May 2022

INSIDE THE MAY 2022 ISSUE: Forest Industry Using New Tool to Recruit p. 3 Camp Verde Plays Big in Arizona Wines p. 4 Best Friends Create Wedding Rental Business p. 10

Blazin’ M Ranch Builds on Entertainment New owners circling the wagons for continued improvement

S

By Ray Newton, FBN

everal hundred people, including a lot of youngsters, attended the soft opening of the recently completed “Be Wild Family Fun Park” addition at the popular Blazin’ M Ranch Wild West dinner

theater in Cottonwood.

Owners Ryan and Leila Glass purchased the property more than a year ago from longtime owner Lory Mabery and her family.

Expansion involved developing acreage on the east side of the property to include activities such as a nine-hole

putt-putt golf course, a rock-climbing wall, a bungee jumping pad, a Gelleyball paintball field, a remote-control car racing track and a bounce house.

The spring Be Wild event included two days of activities in April, culminating with a chuckwagon cowboy dinner, complete with the Blazin’ M Ramblers and their live musical entertainment in the large climate-controlled barn.

“We retained the same legacy the family had over the years: family-friendly, wholesome entertainment that would embarrass no one,” said Ryan Glass. “Those large crowds the show attracted over the years had a positive economic impact.”

Even so, Glass said the pandemic made it difficult to attract visitors and audiences back to the ranch. “COVID

Community Profile: Elite Runner Making Flagstaff Proud p. 12 Carolyn Shoemaker’s Legacy Shines in NightVisions p. 16 Arizona Rangers Stand Ready to Help Law Enforcement p. 27

FLY FLAGSTAFF FIRST!

Continued on page 46

Toasted Owl Restaurateur Opening Plantasia in The Cottage Personal transformation leading to passion project, expanded collaboration with NexVeg

By Bonnie Stevens,FBN

Toasted Owl owner Cecily Maniaci and NexVeg creator Jonathan Netzky are exploring ways to further collaborate to serve the community more food options. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

May 2022 | Issue 5 Volume 15

C

ecily Maniaci got her taste for the food business early in life.

She grew up in Tusayan’s Yippee-Ei-O! Steakhouse, owned by her family. Now, the owner of two Flagstaff restaurants, The Toasted Owl Café and The Toasted Owl East Side, is opening a third in Phoenix this fall.

She’s also engaging in a

new restaurant concept.

The plant-based Plantasia is expected to take root this summer in the building that previously housed The Cottage.

“It’s going to be a fun restaurant with plants on all the walls and artificial grass for floor covering,” she said.

Plantasia will offer a vegan menu. “We’ll serve approachable health food, Continued on page 47

Good Business Requires Good People.

Flagstaff businesses can receive 50% off

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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Hiking along Lone Tree Road, NAU student Nousseir Bahlous carried the U.S. flag on the nine-mile hike.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Field Day Helps Recruit Foresters

T

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

here are a lot of easy ways to apply for jobs these days, but sometimes taking the hard road just might be the best road, especially in the forest restoration industry.

In an effort to procure prospective personnel and meet employers in the forestry industry, Ironwood Forestry and The Practicing Foresters Institute (PFI) sponsored the 3rd Annual Field Day held on March 27.

“This field day is an opportunity to meet employers from private industry. We began with team-building activities to become acquainted with one another and then we participated in a group physical challenge,” said Ironwood Forestry owner and Coconino County/Arizona@Work Development Board member Eli Jensen.

The group challenge was a hefty nine-mile hike with up to a 45-pound backpack trekking down Lone Tree Road through the woods and looping back through Flagstaff to the starting location at Markit! Forestry Management off east Butler. Two of the participants carried an Arizona and a U.S. flag. Upon returning, they had a barbecue and met with businesses.

Industry representatives attending the event were Northwest Management Geospatial Analyst Robert Loesch, Campbell Global Area Supervisor, Tabi Bolton, Markit! Regional Operations Manager/Forester Bryan Zebrowski, Forest New Life Forest Products Operations Manager Kevin Ordean and NewLife Forest Products Operation Administration Supervisor Lily Chamberlin.

“I think this is awesome,” said Lauren Hovelsrud. “It’s a really good way to meet people, talk and make connections. I’m just a freshman so I’m not sure what part of the Forest Service I want to work for, but this way I can learn about my options.”

The group also played two name games. “The first one, we used a mnemonic device to learn each others’ names and the next game was a tossing game using a plush Lorax,” said Jensen.

NAU forestry student Sophia Maricich thought the concept of hiring was “very cool.

That’s what I love about forestry, it’s very interactive. I look forward to one day working with the Forest Service in fire management or restoration.”

As a contractor and service provider for the Forest Service, Ironwood Forestry seeks to find solutions for forest restoration in the Southwest through innovation, partnership and workforce development. “Our end goal is to be a viable resource for restoring and managing our forests in Arizona and to give our team the pay that their hard work deserves,” said Jensen.

“When I graduated from NAU’s School of Forestry in the 90s, the forest industry had all but left the area. With the Forest Service announcing last November that they would be investing $54 million per year for the next five years in making our forests resilient to catastrophic wildfire, there will be an incredible amount of work to be done by private industry,” said Coconino County Forest Restoration Director and Interim Deputy Public Works Director Jay Smith.

Smith applauded the vision for the recruitment efforts. “Eli’s vision to host a hiring event that allows local industry to find young, professional foresters will be key in the success of restoring our forests back to a healthy state.

Eli is leading the way in finding solutions to some very difficult problems that we are facing regarding the workforce in our area.”

City of Flagstaff Business Retention and Expansion Manager and Vice-Chair for ARIZONA@WORK John Saltonstall said he became aware of the Forestry Recruitment 3rd Annual Field Day through an email from Jensen sent to Councilmember Regina Salas, who also is involved in the ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County Workforce Development Board.

“I found the email interesting and reached out to Eli to learn more. It became clear that this event is an innovative workforce solution and as such the story should be captured and celebrated. The primary goal is to connect forestry students with jobs in industry. Eli hopes Continued on page 43

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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Clear Creek Winery owner Ignacio Mesa, Alcantara Vineyards and Winery winemaker Ron Brumley and Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Specialist Crisi Clark visit on the lush grounds of the Clear Creek Vineyard and Winery, the first to break ground in the area. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Big Bottling in Camp Verde

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FACILIT Y ID# PENDING

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

ow that Verde Valley has been designated an American Viticulture Area (AVA), the Town of Camp Verde has racked up another achievement: Bottling more than 150 different wines, more than any other Arizona municipality.

Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Specialist Crisi Clark has validated this claim. “After researching several avenues in the viticulture industry, I was delighted to discover that Camp Verde bottles more wine than any other township in Arizona. We are grateful for the winemakers that have not only created employment for our town but have allowed Camp Verde to play a small part in this growing industry.”

Camp Verde Economic Development Director Steve Ayers says most wineries in Arizona are in unincorporated areas, not in cities or towns. “We did an analysis of where wines were bottled and where wineries were located and realized that Camp Verde clearly had the most bottling facilities within a municipal boundary.

It was surprising for us and a distinction that we’re proud of.”

Camp Verde is a strategically important location with a large concentration of seasoned winemakers, said Arizona Stronghold Winery winemaker Jason McCluskey. “With a lot of grapes grown in the Wilcox area, Camp Verde is a great destination and shipping route for bottling grapes.”

“Our primary production facility is rather small and not conducive to a full-scale bottling operation,” said Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards National Sales Director Calvin Arnold. “The Camp Verde location allows us the space to house our bottling line and cased goods storage. This facility currently bottles

wines produced under the Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards, Four Eight Wineworks, and Puscifer: Queen B labels.”

The verdant region of Camp Verde currently has three locally owned wineries, Alcantara Vineyards and Winery, Salt Mine Wine and Clear Creek Vineyard and Winery, which was the first to break ground in 1998 with its innovative sustainable organic methods of grape growing.

EACH CAMP VERDE WINERY BOTTLES ITS OWN WINE.

Alcantara Vineyards and Winery was annexed into the Town of Camp Verde in 2020 and bottles 23 different wines at their winery. “We have 17 wines grown on our 87 acres,” said winemaker Ron Brumley. “Single varietal, merlot, cabernet and several blends. Aside from the 150 wines bottled here in Camp Verde, two-thirds of our wines are Verde Valley AVA.” The small family-owned vineyard and winery Salt Mine Wine is located in a historic farming area of Camp Verde and specializes in growing Italian varietals such as Malvasia Bianca and Sangiovese.

As documented in the book, “Images of America Camp Verde,” by Steve Ayers and the Camp Verde Historical Society, the earliest pioneers came to the region in 1865. “Drawn by the promise of ample water, rich bottomland and lush grassland, a party of 17 men and two women left Prescott, Arizona heading east into the Verde Valley. The party established a farming and ranching community near the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River. Over the next 35 years the settlement thrived and became known as Camp Verde.” FBN For more information about Camp Verde Wineries, visit visitcampverde.com.

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

Moving Forward in a New Direction The search for senior living is about finding a new home, building new friendships, rediscovering purpose, and enriching one’s life. Together, let’s move towards a brighter future for you or your loved one.

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Highgate Senior Living at Flagstaff Healthcare Director Rhiannon Samples, Executive Director Leslie Blum, Maintenance Manager Lee Hartwig, Community Relations Coordinator Josh Bryant, Enhancement Coordinator Tina Truglio, CEO Majorie Todd and Community Relations Coordinator Angela Kaufman celebrated the opening of the new senior living community. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Highgate Senior Living Celebrates Grand Opening

H

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

ighgate Senior Living at Flagstaff is open and serving residents.

The new senior living facility celebrated its grand opening March 3, with an evening of tours and a lavish spread for its 160 guests and community leaders.

“We were so excited to have such a successful grand opening,” said Highgate Senior Living at Flagstaff Executive Director Leslie Blum. “We welcomed in many of our community partners that we’ve been building relationships with for the past two years. These partnerships make all the difference in our residents’ lives.”

“I was really overwhelmed at how organized the event was, and I had no idea how upscale this facility is,” said Warner’s Nursery owner Misti Warner. “I came with my sister and we really enjoyed the tour. The property is so high-class and I was impressed with the

personalized menu and wellness package.”

Highgate Senior Living Executive Officer Majorie Todd, along with several corporate executives from Washington, attended the event. “Many of the professionals here this evening are key partners of Highgate at Flagstaff, both in health care and in business, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to thank them for helping us holistically care for our residents,” said Todd.

She also expressed her gratitude to the residents, the City of Flagstaff and the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.

“We were very honored to help at their beautiful new facility,” said Chamber Director of Membership Development CT McMurry.

“It was a very nice event.”

Highgate Senior Living at Flagstaff is located at 1831 N. Jasper Drive. The facility offers assisted living and memory care, and a holistic approach for residents. For more information, call 928-396-1139. FBN

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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APS Meeting Challenges, Encouraging Energy Conservation

By Ray Newton, FBN

years sooner than we had previously projected because of our aggressive path to stop using coal.” s utilities face severe weather, APS is Arizona born, a company the reduction of coal-fired power plants, increasing costs of oil that has been in business for more than 135 years. “As the state’s largest and gas, aging power grids, wildfires, and longest-serving energy provider, threats of cybersecurity interference we are committed to our customers and concern that hydro turbines at and communities, like Flagstaff, and Lake Powell and Lake Mead may not our employees, who live and work being able to produce enough power throughout our service territory and for clients in the Southwest, APS is are focused on delivering the reliable, encouraging customers to conserve affordable and clean power our cusenergy.

“We intend to meet our customers’ tomers expect,” said Rodgers.

Clean energy currently is being energy needs for another 135 years generated with solar, wind and nuclear and beyond in a way that reduces our power. “Sustainable energy is a key environmental impact,” said APS concept with APS,” she said. “Most Northern Arizona Division Direcpeople don’t know that the APS-opertor Mackenzie Rodgers, who has responsibility for all of the APS service ated Palo Verde Generating Station is territory in Northern Arizona, includ- the nation’s largest producer of energy ing Flagstaff. “The best way to do that and is totally clean and carbon-free.”

It is also the largest commercial is by reducing the net carbon output taxpayer in Arizona, with an annual of power production and instead economic impact of more than $2 focus on generating 100% clean and billion. carbon-free energy by 2050.”

Meanwhile, the utility and other She reported that the utility’s system power companies are hyper aware of worked well through severe winter threats of cyber-attacks. “We partner storms and explained that the goal of with the government through industry ending all coal-fired energy by 2031 partnerships to share actionable is ahead of schedule. “That’s seven

A

APS Northern Arizona Division Director Mackenzie Rodgers says the utility is encouraging customers to use smart thermostats and consider energy efficient appliances. Photo by Ray Newton

intelligence, deploy state-of-the-art tools, and mitigate supply chain risks,” she said.

APS offers incentives to encourage customers to reduce their energy use when demand is high. “With simple adjustments, customers can save money and manage their energy use, which

is good for their wallets, the environment and the electric system, especially during the hottest times of year when demand for energy is at its highest,” said Rodgers. “They can visit aps.com/ save for a variety of ways to save, from energy efficiency tips, tools and rebates to bill assistance programs.”

APS is partnering with residential customers with the installation of smart thermostats through the Cool Rewards program. FBN For more information, visit APS.com/ brighter.

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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Business Woman FBN

of the Month

Friends Offer Up Something Borrowed for Brides Rachel Duncan and Laura Hicks recycle gently used wedding props

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By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

n the last two years, Rachel Duncan was a bridesmaid at five weddings and Laura Hicks had her own wedding. While considering the age-old problem of what to do with post-wedding decorations, the two best friends created Something Borrowed: Wedding and Event Rentals.

“Laura had purchased a lot of items for her ceremony and many of our friends stated they had no idea with to do with all the leftover wedding items,” said Duncan.

The two also noticed wedding rental companies were underrepresented in Northern Arizona.

“Because wedding items are only gently used, it is a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly choice to rent items that can be utilized for multiple weddings,” said Duncan.

“The wedding industry is a passion for both of us,” said Hicks, who has known Duncan since their Yavapai College days. “We wanted to offer a service that could help make the wedding planning process simpler and more streamlined.”

Duncan and Hicks are both Prescott natives and have known each other for 12 years. “After Yavapai

College, I transferred to Northern Arizona University and Laura transferred to Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego,” said Duncan. “We’re excited to open a business together.”

The Flagstaff-based Something Borrowed: Wedding and Event Rentals serves areas all over Northern Arizona.

Rosebud Designs owner Kayla Eastman says she is happy to see the business take off. “There are very few vendors that offer brides the option of renting items so they can plan a wedding economically yet also unique and special.”

Eastman has partnered with Something Borrowed and will be offering her custom rental floral arrangements for arbors, bouquets, centerpieces and other wedding adornments.

With a “you name it list,” Duncan and Hicks will be providing decorative signs, drink canisters, string lights, table décor, centerpieces and arches. “We are currently stocking an array of wedding arches, including hexagonal and circular, but we have more styles on their way,” said Hicks.

“As a wedding and event planning business specializing in Pop Up

Laura Hicks and Rachel Duncan are making life easier and more affordable for couples before they walk down the aisle.

Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Picnics, when Something Borrowed first came to my attention, I was so excited,” said Indigo Productions

Owner Raphael Temple. “Most rental companies focus on the larger aspects of weddings like chairs and tables, whereas Rachel and Laura offer so many options when it comes to the smaller details. Their selection of arches fit every style. Their customer service blew me away. I already have an order in.”

“The ordering process for rentals is easy,” said Duncan. “There is a contact form requesting items of interest on our website or we can take inquiries by phone or social media. Our response time is 24 hours or less.” Estimates are then sent to the customer’s email for review.

“I know how difficult it can be for couples to find the right décor for their wedding,” said Arizona Photo and Video, Sedona Wedding Films, LLC Shannon Nolan, “especially when we see a lot of couples coming from different areas across the state (and the country) to get married

in our beautiful Northern Arizona. Transporting items just for a day isn’t feasible, so Something Borrowed fills that need.”

Both Duncan and Hicks enjoy spending time with family and friends in their off time. Duncan enjoys camping, cooking, day trips and hanging out with her black Labrador, Henley. Hicks likes to bake and read, and looks forward to traveling with her husband, Brandon. FBN Something Borrowed Wedding and Event Rentals can be contacted at somethingborrowednaz.com, somethingborrowednaz@gmail.com or 928-235-5759.

Instagram:@somethingborrowednaz.

@flagstaffbusinessnews

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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

Going the Distance Marathoner Stephanie Rothstein Bruce stays fueled by her Picky Bars

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he time it takes most of us to get ready in the morning is just about the time Flagstaff professional runner Stephanie “Steph” Rothstein Bruce ran this year’s Boston Marathon.

At 2:28:2, Stephanie placed 12th overall and was the 2nd American at the Boston Marathon 2022.

In the last eight years, she has been ranked among the top 10 runners in the United States and sixth at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

“Impressive” just doesn’t seem to describe Stephanie, who trained hard but also had a positive pre-race attitude. “If I have a bad day in Boston, which I’m hoping not, the world goes on and when I come home my two kids don’t really care what place I got and they love me no matter what.”

Stephanie’s husband, Ben, ran collegiately at his home state college, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and was the two-time steeplechase champion

for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All American.

He continues to hold the 5,000-meter record at the school. He also is the assistant coach and pacer for Hoka Northern Arizona Elite.

Hoka NAZ Elite is a community of athletes that entertains, inspires, motivates, and brings joy to runners and non-runners alike. Utilizing personal assessments to determine strengths and weaknesses and developing individualized programs to help athletes stay injury-free and set personal bests.

“Ben is also the glue that keeps our family together. He wears so many hats,” said Stephanie.

Along with Ben’s support, Stephanie says she is intrinsically motivated. “I can’t explain where it comes from. I started jogging with my dad when I was five or six years old. When I entered high school, the coach wanted me to try out and it sounded like a terrible sport, espe-

Training for Stephanie Rothstein Bruce is a family affair. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

cially since we were living in Phoenix at the time and it was really hot. But over time, things shifted for me.”

“Running was something I actually hated and I felt awkward. I couldn’t understand why people did this, but eventually running transformed into a meaningful tool

and avenue in life. It brought me confidence in my body, confidence as a woman athlete. I felt part of something and I became part of a community. It’s where I met my husband and I was able to do this professionally for the past 10-plus years.”“I lost my father during my

senior year of high school and that also changed my perspective of running. It was no longer something I have to do; it was something I get to do. My father was an athletic and his presence inspired me to realize, ‘Hey this is a gift I have. Let’s see how far I Continued on page 44

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

Every day, prepared.

Wildfire preparation protects you, the community and first responders.

Providing you safe, reliable energy is our top priority. That’s why we work year-round to prepare for wildfires by updating equipment, working with first responders on emergency action plans, performing visual inspections of lines before and during an outage, and managing vegetation and other potential hazards around our equipment.

Power lines may be temporarily taken out of service to protect firefighters, which could result in outages that might last longer than usual. Working together, we can be prepared. Here are some things you can do: • Keep grass, weeds, trees and shrubs trimmed. Dispose of trimmings and trash properly.

• Get emergency alerts through local resources and visit ein.az.gov to create an emergency preparedness plan.

• Sign up for outage alerts and view our interactive outage map at aps.com/outagecenter.

• Have flashlights, batteries, a portable cell phone charger and water handy.

Please visit aps.com/wildfiresafety for more information.

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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FBN, City of Flagstaff Purina Helping Pets, People Partner to Strengthen Impacted by Tunnel Fire Workforce A

I

n an effort to support local businesses and combat the labor shortage, Flagstaff Business News is launching a new employment section beginning this month, “Good Business Requires Good People,” sponsored by FlagstaffCityCareers.com.

Flagstaff businesses will receive 50% off the cost of their employment ads in this section, as a result of the city’s sponsorship. “The concept was created to bring much-needed assistance to Flagstaff businesses in their recruiting efforts,” said FBN Publisher Amy Bix. “In speaking with local businesses, it has been clear that there is a huge demand to fill quality positions. We are thrilled to work with the City of Flagstaff to create a visible and convenient resource for local employment recruitment.

“Good Business Requires Good People” has a prominent presence on FBN’s page 1 to direct readers to the section, added Bix. “We are so happy that the City of Flagstaff and Flagstaff Business News are joining forces to offer a recruit-

Good Business Requires Good People.

Flagstaff businesses can receive 50% off

Check Out the New FBN Local Employment Opportunities Section on page 25 Sponsored by Flagstaffcitycareers.com

ment solution to our community and businesses,” said Interim Deputy City Manager Heidi Hansen. “It’s been a rough couple of years, with a lot of change, and we are all struggling to fill our vacancies. This collaboration provides a great way to get the word out on who’s hiring while offering an affordable way to do it.”

To learn more or to participate with an ad in the “Good Business Requires Good People” section, contact amy@flagstaffbusinessnews.com. FBN

s firefighters continue efforts to contain wildfires burning across the Southwest, Purina has announced a $10,000 grant to the United Way of Northern Arizona’s Crisis Response Fund to support those impacted by the Tunnel Fire. Purina’s donation will support families with immediate needs now and in the future, as they return to and rebuild their communities.

The Tunnel Fire is the largest of more than a dozen wildfires in the region,14 miles from Purina’s Flagstaff factory.

“As a longtime member of the Flagstaff community, Purina is committed to supporting our neighbors and their pets, particularly Pallets of pet food have been donated to the Coconino Humane Society during this difficult time,” said Flagstaff Factory to help feed displaced animals. Courtesy photo Manager Michael Ferritto. “On behalf of the entire Purina Flagstaff factory, thank you to the United Way, Coconino Humane Society and the many other individuals and organizations helping the placed by the Tunnel Fire,” said Director of Community Affairs Kim Beardslee. “Purina has a long history of suppeople and pets who are impacted by this situation.” porting communities in the wake of natural disasters, and The Tunnel Fire has burned more than 21,000 acres we’re proud to partner with the United Way to support and displaced hundreds of families. In addition to granting financial assistance to victims of the Tunnel Fire, their important work during this time of great need.”

In times of natural disaster, Purina provides timely Purina is providing a large donation of pet food to the support to people and pets in need by working with Coconino Humane Society, which is temporarily caring non-profit partners to deliver pet food, litter and funding for pets of those who have been evacuated from their to areas that are being impacted. Since 2017, Purina has homes. donated more than $385,000 and more than 650,000 “Our hearts are with those affected by the devastating pounds of Purina pet food and cat litter to support vicwildfires burning in the Southwest, especially with our tims of natural disasters across the United States. FBN associates and neighbors in Flagstaff who have been dis-

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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Comet Hunter Carolyn Shoemaker Celebrated in NightVisions

D

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

own to Earth, yet focused on space, Flagstaff astronomer Carolyn Shoemaker is remembered as one of the greatest asteroid discoverers of all time – she found 377 of them. But according to astronomer David Levy, a comet to Carolyn was something special, miraculous.

“When she found an asteroid, she’d say something like, ‘That was interesting. I’ll add it to my tally.’ But comets, they were priceless, they were beyond measure, they were holy in a way.”

Levy, part of the trio with Carolyn and her husband, Eugene “Gene” Shoemaker, that discovered the Shoemaker-Levy Comet 16 months before it crashed into Jupiter, will be the keynote speaker at the opening reception for NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky, 6-8 p.m., Saturday, May 21, in the Coconino Center for the Arts. The exhibition, featuring Carolyn’s scientific contributions, will run through Aug. 27.

NightVisions 2022 is being produced

by Creative Flagstaff in collaboration with the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.

“It’s an elegant synthesis of contemporary artworks and astronomical artifacts that brings the vastness of the night skies into contemplative reach,”

said CCA Exhibitions and Programs Director Julie Comnick.

“We are excited to showcase Carolyn’s legacy as a dedicated Flagstaff astronomer, along with her collaborations with her husband, Gene, with the inclusion of archival astronomical elements alongside the work of contemporary artists,” said retired U.S. Naval Observatory astronomer Chris Luginbuhl, president of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, a non-profit organization that created NightVisions in 2001.

Carolyn and Gene’s children, Patrick Shoemaker and Christine Abanto, are part of the NightVisions planning team. “They were always going out in the field together and working on things together, whether it was looking for comets and asteroids at Palomar Observatory [in San Diego County] or geologic field work in search of craters, signatures of impacts, in Australia.

They really got around the Outback,” said Patrick about his parents.

Carolyn, who became an astronomer at age 51, is quoted as saying, “I do not know what I have, but it looks like a squashed comet,” while studying films that revealed the fragmented comet pulled apart by Jupiter’s gravitational pull. For more than a year, the astronomers tracked the ill-fated space traveler

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

Carolyn Shoemaker, pictured here with her husband, Gene, is credited with finding 32 comets. Courtesy photo

on its collision course with the giant planet. The impacts started on July 16, 1994. The Shoemaker-Levy Comet dominated the news with its cosmic crash viewed around the world through telescopes and on television. Its rocky

pieces pummeled Jupiter for six days, reportedly with the force of 300 million atomic bombs.

“Our parents were always close – she was not the wife who stayed at home – and they’d take us along on their

DISCOMFORTING PAIN MILD PAIN NO PAIN

Y / N

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

Continued on page 45

Quit playing the neuropathy pain game.

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?

adventures,” said Patrick. “I remember being out there camping with my parents before I was old enough to remember much of anything.”

Aside from NightVisions, Car-

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 Dr. Diana Perry, DPM 2301 N. 4th Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

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

@flagstaffbusinessnews

$

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

17

18

Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Capturing ‘A Night in Flagstaff’ with Non-Fungible Tokens

F

lagstaff is the first and only destination in the country to enter the non-fungible tokens market with the original NFT collection, “A Night in Flagstaff.” The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, a non-profit organization in collaboration with Discover Flagstaff, is featuring “70 images for $700 each from 7,000 feet,” which dropped on the NFT calendar last month.

Each image is a 20-second exposure, the first taken beginning at 19:53 Feb. 5, 2022, Mountain Standard Time (02:53 February 6, 2022, Universal Time), the last at 21:02 MST (04:02 UT). The spectacular starry view is toward the North Northwest, including the iconic skyline of the sacred San Francisco Peaks, which includes the highest point in the state, at 12,637 feet above sea level.

“Getting lost in the night sky from Flagstaff’s clear dark window on the Universe is a joy that doesn’t fade,” said NFT photographer and Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition President Chris Luginbuhl. “This extraordinary collaboration between the Coalition and Discover Flagstaff is an opportunity to answer the call for increased dark skies experiences and more ways for stargazers to engage with the beauty

of night.”

Proceeds from the NFT sales will support the Northern Arizona EONS (Eyes on Night Skies) research program, an effort to measure and monitor sky brightness. A non-fungible token or NFT is a unique unit of digital art data stored on a blockchain, a form of digital ledger, that can be sold and traded. Types of NFT data units may be associated with digital files such as photos, videos and audio.

Flagstaff was officially recognized as the World’s First International Dark Sky City on Oct. 24, 2001, for its pioneering work protecting the dark night sky from light pollution. Conserving the darkness is a community value embraced by local government, organizations, business owners, attraction operators, artists and scientists.

“The experience of standing beneath a starry night sky can inspire feelings of wonder, while encouraging interest in science, in nature,” stated Gov. Doug Ducey’s proclamation, which announced Dark-Sky Week, April 22-30.

Flagstaff night skies have been measured as less than one-tenth as bright as other cities of similar size that have not protected their skies.

The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition is a world leader in dark skies conservation, working with the community to set the gold standard for dark-skies friendly lighting and consulting with other communities about how to retain or recover their dark skies through “The Flagstaff Solution.”

The collection, “A Night in Flagstaff” is a limited series of 70 NFTs, each minted as a one-of-a-kind moment in time capturing the starfilled skies over Flagstaff’s Buffalo Park (latitude +35°.220, longitude -111°.632, elevation 7123 feet), a location less than two miles from Flagstaff City Hall.

The first NFT has been sold to the owner of Enriched Solar, a solar energy broker specializing in residential and commercial solar electric applications. “‘A Night in Flagstaff’ is a treasure few have the opportunity to witness,” said Rich Naden. “I feel honored to hold a moment of the universe’s artistry.”

Those interested in purchasing an NFT in the collection, “A Night in Flagstaff,” may do so by creating an OpenSea account. Polygon has been selected for use because it is a green-energy efficient blockchain that provides secure and instant transactions with Ethereum currencies.

The NFT collection showcases Flagstaff’s famous dark starry skies, complete with the Milky Way stretching across the night over the majestic San Francisco Peaks.

Courtesy photo

Polygon has reduced or zero wallet initialization fees and selling and buying NFTs through Polygon is gas free. “It is important to the Coalition to use a green-energy efficient blockchain, which minimizes buyers’ footprints,” said Luginbuhl. FBN

Learn more at https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/ astronomy-dark-skies/a-night-in-flagstaff-nft/, https://opensea.io/collection/ night-in-flagstaff and https://www.flagstaffdarkskies.org/a-night-in-flagstaff/.

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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19

Realtor Lori Anna Harrison Honored as Nation’s Fastest Growing Agent

Z

ion Realty Flagstaff Area Manager Lori Anna Harrison has been honored with the National Fastest Growing Agent Award from Homesnap, the company that built the industry’s top-rated real estate app.

The award recognizes Harrison as the fastest growing sales agent out of more than a million agents across the country in a 12-month period. In 2021, Harrison represented 46 families in search of their dream home. In the first quarter of 2022, she accomplished three times the production level that she did during the same period as last year.

“It makes me feel proud to have been trusted by 46 families to make their home goals a reality,” said Harrison. “I take the responsibility seriously. I love my clients. Real estate is my passion and I provide an important service.

Strategically representing my clients and then becoming friends with them is the greatest honor of all.”

Harrison was born and raised in Flagstaff, where she attended East Flagstaff Junior High and Coconino High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Northern Arizona University and her MBA from San Diego State University while

working at Shea Homes in Southern California. She has sold real estate in Costa Rica and commissioned private yachts worldwide, including the Seven Seas for Film Director Steven Spielberg.

