Football Jamboree

August 26-27 Kathy Jones Coed Tournament

Sept. 1-3

SSUSA Labor Day SP State Champ. - Men, Wmn, Coed

Sept. 9 AYSO Soccer Games Begin (Saturdays Sept. 10- Nov. 19)

October 14

Over-The-Line Tournament

Mike Breganti PP/ Kuebler/Ziegler

Rick Hormann Various Fields

Mike Duserville Kuebler/Ziegler Fields

Rick Seifman Pioneer/Heritage

Renee Shane Boyd Heritage 3 & 4

Rick Hormann Various Fields

Pct Antique Auto Club Watson Lake

Michelle Stacy-Schroeder Pioneer / Heritage

Rick Hormann Pioneer 4 Plex

Patti Enders Various Gyms

Kenny King Pioneer 4 Plex

Kathy Jones Pioneer/Heritage

Rick Seifman Pioneer/Heritage

Janelle Reidl Pioneer

Michael Lugo Heritage Park

THE BENEFITS OF THE CITY OF PRESCOTT’S SPORTS PROGRAMS ARE ENDLESS

Although the Recreation Service Department was impacted with various cuts and fee increases as part of the budget cut process, the services to the youth and adult sports programs, tournaments and field rentals are still going strong in our community.

As the sports programs and tournaments in our city not only generate tremendous economic impact and fee-based revenues to the general fund, the Recreation Services Department continues to provide a variety of benefits to our sports enthusiasts who either live, work or visit our beautiful city. Whether providing a program, league or tournament, our department continues to service the youth, adult and senior athletes of our community, surrounding cities, and competitive teams who visit our award-winning tournaments on an annual basis.

Our community youth sports leagues consist of approximately 1,000 local participants in soccer, 620 in little league, 290 in girls softball, 200 in football and cheer and 650 in

basketball and as partners with local boards and the YMCA. Our department serves these youth athletes by providing fields, gym use and meeting rooms and assisting with collecting registrations and partnering with boards through a bi-monthly athletic board meeting. Many projects and field renovation costs are shared by these youth groups and the Recreation Services Department to maintain the facilities we all utilize.

The adult sports league calendar continues to be successful through our basketball, volleyball and softball programs. We annually register close to 300 adult teams and approximately 3,000 participants who stay and play in our leagues, enjoying the quality of life we provide through these programs. We continuously search for events that positively impact our local economy throughout the tournament season. Our calendar begins in April and concludes in October.

Targeting additional youth events that bring families to our city is the main goal. Ultimately, we target those events where parents, grand-

by Rick Hormann

parents and siblings travel, filling our hotels, dining in our restaurants and shopping in our stores throughout their stay. The economic impact of these events to our community generated over $2.3 million of direct spending in 2015. We also believe that when these out of town guests come to play in our community, they may return here for vacations.

Along with utilizing our sports facilities for tournaments, events, local leagues and youth programs, we also work hard to maximize our revenue production through field and gym rentals. Our staff does an outstanding job in renting the multiple city fields and Grace Sparkes Memorial Activity Center Gym for club team practices that are created out of the community youth sports leagues listed above, as well as out of town club teams from all over the state. The Recreation Services Department recognizes the personal, social, environmental and economic benefits that are provided through our sports programs and tournaments. We look forward to serving our local and visiting athletes athletes for many years to come.

50 YEARS OF SHARED HISTORY

by John Flicker, President of Prescott College

Education has been a priority for the residents of Prescott for a very long time. One of Prescott’s first public buildings was a log cabin schoolhouse, a replica of which is located on the grounds of Sharlot Hall Museum.

As leader of the Congregational Church of Prescott, Dr. Charles Franklin Parker envisioned a college for this place in the great tradition of Congregationalist schools including Harvard (1636), Yale (1701), Dartmouth (1769), and Amherst (1863). In the 1950s Dr. Parker began to

promote his dream of a “Harvard of the West” which would be named Prescott College.

In March 1962, the Prescott College Founding Fund was established with the goal of raising $1 million. With the slogan “It’s up to you in ’62! To Open the Door in ’64!” Parker and a team of volunteers brought the local community together, raising $1,048,062 in just six months!

From the Fanns and Fains to the “girl next door” crowned Miss Prescott College, the people of Prescott pulled together whatever gifts and talents they could

offer – monetary gifts; gifts-inkind, such as a prize calf, mining claims and a concert piano, as well as monetary pledges.

In 1963 Dr. Parker secured a grant from the Ford Foundation that brought 100 leaders in higher education from around the country together to create a vision of a college that would train a new generation of leaders with the skills, moral foundation and vision to promote peace and well-being among the world’s peoples, and with the foresight to attack such looming problems as environmental degradation, poverty, and overpopulation. The result of this symposium was a blueprint for the college of the future, with three core principles that persist in our operations to this day – interdisciplinary curriculum, in-depth mastery of subject matter through hands-on learning and flexible systems to allow self-direction.

Prescott College opened its doors to students for the first time in fall 1966. It has remained a fixture of the local community, currently employing 166 locals, and sharing 50 years of history with its hometown and namesake.

As a private nonprofit institution, Prescott College serves students and the community without direct funding from federal, state or local government. The school is Arizona’s only private nonprofit liberal arts college, dedicated to the ideals of environmental and social justice. Prescott College offers both on-campus and limited-residency

deliveries in undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

On-campus students live in Prescott while attending classes here and throughout the Southwest. Those enrolled in the limited-residency programs come from all corners of the nation and world, working with local mentors and with Prescott College faculty at a distance.

Today the college is investing in its future. It has grown from a charter class of 80 on-campus undergraduates to a student body closer to 700. In 2009, Prescott College graduated its first class of Ph.D. students in education with a concentration in sustainability education. It is the first college in the country to graduate students in the field.

With the construction of LEED™ Platinum Certified student housing, the addition of an on-campus master’s program in social justice and human rights, and increasingly recognized excellence in the areas of teacher education and mental health counselor training, Prescott College is ready to take leadership roles in building bridges with the community. Prescott.edu

ECHOES OF THE WILD WEST 30th annual gathering of cowboy poets set for mid-August

by Jim Buchanan , Gathering Chairman

The legends of the Old West live on today through tales told long ago around the campfire. Through written prose and spoken word, bringing that uniquely Western experience to life is the mission of the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering. That’s why you won’t want to miss one of Prescott’s most popular events at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. August 10, 11 and 12.

More than 50 authentic cowboy poets and singers will perform for two days and

three nights to share their heritage and the culture of the American Cowboy. Featured performers include Dave Stamey, Trinity Seely and Don Edwards. The theme for this year’s gathering is “A Long Way Home” and features a poster by artist George Molnar.

Cowboy poetry aficionado Dennis Gallagher said, “I’ve been coming to this event for years and the lineup just keeps getting better and better. It’s one of the things that make

Prescott such a special place in the hearts of those who cherish our Western Heritage and its traditions.”

Dave Stamey has been a cowboy, a mule packer and a dude wrangler, and is now one of the most popular Western entertainers working today. He was voted six times Entertainer of the Year and Male Performer

continued on page 87...

WHAT MAKES GREAT PIZZA?

by Keith Mantegna, Owner, Two Mamas Gourmet Pizzeria

PRESCOTT LIVING: In your opinion, what’s the “secret” to a good pizza? Is it in the dough, the cheese, the sauce itself...or maybe something else entirely?

