Prescott LIVING Fall 2025

Photo Contest 2025

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

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

We received over 250 photos, making the final selection extremely difficult! Not all images worked for our production needs. You can find all of the submitted photos online at www.prescott-now.com/photocontest — and many, including our People’s Choice winners, can be found in this issue. We hope you enjoy them!

Photo Contest ENTRIES 2025

Luxury Home Furnishings

Presents

A Season of Cheer!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the Christmas City!

Prescott’s 28th Annual Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival

Saturday, Nov 29

Parade 6pm Bonfire 7:00pm

Bonfire at Mile High Middle School

Kick off your holidays the bright way! Watch as beautiful-lit floats light up the night. After the parade, head to the field at Mile High Middle School for a HUGE bonfire and more festive fun! See the illuminated floats parked for viewing. Enter field through gate on Goodwin across from Old Firehouse Plaza.

43rd Annual Christmas Parade & 71st Annual Courthouse

Lighting with  Fireworks

Saturday, Dec 6

Parade 1pm-3pm

Meet Santa on the Plaza 3pm-5pm

Lighting 5pm

Grab a blanket and chair to watch the 43nd Annual Christmas Parade through Downtown Prescott. There’ll be festive floats, holiday music, leading up the exciting moment when Santa arrives. Stay for the 71st Annual Courthouse

Lighting with live Christmas music and wait for that magic moment when the Courthouse and its over 80 trees sparkle to life with millions of colorful lights.

Learn more about these and other holiday events at

37th Annual Acker Night Musical Showcase

Friday, Dec 12 5:00pm8:30pm All tips provide funds for local youth music programs!

to attend in

Start the season on an inspired note! Catch the children’s choir at the Opening Ceremony, 5pm on Gurley Street. Stroll through festively-lit Downtown Prescott to enjoy music from more than 500 performers. Several streets are closed, and more than 100 Prescott businesses open their doors to talented musicians who donate their time. All tips to artists provide music lessons and instruments to local youth and support school music programs.

15th Annual New Year’s Eve Whiskey Row Boot Drop with Fireworks

Wednesday, Dec 31 7:30pm-12:30am

Join the party on Montezuma Street in Downtown Prescott from 7:30pm New Year’s Eve until 12:30am. Watch as the 6-foot, illuminated cowboy boot is lowered from the Palace Building. With two boot drops at 10pm and midnight, this unique Prescott event tradition is fun for all ages. Fireworks, giveaways, and entertainment to ring in 2026!

Additional Sponsors

Media Sponsors

Birds in Paradise: Watch Prescott Skies, Lakes for Uplift

A lone pronghorn buck goes to a water tank for his last drink of the day on a local

Advertiser Index

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Laurie Fisher

SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Julie Turetzky

Director of Marketing Services

Christina Lewandowski

Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Michele Rodriguez

Creative Director

Abigail Biegert

Art Director

Keith Dobie

Social Media Coordinator

Shannon Price

Digital Media Specialist

EDITORIAL

Julie Turetzky

Managing Editor

Christia Gibbons

Senior Editor

Blake Herzog

Staff Writer

Prescott Pioneer Writer

Valerie Demetros

Staff Writer OPERATIONS

Terry Scheib

Delivery Manager

Gabrielle Luciano

Distribution Associate

Comments and ideas: editor@roxco.com

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

Advertising Inquiries: info@roxco.com prescottlivingmag.com/advertise 130 N. Granite St., Prescott, AZ 86301 928.350.8006

Corporate Office: 1670 N. Pinal Ave., No. 11190 Casa Grande, AZ 85130

Photo Contest ENTRY 2025

being You! Thank You for

Without you we would not be celebrating our 50th issue. You’re our inspiration.

Your appreciation for history and preservation, your love of community and your embracing of the natural world so special in this region allows us to bring you useful information and tell your many stories.

We’ll give you a peek into our own journey that got us to 50. What adventure, what joy we’re having!

Adding to our excitement this issue are the fabulous and enchanting photos from our People’s Choice photo winners — talk about the color and moods of your life. Included in our annual photo extravaganza are four covers by contest cover winners. See the details of the winning photos on our Table of Contents page.

Also in this issue, we interview the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona Alex Heinemann, who actually started his own path two decades ago at this very club.

Of course we shine lights on the animal kingdom from how to start a bird watching hobby to trail etiquette when traversing the forests with Fido.

You might want to take in the Click: Light up the West invitational photography exhibit at the Phippen Museum through Jan. 11, 2026. Visitors can view ranching photography to forest and desert landscapes and the wonder of wildlife.

Museum assistant director and curator Jeannette Holverson says the material the photographer chooses to print the image on can impact the entire piece: “Artists can submit wrapped canvas prints, some artists choose to print on aluminum and that gives them a very contemporary look. We have one piece that’s printed on maple wood. Some are on archival paper.”

Now may be the right time for you to think of planting a wellness garden — an oasis for relaxation and restoration. Think seclusion, aesthetics, hot tub or cold-plunge pool. See the possibilities.

Find out about activities of the season, how to take care of your skin by decade, why making friends with a tailor ups your style, and how to make a small room appear larger.

Read on,

Laurie Fisher

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, Prescott LIVING

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!

PRESCOTT PIONEER

Embry-Riddle Team Takes 1st Place in NASA Challenge

An Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University student team took first place in the NASA 2025 Human Lander Challenge for developing an innovative spacecraft fuel gauge system to tackle a propellant issue critical to the success of space exploration missions.

NASA experts who judged the competing teams’ presentations selected the team of student researchers from Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott campus as the overall winner among 12 finalists, awarding the team the challenge’s grand prize of $10,000. The final competition was held in Huntsville, Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, in June.

“This is a major accomplishment against tough competition,” said Dr. Jeremy Ernst, Embry‑Riddle’s vice president for research and doctoral programs.

NASA’s Human Lander Challenge, an initiative in its second year, is designed to address challenges in the development of human landing systems by involving undergraduate and graduate students

in the generation of new technologies. This year’s challenge was focused on cryogenic, or super chilled, fuel storage and transfer.

The Artemis III mission, which will send astronauts to explore the moon’s South Pole with a human landing system, will require systems to manage its cryogenic propellant for several weeks or months.

“This partnership not only accelerates cryogenics technology development but also prepares the Artemis Generation — the next generation of engineers and scientists — to drive future breakthroughs in spaceflight,” said Tiffany Russell Lockett, the office manager for NASA’s Human Landing Systems Mission Systems Management Office.

Dr. Kenneth Witcher, chancellor of Embry‑Riddle’s Prescott Campus, said that “winning a national NASA competition judged by agency experts is an extraordinary achievement that reflects the talent, drive and ingenuity of our students.”

Cathey Rusing Elected Prescott Mayor in Primary Chino Valley, Prescott Chambers Merge Management

During the Aug. 5 primary election held in the City of Prescott for City Council, a new mayor was elected while all five Council candidates will face off again in the Nov. 4 general election.

Cathey Rusing, who was a councilmember from 2019 until resigning to run for mayor in 2025, has won a two year term by netting about 57% of the vote over her opponent, current councilmember Brandon Montoya. A total of 17,696 ballots were cast.

In the council race, initial returns suggested two candidates had cleared the “50%+1” margin to be elected outright to the council, but a second drop of ballots shifted the ground underneath the contest, and all five primary candidates will advance to the general election after getting between 6,900 and 8,800 votes. All are non incumbents. They are:

Henry Ebarb II

• Mary Fredrickson

• Robert “Jim” Garing

Greg Lazzell

• Jay Ruby

Two propositions also were overwhelmingly approved by voters:

• Prop 484: Requires a public vote before any of 25 parcels of open space owned by the City can be sold.

• AEL Home Rule: Sets an alternative expenditure limit for the budget higher than what is otherwise prescribed in state law.

The Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce are collaborating through a formal management agreement to enhance operations, strengthen regional business support and preserve each Chamber's mission and identity.

The Prescott Chamber will provide professional management services to the Chino Valley Area Chamber under the agreement. The partnership leverages proven leadership and administrative resources while ensuring that the Chino Valley Area Chamber remains fully independent and locally focused.

“This partnership is an exciting step forward for our Chamber,” said Julie Ruttle, Chairman of the Board for the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. “It is important to emphasize that this is not a merger or takeover. Our Chamber continues to operate under its own Board of Directors and bylaws. The management support from Prescott is about strengthening our ability to serve members and grow our impact.”

The agreement focuses on streamlining operations, increasing volunteer engagement, enhancing member benefits in Chino Valley — all without compromising the Chamber’s autonomy.

“This is a true partnership rooted in mutual respect and collaboration,” said Megan Smith, Chairman of the Board for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. “We are honored to support the Chino Chamber and look forward

to sharing resources and ideas while celebrating what makes each of our communities unique.”

The Chino Valley Area Chamber will maintain its office, programs and distinct community role. Prescott Chamber President & CEO Sheri Heiney will assist with operational oversight and volunteer coordination, working closely with both boards to ensure alignment with local priorities.

Both chambers are state designated Visitor Centers and will continue to serve as vital hubs for information, tourism and business advocacy in their respective regions.

For more information, please contact the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce at 928.636.2493 or visit www.chinovalley.org

Local B oys & Girls Club Alum Pays it Forward as its CEO Alex Heinemann

BY BLAKE HERZOG

Alex Heinemann, 37, lives with his wife and two children on the same Prescott Valley street he rode his bike on to get to school more than two decades ago. As the son of a newly single mom, he looked to the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona and other youth organizations for what he lacked at home, as well as the outdoor adventures he craved.

After the Great Recession made it difficult to parlay his aviation business degree into a job, Heinemann turned to these same organizations for a new path and discovered a passion for youth development. He and his wife Joy, who were Bradshaw Mountain High School sweethearts, had to move to New England for his first job but welcomed the chance to return to Arizona after 18 months.

Since being hired by the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona as program director in 2021 and becoming CEO the following year, he’s taken much of the two locations’ activity outdoors and enrollment has soared. He’s cemented the annual Dancing for the Stars fundraising gala’s role in the community’s social fabric and the nonprofit’s financial health as funding from government sources dries up.

For more information about Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona visit www.bgccaz.org

PRESCOTT LIVING: I read in your bio you went to Bradshaw Mountain High School. Are you a native of the Prescott area?

Alex Heinemann: I moved to Prescott Valley with my family in 2000, when I was a middleschooler. Before that we lived all over the place. I was in a military family and lived in multiple parts of the country and in Europe when I was younger.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What do you think you learned from that experience of picking up and moving and meeting new people all the time? Did that give you a background that helps you now?

Alex: I would say from traveling a lot and learning from the ‘church of the open road’ with my family, and having to reset in terms of who I was and who my friends were, I gained a sense of self-reliance. I guess the biggest thing I learned out there is that there’s more out there than we think.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Did you go to a Boys & Girls Club yourself?

Alex: When I was about 12 my parents divorced, and I really never had a father figure, a dad in my youth, in my life, and I had to find father figures as I went along. My mom was always enrolling me in different extracurricular activities. I was really big into the Boy Scouts when I was younger, and I learned a lot of skills and traits from them. When we moved here, I was still with the Boy Scouts, but I did enroll at the Boys & Girls Club, and I was going there for seventh and a little bit of eighth grade. It was one of the options as a latchkey kid to either go to the park, go to the skate park or go to the clubs.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How would you say the Boys and Girls Club has changed between the time you went and when you came back to work for it?

Alex: I think elements of child safety and different types of parental

culture have shifted how the clubs operate. When I was a club kid, kids could check themselves in and out. They could just walk out of the place at their own leisure.

Nowadays, with heightened child safety and learning more about the culture and the days we live in, parents are more inclined to know where their kids are, and the clubs have many more safety protocols. We’ve always been a safe place for kids to learn and grow, but I think that now we have more of a targeted and structured approach.

PRESCOTT LIVING: After high school you went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and your degree is in aviation business administration?

Alex: I always had a proclivity for learning about small business management, and I was at EmbryRiddle mostly because at 19 I didn’t want to go to college and my mom was working there, and she said, ‘You have an opportunity here as

an employee’s dependent and you don’t really want to squander that,’ because I was just a punk kid that really wasn’t interested in college. I listened and I went there, and I really found a passion for economics, international finance and small business management. I really loved the idea of building a strategy, applying it to a need and really excelling with a business.

I went to Riddle so I started looking at the aviation industry, but in my senior year and capstone paper years it was all about general business, understanding the infrastructure of money and the infrastructure of commodities markets and things like that.

I’m definitely an economist at heart, and for some odd reason I’m also a youth developer in the same heart. I struggled to find my place in internships and entry-level positions, and found there’s nonprofit executive work to be done. I leaned on the organization that took care of me the most and that was the Boy Scouts of America.

I found a job all the way on the East Coast in New Hampshire, as a field executive recruiting Cub Scouts, building Boy Scout troops, and raising money and building boards and committees. After five years, I started leaning more into the program side, and I became the council program director for the state of Arizona.

Then I left the Boy Scouts and I got a job with the YMCA of Phoenix as their camp director. I served as a camp director for three years at YMCA Camp Sky-Y, and I found an even further love of getting kids outside and having them have a wonderful time changing their values and growing further and faster than they would in any other setting.

I felt so passionate about it that I knew I was going to do this for the rest of my life.

Unfortunately, the pandemic hit and I was laid off. It was right at the same time my second child was born. I became a stay-at-home dad. And then in March of ‘21, the Boys and Girls Club had an opportunity for a program director and I joined the Boys & Girls clubs here as the programs officer and started to rebuild programs and offer as many things as possible.

When I became CEO in 2022, I knew that outdoor programs change kids’ lives and I wanted to try and find a way to offer camp-level programs in the afterschool setting.

The first thing we did was change our day camp setting. Our day camp moved from summer child care to day camp. After we wrote some grants, we were able to start offering real camp programs like archery, mountain biking and canoeing. It’s built up our resonance and it’s made us stronger and our kids are having more fun.

One of the biggest things that the Boys and Girls Clubs of America is proud of is generating strong citizens, kids that are ready for the workforce and ready with their own placement in life. I knew there was one thing that we needed to take a step back on before academic enrichment and that’s to build confidence through these outdoor programs.

If a kid gets the opportunity to not only succeed but fail in a safe environment and know that there’s a way to get back in the canoe, so to speak, then they will feel more confident to finish their homework, graduate high school, go into a trade or a college and provide as a contributing citizen.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What’s the importance of being outdoors for this?

Alex: If I were to be a hippie I would just say it’s fresh air and pine trees, but what I’ve really recognized is the shock and awe of the children who live in this woodsy, forested mountain town who have not gone up to a ponderosa pine themselves and they haven’t experienced the outdoors when the outdoors are right in their backyard. It’s one of the main pieces of Prescott’s culture that it’s a bunch of outdoorsy folks, and I see the value of it.

Sometimes they’ll just look at us as afterschool teachers or babysitters or hallway monitors, but when we take them out on the canoes they realize that we are counselors for good and that we are trying to expose them to doing different things where they may be facing their fears, accomplishing new goals, at least trying something new.

When you take a kid out on a canoe, they’ve never felt the wind and water wobble that boat back and forth. They’ve never felt that canoe correct its own balance. That little bit of uncertainty or even fear sometimes helps them understand that they’re in a safe place, that they know that this boat’s going to autocorrect.

