June 2023

lagstaff has long been known as a center for scientific research and education, and now it has its own science-themed store, Planet Science. Launched by Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum, the retail outlet – complete with meteors in the air, NASA gear and a couple of visitors from outer space – opened Friday, May 19 and carries a wide variety of

science-themed items, including rocks and fossils, while also hosting interactive exhibits and a place for hands-on activities where people of all ages can learn about geology, astronomy and planetary science.

Tucked into downtown Flagstaff at 109 N. Leroux St., Planet Science was the brainchild of Matt Kent, president and CEO of Meteor Crater Enterprises. “In working with science organizations around town and also

About a year ago, Kent and his team began planning the store in earnest. Perhaps their biggest challenge was finding a suitable space from which to operate. They found the Leroux location to be ideal because it is conveniently located downtown and easy to access.

INSIDE THE JUNE 2023 ISSUE: Babbitt Ranches Manages for Wildlife and Wind Farm p.3 Multiple Bids Continue for Flagstaff Homes p. 4 Joanne Keene Brings People Together in New Role p. 6 Boeing Works with NAU Engineering Students p. 8 Community Profile Josh McIver Cooks Up Hot Chicken p. 14 Expression Expert Brings Your Inside Out p. 18

serving on the board of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, I realized there was this need for a science store downtown, a central hub that promotes the really great science we have here in Flagstaff.”While Planet Science is a Meteor Crater operation, it will also involve other scientific partners around Northern Arizona. Lowell Observatory, for instance, has products in the store and customers will soon be able to purchase admission tickets to Lowell (Meteor Crater tickets are already available).

“Lowell was the first to join and we look forward to engaging with more organizations that have science or space connections,” he said.

Courtesy

Microsoft Giant Becomes a Lumberjack

Bill Gates delivers commencement address to NAU graduates

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Although he may not go to work with an axe, computer software and hardware giant Bill Gates will forevermore be known as a Lumberjack. The Microsoft co-founder delivered a rare commencement address at Northern Arizona University on Saturday, May 13 and received his honorary doctorate.

“I cannot wait to see how you will drive progress around the world,” Gates said to a Skydome full of excitement and regalia.

Now retired from his global company, Gates left college after three semesters at Harvard to start Microsoft with his friend, Paul Allen. He has given only two commencement addresses previously, one at Harvard University and the other at Stanford University.

“I believe more people should know about the tremendous value of an NAU education,” he said. “You are graduating from an institution that creates opportunity, fosters innovation and builds community, and it has prepared you to find solutions to some of the biggest problems facing us today.”

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2. Family Medicine • Women’s Health • Pediatric Care Behavioral Health • Immunizations • Virtual Visits *Flu & COVID Vaccines Available Continued on page 27

3. Continued on page 35

By Kevin Schindler, FBN

25th Annual JUNE 17

ONLINE

Run or Walk our 10k or 5k through historic downtown Flagstaff

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Managing for Renewable Energy and Wildlife

Wildlife managers and researchers highlight Babbitt Ranch Energy Center

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Wildlife managers and researchers from across the country gathered in Flagstaff last month for the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) conference to discuss deer and elk movement and the latest technology being used to track the ungulates as projects are planned for land uses such as public recreation and renewable energy. The conference at Northern Arizona University included a field trip to the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center north of Flagstaff.

“There were overwhelmingly positive comments about the conference and especially the field trip,” said Flagstaff-area Terrestrial Wildlife Program Manager Rob Nelson with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

“The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center is certainly a project we can highlight broadly.

Babbitt Ranches is a champion for planning

renewable energy projects while maintaining deer and elk corridors. That sweet spot of coexistence is what we are trying to find in changing landscapes – landscapes that are impacted by drought, fire, recreation, climate and renewable energy projects. Workshop participants were really receptive to the strategies offered and the pathways Babbitt Ranches has spearheaded by working with various renewable energy companies and folding in the wildlife components.”

Construction began for a substation and wind turbines at the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center site for NextEra Energy in January.

“After we had record snow in January, February and March, we were extremely satisfied to have drier weather in April and May. Everybody’s moods lifted,” said Prairie Handyside of Blattner Energy, who is overseeing the construction project.

Continued on page 26

During a field trip to the construction site of the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center north of Flagstaff, Babbitt Ranches, Arizona Game and Fish Department, NextEra Energy and Blattner Energy representatives visited with wildlife managers and researchers on May 17. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

Speaking at the WAFWA conference at NAU, Billy Cordasco discussed how Babbitt Ranches is a land company that manages for landscape-scale conservation.  Photo by Bonnie Stevens

Summer Residential Real Estate Market Going Strong in the Sweet Spot

Multiple offers continue for reasonably priced, move-in-ready homes in impeccable condition

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Looking back at the wild ride of the home-buying frenzy during the past three years, skeptics had warned prices could not keep going up, demand would have to level off, and certainly we should all be wary of the “bubble,” that, when popped, would cause home values to come crashing down. But despite an increase in homes

for sale and the 10th interest rate hike in 14 months, the Flagstaff real estate market continues to sizzle.

“We thought last summer was wild and the truth is, this summer is quite a journey. I’m starting at about 5:30 in the morning and finishing work at about 7 or 8 o’clock at night. It is at an absolutely rapid speed. It’s exciting – for both buyers and sellers – and a really great time in real estate,” said

award-winning realtor Lori Anna Harrison with Zion Realty in Flagstaff.

Not all Arizona markets are behaving the same way, but Harrison says there is definitely a “sweet spot” for real estate in the high country. “It really is that three-bedroom, two-bath, two-car garage home that’s got a little bit of space for a yard, whether that’s used for RVs, motorhomes or pets or gardening, that is the sweet spot. And homes with a price point being anything right around $600,000 and below are receiving multiple offers when they are in excellent condition. People are just snapping them up immediately. There definitely seems to be a bit of a shortage in that sweet spot.”

Harrison says there is more sanity in the home-buying and home-selling market than in the past few years. Fewer homes are being purchased sight unseen and fewer buyers are needing to wave home inspections or make other concessions in order to win the contract. As a result, sellers are working harder and buyers are more discriminating, which she says results in happiness and satisfaction on both sides of the deal.

“Every buyer wants to walk into a turnkey home. Regardless of what they say about their interest in a fixer-upper, when I walk with them into a home that’s completely turnkey, it’s a game-changer.”

Like most realtors, Harrison wants her sellers to be successful and receive the best deal for their home, and she

also is keenly aware that it is her brand behind the product. “I want to put the best home out there that we possibly can.”

HOMES AT THEIR BEST

To coach sellers through the process, she starts with curb appeal and then

Continued on page 31

Left: This home in west Flagstaff received 16 offers. Right: Realtor Lori Anna Harrison and FBN Editor Bonnie Stevens discuss Flagstaff’s busy real estate market and what that means for buyers and sellers. Courtesy photos

Joanne Keene Comes Home to the City of Flagstaff

As deputy city manager, Keene is focused on improving her mountain town

By Betsey Bruner, FBN

Acomfortable office chair now has a new occupant on the second floor at Flagstaff City Hall downtown. As of May 30, Joanne

Keene has been filling that chair and its accompanying desk in her new post as deputy city manager. She also is enjoying commanding views from her office windows of the San Francisco Peaks, an exchange for a view of the red rocks of Sedona, as she has left her most recent job as deputy city manager for the City of Sedona.

Keene, a resident of Flagstaff since 2004, was selected out of nearly 200 candidates for the Flagstaff position after her final interview April 6. “When I left my last position, I was given a painting of the San Francisco Peaks that hangs in my office in Sedona,” Keene recalled. “Now, I’m excited to look at the real deal every day!”

Keene joins City Manager Greg Clifton and Senior Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson on the city’s

executive leadership team. “We are very excited to have Joanne join our team,” Clifton said. “She knows Flagstaff, her credentials are amazing, and she will be able to hit the ground running. We welcome her and look forward to her leadership.”

In addition to her recent Sedona job, her “amazing” credentials include a post as deputy county manager for Coconino County, as well as her position as executive vice president and chief of staff at Northern Arizona University.

In total, Keene, 48, has amassed an impressive 25 years in federal, state and local government roles serving the State of Arizona, including govern-

ment relations director for Coconino County and public information officer for the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

That quarter century of service also includes eight years working for the U.S. House of Representatives, with five of those years in Washington, D.C.

She also is a certified public manager

through Arizona State University.

Keene’s interest in local government came early at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe during a “Tempe Government Days” event. “Students could apply to shadow an elected official or department director,” she said. “I was selected to shadow the community development director. This

experience gave me an initial exposure to local government, and I was certainly intrigued. After working at the state and federal level, I quickly realized that local government is where you get the most accomplished and it’s the best way to make an impact.”

Keene is a graduate of Northern

Continued on page 32

Joanne Keene and her husband, John Comer, enjoyed a trail-running trip in the Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy. Courtesy photo

Joanne Keene

NAU Student Engineers Soar with Boeing Drone Project

By Diane Hope, FBN

When Cassie Petit, development director at Northern Arizona University’s College of Engineering, Informatics and Applied Sciences (CEIAS), reached out to Boeing about being involved in a student capstone project, she wasn’t sure how the giant aviation manufacturer would respond.

Fortunately, her Boeing contact was Senior Engineering Manager Amanda Nemec, an NAU mechanical engineering alumna, who now sits on the CEIAS advisory council.