MANTEGNA: QUALITY, fresh ingredients plus homemade ingredients, such as sauces and dough. You need the timely prepping of toppings and the right blend of sauce, cheese and toppings.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What type of pizza do you offer? (For example, New York or Chicago style, wood-fired, etc.)

MANTEGNA: THIN crust, hand-tossed, pan and gluten-free. I like to say, “Prescott Style!”

PRESCOTT LIVING: What’s the most popular pizza you serve at your establishment?

MANTEGNA: THE Supremo is our top-sell -

PIZZA

Specialty Pizza or Build Your Own

Thin, Hand Tossed, or Pan Pizza

Small-Medium-Large-Xtra Large

Over 60 cheeses, meats, vegetables and custom toppings to choose from Gluten Free 10”, 12”, 14”

Individual Slices

SALADS

SMALL-MEDIUM-LARGE

Garden

Greek Caesar

Chopped Salad

Spinach

Spring Mix

Wedge

Antipasta

er of our specialty pizzas. Our ‘Build Your Own’ sells more and is very popular, each custom-made to the customer’s liking. With over 60 toppings available, there’s not any one specific combination that I can say is the most popular.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How do you cook your pizza?

MANTEGNA: WE use a double-deck conveyor oven. Our thin, hand-tossed and gluten-free go though the top at the same time and temperature. Our pan pizzas go through the bottom oven at a slower speed.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Where did you learn how to make pizza?

MANTEGNA: RIGHT here in Prescott at Two Mamas Gourmet Pizzeria.

PASTA

Alfredo Penne Spaghetti w/meatballs

WINGS

Regular / Boneless / Jumbo 8 flavors to choose from

SUBS

9 to choose from

CALZONES

Mini / Traditional / Jumbo Sizes include cheese and sauce and can add any pizza topping

Kids Menu

wine & spirits

Just like your business conveys a modern and professional image, so should your marketing materials. Your business cards, flyers, postcards and advertisements should solicit an inviting response and encourage your prospective clients to take action. With your dollars on the line and your reputation at stake, are you promoting yourself to your clients in the best way possible?

Whether you are looking for marketing collateral (logo design, slogan development, business cards, presentation folders) or marketing materials (flyers, postcards, door hangers, etc)

ROX Media Group can take your marketing materials to the next level. We offer custom and unique ideas, with quick turnaround on production and competitive pricing.

ROX Media Group can also assit you with web design or updating exiting websites. Our sites are created with responsible technology, so they work on any devise - phone, tablet or PC. With a focus on user experience, our websites are designed to inform, engage and drive sales. Need help with social media? ROX Media Group is available to setup your pages as well as maintain daily engagement.

NASA INVITATION HAS YC STUDENT SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

by Jennifer McCormack, Marketing Coordinator, Yavapai College

Lori McDonald has been content for years to work in a variety of different professions while investigating careers that were a better fit for her interests and intellect.

But the 42-year-old Yavapai College (YC) student is ready to let her wandering spirit rest to focus on finishing something she started. That something is an aerospace engineering degree, now that she has been invited to participate in NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Project. The program’s aim is attracting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines critical to NASA’s future missions.

“I gave up on engineering when it seemed like the doors were closed,” McDonald said, citing mounting college debt.

A hairstylist and masseuse with offices in Jerome and Sedona, McDonald’s enduring curiosity and drive to learn drew her to YC, where she has studied a variety of subjects since 2006. She learned about the NASA program last spring and completed a battery of writing and other assignments initially.

“My eyes were crossed, but everything was so interesting,” she said. “When something like that ignites you, you grab onto it.”

After completing the preparatory work, McDonald was invited to continue learning at

a NASA research site. She traveled to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Southern California in April to spend four days working with a team to build and test a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) and form a fictional company interested in Mars exploration.

McDonald is optimistic about her chances of working in aerospace.

“How high can this go?” she asked rhetorically. “No matter what, I’m not going to get bored. And, no matter what, the end of this opportunity will be life-changing.”

YAVAPAI COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

by M.J. Grady, Marketing Specialist, Yavapai College

Get ready for big bands, belly laughs and sights that defy description.

This fall, Yavapai College Performing Arts Center offers a little bit of each to launch its 2017-18 season. Couples –young and old – as well as families and music lovers will find plenty to get excited about in Prescott’s most gorgeous performance facility.

The fun starts August 26, with swing and sass from some of the finest cats in jazz. The Prescott Jazz Summit All-Star Big Band gathers legendary musicians from around United

States for an energetic, big band extravaganza.

What do you get when you combine theatre, stand-up and a popular book about men and women? One of the best date nights ever! On Friday night, September 8, Men are from Mars/Women are from Venus, adapts John Gray’s classic bestseller into insightful, hysterical vignettes that cover dating, marriage, the bedroom and beyond.

Then, bring the kids September 22 for a mind-blowing, action-packed spectacular. The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! is an interactive

tour-de-force of jaw-dropping illusions that will have your entire family saying, “How did he do that?” all the way home.

The Prescott Jazz Summit, Bill Blagg Live! and Men are from Mars mark the start of a YCPAC season that will feature artists like The Texas Tenors, Celtic Fire and Garrison Keillor in 2018. The full season will be announced this summer. Please contact the YCPAC Box Office, 1100 East Sheldon Street, call 928-776-2000 or visit www.ycpac.com to learn more.

SWC WINES MEDAL IN TASTING COMPETITION

by Tim Diesch

Yavapai College's Southwest Wine Center (SWC) at the Clarkdale campus won a gold medal for Best Sauvignon Blanc at The Arizona Republic's Arizona Grand Wine Festival in Phoenix in January. Wines made by students at the SWC won five additional awards, including a bronze medal for Petite Sirah, and four Wines of Distinction medals. The

judges were composed of Arizona sommeliers, chefs and wine professionals.

"Having a student-produced wine honored with a gold medal by such a respected panel of judges, is validation that our winemaking program is among the best in the Southwest," said Director of Yavapai College's Enology Program, Michael Pierce. "With this recognition, the

Southwest Wine Center has been showcased as the centerpiece for teaching and learning programs for the region's wine industry."

The SWC is a wine industry and community resource, providing comprehensive handson education from vineyard to bottle with programs in enology, viticulture and business/ entrepreneurship through its vineyard, teaching winery, tasting room and region-wide wine industry research epicenter.

LAST ACRE PLANTED AT SWC

by Tim Diesch, Marketing Specialist, Yavapai College

The last acre of 13 at the Yavapai College Southwest Wine Center (SWC) was planted in late April at the Clarkdale campus, thanks to the efforts of 70 volunteers and the ongoing dedication of the auxiliary group, Friends of the Southwest Wine Center (FoSWC).

Wrapping up a years-long “Plant-a-Vine” program, which saw community members help prepare the soil and plant the vines for future harvesting, the FoSWC will turn its attention exclusively to supporting the SWC through fundraising.

President of the FoSWC, Joan Meyers, said that the focus for the coming year is to raise scholarship funds that will support endowed scholarships, program costs and other educational needs as they arise.

“We’re working on the details on how the community can assist in harvesting the grapes each fall,” said Meyers. “Next spring, we’ll work on putting on an ‘Emerging Winemakers’ event.”