Although she has lived all over the world, Harrison returned to her hometown two years ago and says, “Living in Flagstaff is a dream.”

“So many friends from undergrad say how much they wish they, too, could live in Flagstaff. I know I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. I believe myself to be an ambassador of Arizona and of Flagstaff. It is so much fun to introduce newcomers to our area.”

The secret to her success is no secret.

She says it takes dedication, hard work, being an expert in the industry, looking for the “win” for all involved, investing in relationships and truly caring about people. “I start work at 5:30 each morning and on many days don’t finish until 7 or 8 at night. This is six and seven days a week. I invest time with my sellers to learn what is most important to them. It’s easy to think it would be just the highest dollar; however, there is always a dream we are working to accomplish. For example, one of my

clients is moving to the Philippines to be with his wife. Selling his home with minimal updates means they will reunite sooner.”

Working with homebuyers requires being a quick study, she says, plus having the ability to help keep clients motivated and moving them through their fears to land them safely on the other side of a successful contract, especially in today’s intensely competitive and rapid-paced market. “Developing relationships quickly is part of the job. I have a sixth sense for each of my clients, which is the byproduct of caring deeply about the outcome for them. Oftentimes it is important to remind buyers what they originally desired and not to compromise below their standards.”

Harrison is a steadfast believer in supporting her community. Among her many philanthropic endeavors, she is a volunteer for Childhelp and Habitat for Humanity. When COVID-19 first hit, she volunteered with Northern Arizona HealthCare to make masks.

She also is an avid pickleball player and is helping to organize a tournament bringing competitors to Flagstaff next month. Tournament fees will go

toward teaching local youth about the game at the Sunnyside courts.

“Receiving national recognition takes me over the moon!” said Harrison. “But it doesn’t change the fundamentals: I make dreams come true, one family at a time.” FBN

For more information visit www.AZDreamLifestyle.com. To reach Harrison directly, call 928-396-5851, text 602-524-5674 or email Lori@azdreamlifestyle.com.

20

Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Arizona Ranks Highest for New Cases of Syphilis

I

By Hedda Fay

t is springtime everyone! Yes, the birds and bees are humming and buzzing around us. Here in Yavapai County, the waves of yellow and green pollen are floating gracefully through the air. Pollen is tree sperm, which is why it is so sticky and effective with pollination. Love, or lust, with mammals is also in the air.

This month, I want to highlight the state of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Arizona. Arizona is No. 1 in the nation for new cases of syphilis, the multi-system bacteria that can make you blind, give you dementia or meningitis. Did you know that in lab animals they have found the syphilis virus in cerebral spinal fluid within hours of exposure? That is right folks, within the first stage of syphilis you can get neuro and ocular syphilis damage. In 2021, there were 166 babies born with syphilis and 10 died. Trust me, you do not want to be born with this bacterial infection. Forty percent of untreated syphilitic pregnancies will result in newborn death or a stillbirth.

Babies who do survive childbirth will spend at least 10 days in a hospital and can suffer birth defects. This is curable in pregnant mothers and pregnant people. Arizona experienced a 39.49%

increase in babies born with syphilis in 2021.

The highest group for all STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) is the ages of 14-24. Why is this? We are mammals. Next to our desire for survival, our second strongest hardwired urge is reproduction. It is true.

Let us think about the male or people with penises anatomy and function.

Pre-seminal fluid or precum goes through the ureter before ejaculation so it can clean out any residual urine that may be in that tube. Why? Because urine can kill sperm. Urine’s pH is such that it can kill even the strongest swimming sperm. We, as mammals, are designed for reproduction. Hardwired and designed for it. Literally.

Here are numbers of “reported” STIs and HIV in Arizona. I use the term reported because, the majority of STIs can be asymptomatic in 50% of men or people with penises and 75% of women or people with vaginas and vulvas.

In 2021, there were 41,460 reported cases of chlamydia, 18,381 reported cases of gonorrhea and 3,081 cases of syphilis. Out of these, there were 3,096 cases reported for males between the ages of 15-19 and 7,702 cases for females in the 15-19 age group. In 2021, there were 7,344 cases for males

between the ages of 20-24 and 12,323 cases for females between the ages of 20-24. Females bear a 67.79% higher burden than males. This number may be higher for females because females are more engaged with getting annual Well Woman Examinations or Pelvic Examinations from a gynecologist.

Here in Yavapai County, the numbers still show the highest groups for getting all STIs are between 15-24.

Here is the 2021 breakdown: There were 36 males between the ages of 15-19 who reported to have an STI, there were 122 females between the ages of 15-19, who reported to have an STI. In the age group of 20-24 there were 60 reported STI cases for males and 138 reported cases for females in this group. You need to factor that as many as 75% of women or people with vaginas will be asymptomatic and 50% of men or people with penises will also be asymptomatic, so these numbers are much higher.

Let us look at HIV. In 1988, 8% of new infections were females or people with vaginas. In 2020, there were 13% of new infections with only 16% being from Intravenous Drug Use. That means 84% of new infections in females or people with vaginas are from an unprotected sexual encounter. New cases among black/African American

women have a 41% increase, Caucasian/white women a 20% increase, Hispanic women experienced a 44% increase in 2020. American Indian and Alaskan Native women had a 73% decrease in new HIV infections at the same time-period. Outstanding, ladies!

In 2020, there were 603 reported new cases in males or people with penises and 93 females or people with vaginas.

In this group 102 were black/African American, 38 were American Indian/ Alaska Native, 279 were Hispanic, 20 were Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 246 were Caucasian/white and 11 were other. Hispanics make up 32% of Arizona’s population and make up 40% of all incident HIV cases reported in the state in 2020.

In 2020, there was one case of HIV among the 2-12 age group, 30 in the 13-19 age group, 111 in the 20-24 age group, 140 in the 25-29 age group, 128 in the 30-34 age bracket, 63 in the 3539 age group, 58 in the 40-44 group, 55 in the 45-49, 41 in the 50-54 group, 42 in the 55-59 age group, 17 in the 60-6 age group and 12 in the 65+ age group. This virus is still affecting people across the age spectrum; it is an equal opportunist virus. It does not discriminate!

The highest group across

all ethnicities are the MSM (men who have sex with men). This is not men who identify as homosexual or bisexual. These are men or people with penises who occasionally have sex with men. In 2020, 54% of all new HIV cases were MSM, 2.7% were from IDU (intravenous drug use), 5.7% were from both MSM and IDU, 6% were from HRH (High Risk Heterosexual) behavior, 24% were from no reported risk and 7.4% were perinatal/blood or another risk factor.

Get tested; help stop the stigma. Let us make Arizona No. 50 in new cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis.

Encourage your pregnant friends and relatives to engage in prenatal care and services today! FBN Hedda Fay is the community outreach and program developer for Northland Cares. In a former life, she worked in law enforcement and public mental health. Her passion today is educating people about their sexual health and prevention services to the community. Northland Cares is located at 3112 Clearwater Drive, Ste. A, in Prescott. For more information, call 928-776-4612.

Healthcare With Heart Peak Heart & Vascular is a multispecialty cardiovascular group made up of board-certified physicians recognized in the community for their quality and compassionate care.

KISHLAY ANAND, MD Cardiac Electrophysiology General Cardiology

NIRAV J. MEHTA, MD Interventional Cardiology

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ROBERT S. BEAR, DO General Cardiology Preventive Cardiology

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Appointments

Flagstaff Office

Additional Locations

office 928.888.9595 | main 602.641.9486

1501 S Yale St; Bldg 2 Ste 152

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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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

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

YES

Call Northland Cares.

their risk when taken daily as prescribed.

Patient is engaging in risky behavior who could benefit from PrEP

Patient wants to be prescribed PrEP

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

NO

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

dramatically reduces

PrEP PATHWAY

More than 72 hours

Can you see patient today?

PrEP use among people at risk for acquiring HIV

NO YES

NO

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.

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

NO YES

Call 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?”

YES Proceed with provided care.

Patient wants to be prescribed PrEP

NO Refer to Northland Cares.

Thank you Quad Cities for Call Northland Cares us Best Non Profit/ Voting Proceed with or Call PEPLine provided care and Charitable Organization!

(888) 488-4911

Send RX to Walgreens in Prescott Valley

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

NO

Refer to Northland Cares.

RX to Walgreens in Prescott Valley.

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

Proceed with quality care and treatment.

If patient cannot afford PrEP, refer to Northland Cares.

NO Refer patient to Northland Cares for specialty care and treatment services.

21

22

Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

// BUSINESS CENTS // BY BONNIE STEVENS

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‘Keep Laughing as Loud as Possible’

P

roblem solving is what you would expect on any given day in business. But some problems are outrageous and require an equally outrageous response. And that’s why I love the memory of Gilbert Gottfried.

When my public relations business was starting out and I was young and enthusiastic and didn’t think about things like dangerous weather events, I was hired to plan a holiday celebration in which major donors of a non-profit organization would be invited to a field transformed to look and feel like the inside of someone’s house, including a lovely living room with beautiful furniture and holiday decorations, fancy food, pretty lights and talented children playing violins. It would symbolize a place of warmth where people gathered to be together in joy and harmony and giving. And it was a fantastic idea because this large, open lot would be developed into a home one day that would bring people together to create all these good things, and we wanted to offer a vision of this wonderful place.

But, very late the night before the late-morning, invitation-only affair, I sat in my car at the field, frozen in horror and disbelief as gusting, howling Arctic winds tore and punched and battered and whipped and shredded and lifted and dropped the giant tent we had rented, over and over and over again.

So, even later that night, I called the tent company owner to report the scene and he promised to be there early the next day with a new tent and everything would work out in time to bring in the over-stuffed sofas and the strings of tiny lights and the children playing holiday music and the photographer and the fake trees and the hors d‘oeuvres and the dignitaries.

But early the next morning, I sat in my car at the field, frozen in horror and disbelief as the replacement tent was being ripped and pitched and pounded and pummeled and bounced over and over and over again. The obvious answer was to move the event indoors. Turns out, trying to find a large indoor space at the very last minute during the height of the holiday season is not

// “Gilbert ended up handing out his stuffed ducks to random pedestrians in Manhattan.” As we read on, there’s a lesson here. “Gilbert’s unexpected detour was full of lighthearted messaging: always make the best of a situation; adjust, relax, don’t panic.” //

easy. In fact, that morning, it proved impossible.

Some of those involved in the event, my clients, suggested we simply cancel. But I would not give up. People had traveled great distances for this occasion and there had to be a way, even though the winds had whipped the snowy field into a ridiculously slippery glacier. Meanwhile, the event itself was self-destructing – the children couldn’t perform for fear of ruining their instruments in the bitter cold, the photographer’s camera froze, the fake trees were slammed by the winds and lying sidewise all over the ground and the people carrying in the furniture could not walk across the ice slick. There were also some electrical concerns and other safety issues, but the biggest problem that I could see was the ice keeping us from the now sad “house” with the tattered walls.

Fortunately, I had college students interning for me who were also young and enthusiastic. I sent them out to buy every bag of kitty litter they could find and haul back in 30 minutes. We’d spread kitty litter all over the icy ground in a tasteful gravel-like pathway and then we could carry in the furniture and the food and no one would slip! Brilliant!

What we didn’t consider was that kitty litter comes in all different colors and really weird odors.

Moments before the event was supposed to begin, I gave a good look at the ginormous smelly, frozen mess we had made all over this field. And that’s when the major donors and dignitaries arrived, looking cold and confused as they gingerly set out across the pink, green and gray pastel kitty litter path. And that’s also when I lost it. I couldn’t worry, panic or problem solve any more.

All I could do was laugh, the uncontrollable doubled-over, crying-so-hard your mascara is all over your face kind of laughter that comes from complete surrender.

I was reading a book by Marc Guss, “Instincts of a Talent Agent,” in which he shared a story about losing his client, comedian Gilbert Gottfried, in New York City. Gottfried, the former voice of the Aflac Duck, was to be in the Advertising Hall of Fame Parade on a float with a giant stuffed duck handing out miniature stuffed ducks to spectators. Later, Guss learned that Gottfried’s driver took a wrong turn. Gottfried’s response was, “One minute, Mr. Peanut was in front of me, the next, we were stuck in traffic behind a city bus somewhere on the West Side.”

Guss writes, “Gilbert ended up handing out his stuffed ducks to random pedestrians in Manhattan.” As we read on, there’s a lesson here. “Gilbert’s unexpected detour was full of light-hearted messaging: always make the best of a situation; adjust, relax, don’t panic.”

In the business world, life can deliver a frozen field of kitty litter or a float-load of stuffed ducks.

Adjust, relax, don’t panic, and in memory of Gilbert Gottfried, his family suggests we “…keep laughing as loud as possible.” FBN Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie. stevens@gmail.com.

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

23

Understanding the Total Package of Hearing Aid Purchases

By Karen Lynn, Au.D.

W

hen a person purchases hearing aids, they are making an investment in their lifestyle. Hearing aids are able to expand friendships, close relationships and even the non-social activities you engage in. I have been told by many patients hearing aids changed their life! Musicians are amazed that they are able to hear the parts of music (and their own voice while singing) better than they could have imagined.

So, what is the difference between a purchase of stock internet hearing aids and hearing aids purchased from a local audiologist?

PERSONALIZED HEARING AID PROGRAMMING

The first appointment with your audiologist will be to determine the type and degree of hearing loss you have. During that appointment, you will discuss your personal needs of hearing such as what you want to be able to do and in what situations. You will be guided toward hearing aids that have the options you would like.

Not everyone needs the top-of-the-

line hearing aids, so your audiologist will assist you by explaining what programs the various hearing aids can offer. Programs are special settings that will focus on what you want at a particular moment like programs for a noisy restaurant or for listening to TV or music. You can even have programs for riding in the car and focusing on speech behind you!

PERSONALIZED TRAINING FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The majority of people we work with need formal training on using the hearing aid programs and hearing on their cell phone. I see people glaze over the moment I explain all the wonderful features they have at their fingertips. It seems like too many options and too much to learn! However, because you are working with people who teach this information every day, all day long, you can be assured we can slowly introduce you to using the technology until you feel like a professional with your hearing aids! You can come back for small amounts of information until using the aids is second nature to you. The audiology office staff take pride in be-

ing able to explain the technology in a way that everyone can understand, even the “technically challenged.”

We understand that technology is scary for some people and consider it a privilege to be able to provide appropriate instruction.

hearing aids on. Fine particles from sprays or powder can settle into the microphone and the control button.

4.

TIPS TO EXTEND THE USE OF HEARING AIDS 1.

Clean the hearing aids at least once a month. Ear wax will build up over time and collect in the wax trap of the part that goes into the ear. You will be taught how to change the disposable wax trap or you can pop into the office and we can change it for you!

2.

The microphones on the outside of the hearing aid are where the sound goes into the hearing aid. Dust or debris can dampen the sound. Once a month, take a dry toothbrush (dedicated to your hearing aids) and brush the microphone openings.

3.

Apply body care and hair care products before you put the

5.

6.