After a discussion with Nemec, other Boeing staff and NAU faculty members, the project took off. Boeing had been developing a surveillance drone airframe, but the prototype weighed four pounds (just slightly less than a pet Chihuahua). The NAU student team was charged with designing and building a lighter, more maneuverable frame. It needed to be 3D printed and study enough to survive a crash from a height of 10 feet.

“For fun, we gave them a stretch goal of making it fly. Honestly, I didn’t think in the short time they had that it would be possible to make it happen,” said Nemec. Boeing also wanted the frame design to give

enough space to mount pre-purchased parts including a flight controller, a camera, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging sensing system that uses pulsed laser light to measure distances) and a gimbal.

The student members of the team were Colby Murphy, Jay Khunt, Dante Faria, Damien Brothers and Tommy Schreiber, supervised by Associate Professor David Willy and Assistant Professor Armin Eilaghi – both in NAU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Nemec, along with Michael Vogelsang, a mechanical design and analysis engineer at Boeing, and several other specialists there, provided support to the team.

Nemec found working with the NAU engineering students to be a very positive experience. “The excitement that they brought to the project was inspiring. They worked incredibly hard to not just meet the requirements we gave them, but to beat them.”

What the students came up with was a frame made of Onyx Polymer and ABS, a thermo-plastic that is typically paired with high-impact polystyrene. But in this case, the students used Onyx, a nylon

Continued on page 30

Boeing’s Michael Vogelsang and Amanda Nemec visit with the NAU student engineering team. Courtesy photo

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of the Month

Bountiful Blooms Growing at Wild Heart Farm

Kate Watters blossoms in her work cultivating flowers

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

The comfort found in the beauty of growing flowers is what triggered a dream-come-true life for Wild Heart Farm owner Kate Watters. “My farm is my refuge where I feel nestled in the arms of Mother Nature.”

Located 40 minutes southeast of Sedona near Montezuma’s Well in the quiet town of Rimrock, Wild Heart Farm is a lush riparian woodland area dotted with mulberry and hackberry trees, a rock cliff limestone wall and a vast amount of flowers. “This farm is incredibly wild, we even have coyotes and owls,” said Watters, who, in 2020, purchased the property along with her partner, Flagstaff naturopath Dr. Mike Knapp.

Wild Heart Farm, covering more than an acre, grows irises, ranunculus, tulips, dahlias, zinnias and lisianthus, creating a colorful bounty of energy. The flower support weddings, events and local florists in the Verde Valley and Flagstaff, as well as Community Supported Aquiculture (CSA).

“The CSA is a subscription of seasonal flower arrangements available to local members in Sedona, Rimrock and Flagstaff,” said Watters. “I also include a poem written by local writers.”

Growing up in the rural town of Chester, Vermont, Watters purchased a one-way ticket to Arizona, landing in Canyon de Chelly National Park for a post-college internship in 1993. She fell in love with the Southwestern landscape, especially the plants. From there, she made her way to the Grand Canyon to work seasonally on a vegetation crew removing tamarisks. Her next step was working for The Grand Canyon Trust for several years, developing their citizen science and volunteer stewardship programs.

Moving closer to her vision and wanting to be near plants more intimately as a grower, Watters enrolled in an apprentice program for agroecology and sustainable food systems at University of California, Santa Cruz. “It was like a boot camp for organic farmers,” she said. “I knew how to garden but I wanted to learn how to run a farm.”

Returning to Arizona, Watters was working at Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek for four seasons, where she grew a garden for the farm-

to-table restaurant. “I took care of the grounds and helped in the orchard. It was a magical place with a wild red rock setting and a long history of care.”

She hopes she can inspire other people to garden and grow flowers, not only for their beauty but for medicinal and ecological reasons as well. “I’ve just brought on two apprentices who will be working about 20 hours a week. They will be learning about how to cultivate their own gardens. I also have two other women who are talented floral freelancers.”

“Kate is thoughtful, creative and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met,” said Wild Heart apprentice Sarah Grover. “She is out on her land everyday giving 100% care. The space she has created and the flowers she cultivates are brimming with life. Wild Heart Farm is a cornerstone of responsible farm practices and mindful community education, not to mention locally owned and some of the most deeply loved flowers in Arizona.”

Watters is passionate about helping to bring Arizona flower growers together to work collaborative-

ly. “We would like to form a collective so that we can work together for acquisition and distribution of flowers throughout the state. It’s amazing what we can do because we all grow at so many different elevations. Right now, other farms have tulips, where my spring flowers are finished. We don’t have anyone spearheading this right now, but we are meeting soon to work this out.”

In 2020, Wild Heart Farm received a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Partners Program through Friends of the Verde River to create a giant pollinator garden. “This was a literally a labor of love,” she said.

Slow Flowers Podcast, an award-winning weekly show that focuses on the business of flower framing and floral design, recently featured Wild Heart Farm. “Slow Flowers is a wonderful resource,” said Watters. “You can log onto their website, type in your zip code to find a florist or farmer who is selling flowers or using local flowers in your area.”

Watters began selling to florists last year, one bucket at a time. “We have been working with Kate since last season and she has never let

us down,” said Flagstaff Robynn’s Nest Flowers & Gifts owner Nora Hickey. “She always provides us with unique and long-lasting flowers that add a wild touch to all our arrangements. My customers love the selections she offers, and it’s been amazing to have a local source of such beautiful flowers. Kate is also a joy to work with. The only thing we enjoy more than her gorgeous flowers is her beautiful personality.”

Using flowers for medicinal purposes, Watters also makes herbal tinctures, mists and body sprays.

“Kate’s sustainable approach to the earth made her an easy fit with our wedding and we had the absolute most beautiful flowers. Afterwards, she was nice enough to make sure they found a new home in healthcare settings for patients. We can’t thank Kate enough for all her hard work and kindness pulling together such an incredible floral tour-de-force,” said Dr. Evan Pulvers of Flagstaff. FBN

Wild Heart Farm can be contacted at 928221-0045 or www.wildheartfarmaz.com.

Kate Watters hopes to inspire others to garden and grow flowers, not only for their beauty, but for medicinal and ecological reasons as well.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Flowers adorn drinks, vases and the garden at the lush riparian woodland.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

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.

Local Reporter Tells Story of Early River-Running Effort to Document Plant Life

Melissa Sevigny releases ‘Brave the Wild River’

By Kevin Schindler, FBN

Eighty-five years ago, two botanists put their lives on the line to survey the plants along the Colorado River. Joining a small group of amateur river runners, they embarked on a 43-day journey through the often treacherous waters. The expedition proved wildly successful, and the botanists were lauded by the media for their effort. This was partly for their scientific triumph, but more because of their gender – Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter had entered a man’s world of river running and scientific exploration, and they showed that women were up to the task. KNAU science reporter Melissa Sevigny shares their story in her new book, “Brave the Wild River.” Clover, 41, jumped at the chance to join the expedition. A botanist at the University of Michigan, she asked one of her graduate students, Lois Jotter, to join her on the trip, since a lone female on such a journey would not be socially acceptable.

The women braved whitewater rapids, ravenous mosquitoes, precarious cliffs they climbed to gather plants, and their own fears about their ability to meet such challenges. Each night along the journey, they wrote notes about the day’s work and pressed the plants they collected for later study at the university. Their painstaking efforts paid off and significantly added to the understanding of Southwest ecology.

While Clover and Jotter were celebrated at the time, their story eventually entered the realm of historic footnotes – until now. Sevigny first heard about Clover and Jotter in 2018. She wanted to learn more but didn’t find much information. This led her to further research and an article she wrote for The Atavist Magazine.

“After the story came out, I thought I could finally sleep, because this was a story that was keeping me awake at night,” she said. “But I still couldn’t because there were still all these things I wanted to say about the

journey, specifically about the science and natural history of the area.”

Fortune intervened when a literary agent saw Sevigny’s Twitter post about the article. After an exchange of messages, they joined forces and wrote a formal book proposal. W.W. Norton & Company bit on their pitch and Sevigny soon began the two-year writing project.

Like Clover and Jotter on their expedition, Sevigny also faced challenges during the research and writing project. She signed her book contract in July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The various university libraries she planned to visit were closed. She had to initially rely on copies of the women’s diaries she had on hand. “That actually worked out well, because it meant I had to rely on their experiences, their voices. So,

my first draft was seated on what they experienced down the river, which I think, in the end, made the book what I wanted it to be.”

Later, she was able to access libraires to fill in details.

The book, released May 23 in Flagstaff, has received glowing reviews for the two-time book author. Currently, Sevigny is giving talks and attending book signings. For a list of these events, visit melissasevigny.com. FBN

Author Melissa Sevigny of Flagstaff, a science reporter for KNAU, visits the Grand Canyon with her new book about two female botanists on a 1938 Colorado River expedition. Photo by Kevin Schindler

New grads for a new economy

Accelerating innovation

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.

Aliaksandr “Sasha” Sharstniou (right) and Bruno Azeredo, an assistant professor of manufacturing engineering. Sharstniou is preparing to begin a new position at Intel in Arizona after earning his doctorate in materials science and engineering from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

BY V. RONNIE TIERNEY, FBN

Josh McIver Brings Nashville Hot Chicken to Camp Verde

Flew the Coop Nashville Hot Chicken Shack owner Josh Mclver believes his style of chicken may be unique to Northern Arizona. Customers believe his spicy chicken rub, made from Caroline Reaper peppers, may well be the hottest around.

