Prescott Living - Winter 2021/2022

The Voice of the Community

CAN BE A HERO

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MULTI-SPECIALTY MEDICAL CENTER & CLINIC

Our mission is to provide excellent and accessible medical care. We treat our patients with the utmost respect, dignity and honesty in a healing environment. We have gathered an excellent team of exceptionally qualified Medical Doctors of various specialties and we are all honored to be a part of your health care.

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EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Elaine Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Laurie Fisher SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher Director of Sales & Marketing

Julie Turetzky Director of Public Relations

Jacey Bailey

Executive Marketing Assistant

Jenna Leatherman

Marketing Assistant

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Michele Rodriguez Creative Director

Shannon Price Lead Graphic Designer

Lindsey Fojtik

Graphic Designer

Manda Corral

Social Media Manager

Keith Dobie

Social Media Coordinator

EDITORIAL

Bea Lueck

Editor-in-Chief

Christia Gibbons

Senior Editor

Blake Herzog Staff Writer

Ray Newton Prescott Pioneer Writer

OPERATIONS

Terry Scheib

Delivery Manager

Comments and ideas: editor@roxco.com

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Corporate Office: 442 W. Kortsen Road., Ste. 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520.426.32074

Advertiser Index

From the Publisher New Year, New Living

WOW! What a quick year, and here we are at a new year again! It seems like we say that every year but this year was just WOW fast! What a year — a fantastic year!

And now, 2022! We may not always feel like we need the fresh start of a new year because life is going well, and that’s something to celebrate along with the holidays. But there’s always something we can improve on whether it’s related to our careers, our personal lives or our community.

This New Year 2022 issue is full of stories of people who saw room for improvement and seized the opportunity. All of them are heroic in their own ways, so it makes sense this is also our annual “hero” issue.

It comes in many forms, from the late Kayla Mueller’s selfless dedication to improve the quality of life for others from Prescott across the world to Syria, to her parents Carl and Marsha’s dedication to saving others from her tragic fate. Our ROX Interview this issue is an emotional conversation with the Muellers.

We also spotlight the heroics of our public safety personnel from 911 dispatchers as “the first first responders” to police officers. And, we check in with some animal rescue volunteers.

Our Prescott Pioneer news section is filled with people and organizations putting major expansions in place as the new year approaches, covering the opening of Dignity Health-Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s new outpatient wing, which will be able to serve up to 1,000 patients per day, and Yavapai College’s pursuit of the new possibility of offering four-year degrees. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is also in the planning process for major expansion and renovation.

In addition, the Center for the Future has achieved nonprofit status while attracting more firms to its business incubator/attractor space, and the Coalition for Compassion and Justice has begun construction of a 24-manufactured home community for those who have been homeless in Chino Valley. All these projects will help make Greater Prescott an even better place to live during 2022!

And I haven’t even gotten to the personal self-care of home, family, health and happiness covered in this issue. So we invite you all to curl up in your cozy homes this winter and dig in!

Elaine Earle

Elaine Earle Publisher, Prescott LIVING Magazine

Voices of the Community

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

Dr. Hojat Askari

Founder & Medical Director, Thumb Butte Medical Center

Lisa Hayes

Executive Director, Sharlot Hall Museum

Sheri L. Heiney

President/CEO, Prescott Chamber of Commerce

Tracey Horn Owner, Helken & Horn Advertising Agency

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

Ken Lain Owner, Watters Garden Center

Aaron “Trey” Thompson III Americorp VISTA,The Launch Pad Teen Center

Maggie Tidaback

Economic Development Project Manager, Town of Chino Valley

Marnie Uhl President & CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

Loree Walden

Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

Donna Werking Owner, Marketing Agency Northern Arizona Social, LLC

The Prescott Pioneer

City of Prescott Contributes $160,000 for Courthouse Lighting

The Prescott City Council unanimously approved a one-time contribution of $160,000 to support the 2021 Courthouse Lighting and other Christmas City events. That action occurred after the City Council was approached by the Prescott Downtown Partnership and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. Council members agreed the City needs to support downtown businesses to keep the community vibrant during holidays.

Those dollars were in addition to funds raised by the Jersey Lilly Saloon through the annual fundraiser it conducts to decorate the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. Josh Makrauer,

owner of the Whiskey Row saloon, began fundraising efforts in September and continued them through Jan. 1.

A $4,000 sculpture donated by local sculptor Brad Williams was auctioned, with all proceeds going to the lighting. Also auctioned was a diamond necklace contributed by Raskin Jewelers and a set of four Michelin tires donated by Prescott Tire Pros.

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode said he hoped the community will support fundraising events. He said he wanted organizations planning Christmas events to have enough money in hand to not have to worry about having cash.

Holiday Festivities Continue through the New Year

Prescott was named “Arizona’s Christmas City” in 1989 by the late Gov. Rose Mofford. Now Prescott is acknowledged nationally as “deserving that reputation — a festive place to be during the holidays.”

Area festivities began in late November with the Valley of the Lights Drive-Thru in Prescott Valley’s Fain Park (continues through Dec. 30); the 29th annual Gingerbread Village at the Prescott Resort (viewing through Jan. 1); and Heritage Park Zoo’s Wildlights and Animal Sights (on tap through Jan. 1).

More fun to come

Thursday, Dec. 16

• 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. — Gypsy Soul Holiday Show. Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center, Prescott Saturday, Dec. 18

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Nonprofit Stocking Stuffer Bazaar, Prescott Activity Center on Gurley Street

• 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. — “Sing Noel.” Prescott Chorale Concert, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Saturday, Dec. 27

• 7 p.m. — Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Findlay Toyota Center, Prescott Valley Saturday, Dec. 31

• 10 p.m. & 12 midnight — Whiskey Row Annual Boot Drop. Montezuma Street, Prescott

Details available online at www. visit-prescott.com/upcoming-events.

Dignity Health/YRMC Opens Outpatient Complex

The first two clinics in the recently constructed Outpatient Services Building on the Dignity Health-YRMC campus — Vascular Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery — are now serving patients.

They are the first of services to be offered within the recently completed $100-million medical complex, said Ken Boush, hospital communications and marketing director. “Clinics and departments will open in stages through the end of January,” he said. “We started with first floor in October. All three floors should be open by the end of January 2022.”

Once fully operative, the complex can accommodate an estimated 1,000 patients a day, Boush said. Clinical practitioners and support staff will work in specialty and therapeutic disciplines such as cardiology, neurology, physical therapy, orthopedics and oncology.

The facility contains a pharmacy, laboratory draw facility, and an eightchair infusion center. The three-story 100,000-square-foot building also includes a 450-space multilevel free-

parking-for-patients garage. The garage has charging stations.

Constructed of brick and glass, the building received a LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification. Interior space is generous, with technological innovations for the highest caliber medical care.

Access to the first floor is from either the front sidewalk facing the existing hospital or from a side entrance from the parking garage into the first floor and front desk area. The first floor also features a bistro-coffee bar and a demonstration kitchen with highdefinition projection screens to permit medical presentations or cooking classes.

All three floors have large patient rooms and related medical offices. Technologically sophisticated conference areas will allow medical personnel to collaborate locally, nationally and internationally.

“The new Outpatient Services Building is an ideal home for specialty medical practices and outpatient services,” Boush said.

Large Maverik Store Opened in December

The new Maverik convenience store and fueling station that opened in December at 1341 N. Prescott County Club Blvd., Prescott Valley, is described as “one of the largest and most accommodating in Arizona,” said Michelle Monson, Maverik communications director.

The new store replaced a much smaller one, which was closed and sold so that a fast-food restaurant could be constructed, Monson said.

The new Maverik has 36 fueling stations. It also has an RV dump, picnic area and spacious parking on the 4-acre property.

Monson said the store itself features a full lineup of fresh made-to-order foods and fresh made pastries as well as the popular “Bean to Cup” coffee program

with coffee blends from around the world.

The store’s interior showcases panoramic Arizona landscape images, topographic maps and adventure images on the store’s multiple televisions. Marketed as the beginning of “Adventure’s First Stop,” Maverik is offering loyalty offers during its opening.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Maverik is part of a part of a national chain. The original Maverik began in 1928 when a two-pump station opened in Afton, Wyoming. The chain has grown to more than 380 locations in 12 western states. The national office is in Salt Lake City.

More information is available at www.maverik.com or by calling 385.489.6193.

Orthopedic Team Available at PV Outpatient Center

The Del E. Webb Outpatient Center in Prescott Valley now has a site for a two-day a week orthopedic specialty team. Operated by the Dignity Health-YRMC Orthopedic Surgery unit, the clinic is open for patients on Thursdays and Fridays at 3262 N. Windsong Drive, Suite B.

Dr. Francisco Jaume, Dr. Greg Keller and Joey Clayton, certified physician’s assistant, comprise the specialty team, said Ken Boush, DH-YRMC marketing and communications director.

The surgeons also will continue caring for patients at the Prescott location, 3195 Stillwater Drive, Suite D, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

More information about scheduling appointments is available by calling 928.708.4545.

An American Hero

AND HER FAMILY NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN

by Ray Newton

KAYLA JEAN MUELLER 1988-2015

“

“I’VE LEARNED THAT SELFLESSNESS IS A PRACTICE, NOT A PLACE; A JOURNEY MUCH MORE THAN A DESTINATION.”

- KAYLA MUELLER

“

“FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE, I WILL NOT LET THIS SUFFERING BE NORMAL, SOMETHING WE JUST ACCEPT.”

- KAYLA MUELLER

Human rights activist Kayla Jean Mueller from early childhood had dedicated her life to serving others. That especially was true when she graduated in 2007 from Tri-City College Prep High school in Prescott and enrolled in a political science degree program at Northern Arizona University, where as an honor student, she earned her degree in 2½ years in 2009.

At NAU, she immediately became involved in the ecumenical organization United Christian Ministries.

The second child of longtime Prescott residents Carl and Marsha Mueller, Kayla was born Aug. 14, 1988. In August 2013, the dedicated Christian humanitarian was captured in Aleppo, Syria after leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital. Islamic State of Iraq terrorists (ISIS) held her captive for more than 500 days. It was reported her primary abuser was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS.

Her death was reported in February of 2015. Her body has not been recovered. Q

Kayla’s Hands

Kayla was honored in August 2016 in Prescott with the dedication of a $300,000 children’s playground called Kayla’s Hands. At the edge of Pioneer Park in northwest Prescott, it was funded through contributions spearheaded by the Prescott Kiwanis Club through Kiwanis International from the Southwest District. The well-equipped, roofed playground is managed by the City of Prescott.

Memorialized in Prescott, State Capitol

A second memorial is a giclee created by Stewart Brown in Kayla’s memory that Gov. Doug Ducey dedicated on Sept. 28 at the Arizona State Capitol. Ducey told those present, including Kayla’s parents, “Arizona will always remember Kayla Mueller’s compassion, bravery and legacy. It is my honor to join her parents to display a commemorative painting of the raid named in her honor right here in the Capitol. Not all heroes wear uniforms.”

The painting is called Into the Breach to symbolize the 2019 raid that killed al-Baghdadi. Special thank you to veteran Stan Goligowski, of Prescott, who served in Afghanistan for obtaining authorization to dedicate the painting to Kayla’s memory.

WITH CARL & MARSHA MUELLER The Interview

Prescott LIVING:

Carl and Marsha, because of Kayla’s tragedy, you as her parents have become well-known in Arizona and America during the past eight years. Can you describe how your lives have changed?

Carl Mueller: They’ve changed tremendously. I had made plans for my retirement, but those plans were totally blown away by what happened. We pretty much reacted day-to-day as it was going on. We’ve been fortunate to meet two presidents — Obama and Trump. We’ve not yet met Biden. We’ve met with so many people on the respective presidents’ staffs. So many people have tried to help us.

I tell people that we’re all members of other families of American hostages, the three other families. We’re all members of a club that nobody wants to be in. That’s changed us a lot. We continue to just take it day by day. We worked very closely with President Trump’s staff, his administration — former special presidential envoy and National Security Advisor to the President Robert C. O’Brien.

Former chief of staff to the defense secretary Kash Patel was deeply involved with us. Even former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The president himself. That in itself is pretty amazing. Who gets to meet presidents? It’s all because of what happened to Kayla.

Prescott LIVING: Marsha?

Marsha Mueller: It’s hard to know where our lives would have gone. I think I still would have been (tearing up), deeply involved with Kayla, wherever she was in this world, trying to understand what she was doing and how she was doing it and supporting her in every way possible.

I would still be deeply involved with our son Eric and his wife, Alex, and our 10-year-old granddaughter Lexi. We are so close to them. Eric has just been amazing. He is there for everything and anything we need. It’s an amazing blessing. Right before this interview, he

sent us each a song that popped up on his Pandora list — one was for his mom, and one was for his dad. I thought of all times to do this, I shouldn’t have listened to it right before this interview. It made me very emotional.

Family has always been important to me. And Kayla will always be in my heart. I still don’t know where she is or what happened to her. I will fight every day to get the answers we need and whoever can come to help us. I’ve been amazed at the people who have. I will continue to search for Kayla and bring her back home to Arizona, where she belongs. We support Eric and his family in every way we can. We will always be there for him. He’s been through hell. He truly has.

Our granddaughter Lexi was here all day yesterday. They were all three here all day Saturday. We’re really close to them. I thank God for them every single day.

Carl Mueller: Because of what we went through, because of what Kayla went through, in those 18 months, along with the other American hostages, we still work with people who are getting Syrians out. We have this person, Marsha, especially, who tells us because of what happened to Kayla, she would not have been able to get these people out of Syria like

she has. She’s been successful getting women out of Syria.

Marsha Mueller: Many were Syrians, so they were also taken as brides. Some now have children. They’re still living in some of these camps. But this woman is working to get those people out. She stays in touch with me about what’s going on. She lets us know what she’s been able to accomplish because of what happened to Kayla.

She’s still helping us search for Kayla. It was probably a year or so ago that we sent flyers to these camps in both Arabic and English, asking for help in finding Kayla. What was so odd is they kept being taken down. We had someone put them back up. She helps us get these flyers posted. She’s just part of our group that’s helping.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Let’s back up. Why did you two come to Prescott? What has the town meant to you as you’ve experienced all this grief and as you work to keep this from happening to anybody else?

Carl Mueller: We’re both from Illinois, living in Champaign before we moved. My father had moved to Phoenix in the early ‘70s and had lived there for a long time. He was always urging me to come out. “You got to see Arizona. It’s really a great spot.”

When I was injured in 1974, I was laid up for quite some time. So I came out to Arizona and liked it. I decided that Marsha and I should move out here. In 1978, we decided to move so we toured the state. We went to Flagstaff, Show Low, Prescott, Yuma, Sedona and Phoenix.

Of all the places we visited, we decided that if we’re going to move, we’d move to Prescott. Marsha got a job at the VA as a nurse. I got him a job here at a local body shop. And in 1981, we started Preferred Auto Body

with a partner, Tom Gordon, who is actually a Prescott native.

This community at that time in 1978 was pretty small. A very beautiful place. We just loved it. I joined Kiwanis around 2000. As it turns out, as I said earlier, the generosity of the people in this community — people don’t understand, don’t realize how wonderful it is to have these philanthropists locally who built this community for us.

Look at the hospital, the heart center, the breast care center and the YMCA. All these contributed to the nature of the community. The Kieckhefer Foundation, the Margaret T. Morris Foundation, the Harold James Family Foundation, and many others — many things that they built for this community. I think it’s unusual. Again, we’re lucky to all be here. It was so great to raise our kids here in Prescott.

Prescott LIVING: You must have a tremendous sense of pride in the Kiwanis Club. When you drive by Kayla’s Hands Playground, you see that magnificent park. Can you comment about that playground and what it means?

Carl Mueller: It’s amazing. I’ll share a little background on that. We had been in Phoenix talking with President Obama at the

Continued on page 64

New Prescott Mayor SHARES HIS STORY

by Phil Goode, Mayor, Prescott, AZ

I would like to introduce myself to those not familiar with me. First, congratulations to my new council members, including Brandon Montoya, Eric Moore and Jessica Hall. I look forward to working with each of them, as well as our incumbent council members.

I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. I enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 1970, serving a full combat tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. I received the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal (for over 50 helicopter combat assaults), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal and others.

After serving seven years of active and reserve duty, I was honorably discharged in 1977. During that period, I earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Sacramento State University. I then embarked on a 35-year career in the health care industry reaching vice president positions with Medline Industries and Careview Communications and holding management positions with Kinetic Concepts Inc. and Applied Medical.

I am a 31-year member of the American Legion (Post 6, Prescott) and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 541, Prescott). I co-chaired the Veterans Memorial Plaque Committee, which in June 2016 rededicated that memorial on the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza to the fallen county veterans who lost their lives serving in all of the nation’s wars beginning with WWI.

I was elected to the board of directors of the Central Yavapai Hospital District in 2016. I served as a commissioner on Prescott’s Planning and Zoning Commission and was co-chairman of Mayor Harry Oberg’s Ad Hoc Committee on Sober Living Rehab Homes.

In 2017, I was elected to the Prescott City Council. I became Mayor November 23, 2021.

I serve on the board of directors of the Yavapai Republican Men’s Forum and was recently Vice Chairman of the Yavapai County Republican Committee. I have been a member of Prescott’s Sunup Rotary Club since 2015. I served on the Yavapai County Teacher of the Year panel and was a member of the Prescott BASIS School Advisory Council. I am a long-term member of the Public Policy committee for the Citizens Water Advocacy Group and the Citizens Tax Committee.