They’re like, ‘Oh, this is nothing like I imagined,’ or ‘This is nothing like the video game I’ve played with a kayak. This is harder than I thought. This is more fun than I thought. I’m glad I have a life jacket on,’ all sorts of quotes you hear

that they’re recognizing the safety, they’re recognizing that fun does come with some risk, and if you manage that risk and pay attention to the details you can have fun and explore and push yourself further.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How old are your kids now?

Alex: My daughter Emma is 11. She’s in sixth grade. Ethan is 5, and he just started kindergarten.

Both come to the clubs. My daughter has started to find a passion for gymnastics, so she’s already on the team and working on competitive things. She’s kind of pulled away from the clubs, but that’s exactly what we want. We do want kids to grow out of the clubs and find their passion, and if that’s here at the clubs for their entire youth, then all right, we’re here for you. But if you really do latch onto something that’s building your own greatness, then have at it.

PRESCOTT LIVING: For people who aren’t as familiar, how would you describe the services offered by your clubhouses in Prescott and Prescott Valley?

Alex: We serve ages 6 to 17, and parents have the freedom to use us as little or as much as possible. We are open every day after school, and for fall, winter and spring break, 10 hours a day. Our summer day camp is eight weeks jam-packed with activities.

We have homework tutoring and do all sorts of academic enrichment during the school year, and we make sure everybody is getting the support they need to help with their classwork. But also, we want to make sure they’re exploring new things, so we have visual arts like drawing and coloring and painting, and camp crafts.

PRESCOTT city of

The Role of Prescott(s) in the American Revolution

As we move closer to the celebration of America 250, historians remind us that there was a great deal of activity leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. For example, the Continental Army was formed on June 14, 1775, and the Battle of Bunker Hill took place a few days later on June 17.

In fact, between the Battle of Bunker Hill in June of 1775 and July 4, 1776, there were several important engagements between British military and General George Washington’s newly formed Continental Army.

Another interesting fact is that the Prescott family played important early roles in America’s war for independence. Two Prescotts in particular. Colonel William Prescott

was hailed as the heroic commander at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and there’s a statue in his honor in Boston today. Citizen/physician Dr. Samuel Prescott finished Paul Revere’s historic midnight ride to Concord, because Paul Revere got captured by the British.

William Hickling Prescott, grandson of Colonel William Prescott, was a renowned New England author who famously wrote about Cortez’ conquest of Montezuma in Mexico. He was so admired by Arizona Territory early founders John Goodwin and Richard McCormick that they named several places in the new Arizona territory, and its capitol, in honor of W.H. Prescott.

So Prescott(s) did indeed have a role in the war for independence.

PRESCOTT VALLEY town of

Working Together Today to Ensure Fresh Water Tomorrow

“

Prescott Valley still retains the small-town ambiance that attracts friendly people from all around the country.

For many who have chosen to call Prescott Valley home, the quality of life here is unmatched. Our climate, coupled with a strong sense of community and the wide range of amenities we offer, makes our Town not just a beautiful place to visit, but a truly special place to put down roots.

One of the most important priorities for the Town Council, our staff and myself is protecting our most precious natural resource — water. Prescott Valley has been working diligently to lead the way in Yavapai County when it comes to water conservation and preservation.

From innovative pilot programs to unique community initiatives, we are committed to finding new ways to ensure that our water supply is managed responsibly. This isn’t just about today — it’s about safeguarding our future. I firmly believe that if we work together, we can make sure future generations enjoy the same quality of life and natural beauty we cherish now.

Water conservation is not simply a policy issue; it’s a community value. Each of us has

a role to play in protecting this resource, and I’m proud to see so many residents already taking steps to conserve water at home and in their daily lives.

Every day, I am inspired by the people of Prescott Valley. Whether I am at a community event, walking through one of our parks or speaking with residents at local gatherings, I am continually amazed by your kindness, civic pride and dedication to making our Town the best it can be. Prescott Valley’s success story is, at its heart, your story. You — our residents — are the reason this community thrives.

As we continue through the year, I encourage you to stay engaged, share your ideas and reach out with any concerns or suggestions. I believe in open communication, and I want to hear from you. Reach out to me on my cell phone at 928.533.5979

Together, we will continue to build on Prescott Valley’s strengths — protecting our natural resources, supporting our youth and families and ensuring our community remains one of the most desirable places to live in all of Arizona.

Tom Armstrong

CHINO VALLEY town of

Upcoming Events

For the bike rider (including e-bikes and pedal-assist only) seeking adventure and for the Halloween crew in need of treats, Chino Valley offers plenty of excitement in October.

The Chino Grinder, regarded as one of the toughest gravel races in the West, takes place Saturday, Oct. 18. Riders can choose from four course options:

Full Grind: 107 miles | Half Grind: 60-65 miles | Fine Grind: 43-45 miles | Fun Grind: 20-25 miles

“Our rural community enjoys four beautiful, distinct seasons and a true hometown feel. The beauty of Chino Valley lies in its wideopen spaces, big blue skies and a culture defined by friendly people, unique dining and outdoor adventure.

The race is based at the Chino Valley Community Center, 1615 N. Road 1 E. and runs from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration, trail maps and additional details are available at www.shendocatracing.com/chino-grinder

On Saturday, Oct. 25 families are invited to the 28th annual Trick-or-Treat event at Memory Park, 1020 Palomino Rd., from 2 to 6 p.m. This free community tradition will be followed by a Movie in the Park.

For more information, contact the Recreation Department at 928.636.9780 or recreation@chinoaz.net

Call the Chino Valley Recreation Department at 928.636.9780 or email recreation@chinoaz.net for additional information on upcoming events.

“

Two great organizations working together for our community

DEWEY-HUMBOLDT town of

An organization I volunteer with received another amazing donation from a nonprofit in the community. Two organizations, each with a unique mission, are working side by side to safeguard animals and support our community, and I am proud to highlight this partnership. In Yavapai County, we’re fortunate to have dedicated organizations that step up for animals in times of need. Two of these — Equine Emergency Evacuation of Yavapai County (EEE) and NOAH (Neglected, Orphaned, Abandoned, Homeless) — have joined forces in ways that make our community safer and stronger.

EEE is an all-volunteer nonprofit group that specializes in large animal evacuation and rescue. When wildfires, floods or emergencies strike, EEE’s trained volunteers step in to safely evacuate horses and other livestock, provide emergency transport and perform technical rescues of animals in life-threatening situations. Their work is challenging, highly specialized, and — remarkably — offered free of charge.

NOAH, meanwhile, is well-known in Prescott for its thrift store, which funds animal welfare organizations across the region. With its great prices, friendly volunteers and community spirit, NOAH has become a trusted supporter of countless animal causes.

The partnership between these two organizations began four years ago, when NOAH made an unsolicited donation to EEE after learning about its work. Since then, NOAH has provided vital funding for specialized technical rescue equipment and, most recently, state-of-the-art emergency radios.

These radios replaced outdated equipment, ensuring that EEE’s volunteers can stay in constant communication during evacuations and rescues. Together with tracking systems that monitor the movement of evacuation rigs, this upgrade significantly improves safety for volunteers and the animals they protect.

I want to personally thank NOAH for such a generous offer and being an exemplary example of what Yavapai County community is about.

For more information on these two organizations, please visit: Equine Emergency Evacuation (EEE):  eeeyc.org Neglected, Orphaned, Abandoned, Homeless (NOAH): 603 S. Granite St., Prescott, AZ.

Photo Contest

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

Winners of the People’s Choice award from our 2025 Photography Contest received the highest number of online votes.

www.prescott-now.com/photocontest

1 Everybody’s Hometown 4th of July Celebration

Photo Contest ENTRIES 2025

You shared your favorite shots — this section showcases more of them, with additional entries featured throughout the magazine.

Three Quarter Tommy

Photo Contest ENTRIES 2025

Photo Contest ENTRIES 2025

ISSUES of CELEBRATING

GREATER PRESCOTT HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN ARIZONA’S HEART—AND IN OURS

BY BLAKE HERZOG

Its mid-altitude setting in the Central Highlands blesses it with a mild four-season climate that’s the envy of its neighbors to the south and north. Its unrivaled natural beauty combines forests, grassland, granite cliffs and lakes with mountains on the horizon, creating a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Its reverence for history and preservation sets it apart from so much of our fast-growing region, beckoning with glimpses of a more challenging yet simpler life.

Above all, it’s the vibrant, open-hearted people who create its inimitable charm, and what attracted ROX Media as it was looking for markets into which it could expand. In 2017 we launched Prescott LIVING , and we’re here to tell you our story and thank you for letting us share your world with you, seven years and 50 issues later.

Prescott LIVING

Springs to Life

2013

In 2013, Elaine Earle took leadership of ROX Media, a 2-year-old company based in Pinal County with two printed magazines, Golden Corridor LIVING magazine and Casa Grande Smart Shopper. Working with her “partner in crime” Bea Lueck, she began looking for markets into which the company could expand.

They decided to cast a wide net with their small staff, launching adheavy Smart Shopper magazines into five additional markets:

Prescott’s Quad Cities, Sierra Vista, Flagstaff, plus Fairfield and Vacaville in Northern California.

“Don’t know why we did that, but we thought, ‘well, this’ll work,’ but it didn’t,” Elaine said. “So, we ended up looking at the different markets and the market that shined above everything else was Prescott.”

It wasn’t just a matter of demographics, though its population, location and business base all fell into a sweet spot for

ROX. It was the community. “I really think the Prescott community was a really tight niche where people knew each other, and there was a set number of leaders, and the city officials were really involved with everything,” Elaine said. “All the organizations seemed like they were in sync with each other, that they just worked well. And that’s not the case in every community where you have the Chamber and the City, and in Prescott you have the rodeo and you have all the communities.”

2016 2019

2017

With support from key local leaders, ROX Media began to expand, launching the Quad City Shopper in 2013 and the City of Prescott’s Visitor Guide beginning with the 2016 edition. Elaine contracted with Ray Newton, a Northern Arizona University professor emeritus living in Prescott, to write the text for the guide. He became Prescott’s biggest advocate with ROX, pushing for the launch of Prescott LIVING, a community news and lifestyle magazine which is similar to Golden Corridor LIVING

ROX went on to purchase its building downtown at 130 N. Granite St., opening in April 2017. Prescott LIVING magazine launched in July, filled with articles and photos from Ray and columns from a squadron of “Community Voices,” residents from all walks of life. Its tagline was: “The Voice of the Community.” And it was a hit.

Elaine relocated part-time to Prescott to pilot the fast-growing magazine, shifting it from a quarterly to bimonthly publishing schedule within six months. By the beginning of 2019 Elaine started looking for a marketing director to take over leadership of the publications. Laurie Fisher, looking to relocate to the area from Orange County, California with 25 years of experience in the marketing and sales industry, spotted the opportunity.

Laurie drove to Prescott to have lunch with Elaine and immediately saw the possibilities in Prescott LIVING and ROX Media as the foundation for expansion in Northern Arizona, especially within the upscale sector: “I saw all that potential growth available, and thankfully Elaine gave me that freedom to do that, and trusted enough in me to make all those changes, and let me have free rein to develop them.”

'Voice of the Community' BECOMING THE

Prescott LIVING publisher Elaine Earle likens her reception in Prescott to “a big warm hug,” and since then ROX Media has been working to return the favor by producing a magazine that’s of, by and for the people of Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt.

Most of the core elements of Prescott LIVING have been here from the beginning: the Prescott Pioneer community news section, the longform Q&A interview with a community leader, three sections dedicated to different aspects of life — then dubbed Biz, Fun and You, now called Community, Recreation and You. We also had the Out and About photo pages and our Women in Business special section debuted in the following issue.

really took off here, where people really liked seeing their contribution in print,” Elaine says. “They felt like they had a voice in the community. There really wasn’t anything else in that space that was a community lifestyle magazine that covered all the bases, everything from retail, education, government, every aspect.”

But what cemented the magazine in place were the community contributions. Freelance writers, public officials, educators, business owners, representatives of nonprofits and arts organizations, health professionals and animal advocates are just some examples of people who have pitched in to help us deliver a well-rounded portrait of Greater Prescott.

“‘The Voice of the Community’ slogan

Today, we bring you news in every issue from the mayors of our four municipalities and columns from the local Chambers of Commerce, Yavapai Humane Society, local Parks and Rec departments, plus landscaping advice from the “Mountain Gardener” Ken Lain and poetry from Tod Christensen.

Our annual Women in Business and Leadership and Men of Vision special sections highlight the achievements of people who bring their energy to serve and inspire the community. We give our readers chances to participate in our annual Best of Yavapai poll and the Photo Contest, which never fails to amaze us with the quality of the images we receive.

We have added more lifestyle features with tips and inspiration for your home and garden, beauty and style, health and wellness, arts and culture, outdoor adventure and pet care.

ROX Media has always been quick to support our community. We support and are a sponsor of numerous events, including:

• The World’s Oldest Rodeo®, for which we publish the souvenir program

• Courthouse Lighting (as part of The Friends of Jersey Lilly Saloon)

• Primary sponsor of all Prescott Western Heritage Center presentations and events

• Arizona’s Christmas City

• Dancing for the Stars

• Festival of Trees

• Pure Imagination Festival

• Whiskey Row Marathon

• The Big Sting Country Music Festival

We’ve also dedicated the back wall of our property to be part of the Granite Creek Trail Mural and sponsor the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary.

Prescott LIVING is available for free on racks throughout Greater Prescott, including at Fry’s, Safeway and Sprouts grocery stores and many Downtown Prescott racks, as well as in front of the ROX Media office at 130 N. Granite St. All of its content is also available at www.prescottlivingmag.com, and by subscription.

Contact us any time at editor@roxco.com with any comments or story ideas.

Expands in Northern Arizona ROX Media

Prescott LIVING continued to grow in size and circulation under the leadership of Executive Publisher Elaine Earle and Associate Publisher Laurie Fisher (director of sales and marketing until 2021) with page counts rising from 100 to near 200 and free distribution on racks throughout Greater Prescott.

They began to grow their team so they could expand

further into Greater Prescott and Northern Arizona. First came the evolution of the Quad City Smart Shopper into Prescott NOW, a full-color monthly event calendar for all of Greater Prescott that debuted in October 2019.

The magazine is now a trusted source for information on virtually any type of public event in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt — classes, concerts, club meetings, plays, movies, outdoor activities, you name it.

What was once Quad City Smart Shopper is now known as Prescott NOW

“Elaine and I were talking about that there was nothing here for people to find out about events

and what’s happening

in the Quad City area. And this community’s huge on events and live music and the talent that’s here. But there was never anything available in one spot that people could go to find it,” Laurie says.

Elaine and Laurie’s shared interest in health and wellness led to the launch of Prescott Healthy Living magazine in September 2020, chock-full of advice on self-care, nutrition and recipes, exercise, disease prevention and screening, mental health and more aspects of health. Local health professionals and enthusiasts are key contributors.

“We’re runners and we’re active, and we just thought there should be something here for that market for health and wellness and people that want that specifically. So we went for that niche market,” Laurie says.

Next, Elaine and Laurie turned to an opportunity they saw in the Prescott market that could be parlayed further into the region.

“We saw with the growth of Prescott and the Quad City area, there was definitely a market for the luxury type of publication, with all the neighborhoods we have here in that luxury market,” Laurie says. “And also our contractors and high-end builders and all the things that are available in this community, there was a huge market for the luxury clientele.”

