August 2024

INSIDE THE AUGUST 2024 ISSUE:

Go Sushi Expands with RiceThings p. 3

Clarkdale Kayak Floats a River Conservation Ethic p. 4

Longtime NAU

Librarian Reflects on Career of Finding Hidden Gems p. 6

Verde Valley Mother-Daughter

Team Roll Out Bark & Bakery

Donuts, dog beer and premium Wisconsin beef are among the natural treats served from this dog and cat food truck

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

From beefy burritos to vegan burgers, food trucks in Arizona have continued to gain popularity. The latest sensation on wheels is Bark & Bakery.

“Right now, we are the first and only animal food truck in Arizona,” said Beth Fiscus, who runs the business with her daughter, Amanda.

“Keeping our best friends, that is

our dogs, healthy is vital because, let’s face it, they’re not with us very long so we want them to have the best life ever.”

With that in mind, the Bark & Bakery mother-daughter team started making tasty, healthy treats for their dogs. Their first product, a pumpkin and peanut butter blend, was a culinary hit with their canines.

Downtown Businesses

Incentivizing Shoppers p. 8

Seven Women to Watch who are Escalating their Impact p. 10

Community Profile: There’s No Outrunning, Outsmarting Greg Secatero p. 14

When family and friends got their paws on the all-natural biscuits, they reported happy dogs. So, the duo started packaging and selling their products. “We had a pop-up booth and began selling at small markets and craft fairs around Cottonwood, Cornville, Sedona and Camp Verde,” said Beth.

“People started telling us that

Kahtoola Celebrates 25 Years of Adventure

Motivated to create ‘absolutely’ reliable traction footwear keeps the company on its toes

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Whether scaling an icy spire, hiking in a snowstorm or running into a grocery store on a wintry Flagstaff day, Kahtoola has been providing packable traction of varying degrees to help outdoor enthusiasts stick their steps. The Flagstaff-based company, famous for MICROspikes and known worldwide for its “stretch-on traction” products, is marking 25 years in business this month and founder/inventor Danny Giovale is every bit as excited as the day he saw his KTS Hiking Crampons displayed in Mountain Sports.

I just love that we have been able to help make people more capable by the products we create, to enable people to do things in the outdoors they couldn’t have done otherwise,” he said. “That runs the gamut from walking

your dog or running in the Grand Canyon in winter to setting the speed record on Mt. Everest. I also like to think that the added safety that our traction products provide has saved some people from injury or worse.”

In addition to the KTS Hiking Crampons, the stretch-on traction products, designed to slip over shoes and boots, go through rigorous testing in the shop and on the feet of Kahtoola associates.

“Danny is definitely our best product tester,” said Chris Bunch, head of research and development. “That hasn’t changed. He loves to destroy prototypes and find things that don’t work throughout the design process. The accident that started the whole thing has left a lasting impression on him, so he wants to make sure that anything we make and sell can be absolutely relied upon.”

‘DESIGNED BY DISASTER’ FILM SHARES KAHTOOLA STORY

“The accident” also has left a lasting impression on all those around Danny, especially Mike Giovale, who was climbing with him and

Those around him say Kahtoola founder Danny Giovale was relentless in his pursuit to invent traction footwear that he and others could rely on. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

All Systems Go

Go Sushi and Thai expands its authentic Asian flavor profile

By Billy Miller, FBN

“What do you think of this place?” asks Charlie Chotabtim, mastermind of Go Sushi and Thai, as guests enter his newest creation, RiceThings Vs. Ramen N Boba, a candy-colored Asian emporium across Milton from Go Sushi in the Target shopping center. Besides the rice bowls, ramen and boba (Taiwanese bubble tea) drinks, there are snacks from seven different countries, including Japan, China, Malaysia and the Philippines. A cold case houses mochi, macaroons and rare sweets like Hokkaido milk bread Chotabtim sources from a local specialty baker. And the walls are lined with anime, Disney and Pokémon collectibles.

“The space became open, and my partner [Go Sushi’s Jarunee Krathinthong] asked if I wanted to do a boba place – but I wanted to do more than that,” Chotabtim said. “I wanted to bring back the ‘90s in a fun way.”

That idea is now backed by the colorful decor, the vibe and the way it leaves its customers. “The concept is very trendy,” he said. “There’s nothing like it in Flag. And now people don’t have to travel to Phoenix or Las Vegas.”

With its proximity to Northern Arizona University, customers in the know can stop by for Boba, a gift, a snack or inexpensive eats like Ramen, rice bowls or even burgers. Or they can walk across the street to Go Sushi for the main course.

Originally from Thailand, Chotabtim grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He’s worked in some 15 restaurants and even studied culinary arts in San Francisco to learn knife skills and network. Yet it was in Saratoga that he found himself working for a true Sensei at the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant Hachi Ju Hachi. There, Chotabtim learned the art of sushi-making, discovered his motivation for creativity and left with lessons he carries still.

“Sushi can be an exquisite meal if you don’t use cheap ingredients,” said Charlie Chotabtim. “The plate is the canvas; you eat with your eye and taste with your mouth.”

