INSIDE THE MAY 2023 ISSUE:
Yesterday’s Americana Motel Now Ready for the Future p. 4
Tailoring a Winslow-Based Workforce for Industrial Sewing Needs
Treasure Hunters Explore Ruby Road p. 10
Community Profile: Meet Yavapai-Apache Chairwoman Tanya Lewis p. 14
Why Arizona is Popular for Working from Home p. 21
President and CEO Scott Hathcock. “The focus is on skilled labor workforce development for companies in need of staffing industrial sewers and entrepreneurs with products in the sewn goods sector.”
“We are creating a pilot project to see if a sewing program can have legs in Northern Arizona,” said MoonshotUsing funding from a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, Moonshot,
in collaboration with the City of Winslow, plans to host an open house on Saturday, May 13 at the Winslow Council On Aging Active Adult Community Center, located at 212 E. 2nd St., to explain the project and recruit participants for a six-week Basic Industrial Sewing Skills course that will start in June. Hathcock is inspired by the
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General Manager Samantha White welcomes guests to Bespoke Inn Flagstaff. Photo by Stacey Wittig
For those who noticed that sunflower yellow and white has replaced the taupe and lavender color scheme of the Inn at 410 that formerly occupied one of Flagstaff’s grandest historic homes since 1991, here’s a peek inside the new Bespoke Inn.
“We’re 100% Flagstaff,” said Samantha White of Bespoke Inn Flagstaff. She should know, since before taking the position as the inn’s general manager, she worked in event planning at Northern Arizona University for almost a decade.
Bespoke Inn Flagstaff, a luxury boutique hotel, is 100% Flagstaff for a variety of reasons, says White. First, the inn’s location, two blocks north of the Old Town Shops, lends walkability to historic downtown Flagstaff. Sleeping at Bespoke is like spending the night immersed in Flagstaff
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After 11 years and more than 100 clients, Cindy May Marketing is now a family affair, operated as a partnership between the namesake of the company and her daughter, Breece May Callahan.
It is a dream come true for the founder, who imagined being able to name her daughter as successor to the business back when Breece was earning her degree in marketing at Northern Arizona University.
“We talked about it, but not all that seriously,” said Cindy. “She interned with me when she was in college, too, but more for the college credits than anything else.”
The mother-daughter duo is an example of a growing trend in family-owned businesses.
According to Forbes magazine, women-owned family businesses have increased by 58% since 2007. Almost one in four family businesses are now led by a woman CEO or president, and as a consequence, mother-daughter businesses are becoming more common.
Although Breece shares her mother’s passion for helping non-profits through marketing, she did not immediately join the
firm after her graduation in 2020. Her path led her to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where her then-boyfriend, Jesse Callahan, was completing Air Force Pararescue Specialist training at Kirtland Air Force Base.
Breece landed a job as the social media manager for Central New Mexico Community College, where she strategized and created original content, graphics, videos and more for all the social media platforms used by the institution, which is the largest community college in the state.
When Jesse completed training and was stationed in Tucson, mother and daughter began talking in earnest about her joining what would now become a family firm. Breece became the digital outreach manager in 2021.
Together, the two lead a team of independent contractors that provide marketing support to non-profits ranging from charitable institutions to local government entities to workforce development organizations.
Breece is the only employee under 30 at the firm, and as a Generation Z member, she brings an acute understanding of the digital landscape to the organization.
“There’s a reason they call us ‘digital
Continued on page 32
Together, the two lead a team of independent contractors that provide marketing support to non-profits ranging from charitable institutions to local government entities to workforce development organizations.
Americana Motor Hotel was Flagstaff’s swankiest midcentury inn when it opened in 1962, but its glory years on Route 66 faded over the decades, eclipsed by newer properties and marooned far from Interstate 40.
Elvis slept here. Robert F. Kennedy campaigned at the Americana in 1968. A year later, Peter Fonda stayed in the roadside haven with the cast and crew of “Easy Rider.” B.B. King played the blues in the hotel lounge.
Now, Dallas-based Practice Hospitality is restoring the Americana with plans to open its doors this month. The hoteliers have designed the 89-room property into what they’re calling a “retro-futuristic oasis.” It includes vibrant colors, geometric carpet patterns and in-room disco balls.
The Americana is a new take on the “classic roadside retreat,” General Manager Zach Miller said. “When you get an historic property, you want to nod back to its heritage and history and then create tweaks that improve it for the future,” he said.
The Americana revival comes as
Flagstaff bounces back from a brutal winter and continues an upswing in tourism after the pandemic.
A flurry of hotel development is occurring. Hyatt Place plans to open a 96-room hotel at 397 S. Malpais Lane. The Aiden by Best Western @ Flagstaff is a redeveloped 1970s hotel at the far south end of Milton Road.
Last year, Phoenix-based Classic Hotel & Resorts renovated a former Days Inn into the 123-room High Country Motor Lodge, a stylish retro hotel on Route 66 in West Flagstaff. That property originally was Holiday Inn No. 486 that opened in 1964.
The Holiday Inn and Americana were both top-tier Flagstaff motels in the 1960s, but both slipped a notch with the opening of Little America in 1973.
The newly refurbished Americana aims to regain its luster. At one time, it was Flagstaff’s largest hotel, with 151 rooms. It featured convention and banquet space for 300 guests, along with a 24-hour coffee shop and the Coral Reef Dining Room and Cocktail Lounge. In recent years, the Americana had become a lastresort hotel choice, with some rooms
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1. Space is currently divided into private offices and flex space and can be rented with all furnishings.
2. Perfect for Professional, Medical or institutional uses.
3. The space occupies the entire second floor of the building with large entry and private elevator. It also features a large reception area, conference room(s), dinning/kitchen and features lovely views of the mountains and City.
4. The property is well landscaped and has ample parking.
5. The property will be available for lease on May 1st
6. Asking $1.75 per SF monthly rent, plus NNN
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For information Contact, Steve M Jackson, Owner/Broker 928-600-9457, email: sjackson@jaflag.com
By 2032, Arizona State University will be graduating 10,000 engineering students per year. Those graduates will be needed to fill the high-tech, high-wage jobs being created in Arizona through the New Economy Initiative. Building on ASU’s role as a catalyst for economic growth and resilience, the New Economy Initiative prioritizes accessible, high-quality education to create Arizona’s future workforce and innovative research that helps to attract, grow and retain high-tech companies.
Bluegrass is on fire, says Flagstaff Roots and Boots Music Camp founder Julie Sullivan, and it’s lighting up the nation. “Everyone wants to know how to play it. It’s very accessible and people can identify with the music and the instruments. We’ll hear, ‘I have a banjo that was my dad’s.’ Or, they play guitar and plunk around at home. What I’ve found is almost everyone who has an instrument wants to play, sing and work out songs with other people to create that communal, tribal quality. That’s what I focus on.”
Sullivan is one of the founders of the hugely popular Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival that attracts about 3,500 people and rocks Fort Tuthill for three days every September. “What makes it different from a rock concert is that people
want to camp and play their instruments here. Jamming after bluegrass festivals into the wee hours is unique to this genre, having fun, singing to the stars.”
And that’s her inspiration for the Flagstaff Roots and Boots Music Camp, a four-day event for adults devoted to the study and enjoyment of bluegrass, acoustic folk and blues, scheduled for June 7-11 at Camp Colton on the San Francisco Peaks. Besides immersion classes with seasoned musician instructors from around the region, participants learn “the etiquette of jamming,” she said.
“People learn how to play with an ensemble. We emphasize singing harmonies, too, which is so prevalent in bluegrass and folk music.”
Sullivan learned to play guitar when she was 14. She also sings and plays lead and backup acoustic guitar in her Roots and Boots band. She teaches others to play by ear, which is how she learned and how she continues to play.
“That’s how bluegrass is played. It’s an oral tradition. Songs are passed along among people.”
As a young adult, Sullivan moved
to Berkeley, California, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after college as an art student and fledgling guitar player. “I was really embracing my own musicality. I started working at a famous coffeehouse, The Freight & Salvage, and I was exposed to so many great bluegrass and folk legends there: Doc Watson, David Grisman, Tony Rice, Kate Wolf, Maria Muldar, Laurie Lewis. They were so welcoming and it was really through this folk and
bluegrass form of music that I went on to perform and play it with other people. I loved it. It really resonated with me. And I could go anywhere in the world and find people to play with. It’s a universal language.”
Sullivan calls the music and the way it brings people together “uplifting.” After observing what an impact Pickin’ in the Pines had on audiences, she felt compelled to start the Flagstaff Roots and Boots Music Camp. “You
can see they just really want to learn the music. So, I started thinking about a camp. Why shouldn’t we have a premier camp for adults to learn to play bluegrass and acoustic folk music?’”
The music camp was started in 2019 at Arizona Nordic Village, but the pandemic and forest closures derailed the camp in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, threat of wildfire closed the Nordic Village so, with just a few days before the start date, Sullivan reached out to
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Street executive Ed Hajim helps people identify what matters most
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
The man who took us “On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom,” now sends us to “The Island of the Four Ps: A Modern Fable about Preparing for Your Future.” Business and thought leader extraordinaire Ed Hajim, a financier and entrepreneur who went from humble beginnings to massive success, is now sharing his roadmap with those searching for their path and purpose and demonstrating that anything is possible.
“One of my favorite books is ‘Who Moved My Cheese,’ and if you look back on history, fables basically have communicated principles as much as any form of literature: ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go’ by Dr. Seuss, ‘Gulliver’s Travels,’ ‘Don Quixote,’ ‘The Alchemist.’ I thought I’d try to write a short book to communicate a series of ideas that helped me throughout my life. That’s what the ‘Island of the Four Ps’ is all about.”
The son of a Syrian immigrant, Hajim was kidnapped by his father at age 3 and told that his mother had died. He grew up largely in foster homes and orphanages, and at age 11, lived alone for a month out of a Coney Island hotel room, taking the subway into Manhattan to explore the city. Despite an early life of instability and adversity, he says the challenges he faced strengthened him.
“My disadvantages became advantages. Think about someone living in 15 or 20 places before you’re 18 years old. You’re adaptable. When you go from one schoolyard to the next, and I was in five different schoolyards between ages 5 and 10,
or one orphanage to the next, you learn how to adjust and to fit in. Not only do you get adaptability, but you get self-reliance, you get perseverance and you get resilience. Resilience is like a muscle. And if you use it as a young person, you can use it later in
life. In my business career, with my ability to adapt, there was no task that I wouldn’t take on. And I could relate to almost anybody.”
With no money, no family and no connections, Hajim, as a young man,
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Mondays can be quiet in small towns, but for Ruby Road Vintage Mall in Camp Verde, the start of the work week is bustling with business.
Packed with 60 vendor spaces, the store sells a mix of estate treasures, trendy home goods, repurposed furniture, new items and more. The staff at Ruby Road Vintage Mall totals about a dozen people who work part-time.
“Most everyone that works here also sells here and it’s a great advantage for them,” said Ruby Road Vintage Mall Owner Pamela Bridgnell. “They’re running their own little store or micro-business without having to deal with the complexities of owning a business. I love the way the products they are selling often reflect their personality.”