My focus is managing growth, infrastructure and water use.

I appreciate all your voting support. I hope our citizens will enjoy everything that Arizona’s Christmas City has to offer this season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The annual Prescott Valley Festival of Lights was an evening filled with performances by local school choirs, the spectacular Civic Center campus lighting, the Night Light Parade and Santa’s North Pole Workshop at the Prescott Valley Public Library.

The library’s 20th annual CreateA-Tree exhibit is on display where you can see an array of amazing trees and wreaths decorated by imaginative artists.

Mayor Kell Palguta, PRESCOTT VALLEY

“Hello everyone. I hope this issue of Prescott Living finds you all in good spirits and good health. I cannot believe that 2021 is just about over, and we will be turning the page on yet another year in Prescott Valley.

“I am excited because I can, without a doubt, say that the year 2022 will be amazing for our community. We hope that you will take time to visit us in Prescott Valley during the holidays and into the new year to enjoy all of the great events our community has to offer.”

New Year’s Eve Celebration, Fireworks Join us in Prescott Valley for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration and firework display! Enjoy games, hot chocolate, s’mores and a huge bonfire! The Dec. 31 event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. with fireworks. Location is Findlay Toyota Center, 3201 N. Main St. Please leave your pets at home for their safety and yours. Free and fun for all ages.

Polar Bear Splash

Take the plunge into icy cold water that only a true polar bear could enjoy in this traditional Prescott Valley event!

After the plunge, warm up with hot drinks, food and winter-themed games. Jumpers must be 18-plus. Games are open to all ages. Please have ID ready when checking-in for the Polar Plunge. The free fun takes place Jan. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mountain Valley Splash, 8600 E. Nace Lane.

For more information on any of these events, please contact Prescott Valley Community Services at 928.759.3090

Town of CHINO VALLEY

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“No matter your station in life, everyone wants to feel safe and secure in their home and community. Chino Valley offers that and more. What our police department lacks in numbers it more than makes up for in the exceptional quality of our officers and staff.” — Police Chief Charles Wynn

New Police Facility

The Chino Valley Town Council approved a construction contract Oct. 12 for the new two-story 16,000-square-foot police facility. Construction is set to begin toward the end of 2021. It will be located west of Chino Valley Town Hall at 202 N. State Route 89.

There are many reasons why the police department needed a new facility but the primary reason is that the Town is growing and the police department has outgrown its current facilities. There will be room for future expansion, better visibility and access for the public. The location is also off of the highway in the center of town so when a call comes in officers are not driving through a residential neighborhood.

Ichor Airsoft opens in Chino Valley

As the first outdoor Airsoft field in Northern Arizona, owner Crystal Patton and sons are very excited to start bringing events to town. The Town entered into a lease with them for the 40-acre parcel at the corner of Perkinsville Road and Old Home Manor Drive at Old Home Manor, where the town owns 880 acres of land.

Town of DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

““We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to come. Let’s be reminded of the reason for the season.

“Life is precious, take the time to wave to a neighbor, hug a loved one, call an old friend, smile at a stranger and thank a veteran, a first responder for their service and their ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy these freedoms.”

— Mayor John Hughes of “Arizona’s Country Town”

EVENTS

The Town of Dewey-Humboldt held its First Trunk or Treat, bringing the community together no matter what age for all the kids at heart. Who doesn’t love candy? The event was so successful it ran out of candy!

NEWS

The Town Council of Dewey-Humboldt currently is accepting applications for appointment to a pending vacancy on the council. The vacancy will be effective at the end of the day Dec. 31.

For more information, please call Town Hall at 928.632.7362. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a qualified elector, be willing to accept the Town Council Code of Ethics and have been a resident of the Town of Dewey-Humboldt for at least one year.

Hassayampa Happenings

Annual Checkups Don’t Forget the Importance of

The gift you can give yourself — and by extension the ones who love and care for you — is the assurance that you’re watching your health through annual checkups.

Bravo to you if your yearly exam is behind you, but get going now in making appointments in the new year as needed.

Men and women differ, of course, but both need a yearly physical examination and blood test. This is a time to discuss your medical history and lifestyle with your doctor or physician’s assistant; a time to get on top of any concerns that have arisen since your last exam. Q

Women and men need to have their diabetes risk assessed, as well as their eyes if they have a family history of glaucoma.

Women need to zero in on cardiovascular health, bone density, breast and bowel cancer and sexual and reproductive health.

Men need checks on cholesterol, blood pressure, prostate and colorectal cancer and sexual health.

Age makes a difference, so research a bit what might apply to you. This website out of Columbia University Irving Medical Center is comprehensive (www. columbianps.org/healthy-life-blog/guide-to-annualhealth-screenings-by-age). Here are some highlights:

18-to 39-year-old men and women

• Skin screening for lesions or moles that look suspicious (both)

• Depression screening (both)

• Pap smears every three years (women)

• Testicular exam (men)

40-to 64-year-old men and women

• Shingles vaccine — 2 doses separated by 2 to 6 months given at age 50 and older (both)

• Flu shot — annually (both)

• Colorectal screening — age 50 and older unless other risk factors are present (both)

• Lung cancer screening — annually if a past smoker (both)

• Depression screening — mental health assessment (both)

• Mammogram — annually or bi-annually depending on risk factors (women)

• Prostate exam — age 50 and older depending on risk factors (men) 65 years and older men and women

• Fall prevention screening (both)

• High dose flu vaccine (both)

• Osteoporosis screening (both)

Many people get nervous just sitting in a doctor’s office, so you might want to write down these questions ahead of time and record the answers:

• How do I get my results?

• Is this normal?

• Does my family history put me at risk?

• Am I old enough for that?

• Is stress impacting my health?

• How is my weight?

• Are my habits harmful?

• Are my prescriptions still relevant?

• What are my numbers?

• Do I need any additional screenings or tests?

• Do I need any immunizations?

• What’s next?

As for those of you with flexible spending accounts, max out your pre-tax dollars before the end of the benefit year (although some employers allow rollovers). These dollars can be used not only for standard care but also for acupuncture, chiropractic care, mental health, over-the-counter medical supplies and more.

As for limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA), if you have a health savings account (HSA) make sure to use up your LPFSA dollars on vision and dental so you can keep more funds available in your HSA accounts for medical expenses.

Your Well-being is Important

by Dr. Hojat Askari, Founder and Medical Director, Thumb Butte Medical Center

The dictionary may define wellbeing as the state of being happy, healthy or prosperous. But what does it mean to you? How do even achieve such a state? As you go forward into 2022, consider that finding balance is your path to well-being. While you’re doing just fine in some areas, others likely need your attention. Think over these aspects of your life, and take a deep dive into where you need to make some changes. Health. Are you achieving emotional and physical health? Cornerstones of balancing here are getting enough sleep and exercise. Both have the domino effect of strengthening your mind and body.

RELATIONSHIPS. Studies show that people with strong relationships live longer. If you find yourself isolated boost your life expectancy by helping others through volunteering or offering them comfort.

SECURITY. A sense of security lowers levels of anxiety and fear. Think about your safety and that of others. Take a self-defense course, wear your seatbelt, don that helmet when bike riding. When trying something new and complicated — especially if tools are involved — don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Figure out where else you need to develop preventative habits.

PURPOSE. This can be a tough one, especially for retirees who figured they’d always be working, or someone unexpectedly experiencing a job loss. It’s in our purpose that we find meaning in our lives. It doesn’t have to come from work. It can come, for example, from improving our physical health or improving our relationships.

It can be an ongoing process. Dig — what would help you feel fulfilled? Where/how to you connect to something larger than yourself?

COMMUNITY. You may feel better about life if you actively work to help your community by volunteering or just getting to know people better. You’d be part of building it and promoting the well-being of others. Community can be big or small from your neighborhood to your place of work to your church or recreational league.

ENVIRONMENT. Examine your personal space. Is it an oasis or a place that needs decluttering? Go outside and take in nature in the form of a walk, hike or a picnic. Bring nature inside bring a by putting a green, leafy plant in the kitchen.

Above all, don’t be hard on yourself as you seek the balance to achieve well-being. Small steps and patience are your friends.

GIVING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE YOU DESERVE Now Accepting New Patients.

OFFERING Prescott’s First CRYOTHERAPHY

Cryotherapy is the process of using sub-zero temperatures to deliver healing, restorative and longevity benefits to the human body. During whole-body cryotherapy treatment, the individual is exposed to extremely cold gases for 2 to 3 minutes. It is a safe and non-invasive treatment with a huge range of benefits and the technology is proving ever popular within the athletic, medical and beauty industries.

Our practice is now home to two licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors (NMDs). Dr. Karissa Walton specializes in treating chronic pain and neurological conditions. Dr. Rebecca Chatfield specializes in treating women’s health and mental health conditions. 140 N. Granite Street | Prescott (928) 298-3349 info@themobilehealthdoc.com @mobilehealthdoc

What Do YOU Want in the New Year?

by Cathy Clements, Nutritionist & Life Coach, NASM CNC, CPT, FNS, WFS

It’s almost a New Year and time for a new you! These last two years have been stressful. Whether you were taking care of others or were being taken care of, it’s time for a new start.

So … breathe! Taking deep breaths helps get stress under control; they help us relax a minute so we can think carefully through an issue for a clear answer.

What do you want for 2022? I say a new year, a new you. When we are busy taking care of others, ourselves or being in a situation that stresses us, we forget to take care of ourselves.

It can be small changes to get ourselves on the right path. If the last two years took time away from hiking and moving in beneficial ways, it’s time to get back out there. Small steps can have big rewards.

If your exercise didn’t decrease, then do a little more; have a longer walk or start running. There are now in-person runs and walks such as the Rock ‘n’ Roll running series.

Just need someone to help you eat better? There are many opportunities to have someone help you evaluate your eating, figure out what works best for you and get you back on track.

The hardest, I think, is getting our thinking on the best path. Our bodies remember everything, all the way back. Begin journaling to get your thoughts on paper and out of your head. Putting them on paper can help you get better sleep and lower your stress.

Once things are out of your head and written down, it opens your head to think about the current issues you may need to focus on versus those clouding your head, frustrating you and not allowing clear thinking to get you through the day.

Great pillars of health: movement, mindset, eating well, sleep. For some it is supplementing what we are getting inside our bodies. Only you know what you need the most and what is the hardest for you.

Tackle the hardest one and your confidence in yourself will rise! You are a hero for you. Happy 2022!!!

by Kimberly Marsh Photography

New Biz Gives Freedom to Reach Personal Best

by Blake Herzog

Athletic Prescottonians, whether they’re vying for a college scholarship or a perfect kayaking technique, have a new place to meet their New Year’s resolutions and develop their potential in 2022.

Freedom Performance offers physical therapy and sports training to two core markets, owner Dr. Brady Mengarelli says: young players for schools or competitive league teams and active adults looking to improve their performance.

“What I do is I train young athletes that want to be better at their sport, to be stronger, faster, more athletic, and I do that for adults, as well,” he said.

Many of his younger clients have been referred for further training or physical therapy by Process Driven Sports Academy, which is owned by Mengarelli’s former Prescott High baseball coach Rob Chriss. Mengarelli said how grateful he is for the chance to lease space at Chriss’ new building at 600 E. Moeller St. in Prescott.

“He has Process Driven Baseball Academy and wanted to develop a new brand in a new building, it’s state-of-the-art with turf everywhere. There’s a weight room and all sorts of features, it’s an amazing facility to do training for kids.”

Mengarelli works with children as young as 8 through high school who play baseball and football, plus some

involved in soccer, dance and other activities. Adults who are avid hikers, runners, kayakers and other types of sportspeople also turn to him for coaching and physical therapy.

Training for both populations tend to include similar drills, he said: “We do a lot of speed and agility training, because we have about 50 yards of turf to work with on agility, running, how to change direction. We do that for about a half an hour. We’ll do a half an hour of strength training. And then any modifications for someone who has shoulder pain or back pain.”

Mengarelli was a multisport standout at PHS before going to South Dakota State on a football scholarship and earning a degree in exercise science, then coming back to Northern Arizona University for a doctorate in physical therapy.

For more information, call 928.420.3804 or visit www.freedomperformanceaz.com

this Holiday Season Shop Local

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

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce wants to remind everyone of their Gift Prescott — a shopping experience program that focuses on engaging local businesses in the growing gift certificate market and encourages residents to shop locally.

Over $100 billion is spent annually on gift cards and certificates. The Chamber is pleased to offer this opportunity to member merchants to showcase themselves to customers and the community through a gift certificate program.

Using the program is easy. Visit the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 117 W. Goodwin St. and

you can conveniently purchase a gift certificate for yourself or another redeemable at any participating merchant within the greater Prescott area

Where you choose to shop affects the economy, the environment and ultimately quality of life for the City of Prescott.

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

Prescott Valley Shines for the Holidays

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

The spirit of the season is alive and glowing in Prescott Valley. Its premier holiday destination, the Valley of Lights, anchors a community that celebrates the Christmas and holiday season with lights, music and art.

Valley of Lights is a 1-mile drive through animated and lighted displays in Fain Park. Each of the 63 displays consists of multiple parts decorated with thousands of lights that cover areas on both sides of the roadway.

Everywhere you turn there is something magical to be seen, including overhead as you drive through one of the three beautiful tunnels.

Valley of Lights is open seven days a week through Dec. 30. The hours are Sunday through Thursday 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and holidays 6 to 10 p.m. There is no admission, however a suggested

donation is $5 per vehicle; and you may go through as many times as you wish. Valley of Lights is sponsored by local businesses and organizations and is presented by the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The Town of Prescott Valley makes a huge investment for the holidays with their lights around the Civic Center. The official lighting was Dec. 3 — each of the three buildings comprising the campus, along with trees, walls and shrubbery, is covered in thousands of lights and on every night until New Year’s Day.

More lights fill the Prescott Valley Entertainment District with displays and a Singing Christmas Tree.

Art plays a huge part of the holiday celebration with the Prescott Valley Arts and Culture Commission’s Create-a-Tree display. Trees are decorated by individuals, businesses,

organizations and groups and then put on display in the library. Each year one tree is voted the “People’s Choice.” The trees can be seen during library hours through the new year.

The sounds of the season can be heard throughout Prescott Valley with musical and theatrical performances presented by the local schools and youth groups. Live holiday shows are presented throughout Prescott Valley.

This year Yavapai College Performing Arts Department is producing “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the Performing Arts Center stage Dec. 16 to 19.

For more information on Prescott Valley and the surrounding community holiday activities contact the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce at 928.772.8857 for visit www.pvchamber.org

Why it’s Important to Develop Your Brand

by Clare Lei, Northern AZ Social Account Executive

Branding your business is essential to making an unforgettable impression on consumers, but it also allows your customers to know what to expect from your company. It is not just the elements such as logos and colors, but it is your reputation and the combination of your business’ attributes that differentiate you from your competition.

But why is branding critical for your business? It’s because branding leads to impact. It is how people perceive your brand, it can help drive new business and increase brand value.

With most markets being oversaturated today, businesses are looking at mass amounts of competition. At this point, a business needs to go the extra mile to set itself apart from competitors.

So, it is imperative that a company invests in creating a strong brand that will not only get customer’s attention, but also hold it. By doing so, a company will be able to have some control over how consumers view the business.

Once a brand is well formed into a company that customers are familiar with and can trust, word of mouth can be your business’ most effective advertising technique. A perception of your company will begin to form, and word of mouth can strengthen or taint the character of your brand.

Increasing your business value by establishing a brand can give your company more leverage in the industry while also becoming appealing to investors by being established in the marketplace.

Source: We Are Social, Branding Mag, Forbes

Audit your Personal Brand Online

Once you become an established business, ensure you are staying “on brand” by auditing your business online. Search your business through search engines and on social media to see how you are being represented.

❱ Try searching your business on Google. See what comments and images appear, do they align with your vision of your business?

❱ Upload professional images onto Google and tag your business name.

❱ Upload new photos to LinkedIn, Flickr, Picasa tagging your business.

❱ Set-up a Google alert with your business name to monitor and regulate mentions.

Clare Lei enjoys using her graphic design and digital strategies to contribute to the success of local businesses through multimedia marketing. She uses her skilled expertise to meet clients’ needs to ultimately improve brand awareness and ROI.

MARKETING TIP OF THE MONTH

Once you become an established business, ensure you are staying “on brand” by auditing your business online. Search your business through search engines and on social media to see how you are being represented.

❱ Try searching your business on Google. See what comments and images appear, do they align with your vision of your business?

❱ Upload professional images onto Google and tag your business name.

❱ Upload new photos to LinkedIn, Flickr, Picasa tagging your business.

❱ Set-up a Google alert with your business name to monitor and regulate mentions.

Source: We Are Social

Education Direct y

Highlight your school to the community with an ad in our Education Section. The section will run in every issue of Prescott LIVING magazine and will include a directory with your school’s logo and name in bold. The education section in every issue is sponsored by a local company that puts a high value on education.

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

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

Financial To-Dos for Year-Round Healthy Wealth

by Blake Herzog

If you’re looking at the bottom line of your bank accounts and investments and as if things are going pretty well, first of all, let yourself be thankful for that feeling.

Second, dig into the numbers you have and make sure your financial present and future really are as secure as you think they are, given the short- and longterm challenges you could face. Some of the questions you should ask are: Q

As we reach the end of 2021, here are a couple to-dos so you can start the next year on firm financial ground:

* Do you have enough cash to put aside in a savings account or short-term CDs to cover three to 12 months of expenses? This is critical for protecting yourself against unexpected job losses or medical bills. Try to save even more if you’re working in a field where job openings are few and far between.