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NORTHERN ARIZONA SUNS

1

The Northern Arizona Suns is a professional basketball team in the NBA Development League. They are the exclusive affiliate with the Phoenix Suns, and play at the Prescott Valley Event Center.

2

NAZ Suns players are just a step away from playing in the NBA, vying to improve and showcase their skills, trying to get called up. At the end of the season, 44 percent of NBA players had spent time in the D-League at some point in their careers.

3

Six different NAZ Suns players are currently in the NBA. Derrick Jones Jr., Elijah Millsap, Tyler Ulis and Alan Williams are all with the Phoenix Suns. Johnny O’Bryant is a member of the Charlotte Hornets, and Chris McCullough is with the Washington Wizards.

4 Prescott Valley received national attention last year when Derrick Jones Jr. showed off his athletic ability at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

5

The team has many upand-comers. Askia Booker, Derek Cooke Jr. and Josh Gray all participated in the D-League Elite Mini-Camp, while head coach Ty Ellis was one of four D-League coaches invited to help lead NBA Draft prospects in Chicago.

6

The NAZ Suns began 8-0 at home last year and tied the D-League record for the best start through the first 11 games of a season (10-1).

7

The team is active in the community, getting involved in Read Across America, Shop with a Cop and instituting an All Star Student Achiever program for students.

8

Thanks to fans, volunteers, employees, coaches, and players, the NAZ Suns raised over $5,000 for the BreastCare Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

9

The team encourages children in the area to stay active by hosting basketball clinics and camps.

10

In a family-friendly environment, tickets are a bargain, starting at just $9.

Special Section: Home & Garden

TOP 10 Roses OF 2017

1 3 2 4

The mountains of Arizona are famous for our easy-care roses. Because of the dry air and alkaline soils, we just grow a better, brighter, more fragrant rose without the disease and insect issues that plague gardens in California and humid states. Every yard and garden deserves at least one rosebush whether in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers.

the name for this unique rose. Pointed, sculptured buds spiral open, revealing layers of colors in reds, corals and orange tones in stunning 5-inch blossoms. It's no wonder this Arizona favorite tops this year's list!

2

6

4

6 With more than 700 roses showing at Watters Garden Center this summer, the variety of fragrances and colors are bound to provide the right rose for every garden.

This year's list of top roses seems to focus more on fragrance than unique colors, although there are a couple of new colors that make the list as well as some traditional favorites. The roses described below are by no means the only roses you will find at Watters Garden Center this year. Listed are the most consistently popular selections and new varieties on everyone's radar. Reviews are from national rose breeders, local growers and what we witness here at the nursery in Prescott.

1

Sedona - The warm colors reminiscent of the craggy red bluffs and high desert sunsets in the American Southwest inspired

Chris Evert - It’s a ‘grand slam’ as far as gardeners are concerned. Some call it orange-yellow, but the scarlet blush ‘served’ at the finish of the flower is ‘game point.’

The 'match’ is completed by a well-behaved clean plant for the showy, wellformed blossoms. New foliage of a deep red maturing to large green leaves puts the ‘top-spin’ on this winner.

3

Octoberfest – Here's a tall drink of a grandiflora, whose intoxicating blend of autumn colors captures the spirit of the fall festival year-round. Gorgeous, glossy green leaves and dark red new shoots join the celebration of ever-changing yellows, oranges and reds. Elegant pointed buds and large flowers develop in lovely clusters for an instant bouquet. Add to all this a glorious fragrance and you’ll raise your glass to say, “Prosit!”

Drop Dead Red - This killer color is truly a stop-‘em-deadin-their-tracks kind of red that’s certain to lure you to linger. Happily, it retains that red to the very finish of the flower, making this bushy, shiny, showy rose a desirable addition to most landscapes.

5

Scent-imental - You might think stripes are new-fangled things, but it’s the old rose heritage that brings the genetic striping to this spicy-scented newcomer. Each petal is as unique as a snowflake – some more burgundy-splashed-white, some more cream-swirled-red – and all on the same vigorous plant. The continuous quilted blossoms rise atop distinctive clean foliage – perfect for fragrant potpourris.

Joseph's Coat – This ever-popular climber makes the list again this year. Bounteous clusters with double flowers of ever-changing colorful hues grace the glossy apple-green leaves. Blooming on new and old wood, this is a popular, well-loved Arizona performer.

by Lisa Lain, Arizona's Garden Gal

White Dawn - Loads of bright white ruffled flowers come on this vigorous climbing rose. Many flowers develop on this vine with buds forming on new and old wood at the same time. If you like big, bold and white, this rose is bound to please.

Shockwave - There’s no rose that’s any yellower, and no foliage that’s any greener. The combo makes your eyes blink and your head spin in disbelief! Better yet, the flowers hold on to their searing yellow tones to the very end, dropping away from this well-behaved plant just in time to welcome the next round of blooms. This plant is tidy enough to tuck into a landscape, lend an accent to a container or top a rose tree.

Lisa graduated from Prescott High School and went on to obtain her master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. She married her college sweetheart, Ken, and has four children. Her garden advice can be heard each week on the "Mountain Garden" radio hour broadcast through KQNA 1130am & 99.9fm, also heard on NPR signals KJAZZ 89.5fm, KJZP 90.1fm. Throughout the week Lisa can be found at Watters Garden Center located at 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd, Prescott, or contacted through her website at www.wattersgardencenter.com 7 8 9 10 5 7 9 8 10

Vavoom Tree Rose – Have you ever seen a rose stand up and say, “Howdy?” The tones of its glowing orange blooms might make your eyes pucker! Put that juicy orange against its deep mahogany foliage that matures to a glossy green and you have a lollapalooza for the landscape. Caution: Sunglasses may be required!

Anna's Promise – This is the first in a series of garden roses inspired by the award-winning British television series “Downton Abbey.” This introduction praises the true heart and integrity of Anna, lady’s maid to Lady Mary Crawley in the popular program. The unique color combination of golden petals with a pink blush and glowing bronze reverse is a fitting representation of Anna’s character. Elegant blossoms surrounded by glossy, green foliage exude a spicy, fruity fragrance. This graceful plant includes strong stems, perfect for bouquets in the parlor.

These are the roses gardeners are talking about for 2017. With more than 700 roses showing at Watters Garden Center this summer, the variety of fragrances and colors are bound to provide the right rose for every garden. Feeding roses with Watters' Flower Power 54 water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks produces HUGE blooms! Twice-per-week watering will keep your roses fully plumped and thriving. Learn how to plant and care for roses with my two-page care sheet

on roses – free when you visit me here at the garden center.

Until next issue, I'll see you among the roses here at Watters Garden Center.

Lisa Watters-Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Road in Prescott, or contacted through her website at WattersGardenCenter.com or FB.com/WattersGardenCenter.

Lisa Watters-Lain

Special Section: Home & Garden

A SUNNY HORIZON

Future looks optimistic for construction industry

by Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association

There is something kind of intoxicating about spending time to create an article to share with the community you love. As this inaugural issue of Prescott LIVING Magazine rolls off the press and hits the streets, a feeling of happy energy, love and thankfulness for living, working and being a part of a truly wonderful place in the universe warmed my heart.