Holiday items, greeting cards, jewelry, herbal products and hand-crafted candles also adorn the shelves at Ruby Road Vintage Mall. “One of our newest vendors is selling a cute brand of baby and toddler clothes. I heard a customer squealing with joy because she was so happy to find such an adorable assortment of baby apparel,” she said.
The largest space in the store is the furniture room, with hundreds of used pieces to choose from. “I think it might be the largest collection of furniture in
one place in the area,” said Bridgnell.
“Pamela is honestly the superstar of the resale business. She’s always up to something innovative, new and exciting. I love being a vendor here,” said Sandee Hedgcock.
The 8,000-square-foot store echoes the country character of Camp Verde and lures shoppers from all over North-
ern Arizona. The front parking lot is also a display area for outdoor furniture and vintage artifacts, serving as a colorful exhibition for passersby.
Insisting that she’s a stickler for quality, all products sold must meet Bridgnell’s standards. “We have Ruby Road values that must be met for every piece. Items sold must operate, drawers work, no holes. I hold our dealers to this commitment and there are times we do reject some items. I’m a tyrant because I want the best to be sold here.”
Pamela and her husband, Paul, came to Camp Verde from Phoenix in 2005, when they purchased a vacation home. “Once we got here, I fell in love with the area. I also had a desire to open a little thrift shop,” she said.
At first, she worked just a few days a week, but then she opened a larger store around the corner, which is where Ruby Road Vintage Mall was born, named after her granddaughter.
Bridgnell says it feels like the store became successful overnight. “I didn’t advertise, I just told people about it; word got out and vendors started renting spaces. Customers liked the concept, and we always seem to have a steady flow of business.”
“It’s really fun to look around, plus it’s clean, and it doesn’t have that musky odor that some resale shops have,” said local artist Sheri Morris. “They also stock a wide variety of items like appliances, household goods and lots of new inventory. We
always find pieces of furniture that fit a certain niche in our home. Recently, we purchased a huge chest for our patio for $100. It holds everything that we use outside.”
Bridgnell travels weekly from her home in Phoenix to transport used furniture. “I bring up a 20-foot cargo trailer full of used furniture almost every week. It’s crazy how it sells and how hard it is to keep up with the demand.”
“The way the store has continuously evolved over time is all due to Pamela’s dedication and success,” said Ruby Road Vintage Mall Store Manager Nicole Sornprasitti. “She’s created a great environment and she’s a wonderful boss and a caring mentor who is always open to new ideas and strategies.”
Married for 41 years, the Bridgnells have two married children and five grandchildren. “We have a jeep and love four-wheeling, rock crawling in Sedona, and we also like to hike and travel.”
FBN
Ruby Road Vintage Mall is located at 851 E. Howards Road in Camp Verde. For more information, call 928-567-5759 or visit rubyroadresale.com.
“Most everyone that works here also sells here and it’s a great advantage for them. They’re running their own little store or micro-business without having to deal with the complexities of owning a business. I love the way the products they are selling often reflect their personality.”
Providing you safe, reliable energy is our top priority. That’s why we work year-round to prepare for wildfires. During elevated fire conditions, power outages may be extended until crews can perform visual inspections of lines and remove any potential hazards that could pose a fire risk. In the event of a wildfire, power lines may be temporarily taken out of service to protect your community and firefighters. Working together, we can be prepared. Here are some things you can do to be ready for wildfire season.
• 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.
• Create an online account at aps.com and receive text or email outage alerts. Already have an account? Log in and make sure your contact information is correct to ensure you receive alerts related to outages in your area.
• Have flashlights, batteries, a portable cell phone charger and water handy. Please visit aps.com/wildfiresafety for more information.
Every day, prepared. Wildfire preparation protects you, the community and first responders.
Historic District
dedicated
By Kevin Schindler, FBN
Every astronaut who walked on the Moon trained at several sites across Northern Arizona, including Sunset Crater Volcano and surrounding National Forest Service lands. Thanks to an effort spearheaded by local historian Ben Carver and National Park Service archaeologist Ian Hough, a group of these sites is now documented and recognized on the Register of National Historic Places as the Sunset Crater – Cinder Lake Apollo Program Historic District.
On April 29, representatives from the National Park Service (NPS), National Forest Service (FS), Lowell Observatory, and the City of Flagstaff gathered for a public ceremony to dedicate the district. Against the backdrop of Sunset Crater Volcano, several officials spoke to an audience
at the monument’s Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater.
The district encompasses nine sites used in preparing for the Apollo Moon missions, where astronauts, geologists and engineers tested instruments, drove practice lunar vehicles, collected rock samples and simulated missions. Five of the sites are located at least partially within the boundaries of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The remaining sites fall within the bounds of the Coconino National Forest.
The district’s creation culminated a project that began in 2016. During an effort to document historic sites in the Sunset Crater area, NPS archaeologists came across information about the Apollo-related work carried out there in the 1960s-70s. Unfortunately, there were some missing pieces to the story. As NPS archaeologist Ian Hough explained, “We had great documentation of what happened, but none about where specifically it took place.”
Hough led an effort to fill in the gaps. “Our challenge was to take that archival material, walk the grounds
of Sunset Crater, and relocate the actual places on the ground where the astronauts trained, where the equipment was developed and where the spacesuits were tested,” he said.
One goal of the documentation
process was to create educational programming, so that the public could learn about the Apollo training heritage. “One way to bring this all together was a national register nomination, because it not only evaluates
the wealth of information about the Apollo work but how important it is to history,” said Hough.
The NPS partnered with NAU’s Ben Carver, who had earned his
Continued on page 34
Embracing the advice of her elders for wisdom and guidance is what keeps Yavapai-Apache
Chairwoman Tanya Lewis grounded and steadfast as she serves in one of the highest positions in her nation.
“My biggest mentor has been my mom,” she said. “She taught me about compassion, understanding and common sense. My father was amazing; he worked in telecommunications with AT&T for 25 years and taught me to be strong. They are a huge part of who I am today, and I miss them daily.”
Lewis was sworn in as YavapaiApache Chairwoman in October 2022. Her father, Lyman Lewis, was with her at her inauguration, but passed away a few months later.
Soft-spoken with kind eyes that reflect her sincerity and integrity, Lewis is approachable, cordial and yet stalwart and wise. She holds an associate degree in business management from Yavapai College.
“Working alongside the Tribal Council, I oversee about 30 programs and govern a management team,” she said. “This encompasses everything from law enforcement, social services, food bank, health clinic, cultural department, Senior Program, Yavapai-Apache Cultural Center and others.”
Located in the Verde Valley, the Yavapai-Apache Nation is comprised of five tribal communities: Tunlii, Middle Verde, Rimrock, Camp Verde and Clarkdale. It is the largest employer in Verde Valley, operating six
Continued on page 34
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We like to tell ourselves we can do anything if we just put our mind to it, but I’d like to encourage all to acknowledge when we are in a game we can’t win, and for heaven’s sake, stop playing it!
Growing up in Phoenix, balmy summertime evenings were meant for Kick the Can, Tag, Red Rover and any number of unsupervised activities that included wildly racing around the neighborhood and usually some blood.
My neighborhood was all boys. So, you can imagine my surprise when I
showed up at their Cub Scouts meeting in my brother’s old Cub Scouts uniform and got snubbed by my friends. I didn’t get the hint entirely when they said, “You can’t be here!” So, they decided to just ditch me. They took off running. Unfortunately for them, I had a lot of training in running from nightly games of Tag, Hide and Seek, etc., and kept up with the fastest boys. While many of them were doubled over wheezing from the failed attempt, a grownup had to tell me that, even though I was good at that
Mertz set out to have 10 custom-made ATHENA sculptures created to honor one woman of leadership excellence each year for the next decade. She figured by then, the culture would change. It didn’t. So, today, she continues to cultivate and recognize leaders and organizations that promote women. Now, more than 7,000 people have received this award in eight countries.
game, I couldn’t win the prize I really wanted, which was a seat in the Cub Den.
Grownup games are even more confusing. I’m inspired today by those who recognize when they are in a game they can’t win and instead of feeling sorry for themselves and pushing back, they create their own game.
Martha Mayhood Mertz is one such grownup. In Corporate America of the 1980s, she was in awe of the brilliance, creativity and competence of the professional women around her. But she was confused when they weren’t getting acknowledged and being promoted and honored in the workplace at the same rate as the men. The business culture she was experiencing had a way of overlooking women. Recognizing she and others were in a game they couldn’t win, she started her own game, the international ATHENA Awards program.
Mertz set out to have 10 custom-made ATHENA sculptures created to honor one woman of leadership excellence each year for the next decade. She figured by then, the culture would change. It didn’t. So, today, she continues to cultivate and
recognize leaders and organizations that promote women. Now, more than 7,000 people have received this award in eight countries.
Quad Cities Business News is carrying that ATHENA torch in Prescott. On Sunday, Sept. 24, the Fourth Annual Prescott-Area ATHENA Awards High Tea will be honoring individuals and organizations in three categories: the ATHENA Leadership Award for an individual, the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award for a business or organization that develops and supports women leaders; and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. Nominations are being accepted now. For more information, go to https://prescottathena.com.
Mega-successful businessman Ed Hajim is another such grownup. When he was rejected for membership at a golf club on Nantucket Island, where he lived half the year, he didn’t fight the decision. He didn’t rally his friends to come to his aid. He didn’t get his feelings hurt. He simply built his own golf course. He says that decision turned out to be a wonderful experience.
“That’s why I say, ‘Never be a victim.’ I could have been a victim. I could have fought that. But starting my own golf club was a great experience,” he said. “Building a golf course is art with a bulldozer. It was absolutely spectacular! We’ve changed the lives of 500 families over 25 years and we’re now the largest charity on the island. We send two kids to college now every year and we just started a vocational program, which is one of my many crusades right now. Last year, we sent 10 kids to vocational colleges.” FBN
Read more about Ed Hajim’s extraordinary life and his new leadership storybook, “The Island of the Four Ps: A Modern Fable About Preparing for Your Future,” on page 8. Hear more hard-earned wisdom and leadership tips from him on Zonie Living: https://starworldwidenetworks.com/ episodes/exploring-the-island-of-thefour-ps-to-plan-your-future-with-business-leader-extraordinaire-ed-hajim-video.
Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@ gmail.com.
Emotional messages underscored by deep respect and a heart-stopping gun salute pierced the air at the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Cost of Freedom five-day tribute held at the Camp Verde Community Center Field in the Fort Verde State Historic Park.
“This has been so inspiring and makes me so proud to be an American,” said Camp Verde resident Sandra Allen. “Watching the parade as the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) came into town was so emotional. There was a group of motorcycle escorts that rode along and people got out of their cars and put their hands over their hearts. Kids from the school nearby were on both sides of the road waving paper flags they made. It moved me to tears. I love the fact that we are coming together now 50 years later and honoring those who served.”
Hosted by Arizona State Parks and Trails, the Town of Camp Verde and the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the tribute featured the Traveling Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute to honor, respect and remember those who paid the
ultimate sacrifice.
Components of the event included recognition and remembrance ceremonies, a flyover tribute, 13 folds of the American Flag demonstrations, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band, Verde Valley American Legion Riders (ALR), Benedictions from local churches and a full day of Native American Vietnam Veterans Recognitions Day that included singers and dancers.