“I was cocky,” he said with a laugh. “A lot of sushi chefs don’t let you move up. If you’re making California rolls, you’re doing that for years. My Master was not like that. He would get mad if you didn’t ask questions.” From Chef Suzuki, Chotabtim learned to be patient, to take criticism and above all, to listen.

“An egotistical chef will never grow,” Chotabtim said. “If you’re comfortable, you have to move up to the next level. You have to evolve, adjust and listen to the customer. I would rather take less profit and make you smile.”

He also learned that someday, he wanted to have a successful restaurant of his own.

Chotabtim landed in Flagstaff in 2017, accepting the invitation of a friend at the popular Pato Thai Cuisine restaurant, to run an add-on sushi bar. It was a hit and he worked out his own take on modern Japanese cuisine. After another opportunity fell through, he and his partner opened Go Sushi, then struggled for the next four-and-a-half years.

Go Sushi’s signature roll, Amazing Kiss, is a sweet, savory loaded soft shell crab and tuna roll, colorfully presented on a wood platter. Courtesy photos

Clarkdale Kayak Offers Cool Summertime Heat Relief on the Verde

Owners Scott and Ally Buckley share their love for nature

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

The personality of the Verde River springs to life through the stories, musings and history recited by Clarkdale Kayak Company owner and founder Scott Buckley on his daily river tours.

A kayak cruise down Arizona’s only free-flowing river offers a wonderland of cascading ripples and gently flowing waters that casts a spell on visitors as they ramble down the 3.5 miles from TAPCO (The Arizona Power Company) to Tuzigoot. With herons cautiously eyeing you while hunting for food and clusters of ducks wading by, cares of the world seem to float away.

“The riparian zone in Arizona makes up less than 2% of land mass but houses 75% of all our biology here on the Verde River,” said Buckley. As you cruise down the Verde River, you’ll find yourself immersed in a whole new world as you pass

900-year-old ruins of the ancient Sinagua culture, red rocks, canyons and lush desert forests. Another point of interest is the cottonwood and willow trees that line the river. “These trees can drink up to 400 gallons of water a day and can actually change the CFS (cubic feet per second), a measurement of the volume and speed of water flow of the river.”

With a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Northern Arizona University, Buckley was born in Northern California and raised in Flagstaff. His wife, Ally, also participates in the business as Clarkdale Kayak owner and operator. She is originally from Phoenix. Their love for the outdoors, especially water sports, put them on a watery path to their own kayak company. They moved to Clarkdale in 2005 and started Clarkdale Kayak Company in 2016.

“Prior to our kayak company, we owned a restaurant,” said Ally. “Owning and running Clarkdale Kayak Company with my husband and best friend has been a dream come true. The history, beauty and the wildlife attract people from all over the world. Our kayak trips are educational and exciting.”  “I worked as a Grand Canyon River Guide for several seasons and was licensed. I now hold a Guide

Level 3 through the American Canoe Association (ACA), plus CPR and First Aid certification,” said Scott. He says Clarkdale Kayak is a “river-first” company. “Part of our mission statement is to educate people about the Verde River and its importance economically and recreationally and its sustainability. We sell safe, educational fun, plus we like people to leave with a greater appreciation of the Verde River, which makes for a grander cause.”

Continued on page 41

Clarkdale Kayak Company founder Scott Buckley often paddles down the Verde four times a day, leading tours or just enjoying the river.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Did you Know...

Some of the things you may CARE ABOUT IN FLAGSTAFF are funded by the 2% BBB tax paid by customers at every hotel/motel, campground, short-term rental, restaurant and bar in the city?

HERE’S ONE EXAMPLE OF THE SERVICES BBB ENHANCES:

• 60 miles of Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS).

• 68% of the collected BBB is paid by the VISITOR.*

* Source: NAU Economic Policy Institute

• BBB tax funds are re-invested back into our community for services.

• BBB lessens the burden on the City’s budget, so more dollars are provided to police and fire, libraries, housing, and other community essential needs.

Librarian Books After 43 Years at NAU

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

On a 1966 family trip to Arizona, Sean Evans’ parents took a photograph of him at age 8 outside the new library at Northern Arizona University.

Little did they know how prescient that photo would be. NAU hired Evans 15 years later and he worked in the university’s library for more than four decades.

This fall semester, starting Aug. 26, will be the first time in 43 years Evans will not be at his desk in the Cline Library.

“I will miss it on one hand – miss what I did,” he said. “I always had great colleagues. I can’t think of many unpleasant encounters at the library.”

Over the years, Evans cycled through bosses.

“Everyone was my boss.” He joked that there’s a Facebook group for recovering Sean Evans’ bosses.

His last day on the job was April 26. It snowed for his retirement party on the patio at Mother Road Brewing. Fickle Flagstaff spring weather struck again.

Evans, 66, sat down recently with Flagstaff Business News to talk about how he migrated from Yonkers, New

York, to Arizona, his career at NAU and his affinity for Route 66 history.

An innate storyteller, he was relaxed, jovial and self-disparaging after a recent California trip with his wife, Karen.