What’s next for the construction industry and us? The answer is fresh new beginnings. Like the quote, “Just when the caterpillar thought life was over, he transformed into a butterfly,” we all need to live to be the best. We live in cities and towns throughout a nation and in a wider world where changes always happen – changes we will continue to see happen, as long as there is life on this planet. What a ride it has been so far!

We’ve seen men walk on the moon and women, too, launched into space; we’ve grown to love organic produce and exercise. We have embraced green building technologies; we’re watching driverless cars develop and thousands of new words added to the dictionary such as completionist, slacktivism and breakfunch, which is something I do all day – eating small meals between breakfast and lunch. Everyone is wearing a smartwatch or an exercise band that tells us we have slept well and how many steps we have taken during the day. Just imagine what might be on the horizon…

If anyone had asked me years ago if I thought I would be executive director of a construction industry organization, I probably would have said, “Are you kidding?”

Looking toward the horizon of construction, some see the potential

for higher mortgage rates that could lead to a tougher home-selling and buying environment; some see a higher rise in material costs and construction costs. But regardless of where it goes from here, few expect the recent activity to stop anytime soon.

The buyers who are currently kicking Prescott’s home building’s tires are coming from near and far. Some of the reasons driving the uptick in activity are based on perennial trends—the recovery started in some markets as early as 2010. Other factors have to do with specific, fundamental demographic and capital shifts— millennials are coming; baby boomers are retiring; families are moving in and our area is growing. Buyers are allocating capital to the markets where they feel they have the best growth prospects relative to their own investment objectives.

If anyone had asked me years ago if I thought I would be executive director of a construction industry organization, I probably would have said, “Are you kidding?” Now it is 2017 and after nearly 11 years as the proud executive director of YCCA, I am still energized and thrilled to continue growing the promise of the construction industry. I continue to love to be the best, and remain optimistic about tomorrow, next week, next year and all the years beyond to promote an industry that built America.

We are fortunate to live in the Quad-City area, with its temperate climate, forests, lakes, hiking, biking, array of culture and amenities, Old West flair and warm community spirit. Now, more families and businesses are discovering the region's appeal and opportunities.

Those of you who know me, know that I am an eternal optimist. I am always searching for

a glow and a gleam of hope. I know it is a nice outlook, but not always an easy attitude. We all have those enthusiastic work weeks, but are then confronted by every hurdle imaginable and find ourselves looking down and not up. This is the construction industry, in a nutshell. Our industry still faces challenges and obstacles and hurdles, but optimism will reign. So, here is to peace and optimism in your world!

SUMMER IS UPON US!

Are you ready? by

The outdoor kitchen is stocked with beverages, both adult and otherwise, and the shade provided by your patio cover has increased your summer living space – life is good!

Wait, what did you say? Your patio is not covered? And your outdoor kitchen is your BBQ grill...seriously? Call us! We can fix that!

Outdoor kitchens can range from the simplest grill space to an elaborate dream kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, countertop surfaces and all the bells and whistles. Regardless of the size of your outdoor kitchen, there is one universal truth that all outdoor kitchen renovators must keep in mind: All building materials in an outdoor kitchen must be able to stand up to the elements.

Outdoor kitchen design ideas are as much about beauty as they are about functionality.

Tom Reilly

Start your outdoor kitchen design by making a list of must-have items that could include a grill, sink, island, gas cooktop, pizza oven, dining space or a bar. List them in order of necessity. Keep budget in mind.

The popularity of outdoor kitchens has created a market for prefabricated or modular outdoor kitchen kits in a variety of customizable styles including compact refrigerators, cabinets and more.

Whatever your dream design or outdoor kitchen ideas are, make sure you do your research, consider functionality and engage a reputable contractor. Your contractor will help with location of appliances, plumbing and electrical or gas lines to get the most from your design and budget. If you need assistance give Renovations a call at 928-445-8506 or go to our website www.renovationsaz.com.

Special Section: Home & Garden

THE FIVE JOYS OF A FAMILY BUSINESS

by Dan Hussey

We work together most days. Many people part ways with family in the morning, and will not see a loved one until evening.

In 1976, when I was still in high school, my father opened a small retail office supply company. He made me a partner in the business, which as I look back now, was a very generous gesture.

That was over 40 years ago, and with the exception of a few years, I have been working with family ever since.

In those beginning days, it was just dad and me, working long hours and building a startup company. I recall my salary was $50 per week! Maybe that’s why he had to make me a partner.

Now, my dad is gone. He is buried here in Prescott, but enjoying his new digs in heaven. I have a picture of him and mom on my desk, and often think of them and miss their presence in my life.

And this brings me to my first JOY: unique memories.

Working with dad allowed me to know him as a man, a businessman and a community leader. I had more time with him than any of my siblings. We spent several years together in day-to-day interaction. This extended time allowed me to know him on a deep level, and be influenced by his life and example. I have wonderful memories of those early days, and experiencing my dad’s indomitable spirit and energy. None of that would have been possible without our small, family-owned office supply store, in downtown La Puente, California.

In 1988, I moved to Prescott and purchased a little, struggling flooring company. This allowed me the opportunity to work with family again. Over the years, my father, mother, sister, brother, nephews and sister-in-law were employed in

our store. JOY #2: Helping family. Owning a company allows you to bless your family in ways otherwise impossible. Helping your family is a wonderful feeling.

Currently, my wife and I own Totally Floored, in Prescott Valley. We work together most days. Many people part ways with family in the morning, and will not see a loved one until evening. Thus, JOY #3: Being around those you love. This world can be a tough place. We all need special people that look out for us, encouraging us and sharing hugs and kisses. With Julie here at the store, we enjoy each other every day. When our special song plays on the sound system we dance together in the warehouse, reminding us of our wedding and the commitment and love we share. It is always a bright spot in the week.

Together, we make a strong team, and create a pleasurable place to work. JOY #4: Family brings value. Julie brings a great deal of common sense and wisdom to our operation. Without her steady hand and eagle-eye on the checkbook, we wouldn’t be as strong as we are. Family members bring a shared desire for the business to succeed, and offer exceptional value to the company.

Sometimes when people come in to the store, and they have had a distressing situation in their life, we ask them if we can pray for them and try to encourage them. JOY #5: Sharing our values. Family-owned businesses can offer a personal touch. We develop friendships and have agility to meet pressing needs.

We’re Dan and Julie Hussey, with Totally Floored, and we warmly invite you to visit our family business!

PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS®, INC WORLD’S OLDEST RODEO®

by Tricia Lewis, Communications Professional

In May of 1888, the town of Prescott began planning a 4th of July celebration it had held for the past four years. Festivities included a parade, band concerts and horse races.

Even though organizers were successful, the town decided it wanted something else that would draw miners and cowboys to town (mining and ranching were the two-dominant industries at the time). So, they brought hard-rock drilling contests, fire hose contests and precision marching drills by soldiers and cavalry horse units from nearby Fort Whipple as well as parades with cowboys and soldiers.

Even after bringing all the events together, they still needed more action, and had observed – at different times on the outlying ranches – cowboys competing against each other in bronco riding and cattle roping contests – something they enjoyed tremendously. They decided this type of action is just what was missing from their 4th of July activities. So, they decided the affair would be a well-organized event, and they invited cowboys ahead of time to compete and planned to charge admission.