Hearing aids that require a single-use battery will need to have the battery changed about once a week. Some batteries last longer and some last less time but one week is a good average. Most of the hearing aids available now have rechargeable batteries that only require putting them into the charger at bedtime. It is a good idea to wipe off the part of the hearing aid that sits in the charger so good electrical contact is made.

The hearing aids are electronic devices so they want to be dry and free of significant dust, similar to a phone or computer.

Rechargeable hearing aids are the most resistant to moisture issues.

Store the hearing aids in a safe location, keep them away from

children and pets. They love to chew on them!

7.

Protect your hearing aids from extreme heat or cold. It is not a good idea to leave them in a car or any area where the hearing aids can become extremely hot or cold.

SUPPORT AFTER PURCHASE

In my opinion, support in the care and follow-up testing are paramount to enjoying hearing aids. Without the individualized attention to the unique needs of each person we see, the majority of people would not be satisfied with their new purchase.

Find an audiologist to select, fit and educate you on the joys of using hearing aids. 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.

24

Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

// MAYOR’S ADDRESS // BY PAUL DEASY

Taking Action to Protect Flagstaff

T

here is a lot going on these days.

Wildfire season has started early and my heart goes out to those who have been afflicted by the Tunnel Fire. Thirty homes were lost. Despite the tragedy, I saw our community come together to help those in need, providing homes for evacuees, giving food and clothing, and sheltering animals. I want to thank our brave firefighters and all our first responders who helped our surrounding community in the midst

of such a crisis.

Council recently held our budget retreat to establish budgetary priorities and policies. We are heavily prioritizing public safety issues, including purchasing two ladder trucks for our fire department, a new radio system, and increasing benefits and wages for our staff. We are also considering expanding our C.A.R.E Team, our 9-1-1 response unit consisting of a behavioral health professional and EMT that are able

// Thirty homes were lost. Despite the tragedy, I saw our community come together to help those in need, providing homes for evacuees, giving food and clothing, and sheltering animals.

I want to thank our brave firefighters and all our first responders who helped our surrounding community in the midst of such a crisis. //

to respond to appropriate calls that do not require police. They have been active now for one month and the early data and results have been astounding.

We are moving toward no longer having fireworks for 4th of July festivities, instead doing a yearly light show instead. This is a changing world and we have to adapt to the new reality.

Another priority we are moving forward with is regarding stormwater infrastructure. Though our partnerships with other government agencies, we’ve been able to secure more than $16 million to assist in flooding efforts. We have a lot of work still to do to fully fund and implement mitigation efforts to protect our people and their properties. The fact that some of our neighborhoods still look like warzones is unacceptable.

In the coming six to eight weeks, the City Council will be deciding on what bond measures to place on the November ballot. A citizen committee was formed in December to help recommend a course of action. This will be

June 23, 24 & 25 2022 Fort Tuthill County Park

a very difficult decision and I would really like your input. Stormwater infrastructure is my top priority, but we have many important issues to consider. Our wastewater treatment plant is at capacity, we need more multimodal transportation infrastructure in the city and we are working to address the simultaneous declared emergencies of climate and housing.

As always, if you want to provide input on these critical decisions, please send council an email at council@flagstaffaz.gov or email me directly at paul.deasy@flagstaffaz.gov.

If you add your phone number, I’d be happy to give you a call as well.

Stay safe, Flagstaff! FBN

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www.flagstaff businessnews.com/subscribe INSIDE THE JANUARY

Land Purchase Eyed for Economic Development p. 3

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, FBN

A

Paul Deasy is the Mayor of Flagstaff.

All opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Flagstaff City Council

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. coverage, an on-site physician knee surgery pharmacy – so I agreed,” said hugs were all around.” When I left, with three full-time Ranney. “The pharmacists, 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. homes and families there, which I “Before we and get worldbelieve 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/ Continued on

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

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

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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.

I

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

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

A

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

13

C

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

We are a PRCA sanctioned rodeo featuring bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Our rodeo is held in the tall ponderosa pines at the Coconino County Fort Tuthill grandstands on the last weekend of June each year. We offer three evening performances, so everyone can enjoy the show under the dark sky of Northern Arizona. Bright lights, excitement and near perfect temperatures grace the rodeo grounds in Flagstaff Arizona.

Go to www.flagstaffrodeo.com for more information and to purchase tickets!

Continued on

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r u o y t i m Sub tion Good Business a c i l p p a Requires Good People. today !

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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State retirement and comprehensive health insurance package available.

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BC Contracting has two exciting opportunities available. We are seeking an experienced Equipment Operator and an experienced Labor Foreman to join our team.These are great opportunities to join a growing company that offers competitive pay, a team-oriented atmosphere, and excellent benefits.

BC Contracting is a full-service general contractor specializing in commercial, multi-family and mixed-use construction and development.

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Flagstaff Business News/Quad Cities Business News is seeking a Print/Digital Media Account Executive to add to the team.

Responsible for establishing new accounts through telephone, in person meetings and local events. This remote position offers a flexible schedule and untapped commission potential. Prior media experience is preferred, but for the right candidate willing to train.

Submit resume to amy@flagstaffbusinessnews.com or call 602-909-3910

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Workforce recruitment in this special section is made possible for Flagstaff businesses at a 50% reduced rate as a result of a City of Flagstaff sponsorship. Please contact FBN: Amy@Flagstaffbusinessnews.com or 602-909-3910 for more information.

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue Serves as a Hub of Hope A

By Bonnie Craig

nyone involved with animal rescues knows that networking is absolutely crucial to getting the animals what they need, where and when they need it. These networks, like many-spoked wheels, need a central hub to keep them connected and spinning in harmony.

Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue (SOLR) is just that for shelters, groups and individuals working to save Labs and Lab mixes throughout Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and Mexico.

Three years ago, SOLR president Susan Krase, along with a few friends, split off from another rescue in order to focus on a broader range of dogs, both geographically and breed-wise.

They would work with predominantly Labrador retrievers, but would not be completely exclusive, and certainly would help any Lab mix in need.

Through social media, their network quickly began to grow.

Shelters, so overcrowded that euthanasia of healthy dogs was inevitable, began to reach out. A small grassroots rescue in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico contacted SOLR and they began bringing dogs up from there.

Concerned neighbors contacted them about abused or neglected dogs. Before they knew it, SOLR had rescued more than 600 dogs and placed 566 of them in permanent homes.

Athena had come from a farm in Mexico where her leg was caught in a bear trap and had to be amputated.

Through SOLR’s online network, Athena was able to be transported to Tucson and into foster care with a SOLR board member and later adopted by a disabled veteran and his wife, making headlines as she joined them in their work with other disabled vets.

Athena may be the most famous SOLR success story to date, but she is certainly not the only one who defied

Hundreds of Labrador retrievers and mixes are receiving medical care and new homes through SOLR. Photo courtesy of Susan Krase

the odds with the help of this group.

Miraculous dogs currently under the care of SOLR fosters include Mateo, for one. A 4-year-old yellow Lab from Hermosillo Mexico, Mateo was not being cared for by his owner. A concerned neighbor was able to snap a picture and sent it to SOLR. Poor Mateo was down to only 20 pounds, extremely malnourished and positive for tick fever, valley fever and Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TBT) cancer. TBT is a sexually transmitted form of cancer that is very treatable, but also detrimental if left untreated.

While this is a devastating diagnosis, Mateo is working toward recovery.

He is boarded at an animal hospital

undergoing treatment and has put on seven pounds.

In mid-March, another desperate case joined SOLR from Pinal County Animal Control (PCAC). This one was a 7-year-old Lab mix who came to be known as Army. He had been unable to move, even to lift his head, for a week. Initial efforts to diagnose Army’s condition resulted in nothing but more questions. Although he was covered in ticks, after their removal, tick-borne illness was not found to be responsible for the paralysis. Finally, Army was able to get in to see a neurologist in Phoenix, where an MRI and spinal tap revealed the presence of a large blood clot in his neck, likely

the result of blunt force trauma. He was quickly put on a regimen of medications and rehabilitation, and the clot is expected to dissolve on its own.

In order to get him up and running again, foster parents Nicole and Steve Taylor provide around-the-clock love and care, he is visited by a physical therapist twice per week and regularly enjoys hydrotherapy as well. After just two weeks of this, he was already able to lift his head, then roll over and then sit up.

This level of care would be impossible without the gift of volunteers and funding. For more information, visit solraz.org. FBN

Medical care, love and funding are giving Army new life. Courtesy photo

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

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Arizona Rangers Carrying on Legacy to Keep the Community Safe

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

B

adged and uniformed in black cowboy hats and boots, Arizona Rangers are present at a great number of public events locally and statewide, often performing duties such as managing the traffic flow at concerts and festivals, connecting military veterans with services and delivering holiday gifts through the Toys for Tots program. This month, for example, the High Country Ranger Company will be helping at the 10th Annual Lance Davidson Memorial High Country StandDown at the Flagstaff Armory from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, May 20.

What many may not know is that these rangers are carrying on the unique legacy of an elite legendary team that arrived on the scene when called in to rid the Arizona Territory of bandits, cattle rustlers and gangs of bad guys. They were feared by outlaws and respected by all. Many of the original Arizona Rangers fought alongside Theodore Roosevelt as members of his famous Rough Riders.

And much like their predecessors

of the early 1900s, Master Sergeant Dawnna Ybarra of Winslow says today’s rangers continue to answer the call when law enforcement officers need them. They are highly trained, armed and skilled marksmen, who know the Arizona landscape, have a love for community and a passion for public service.

MSgt. Ybarra’s ancestors were roaming the Arizona wildlands at the same time that the rangers got started. She is a fifth generation Arizonan who was born on the Navajo Nation.

Her great grandfather, John D. Lee, started Lees Ferry and helped establish trading opportunities between the Navajo tribe and pioneers. She calls it an honor to serve as an Arizona Ranger. Her official volunteer duties with the rangers require eight hours of service a month, but as is the case with most of her colleagues, she trains for hours every week to keep up her skills.

A ranger for three years, she recently practiced drills with the Winslow Police Department. “They really do appreciate our services and our assistance, so they like to invest their time in making us better and

more of a uniform team with them.

They’ve gone over their forensics with us so now we can help them when there’s an investigation. We have taser certification, firearms training, and even the chief of police went through defensive tactics with us.”

Lieutenant Tom Chesterman of Flagstaff is the High Country Ranger’s range master and firearms instructor. He says every ranger is held to the same qualifications and standards as any law enforcement officer.

“The duties I really enjoy the most are what I’ll generally call festivals.

This is where we’re providing a very low stress law enforcement presence surrounded by mostly happy people who are glad that we’re there so they can relax and enjoy themselves and feel secure in the environment,” he said. “However, firearms are an important tool for our missions. We hope we never have to use them, but we might. So we have an obligation for proficiency in their use and tactics.”

Lt. Chesterman says he has had a very strong sense of service since

High Country Rangers Sgt. Mike Ring, Lt. Tom Chesterman, Sgt. Doug Joseph and MSgt. Dawnna Ybarra participated in the Williams StandDown Parade on May 3, 2021. Courtesy photo

childhood. “I think that’s what sets us apart as an organization – service to our community, service to society. When I moved to Arizona, I learned the history and the mission of the Arizona Rangers and I really

couldn’t think of a better organization in which to serve. It provides law enforcement support, it provides support to the community and we also have a commitment to support Continued on page 43

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Big Toe Pain is a Big Deal

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By Reisha Zang

ne in 40 people over the age of 50 may find themselves limiting their activity because of a condition affecting their big toe. Hallux rigidus is a degenerative disease of the big toe joint and the most common form of arthritis in the foot. As it progresses, joint pain increases and motion decreases.

How the toe moves, or doesn’t, affects the whole body. “Your big toe has a big impact on how you move through life. It plays a role in balance, shock absorption and forward movement as you walk,” explained Dr. Diana Perry of CiC Foot & Ankle in Flagstaff. “When it doesn’t bend or rotate because the joint is stiff, you change how you walk so that it won’t hurt.” These changes can lead to back or knee pain, as well as discomfort in other parts of the foot.

From people who just want to walk around the block or run errands to those who want to participate in sports, a stiff joint can impact anyone. “I don’t like to hear that someone is sitting on the sidelines of get-togethers with friends and family because their feet hurt,” said Perry. “There are treatments to help.”

The first step is to evaluate the gait cycle.

“One way we do this is with a computer. You walk across a special mat that tells us about different pressure points when your foot hits the ground,” explained Perry.

This data helps doctors learn about what’s happening with your feet when you’re walking. Doctors use that information as part of a comprehensive exam to develop a

treatment plan.

With every step, your feet absorb forces that are nearly twice your body weight. And your big toe takes on a lot of the impact, adding to the wear and tear the joint endures. “Once your toe starts to hurt, that’s when you realize just how much you use it,” said Perry. “The good news is you don’t have to learn to live with it.”

The goal is to protect your feet from the repetitive stress of everyday walking, work and sports activities. “There are lots of options to help relieve foot pain and help your feet work better,” said Perry. Addressing foot function improves the way your feet feel and can lead to better overall foot health. She said, “we always start with non-surgical options, and if we catch it when the pain starts, we have a high chance for success. But even if it you’ve waited to see if it’ll get better on its own, we still have options.”

When your feet hurt, pay attention. Seeking medical care at the beginning of a problem can play a role in getting better faster. “If I can help my patients move through their day and help them overcome obstacles, it’s huge to me,” said Perry. I’m excited to do my part when it comes to feet.” FBN Dr. Diana Perry, DPM, specializes in limb preservation and trauma of the foot. She can be reached at CiC 928-719-7400.

Reisha Zang is director of communication at CiC. You may contact her at 928-7197400 or reisha.zang@ciccenters.com.

New Funding to Help Small Businesses Hire, Retain Employees

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overnor Doug Ducey announced $5 million in additional funding for the Back to Work Small Business Rehiring and Retention program to further assist small businesses as they continue to recover from economic consequences of the pandemic.

“Arizona’s economy is booming and jobs are exploding all across the state,” said Governor Ducey. “Now, our small businesses and their employees must be protected from rising prices.

Today’s funding will help small businesses retain and hire their employees so they can continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic and not feel the harsh impact of inflation.”

The Small Business Rehiring and Retention Program first launched in August 2021 to fund employee hiring, signing, relocation and retention bonuses. Another $5 million was added to the program in October, investing a total of $11.2 million into Arizona’s small businesses.

Small businesses awarded in the first round were able to offer hiring bonuses to 2,320 new hires and retention bonuses to 9,523 employees, for an average bonus amount of $782.

An Arizona small business has to meet eligibility requirements to receive funding, including

that it must be owned and operated in the state of Arizona; be incorporated before January 1, 2020; rent or lease a physical location in Arizona; and have between five and 25 total employees that work at the physical location.

Eligible businesses may receive up to $10,000 for eligible expenditures. At least 75% of the awarded funds must go to current or new employees in the form of incentives. There is a cap of $1,000 incentive for each employee. Up to 25% of the awarded funds can go to other business expenditures such as mortgage/rent, utilities, etc.