There was another September launch in 2021 for Northern AZ Luxury Living, dedicated to covering the latest trends and dependable classics of high-end design, travel, fashion, shopping, wellness, wealth management and everything else that informs the luxury experience. Its distribution includes locations

As our Greater Prescott community grows we saw an emerging market in potential new residents and recent arrivals to the area seeking a free, comprehensive guide to local

ins and outs from schools to housing to recreation, our annual Welcome and Relocation Guides for Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley arrived in 2023.

in Sedona and Flagstaff to reach the affluent, and those with big dreams, in those mountain destinations as well.

ROX Media’s diverse suite of publications serves a broad swath of Northern Arizona readers with articles and columns they can enjoy and use in all aspects of their lives in one of the most scenic areas of the American West, in a professionally produced package that’s hard to put down.

“What’s made this successful is the team that we have in place,” Laurie says. “Everyone that works for us is the top of their game as far as how to publish these magazines. So, what’s made it so successful is the look and the feel of these publications that people like, and they can’t believe that they’re free.”

Continued from page 29

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

Natural History Institute Leader Retires, Mission Continues

The Natural History Institute has been working on its own since spinning off from Prescott College in 2017 to ensure that residents of the local community and far beyond foster connections to the natural world through education in earth science, creating and experiencing art and exploring the wonders of the environment.

Former Executive Director Bob Ellis announced his retirement in July, after working for Natural History Institute since its inception as a nonprofit and four years in the lead role. He previously spent more than 30 years of experience in teaching and research in and around Arizona’s Central Highlands.

Jennie Tutone had been program director for the last four years and has now stepped in as Interim Executive Director, carrying out the institute’s expansive mission to encourage stewardship and lifelong learn.

“We kind of define natural history as a practice of observing and appreciating the natural world, paying close attention to nature, asking questions,” she said. “It’s really a way of investigating, so that’s why we do it hands on. We do some human history as well; we often have archaeologists come in and talk or do field excursions.”

The Natural History Institute’s twice monthly speaker’s series brings in experts who can talk about “anything related to nature,” including scientists, artists and advocates, Tutone said. Recent topics have included the life cycle of the western harvester ant and environmental and other factors that influenced the development of Indian gaming.

The talks are free to attend and are livestreamed on the Natural History Institute YouTube channel. There’s plenty more on that channel to choose from, such as Notes from the Field, vlogs from institute staff and others introducing ecological concepts and enhancing people’s understanding of nature and natural history.

Tutone said, “We have a video coming out soon on YouTube about Agua Fria National Monument, and a local archaeologist is going to come and tell about the pueblos and rock art and human history. It’s all about how humans are part of the natural world and it’s all connected.”

Hands on workshops touch on botany and biology, and field excursions bring participants directly to nature, spanning local trails and fields to destinations further afield, including the Grand Canyon and even Mexico’s Gulf of California.

Visitors to the institute’s home at 126 N. Marina St. can stop by between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to walk through a nature focused art gallery that hosts exhibits, with the latest featuring local painter and digital artist Bonny Stauffer opening Oct. 24. The gallery is open Monday Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is a stop on Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk.

The Natural History Institute also has a scientific collection of preserved plants, insects and birds that can be viewed by the public with assistance from volunteers.

“We are big believers that by learning through hands on and experiential learning, people learn to grasp the knowledge more and connect to the subject more, the subject being nature,” Tutone said. “Our whole thing is that when people grow that connection, then they learn to fall in love with it and learn to protect the natural world.”

For more about the Natural History Institute visit www.naturalhistoryinstitute.org , call 928.863.3232 or see its Facebook or YouTube pages.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

Local Big Brothers Big Sisters Reorganize for Future

The board of directors of Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters is making a series of strategic organizational changes designed to ensure the agency’s continued strength and sustainability in serving youth across Yavapai County.

The board also appointed Robin Layton as the group’s interim executive director. Layton, who has nearly eight years of experience with the agency in marketing, communications, fundraising and recruitment, will lead Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters through this transition period.

“I’m honored to step into this role at a time when innovation and community connection are more important than ever,” Layton said. “We’re evolving our operations to better meet the needs of our Bigs, Littles and families while ensuring our long term impact.”

Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters is restructuring to focus more on people than property and has adopted a mobile and mission centered work model that includes selling its Prescott office building at 3208

Lakeside Village Dr. This allows the agency to reduce overhead and focus more resources directly on mentoring relationships, as the staff works remotely.

“Selling our building in Prescott doesn’t mean we’re going anywhere,” Layton said, adding, “These updates reflect a broader nonprofit trend toward flexible, resource savvy operations that sustain critical services like ours, even during times of financial pressure.”

Despite financial challenges that led to a reduction in staff, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters remains fully active and committed to safe, high quality youth mentoring. The agency has downsized to a core team, following guidance from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors and leadership from the Tucson Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate.

The Yavapai agency is supporting existing Big Little pairs and hopes to continue recruiting new mentors and youth this fall. Meeting spaces will be used as needed through local community partnerships.

“Our matches connect through meaningful experiences like cooking, fishing, hiking, reading and more. This is the essence of what we do: Big Brothers and Big Sisters sharing their time, talents and guidance with local youth,” Layton said.

“At Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, we create meaningful, lasting mentoring relationships that help local youth thrive. Our dedicated team and volunteers continue to make an incredible impact, one match at a time,” added Wendy Ross, Board Chairperson.

Until the building is sold Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Prescott staff will be available at the Lakeside Village Drive address Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at 928.778.5135. The agency will retain its building at 830 S. Main St., No. 1H, Cottonwood, with a staff member available onsite Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or at 928.634.9789

To learn how you can support youth mentoring in Yavapai County, please visit www.azbigs.org

The Rise of the Fractional CFO: Big Finance for Growing Businesses

BY DAVID A. SNYDER, CPA, MANAGING MEMBER, DAVID A. SNYDER CPA, PLLC

In today’s fast-paced business world, small and mid-sized companies need sophisticated financial strategy to grow, but they can’t justify the six-figure salary of a full-time chief financial officer. Enter the fractional CFO — a part-time, ondemand finance executive who delivers high-level expertise without the full-time price tag.

What Is a Fractional CFO?

A fractional CFO is an experienced financial leader who works with multiple businesses on a contractual or part-time basis. Unlike bookkeepers or accountants who primarily focus on recording transactions and ensuring compliance, fractional CFOs concentrate on the big picture: strategic financial planning, profitability improvement, cash flow optimization and long-term growth.

Why Businesses are Turning to Fractional CFOs

According to industry trends, companies often bring one in when they:

• Need sharper forecasting and budgeting.

• Face rapid growth or scaling challenges.

• Seek funding from investors or lenders.

• Plan mergers, acquisitions or exits.

• Want to uncover hidden inefficiencies or boost profit margins.

For many business owners, this role is the missing link between an overworked accountant and the visionary CEO.

A Partner for Strategic Growth

A skilled fractional CFO will dive deep into your numbers and translate them into actionable insights. They can:

• Develop financial strategies: From pricing models to capital structure, they create roadmaps that align with business goals.

• Improve cash flow: Identify bottlenecks and optimize working capital.

• Guide fundraising efforts: Prepare financials that impress investors and secure better financing terms.

• Enhance profitability: Spot areas for cost savings without sacrificing quality.

• Build scalable systems: Implement tools, dashboards and KPIs for long-term monitoring.

The Cost Equation

Hiring a full-time CFO can cost $175,000 to $400,000 per year, plus benefits. Fractional CFO services typically charge hourly, weekly or on a retainer basis — often a fraction of the price, with the flexibility to scale engagement up or down as needs evolve.

The Future of Financial Leadership

As more businesses embrace remote work and flexible staffing, the demand for specialized executive talent “by the slice” is booming. Fractional CFOs are at the forefront of this shift, offering the kind of strategic partnership that was once reserved for Fortune 500 companies — now accessible to startups, family-owned firms and scaling brands alike.

Grab the Importance and Fun of Fall

BY STEVE BRACETY, PRESIDENT/CEO, PRESCOTT VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Fall in Prescott Valley is more than just a change in the weather — it’s a season of connection, celebration and community spirit. As the summer heat fades and the air turns crisp, the town transforms with golden leaves, cool breezes and a renewed energy that inspires residents and visitors alike to come together.

One of the Chamber’s primary roles during the fall season is promoting local events that celebrate the best our community has to offer. From harvest festivals and arts and crafts fairs, the Chamber helps spread the word so residents and tourists can discover the special experiences that make Prescott Valley shine.

Fall also is a prime season for showcasing our vibrant business community — retail shops decorate with seasonal flair, restaurants introduce autumn-inspired menus and

service providers gear up for the busy months ahead. The Chamber connects these businesses to wider audiences through marketing campaigns, social media highlights and community calendars.

Advocacy is another key part of the Chamber’s work during the fall months. As local businesses prepare for the holiday shopping season, the Chamber supports initiatives that encourage residents to shop local, keeping dollars circulating within our economy. We work closely with local leaders and organizations to ensure that seasonal activities — whether it’s a Thanksgiving food drive or a Veterans Day celebration — have the resources, partnerships and visibility they need to thrive.

Fall is also a time of education and preparation. The Chamber hosts workshops, seminars and networking

events to help business owners navigate seasonal opportunities and challenges. Through our monthly Lunch & Learns, whether it’s training on seasonal marketing strategies, guidance on customer service during high-traffic months, or tips for planning holiday promotions, these resources help ensure our members are ready to make the most of the season.

Cooler weather and festive events naturally bring people together. Our involvement in community traditions — like sponsoring seasonal festivals, supporting youth activities and partnering with nonprofits for charitable drives — strengthens the bonds between residents, visitors and businesses.

In Prescott Valley, fall isn’t just a season, it’s a celebration of who we are as a community.

YRMC Donates Masks for Residents

Impacted by Dragon Bravo Fire

SUBMITTED BY DIGNITY HEALTH, YAVAPAI REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has stepped up to help donate resources to those in need amid the Dragon Bravo Fire burning near the Grand Canyon.

YRMC recently donated 9,600 N95 masks to the U.S. Forest Service, who distributed them to members of the Navajo Nation, who continue to experience significant smoke exposure from the fire.

“We knew as soon as we heard the Navajo Nation was suffering from the smoke that we had to do something to help,” says Anthony Torres, MD, President and CEO of YRMC. “We are beyond happy to have made the donation and grateful to our team who jumped into action to make it happen.” This donation reflects YRMC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the health and resilience of communities across Northern Arizona.

Hassayampa Happenings

CAFMA Board Appoints as Fire Chief

John Feddema

SUBMITTED BY CENTRAL ARIZONA FIRE AND MEDICAL AUTHORITY

The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) board of directors has officially appointed John Feddema as fire chief. Chief Feddema has been serving as interim fire chief since November 2024.

Chief Feddema began his career in 2000 as a reserve firefighter with the Central Yavapai Fire District. Over his 24 years of service, he has held multiple roles, including firefighter, captain, battalion chief and assistant chief of operations. Beyond his leadership within the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, Chief Feddema works closely with several fire service organizations and serves on statewide training and advisory committees.

“My goal is to support our organization in building a strong foundation to serve the community, while creating sustainable progress that supports our personnel and our mission,” Chief Feddema says.

Authority Board Chair Dave Dobbs adds, “Chief Feddema’s years of service with both Central Yavapai and CAFMA, along with his commitment and leadership, make him the right choice to guide CAFMA into the future. We are confident in his ability to serve both our community and our personnel with integrity and vision.”

The authority provides emergency services and all hazards response for

369 square miles of Yavapai County including the towns of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, areas of Paulden and outlying areas of Prescott.

CAFMA remains committed to providing high-quality fire and emergency medical services across its service area. Under Chief Feddema’s leadership, the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority will continue to strengthen its ability to meet the needs of the growing community.

Chief Feddema lives in Prescott Valley with his wife Rebecca and their five children.

Business

Ranch House “Be Thankful”

NOVEMBER 8TH | 10 AM-3 PM

Thanksgiving in the West was a time for settlers to gather and give thanks for the harvest, family, and survival in a challenging frontier environment. Declared a national holiday in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln, Thanksgiving celebrations varied and meals often consisted of locally available items. Museum visitors can learn more about what this traditional meal looked like in the territorial days.

DECEMBER 6TH | 6 PM-8:30 PM

Frontier Christmas is an evening of classic holiday merrymaking, immediately following the Courthouse Lighting Ceremony. Stop by 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for cookies, cider, crafts, and fun. $5.00 entry (members are free!)

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Learning Together: Collaborative Projects Help Students THRIVE

BY NANCY DEWITT, OWNER, PATRIOT PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

When we think about school learning, we often picture desks in neat rows, students working individually and teachers guiding from the front of the classroom. But increasingly, educators are recognizing that some of the richest learning experiences happen when students work together.

Collaborative projects where groups of students unite around a shared goal can spark creativity, build communication skills and prepare both elementary and high school students for real-world success.

Building blocks in elementary school

For younger students, collaboration begins with simple group tasks that teach them how to share responsibility and celebrate different ideas. An elementary teacher might assign a group to design

a poster about a science topic, write a story together or build a model for a class presentation.

These projects do more than teach content; they introduce the essentials of teamwork. Elementary students learn how to divide roles, negotiate when disagreements arise and recognize that every group member has something valuable to offer.

For many children, this is their first opportunity to understand how different strengths — whether artistic, verbal or organizational — can come together to create something greater than any one student could achieve alone.

Teachers often report that students who might be shy about speaking up in class find their voices in a group setting.

Collaboration gives them the chance to contribute within a smaller circle, building confidence that often carries into other areas of learning.

High school: preparing for the future

By the time students reach high school, collaborative projects become more sophisticated, often mirroring professional experiences. Group work might involve researching social issues, conducting experiments or developing presentations that require advanced planning and time management.

High school students also begin to encounter the realities of delegation and accountability. They learn that deadlines matter, that quality depends on effort and that sometimes team members must step in to support one another. While these lessons can come with frustration,

like when one student doesn’t contribute as much as others, they also prepare teens for the collaborative demands of college, careers and community life.

Another benefit of collaboration at this level is exposure to diverse perspectives.

A history project may include viewpoints from students with different cultural backgrounds or interests. When students listen to each other and integrate different angles, they not only produce richer projects but also practice empathy and respect for others.

Skill building beyond academics

Collaborative learning does more than reinforce math, science or reading lessons — it cultivates essential life skills.

Communication

Students learn how to express ideas clearly, listen actively and provide constructive feedback.

Problem-solving

Group projects often involve unexpected challenges, requiring students to adapt and think creatively.

Leadership and responsibility

Some students naturally step into leadership roles, while others discover how to take ownership of smaller but equally important tasks.

Conflict resolution

Disagreements are inevitable, but with guidance, students learn to compromise and seek win-win outcomes.

Employers consistently highlight teamwork as one of the most important qualities in the workplace, and collaborative school projects give students an early foundation in those abilities.

Technology and collaboration

Today’s students also have opportunities to collaborate digitally, using shared documents, video calls or online platforms to brainstorm and create. This mirrors the global workforce, where teams often work together across cities, states or even continents. By blending in-person teamwork with online tools, students practice flexibility in how they collaborate — a skill that will only grow in importance.