“It must be dull people who do things for 43 years,” he said, although he is anything but boring.

Evans’ family made successive trips to Arizona starting in 1963, traveling on Route 66 and Interstate 40 as the freeway replaced section after section of the Mother Road.

“We were witnessing the end of Route 66,” he said. The interstate was completed through Flagstaff in 1968 and finally, in Williams in 1984.

Evans said his father, Robert, preferred the blue highways, the back roads described by author William Least Heat-Moon in his 1982 book Blue Highways.

The Evans family traveled in a sleek Chrysler Imperial with his mother, Jean, in the navigator seat up front and Sean riding in the back with his older sister.

How did Mr. Evans afford a luxury Chrysler Imperial?

“He bought ‘em used,” his son explained.

Robert Evans was an engineer at a sugar refinery in Yonkers. His moth-

er, Jean, was, of all things, a librarian at a pharmaceutical company. Evans’ parents retired to Sedona in 1975.

Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in education at NAU in 1979 and a master’s degree in history two years later. He taught at a rural Arizona high school but lasted less than a year when the principal wanted him to coach wrestling.

His mother wanted him to get a law degree.

“I think my parents were vaguely disappointed I wanted to be a teacher.”

In the spring of 1981, NAU hired Evans as a Library Assistant III with an annual salary of $9,000.

Sean was assigned to do reference work in government documents. He learned the nuances of finding needles in haystacks from the mas-

sive publishing output of the U.S. government. That allowed him to assist students and faculty with their research.

Evans recalls a student he helped with research in the 1990s who came back in recent years to teach at NAU. “She told me I helped her along her career path. For me, that’s

what makes NAU so darn cool,” he said, noting that the university is not so big that it is still possible to have those direct connections with students, staff and faculty.

In the late ‘90s, Evans was encouraged to get his master’s degree in library science, which he completed

Left: Sean Evans first visited the Northern Arizona University library as a child. Courtesy photo Right: Later, he found his calling assisting students and faculty with research at the library for four decades. Photo by Peter Corbett

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Keeping the Heart of Downtown Beating

Merchants devise a plan to keep business flowing during construction

By Betsey Bruner, FBN

It often feels like Christmas in July for mountain town businesses when refreshing high country temperatures lure locals and tourists to Flagstaff’s historic downtown.

“There’s a reason summer seems so vibrant and hectic,” said Lisa Lamberson, owner of Mountain Sports Flagstaff and Bright Side Bookshop, both on North San Francisco Street downtown. “We see sales that rival the busy holiday season, and it’s a crucial period for the survival and success of any independent business in Flagstaff.”

However, this summer, circumstances have threatened to put a damper on that holiday vibe for downtown merchants and restaurateurs. The City of Flagstaff began a construction project, running from July 22 through Sept. 20, along Aspen Avenue, a main downtown thoroughfare.

“The Aspen Avenue overlay project and associated sidewalk and corner ramp repairs, is very needed and the resulting improvements will be a great enhancement to the downtown

area,” said Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton. “While construction is now happening, please know that our downtown community is indeed open for business.”

The work on Aspen Avenue “is part of the city’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program,” said Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley. The program was approved by Flagstaff voters in 2014, with Proposition 406, and paid for with a $100 million, 20year dedicated sales tax.

“We, the downtown businesses, were caught off guard without notice of any construction and closures on Aspen Avenue,” said photographer Shane Knight, owner of Shane Knight Gallery on East Aspen Avenue. “I learned from a friend who watched the news coverage airing on TV in Phoenix. I received the official start from the project manager two hours after it started with them cutting concrete in front of my store.”

With a rallying cry of, “Keep the Heart of Flagstaff Beating: Shop Downtown During Construction,” and led by Knight, a collective of business owners met July 25 at his gallery to come up with creative solutions. Their goal: to launch a collaborative advertising and promotion campaign.

Participating businesses are

Since 2006

Mountain Sports Flagstaff, Bright Side Bookshop, Mozelle’s Bakery, Flagstaff General Store, Shane Knight Gallery, Petit Marché, Shoes & Such, Weatherford Hotel, Incahoots and the Old Town Shops, which include Mix, Sage Brush, Basement Marketplace and Black Hound Gallery.

Natasha Greenhalgh, owner of Petit Marché on East Aspen, spoke about the challenges for her bakery, coffee shop and grocery store. “We are a grab-andgo concept with patio seating only, so the sidewalk and road construction will definitely have an impact with people having limited access to our business. And on days that our block is specifically affected, our guests will have nowhere to sit and eat or enjoy their coffee.”

Also attending the meeting was Hunter Hebert, the new executive director of the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA), the nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of historic downtown Flagstaff.

Hebert, who has specialized in revitalizing downtown areas, said it is “truly inspiring” to see the business collective come together with “strong camaraderie” to address “the unique challenges of a walkable urban environment.”

Hebert detailed the planned marketing strategy: utilizing traditional advertising through local media chan-

nels like Flagstaff Business News, KAFF News, Flag Live and Arizona Daily Sun; boosting engagement through cross-promotional social media posts; and leveraging the DBA’s digital marketing capabilities for targeted email blasts and social media updates to keep the community informed.