The next round of applications is now open. Apply here: https://azgovernor.us3. list-manage.com/track/click?u=92fdf4d2c03bdcc82721f4a7b&id=671eec63dc&e=d4082a8747.

FBN

The Small Business Rehiring and Retention Program is a component of Governor Ducey’s Arizona “Back to Work” plan announced in May 2021. The plan is designed to support Arizonans getting back to work and fill the thousands of jobs available across the state.

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

The Flagstaff library is scheduled to receive a facelift this summer. Courtesy photo

Welcome to our inspired family of professionals relentlessly pursuing excellence in our industry and life.

New Entry Brings Public Art, Inclusive Design to Main Library

By Richard Tutwiler and MacKenzie Chase

T

he Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library is moving forward with a new entry plaza design that will bring the downtown library entrance into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The project will also feature a new community “front porch,” gently sloping sidewalks based on inclusive design principles, new landscaping and planted trees, and public art elements. Construction is planned for this summer, with a predicted completion date later this year.

The design was greatly shaped by input from city commissions and the Flagstaff community. The Beautification and Public Art Commission provided valuable input on the public art and aesthetic elements, and focus groups provided input on the artistic design.

Artist Maria Salenger was selected to create the public art element of the project, which features steel book sculptures, which will lead visitors along the pathway to the library entrance.

Salenger will create 45 book sculptures with Flagstaff’s history, culture and connections to the natural world in mind for her installation, titled “Touch Home, Reach Sky.” The books will incorporate illustrative cutouts that will feature imagery referring to astronomy and celestial bodies, ponderosa pine trees, sunflowers, dandelions, aspects of the railroad, Route 66, Flagstaff’s robust trail system and topography of the San Francisco Peaks. In the daylight, the books will cast playful shadows, and in the evening, they will glow like lanterns with dark sky-compliant lighting within.

The project team also met with the commission on inclusion and adaptive living to receive input and revise the inclusive design of the overall project. Among the updates recommended by the commission is a wider pathway, which gently slopes to the front door, making it easier for people who use

Adam Benton

Kyle Jones

Nicole Cumbie

Alana Bateman

Shannon Mackey

Samantha Field

Art featuring books will adorn the pathway leading to the front door. Courtesy photo

wheelchairs to enter the library.

The construction may impact library services, including potential weekend closures; however, the goal is to continue to allow patrons inside the library building. Portions of library and Aspen Avenue parking may also be unavailable during certain periods of the project timeline. Please stay tuned for more detailed announcements about access.

The library is extremely excited to break ground on this project, to continue to support an inclusive community, and supply access to library information and services to all people.

FBN

For more information on this project, please contact the project lead, Jeremy DeGeyter, at jdegeyter@ flagstaffaz.gov or 928-213-2706.

Authors Richard Tutwiler and MacKenzie Chase provided this column on behalf of the City of Flagstaff and the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library.

Nothing Compares.

www.russ lyon.com //928.779.5966

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Retiring CCC President Says She Will Miss Commencements

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Join us for a fun filled summer supporting Flagstaff’s local non-profits.

By Colleen Smith

am proud that I have never missed a commencement in my 41 years of working for community college students. I was so disappointed that during the height of the pandemic we had to hold two of our ceremonies in a virtual format, and I am thrilled that we are all planning to be together in person for commencement 2022!

I enjoy telling people in all the communities served by CCC that “the story of our college is the story of our students.” They arrive at CCC and before long, they are graduating with newly discovered passion to continue their education at a four-year university, or with needed skills to enter the workforce, or with a rekindled sense of personal enrichment. This year’s graduates continue to represent the beautiful diversity of Northern Arizona and Coconino County. Here are our commencement speakers this year: N Natalie Rodriguez was born and raised in Los Angeles. She moved to Arizona in search of a great school with amazing professors and found both at CCC. A CCC2NAU student, Rodriguez is a psychology major minoring in anthropology. After she completes her studies at CCC, she plans on pursuing her bachelor’s degree in anthropology at NAU. N Naomi Adisa is originally from Sterling Heights near Detroit. She came out West to study sustainability. Naomi was looking at different programs and was impressed with CCC’s Alternative Energy Technology program. Her next steps are to transition to the University of Arizona to continue studying architectural engineering.

N Meghan Belmares graduated from NAU in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and landed a career in Flagstaff in her field of study. In 2020, she returned to CCC to retake a class in American Sign Language

// Commencement is such a wonderful time to celebrate the achievements of our students with their families and friends, and with our colleagues across the college. I know how important it is for our students - you can see it in their eyes as they cross the stage. //

that she had withdrawn from previously.

The class led to a rekindled interested in ASL and she pursued a certificate in ASL and interpreting studies.

N Kenneth James Carr was born in Ventura, California and was raised in Round Hill, Virginia, for most of his childhood.

Kenneth graduated from Coconino Community College in fall 2021 with an applied sciences degree in fire science and as a firefighter/EMT at the Grand Canyon Fire Department. He is in the process of promoting from firefighter to engineer and aspires to become a paramedic. He is the proud father of 4-year-old Chase Race Carr.

Commencement is such a wonderful time to celebrate the achievements of our students with their families and friends, and with our colleagues across the college. I know how important it is for our students - you can see it in their eyes as they cross the stage. And that is what makes it important to me. So, it is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge this will be my last community college commencement ceremony before I retire from serving our students. Yet, my heart is full of joy knowing that I get to finish out my career at Coconino Community College – somehow, I must have saved the best for last!

I have enjoyed my tenure as CCC’s president more than you can possibly know, and I will deeply miss serving the communities of Coconino County. However, I know that our District Governing Board will select a new president who is passionate about the community college mission and who will serve our students and communities with dedication and a love of learning in the coming years.

And in the meantime, the work continues.

In May, voters will decide whether to reset the primary property tax rate for Coconino Community College. In the coming months, a proposed student/workforce housing project will get underway on CCC property in Page. New academic, workforce and lifelong learning programs will continue to be added to CCC’s affordable quality roster of offerings to help our students achieve their educational and career goals.

I am certain CCC will move confidently into the future with strength, and I will make sure to keep track of the amazing achievements of our students as I step into this new phase of my life with my husband.

Be well, and ... Onward! Náás! Adelante!

FBN

Colleen Smith is the president of Coconino Community College.

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

31

Treating Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

By Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc

M

ost women experience hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms) during perimenopause, but they can happen at any stage in a woman’s life. Hot flashes can be normal during lactation, after childbirth, and during perimenopause and menopause.

They can happen consistently for a period then vanish or come back again at any time. Hot flashes affect as many as 75% of menopausal women.

They can start with an overall warming or feeling flushed in the stomach or chest that radiates up. They usually

last 30 seconds to several minutes at a time. Some women experience extreme sweating in the chest, neck and head.

When the flash is over, many women feel chilled. It is very common for hot flashes to happen at night, which can interfere with sleeping because the woman is constantly throwing the covers on and off. I have had many patients say that they freeze their significant other out at night because they like it cool.

Hot flashes can be a little embarrassing at times, especially if you are presenting at work or out with family or friends when a flash hits you. You

// There are some dealers who bully and misrepresent products, but that doesn’t mean they all do. Again, this is where the research on reputation comes in.

If you feel forced to buy something while doing the paperwork, simply walk out and regroup, or talk to the manager you dealt with. I can’t stress this enough. You don’t have to buy any product you don’t want and no one can make you. //

look like you are melting and it feels like there’s nothing you can do about it except fan yourself. Embarrassing.

Night sweats are different. Men and women can have night sweats. It can be as minimal as waking up sweaty in the chest and behind the neck to waking up fully drenched. Night sweats in Chinese medicine are considered Yin/fluid deficiency and can easily be remedied.

Common causes of night sweats are reactions to certain medications (antidepressants, opioids, excess thyroid meds, etc.). Other causes may be an increase in alcohol intake, stress, hormone imbalances, infections or cancer.

If night sweats continue consistently on a nightly basis, it is important to see your physician for basic blood work and a physical exam.

What can you do about it?

TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS

Synthetic estrogen is often given to women experiencing hot flashes. It comes in a patch, pill or cream. There are risks involved with taking synthetic estrogens (like Premarin): studies have shown an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, blood clots and stroke. The risk increases with a combination of synthetic progestin (not micronized progesterone).

Research has shown that some

Angie Rodriguez Mark Colletti

antidepressants like Paxil, Prozac, or Effexor may reduce hot flashes as well as improve mood. Other medications like gabapentin given at night may also offer some relief. If you don’t have trouble sleeping or mood issues, the side effects of these drugs should be considered before trying.

NATURAL TREATMENTS 1.

2.

3.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes Eating more of a whole foods or pescatarian diet while reducing alcohol intake, increasing water consumption and regular exercise has been shown to decrease hot flashes and night sweats. One study showed doing high intensity interval training three times per week for 15 weeks decreased sweats.

Mindset, Stress Management Meditation, yoga, Qigong, mindfulness practices and stress management skills also can help decrease flash severity and intensity. There are some great mediation apps out there for beginners and regular meditators.

Meditating five to 30 minutes a day will help you to feel more focused and better able to adapt to the daily stresses.

Acupuncture has also been very

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5.

effective in eliminating hot flashes and night sweats by treating the Yin imbalance in the body.

Regular acupuncture treatments can help minimize hormone imbalance associated with perimenopause and menopause. It reduces the heat, calming the internal fire in the body and focuses on balancing the adrenals and kidney energy, reducing hot flash intensity and frequency.

Herbal/Vitamins Some herbal treatments that may reduce hot flashes are Hops, Vitex, Dong Quai, Black cohosh Rehmannia, and some Chinese herbal blends to calm the internal fire down.

Vitamin E 800iu daily can help decrease hot flashes in some women.

Get Your Hormones Checked It is normal for hormones to decline in both men and women as we age. The decline can affect female and male hormones, increasing unwanted symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, fatigue, weight challengatability, anxiety, depression and decreased muscle tone and stamina. When the aging hormones decline, there is an increased risk Continued on page 43

32

Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Considering an Investment in Off-Campus Housing

By Alana Bateman

W

hile Flagstaff is known for its beauty and close community, it is widely known as a college town because of Northern Arizona University.

There are several student housing complexes near the university. All of the student housing complexes have been leasing since October 2021 for the 2022-2023 school year. Did you know that several are currently at or near 100% capacity for the upcoming school year?

What does that mean for potential investors? It is never too soon to invest in homes in Flagstaff and rent them out to students. The number of students in need of housing is growing every year, with more than 21,000 students enrolled at NAU’s Flagstaff Mountain Campus. The off-campus apartments are not ideal for every student. Did you know that the student housing complexes have 11-12 month leases from August to July? The lease terms are a deterring factor for students who have summer plans in their hometowns, internships or summer study abroad.

With the flexibility of rental homes, 10-month leases are a possibility and become highly desirable. Worried about not being able to fill the two-month

All data was collected through marketing surveys of properties and updated as of 4/21/2022.

gap? Worry not! There are plenty of students who come into town early or come to Flagstaff for their summer work opportunities.

What can you make from an investment home? In the past, it was common to rent out an apartment or home in its entirety. However, that is no longer the case in Flagstaff. The common leasing

strategy in Flagstaff student housing complexes is to lease by the bedroom.

The monthly cost varies, based on amenities, room size, private/shared bathroom, etc. On average, the least expensive option for base rent per person is $850/month.

If you think that is high, that

average monthly rent does not include additional costs for utilities, parking, pet rent, renter’s insurance and more.

What’s important when looking for an investment property? In your search for an investment property, it is important to work with a realtor who understands the Flagstaff area and housing market.

Location, Location, Location!

Your realtor should work with you to determine the ideal locations for rentals to appeal to students. Can you walk to campus? Does it have access to public transportation? Is it a short driving distance from campus?

Rental Restrictions. In many Homeowner Associations, rental restrictions are being implemented for 30-day or more minimum leases. While this knocks out many short-term rental prospective buyers, it opens opportunities for investors interested in renting monthly. Your realtor should provide you information about HOA rules, regulations and restrictions. FBN

// Location, Location, Location! Your realtor should work with you to determine the ideal locations for rentals to appeal to students. Can you walk to campus?

Does it have access to public transportation?

Is it a short driving distance from campus? //

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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33

Spring Cleaning: A Different Take

By Amber Belt, N.D.

W

hen it comes to spring cleaning, most of us think of purging clutter from our homes or getting out in the garden to clean up and get ready for the growing season. But I’d like to present a different spin on spring cleaning.

What if you used springtime as the time to clean up the clutter around your health?

Let’s face it, most of us have at least one or two untidy health habits that weigh us down. Why not use the momentum of spring to clean up those habits?

Here are five health habits that I commonly see in patients that can be cleaned up this spring to improve health!

1.

2.

Alcohol. Alcohol use and abuse has unfortunately exploded over the last two years or more.

If you’ve been drinking daily, you should know that you’re increasing your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, digestive issues, accidents, memory problems, mental health issues and memory issues. Now is the time to slow way down or stop drinking booze. If you need help to stop drinking, seek it out and if you’ve been drinking heavily, be very cautious and seek help to stop drinking.

Sleep. Gone are the days of bragging about how little sleep you got! Now we’re focusing on

// If you’re not sleeping, check your alcohol use, blue light exposure, caffeine use and other basic sleep hygiene habits. Still having trouble sleeping? Your insomnia could be caused by an elevated cortisol output or other root cause medical issue that needs to be addressed. //

getting solid sleep and waking up rested and refreshed in the morning. If you’re not sleeping, check your alcohol use, blue light exposure, caffeine use and other basic sleep hygiene habits.

Still having trouble sleeping?

Your insomnia could be caused by an elevated cortisol output or other root cause medical issue that needs to be addressed.

3.

Sugar. Sugar consumption is detrimental to your health on a lot of levels, including dysregulating your blood glucose and putting you at risk of obesity and diabetes, negatively impacting immune health, potentially increasing cancer risk, adverse mood effects and more. A piece or two of dark chocolate is fine, but many times, sugar is consumed in a food-like product that’s engineered to keep you eating and not feeling full or satisfied. That’s pretty gross manipulation by the “food” industry that has zero interest in your health. If you feel like your cravings are out of your control, look at your gut health.

Imbalances in gut flora, including bacteria and yeast, can create

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wild cravings that feel impossible to squash.

4.

5.

Lack of exercise. Over the past two or more years, I’ve sadly seen many, many people fall out of shape. Lack of exercise puts you at higher risk for obesity, diabetes, cancer, hormone imbalance, heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia. I understand that many people fall into the “I don’t have time” trap, but exercise is so crucial that you must carve out time to move your body. If you haven’t been exercising, start simple! Walking for 20 minutes four times a week is a good start, and when you’re ready for more intense exercise, work with a trainer for at least a few sessions so you don’t injure yourself.

People. I’m not sure about you, but the past two years have really shown me who I want in my life and who I don’t need in my life.

If you have people who lift you up and inspire you to be the person you strive to be, keep them close! If

you have people who use you for what you can offer, people who throw tantrums and/or bully, or otherwise behave in ways that create an imbalanced relationship, it’s OK to let them go.

Creating boundaries and letting toxic people leave your life is a compassionate act for both you and them.