Considered to be the hottest pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper, used in Flew the Coop’s hottest rub, measures more than two million Scoville Heat Units.

“Our basic proprietary 12-spice recipe for our rub is derived from my wife, Jen’s, style, which is all the flavor and no heat. So, we named it after her,” said McIver. “From there, we add peppers for spicier tastes. Even our hottest still has a good flavor.”

Growing up in Cottonwood, McIver developed a palate for spicy chicken during annual summer visits to his grandparents’ home in Texas. “I love to cook, and I love to eat. I

wanted to make a chicken that wasn’t just spicy but had good flavor and a lot of crunch,” said McIver, who uses only chicken tenders and boneless thighs. “When a friend mentioned Nashville-style chicken, it was a concept that was simple and at the time, there weren’t any restaurants in Arizona making this style of chicken.”

“I really like the menu,” said Flew the Coop employee Ezra Duncan. “The quality of the food is exceptional. Customers are always raving about how good the food is here. Josh knows what he’s doing and has a lot of experience. He has planned every little thing here perfectly.”

When McIver approached his wife to tell her about his concept for a restaurant and the fact that this venture would cost them their life savings, he was surprised at her response.

“She said yes without any hesitation,” said McIver. “It was a huge

Continued on page 34

Owner Josh McIver says almost everything on the menu is made in-house, including the bread and butter pickles. “We handdredge our chicken in a flour mixture, fry it, dip it in chili oil to bring out the flavor, then add the rub, which infuses the crust.”

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

BY BONNIE STEVENS, FBN

Grandma Might Disapprove, But Laughter is the Best Medicine

If too much bad stress can kill us, wouldn’t you rather die of laughter? There’s a new movement practiced in more than 100 countries called Laughter Yoga. Developed by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria, Laughter Yoga combines laughter with breathing exercises and is said to be packed with as many benefits as clowns in a phone booth, bringing more oxygen to the body including the brain, calming the central nervous system, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormone levels, and boosting the immune system. And we just thought we were having fun!

Children instinctively know that laughter is good. Research shows that kids laugh 400 times a day, while adults can barely muster a giggle 15 times in the same 24 hours. Seriously, growing up in a houseful of mischievous siblings and laughing at our older brothers at inappropriate times, like in church or during dinner, before church or after dinner, or almost any time grandma was around, was actually doing us good, increasing

our circulation and releasing endorphins. If only our parents required us to laugh first thing in the morning instead of swallowing that weird brown liquid by the spoonful in the ‘60s, we might all live longer!

In my family, we had Charlie. Our oldest brother had one of those faces that always looked like he was keeping a hilarious secret. I remember that smirk well. It was like a dam that was about to burst and get us all in trouble.

Charlie’s smirk showed up in places like the backseat of our Lincoln Continental as we were crossing the U.S.-Mexican border. Stress always seemed to show up there. My mom would make us eat however many bananas that were still in the car as we re-entered the U.S. My dad would quiz “the boys” about any fireworks they might be trying to smuggle home. And grandma would sit up straight between my parents and set a good example for us to follow.

Grandma Esther was extremely

Laughter Yoga leader Olivia Vo, a heart-centered entrepreneur and founder of Savvy Social Pro Enterprises, infuses her joyful energy into her work and play, including Laughter Yoga. Photo courtesy of Masha Pavlova

Into the Closet with Bobbie Casalino Lewis

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

If you’ve ever wondered how some people can look great whether they are attending a gala or washing a car, it could be because they are clients of Expression Expert Bobbie Casalino Lewis. “Fashion is what you wear; style is how you wear it. I would love to help you fashion your style,” she says. And she means it. She wants us to show up on the outside as we are on the inside, and she wants us to do it now and at every age.

Her just-published first book, “So That’s What 70 Looks Like! The Essence of Aging Gracefully,” reveals what it means to live our truth, our brand, our style and to honor and celebrate our lives. “To arrive at 70, happy with who I am, vibrant, wise and joyful, it was incumbent upon me to at least share how I did it,” she said.

With her core values described as a triangle of kindness, bravery and integrity, Bobbie demonstrates the confidence, peace and wisdom that comes from life’s experiences and truly knowing ourselves. She guides the reader on a journey through her 12 “essences,” as an example of our many layers, elegantly illustrated through stunning images.

For example, her leadership essence is described as fellowship – bridging people together. This worked well for her in her early career in international telecommunications and enabled her to become the first female vice president of a prestigious Wall Street company. She expresses this trait boldly in a photograph where she is wearing a stylish black buttoned-down blouse with metal accessories.

For the essence passion, she expresses it as animated, photographed swimming in a pool, wearing a red cocktail dress. “Facial expressions, hand gestures and full-body movements are how I express my passion for everything,” she writes, noting that she is happiest in and around water.

Her version of a dramatic essence is exuberant, displayed in a bright coral-colored dress with a hemline that is short in front and floor-length in back. “I live in the no-drama zone,” she writes. “Yet ‘dramatic’ is another story entirely – architecture, extraordinary splashes of color, sharp angles and asymmetric

Expression Expert Bobbie Casalino Lewis encourages readers and clients to celebrate every age in style, whether practicing aerial dance on a beach or giving a TEDx Talk. Courtesy photo

Bobbie Casalino Lewis

Building a Network of Support While in Recovery

By Roy DuPrez

Every person’s path through recovery is as unique as the individual themselves. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, experts know that having a strong social support network helps increase the chances of a person reaching their recovery goals. When people are in the midst of their addiction, they often pull away from the people who care about them most and surround themselves with people who are living a similar harmful lifestyle. As the person begins recov-

ering, they must take steps to build healthy relationships with people who can help keep them on the right path. Many paths exist for creating a healthy network of support. If you are struggling with your recovery, here are a few ways you can build a support network to help you in your journey.

LET SOME OLD FRIENDSHIPS GO

All people should not be let back into your life. There comes a time when you must let old friendships go and build new ones. Being around old friends who were with you while you

were in your addiction can trigger a relapse. Their lifestyles do not coincide with your new way of living. You need people in your life who will give support and love during your recovery journey. Surround yourself with the people you know have a positive influence and dump anyone who gets in your way to recovery.

MEND RELATIONSHIPS

Odds are while you were in your addiction, you made some bad decisions and hurt people who were close to you. If you still consider these people to be a large part of your life and think they could help in your recovery, now is the time to take them aside and apologize for your previous behavior. Rebuilding relationships will take time. You must regain their trust. Apologizing is the first part, but you must also show that you are changing your ways and working on improving your life to truly regain trust.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP

Although it may be tough, asking for help will go a long way in helping you during recovery. Early recovery is a vulnerable time, and you should not go through it alone. It is always okay

to ask for help from friends and loved ones when you are going through a tough time. They want to help you as long as you are working on helping yourself. When asking for help, be specific about your needs to receive the best result.

JOIN A GROUP

An easy way to find support while in recovery is to join a group. When you cut out old friends and are working on mending relationships, creating new ones can have a positive impact. Joining a group doesn’t necessarily mean AA or NA meetings either. For example, you can sign up for a class at the local YMCA or join a pickup basketball league. The important part about joining a group is that you are surrounding yourself with positive people who have similar interests.

HAVE PATIENCE

Maybe the hardest part of all is having patience while in recovery. Rebuilding trust and creating new friendships doesn’t happen overnight. Building a solid support system may take time. Be patient with friends, family and yourself during this time as you all adjust to the new reality of sobriety.

Building a healthy network of sup-

port is key while you are in recovery. Surround yourself with people who have positive influences on you and support what you are going through. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, because those who truly care will be there in your time of need.

FBN

Roy DuPrez, M.Ed. is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.

An easy way to find support while in recovery is to join a group. When you cut out old friends and are working on mending relationships, creating new ones can have a positive impact. Joining a group doesn’t necessarily mean AA or NA meetings either. For example, you can sign up for a class at the local YMCA or join a pickup basketball league.

Library Plaza to Offer Outdoor Reading Space

By Richard Tutwiler

The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library is rolling out a suite of new changes to make access to resources and services easier than ever. June will be a busy month in the library, as both the physical and digital footprint gets a facelift. We’re also pleased to introduce our new Library Director Linda Tillson!

Linda joined the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library District in February, having served as the Eagle Valley Library district director in Colorado for the past decade. She brings a wealth of director experience to Flagstaff and Coconino County, and we’re very excited to have her lead the library in the future. Having grown up in Keams Canyon on the Hopi Reservation, Linda has a love of mountains and Northern Arizona that we know will translate into fantastic public service for our community.

Furthermore, the long-awaited front entry plaza construction at the downtown library location is in its last stages. This renovation, originally set to be completed in late 2022, includes new architecture that will put the library into compliance

with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Alongside gently sloping walkways, a tidied-up parking lot and major public art pieces, the renovation aims to introduce a brand-new plaza area for library patrons to enjoy reading in an outof-doors environment. The plaza also will be used for library staff members to offer new and innovative program initiatives to members of the public.

