January 2022 by Flagstaff Business News

INSIDE THE JANUARY 2022 ISSUE: I-17 Widening Project Beginning Soon p. 3 Executive Coach Offers Steps to Reduce Drama in the New Year p. 4 Babbitt Ranches Joining Hall of Fame p. 6

Next Generation Tools Battling Pandemic Impact Scientists hopeful that evolution and technology will tame COVID-19

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

s the highly contagious omicron variant is outpacing the delta strain in Arizona, one of Arizo-

na’s leading infectious disease scientists says the endgame for human coronaviruses in the past has been to become more contagious but make us less sick. Thus, the evolutionary character of COVID-19, together with “next generation” tools, have scientists optimistic that we are better able to treat the disease and guard against severe illness than ever before. “One of the great next generation

technologies is this sequencing capability for genetic material,” said Dr. Dave Engelthaler, director of the Translational Genomics Research Institute’s disease branch. “We look at the RNA and DNA of infectious diseases. By studying the genomics of this virus from the very beginning, we’ve been watching it evolve and seeing new mutations that might lead to new variants. Essentially, they would mutate to a way

that they could transmit faster, maybe not cause more serious disease, but maybe start to evade some antibodies. We thought we had the winner of thesurvival-of-the-fittest race with delta – that thing transmits really fast and it replaced all other strains around the globe – and then omicron pops up on Thanksgiving Day.” As the number of cases has been

New Apartments to Ease Housing Shortage p. 8 Community Profile: Dee Jenkins Leading Camp Verde Conservation p. 12 Sweet Shoppe Celebrates Record Holiday Season p. 20

FLY FLAGSTAFF FIRST!

Continued on page 43

A New Year Focusing on Joy, Bliss, Abundance Melissa Cripps guiding others through transition with Blue Raven Inspirations

Melissa Cripps, pictured here on the island of Staffa, Scotland in September 2020, has started her Blue Raven Inspirations coaching business, “not to build a business but to keep the bliss going,” she says. “It’s how we will become a more compassionate world.” Courtesy photo

January 2022 | Issue 1 Volume 15

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

ong-time Flagstaff State Farm Agent Melissa Cripps realizes she has been in transition for a while. The deaths of her parents and brotherin-law, her completion of the Master of Music in Cello Performance program at Northern Arizona University and a trip with

her sister to Scotland are a few of the momentous events that have occurred in recent years that have taught her valuable lessons about finding bliss and creating magic. After 32 years as a community leader in business and the arts, Flagstaff’s first female State Farm insurance agent retired from her business last fall Continued on page 40

CHECK OUT OUR FBN PET NEWS SECTION, COVERING A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS ABOUT OUR FAVORITE FURRY FRIENDS, ON PAGE 24

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Mike Fann, owner of Fann Contracting, studies the aerial maps of the Interstate 17 improvement project scheduled to begin in April or May. The $446 million project is designed to provide more flexibility and reduce traffic delays on 23 miles of the major route between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Photo by Ray Newton

Interstate 17 Improvement Project to Begin this Spring By Ray Newton, FBN

once begun, construction will be carried out simultaneously along all 23 miles of I-17. He emphasized that rarely would there be hose who frequently travel Interstate 17 traffic delays or stoppage while construction is between Phoenix and Flagstaff underunderway. stand the frustration of being held up “The only time we expect we will have any in traffic, sometimes for hours, because of an accident, weather, a wildfire or other situation. traffic delay at all because of construction is when we have to blast,” he said. “As soon as However, those delays may be resolved in that action is taken and we have assurance that about three years. no safety issues are involved, traffic will be Following several years of environmental moving again.” and design studies, the Arizona Department The project includes widening 15 miles of of Transportation has approved a $446 million four-lane highway, replacing two bridges and project to improve I-17 between Sunset Point one bridge deck, widening 10 bridges, and the on the north to Anthem Way traffic intercreation of eight miles of what are being called change on the south. “flex lanes.” The 23-mile improvement project is exIn cooperation with ADOT, it was deterpected to begin in April or May. mined the I-17 flex lanes will operate as sepThe contract has been awarded to Fann arate two-lane roads that carry one direction Contracting in Prescott and co-developer of traffic at a time in either a north or south Kiewit Engineering Group Inc., one of North direction. America’s largest engineering and construc“The flow of traffic will be determined by tion organizations. The developer team will go what is the greatest need at the time along by the acronym KFJV, forKiewit-Fann Joint that winding eight miles of mountain driving Venture team. Several other sub-contractors between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point,” are also part of the contract. Fann said. The interstate to be improved is in mounFor example, flex lanes will be able to carry tainous terrain in Maricopa and Yavapai major northbound traffic on a Friday or SatCounties. I-17 is viewed as the primary connection be- urday, but on a Sunday, ADOT will be able to tween Flagstaff and Interstate 40 (I-40), which open the flex lanes to take southbound traffic runs east and west in the north, and Interstate to Phoenix. ‘’You need to know that the flex lanes will 10 (I-10) in Phoenix, which also runs east and be next to, but separated with concrete barriwest. ers, from the southbound I-17 lanes. Access to According to the Arizona Department of flex lanes will be controlled by carefully moniTransportation, the I-17 link between two of tored gates,” said Fann. “My company has the the nation’s principal east-west highways is responsibility of monitoring those gates for critical because it carries well over a million three years after the construction is completed. travelers each year. It is the most important Believe me, that is a responsibility we will take highway between the greater metropolitan very seriously. Public safety is involved.” Phoenix area and communities in Northern The concept of flex lanes is fairly new, and Arizona. is one that has been endorsed by ADOT. Because so much traffic congestion occurs FANN CONTRACTING EAGER TO BEGIN on weekends, the KFJV team is developing Mike Fann, owner of Fann Contracting, procedures to limit most lane delays for conin an exclusive interview from his Prescott office, told Flagstaff Business News that

Continued on page 43

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Working with thousands of high achievers, author and executive coach Shasheen Shah has noticed the shared inner struggles that thwart the ability of successful people to reach their next level. He offers emotional mastery guidance in his new book, “The Kid and the King.” Courtesy photo

Minimizing Workplace Drama in the New Year Executive coach Shasheen Shah offers steps to approach triggering events with intended outcomes

RENDERING M SOUTHEAST

Civitas Senior Living Apartments Flagstaff, Arizona

FACILIT Y ID# PENDING

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

hile skiing at Alta Ski Area, Shasheen Shah found himself caught in a small avalanche caused by a skier-released snowslide that funneled through the chute he had just skied. “I never saw it coming. It launched over the rockface and landed on me like wet concrete. Within seconds, it felt like I was buried alive and then swept me down the slope. I was disoriented. I didn’t know which way was up or down. I didn’t have light and I couldn’t breathe. Panic.” In his new book, “The Kid and the King: The Hidden Inner Struggle High Achievers Must Conquer to Reignite and Reengage with Life,” Shah compares this real-life physical experience with how we feel when we experience an emotional avalanche. “The amygdala gets hijacked and the kid takes over,” he writes. “The goal here is to develop the presence of mind and become an observer during the real-time event as the king so that you can take appropriate action that’s consistent with a desired outcome rather than doing something that would move you closer to danger.” In the case of the avalanche on a mountain in Utah, Shah was able to move past the panic to a calmer place where he could figure out that he was on his side and could pop his head out of the snow in the right direction to find oxygen. As CEO of Coherent Strategies Consulting

“The Kid and the King: The Hidden Inner Struggle High Achievers Must Conquer to Reignite and Reengage with Life” is available in paperback and audiobook through Amazon. Courtesy photo

and Coaching, Shah helps high achievers reach business and personal goals by helping them through the emotional mastery process. He maintains that we all have this duality with the “kid” and the “king” inside us. The goal of developing emotional mastery, he says, is to acknowledge both personalities, understand how they’ve helped us arrive at our current level of success and then use tools to move ourselves to a better quality of life, professionally and personally. He says when we, associates or employees become “triggered,” our kid takes over, which can wreak havoc on the situation, get in the way of productivity and resourcefulness and cause us to lose sight of our intended outcome. Continued on page 42

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Babbitt Ranches Being Inducted into Hall of Fame By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

arking 136 years in operation this spring, Babbitt Ranches is being celebrated by the Arizona agricultural community and inducted into the Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame. “Babbitt Ranches is legendary in Arizona ranching history,” said Historian Janice Bryson, who nominated the pioneering land company. “Their story follows our state’s history from Territorial days to the present. They have been leaders and innovators in conservation on their ranches.” “This acknowledgement of leadership and commitment to the agriculture industry is so very meaningful to the Babbitt family, the Babbitt Ranches board of directors, owners and employees,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. “There have been many herculean efforts by visionaries and determined individuals who persevered through difficult conditions, market swings, disappointments and hard work to keep the business going through now six generations. In all these years, the support and participation from the broader community has always been key to Babbitts’ longevity and success.”

“If you look back historically through Coconino Sun clippings and NAU’s Cline Library, you’ll find that the Babbitts were always very ecologically responsible, especially when it came to wildlife populations. And that continued through the more than 100 years of their presence,” said retired Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 2 Supervisor Tom Britt, who worked with both John Babbitt and then Billy Cordasco. “In terms of the amount of country that they had an impact on, the Babbitts were and still are extremely responsible for taking care of the land. I remember John Babbitt said he always managed for drought. I was impressed by that.”

Thank you Northern Arizona!

ABOVE LEFT: One of the original Babbitt brothers, C.J. Babbitt, is shown here lying on the ground. ABOVE: Horses and wagons with bedrolls, food and other supplies helped Babbitt cowboys run cattle across the Arizona Territory in the late 1800s. Courtesy photos

“Babbitt Ranches is an Arizona icon,” said Steve Brophy of the Aztec Land and Cattle Company, in support of the nomination. “Over the generations since its founding, its standing and achievements in the cattle industry, the horse business, in land management and conservation, in the examples

of the Western way of life set by its leadership and cowboys, are second to no other ranching outfit in the state, nor for that matter, the West.” The Babbitt story began in Arizona in 1886 when five brothers from Cincinnati, Ohio, took the daring action to risk everything and move across the

We would like to take this time to thank the Northern Arizona community, our sponsors, grantors, and local support for donations that helped us make 2021 a successful year. We are always grateful for your continued support as we could not provide the services at our Olivia White Hospice Home or our in-home services without the generous support from you all. Our mission and commitment will continue to stay the same: to serve the diverse communities of Northern Arizona as your only local nonprofit hospice, offering guidance through life’s transitions. At the heart of our devoted and professional service is the profound respect for our patients and their families.

country to become cattle ranchers. After hearing stories of wide-open spaces, adventure and opportunity out West, two of the brothers, David and Billy, were sent to scout potential locations. When they stepped off the train in Flagstaff on the chilly morning of April Continued on page 38

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Rental Apartments Coming to Flagstaff

exford Developments and Wexford Real Estate Investors (WREI) are partners in announcing the closing of a new acquisition that is expected to bring more than 200 rental apartment units to Flagstaff by 2024. The site, which consists of 13.6 acres of entitled land, is zoned for a mixed-use project comprised of 6,000 square feet of retail space and 224 multi-family rental apartments, and sits at the northeast corner of 4th Street and Butler Ave., three miles from the Northern Arizona University (NAU) campus. Wexford Developments and WREI purchased the land, plans and current design from Caliber Companies for $4.4 million and closed on the deal in mid-December. Stewart + Reindersma Architecture (SRA) based out of Scottsdale is the architectural firm for the project. Groundbreaking is expected to happen in the second quarter of 2022. The project is expected to take about 23 months to build, with delivery scheduled for early 2024.

It includes four separate four-story apartment buildings of 56 units each. There will be 224 units, 22 will be designated for workforce housing. There will be 36 studio apartment units, 124 one-bedroom units, and 64 two-bedroom units. As part of the project, there will also be 6,000 square feet of dedicated retail space. The developers envision this space to be occupied by restaurant and/or coffee shop type users. Other project amenities include a fitness center, amphitheater and clubhouse with a pool. “Flagstaff is a beautiful place that is attracting a large influx of people who want to live there,” said Sam Gordon, co-founder and principal of Wexford Developments. “We look forward to creating a special community that fits with Flagstaff’s surrounding beauty while helping to meet the growing demand and need for more housing.” “We look forward to bringing this project to life and delivering a firstin-class community to Flagstaff,” said Joseph Jacobs, president of WREI. FBN

I take a portion of every sale and donate it to Northern Arizona Animal Search and Rescue. NAASR is a local non-profit organization that helps find lost animals and rescues dogs and cats from the reservation.

Call me to get into your dream home today! homesbykeele.com 928-853-7373 keele.smith@outlook.com

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Business Woman FBN

of the Month

Joyce Reid Delivers Customized Surprises Online gift basket business thrives through pandemic

By Stan Bindell, FBN

magine getting a gift basket delivered that takes your breath away. That is Joyce Reid’s goal. Reid is a very successful businesswoman based in Flagstaff, but is somewhat of a secret because her business is online. She owns and operates Creative Gifts to Go LLC, which is a national corporate and personal gift service. Packages include holiday presents, house-warming gifts, teddy bears and Maple Ridge Farms corporate gifts. Most of the gifts are sold and delivered throughout the United States and some are ordered from other countries. However, she enjoys hand-delivering orders in Flagstaff because she likes to see the recipient’s response. Reid, who has had the business since 1992, says she loves having the knowledge that her business helps others feel good and build relationships. “I also enjoy the challenge of creating and growing a business in today’s technological world. I started the business as a vendor in the Carriage House Antique Mall, but expanded to the internet when it became a popular venue.”