Other ideas brainstormed by the group include the use of sandwich boards and balloons to draw attention to shops, a creative scavenger hunt or coupon grab, and possibly a block

party, which might prove daunting as heaving sidewalks are replaced and the street is taken down to dirt level for resurfacing.

A few of the merchants will also be offering $1 off each purchase, which would help defray costs associated with parking. “Visitors simply need to ask about the $1 off when they come in,” Lamberson said. “If patrons take advantage of multiple store offers, visitors will be able to spend multiple hours

Continued on page 43

Sidewalk and road construction work during the busy tourist season has downtown businesses offering incentives like $1 off parking for shoppers and diners. Courtesy photo

Woman Business

of the Month

Women To Watch

From silver hair glam to ancient healing practices, a wellness studio and a bodybuilding championship, seven women demonstrate how they are achieving their dreams and elevating their impact

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Six months ago, seven highly driven, businesswomen gathered in Sedona during an epic blizzard for a five-day workshop called SHINE. Their charge was to clearly state their goals and message, boldly step into the spotlight and unapologetically inspire more people with their story, soul and style.

Flagstaff Business News caught up with these powerful women to hear their successes including influencing opportunities, exploring ancient wisdom to calm and heal the world, pivoting in the ever-changing real estate industry, creating a wellness studio, franchising a drone concept, gaining visibility for small businesses and stepping on stage in bodybuilding competitions.

SILVER HAIRED INFLUENCER ENCOURAGES ALL TO EMBRACE LIFE AT EVERY AGE

Fresh off a Las Vegas wedding photoshoot for David’s Bridal, Adelina Winfield exhibits all the glow and joy of a newlywed, and authentically so. Her 100,000+ Instagram followers know her as “FlyGrannyBK,” a glamorous 67-year-old silver-haired influencer, who married the love of her life at age 65 and encourages others to be themselves and live joyously at every age.

“It was a vow renewal campaign complete with an Elvis impersonator and iconic wedding chapel. We represented mature people having fun, which is what I push out online, too.”

In recent months, companies promoting stylish, comfortable shoes, healthy looking skin and joint care supplements have connected with

Winfield’s brand of beauty, style and vitality. The T-shirts she sells say it all: “Life is Grayt” and “Graytful.”

The Brooklyn native and fashion designer grew up in New York’s housing projects. “It was the ’60s and my mother used to cut her dresses shorter. I used the scraps to make dresses for my dolls.”

Since then, Winfield has traveled the world, shopping fashion hot spots like Paris, London and Barcelona and representing apparel brands such as Guess Jeans, Baby Phat and Urban Echo.

“It feels like the floodgates opened this spring and I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities,” she said. “People see me as relatable and credible. I influence Baby Boomers, but especially women over 50 about how to live their best lives in all areas, finding love at a mature age and looking fashionable over 50. You can still wear shorts at 50, 60, 70, I don’t care what people say.”

In 2019, Winfield decided to embrace her silver hair. “I let it come into its full glory and it changed my life in so many ways by embracing myself for who I am. I thought I would look older and I don’t. And the purpose of my life changed because I can inspire others to embrace their gray and this mature season of life with joy.”

Winfield also is working on a book, “Cornbread and Noodles,” a nod to the soul and Asian influences of her biracial upbringing. Her mother was Filipina, her father was black, raised in the South. They met during World War II. He served in the Army, stationed in the Philippines.

From the projects to Fashion Avenue, sprinkled with faith and lots of love in between – her sons are her biggest fans – Windfield shares inspirational quotes daily from her Prescott Valley home. “My message is consistent: Be brave with your dreams. Don’t be fearful. Go for it!”

FLAGSTAFF

PUBLISHER SEEKS

ANCIENT WISDOM, HEALING PRACTICES

Kimberly Trotta-Holmes has been a connector throughout her life, as an international project manager and engineer, publisher of Stroll Forest Highlands and mother of two. Now she is seeking the world’s ancient traditions and knowledge to connect herself and others with practices for clean, healthy living and to relieve pain from modern ailments.

“I think our whole world may be obsessed with muting the pain and emotions that we’re feeling, but to be able to let those loose and to discover where they stem from and how we can best use that for success, money and magic instead of illness, pain and surgery, that’s what I’m looking for.”

The seeds for this new chapter had been planted as she and her husband, Kip, began exploring different wellness modalities to spur them into a healthier lifestyle. “I was inspired to think about sharing all my adventures at the Sedona SHINE workshop and realized my project vision was very

large. Ultimately, I needed to have a community of like-minded people to begin this journey exploring the world and develop my own emboldened path as an inspiration for others.”

She began meeting with others focused on mind, body and freedom embodiment, while nurturing relationships with friends and coaches around the world. “I’ve come into community with people who are international mortgage brokers, financial planners, filmmakers, beekeepers, travel agents and others who are interested in balance and healing.”

She also developed her brand, KH Elements Marketing to promote retreats and workshops, along with her husband’s business, KH Elements Construction. “Kip and I have gotten involved in Brazilian jujitsu, morning yoga, cold plunge and breath work.”