* Know how much you want to save for retirement; many experts suggest saving 10 times your annual income. The number depends a lot on what kind of lifestyle you want to have once you are done working.

* Look into every type of retirement savings account available to you, whether it’s a 401(k) plan at work, an IRA (either traditional or the Roth version) or whichever product works best for your future.

* Don’t be shy about putting some of your savings in the stock market where it’s likely to multiply faster and further than most savings accounts, at least for the immediate future.

* Carry all the insurance you’re going to need, including life, health, home and vehicle.

* Consider the impact of any major life, work or net wealth changes on your taxes and insurance coverage. Even a large appreciation in your home’s value, not an uncommon position to be in this year, could affect how much home insurance you need.

* Reassess your investment portfolio to make sure it will continue to agree with your risk tolerance and future goals.

* Seek financial advice about “inflation hedge” investments such as government inflation protected bonds and CD ladders to see how they may benefit you.

CALLING A PROFESSIONAL

You may need an attorney to help ensure your estate documents are binding, and there are certainly other situations where bringing in either a wealth manager or financial adviser would be a wise move:

* If you’re experiencing or planning a major family life change such as parenthood or divorce. Even couples seriously dating may want to drop into an office to get a sense of where they stand on financial issues, which have doomed many a relationship.

* You’re seeing a rapid increase in your wealth through a job change, inheritance or other means. An adviser or manager can make sure the influx of cash isn’t being overspent and is being invested wisely and managed for tax purposes.

* If retirement is on your horizon, or already here, a specialized planner can help you figure out what your goals for that phase of your life are and what steps you need to take to achieve them. Some of the planners you consider may boast a retirementspecific credential after their name, but make sure it’s one with teeth that isn’t that easy to earn.

* If you have too many investments to be able to monitor each one closely, or if you have little interest or aptitude in tracking the money you spend or invest, bringing in an adviser can be an especially good idea.

Keeping up with the LatestTax Laws

by Brenda Hershkowitz, EA, President & CEO, Premiere Tax & Accounting

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced tax laws that were never a thought to be enacted since 2020.

One example is the CARES Act. It not only enacted changes for individuals, but also included business related provisions. The changes for businesses, include net operating loss deductions, excess business loss limitations and Section 163(j) interest deduction limits.

Below are just a few items put in place by the CARES Act:

For individuals with IRAs, the CARES Act temporarily waived the RMD (required minimum distribution) rules for certain contribution plans and IRAs for the 2020 calendar year. This waiver is no longer in force for 2021, so RMDs must be taken in 2021.

Charitable contributions have also been adjusted under the CARES Act. Under the act, the modified gross

income limitation on itemized deductions for charitable contributions was increased from 60% to 100% for 2020 and 2021 if made to churches, universities, hospitals or other public charities. Contributions to organizations, private foundations or donor advised funds are excluded.

Since taking office in January, the Biden administration is working on several new tax law changes. Tax legislation with significant provisions affecting highincome individuals could potentially be enacted by the end of 2021. You will want to rely on tax professionals to help you navigate these changes to make sure that you have the best strategies to build your wealth.

Premiere Tax and Accounting Services is a full-service firm working with businesses and individual clients. Our knowledgeable team has more than 35 years combined experience.

Continued from page 27 Q

VA. We were on our way home when a friend in the Kiwanis Club called me and said, “Would you like to come to the Southwest District meeting and speak?” “Well, I don’t know. We’re on our way home from speaking with the president. I’d have to drive over there to that meeting in Farmington, New Mexico. I just don’t think I have that in me.”

My friend said, “How about I get somebody to fly you over?”

Later that day, he called and had arranged to have Tim Henrichson from Prescott fly me free to the district convention.

So I did, I flew over in a small aircraft. I spoke at the Southwest District convention.

In that speech I said, “We don’t have a grave, we don’t have a marker, we don’t have anything here about Kayla.” A person from here in Prescott, Gary Ballard, decided we needed a playground dedicated to Kayla. So that’s how it became Kayla’s Hands Playground.

And through fundraising, through the Kiwanis Club — I helped with a lot of it — I did a tremendous amount of it, but so did Gary Ballard — a major amount.

The generosity of people in this community is just amazing. The Harold James Family Trust put a large amount of money in it. So did Kieckhefer, Margaret T. Morris. So many people contributed to that.

We go by almost every day when we go to the grocery store. The playground is always full of kids. We put that new cover over it last year. Kids can use it rain or shine, snow, whatever. As Joe Baynes, the City parks and rec director, says, “It’s not a playground, it’s a destination park.”

Marsha Mueller: Kayla’s niece, Lexi, now 10, helped pick out the colors for the equipment. Carl and I picked most of the equipment. We especially felt the zip line would be fun. We went to Phoenix and tried those out ourselves.

Carl Mueller: To see all the smiling faces, you know Kayla would love it.

Marsha Mueller: Because Kayla’s work was always with children. When she was in India, it was the children. Even here, we had a young man tell us that when Kayla was with Youth Count or AmeriCorps he was one of the young kids with her. She helped them plant a tree. He wanted to let us know that she was his leader in helping them plant the tree.

Carl Mueller: I think it was Willow Lake.

Marsha Mueller: Kayla always had a heart for children, even in Syria and around Turkey. That’s what she was doing — helping moms and children whose fathers and husbands were missing in action in Syria. Kayla tried to help find the moms a way to use their own hands to make things. She found work for them in businesses. A couple of years after Kayla was gone, a woman called us to let us know one of those women were

still working in those businesses that Kayla had found for them. They had the dignity of not always needing a handout but were able to do it themselves.

Prescott LIVING: When did you first perceive this passion that Kayla had for others?

Marsha Mueller: She always had a heart, even as a young child. Quiet, very observant, always making things and giving us things. She just really was always that way. In grade school, one of her friend’s moms, from when she was probably in second grade or first grade, give me a photo of Kayla with three other little girls. They were in a line, hugging each other, arms around each other. Many of those young girls yet reach out to us. We still know them and their moms and dads.

So Kayla, before she could even drive, was in junior high and involved with Youth Count. That got her involved with AmeriCorps. Kayla went on to get both silver and gold medals for community service.

Carl Mueller: Presidential medals.

Marsha Mueller: That’s part of the reason Kayla ended up getting the Yavapai County Community Foundation’s award for Youth Philanthropist of the Year in 2007.

“

“HERE WE ARE. FREE TO SPEAK OUT WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING KILLED, BLESSED TO BE PROTECTED BY THE SAME LAW WE ARE SUBJECTED TO, FREE TO SEE OUR FAMILIES AS WE PLEASE, FREE TO CROSS BORDERS AND FREE TO DISAGREE. WE HAVE

MANY PEOPLE TO THANK FOR THESE FREEDOMS AND I SEE IT AS AN INJUSTICE NOT TO USE THEM TO THEIR FULLEST

”

-

KAYLA MUELLER

It was always a passion for Kayla. If someone needed help, she would find a way to help them. That was one of the things that the Youth Count person who remains in contact with me adopted. She ended up going to Jordan herself to help Syrian refugees there because Kayla inspired her so much from the time she was in junior high. Kayla’s attitude was “Just do what you can, where you can, when you can, however you can.”

Carl Mueller: Many people continue to reach out to us when they hear Kayla’s story. They’re inspired to follow in her path and just be kind and help people. There’s a website that’s called www.forkayla.org that tells about Kayla. For people who are interested, it’s an excellent place to go to research Kayla.

Prescott LIVING: It seems very apparent that faith plays in a major role in your life and in Kayla’s life. Can you comment about that?

Marsha Mueller: That’s a hard one for me, too. I wasn’t sure we would ever have children. So when we did, I dedicated my life to my children and to Carl and to helping them become the best they could be. And I see it in both of them. They know what’s right. And they try their best to do it. I see that in our granddaughter, too.

I trust the Lord with all my heart and always have and always will. I used to always sing to the kids to help them remember verses. And one is Proverbs 3:56: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own

understandings in all your ways and submit to Him and He will make your path straight.”

I changed it, and I told them in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. He will make your path straight. Once, in high school, Kayla for my birthday or Christmas or Easter or whichever — Kayla was very thrifty with her money — but she brought me this mug about faith.

Carl Mueller: I was raised Baptist. God was always there for me in the worst of times. I struggled after Kayla was killed. Why did God let that happen? How could He let her suffer through what she went through? In dire times you do what you need to do. And I think I probably drew

Continued on page 168 Q

PRESCOTT

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Greater Prescott Area Education Directory

BASIS Prescott

K-12th Charter School

3700 Willow Creek Road 928-777-6600

www.prescott.erau.edu

Northern Arizona University

Prescott 1100 E. Sheldon St. 928-523-2988

www.nau.edu/prescott

Prescott College

220 Grove Ave. 928-778-2090

www.prescott.edu

Yavapai College

1100 E. Sheldon St. 928-445-7300

www.yc.edu

Mountain Institute Joint Technical Education District (JTED)

3003 Centerpointe East Drive 928-771-0791

www.micted.net

Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC)

220 Ruger Road 928-776-2002

www.yc.edu/ctec

Abia Judd Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 1749 Williamson Valley Road 928-717-3263

www.prescottschools.com/aj

Lincoln Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District

201 Park Ave. 928-717-3249

www.prescottschools.com/lincoln

Taylor Hicks Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 1845 Campbell Ave. 928-717-3276

www.prescottschools.com/th

Granite Mountain School

5th-6th Prescott Unified School District

1800 Williamson Valley Road 928-717-3253

www.prescottschools.com/gms

Prescott Mile High Middle School

Prescott Unified School District

300 S. Granite St. 928-717-3241

www.prescottschools.com/pmhms

Prescott High School

Prescott Unified School District 1050 N. Ruth St. 928-445-2322 www.prescottschools.com/phs

Aspire High School

Yavapai Accomodation School District #99 2972 Centerpointe Drive East 928-795-8126 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

1901 Prescott Lakes Pkwy. 928-277-0334 www.basisprescott.org

La Tierra Community School

K-7th Charter School

124 N. Virginia St. 928-445-5100 www.latierracommunityschool.org

Mountain Oak Charter School

Preschool-7th 1455 Willow Creek Road 928-541-7700 www.mountainoakschool.org

Northpoint Expeditionary

Learning Academy

Charter High School 551 First St. 928-717-3272 www.northpointacademy.org

Primavera School

Pre-6th Private School 1446 Moyer Road 928-445-5382 www.primaveraschool.org

Sacred Heart Catholic School Preschool-8th Private School 131 N. Summit Ave. 928-445-2621 www.sacredhearteducation.com

Skyview School

K-8th Charter School

125 S. Rush St. 928-776-1730 www.skyviewschool.org

Tri-City College Prep High School

5th-12th Charter School 5522 Side Road 928-777-0403 www.tricityprep.org

Trinity Christian School

K-12 Private School 1212 Warrior Way 928-445-6306 www.trinitychristianaz.com

Willow Creek Charter School

K-8th Charter School 2100 Willow Creek Road 928-776-1212 www.willowcreekcharter.com

PRESCOTT VALLEY

Northern Arizona University

Prescott Valley Campus

7351 Skoog Blvd. 928-775-4567 www.nau.edu/prescottvalley

Bright Futures Preschool

Humboldt Unified School District

6411 N. Robert Road 928-759-5130 www.bf.humboldtunified.com

Coyote Springs Elementary Humboldt Unified School District 6625 N. Cattletrack Drive 928-759-4300 www.cs.humboldtunified.com

Granville Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District 5250 N. Stover Drive 928-759-4800 www.ge.humboldtunified.com

Humboldt Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 2750 S. Corral St. 928-759-4400 www.he.humboldtunified.com

Lake Valley Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District 3900 N. Starlight Drive 928-759-4200

www.lv.humboldtunified.com

Liberty Traditional School Humboldt Unified School District K-8th 3300 N. Lake Valley Road 928-759-4500 www.lib.humboldtunified.com

Mountain View

Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 8601 E. Loos Drive 928-759-4700

www.mv.humboldtunified.com

Glassford Hill Middle School Humboldt Unified School District 6901 Panther Path 928-759-4600 www.gh.humboldtunified.com

Bradshaw Mountain High School Humboldt Unified School District 6000 Long Look Drive 928-759-4100 www.hs.humboldtunified.com

AAEC High School

Charter School

7500 E. Skoog Blvd. 928-775-3200 www.aaechs.com

Franklin Phonetic Primary School K-8th Charter School 6116 E. Hwy. 69 928-775-6747 www.franklinphoneticschool.com

Prescott Valley Charter School K-8th Charter School 9500 Lorna Lane 928-772-8744 www.pvschool.com

Acorn Montessori Schools Pre-8th Charter School 8556 E Loos Drive 928-772-5778 www.acornmontessori.com

Park View Middle School Charter School 9030 E. Florentine Road 928-775-5115 www.parkviewschool.org

Canyon View Prep Academy Charter High School 9030 E. Florentine Road 928-775-5115 www.canyonview-prep.org

PACE Preparatory Academy

Charter High School 6711 E 2nd St. 928-775-9675 www.paceacademy.com

Prescott Valley School K-8th Charter School 9500 Lorna Lane 928-772-8744 www.pvschool.com

Yavapai County High School

Yavapai Accomodation School District #99 6325 Baja Cir. 928-771-3568 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

MAYER

Orme School

Private High School 1000 E. Orme School Road 928-632-7601 www.ormeschool.org

DEWEY

Bradshaw Mountain Middle School Humboldt Unified School District 12255 Turquoise Cir. 928-759-4900 www.ms.humboldtunified.com

CHINO VALLEY

Del Rio Elementary School

Chino Valley Unified School District 1036 North Road 1 West 928-636-4414 www.drs.chinovalleyschools.com

Heritage Middle School Chino Valley Unified School District 1076 North Road 1 West 928-636-4464 www.hms.chinovalleyschools.com

Chino Valley High School Chino Valley Unified School District 760 E. Center St. 928-636-2298 www.cvhs.chinovalleyschools.com

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Prescott Unified School District 300 E. Gurley St. 928 445-5400 www.prescottschools.com

Yavapai Accomodation School District #99 2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. 928-759-8126 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

Chino Valley Unified School District

650 E. Center St. 928-636-2458

www.chinovalleyschools.com

Humboldt Unified School District 6411 N. Robert Road 928-759-4000 www.humboldtunified.com

MILLION DOLLAR RETURN ON INVESTMENT

MILLION DOLLAR RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Consider these gifts

for your Teen

by Aaron “Trey” Thompson III, AmeriCorps VISTA, The Launch Pad Teen Center

If you ask teens in Prescott what they do for fun, a common answer will contain the keywords “Walmart” and “parking lot.” The Launch Pad Teen Center is trying its best to add new vocabulary to those responses.

The center likes to use experience as a way for teens to make memories and help them build better inperson relationships. So for the holiday season, with the challenges of buying gifts online and high demand for popular teen items already low in stock, The Launch Pad staff has selected their favorite teen-centered activities that parents and caregivers can gift this holiday season.

James Malek, The Launch Pad’s program director, recommends going in on season tickets for our new Indoor Football Team, the Northern Arizona Wranglers! “We had a great time taking teens to a game at the end of their inaugural season this year, and there’s just something more personal and fun about local sports!”

He adds: “One of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received was a family cookbook! You collect favorite recipes from your family members, compile them into a short

book and leave plenty of blank pages at the end for your teen to fill in as they get older and find their own recipes! Take the time to practice the recipes with your teens as well. Bake bread to break bread!”

Courtney Osterfelt, executive director, suggests using Harkins’ “rent a theatre” opportunity to have a private big screen video game party for up to 20 of your teen friends. You can also rent the theatre to have a private movie party with a movie of your teen’s choosing.

Suzanne King, director of operations, suggests taking your teen on a tour of the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix. If you really want to provide a unique experience you can sign up your teen and four of their friend for a “Chanoyu Experience the Way of Tea” private Japanese tea ceremony. Teens must be 12 and older to participate.

Make the most out of the challenges traditional shopping is bringing to everyone this holiday season and remind your teens what this special time of year is all about, the spreading of forgiveness, peace and love.

Discover Chino Valley Tourism

Campaign Launched

by Maggie Tidaback, Economic Development Project Manager, Town of Chino Valley

The Office of Economic Development has partnered with the Arizona Office of Tourism to launch the firstever tourism campaign for the Town of Chino Valley.

The cooperative program between the Arizona Office of Tourism and the Town was awarded in 2020 and consisted of a full branding campaign (website design, brand, logo and more), Google ads, Tripadvisor, geogtargeted display ads, Visit Arizona marketing, rack cards, a Local First Arizona community profile page and two Lamar billboards in the Phoenix area.

From an online presence, the campaign wrapped up with more than 1.4 million impressions!

To begin, the Town partnered with Mountain Mojo Group out of Flagstaff to create a brand kit, website and logo. They also offered their photography and videography services. In what took a year of creative engineering, we now have discoverchinovalley.org. Don’t forget to check out the video with music toward the bottom of the home page. You can also find all upcoming visits on the events page.

Once the website was ready to launch, we were ready to hit the ground running on the remainder of the campaign. In the midst of that, we partnered with Local First Arizona to create a community profile page. However, this could not be accomplished without first hosting a community rural round table where we invited about 30 community stakeholders to get involved and talk about why we love Chino Valley. The Town loved it; go to Localfirstaz.com/explore-az and click on Chino Valley.