Reid also creates many of her gifts but has grown her business in what she calls the “lazy way,” by bringing in partner companies that make and ship some of the gifts she offers. “This is the only way I could sell

// “For example, I build and maintain my own websites. Networking with others in my industry and…at gift basket conventions has enabled me to see what others across the country are doing and how I could integrate some of these ideas into my own business. My business has always been a work in progress.” //

as many gifts as I do without having to have a warehouse of employees,” she said. In fact, she’s written an ebook for her industry about “building your business the lazy man’s way.” Formerly a small business counselor with SCORE, Reid reached her high level of success by educating herself about how to do things that were not available when she was younger. “For example, I build and maintain my own websites. Networking with others in my industry and…at gift basket conventions has enabled me to see what others across the country are doing and how I could integrate some of these ideas into my own business. My business has always been a work in progress.” The business stays busy yearround, but orders increase during the holiday season. Reid also experienced

a boost in sales during the pandemic, as more people began ordering online. Two of her most popular gifts during COVID have been two different gift boxes: One is “All Heroes Don’t Wear Capes” and the other is a thank you for medical professionals. And her business continues to grow. After 30 years in operation with Creative Gifts to Go, Reid has no plans to retire. She loves the excitement and challenges of the business as well as knowing that she is helping others. “The gift baskets create smiles for both personal and corporate customers,” she said. Prices start at $25. “My custom gift baskets allow people to order in whatever price range they like.” Currently, Reid is filling an order for a $200 gift that came from Australia and is going to someone in Flagstaff. She says her Maple Ridge

Farms gifts are very popular during the holiday season. Reid also gives back to the gift basket industry by owning and operating GiftBasketNetwork.com and GiftBusinessOwners.com, which provide forums, information, e-books, a directory and monthly digital magazine for the industry by subscription. She also has been a guest speaker at gift basket conventions. Reid, who previously owned and operated the statewide newspaper Arizona Singles, attributes her success to family support. She said her husband, Ron, has been key to helping her when business became overwhelming. Through the years, her grandchildren would love to help by putting gift baskets together when they came to visit. To find out more about Creative Gifts to Go, visit shopcreativegifts. com. FBN

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Your Neighbors Need You. Your Health First donations • Brought healthy meals to foodinsecure children • Provided health care to military veterans • Supplied independent living assistance to seniors • Funded complementary care for cancer patients in the Navajo Nation • Improved health care access for those most in need

With your continued support we can do so much more. Please give at healthfirstforall.org

Health First Foundation – Northern Arizona (EIN 81-3137336) is an independent 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to advancing health and well-being.

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// COMMUNITY PROFILE // BY V. RONNIE TIERNEY, FBN

Camp Verde Mayor Focused on Sustainability

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

hiseled deep in Dee Jenkins’ memory is the impact that Bill and Genevieve (Vieve) Gore, founders of W. L. Gore & Associates, had on her life. She credits them for her successful career and current position as mayor of Camp Verde. “I would not be the person I am today without their support and encouragement,” she said. “The Gores opened the door for me,” said Jenkins, who was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland. “Soon after I applied for a position with W. L. Gore & Associates headquarters in Newark, Delaware [20 miles from her hometown], Bill and Vieve Gore hired me. I was 17 and had just graduated high school.” It was also three days before her 18th birthday, in October 1970. “I will never forget the day Vieve called me and asked if I could come to work the next day,” recalled Jenkins. “I was scared because I didn’t want to lose the job because I couldn’t work until the following Monday when I turned 18. My dream was to attend college, but I was already out on my own and needed a job.” What followed was a 31-year career

with the global enterprise. “I started out as an invoicing clerk, using a typewriter, not a computer, and by the late 1970s, worked up to the corporate accountant position,” Jenkins said. “Eventually, due to personal circumstances, I transferred to Flagstaff. The medical division of W. L. Gore was just starting. It was 1980.” Jenkins settled in to the position of financial analyst and eventually moved up to a plant leader before leaving the company in 2001. “I walked through the door and persevered, but they gave me the opportunity,” said Jenkins. “If you took the opportunity, it was endless where you could go in that corporation. If you showed up for work and did a good job, the benefits were there.” In 1982, Jenkins married her husband, Clif, and in 1997, moved to Camp Verde. “I love the beauty of the mountains in Flagstaff, but I got a little tired of the cold months,” said Jenkins, who loves being outdoors. For four years, Jenkins commuted from Camp Verde to Flagstaff and left W. L. Gore as an associate in 2000. She worked briefly as a consultant, ending Continued on page 39

Mayor Dee Jenkins, a former associate with W. L. Gore, says the town recently purchased the Camp Verde Water Company and its wells to provide security for community residents. Jenkins has lived in Camp Verde for more than 20 years.Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

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// BUSINESS CENTS // BY BONNIE STEVENS

Living in Gratitude at Altitudes

By Bonnie Stevens

n a typical “bluebird” winter day on Arizona’s highest mountain, expert skiers like Lynda Fleischer greet the crystal clear bluest-of-blue sky with a huge smile to the heavens after a night of fresh-fallen snow. “This is where I belong,” she said. “The mountain is part of who I am. It makes me who I am. It makes me better. It makes me powerful and in control. It makes me feel alive.” Fleischer found the majestic San Francisco Peaks when she arrived at Northern Arizona University, where she earned her communications degree. For three ski seasons, she sold lift tickets at Arizona Snowbowl and fell in love with the mountain, her alpine family and the culture of the sport. In those especially snowy winters, she knew she had found her calling. She has trained thousands of people to ski. “The little racers show me what really matters on the mountain – fun!” She has served as the executive director of the Flagstaff Alpine Ski Team for 14 years. “I was

honored with running the team that hosted all of my best friends’ kids and my youngest as well.” And she has nourished locals and visitors for nearly two decades in her Altitudes Bar and Grill. This lean, nimble, fast, smart, skilled and sunny triple black-diamond force is fueled by gratitude. For her, every day is a new opportunity to soak up her blessings, engage whole-heartedly with others, and find beauty, meaning, abundance, laughter and fulfillment in nature. And, no matter how many times Lynda clips into her skis, there is a radiance about her that cannot be denied. She has come to play. Her favorite trail on Snowbowl’s technical alpine playground is Flat Iron, a black diamond run starting at an 11,280foot elevation with a vertical drop of nearly 250 feet. “Flat Iron is steep and always intimidating,” she said. “I feel strong, capable and conquering when I’m on it. I get the best rush. When you unweight from one ski to transfer your weight to the other, you drop three feet at the top of the run. I like that

feeling. I like to be in control of that.” For Lynda, the mountain has been her workplace for four decades. It’s also her home base and her church, where she feels closest to God. It’s where she builds her strength. “I don’t like to be afraid of anything, and I try not to be,” she said. “I prefer to face things that I’m fearful of head on and that’s why I like Flat Iron. I make every turn count and finish every turn. I consider it a privilege to be on that mountain and at 62, I continue to push myself.” Lynda can be described as both hummingbird and wrestler. She is in constant motion as she lightly flutters about her day, but also, solid and balanced in her stance. “I’m not going down. I used to let things bother me – I’ve been beaten up, swallowed and hurt. But now, I let things go that I can’t do anything about. In my world, I realize I can’t fix everything. That understanding helps me to breathe, stay grounded and resilient.” To breathe in some of Lynda’s contagious zeal for life and also a quick way to absorb some of that quaint mountain ski-town vibe is to walk into Altitudes. This establishment,

which she owns and operates with her husband, Paul Joerger, is located in a historic seed and hay building just south of the railroad tracks. Most days, Lynda will be there behind the well-worn pine bar. She will greet and swoosh you in like a lifelong friend. Hospitality is just part of what she deliciously serves up, along with comfort food and a relaxed, high-elevation atmosphere. Her ski-house décor adds to the flavor of her popular burger. And beware, the sour cream and chives fries are addictive. Her famous Green Chili Stew can only be made with chili peppers grown in the fertile soil of New Mexico’s Hatch Valley, and her buttery, flake-apart walleye fish is flown in from Minnesota’s fresh-water lakes. In addition, she invites her “celebrity New Orleans chef” to raise the heat at Altitudes with his spicy authentic Cajun cooking. “I was destined to be in the hospitality industry,” she explained. “I like people and I enjoy being where people are having fun.” Lynda lives by a creed of treating others the way she

likes to be treated, with respect, kindness and a sincere interest. “When I go to work each day,” she said, “I’m going to see old friends, meet new people and know they are going to come back.” A big part of having a sunny disposition, she says, comes from taking the time to say thank you. “I am absolutely humbled and grateful for this mountain that called me here, this place, this town, these people, this community that cares and knows what it means to be alive, to be outside and experience life. The mountain provides the backdrop for what it means to be grounded. From here, I am poised for life’s challenges. I have a positive attitude because I feel blessed. You can’t buy that, you have to find it from inside. I just walk around feeling blessed every moment.” FBN Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@ gmail.com.

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Heather Provencio

Diane Taliaferro

Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Moving On EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Nothing Compares to

Having Experience on Your Side “One of us is ALWAYS available!” Freddi Paulsrud 928.853.3737 Freddi.Paulsrud@russlyon.com Valerie Core 928.607.4344 Valerie.Core@russlyon.com Nina Bedatsky 928.607.8017 Nina.Bedatsky@russlyon.com

219 N. Humphreys Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

By FBN Staff

ormer Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio has started a new role as special assistant to the regional forester in Albuquerque. “Heather’s experience and skills in natural resource management, as well as her commitment to relationships and collaboration, make her the perfect fit for this position. She will be leading strategic initiatives for the Southwestern Region such as the Infrastructure Bill planning and implementation, workforce assessment needs and regional strategic planning,” says Southwestern Region Acting Regional Forester Kerwin Dewberry. Provencio joined the Kaibab in October 2015. She has since worked to improve forest health and restore fire-adapted ecosystems through efforts such as the Bill Williams Mountain Project, Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI), and reintroducing fire on a landscape scale. Her first job with the Forest Service was in 1985 as a firefighter on the Chevelon Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and she has since served in many leadership roles throughout the agency, including as ranger on the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest from 2006 to 2013. She then served as the Deputy Forest Supervisor on the White River

National Forest in Colorado until 2015. “Although my career has taken me to wonderful locations across the country, my heart belongs to the Southwest. I am thrilled that my next adventure allows me to continue serving the communities of Region 3,” said Provencio. “At the same time, it is with a heavy heart that I move on from the Kaibab. It has been my pleasure and honor to work with so many forest staff and partners who share my passion for public lands and managing this special landscape. Although I will miss the forest, I feel comforted knowing I’m leaving it in good hands.” “We are very happy for Heather,” said Kaibab National Forest Public Affairs Officer and spokesperson for Provencio’s former employees, Brienne Pettit. “She deserves this wonderful opportunity.” A permanent forest supervisor is expected to join the Kaibab in early 2022. In the interim, Diane Taliaferro will serve as acting forest supervisor. Taliaferro comes to Northern Arizona from the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, where she is the deputy forest supervisor. Taliaferro is no stranger to the Southwestern Region and Kaibab National Forest. She spent 10 years in the region, working on the Santa Fe and Gila National Forests as well as at the Southwestern Regional Office, during which time she frequented Northern Arizona for both work and pleasure. FBN

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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APS Feeds Hungry, Shelters Homeless

By Ray Newton, FBN

or some in Northern and Central Arizona, APS provides much more than electricity. The largest electric utility in Arizona, APS contributes more than $10 million annually to community organizations and programs to help those in need of food and/or shelter. “Combatting hunger and ensuring food security are important focus areas within one of our strategic pillars - human needs and services,” said APS Director of Community Affairs Tina Marie

Tentori. “For example, our giving programs support many different organizations in the greater Prescott and Flagstaff area. Of those organizations that address hunger and homelessness, APS gives to Prescott Meals on Wheels, the Coalition for Compassion and Justice, Prescott U.S. Vets, Flagstaff Shelter Services, Flagstaff Family Food Center and Housing Solutions for Northern Arizona.” She added that APS also contributes to Habitat for Humanity, United Way, the Area Agency for Aging and Big Brothers Big Sisters in these same communities.