A ceremony and lasting tribute of respect to departed comrade Conrad Ernest Lewis, the father of Yavapai-Apache Chairwoman Tanya Lewis, also took place.
The AVTT was on display throughout the event and included a room with computers set up to locate names on the wall. The facility was open 24 hours a day and guarded by Arizona Rangers and veterans.
Wreaths Across America, which coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery each December, attended with a mobile display.
“I’m very honored to be here to honor the
Continued on page 37
By Betsey Bruner, FBN
The first wave of Northern Arizona University’s new recycling program has flowed onto campus: blue recycling bins with a white recycling symbol and brown bins with a landfill symbol.
They started showing up during the first week of Earth Month in April, and are already in place at the Du Bois Center on south campus and soon will take their assigned places in other high-traffic buildings.
With an aspirational new motto, “Introducing the 4-Rs of recycling: Recycle right, reap rewards,” these bin system improvements come with the goals of increasing recycling rates while decreasing landfill waste. “We would like to increase recycling rates on campus and reduce our solid waste generation,” said Abraham Henn, sustainability manager in the Office of Sustainability. “A consistent bin system will aid in encouraging everyone to recycle, and recycle correctly. These initiatives are important because they help reduce NAU’s environmental footprint.”
The ambitious recycling program is keeping with the goal of NAU President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera to make the university more sustainable. Rivera, who began his tenure as 17th president of NAU on June 14, 2021, outlined his intentions regarding sustainability and climate emergency in his Earth Day address in 2022.
“Together, our engaged community understands that when it comes to advancing climate solutions with regional applications and global reach, NAU must lead the way,” he declared at the time.
The recycling initiative is complicated, with many elements including an educational component for everyone on campus. Studies have shown that two reasons people may choose not to recycle include inconvenience and the time consumed finding a bin, Henn noted. Increasing the ease of recycling not only improves recycling rates but also addresses the reasons people decide not to recycle. “Up until now, the binning system was
very, very inconsistent, with many buildings simply not having recycling as an option,” he said.
Previously, there were missed opportunities, with discarded materials going into the landfill instead of being recycled, he said. “Our new system will be consistent in bin type, graphics and color. With the new binning system and consistency in service, it will be much clearer for users to know where to put which materials. Still, change requires adjustment; patience and collaboration will be necessary as the project progresses.”
The origins of the current project began about 10 years ago, said Henn. “We did a pilot project in 2014 and did four buildings,” he recalled. “I didn’t think we’d get there quickly, but I wanted to be ready in case we could start.”
The project got rolling in earnest about eight months ago when NAU Chief Financial Officer Bjorn Flugstad put in a request for funding, with the projected cost running close to $600,000.
Funding was approved, and while most of the funding is coming from the current administration and the Office of the President, the NAU Green Fund also is playing a critical role in funding, with an allocation of $175,000. The Green Fund is NAU’s main source for sustainability funding. University students, staff and faculty may submit project proposals, which are reviewed and selected for funding by a committee of six students supported by staff and faculty advisors.
Projects are supported by the $15 per-student Green Fee, charged each semester. “It was a beautiful collaboration, a partnership between NAU administration and NAU Green Fund,” he said.
According to an April 6 article in The NAU Review, new waste sensors in dumpsters, funded by Green Fund, will allow the recycling team to track how much recycling and landfill waste is being generated on campus, with the sensors providing daily data that the team has already started tracking.
Office desk-side bins will only be for recyContinued on page 37
Hikers often misjudge Grand Canyon treks, says Dr. Tom Myers of North Country Healthcare. “They either overestimate what they think they can do or underestimate the wilderness.”
Myers discussed heat illness and hyponatremia, a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in the blood is too low, at the National Park Service Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Symposium last month at Grand Canyon National Park.
Other sessions included presentations from park staff about downhill injuries, risk assessment and personal preparedness, law enforcement, search and rescue efforts, radio communications and more.
Implemented in 1997, the PSAR program is made up of a team of volunteers from around the country who come to the Grand Canyon to serve as trail educators and support providers to hikers who have questions or need help. The program was established to combat heat-related
illnesses. Officials say it also has eased stress on inner canyon staff members.
PSAR volunteers patrol the upper part of the Bright Angel and South Kaibab corridor trails at the South Rim Grand Canyon. They ask hikers how far they plan to go, how much water and food are they carrying and how aware are they about summer high temperatures. They also carry basic medical gear and radios to report emergencies. Last year, PSAR had an estimated 53,000 contacts with visitors.
Serving as a PSAR volunteer for at least 15 years, Flagstaff resident and former physical therapist Sel Wasson says he is involved because of the environment, meeting and talking to interesting people from around the world, and the opportunity to see wildlife. “My most memorable experience on the Bright Angel Trail was a bighorn sheep that walked right up to me on the trail and stopped just a few feet in front of me. It was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences I’ve ever had.”
Grand Canyon PSAR Supervisor Meghan Smith and Joshua Tree National Park Service PSAR Coordinator Anna Marini planned the symposium. “We had an amazing turnout and I’m so grateful to all the
participants who made time in their busy schedules to come,” said Smith. “It’s just proof of how important PSAR is.”
Attendees totaled about 150, with 31 national parks and monuments represented, along with 45 PSAR volunteers, park rangers and park managers.
Grand Canyon PSAR volunteer
Brandon Trapp said it was great to see people from different national parks across the country show up. “There were two tracks, one for managers to learn about how to start programs for their parks and the other for volunteers to learn operational procedures and how to interact with people and hone their skills. It was great to see both addressed.”
“This is an awesome opportunity to collaborate with other national parks at the Grand Canyon,” said Jennifer Proctor with the National Park Public Risk Management Program. “We pride ourselves in doing things really well and it’s super important for us to connect with other parks and places to get new ideas.” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Paula Sedillo Wise and the volunteers for the non-profit she started, Tennies for Tots, were more than thrilled when they learned they would be partnering with Bombas, a sock and T-shirt company, and their One Purchased=One Donated program. They are sending her 3,000 pairs of children’s socks to add to the new shoes, books and book bags she provides to children 5 years old and younger who are part of families who live in poverty throughout Northern and Central Arizona. As she put it with a smile, “It knocked my socks off!”
Bombas donates one item of clothing for every item they sell. Currently, the company has more than 3,500 partners distributing those gifts throughout the United States. To date, Bombas has donated 75 million pieces of clothing to programs that serve those in need. Of the clothing they donate, socks, underwear and T-shirts are the top three most requested items at shelters. “We are honored to be a part of this amazing and one-of-akind program,” said Wise.
Paula started Tennies for Tots in 2018, after attending a back-to-school event in Prescott, where she learned
that there where programs in place to help school-aged children with school clothes and supplies but they were not available for younger children. Although she works full time, she decided she was going to fill that need. She started with a couple of the Head Start Programs in Flagstaff. Slowly, she expanded, and now serves nearly 40 Head Start programs in four different counties in Arizona and more than 3,000 children every year, including those in Williams, Flagstaff, Page, the Navajo Nation, Winslow and the White Mountains. For many of these children, they are the first new shoes they have ever had.
Last year was a difficult year for Tennies for Tots, Wise reports. She and the volunteers had always shopped discount bins and store closings to buy shoes and socks that they gave away. This held the cost to under $10 per child. But with inflation and supply chain problems, her sources dried up. As a result, the cost per child rose by almost 50%. “But thanks to some new ideas and help from Bill and Barbara Packard and their ‘Going Full Circle’ books, we found a way to get everyone outfitted,” she said.
“Making a difference is all about a commitment to a cause,” said Bill. “She saw a need and did what it took,
almost single-handedly, to fill it. That kind of volunteerism is rare, but the reward fills you beyond measure.”
Sara Presler, former mayor of Flagstaff, introduced Wise to the Packards about four years ago. They helped her create the non-profit and fill out grant applications. Hence, donations doubled from 2021 to 2022.
“We were amazed how this single mother who worked full-time had found the time and resources to help all these children,” said Bill. “We recognized the same drive in her that lead us to open Full Circle Trade and Thrift and our Pantry.”
As word has gotten out, Wise says requests for help from families have increased as well. “We are always looking for more help, so if you or a group you belong to would like to help financially or to volunteer, buying, sorting and distributing, we sure could use the help.”
For more information, visit www. tenniesfortots.org. The State of Arizona recognized Tennies for Tots as a Qualifying Tax Credit Organization in 2022. That means a single person may donate $400 or couples may donate $800 to deduct the full amount from their state income tax bill. FBN
By Kevin Schindler, FBN
According to a new report by the personal finance website WalletHub, Arizona is the eighth-best state for working from home.
As we know, businesses nationwide modified their workplace practices during the pandemic, allowing employees to work from home. For many, this practice has continued. According to WalletHub, 12.7% of full-time employees currently work entirely from home, and another 28.2% follow a hybrid schedule, splitting work time between home and the office.
Generally, the most favorable conditions for working from home include minimal costs and maximum security and comfort. When ranking which states (as well as the District of Columbia) are most conducive to working under such conditions at home, WalletHub identified 12 key metrics, ranging from household internet access and cybersecurity to the cost of electricity and how crowded homes are with people.
Delaware and Utah rated as the top two, with North Dakota and Alaska bringing up the rear. Arizona came in at No. 8, just ahead of Washington state. The ranking of some of Arizona’s key metrics (on a scale of 1 being best, 51 worst, and 25 being average) include the share of population working from home (7), households with internet access (27), average home square footage (14), cybersecurity (22) and the average retail price of electricity (19).
No matter where employees live, working from home is appropriate for some but not others. Blue collar jobs in manufacturing and retail, for instance, typically require staff to be at their employer’s workplace. White collar professional jobs that don’t require as much oversight, on the other hand, are more conducive to work-at-home conditions. Many of those people who have already worked from home stress the importance of comfort and
lower costs, as well as the availability of more time for self-care and other personal needs.
Flagstaff resident Joanie Poersinger, a data specialist, has worked from home since the pandemic took off in March 2020. “I save a lot of money by not driving to work every day and not going out for lunch nearly as frequently.” With the time she would normally spend driving to work, she can exercise and then immediately start working. She added, “There’s also not the pressure of having to be on time and look good, and I end up getting more done.”
Graphic designer Jennifer Schaber sees the same benefits. “Even though I only live four miles from my office, I’m not spending time every day in high traffic times driving back and forth. I also love the sustainability aspect of keeping one more vehicle off the road.”
Schaber also sees an increase in productivity with meetings. “Virtual meetings tend to be more to the point and thus more collaborative. Plus, it’s more convenient to be able to meet from any location, with the bonus of being safer for all during flu/cold/COVID season.”
Despite the positives, Poersinger and Schaber agree that working from home has one major drawback: social isolation. “While we can meet virtually, you really need that face-to face interaction with other humans,” said Poersinger. “People need people. You can’t really do that on a phone or computer.”
Even so, Poersinger and Schaber appreciate working from home and feel both their productivity and their personal well-being are better off. FBN
By Lori Anna Harrison
There has been a flurry of real estate activity in our market and the nice weather has further facilitated getting folks out to open houses and writing contracts. We are now back to multiple offers on certain homes, depending on price point and condition. However, what has been a bit perplexing as of late is the historically low absorption rate. For the month of April 2023, there were only 44 single-family homes sold in Flagstaff and for the months January through April 2023, there were only 138 single-family homes sold.