Some of the slogans that came out of the campaign were “Come Up and Cool Down” and “Cooler than you’d think.” Both were used on the billboards. Also, “Escape to wide open spaces.”

Tourism in Chino Valley is primarily outdoor recreation, but we also have some amazing and unique restaurants, an amazing vineyard with wine tasting and weekend music and great brewery!

We have the best off-roading in the quad cities and routes that will take you from Perkinsville Road to Jerome, Williams and Sedona.

Wedding & Events Special Section

Time to Plan your Events! New Year,

by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator, City of Prescott

The end of the calendar year is speckled with holidays and dreams of the future. Many couples become engaged around the winter holidays and wedding planning commences. Perhaps it’s not a wedding one is looking to plan, but rather an important graduation party, family reunion, birthday party or a picnic gathering.

Did you know that the City of Prescott Recreation Services Department offers affordable rental facilities in all of our lakes and in many parks?

Depending on individual wants and needs, the local parks system likely can accommodate your event while offering a safe and affordable option. Covered picnic areas, called ramadas, range in size and come equipped with picnic tables, barbecue grills (make sure to check local fire restrictions), restrooms and other amenities depending on the location.

Find the location that works for you.

For example, Flinn Park has a small ramada that will accommodate 40 people, limited parking and restrooms (due to winterization in the cold months), a large grass field, playground, half-court basketball pad, barbecue grills and picnic tables. This park is ideal for children’s birthday parties, baby showers, family picnics and similar smaller events.

Ken Lindley Park ramada is small in size, as well, with limited parking, but has a state-of-the-

art skate park within walking distance. This park is also perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, picnics or any smaller gathering benefitting from a playground and restrooms open year round.

Two medium-sized ramadas are available for reservation. Granite Creek Park ramada has a 200-person capacity (due to parking availability), restrooms, horseshoe pits, volleyball net, walking track, picnic tables and barbecue grills. This will accommodate most any event. Vista Park will hold 75 people comfortably. Parking is a bit limited, but there are restrooms, two age-specific playgrounds, hiking trails and large turf areas for lawn games, etc.

Watson Lake features both a small (Lower) ramada and a large (Upper) ramada available for reservations. The Lower is located next to the playground, adjacent to a large grass field, has barbecue grills, short walk to restrooms and will accommodate up to 40 people. The Upper ramada reservations include a large ceremony pad situated next to the ramada with breathtaking views of the lake. Barbecue grills and restrooms are nearby. This location does not limit group size but does require a parking fee in addition to the rental fees unless it is a Wednesday (fee free day).

Watson Lake is home to the City’s only campground and offers 35 campsites (19 can be reserved at least a week in advance), all of which are “dry camping.” Camping is open seasonally from April through the first part of October.

Willow Lake offers two ramada options considered to be large ramadas. They are called the Hilltop ramada (located on top of a hill) and the Garden ramada (located closer to Heritage Park athletic fields and restrooms are in close proximity). They will both accommodate large groups (no size limit) and also require a parking fee unless it is a Wednesday.

Willow Lake offers great hiking trails, barbecue grills, restrooms and a

playground over near the athletic fields. Prehistoric archeological ruins remain on site with volunteers from the local chapter of the Archeological Society providing tours the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.

Goldwater Lake is home to three large sized ramadas, but they are limited to groups of 100 due to limited parking. Because of limited parking and the lake’s popularity, requests for reservations can be made via “reservation request” in the City’s online system. Staff review the requests, either accepting or denying (and provide other available options). Then, an invoice will be created and emailed to the customer that can be paid easily online.

Goldwater Lake offers many amenities, including volleyball court, horseshoe pits, barbecue grills, hiking trails, restrooms, two playgrounds and a ceremony pad all surrounded in towering pine forest.

Third-party concessionaires operate seasonally at Watson and Goldwater lakes renting watersport equipment such as kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. Fishing is allowed at all three lakes provided Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations are followed (license may be required).

All facility rentals require a refundable security and damage deposit along with either a half day rental fee (4 hours or less) or full day rental fee (anything over 4 hours). Commercial rentals require a certificate of liability insurance.

Rental rates vary among location as do operational park/lake hours. City residents who pay for City water service are eligible for a 25% discount on their rental fees with proof of water bill.

For more information or to reserve one of the facilities please visit: bit.ly/3jIpEsZ.

Fashion starts with This Season

Fringe

It’s as if the fashion world knew of our western roots — fringe is in this 2021-2022 fashion season from dresses to jackets and even accessories.

Good guess is that you, your parents or grandparents have something fringed tucked away somewhere. The hunt is on.

Whether on structured blazers, stringy bodices or woven into knitwear, you’re likely ahead of the curve this season just by opening some closet doors.

Showing this season is fringe on sarong skirts, purses, scarves and sleeves. Blunt fringe haircuts are even on the hair scene. Q

And just to get us more excited, the head-totoe denim trend popularized this fall continues. Winter brings a patchwork look, making denim the perfect material to play with.

Although thinking geometric (which is also a thing this season), there’s mixing and matching in the patchwork trend for various fabrics and leathers.

Fashion houses, writers and other style-trend aficionados have somewhat differing opinions on what the height of fashion is for the winter 2021-2022 season, so beyond fringe and denim, here are their fundamentals:

* Knit

* Quilted

* Puffer

* Faux fur

* Shearling

* One piece

One piece? Hmmm … From the sci-fi look to the catsuit look, you’ll likely be depending on leggings (also a current fashion must) to tie together your look. If you favor runway fashion, the versatility of a onesie or futurewear certainly will catch someone’s eye.

The runways also featured cutouts or peekaboo style on long-sleeve dresses, tops and jumpsuits with sleek slits around the shoulders, waist and hips (there’s that catsuit like attire again). Rhinestones, feathers and sequins joined the parade.

Perhaps to get us all out of any doldrums we find ourselves in, bright colors should decorate you this season. Bright-red outerwear and baby-pink purses done in imitation fur, yellow dresses and orange-

on-orange whatever are sure to keep us merry and bright well into the new year.

If bold colors aren’t your thing, the fashion world suggests bringing out your shine with metallic and latex influenced clothing, whether through a super-shiny trench coat, tailored suit or low-slung trousers.

If you’re on the run (or just having a bad hair day), fashion 2021-2022 favors balaclavas, baseball caps and headscarves.

Still, there’s a practical approach through the use of lots of bundling of winter accessories from down scarves and throws to fuzzy mittens, hats and boots.

Speaking of boots. Be gone ankle boots, instead embrace knee-high boots. Croc-embossed and black suede are especially favored. Other footwear ranges from platforms to cozy slides to shearling-lined suede sandals to two-toned loafers to retro ‘70s clogs.

Partner those knee-high boots with miniskirts — yes miniskirts, even in the winter.

Plaid skirts are being paired with cable knit cardigans, fitted blazers and turtlenecks. Tights worked well to keep you warmer and still be in fashion. Try a terrycloth miniskirt for comfortable coziness.

Even floral miniskirts are being worn this winter as long as you’ve got an oversized jacket and perhaps cowboy boots to go with it (and tights or leggings — it is cold after all).

Happy Styling!

• Women’s well check

• Cosmetic Botox

• Medical Botox

• Dermal filler

• Acne treatment

• Chemical peels

• Body sculpting

• Emsella treatments

• Incontinence Treatment

• Permanent cosmetics

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC

• Hormone replacement therapies

• Hormone pellet therapies

• Woman sexual dysfunction

Love Local

BEAUTY

A Valley of Vitality

2074 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott, AZ 86301

928.442.6026

www.avalleyofvitality.com

Massage Spa

ERA Salon & Spa

515 E. Sheldon St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928.778.0860

www.erasalonandspa.com

Hair Salon & Spa

Prescott Medical Aesthetics

172 E. Merritt St., Suite D Prescott, AZ 86301

928.277.7414

www.prescottbotox.com

Medical Esthetics

Rogers Academy of Beauty

2375 E. State Rte. 69 Prescott, AZ 86301

928.848.9929

www.rogersbeautyschool.com

Beauty School & Student Salon

Salon Tru Blu & Day Spa

1436 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86305

928.445.4126

www.salontrublu.com

Beauty Salon

Salud Spa

130 W Gurley St., Ste. 307 Prescott, AZ 86301

928.800.1777

www.salud-spa.com Medical Spa

SkinFit

223 White Spar Rd. Prescott, AZ 86303

928.460.3317

Facial Spa

Skin+ MedSpa

231 N. Cortez St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928.582.0716

www.skinplusmedspa.com Medical Spa

Skin Perfection 3190 Clearwater Dr. Prescott, AZ 86305

928.541.0003

www.skinperfectionaz.com Medical Spa

Strada Salon 931 12th Pl. Prescott, AZ 86305

928.778.2028

www.stradasalonaz.com Beauty Salon

Sundara Sanctuary 6594 E. 2nd St., Ste. B Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

928.277.4874

www.sundarasanctuary.com

Full-Service Wellness Spa

The Cut Above Salon & Spa 8600 E. Valley Road, Ste. D Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

928.772.8728

www.thecutabovesalonandspa.com

Hair Salon & Spa

Wilson Aesthetics & Beauty + Wellness 8196 Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

928.350.5484

www.wilsonaestheticsaz.com

Skin Care Clinic

by

Love Local

Your Guide to Prescott’s Style Stores and Services

STYLE

Apricot Lane

377 N. Montezuma St., Suite 102 Prescott, AZ 86301

928.237.9309

www.apricotlaneboutique.com/store/prescott

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

Artful Eye Jewelers

124 S. Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86303

928.445.5570

www.artfuleyejewelers.com

Jewelry Store

Bashford Courts

130 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928.642.7984

www.bashfordcourts.com

Shopping Atrium Mall

Classy N. Sassy

220 W. Goodwin St., No. 3 Prescott, AZ 86303

928.776.7467

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

Drawn West

134 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928.778.5725

Western Apparel & Gift Store

Fancy That

124 S. Granite St., No. A Prescott, AZ 86303

928.445.1883

www.fancythatprescott.com

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

French Hen Boutique

108 S. Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86303

928.445.3424

Clothing & Home Store

Lost in Socks

130 W. Gurley St. Ste 303 Prescott, AZ 86301

928.445.1833

www.lostinsocks.com

Sock Store

Purple Clover Boutique

130 W. Gurley St., No. 205 Prescott, AZ 86301

928.499.5195

www.purplecloverprescott.shop

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

Raskin’s Jewelers

110 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928.445.6120

www.raskinsjewelers.com

Jewelry Store

Scarlett’s Curated Collection

107 N. Cortez St. Prescott, AZ 86301

928.227.2581

www.scarlettsinprescott.com

New & Pre-Loved Clothing & Accessories Store

The Clothes Hound

122 S. Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86303

928.771.0811

www.clotheshoundclothingco.com

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

Wardrobe

520 W Sheldon St., Ste. 2A Prescott, AZ 86301

310.709.8099

Women’s Clothing & Accessories Store

ERAU Enrollment Prompts Expansion Planning

Continually increasing on-campus enrollment is prompting the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Board of Trustees to consider significant campus construction and expansion in coming years.

This fall, enrollment reached more than 3,200 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

One major construction need being discussed is a new residence hall. Also under consideration is demolition of the decades-old student union building and construction of a new one.

A need also exists for a new aeronautical complex and a propulsion laboratory. These and other expansion plans were announced during the Sept. 29 ERAU Board of Visitors meetings.

Board members were told the ERAU engineering program continues to receive exceptionally high rankings. Nationally, undergraduate electrical engineering

programs ranked 7th; undergraduate mechanical engineering program, 11th; and undergraduate computer engineering, 14th.

They also were told that U.S. News and World Report rated the ERAU Prescott campus “No. 1 in the National Best College for Veterans.” It also was rated No. 2 overall as “Best Regional Colleges in the West.”

Enrollment in the aviation program has increased dramatically because of the dire need for commercial pilots. Presently, more than 900 students are enrolled in that program. New aircraft — 35 of them — were added to the flight training fleet to accommodate new students.

The intercollegiate athletic program also continues to grow. Men’s baseball will begin this spring as part of the Cal-Pac Conference spring sports program, said Phil Hess, interim athletic director.

Continued

Richard Hernandez to State Econ Dev Group

Longtime executive director of the Yavapai College Regional Economic Development Center Richard Hernandez has been elected to the Arizona Association of Economic Development (AAED).

As a member of that 14-member board, Hernandez will represent central and northern Arizona in sharing thoughts about economic development needs representative of their communities.

Board President Lori Collins from Mesa said: “The board members represent a cross-section of our statewide membership. As voices of economic development through Arizona, AAED will benefit strongly from the expertise and point of view board members provide. I’m thrilled to welcome Richard to the board.”

Hernandez continues at Yavapai College, where he has held his current role since 2017. Previously, he was a business analyst and counselor at YC.

Hernandez said he endorses the mission of the group “to serve as a unifying voice advocating for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy and collaboration.”

“I am honored to serve on the AAED board,” he said. “This is an organization of economic development professionals who make a difference. I am in respected company, and I will do my best to contribute. I am especially motivated to impact quality of life issues in our rural communities. This is a lot of opportunity and plenty to do. I am excited to get started.”

Stories by Ray Newton

Tom Drape, College of Business, Security & Intelligence interim dean; and professor Tom Foley, Global Security & Intelligence Studies chair.

ERAU Creates New Unique College

When Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott created a new academic unit this fall called the College of Business, Security, and Intelligence (CBSI), it founded the only college of its type in the nation. The new college is the result of combining of what previously had been the College of Security and Intelligence with the School of Business.

Chancellor Anette Karlsson said demand for increased awareness of the interrelationship of business, security and cybersecurity prompted the major makeover. She and her colleagues formally announced the change during the annual meeting of the ERAU Board of Visitors Sept.29.

At that same time, Karlsson introduced Thomas Drape, Ph. D., as the interim dean of CBSI.

Karlsson said “real world” industry partners during the past year had endorsed the concept of the new college. They thought benefits through a merger of business with intelligence and security and then multidisciplinary melding of content will result in stronger degree programs. For example, by linking cybersecurity and aviation business to fraud investigation in forensic accounting; and global

security in supply management and business analytics with machine learning, students will enter internships and job opportunities with exceptional skill levels.

Drape echoed Karlsson, saying that security and business are intrinsically linked. “The faculty is having dynamic conversations with other faculty, students and industry about how we can strengthen the role of physical and cybersecurity in global supply chains and in meeting needs for lessons in anticounterfeiting, brand protection and digital forensics.”

Drape, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, has been a professor at ERAU since 2015. He previously had been chair of the graduate and MBA programs for the School of Business at Azusa Pacific University in California.

The new college will be the fourth, joining the College of Aviation, the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. Students will be able to select from among 25 undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees from among the four colleges.

More details are available online at www.prescott.erau.edu and then by dropping down to the “College of Business, Security, and Intelligence” option.

Yavapai College Exploring FourYear Degrees

When the Arizona Legislature passed Senate Bill 1453 and House Bill 2523 to permit Arizona Community colleges to offer four-year degrees if they meet all requirements, the YC governing board immediately began reviewing such opportunities.

Yavapai College President Lisa Rhine has named a group to review the feasibility of launching four-year degree programs.

“We also will establish community need and try to identify possible degrees,” she said. “But I stress, this is the beginning of a process. It will take considerable time.”

Rhine has asked Diane Ryan, vice president of academic affairs, to head the working group. It will include key people from various college programs and departments. Rhine said that once potential degrees are identified, it will require thorough analysis and review by the governing board, by the Higher Education Learning Commission and by the Department of Education.

Yavapai College is one of only three community colleges in Arizona that increased in student enrollment this past fall. In 2020, YC enrollment had dropped to 6,009. However, this fall, it increased to 7,526, one of the highest percentage increases of any community college in Arizona.

The only other two colleges to show enrollment increases were Central Arizona College in Coolidge, which went from 4,778 in 2020 to 6,073 in 2021; and Arizona Western College in Yuma, which increased from 6,930 in 2020 to 8,368 in 2021.

Rhine said the enrollment increase seems to document the growing demand for higher education throughout Yavapai County: “We are happy to provide affordable and accessible opportunities to students, and we anticipate expanding even further the kinds and types of programs we offer.”

ProtectPetyour while Pampering with Toys

Leave an empty box on the floor. Turn away for 1 second. Turn back in another second. Oh, there’s the cat, doing what entertains it best: Sleeping. In. A. Box.

We’re all about pleasing our pets (our cats are somewhat better at amusing themselves), and we love to pamper them year-round. But we need to be thoughtful about which toys to give them.

Veterinarians want us to stay away from giving laser pointers, balls of yarn, tennis balls and stuffed animals. Oops, many pet owners are guilty of plying their pets with these toys. Q

But the experts say that while you may be entertained watching your cat chase a laser point of light, you are frustrating them because they never are able to actually catch their “prey.”

As for that ball of yarn, you may be introducing your frolicking feline to a health hazard. Yarn string, thread, floss, rope and similar items can be swallowed, looped around kitty’s tongue or get bunched up in their intestines.

That fuzz on the tennis balls — you know the slobbering, slick feeling when you throw it — can actually act like sandpaper to a dog’s teeth, and that’s not a good thing. Go ahead and play fetch, but make sure to take the toy away once the game is over so no extra chewing is going on. Dogs have been known to rub their teeth down to their gums.

While ripping apart a stuffed toy is, well, really fun, don’t forget those stuffed creatures come with plastic eyes and other parts your dog could

swallow. Swallowing a chunk of stuffing could lead to intestinal obstruction. Never leave your pet alone with such a toy; keep a vigilant eye.