Among those heading up the food drive were Bob Painter from the Yavapai Food Neighbors project and Darla Deville of APS. Photo by Ray Newton

She noted that APS employees statewide have contributed more than $44,000 to the Arizona Food Bank Network, which provides more than 4.6 million pounds of food, or 3.6 million meals. Tentori also commented that APS donates more than $10 million annually to qualified organizations and programs that are dedicated to improving the lives of Arizonans. APS Media Relations Manager Jill Hanks serves on the board for the Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern Arizona. She says the houses served 138 families from four counties

APS supports the hungry and homeless through food drives like this one at a Prescott Walmart shopping center last month. Photo by Ray Newton

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who received 1,915 nights of housing valued at $107 a night through the collective efforts of those who contributed to the organization. Hanks notes a key program that APS supports through the Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern Arizona is “Dinnertime Heroes,” which provides meals for these families. Those interested may apply for various forms of support. Applications must be filed from Feb.1 to Oct. 15. More information about the community impact grants can be found on the APS website, aps.com. FBN

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Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Addressing the Rental Housing Crisis

By Jim Sobo

s a HUD Housing grant manager through the Arizona Department of Housing for Central/Northern Arizona, we manage both STRMU (Short Term Rent Mortgage Utilities) and TBRA (Tenant Based Rental Assistance) grants. We manage a grant written to serve those with specific medical conditions/records/infectious disease control; however, there are various applications of these grants for various demographic populations. In the management/facilitation

of an HUD/ADOH grant, STRMU addresses those in transition or who are already housed for rental/utilities assistance because of financial hardship caused by various circumstances; they must also be eligible through medical records, disabilities, or fall into certain categories such as veterans, behavioral health and homelessness. Vocational rehabilitation referrals and programs are essential in supporting sustainability of those in transition who may be eligible through medical records, as well. The TBRA grant applications are for those who are in similar categories,

// We urge landlords and property management to work with these HUD Housing grants, accept Section 8/HUD Housing Vouchers, and both shortterm/long-term housing assistance grants and programs toward a stable and healthy community. Without this cooperation, our central communities will continue to suffer. //

who struggle/suffer with disabilities, veterans, behavioral health conditions, or those who qualify for HUD Housing opportunities, where HUD or affordable housing may be absent in their area. To address the current rental housing crisis, it’s important to understand what economic effects are present in creating homelessness, moving the “infrastructure employment force” out of area because of the conflict between earning potential and rental cost caused by market fluctuation. Market fluctuation is caused by things such as the real estate sales market pushing up market value; thus, this has increased mortgage rates and rental rates without the labor market earning potential adjusting to the property market values. Example: For those who work in hospitality, food services, retail, medical support services, non-profit organizations, state, county, government and educational positions, the earning potential may be between $24,000 and $35,000 annually. When seeking multi-unit or single-family housing opportunities, landlords and property management companies usually ask for three times the rental costs. When the applicant only earns double the rental costs, it causes

either no housing for those in need, or pushes our “infrastructure labor force” out of the area, where communities were thriving previously. This scenario does not consider those who struggle with a criminal background, credit issues, behavioral health conditions, and medical conditions, which make placement significantly more difficult. To address the chasm between rental housing rates and earning potential, earning potential must be increased by employers to keep businesses staffed so as not to disrupt business or cause business failure and limitations. This is currently what we are seeing in our communities – business failure, limited hours of operations because of labor costs/ availability of labor force, while rental housing costs increase. There is a major disparity between the two markets that is causing homelessness and business closures and placing our community infrastructure in danger of collapse. The markets will stabilize eventually, however, there will be hundreds of people/ businesses affected in the interim; this will especially affect those who struggle with behavioral/physical

health, disabilities, substance abuse and all the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. Some of the effects include increased domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, unemployment and homelessness. We urge landlords and property management to work with these HUD Housing grants, accept Section 8/HUD Housing Vouchers, and both short-term/long-term housing assistance grants and programs toward a stable and healthy community. Without this cooperation, our central communities will continue to suffer. FBN

Jim Sobo is the housing and support specialist for Northland Cares, a non-profit entity that assists the community with specialty medical care, case management, housing and infectious disease prevention. He has been the sole support of the eligible clients in all the counties in Northern Arizona during this housing and employment crisis.

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

PrEP medications are safe and effective and can help prevent you from getting infected with HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV, PrEP medications can work to keep the virus from causing infection. Taking PrEP medication can stop new HIV infections and help end the HIV epidemic.

Help25% us stop the spread of HIV in EHE Yet less than

The national goal for PrEP coverage under the (Ending the HIV Epidemic) initiative is to achieve at least 50% coverage by 2030.

of the

Yavapai County.

estimated more than

1 million Americans

who could benefit from PrEP are using this important medication.

PEP PATHWAY Less than 72 hours

YES

More than 72 hours

Call Northland Cares.

their risk when taken daily as prescribed.

Patient is engaging in risky behavior who could benefit from PrEP

YES

Patient wants to be prescribed PrEP

“Are you confident in providing complete prevention services for the patient?”

Are you confident in providing care and follow-up services?

dramatically reduces

PrEP PATHWAY

“Are you confident in providing complete prevention services for the patient?”

Can you see patient today?

PrEP use among people at risk for acquiring HIV

NO YES

Help us stop the spread of HIV in Call Northland Cares or Call PEPLine (888) 488-4911 Send RX to Walgreens in Prescott Valley

Proceed with provided care and RX to Walgreens in Prescott Valley.

PEP PATHWAY

PrEP PATHWAY

“Are you confident in

Can you see

Prescott: 928-776-4612 Cottonwood: 928-649-0833 Faxcomplete - 928-771-1767 providing patient today? prevention services for the patient?”

Are you confident in providing care and follow-up services?

NO Call Northland Cares.

YES

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Refer patient to Northland Cares for specialty care and treatment services.

If patient cannot afford PrEP, refer to Northland Cares.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? If patients meet the requirements, all prescription Lesscovered. than 72However, hours the cost of necessary More than hours costs are 100% clinic72 visits and lab tests may vary based on patient income and insurance coverage.

YES

Proceed with quality care and treatment.

Yavapai County. YES

Proceed with provided care.

Refer to Northland Cares.

YES

Patient is engaging in risky behavior who could benefit from PrEP

“Are you confident in providing complete prevention services for the patient?”

NO YES

Proceed with provided care.

Patient wants to be prescribed PrEP

Refer to Northland Cares.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? If patients meet the requirements, all prescription costs are 100% covered. However, the cost of necessary clinic visits and lab tests may vary based on patient income and insurance coverage.

Prescott: 928-776-4612 Cottonwood: 928-649-0833 Fax - 928-771-1767

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Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

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The Sweet Shoppe team of candymakers navigates a record sugar rush. Courtesy photo

Sugar High Sweet Shoppe marks biggest holiday season ever at 10 year mark By Bonnie Stevens, FBN Making candy every day of the week, the chocolatiers and candymakers of the Sweet Shoppe Candy Store in historic downtown Flagstaff are mixing, melting and pouring 40 pounds of caramel, brittle, toffee and fudge at a time. But the 2021 holiday season had them spinning, dipping and sprinkling at a pace that would impress Santa’s elves, just to keep up with orders. “Our e-commerce site went live two weeks before Christmas and we’ve been shipping gift baskets and packages all over the country,” said Sweet Shoppe owner Jennifer Rolley, who opened the store in 2011. “The orders were mostly from people who had been in the store or were following us on social media and loved our concept.” Corporate America appears to have found the family-owned small business, too. “That was definitely the cherry on top,” she said. “Corporate gifting had a strong increase this year. A lot of what we were hearing, people really wanted to recognize their clients and thank them for supporting them through the pandemic.” Rolley says the shop also continues to see the “drive market,” which grew during the pan-

demic as a result of visitors, weary of staying in their own homes, preferring to be in their own cars as they travel to destinations. “People love to come to Flagstaff, and we are experiencing a lot of repeat business. The state has been so amazingly supportive of what it is we do.” What it is they do is stir up good vibes and childhood memories with the aroma of rich chocolate and salted caramel wafting out onto Aspen Ave. “You can usually smell it before you see it,” she said. “We appeal to your inner 5-year-old. And, as a specialty shop, we want you to feel special, a little spoiled and welcomed.” Rolley and her team pride themselves on using only quality ingredients and making candy the old-fashioned way with their own recipes, no shortcuts and lots of love. When it’s time to pour the fudge or the peanut brittle, everything else stops and all hands are on deck for this event, carefully pouring the copper vat and spreading the molten deliciousness across a marble slab, a process that takes at least four people and strict precision. “We have less than a minute and a half to spread it,” she said. “It’s laborious but so worth it.” Her staff of about two dozen employees are outgoing, happy, high-achieving college students who really want to be there, she said. “I’m looking for Disney characters in Flagstaff. I can’t train [a person] to be a people-person. And once you’re part of the Sweet Shoppe team, you’re part of the family.” After shutting down for 50 consecutive days during the pandemic, Rolley says she is blessed that every one of her team members came back to work. “The whole staff showed back up with so much energy and happy to be back with creative new ideas. We had lines wrapped around the building to the alley. I am so humbled by it all.” At any given time, Rolley offers more than 30 different kinds of fudge, a full case of authentic Italian gelato and more than 200 fresh hand-spun caramel apples. FBN Watch the full interview with Jennifer Rolley at Zonie Living: Business, Adventure and Leadership at https://starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/making-the-holidays-even-sweeter-video

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

// MAYOR’S ADDRESS // BY PAUL DEASY

Looking Back on Accomplishments, Forward on Projects

hope you all had an amazing 2021! It seems like yesterday our new Flagstaff City Council was sworn into office and I am very happy with what the city has accomplished over the last year. The city’s broadband investment has increased drastically, from $200,000 to $2.9 million in one year, and with new state fiber coming up I-17 to I-40, this new infrastructure will provide a huge catalyst to our economic future. The city has developed a master plan that will connect government facilities in the city including county, state, federal and FUSD, and provide a strong core for private expansion. We are in discussions with Internet Service Providers looking to create a robust network with strong public-private partnerships that will attract good companies and provide well-paying jobs for our residents. Speaking of good companies and good jobs, UACJ Whitehall Industries has moved into the old Walgreens building and is the largest employer

to come to Flagstaff in more than 50 years, providing 350 well-paying electric vehicle manufacturing jobs to Flagstaff in the coming years. Here’s a shout-out to all the city’s partners who made this a reality, including ECoNA, Kinney Construction and Coconino County. Our new alternative response for 911 calls is fully funded and will start full operations in March/April. This new team, consisting of a behavioral health specialist from Terros Health and a Flagstaff Fire EMT, will be responsible for patrolling and responding to 911 calls related to behavioral health and substance use. About 20% of all 911 calls are related to these issues, and with this new team of specialists, we can help people receive needed services, prevent unnecessary arrests and divert people in need away from the criminal justice system. This also helps reduce the call volume for our police so they may dedicate efforts to calls more criminal in nature. It was a tumultuous summer with

DOES FOOT PAIN HAVE YOU LIVING LIFE ON A SHORT LEASH?

the Rafael Fire coming too close for comfort, and then flood waters hitting on the Museum Fire burn scar. Through partnerships with the Coconino County Flood Control District and the United States Forest Service, $7 million was secured to capture debris coming off the burn scar before the water comes to the city. Downstream, the City of Flagstaff has dedicated $2 million to improving the Dortha inlet in Sunnyside and is poised to sign an intergovernmental agreement this month to turn where the former Killip Elementary School was into a flood detention basin. There is a lot of work yet to do and I appreciate everyone’s patience as we work diligently to get the funds, agreements, contracts and engineering designs put together. We want as much done as possible before the next monsoon season. We have a lot coming up on the agenda in January, including approval of our 2022 federal and state lobbying priorities, a potential

vehicle and nuisance noise ordinance, a preliminary engineering agreement with BNSF for the Lone Tree overpass and flood mitigation improvements, a discussion of the lease agreement for the 31.45 acre industrial park by the airport, and a possible annexation for Flagstaff Rehab Campus to create a mental health and substance abuse treatment center. Council meets every Tuesday at 3 p.m. and you can participate electronically or in person https://www. flagstaff.az.gov/328/Meeting-Protocols-Information or email City Council at council@flagstaffaz.gov. Happy New Year, everyone! FBN

Delivered right to your mailbox.

www.flagstaff businessnews.com/subscribe INSIDE THE JANUARY

Land Purchase Eyed for Economic Development p. 3

FBN

fter 400 backcountry hikes into the Grand Canyon, trips down the Colorado 100 River and scores of worldwide excursions spanning a 44-year career, it was no surprise to 65-year-old geologist Wayne Ranney knees began to bother when his him. “I went to the doctor, tried a couple treatments and when they didn’t

he said with a laugh. level of care,” said “The rooms were Dr. fantastic, private work, the doctors and I can’t say enough physician and medical Richard Holt, said I would be about the director. a good candidate Complete with 24/7 for bilateral replace- staff. They were very attentive, ment – that is double caring and professional. When coverage, an on-site physician knee surgery pharmacy I left, with three – so I agreed,” said hugs were all around.” full-time pharmacists, Ranney. “The surgery went well nursing and patient With a staff of 120, and care technicians, the Rehabilionly took two hours.” surprisingly tation Hospital of Northern Arizona full-time occupational, speech and opened in February A big boost for physical therapy, Ranney in his Holt said, “There 2018. The post-op recovery is 40-bed facility is nothing like us in was the care he the only rehabilNorthern Arizona received at the Rehabilitation itation care facility and now patients in Northern can stay in the Hospital of Northern Arizona and is a Arizona. “I spent joint-commissioned community that is close to their 12 days in recovery accredited hospital. “Before homes and families there, which I and get worldwe believe helped to opened here, patients class rehabilitation save my marriage,” care.” would have to travel literally hours Ranney says the food is great, to get this type/

8 FLIGHTS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK Please consider being dropped off as parking is limited.

Mountain Sports Owner Lisa Lamberson make a difference says the Flagstaff in the community. Local movement “When dollars are Lamberson, shown brings spent locally, businesses awareness to actions that here with Mountain Patagonia to grant Sports General Manager have more to give $10,000 to the Azulita back.” Britni Montague, program promotes reducing single-use Project, represented by Maria Campbell recently partnered with plastics, like plastic straws, in Flagstaff’s and James Q. Martin. The service industry. January Courtesy photo

2020 | Issue 1 Volume

page 33

earn points and a chance at prizes for ‘actions that matter;’ businesses have more to give back

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN game thought up by the Economic Vitality t is like Jumanji Diviwithout killer ostriches. Flagstaff the sion and Discover Flagstaff Local is a community-wide tourism folks at the City Flagstaff, and everybody of wins.