To put this into perspective, in April 2022, there were 78 single-family homes sold in Flagstaff and for January through April 2022, there were 274 single-family homes sold. Essentially, thus
far in 2023, there have been 50% fewer homes sold versus 2022. Furthermore, in the history of the Flagstaff MLS dating back to 2000, there has only been only one year with a more anemic absorption rate, and that was 2009 with 129 single-family homes sold between January and April 2009.
What does this mean? There is definitely pent-up demand for housing because of the severity of our record-setting winter snowstorms, yet the data does not seem to accurately convey what is happening with the swirl of buyer and seller activity this spring. Perhaps during May, we will see the number of homes tick up toward what we would typically see, which would be upwards of 80 single-family homes sold.
In April 2023, the average price of a single-family home in Flagstaff was $848,223, which is $26,979 more than April 2022, at $821,244. Last year, the historical high for an average single-family home peaked just shy of a million dollars at $982,134 in February 2022, and this year in February
2023, we were only trailing that high by $9,387, at $972,747. This begs the question; will Flagstaff see the average single-family home hit seven digits during 2023?
We will closely watch pricing activity during May and June as we head into those summer months and temperatures in the Valley soar to the triple digits. There is still a lot of movement in the vacation home market; however, with Airbnb and VRBO beginning to reach the over-saturation point, we could potentially see a few more of those investment properties come on the market this year, which might have a positive impact on overall number of homes sold.
As always, pristine homes in movein condition fetch the best prices.
Turnkey homes with listing prices up to around the $650,000 range are receiving multiple offers right now. Buyers have certainly come to terms with higher interest rates and are willing to purchase when a home that fits their needs becomes available. If you are considering selling, this could be a good time to move. Talk to an agent you trust to determine a strategy that is best for you. FBN
Lori Anna Harrison is a Flagstaff native and 19-year real estate veteran commencing post graduate school to work 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.
There is definitely pent-up demand for housing because of the severity of our record-setting winter snowstorms, yet the data does not seem to accurately convey what is happening with the swirl of buyer and seller activity this spring.
Technology is constantly evolving, often at a rapid pace, with the goal of improving and simplifying the experience of the user. If you buy a new phone, you get a pair of wireless earbuds. Hearing aids are similar. While modern hearing aids can significantly improve a wearer’s quality of life, some situations could still be improved with the addition of an accessory such as listening to someone behind you while hiking or catching all the information at a meeting. Fortunately, there are a wide range of accessories compatible with current hearing aid models.
Remote microphones are a wonderful solution for improving communication between individuals. Let’s say that a hearing aid user is going on a tour. The tour guide will likely be at a distance from the user or often turned away. Obviously, this makes hearing the tour guide much more difficult for the person with hearing loss. Remote microphones eliminate this frustration by delivering the speaker’s voice directly to the hearing aids. The talker can be far away (typically 60 to 80 feet) or even turned away, and the user will still hear them perfectly clearly. Plus, it is all done wirelessly! And the microphones are small, meaning they are convenient to wear.
Also, they are fairly versatile. They can be used in the car, while hiking, in a restaurant or at home with the two individuals in different rooms. They’re also great for loved ones with very soft voices. Typically, remote microphones are designed for listening to a single talker, meaning they are not ideal for group situations. However, this also means that remote microphones are very affordable.
Before proceeding, it should be noted that Roger technology is specific to Phonak hearing aids. However, it is unique and beneficial enough that I felt it warranted inclusion. Roger technology is similar to a remote microphone, but far more advanced. First, it can be used in virtually any situation. It can be worn by an individual, or it can be placed on a table to hear multiple talkers. When listening to multiple talkers, it can either be automatic or manual. When automatic, it will adjust its directionality to amplify whoever is currently speaking. Or, the user can select which directions it wants the device to focus on. For example, if you only want to hear in front and to the left, you can designate that and the device will ignore everything else. Another advantage is that Rog-
er technology can actively cancel out background noise and increase the volume of the desired signal. Thus, you would have a much more favorable signal-to-noise ratio than with a regular remote microphone. Studies actually show that individuals with hearing loss can hear better than those with normal hearing in noisy situations when wearing hearing aids and Roger. While it does cost more, it is a wonderful solution for those who struggle to hear in noise.
One of the first things a patient tells me during their hearing test is that they have to blast the TV in order to understand what is being said. Having properly fitting hearing aids will automatically help. But TV streamers can make it sound even better! Again, since the signal is being beamed straight to the aids, it eliminates the need for the sound to travel over distance and through other aural clutter. Another nice feature is that the actual TV volume isn’t affected, so other people can still hear the TV at a volume that is comfortable for them. Unfortunately, TV streamers can’t improve the sound mixing of a program or make British
accents any easier to decipher.
All hearing aids have buttons that allow you to adjust programs. However, this may not be the best option for some wearers. If someone has arthritis or neuropathy, they may not be able to press the button. A person with memory loss may not be able to remember where the button is or its purpose. In these situations, a remote control can be very handy. It is easy to handle and very clear on its operation. For those who want to be more discreet, there are applications for the phone that can act as a remote control as well.
To be clear, accessories are not required to use hearing aids. But for those who need or want a bit more assistance, they are worthwhile. As always, let your hearing care professional be your guide. FBN
Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others.
Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@ trinityhearing.net
While modern hearing aids can significantly improve a wearer’s quality of life, some situations could still be improved with the addition of an accessory such as listening to someone behind you while hiking or catching all the information at a meeting. Fortunately, there are a wide range of accessories compatible with current hearing aid models.
At
By Dr. Eric Heiser Coconino Community College,
our dedicated faculty and staff realize that the journey of a thousand leagues begins with the first step, but for too many people, being able to embark on a journey in higher education is a daunting challenge. That’s why we say, “Start small. Go big.”
Last month was Community College Month across the nation, and this month, hundreds of CCC’s students will receive degrees or certifications. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the vital role community colleges like CCC play in helping people take that
first step on the lifelong adventure of learning.
Community colleges provide life-changing education to those who need it the most. Plainly and simply, our mission is focused on access, and we will strive to serve those who have not been served well in the past. Underserved students, adults – it doesn’t matter. There is a place for you at CCC. We are also reimagining what student service looks like. While this will be a years-long project, we want to focus on the whole student, not just the academics. If students have too much stress, housing insecurity or food insecurity, the likelihood that they will be successful in higher education will be small, if it is possible at all. CCC is
gearing up to be able to help students in life things by becoming the one-stop for both education and social services. My goal is to see students being able to sign up for classes, get financial aid and also be able to enroll in any social services they may need – like nutrition assistance, for example – all right from our campus.
With NAU’s upcoming Access2Excellence Program beginning in the fall, which guarantees underserved students access to university education, CCC stands ready to help NAU with those students not quite ready for success within the full university experience. I, along with the other community college presidents in the state, am proud to join NAU President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera as part of the Arizona Attainment Alliance. Together, we will participate in the Universal Admissions Program that promises any students who do not immediately meet the requirements to be admitted to NAU to be automatically connected to CCC as part of our CCC2NAU program so that they will be able to transfer to NAU when they are ready. Additionally, CCC is also envisioning our own Promise Program, designed to ensure that all students
who want access to higher education will find it.
I’m reminded of the story of CCC student Charmayne Yazzie. From Le Chee on the Navajo Nation, Charmayne worked two jobs to help support her partner and three children. She needed something in her life to change, so she took advantage of free courses offered through CCC’s Strengthening Indigenous Student Success Program made possible with a Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution grant. Nervous that she wouldn’t do well, she took those first steps to her first class – and she thrived. She now works as a Peer Mentor, helping other students make those first steps, and as a CCC2NAU student, she’s planning on continuing her educational journey at NAU.
Not only do community colleges like CCC offer students the opportunity to get their feet wet in the higher-education environment before transfer ring to the university setting to complete a four-year degree, community colleges also offer a wide range of education in career and technical fields – nursing, firefight-
ing, law enforcement, construction, computer technology, auto technician, truck driver and so much more.
Finally, community colleges like CCC give a home to the very human desire to continue learning for a lifetime through noncredit continuing education courses. Community colleges are the educational backbone of higher education in the state, and CCC, like all other community colleges, partners with local businesses, government agencies and non-profits to help our students get the skills necessary to be successful members of the workforce and of our communities.
So, please, now that Community College Month has passed and graduation is upon us, remember that CCC is here for everyone wanting to take that first step, wanting to start small and go big. At CCC, we’re dedicated to the communities we serve. After all, “community” is our middle name. To learn more about what your community college has to offer, visit www.coconino.edu. FBN
With NAU’s upcoming Access2Excellence Program beginning in the fall, which guarantees underserved students access to university education, CCC stands ready to help NAU with those students not quite ready for success within the full university experience.
Did you know National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW)
is May 7-13? This year marks the 40th anniversary of NTTW celebrating the industry’s critical role in powering economies, communities and connections, moving travel forward. Discover Flagstaff has declared the week National Eco-Tourism Week for an eco-friendly, localized twist. Enhancing the week’s festivities by adding a strategic spin, locally, the celebration will be named National Travel and Eco-Tourism Week.
Please join Discover Flagstaff’s tourism service day on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. RSVP to attend by emailing Carrie Nelson at cnelson@flagstaffaz. gov.
Now, let’s trek the trails and keep supporting our community. Discover Flagstaff unites visitors and residents in multiple ways, one of which is ecotourism. Ecotourism is any form of visitation that focuses on traveling to natural environments with a mission to learn about and ultimately help protect those environments. The Discover Flagstaff Pledge for the Wild (PFTW) program is all about responsible visitation and giving back to our community to keep Flagstaff’s wild
places wild. This public education effort is for both locals and visitors to keep our destination beautiful, sustainable and clean, and to educate responsible trail use while hiking, tree bathing, stargazing, wildlife watching or biking. The program benefits the local non-profit Flagstaff Trails Initiative with trail management, and it is easy to participate: simply text WILD4FLAG to 44321 with a donation.
Adding more strength to PFTW, Discover Flagstaff is adding a new dimension this month – Flagstaff Trails Passport – which adds another level of awareness and further encourages participation in responsible recreation to preserve Flagstaff’s beauty. The Flagstaff Trails Passport is designed to easily and conveniently select trails from a multi-agency procured list to help manage trail congestion, while also providing an opportunity to earn great prizes.
These trails are assigned points based on level of difficulty, with easy trails assigned 1 point, moderate trails assigned 2 points and difficult trails assigned 3 points. The first 400 people who earn a cumulative of at least 10 points will allow Discover Flagstaff to make a one-time donation (in the trail user’s name) to the Flagstaff
Trails Initiative (FTI). The Flagstaff Trails Passport is an excellent guide to adventure, and pairs perfectly with Pledge for the Wild. Get the free Flagstaff Trails Passport – launching May 7 -- at discoverflagtaff.com and win prizes!
The Discover Flagstaff goal is to keep Flagstaff relevant, collaborate
with community partners and support locals while marketing attractions, accommodations, restaurants and events with all the things to see and do while visiting, encouraging visitors to stay and play responsibly. Learn more at discoverflagstaff.com and the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. 66). FBN
By Verity Quiroz, RN, MSN
The NACA Family Health Center is a place to receive care of all types, from birth to end of life, and offers a variety of services beyond what a hospital or typical healthcare clinic might. The Family Health Center is dedicated to providing quality health care to all who seek it: Native and non-Native peoples, those who have insurance and those who do not. The Family Health Center is committed to providing compassionate and culturally relevant care to guarantee the best health outcomes for patients.