Without realizing it, and with no intent on its part to do so, this committee was creating rodeo sports history on July 4, 1888. As part of its planning efforts, the committee established the criteria for an organized, modern-day (at that time) rodeo.

The rodeo rules were the following:

• A committee would organize and put the rodeo on (something that still happens today).

• Cowboys had to be invited to compete.

• Admission would be charged to put the rodeo on.

• Prizes would be awarded.

• Documentation of events and results would be completed. Hence, professional rodeo was born in Prescott, Arizona!

The events that occurred back then were bronco riding (bronc riding), steer roping and tying (tie-down roping), and cow pony races. Cash and merchandise were offered as prizes. The “Best Cowboy” received a sterling silver trophy. A favorable climate for betting was provided.

The Prescott Rodeo grounds didn’t exist yet, so it was held in an open area later known as Forbing Park. A few makeshift seats were thrown up, but most watched as they stood on the ground, sat in wagons and buggies, or gained their views from horseback.

Juan Leivas, a cowboy on the James O’Neal Ranch on Date

WILLOW LAKE

by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator - City of Prescott

As a Prescott local, you often hear discussions about how fortunate we are to live in such a respectively mild climate, with more days of sunshine than not. Many who have relocated to this area confirm it is this very quality that first attracted them. The role of the Recreation Services Department is to provide enhanced quality of life for our visitors and residents alike, while maintaining facilities in an aesthetically pleasing manner. One example of how we do this is through the management of our three lakes. Currently, under our management are Watson Lake, Willow Lake and Goldwater Lake. All area lakes have benefited from the abundant moisture winter storms provided this past season. Willow Lake, particularly, seems to have benefited, judging by the swarms of ducks, birds and other wildlife that have been seen frequently this year. Willow Lake typically sees fewer visitations in comparison to Watson and Goldwater, although the scenery and amenities are quite unique.

A multipurpose trail circles Willow Lake, however the East Bay Loops portion are impassable when the water levels are high. Open year-round to bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders, the trail is 5.2 miles in length and approximately 60 feet in total altitude change.

The trail can be accessed via several parking locations. An improved, fee-based parking area is accessible from Willow Creek Road, near the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Non feebased access is found at Jim McCasland Willow Creek park (behind the dog park) and what is commonly referred to the Britni trailhead adjacent to Vista Del Lago Estates and Sarafina Drive, off Willow Lake Road.

The department does offer up a pre-paid parking pass option for frequent visitors. Parking in the improved areas does have its benefits, particularly at Willow Lake. On Saturday mornings from 10 a.m.-noon, the local chapter of the Arizona Archeological Society is on-site to provide tours of the prehistoric pit houses that were discovered after the city purchased the lakes in 1998.

ing mountain peaks, such as Granite Mountain, Glassford Hill, and Thumb Butte, as well as the lake itself. Tucked in between the sports complex at Heritage Park and Willow Lake is the Garden ramada, which offers convenient proximity to the restroom and playground. While there is no swimming allowed, Willow Lake offers excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities as well as fishing prospects. Largemouth bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, and Sunfish can all be found among the aforementioned wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations apply at all of the city-managed lakes.

Willow Lake typically sees fewer visitations in comparison to Watson and Goldwater, although the scenery and amenities are quite unique.

Summer months are popular times for special gatherings, such as company picnics, weddings and family reunions. Willow Lake offers two covered ramadas, each distinctive in their views. The Hilltop ramada offers stunning views of the surround-

If you and your family or friends have not ventured out to Willow Lake, it is strongly suggested you see what it has to offer!

For more information on the amenities at Willow Lake, or any other City of Prescott Recreation Services Department managed facilities, please visit Prescott-az.gov/services/parks, or call 928-777-1122. Parking at fee-based areas is waived on Wednesdays. Information on the Mile High Trail system can be found at prescotttrails.com

of the Community VOICES

...continued from page 15

Prescott Parks & Rec Department

• Samara Rice-Cummings, Recreation Services Administrative Specialist

• Patti Crouse, Recreation Services Administrative Coordinator

• Rick Hormann, Recreation Services Supervisor

• Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, Recreation Services Coordinator

• Kelly Tolbert. Recreation Services Coordinator

Melissa Ruffner

Historian and Author

What an honor to be included in the inaugural Issue of Prescott LIVING. I was born in Prescott and am the progeny of pioneers and peacekeepers, miners, historians, authors, teachers, entertainers, community activists and volunteers. I encourage you to choose a way to contribute to “Everybody’s Hometown” and use Prescott LIVING as your handbook.

Laura Scrivner

General Manager, Capital Canyon Club

Laura is the general manager of Capital Canyon Club and is an award-winning, 20-year Troon veteran with extensive private club experience. She has worked at many golf courses across the U.S. from Colorado to Delaware.

Fred Veil

Executive Director, Sharlot Hall Museum

Fred is the executive director of the Sharlot Hall Museum. He is a Marine Corps veteran and former Sheriff of the Prescott Corral of Westerners International, he conceived and organized the Western History Symposium. He is a board member of the Arizona History Convention and member of the Tourism Advisory Committee for the City of Prescott.

Tori Ward

ROXTravel, Cruise and ResortSpecialist

Victoria “Tori” Ward is a cruise and resort specialist with a master’s degree in political science. She has completed more than 30 certification courses with the cruise and tour industry including the most advanced certification, Commodore, from Princess Cruise Lines. Tori is a member of the Cruise Line International Association.

Our company is devoted and specializes in synthetic grass and much more. Let our creative staff give your yard true beauty, and a peaceful Zen. Show your yard the GREENER things in life!

TOM MIX 1880-1940

www.visitwhc.org/did-you-know.html

• Tom Mix was born Thomas Hezakiah Mix in Mix Run, Pennsylvania in 1880.

• In 1906, he signed on with the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Show, and in 1910 with Circle D Ranch Wild West Show and Indian Congress, which led to his being hired in 1910 by the Selig Polyscope Company.

• Mix arrived in Prescott in January, 1913 with his third wife Olive Stokes Mix and 6-month-old baby Ruth. They did not have money to buy a ranch at that time, and although he made movies at the Bar Circle A Ranch (where Yavapai Hills is located today), he never owned it.

• In 1913, Tom won first prize in steer riding during Prescott’s Cowboy Contests, and later that year won a relay race at the Northern Arizona Fair. He was also the

Prescott Parade Marshall in 1913.

• Between 1913 and 1928, Mix appeared in 65 Prescott-based movies that have been cataloged. Many of these movies were filmed in and around the Granite Dells, the Bar Circle A Ranch and in Williamson Valley.

• The 1915 silent Western movie “Sage Brush Tom” was filmed in Prescott, and in the film it shows Tom Mix writing a letter with the return address, Diamond S Ranch, Prescott, Arizona. Diamond S Ranch was actually the name of the film unit, not an actual ranch.

• Tom and his wonder horse, Tony, performed on the stage of the Elks Theater (it took a specially made sling to lift him up to the stage entrance from the alley) in the

IN THE MOVIES

Tom Mix in “Sage Brush Tom”

The 1915 silent Western movie “Sage Brush Tom” was filmed in Prescott, and in the film it shows Tom Mix writing a letter with the return address, Diamond S Ranch, Prescott, Arizona. Diamond S Ranch was actually the name of the film unit, not an actual ranch.