It involves deeds that benefit the greater good and earn players points. Flagstaff Local is similar to some video games in which the better you do, the better your health, except in this case, the better the health of the community. Mountain Sports Flagstaff Continued on

page 30

INSIDE THE FEBRUARY

Flagstaff Shines on Signs p. 4

Neighborhood Barbershop Expanding p. 5 Barrett-Jackson

Harnessing the

By Bonnie Stevens,

FBN

rizona’s largest wind energy project, the Chevelon Butte Wind Farm, is expected to have turbine blades spinning in a remote area south of Winslow by the end of 2021, and power the region with an estimated $8 million in indirect economic benefits during the construction phase.

Gleams with Car Show Tradition p. 11

2020 ISSUE:

Community Profile: Scotty McPeak Promotes Olive Oil, Healthy Living p. 13 Lowell, ERAU Share Cosmic Forces p. 16

Wind

customers by 2050. “We’re pretty excited. “We This project sPower are super excited,” said fits with our vision Senior Permitting and comprehenManager sive plan to look sPower, a Salt Lake Terrance Unrein. at renewable energy “This is the right City-based renewable energy sources,” said Coconino project for Arizona developer, received and County unanimous approval Supervisor Matt and Navajo counties’ for Coconino Ryan. to move forward communities at on the project from the right time, especially At full build-out, both Coconino the wind farm with the coal and Navajo counties is expected to be plant closures. Wind two or three times and energy is a great Corporation Commission,the Arizona larger than any opportunity for other operating our future and I which wind this is one think company officials energy project in of the best projects say is a rare feat the state, with 164 we’re for any wind farm, turbines spread ever going to see across 42,000 acres much less one of in the area, given its this size. This came and generating 477 incredibly remote just weeks before and windy location, megawatts, the APS announced equivalent of enough proximity to viable its goal transmission infraelectricity to 100% clean, carbon-free to deliver power a structure, and planned electricity to people. community of about 150,000 lack to threatened or endangeredof impacts species.” Continued on

PHX & LAX

8 FLIGHTS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK Please consider being dropped off as parking is limited.

page 41

CCC C-LAB Opens for Students to Gain Hands-O n Skills

Upgraded construction technology shop made possible Foundation grant with Del E. Webb By Larry Hendricks,

Del E. Webb Foundation President John B. the $1 million in Lees shows off grant funding the a hammer he received college received Street campus. in gratitude from to help with the Courtesy photo CCC for remodel of the C-LAB on the Fourth

February 2020

| Issue 2 Volume

Quit playing the neuropathy pain game. DISCOMFORTING PAIN MILD PAIN

EXCRUCIATING PAIN

DISTRESSING PAIN INTENSE PAIN

YES / NO

Do you have difficulty walking without taking a break? Do you have pain, numbness, or cramping in legs or feet? Is your neuropathy treatment not working? Neuropathy symptoms are very similar to those of PAD. It’s a circulation disorder which can be easily treated in our office without the need for general anesthesia. If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the questions above, call our office today to see how our doctors can help.

(928) 719-7400 cicmedical.com

(928) 719-7400 azfeet.com 2301 N. 4th Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

PHX & LAX

Game On: ‘Flagsta Local’ Rewards ff Shopping, Helping , Giving Players

State’s largest wind farm to produce jobs and millions electricity, in economic impact to region

NO PAIN

Dr. Diana Perry, DPM

p. 7 Community Profile: Geri Hongeva Promotes Navajo Language through Star Wars p. 13

Scientists Helping Reforestation Efforts in Panama p. 6

Knees

2020 ISSUE:

Forest Health Hero Wally Covington Retires from NAU

Local Veterans Feeling Support from Nation of Patriots p. 4

New Year, New

Doctors and therapists at Rehabilitation Northern Arizona want patients back Hospital of on their feet By V. Ronnie Tierney,

Paul Deasy is the mayor of Flagstaff. These statements and views are provided solely by the mayor and do not necessarily reflect the views of Flagstaff City Council.

Y / N

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, call our office today to see how our doctors can help.

.99

Continued on

Do you wish you could walk farther with your furry friend? Are you being treated for neuropathy with no relief? It’s time to start asking questions…there is hope.

Does foot pain prevent you from doing your favorite activity? Do you have chronic pain from prior injury or foot surgery? Do you have burning or tingling in your legs or feet? Do you have leg or foot cramps with activity or at rest? Does your heel hurt when you get up or after sitting for a while?

19 Per year

DR. JOEL RAINWATER, MD / DR. KEVIN DUWE, MD / DR. DIANA PERRY, DPM 2301 N. 4th Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

FBN

oconino Community College alumnus William Gonzales stood in the space with a smile on his face.

He ran his hand along the workstation, felt the sawdust.

The Coconino Community College C-LAB for Construction Technology Management students has officially opened for students. More The smell of newness than filled people were on hand 50 the shop. Metal surfaces, once for the late-January dull, gleamed. Tools, ready for celebration. ribbon-cutting use, lined walls. The newly refurbished shop was “This is just so amazing,” made possible with the help of Gonzales said, glancing a $1 million grant from the Del around. “I wish E. Webb it looked like Foundation. this when I started taking Among those in classes.” attendance Continued on

page 38

Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

PAD: The Silent Killer

“

By Reisha Zang

PAD is often called the silent killer because you may have it and not even know,” said Dr. Joel Rainwater, chief medical officer of Comprehensive Integrated Care (CiC) in Flagstaff. The reason it is sometimes missed is because people dismiss the symptoms of this dangerous disease as just a sign of getting older. But it’s not. “It’s not normal to have difficulty walking to your mailbox, it’s not normal to have constant leg pain or cramping,” said Rainwater. “That’s not normal aging, it could be a sign of PAD.” While many of us tend to think it’s just “too many birthdays” because you can’t remember an injury or reason, your symptoms may be because of poor circulation or vascular insufficiency. PAD (peripheral artery disease) is a circulation disorder and those with it are at a much higher risk of heart problems and generally have a much higher rate of amputations and death from heart attack or stroke. “If there’s poor blood flow to your legs and feet, you’ll have pain, cramping or wounds that won’t heal,” explained Rainwater. If you ignore these signs, it may lead to an amputation. “If you get an amputation because you have PAD, your life expectancy is worse than if you had

breast cancer or lymphoma. PAD is no joke.” In some cases, people have been diagnosed with, or think they have, neuropathy. The symptoms of neuropathy and PAD are very similar and include difficulty walking without taking a break, burning, tingling, numbness and/or pain. “When I see a patient who has been told they have neuropathy and they’ve been maximized on medication that’s not working, I know there may be something else causing it and one of the big, notorious offenders in that scenario is PAD,” said Rainwater. PAD is caused by the buildup of

fatty material inside the arteries. This build-up occurs gradually over time and hardens into plaque inside the artery. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. Sometimes, it’s called “hardening of the arteries.” No matter what you call it, this plaque causes a narrowing of the passageway, restricting the amount of blood that flows throughout the body. Without an adequate blood supply, your body can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to maintain healthy legs, feet and toes. “This is something we can fix,” explained Rainwater. “The good news about PAD is that there’s

hope. There is treatment and it’s excellent, it’s been one of the biggest success stories in all of medicine.” Patients are able to get back on their feet and everyday living with almost no downtime, no stitches and no overnight hospital stay. Medicare as well as most insurance plans will cover treatment. Rainwater said, “The method of diagnosis, the treatment was unheard of 20 years ago. It’s become so sophisticated and so easy for the patient to tolerate that there’s no reason not to seek answers for this condition.” Dr. Rainwater’s focus is on

teaching people to recognize PAD and take action. “I’m here to tell patients that there are options, all they have to do is ask. They might have to ask a different doctor, but they don’t have to live with the idea that they’re going to suffer for the rest of their life,” said Rainwater. His best advice: “Go look for answers.” FBN

Reisha Zang is the director of patient education at Comprehensive Integrated Care, 602-909-8891.

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JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

Common Questions for Your Audiologist

By Karon Lynn, Au.D.

oing to a heath care professional can be a stressful situation. You have chosen to ask for a professional opinion about your health and want to get the best possible information during the appointment. Treatment for a physical issue you are having is a very personal subject and you want to feel that you are receiving individualized recommendations. When you go to any health care professional, it is important to be prepared before the appointment. Write down possible questions you have. They might focus on treatment, length of treatment and possible outcomes. Having questions with you

will help you stay organized during the appointment and help to make certain you don’t forget to ask something you planned to find out. Next, be prepared to write down the answers. It is difficult to remember what someone is telling you, especially if you are stressed or not feeling well. If you don’t want to write down what is said, take a friend or family member who is willing to do it for you. Two heads listening during an appointment is much better than just one! As an audiologist, I hear many questions about hearing and balance. I am pleasantly surprised when someone comes to an appointment with pen and paper in hand. It shows me that the individual is prepared and

// Having questions with you will help you stay organized during the appointment and help to make certain you don’t forget to ask something you planned to find out. Next, be prepared to write down the answers. It is difficult to remember what someone is telling you, especially if you are stressed or not feeling well. //

attentive and, usually, the appointment has a better outcome. I am able to explain more and I know that the individual will review what was said during the appointment. That reduces confusion. Here are some of the most common questions I hear during appointments.

DO I HAVE A HEARING LOSS?

Once a hearing evaluation is completed, the audiologist will help you understand the results of the test. Most of us understand that the lingo used will be foreign, so we try to use language that is more commonly heard. We expect a person to ask for clarification if they need it. Don’t be shy! You are paying to have someone who has extensive training in a subject bring the information to you in a way you can use. You will be told if the hearing loss is in one or both ears and what amount of decrease in hearing you have compared to a standardized norm.

IS THE HEARING LOSS PERMANENT?

This is a wonderful question to ask. The audiologist will be able to tell you if the hearing loss is from permanent damage to your hearing nerve or if it

is caused by a temporary issue with the middle ear. The testing process is designed to do just that. In addition to hearing test results, we need a list of current medications to note if any might be compounding your hearing difficulty. If you have had a previous hearing evaluation, it is good to bring a copy of the test to compare to the current results. We will help you understand if the hearing difficulty is progressive or something that will resolve on its own, or needs the intervention of medication or surgery. We need to understand your family history of hearing loss, noise exposure, significant illnesses or chronic illnesses, when the hearing difficulty began and how the hearing issue affects you.

DO I NEED HEARING AIDS?

To answer this question, the audiologist will use the test results and the answers to questions about the difficulty you have hearing friends and family, music or TV, etc. The audiologist will explain to you if your hearing loss can be treated medically or make a recommendation to see an ear surgeon. If medical intervention is not recommended, then hearing aids are an option.

DO I HAVE TO GET HEARING AIDS?

During the visit you will be offered a variety of treatments. Hearing aids are one option. The decision to wear hearing aids is based on the difficulty you have hearing the things that are important to you. If you are not ready to do anything about the hearing loss, explain that to the audiologist. We will give you a list of things to watch for and recommend a yearly hearing examination to document the progression of the loss. The brain likes to be stimulated with sound to maintain proper skills, so to speak. Because of this, it is important to continue exposing yourself to sound, so if later you decide to try out hearing aids, your brain will jump on board. Hearing is not just an ear thing; it is a brain and ear thing! FBN Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit TrinityHearing.net. Karon Lynn, Au.D., is a doctor of audiology with 30 years of experience working with hearing impaired individuals. She may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@ trinityhearing.net.

Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Injured Vet, Service Dog Become Dynamic Duo

By Rebecca West, FBN

ou’ve likely seen them around Tucson. Whizzing by in traffic, saddling up in a parking lot or maybe right next to you at a stoplight. To some extent, the dynamic duo with the distinctive bullet-shaped sidecar has actually become what you might call local celebrities for the striking path they cut about town. Their names are Mike and Scott, and they ride a 2018 Road Glide with a custom sidecar. It’s a one-ofa-kind creation with a lot of gawker appeal. In fact, the twosome can’t go anywhere together without drawing attention to themselves. Here’s how their story began. Mike is a disabled veteran who was injured many years ago while prepping for Bosnia and Somalia at age 25. He’s had multiple surgeries with rods, screws and wires in his back and neck. He received a medical discharge in 1999, but five years later, he was rear-ended in a wreck that caused additional injury and the need for more surgery. Seven years ago, as it became more and more difficult to ambulate

steadily, his doctor recommended he get a task-support service dog to aid him. Mike was having difficulty walking and he risked falling down. His wife, Autumn, agreed it would be a good idea, as lifting Mike on her own was tough. With his mobility and stability issues mounting, it seemed like a good option. A year later, they found Tre’Good German Shepherds, a breeder in Arizona specializing in raising highly trainable, intelligent and naturally protective dogs. During their visit, they found Scott, an adorable German Shepherd fluffball, and Mike instantly felt a connection. Too young to take home, Mike returned when Scott was 11 weeks old, and the two have been inseparable ever since. As it turns out, Mike did all of his own training with Scott, and by 4 months old, he was ready to roll. This is an extraordinary feat for both a dog and a human to accomplish in such a short time. But once Mike felt Scott was ready, he took him to Gentle Hearts in Sedona, where they tested him for performance. Scott (being Scott) passed with

Mike Thomas and his sidekick Scott, in this customized sidecar, have become wellknown on the roads in Tucson. Courtesy photo

flying colors. All service dogs must be able to perform two services that their handler cannot do on their own. The dogs are subjected to lots of tasks and things like loud noises before they’re given the green light to act as service dogs. Scott is such a natural, he’s trained two other dogs to perform their duties as well. He’s also been the subject of a linguistics study because of his uncanny ability to seemingly understand without much more than a whisper or simple turn of the head. Scott’s lineage may have something to do with it. His father attained the highest level of therapy dog status, and his mom is a diabetes service dog. About five years ago, Autumn encouraged Mike to look into taking a motorcycle safety course to start riding. That suggestion was the

beginning of Mike and Scott’s road to stardom. Mike bought a Dyna Low Rider from Old Pueblo Harley-Davidson in Tucson. Aware that he was looking for a sidecar, they notified him they were in possession of a repurposed toolbox that had been turned into a sidecar by its previous owner. Upon seeing it, Mike was stoked. Unusual in look and utility, it was the perfect size for his constant companion Scott, who, by this time, was his shadow. They ran together on that bike until Mike was T-boned by another rider in May 2018 during a Memorial Day run. Not to be deterred, Mike purchased a 2018 Road Glide Special from Tucson Harley-Davidson, but this time he would have a custom sidecar built specifically for Scott. And, what a sidecar it is. It was fab-

ricated by Dan Jackson. Dan offered to help Mike build what’s come to be known as “the bullet,” and for good reason. It’s not merely shaped like a cylinder; it’s actually got a snub nose and flat back, like a gun shell. Now, Mike and Scott hit the road regularly, attending local and outof-state biker events like the annual Sturgis rally in South Dakota, where they’ve been a big hit with fellow motorcyclists. Their plan is to continue doing so every chance they get. You can follow them on their SM accounts under the name @scottbulletdog or watch their popular YouTube videos at Scott Tre’Good Shepherds or Tre’Good Scott. Mike wants other Arizona vets to know that if they need help with training, he and Scott are always available. FBN

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

Is Cheaper Feed Really Cheaper to Feed?