Maybe none of the categories above apply to you, but are there other habits around your health that can be tidied up this spring? It’s a great time to reset so that you are feeling great and healthy for the summer, fall and beyond! 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.

34

Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Are You Safe?

O

By Rob Wilson

n the afternoon of Easter Sunday, the Tunnel Fire was first reported. It was a small fire of less than one acre, and after about four hours of work, the National Forest Service reported it was out.

Two days later, driven by 50 mileper-hour winds, the smoldering Tunnel Fire reignited. Being less than two miles from the nearest homes, the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation orders all happened in a matter of minutes at about 11 a.m. Residents had no time grab anything but the most essential of their belongings including pets and livestock. By 4 p.m., approximately 30 homes had been lost to the fire and many lives had been changed forever.

The folks who lived in the path of the Tunnel Fire were not new to forest fires. In 2010, many of them watched as the Schultz Fire consumed 15,000 acres behind their homes. That event was a life lesson that resulted in the neighborhoods being better prepared than most, should another fire occur. Despite that, the losses in the Tunnel Fire are yet another lesson for others. What did we learn?

We learned that fires today don’t behave the way they have in the past.

Fire behavior experts were amazed at how fast the Tunnel Fire went from a small, controlled event to a raging inferno racing across the forest and into the homes. In the future, fire managers will have to plan for behaviors they have not seen before and develop a strategy that will better mitigate the risks of fires like the Tunnel.

As residents, we learned that sometimes there is almost no time to evacuate. This fire occurred before our typical “fire season,” so folks were not yet fully in the mindset of being fire aware. With less than an hour from first notice to the evacuation order, little could be done to protect property and belongings that had to be left behind. There was only time to grab the most essential of items and then leave the rest behind.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

The erratic fire behavior shown by the Tunnel Fire demands changes in a number of areas. As mentioned, wildland fire fighters need new tactics and training to address fires like this.

Fires that in the past may not have been considered too threatening will need to be aggressively fought and then continuously monitored to ensure they are completely out.

New homes should be designed from the beginning to be firewise.

Using non-flammable siding and roofing materials should be the standard. Non-ventilated attics that don’t suck burning embers from a fire inside your home should also be designed into new homes. Owners of existing homes need to be aware of how to reduce the vulnerability of their homes to fire. While wooden decks are a popular feature to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding us, they also act as a wick, bringing fire into our homes.

Now is the time to check your homeowner’s insurance policy coverage. Unfortunately, some of our neighbors who lost their homes were hit a second time when they learned that their policy covered the value from 10 years or more ago. With the dramatic increase in value of our homes and the cost to replace them, make sure your policy is keeping up.

We need to recognize that time may be very short to evacuate; or worse yet, we may be out of town when the next fire hits. In these cases, it is especially important to protect your most valuable possessions in place. A good quality safe with a fire rating of at least 75 minutes is a great investment (and is tax deductible).

It doesn’t look pretty, but this safe and its contents survived the Tunnel Fire.

Courtesy photo

I’ve assisted folks in opening safes after the fire and they were extremely gratified to see that the investment they made paid off and protected their property. Two lessons on safes have been learned. First, make sure you invest in a high quality safe with the proper fire rating. Some safes have been opened only to find more ashes. Second, storing ammunition in your safe is not a good idea, as the heat can cause it to cook off.

There is work to be done by us

all to be better prepared for future events. You’ll thank yourself if sometime in the future you return from an evacuation to a home still standing or at least a safe ready to be opened. FBN Rob and Elise Wilson own Timberline Firearms. Both their business and their home were in the Tunnel Fire evacuation zone. While their home suffered significant damage from the heat of the fire, they are extremely thankful that it was not lost.

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

35

Outdoor Adventure Therapy: Treating Mental Health Issues that Lead to Addiction

S

By Laini Roberts

ociety can sometimes take a binary view on the way that we look at addiction. A person begins doing drugs and alcohol recreationally, which leads to overindulging in drugs or alcohol, which leads to addiction that requires treatment.

However, as we continue to better understand mental health issues and the role these issues play in addiction, we being to understand that some people’s relationship with mental

// A program that encapsulates all these disciplines gives the patient more tools to self-reflect and develop an education to improve their lives beyond simply giving them medication. //

health and addiction is much more complicated.

The last two years, from the start of the pandemic to now, have contributed to a notable deterioration of some people’s mental health, which can lead to an increased chance of drugs and alcohol abuse. People dealing with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder while dealing with addiction are becoming more common. Our treatment program, Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery, is seeing more and more of this complicated situation. If paths to addiction are becoming more multifaceted, then treatments must adapt and become more multifaceted. Qualified treatment programs should stop just looking at patients already in the throes of addiction, but be more proactive by considering accepting patients with mental health issues that correlate with a higher risk for addiction but are not at that point yet. This means potentially accepting patients who have mental health conditions but are in the early stages of addiction or who may have no drug or alcohol addiction at all.

Many patients with underlying mental health issues can benefit from

long-term treatment programs even if you would not label them as addicted to drugs or alcohol. Being proactive and taking preventative measures can lead to better mental health outcomes and help patients get ahead of negative behaviors that can lead to addiction.

Ideally, you want to intervene during less dire circumstances.

Treatment programs can benefit people with underlying mental health issues because it gives them access to many of the same resources that benefit those looking to treat their addiction.

A patient dealing with a mental health disorder can benefit from having access to a primary therapist and an individualized treatment plan that takes into account their initial diagnosis and problem behaviors. An inpatient treatment program can also give these patients a chance to participate in multiple groups a day to build camaraderie with other program participants and practice coping skills. They would also have the opportunity to participate in process groups and feedback groups.

These socialization therapies help those struggling with mental health issues similar to the way they help those dealing with addiction. People with

debilitating mental health disorders tend to isolate, and rebuilding those social connections can help remedy depression and anxiety.

Outdoor adventure therapy programs offer those struggling to maintain good mental health a holistic treatment program that interweaves physical activity, diet, community and mental health treatments. A program that encapsulates all these disciplines gives the patient more tools to self-reflect and develop an education to improve their lives beyond simply giving them medication.

Outdoor adventure therapy is a benefit to people struggling with mental health because being outdoors is a benefit to mental health. Studies show that exposure to natural environments can be associated with mental health benefits and proximity to green spaces is associated with lower levels of stress and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The outdoors puts patients in a setting that allows them to develop resiliency by taking them on challenging outdoor excursions that show them that they can succeed at difficult things.

Treatment programs such as

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outdoor adventure therapy should take a more proactive approach in the way they treat patients, and we should be open to seeing the benefits these programs can have on patients who might not be traditionally struggling with addiction. Patients dealing with mental health issues and early addictive behaviors or no addictive behaviors at all can find benefits in these treatment programs. Treat these issues early before they manifest themselves as severe drug and alcohol addiction. FBN Laini Roberts is a clinical therapist at Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery. She has been working within the social work profession for five years within a variety of settings. She has experience working with individuals, groups, families and parent coaching. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), as well as being a Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist. Laini completed her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Psychology at Bethany College, and her master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis on mental health and substance misuse from The Ohio State University.

36

Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

flagstaffbusinessnews.com

NAU Working on Mutually Beneficial Community Engagement

I

By José Luis Cruz Rivera

n this, my inaugural column, I want to tell you what a privilege it is to serve as president of NAU and live every day in this beautiful community.

Since my arrival nearly a year ago, I have learned that NAU has a strong foundation, a community that embraces the value of higher education, an incredible alumni network, and dedicated faculty and staff.

I am thrilled by the strong partnerships that exist and I’ve enjoyed connecting with many community

organizations and individuals, most recently, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Alliance, which brings together leadership from the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, FUSD, CCC and Mountain Line.

The strength of these relationships was on full display last month, during NAU Giving Day, as I visited with many alumni-led Flagstaff businesses, as well as public and non-profit partners. The outpouring of support for NAU’s vision was palpable and particularly inspiring given the opportunities that are before us.

// Flagstaff is a case in point. We all intuitively know that NAU and Flag are a community of one, but the numbers help crystallize how the inextricability of our interwovenness comes to be: Over 25,600 households in the Flagstaff city limits, representing 53% of the households in Flagstaff, include NAU alumni. And over 35% of NAU’s own workforce are NAU alums. //

You see, Arizona has a college attainment problem and NAU is determined to address it head-on – giving access to excellence for talented and hard-working Arizonans of all backgrounds so that they can contribute to and benefit from our state’s economic boom.

To this end, our university community has been engaged in the development of a Strategic Roadmap, which will serve as our guiding institutional document and internal/external value proposition to our stakeholders.

And the vision we have articulated through this process is as bold as it is boundless, as we double down on the distinctive strengths that NAU can provide to Flagstaff and to Arizona.

One of our key goals is for mutually beneficial community engagement.

That is, we don’t just want to think about NAU in isolation; we want to think about our impact on our communities and work together to ensure that we are true partners whose work benefits our home community where we live, work and operate.

Flagstaff is a case in point. We all intuitively know that NAU and Flag are a community of one, but the numbers help crystallize how the inextricability

of our interwovenness comes to be: Over 25,600 households in the Flagstaff city limits, representing 53% of the households in Flagstaff, include NAU alumni. And over 35% of NAU’s own workforce are NAU alums.

NAU is also on a bold mission to expand access to higher education and close achievement gaps throughout our state. NAU is not just a Flagstaff-based university. Our 20+ statewide sites are primed to take advantage of this refined vision: we will be at the forefront of expanding access to excellence in education throughout our state.

We seek to systematically remove barriers, broaden participation, improve retention and momentum, and spur – through our tailored student support and robust academic programs – transformative outcomes that benefit individuals and drive social and economic mobility.

Some of our most recent actions include a new admissions pilot program that makes it clear to all talented, hard-working high school students in Arizona with a 3.0 GPA or above that they will be assured admission to NAU. Further-

more, we also recently announced that beginning in the fall of 202,3 a tuition-free college education will be accessible for every Arizona resident with a household income of $65,000 or below – assuring tuition is fully covered by scholarships and financial aid. Students living in approximately 50% of Arizona households currently meet this financial threshold.

These are our first bold steps and I look forward to sharing many more in the months to come.

I close by thanking you for your support of our university and our students, particularly our recent spring graduates who move on to their next adventure with pride in their experience and fond memories of Flagstaff and this wonderful community. Flagstaff is rightfully rated as one of the best college towns in America – and I look forward to building upon this foundation that makes our university great and our community vibrant in partnership with you. FBN José Luis Cruz Rivera is the president of Northern Arizona University.

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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37

Vegetable Gardening at High Altitudes

By Misti Warner-Anderson

T

here are amazing benefits to living at high altitude in Northern Arizona – four seasons, great mountain scenery, extremely clean air – but truth be told, it can be a challenge for gardeners.

Challenging, but not impossible. All it requires is a little planning, a little patience, and a few modifications. But the rewards – beautiful, healthy, homegrown goodness – are worth it.

Here are a few pointers to being a veggie champion at 7,000 feet.

UNDERSTAND YOUR MICROCLIMATE

Depending on your neighborhood, the greater Flagstaff area ranks anywhere from a “5” to a “6a” in the USDA hardiness zone, the map of average temperatures that gardeners use as a guide for the growing seasons.

A couple of miles can make a huge difference here. The base of Mount Elden, part of an “inversion zone” where the air temperatures above ground are warmer, is likely to get several more weeks of optimal growing time than a garden located in Fort Valley or Baderville.

So, it’s important to understand your microclimate and plan your garden

accordingly. If you only have 80 frostfree days, you might want to avoid that squash that needs 100 days to mature.

Warner’s Nursery has planting guides that can help you understand your area and which veggies will do best in your garden.

AMEND YOUR SOIL

The quality of your soil will play a big role in whether your vegetables get enough water to survive and nutrients to thrive. Again, depending on the area, Flagstaff can be challenging, with neighborhoods that have clay soil, cinders, giant boulders or soil that has just too much alkaline.

The key to treating your vegetables right is treating your soil right. Amendments will balance soil pH, increase water-holding capacity and make the dirt easier to work with. If you have a limited amount of space or extremely poor soil conditions, you might want to consider a raised-bed garden. A 12inch deep bed provides plenty of room for most vegetable roots. (Quick note on this, however: you probably won’t want a raised bed on a wooden deck; the weight when full of dirt and water might cause structural damage.)

FIND THE RIGHT SEEDS AND PLANTS

A good vegetable garden starts with high quality, recommended seeds and plants. Given our climate, try for seeds that only require a short growing season and are “cold hardy.” Our seed selection at Warner’s is specific to Flagstaff to help take the guesswork out of your gardening. If you are starting your garden with transplants, pick ones that are healthy and a bit stocky.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

This time, we are not talking about where you live, but the neighborhood in your garden that your veggies will call home this season. First of all, find a sunny locale; vegetables like about six hours of sunbathing each day. Space them out properly so they don’t have to compete for nutrients and water.

PLANT PROPERLY

Whether you are starting from seed or using transplants, there are a few guidelines that will promote veggie success.

For seeds, mark out straight rows for easier cultivation and follow the directions for seed spacing on the package. Make sure they are planted at the proper depth (for example, lettuce and carrots only need a half inch of soil coverage, while beans and peas require

up to two inches).

Transplants need tenderness as they move from their pots or flats into your garden. Don’t let them dry out before you get them in the ground, and water thoroughly before taking them out of their containers. Be careful with the roots and disturb them as little as possible (although if the roots are all bundled up or “pot bound” you might want to tease them out a bit). Dig a hole large enough so the plant sits slightly deeper than it was in the container, and cover with soil, making sure there are no air pockets. You might want to use a starter solution, and we can help you with the best selection for your plants.

WATER WELL

Irrigate to keep your soil moist and be consistent about it. Excessive fluctuations in soil moisture can adversely affect the growth and quality of your vegetables. Frequency of watering will depend on several factors – is your vegetable shallow- or deep-rooted? Is it a large or small plant? And of course, what’s the weather been like – if we’re in monsoon season, the need to water is less urgent.

And don’t forget the mulch, which will help prevent evaporation.

PREPARE TO PROTECT YOUR PLANTS

If you are like me, you treat your plants like botanical children, doing everything you can to make sure they grow up right and protecting them from the world that can be harsh. And, hard as it is to believe, your sweet tomatoes, cute carrots and beaming Brussels sprouts have enemies – unpredictable frosts, bullying weeds, pests and diseases. Our experts at Warner’s can provide you with the advice and products like frost blankets, plant treatments or weed suppressants to shield your veggies.

ENJOY

All this work leads up to the biggest reward of your veggie garden: the harvest.

In my humble opinion, no purchase from the produce section can match your homegrown vegetable garden – the taste, the smell, the knowledge that your veggies are free from harmful chemicals, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Happy Gardening! FBN Misti Warner-Andersen is the manager of Warner’s Nursery & Landscape Co., located at 1101 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff.

To contact Warner’s Nursery, call 928-774-1983.

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38

Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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Historic Average Price Per Square Foot More Than $400

O

By Lori Anna Harrison

ne of the biggest topics for discussion making headlines these days in real estate tends to be about interest rates and inflation.