Beware the ball that has a single hole. Dogs can get their tongues stuck in those holes. So, closely examine any ball before buying one for your pet. Big dogs can swallow golf balls and small bouncy ones — stay away from those. Also, the experts warn that the cheaper toys (and pet food and treats) from China are made with few, if any, safety regulations or government oversight. Be aware of the possibility they are contaminated with heavy metals, other toxins and choking hazards. While leashes aren’t toys, they are an everyday accoutrement to your pet’s life. Stay away from retractable leashes that can cause friction burns and cuts to you and your pet. Consider a short bungee leash instead.

Do’s & Don’t’s for Your Furry Friend

Additionally, don’t let your cat play with:

• Paper clips

• Rubber bands

• Feather toys

• Plastic bags

• Toys with small parts inside

• Toys small enough for your cat to swallow (such as sparkle balls)

Do let them play with:

• Chase and pounce toys

• Treat dispensing toys

• Cat water fountains

• Cat tunnels

• Cat exercise wheels

• Cat climbing toys

For your canine friends, avoid:

• Sticks

• Synthetic stuffing

• Kids’ toys

• Squeaker toys when you can’t determine the durability of the actual squeaker

• Human toys

• Plastic “chew” bones

Do research the best:

• Active toys (think tug-of-war)

• Distraction toys

• Comfort toys

Puzzle toys

Fetch toys

Now, go play!

Pets to be Adopted Tractors Pull for

Photography by Gary Gromer, Volunteer Photographer

Prescott resident Ryan Stringham is at it again. The volunteer pet event coordinator for Tractor Supply Co. is joining forces with other pet lovers in planning The Tractor Pull and Their Adoptable Friends event for 2022.

He’s well known in these parts for his unending devotion to animals and their welfare.

Besides the tractor-pull competition, his latest effort will feature a mixture of rescue animals and their special rescue sponsors along with local businesses and nonprofits to educate the community and raise funds for the continued support of animals in need.

Rescues bring horses, goats, chickens and, of course, cats and dogs to meet the public and get a chance at adoption. Information on pet fostering, adopting, care and feeding will be available.

As Stringham says, “The shelter staff as well as organizers and supporters of events like these are the true animal heroes in our communities. They put in untold hours loving and caring for these animals in the hope that they’ll get to find the perfect forever home for each and every one.”

Stringham is a long-time volunteer for Circle L Ranch Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Prescott Valley, gathers scraps from Natural Grocers to feed rescue animals and continually seeks out donations to help shelters.

Major sponsors of the 2022 event include Prescott Auto Body and Prescott Tire Pros.

The Brentwood, Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Co. focuses on various charity events including its annual Rescue for Rescue social media contest. Partnering with Canidae Premium Pet Food, the contest raised $200,000 in November for various rescue groups throughout the country.

During a Prescott event in 2018 when 4X4s were highlighted on behalf of the animals, Stringham said: “Our goal as Tractor Supply is to help the 2-legged community and 4-legged community come together to help each other out.”

For more information on The Tractor Pull and Their Adoptable Friends event and how to participate, reach Stringham at rdstringham85@yahoo.com

Fundraiser Raises Thousands for Horses with Heart

“Hearing the squeals of delight from children who interact with Horses with Heart is payment enough for all the time and effort we put into making this organization a success.”

Angelique LeVell, executive director for Horses with Heart in central Arizona, stressed her heartfelt support for programs that provide therapeutic encounters with horses to support empowerment of individual with medical or psychiatric conditions.

She told more than 100 attendees at the annual Sequins and Saddles event that because of support they help generate, intense and caring experiences are available for hundreds of people. The dinner program was staged 4 to 9 p.m., Nov. 13 at the Phippen Museum.

LeVell, who lives in Paulden, said the fundraiser supported such activities as: therapeutic riding lessons for people with special needs; rides for veterans, active military and first responders; Horses with Heart competition teams for those

with intellectual disabilities; “Silver Saddle” lessons ages 55 and older; and “Marvelous Minis” program for outreach to schools, senior living facilities and community events with miniature horses.

LeVell and her fellow board members spearheaded both a silent and a live auction that raised about $10,000 for nonprofit organization.

Mary Smith, president of the ninemember board of directors, introduced speakers and gave the invocation.

Local sponsors came from throughout the Quad Cities, including Tonia Fortner, Prescott Valley. She praised local businesses for their “enthusiastic support of our unequaled organization. Without them, we would not be able to do what we do to provide effective interventions for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and post-traumatic stress.”

More information is available at www.horseswithheartaz.org.

Construction Begins on Chino Valley’s Paloma Village

The Coalition for Compassion and Justice has begun construction of Paloma Village, a 24-unit manufactured home project to accommodate people who have been homeless.

Located at 3800 Durham Drive, the four acres at the northern edge of Chino Valley will consist of five-single bedroom, 12 twobedroom and seven three-bedroom units, said Jessi Hans, coalition executive director. The announcement came during the 20th anniversary of Coalition for Compassion and Justice on Nov. 6. Celebrants came from throughout the Quad Cities to view the property and to celebrate the founding of the group. Board members welcomed guests with food and entertainment, including hay and pony rides, face-painting, music and zoo animals from Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary.

Board President Amber Davies Sloan said the construction project will take at least three years and cost approximately $5 million. The coalition hopes to complete the first eight units by the end of 2022.

Rental prices for the units will begin at about $500 and go up to $900 a month, Hans said.

More information is available at www.yavapaiccj.org.

HERO Special Section

by Blushing Cactus Photography

Unsung Heroes Find the

Around You

by Blake Herzog

Everyone looks to heroes for inspiration, but never as much as when we’re young.

When we’re defining ourselves and our values, finding that person — real or fictional — with the traits you want to emulate, can be a crucial step toward outlining your goals and how you want to lead your life.

Beginning in preschool, children often choose the adults closest to them as their heroes; parents, other relatives and teachers, because whoever is taking care of them is their moral authority. Q

As they reach adolescence and begin to question their parents’ authority, they begin to look for heroes outside of their immediate sphere, often finding them in the popular media of their day.

ANYONE CAN BE A HERO

They also find heroic figures within their communities. Some wear uniforms as one of the first responders to a traffic accident or a personal crisis. Another might be an athlete out to achieve a personal record or sending their team to an undefeated record. Your child’s hero could be serving in the military on a combat mission or in a medical center to fight disease and promote healthy living.

These are among our most visible heroes, and the ones kids and teens, in particular, look to as role models.

Just listen for a moment, though, and you’ll hear the songs of unsung heroes.

They’re songs of hope, of comfort, of solutions. They can come from 911 dispatchers coaching a crime victim to safety. They can be social workers finding

shelter for homeless people or animal shelter workers saving homeless pets. You hear them about the people growing food for our population, serving meals in soup kitchens and delivering them as Meals on Wheels.

COMMON CAUSES

Compassion and cooperation are the defining traits of all these people.

They have compassion for everyone, knowing everyone has difficult times and requires assistance at one point or another. They want to see the children around them grow into happy, productive adults. They strive to improve the circumstances of everyone they meet.

And they work with others to create sustainable results for the people, animals and environments they assist. These everyday heroes are woven into their communities, with the background and support system they need to make fixes that stick.

Let us tell you the stories of some of our local heroes and hope you can draw inspiration from them, whatever your age!

by Blushing Cactus

Is it you? THIS IS US.

by Amy Bonney, Chief of Police, Prescott

A new year brings with it opportunities to look at new ways of doing things and opens the door for creativity in addressing challenges.

Recruiting high quality candidates to fill all positions within law enforcement agencies has been something on the forefront of all discussions for police chiefs across the country for some time. No doubt, the past few years this has proven to be even more difficult.

Here in Prescott, we are taking a new look at our efforts and working collaboratively with our Human Resources department to breathe fresh life into our recruiting programs. One of these tactics is the broad use of our recruiting slogan: “This is us. Is it you?”

We are using that phrase in all manner of recruiting materials with the goal of exposing our community and potential new hires to all the opportunities being a member of our wonderful police department can offer.

We will be highlighting areas and people in our department who do critically important work for our community every day. You will see the faces and hear the stories of members of our team working in areas such as emergency dispatch, victim advocacy programs, police mountain bike patrol

programs, and of course the backbone of our agency — patrol — and others.

We will show you the heart of our agency, our people.

As you read this, my hope is that right now you are thinking of someone in your life who has always spoken of wanting to try a career in law enforcement. Someone who feels called to serve people on their worst days in the hopes of getting them to their best ones. Someone who is interested in a rewarding career in a beautiful community. Someone who wants to be part of a team that does outstanding work together. Maybe that person is even you!

If so, I encourage you to follow us on social media. Watch our brand new recruiting video. Check out current job openings, and ask: “This is us. Is it you?”

The People, who

dedicate their time to rescue, are

Our Heroes

by Loree Walden, Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

Heroes come in every shape and form. They come into our lives for a reason, whether we know it or not.

The heroes on the following pages all came into each other’s lives and have changed each other forever. Whether the hero has four legs or two, it doesn’t matter. Really, who rescued who? Who’s really the hero? We all are!

The biggest joy for all of us at Yavapai Humane Society is when furever families are formed and lives are changed. There is no better feeling than seeing one of our animals walk out of the lobby (or get carried out) with their new family and go home!

Do we cry happy tears with every adoption? Yes, every day! Every animal in our care matters, and we love them as if they were our own. Our only wish for each of them is a forever home!

Some come to us through Animal Control, some because of a hoarding situation, some because their person unfortunately passed away, some come to us as strays, and some come to us because of an owner surrender due to circumstances beyond their control.

No matter how they come to us, we know they are scared and trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Are we their heroes for caring for them and loving them? No — because caring for animals isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are! The next six pages share stories of people who feel the same way.

Heroes are people who make themselves extraordinary. Or, is it the animals that make themselves extraordinary? Answer: Both!

thank you!

Howard

ENJOYS LIFE ON THE ROAD

by Nicole Luck

In September 2019 I was sitting at home scrolling though social media, and I came across a post for a very scared looking Chihuahua named Howard.

Howard had a really rough start in life because he was born into a hoarding situation and was very neglected and terrified of just about everyone and everything. But, there was something in his eyes that spoke to me.

I sent his story to my husband, who is a long-haul truck driver, and I told him: “I think we need Howard.” We had already decided we did not “need” another dog, but I felt Howard needed us.

I sent a message asking if I could come meet him. The marketing manager, Loree, responded. Over the next couple of days, she and I spent a lot of time talking about Howard, his personality, challenges and what to expect from him. We set up several meet-and-greets — the behavior team explained what to do and not do, and how to approach Howard.

For the third meet-and-greet, we brought our other dogs in to meet him, and everyone did well together. The amazing staff decided he would be a good fit for our household.

Howard is a very quirky dog, but he is well loved, and we are his two favorite people in the world.

One of the best things that has happened to Howard is my husband decided to start taking him out on the road with him. He has been to almost every state in the country, he is learning to get over his fears of loud noises and other people.

To be fair, he is not fond of other people, he just no longer tries to run in the opposite direction, so we call that a major win! Howard went from a scared, shutdown dog to becoming a professional traveler.

He loves both of us so much, and we just think the world of him. Thank you so much to everyone at YHS for believing in Howard and trusting us as his people.

Mercy IS HOME

by Kim Chalfont

She must have been loved a lot because she has such a sweet, gentle and kind heart.

Things have been going well since I brought Mercy home. Around the sixth day she had the routine of our house figured out. She started coming out of her shell, showing more interest in Lacey and me.

She began by wanting to hang out with us — still somewhat standoffish, but showing interest in daily activities like lying next to my other dog Lacey and me while I work on my computer. Also being in the living room while I watch TV.

Once in a while she would swing by for a pet or two. And, after about 3 weeks of Mercy being home, I finally got a happy tail wag and shortly after that, my first kiss from her. I was so happy and thought, she really likes me

Socializing is so important to do with your pet, and I believe the past owner did a great job of doing this. Mercy loves to watch people and dogs go parading by, and not one bark from her. She greets people and their pets with a warm welcome.

A funny thing she did at first was to go out the doggie door but not come back in. She would sit out there and whine. Then, if no one answered, she would bark. Finally, after a few times I got her to come back in by herself. Now she just wants to be with us. She is like my shadow.

I feel blessed to have this Mercy Girl in our family to bring joy and happiness to our lives. Makes me understand how important it is to have arrangements made for our pet friends in the event of an unforeseen death. Just another token of love to make sure our fur babies are not left to fend for themselves.

Thank you all at Yavapai Humane Society for giving this scared and hurting little girl a safe place to be until her new mom came to take her home.

Azul

CONSIDER THE LOVE YOU’LL GET FROM AN OLDER DOG

by Loree Walden as told by Lois McCune

Azul was a sweet 13-year-old pit bull mix when she came to us. Her previous owners had her for her whole life, and she was sad and confused as to why she was here and what was happening.

Most people aren’t looking for an older dog when adopting, but Lois isn’t “most people.” She came in and met Azul, and they both knew they were made for each other.

“Azul is the best girl,” Lois says. “She has so much love to give, and she loves us and our friends. She initially had separation anxiety when I’d leave, and still does to a degree. She follows me around most of the day, and if she is sleeping on her bed in our living room, will raise her head to make sure we are still there.

“She is like a baby and loves to be wrapped in a blanket while sleeping. People need to consider the love a senior dog has! I love dogs and thought adopting a senior would be good for me and her. She is a love. It’s sad very few want senior dogs. They have so much love to give.

“It will soon be two years we have enjoyed her antics. And she does have them! It’s funny, my husband didn’t want a dog, but Azul has certainly taken ahold of his heart too! We are so lucky and love our Azul to the moon and back.”

Thank you Lois for being Azul’s hero!

Mochi

FINALLY FOUND HIS PERSON

by Bart Obeirne

Finding my way to Mr. Mochi took a considerable amount of time, and in that time a number of other incredible dogs were considered.

But I am thankful we found our way to each other. He is one of the most unique, kind and sweetest animals I have ever been around.

When I saw his picture and read his bio, I anticipated a dog that was probably a little bit stiff and angry at the world. But he is warm and affectionate with his humans and easy going with other creatures.

He came from a hoarding situation where he was one of 130 dogs, so my guess is at some point he quit seeing other animals as threats, unless food was involved.

Mochi has the most unique appearance with his lack of hair — except for a little swath around and between his eyes — little bat ears, gorilla jowls, no teeth and a tongue that loves to play peek a boo, little wolverine claws (most likely from lack of attention to them over the years), the cutest piggy tail and a handful of warts. He’s also hearing impaired.

He comes to work with me every day, and he has met almost all my customers and probably 30 plus new dogs over the course of the last month. He also does fabulously with the four dogs I previously adopted.

We like to brush up on our nap technique, watch retro TV and movies, and ride our motorcycle together. We started an Instagram page to document our adventures. We have a relationship much like the Mandalorian and Baby Yoda; anywhere I go, he goes.

A giant thanks to Yavapai Humane Society for finding and taking care of this little gremlin until he found his way home.

Bonnie

FILLS OUR HEARTS

by Rachael Olson

The fear of facing another heartache kept us from adopting.

We lost our good boy in August 2020 to cancer, and it completely devastated our family. We had adopted Bruiser when he was 8 weeks old. My children had never lived in a house without a dog.

After a year had gone by, though, and the tears had begun to subside, the thought of adopting again began to build in my heart. I started scanning the Yavapai Humane Society website for a possible match.

I made an appointment to come and hang with Lugo and had every intention of taking him home with me that day. As fate would have it, I was introduced to Bonnie, and it was love at first sight!

Her excitement, tail wagging and kisses were too much to turn down. Although no dog can ever be replaced, Bonnie has filled our home once again with love, laughter, cuddles, tug-o-war, protection and friendship that will last forever. We couldn’t have asked for a better dog. Bonnie is absolutely amazing, and she is our hero for filling our hearts once again with the type of love only a furry companion can deliver.

We love our sweet girl.

Hector & Dante

WHAT WOULDN’T I DO TO GET TO ADOPT THESE TWO?

by Donna Williams

I believe in love at first sight. I know, because it happened to me. … And I would move heaven and earth, climb the highest mountains and traverse the lowest valleys to make a union possible.

Such is the case of two abused and neglected Xolos seized by the Yavapai Humane Society. One look at those sweet little faces on their website and I began my mountain and valley laden journey.

First order of business was a phone call to Yavapai Humane Society to inquire about their status. Were they available? Spoken for? Do you adopt to out-of-state clients? So many questions, but it became my mission.

Yes, they were available! No, they weren’t spoken for. And hallelujah they would adopt to a person from out of state!

Hold my beer, I’m on the way!

Travel arrangements were made for a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Las Vegas, a rental car secured and a hotel room reserved.

I could hardly sleep that night in Prescott, Arizona knowing I was just hours away from meeting my new babies! I was waiting with anticipation at the gate the next morning before they opened.

I walked into the lobby and a gentleman stepped out to greet me. I told him who I was and the purpose of my visit and his eyes widened as he explained that they had never had a client fly in from out of state.

Honestly, as a flight attendant, hopping a plane was fairly normal procedure for me; I forget most folks don’t operate that way. Nonetheless, here I was, and boy I was sure anxious to meet these two!

The minute I locked eyes with these boys, I knew, it was a perfect match! A tear or five may have been shed as I gathered them up in my arms and snuggled my face into their little bodies.

Paperwork completed, thank yous exchanged, hugs for everyone and we were off on the long ride back to Texas. I chose to drive back rather than check them as cargo in the belly of the aircraft. They were so small and hairless, I felt it would be too traumatic given their situation.