The NACA Family Health Center prioritizes providing care to ethnic groups of all ages from all walks of life and addressing the person as a whole. The Family Health Center focuses on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of every individual. Each person has unique needs to achieve their optimal health.
NACA offers culturally compassionate care and services, which include:
Annual Physicals
Well-Child Checks
Sports Physicals
Immunizations, including COVID-19 vaccinations
STI/STD testing
Sports Medicine, including Joint Injections
Skin Lesion Removal
Family Planning
Women’s Health
Men’s Health
Acute Care
Chronic Disease Management, including Hypertension and Diabetes
Cancer Screenings
Referrals for Labs and Diagnostics
Referral to Specialists, such as, Cardiology, Pulmonology, etc.
Medical services are available in person, via telehealth or telephone. NACA encourages all patients to receive care at their comfort level. NACA also has available, for registered patients, an after-hours Registered Nurse triage line. The triage line is available for use after the Family Health Center is closed, on weekends and holidays, not including unexpected NACA closures, such as inclement weather, unless otherwise specified.
Immunization against communicable diseases remains a high priority for the clinic. The clinic administered a record number of flu vaccines,
818 total, for the 2022-2023 season. The total number of immunizations recorded for 2022 was 3,073. Immunization is one of the simplest ways to keep our communities healthy and free from preventable diseases like varicella, measles and pertussis. Immunization is especially important in protecting the future of our elders and children.
The NACA Family Health Center has three full-time providers, including Dr. G. Hershey, Dr. D. Peace and Dr. P. Tomosie. Dr. George Hershey received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Hershey especially enjoys sports medicine and served as the team physician at Northern Arizona University for many years. He believes in helping patients live their lives to the fullest.
Dr. Donna J. Peace is board certified in Family Medicine and finds joy in bringing medicine and social work together to benefit her patients. Peace takes her time with patients to ensure they are able to learn and understand their bodies or conditions. She believes that medicine should not be scary and hopes to decrease patients’ fears with compassionate education. Peace appreciates peoples’ sameness, and diversity, as humans.
Dr. Pearlyn Tomosie is the first known female Hopi physician and a proud NAU alumnus. She enjoys family medicine, especially women’s care and pediatrics. Her dreams have always included working with underserved minorities in a rural clinic setting, which she fulfills here in Flagstaff. FBN
To learn more about medical services at the NACA Family Health Center or to schedule an appointment, call 928-773-1245.
Verity Quiroz, RN, MSN, is the director of operations at NACA. She has 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including hospital ward clerk, LPN, RN, and director of operations. Raised in Southern Arizona, she is a 2005 graduate student from Cochise Community College with an associate degree in nursing. In 2015, she graduated from Walden University with a master’s degree in science and nursing with an emphasis in management and leadership. She has been with NACA since August 2020 and spent her initial employment as the clinical RN in the Family Health Center. She believes in the power of prevention. She promotes that healthy individuals leads to healthy communities. NACA’s Family Health Center currently offers the seasonal flu vaccine, the COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer primary vaccines, and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-773-1245.
By Steve King
Take a moment and think back to your school days. When you or your classmates acted out emotionally or disrupted class, the punishment would likely range from being sent to a corner, sent home or suspended. While this may still work for kids who are momentarily rebelling, there are others who misbehave as a cry for help.
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District meets those students with understanding by giving them a safe space to get better – and to be better. We have spent years challenging traditional disciplinary actions that fail to address students’ mental health and the underlying cause of the issues.
I always say, “If there wasn’t a problem, there wouldn’t be a problem.” In other words, if there weren’t any problems in the student’s life, they wouldn’t exhibit problematic behavior in the classroom. Years ago, I dug into the science behind this concept and familiarized myself with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The CDC defines ACEs as potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood that
could impact health and well-being. This includes abuse, growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems, lacking basics like food and housing, and more. Approximately 70% of students in our school district receive free and reduced lunch, and 150 students are experiencing homelessness.
When students struggle with their mental health, whether as a result of abuse, neglect or trauma, it is difficult for them to be engaged in the learning environment, so they often resort to attention-seeking or avoidance behaviors. They can become disruptive in the classroom, and that impacts their learning, but it also impacts the learning of students around them.
Our district introduced a Focus Zone in 2017 to get to the root of behavioral issues in the classroom rather than putting a Band-Aid on it. The Focus Zone is a safe space where students can work on academics and shift negative-impulse behaviors into positive choice behaviors with the help of counselors, teachers and a paraprofessional. It is a reset zone more than anything, where kids can regulate and get back to class instead of sitting at
home or getting suspended.
With a $150,000 Mobilize AZ grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona in 2018, we expanded the program and established more Focus Zones. With additional funding sources, we now have Focus Zones on all four campuses. Seeing the progress in students’ behavior and mental health first-hand has been nothing short of incredible. Namely, there was one fourth grader who was having a really hard time controlling himself and he constantly caused disruptions in the classroom. He started going to the Focus Zone and learned the shark pose, a calming technique, and he ended up utilizing that pose to stay in class. The bottom line is, we don’t want students to rely upon going somewhere else to regulate their emotions; we want to give them the skills to recognize they can do it themselves.
Focus Zones are still one of the main concentration areas of our district, and the success stories keep coming. To date, there have been more than 7,750 Focus Zone visits. But there are other programs and activities we have introduced to inspire health and growth. Our school district has approximately
70 different afterschool clubs, including biking, archery, dance, music, gardening and so much more. The Mobilize AZ grant also helped supply equipment like helmets and gardening tools to these programs.
We strive to give every student the opportunity to explore. A lot of students who attend schools in our district do not receive the same enriching experiences that students in other areas
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Springtime brings beautiful blooming flowers, trees and plants. Flagstaff winds can pick up high pollen and dust counts that aggravate allergies. Making poor dietary and lifestyle choices can increase the burden on the liver, worsening allergy symptoms. Eating a lot of fried, fatty or processed foods, foods that lack nutrients and vitality, will also increase the burden on the liver, creating more of an allergy/inflammatory response on the body. How do you know if you are showing signs of liver congestion or toxicity? You will have symptoms:
Allergies, skin changes such as acne, eczema, wrinkly skin
Digestive issues including sluggishness, gas, bloating, loose stools
Fatigue, low mood, mind fog or forgetfulness
Weight gain
Stress, anxiety and trouble sleeping
Hormone imbalances
Here are a few things that can decrease the histamine response, boost your immune system and benefit or lessen the burden on the liver.
1. ACUPUNCTURE
Regular tune-ups weekly can help boost the lung energy (immune system), clear heat in the liver and move the liver Qi energy to help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent an allergic response.
2. NETTLES TEA
This nutritive herb helps decrease the histamine reaction.
3. LIVER CLEANSE DIET
A liver cleanse diet, avoiding all of the inflammatory foods, can help decrease the severity of allergy symptoms.
Not all cleanses are alike. If you have never done a liver cleanse diet, it is important to make sure you are physician monitored to avoid any detox reactions.
4. INCREASE VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a great antioxidant that scavenges free radicals that are developed when exposed to toxins. Increase your intake to 2-3 grams per day.
5. QUERCITIN
This natural antihistamine and antioxidant can be used daily to help stop a runny nose or reduce phlegm production.
6. NAC NAC, or N-acetyl cysteine, is a powerful antioxidant that benefits detoxification systems, the liver and lung function and will decrease phlegm. It is great for sinus congestion and phlegmy coughs.
7. B-VITAMIN SHOTS
B vitamins may not be absorbed if you have a compromised digestive system. When taken regularly, they can improve your energy, metabolism, cognition, boost the immune system and decrease stress.
8. LEMON WATER
Drink lemon water daily to cleanse the liver and alkalize the body. Lemon is a great purifier and benefits the liver and digestive functions. If you have a lot of drainage from allergies, hot water with half to a whole lemon plus a pinch of cayenne and honey to taste, can decrease phlegm, aid a sore throat and boost the immune system.
9. SALVES AND SPRAYS
Put a beeswax salve with calendula or chaparral herbal salve on the nasal septum to prevent pollen from attaching. This also helps nasal dryness. Saline or homeopathic allergy nasal sprays also can be affective for allergies.
Allergy season is here. Know that you don’t have to suffer. There are many ways that acupuncture and natural medicine treatments can benefit and reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Even if your allergies appear to be more than seasonal, there are many ways we can prevent and treat them without medications. FBN
Dr. Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc, The Vitality Doctor, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist specializing in hormone optimization, optimal health and vitality. She is a new Flagstaff resident, practicing since 2004, and opened her second location in Doney Park in 2020. For more information, visit thevitalitydoctor.com or call 928-863-6086.
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For centuries, people have cultivated herbs not only for culinary purposes, but also for their medicinal benefits. It turns out that the sage that makes your chicken extra delectable is also an excellent antioxidant.
More gardeners are using spices and herbs for their therapeutic properties or to alleviate symptoms, and there’s evidence that spices and herbs possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. Some also are shown to reduce glucose and cholesterol.
There’s still a lot to learn about the actual role of herbs in the maintenance of health, but here are some
common – and not difficult to grow – herbs that can make your garden an extension of your medicine cabinet.
PEPPERMINT
This herb can address multiple symptoms, but its main benefit seems to come from calming the muscles of the stomach, which aids digestion. Often served as a tea, it has menthol, making it an effective decongestant. Pro tip: peppermint can take over a garden, so you might want to cultivate your peppermint plant in a container.
LEMON BALM
Another member of the mint family, this herb has a calming effect. You can find references that go back to the Middle Ages of people using lemon
balm to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Another use for lemon balm is to help with cold sores. Steep a couple of teaspoons of the dried herbs in boiling water and after it cools, apply with a cotton ball.
SAGE
The green-gray leaves of sage have a long history of use for health purposes. It was a traditional herbal remedy in ancient Greece and Rome, as well as in Native American and Chinese medicine. Today, it is typically used for a sore mouth or throat.
OREGANO
For many years, the Mediterranean diet has been known to have powerful health benefits. A key aspect of Mediterranean cuisine is its use of oregano, which is extremely high in antioxidants. Oregano has shown promise in lessening the symptoms associated with having a cold or the flu.
GARLIC
Garlic has shown excellent health-promoting and disease-preventing effects for many common diseases and conditions, including
cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes, through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties.
HORSERADISH
The roots of a horseradish plant have been used for the symptoms of various infections, such as sinus, bronchial and urinary tract infections.
CHAMOMILE
This is another herb that is most often used as a tea. With its honey-sweet taste, it is very soothing and promotes sleep.
DILL
This is one where the seeds are the most medicinal part of the plant. Chewing on them can relieve an upset stomach or bloating.
BASIL
This plant has numerous ben efits. Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. The antioxidants help fight the free radicals in the body that can damage cells
and lead to many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. Adding basil to your diet may also help to reduce high blood sugar levels (a recent study showed that basil extract lowered sugar levels in rats with diabetes). One important thing to remember with basil, however, is that it loses a lot of its healthful properties when dried, so it is best to consume it fresh. None of these descriptions are to imply that people should replace pharmaceutical remedies with herbs. Science is still discovering the medicinal potential of your herb garden, but the anecdotal evidence is strong that herbs can be helpful supplements to your health and well-being. If you have any questions about herbs or growing an herb garden, our experts at Warner’s Nursery would be happy to help you!