In addition to changing physical access to the library, the library will also be addressing its digital access to library materials and services. A website redesign will be rolling out shortly, as the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library has partnered with Proof Studios to develop a sleek, new modern website that will give a much-needed facelift to the library’s digital storefront. Expect easier navigation, including access to online resources, databases and events and programs, all mobile-friendly as the library transitions toward a more robust and full-scale website service.

All of these changes should be live or in the implementation stage as the library prepares to open its 2023 Summer Reading Challenge event. We encourage everyone to swing by and see the new look while enjoying our all-ages events for the summer.

Please visit our library website at flagstaffpubliclibrary.org to see our material and programs on offer and look for that registration link for our Summer Reading Challenge. The library can also be found on Facebook

(facebook.com/flaglib), Instagram (instagram.com/flagstafflibrary) and twitter (twitter.com/flaglib) for all your community resource needs. FBN

Richard Tutwiler is the deputy director of

city services at the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library.

The downtown library entry plaza is expected to be completed soon. Courtesy image

NACA Fitness Specialists Support Physical Activity, Wellness

By Brandie Franco

NACA’s Wellness Center provides cost-conscious and holistic fitness plans for groups or individuals, alongside nutrition and dietary resources from a staff of highly experienced fitness experts. Whether participants are looking to make a drastic change in their health and fitness, or simply maintain and supplement their current lifestyle, NACA’s Wellness Center fitness specialists can assist anyone in reaching their health and fitness goals.

NACA fitness specialists serve as a community resource for physical activity, wellness and lifestyle changes. Their services are based out of the Wellness Center and are accessible to all community members. Fitness specialists also assist in the Health Promotion Diabetes Prevention Programs, such as:

The You’re In Control! Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program, designed to empower people with diabetes to learn how to manage their diabetes care and treatment, according to The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists’ (ADCES) seven selfcare behaviors.

The Diabetes Prevention Program, designed to prevent and delay the early onset of type 2 diabetes. This proven program can help participants make modest lifestyle changes and cut their risk of type 2 diabetes by more than half.

Meet NACA’s Wellness Center Fitness Specialists:

Jordan Mockta aids in the Health Promotion Program by establishing a fitness baseline with participants and helping them build toward their personal fitness goals. Jordan utilizes science-proven programs such as the Centers for Disease Control’s Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center and the American College of Sports Medicine’s Guidelines for an improved Quality of Life. Jordan received his Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from Northern Arizona University, majoring in fitness and wellness, with a minor in biology.

Madison Dreifuss received her Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from NAU, specializing in fitness and wellness. She also is accredited through the American College of Sports Medicine as an exercise physiologist. Madison has had the opportunity to teach a variety of programs, with individuals throughout all stages of life. Her work continues alongside NACA Health Promotion Program participants with metabolic disorders, hypertension and obesity.

The Wellness Center hosts group fitness classes throughout the week, such as TRX, yoga, Super Circuit, Step, and Pow Wow Sweat. Community members can also receive personal exercise assessments and prescribed exercise sessions. Additionally, participants can join the Wellness Center team in Health Promotion annual events, such as Rejuvenation Week, Resolution Month, the Spring Into Summer Hiking Series, and the Sacred Mountain Prayer Run.

The NACA Wellness Center offers unmatched and cost-conscious rates, allowing everyone access to a healthy and active lifestyle. Competitive rates aside, no facility in the Flagstaff area compares to the fitness experts NACA has available. Grant qualified – American Indians/Alaskan Natives over the age of 18 and enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe, NACA Patients, and Referrals, receive 50% off services. FBN

To learn more about the NACA Wellness Center and the classes offered, rates and membership options, call 928-773-1245 or email nacawellnesscenter@ nacainc.org.

Brandie Franco is the manager of the NACA Health Promotions Program.

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.

Jordan Mockta

Madison Dreifuss

Congratulations to the 2023 Northern Arizona Healthcare Scholarships & Awards Recipients!

Thank you to title sponsor, Desert Financial Credit Union, presenting sponsor Swire Coca-Cola USA Flagstaff AZ, and all our donors for providing continuing education opportunities for our colleagues.

Dawn Tebelak Carmel Memorial Scholarship

Angela Allen, Brittany Athey, Hannah Arwine

Dean Taylor Health Care Award

Stacy Payne

Desert Financial Credit Union Health Care Scholarship

Angela Ramer, Anna Singleton, Jessica Marrello, Thomas Wilson

Equality Health Award

Summer Johnson

Equality Health Foundation Scholarship

Katie Moore

Findlay Toyota Health Care Award

Brittany Trznadel

Fred Shinn Nursing Scholarship

David Hernandez Carrillo

Lisa Juslin and Jay Johnson Health Care Award

Hiliary Howdeshell

Marjorie and Samuel McClanahan Nursing Scholarship

Jennifer Swomley

Marr Family Scholarship

Lukas Gardner

Mary and Roger Hostetler Health Care Award

Karley Feather, Stephanie Chase

Mary M. Byrd Integrative Health Nursing Award

Amy Corrieri

Paul Weston First Responder Award

Scott Marshall

Sally Day “Bunny” Hanson Memorial Award

Rachel Torbitzky

Simon Memorial Scholarship

Mariah Jones

Swire Coca-Cola USA Flagstaff AZ Health Care Scholarship

Averie Elias

The Loven Family Health Care Scholarship

Robert Weaver

UMR (United Medical Resources) Award

Joshua Tsinnijinnie

Zach Stamile Memorial Award

Alesha Jimmie

To learn more or become involved, please contact the NAH Office of Philanthropy NAHPhilanthropy@nahealth.com 928.773.2093 NAHealth.com/philanthropy

Perennials are Versatile, Easy to Grow

By Misti Warner-Andersen

Perennials are the backbone of any garden. Unlike their annual counterparts, their cycle doesn’t end with one season. Instead, they come back year after year, making them a good long-term investment and giving your garden shape and predictability.

Although many perennials often live a long time, their life span is variable, and some may live for only three to five years. But even those without a long lifespan often propagate through reseeding.

One more positive benefit from planting perennials, particularly those that are native to our area, is that it creates a welcome habitat for pollinators and local wildlife.

Perennials offer an almost endless diversity in color and shape. You can plant them almost anywhere in your garden because there are perennials that love full sun and ones that are happier with shade.

Perennials also range in when they bloom, so with some strategic planting, you can have perennial color and beauty all season long. In addition, perennials are also quite versatile, equally suited to garden beds or containers.

Here are some of the many perennials you can use to grace your garden:

ƒ In the sun-loving category, there is yarrow, hollyhock, dianthus, daylily, guara, shasta daisy, rudbeckia, gaillardia, echinacea, catmint, anise hyssop, penstemon, winecups, coreopsis, lupine, scabiosa, sedum, creeping thyme, veronica, gallium and delphinium

ƒ For the shady parts of your garden, try hosta, heuchera, lamium, foxglove, columbine, vinca, campanula, myosotis, astilbe, dicentra (also known as fern-leaf bleeding heart) and brunnera.

The one thing all perennials share – in addition to coming back year after year – is that they need to be planted right to thrive. Here’s how:

ƒ Dig a saucer-shaped hole that is twice the width of the root ball of your plant and equally as deep. (It is better to plant a little above ground level than too deep.)

ƒ Amend your soil by mixing parts of the soil from the hole

and a good planting mix (we recommend our own Supreme Planting Mix) and place some of this in the bottom of the hole.

ƒ Water your plant thoroughly before gently removing it from its container. (Support the stem of the plant with one hand as you turn the pot upside down and tap the bottom of it, sliding the pot away from the plant. Don’t yank!)

ƒ Tease out the roots of the plant gently.

ƒ Place the plant into its hole and backfill with your pre-mixed soil.

ƒ Water thoroughly with some Fertilome Root Stimulator to prevent transplant shock and promote vigorous root growth.

Once your perennial is planted, watering is vital. During that first week, water twice a day, then for the next two weeks, water once a day. After the first month, you should be fine watering every other day until winter, when you can water every three or so weeks during dormancy.

After the first year, your perennial will be fine with watering twice a week from spring through fall and once per month during winter.

One more thing to consider with perennials is that you might want to divide your plants periodically. Sometimes it’s because they’ve outgrown their space and are crowding other plants in your garden bed. Other times it’s to rejuvenate the plant because it’s not blooming as fully or because you are starting a new container or garden bed.

If you are dividing a perennial, pay attention to when it blooms. You’ll want to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall blooming perennials in the spring, because if you divide the plant when it is not flowering, all of its energy can go to root and leaf growth.

If you have any questions about perennials and which plants would work well in your garden, please stop by Warner’s Nursery.

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 928774-1983.

Leaping Ahead with Lumity

By Jeff Lane, Au. D.

Hearing aids evolve at an incredible rate, with the ultimate goal of improving sound quality and clarity. The other goal is making the hearing aids as user friendly as possible. Manufacturers consistently survey their customers to determine what types of innovations are most desirable. Phonak recently launched a new technology platform. It’s called Lumity, and patients are stating that the improvements are very noticeable.

SLEEKER

The most common concern patients have, even when they love how their hearing aids sound, is how they fit on the ear. While they are no longer the size of bricks, hearing aids still take up a fair amount of real estate behind the ear. This can cause interference for people who wear oxygen. It can also impact people who wear glasses, although to a lesser extent. There is simply not enough room for everything. Hearing aids can thus fall off more easily or cause discomfort. These patients then end up having to opt for in-the-ear hearing aids, even if that is not what they truly desire.