Education Directory

UNIVERSITIES/ COLLEGES

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 3700 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott 928.777.6600 www.prescott.erau.edu

Northern Arizona University - Prescott Campus 1100 E. Sheldon St. Prescott 928.523.8047

www.nau.edu/statewidecampuses/nau-yavapai-college

Northern Arizona University - Yavapai 2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott 928.523.2988 http://legacy.nau.edu/statewidecampuses/nau-yavapai

Prescott College

220 Grove Ave.

Prescott 877.350.2100 www.prescott.edu

Yavapai College

1100 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott 928.717.7777 www.yc.edu

Yavapai College Chino Valley Center

2275 Old Home Manor Dr. Chino Valley 928.717.7720 www.yc.edu

Yavapai College

Prescott Valley Center 3800 N. Glassford Hill Rd. Prescott Valley 928.717.7911 www.yc.edu

TECHNICAL & TRADE SCHOOLS

Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) 220 Ruger Rd., Ste. 1 Prescott 928.776.2002 www.yc.edu/ctec

Leighnor Aircraft LLC

6418 Mac Curdy Dr. Prescott

928.499.3080 www.leighnoraircraft.com

Mountain Institute Career Technical Education District (CTED)

220 Ruger Rd., Ste. 2 Prescott

928.771.0791 www.micted.net

Rogers Academy of Beauty

2375 E. AZ-69

Prescott 928.848.9929

www.rogersacademyofbeauty.com

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Chino Valley Unified School District No. 51 650 E. Center St. Chino Valley 928.636.2458 www.chinovalleyschools.com

Humboldt Unified School District 6901 Panther Path Prescott Valley 928.759.4000 www.humboldtunified.com

Prescott Unified School District

300 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.445.5400 www.prescottschools.com

Mayer Unified School District No. 43

P.O. Box 1059 12606 E. Main St. Mayer 928.642.1000 www.mayerschools.org

Yavapai Accommodation School District No. 99 K-12

2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott 928.759.8126 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

PRESCHOOLS

American Lutheran School private school 1085 Scott Dr. Prescott 928.778.7049 www.americanlutheranschool.com

Bright Futures Preschool

Humboldt Unified School District

6411 N. Robert Rd. Prescott Valley 928.759.5130 bf.humboldtunified.com

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

Cedar Tree Montessori private school

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

Christian Academy of Prescott private school 148 S. Marina St. Prescott 928.445.2565

Cornerstone Christian Preschool private school 700 W. Rosser St. Prescott 928.771.2754 www.prescottcornerstone.com

Discovery Gardens Preschool Prescott Unified School District 300 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.442.1283 dgardens.prescottschools.com

God's World 3950 N. Valorie Dr. Prescott Valley 928.772.0460

James Family Prescott YMCA 750 Whipple St. Prescott 928.445.7221 www.prescottymca.org/ preschool

Leap & Learn Preschool 7175 E. 2nd St, Ste. B Prescott Valley 928.800.1488 www.leaplearnpreschool.com

Little Explorers Learning Academy 12150 E. Turquoise Cir. Dewey 928.379.5068 www.littleexplorersaz.com

Montessori Children's Academy 630 Park Ave., Unit A Prescott 928.445.0649 www.mcaprescott.org

Valley Learning Center 2235 AZ-89, Ste. 1 Chino Valley 928.636.1656 www.valleylearningcenters.net

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Abia Judd Elementary School Prescott Unified School District 1749 Williamson Valley Rd. Prescott 928.717.3263 aj.prescottschools.com

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

Del Rio Elementary School Chino Valley Unified School District 1036 N. Road 1 W. Chino Valley 928.636.4414 drs.chinovalleyschools.com

Granite Mountain Upper Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 1800 Williamson Valley Rd. Prescott 928.717.3253 granitem.prescottschools.com

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

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

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

Liberty Traditional School Humboldt Unified School District K-8 3300 N. Lake Valley Rd. Prescott Valley 928.759.4500 lib.humboldtunified.com

Lincoln Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 201 Park Ave. Prescott 928.717.3249 lincoln.prescottschools.com

Mayer Elementary School

Mayer Unified School District No. 43

12568 E. Main St.

Mayer 928.642.1101

www.mayerel.mayerschools.org

Mountain View Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District 8601 E. Loos Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4700

mv.humboldtunified.com

Taylor Hicks Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 1845 Campbell Ave.

Prescott 928.717.3276

taylorh.prescottschools.com

Territorial Early Childhood Center

Chino Valley Unified School District

Preschool-2nd Grade 1088 Mahan Ln. Chino Valley 928.636.3842 tecc.chinovalleyschools.com

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Bradshaw Mountain Middle School

Humboldt Unified School District 12255 Turquoise Cir. Dewey 928.759.4900

ms.humboldtunified.com

Heritage Middle School

Chino Valley Unified School District 1076 N. Road 1 W. Chino Valley 928.636.4464 hms.chinovalleyschools.com

Prescott Mile High Middle School

Prescott Unified School District 300 S. Granite St. Prescott 928.717.3241 mileh.prescottschools.com

Pronghorn Ridge Middle School

Humboldt Unified School District 6411 N. Robert Rd. Prescott Valley 928.759.4600 pr.humboldtunified.com

HIGH SCHOOLS

Aspire High School

Yavapai Accommodation School District No. 99

2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott 928.759.8126

www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

Bradshaw Mountain High School Humboldt Unified School District

6000 Long Look Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4100 hs.humboldtunified.com

Chino Valley High School

Chino Valley Unified School District

760 E. Center St. Chino Valley 928.636.2298 cvhs.chinovalleyschools.com

Mayer High School

Mayer Unified School District No. 43

17300 E. Mule Deer Dr. Mayer 928.642.1200 www.mayerhs.mayerschools.org

Prescott High School

Prescott Unified School District

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

Yavapai County High School

Yavapai Accommodation School District No. 99

2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott 928.759.8126 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Acorn Montessori Schools preschool-8th grade

8085 E. Manley Dr. (preschool-K)

7555 E. Long Look Dr. (K-3) 8556 E. Loos Dr. (4-8) Prescott Valley 928.772.5778 www.acornmontessori.com

Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center (AAEC) high school

7500 E. Skoog Blvd. Prescott Valley 928.775.3200 www.aaechs.com/campuses

BASIS Prescott K-12

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

Franklin Phonetic Primary School K-8

6116 E. AZ-69 Prescott Valley 928.775.6747

La Tierra Community School K-8

124 N. Virginia St. Prescott 928.445.5100 www.latierracommunityschool.org

Mingus Springs Charter School K-8

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

Mountain Oak School preschool-8th grade 1455 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott 928.541.7700 www.mountainoakschool.org

Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy middle & high school 551 1st St. Prescott 928.717.3272 www.northpointacademy.org

PACE Preparatory Academy high school 6711 E. 2nd St. Prescott Valley 928.775.9675 www.paceacademy.com

Prescott Valley School K-8

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

Skyview School K-8 125 S. Rush St. Prescott 928.776.1730 www.skyviewschool.org

Tri-City College Prep Grades 7-12 5522 Side Rd. Prescott 928.777.0403 www.tricityprep.org

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

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

ASCEND School

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

Northwest Christian School Online K-12 602.978.5134 www.ncsonline.org

Orme School high school

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

Prescott Adventist Christian School K-8

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

Primavera School preschool-5th grade 1446 Moyer Rd. Prescott 928.445.5382 www.primaveraschool.org

Sacred Heart Catholic School preschool-8th grade 131 N. Summit Ave. Prescott 928.445.2621 www.sacredhearteducation.com

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

Yavapai College Named 2025 Top Education Workplace

Yavapai College earned another coveted workplace honor, when it was named a 2025 Top Education Workplace by Energage, an independent organization that builds and brands Top Workplaces.

The July announcement follows the national recognition Yavapai College received when USA Today named it one of the Top Workplaces of 2025 in March.

“It is an honor to be recognized as a top workplace in the U.S.” Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine said, after the March announcement. “Our employees are the engine that powers what we do, and it is incredibly important that we build a culture that supports them.”

Top Workplaces Industry awards celebrate organizations that have built people-first workplace cultures within their sector. Education Top Workplaces awards are determined through employee feedback captured on the Energage Workplace Survey. Yavapai College ranked within an elite group — one of only 16 organizations with 500 to 999 employees to receive the honor.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” Energage CEO Eric Rubino said. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard.”

Top Workplaces awards are based on feedback from a research-backed employee engagement survey. The Top Workplaces program has a 17-year history of surveying and celebrating people-first organizations nationally and across 60 regional markets.

Details about how Yavapai College builds a great workplace culture are available at topworkplaces.com/company/ yavapai-community-colleg

Because Energage collects data from more than 23 million surveys at over 70,000 organizations, its findings provide the most accurate benchmark available.

Sacred Heart Catholic School

Preschool through 8th Grade

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

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

We welcome you to visit our school, talk with our faculty and families, and take a tour or shadow for a day. Please contact us to learn more.

Photo Contest ENTRY 2025

“Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.”

—Edward Everett

SPONSORED BY PATRIOT PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

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

Thank you for reading the Education Section! The section appears in every bimonthly issue including a complete directory, local articles and messages from local schools to help you decide what best suits your personal or family needs.

PRISTINE:

Clean Up After your Pet

From Thumb Butte to the shores of Watson Lake, it’s common to see happy dogs trotting alongside their humans, tongues lolling and tails wagging.

But here’s the thing: with the privilege of enjoying these shared spaces comes the responsibility of maintaining them. That includes something a lot of trail users would rather ignore — picking up after your pet.

It does matter

Dog waste isn’t just unsightly; it’s a genuine environmental and health hazard. Unlike wild animal waste, dog feces contain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which can harm native plants and pollute waterways. Left behind on trails, it also spreads bacteria and parasites like giardia and E. coli that can impact both wildlife and humans.

In areas like Greater Prescott, where trails weave through ecologically sensitive areas and are frequented by families, runners and cyclists, the issue isn’t just gross — it can be dangerous. Picking up after your dog isn’t just polite. It’s necessary.

Whether you are new to the trails or a seasoned weekend warrior, here’s how to make sure you and your furry companion are responsible trail buddies.

Always pack multiple poop bags

It’s easy to forget, especially if you’re heading out in a rush. But tossing an extra stash of bags in your hiking pack, car or leash handle means you’re always covered. Biodegradable bags are a plus — but only if you pack them out. Leaving a tied-off bag on the side of the trail “for later” doesn’t cut it. If you forget a bag, turn back.

Never leave bags behind

No matter how well-intentioned, those colorful baggies dotting the trail aren’t just eyesores — they’re litter. And in the dry Arizona heat, they don’t break down quickly. Carry the bag with you until you find a trash can. If you can carry full water bottles and snacks, you can handle a poop bag.

Better yet, bring a sealable container or odor-proof pouch to stash the bag until you reach a bin. It makes the process less unpleasant and encourages consistency.

Stick to leashes

Pets much be leashed on all City of Prescott and Town of Prescott Valley trails, and Prescott National Forest requires this for developed areas and interpretive trails. It’s not just about safety; leashed dogs are easier to monitor and less likely to do their business offtrail where waste is harder to find and clean up.

Even in off-leash areas such as dog parks, keep your dog within view and under voice control. If they run off and relieve themselves in the brush, it’s still your job to find it and clean it.

Keep dogs on trail

Letting your dog trample off-trail damages native vegetation and disturbs wildlife. It also makes it much harder to track and remove their waste.

Set the example

If you see another dog owner failing to clean up, it’s OK to respectfully say “hey, do you need a bag?” It can be enough to nudge them in the right direction.

Beyond waste: Other trail courtesies

Yield to others

Step aside when runners, bikers or horseback riders approach. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, even friendly ones.

Don’t assume it’s dog friendly

Some areas in Greater Prescott area don’t allow pets due to environmental concerns, particularly during seasonal closures to protect endangered species. Always check before heading out.

Clean up muddy paw prints

If your dog tracks mud into a public area (like a trailhead kiosk or picnic table), do a quick wipe down with a towel or napkin. It’s a small gesture that keeps spaces pleasant.

Trails to Try (and Respect)

Prescott offers over 100 miles of pet-friendly trails. Some favorites include:

Peavine Trail

Wide, flat, and scenic; perfect for beginner pups.

Watson Lake Loop

Stunning granite views with moderate terrain.

Willow Lake Trail

Moderate terrain and scenic lake views, make it a great spot for dogs who love adventure.

Thumb Butte Trail No. 33

A popular and more challenging hike with stunning views.

PETS FOR THE ELDERLY

Pets for the Elderly, recognizing the many health benefits of pet ownership for seniors, helps pay the fees to participating animal shelters for senior citizens (age 60 and over) who adopt a companion dog or cat. Their mission is to provide comfort, companionship and wellbeing to older adults through pet ownership while changing the lives of companion animals in shelters; giving both the gift of life, health and happiness.

PET GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM

What happens to your pets after you are gone? Such uncertainty can weigh heavily on your heart and conscience. Yavapai Humane Society's Pet Guardianship Program allows you peace of mind knowing your pets will be cared for and loved for the rest of their lives. By enrolling in this program, you are assured they will be cared for after your passing. Your pets will be matched with forever families who are carefully selected by our team based on specific criteria set by you.

YHS SAFETY NET PROGRAM

YHS SECOND CHANCE MEDICAL PROGRAM

The Second Chance Medical Program provides essential veterinary care for injured or critically ill animals whose owners cannot afford standard veterinary rates or wait for the care they need.

Funded by community donations, this program ensures that pets receive the medical treatment they need when their owners qualify based on income.

Our Safety Net Program helps pets and their families stay together during difficult times such as financial hardship, displacement, hospitalization, or domestic violence situations.

When families face temporary crises, pets are often at risk of abandonment. The Safety Net Program offers foster placement, veterinary assistance, and other resources to help prevent pets from losing their homes. This support helps families navigate hardships for up to 30 days while keeping their pets safe and cared for.

This program relies on the generosity of our community through both monetary donations and foster homes.

YHS COMMUNITY PET FOOD PANTRY

The YHS Community Pet Food Pantry assists more than 60 families each month, helping them keep their beloved pets at home, where they’re loved and cared for.

This program is made possible entirely through donations of cat and dog food. Next time you’re at the store, consider picking up an extra bag of pet food to help families in need within our community.

Leave a Legacy of Love

BY LOREE WALDEN, MARKETING MANAGER, YAVAPAI HUMANE SOCIETY

Have you ever thought about the kind of legacy you want to leave behind? For me, it’s simple — I want to know that animals will continue to be safe, loved and cared for long after I’m gone. One of the easiest ways to make that happen is by including Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) in your will.

A gift of any size makes a huge difference. Every bequest helps us keep our doors open, provide medical care and give homeless pets the second chance they deserve.

There are also some very practical benefits. Did you know that gifts to qualified charitable organizations, like YHS, can reduce the value of your estate for tax purposes? It’s a smart way to take care of the animals you love and your loved ones at the same time.

The best part? You stay in control. YHS doesn’t receive anything until after your

lifetime, so you can always change your mind or adjust things as life changes. Nothing is set in stone, you’re simply planning ahead.

And it really is simple. You just add language in your will that says something like:

“I give ___ percent of the net value of my estate to Yavapai Humane Society.”

From there, you can make it as personal as you want:

• Keep it unrestricted, so we can use it where the need is greatest.