The media has sensationalized these issues, creating some concern about the impact rising rates will have on buying power. While it is true that an increase in interest will mean a slightly higher monthly payment, we have not yet seen this diminish buyer demand. For every one offer that is accepted on a home up to $800,000, there are nine offers that were not - and those buyers are still on the search for their dream home in Flagstaff.

Although prices continue to skyrocket for single-family homes and condo/townhomes (attached homes), supply versus demand is still the major constraining factor for absorption rate in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas.

A balanced market would have four to six months of inventory available, which would be 330 to 500 homes for sale. As of April 30, only 90 single-family homes are available for sale, thus creating a significant shortage. Since supply is not keeping up with demand, we have seen substantial increases in sales prices.

More common than not, a swell of

homes will be listed toward the end of the week, with the majority of showings and activity over the weekend. The offer period will typically close on Monday or Tuesday, with the seller selecting an offer on one of those days.

Thus, inventory is usually the most lean the middle of the week. The best way for a buyer to be prepared is to have a pre-qualification in hand from a local lender, ready to shop with their agent on the weekend. FaceTime showings have grown in popularity with the number of relocation and vacation home buyers expanding with the rise of virtual offices.

A historic moment for average price-per-square-foot for a single family home in Flagstaff occurred in April 2022. We crossed the threshold

from $390 per square foot in March 2022 to $433 per square foot in April, which is an increase of 11% in one month. In April 2021, we were at $307 per square foot and have experienced a 41% increase in price per square foot in just one year. As of today, the median home price is $752,500, which is a historic high. Last year this month, the median single-family home price was only $568,050, a difference of $184,450, which is an increase of 32% in one year.

The condo/townhome pricing has also entered a space that is unprecedented. The price-per-square-foot for an attached home is now $403 per square foot versus $348 per square foot last month for an increase of 16% month over month and was at $270 per square foot last April for a year-over-

year increase of $133 per square foot, or a 49% increase. However staggering this number, we are also anemically supplied for attached product, with only 18 units actively for sale today. In a balanced market, 90 to 150 condo/ townhomes would be available for sale.

During April 2022, only 10 sold and in April 2021, there were 43 sold, which is a 77% decrease because of the lack of supply.

What does this mean? The bottom line is Flagstaff has more buyers than sellers and demand is greater than supply, resulting in escalating prices. This is not a function of greedy sellers driving prices but rather the multiple offer scenario pushing prices up. Our typical

peak real estate season is May through October and there are no indicators this year will be any different. It will be fascinating to see what transpires over the next six months. With average price-per-square-foot catapulting at this pace, we may see the average home price in Flagstaff over the million dollar mark this summer. 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.

MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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39

Moonshot Expanding Reach, Offerings

A

By Scott Hathcock

s always, let me start by thanking the City of Flagstaff, our local sponsors and our entrepreneur community for partnering with Moonshot and the campus of NACET over the past 22 years. Your commitment to bettering the lives of Northern Arizonans is greatly appreciated and we are humbled by your continued support. Judging by the start-up founders in our program to date, and the fact that more than 80%

// Not only are we providing mentorship and training for new businesses, but we’re also working to cultivate the workforce needed to support start-ups, particularly for those groups who are often under-represented. //

of the office and manufacturing space at the NACET campus is filled, I’d say Flagstaff and Northern Arizona have a promising economic future.

With a strong budget and forecast, Moonshot AZ moves into the 202223 fiscal year with plans on expanding our staff, our reach and our offerings. While continuing to build on our core services and programs that are bringing successful businesses into being, creating new jobs and changing the economic landscape, we are seeing an expansion of overseeing and powering incubator campuses and economic development initiatives all across the state of Arizona.

Not only are we providing mentorship and training for new businesses, but we’re also working to cultivate the workforce needed to support start-ups, particularly for those groups who are often under-represented.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS, COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS

We have been inspired by what we have seen from our youth. Fueled by this, several times a year, our team will be launching Moonshot Junior Tracks, geared toward high schoolaged students.

Moonshot is also in its second

year of working with the Northern Arizona University students in the schools of Business, Hospitality and Engineering in order to communicate the basic fundamentals that entrepreneurs utilize to build successful start-ups.

DIVERSITY IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

We are continuing to build on our “W.E. (Women Entrepreneurs) Mean Business” meetups for Flagstaff-area entrepreneurs and business leaders, but also expanding our efforts across Arizona to be all-inclusive with additional programs designed to attract and specifically support People of Color & LGBTQ entrepreneurs.

ENTREPRENEURS IN RURAL AREAS

It is crucial to our mission to continue to serve rural areas, but not every community has the resources to bring our hands-on personnel to their location. Therefore, we have created a virtual incubator program, Moonshot Satellite, a scaled down delivery version of our services to assist rural and smaller cities in Arizona. This platform will connect rural entrepreneurs to an ever-growing network of Moonshot mentors, coaches, industry

sector-specific advisors and fellow entrepreneurs.

WORKFORCE TRAINING

Moonshot’s development and management of innovative manufacturing and business and workforce development initiatives have traditionally exceeded client expectations; Moonshot’s Arizona Stitch Lab is positioned to set an even higher bar with its expansion plan. The program’s strategic alignment with the City of Tucson - the beta market for the program - allowed us to quickly reskill an underserved community - the Yaqui Tribe of the Pascua Yaqui Nation - by developing industrial sewing skills that aligned with a regional need for trained sewers that was underestimated pre-COVID, and surfaced mid-COVID as global supply chain challenges halted the growth of many domestic companies. The AZ Stitch Lab Rural Expansion Project will allow us to not only fill this need to ramp up domestic manufacturing, but will also allow us to upskill graduates of the basic program for high-paying remote jobs that will allow them to take on clients from around the world while residing in their home community.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

2021 also saw Moonshot being awarded an EDA Sprint grant to develop a software solution that redefines rural economic development planning. The Moonshot Community Planner is now ready to onboard cities across Arizona and bring communities together.

Finally, it is with great excitement that we announce Diana White as the new executive director of Moonshot’s Flagstaff NACET campus. For the past three years, she has been managing our Chandler Innovations contract and representing Moonshot in Maricopa County. We are thrilled to have her back in Flagstaff and as our regional representative! FBN

Scott Hathcock serves as the president and CEO of Moonshot (www.moonshotaz. com), a 21-year-old 501(c)3 non-profit. The mission of Moonshot is to assist both entrepreneurs in building and scaling start-ups as well as developing entrepreneurial ecosystems for economic development purposes across Arizona.

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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Addressing Social Conditions to Improve Health for All

By Nancy Wiechec

W

hen we exercise, eat the right foods, get enough sleep and have a positive attitude, we’re on the path to healthy living.

But research tells us that much more influences health and well-being. Where we are born, live, study, work and play, as well as our age, can affect our health, functioning and quality of life. These are called the

social determinants of health, and they are grouped into five general categories.

N Economic stability. People with steady employment are less likely to live in poverty and more likely to be healthy.

N Education access and quality.

Individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to be healthier and live longer.

N Health care access and quality.

People tend to be healthier when

// Since 2016, Health First has invested $18 million in such programs in Northern Arizona, reaching more than 500,000 people. Yet, there is more to be done. Northern Arizona’s five counties continue to have significant health challenges, ranging from high rates of diabetes to a lack of mental health and primary care providers. COVID-19, of course, has been exacerbating these conditions. //

they have health insurance, nearby health care, a primary care provider and annual health screenings.

N Neighborhood and built environment. Safe, welcoming environments that include pathways, parks, recreation centers and other community gathering places can improve health and quality of life.

N Social and community context.

Relationships with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers can have a significant impact on health and well-being. Unsafe neighborhoods, discrimination and poverty can negatively affect one’s well-being.

Since 1980, the U.S. government, under the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, has set decade-long objectives for improving health and well-being nationwide.

Healthy People 2030 is focused on advancing the social determinants of health, health equity and health literacy.

Health First Foundation Northern Arizona has been recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion, among the first 104 organizations nationwide to receive the designa-

tion. The recognition means Health First Foundation shares in the Health People 2030 objectives and works toward its goals.

In fact, the Health First Foundation vision is optimal health and well-being for all, promoting vibrant communities. It works to accomplish this by raising money and funding innovative non-profit programs that tackle community health priorities and the social factors impacting health.

Since 2016, Health First has invested $18 million in such programs in Northern Arizona, reaching more than 500,000 people. Yet, there is more to be done. Northern Arizona’s five counties continue to have significant health challenges, ranging from high rates of diabetes to a lack of mental health and primary care providers. COVID-19, of course, has been exacerbating these conditions.

Anyone can help raise the bar on health in our region by donating any amount to a Health First priority area – community health, mental health and well-being, pandemic relief, tribal health, veterans’ health – or the area of greatest need. As little as $35

can put someone in need on the path to better health and well-being.

The foundation also welcomes people to learn more about its efforts by taking part in Health First special events. Upcoming is its annual Community Health Awards Celebration on May 20 in Flagstaff and the Holes for Health Golf Tournament on June 23 at Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona. Find out more at healthfirstforall.org or call 928-223-9250.

Together, we can put health first for all. FBN 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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Neuropathy Awareness Month Brings Attention to an Often Misdiagnosed Condition

M

By Reisha Zang

ore than 20 million people in the U.S. have some form of neuropathy, according to the National Institutes of Health. But this number may be much bigger, because everyone with symptoms isn’t tested.

And NIH relates that neuropathy is often misdiagnosed because of its complex range of symptoms.

Even though it impacts so many, it’s not a well-known condition. Peo-

ple living with neuropathy experience burning, tingling, numbness and pain in their legs or feet on a daily basis.

“Patients will come in with some pain and difficulty walking a normal distance, which they write off as getting older,” said Dr. Diana Perry, of CIC Foot & Ankle in Flagstaff.

“Most people don’t realize it could be neuropathy until you start talking about it.”

The first line of treatment for neuropathy is often a prescription.

// In many cases, it’s caused by diabetes, but poor circulation can also cause similar symptoms or make them worse. If poor circulation is causing the symptoms, it can and should be treated. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs in the legs and is a narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. //

“Pills aren’t a cure; they just treat the symptoms, so the body doesn’t notice them,” said Perry. “It’s concerning, because if we don’t know what is causing the symptoms, the medication could hide a developing problem and let it get worse.”

To treat this condition, it’s important to diagnose it. In many cases, it’s caused by diabetes, but poor circulation can also cause similar symptoms or make them worse. If poor circulation is causing the symptoms, it can and should be treated. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs in the legs and is a narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs.

PAD is caused by the buildup of fatty material inside the arteries, which hardens into plaque. When this occurs, it limits the amount of blood that passes through the arteries. Diminished blood flow (poor circulation) affects the nerves and muscles in your legs and feet.

“Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet and toes, which they need to stay healthy,” explained Dr. Joel Rainwater, M.D., an endovascular specialist and chief medical officer

of CIC. Without proper blood supply, nerves and muscles are affected. The body reacts in the form of pain or leg cramps, signaling medical attention is needed. Dr. Rainwater asks, “If you’re a nerve cell and you don’t get oxygen or nutrients or vitamins, how are you going to function?”

The blood vessels carry those nutrients into your tissues for your nerves to use and if you don’t have good circulation, your nerves can’t function normally. “How do your nerves tell you what’s wrong? They start to itch, they might start burning, they might become numb, or they might have sharp, shooting electric style pain,” said Rainwater. “That’s your nerve crying out for help. PAD is a serious condition that can’t be ignored.”

The good news is that PAD is treatable. Specialists are able to use X-ray imaging to view the inside of the arteries to see if there is a blockage. “So, what we do,” explained Rainwater, “is go into the bloodstream through a nick in the skin to find the blockage. Then, with small tools that can go

into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore that blood flow without surgery, without scalpels, without stitches.” Once the plaque is removed, blood flow improves. This can all be done in a few hours in an office setting and is covered by Medicare and most insurances.

Getting the proper diagnosis is the first step to getting better. “It’s all about finding out what’s causing the problem,” said Perry. “When your feet burn, tingle or feel numb, it’s your body telling you it needs help, and you should listen. In fact, if you are experiencing any type of discomfort or things just don’t seem right, tell your doctor. The only way we can help is if you let us know.” FBN Dr. Diana Perry, DPM, specializes in limb preservation and trauma of the foot. She can be reached at CiC 928-719-7400.

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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Does Insurance Cover Belongings in Storage?

I

By Tom Boggess

f you are wondering about whether your homeowners’ insurance covers your items in storage, the quick answer is: Possibly, but you’d better check.

When new storage customers decide to rent a unit, one of the steps that must be made to protect their possessions is to find out if their belongings are covered by the storage facility or if insurance is needed.

Here are some action items to consider about insurance when renting self-storage.

N Protect yourself so you can replace lost, stolen or damaged items, which the storage facility will not cover.

N Remember, it is your responsibility to talk with your insurance agent to see if your homeowners’ or renters’ policy has “Off Premises Coverage.”

N Understand that most facilities offer third-party storage insurance.

N Know that some storage facilities need proof that you have homeowners’ insurance or require that you buy their third-party option.

N Expect that some damaging events are covered by third-party storage insurance, typically: fire, smoke, hurricane, wind, tornado, theft, water, hail and lightning.

N Be aware that events usually excluded from coverage are: flooding, mold, earthquakes, vermin and war.

N Anticipate that third-party storage insurance will range from $8 to $50 per month, depending on the value of the contents insured.

N Prepare to take action to protect your possessions by: • Choosing the right facility. All storage facilities are not the same, and the well-maintained and professionally managed facility will have fewer problems.

• Not storing flammables and alerting the manager

if you see any flammables stored in other units.

• Reporting suspicious activity and keeping your access code private and secure.

• Inventorying your unit and checking on your belongings from time to time.

• Always using a disc lock for maximum security. 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.

// When new storage customers decide to rent a unit, one of the steps that must be made to protect their possessions is to find out if their belongings are covered by the storage facility or if insurance is needed. //

Good Business Requires Good People.

SPONSORED BY FLAGSTAFFCITYCAREERS.COM Check Out the New FBN Local Employment Opportunities Section on Page 25.

Flagstaff Businesses receive 50% Off your hiring ads as a courtesy sponsorship with the City of Flagstaff Please contact FBN: Amy@Flagstaffbusinessnews.com or 602-909-3910 for more information

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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43

RANGERScontinued from page 27

HORMONEScontinued from page 31

to partner with NAU in the future with hopes of growing the event,” said Saltonstall.

“I really enjoyed the hike and especially meeting other professionals and forestry companies,” said NAU sophomore Nousseir Bahlous, who is studying sustainability and forestry. “This was such a nice experience. It was fun hiking with the crew and getting to know others in the field.”

The Practicing Foresters Institute (PFI) is a non-profit corporation that seeks to offer educational information for practicing foresters and the public. FBN

youth organizations as we can.”

The Arizona Rangers operate throughout the state through 19 satellite companies, which are the equivalent of separate posts of the same organization. The companies are known by the geographical areas they cover. Some are mounted units that make public horseback appearances at rodeos and parades. There are 12 rangers in the High Country Ranger Company.