Masks have also been a big burden

for hearing aid users these past few years. The hearing aids can become tangled in the straps, making them difficult to remove. Mask loops might even catch the hearing aid wires when being removed, causing the hearing aid to fly off the patient’s ear. This, of course, can be very

frustrating for patients. A handful of patients have even told me that they stopped wearing their aids in public, as they were too afraid of losing them. Luckily, a new design has arrived to solve all of these concerns. On the Lumity platform, there is a specific style called Slim. It fits behind the patient’s ear like other receiver-in-the-canal aids, and is still rechargeable. However, it is much thinner. Imagine the difference a standard shoe heel and a stiletto heel. The Slim is like a stiletto hearing aid. This allows for less interference with items such as glasses because less space is required. There is also a small curve to the hearing aid, which follows the natural contour of the skull. This curve allows the aid to sit flusher against the head. It also curves around the ear, like glasses frames, which decreases visibility. A fringe benefit of the new design is that the charger is much smaller and easier to transport.

SMARTER

The Lumity hearing aids also provide a leap forward in technological quality. This is true whether you opt for the Slim or traditional style, as both possess the same computer chip. One major improvement is

processing speed. Lumity can perform hundreds of more calculations per second than the prior platform. From a user standpoint, this means that the automatic program can analyze the environment more quickly and accurately, providing for a clearer sound quality. And it works! Patients who have upgraded to the Lumity from their older sets say that they can hear a noticeable difference.

In regard to specific new features, one is called Motion Sensor Hearing. If two people are having a conversation while walking, the dynamics are far different than if they were sitting still. With Motion Sensor Hearing, the aids can actually measure your movement and adjust accordingly. Another new feature (available only in the premium level) is called Speech Enhancer. Speech Enhancer automatically provides an extra boost to quiet voices. No longer will a hearing aid user have to struggle to understand tiny voices.

Another exciting development with Lumity relates to Wind Block. Wind Block is another background feature that tries to reduce wind noise as much as possible. While Wind Block is not a new feature, it was previously

relegated to advanced and premium level hearing aids only. With Lumity, Wind Block has been expanded to all technology levels. In other words, it is now a default feature.

Lumity still offers universal compatibility with cell phones through Bluetooth, as well as an array of accessories. It should be noted that Lumity technology is currently only available in receiver-in-the-canal models. However, it should be available in in-the-ear models in the next few months. If Lumity sounds right for you, reach out to your audiologist. They will be able to answer your questions and help find a solution which best fits you. FBN

Dr. Jeff Lane is an audiologist at the Trinity Hearing Center.

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

Understanding the Hype about Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss

By Christina Kovalik

Obesity and diabetes cases are high in the U.S. and rising on a daily basis because of the American lifestyle and poor diet choices. Hormone imbalance may also contribute to weight challenges. The most recent drug that has been FDA approved for weight loss is a GLP-1 peptide called Tirzepatide-mounjaro (name brand). Another GLP-1 peptide that often is used for diabetic patients is semaglutide, name brand Ozempic, which also has been shown to lower hemoglobin A1c blood tests, balance blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance. This blood sugar stabilization can also result in weight loss.

These medications are a hot topic now as a weight loss gem and are heavily sought out by patients who have tried many diets and failed. These medications are very expensive and are limited by insurance coverage unless you are diabetic. These peptides are in such high demand that some diabetic patients have had to wait for their name brand medication to be available. Luckily, there are many compounding pharmacies that create the medication and add B vitamins to help minimize side effects.

It is important to have baseline blood tests to see where your health stands to find out if you are a good candidate for GLP-1 peptide therapy.

Here are some common facts about the peptides.

What is a Peptide?

Peptides are smaller versions of proteins, about 50 amino acids or less in size, that signal the body to perform various functions related to gut health, cognition, injury healing, metabolism, inflammation reduction, muscle building and cell recovery. Semaglutide, Liraglutide and Tirzepatide are names of a group of peptides called glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1).

GLP-1 injections work by:

ƒ Delaying how quickly our stomach digests food. This leads to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction with smaller meal sizes.

ƒ Slowing intestinal motility so you will feel fuller longer after meals.

ƒ Lowering blood sugars by reducing the production of sugar in the liver.

ƒ Stimulating insulin secretion by the pancreas.

Benefits of using GLP-1 peptides for weight loss include:

ƒ Promoting major lipolysis.

ƒ Lowering BMI and accelerating fat loss.

ƒ Reducing inflammation and promoting gut health.

ƒ Lowering HgA1C levels.

ƒ Improving insulin resistance.

ƒ Reducing plaque hemorrhage.

ƒ Helping pancreatic insulin release to lower glucose levels in the bloodstream.

ƒ Lowering the risk of cardio events.

ƒ Improving glycemic control.

ƒ Producing significant weight loss.

ƒ Helping control food cravings and reducing appetite.

ƒ Lowering blood pressure. What are the Side Effects? As with most medications, side effects can occur. The severity seems to lessen the longer someone is using the medication. Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible include:

ƒ Allergic reactions – skin rashes, itching, hives and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

ƒ Change in vision.

ƒ Dehydration – increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine.

ƒ Gallbladder problems – severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting,

fever.

ƒ Heart palpitations – rapid, pounding or irregular heartbeat.

ƒ Kidney injury – decrease in the amount of urine or swelling of the ankles, hands or feet.

ƒ Pancreatitis – severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting.

ƒ Thyroid cancer – new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention but can be easily remedied, such as:

ƒ Diarrhea

ƒ Fatigue

ƒ Nausea

ƒ Stomach pain

ƒ Vomiting

ƒ Acid Reflux

ƒ Constipation

The bottom line is that GLP-1 peptides are powerful medications used to help thousands of patients that have been unsuccessful with other weight loss programs. It takes time and requires patience. It is a tool that allows you to jump start your metabolism while making lifelong, sustainable changes

to the way you eat and the way you move your body. If you choose to go back to your old habits after finishing the program, expect the weight to come back.

If you are considering trying the peptide for weight loss, use caution when deciding who you trust to monitor you. There are also many med spas or clinics that may be offering these peptides to their patients at a lower price. Be aware that they may not be looking out for your best interests, focusing on getting to the root causes to help you keep the weight off or able to manage any side effects that occur. It is important to choose a physician-monitored program that can guide you through the use of the peptide therapy to help you reach your weight-loss goals and maintain that healthy lifestyle safely. 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.

The

June 10th Flagstaff Elks Lodge 5:00 pm.

Monies raised will go towards conservation efforts for all of Arizona’s wildlife including habitat projects, water development, fence removal, migration studies, juniper removal, highway crossing projects and many others. Please join us for dinner and festivities including trips, live auctions, give a ways, raffles, drawings, and games. Seating is limited for ticket information please visit our website at muledeer.org, click on Flagstaff, Chapter and follow the prompts.See you there!

Flagstaff Medical Center Receives Highest Grade for Patient Safety

Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national non-profit upholding the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. This national distinction celebrates FMC’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. The new grades reflect performance primarily during the height of the pandemic.

“A big congratulations to the staff at FMC for receiving an ‘A’ grade for Spring 2023

Benefits

Hospital Safety Grades,” said Josh Tinkle, acting CEO of Northern Arizona Healthcare. “It is so important to have a safe work environment in a hospital setting, for both the patients and the staff, and to see our FMC colleagues recognized for properly executing the correct safety protocols makes me so proud.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns letter grades to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries

and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“This new update of Hospital Safety Grades shows that at the national level, we saw deterioration in patient safety with the pandemic,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “But this hospital received an ‘A’ despite those challenges. I congratulate all the leaders, staff, volunteers and clinicians who together made that possible.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclu-

sively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see FMC’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook and via its newsletter.  FBN

What is EDC?

By Rob Wilson

In this increasingly unsafe world, we as individuals need to adjust our behaviors to better ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. We first need to be “situationally aware” of our surroundings, actively observing what is going on around us and looking for possible threats. Threats can be very obvious, as a traditional bank robber would be, or they could be something much more subtle, like a van parked next to your car when there are only two cars in the entire parking lot. Avoiding conflict is always the best strategy to live your life by, but when that is no longer an option, you must be prepared!

Being prepared is where EDC comes into play. EDC, or Every Day Carry, is about what you have with you each day that better prepares you to address those threats that leave you no choice. Most folks agree that as a minimum, your EDC kit should include a reliable, properly holstered and accessible firearm and a flashlight. Let’s talk about each of these and the role they play.

When it comes to self-defense, any firearm is better than no firearm at all. You need to select one that you are comfortably able to carry concealed, that you can shoot accurately and that you’ll practice with on a regular basis. If you don’t already have one, go to a range and rent several different sizes, calibers and manufacturers’ handguns and find the one that fits you the best. If you’ve never shot before, take an introductory course so you’re comfortable with the safety rules and the basics of firearm handling before range testing. Once you’ve identified the proper firearm, you’ll need to get a holster that will allow you to carry it safely, which means it completely covers the trigger guard to prevent an accident and will work with your body type and clothing choices.

Depending on the capacity of your firearm, you may also choose to carry an additional magazine, which can be done in a variety of ways.