In addition, she is practicing fasting, nutrition and exercise as a way of removing toxins from her body in order to start with a “clean” baseline as she adds natural therapies. In the coming year, she’s planning to explore healing practices in exotic locations including Costa Rica, Egypt and Bali.

“These rituals can take us out of our reality for a second and help us see a different perspective,” she said. “I’m learning how we can take charge of who we are, stand in our own rooted selves, feeling safe and not worrying about being judged or needing to numb ourselves with shopping, food, alcohol, drugs, sex or any other addiction.”

Trotta-Holmes plans to share her discoveries on social media and produce an informational hub. For more, visit @Kh.elements.of.chi

After selling 150 homes in three years, Lori Anna Harrison is doing what she’s always done: welcoming and preparing for change while creating a world of beauty for those around her.

Growing up in Flagstaff, while most little girls were playing with dollhouses, Harrison was seeing the world through blueprints – imaging what could be in the spaces between the lines. As a young adult, she worked on yachts, including Steven Spielberg’s, turning small cabins into luxurious retreats.

“Great things come in small packages and when you’re working on a yacht, you have to maximize every single square inch of that beautiful vessel. And that applies today, especially with first-time homeowners and affordability being a big issue across the nation.

Continued on page 40

ARIZONA REALTOR SEES BEAUTY IN SPACES, ANTICIPATES CYCLES

Lori Anna Harrison, Kimberly Trotta-Holmes, Linda Thein, Adelina Winfield, Roberta Hughes, Bonnie Stevens, Arvee Robinson and Colleen Biggs celebrate following a five-day workshop that kept them nearly snowbound in Sedona. Photo by Kay Lyons

Adelina Winfield

Winfield influences women about shoes and more.

Kimberly Trotta-Holmes

Lori Anna Harrison

Nearly 42 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older.

Flag Store’s Main Product Revered, Never Out of Style

By Peter Corbett, FBN

Robert Newman has the kind of store that attracts vexillologists, that is, people who study flags. It also appeals to just good, patriotic Prescottonians and Americans.

Newman owns Flags Galore and More just off State Route 69 at Diamond Drive in between Prescott and Prescott Valley.

The store sells flags of all stars, stripes and colors: American, Arizona, other states and nations, military branches and sports teams.

A 3-by-5-foot polyester American flag, made in the United States, costs $45. Go big with a 30-by-60-foot version of Old Glory, the kind favored by car dealerships, for about $2,500.

U.S. Marine and Army flags are the most popular military flags at Flags Galore, Newman said.

“Prescott has a lot of veterans who are proud of their service and want to display their flag,” he said.

The flag business is steady, with a revered product that seemingly never goes out of style.

Sales pick up each year around Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day, Newman said.

Flags Galore also sells, installs and repairs flagpoles. That can include adding solar-powered lights to illuminate flags after dark. Flagpoles start at $129.99 and come in three standard sizes — 12, 18 or 22 feet.

Newman, 45, and his wife, Melissa, acquired

Flags Galore and More in 2019. But the flag store was in business for about 20 years under two previous owners. It closed for about a month in spring 2020 because of COVID-19 but still managed online sales during that time. Since he’s had it, Newman said he has added a lot of America-themed merchandise beyond flags. The two-room store is stocked with windsocks, coffee cups, military-branch hats, stickers, refrigerator magnets, car flags and front-end license plates. It also features patriotic jewelry and belt buckles.

Business has been growing, Newman said, in part because Flags Galore has limited competition from big-box and other small retailers. He has one of the only brick-and-mortar flag stores in Northern Arizona.

Newman also owns Air-A-Zona Flag Co. in Mesa, one of the few flag stores in metro Phoenix. Each of his two stores has three employees. Flags typically last a year or more, depending on whether they are left out in harsh weather and other factors, he said.

In Arizona, state law dictates that homeowners associations cannot prohibit the installation of a flagpole in a resident’s front or back yard and must allow the display of up to two flags. That includes an American flag, military branch flag, Arizona flag, Arizona Indian nation flag, Gadsden flag, first responder flag, Blue Star or Gold Star service flags and any historic version of the American flag. Flagstaffs can only be as tall as a resident’s rooftop. FBN

Robert Newman owns and operates Flags Galore and More in Prescott with his wife, Melissa.

Photo by Peter Corbett

The Sunshine Award is a quarterly recognition for our non-nursing staff on Team NAH. It recognizes the impacts of our colleagues who work behind the scenes to help ensure high quality care for our patients. Recipients exemplify NAH’s mission and values.

Congratulations to this quarter’s Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) Sunshine Award winners:

Nominations can come from patients, families and colleagues.

// COMMUNITY PROFILE

// BY V. RONNIE TIERNEY, FBN

In Step with Greg Secatero

Deer whisperer, criminal investigator, ultra-athlete sets the pace for success

Greg Secatero is a quiet Navajo Nation lawman of extreme patience and perseverance who may well have covered more miles of the Four Corners Region on foot than any other human, past or present. With a reputation for knowing every location, every draw, every canyon where bad guys hide, hikers get lost or animals look for water, Secatero uses intuition, decades on the land and a natural understanding of people and animals to guide himself and others. Today, that combination of determination, heart and grit is carrying him over rugged territory and brutal conditions toward a Grand Slam of 200s as the first Native American to master four ultramarathons in one year.