1920s to help raise money for the Mercy Hospital and other community fundraisers.

• Mix became the highest paid actor of silent films during the 1920s, and unquestionably the best-known cowboy star of the era.

• Prescott’s Hassayampa Hotel opened in 1927, and housed film crews during their stays in Prescott. Supposedly, a stair tile was broken when Mix rode Tony into the hotel lobby.

• In 1929, Tom was a pallbearer at the funeral of his good friend Wyatt Earp.

• On October 12, 1940, Mix died from injuries suffered in a one-car accident south of Florence, Arizona, and was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.

• A stone memorial marks the site of his death on State Route 79 between Florence and Tucson, and the nearby gully is named “Tom Mix Wash.” The obelisk-style memorial was dedicated to Mix’s memory by Gene Autry.

Facts Courtesy of Melissa Ruffner’s Prescott: A Pictorial History and Sharlot Hall Museum’s “Days Past” article

ECHOES OF THE WILD WEST

...continued from page 67

of the Year, and five times Songwriter of the Year by the Western Music Association. He also received the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists.

Living on a working cattle ranch in Montana has given Trinity Seely a unique perspective about life as a cowgirl and ranch wife. She has received numerous awards and nominations including True West’s favorite Western artist and recently completed her third release, Cowboy’s Wage.

Hailing from Hico, Texas, Don Edwards was nominated for a Grammy for High Lonesome Cowboy and has been named the Western Music Association’s Male Performer of the Year five times and won Album of the Year twice. Two of his anthologies, Saddle Songs and Songs of the Cowboy, were placed in The Library of Congress.

As you can see, this year’s lineup is packed with talent. Attendees can enjoy free day sessions to meet several performers and hear

their poems and music, or attend ticketed nighttime performances to enjoy stories and songs about the colorful culture and history that celebrates the true American Cowboy.

“It’s been an amazing 30 years, and it’s thanks to our hard-working volunteers who have dedicated their time to bring this event to Prescott for so many years,” said the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering’s Board President Joe Konkel. “The culture of the real American Cowboy lives onstage here every year and it’s been an honor to bring this form of entertainment to locals and

tourists alike.”

The Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering has maintained a standard that has been abandoned by most other gatherings – that of inviting men and women, who are now or have been in the past, a part of the working cowboy’s environment and workplace. It is respected by the cowboy poets as one of the best gatherings in the country because it helps maintain the true “working cowboy” culture and heritage. Discover more about this much anticipated Prescott event, visit www.azcowboypoets.org

THE MILE-HIGH TRAIL SYSTEM acontains approximately 70+ miles of trails including Rails-toTrails projects along the former Santa Fe Railroad, the Prescott Circle Trail System, and the Greenways Trails System. The Prescott Circle Trail is a 54 mile network of trails that encircles all of Prescott with varied elevation from 5,140' to 6,690'. The Greenways Trails are urban trails along Granite and Miller Creeks that run through downtown Prescott. www.prescott-az.gov/ services/parks/trails/

PRESCOTT HIKING MAP

Acker Park Trails 1.5 5480’ 5630’

Aspen Creek Trail 0.8 5500’ 5600’ Badger Mountain 4.04 5514’ 6064’

Butte Creek Trail 1.3 5508’ 5788’ Centennial Trail 2 5447’ 5729’

Community Nature 1.5 5520’ 5640’ Center Trails Network

Constellation Trails 2.74 5016’ 5229’

Embry Riddle-Jan 2.35 5162’ 5276’ Alfano Trails

Flume Canyon, Watson 2.4 5057’ 5186’ Dam and Northshore trails

Goldwater Lake Trails 1 5980’ 6000’

Granite Creek Park 0.5 5288’ 5336’

Granite Gardens 1.5 Trail System

Greenways Trail System 1.5 5300’ 5336’

5160’ 5220’ Lakeside aka Fishing 1.1 5158’ 5178’ Trail and Explorer Trails

Longview Trail 1.78 5419’ 5547’

Lower Granite Creek 0.8 5158’ 5188’

Discovery Trail

Over the Hill Trail 0.4 5076’ 5194’

Pioneer Park Trails 9 5220’ 5480’

Prescott Circle Trail 50 5160’ 6680’

Prescott Lakes and 5 5200’ 5470’ Vista Park Trails System

Prescott Peavine 6 5160’ 5220’

National Recreation Trail

Rancho Vista Trail 0.6 5680’ 6052’

Rodeo Grounds Trails 0.5 5412’ 5477’

Sundog to Lowes Hill Trail

Turley Trail 2.65 5609’ 5935’

Watson Lake Loop Trail 4.79 5075’ 5237’

Watson Woods trails 1.5 5188’ 5218’

Willow Dells Slickrock 3 5080’ 5180’ Trail Loops Willow Lake Loop Trail 5.7 5073’ 5225’

QR CODE

www.avenza.com/ pdf-maps

Once you download the free PDF Maps App you can purchase a spatially referenced version of this map for use on a smart phone or tablet using this QR code. Get the Trails and Recreation Map on your mobile device now! (all proceeds go to future map releases).

ELKS THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

by Trevor Odom, Assistant Marketing and Program Manager

The Elks Theatre building in Prescott, Arizona has been a lot of things to a lot of people. In the 112 years since the building was built, it has been a staple of the community, serving at various times as a theatre, lawyers’ offices, federal courthouse and retail storefronts among many other things. For the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks in 1905, it was the only lodge in all of the Arizona Territory.

Over the years, time got ahold of the building. The Elks’ organization moved to Prescott Valley in the ‘70s, and the building changed owners many times over the next few decades. The building, which had fallen into decay over the years, went through many renovations which sought to modernize both the interior and exterior. These renovations fell short of the splendor once assigned to the building in times gone by.

In 2012, the Elks Theatre and

Before

Performing Arts Foundation was formed in order to protect and renovate the building as well as make it accessible to the community. A multimillion dollar renovation was conducted and spearheaded by architect Frank DeGrazia. This time, instead of attempting to modernize the building, the focus was to bring the building back to its roots. It’s original tin stamp barrel ceilings were beautifully restored. Walls were torn down in favor of a

Enriching the community for more than 100 years

classic open design. The grand ballroom was restored, complete with a crystal chandelier. In the Theatre, the original opera boxes and lobby were reconstructed and the color scheme went back to original. Finally, in December 2016, the Elks building had been restored to its original grandeur.

Today the building is open for public use year-round for a variety of functions. Live shows are performed weekly in the Theatre, ranging from local favorites to professional bands. The Theatre is also a place where many charitable events take place such as the Boys & Girls Club “Dancing for the Stars,” or the Coalition for Compassion and Justice charity luncheon.

In the Performing Arts Center, you will find a variety of classes, seminars, and events going on. From weddings happening in the magnificent restored upper ballroom to ballet classes occurring in our Sprung Marley floored dance studio, one of the only such studios in Yavapai County.

The Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center is a community space accessible to the public of Yavapai County and the surrounding area. Tours of the Theatre are given by docents dressed in early 20th century attire from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Performances occur most Friday and Saturday nights, and tickets can be purchased online or at the box office before the show. The Performing Arts Center is open during regular business hours Monday through Friday and can host private events 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is the mission of the organization and the staff that each and every member of the community benefits from the presence of the Theatre and Performing Arts Center.