Besides, the trip would allow us to become better acquainted before they met the existing pack at home.

We became old pals quickly and they fell into the fold seamlessly. Our female Chinese Crested became part of the trio almost overnight and they rapidly gained the weight they desperately needed. Hector may love his chow (and anyone else’s he can sneak!) a little too much!

I’m good with that. I’m good with everything these two can come up with because they are just two tiny Xolos living their best life!!

Ella IS LOOKING FOR HER HERO

Hi there! I’d like to introduce myself; my name is Ella, and I’m an 8-year-old retriever/rat terrier mix who’s been here since March 2021. I don’t understand why I haven’t found my furever home yet, cuz I’m really cute, smart and super sweet!

I really like being outside and exploring, and when I’m done, it’s time to come inside and relax with you and take a nap. I’m learning how to walk better on a leash and can’t wait to go on a walk together!

I get super excited sometimes and get a little jumpy, so we need to work on that. I can get a little vocal too (but, hey... I’m a dog, we bark!), but I know the word “quiet,” and I follow direction on that.

I’m a sweet girl who has so much life and love left in me to give to my new best friend!

If you’re interested in meeting me, call my friends at 928.445.2666 and they’ll set up an appointment.

I can’t wait to meet you!!

Prince

IS LOOKING FOR HIS HERO

Are you looking for a true Prince? Here I am!! Yup, my name is Prince and I’m a 10 ½ year old Dutch Shepherd mix who’s looking for my furever castle!

I’ve been here since February 2021, and while they do treat me like royalty I’m ready for my own royal bed!

I know sit, stay and even shake. How cool is that? Not bad for an older guy. Please don’t let my age deter you from meeting me because I’ve got a lot of life and love left in me!

I enjoy going for walks or hikes and exploring, so if you like to do that we can be adventure buddies. I’m really looking to be your one and only because I am not a big fan of other pets, and we’d have more quality time to spend with each other!

I can’t wait to find someone to help me see all that’s out there in this big, beautiful world! If you are interested in being in the midst of royalty, give my friends at Yavapai Humane Society a call at 928.445.2666, and tell them you want to come meet me.

Behind the Scenes of

Prescott’s 911 Dispatch Hub

by Blake Herzog

Near the heart of “Everybody’s Hometown” sits a regional 911 police/fire dispatch center, staffed by 30-plus women and men with nerves of steel and hearts of gold. They operate complex technology while counseling people in crisis and send the correct resources out to them.

These heroes hustle to get public safety responders to emergencies from Paulden to Prescott Valley.

Vivian Marcott, lead dispatch supervisor of the Prescott Regional Public Safety Communication Center, is a 25-year veteran of Greater Prescott’s emergency dispatch scene, since before local agencies pooled their resources to launch the center in 2005.

“I have absolutely loved every minute of my career in the 25 years it’s been,” she says, since she was a young mother looking for a full-time job that would let her be with her kids in the daytime.

Extensive training to function in such a complex position requires considerable investment on the personal and public levels, Marcott says: “There is so much involved in training somebody, we’re looking for somebody that’s committed to making that. It’s not just a job. It’s not something that you want to do interim for a year or two.”

The communications center serves the Prescott and Prescott Valley police departments, Prescott Fire Department, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, Yavapai-Prescott Tribal Police Department, Yavapai College Police Department,

and the fire districts serving Groom Creek and Walker. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office maintains its own dispatch facility, Marcott says. “We’re connected with them on certain things and we can work really well with them. And we also have them as a backup, if we had to evacuate our building, we would go over to the Sheriff’s office. And they can come over here.”

ON THE JOB

The communications center answers more than 23,000 calls per month, of which fire or police personnel are dispatched to about 7,000.

Marcott says operators at the dispatch center fill two primary roles: call takers, who answer incoming calls, prioritize them and send them to the correct agency, and dispatchers for police and fire departments, relaying information to personnel in the field and maintaining contact to relay updates back and monitor their status. Robb Martin, communications manager for the center and a former Prescott police officer, says the job is extremely rewarding but its stress can take a toll, something he’s always on the watch for.

“It’s very important that we take care of each other, too. We try to monitor that as much as possible and try to make sure that everyone’s taking care of themselves first, because mental health and their personal health is very important, first before the job. Because if they’re not healthy and ready to work, then that can cause problems down the line,” he say.

Marcott and Martin say recognition of what they do can be overshadowed by that given to the front-line workers seen by the public, but that appears to be shifting.

Marcott says, “There was a group of us that joined Coffee with a Cop out at Jen’s Café where we arrived there with officers. And when we do present ourselves, when people see our faces, they really are interested in having a conversation

KeepWinter Cozywith Some Warm Touches

by Blake Herzog

Piling up quilts and blankets and putting up heavy curtains is where most Prescottonians start when insulating their homes against the winter freeze. Sometimes, though, that doesn’t feel like quite enough, or maybe not quite the right approach.

You want to block out the cold but also bring in the warmth that is inherent in this season.

There are a lot of other homey things you can do to make your space truly cozy, a refuge where we not only escape the cold but recharge ourselves with glowing comfort in the dead of winter. Q

S SWATHS OF SHAG

Covering a chilly tile or wood floor with huge, thick rugs can weigh down the atmosphere of your home, but using lighter fabric with plush, wooly fuzz gives you toasty islands for you and your toes to take refuge on within your frozen sea.

R HEAT UP YOUR PALETTE

If you’ve remained devoted to earth tones and neutrals in your home, try mixing in some yellows, turquoises, oranges, even hints of lime green to introduce a subtle tropical undertone. These hues can trick your mind into thinking about palm trees and glistening sunlight even when our temps have plunged into the 20s!

T USE PLENTY OF CANDLES

These dancing flames bring romance and nostalgia to your space and supplement your fireplace, whether they’re real or LED. Live flames may also provide just enough extra heat to keep you extra comfy but can clearly be a fire hazard without proper precautions.

Q DEFUSE COLD WITH DIFFUSERS

Adding cheery “warm” scents like cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, citrus and Scotch pine to your interior can be very effective at making you feel warm and cozy without adding heat to your space that you may not need.

S REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE

Hear us out: Tightening your seating arrangement up in your living room pools your emotional and physical heat into a smaller space, knitting your family and guests closer together till your space just oozes with coziness.

Q INVEST IN QUALITY BEDDING

If there’s one place you really don’t want to feel cold, it’s in bed. While cooler temperatures are known to help us sleep at night, it’s not good to be uncomfortable while you’re trying to get into that state. Egyptian cotton, silk (which retains heat) or higher thread counts in any other material will have a snuggly edge, as well as a blanket or comforter. Try flannel or fleece sheets if your hands and feet run especially cold for an extra layer of “coze.”

R BRING IN MORE LAMPS

If most of your lighting is mounted on the ceiling you may not be seeing much of a “glow” at floor level, which doesn’t help your vision or your state of mind. Plugging in some extra table or floor lamps will flood the room with extra light at eye level, adding a luminous layer to cheer up the atmosphere.

Holiday Evergreens:

DOUBLE DOWN ON PRIVACY

by Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener

Now is the time to plant privacy screens for maximum growth and seclusion in spring.

Without strategically placed evergreens in the yard, it can feel as if prying eyes are looking right into your home. Not only does your privacy seemingly disappear, but that neighbor’s debris pile can be on view! Enable enjoyable hot tub sessions without prying eyes from that too-close-for-comfort neighbor.

The solution to these unwanted invasions is not rocket science. Simply plant a wall of living trees and shrubs to block an undesirable view and create the privacy you desire.

To successfully add evergreens to a landscape, several essential steps are worthy of your time and energy. The most crucial requirement for trees to thrive is drainage. Blend one shovel full of mulch into every three shovels full of native earth to pack around each root. Feed new plants

with plant food right after planting. The cottonseed meal in our natural food promotes robust root formation while maintaining good foliage color. Lastly, deep soak each plant with a solution of Root & Grow. This specially designed compost tea encourages new roots that grow deep and strong.

When you’re ready to choose the trees for your living wall of green, read through these popular choices of local screening plants that fill in fast.

ARIZONA CYPRESS

My favorite native evergreen screener is the Arizona cypress. It is like a giant alligator juniper in size and color but grows faster and fills in more thoroughly than other screening plants. Growing to more than 20-feet tall and 12feet wide in just a few years, you can see why this is the No. 1 choice for a planted screen.

COLORADO SPRUCE

Very cold-hardy, this spruce is the perfectly symmetrical Christmas tree shape. Excellent choice for a front yard holiday tree or as a semi-formal accent in a large yard. It makes a pretty evergreen background against contrasting foliage colors, flowering shrubs or highlighting changing leaves. Line up several for a windbreak or to quickly diffuse lights and sounds along busy streets.

DEODAR CEDAR

This is the largest screening plant, growing to more than 50-feet tall and 20feet wide. It is one of the fastest-growing of the screens, growing 2 to 3 feet every year. This cedar thrives on low water use, drought conditions and drip irrigation; as is true with most upright evergreens. Make sure to give it plenty of growing space because with its long, swooping branches of Arizona Blue foliage, this tree is going to need it!

JUNIPER

Let’s look at the juniper family. Spartan, Blue Point and Wichita are on the extensive list of junipers available at Watters Garden Center now. Juniper forests surround us, so be assured junipers are naturals to add to a landscape. Whichever color and height you like, all grow well in this part of the world.

AUSTRIAN PINE

This handsome evergreen tree has a densely branched conical form when young that becomes umbrella-shaped with age. Needles are long and dark green. Tolerates poor soils and harsh, drying winds. A great conifer for windbreaks or used as large landscape specimens.

There are many more choices, such as the larger evergreen shrubs and deciduous trees like aspens. However, we’ll discuss those varieties another time.

Spruce up the Holidays

Winter Evergreen Spruce & Pine are famous at Watters. Brighten up a boring winter landscape with an exciting new pine, privacy screen with AZ Cypress, or plant a new living Christmas Tree for the holidays. Lots of exciting winter plants just arrived for planting. You are going to love your backyard for the holidays.

DESIGN & INSTALLATION

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“WE

Every outdoor living space is a blank piece of canvas for our landscape designer. We will work with your vision to create your personal oasis, a living space that you would be proud to share with family and friends. We approach every project with considerations for the surroundings and bring in elements complimentary to the natural environment. Our designs can include native plants and trees palette to keep water usage to a minimum, an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, fire pit, pergola, water feature, pavers and patios.

The ZebraScapes installation crew is second to none with an onsite supervisor at every project to make sure a quality control check list is followed. Our many certifications include irrigation, chemicals, firewise, and tree care.

Give ZebraScapes a call. Let us turn your dreams into reality!

BREAKTRADITION

by breaking reliance on the electrical service provided by APS. There’s no greater way to build wealth and independence than by investing in your own home. With a wide range of innovative options and equipment available, going solar can increase value and allow you to break from the traditional power monopoly. Call Pur Solar & Electical today to learn more about our solar options, including our new solar kits. U ll U ll U ll U ll

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Stunning 43+ Acre Property for Sale

$525,000

ATTENTION RANCHERS OR RANCH DEVELOPERS; This Stunning 43+ Acre Property backs up to State Land and is a rancher’s dream. Located in the desirable North Williamson Valley area and is a perfect location to create a beautiful ranch or community. This property provides many di erent home site locations; whether you want a flat hilltop or hillside with 360 views or somewhere in the flats or meadowed area. Your views might include Granite Mountain, San Francisco Peaks, Mingus Mountains and more, including city lights. There are generous washes that run through the property, outcroppings of Granite and Slate that complete the beauty and topography. Barbed wire fencing on the west side of the property. Horses and Farm animals, no hoa & electricity available.

At Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, we have found that adequately representing unique properties requires unique skills. Over the years, our agents have developed innovative marketing tools and relationships with some of the most quali ed buyers in the world. They have also developed a love for getting to know a house down to its most intimate detail. In the end, we don't so much sell a home as part with it. To market a distinctive home requires uncommon knowledge and resources, allow us to represent you.

Let’s have a conversation about how the team at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty® can create a custom marketing plan for your property in Prescott.

Winter Palette Add to your Yard’s

by Blake Herzog

Our part of Arizona is famous for having the largest stands of ponderosa pines anywhere, but that doesn’t mean all our trees and shrubs stay green all winter long.

We have many that drop their leaves after gifting us a gorgeous autumn show of reds and golds. Their winter profiles have their own power and beauty, but here are a few species you can add to your yard for pops of cold-weather brilliance.

JUNIPERS

These conifers, workhorses of the western landscape, come in hundreds of varieties from ground-hugging spreaders to awe-inspiring “alligator” juniper trees.

For a dependable, lowmaintenance shrub that will shine year-round try the blue star juniper with its short, bluish-green needles. These versatile plants tend to spread out more than up so they can be a great ground cover. With some training and trimming, though, you can maintain it as a compact, lively bush. Bonus: This is a great time of year to plant this or any juniper!

COTONEASTERS

Similar-looking to the holly bush, cotoneasters can put on the same kind of festive show throughout the winter with their bright red berries, drawing birds and other wildlife to your garden for even more color and entertainment.

They come in a plethora of varieties that serve as anything from a tight ground cover to a high hedge of 10 feet or more. Some of them fruit in the late summer or autumn, so make sure you know what to expect from the plant you buy.

RED AND YELLOWTWIG DOGWOODS

Both varieties have green stems in the spring and summer, but in winter they drop their leaves to expose branches as vivid as the crisp red and yellow leaves other trees display in the fall.

When planted in groups, these plants make excellent year-round privacy screens as they can grow up to 9 feet. Dogwoods generally prefer moist environments but these subspecies have also done well in drier conditions with some irrigation, especially if they have some shade while they grow.

Spectacular Mountaintop Custom

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Protect your Home When Winter Disaster Strikes

by Blake Herzog

FROZEN/BURST PIPES — Extended cold snaps with temperatures of 20 degrees or below can freeze water in our pipes, causing it to expand and in some cases burst pipes. In older houses or ones with poorly insulated pipes it can start to happen once it dips below 32 degrees.

Some of the steps you can take to prevent or mitigate damage are:

• Making sure everyone in your household knows where the shutoff valve for your water system is located and can use it as soon as a pipe bursts or if you believe a break is imminent.

• When the temperature dips to 20 or below, turn the faucet that’s located farthest from your water meter on to a trickle to keep some water moving,

• If you know which pipes are frozen, wrap them with towels to warm them. Don’t use an open flame or a hair dryer.

ROOF LEAK — These can develop from water backing up and forming ice dams or an unaddressed leak making itself known during a rain or snowstorm. Either the weather or a roofer’s availability can significantly delay repairs so minimizing damage in the meantime is crucial.

• Place a bucket under the leak to collect any water and use any other floor covering you need to protect it from water damage.

• Don’t get on the roof yourself, but once the weather clears if you can reach the leak with a long-handled pole or rake remove as much snow from the area as possible.

• Direct a fan at any wet spots in the house right away to keep mold from growing.

POWER OUTAGE — Snow and ice on overhead or underground wires, high winds, extreme cold and high user demand are a few of the factors that can cut off electricity to homes or neighborhoods in the winter.

First, report the outage or make sure someone else has already done so.

• Keep your home as warm as possible by using fireplaces, candles and battery-powered space heaters, but someone needs to be watching these at all times.

• Keep at least one of your faucets on to a small but steady stream to keep pipes from freezing.

• Do not use gas ovens or stoves, charcoal grills, camp stoves or generators inside.

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Plumbing Woes

Take Easy Fixes Winter

by Blake Herzog

We’ve covered how to deal with the hazard frozen pipes can pose during the winter on page 132. While this is probably the most damaging plumbing situation you need to be on guard for, there are other issues you’re more likely to have to deal with during the coldest months of the year.

Here are some preventive steps you can take to reduce the odds they’ll cast a chill over your cold season.

WATER HEATER WEAKNESS

Water heaters can get overworked in the winter, both from increased day-to-day use and as extended family and other guests come for overnight visits. To avoid running out at the least convenient time:

• Keep up with annual maintenance by draining the water and checking the water pressure valve or having a professional do this.

• Insulate the water supply inlet and all pipes coming out of the heater to retain heat as water travels through them.

• If you have a tank-style heater, find a cover that will fit over it and prevent energy loss. These can be found at most home improvement stores or online

FROZEN SEPTIC TANK OR LINES

The dirt around septic systems doesn’t always provide a lot of protection against ice formation, and the results can be unpleasant to say the least — loss of function, sewage backups and sewage leaks.

Try not to overload your system with kitchen and other waste, but do keep using it so it will get flushed out.

• Check for soil erosion around the tank, and fill any empty spots with loose dirt, preferably before freezing temperatures hit. Don’t compact the dirt, which will make it more prone to freezing.

• Lay a layer of straw above the tank and its lines for added protection against freezing.

• Don’t drive over your septic tank or field, since the compacted soil on top will freeze more quickly.

OUTDOOR DRAIN DAMAGE

Outdoor drains, especially those made from plastic, are vulnerable to damage as water freezes and expands, then contracts.

• Upgrade any plastic drains to metal, preferably galvanized steel. These are much less likely to crack from freezing or from the weight of snow and ice on top.

• Remove leaves and yard clippings from around the drains in the fall and keep doing so as much as you can during the winter.

• Clear any snow or ice that accumulates over the drains ASAP.

Grinches, Keeping your Home Safe from

Faulty Occurrences

by Tommy Mello, Owner of A1 Garage Door Service, and Audrey Monell, President of Forrest Anderson Plumbing and Air Conditioning

With the stress of finding the perfect gift or having the entire family over during the holiday season, the last thing homeowners want to worry about is a Grinch stealing presents from the garage or home appliances breaking down.