• Choose a specific purpose, like medical treatment for sick or injured animals.

• Create a named fund, such as the Johnson Family Fund for Compassion.

• Or even make it in memory of someone special, like “This gift is made in honor of my best friend.”

Another easy option is to name YHS as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, 401(k), or life insurance policy. It’s a simple form you fill out with your plan administrator.

Because of your gift, a frightened stray kitten could get lifesaving care, or a senior dog might finally find their forever home. That’s the kind of love and hope your legacy can bring.

Knowing that wagging tails, healing hearts and new beginnings will be part of the story you leave behind is a beautiful gift in itself. To learn how easy it is, call us at 928.445.2666 or visit www.yavapaihumane.org — we’d love to talk with you about how you can leave your legacy of love for the animals.

Photo Contest ENTRIES 2025

Plant a Wellness Garden for Relaxation and Restoration

BY BLAKE HERZOG

Wellness gardens, also known as healing gardens, are designed to provide a calming landscape making space for people to decompress, reflect and interact with nature, either passively or actively.

Read more to learn how to make the perfect space for your needs.

Wellness gardens are intended to promote the well-being of all who enter with pleasing sights, sounds, smells and textures.

They aim to soothe emotional difficulties like stress, anxiety or depression, enable people of all abilities to take part in gardening activities or do both. Since gardens are constantly evolving, it’s easy for them to meet both functions, and many more, if you desire. Let’s get started on planning yours!

Seclusion

Depending on where you live, you might want to create a buffer between your healing garden and disruptions from the outside world, whether they’re coming from outside or inside your backyard. There are numerous shrubs and trees used in Prescott to screen traffic, neighborhood activity, unwanted animals and other nuisances, including pyracantha, red clusterberry cotoneasters, pinyon pines and junipers.

You’ll have to consider the potential height of each plant you’ll be looking at,

especially if you have mountain views that elevate your mood.

Aesthetics

Any wellness garden should be visually pleasing for those who use it, so this is where you can have some fun selecting plants and setting up patterns that will be soothing yet engaging.

Choose vegetation that brings you joy through its blooms, leaves, shape and texture. Lavender, roses, crape myrtles, rhododendrons, marigolds, blanket flowers, petunias and zinnias are among the flowering plants that thrive in our mountain climate.

Keep floral fragrances in mind. The right scents can cast you even further on waves of relaxation, as long as they don’t clash with each other.

Activities

Also keep in mind what you hope to do in your wellness garden. Most people envision spending at least some time sitting for relaxation,

contemplation or meditation. Look for outdoor furniture that’s comfortable without inviting poor posture or leading to back pain, like a padded bench or an upholstered or folding chair that has good lumbar support. Set enough space aside if you want to move your yoga mat there, and use inconspicuous speakers if you want to pipe in music.

If you have the inclination and enough space, you can consider adding a hot tub, sauna or cold-plunge pool to expand your wellness options.

Waterworks

Even if you’re not about to add a plunge pool to your wellness garden it’s not a bad idea to consider a smaller, waterefficient fountain or other feature to introduce the regenerative sound of running water to round out its sensory palette.

It’s the best way to add some analog white noise to your reflections and reveries in your wellness garden.

Pest Control Promise

TWO THINGS ROOKIE GARDENERS Do to Houseplants

BY LISA WATTERS-LAIN, ARIZONA’S GARDEN GAL, WATTERS GARDEN CENTER

There are no silly questions when it comes to gardening. We are on this journey together; some have more experience than the rookies just starting out. Gardening is learned by making mistakes. I want to ensure you make mistakes in the right direction, never going backward.

Let’s start with the obvious if you have gardened for more than a season. If something is alive in your home, it will need water. Houseplants most likely need a deep soak every 10 to 14 days. Succulents, cactus and plants in dark rooms need water less often, probably every two to three weeks. Puppies and cats should not eat your houseplants; it’s not good for them. Over and over again, I see these same mistakes. Eliminate even one, and you become a better Plant Parent and gardener.

Helicopter plant parents are bad

You’ve heard the term “helicopter parent,” a style in which parents pay incredibly close attention to their child and their experiences, often getting overly involved. We’re not talking about human children here but about your plant babies; the idea is the same.

Whether you’ve opened your home to tropical plants, desert cactus or temperate succulents, the worst thing you can do is constantly mess with them. You are likely to set your plants up for success by recreating their environment in their home habitat.

Set your plant up for success by avoiding these two blunders.

Obsessively watering every day It’s easy to fall into the “What if it needs a drink?” trap. Most common houseplants won’t need a drink until the top of the soil begins to dry; if you’re dealing with arid plants, they won’t need a drink until the soil dries out completely. That’s at least three days after the initial watering and likely more.

Obsessively watering your plants leads to root rot, making plants less able to pull in water and nutrients and far more likely to die. Relax, breathe and appreciate your plant from across the room without a watering can in hand. Generally speaking, your plant will tell you when it’s thirsty. Do your research, and you’ll be fine.

Obsessively cutting off leaves looking less than perfect Surprise, plants are just like people! The plant you’ve brought into your home is a living thing, and all living things have imperfections. It grows and changes over time, just like people do. Sometimes leaves get crispy on the edges. Sometimes leaves turn yellow and fall off.

If you’re caring for your plant correctly, these events correspond to a normal life cycle. If you start cutting off every leaf that looks different than when you bought it, you will have a big problem.

Healthy plants can only handle one-third of their living growth being cut off at a time. Remove any more than that and you have a stressed houseplant trying to replace all that’s been cut away.

Put the pruning shears down and try to understand your new baby plant. Prune only obviously dead leaves or snip a piece or two to propagate your plant. After all, once you have one healthy and prosperous plant, it is hard to resist growing more.

Autumn color with the best local trees. We’ve collected 700 mountain hardy trees for Autumn color that are ready to adorn your yard. Maple, Aspen, Ash, Oak and more.

A beautiful life

I would like to introduce you to a beautiful woman that I had the pleasure of knowing as mom. Cindy Rowley was born in October 1925 in New Jersey, and tragically, upon her birth, her mother died of complications. Her father loved and cared for her until he was tragically killed by a hit and run driver when she was just 12 years old. Heartbroken, she learned that the only family she knew did not wish to take her in, and over the next few years she was passed from foster home to foster home. In time, as a young woman, she met a soldier after WWII and fell in love. In 1947 they married and decided to start a family. Through the years they worked hard on the East Coast while having eight children, losing

their second child to a health issue at 18 months. Without having a mother of her own, or a family to learn from or lean on, she figured out how to raise seven children and simply wanted them to have the life she didn’t. Dad needed care from

time to time due to injuries and trauma suffered in World WWII and she always saw to his needs whether at home or through time at the VA hospitals. I am sure she was more exhausted than anyone knew, but she was always full of life and made the best of what was in front of her.

In 1971 they decided to leave Pennsylvania and move to Prescott with their five youngest children. They fell in love with this community and found it to be the perfect home for their family. Mom had a love for painting and through the years had learned to be an incredible artist. In her “free time” she created beautiful drawings in pencil and charcoal and could paint anything from a child to Secretariat. It was a natural fit and she was so gifted in the art world. Somehow, while usually working two jobs, she created time for camping, schoolwork, sports, teaching us to cook, care for ourselves, to have a good work ethic and show respect. There was no talking back in our home. Through the years here in Prescott, mom worked for some of our popular restaurants of the time like Susie’s Skyway Restaurant out at the airport, Sambo’s Restaurant and The Chuck Wagon that were both on Gurley Street. She loved to sit in the Courthouse Square doing paintings, macrame, beadwork and Ojos de Dios and sell them to people passing by. She enjoyed being involved in the community and was thrilled to be part of the Junior Bonner filming when they came to town. This 5 foot Cherokee Indian learned to enjoy life and always had a positive attitude, was

funny, loving, supportive, kind, strong, charitable, tough but lenient, always willing to help or give the coat off her back, even bringing a stranger home at Thanksgiving one year to eat with her family. She ended up with 11 grandchildren that she loved dearly. She worked hard, loved deeply, enjoyed gardening and growing her own vegetables, and she loved this country.

Through the years, she battled cancer in the early ‘80s and came back to remission. She lost our dad to cancer in 1989 and cancer came knocking again in 1993. This time it was caught too late. Although mom lost that battle, she chose to live a positive life and seek joy even through all of her pain. She was such a beautiful person, and this month would have been 100 years old.

Haley James Sisson

Find Furniture that Evolves with Every Life Stage

Buying furniture isn’t just about filling space — it’s about investing in pieces that can adapt, grow and shift with your life. Whether you’re outfitting your first apartment or downsizing after retirement, smart furniture choices can save money, time and headaches.

Here are some versatile essentials designed to change with your needs.

Modular sofa

Start with a classic: the modular couch. These sectional wonders break into pieces, making them easy to move, reconfigure or expand. As your living room grows or shrinks, so can your seating. Brands like Burrow and Floyd make sleek, tool-free options that are built to evolve.

Nesting tables

Coffee tables that stack? Yes, please. Nesting tables are space-saving champs that double as end tables, work surfaces or plant stands. They tuck neatly away when you don’t need them — and spread out when you do. A small-space must.

Expandable dining tables

Whether you’re dining solo or hosting a crowd, an expandable dining table has you covered. Drop-leaf, butterfly or pull-out designs let you adjust for space and guest count. It’s one piece that transitions easily from a studio apartment to a family home.

Storage ottomans and benches

Multifunctional furniture earns its keep. Ottomans and benches with hidden

storage offer extra seating and a spot to stash clutter. From toy bins to winter blankets, they’re a stylish way to keep things tidy in any stage of life.

Height-adjustable desks

Work-from-home flexibility matters more than ever. A desk that adjusts from sitting to standing keeps up with your workflow and your body’s needs. And it fits just as well in a dorm room as it does in a home office.

Foldable or stackable chairs

Well-designed folding or stackable chairs are lifesavers in small spaces or for surprise guests. Choose quality materials and clean lines for a look that’s far from dorm-core. AllModern, Industry West and Pottery Barn are some of the best sellers to check out.

The Perfect Retaining Wall System

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

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

BUILDING ARIZONA... ONE BLOCK AT A TIME

ORGANIZATION TIPS

Stylish, Functional for the Fridge

If your fridge is a cluttered mess of halfused condiments and mystery leftovers, you’re not alone. But a well-organized refrigerator isn’t just nice to look at — it cuts food waste, saves time and makes meal prep easier.

With a few micro-level organizing tricks, you can turn your fridge into a space that’s both functional and stylish.

An orderly fridge isn’t about perfection — it’s about visibility, ease and function. With the right tools and layout your fridge can work smarter, look better and actually help you eat well.

Clear containers are your best friend

Use clear bins and drawers to group similar items — snacks, dairy, sauces, leftovers — so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Acrylic bins not only keep things neat, they make it easy to see what you have (and what you’re

out of). Label them for quick access, especially if you share your fridge with others.

Turntables for the win

A clear turntable (aka a lazy Susan) in your fridge is a game changer for hard-to-reach corners. Use it for jars, condiments or drink bottles. No more digging behind the milk to find the soy sauce — just spin and grab.

Glass for the freshness

Transferring food like berries, greens or cut veggies into airtight glass containers helps preserve freshness and gives your fridge a clean, uniform look. Plus, you’re more likely to reach for healthy options when they’re prepped and visible.

Use zones, subdue chaos

Designate fridge zones based on category: one shelf for meal prep

ingredients, one drawer for snacks, one bin for breakfast items. This makes finding things faster and helps prevent food from getting shoved to the back and forgotten.

Vertical space is valuable

Use stackable bins and shelf risers to maximize height. Store flat items like deli meats or tortillas in magazine-style file holders for a sleek and surprising solution.

Aesthetic touches matter

Swap bright plastic for muted tones, bamboo lids or glass containers for a more cohesive look. A little visual harmony goes a long way in making your fridge feel less like a junk drawer and more like a curated space.

for Smaller Patches Reserve DIY Drywall

Drywall is present in most of our homes, coating the interior we live within. It’s the part of the skeleton we paint, paper, mount picture frames on, bounce balls off of, bump with our vacuums and do many other things that could potentially damage the surface. It’s part of life.

When holes, crevices, scuffs, dents and cracks emerge they feel like chinks in your armor, and you want to take care of them quickly and effectively. You also want to get them accomplished as inexpensively as possible, which leads many homeowners to consider doing it themselves. There are situations when this is — and isn’t — a good route.

Do it:

• If it’s a minor repair, like a short crack in a rather inconspicuous spot or a hole smaller than 4 or 5 inches that can be mended with spackle alone or with the aid of a mesh patch. Many hardware stores sell drywall repair kits that include most of the basic supplies needed.

• If you have experience working with drywall, patchwork or other home improvement work that you can draw upon. If you have some familiarity but aren’t totally

confident about trying the repair watching a few YouTube videos could be the solution.

• If you’re not facing a time constraint, such as a special occasion that will bring a lot of people into your home or getting your place ready to go on the market. Move slowly to ensure a professional-looking result.

Don’t do it:

• If the cracks, holes and other damage are widespread, rather than isolated occurrences. They could stem from a deeper structural problem or simply be too tough for someone without professional experience to tackle without it looking significantly different from the surrounding surfaces done during initial construction.

• If there’s a hole larger than 5 or so inches. These breaks likely will need more support than a mesh cover can give and may require additional support from within before the actual repair begins.

At that point the hole will be covered with another piece of drywall that must be blended into the surrounding surface — all tasks that can be easily handled by a handyman or professional.

Don't Forget Winterizing

B efore it’s Too Late

You’ve shut the windows, gotten an HVAC tune-up, cleaned the gutters and maybe even wrapped the pipes. But winter has a way of exposing what you didn’t think about. Here are key home winterizing tasks many homeowners overlook — and why you shouldn’t.

The season is tough on homes, and it’s often the small, forgotten details that cause the biggest issues. Knock out these often-missed tasks now and save yourself from mid-season surprises.

Check weatherstripping on interior doors

You know to check exterior doors, but interior ones that lead to unheated areas like garages, attics or basements matter too. Damaged or missing weatherstripping lets cold air sneak in and warm air leak out, raising heating bills and lowering comfort.

Reverse ceiling fans

Flipping the switch on your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise pushes warm air down from the ceiling. It’s a small change that can make rooms feel warmer and reduce your heating load.

Clean the dryer vent

Lint buildup in dryer vents isn’t just a fire hazard — it also reduces efficiency. During winter, when dryer use increases and airflow matters more, a clogged vent can push cold air back into your home or overwork your machine.

Seal foundation gaps

Mice and bugs don’t hibernate — they find warm homes. Small gaps in your foundation or siding, especially near pipes or vents, are easy access points. Sealing these not only keeps critters out but also improves insulation.

Inspect the attic

A quick attic check can prevent major headaches. Look for signs of moisture, poor insulation or drafts. Even small leaks can turn into ice dams when snow builds up, leading to roof damage or mold.

Drain outdoor faucets and hoses— completely

It’s not enough to just shut off the water. Hoses should be disconnected, and faucet lines should be drained and insulated. Any trapped water can freeze and cause pipes to crack or burst, creating costly repairs come spring.

Test the sump pump

If you have a sump pump, give it a test run. Snowmelt and winter rain can flood basements, and a nonworking pump can leave you ankle-deep in water.