You may ask, “Why do I need to carry a flashlight?” The answer is two-fold. First, most defensive firearm events occur in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, and second, as the safety rule says, you must “always be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.” An EDC flashlight should be compact enough that you’ll carry it regularly but produce enough light that you can illuminate a completely darkened room. The good news is that you no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars on a great EDC flashlight. Since the advent of LEDs, the cost has come down and the illumination has gone up. One feature that’s a must-have is a tail-mounted activation switch. You’ll need to be able to turn it on and off with the thumb of your non-firing hand using that switch.

Finally, you should have access to a quality tourniquet and the training on how to use it. Have one in your home, one in your vehicle and one at work. Or, better yet, have one on your person. Free “Stop the Bleed” courses will teach you the proper time to use a tourniquet and the proper way to apply it. They are not just for the possibility of gunshot wound but are equally valuable for accidents around the house, on the trail or on the road.

Every person’s EDC kit will vary but yours should work for you and you should train regularly with it. Doing so will significantly improve your odds of surviving an otherwise tragic event.

FBN

Rob and Elise Wilson own Timberline Firearms. Both their business and their home were in the Tunnel Fire evacuation zone. While their home suffered significant damage from the heat of the fire, they are extremely thankful that it was not lost.

NextEra officials said the 161-megawatt (MW) wind project featuring 50 wind turbines is on schedule. It is expected to begin delivering clean energy to SRP customers in early 2024.

Babbitt Ranches is known for its landscape-scale conservation practices and many projects conducted through the years with organizations such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Arizona Mule Deer Foundation, Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona State Land Department, the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Arizona University and many others.

Speaking at the WAFWA conference, Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco shared the land company’s philosophy. “For us, relationships are everything; it’s the meaning behind our actions that’s important; and what we do is bigger than ourselves. All of us in this room share that privilege and responsibility to be involved in projects that are bigger than ourselves.” FBN

ENERGY continued from page 3

Gates offered graduates five nuggets of advice he wished he had received.

1. LIFE IS NOT A ONE-ACT PLAY

“What you do tomorrow – or for the next 10 years – does not have to be what you do forever,” he said, noting that in his 20s he thought he would be working at Microsoft for the rest of his life. “Today, I still love my work on software, but philanthropy is my full-time job. I spend my days working to create innovations that fight climate change and reduce inequali-

ties around the world – including in health and education,” he stated in his prepared notes.

2. YOU ARE NEVER TOO SMART TO BE CONFUSED Gates told graduates that at some point in their career, they will be facing a problem they cannot solve on their own. “When that happens, don’t panic. Take a breath. Force yourself to think things through. And then find smart people to learn from.”

Continued on page 28

Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren and First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren visited with Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates, NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera and NAU Vice President of Native American Initiatives Ann Marie Chischilly. Courtesy photo

GATES continued from page 27

3. GRAVITATE TOWARD WORK THAT SOLVES AN IMPORTANT PROBLEM

Spending time doing something that solves a big problem, like climate change, Gates says, energizes people to do their best work. “New industries and companies are emerging every day that will allow you to make a living and make a difference, and advances in science and technology have made it easier than ever to make a big impact.”

4. DON’T

UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP

Gates reminded graduates that the people they sat next to in class or skied with at Snowbowl are key to their future. “They are your network, your future co-founders and colleagues,” he said, noting his longtime friend Paul Allen, with whom he started Microsoft.

5

YOU ARE NOT A SLACKER IF YOU CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK.

In his early days of Microsoft, Gates said he didn’t believe in vacations and pushed everyone around him to work very long hours. “Take a break when you need to. Take it easy on the people around you when they need it, too. And before you begin the next stage of your lives, take a moment and have some fun.”

In his blog prior to the commencement address, Gates called NAU an emerging leader. “Today, almost half of NAU’s nearly 30,000 students are people of color, many of them Hispanic or Native American. Most come from in-state, half are first-generation college students, and many come from low-income families. The school has long been an engine of mobility for such students – but in 2021, NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera helped revitalize the school’s charter to make delivering equitable postsecondary value to students the top priority and goal. Then NAU made a number of changes to accelerate that progress.”

Cruz Rivera called it a privilege to honor Gates for his pioneering work in science and technology and for “his longstanding thought leadership and philanthropic commitment to creating a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy life and live up to their full potential.”

He added, “As NAU advances its mission to deliver equitable postsecondary value, we are honored to have the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as we seek to ensure that the talent and aspirations of people in Arizona and beyond are met with the opportunity to realize economic mobility and social impact—shaping a brighter future for themselves and the communities they represent.”

Before leaving campus, Gates high-fived Louie the Lumberjack, cementing his initiation as one of NAU’s own. FBN

WASPy and principled. She had the fairest skin of anyone I’d ever seen – so white it was almost transparent. She was well known for her punctual neighborhood walks under her huge orange sun bonnet. That hat went with us everywhere and took up as much space in the back seat as another child. We didn’t like making room for the hat. Charlie stuffed it onto the ledge of the rear window.

Before my dad pulled up to the border, rolled down his window and spoke with the border guard, we were instructed to sit still and be quiet. We watched him answer “no sir” to all the usual questions like, “Do you have fresh produce,” as our cheeks were puffed to their limits with banana mash. When asked about fireworks, he explained that the kids had a few small firecrackers. We saw the guard shake his head and my dad instructed the boys to hand them over. My brother, Jeff, slowly pulled a strand of firecrackers out of his pocket and gave them up, bravely trying to hold back his massive disappointment while obediently chewing a mouthful of banana.

I remember giving him my sad banana face, as we drove into Arizona. That’s when smirking Charlie tapped me on the shoulder and nodded toward grandma’s big ugly orange hat. He lifted it ever so slightly to reveal the largest roll of firecrackers I had ever seen in my life. My eyes must have been as big as my puffed-out cheeks. I looked back at the border to make sure no one was chasing us down. That’s when the dam broke. The three of us in the back seat lost it and projectile banana mash laughter filled the air.

Laughter is contagious and Laughter

Yoga leaders like Olivia Vo believe we need more of it. She says the body can’t tell if our laughter is caused by an external force or if we are making ourselves laugh. “It’s all about self-activating your laughter,” she says. “You can practice laughter sounds like ho ho, ha ha, hee hee and laugh for no reason at all. You don’t need to wait to watch a movie or hang out with your friends to laugh. You can just initiate it yourself and the body is so appreciative.”

Olivia wears her joyful heart on her sleeve and also her face. Heart-shaped glasses are her calling card. She brightens rooms, warms up audiences and emcees events. She says we can all derive laughter’s health benefits instantaneously by taking a laughter break. Go ahead, pause, reset, swallow that banana mash and laugh with Olivia on Zonie Living. Watch now at https:// starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/breathing-resetting-healing-with-laughter-yoga-leader-olivia-vo-video. FBN

Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie. stevens@gmail.com.

LAUGHTER continued from page 16

material reinforced with micro-carbon fibers, making it much stronger, more wear-resistant and lighter. In fact, the team got the weight of the final drone frame down to 2.2 pounds (the equivalent of a small rabbit or a prairie dog).

“This frame isn’t the type you can just buy off the shelf,” said Vogelsang, “it’s a really custom, specialized

design.”

The student team was able to bring knowledge gained from four years of study, from engineering drawing to fluid and solid mechanics, to design calculations and implementations.

“It was a great experience for the students to work with an industrial partner,” said Eilaghi.

The team members made a visit

to the Boeing facility in Mesa, where they presented their prototype to a panel of long-time Boeing engineers.

“The students really enjoyed their visit to Boeing,” Eilaghi said, “having that level of conversation, interacting with really experienced Boeing engineers made the project extremely educational and interesting for the students.”

The team members made a visit to the Boeing facility in Mesa, where they presented their prototype to a panel of long-time Boeing engineers. “The students really enjoyed their visit to Boeing,” Eilaghi said, “having that level of conversation, interacting with really experienced Boeing engineers made the project extremely educational and interesting for the students.”

Tip of the Month:

In turn, Nemec said that the students “impressed our entire engineering leadership team with the design, execution and testing that they were able to accomplish in just a few short months.”

Not only did the NAU team come up with a lighter frame, but they got the drone airborne, too. Nemec is delighted with the result. “She flies! Jacks always go the extra mile. I was so proud when I got to see it fly in person at the NAU Undergraduate Symposium.”

Currently, when mounted with a 360-degree field-of-view camera underneath the drone frame, and a 180-degree LiDAR sensor atop it, along with a few other essential items, the whole drone weighs in at 5.9 pounds (about the weight of an adult

armadillo). The Boeing teams hopes to get the airframe even lighter in future iterations.

Although this was the first year that Boeing has done something like this, it certainly won’t be the last, according to Michael Vogelsang. “We will definitely do this kind of collaboration again and are already planning something with NAU for next year.”

NAU’s capstone projects have become an integral part of the university degree curriculum in recent years. They provide opportunities for students to conduct independent group research, develop practical skills and solve real world problems.

Some of the engineering students who graduated this semester already have received job offers in the aerospace industry. FBN

goes through every room to declutter. “Removing excess furniture opens up the space. And cleaning is so important after decluttering – especially the windows, in order to capture the clearest, cleanest images of the forest that will be used to market the property.”

New paint is an inexpensive investment that can make a difference of thousands of dollars, she says. “It is absolutely transformational, the difference a fresh coat of paint can make on the exterior. In Flagstaff, we have a lot of brown. If you put a light color on the trim, you’ve got a brand-new looking house!”