PRICELESS PROM

Students and nonprofit work together to provide free prom attire to youth

by Mary Ellen Halvorson PhD Ed, Superintendent, Tri-City College Prep High School

For the past four years, Thea Cline has been one of the forces behind Priceless Prom, an event that provides prom attire and accessories free of charge to students to attend local high school proms. There is a lot of work that goes on before the event to collect, clean, steam press and repair donated clothing. Cline recruited her mother Kathryn Cline to help with the event and its preparations.

“This job required me to help plan and set up the look of the Priceless Prom "showroom" as well as keep on top of managing new donations (cleaning, fixing, sorting through and hanging up) and volunteer jobs,” said Cline, who loves spending time with her mother.

After her first year of experience, Cline turned to her school for help, and students have now helped for the past three years. Cline recruited Tri-City College Prep High School’s Student Council and PAL (Peer Assistance Leadership) members to help set up, run and take down the showroom. Her school principal, Keri Milliken, was also enlisted to supervise activities and transport items.

The Priceless Prom Showroom is where students come to view, try on and receive the free prom attire. There are hundreds of dresses as well as shoes, jewelry, purses and other accessories for the girls. For the guys, there are tuxedo shirts, pants, coats, ties, vests and accessories. Volunteers are always present and eager to help each prom attendee’s dream outfit emerge from the racks and tables of clothing. Some

There are hundreds of dresses as well as shoes, jewelry, purses and other accessories for the girls. For the guys, there are tuxedo shirts, pants, coats, ties, vests and accessories.

students bring their dates so their outfits can be coordinated. Cline and her mom personally purchased mannequins from a thrift shop to be used for displaying some of the prom attire in the showroom. The fitting rooms are furnished with mirrors and plenty of space to move about.

The downtown Prescott showroom is available thanks to Mr. Dino Bulleri, who has allowed Priceless Prom to use his building over the past three years for the showroom and for storage. This year’s showroom had prime window visibility from the sidewalk on Cortez Street.

Priceless Prom is an activity of North Star Youth Partnership, a program of Catholic Charities. As head student coordinator for the past two years, Cline works closely with Krystal Koons and Diane Delong, who are the leaders of the program at North Star. North Star is a nonprofit organization eligible to receive Arizona Tax Credits.

When all the proms are all over, the work is not over. Volunteers must then pack up the remaining clothing and accessories to be stored for next year. Prom can be an expensive event for students, but thanks to Priceless Prom, it is more affordable for Prescott area youth.

Hassayampa Happenings

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT

HASSAYAMPA INN 122 E GURLEY ST PRESCOTT AZ 928-778-9434 800-322-1927 WWW.HASSAYAMPAINN.COM

PRESCOTT: THE PERFECT LAUNCH PAD

by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist

Recently my husband turned to me while we were watching a cooking show and asked, “Where did we just have such good Indian food?”

I don’t know whether he didn’t get enough sleep or is becoming travel-jaded. I looked at him and said, “India.”

He slapped his forehead when he answered, “Oh yeah.”

We are so fortunate to live in Arizona, specifically Prescott. It’s an easy launch pad to the rest of the world. Great Lakes Airlines recently increased its daily round trip flights to Los Angeles to two per day. When calculating the cost of a round trip flight versus either driving and paying for parking or taking the shuttle to Phoenix, we have found the flights both more convenient and often more economical. We traveled through over 20 countries during the past year. Each provided a unique experience that we’ll remember. These experiences usually involved the people we met, food we enjoyed or unexpected places we discovered.

My best friends and I went to Paris on a much-talked about trip just before Christmas. We loved the sights and smells of the Christmas markets, but our favorite time of day was morning when the breakfast room echoed with the sounds of knives scraping

across butter dishes before landing on hot croissants and the sputter of hot milk splashing into our coffee. During the planning stage of our trip, we promised ourselves one memorable meal. The remainders were serendipitous surprises including the delicious lunch we enjoyed at the Musée d'Orsay. We felt as if we were eating in Marie Antoinette’s dining hall with all the gilt embellishing the high ceilings and creamy walls.

My birthday present in January was a trip to Toronto. I know, Toronto in January! Are we crazy? We had vowed to go during the winter for at least a week to determine whether we could tolerate the cold. The food scene in Toronto (Lawrence Street Market, Beer Bistro, Origins Restaurant and Brick Street Bakery in the Distillery District) makes us crave a trip there at least every two years. The warmth and friendliness of our Canadian neighbors make this destination a top return-to-trip again and again. Air Canada has an overnight flight from Phoenix that gets you there quickly and the recent addition of train service from Toronto Pearson International Airport into town is a piece of cake.

April found us on a 10-day cruise to Mexico as a Mother’s Day surprise for our two moms. After a short half-day drive to the port in Long

Beach, we boarded the Ruby Princess® for a wonderful vacation that our two ladies could enjoy without having to do a lot of packing or unpacking. They could order a light breakfast in their stateroom if they woke up before us and eat on the balcony. While they preferred to spend time reading and playing cards on the ship, my husband and I took an excursion to a small island off of Loreto where we watched a local resident catch fish and grill them on a rocky outcropping above the beach. While he was playing cat and mouse with a snake, a seagull snatched one of his fish and took it back to the beach where he spent the next few minutes trying to defend his booty from other winged relatives. We snorkeled in the sparking turquoise water where brilliant colored fish darted away from our splashing fins. With air fares as low as they currently are, now is a perfect time to make Prescott your launch pad too. Give me a call and I’ll help you plan your perfect adventure.

Victoria “Tori” Ward is a cruise and resort specialist with an interest in traveling and seeing the world since she first began to crawl. For more information on these trips and others, contact Tori at tori@roxtravel.com or 928-254-9968.

Celebrating Two Decades PRESCOTT INDIAN ART MARKET TO FEATURE DINÉ NAVAJO VIRGIL NEZ

by Fred Veil, Executive Director, Sharlot Hall Museum

On the reservation in the ‘60s, a young Virgil Nez found himself herding sheep and studying the petroglyphs on nearby rocks. Soon, he was carving his own rock designs, then teaching himself to layer colors, and developing his sense of expression. Over time, he began to capture and convey the cultural symbols which communicate the integrity of the Navajo as a community of people. It’s an art-form that has served him well “in this hectic world (by) shifting from impressionistic or pointillist style, to realism and symbolic,” said Nez.

He added, “If one is in tune with oneself, one can

feel and see the tradition dancing in the hot shimmering summer, and sense the laughing spirits in a hush of solitude that nature gives.”

It’s his variety of content and style that propel Virgil Nez to be the featured artist for the 20th Annual Prescott Indian Art Market that is set for July 8-9 at Sharlot Hall Museum.

A favorite of PIAM audiences, Nez joins more than 100 distinguished Native American artists at this premier marketplace of Indian art in the Central Highlands of Arizona. It is one of the top shows in the Southwest.

Virgil Nez currently resides on the Diné Bekayah (Navajo Reservation), which is located between the four sacred mountains within the boundaries of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah (called “Four Corners”).

His formal training led him to architectural and design studies at Mesa Community College, and then to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration and painting from Northern Arizona University. Since his graduation in 1991, painting – in pastel, watercolor and oil – has been his calling. In a realistic style, he began exhibiting his work and winning major awards at Indian art markets all over the Southwest.