By Cheyenne Brown

here are several factors that go into what you choose to feed your horses. With commodity prices on the rise, price per bag is probably high on the list – but when you break it down, the cheapest bag you can buy might not actually be the cheapest way to ensure your horse gets the nutrients he needs.The three types of formulas are constant nutrition, fixed formula and least-cost formula. Constant nutrition formulas use the same nutrition in every bag. This means all the ingredients in a bag with constant nutrition meet specific requirements and undergo inspection and analysis. Fixed formula feeds use the same ingredients in each bag. They follow a specific recipe, but as anyone who’s tried to follow Grandma’s cookie recipe knows, sometimes it doesn’t always turn out right. Ingredients’ nutritional qualities are not always consistent. Least-cost formulas are exactly that: the formula changes based on the cost of ingredients, and yes, you guessed it, that means the nutrients change, too. How do you determine what formula is best for your horse? The first thing you need to consider is what

your horse’s nutrient needs are. Your horse’s age, current body condition and the amount of physical work he does are big factors in choosing the right feed. Then, check out the Guaranteed Analysis tag on the bag of feed you’re looking to buy. Even if you’re comparing two feeds and both contain the same percentage of fat and protein, it does not mean the feeds are the same. Depending on the quality of the ingredients, nutrients in those feeds may vary greatly. When you purchase a bag of feed that costs less, you may have to feed more of it in order to give your horse adequate nutrients – therefore, you are paying more in the long run than if you were feeding something that had consistent nutrition, even if it costs more per bag. Horses naturally require consistent nutrition. Lack of consistency can lead to poor condition, performance, and even digestive upset. The next time you make a choice on feed, read the tag and research what kind of formula the manufacturer uses. Ensure the ingredients are of consistent quality! FBN

Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Follow Your Sign as the Stars Align

By Meg Roederer

magine making lasting memories that nourish your soul. Do the stars want you to take an epic hike or explore the delights in historic downtown? How about forest bathing in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, views of the night skies so dark that they’ve earned the designation of the world’s First International Dark Sky City, and cultural experiences that will have you walking within a landscape of legacies and ancient pueblos. Oh, there’s more . . . six national monuments are less than an hour drive away. There’s an abundance of options for dining, shopping and attraction activities designed just for you. Take a road trip in your own town and follow your sign with the Nostalgic Road Trip Horoscope Edition as your guide. The guide customizes activities with horoscope suggestions uniquely suited to your zodiac sign for an amazing astrological itinerary. Aquarius: Can you say early bird? Morning hike, yoga and a creative painting session followed by lunch at Lumberyard with strolling downtown and an evening on the Vino Loco patio for sunset and a glass of wine in hand.

Pisces: These pet lovers never travel without their whole family, dogs included. Pet-friendly Flagstaff patios, hotels, trails and bark parks keep the fur babies busy and the kids love the arcade games and axe throwing at FlagTag AZ.

Leo: Sentimental Leos love Flagstaff’s fresh mountain air and enjoy Mama Burger on the way to Arizona Snowbowl. Leos will be eager to share their stories and encourage others to come along. Libra: Coffee-lovers are on cloud

nine with all the café options downtown, from Macy’s to Kickstand. Libras are now ready for a Segway tour and afternoon tea at Steep Lounge with a good book from Brightside Bookshop followed by a star-filled night at Lowell Observatory.

Capricorn: Natural-born road-trippers, Capricorns are on a mission for a perfect location ready to enjoy area national monuments, attractions, bike rides and wildlife watching. In the evening you are ready for entertainment with a surf and turf dinner at Black Barts to top off the day’s adventure. Download all the horoscope signs to plan an astrological itinerary at DiscoverFlagstaff.com. Please stay, play, distance and mask responsibly. FBN

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

An Epic Year in Review for Real Estate and a Bright Future By Lori Anna Harrison

in equity. In addition, if we look back just one year further to 2019, the average price of a single-family home ins we welcome 2022 and excitcreased a whopping $226,658, meaning edly look toward the future, the average home is now worth 44% there is knowledge that 2021 more than it was just two years ago. represented a year of extraordinary Based on typical seasonality, we significance in real estate from every expect to see a slight dip in home prices standpoint. Although no one has a during January and hit our peak somecrystal ball accurate enough to pretime during late summer. But these dict where real estate will go during recent times have been anything but the upcoming year, there are some typical and based on current demand inklings from our recent historic contrasted with a dwindling supply of trends that can help shed some light only 46 detached homes available for on the distinct probability of where we are headed. Bring your sunglasses, sale - a balanced market would have 400-600 homes available - we could the future of real estate in Flagstaff very likely continue to realize more looks bright. of the same in price appreciation this Over the past five years, we have seen increases in both the average price year. Whether it will maintain in the double digits or not remains to be seen. as well as the median price of a single-family home in Flagstaff. In fact, ap- Regardless, these increases have made preciation percentages over the last two it increasingly difficult for first-time homebuyers or families looking to reloyears have been in the double digits, with the average price of a single-family cate for jobs to purchase a single-family home increasing $99,019, or 15%, from home in our community. Attached product consisting of 2020 to 2021 and the median price has condos and townhomes can be a great increased $109,169, or 22%. The same detached home increased from an aver- alternative for these potential homeage price of $641,529 to $740,548 in just buyers to enter the real estate market. one year. This means that homeowners However, attached homes have also experienced tremendous growth from have experienced exponential growth

2020 to 2021, with the average price increasing from $357,781 to $420,420 respectively. This is $62,639, or an 18% increase year over year. Looking back to 2019, the same condo or townhouse only cost $312,280, which means there has been a $108,140, or 35%, increase over the last two years. Although this is 9% less than the growth in detached homes, it is still substantial considering salaries have not kept pace with the rise in the cost of housing. While the aforementioned is encouraging to existing homeowners, it can appear daunting to those seeking to enter the market or move-up into a bigger home in Flagstaff. Nevertheless, do not despair. There is hope if you are looking to make a move. New neighborhoods are in the works in

Flagstaff and according to the Community Development Division, there are hundreds of homes to be constructed

during 2022, a mix of both for sale and for lease product. Continued on page 37

Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Community, Economic Resilience in the New Year By Trey Williams

the pandemic, Flagstaff’s recovery has been slower, recovering 84.9% of jobs. s we begin a new year, it’s a good That doesn’t mean the region’s recovery hasn’t been promising. time to reflect on accomplishNAU’s Economic Policy Instiments and to forecast the year ahead for how Coconino County hopes tute business sentiment survey from to enhance and support economic vital- November 2021 measured a 68% “very strong” or “strong” response from ity for local businesses. business respondents asked to rate the Last year was a story of economic strength of their businesses, with 71% resilience for our community. After a saying they expect their businesses to difficult year in 2020 responding and adapting to the pandemic, our business grow or remain steady. Coconino County continues to and non-profit community were engage in common sense solutions to focused on recovery. assist the community and local busiAccording to Northern Arizona nesses with critical services and support University’s Economic Policy Institute as we navigate the new normal. We survey from April 2020, 54% of busihope to build on previous successful nesses had applied for aid, and half of partnerships, such as the Flagstaff the region’s businesses had laid off or Downtown Business Alliance small furloughed employees. business assistance grants, in which the More than a year and a half later, Flagstaff’s businesses have proven to be county contributed through CARES funding. resilient. While the rest of the state has The new year will bring new oprecovered almost all the jobs lost during

// Coconino County continues to engage in common sense solutions to assist the community and local businesses with critical services and support as we navigate the new normal. //

portunities for business development and growth, and with growth comes challenges for business. That’s where partnerships come in. In 2022, the county hopes to continue its integral support of and partnership with community organizations and local businesses. In January, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors will consider how to allocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) business supports with input from the county’s Economic Development Manager Chris Pasterz. The Board also will explore how to allocate community support funding that will help our local non-profits that partner with the county on critical programs and services. While no decisions or allocations have been made yet, the Board of Supervisors will explore new ways the county can partner with the community and with local business to grow, enhance and sustain economic resiliency in our local economy. And, don’t forget about broadband, which is another focus for 2022. With new funding opportunities in the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, there may be exciting funding opportunities for broadband infrastructure and wildfire response and prevention for our region. Coconino County will continue

to develop an Equitable Economic Recovery Plan with technical support and guidance from the Brookings Institution and Aspen Institute awarded to the county in the $100,000 grant we received from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Check out our November 2021 FBN column about the grant. County Economic Development, our expert staff, and elected leadership will work with the community to identify economic opportunities for those who haven’t recovered equitably, and who have important needs, including affordable housing, business loans and employee training programs, to generate equity and recovery. Stay tuned throughout 2022 for updates on the county’s efforts to deliver an Equitable Economic Recovery Plan that will diversify and vitalize our economy. Under new leadership from Executive Director Billy Francis, Coconino County is also working with the Workforce Development Board to provide technical support and workforce solutions to the region. While we’re on the topic of workforce, the county’s workforce is led by an elected board of supervisors through a district system. Another important goal for

Coconino County is to successfully redistrict these supervisory districts as required by state law. The draft maps will be released later this month, and the county will announce them to media outlets and through our social media channels. Since this impacts all citizens, the Board of Supervisors needs your input. For more information, visit coconino. az.gov/redistricting, and follow Coconino County on Twitter and Facebook for updates. With this outlook for the year, what’s the vision for our community in 2022? Resiliency. It’s our way of life. FBN Trey Williams serves as public affairs director for Coconino County. He leads the communications, economic development, government relations and community relations teams in the county manager’s office, while also helping to lead workforce development at the county. You may contact him at twilliams@coconino. az.gov or his staff/office at publicaffairs@ coconino.az.gov. For questions, comments or to express interest in the funding opportunities mentioned in this column, please visit Coconino County’s Economic Development website at https:// coconino.az.gov/2237/Economic-Development.

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JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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New Year’s Resolution: What If?

’

By Rob Wilson

Tis the season of resolutions. Some are kept, many slip by the wayside, perhaps to be repeated next year. We suggest an alternative at which you’re more likely to succeed: “What if?” None of us ever want to be in a situation where we need to take emergency actions. We make choices on a constant basis that help to prevent us from experiencing consequences we’re not prepared for. This year, rather than resolutions, you should ask yourself several “what if” questions so that should a difficult situation present itself, you have previously thought through it in a stress-free environment. Everyone’s lives are different; so will be their what-ifs. Here are a few to consider. What if you’re asleep at night and are startled awake by someone kicking in your front door? This scenario requires some advanced planning. Who is assigned to call 911? Who

// A potentially tragic incident can be easily avoided if kids are taught from an early age that firearms require adults. Teach them that if they see one and adults are not present and in charge, they should not touch it and notify an adult immediately. //

will arm themselves? Do the other people in your home know the plan and where to go? Think through this process, jot down your plan and share it with your family. What if you’re involved in a traffic accident that results in severe bleeding from yourself or a passenger? Tourniquets used to be a last resort to stop bleeding but the strategy has changed recently. You should not only have a basic first aid kit in your car, you should also know when and how to apply a tourniquet. Free “Stop the Bleed” courses are taught monthly, make sure you and others in your family have attended one. What if you’re in a situation that requires you to use a firearm in self-defense and it malfunctions? Modern firearms are very reliable, but are still mechanical objects that can fail. You should include malfunction clearance in your firearms training and practice it regularly using a randomly inserted snap cap in your magazine. What if your kids or grandkids come across a firearm at a friend’s home or school? A potentially tragic incident can be easily avoided if kids are taught from an early age that firearms require adults. Teach them that if they see one and adults are not present and in charge, they should not touch it and notify an adult immediately. Kids must understand that firearms are not toys. Hopefully you’ve come up with a couple of “what ifs” of your own. Think them through, have a plan and share it. These steps can help ensure your new year is safer! FBN Rob Wilson is the owner, with his wife, Elise, of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.