Harrison recalls taking a client to a home that fit the description of what she was looking for and within budget, but the home was filthy and appeared to be neglected. “When we entered, we were surprised to see that it was very dirty, like grimy, where you don’t want to touch a light switch or doorknob. The wood deck was in decent shape but needed painting because they typically do every year or two. But, because it hadn’t been touched up, it appeared in sad shape like it could fall off the home. Because of the condition, my buyer was not interested at all, even though the size, budget and location fit her needs.”

As a result of buyer feedback, the seller dropped the price by $25,000. “It would have cost around $500 to get that home perfectly cleaned and

around $4,500 to paint that deck, saving that seller $20,000. That’s why it is so important to prepare your home for sale. Get that money in your pocket and make the buyers happy.”

STRETCHING THE HOME-BUYING BUDGET

“I love working with first-time homebuyers. I think it’s a lot of fun. You get to help them on their journey as life changes drastically when you get into your first new home, and you start feeling those tax benefits and pride of ownership. I coach first-time homebuyers to consider looking a little outside the city limits, where their dollar can go a lot further. For example, I’m starting to see a lot more activity in Williams. We’re also seeing some really nice prices in Bellemont and Parks. I think because of the big winter that we had, some first-time homebuyers are looking in the Verde Valley. You can easily commute from Rim Rock to Flagstaff, where you are looking at less than a 45-minute commute and your dollar stretches a lot further.”

The New York Times recently reported that college graduates and others are leaving the country’s most expensive metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and moving to less expensive metro areas like Denver, Houston and Phoenix. The article also stated that more affordable cities are more desirable than they used to be.

“I think it all comes down to lifestyle,” said Harrison. “I had clients in town two weeks ago from Chicago and they were just simply looking for a different lifestyle, a slower pace. They do actually want to relocate to Phoenix and they already know that they want a vacation home here in Flagstaff. After COVID, a lot of people really evaluated what was important to them. And, especially with so many people being able to work virtually now, we’re seeing that influx definitely coming to Arizona from all different parts of the country and then from the Valley up to Flagstaff. We are seeing so many people that may have been dipping their toe in the water thinking about a vacation home who are saying, ‘I can work anywhere I want to now and I could live in Flagstaff, have a little bit of a slower pace of life and be outdoors.’ I really think it’s lifestyle and cost of living that’s attracting so many people to Arizona.”

FEELING THE LOVE

Harrison is a believer in the love letter – the personal letter written to sellers by potential homebuyers describing how much they would appreciate and enjoy specific features about the home. “Buying and selling homes is an emotional process and really telling your story to connect with the seller, I believe it’s very helpful in the sales process.”

Recently, she had a client interested

in a home that had 16 offers on it. “It’s a gorgeous home. The sellers remodeled and have enjoyed living there. Knowing how much the new owners will love the home made a difference when deciding what offer to accept.”

A BALANCING ACT

Harrison says buyers are coming to terms with higher interest rates, about twice what they were at their lowest point in recent years. For some buyers, that means they can afford a little less of a home now if they are taking out a loan. Nevertheless, she says, houses continue to sell in Flagstaff at a very fast pace.

After years in a sellers’ market,

Harrison says the Flagstaff real estate market appears to be more balanced. “In that sweet spot, where clean, maintained, attractive, move-in ready homes are priced at $600,000 or below, those homes are still receiving multiple offers, which is absolutely a sellers’ market on that end. When we are talking about homes priced over the $600,000 mark and where the home is not in movein condition, it’s more of a buyers’ market.” FBN

Lori Anna Harrison can be reached at Lori@ azdreamlifestyle.com. Hear more with Lori on Zonie Living, StarWorldwideNetworks. com/shows/bonnie-stevens.

Top-selling realtors say clean, maintained, turnkey homes in the $600,000 range receive homebuyer attention and multiple offers. Courtesy photo

Arizona University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and broadcast journalism and a master’s in public administration. She put her journalism skills to use with several internships at radio stations, including an internship for local broadcast personality Mitch Strohman on his morning show at KAFF radio and as a DJ at Sunny 97.

“My goal was to work in radio, but after doing an internship at the Arizona State Legislature, I caught the policy bug and moved into this arena,” she said. “I have used my degree for my work as a public information officer and several communication-related roles. I love to write and do my best to use my journalism to help tell the story of the organization.”

Keene begins her new position aware of the many challenges facing the city and dedicated to making a difference. “My skills are bringing people together to solve complex problems. The city’s staff and elected officials are forward-thinking and committed. I am truly grateful to work alongside them in this role and can’t wait to get started!”

Last year’s devastating wildfire season was at the heart of her decision to return to Flagstaff. “During my interview, I told a story about when the Pipeline Fire was burning in our community. I remember getting in my car to drive to Sedona to head to work and I could see the fire burning on the mountain through my rear-view

70 continued from page 18

cuts in clothing…make my heart beat a little faster.”

“So That’s What 70 Looks Like!” is designed to demonstrate the power of feminine leadership, reveal what aging can look like and not what it has to look like, show the difference between waiting and living, and illuminate how tough can be pretty.

“No matter what season of life you are in, you will find value in this book,” writes speaker, author and strategist Kathi Cooper Laughman. “There are so many mysteries in life. It’s important to be clear on what matters. The insights shared can help you with that. [The book is] the perfect balance of purpose and play as you discover your own steps in the dance.”

Through her book and in our closets, physically and virtually all over the world, Bobbie furthers her mission to help us feel great about ourselves; after all, she writes, to glow is not a lofty goal “because living well is our God-given right.”

“I think every single one of us is a celebrity. Every time you walk out your front door, that’s a red carpet. It’s another opportunity to say, ‘Here I am!’ So, if you regard it as that, it makes it fun,” she said. “When I work with clients, particularly those clients who are going to be on stage, on video, or going to do their website photographs and show their personality, the first time I meet with them is over the phone. No pictures.

mirror. It was heartbreaking to leave a community I love and work and contribute in another community. This is one of the reasons I applied for the role. I want to contribute to the community where I live and that I love.”

Meanwhile, she acknowledges that her experience in Sedona was valuable for her work in Flagstaff, as both cities face similar issues. “Sedona is impacted by housing challenges and the impacts of short-term rentals. Sedona is always dealing with a large influx of visitors that has challenged local infrastructure. Both communities are having issues with workforce and ensuring there is housing for workers.”

She notes that both communities strive to manage the impact of wildfires and floods. “I’m really proud of the things the cities of Flagstaff and Sedona have done.”

Above all, she says, her work in government requires being a problem solver, a good listener, politically astute and willing to be flexible.

Keene’s earliest years were not spent in the United States. She was born in the United Kingdom and moved to the U.S. when she was 8. Her father, Brian, was an aerospace engineer and worked for Martin Marietta in New Orleans. The family, including her mother, Sheila, and her sister, lived in New Orleans for a few years before relocating to the Phoenix area, settling in Tempe. Two brothers still live in the UK.

I do no research. I don’t want to know anything about them. I just want to talk to them. And, I tell you, it is magical. If you listen, somebody will tell you exactly who they are and then it’s so easy to wrap them in their message.”

Pointing out that the average person spends 20 minutes a day deciding what to wear, her goal is to save people time, use what they already have and transform their image, which, she says, builds confidence and garners positive feedback. Through listening, intuition and her fashion sense, which stretches back to her New York City childhood sewing clothes for herself and her sister, Bobbie figures out each client’s individual style and puts together outfits they may never have considered before. In addition, she identifies accessories to enhance the wardrobe.

“We create a strategic shopping list so you know the right things to add, so no more of things hanging in your closet with tags on them. And you get ongoing support because you will never be in a situation where you don’t know what to wear, because I’ll be a phone call away.”

Whether you are applying for an important job, preparing for a TEDx Talk or practicing aerial dance on a beach, this expression expert is known to show up with the fierce determination of a gladiator (her inner male essence), to uplevel your wardrobe, boost your confidence,

Keene obtained her U.S. citizenship while in high school. Several years after graduating from NAU, a challenging offer presented itself. “I was given the opportunity to move to Washington, D.C., to work on Capitol Hill – which was always a dream of mine.”

She assisted two Arizona members and focused on working on behalf of Arizona, specifically, the rural parts of the state. “I worked on some major policy initiatives, including creating the authorization for the Ecological Restoration Institute at NAU, expanding Petrified Forest National Park, tribal water settlements and appropriations projects,” she said. “It has helped me understand how to navigate policy issues.”

While on Capitol Hill, she met her current husband, John Comer, who was born and raised there. They met through kickball. “After five years in D.C. and after some tough years with Sept. 11 and the anthrax threats, we decided to move West. It was not hard to convince him to move to Flagstaff in 2004.”

They were married shortly after relocating to Northern Arizona. The move to Flagstaff has been rewarding, she says, including her association with NAU.

“I love what NAU brings to this community through arts and culture, athletics and the vibrancy that students bring to our community. When I was

first hired, I was asked to help with community relations. During this, I helped bridge relationships with the county and city, as well as create a neighborhood liaison position that is shared between City of Flagstaff and NAU. I’m proud of the work I did during this time and look forward to continuing this work when working for the City of Flagstaff.”