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.
By José Luis Cruz Rivera
As another exceptional academic year comes to a close, more than 5,200 students are poised to graduate from NAU and enter into lives as engaged citizens, taking what they have learned to shape a brighter future. I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to you, the residents, businesses, partners and alumni in our Flagstaff and Northern Arizona communities whose support and community have helped power our students’ success in this truly magical college town.
Thank you for being a community that ensures our students, faculty and staff feel a strong sense of place and that our university can engage in the work that is necessary to fulfill our vision to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.
One indicator of just how much progress we have made toward fulfilling this bold vision is the attention received from Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
A transformational $5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, matched by an additional $5 million investment from the NAU Foundation, will allow us to implement the Seven Generations Signature Initiative and deepen our commitment to Indigenous Peoples.
who will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate from NAU at commencement in recognition of his contributions to educational access, success and equity through his philanthropic leadership. I look forward to shining the spotlight on the great work taking place at NAU during this visit and continuing to pursue the goals of Elevating Excellence for the benefit of our students, communities and state. This spring has brought with it countless highlights, and as we prepare to celebrate our graduates, I wanted to reflect on just a few that are particularly meaningful to me:
We launched our Early Learning and Development Center in Flagstaff and intend to set the gold standard for early childhood education while also providing best practices and professional development for our students.
A transformational $5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, matched by an additional $5 million investment from the NAU Foundation, will allow us to implement the Seven Generations Signature Initiative and deepen our commitment to Indigenous Peoples.
Our federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution has been renewed for 2023-24, and we launched NAU en Español, the first fully Spanish-language university website in the state to better serve current and prospective students and their families.
We made two important leadership hires to advance strategic priorities. Dr. Justin Mallett will be joining us as the first vice president for Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement in June, and we also brought Dr. Erik Nielsen to our university leadership team as NAU’s inaugural chief sustainability officer to propel our carbon neutrality work.
The Arizona Attainment Alliance (A++) is already seeing early success with the launch of the universal admissions program and other initiatives that are helping promote student success and deliver equitable postsecondary value in every corner of the state through an innovative collaboration with the state’s 10 community college districts.
Finally, we made it through this record-breaking winter in Flagstaff! My thanks to all of the dedicated teams at the Arizona Department of Transportation, Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff and NAU who worked so hard in the toughest conditions. While we did have a few extra snow days, the work of our partners allowed NAU to continue its momentum throughout the semester and for our students to excel. Thank you!
We are honored to live and work in this amazing community and are ready to turn our attention to the incredible beauty, weather and activities that showcase the best of Northern Arizona summers. FBN
It has been a busy few weeks, with many more to come. I’d like to highlight our trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with our federal delegation as well as many federal offices such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The purpose of this annual trip is to keep Flagstaff’s needs front and center and to pursue funding for various projects.
Councilmember Lori Matthews,
Councilmember Miranda Sweet and I were the representatives from the Flagstaff City Council, and we were joined by Shawn Johnson, chief of staff to the mayor and council, Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley and Senior Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson. We were also joined by our federal lobbyist Bob Holmes. I mention that city staff joined us because it is important to have continuity with our federal lobbying efforts.
We had a total of 15 meetings during the two days we were there
and the support we received for several of our projects was impressive. These projects ranged from flood mitigation measures to the Rio De Flag and beyond. We met with Senators Sinema and Kelly, and Congressmen Crane, Ciscomani, Gallego, Gosar and Stanton. In these meetings we specifically highlighted the need for funding for our forest health initiatives and, of course, additional flood mitigation measures.
Our federal agency meetings ranged from funding requests to
the FAA for a building to store the Flagstaff airport’s new snow removal equipment to meeting with the Department of Agriculture to speak about forest health and what can be done to further protect our community.
The ability to speak to our representatives face to face about the needs of our community is critical in order to acheve the kind of support we need to obtain funding or to make sure that a previously funded project stays on
track. There’s no substitute for this relationship building and it proves to be more beneficial than a standard email or phone call. The quality and frequency of communication and collaboration with our federal delegates and offices is critical to our city and residents’ well-being, and we will continue to work hard to enhance the quality of life for all in our community. FBN
Terry Baker
Marksmanship is a perishable skill. If you don’t practice, your accuracy, speed and familiarity will diminish. The solution is simple: practice, practice, practice. While it may be difficult to get excited about doing dry fire drills at home, there is an alternative that is both fun and allows you to practice unique skills.
Competitive shooting sports are alive and well in Northern Arizona. Almost every Saturday, there is an event happening that can offer both a fun way to practice and significantly improve your skill sets. Some folks shy away from competitive events because of a combination of doubt about their skills and fear of judgement from the other competitors. I’ll assure you that at the matches here, that doesn’t happen. You’ll be among a group of like-minded men and women who are having a great time improving their skills.
There are several different sanctioning organizations that have events here. Let’s do a quick review of what they are:
USPSA (United States Practical Shooters Association) is described as the fastest and most exhilarat-
Spring weather in Flagstaff was in full force in mid-April when Zion Realty’s Lori Anna Harrison hosted a Spring Cleaning and Declutter event. “Everyone has extra furniture and accessories in their home. Today, we had well over 100 people in just a few hours bring items to The Barn Bros to sell. And many people left with new treasures in tow!” Harrison said, noting the importance of decluttering a home to make it more attractive to buyers.
FBNCourtesy photos
ing form of practical shooting, you’ll be moving and shooting at a variety of paper and steel targets at ranges of 5 to 30 yards. The scoring system favors speed over accuracy.
IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) is the use of practical equipment including full charge ammunition to solve simulated real world self-defense scenarios using practical handguns and holsters that are suitable for self-defense use. The main goal is to challenge the skill and ability of an individual. Scoring places an emphasis on accuracy over speed
Steel Challenge – If you haven’t shot steel targets before, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. The immediate gratification that comes from hearing that steel “ring” when you score a hit is amazing. You’ll be moving and shooting faster than you imagined and all the while, improving your skills.
SASS - Cowboy Action Shooting – Want to relive a bit of the Old West? This is your chance!
Cowboy Action Shooters dress the part and use the firearms of the Old West, including revolvers,
lever action rifles and shotguns. You can learn more about these and other opportunities to have fun while training by contacting the Flagstaff Action Shooters at flagstaffactionshooters.org. Guests are always welcome at the events as long as you’re wearing the required eye
and ear protection. So, come on out and do some shooting! FBN
Rob Wilson is the owner, with his wife, Elise, of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more infor-
natives,’” said Breece. “We are comfortable with technology in a way no previous generation has been because we’ve been surrounded by it our entire lives.”
That comfort with digital outreach brings an added dimension to the company’s work, said her mother.
“She understands what most non-profit organizations are looking for: expertise in social media and internet outreach that connect with all audiences – their clients, their supporters and their volunteers,” she said.
Breece notes that the challenge in the digital space is how rapidly it keeps changing.
“You have to be able to be highly adaptable,” she said. “Algorithms on established platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are constantly changing. Meanwhile, new platforms are always emerging, and you want to make sure the non-profits you represent are always meeting their audiences where they are at. That’s particularly important for making sure that you engage younger people, who naturally are the first to explore new digital ways of connecting.”
In addition to social media expertise, during her time at Cindy May Marketing, Breece has become an
mation, visit timberlinefirearms.us.
expert in Google Ad Grants, a way for non-profits to advertise for free on the ubiquitous search engine.
Google Ad Grants provide non-profits with a substantial budget, up to $10,000 a month for search ads, but require intensive management to keep the grant. Many non-profits lack the time or staffing to successfully take advantage of the program, Breece said.
Both women say they’ve always had a close relationship, which works to their advantage as professionals in a family business.
“We can keep our attention focused on work when it’s time to be working, but we can turn it off and have those personal conversations, too,” said Breece, “although sometimes the line between the two gets blurred.”
Her mother agrees. “It’s sometimes hard to disconnect from the work we do and take a break, but getting to build this business with her by my side and knowing it will get to live on even when I’m gone –that’s pretty special.” FBN
To learn more about this mother-daughter marketing firm, visit cindymaymarketing.com.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this month is a reminder that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. The last three years have put a significant strain on people’s mental health, and diagnoses of mental health and substance abuse conditions have increased. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, over 90 percent of Americans believe we are in a mental health crisis. One in five adults in the United States, or over 57 million Americans, lives with a mental illness. The increased prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, trauma and substance use disorders means we need to continue to inform people on how to maintain good mental health and how to get help if needed.
Mental health awareness month has been observed in the United States
since 1949, and our treatment center, as well as the rest of the Flagstaff community, must continue to help people struggling to shake the stigma of mental health treatment. This means doing anything you can to shine a spotlight on helpful mental health tips and treatments.
Whether or not you are dealing with a mental health condition, it is important to take care of and identify whether you might be struggling. The reality is that deteriorating mental health can sneak up on us. A person may feel like they are doing fine one day and then it may feel like they suddenly can’t get out of bed. Very rarely do conditions such as anxiety just pop up out of nowhere. They are usually responses to difficult things building up. Mental health must be monitored, just like physical health. If there was increasingly noticeable pain in your leg, you would not just ignore it. You would get it checked out. You should feel the same way about your mental health and monitor it. Normalize getting help for mental health like you would a broken bone.
Treatment is vital.
Good ways to maintain and monitor mental health are to exercise regularly, keep a journal, and do therapy, even if you feel mentally healthy.
Daily journaling is a great opportunity to write down your experiences that day and how you feel. When journaling, you should monitor your daily motivation. If you start to notice consecutive days, a whole week, or even a whole month go by where you monitor feeling negative, that might be a sign to get help or seek out a trusted friend or family member. Be honest about how you feel. Don’t leave deteriorating mental health unaddressed. A journal can also help confirm a good mental state. Consecutive days or months of feeling good are also worth monitoring, especially if you have a history of depression or another mental health condition.
Exercise and daily self-care seem like obvious things to do, but many people will let this slip by the wayside if they are busy or not feeling great. Daily physical movement leads to an
improved mental state. Exercise does not have to be strenuous; you just need to get moving. It is important that you practice self-care. This means doing things such as eating healthy foods and regularly brushing your teeth and bathing. This seems obvious, but when you are not in a healthy mental state, people will neglect basic self-care.
It is important for people to do therapy sessions if they have the resources to do so. Therapy is beneficial for those dealing with mental health conditions, but they are also helpful for everyone else. Even if you are perfectly healthy, you will have stresses or events that occur in your life that therapy can help you process.
Finally, it is important for everyone to maintain a strong support system. Good friends and family will help you maintain a happy life while also being able to help you if you are struggling. It is important to note that people should maintain a support system that is comfortable for them. An extrovert may need a large and frequent support system, while an introvert may only
need a few close friends and family and limited social interaction.
Take Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to remind the community and those close to you that taking care of your mental health is just as vital as taking care of your physical health. Remind people to shrug off the stigma of not talking about how they are doing and seek help if you or they need it. FBN
Laini Roberts is a Clinical Therapist at Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery. She has been working within the Social Work profession for five years in 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.