Photo Contest ENTRIES 2025

Don’t Dig Yourself a Hole:

Landscaping Projects You Shouldn’t DIY

DIY landscaping can be fun, a good workout and cost-effective — until it’s not.

Some outdoor projects are better left to the pros due to complexity, safety risks or long-term costs if done wrong. Before you grab a shovel or rent heavy machinery, consider these landscaping jobs you shouldn’t tackle on your own.

Retaining walls

They may look simple but retaining walls require serious engineering. Poorly built walls can collapse under pressure, causing drainage problems or even property damage. Heights over 3 feet often require permits, expert grading and reinforcement. Hire a professional who understands load bearing and drainage systems.

Tree removal

Even small trees can surprise you with how dangerous they are to cut down. Roots can damage underground lines

and falling limbs can harm people, vehicles or structures. Arborists are trained to handle trees safely and know when removal requires permits or specialized equipment.

Irrigation systems

Installing an irrigation system isn’t just digging trenches and laying pipes. One wrong move and you can flood your yard — or waste many gallons of water. A pro will know how to measure zones, set timers and ensure your system meets local water regulations.

Large-scale grading or leveling

Need to level your yard or improve drainage? That’s heavy equipment territory. Grading affects water runoff, foundation health and erosion control. Get it wrong and you could end up with standing water — or worse, water in your basement.

Outdoor electrical work

Want to light up your landscape with

buried wiring or add outlets outside? Unless you’re a licensed electrician, skip it. Improper installation can cause shorts, shocks or even fires. Plus, outdoor electrical work often requires inspections and permits.

Major hardscaping (pavers, patios, stone paths) Laying a few pavers is one thing. Building a large patio or stone path with proper drainage and stability? That’s another. Professionals will compact the base, ensure proper slope and cut materials precisely to prevent shifting and sinking.

Ponds and other water features

Like irrigation systems, building in-ground water features requires familiarity with plumbing. It also involves digging channels and lakebeds the water can flow through without disturbing the integrity of the landscape and installing a pump and filter to keep things clean.

Simple Tricks Make Undersized Rooms Appear Larger

Most homes have at least one: a room that just feels too small, regardless of what the actual dimensions are.

It may be pint-sized compared to the rest of your quarters or crammed with stuff related to the function it carries (bedroom, office, home gym, art studio, etc.). Whatever the reason, you’re looking for a way to slide out the walls to create some extra space, but cost or other circumstances make that impossible.

What you’re left with is the power of optical illusions, and there are several you can turn to that will open up your room and your mind.

Dig in and declutter

First of all, make sure you haven’t overloaded the room with objects

BY BLAKE HERZOG

and equipment not necessary for the room’s primary purpose. Go through the space from top to bottom for a thorough cleaning, which will, itself, make a difference in how it looks and feels.

While you’re at it, work your way through its contents and eliminate everything that doesn’t really “belong,” putting it either in the donation pile, the trash/recycle can or the room where it belongs if there is one.

Use mirrors judiciously Mirrors are among the most effective instruments for enlarging a room, as long as they’re large enough and placed effectively.

The best spot for them is opposite a light source, whether it’s a window

or a lamp; hang them at eye level or higher to bring everyone’s eyes higher for an illusion of height. If the corners are particularly dark you may want to place a mirror in one of them instead — a tall mirror leaning against the wall will do wonders for a crowded space.

Build a higher profile

Create more floor space by moving as much as possible from it. Instead of floor lamps, use wall-mounted sconces or ceiling-mounted lights including suspended pendant fixtures. Move away from oversized furniture like overstuffed sofas and heavy bookcases and toward more minimalist seating and wall-mounted open shelving.

Hanging your TV or computer monitor on the wall also can open up more breathing room.

Arizona's Christmas City Unveils 2025 Holiday Festivities

SUBMITTED BY HELKEN & HORN ADVERTISING AGENCY

Arizona’s Christmas City organizers for Prescott’s annual holiday attractions in downtown Prescott are planning a funfilled season with several free events happening in Everybody’s Hometown Kick off the festivities with the 28th annual Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. on Cortez Street. Led by Santa, the parade features over 40 floats and music from local school bands.

The fun continues at Mile High Middle School’s field from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with music, Santa visits and reindeer games for the kids. Enjoy live performances from Prescott High School and Bradshaw High School marching bands. Entrance is through the gate on Goodwin Street, across from Old Firehouse Plaza.

Next up, the 43rd annual Christmas Parade and the 71st annual Courthouse

Lighting Dec. 6. from 1 to 3 p.m. The Christmas Parade will fill downtown Prescott with floats, marching bands and music, culminating in Santa’s arrival. After the parade, kids can visit Santa on the Courthouse Plaza until 5 p.m. The Courthouse Lighting event starts with live Christmas music at 5 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Courthouse and over 80 surrounding trees at 6 p.m.

A free shuttle service with parking will be available from the Prescott High School parking lot to Granite Street.

The 37th annual Acker Night takes place Dec. 12 in downtown Prescott. The Opening Ceremony begins at 5 p.m. on Gurley Street. On Acker Night, people stroll through downtown Prescott, taking in the holiday lights and listening to live music from more than 500 performers. Over 100 Prescott

businesses open their doors to these volunteer musicians with the shared goal of keeping music alive for local schoolkids.

While admission is free, all tips to artists provide music lessons and instruments to local youth and support school music programs. A free shuttle service is provided from Frontier Village Shopping Center off AZ-69 and Yavapai College on Sheldon Street.

Ring in the New Year at the 15th annual New Year’s Eve Boot Drop on historic Whiskey Row. The celebrations on Montezuma Street start at 7 p.m. Dec. 31, and continue until 12:30 a.m. Experience the excitement of two boot drops at 10 p.m. and midnight as a 6-foot tall, illuminated cowboy boot descends from the Palace Building. Enjoy live music, fireworks, food trucks, carnival games and giveaways.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHI BIT G ives Phippen Museum a Different Angle

BY BLAKE HERZOG

For more than four decades, the Phippen Museum has celebrated the artistry of the American West — but this fall, it’s photography that takes center stage. Click: Light up the West opens Oct. 11, showcasing nearly 100 striking images from 17 photographers, most of them local, whose work ranges from rugged cowboy life and sweeping desert vistas to abstract landscapes and star-filled night skies. Turn the page to learn more about the upcoming exhbit.

All photos shown are part of this year’s exhibit at the Phippen Museum.

For more than 40 years the Phippen Museum has been Prescott’s showcase for fine art inspired by the American West’s past and present. Paintings, sculptures, sketches, ceramics and other art forms make up its permanent collection of more than 800 pieces.

But it includes just two photographs, both taken by Barry Goldwater, and a print of a photograph taken by Will Rogers.

This gap is addressed every couple of years by an invitational photography exhibit featuring artists from across the West. This year’s edition is Click: Light up the West and runs from Oct. 11 through Jan. 11, 2026.

This year, 16 out of the 17 featured artists are based in Greater Prescott, and all were invited based on their participation in previous Phippen Click shows or the overall quality of their work, says museum assistant director and curator Jeannette Holverson. The predominance of local photographers this time doesn’t mean local scenes dominate the content, and the styles vary tremendously.

“Kathy McCrain is known for her ranching photography and there’s a lot of action in that — branding, roping, overall cowboying,” Holverson says. “Some artists are like that, there are others that take a different approach, like local photographer Chris Marchetti, even if he’s doing a

landscape, the way he shoots it, it can look very abstract and that’s his intention.”

Visitors will see nocturnes of the Milky Way, forest and desert landscapes including the Grand Tetons, Monument Valley and Superstition Mountains, bison and other wildlife, livestock and other arresting scenes.

The material the photographer chooses to print the image onto can have as much of an impact on the piece as the content, and the creators of Click exhibits have chosen a wide range of formats, Holverson adds: “Artists can submit wrapped canvas prints, some artists choose to print on aluminum and that gives them a very contemporary look.

“Sometimes they’re framed or they’re unframed, and we have one piece that’s printed on maple wood. Some are on archival paper. We did get some photos printed on acrylic and glass in the past.”

You can buy any of the images, though they must stay at the museum for the duration of the exhibit.

About 100 images are on display in the Kemper and Ethel Marley Gallery, the museum’s largest, and are accompanied

by a “mini-exhibit,” which Holverson says has been done with all of the Click shows. Last time in 2022, the artists’ works were supplemented by images from the Hubbell Telescope. This time visitors can watch the evolution of the technology behind photography by seeing cameras and other equipment from throughout the ages.

“We’ll have those on exhibit, just to have the overall feel be a little bit more dynamic, since this is a show that has no sculptures,” Holverson says. “This is a way to have a little bit more to it. We always like to have an educational component anyway.”

There will be another learning opportunity Nov. 1 as Joe Webster, one of the local photographers featured in the gallery, gives a lecture about The Photograph as Art at 1 p.m.

From its perch within the Granite Dells, the Phippen is an ideal spot to ponder the almost fierce beauty of Western landscapes and the life that survives in it. The museum hosts several shows and exhibits every year, including the Western Show and Sale, the Hold Your Horses! Invitational Exhibit and Sale and the Miniature Masterpiece Show and Sale. It also houses the Arizona Rancher and Cowboy Hall of Fame.

While it’s debated in some circles whether photography qualifies as fine art, Holverson says the work these artists do is an answer in the affirmative.

“These photographers are creative, and this medium is the format that they’ve chosen to share their vision with the world,” she said.

The Phippen Museum is at 4701 N. AZ-89 in Prescott. For more information call 928.778.1385 or visit www.phippenartmuseum.org

Join us this

Autumn

at Prescott’s favorite museum!

History lives on this fall at Sharlot Hall Museum. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious tourist, or a family in search of adventure, our fall events are the perfect way to explore Arizona’s rich past.

Saturday Nov. 8th 10am–3pm

Living History: Ranch House, “Giving Thanks”

Saturday Nov. 15th | 2pm Lecture Series: The Wild, Wild Western: How Prescott Launched Arizona’s Famous

ONE MORE ROUND

BY TOD CHRISTENSEN

He remembered one last punch right at the sound of the bell

His vision was blurry with his ears ringing as well

He staggered back to his corner on unsteady feet

Worried faces helping him back to the stool so he could take a seat

The fight doctor was doing his best to patch him up

The referee came to have a look to see if he should end the fight abrupt

I’m fine the fighter would shout

At least he thought he did, but honestly he didn’t know if any sound came out

He had 60 seconds to decide what to do

But in his heart he had already decided and already knew

His whole life it seemed like he had to fight,

A constant struggle between doing what was wrong or what was right

Somewhere along the line someone came into his life

And actually cared for him and tried to help him through his strife

Taught him how to be not just another guy but a man

And no matter how hard, to choose the right path every chance he had

Time was almost up and the decision had to be made

And with every decision there is always a price to be paid

So he searched deep inside and what he looked for he found

And with clear eyes stood up and said, one more round

An Arizona Western Heritage & Culture Destination

Explore

Photo Contest ENTRIES 2025

Friday, October 10, 2025 5:30

The Photograph as Art with Joe Webster

November 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Explore

Birds in Paradise: Watch Prescott Skies, Lakes for Uplift

Migratory birds don’t have a lot of good places to stop in Arizona when they’re heading south in the fall.

Whether they intend to ride out the winter or continue to points farther south, our feathered friends need landing spots with food and water to sustain their energy. So, most of our state looks pretty unappealing from a bird’s eye view.

This is why Greater Prescott, with its cluster of lakes in the high desert and inviting canopies of trees, is a magnet for birds — and birdwatchers.

The Prescott area has enough avian aficionados to support an active Audubon chapter and The Lookout, a Hallmark store that also sells locally customized birdseed blends, field guides and optical equipment like binoculars to bring the wild winged beauties up close and personal. Both are excellent resources

for anyone who wants to learn more about the area’s always dynamic bird population and how to watch it from a safe distance.

Hatching your hobby

Lookout owner Eric Moore says it’s best for fledgling birders to begin their exploration of birds by flocking with more experienced birdwatchers, rather than venturing out alone.

“If you’ve never really done a lot of birdwatching and were to go to someplace like Willow Lake or Watson Lake by yourself, you’d see a lot of birds but wouldn’t necessarily know what they are, especially in wintertime when their plumage is sometimes different from summer,” he says.

His store offers weekly guided bird walks, which fill up quickly as they’re capped at 12 participants.

Laura Rhoden, a member and former board member of Prescott Audubon Society, agrees. The group offers free walks through Watson Woods the first Saturday of most months, which can draw up to 30 people.

“You don’t have to sign up, you can just show up at will, and it’s a way for people to dip their toes in, and we lend out binoculars,” she says. “It’s not like, ‘Oh, if you don’t know a towhee (bird) from this or that, then forget it.’ We try to be very welcoming and say the only difference between an experienced birder and an inexperienced birder is the experienced one makes more mistakes.”

Web-footed world

Typical fall/winter populations in Greater Prescott include dozens of waterfowl species mostly wintering from Canada or the far northern U.S., Moore says. “We’ll have many, many varieties of ducks — pintails, gadwalls, shovelers, buffleheads. We’ll have things like mergansers, maybe some grebes, there’s going to be ruddy ducks and of course mallards, ringneck ducks.

“There’s going to be so many different varieties of wintering waterfowl,” he says, also including geese, herons and coots. Many more types of birds also touched down here during August and September, ranging from sparrows to harriers, peregrine falcons and bald eagles.

There’s also the excitement of the unexpected if someone gets blown off-course. The eBird app is used by birders at all levels to record their findings, which can set off a small stampede, depending on who sees it, Rhoden says: “There are some people who, when they see a rare bird alert, they’re in their car, ready to go look at it. And there’s other people who say ‘Yeah, it would be nice to see that if it’s there in the next day or two,’ which it never is.”

Getting carried away

About 200 bird species are regularly seen in Prescott over the course of a year, Moore says, with about 100 of them present at any point. Major transitions come around March/April and August/ September. In spring, Prescott and the Central Highlands become the “north” for birds coming from the tropics to feed on nectar and flowers rather than seeds — hummingbirds, warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles and grosbeaks.

It’s easy to get involved in birding as a year-round activity, particularly with Audubon, which has a monthly speaker series, frequent field trips, chances to help with bird surveys and even relocating burrowing owls pushed out of the Phoenix area’s desert by construction.

To learn much more about birdwatching, visit Prescott Audubon Society at www.prescottaudubon.org and The Lookout at www.thelookoutaz.com. See the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics at: www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics

HOLIDAY FUN STARTS OCT. 25

The holidays are right around the corner, and Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation has so much in store. Whether you are looking to embrace the spooky season on the trail or get into the holiday spirit with a grand Christmas Tree Lighting, we are excited to experience the changing seasons with you!

Are you brave enough to explore the trails of Fain Park at night? Join us for a night hike with spooky surprises and ghostly encounters Oct. 25 with Haunted Hikes. These guided tours will walk you through the trails as they’ve never been seen before. Be careful, you never know what may be hiding around every corner. Please visit our registration page for information about different age groups and time slots.

Don’t pass up our Winter Spectacular at the Prescott Valley Civic Center (7501 E. Skoog Blvd.) on Dec. 6 from 2 to 7 p.m. for an evening of free fun with the Town of Prescott Valley. Grab a bite from one of the local food vendors, do some holiday shopping at the holiday market, snap a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting followed by a fabulous light parade. With so much in store, you won’t want to miss out!