RAISED IN HIS GRANDMOTHER’S

HOGAN

Dirt floors, blue corn mush and a weaver’s loom interlace the early memories of Secatero’s humble beginnings in Alamo, New Mexico, the

eastern edge of the Navajo Nation. “My grandmother could make something out of nothing. She would turn powdered jerky gravy into a meal.”

Before he was old enough for school, young Greg was looking after his grandmother’s sheep – as many as 300 – feeding cattle, hauling water and in charge of the butchering.

“For a while, I didn’t know anything beyond the sheep camp. We didn’t have any means of transportation. We would shear the sheep and sell the majority of the wool. With the other part, my grandmother would wash, spin and pick her own natural herbs for dye. I would help her with the loom.”

When he began school, Greg was speaking his traditional language, but the other kids were talking and reading in English. “I was at a disadvantage. I had to stop my native tongue and start with English. It was hard.”

Continued on page 39

Greg Secatero poses with Michael “Dark” McKnight, whom he calls a “running machine,” in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, while they were there for an ultra in 2023. Courtesy photo

Babbitt Ranches Offers Western-Style Respite at Colt Sale

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

They are police officers, social workers, ranchers and rodeo competitors from all over the Southwest – like Rough Rock, Cottonwood, Tuba City, Flagstaff, Chino Valley, Kingman, Prescott Valley and Albuquerque – who gathered in Northern Arizona on the second Saturday of July. One group of relatives drove from Ohio.

Some came to buy, many came to watch but most came for the fellowship and experience of this traditional summertime gathering at a Western working ranch in the serenity of Northern Arizona’s vast open landscape, where spirited horses roam the range.

“When you’re out here, you can forget all that’s going on in the world,” said Eddy Babbitt, a fourth generation Arizona Babbitt, about the Annual Hashknife Colt Sale at Spider Web Camp.

The Hashknife brand symbolizes the days of the Wild West in American history. It originally belonged to the Aztec Land & Cattle Company, which operated in Northern Arizona from 1884 to 1902. It later became the property of the Babbitt family. Babbitt Ranches has operated from Flagstaff since 1886.

To ranchers and equestrians, Hash-

knife horses have come to represent smart, solid horses with cow sense –strong enough to work all day, gentle enough for a youngster to ride and a working cowboy’s choice for navigating rough, rocky territory in the high-desert terrain.

Twenty-two colts and fillies were sold in the lively bidding contest that had auctioneer Reed Flake on his toes and scanning the bleachers. The polite

competition to own a highly sought-after “Hashknife” horse had the audience clapping and cheering for each successful bidder.

Alfonzo Begay, owner of White Hill Land and Livestock cattle ranch in Rough Rock, was one. The rancher competes in rodeos, including team roping and barrel racing. “Hashknife horses are easy to train. They have a good disposition and work well for the

ranch and rodeo competitions.”

The sorrel colt he bought last month is his 12th Babbitt Ranches horse. “The kids use them in kids’ rodeo competitions, too.”

Navajo Police Captain Thomas Yazzie and his wife, Sarah, a Kingman social worker, also bought a colt. “These are the best quarterhorses. They are workhorses and the grandkids love to ride them,” said Thomas, who

already owns 10 horses from Babbitt Ranches. “She was the last of the Cowboy Drift bloodline,” added Sarah of their new filly.

“Cowboy Drift is a stallion that carries the Driftwood bloodline, known to take rodeo contestants to world championship titles,” explained Babbitt Ranches Manager Clay Rodgers.

Another successful bidder was

Continued on page 43

The Annual Hashknife Colt Sale offers a journey back to the Old West. Photso by Kay Lyons Young cowgirls connect with wild colts on Babbitt Ranches.

Snowbowl Installing New Quad Chairlift

Arizona Snowbowl, in partnership with the Forest Service, plans to install and realign the Aspen chairlift this summer and fall, and have it operating by ski season.

The bottom terminal will be moved 190 degrees north of its current location, to improve the overall skiing experience. The new chairlift will service new lower intermediate and beginner ski terrain all within Snowbowl’s current Special Use Permit. It is part of several projects that were approved by the Forest Service in 2005.

Snowbowl officials say the new lift will shorten ride times to serve guests better. The fixed grip, quad chair with a bottom drive is manufactured by SkyTrac, located in Tooele, Utah.

In addition, new trails will be constructed by clearing vegetation and grading to provide access to the lower terminal of the new Aspen chairlift. The old Aspen chairlift will be removed and snowmaking infrastructure and utilities will be installed.

“After many years, Arizona Snowbowl is overjoyed to install a brand new quad chairlift to enhance the beginner and lower-intermediate experience for our guests,” said Marketing Coordinator Angie Grubb. “We are excited to improve the skiing at Arizona Snowbowl and look forward to seeing guests enjoy the new chairlift this winter.” FBN

GATHER TOGETHER IN STYLE WITH PRIVATE DINING IN SILVER PINE RESTAURANT.