Ph.D. in history at Northern Arizona University, to lead the research and write the nomination. “I got to do the fun stuff,” said Carver. “I got to go into the archives and uncover all the cool documents. I got to walk on this amazing landscape and find the actual spots and the actual rocks that the astronauts were testing, drilling, coring and sampling. It was a really amazing experience for me, not only as a historian, but as somebody who loves this area.”
Carver completed the work in one and a half years, and the NPS officially approved the nomination of the Sunset Crater – Cinder Lake Apollo Program Historic District on Nov. 8, 2019. Hough and his team created a plaque and related informational sign, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused them to delay an official ceremony until this year.
Visitors to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument may now see the plaque and sign, which are located along the Bonito Vista Trail.
businesses and numerous government departments.
Born and raised on the reservation in Clarkdale, Lewis says it’s important to know where you came from. “My dad hunted for the meat that we ate and our food came from food boxes. I have 10 brothers and sisters, but I consider the Yavapai-Apache people to be my family and we were always there for our neighbors.”
Before assuming her position as chairwoman, Lewis served as Yavapai-Apache vice chairwoman, a Tribal Council member and executive assistant for two administrations. She says her strength comes from God. “I get up early every morning to pray, not just for myself and my family, but I also pray for our community. I chose to be here because I love it here and love serving to the best of my ability for my people.”
“Chairwoman Tanya Lewis was an outstanding student of mine while I was a professor at Yavapai College (YC),” said Northern Arizona University (NAU) Professor Dr. Joy D’Angelo. “She stood out as a collaborator with her fellow YC students by her exemplary academic work. In addition, I had the honor of working with her to bring a vision she had for leadership education for the YavapaiApache nation.”
As a woman leading a Native American tribe, challenges can arise periodically. “Sometimes misunderstandings in communication occur and we always work it out,” she said.
Yavapai-Apache Cultural Resource Center employee and elder, Barbara McCabe has known Lewis since 2005 and was close friends with Lewis’s mom. “Tanya took good care of her mom and dad. We talk quite often and sometimes she will seek elders’ advice on cultural or environmental issues.”
As a mom of two adult children, Lance, 29, and Taylor, 18, Lewis’ advice to younger Native women is to “always look toward your elders for wisdom, guidance and advice. Take to heart their teaching and learn it and live it. It will keep you grounded as it teaches us why and who we are.” She added that it is very important to lead by example.
Leisure time for Lewis is sewing. She makes all her dresses. “I love to sew and make ribbon shirts. I recently learned to make pillowcases and pillows and I’m learning to quilt. I also enjoy following my daughters’ rodeos.”
MY FAVORITE MEAL
I love tacos! Tacos make me happy. They are my comfort food. I like to make my own soft-shell tacos. They have a lot of flavor; I love to eat them with salsa and they are quick to make and eat.
Every weekend when my dad came home we were all at the softball field cheering on my older sisters.
Look for a purpose. You need to know who we are as individuals. There are no limits in life and there’s always somebody out there to help you, guide you and show you the way.
It was many years ago when I worked with the Yavapai-Apache Nation Pageant Committee. We spent the time with the young ladies mentoring them and teaching, talking and listening. To see these young women grow and see where they are today is wonderful. After that, I sought election and served as a Tribal Council Member from 2010 to 2013. I set expectations for myself and went out there and did it. I thought, “Wow! I can do it.”
I love kickboxing and working out at Sensei Robert Gonzales’ HDH Powerhouse Gym in Cottonwood. I also like working in my yard and just being outside. FBN
got himself accepted into a private college, the University of Rochester, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He received his MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School and held senior management positions with prestigious financial firms. Despite his success as a Wall Street executive and financial manager, he was turned down for membership to a Nantucket golf club. Instead of fighting it, he built his own golf club, which has now become the largest charity on the island. Later in life, upon assuming the position of chairman of the University of Rochester’s Board of Directors, he gave the school its largest single donation ever, $30 million, to support scholarships and endow the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
“The instability I felt [as a child] had everything to do with my quest for a purpose in adulthood. Scary as my circumstances might have been, they ignited in me a desire to find my purpose and plan for the future I wanted,” he wrote.
“The Island of the Four Ps” reads like a storybook. Gentle and imaginative, and enhanced with colorful illustrations by Gabriela Leal, the tale is masterfully crafted with key ideas and questions to ponder at the end of each section. Readers follow the journey of a young adventurer named
Marketus as he explores The Village of Passions, The Village of Principles, The Village of Partners and The Village of Plans, the Four Ps.
“It’s not a right or wrong book. It’s saying here are the things you should look at when you make decisions,” he said. “It’s intended for young people and anyone in transition. I’m trying to soften a few of the bumps on the journey of life. I like to say, ‘The highway of life is always under construction.’”
Marketus, and later, a character named Thalia, are guided by an older gentleman name Archimedes. “Their conversations are the same conversations that people must have with themselves to make good life decisions,” said Hajim. “You have an inner voice that you talk to and I wanted to give that inner voice a vocabulary. I looked back at the words I used [to make decisions], and my passions, my principles, my partners and my plans were all part of that.”
In the Village of Passions, Marketus is introduced to the value of finding his own passions by answering four questions: What activities make time pass quickly? What subjects do you hunger to learn about? What tasks do you pursue with commitment and energy, without hesitation? And, what do you daydream about? He also learns that not setting priorities “can leave us meandering from
As a big believer in education, Hajim offers his new book, “The Island of the Four Ps: A Modern Fable about Preparing for Your Future,” as a charming leadership book, masterfully told as a story, gently packed with life lessons.
path to path.”
In the Village of Principles, the Blacksmith explains that the rules and actions we create must be our own. “They are based on the mix of principles and circumstances unique to you,” he tells Marketus.
The book also offers playful allegorical messages. The Village of Partners, for example, is accessed by a system of ropes, pulleys and levers
that lowers a platform from a cliff to a river. “The chair mechanism is designed for two people working together,” Archimedes explains.
In The Village of Plans, Marketus and Thalia learn about creating A Life-Plan Map that reflects the interplay of three things: A person’s passions, principles and partners; a person’s environment; and the actions a person will take to pursue those opportunities. They also are encouraged to keep the plan updated and pay attention to change and economic cycles. “Never be afraid to test new paths,” Hajim said, noting that change, cycles and latent demand should be anticipated, studied and acted upon. “You’ve got to ask yourself constantly, ‘What’s next?’ Today, if you’re in AI [artificial intelligence] or robotics, you’re probably at the bottom of a long cycle.”
Hajim’s passions include putting people together to solve a problem, create a product or start a program. He found that what he really enjoys is helping people do better than they thought they could. His own guiding principles are: “Treat others as you hope to be treated; seek freedom to make your own decisions; and decide what is enough – enough money, possessions, accomplishments and recognition – and don’t pursue more than enough.”
“Everybody has to define ‘just
enough.’ I’ve seen so many people in my business seek too much,” he said. “And that ‘too much’ makes them sacrifice the other parts of their life.”
Both in the book and in life, Hajim strives to balance his principles with four realms – self, family, work and community.
Hajim’s own story includes a happily ever after. At age 60, he learned his mother hadn’t died and was reunited with her when she was 81. They were close for the remaining 12 years of her life. He says his biggest legacy is enjoying a 57-year marriage with his wife, Barbara, having three children and eight grandchildren. Today, at age 86, he says his purpose is as a mentor through his book and in person. Reflecting on his extraordinary life, he offers this advice: “Anything is possible. Education is the solution to almost everything. And, never be a victim.” FBN
Hear more hard-earned wisdom from Ed Hajim on Zonie Living: https://starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/ exploring-the-island-of-the-four-ps-toplan-your-future-with-business-leaderextraordinaire-ed-hajim-video.
history, since architectural elements have been retained from the original structure built in 1894. A few years later, early Flagstaff financier Tom Pollock purchased the bungalow in the arts and crafts style. Pollock, banker to the Babbitts and Riordans for their ranching and forestry enterprises, added the second floor and the rich millwork that you find decorating the inn. The fine woodwork, such as the main gathering area’s coffered ceiling, reflects Flagstaff’s heritage as a lumber town.
When Scottsdale owner Jeremy Ferris started the renovation of the historic property in 2021, the woodwork was retained and enhanced for a fascinating combination of historic Flagstaff charm and modern aesthetics.
In the gathering space freshly
decorated in soft blues and saffron, guests will find a telescope perched at the large front window. It’s a nod to Flagstaff’s love affair with dark skies and the discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory.
Bespoke Inn Flagstaff is dog-friendly, another Flagstaff attribute. In-room treats for doggie guests include Woof 66 Treats, locally made of spent grain from Mother Road Brewing Co. In addition to that, proceeds from the sale of Woof 66 Treats go to High County Humane. Bespoke even has its own inn dog, a friendly Golden Lab named Chubs, who might greet you at the door.
The complimentary Bespoke Blend pour-over coffee guests find in their rooms and suites is specially blended by Flagstaff’s Matador Coffee. What’s
more, guests can enhance their stays with charcuterie boards from The Annex, located in Southside Flagstaff. White, whose hospitality role includes being a concierge of sorts, said, “I recommend Flagstaff-owned establishments.” Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar, located in the carriage
house of the original Pollack property right in Bespoke’s backyard, is a guest favorite.
“I’m always looking for fresh local experiences for our guests and am working on partnerships with local businesses,” the Northern Arizona University graduate added. “And we’re making sure all vendors are locally based.” She relies on Flagstaff plumbers, electricians and others who are “people who know this unique space,” she said.
White took the helm at Bespoke on March 1 during Flagstaff’s huge snow events. Some guests couldn’t leave town when I-40, I-17 and Highway 180 were closed because of severe weather. “It was a good way for me to get to know the property,” she said with a smile.
In keeping with being 100% Flagstaff, the Bespoke team plans to have seating available for guests out front on Leroux Street for the big 4th of July parade. Thousands of people come to Flagstaff every year for what Travel + Leisure magazine has called one of “America’s Best Towns for 4th of July.”
“We currently have nine guest rooms and suites, and we’re bringing two more online by fall,” revealed White. “One will be a true penthouse suite with its own patio for weddings,
special occasions or long-term rental.” Amenities include Galanz fridges with separate freezer compartments, Italian Smeg electric tea kettles, Westin Heavenly beds and en suite bathrooms with Bespoke signature showers. In addition, some suites have cozy gas fireplaces and romantic clawfoot bathtubs.
“Bespoke Inn Flagstaff is being stewarded such as the place the previous owners cared for so well. We are continuing that Flagstaff legacy forward for them,” she concluded about the totally renovated property.
Both Bespoke Inn Flagstaff and Bespoke Inn Scottsdale are managed by Grace Hospitality, a Hotel Management Company in Phoenix. They specialize in managing unique independent hotels, resorts and boutique inns, including Amara Resort, Arabella Hotel Sedona, Junipine Resort and others in Mexico and California. FBN
Bespoke Inn Flagstaff
410 N. Leroux St. 928-774-0088
https://bespokeinnflagstaff.com
Stacey Wittig writes about business and tourism from Flagstaff, Arizona. Enjoy this article? Then follow her travel blog at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
all outside garden hoses from wall hydrants in winter. Frost proof hose bibs require your hose to be removed for adequate draining of the barrel which is hidden inside the wall of your house and subject to freezing if not drained.