Submit your Winter Magic art to the Winter Art Display. This all-media showcase will highlight different aspects of winter as it’s never been seen before. Whether it’s a watercolor landscape of a bleak and snowy

mountain or a photograph of some of the furry friends we see in the colder months, we encourage you to submit your pieces. Submissions will be accepted from Oct. 9 through Dec. 30, with the showcase on display at the Prescott Valley Public Library Jan. 11 to Feb. 23.

Want to learn more about Prescott Valley Parks & Recreation? Stop by our open house at 7351 E. Skoog Blvd. Take a tour of the facility, meet the staff and learn about available programs, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events Oct. 25 between 1 and 4 p.m. For more information about upcoming programs and events, visit prescottvalley-az.gov or contact us at 928.759.3090

Acker Night: A Time-Honored Tradition

BY LACEY MEDINA, ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST, CITY OF PRESCOTT RECREATION SERVICES

As a chill arrives in the air and we set our sights on upcoming holidays spent with friends and family, it’s comforting to reflect on time-honored traditions.

For most residents of Prescott, one time-honored tradition is Acker Night, a fun and family-friendly event that brings together participating downtown businesses, local musicians and the community for a wonderful night of live music.

Celebrating its 37th year, Acker Night allows the community to witness local talent and provide donations for scholarships, benefiting the youth of Prescott and their continued education. In 2022, 60 Acker scholarships were awarded totaling more than $24,000, a

testament to how supportive members of our beautiful city are!

This year, Acker Night Musical Showcase will be held Dec. 12, 2025. Opening Ceremony begins at 5 p.m., with performances from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.

Rich in local history, Acker Night is in honor of Mr. James S. Acker who landed in Prescott in the early 1900s and was a proprietor of a general store where he provided products along with school and music supplies for children. In the 1930s, Mr. Acker worked in real estate, during which he was able to accumulate several parcels of land he left to the city to be used for parks and music programs for the children in the community.

As part of the City of Prescott’s Recreation Services Department, I find the efforts of Mr. Acker inspiring and encouraging as an advocate for the preservation and protection of the city’s parklands and open spaces.

While residents and visitors alike bundle up to brave the often-chilly weather on Acker Night, the dedication and hard work of city employees can be seen as the downtown area is closed to provide safety and accessibility for all.

We hope you join us this year as part of one of Prescott’s most beloved traditions during the holiday season! You’re sure to experience small town charm while walking the downtown streets, sipping hot chocolate and visiting local businesses to hear the incredible sounds of Prescott’s local talent.

Get your Ideal Glow- U p, No Matter your Age

Makeup isn’t just about trends or techniques, it’s about adapting to who you are, right now.

As your skin, lifestyle and priorities evolve, so should your beauty routine. Whether you’re in your 20s discovering your style, in your 40s fine-tuning your glow, or beyond redefining what beauty means to you, makeup can be your ally and not your armor.

Read on to learn how to make the most of every decade with smart, age-savvy beauty advice.

Play, learn, protect

Your 20s are all about experimentation. You’re figuring out what works, building habits and probably trying every TikTok trend. It’s also the decade to build a strong foundation.

Tips:

• Invest in skin care first. No makeup product beats healthy, hydrated skin. A good cleanser, moisturizer and daily SPF should be your holy trinity.

20s: 30s: 40s:

• Go light on the base. Tinted moisturizers or lightweight skin tints even out skin tone without masking your natural glow.

• Experiment but know when to dial it back. Bold eyeliner, bright shadows or graphic looks? Go for it. Just balance the drama. If you’re doing a statement eye, keep lips neutral and vice versa.

• Clean brushes and remove makeup. Boring advice, but crucial for keeping skin clear and makeup smooth.

Refine, define, prevent Lift, brighten, simplify

In your 30s, your skin might start showing early signs of aging — fine lines, dullness, maybe a few hormonal shifts. Shift from “more is more” to “less, but better.” You know what suits you now. It’s about enhancing, not covering.

Tips:

• Hydration is everything. Primer with skin care benefits can help smooth and prep the skin. Look for products with hyaluronic acid or vitamin C.

• Update your foundation. Switch to formulas with a radiant or satin finish to avoid settling into fine lines. Skip matte, full-coverage formulas unless you truly need them.

• Use cream-based products. Cream blush, contour and highlighter blend better and give a natural, youthful finish.

• Define your features. Brow shaping becomes more important, as brows might start thinning. Fill them subtly for structure without harshness.

• Add eye cream.

Your 40s are about enhancing what’s already beautiful and choosing products that work with your skin, not against it. Hormonal shifts may affect skin texture and tone, but with the right approach, your glow can be better than ever.

Tips:

• Light layers work best. Thinner, buildable layers of foundation and concealer look more natural and avoid caking into lines.

• Brighten the eyes. Use a light-reflecting concealer in the inner corners of your eyes and under the brow bone to lift and refresh.

• Skip shimmer, go for glow. Swap sparkly highlighters for subtle, pearlescent finishes. Think lit-from-within, not disco ball.

• Focus on lashes. Curl them and use lengthening mascara to open up the eyes, especially if you’re skipping heavy eye shadow.

• Lip liner defines fading lip borders and prevents feathering. Pair with hydrating, creamy lipstick for a polished look.

50s and up: Glow, soften, embrace

Mature skin needs moisture, movement and makeup that complements its natural rhythm. Focus on radiance, comfort and celebrating your features — not hiding them.

Tips:

• Ditch powders (mostly). Powder tends to settle into lines and can age the skin. Stick with cream and liquid products for softness and blendability.

• Even your skin tone. Use a luminous foundation or BB cream for light coverage. Spot-conceal only where needed.

• Warm up your tones. Soft peach or rose blush adds warmth to the face. Avoid overly cool or stark shades, which can look harsh.

• Don’t skip the brows. Fuller, softly shaped brows lift the face and frame the eyes beautifully.

• Lip color matters. Go for rich, creamy colors that add life. Gloss or satin finishes add plumpness, even without filler.

Love Local

Your Guide to Beauty & Wellness Services

A Borgata Salon

3755 Karicio Ln., Ste. A

Prescott 928.443.9119 www.aborgatasalon.com

A Dream by Day

721 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott 928.710.4753

www.adreambyday.com

Aria Aesthetics & Permanent Makeup

1955 Commerce Center Cir., Ste. A

Prescott 928.298.5974

www.aria-aesthetics-pmu.com

Aphrodite Aesthetics & Wellness

3619 Crossings Dr., Ste. A

Prescott 928.362.7773

www.aphroditeaestheticsaz.com

A Valley of Vitality

2047 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott

928.442.6026 www.avalleyofvitality.com

Bella Luna Beauty Salon & Supply

3147 N. Robert Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.775.6706 www.bellalunahair.com

Cashmere Day Spa & Wellness

8600 E. Valley Road, Ste. D

Prescott Valley 928.499.8271 www.cashmereinclusive.com

Dermatology & Skin Care by Shelly 1598 Susan A Williams Way, Ste. E

Chino Valley 928.499.2915

www.dermatologybyshelly.com

Desert Rose Retreat

Salon + Medspa

701 Ruth St.

Prescott

928.778.9798

www.desertroseretreat.com

Enhanced Beauty by Reagan 1320 Iron Springs Rd., Ste. B

Prescott

928.713.5271

www.enhancedbeautybyreagan.as.me

Era Salon & Spa

515 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott

928.778.0860

www.erasalonandspa.com

Exclusively Glamorous

3128 N. Tani Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.910.1747

www.exclusivelyglamorous.com

Hair by Joey

1559 & 1569 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.396.1695 www.hairbyjoey.com

Jess D Aesthetics

1320 Iron Springs Rd., Ste. B

Prescott 928.713.6150 www.jessdaesthetics.com

La Lumière

214 N. McCormick St.

Prescott 928.899.7021 www.lalumierelaser.com

Local Body Bar 1519 W. Gurley St., Ste. D

Prescott

928.224.9014

www.localbodybar.com

LUXE | ABOOST 1320 Iron Springs Rd.

Prescott

928.910.4111 www.aboostwellness.com

Prescott Medical Aesthetics & Wellness

172 E. Merritt St., Ste. E

Prescott

928.277.7414 www.prescottbotox.com

Prescott Skin Care

1000 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. G Prescott 928.275.1121 www.prescottskin.com

R & R Aesthetics

100 N. Summit Ave., Ste. D Prescott 928.460.3866 ritualrest.glossgenius.com

Rogers Academy of Beauty 2375 E. AZ-69 Prescott 928.848.9929 www.rogersacademyofbeauty.com

Salon Tru Blu & Day Spa 1436 W. Gurley St. Prescott 928.445.4126 www.salontrublu.com

Salud Spa

309 E. Gurley St. Prescott

480.384.0380 www.salud-spa.com

Skin Lounge by J 8148 E. AZ-69

Prescott Valley 928.515.3006

www.facebook.com/skinloungebyj continued on page 148

TUESDAY-FRIDAY:

continued from page 146

Skin Perfection Med Spa

3190 Clearwater Dr. Prescott

928.541.0003 www.skinperfectionaz.com

SkinPlus MedSpa 1747 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott 928.582.0716 www.skinplusmedspa.com

Sola Salons

1046 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. 105 Prescott

402.680.1206 www.solasalonstudios.com/ locations/willow-creek-road

Strada Salon 931 12th Pl. Prescott

928.778.2028 www.stradasalonaz.com

Studio ROX

720 N. Montezuma St., Ste. A

Prescott

928.351.1555 www.studio-rox.com

The Hormone Zone Med Spa 720 N. Montezuma St., Ste. C

Prescott

928.628.7138 www.hormonezonemedspa.com

The Rancher’s Wife Salon

2235 S. AZ-89 Chino Valley

928.636.4637 www.facebook.com/ TheRanchersWifeSalon

The Reset Aesthetics and Wellness 1470 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.277.8860 www.theresetaesthetics.com

Whiskey and Willow Salon and Boutique 1511 W. Gurley St. Prescott

928.642.3236 www.whiskeyandwillowaz.com

Wilson Aesthetics Beauty & Wellness

8196 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley

928.350.5484 www.wilsonaestheticsaz.com

Custom Alterations can make a ‘Meh’ Outfit Magnificent

In a world where fast fashion dominates and off-the-rack clothing is the norm, tailoring might seem like something reserved for weddings, red carpets or bespoke suits. But here’s the truth: proper tailoring is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your everyday style, no matter what your budget.

Fit is everything

You can wear a $50 jacket or a $500 one, but if the fit is off, both will look cheap. On the flip side, a well-fitted $50 jacket can rival designer pieces in appearance. That’s the magic of tailoring. Clothes that follow the lines of your body naturally look more expensive and intentional.

Most mass-produced clothing is made to fit a general body type, not your body type. That’s why sleeves may run too long, pants bunch at the ankle or shirts billow at the waist. A tailor fixes these small but significant flaws. Suddenly, that average blazer hugs your shoulders perfectly and the hem hits just right. It’s like turning the volume up on your style — subtle, but powerful.

Budget-friendly doesn’t mean style-free The biggest myth about personal style

is that it requires a big wallet. What is requires is a good eye — and often, a good tailor.

Take thrift shopping, for example. It’s easy to find quality fabrics at low prices, but the fits are rarely modern or flattering out of the gate. That oversized wool coat? A tailor can bring in the sides, raise the hem and turn it into a sleek winter staple. Found a pair of vintage trousers that are just a bit too long? A quick hem is all it takes.

Tailoring helps you mold affordable clothes to your style rather than compromising with the way they were originally made.

Small tweaks make a big difference

Tailoring doesn’t always mean dramatic overhauls. It’s often the subtle tweaks that create the biggest payoff.

Shortening a sleeve, nipping in the waist or tapering a pant leg can dramatically improve your silhouette. These changes don’t cost much either — many run under $20 — and they can make your entire outfit feel and look custom.

It’s also worth noting that tailoring isn’t just for suits and dresses. Denim can be tailored. T-shirts can be brought in. Even hoodies can be adjusted to better complement your frame.

Why it still matters

In an era of mass production, tailoring is a form of self-expression. It’s a rebellion against the idea that one size fits all. Tailored clothing says you care about how you present yourself. It tells the world that you don’t settle. Instead, you refine.

It also plays into sustainability. Instead of discarding pieces that don’t quite fit, tailoring lets you extend the life of your clothes and reduces waste, all while helping you look sharper.

Final stitch

Tailoring isn’t outdated — it’s underrated. It’s one of the few style upgrades that doesn’t rely on trends, labels or luxury. It’s about precision, personal style and investing in how your clothes serve you. Whether you’re reviving old favorites or perfecting new finds, a tailor can make the difference between “that works” and “that’s flawless.”

Love Local

Your Guide to Style & Services

Adorn Interiors

134 N. Cortez St.

Prescott

928.445.3505 www.adorninteriordesigns.com

Afterglow Jewelers

7025 E. Florentine Rd., Ste. 106

Prescott Valley 928.515.3552 www.afterglowjewelers.com

Amish Home Decor

2710 N. Glassford Hill Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.277.8267 www.amishfurniturepv.com

Artful Eye Jewelry Design Center

124 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.445.5570 www.artfuleyejewelers.com

Bashford Courts

130. W. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.642.7984 www.bashfordcourts.com

Bella Home Furnishings

115 W. Willis St.

Prescott 928.458.7275 www.bellahomefurnishings.com

Black Arrow Jewelry & Art 124 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.776.4092 www.blackarrowgallery.com

Blush & Cactus Boutique

121 N. Cortez St.

Prescott 928.277.1174 www.blushandcactus.com

Carrie Weldon Gallery & Boutique 219 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.910.6402 www.carrieweldon.com

Classy N Sassy

220 W. Goodwin St., No. 3

Prescott

928.776.7467 www.facebook.com/ NewClassyNSassyBoutique

Creations in Thread 1046 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. 101

Prescott 928.800.2270 www.creationsinthread.com

Drawn West 134 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.778.5725 www.drawnwestaz.com

Drifter's 130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 101

Prescott 928.458.7131

Fancy That! 124 N. Granite St., No. A

Prescott 928.445.1883 www.fancythatprescott.com

Fite Girls Boutique

210 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott 928.445.3524 www.facebook.com/fitelikeagirl

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continued from page 152

French Hen Boutique

212 W. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.445.3424

Frontier Village Center 1841 E. AZ-69

Prescott 928.777.0532 www.frontier-village.com

Goldmine Jewelers

106 S. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.442.9167

Gypsy Vibes Boutique

103 N. Cortez St.

Prescott 928.583.9554 www.gypsyvibesboutique.com

Joe's Furniture

3787 Karicio Ln. Prescott 928.778.7593 www.joesfurnitureaz.com

Lamerson's Jewelery

105 N. Cortez St. Prescott 928.771.0921 www.lamersonjewelry.com

Lost in Socks

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 303

Prescott 928.445.1833 www.facebook.com/LostInSocks

Old Firehouse Plaza 220 W. Goodwin St. Prescott 928.925.6111 www.oldfirehouseplaza.com

Palomino Lifestyle Co.

107 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.350.6268 www.palominolifestyleco.com

Personal Touch Jeweler

377 N. Montezuma St., Ste. A-106 Prescott 928.777.9090

Prescott Consignment Galleries

415 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.443.8665

Pine Ridge Marketplace 3250 Gateway Blvd.