He has currently shifted to an impressionistic or pointillist style, which continues to garner awards and accolades. There is no telling what his style might be a year from now, “because I’d get bored if I didn’t keep growing and challenging myself,” he admits.

The notion of planning a painting in advance is unfathomable, Nez said. With a visual mind and a lifetime of images and imagination upon which to draw, he awaits a vision to emerge... maybe a sound, a smell, a feeling in the air will call up something in his memory and compel him to put

it on canvas.

And patience? “The hectic world is the enemy of patience.” he said. “I have the worst patience, but art calms me. When I am painting, I can’t think about time or deadlines... I must wait for the image – the spirit of the piece – to reveal itself. I am painting through the hands of my ancestors, and I must paint slowly to have the spiritual connection with the work.”

Nez hopes the viewers of his paintings feel his “spiritual connection.”

Many have sufficiently keen perception to see hidden figures “ghosted” in his paintings. He doesn’t do this to be clever or cute, or to play games with the viewer; he must do it because the hidden figure belongs there.

His contemporary paintings cover a wide range: Navajo women representing his memories of his grandmother, landscapes and hogans, shape-shifting characters, Native “aliens,” Olympian Yei figures, and the occasional mystical figure snowboarding or surfingsuch is the whimsy of his imagination.

And then there are the tepees. Nez is a ceremonial chanter in the Native American Church; the tepee is the sanctuary of the church. Whether his art shows the tepee from the inside or the outside, it often depicts the prayer

ceremonies going on. Spiritual beings, the Yei’bi’chi, shown in some paintings, represent the images the people inside are seeing in their minds.

Virgil Nez presents original paintings and prints at the Prescott Indian Art Market the weekend of July 8-9 at Sharlot Hall Museum. He has been presenting at PIAM for many years and regards it as one of his favorites. He was selected to be this year’s “Featured Artist” at the juried show.

Pottery, rugs, silversmithing, jewelry, fine art acrylic, oil, water-color and sand are just a few examples of the artistic media showcased at the 20th Annual PIAM. Come for the fry bread; stay for the fabulous art, music and dance.

Walk among the craftspeople as they demonstrate their artistry and skill. Admire the winning art of this juried show, and celebrate with the artists, or simply sit under a shady tree with a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade as you listen to traditional native music.

Member admission is discounted to $8 per adult, $10 general and youth FREE. The museum and its four-acre campus are located at 415 West Gurley Street, Prescott – two blocks west of the downtown Courthouse Plaza. Call 928-445-3122.

I am painting through the hands of my ancestors, and I must paint slowly to have the spiritual connection with the work.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

PRESCOTT • PRESCOTT VALLEY • CHINO VALLEY • DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

Findlay Auto Group Hopes to Expand Customer Satisfaction

Findlay Auto Group, which recently purchased Tim’s Auto Group in Prescott, has one major objective.

“We want to expand and increase customer satisfaction,” said Michael Hoyt, who will manage sales for the Subaru and Hyundai divisions of the dealership.

Other managers include Jamaal McCoy, who has the title of general manager for the Buick, GMC and Toyota dealerships; and Robby Henshaw, who will share those management responsibilities.

The transition from Tim’s Auto Group to Findlay began in mid-May and has proceeded smoothly, Hoyt said. The executive team feels quite comfortable with the changeover.

In a prepared statement, two of the managers emphasized their intent to serve customers in the greater region.

McCoy, a 15-year employee of Findlay Auto Group, said, “We know our success as a business depends on our employees and the community in which we operate. We commit that we will spend countless hours building relationships in the Yavapai community, too—not because we are simply working here, but because we are your neighbors.”

The auto group has approx-

imately 150 employees and is hoping to add others who meet its rigorous qualifications.

Hinshaw, who has spent most his career in Prescott, explained that with Findlay’s acquisition of Tim’s Auto Group, the company has access to pricing on more than 10,000 vehicles. Findlay Auto Group began its business in Las Vegas in 1978, but expansion since 1990 has turned it into one of the largest privately-owned auto dealerships in the United States. It operates 32 dealerships in five states: Bullhead City, Flagstaff and Prescott, Arizona; Henderson, Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Post Hills, Idaho; Wilsonville, Oregon; and St. George, Utah.

“Now, with 32 franchises, the Findlay Auto Group has broad access to thousands of autos. If we don’t have the exact car, truck, minivan or SUV you want on our lot, we can locate one for you,” he said.

Currently, the Prescott dealerships include GMC, Buick, Hyundai, Toyota and Subaru. Subaru manager Hoyt indicated that future plans include significant expansion of facilities for the Subaru division.

The auto group will remain it its current location at 1006 Commerce Drive and Willow Creek Road.

PRESCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS

STORYTIMES

• LAPSIT STORYTIME, Fridays at 9:30 a.m. 20-25 minutes. Just for babies and their grownups! Bring your baby for some cozy, active time on your lap. We’ll have songs, rhymes, a book or two, and plenty of activities for both of you. The storytime is held in the Founders Suite and you are invited to linger and play.

• TODDLER TIME, Tuesdays at 10 a.m. 20-30 minutes. Gentle songs, stories, fingerplays for our youngest patrons. This storytime takes place in the Founders Suite with plenty of room for young ones to move and participate.

• PRESCHOOL STORYTIME, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. 30 minutes of stories, songs and fingerplays especially for

children, ages 3-5, and their grownups. Siblings are always welcome.

• FAMILY STORYTIME, Saturdays at 11 a.m. 30 minutes. 30 minutes of stories, songs and activities for the whole family!

BOOK CLUBS AT THE LIBRARY

ADULT BOOK CLUBS

• IT’S A MYSTERY BOOK GROUP meets first Fridays at 2 p.m. Read a diverse variety of mystery books while enjoying the company of likeminded readers.

• PRESCOTT CLSC READING CIRCLE meets second Mondays at 2 p.m. If you are looking for excellent books to read and a place to share them, join the Chautauqua Literary and

Scientific Circle of Prescott (CLSC). Rather than all Circle members reading the same book each month, participants choose any one of the 200+ books from the CLSC list to read and then share their chosen book with the group.

• TUESDAY MORNING BOOK CLUB meets second Tuesdays at 10 a.m. The book selections are contemporary, eclectic and interesting and the discussions are friendly.

• WORDS BOOK GROUP meets second Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. We are the WORDS Book Group (We Often Read Delightful Stories)! The book selections are chosen by members and the member-led discussions are friendly.

YOUTH BOOK CLUBS

• Caldecott Kaleidescope for Kids

• Graphic Novels Superheroes

• Newbery Book Club

• Teen Books and Bites

TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA

THURSDAY, JULY 13 AT 10 A.M. AND 5:30 P.M. Stand up and shout for Trout Fishing in America, a Grammyaward nominated team for Best Musical Album for Children. Come dance and sing along with this fun and highly entertaining powerhouse duo. For all ages. These programs are popular and fill up fast. Seating is on a first come basis. Presented with funding from the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.

STICKS AND TONES

THURSDAY, JULY 20 AT 10 A.M. AND 1 P.M. Local musical heroes Sticks and Tones! There will be music, motion and fun! For all ages. These programs are popular and fill up fast. Seating is on a first come basis. Presented with funding from the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.