Whether hosting an all-out bash in the restaurant, planning an al fresco event on the patio, or bringing friends and family together for intimate dinners in the private dining room, Little America takes the stress out of corporate events and special occasions.

This Arizona Snowbowl rendering offers a preview of the new Aspen quad chair. Image courtesy of Arizona Snowbowl

Pioneering Anchorwoman Mary Jo West Headlines Prescott-Area ATHENA Awards

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Women and organizations of the Quad Cities are being celebrated for their excellence in the workplace, in mentoring and in giving back to their community during the fifth annual Prescott-Area ATHENA Leadership Awards, 3-5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, at Starting Point in the Pine Ridge Marketplace.

Encouraging, entertaining and motivating the audience will be Keynote Speaker Mary Jo West, the first woman ever hired to sit in the Phoenix primetime news anchor seat. Her presentation, “SUCCESS: Getting It, Keeping It, Enjoying It,” will include tips and anecdotes from her extraordinary life.

“I look forward to getting to know the ‘Sheroes’ of the historic Prescott area and powerful women of Yavapai County!” she said.

West’s television news career took her from reporting news, sports and weather in the dual market of Tallahassee, Florida/Thomasville, Georgia, to the national network anchor chair at CBS in New York. She came to Phoenix in 1975 as a producer-host at the Public Broadcasting Station KAET-TV in Tempe. A year later, she was invited to share the anchor desk with legendary Phoenix newsman Bill Close at the CBS affiliate KOOL-TV.

“When she started in news, it was tough,” said retired Fox 10 weatherman Dave Munsey, who worked with West in the ‘70s and ‘80s. “She paved the way for all of these women in

Phoenix anchor chairs. Every one of them owes her something.”

“Mary Jo West was, and is, my idol to this day,” said recently retired Fox 10 anchorwoman Linda Williams, following West’s 2018 induction into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame. “She was the heart and soul of KOOL News for several years and she opened the door for all women journalists to follow. I could go on and on about her strength and character as a journalist, but it is her strength and character as a woman that guides me still.”

West continues to inspire women through her volunteer work in Africa, helping remote villages have clean water. She also has a college scholarship in her name, promoting excellence in communication and participates in workshops to help professionals improve their on-camera skills and increase their visibility.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Mary Jo West headline this year’s Prescott-Area

ATHENA Awards,” said Troy Bix, publisher of Quad Cities Business News, which hosts the event. “She is a true champion for women and, really, for all of us. She shows us what hard work, kindness and excellence looks like, which shines through in everything she does.”

Nominations are being accepted now for three categories: ATHENA Leadership, ATHENA Young Professional Leadership and ATHENA Organizational Leadership. For nomination forms, table sponsorships and tickets, visit www.PrescottATHENA.com. FBN

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Mary Jo West, shown here with Peacefull Living founder Roberta Hughes at a February SHINE workshop in Sedona, has been inspiring and encouraging women in communications and in life since television news brought her into our homes, starting in the 1970s. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

New Police Chief Returns to Flagstaff

Chief Sean Connolly brings decades of experience and a Stoic philosophy

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

Simplicity and an incredible love of life fused with balance and a positive outlook are all showcased in the persona of Flagstaff’s new Police Chief Sean Connolly.

With a welcoming smile and calm temperament, Connolly describes himself as a “practicing Stoic.”

“What I mean is, I believe that what we focus on in life, we will get more of.  If we focus on what is positive and working, we will get more of it. “

With a contagious love for Flagstaff, Connolly was born here and raised in Tucson. “My mom’s family moved to Flagstaff from Nebraska in the ‘50s.  My dad had served in the Vietnam War and was attending Northern Arizona University on a GI bill.  One day, he walked into the Dairy Queen on Milton and saw my mom, who was a young girl at the time. They fell in love. I’m a product of their love.”

The family moved Tucson when Connolly was young. He attended the

University of Arizona (UofA) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He later obtained his master’s degree at NAU.

“If you would have said that I would end up back here in this incredible city with this incredible police department, I don’t know if I would have won that bet,” he said.

Connolly is the first Flagstaff Police chief to be hired from outside the department. “Timing in life is everything. The chief here has always come from inside the organization. This does not go unnoticed every day for me and I’m super blessed. I just love the fact that I have the opportunity to be in such an amazing, intimate community.”

“We had five excellent candidates for this very important position, including two highly qualified internal candidates,” said Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton. “The review process included five separate panels, a community meet and greet and considerable deliberation both internally and externally. We are pleased with the outcome and we enthusiastically welcome Sean Connolly to Team Flagstaff. Sean brings a wealth of experience, excellent dedication, community impact and broad vision. We are very fortunate.”

A 30-year career with the Phoenix Police Department began with Con-

nolly serving as an officer for the South Mountain Precinct. He rose through the ranks to become the city’s assistant police chief. “I worked with some amazing people.”