Prescott 928.442.3605 www.pineridgemarketplace.com

Purple Clover Boutique

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 205

Prescott

928.499.5195 www.purplecloverprescott.shop

Queen Esther's Closet

7025 E. Florentine Rd., Ste. 104 Prescott Valley 928.899.5516 www.queenesthersclosetaz.com

Raskin's Jewelers 110 W. Gurley St. Prescott 928.445.6120 www.raskinsjewelers.com

Scarlett's Curated Collection

107 N. Cortez St., Ste. 100 Prescott

928.227.2581

www.scarlettsinprescott.com

SMARTgirls Resale Fashion

7025 E. Florentine Rd., Ste. 107 Prescott Valley 928.772.1227 www.smartgirlsfashion.com

The Clothes Hound 122 S. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.771.0811 www.clotheshoundclothingco.com

The Hike Shack

104 N. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.443.8565 www.thehikeshack.com

Three Sisters Consignment 4077 N. AZ-89 Prescott 928.777.0107 www.threesistersconsignment.com

Wardrobe

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

Whatever Was 124 S. Granite St. Prescott 928.778.4186

www.facebook.com/pastafajole

Photo Contest ENTRIES 2025

Evening Reflections

FOR THE LATEST IN LIFESTYLE, WELLNESS & DESIGN TRENDS, ENJOY THE CURRENT ISSUE WITH AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

Take these Measures to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

BY BLAKE HERZOG

Assessing your personal risk of breast cancer is a complex task for you and your health care provider, involving many factors including some genetic and physical traits you have little to no control over. Other factors are dependent on circumstances like having children and breastfeeding that sometimes can’t or shouldn’t be reversed.

But these exist alongside risk factors you can control, and acting on them reduces your overall risk of developing breast cancer over the course of your lifetime. Anyone can benefit from taking these lifestyle actions that reduce, and in many cases, prevent breast cancer from invading or ending their lives.

Most of these protective measures are related to lifestyle. Breastcancer.org has the following suggestions for reducing your odds of being diagnosed with this disease:

Limit alcohol use

Multiple studies have found your chances of developing breast cancer grow with the amount of alcohol you consume, regardless of whether it’s wine, beer or liquor. Women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of diagnosis versus women who don’t drink at all, and it increases an estimated 10% per additional drink they have per day. Those looking for ways to reduce their risk should consider not drinking any alcohol or limiting it to no more than two drinks per week.

Maintain a healthy weight

Women who are overweight or obese, which is generally defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher, have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, especially after menopause. Being overweight also increases the chances of breast cancer recurring in patients. You should eat a sustainable, healthy diet that emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, limited amounts of lean meat and poultry and mostly avoids added sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol.

Exercising for weight loss and overall health is also important, but has less of a direct impact compared to diet.

Stay active

Studies have found women who regularly get four to seven hours of moderate or higher intensity exercise per week are less likely to get breast cancer, and those who are already diagnosed are encouraged to exercise about four to five hours per week for better physical fitness and improving their prognosis. Those who want to increase their physical activity should start slowly, consult with their medical provider and work on discovering which forms of exercise they enjoy and are most likely to do on a regular basis.

Avoid using additional hormones

Women treated for menopause-related symptoms with combination hormone replacement therapy using estrogen and progesterone face a 75% higher risk of breast cancer during and for three years after treatment. Women taking estrogen-only HRT also face a higher breast cancer risk after 10 or more years, but are also more likely to get ovarian cancer. Menopausal women should consider nonhormonal therapies whenever possible or ask their provider about using the lowest-dose hormone for the shortest period possible.

How to Ease Low B ack Pain

The lower part of your back is responsible for supporting all of your upper body, so it’s no wonder most people report feeling some pain and strain there at some point. Experts estimate up to 80% of the population will experience it at some point in their lives, according to the American Chiropractic Association.

The pain typically starts either with one significant back injury or builds up over years of wear on the spine and its supporting muscles and ligaments. Once it begins it can be aggravated by poor posture, excess weight, smoking, repetitive motions and lack of support when you lift heavy objects.

Making these changes can decrease the pain you’re feeling, regardless of how it began:

Maintain good posture while you sit or stand, keeping your spine in alignment. The best posture holds your head in alignment with your spine and doesn’t allow rounding of the back to interfere with the natural curvature of your spine.

When you must lift heavier objects, bend at the knees instead of the waist. Avoid twisting your back, using your hips whenever you must turn to the side.

Avoid long periods of sitting down, which put stress on your spine, discs and muscles.

Continue to exercise as often as you can, but stay within your comfort zone and don’t attempt any vigorous activities that could aggravate your back pain.

Stretch your back muscles gently if you can without aggravating your pain. Some stretches to try include lying on your back and pulling your knees up to your chest or lying on your stomach, arms stretched outward, and lifting your chest and/ or legs off the floor (the “Superman”).

Consider using over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, but ask your health care provider first about any concerns you have about them.

If your lower back pain lasts longer than four to six weeks, you should consult your health care provider about other treatment. Call them sooner if the pain is unbearable or you have other symptoms such as extreme fatigue or signs of infection.

Acupuncture: Tiny Needles Take on Big Problems

To some, just the thought of needles sends them running in the opposite direction. But if you’re not one of those people, acupuncture may be just what the doctor ordered for chronic pain, headaches, insomnia and more.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that balances the body’s energy, known as qi. This energy travels through various energy pathways or meridians throughout the body.

When practiced by a licensed, experienced practitioner, acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for numerous health issues.

Practitioners insert tiny stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians to help

BY VALERIE DEMETROS

rebalance the flow of qi, ultimately working to restore overall health. Specific spots work to ease pain and discomfort to specific areas of the body.

Acupoints release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can prompt an immune response and may help limit the symptoms of health ailments.

When a needle is inserted, it penetrates the fascia, a richly innervated type of connective tissue that wraps around all of your muscles and organs. Your body senses a change and responds by sending blood, lymph fluid and other nutrients to help the stimulated area to heal.

One study found that more than half of people with frequent tension

headaches who received acupuncture reported a 50% reduction in the number of days they had headaches. Those who received painkillers and other routine care reported just 16% fewer headaches.

There is evidence of positive effects from acupuncture for chronic low back pain, knee pain from osteoarthritis, migraines, asthma, chemotherapyinduced nausea and seasonal allergies, just to name a few. Some people have even used acupuncture for weight loss. And the good news is that the benefits may last longer than a painkiller.

A study in 2017 found that the majority of 18,000 patients treated with acupuncture for chronic pain still had pain-reducing effects more than 12 months after the initial treatment.

by

Pregnancy & Delivery Care

Rick Ohanesian, MD

Jeffrey Osburn, MD

Danita Napier, NP

Brittany Peña, NP

Lynne Fiore, NP

Erin Bloomfield, NP

Kari Herrington, NP

We definitely serve lower socioeconomic classes the most, but we’re here for all kids and all families, and there’s always a place at the clubs for them.

PRESCOTT LIVING: And about how many kids are you serving right now?

Alex: During summer we had about 300 kids registered and saw about 240 a day on average. And then in afterschool it looks like it’s about 220 that are registered with average participation, hovering around 150, 180 across both clubs.

Since I started as the executive in 2022, and with the launch of our outdoor programs and our income-based scholarships, we have almost doubled the kids that we’ve served. I would say that we’ve actually doubled in Prescott and we’ve moved up about 50 to 60% in Prescott Valley.

Every $100 we need to operate, the parents and families are only expected to pay $15. The rest comes from Dancing for the Stars, private donations and any other events we may put on. Everything stays local. We have to be self-sustaining. We don’t receive funding from national, and in the last two years we haven’t received funding from the state of Arizona or the federal government.

Neither of our buildings are full. We’re at the capacity of the current staff hired, but if there’s an influx of registrations we’re going to try our best to just get more part-time employees in here and really fill these buildings up.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Are there any differences in programs and activities at the two sites?

Alex: Prescott Valley has more sports going on because we’re right next to Mountain Valley Park and we have the NBA-sized gym attached to that

club, whereas Prescott is right off Senator Highway so we can go to the lake a little bit more. Both offer all the same STEM programs, all the same media programs, all the same arts and performing arts programs, and both clubs have archery every Wednesday.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Is the enrollment at each about the same?

Alex: Prescott Valley is always about one and a half to two times the size of Prescott in terms of registrations and attendance. There’s more elementaryage and middle-school age kids, and more young families moving to and living in Prescott Valley than Prescott. But there’s plenty of kids in Prescott and there’s plenty of availability at the Prescott club, and we’re really only limited to the transportation of the local schools.

Prescott Valley club is much more prominent in terms of where it’s located. It’s on one of the main cross streets in Prescott Valley, whereas the Prescott club was originally the adult center. It’s tucked back in the

historic district. No one really knows where the club is. We’ve had major donors born and raised in Prescott and don’t know where the Boys & Girls Club is.

When we find the right time financially and economically we want to spearhead a capital campaign to find a new building or find a new space to build a club that’s closer to the families. We want to be closer to the north side of Prescott. We have so many employers on the north side of Prescott.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Do you get some kids from Chino Valley and DeweyHumboldt?

Alex: We have a very small pocket of kids that their parents live or they go to school and live in Chino, but their parents work in Prescott or Prescott Valley. And so on the way home from work, they’ll pick up their kids from the club and head back to Chino. We used to have a teen center in Chino Valley. If Chino calls upon us, then we would be there to try our best to figure some sort of program there.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How important is the Dancing for the Stars fundraiser to the overall budget? Is it a major percentage every year?

Alex: It is, and it’s more important than ever this year as it’s become our prime source of revenue. The burden on the parents’ and families’ wallets is very, very minimal. About 60% to 70% of our kids are on some form of scholarship, and we are the most affordable child care in town. Over the past two years, we have seen a major drop in government funding, and Boys and Girls Club of America does not support us in terms of keeping the doors open. It is our responsibility as a local club to find our revenue and to maintain our establishment.

And so Dancing for the Stars is the prime event that helps us. We’re so grateful to Prescott for really rallying behind that event, turning it into a community-generating event as well, and we’re really proud of that entertainment-based gala. But as our membership has grown our staff have grown. Dancing for the Stars used to be almost 70% of our budget, but now with the capacity and the growth it’s more like 40% to 50%.

But Dancing for the Stars is still the best way to support the clubs. There are so many opportunities, not just to buy tickets for the show or to sponsor your favorite dancer or whatever, the voting platform that we use in the show is the way that you can donate unrestricted to the clubs.

We are also trying to generate other opportunities. We are looking for ways that people can become Boys and Girls Club trustees, which are annual recurring donors on a monthly basis.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What are the other ways that people can contribute?

Alex: Well, folks can always make an individual gift. They can make an unrestricted gift. They can help us

lead a project or lead an initiative in a program specifically if they wanted to contribute behind that.

PRESCOTT LIVING: You mentioned the possibility of a new location in Prescott, someday. What are some other long-term goals?

Alex: As our summer programs have grown and as the desire for our outdoor programs has grown, during this school year we are trying to pilot monthly mountain biking rides, because traditionally our mountain biking just happens in the summer.

We are also growing the media program. We’re trying to give the kids the opportunity to, at the very least, build our own afterschool announcements, filmed and edited by club kids. We’re possibly going to open up a podcast so the kids can do what they really love to do, which is build a YouTube video and build a podcast.

We’re about to elevate our STEM programs, thanks to the United Way and Desert Financial. We’re going to be getting into robotics and will have some high-end robotics kits coming here. If we could grow our sports a little bit further, we’d love to either be a part of a community league or join the YMCA’s League of Flag Football and have a Boys and Girls Club team.

We would love to have a new Prescott Boys & Girls Club because the Prescott Valley Boys & Girls Club went through a multi-million-dollar remodel that was finished in 2023, and now that is just a state-of-the-art facility with a courtyard and multiple program-designated spaces, along with the gym.

If we were able to draft a newstyle club building, one of our pipe dreams as a board is to make it a Boys & Girls Club Adventure Center. If they have homework, they can go to the traditional club spaces for homework and recreation, but the back of the club is an adventure

center, almost a warehouse filled with adventure programs like an indoor climbing wall, a trailer with the mountain bikes or canoes ready to go and kids to check out immediately, and all sorts of bells and whistles around it to make it feel like you just dropped in from the school bus into a summer camp building.

PRESCOTT LIVING: And as far as just learning a little bit more about you, do you have time for any hobbies or anything like that, or travel with the family?

Alex: Well, I’m so passionate about camp and outdoor programs, that’s all I ever do. Every chance I get, I go rappelling by myself. I really love rock climbing and rappelling, take my daughter fishing or rock climbing at Gripstone. I’m a big outdoor person myself. It’s where the passion to give it to kids is. I love my work, and my work is my passion, my work is my hobby because it keeps me young, it keeps me energized, and it is the most fun thing to do.

Everything that I’m delivering to the kids is the stuff that I did when I was growing up, and it’s the stuff that I still do with my own family.

PRESCOTT LIVING: As far as your plans, do you see yourself staying at the Boys and Girls Club for a while?

Alex: Yes, I would say that once I’m in a position in my career I’m never really looking for the next step.

I was always just a program guy. I never thought that I would be the lead administrator, lead fundraiser or executive, and this opportunity came and I put my name in the hat and rose to the occasion, and I’ve really found a passion for it.

I do see myself living out my entire career in this local Boys and Girls Club because this is my hometown. I love paying it forward to the kids running around the same playgrounds I did.

Q & A

Christine Hardin

Founder & Principal Designer, Niche Design Co.

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

A: My family and extended family lived in the Phoenix area when I was quite young, and a large portion of them still call Arizona home. My mother remarried in 1981 and moved my sister and me to Chicago, where I remained through my high school years. Afterward, my mom relocated to Prescott to be closer to my grandparents; I followed in 1995. I married my best friend here, raised four children and now enjoy watching our 10 grandchildren grow up in this beautiful town.

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

A: My interest in design started early. I was the child constantly rearranging my bedroom and covering the walls with magazine cutouts as inspiration for what I hoped to create one day. In high school, I immersed myself in every art class I could and dreamed of studying at the Art Institute of Chicago. Creativity has always been part of my life, shaping every space I’ve lived in. In my 40s, while working for Yavapai County, I finally decided to pursue that lifelong passion by enrolling in an online interior design program. Around that time, my husband, who owns a construction company specializing in custom homes, invited me to design a few of his spec homes. That experience confirmed that I had found my calling. In November 2019, I took a leap of faith, left my county position and launched Niche Design Co. Today, I feel incredibly grateful to be working with several custom home builders and doing what I love every day.

Q: What is the biggest reward of your job?

A: The greatest reward comes at the end of a project, when I see the joy on my clients’ faces as they experience their newly completed home

for the first time. Each project should be a true reflection of those who live there, capturing their style, personality and the way they live. For me, the privilege lies in getting to know my clients on a personal level so I can design spaces that are not only beautiful, but also uniquely and authentically theirs.

Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?

A: From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Prescott is full of holiday festivities and transforms into something right out of a Hallmark movie. Acker Night has always been a favorite of mine. What’s better than sipping on hot chocolate or spiced cider on a chilly night; strolling through local shops and listening to incredibly talented local musicians? The Festival of Trees is another highlight, showcasing the community’s generosity and support for local charities.

Photo by Jenn Lueck

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