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Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Dark Sky Brewing, Pizzicletta Supporting Starry Nights In the wake of the 20th anniversary celebration of Flagstaff’s designation as the First International Dark Sky City, Dark Sky Brewing Co. and Pizzicletta started 2022 bolstering the darkness with checks made out to the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. The donations totaling nearly $1,000 came from a portion of beer and pizza sales made during the Oct. 24 event that included outdoor telescope viewing. "We at Dark Sky and Pizzicletta are both so excited to collaborate with the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and bring together our community to support our local dark skies,” said Dark Sky Brewing Event Coordinator Miguel Sotelo. “Together, we were able to allow our community to engage with our night skies in unique and impactful ways. We can’t wait to see how this collaboration can continue to blossom through the New Year!" Pictured here are Kait Bieber of Pizzicletta, Sotelo, Chris Luginbuhl with the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and Maddy Mazon of Dark Sky Brewing Co. FBN Courtesy photo

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JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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Recognizing Medical Gaslighting

By Amber Belt, ND

f you’re a patient, have you ever had the experience of your practitioner blowing off or minimizing your symptoms? Or, worse yet, has your practitioner made you feel like you’re crazy and couldn’t be possibly experiencing your own symptoms? As a practitioner who has treated chronic illness and pain for well over a decade, this does happen. It’s called medical gaslighting and I want to shine a light on it so that we can all recognize it. This is Part 1 of a twopart series.

WHAT IS MEDICAL GASLIGHTING?

Gaslighting in general is when someone, generally a person in power, makes another person (their victim) question their memory, their perception of reality or their sanity. The person being gaslit will feel anxious and confused. While gaslighting is part of the dynamics of an abusive relationship, it can happen in the context of the patient-practitioner dynamic in medicine. Medical gaslighting is when a patient’s symptoms are blown off, dismissed or denied, which invalidates the patient. The practitioner may tell

the patient that the symptoms they are experiencing are in their head, that the symptoms aren’t that bad, that their symptoms couldn’t possibly be caused by condition X. Medical gaslighting generally stops the process to get the correct diagnosis and treatment for the patient which, of course, further invalidates them. Medically gaslit patients get scared and confused, can be misdiagnosed or can have a delayed diagnosis. I believe it’s important for both patients and practitioners to recognize gaslighting. It’s also important for practitioners to learn how to avoid gaslighting in the first place

WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO BE A VICTIM OF MEDICAL GASLIGHTING?

N Gender, race and sexual orientation can make a difference. I almost always see medical gaslighting in women. It’s subtle, but women are much more commonly seen as hysterical and emotional beings who don’t have the ability to discuss their symptoms without dramatizing them. People of color and people in the LGBTQIA community also see higher rates of medical gaslighting. N Those with chronic pain may fall

victim. I see a lot of chronic pain in my practice. Folks with chronic pain whose source can’t be pinpointed are commonly subjected to medical gaslighting. I do a lot of regenerative injections like prolotherapy and PRP to address pain and many chronic pain patients’ pain isn’t actually coming from an impinged nerve or an arthritic joint. It’s common that their pain is coming from damage to a ligament or tendon. But imaging often isn’t sensitive to pick up on this microdamage, so these patients can be blown off when they “fail” the conventional treatment or imaging doesn’t show where their pain is coming from. Since pain is subjective, it can be easy to slide into a situation where a practitioner is medically gaslighting their patient. Pain patients are in, well, pain and this can seem overdramatic to a busy practitioner. And treating pain with drugs can be particularly tricky for the practitioner because there are patients who are drug-seeking and overstate their pain to get more pain meds. N The chronically ill can be particularly challenging for medical practitioners. Often, they will present with a collection of

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symptoms that seem unrelated and there are so many of them that it becomes overwhelming! With these patients, the practitioner gets overwhelmed by the sheer volume of symptoms and blows the patient off because it’s difficult to believe that a patient could possibly have that many symptoms and diagnosis is difficult when a large collection of symptoms is present. However, a patient with conditions like POTS, long-haul Epstein Barr virus, endometriosis, vaccine injury, dysautonomia, mold toxicity, fibromyalgia or other non-standard condition can have odd symptoms that don’t seem to make any sense. In my experience, this type of medical gaslighting that these chronically ill patients are subject to is really just a lack of knowledge about these conditions on the practitioner’s part. When the practitioner is unfamiliar with a condition, the collection of symptoms can be complex and intimidating. Sometimes, practitioners don’t believe in a medical condition like dysautonomia or chronic Lyme disease and will medically gaslight their patient. But these conditions are

there and they impact the patient in a life-changing way. With more COVID-19 long-haulers being seen, I’m hoping that more practitioners will think outside of the box and recognize that these complex patients have underlying conditions that are present. I have been treating long-haulers of different varieties for well over a decade and they are frequently medically gaslit. Even if the tools to treat are limited, these patients still need to be validated. We can validate our patients by listening, getting labs done, and ordering imaging…even if the labs are ones we need to do a little research to interpret! I’ll be back next month to talk more about medical gaslighting. FBN Amber Belt, N.D. is a naturopathic physician and co-owner of Aspen Integrative Medical Center where she helps patients get healthy from the inside out. She is also co-owner of Sage Sirona, which focuses on natural first aid and education. Dr. Belt has been practicing naturopathic medicine for more than 15 years and can be contacted via aspenmedcenter.com or sagesirona. com. You can also call her office at 928-213-5828.

Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Five Steps to Reach Your New Year’s Health Outcomes By Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc

ou have heard it time and time again, many people create these long lists of resolutions for the new year and never stick to them. The problem is that people have a hard time sticking to any resolution or commitment because they lack action or the proper steps to meet the goal. They may also lose the motivation or may not have enough support to stick to their goals. A more efficient strategy than goal setting or New Year’s resolutions is to set outcomes! Follow these five easy steps to reach your health outcomes for 2022. 1.

First, identify what you desire to accomplish. Get very clear about what it is that you desire to improve or change. Then, list the steps that are required to help you reach your desired outcome. These are the activities that you would be required to do to make progress toward reaching your outcomes. Take focused, consistent action and do the steps no matter how

big or small. Consistency is key. 4. Monitor your progress and check in with yourself to see the benefits of your actions by creating a seven-day, 30-day and 90-day outcomes sheet. These check-ins help you to see how you are making progress and to keep you on track. 5. Celebrate your progress and reward yourself.

FOCUSING ON PROGRESS IS THE BEST WAY TO REACH YOUR OUTCOME.

Think of one thing you can do today to make progress toward the outcome that you desire. Set a time each week to review the past week and check to see how you can make the next week better. Reward yourself for your accomplishments and celebrate. For example, if the outcome is to have more energy and lose weight, it can be overwhelming for many people to think they have to eat like a bird and go to the gym every day. Instead, think of what steps can get you closer to your outcome. Maybe it is simply eating a cleaner Mediterranean or Paleo diet, doing a three- to seven- day cleanse or

increasing your exercise regimen to 15 or 20 minutes per day or three times per week. Making progress gets you closer to reaching your outcome. This method can also be done in other areas of your life such as business, money management, relationships, etc. Just follow the same five easy steps and take consistent action. Focusing on better health for 2022 is a great idea! Having a health outcome

plan in place and someone to hold you accountable if you are not able to keep yourself motivated will help you to be successful at reaching your health outcomes. In 2022, set optimal health as a top priority. I would be happy to assist you and hold you accountable toward reaching your health outcomes. FBN

Dr. Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc, The Vitality Doctor, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist specializing in hormone optimization, optimal health and vitality. She is a new Flagstaff resident, practicing since 2004, and opened her second location in Doney Park in 2020. For more information, visit thevitalitydoctor. com or call 928-863-6086.

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JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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Trudging Along the Road to Happy Destiny with Back2Basics

“

By Roy Duprez

I didn’t realize how much I had lost until I felt how much I’ve gained,” said Brad J, a Back2Basics alumnus. Our journey began in May of 2010. Back2Basics has now completed, and is proudly celebrating, seven years of Sober Living here in Flagstaff. B2B is a six-month adventure recovery program for young men struggling with substance abuse issues and are looking for a positive, meaningful life. The uniqueness of Back2Basics lies in the fact that it is a hybrid of outdoor adventure therapy and traditional residential programming. The outdoor activities include hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climb-

ing, skiing and so much more. The in-town residential program looks to develop and strengthen life skills through classes and groups that focus on culinary skills, nutrition, self-care, home maintenance, proper exercise, martial arts, yoga, mindful meditation, clinical therapy and various therapeutic activities. The community at Back2Basics creates a sense of camaraderie and safety that allows B2B participants to be present in their new life experiences without drugs and alcohol. Through this peer-driven culture, they develop a renewed sense of self. This leads to elevated self-confidence and improved life skills. These improved life skills empower the residents to make healthy life deci-

sions, build and maintain appropriate relationships, learn how to step out of their comfort zone and face their fears. This is all done while they are receiving the emotional and structured support necessary to help them stay on the road to long-term success. It’s been an amazing journey these last seven years. We have had personal and programmatic growth with added depth. Our core values and dedicated staff have been the driving force for our positive outcomes and ongoing success. It’s clear that the long-term treatment recovery model provides the foundation needed for young adults with addiction struggles. This alternative approach to rehab and substance

abuse recovery has given Back2Basics an extremely high success rate. Back2Basics is dedicated to providing the personnel with professional expertise and a concrete infrastructure to combat drug and alcohol addiction – both essential to the longterm transformation of our residents into self-sustaining, sober men. Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery combines residential therapeutic counseling with experiential outdoor adventures to treat individuals with substance and alcohol addiction and lead them through rehab and recovery into long-term sober living. The program is highlighted by spending time in the beautiful, serene wilderness where individuals are physically challenged, their minds

are cleared and they learn ways to defeat old addictive thinking patterns through various outdoor adventures. FBN

Roy DuPrez is the owner and founder of Back2Basics. Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.

REAL ESTATE TIP OF THE MONTH WITH KEELE SMITH Happy Holidays! This market is tough, things have slowed a little but there is still a lack of inventory and an abundance of buyers. As my mentor and trusted advisor Beth Mooney told me, “buying a house is like dating, you probably aren’t going to marry the first one you see, sometimes you might have to date for a while but the right one WILL come along.” Remember to breathe and find an agent who will breathe with you! When the time is right the universe will provide the perfect home for you and your family.

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Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Choosing the Right Self-Storage Facility

By Tom Boggess

ll self-storage facilities are not created equal; therefore, it’s important to choose one that best fits your needs. The following is a list of questions to consider when exploring the one for you. N How secure is the facility? When possible, choose a facility that is gated with keypad access control. Storage operators who have detailed access logs know when and how long each tenant was at the facility and can provide helpful information in case of an incident and the need to investigate arises. N Does it have 24-hour video surveillance? Ask to see the camera system and how long tapes or digital recordings are kept.

N Is the facility well-lighted at night? N Are there climate-controlled units? N What are the office and gate hours? Does this work for your schedule? N Does the facility look clean? A clean and detailed facility shows that the storage operator cares about your belongings. N Is the facility serious about snow removal? Snow in Flagstaff can create havoc during a move, and a well-cleared driveway is a welcomed sight. N Does the facility offer moving and packing supplies? Feel free to reach out to your self-storage operator and ask any of these - or any

of your specific questions. FBN Tom Boggess is the owner and operator of Flagstaff Storage and Woody Mountain Campground. He has been in the business for more than 25 years.

Mortgage tip of the month: Although it is anticipated rates will be on the rise in 2022, home values have never been higher making right now the perfect time to maximize your homes equity by refinancing. Contact me today to take advantage of low rates while they’re still here! Contact me today!

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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Understanding the Lasting Impact of Legacy Giving

By Nancy Wiechec

enjamin Franklin left a legacy of accomplishment as a printer, innovator, author, public servant and statesman. Two centuries later, we still consider this founding father as one of the greatest Americans. Yet, at his passing, Franklin left behind something in addition to a life of great work. In 1789, just before his death, Franklin revised his will, leaving 2,000 sterling pounds – the equivalent at the time to about $9,000 – to be distributed as low-interest loans to tradesmen in Boston and Philadelphia. He was honoring his humble beginnings as a printer, which led him to a career of public service. He wrote at the time, “Good

apprentices are most likely to make good citizens. I wish to be useful even after my death ... forming and advancing other young men that may be serviceable to the country.” Franklin also stipulated that a portion of the funds go toward public works 100 and 200 years after his death. He expected the funds to grow, leaving even more money to support entrepreneurs and boost the economies of two U.S. cities that had been his home. The balance of the trusts, valued at $6.5 million in 1990, eventually went to The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston. We will never know the full impact or ripple effect of Franklin’s bequests; they helped people and communities grow in immeasurable ways. His

// Parents benefit by knowing their kids are in a safe and nurturing place before and after school. Likewise, businesses reap rewards because parents can be employed and work with peace of mind. //

legacy continues even today, with the institutes supporting excellence in science and technology. Planned giving is also known as legacy giving – philanthropy that has impact long after the benefactor’s death. Legacy giving is altruistic and can come with financial advantages to the giver. Still, it’s not all that popular. Less than 7% of Americans leave a charitable bequest in their estate plan or will. We recognize and promote this type of uncommon generosity because of its powerful and lasting benefits to communities. A recent local example is sure to positively impact current and future generations in Northern Arizona. Robert S. Larson and his wife, Loretta, Sedona residents and founders of Larson Newspapers, left a property gift valued at $2.5 million to Health First Foundation Northern Arizona. The gift was realized in 2021 after the passing of Robert (2016) and Loretta (2020). The Larsons were devoted community members who valued local history, news, development and education. They viewed health and well-being as instrumental to personal and community growth. To honor the Larsons and their

generous gift, Health First Foundation will match each dollar given, up to $50,000 in total donations, to benefit the West Sedona Wildcat Extended Day Program, a beforeand after-school childcare option that combines learning, socializing, healthy eating, exercise and play. Activities help build self-sufficiency skills and include gardening, crafts, painting, knitting, growing food and cooking. Funded through grants and other support, the Wildcat Extended Day Program is free to parents of kindergarten through 5th grade schoolchildren. It aims to help parents with childcare and the Sedona business community in attracting more employees. The need is great, as many children at West Sedona Elementary qualify for free or lowcost lunch under federal law, having family incomes at or near the federal poverty level. Well-run extended school programs have proven benefits for children, working families, businesses and the community at large. Children benefit from additional educational and social hours in a safe and supportive environment,

supplemental nutrition, and physical activity. Parents benefit by knowing their kids are in a safe and nurturing place before and after school. Likewise, businesses reap rewards because parents can be employed and work with peace of mind. Before- and after-school programs benefit communities by forming resilient youths and reducing risky childhood behaviors. The Wildcat Extended Day Program contributes to academic achievement, development, healthy lifestyles and strong communities – all things valued by Robert and Loretta. Their thoughtful planning and generous gift are sure to have positive outcomes for a lifetime and beyond. FBN For additional information on the West Sedona Wildcat Extended Day matching gift program, visit https://healthfirstforall. org/news. To learn more about legacy giving, call 928-223-9250. Nancy Wiechec is a former journalist working for Health First Foundation as a storyteller and communications manager. Keep up with Health First news on Twitter @HealthFirstAZ.