In her off time, Keene enjoys trail running with her husband, who works in finance for Coconino County, and their rescue dog, Mabel. “She came to us at 5 weeks old, injured after suffering a major bite and a broken jaw. Her name was Angel at the shelter because when she came in, they didn’t think she would make it through the night.”

The couple also loves to hike in the

Grand Canyon and around Flagstaff, especially on the Arizona Trail by Aspen Corner in the fall. Keene also loves to cook. “I love cooking because it allows me to finish something (a recipe),” she said. “In the jobs I have served, it’s rare to finish a project in a day. Cooking is the way I release my stress!”

She also loves how her career path has brought her back to her mountain town. “I love Flagstaff for so many reasons. The people in Flagstaff are friendly and caring. The community is innovative and supportive. It really feels like I’m coming home.” FBN

enhance your presence and quite possibly, transform your outlook and your life.

“Confidence is an inside job. You can never get enough from the outside to fill you up, ever, and you’ll always be hunting for it. So, if you can fill up your own cup, so

that it’s overflowing, then the rest comes naturally. Confidence to me is everything. I find it attractive. I think it’s sexy. Truly knowing who you are and loving who you are and liking the way you show up, that’s being in flow.” FBN

“So That’s What 70 Looks Like! The Essence of Aging Gracefully” is available on Amazon. Find out more about Casalino Lewis at https://bobbiecasalinolewis. com Meet her on Zonie Living: Business, Adventure and Leadership at https:/ StarWorldwideNetworks.com/shows/ bonniestevens.

Bobbie Casalino Lewis’s new book, “So That’s What 70 Looks Like! The Essence of Aging Gracefully,” is available now on Amazon. Courtesy image

Joanne Keene trail running in the Grand Canyon. Courtesy photo

KEENE continued from page

Mentoring Through Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards

Nominations being accepted for September High Tea

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

The Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards not only celebrate, recognize and honor women for their leadership skills, career achievements, community service and mentorship, they also promote what leadership looks like. ATHENA recipients say this is powerful because younger or less experienced women in the workplace can identify local role models they can talk to, observe in action and learn from.

“Leaders become mentors for others and impact future growth,” said 2022 ATHENA recipient Teri Drew, executive director of NACOG’s Yavapai County Workforce Development, in a 2022 QCBN interview. “My parents and siblings were and continue to be my mentors. They taught me what to and not to do growing up, and those strong ethics pay off.”

On Sunday, Sept. 24, women from across the region will come together at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall for the 4th Annual Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards High Tea, presented by Quad Cities Business News. They will hear stories of struggle and triumph, perseverance through fear and how to tap into their inner strength in times of adversity. They will also learn how women lean into their core values and their hopes for the future.

“I believe my life is a blessing and given as a blessing. Giving back is just what I believe I need to do. Mentoring others is one of my tenets and receiving the ATHENA award strengthened that,” said 2018 Flagstaff ATHENA recipient Theresa Bierer, an associate professor of practice in management in the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. “In our lives,

everyone is so busy, but what really makes the fabric of a community is people who step outside of themselves and put others and community first. To me, that’s what the ATHENA Award embodies.”

This year, QCBN will recognize an individual with the traditional ATHENA Leadership Award and also will present the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. In addition, for the first time in Northern Arizona, the Quad Cities

ATHENA Leadership Awards will celebrate a business or organization that supports, develops and honors women leaders with the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to nominate extraordinary women leaders who are making a difference in their

communities and pioneering a path for others to impact the future.

“My hope for young women entering the workplace is for them to do what they love and love what they do,” added Drew.

Nominations are being accepted until Friday, Aug. 4, at prescottathena.com. FBN

FBN and QCBN women have been instrumental in bringing the ATHENA Leadership Awards to Prescott. Photographed here are the newspapers’ Co-Owner Amy Bix, Editor Bonnie Stevens and Advertising Manager Ann Herrington. Photos by Kay Lyons

Flagstaff ATHENA recepient Theresa Bierer and former Gov. Doug Ducey celebrated the occasion at the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Awards luncheon in February 2018. Courtesy photo

CHICKEN continued from page 14

gamble, as most restaurants fail, but she said she believed in me. I would not be doing this without the amazing support of my wife.”

McIver’s goal, he says, is to do everything well. “Other than a few items, we make everything in-house, including our bread and butter pickles. We hand dredge our chicken in a flour mixture, fry it, dip it in chili oil to bring out the flavor, then add the rub, which infuses the crust.

Menu items include the Arizona Famous Chicken Sammie, a boneless tender coated in the Flew the Coop rub and served on a toasted brioche bun, topped with chili-lime coleslaw, pickles and the restaurant’s Arizona Comeback Sauce. “It’s a big seller and we often hear customers comment that it’s the best chicken sandwich they’ve ever had,” he said.

Menu selections include chicken baskets, chicken and waffles and sides of potato salad, coleslaw, fries and beans. Beer and specialty drinks complement the offerings, along with a doggie menu consisting of Chicken Jerky Treats and Chicken Stew.

While traveling from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University quantum physics student Jaden Brewer stopped at Flew the Coop. “This is my second time here and I really like the chicken and especially the seasonings. I had the ‘hot’ heat level, and it was great. My

friends really enjoyed it, too.”

McIver attended Yavapai College and taught science and biology there for a few semesters. He then studied environmental science at NAU. While in college, he started bartending. “I met my wife, Jennifer, at Yavapai College and soon after managed bars and restaurants in Sedona. Jennifer is a certified ophthalmic assistant at Eye Boutique of Sedona.”

The couple has four children be-

tween the ages of 12 and 28. Daughter Ciara, age 16, works in the restaurant. “I love working there. The food is so good and it’s perfect every time, even when the chicken gets cold.”

The restaurant, located at Interstate 17 and Highway 260, operates every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, go to www. flewthecoophotchicken.com.

More than 50 years of combined financial planning experience

Estate Manage personal affairs while you're alive and control the distribution of wealth upon your death.

Insurance A well-structured insurance strategy can help protect your loved ones from the financial consequences of unexpected events.

Investment Create an investment strategy that’s designed to pursue your risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals.

Lifestyle How to strike a balance between work and leisure is just one aspect of the wide-ranging Lifestyle matters.

Money Managing your money involves more than simply making and following a budget.

Retirement Steps to consider so you can potentially accumulate the money you'll need to pursue the retirement activities you want.

Tax Understanding tax strategies can potentially help you better manage your overall tax situation.

Habla Español

Don and Diego Rosalez Office: 928-774-9091 | Mobile: 602-882-5396 | Fax: 928.779.2334 121 E Birch Ave. | Suite 404 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 www.masfinancialandtax.com

CHARACTER QUALITIES I ADMIRE

Integrity and honesty.

HOW I SPEND MY TIME OFF

With my family, camping or staying in cabins and just going outdoors to hike, swim in the creek and relax.

FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT Lo Lo Mai Springs and Page Springs.

MY ROLE MODEL

My mom taught me how to cook and

first got me interested in food. She raised my brother, sister and me.

BEST ADVICE

My sister said, “Do what your heart tells you. Always follow your heart.” FBN

121 E. Birch Avenue, Suite 408 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Phone 928.310.9662 Fax 928.226.0303 Email: Rich@flagstaffbusinessnews.com www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Founder: Troy Bix

Publisher Rich Bussen | 928-310-9662 Rich@flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Advertising Manager Ann Herrington | 928-420-4407 Ann@flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Account Executive Regina Salas | 928-699-4272 Regina@flagstaffbusinessnews.com Tyler Hood | 928 | 440 | 0747 Tyler@quadcitiesbusinessnews.com

Michael Wilcox | 928 | 379 | 2146 Michael@quadcitiesbusinessnews.com

Editor Bonnie Stevens | 928-380-4349 bonnie.stevens@gmail.com

Copy Editor Carolyn Wendell | cwendell@gmail.com

Design & Production Rob Ghosh Design | rob@robghosh.com

Photography V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses

Photography, Aspen ProMedia, Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau

Contributing Writers

Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau, Patty McCormac, Kevin Schindler, Bonnie Stevens, Veronica Tierney, Stacey Wittig

Flagstaff Business News is a publication of Flagstaff Business News, LLC and is distributed free each month to residents of Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams and Winslow. Reproduction of any portion of the publication is strictly prohibited without expressed permission. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

The popular Arizona Famous Chicken Sammie is a boneless chicken tender served on a toasted brioche bun, topped with chili-lime coleslaw, pickles and Flew the Coop’s Arizona Comeback Sauce. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Flew the Coop is located at the interchange of I-17 and Camp Verde. McIver welcomes travelers and locals seven days a week.

SPACE continued from page 1

The 1,700-square-foot space is packed with telescopes, microscopes, clothing, games, puzzles, science kits, NASA memorabilia, books and so much more, including alien and science fiction souvenirs. And that’s just the merchandise part. An interactive kids’ area has tables and chairs where young people can sit and tinker with science kits and experiments, color space worksheets and figure out puzzles. “It’s an area where kids come and relax and have fun, and it’s all related to science,” said Kent.

Planet Science expects to attract astrotourists, students and families – anyone with an interest in science, especially geology and space. “This store promotes astrotourism, and we think visitors will be inspired to want to learn more and visit Northern Arizona’s many great science organizations.”

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Times will be periodically extended during downtown special events. FBN

Planet Science offers NASA gear, a kids’ activities area, souvenirs, games and other science-themed items. Photos by Kevin Schindler