Lt. Chesterman says many rangers have a military background or are retired law enforcement officers who want to continue their service to their communities. Many younger rangers use their volunteer service in the Arizona Rangers as a stepping stone to start law enforcement careers.

The High Country Rangers can be found at many events around Northern Arizona, including the Matthew J. Broehm Memorial StandDown in Williams, Thunder Over Flagstaff at Pulliam Airport, the Flagstaff Star Party in Buffalo Park and the Standin’ on the Corner Festival in Winslow. FBN

in the age-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia and osteoporosis. Bio-identical hormone replacement may be the best thing to help reduce the aging related symptoms and help you to feel more like your old self. Most randomized studies show that they do not carry the same risks as the synthetics do and offer more protection/benefit on multiple body systems. All it takes is a simple blood test by a hormone specialist to see where your baseline hormones are. Hormone optimization of the thyroid, female/male hormones and vitamin D can result in a better mood, better libido, better energy and sleep quality. It is worth feeling your best for the rest of your life!

Know that you don’t have to suffer through it and natural medicine offers many solutions to correcting the root cause of the imbalance naturally with herbs, nutrition, acupuncture and bio-identical hormones if you so choose. FBN

For more about Ironwood Forestry, call 928-606-0373 or elijensen@ironwoodforestry.com

Information is also available at https://azrangers.gov/companies/.

FORESTRY continued from page 3

For more from MSgt. Ybarra and Lt. Chesterman, watch Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com or contact MSgt. Ybarra at dybarra@azrangers.gov.

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.

REAL ESTATE TIP OF THE MONTH WITH GARY NELSON With rising interest rates, the Real Estate Market may be shifting!

Interest rates are rising nationally at an artificially inflated rate.

This is pricing more and more Buyers out of the market.

Over the last few weeks, there has been a perceptible slowing of market activity.

Prices are expected to start to level, but not decline.

What does this mean? If you are a Seller, don’t over-price. If you are a Buyer, don’t over pay!

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Flagstaff Business News // MAY 2022

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MARATHONER continued from page 12

can take it.’ Stephanie lost her mom less than a year ago.

Born in New York, Stephanie moved to Greensboro, North Carolina for six years then her family moved to Phoenix for four years and back to New York for a year, then to Phoenix for the better part of grade and high school.

When asked if having children enhanced her running, Stephanie said, “After having my two boys, I think I did become a better runner. Maybe it has something to do with the pain tolerance but there’s also less time to worry about your workouts because you think about your children. It helps to balance your time, energy, goals and gives you perspective.” On average, Stephanie runs bout 90-100 miles a week.

Also on the sidelines for Stephanie is Picky Bars, a real food energy bar that is balanced for sports. Co-founded 10 years ago by Stephanie and professional triathlete’s Lauren Fleshman and her husband, Jesse Thomas, the company has recently partnered with Laird Super Food Company. “That was a dream come true,” said Stephanie.

“We developed a lot of other products such as performance pancake mixes, granola and oatmeal and Picky Drizzle, an organic spread of almonds, cinnamon and maca. We hope to develop more products.”

“I think Ben and Stephanie are a

London Marathon and won her first national title at the 2018 Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta.

Because of a congenital heart condition called Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease (BAVD), Stephanie’s last season will be 2022.

GUILTY PLEASURE

French Fries and fountain Coca-Cola.

MY SUPERPOWER Empathy.

THOSE I ADMIRE

Stephanie Rothstein Bruce advises runners to have a balanced, healthy diet.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney

staple in the Flagstaff community,” said Run Flagstaff and Run Sedona owner Vince Sherry. “There are a lot of athletes that have come and gone, but Ben and Stephanie have been here a lot of years. Stephanie is not only a professional runner, but also a resident mom and she is well loved and well known. It’s so cool when she performs so well.”

Her advice to female athletes would be having a balanced diet and a whole nutritional profile, something that is sustainable for your whole life.

“Anytime you think about just eating certain foods or taking things out, it’s hard. Find 80% of foods that are really good for you and 20% can be naughty, but stick with a plan for your whole life. I think that’s how you maintain a healthy weight, a healthy body image by realizing food is fuel and you want to fuel your body.”

Stephanie has won the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona half marathon a few times and in 2018, was featured in Flagstaff Business News. She was 10th at the 2017 NYC Marathon, 10th at the 2018

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I pick my children, Riley and Hudson.

I feel like they are taking parts of what we give them and their surroundings, and they’re making their own opinions on life. They pick up trash when they’re not asked and reach out to classmates on their own initiative.

THE ACTRESS WHO WILL PLAY ME IN A MOVIE

Lady GaGa, because her real name is Stephanie, so I love that. And she has the most beautiful voice. If I couldn’t be a runner, I’d wish I had the talent to sing.

ON MY BUCKET LIST

// Anytime you think about just eating certain foods or taking things out, it’s hard. Find 80% of foods that are really good for you and 20% can be naughty, but stick with a plan for your whole life. I think that’s how you maintain a healthy weight, a healthy body image by realizing food is fuel and you want to fuel your body. //

I’d love to go to New Zealand or Banff in Canada. I don’t like heights, so bungee jumping and hot air balloons are out. FBN

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

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From Earth to Space and into NightVisions Sculptor Joseph McShane finds inspiration everywhere, including in the dark

S

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

culptor Joseph McShane’s style might be considered other worldly. He has engaged outer space and the sun to co-create with him and is the first artist to have his work leave the planet and travel with astronauts on board the Space Shuttle. A photograph of his piece, S.P.A.C.E., will be part of NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky. The exhibition runs May 21 to Aug. 27, at the Coconino Center for the Arts.

In 1984, McShane worked with NASA’s Small Self-Contained Payload Program to conduct a Space Shuttle experiment. Nine glass spheres were placed in the cargo bay of the Challenger. As he explains it, small coils in the smaller bubbles were coated with gold, platinum and other elements, and when, at the direction of the payload computer, the coils heated in the vacuum of space, it caused the material to vaporize and flash out to coat the inside of the spheres and change the clear glass to a wide spectrum of color, “in much the same way that a pair of mirrored sunglasses would be coated in a vacuum chamber,” he said.

McShane could have created the same experiment in his own vacuum chamber without leaving Earth, but the shuttle program provided him with the only way to create art in space, which he was excited about. Unfortunately, the project became more

complex than he ever imagined, taking seven years from conception to completion. “After all the years of technical work, at times, I wanted to use a sledgehammer on it,” he joked, recalling his frustration with what seemed like an endless process.

Nonetheless, as the shuttle lifted, a valve on the larger sphere opened and remained open for the seven days of the 3.3-million-mile mission. “Earth’s atmosphere escaped from inside all nine spheres and they became one with the vacuum of outer space,” he said. “The valve closed on the largest sphere before the shuttle re-entered the atmosphere, capturing the vacuum of space and returning it to Earth.”

McShane says the largest sphere is a sculpture to observe and stimulate wonder about the nature and meaning of space, Arline Marten’s fiber art piece, “Cosmic Impact” will be part of the a sphere to touch and know that only an NightVisions exhibition. Courtesy photo eighth of an inch of glass separates the art pieces from around the world. “It’s an eclectic viewer from space.

McShane, who creates from his Prescott studio, is exhibition, very different in some regards from any show I’ve juried in the past,” he said. “It was used to having his artwork receive a lot of attention enjoyable and brought a certain diversity. One really – it’s often big and interacting with the environinteresting piece is a video submitted by a park ment. His sculpture, Spectrum, for example, can be seen at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix, both ranger, who is a dark-sky advocate from the Grand inside and outside the building. The huge sculpture, Canyon National Park.”

NightVisions, presented by Creative Flagstaff beginning with the light emanating from the sun, and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, is free to the transforms visible sunlight into the colors of the public. A donation of $10 is encouraged. For more spectrum to dance across the Dorrance Planetariinformation, visit https://www.ccaflagstaff.org/ um’s exterior walls. nightvisions-2022 or https://FlagstaffDarkSkies.org.

For the spring/summer NightVisions exhibition, McShane served as one of three jurors to help select FBN

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olyn will be honored as part of the Diverse Universe Wall in the Astronomy Discovery Center being built at Lowell Observatory. The wall is expected to feature 70 biographies of space explorers past and present.

“Just as no two planets, stars or galaxies are alike, neither are the people who study them,” said Susan Golightly, who nominated Carolyn for the honor. “Our goal is to inspire children to see themselves as future scientists by showing the human side of scientists from around the world – their unique life stories, challenges they’ve overcome, surprising hobbies and unusual career paths.”

Meanwhile, an interesting package of Martian rocks studied extensively by the Curiosity Rover has been named the Carolyn Shoemaker formation, a tribute initiated by USGS research geologist and astronaut trainer Lauren Edgar. “Carolyn was a real inspiration to many of us on this mission, which just goes to show how much of an impact she had on the field and many generations to follow.”

Among her many recognitions, Carolyn has been honored posthumously with the prestigious Astronomical League Award.

Carolyn Shoemaker died on Aug. 13, 2021, at age 92. “I don’t know of anyone more passionate about the night sky,” said Levy. FBN

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BLAZING M continued from page 1

Conestoga wagons will be fitted with beds, bathrooms and other amenities to accommodate guests. Photos by Ray Newton

Owners Ryan and Leila Glass are expanding on facilities and entertainment at the Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood.

shut Blazin’ M down for 18 months.

We have to regain attention of the larger ‘out there’ public. We only took ownership a little over a year ago, so you can imagine the intensity of our planning for a new program and new marketing strategy.”

Glass complimented the Town of Cottonwood and local chambers of commerce for their support as the operation has experienced more customers, including visitors from out of state. ”This was a fun place to discover,” said Kelly and Keven Karenski from

addition of 30 full-sized Conestoga wagons, made popular during the land rush days in the West and Southwest.

“As soon as approval is granted by the Town of Cottonwood, we’re finishing installing the utility lines and literally circle the wagons at the south end of our eight-and-a-half acres to create a comfortable campsite. The U.S.-manufactured Conestogas will be fully equipped - big bed, bathroom, shower and more. Some can accommodate up to four people. We’ll also have three yurts - circular tents made out of felt or

Kalama, Washington. “Great saloon and drinks, super chuck wagon and lots of enjoyable country music.”

“We flew out to Arizona to see some of my family. We heard about Blazin’ M. We’ve sure got nothing like it back home. We’ll return,” said Terry Rippetoe of Liberal, Kansas.

Lindy Heitschmitt from Forgan, Oklahoma said, “I’d heard about this area and the nearby Red Rock Country.

I’m so glad we’re here. I’ll want to see it again.”

Improvements to come include an

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fabric like the Mongolians use. They’ll all be ADA-accessible,” said Glass.

Another addition will be a wedding area: 4,000-square-feet of manicured property.

The additions are designed to enhance existing attractions, including the Copper Spur Saloon, Red Garter Olde Tyme Photo Studio, Wood ’n West Galley, gifts shops, shooting gallery, mechanical bull and old-fashioned wagon ride, pulled by a vintage tractor.

To handle the growth, the Glasses have hired about 30 people to work at

Blazin‘ M, many from the Verde Valley, Sedona, Prescott Valley and Prescott areas. Some of the musicians have professional experience from major entertainment centers in Hollywood and Las Vegas. FBN For more information, contact the Blazin’ M. Ranch at 928-634-0334 or visit blazinm.com.

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MAY 2022 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews PLANTASIA continued from page 47

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

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PICK EXPRESS LUNCH Server Olivia Straka is surrounded by owls in the Toasted Owl, where much of the décor is for sale.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

roasted or steamed, with no oil, just vegetables.”

duction for markets both within and beyond Arizona.

FEEDING THE PLANT-LOVING PALATE

MANIACI’S TRANSFORMATION

Currently, Maniaci offers meat-alternative options in her restaurants. She’s championed Flagstaff-based NexVeg products since Jonathan Netzky started his whole-food manufacturing company, Local Alternative Food, almost eight years ago. The Toasted Owl serves a NexVeg hamburger and uses the whole-food, plantbased food to make tacos and vegan breakfasts.

“It’s super versatile. People love it!”

Right now, Netzky and Maniaci are exploring ways to better serve the plant-loving palate.

“NexVeg is taking a more localized focus,” said Netzky. “We’ve been able to make clean, fresh food and hold true to our sustainability focus, but it’s been cost-prohibitive to scale up from Flagstaff. We are now looking at a new business model that supplies local restaurants and helps restaurants in other cities manufacture their own NexVeg product.”

The original NexVeg burger is premised on the tepary bean, a high-protein legume dryfarmed in Southern Arizona. He also combines other regional foods, including Navajo blue cornmeal, organic oats, fresh carrots and onions, and sunflower kernels, flavored by the wood smoked spices of Flagstaff’s Grand Canyon Spice Company.

“The number one compliment we get is, ‘When I eat a NexVeg burger, I can still see all the wonderful real food ingredients that it’s made of,” he said.

To maintain freshness, Netzky creates micro batches. “We’re able to control the quality and the food safety – all of the attributes that surround the idea that you want – to add-value to really fresh food by transforming it to another form without heavily processing it.”

Netzky, a mechanical engineer, moved to Flagstaff 10 years ago for the scenic beauty and active outdoors lifestyle. He was motivated to create a plant-based whole food after watching his friend’s mom bring his friend’s dad back to health by feeding him a predominantly plantbased diet. Netzky created a catering company and began selling his NexVeg product through the Diablo Burger and Mama Burger, and then at the Flagstaff Farmers Market.

He has currently halted NexVeg production as he figures out how to best scale the pro-

Meanwhile, Maniaci made a personal shift in her diet nine months ago. Describing herself as “super diabetic” since childhood, she says her hands would become inflamed and painful and she was haunted by the thought of losing a limb from poor circulation as she aged. To combat the disease she was injecting herself with insulin three times a week. However, last September, she became inspired at a seminar about whole foods. She changed her diet. That decision developed into a complete lifestyle shift, which planted the seeds for “Plantasia.”

“I’m feeling so good about what happened in my transformation and I’ve learned you can eat really healthy flavorful food,” she said.

As a result, Maniaci says she has shed 30 pounds and is off diabetes medications. “I’ve never felt better and I have so much energy!”

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TAKING FLIGHT

Ten years ago, Maniaci spread her entrepreneurial wings, landing in Flagstaff with the Toasted Owl, which quickly became a local favorite. “I think it’s because it feels like you’re walking into your aunt or grandma’s house.

There’s a very nostalgic, kind of chaotic feeling in the restaurant that people like. It’s very Flagstaff, the food is very good with good portions.

You don’t leave hungry.”

Previously, Maniaci was a school teacher in Phoenix. “My students would bring me owls during the Harry Potter years,” she said, referencing J.K. Rowling’s wizarding series in which the owls deliver messages.

Her owl collection populated her restaurant and she found the theme fit well with her love for breakfast and lunch, vintage furniture, cooking and people. “We have owls and we serve toast. Plus, I love to shop and [just about] everything here is for sale, so it works!”

The second Toasted Owl opened in east Flagstaff in November 2015. Her third is expected to nest this fall in Phoenix, on Camelback Road and Third Ave. FBN

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