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CCC Brings Back Caregiver Program to Meet Community Need Local assisted-living facilities cite need for caregivers and healthcare staff

long, Costa said. The first six weeks will be on Saturdays, seven-hour days, with classroom lectures and skills sessions in a lab with mannequins. Students will also be required to “shadow” a caregiver who works in the area for up to 20 hours during the course of the six weeks. “They will get an idea of what By Larry Hendricks it’s like to be a caregiver and be familiar with the environment before they start he definition of a caregiver: A skilled helping hand in moments working,” Costa said. The seventh week is entirely devoted of need for daily living – for the to CPR and first-aid training. After elderly, for the sick, for the disabled. completing the program, students will With new assisted-living facilities slated to come online in the near future, take the state certification test, which is available at CCC in Flagstaff. When the and with several already in operation, students pass the test, they are certified the need for certified caregivers in the and ready for the workforce. Students Flagstaff area and Coconino County is growing. To meet that need, Coconino who begin the program in January can be certified and working by April. Community College has brought back its Assisted Living Facility Caregiver Certificate program, which begins in WHO WOULD MAKE A GOOD January with the spring semester. CAREGIVER? “I had the executive director of a “It’s really for anybody interested in local facility come meet with me,” working in health care,” Costa said, said Katherine Costa, director of Nurs- adding that the only requirement is that ing and Allied Health at CCC. “They’re the students turn 18 years of age before in such need of caregivers, we’re reviv- they take the certification test. ing it to meet that need.” Lisa Blank, dean of Career and TechThe program, which is geared to ac- nical Education and Adult Education at commodate 20 students, is seven weeks CCC, said, “We’re really excited about

the relaunch of the caregiver certificate program. It is an example of our focus on stackable, fast-track credentials that help students move quickly into the healthcare sector that desperately needs our community support.” Costa added that the program offers four credits toward a college degree. She also said she believes that students with the caregiver certificate will likely go onto receiving a nursing assistant certification, and perhaps even have a goal of becoming a nurse or physician. Costa said that in the fall semester, CCC will add to the Caregiver program by providing a course in certifying caregivers to provide medication to patients in their charge. And, depending on the success, the Caregiver program might grow in Flagstaff and also be offered in Page to residents in the far northern parts of Coconino County. FBN For more information about the Certified Caregiver program and other healthcare training at CCC, visit https://www.coconino.edu/paths/health-services. Larry Hendricks is the senior manager of public relations and marketing at Coconino Community College.

Coconino Community College Nursing faculty member Katherine Costa stands in a lab at the Fourth Street Campus where students will learn skills for the new caregiver program that begins this month. Courtesy photo

SAVE THE DATE: February 27, 2022 Come meet Eden in person and join us for “Bowling for Eden.” Eden will be the first Emotional Support/Facility dog in a law enforcement agency in Yavapai County. Although Eden was “gifted” to them, there was no budget to pay for all of her needs. Bowling for Eden will raise the money to get her started. She is currently in training and will be joining the Police Department sometime in 1st Qtr. of 2022. Bowlers will receive: Eden tote bag, pizza and a non-alcoholic drink. Donation $40 per bowler or $150 for a team of 4

For

There will also be a Raffle and Silent Auction with lots of great prizes! Business Sponsorships still Available.

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For tickets or more information: Call Ann at (928) 420-4407.

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JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews HOUSING continued from page 27

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If you are interested in more detailed information about these new communities and opportunities for upward mobility that exist for housing in Flagstaff, please join us for our three-part Buyer and Seller Educational Series.

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N Move-Up Buyers | 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 27 N First-Time Homebuyers | 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17 N Investors & Airbnb | 5 p.m., Thursday, March 3 The series will be conducted at Clear Title Agency of Flagstaff and Academy Mortgage, located 2076 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., Flagstaff, Arizona, 86001. RSVP by scanning the QR code to reserve your seat today! FBN

Lori Anna Harrison is a Flagstaff native and 18-year real estate veteran commencing post graduate school with Shea Homes. Lori is a full-time licensed REALTOR® with Zion Realty, LLC. Call her today at 928.396.5851 or text 602.524.5674, email lori@AZdreamlifestyle.com and visit AZdreamlifestyle.com.

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BABBITT continued from page 6

7, they nearly turned around because the little town had recently burned to the ground. “That’s when they noticed a sign with the name ‘Brannen’ on it. The young men had letters of introduction with them, written on their behalf to the town doctor,” said Cordasco, a fourth generation Arizona Babbitt. Reading from a passage in Dean Smith’s 1964 book, “Babbitt History,” Cordasco continued: “’If Doc Brannen had not been in his tent office behind the temporary headquarters of the Brannen Mercantile Company on that morning, there very probably would have been no Babbitt saga to tell.’” “David and Billy had nearly $20,000 to spend and they were ready to go all in. That must have impressed the doctor, who then introduced them to ranchers in the area,” said Cordasco. “Turns out there had just been a large herd of cattle brought in from Kansas just east of Flagstaff, a place known as Canyon Diablo.” For $17,640, they bought 860 head of cattle, which they mortgaged to purchase land near Lake Mary. They settled amidst ponderosa pines and clear mountain springs and branded the cattle with the CO Bar brand – a sentimental reminder of their hometown, Cincinnati, Ohio. Equipped with business experience from running the family grocery store in Ohio and financial backing from

Gerhard Verkamp, the wealthy father of three daughters who married three of the brothers, the enterprising young men began a business model of forming partnerships with other cattle ranches, starting with the A-1 Cattle Company north of the San Francisco Peaks and the Hashknife outfit to the southeast. “They would partner with these other ranches all the way to New Mexico. Whatever happened, the Babbitts could always be counted on to support and even buy out the partner,” said Cordasco. “Through this process of acquiring ranches, the Babbitts ended up with millions of acres from Laguna Beach, California, to Dodge City, Kansas, from Mile City, Montana, to the Arizona/ New Mexico state line. “The number of cattle was just staggering.” Meanwhile, the Babbitts were helping to grow the town of Flagstaff, enhancing the education and arts communities, and being involved in politics and a great number of businesses. One observer stated, “Whether a man needed a house, paint, automobile, perfume, a post-hole digger, crushed ice or a Christian burial, the Babbitts stood by ready to help,” according to Smith’s book. “Through the years, the Babbitts diversified their holdings to include a network of trading posts on the Hopi and Navajo reservations. They also owned a bank, ice plant, livery stable, slaughterhouse, opera house and even a

C.J. Babbitt is shown here with his son, John Babbitt, who managed the vast operation from 1935 to 1985. Courtesy photo

mortuary,” said State Historian Marshall Trimble. “During these years, Flagstaff became the cultural and mercantile center of Northern Arizona. Today, the CO Bar Ranch is still one of the state’s largest cow ranches. I can’t think of another ranch or farm more deserving.” “Babbitt Ranches is well known for producing honorable, hardworking cowboys and horses,” said Judy Prosser of the Bar T Bar Ranch. “They take pride in exemplifying their core values, or ‘Cowboy Essence,’ a code of conduct outlined in The Constitution of Babbitt

Ranches. They have definitely stood the test of time in the harsh environment of the Colorado Plateau in Northern Arizona.” “We are so deeply honored to be acknowledged in this way,” said Cordasco. “With the Babbitt family, owners, ranch families and the hundreds and hundreds, perhaps thousands and thousands, of people associated with Babbitts through the years, our success has always been and always will be in the strength of our relationships.” “Babbitt Ranches has compassion

for cattle, people, ranching heritage and open spaces,” said Jim O’Haco of the O’Haco Cattle Company. “To this day, they practice conservation, research projects, renewable energy and provide recreational access for the public and community outreach.” Looking to the next 136 years, Cordasco says decisions made today are on behalf of generations to come. “And that is our motivation as we create a forged ethic in meaningful new business, environmental and community opportunities.”FBN

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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JENKINS continued from page 12

her career there in 2001. That same year, she found an open door at Quintus Inc., a manufacturing plant that reminded her of the Gore culture. “I ended up reinstalling Quintus, Inc., computer systems, reconfiguring the systems to fit their business needs and priced and costed all their products. I started in 2002 as a full-time employee and, today, continue to do part-time consulting.” Adding to her professional list of achievements, Jenkins became general manager of operations and chairman of the board of directors at Quintus Inc., and moved the company to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which equates to an employer-owned company. Insisting that she is not a “political person,” she felt compelled to run for Camp Verde City Council. “I wanted to understand how things work and then offer my opinion on how we can do things better when dealing with the public, the community and its citizens.” Jenkins served on the council for four years. “When my seat expired, I had a choice: either run for council again for four years or run for mayor, which is a two-year term. My husband and I made a pros and cons list and I decided to run for mayor.” Elected as mayor in 2020, one of Jenkins’ top mayoral goals is to build relationships, not only within Camp Verde but with neighboring commu-

nities as well. “We can work together to sustain this beautiful valley we live in. An example of working together for the betterment of our community is this year’s Earth Day video with Yavapai-Apache Chairman Jon Huey.” Using funds wisely is also a top priority for Jenkins. “We finally closed the deal on purchasing the Camp Verde Water Company, which has been in the works for decades. This is security for citizens here. Ownership of the wells and delivery of water equates to water security for our citizens and future developers.” Excitedly, Jenkins talked about the Camp Verde Equestrian Center, a 39-acre multi-use facility that just hosted the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo. “That’s a really big deal,” she said. “I’ve known Dee since she moved to Arizona from Delaware. She’s one of the smartest people I know,” said retired W. L. Gore Associate Ken Moll, a member of the Quintas, Inc., board of directors. “She always knows the right questions to ask the people who are supposed to have the answers, plus she has a very big heart and cares deeply about the community in Camp Verde, her family and the people she works with.” While living in Flagstaff, Jenkins lived in Doney Park and for many years was treasurer of Black Bill Water Company, a volunteer position. She is also past president of Northern Arizona

Horsemen’s Association (NAHA). “I’m so proud to live in the Verde Valley and the diversity of the people who live and work here and how we’re able to work together, along with the Yavapai-Apache Nation, which has multiple locations within the Town of Camp Verde.” With two grown sons, Jenkins’ youngest lives in Camp Verde and, ironically, commutes to Flagstaff, where he is employed at W. L. Gore & Associates. She has two granddaughters, 14 and 22 years of age.

ADVICE FOR MY YOUNGER SELF

Stop and smell the roses! To succeed and be a success in your chosen profession is indeed an accomplishment to be proud of, but also take time for yourself to enjoy life and build relationships, because it is those relationships that will endure long after your career is done. One of Jenkins’ goals as mayor has been to build relationships with neighboring communities. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

THOSE I ADMIRE

I admire many, many people for different reasons, but people I remember are those that, in spite of their humble beginnings or very difficult beginnings, rose above their circumstances and made a positive impact in the world. People who make the world a better place.

MY PERFECT DAY

A perfect day would be “Chick Day” with my two granddaughters – an all-

girl day, just the three of us – no plans, no schedule, no phones.

the day I did with integrity.

KEY CHARACTER TRAIT IN BUSINESS

Anything outdoors – walking, hiking, gardening, boating and traveling. I enjoy reading and just learning something new every day. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t pick a subject I want to learn more about and my go-to website is Wikipedia. FBN

Integrity. Integrity is many things – being gracious, respectful, honest, trustworthy, hardworking, responsible, helpful AND having a moral compass. In my professional and personal life, I hope that whatever I achieved for

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Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

BLUE RAVEN continued from page 1

and is reinventing herself, taking her lifelong quest to help people and solve problems into 2022 as a life coach to guide individuals through times of transition. Her consulting business is Blue Raven Inspirations: A Creative, Transformational Path to Abundance. “Happiness doesn’t come from anything that we have or what we do,” she said. “You have to seek your own bliss, and I have the tools for this. Each one of us is all that we need.” Cripps believes that stress is killing us and there is an urgent need to reconsider the way we’ve been operating. “We have to change this model of working ourselves to death, and I think the Millennials, in general, seem to have the right idea. If you are constantly in competition, you are stirring up the wrong hormones.” She believes restored health, peace of mind and personal and professional success come from releasing control and allowing good things to happen. “It’s not about being married to the outcome.” Cripps is a proponent of meditation, letting go of conventional expectations, cleaning out the clutter and making space for more of what we want in our lives, and being open to possibilities. Her decision to retire came much earlier than she had planned.