“I’m always looking for fresh local experiences for our guests and am working on partnerships with local businesses,” the Northern Arizona University graduate added. “And we’re making sure all vendors are locally based.” She relies on Flagstaff plumbers, electricians and others who are “people who know this unique space,” she said.
Camp Colton. “It was available and perfect!”
She expects to fill the camp with 40 participants this year with a mix of locals, Arizonans and musicians from neighboring states. Eleven accomplished instructors will teach guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin and singing.
“The camp offers daily immersion courses in many instruments and lots of fun electives, including sound craft, where students can practice performing and expand their knowledge of sound systems,” said Sullivan.
New this year, is an intensive vocal master class with Chris Sanders of The Hard Road Trio. “I’ll be helping people get the most out of their voices and bringing their music forward by singing and playing with the instrument that they like to be accompanied by,” said Sanders, a longtime Las Cruces, New Mexico musician, grounded in classical and choral music. “Every camp is its own community. We get to share this wonderful experience of making music with others in a safe and fun place to grow.”
The evenings, says Sullivan, are magical, with musicians playing, voices harmonizing and talent igniting around the campfire. FBN
To sign up or for more information, visit https://rootsandbootsmusiccamp.com/ about/ Mike Shiner of Mother Road
FOCUS ZONES continued from page 27
with other income levels may have, so we have made it a mission to broaden their experiences.
There is one young girl, for example, who didn’t deeply connect with anything in school until she joined the archery club. Now, she has a sense of excitement and belonging, identifying herself as an archer. She inspired me to think differently. Every day, I’ll walk into a classroom and think to myself, how many of these kids are the next Mozart? Or are Olympic track stars? Or gifted physicists? Unless we give them the opportunity, no one will ever know.
These programs can dually give students a sense of self and support mental health – an important issue to tackle in Yavapai County. The county is beautiful and idyllic, but there is a strong undercurrent of generational issues, ranging from substance abuse to homelessness and poverty. This has had a profound effect on our thinking for the district and the programs and activities we implement.
With the help from partners like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, we will continue to prioritize the mental health of our students. Because there will always be another young boy who can excel if he just learns self-control or another young girl who can find purpose and fulfillment if she is just given the chance to explore. And you never know, the next Mozart could be in Yavapai County, ready to compose an ingenious symphony – we just need to give them the tools, time and opportunity to find out.
FBN
Steve King is superintendent of Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District.
RECYCLE continued from page 18
cling. Landfill materials will be disposed of in common hallway bins. “We are pulling out waste bins from offices and only providing recycling in offices, so people will need to walk to a nearby trash bin to dispose of landfill materials,” Henn said in the article. “Some may find this to be an annoyance, but it is necessary, considering the workload on our custodial staff.”
The overall goal is to effectively deploy and carry out an educational campaign around waste, recycling and the new system. “I think this is a monumental moment where NAU is investing in sustainability,” Henn added. “The administration is doing its part, while asking students and employees to do their part. We’re looking to inspire and engage.”
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VETERANS continued from page 17
people on that wall,” said Las Vegas Veteran Blayne Stowasser, who came with two veteran friends. “We were stationed at Holloman Air Force Base and served in different locations overseas. We became friends and kept in touch with each other over the years.”
Jerry “Geronimo” Martin, the great-great-grandson of the legendary Geronimo and Vietnam Veteran, was the emcee for the event. “It was my duty to go wherever the fight was rather than have the fight here on our own soil. I made it a privilege to volunteer and go,” said Martin, who told candid stories of his military life and, specifically, his assignment on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
“Every person who has come here and met a veteran and heard their story is leaving with a whole different perspective of the Vietnam War,” said Fort Verde Historic Park Manager Sheila Stubler. “People have been moved and I think there’s a lot of people here whose lives have been changed. I met one veteran who lost 27 comrades. He said for 50 years he carried that pain and was able to let it go. He said it’s time for closure.”
The U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration Deputy Director Tres C. Smith came from Washington, D.C., for the tribute. “I talked to Sheila about what we could do to support and help her. We actually participate in the local communities and local ceremonies. It just means so much more because people know the veterans, people have the experience. To be in the neigh-
borhoods and communities that were impacted by the veterans is so much more important and powerful.” Smith is a veteran himself and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Former Military Air Transport (MATS) flight attendant and Camp Verde resident Carolanne Moore worked 10 years for Trans International Airlines (TIA), a contractor to the government. “We flew new soldiers over to the war zone into the main part of Saigon and flew others back home. I remember the day the Viet Cong attacked the American embassy. We were scared but our pilots were veteran pilots who had flown in other wars and I trusted them, and I trusted in the Lord so I knew we were going to be OK.”
“It was an awesome display of pride and patriotism by the entire community,” said Town of Camp Verde Mayor Dee Jenkins. “To recognize and thank those that fought and returned and those that gave their lives for our nation and for all of us that are blessed to live in the United States of America, it was truly an honor to be among heroes and say, ‘Thank you. Welcome home.’”
Several sponsors such as American Legion Riders, Sedona Area Veteran and Community Outreach, Town of Camp Verde, Yavapai Apache Nation, Town of Clarkdale, City of Sedona, City of Cottonwood, American Legions Post 93, 125 and several businesses helped support the event. FBN
renting by the week. It sold for $1.2 million in 2008.
Enter Americana Hotel Ventures, which bought the 2.97-acre property in 2021 for $7.37 million, according to Coconino County records. Practice Hospitality is the Americana management company.
The hotel’s upgrades include a heated pool with “dive-in movies,” fire pits, hammocks, a bocce court, cornhole and other backyard games. The poolside bar will serve canned beer, wine and cocktails. Guests can explore Flagstaff on complimentary bikes or use a hotel telescope to gaze into the night sky.
The Americana’s Far Out Food outlet is a walk-up window serving a simple roadside menu of burgers and ice cream, said Miller, who previously managed the Jupiter Hotel in Portland, Oregon, a 1960s motor lodge.
In addition to candy-colored rooms, the Americana’s exterior color palette is equally as bright, much like the original hotel design.
“To be able to bring this property back to life in such a creative and amazing way is not only exciting but it’s also deeply a part of who we are as a company,” Miller said.
Practice Hospitality operates four other hotels: Hilton Dallas Park Cities, Hotel Colee in Atlanta, Mohave
Resort in Palm Desert, California, and Drifthaven at Gearhart on the Oregon coast. Four others are in the pipeline, including the Americana.
Trace Ward, Discover Flagstaff director, said the Americana will appeal to Gen X and younger guests, but also “plenty of Boomers that might find the nostalgia quite fun. They’re going to hit it out of the park,” Ward said of Practice Hospitality.
The tourism bureau leader added that the Americana foreshadows other redevelopment since land for good hotel sites is scarce. “There’s demand for select-service hotels with style and comfort,” he said. “If people want consistency, they can go with branded hotels. Others want to be part of something different.”
Flagstaff’s first-quarter tourism numbers, the slowest months, were
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hurt by one of the heaviest winters on record. Many skiers and snowboarders canceled trips and hotel stays to avoid dangerous road conditions, Ward said.
However, Flagstaff has recovered from the 20% pandemic decline in 2020.
This past year, hotel occupancy was flat at 73.2%, but room rates increased 4% to $127.13 and per-room
revenue set a record at $93.02, up 3.27% from 2021. The Flagstaff market has more than 5,000 hotel rooms. Americana plans to set its initial room rate at $150. The opening is planned for late May, Miller said. That would be almost exactly 61 years since it welcomed its first guests on June 11, 1962, with the tagline, “A Western brand of hospitality no one forgets.” FBN
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success of a similar Moonshot program currently underway in Tucson that has partnered with the City of Tucson and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and has become overloaded with demand.
Winslow Economic Development Director Una Wirkebau is inspired as well. She says there’s growing interest in the area right now from land developers, manufacturers and businesses, and she believes having a trained skilled workforce with commercial sewing skills will be a valuable asset for attracting more employers. She notes the high unemployment rate in Navajo County and on the Navajo Nation, and believes this initiative could create lasting change.
“There is a wonderful opportunity for entrepreneurs to take these skills and run with them,” she said. “As long as they have an industrial sewing machine, they can start their own business and work from home. We see this as having a multi-generational impact on families where a mom, a son, a grandmother, for example, could all be creating work to bring in money for the household.”
Wirkebau shares the vision with Moonshot for a locally grown workforce, using Arizona cotton and becoming a hub for sewing needs globally. She says, an empty Winslow textile warehouse, known locally as “the hat factory,” could become part of the picture. “There’s more than enough
work out there that we can easily fill that location if someone has the passion for making this happen. This goes beyond economic development in local neighborhoods. Oh my goodness, there are so many possibilities. We are right on Interstate 40 and we have a train depot.”
Stephanie Pierotti is the executive director for the Arizona Stitch Lab at Moonshot. “There is gap in the skilled labor market and it’s a national challenge,” she said. “It was a surprise to me to learn of the great need for industrial sewing skills. There’s a trade union for theater in Arizona, for example, the International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees (IASTE), that has a large need for repairing curtains and other cloth components for theaters in Phoenix and the surrounding area. We want to make Arizona a hub for the sewn goods industry, and create awareness that we do have a skilled labor workforce here and we can handle jobs from all over the country and all over the world.”
Pierotti says working with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson has been a great fit. “Sewing is part of Arizona’s indigenous culture and this program is creating awareness about how valuable and marketable that skill is. We are discovering so many jobs that require commercial sewers that we didn’t know existed. Right now, much of that work is being sent overseas.”
The Tucson program connected with Erika Yngve to be the Moonshot entrepreneur in residence. Together with Yngve, the Moonshot team created a curriculum to raise home sewing skills to industrial sewing skills for higher paying jobs, help launch sewn goods companies, create small-batch manufacturing opportunities and build a data base of sewing talent throughout the state.
Similarly, Moonshot is working with Tina LaChance, founder of Red Thread Sewing, who has been sewing full-time in Flagstaff since 2007. She will be the hands-on instructor for the Winslow program. “Sewing skills are in high demand. With every single turn I’ve made in the sewing industry, there are not enough people to help me,” said LaChance. “The industry needs experienced industrial sewers. I’m really excited about serving the community with sewing services and helping Northern Arizona’s economy as well.”
LaChance works with Overland Campers, a locally grown business that creates pop-up mobile habitats for the outdoors. She says she learned her sewing skills from her mother when she was in the Girl Scouts. “I would get old pants from the thrift store and make bags for other people in high school. In my 20s, I moved to Flagstaff and met a wonderful lady who knew how to do home decorating. I started making
curtains for folks. Before 2007, I got a job doing embroidery and alterations. Sewing has really been critical to my life. I’ve been through my fair share of health scares and issues that kept me from having a regular job. Sewing work filled the gaps in income. The overhead is very low compared to other industries. Keeping and maintaining those machines has enabled me to be fluid
in my life and income. Sewing can be a steady income maker for anyone.”
Pierotti sees the pilot project as an exciting opportunity that will create awareness about upskilling opportunities for occupations like digital patternmaking and 3D modeling that can create six-figure salaries. For more information, go to azstitchlab.org. FBN