We offer these four tips to help Prescott-area homeowners prevent emergencies during the holidays.

INSPECT WEATHER-STRIPPING

Setting up festive decorations around the home really adds to the holiday spirit. Prevent unsightly tearing and cracking on your garage door from stealing the show by cleaning and lubricating the weather-stripping. Use a noncorrosive household cleaner and a thin coat of silicone-based lubricant.

INSULATE

A poorly insulated garage can make it difficult to maintain a warm home for family and visitors. Winterize your garage space by insulating the walls to lower home heating costs and make your home cozier for the season.

But wall insulation won’t do much good in the wintertime if your

garage door is allowing cold air to enter. Fortunately, you can purchase garage door insulation kits to help seal this troublesome area. Consisting of reflective barriers, foam boards and/or fiberglass batt insulation, these kits require some modifications, including cutting, filling and adhesive placement.

PREVENT FROZEN PIPES

A burst pipe will ruin anyone’s holiday joy. Before temperatures start to dip, take the time to insulate any exposed pipes around your home, which will prevent water inside the pipes from freezing and cracking. It’s also a good idea to run water and flush toilets as temperatures drop for guest bathrooms or sinks not

regularly used. It will keep the system running and prevent freezing pipes.

KEEP VENTS CLEAN AND CLEAR

Be careful about blocking vents with your Christmas tree or other holiday decorations, which can hinder air circulation and strain your unit. Your HVAC system is connected to vents that allow hot air to enter your home so keeping them clean is important and simple to do. You can clean them easily with a cloth and vacuum them as they collect dust and debris.

To wrap up, as owners of home service companies, we tend to see what breakdowns happen over the holidays. We don’t want you to become a service call when everyone should be enjoying quality time with loved ones.

Center for the Future Continues Expansion

Since it formally opened July 13 until now, the fledgling Center for the Future now received status from the IRS as an official nonprofit 501 (c) (3) corporation.

“That means persons or organizations can donate to the center and deduct contributions as philanthropic gifts on tax returns,” said Jon C. Haass, founder-president and director.

“That also means we have additional opportunities to work with governmental and other federal grant programs, such as the Economic Development Agency,” he said.

Haass, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said the center is working with the Northern Arizona Council of Governments as part of a five-year strategic plan to create innovation centers in key sectors within the Quad City area.

Ultimately, Haass said an objective of the center is to be a major hub in central and northern Arizona for innovation, incubation, attraction, growth and retention in cuttingedge technology industries.

The center already has received a $60,000 matching grant through its Prescott Regional Opportunity Foundation and its fiscal sponsor the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. Others supporting the center include the Arizona Technology Council, Northern Arizona Technology Alliance and the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Increasing local technological opportunities is good because “graduates can then find good jobs in the community and not have to leave,” Haass said. “Companies want the kinds of students we educate locally — business students, engineers, security and intelligence graduates.”

Haass said USDA funding is being matched by in-kind donations and other sources during the next 10 months. During that time, workshops, presentations, consulting and mentoring will assist companies in hiring additional employees and helping relocate workers, he said.

“As a business incubator and acceleratorattractor, the center now has initial funding to provide services for partner companies considering this area to open new or locate branch offices. We already have four organizations utilizing center office space. Others are going to be moving in in just days,” he said.

Those currently occupying offices are SimpleWAN, SEG (an Axient subsidiary), CyberCore, and GSIS. US. They are located at 220 S. Marina St. in a multistory 3,500-squarefoot building that formerly was the Prescott City Hall Annex.

An architect is creating plans for a proposed 35,000-square-foot building. It will become the Phase III home for the center, Haass said. Land for that structure is near the recently constructed CP Technologies manufacturing complex just north of the Prescott

Regional Airport. Mike McCormack, CEO of CP Technologies, is a member of the center’s board of directors.

The center is also a participant in a program funded through the Arizona Commerce Agency and another USDA program called RISE — Rural Innovation Stronger Economy. This involves threeyear funding that will allow interaction with organizations across the state to bolster Northern Arizona business, Haass said. RISE programs offer grant assistance to create and augment high-wage jobs and accelerate the formation of new businesses.

The Milken Institute praised the area as a “Top 5 Best Metro in the Country for Job Creation.” It also is recognized by www.bestplaces.net as “Best Emerging Places to Live.

More details are available at www.centerforfutureprescott.com.

Third Territorial Capital Offers What Arizona’s

by Blake Herzog

After Chino Valley and Prescott, Tucson was the state’s territorial capital for 10 years before it moved back to Prescott before taking up permanent residency in Phoenix in 1889.

So, we’re all kind of connected.

A bit more than three hours south, Tucson has the attractions and amenities of a metro area of more than a million people with historic charm and natural beauty that’s hard to top anywhere.

And it’s not Phoenix. It isn’t covered by a web of freeways, so you actually get to see the city as you drive around. And what a city it is. Founded in 1775, it’s one of the oldest in the United States and hasn’t forgotten the multicultural history that’s melded into one of the most unique destinations of the Southwest.

A little bit urban, a little bit country but entirely its own beast as it rolls through the lush desert foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and other surrounding ranges, Tucson’s attractions and overall vibe warrants your attention — and it’s got the same glorious winter weather as here!

These are just a few of the Old Pueblo’s mustsees, as noted on www.visittucson.org Q

Q SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK

Rincon Mountain (East) District:

3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Tucson Mountain (West) District: 2700 N. Kinney Road

520.733.5153

www.nps.gov/sagu

The 143-square-mile park is split into two districts on either side of Tucson. It’s known as the largest home and protected area for the Sonoran Desert’s iconic saguaros, with the largest stands found in the west district.

In addition to a broad expanse of desert, the east district features mountainous regions — some reaching more than 8,000 feet above sea level — where pine and coniferous forests form a canvas of greenery. These varied landscapes provide ideal habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna, including wildlife such as javelina, coyote, quail and desert tortoise in the lower elevations and black bear, deer and Mexican spotted owl in the upper elevations.

Q ARIZONA-SONORA

DESERT MUSEUM

2021 N. Kinney Road

520.883.1380

www.desertmuseum.org

This place will turn your idea of a museum inside out. Guests will enjoy a quintessential Sonoran Desert experience that includes an unforgettable zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium and art gallery. Explore 21 acres with 2 miles of walking trails.

Highlights include Stingray Touch, the Hummingbird Aviary, Warden Aquarium and the Earth Sciences Center where guests descend into a replica limestone cave. Live presentations that showcase a variety of desert animals, including the seasonal Raptor Free Flights.

In February, USA Today named the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum as one of the top 10 zoos in the country.

Q SAN XAVIER DEL BAC MISSION

1950 W. San Xavier Road

520.294.2624 www.sanxaviermission.org

Acclaimed as the finest example of mission architecture in the U.S., San

Xavier is just southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Nation. This treasured building is almost as old as Tucson itself and the center of an active parish and is complemented by a gift/arts and crafts shop. Constructed of low-fire clay brick, stone and lime mortar, the entire structure is roofed with masonry vaults, making it unique among Spanish Colonial buildings within U. S. borders.

Q PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

6000 E. Valencia Road

520.574.0462

www.pimaair.org

The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest nongovernment funded aviation and space museums in the world, featuring more than 350 historical aircrafts from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner. Sitting on 80 acres, the museum opened its doors to the public in May 1976. Over the past quarter-century, the museum has grown immensely and today encompasses six indoor exhibit hangars (three dedicated to World War II) with a total of 250,000 square feet of interior display space.

Q TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORIC BLOCK EXPANSION

130 N. Main Ave., Tucson 520.624.2333

www.tucsonmuseumofart.org

Take a journey through art, history and culture at the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. Located in the historic downtown, the museum features western, Latin American, and modern and contemporary art exhibitions, as well as five historic houses that provide visitors with a unique look into Tucson’s past.

July 30, 2020 the museum opened its newest wing, the Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art, and a renovated outdoor plaza and sculpture. The 6,000-square-foot wing features an open floor plan and five galleries with natural light, highlighting pre-Columbian works, modern and contemporary Latin American art including acquisitions by Enrique Martínez Celaya and Monica Aissa Martinez, and Spanish Colonial art created in the 17th through 19th centuries.

Q SABINO CANYON

5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road 520.749.8700

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ coronado/recarea/?recid=80532

Many locals call this their second home. Here you will find outstanding scenery that features steep rock cliffs and unique desert vegetation adjacent to riparian corridors. The wonders of the desert foothills and rocky gorges of the Santa Catalina Mountains are marvelous and accessible. You may get lucky and view a Gila monster, bobcat, Gambel’s quail, eastern collard lizard, gopher snake and more. Due to winter snow melt and summer storms Sabino Creek flows almost year-round.

Q THE MINI TIME MACHINE MUSEUM OF MINIATURES

4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive 520.881.0606

www.theminitimemachine.org

Discover the magical world of miniatures at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, where visitors are seemingly transported to different lands and times through the stories told by more than 300 miniature houses and room boxes, expertly displayed in over 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space. The museum’s permanent collection boasts antique dollhouses dating to 1742, contemporary fine-scale miniatures and enchanting collectibles. Frequent temporary exhibits, special programs and events mean there is always something new to see.

Q HOTEL CONGRESS

311 E. Congress St. 520.622.8848

www.hotelcongress.com

This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Tucson’s East End, with 39 second-floor rooms that retain their timeless appeal with vintage radios and antique iron beds. A fully operational 1930s-era switchboard and the rumble of occasional trains contribute to the ambiance.

Guests and visitors can enjoy the beautiful lobby, dine in the awardwinning Cup Café or enjoy a show at Club Congress. Congress Street and its vicinity serves as downtown’s cultural core, with the excitement of concrete-and-glass skyscrapers aligning with colorful barrio dwellings and preserved historic sites.

Boot Drop

to Ring in 2022 11th Annual

by Tracey Horn, Owner, Helken & Horn Advertising Agency

After hosting a virtual event last year because of COVID-19, the planners of this year’s Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop are ready to help folks mark the end of the year in a big way and in person.

Revelers can say goodbye to 2021 on Friday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Montezuma Street in downtown Prescott. The event, which will feature “boot drops” at 10 p.m. and midnight, is free to all ages and event promoters encourage safe celebrating at this outdoor event.

“We’re thrilled to have the event back this year. It’s time to celebrate, and we’ll be providing a fun, yet safe outdoor event,” says Matt Brassard, co-owner of M & M Entertainment & Production. “This is a favorite holiday event in Arizona’s Christmas City, and we’re proud to help close out all the festive activities that take place here in Prescott.”

The 6-foot illuminated cowboy boot will be lowered from a 40-foot flagpole, with fireworks lighting up the night sky. The 10 p.m. drop occurs at the same time as New York City’s traditional “ball drop.”

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Eddie, spinning tunes so people can dance on the street, and hosted by Leza Live and Local from Magic 99.1 FM. There will be

food and drink from street vendors, carnival games and rides and prizes given away throughout the night. Planners encourage people to dress warm for this outdoor event.

The event is presented by Prescott Outpatient Surgical Center. It is co-sponsored by the City of Prescott, Blind Brothers Arizona and Barrett Propane. Other sponsors include: Jersey Lilly Saloon, SpringHill Suites, Gurley St. Grill, Prescott Woman Magazine, The Office Cantina, Murphy’s Restaurant, Magic 99.1 KTMG FM, 92.9 KAFF FM, 97.9 KZGL FM, 93.9 KMGN FM, Arizona Shine 103.9 FM & 1450 AM, Prescott Trading Company, Northern Arizona Social, Hair Station 105, The Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Helken & Horn Advertising Agency, Spectrum Healthcare, AZ Super Plumber, EMI Print Works, CopperState News, Matt’s Saloon, FooteWork Auto License & Title Service, Pepsi, Hotel St. Michael, Northern Arizona Pain Institutes, Sparklight, Prescott Pro Sound, Action Automotive, Rosa’s Pizzeria, Center for Physical Excellence, The Bird Cage, The Daily Courier, El Gato Azul, Prescott Living Magazine, Prescott NOW!, and SignalsAZ.com.

For more information, contact Matt Brassard at 1.800.975.0013 or go to www.bootdrop.com.

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Self-Express

your Way to Discovery

by Blake Herzog

As 2022 begins you are probably reflecting on what you want out of this new year. While life is never exactly predictable, setting your goals and intentions is an effective way to start steering the next 12 months in a way that works for you.

If you don’t know what you want, it may be time to do a little self-exploration. The answers to the questions you have about what direction your journey should take in the new year are often most accessible when you use your creativity.

Much of the insight comes from observing how you approach a project. The way you approach painting, drawing, writing, creating music or any other artistic pursuit teaches you about how you begin a project and decide when it’s finished, how you handle mistakes and accidents and how to be yourself, not what you think society expects you to be. Q

If you’re not sure how you want to start your journey of self-discovery, here are a few art therapy-inspired activities to try out:

FUTURE VISION

Collect images that resonate with you as you think about what you want for the future, regardless of whether you know why you’re drawn to them. Create a collage with them and study what they mean to you, both individually and the context of their placement within the collage.

MANDALA JOURNAL

This is as simple as drawing circles on a piece of paper and as complex as examining the intricacies of your mind. Google finds more than 1 million hits for “how to draw a mandala freehand,” with instructions as detailed or simple as you like. Draw one each day and see how their structure, complexity and content change as the days go on.

DRAW FROM MEDITATION

Meditate on your own or listen to a guided meditation and notice the thoughts, images and feelings that arise. Afterward you can draw or write what you saw and felt, then reflect on what you have created from it.

UNMASKING YOURSELF

Create a mask for yourself, either on a piece of paper, costume mask or disposable face mask. On the inside, list or draw the qualities that you show only to yourself and maybe those closest to you, and on the outside of the masks put the traits that you do present to the outside world. Compare the lists and see how they relate to each other, whether they’re two sides of the same coin or polar opposites.

PAINT A MOUNTAIN AND A VALLEY

One can represent times you were happy, the other for times you were sad or struggling. Draw images that represent what you were experiencing during the happy and sad times and notice whether you’re adding them in chronological order or on a scale of best to worst or in some other pattern.

TAKE PHOTOS OF THINGS OR PEOPLE YOU THINK ARE BEAUTIFUL

They don’t have to be photos you would show anyone else or post online, just something to document what appeals to you. Look at your pictures and find common themes and threads in their subject matter and your composition.

Let’s Create!

Come Inspire the Future at Sharlot Hall Muesum

by Dr. Lisa Hayes, Executive Director, Sharlot Hall Museum

In 2028, the Sharlot Hall Museum will turn 100. Since arriving a year ago to become the new director of the museum, I have often thought how proud Sharlot would be to see how her vision for this place continues to be realized.

In her words: “I hope to make this building and the grounds around it a center of historical and literary interest and a sort of civic center for the pioneers of Yavapai County and for such organizations of young people as might be benefited of inspired by its ideals and purposes.”

Inspired by Sharlot’s vision, we are finding new ways to reach out and forge relationships with this remarkable community and make our campus a place where visitors can create meaningful connections with history.

This year’s exhibit “Toys! It’s Not All Fun and Games” generated such wonderful conversations among visitors that in 2022 we will be reaching out to discover “What’s YOUR Toy Story?” Thanks to a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities, we will be using PixStori, a new web app, to gather stories from visitors about their own memories of toys. After all, it is the stories that give meaning to these objects.

We are also excited to launch a new youth-focused program called History Explorers that will include several history camps, facilitated family activities in our exhibits, and a teen curation project in partnership with the Launch Pad.

Also in development for next year is a new exhibit focused on the Prescott Rodeo and Frontier Days and 50th anniversary of the release of Prescottset Steve McQueen movie “Junior Bonner.” As you can see, there are a lot of exciting projects in the pipeline at the museum. We are many things here — a campus of beautiful buildings, scholars preserving, conserving and shaping our collections, a research powerhouse connecting past to present through stories and exhibits. Most of all, we provide our community with a point of contact to their own history.

Come visit the museum and see what we’re up to! We invite you to help us “Inspire the Future” as we plan for the museum’s centennial. Join us in shaping the ongoing story of the Sharlot Hall Museum as we prepare to refresh our permanent exhibits, enrich the archives and continue to grow public programming.

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Western Heritage 8th Annual Banquet a ‘Success’

Written by Ray Newton | Photography by Sol Noor, Findlay Subaru Prescott

Planners and organizers for the 8th annual Western Heritage Banquet deemed the Nov. 6 event a “major success.”

Dennis Gallagher, founder-CEO of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, said nearly 300 people from throughout the county attended the full-evening event at the Prescott Resort.

“You’da thought you were back at turn of the century Prescott, what with all the boots and hats and western gear,” he said. “About the only thing missing was horses — but instead, we had pickups.”

Stuart Rosebrook, Prescott resident and member of the foundation board of directors, served as master of ceremonies.

Highlights of the evening included live and silent auctions, which raised thousands of dollars for the operating budget of the Western Heritage Center at 156 C. S. Montezuma St. Fifteen live auction items ranged from artwork to jewelry and clothing to overnight stays in distant places, a helicopter ride over Sedona, and a rare Model 94 Deluxe Winchester Rifle. Greg Mengarelli served as the auctioneer. Silent auction items were equally successful in generating hundreds of dollars.