Originally, her retirement date was scheduled for April 2022, but she was open to any outcome. She allowed her mind to consider the possibilities during quiet times without fear, negative thoughts or judgement. “I was meditating on unlimited abundance the morning of July 6, 2021,” she recalled. “I focused in on what I wanted more of: music and enough money to make my retirement worry-free. That afternoon, I received a phone call from an executive with State Farm. He said he wanted my agency and he wanted it sooner rather than later. He also said he would hire my employees for the duration of that original year [2022]. Then, he asked if I would be willing to sell my building to him!” The State Farm executive was Brandon Redfern. He was leading 20 agents at the time, but he told Cripps he wanted to return to his role as an agent in a place like Flagstaff. “It wasn’t at all what I had pictured, but it was the best answer,” she said. “Brandon was sitting in South Carolina saying, ‘I need to be back where the people are,’ and I had this dream of retiring.” With the aid of a Goodwill truck, a shredder and a dumpster, Cripps was retired by Oct. 31, six months earlier than her plans. Redfern is now the State Farm agent seated behind her

former desk in Flagstaff. “This is what it’s really all about,” said Cripps. “When you begin to wonder if you can do something, things start falling into place. It’s magic. Any kind of worry starts to fade away.” The lightness of stepping into a new vision for herself and clearing out things that were “taking up energy” made her feel like she could float. “I feel like I weigh two pounds,” she said. “Space creates energy instead of taking it away. As a result of releasing things, other things are coming to me that I want in my life.” Cripps believes she has been transitioning on to this new path for about two years. Looking back through her journals, she realizes the gradual awakening was being put in motion with her decision to hire workplace coaching for her employees and herself. “Originally, I thought this process would help me grow my already large business and increase production. However, the meetings turned into guiding sessions for each one of us individually if we were open. We were given puzzle pieces, tools to help be more open, trusting, confident, knowledgeable, empathetic and intuitive. As I gained each piece, I could feel myself moving closer to something, although I was not sure what exactly.”

The path became clearer when the coach asked the group what others say about them individually. “My response was that I really didn’t know what people say, I hadn’t really paid much attention. She asked the others, ‘Don’t you see the light when Melissa walks into a room? She changes the energy.’ Then I knew. The answer was so very clear. I had a purpose, and that was to show the light.” Her direction was also evolving as she and her sister, Pam, were caring for their parents at the end of their lives. Her dad’s health was failing from Alzheimer’s disease, and her mother, who had been his caregiver, was diagnosed with leukemia. “Mom died first,” she said. “Dad died 12 days later. They had lived long lives and I adored them. I think I changed a lot during that time with the realization that life is short and wondering what I was going to do with my time here.” Both she and Pam recognized the blessing of that time as well, which was time spent together. They were together again after Pam’s husband died. One morning, Pam told Melissa how much better she felt talking to her. “‘You should do this,’” Melissa recalls Pam saying to her. “‘You should help people with this, through a transition, like what you’re doing with me. You create magic.’”

As she considered the power of Pam’s words, Cripps reflected on how much she enjoyed working with people in her insurance business. “My greatest joy came from helping people through a difficult situation, finding the solution and having great conversations with them. I love the people part – hearing people’s stories and being with them through the process.” The name, Blue Raven Inspirations, came to her on a walk when she was first developing her program of work. She felt the need to look up. “There were ravens just above me and in the trees! I kept hearing the ‘look up’ command and the blue sky overwhelmed me.” Today, Cripps is overjoyed about her new endeavor. “I feel free and happy. I have found my bliss.” Her mission is to embody, master and inspire an unlimited belief in abundance for clients in order to influence a more loving and compassionate world. “It has to start with one person at a time. I just want to be part of it. I want to help people who are going through transitions.” FBN Hear more from Melissa Cripps on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com. Visit the Blue Raven Inspirations Facebook page, or contact her at blueraveninspriations@gmail.com or 928-380-1642.

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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G N I T O V PEN! O IS

s w e N s s e n si ! u N B ! E y ff P a a O d t s o s i T g a 1 s l 2 s F e 0 r n 2 o i f s s s g u e n b i n t i e t o s i u V r o B v f a o f Best for your Vote

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DRAMA continued from page 4

He offers the acronym OCEAN, which breaks down any situation into five key components to guide us through steps when confronted with something that makes us want to react out of emotion. O is for Observation. “What we want to actually address is what were the facts,” he says. Report the facts of the triggering incident without adding adjectives or opinions. “Note who was there and what was said, but don’t get hung up on interpretations. Often this step alone diffuses the intensity of the situation.” C is for Conclusion. “There are a ton of factors that condition our experience and we often jump to conclusions.” Shah suggests that we take a moment to understand how much of our own experiences and opinions get mixed in with the conclusions we reach. E is for Emotion. “What feeling resulted from your conclusion? If I concluded somebody was being reckless and disrespectful to me when he cut me off in traffic, I might feel anger.” A is for Action. “If I’m a road rager, I might get really aggressive and take on actions that probably were not connected to an outcome that I had for the day.” N is for the Net Result. “Did that action move me closer to, or further away from, my intended out-

come? Most people don’t go through life with outcomes in mind. We wake up and have expectations and the moment we come across someone who may have a different idea, we might become triggered.” Shah suggests we go through these OCEAN steps the moment we recognize we are having an intense emotional response to cut down the time we spend on negative emotions, learn to see reactions coming, let them pass like a wave and visualize possible responses that would lead to a desired outcome. An effective exercise he uses as an executive coach is to suggest the client imagine a powerful personality, either real or fictitious, that he or she respects, and then consider how that person would handle the situation. “I wrote the book to end the confusion by organizing myself into two distinct identities, the kid and the king, and rather than trying to fight with this part of me, rather than try to squash this kid, I’ve actually gotten to know that part of me so well that I can anticipate the times and the circumstances, the kinds of people, the tonalities, the conversations, the topics that are going to bring that little kid right to forefront and want to start barking like a dog or running away or feeling insecure, or whatever it might be. And that is the goal, to just allow this space for part of that to

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Land Purchase Eyed for Economic Development p. 3

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p. 7 Community Profile: Geri Hongeva Promotes Navajo Language through Star Wars p. 13

Scientists Helping Reforestation Efforts in Panama p. 6

Knees

Doctors and therapists at Rehabilitation Northern Arizona want patients back Hospital of on their feet By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

PHX & LAX

8 FLIGHTS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK Please consider being dropped off as parking is limited.

Game On: ‘Flagsta Local’ Rewards ff Shopping, Helping , Giving Players

2020 | Issue 1 Volume

Signature Taxidermy employs some of the world’s best artisans to ensure nothing short of the best for each of our customers, and their specific, one of a kind pieces. Crating and Shipping- We crate and ship around the world, and have discounts with many major trucking companies.

New Year, New

2020 ISSUE:

Forest Health Hero Wally Covington Retires from NAU

Local Veterans Feeling Support from Nation of Patriots p. 4

Shasheen Shah, shown here on a Mount Kilimanjaro trek, says time spent in nature has the ability to “right-size” us. “For me, it reveals a power greater than myself, an interconnectedness and perfectness.”Courtesy photo

Signature Taxidermy Studio USDA approved facility for receiving sport hunted trophies from around the world. This also includes all deer, and turkey from Mexico.

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page 33

earn points and a chance at prizes for ‘actions that matter;’ businesses have more to give back

page 30

INSIDE THE FEBRUARY

Flagstaff Shines on Signs p. 4

Neighborhood Barbershop Expanding p. 5 Barrett-Jackson

Harnessing the

State’s largest wind farm to produce jobs and millions electricity, in economic impact to region

By Bonnie Stevens,

FBN

Gleams with Car Show Tradition p. 11

2020 ISSUE:

Community Profile: Scotty McPeak Promotes Olive Oil, Healthy Living p. 13 Lowell, ERAU Share Cosmic Forces p. 16

Wind

PHX & LAX

8 FLIGHTS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK Please consider being dropped off as parking is limited.

page 41

CCC C-LAB Opens for Students to Gain Hands-O n Skills

Upgraded construction technology shop made possible Foundation grant with Del E. Webb By Larry Hendricks,

February 2020

| Issue 2 Volume

FBN

oconino Community College alumnus William Gonzales stood in the space with a smile on his face.

He ran his hand along the workstation, felt the sawdust.

page 38

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Contributing Writers Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau, Patty McCormac, Ray Newton, Kevin Schindler, Bonnie Stevens, Veronica Tierney, Stacey Wittig Flagstaff Business News is a publication of Flagstaff Business News, LLC and is distributed free each month to residents of Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams and Winslow. Reproduction of any portion of the publication is strictly prohibited without expressed permission. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

JANUARY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews PANDEMIC continued from page 1

rising in Flagstaff, Flagstaff Unified School District continues to monitor transmission rates and encourage its COVID-19 mitigation strategies, including the use of face masks in all indoor facilities. “We know the week ending Dec. 25, 2021, cases are high and have increased in Coconino County from 389 to 549, and the percent of positivity increased from 12.7 to 15.9%. We have yet to see the new numbers for the second half of winter break after Dec. 25,” stated FUSD Director of Communications and Public Relations Joshua Butler. Meanwhile, local restaurants are struggling with safety concerns for employees and the public, along with a growing number of ill staff members at a time of workforce shortages in general. Restaurateur John Conley, owner of Salsa Brava and Fat Olives, says the restaurant industry is more difficult and unpredictable today than it was last year at this time. “Twelve to 15,000 people come through my two restaurants each month and the staff are the ones who are exposed,” he said. “We have 65% staffing right now. So many people are out sick.” He and his managers are watching the situation day by day to determine whether they should shut down during this latest coronavirus wave. “We believe if we can’t put out a quality product because we don’t have the staff to do it, we’re not going to do it at all.” Meanwhile, people continue to test positive following the holidays. “We’re telling our staff not even to come into the restaurant until they have their [COVID] test results,” said Conley. “We’ve been following CDC guidelines diligently through the whole pandemic and talking with Dave Engelthaler at TGen constantly. He’s been very generous with his time, not just with me but with all of us in the business. He told us this wave was going to happen fast, a lot of people are going to get infected and we’ll see the numbers jump.” Engelthaler says the omicron variant does seem to transmit a lot faster than delta, but doesn’t seem to cause any more serious illness. “In fact, there’s growing evidence that it may be milder. We’re watching that closely to see if it is really going to keep this pandemic going, or are we building up enough immunity now to really help slow that down and maybe get to a post-pandemic, what we call an endemic, phase with this particular virus.” The good news, he says, is that all the other human coronaviruses have become more easily transmitted but cause milder symptoms. “Most people just get a cold. We might be moving in that

AT L I T T L E A M E R I C A H O T E L

Dr. David Engelthaler

direction, which could be the silver lining behind this whole dark cloud of omicron.” Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for the first antiviral pill called Paxlovid for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms in high-risk patients. In addition, the vaccines that have been developed during the pandemic are providing a “giant antibody boost and a good cellular response” to prevent a life-threatening infection, says Engelthaler; however, their effectiveness drops over time. “That’s why we have boosters out. And we do hope that the boosters will get your antibodies back up to the same levels that they were when you first got vaccinated and help you from either getting infected or having any kind of a serious infection with omicron,” he said. For those who are most vulnerable – the elderly and individuals with any type of immune deficiency – he recommends getting the booster shot “probably once a year.” And that everyone else receive a booster shot six to 12 months after vaccinations. “It’s not a bad idea just to keep your antibody levels up high, and if we do that, we’re going to keep moving to this endemic phase where now we just have another virus that we can deal with. Just another cold.” FBN

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For more from Dr. Engelthaler, visit Zonie Living: Business, Adventure and Leadership at starworldwidenetworks.com.

I17 continued from page 3

struction to weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. “Our work crews will be sensitive to when traffic is the heaviest. Even though we’ll be working along the entire 23 miles for the next three years, we’ll be scheduling our work so that traffic slowdowns or stoppages are minimal,” said Fann. “We’ll be especially alert to not having delays caused by day crews. We’ll also be sensitive to when weekend travel is the heaviest - during holidays and such events.” During peak construction times, more than 500 people will be employed. “We are going to be adhering to a DBOM business model – Design, Build, Operate and Maintain. Part of my contract – and this is the biggest contract I’ve ever had – says that KFJV will remain responsible for maintaining the safe and functional operation of this stretch of I-17 for three years after the actual construction is done.”

FUNDS TO PAY FOR PROJECT

Funding sources for the improvement project

come from a variety of sources. They include the following: N $40 million from Arizona’s higherthan-expected recovery revenue and Federal COVID-relief funds; N $130 million from state highway funds appropriated by the Arizona Legislature in 2019; N $90 million from an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant; N $50 million from the Maricopa Association of Governments as the Maricopa County portion of the project; N $135.9 million from Federal and matching state highway funds, including $83.6 million approved by the Arizona State Transportation Board this past October.

FEATURING Roasted Red Pepper Soup Strawberry Gorgonzola Salad Sun Valley Reuben & more!

For more information, visit azdot.gov.gov/. FBN

FLAGSTAFF.LITTLEAMERICA.COM | 928.779.7950

Flagstaff Business News // JANUARY 2022 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

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EAST HWY 69 & HEATHER HEIGHTS PRESCOTT, AZ

play!

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January 2022

Articles inside

Executive Coach Offers Steps to Reduce Drama in the New Year

I-17 Widening Project Beginning Soon