The 2021 Western “Heritage Keeper” scholarship recipients were introduced during the festivities: Kiana Clausen, a farm-and-ranch girl who plans to attend the Auburn University (Alabama) College of Veterinary Medicine and Rudy Shea Rodriguez, currently a sophomore at Western Oklahoma State College, Altus, who plans to transfer to Oklahoma State Panhandle University-Goodwill.

The 2021 Western Heritage Keeper Organization of the Year was the Questers Organizations, which promote and research history and antiques and help support and preserve historic projects. Two local chapters — Thumb Butte and Yavapai Questers — were cited for their dedication to area history.

Jim Buchanan, a 75-year native of Prescott, was recognized as 2021 Western Heritage Keeper Individual of the Year. He has been active with the Prescott Frontier Rodeo, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering for Sharlot Hall Museum and Back Country Horsemen of Central Arizona. Buchanan helped plan and preserve trails for military and horse wagon road in the region.

A special award was given to Bob Greninger, who had served as board president this past year, but had been quite ill.

Gallagher concluded the evening by stressing he, the foundation and its board of directors will continue to “preserve and promote the area’s western heritage through education, art, music, events and projects that enhance western lifestyle and make Prescott and Yavapai County unique and desirable.”

TREK TO TOP OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO DEDICATED

TO KAYLA

The Ninth Climber

by Ray Newton

Kathleen Delany had dreamed of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, for more than 10 years. When she finally began that strenuous seven-day hike on July 4, 2021, she realized what a life-changing event it had become for her.

Delany, 53, a Phoenix native, attended Arizona State University. She ultimately became a commercial jet airplane pilot. She was furloughed from her airline job during the pandemic. She also had split up with her boyfriend, so she decided to do something exclusively for herself and redefine her future. An avid hiker and mountain climber, she thought, “I’ll finally go climb Kilimanjaro.”

Preparing to do so, she looked online for a used backpack. She found one, listed at a site in Prescott. She contacted the people who listed it — Carl and Marsha Mueller. She then told her mother, who lives in Prescott Valley, of her find. Kathleen met the Muellers and purchased the backpack.

While examining the pack, she reached into an outside pocket and found a faded but readable 2009 airline ticket made out to Kayla Mueller — Phoenix to Atlanta to Guatemala. Kathleen’s mother said she thought she recognized the name, so Kathleen Googled it. That’s how she learned of Kayla’s tragic story.

“Somehow I knew in my heart that I had to use that backpack. It was meant for me. I had a connection to this courageous young woman who had dedicated her life to making a positive difference and helping to relieve suffering,” Delany said. “I asked the Muellers to give me something personal of Kayla, so they gave me a laminated photo, on the back of which was a statement written by Kayla: “I find God in the suffering eyes reflected in mine. If this is how you are revealed to me, this is how I will forever seek you. I will always seek God. Some people find God in church. Some people find God in love. I find God in suffering. I’ve known for some time what my life’s work is — using my hands as tools to relieve suffering.”

Delany attached that photo with its message to the rear of the backpack. When she was training for the hike in Tanzania, people would ask about the woman. She would tell them Kayla’s story. A hotel manager in Moshi asked who it was. When Delany told her, the manager took a black magic marker and wrote “for Kayla” on a linen hotel napkin.

“I attached the napkin to the backpack, too. When people asked, I could tell them the story.”

Delany, her companions and the porters took seven days to climb the 19,341-foot mountain, the tallest in Africa.

“When we reached the summit in a howling wind and below-freezing temperatures, I made sure the backpack with Kayla’s photo was prominent when I touched the sign at the top. Someone took a photo. As soon as we came down and I could do it, I sent that photo to Carl and Marsha, and told them that Kayla was the ‘Ninth Climber.’”

Shortly after returning from Africa, Delany was recalled by her airline to her pilot’s job. She relocated to Laguna Beach, California. Her first night there, Oct. 17, Delany said she awakened by the sound of an owl hooting outside the window.

“I recalled that the owl was Kayla’s favorite spirit animal. Know what? I honestly believe that hearing that owl my first night back was a sign from Kayla that everything was going to be all right.”

Bold Dining Choices Await

at New Downtown Hangout

Text submitted by Red, White, & Brew

Bold American dining is now in Downtown Prescott! Located at the corner of Gurley and Marina streets, Red, White & Brew brings fresh flavors, plentiful portions and an exceptional dining experience in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

Our founder, a chef by trade, chose the name Red, White, & Brew in 2002 for his local Mesa, Arizona restaurant, to showcase that our bold American entrees are of the highest quality and are to be enjoyed with our curated selection of red wine, white wine and beer.

At RWB, you’ll appreciate that most everything is made from scratch onsite in our kitchen, like our bourbon-glazed pecan salmon, Romano crusted chicken over fettuccini, certified Angus NY strip and gourmet sandwiches and burgers.

You’ll also find a welcoming dining room complemented by a full bar and patio where you’re treated as family and friends by our amazing team. Locally owned and operated, we’re excited to be a part of the Prescott community! Q

“ I FIND GOD IN SUFFERING. I’VE KNOWN FOR SOME TIME WHAT MY LIFE’S WORK IS — USING MY HANDS AS TOOLS TO RELIEVE SUFFERING.

- KAYLA MUELLER

Continued from page 65 Q

on my religious background. We live in an evil, evil world. People need to realize that. And what else do you have but God? There has to be a God. And I think it’s important for us to have that background.

Marsha Mueller: Kayla had an amazing gift, too. She wanted to learn all she could. She had this gift of reaching out to someone to understand what led them to do, act or be who they were. I think if we would all do that, we’ll think and feel differently. The one thing we’ve got to remember is we all need and want love and understanding. Even if we don’t agree, we need to understand why someone can feel differently.

I can tell you — I know from when Kayla was being held captive — one of the girls who was held with her told us that Kayla was in a lot of very dark and cold, horrific places. But the one thing Kayla could say that was positive was there was always at least one person who was kind to her. So even in the darkest of dark, Kayla was still able to find that piece of life that is always there.

Prescott LIVING: What advice would you give a

young person who chooses to follow Kayla’s model — to be a servant to humanity?

Carl Mueller: Kayla had a gift. It’s not something that you can teach. She just had it in her DNA and her heart to help people. She couldn’t turn her back on people who needed help. It was deeply ingrained in her.

But, if you have that need, if you want to serve people, pursue it. Do what you can to help. I came up with a saying awhile back, being in Kiwanis as long as I have. “You’ll never become wealthy doing public service work, but you will become much richer.” There’re so many rewards in helping people less fortunate than yourself.

Marsha Mueller: One thing we always do, whoever we’re talking with, wherever we are, we always try to tell people, we want Kayla to speak for herself. She’s written quite a few things. Her letters home to us are amazing. They reveal Kayla so well.

A lot of times we’ll read some of them to see some of the things she said and did and to sense the happiness that it brought her.

She knew the more you give, the more you get. She knew that from a young age and pursued it.

Prescott LIVING: What would you like to be doing a year or two from now?

Carl Mueller: We continue, as Marsha said, to seek what happened to Kayla — where she is. We want to bring her home. We want to put her to rest here. We’re working with private individuals.

That will be our goal for 2022 as it has been for several years — to find these things out. We’re working outside the government. The Trump administration was helpful to us. We hope the Biden administration will be the same. But we have learned that working outside the government, we get more done.

But beyond bringing Kayla home, we want to watch our granddaughter Lexi grow up. We want to be with Lexi and our son, Eric, and Alex, our daughter-in-law.

Marsha Mueller: Be with our families. Most important, just remember the goodness in the world. There is goodness here. We’ve got to advocate that.

BestTreksWinter in Greater Prescott

by Blake Herzog

The hiking scene in Prescott becomes less active in the winter, but it’s by no means dormant.

There’s less traffic on the trails, rivers and creeks are flowing, surrounding peaks are snowcapped, and when you get to walk on snow it cushions your joints. You get to see the green world you know and love in a translucent new light.

It’s glorious.

Avoid or use caution around the ice and mud that snow leaves behind, but don’t let them scare you away from these spellbinding sights! Q

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ASPEN CREEK TRAIL No. 48

Head west of town on Copper Basin Road to reach this winter highlight. Its elevation is just high enough for it to be blanketed in snow when lower parts of Greater Prescott are just dusted with the white stuff. Come here to see the spectacle of trees weighed down with sleeves of white, Thumb Butte nearly unrecognizable with a coating of snow, as well as distant peaks.

Walk or sled past milky aspens, broad-branched oaks, puffy ponderosas and peaceful glens. Walk along the creek itself, likely to be more than just a trickle this time of year. Leave with spectacular photos and memories to share with everyone who didn’t get to go.

THUMB BUTTE TRAIL No. 33

This trail on the iconic butte also makes many lists of the best places to hike in the winter, giving everyone a 2-mile loop with great views of our bucolic winter town and the surrounding forests, while the cooler weather gives hikers a break from the hot sun that beats down on the less-shady portions of the path.

Hiking Thumb Butte can be a great family Christmas activity, as long as everyone can handle the steep incline (start the loop by heading to your right at the trailhead for a gentler incline on an unpaved trail). The half on the steeper slope can get a little icy in freezing temperatures, so use caution just as you would with any other icy patch.

WOLF CREEK LOOP TRAIL No. 364

One of this trail’s highlights is a waterfall, though it’s often difficult to find during the dry months as it slows to a trickle or nothing at all behind some shrubbery. Snowmelt during the winter fires it up to an impressive cascade, particularly starting in February as the spring thaw approaches.

You also will see many stands of pine and oak among granite boulders that glitter with ice and snow, and when you’re lucky you may see some deer or follow mountain lion tracks in the snow — not too far, please!

WATSON AND WILLOW LAKE TRAILS

You have plenty of chances to walk on boulders along these trails, which can keep you out of the snow and mud that can bog down even the most experienced hikers. The avian population’s sounds and play are crisper in the chilly air and reduced human population. The Granite Dells are even more impressive covered with snow.

Higher water levels may cross your path at a couple of points along both lakes, so check ahead to avoid any unexpected detours if your time is limited.

xperience

2021 AZ Tax Credit - Schoolyard Habitat

I n 2021, we will renew a partnership with Lincoln Elementary in Prescott. For 10 years their schoolyard habitat has hosted thousands of children. Please lend your support by directing your 2021 AZ Tax Credit contribution to the Lincoln School Schoolyard Habitat Pro gram.

Winter Lumineria

Sat, December 18, 6 - 8pm, $5.00 Enjoy the Discovery Gardens bathed in the soft glow of luminaries on a Winter’s Eve.

With over 20 years of combined experience, the staff at Arizona Field Optics are an authority on field optics and their many uses. Whether you use your glass for nature viewing, hunting, recreational shooting, or anything else, we can educate and assist you in making the right choice for you. We use our optics on a daily basis and have an intimate understanding of how they are used. Even more than our knowledge, we pride ourselves first and foremost on our customer service and individual relationship with each customer.

Portable Band Shell Offers Event Options

by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator, City of Prescott

The City of Prescott has long been a tourism destination with its quaint downtown courthouse plaza, unique shops and restaurants lining the square and, of course, the impressive lineup of craft fairs and special events.

Chances are, if you have been around the area for more than a year, you’ve seen a large portable stage set up at events such as Whiskey Off Road, the annual Bluegrass Festival, Fourth of July, Whiskey Row Boot Drop and all of the local parades, among others.

The Recreation Services Department purchased this “mobile sound shell” in hopes of adding an additional stream of revenue to the City’s general fund in the early 2000s. Equipped with accessories such as stage extensions, theater lighting and hydraulic shade canopy, shell not only is desirable but customizable for any event.

With pricing for both nonprofit/service groups and private/commercial entities, the portable stage (also referred to as the “band shell”) is available for daily

use, two-day rentals or longer. For additional fees, the band shell can travel to areas outside of Prescott.

Renters do need to provide a certificate of insurance with the City of Prescott named as the certificate holder and additional insured ($1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate and one $1 million property damage), which is the consistent requirement for renting any Recreation Services facilities unless otherwise specified.

For more information or availability of the portable stage or to request a formal application visit: prescott-az.gov/ recreation-events/programs-special-events/special-events.

Recreation Services staff will be happy to meet with renters on site to determine set up location unless the event is a repeat event. Renters also will be advised of any additional equipment that will be needed such as a pre-approved power supply, additional cords, spider boxes and cord protectors. Contact us with any questions when planning your events!

We can cover all your aerial needs from real estate, visual inspections to construction site monitoring. We are available for freelance projects and can add some spice to your website and social media.

United Way-Yavapai County Awards Granted

More than 200 people from throughout Yavapai County celebrated the annual awards ceremony sponsored by United Way of Yavapai County Nov.5.

The theme for the evening’s program was “Show Up United” at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. The program was organized by Patty Bell-Demers, her staff and the board of directors.

“Our mission is to make our communities better places to be. We do that through cooperative caring activities,” Bell-Demers said.

The event also kicked off the coming year’s official fundraising campaign.

United Way of Yavapai County President Mary Ann Suttles, Prescott, welcomed the crowd and introduced Darla Deville, Arizona Public Service community affairs manager-Northwest Division. Deville served as emcee and introduced various award recipients.

The county chapter called representatives of 21 nonprofits to the stage to receive a cumulative $285,220 in grants for 2021-2022.

United Way officials reported that during fiscal year 2019-2000, the organization distributed more than $400,000 to local nonprofits and programs. That included $233,500 in grants that went to more than 20 county-based nonprofits.

Another $112,500 was for pandemic relief; $16,000 for Yavapai County Education and Technology Consortium support to assist students in rural communities remain connected to internet connections; and $15,000 for emergency response needed for the Bagdad Spur Fire.

Five Daniel H. Roberts Veterans Scholarships were awarded to honor Roberts, a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps who was imprisoned by the Japanese. He left a portion of his

estate to United Way of Yavapai County to be used for veteran scholarships at local colleges or universities.

Scholarships were awarded to Sarah Gutierrez and John Garlington, both at Yavapai College; and Abdul Barrie, Benjamin Kowaleski and Robert Utley, all Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott. Additionally, the five veterans received new laptop computers from Laptops 4 Learning and Desert Financial Credit Union. They also received new backpacks packed with school supplies provided by United Way, APS and National Bank of Arizona.

United Way officials applauded representatives of five area chambers of commerce.

In Prescott, the chamber was cited for “collaboration”; in Prescott Valley for “generosity”; in Chino Valley for “passion”; in Sedona for “respecting the environment”; and in

2021 Veterans Day Parade

There may have been a slight nip in the air, but the sun shone brightly as the marching bands roused the crowd and parade-goers cheered on participants in the 2021 Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.

Opening ceremonies took place at 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Cortez and Union streets before the parade got started. This year’s theme was: Honoring World War II Veterans — a Grateful Nation Salutes the Greatest Generation.

The City invited participants to enter in these categories: Fraternal or military organizations, music; motorized groups; marching units; hospital entries by veterans; nonprofit organizations and commercial/business enterprises.

Cottonwood for “commitment.”

All chambers received Community Impact Awards because of ongoing activities on behalf of their respective communities.

Top 10 corporate sponsors of United Way were: Freeport McMoRan, APS, UPS, Costco, Town of Prescott Valley, PrintPack, Walmart, National Bank of Arizona, CDS Global and Care 1st Arizona.

Emcee Deville praised each of the sponsors and United Way supporters.

“You see from the enthusiasm we have here that when we collaborate and cooperate, we collectively can accomplish anything,” she said. “That’s apparent, even during this stressful period created by the pandemic.”

Bell-Demers acknowledged Desert Financial Credit Union during closing remarks when she accepted a $15,000 check. She said it would be dedicated to launching new in-person workshops and online learning opportunities through the United Way’s Center

for Organizational Excellence. Those workshops will feature programs that focus on such topics as leadership, finance, program management, accounting, grant writing and possibly cybersecurity.

Bell-Demers said a survey will be conducted to determine which topics to be conducted to determine which topics generate the most community interest.

QA & ERIC MOORE

Owner, Jay’s Bird Barn, Hallmark and Arizona Field Optics

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

A: In 1991 I was working in Tucson for Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and got transferred to Prescott to be the store manager of the Smith’s at Miller Valley Road and Fair Street. This became a Fry’s Food Store in 1999.

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

A: I have worked in retail since high school — in 1976 I started working for Lucky’s Food Stores in Tucson. I have been interested in wild birds even longer — probably since 1965 or earlier. After working for over 20 years in the grocery industry, I combined my love of birds and my retail experience and open a backyard wild bird store — Jay’s Bird Barn — in 2003. Since, I created Arizona Field Optics, specializing in binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, etc. In 2016, we added a Hallmark Gold Crown store inside Jay’s.

Q: What is the biggest challenge of your job?

A: Since COVID started we have been struggling with unprecedented challenges in rising costs and supply chain issues. We have been struggling to get inventory, and we had to pass rising freight costs onto our customers.

Q: What is the greatest reward of your job?

A: Helping customers create a connection to nature. I love interacting with my customers; they are not just customers, they are friends.

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

A: Any place with lots of birds! Maybe Panama or somewhere in South America.

Q: If you could have dinner with any three to five people (dead or alive) who would it be?

A: My wife and our adult children and grandchildren. My greatest joy is my family. Unfortunately five of our six children, and all of our six grandchildren live out of the state.

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

A: I’m much more of an outdoors/ active person, where I am experiencing life and not reading about it. However, every morning for the last 30 years or more, I spend time having a private devotional (spiritual) where I read the scriptures and study religious material to set the tone for my day.

Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?

A: Spending time in nature — riding my bike, hiking or bird watching. Even doing yard work brings me the joy of the outdoors.

PRESCOTT VALLEY FRY’S