He says the loss of his mom early

in his career taught him valuable life lessons. “I was able to spend time with her before she passed and she made some statements that galvanized who I am as a human and resulted in my purpose in life, which is to create

success for those I love and lead. After her death, members of the [Phoenix] Police Department wrapped themselves around me with support. That taught me something valuable in the role of

Continued on page 38

Jose G. | Journeyman

Matthew U. | Journeyman

Flagstaff Police Department Chief Sean Connolly, on Mars Hill, says he is happy to be back in Flagstaff where he was born.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Lessons from a Meteor

Right: Anthony Pelaez, executive director of the new nonprofit, Meteor Crater Education Alliance (MCEA), poses with the with the Hulsinger meteorite, the largest fragment of the meteor that struck in what is now Northern Arizona and created the enormous crater about 50,000 years ago. Left : Pelaez stands at the rim of Meteor Crater, located about 35 miles east of Flagstaff off Interstate 40.

Photo by Ximena Pelaez

// BUSINESS CENTS //

BY BONNIE STEVENS, FBN

How to Get What You Want

Bella is a quiet, mild-mannered 6-year-old that loves to play catch, go on walks and travel. She is small, but not too small to step on or lose in your purse. She also is quite content hanging out and accepting the day as it comes, which may include encounters with domestic and wild animals or a road trip. She’s fine with it all. She’s also a rescue, sort of. Her human mama died recently, and she needed a new home with a gentle environment and lots of hugs. Bella is the perfect dog – for us.

CAN ANYTHING BE PERFECT?

I say “perfect” a lot, and my friends call me on it. Perfect to me is when what we envision aligns with what shows up. And that’s why it is so important to know, as specifically as possible, what you want and what truly fits in your life. You have to be able to recognize it and then confidently say yes, or that opportunity may well scamper on over

on trails. We travel a lot, but when we can’t take a dog with us, we have a great support crew of dog lovers. With a mental vision firmly in place, you can recognize the answer when you see it bounce into your life with a ball in its mouth. That’s when decisions become easy. By sticking to your vision, there’s not a lot of room for vacillating, which can make Bella dizzy and a little nauseous.

GETTING CRYSTAL CLEAR

If you’ve ever bought a house, you know it’s a process. For a lot of buyers, it takes looking at many houses to narrow down what they really, really want and what will actually fit in their budget and lifestyle. Anyone who watches HGTV can understand how much patience realtors need to have sometimes when their clients continue to change their wish lists. I had to walk away the other day when a couple with two children and a

and an over-the-top lakeside view. That seductive sight cost them as much as a mortgage in monthly HOA fees and maybe some problems down the road with crowded, unhappy and perhaps vocal teenagers.

In business, we often see leaders make quick decisions, but I’m betting they’ve already done the work behind the scenes. They’ve played out different scenarios in their heads, done the research, sought out experts to answer their questions and have identified the best direction to go. So, when the right answer, product or potential new hire lands in their office, they know they have found the best solution, direction or fit and that’s why they don’t hesitate to make the decision.

BUT WHAT ABOUT ACCORDION GLASS DOORS?

Great question. Bella is very focused on what she wants – usually a dog biscuit or walkies – and scoring either of those

of each other and make a small living room look massive and super modern as they seamlessly let the outdoors in!

When you see these in a home, it’s hard not to want them, right now!

When we think this decision through, however, they may not fit our budget or our lifestyle or our environment.

Do you really want to leave your doors wide open that often in Arizona with temperature extremes, insects, aller-

with the amazing expensive collapsable window doors, invest in a remodel or make your realtor crazy.

Doing your homework, getting crystal clear on what you want and what will fit in your life and having the discipline to stay on your path toward that goal will likely lead to more “perfect” decisions, a lot of regret-free satisfaction and extra time for walkies. FBN

Bella gets what she wants. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

Understanding Your Hearing Test Results

By Jeff Lane, Au.D.

The first step on any hearing health journey is undergoing an examination. This exam provides you and the audiologist an understanding of your current state of hearing and allows for proper recommendations to be made. The findings are presented in a report called an audiogram. An audiogram contains both a written section and a graph. While the audiologist does review the audiogram during the appointment, it can sometimes be difficult to remember or fully grasp how to interpret your results. Proper interpretation in imperative, as it empowers you to be an equal partner in treatment.

HEARING THRESHOLDS

Hearing thresholds are presented graphically on the audiogram. The x-axis of the graph (left to right) represents frequency. Frequency is interpreted by humans as pitch, with increasing frequency corresponding to increasing pitch. Pitch increases from left to right along the x-axis. Thus, the left half of the audiogram would represent bass, while the right half would be treble. An average exam will test frequencies between 250 and 8,000 Hz. While human hearing can detect frequencies above and below this range,

these are the most important for daily communication.

The y-axis (top to bottom) represents intensity as measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL). On this scale, 0 dB HL does not represent the absence of sound, but rather the quietest sound that the average adult can hear. Intensity is interpreted by humans as loudness. A higher decibel level corresponds to a louder sound. Quiet sounds are at the top of the graph, while very loud sounds are at the bottom of the graph.

Your ears function both as combined and independent systems. As such, the audiologist will want to test the respective performance of each ear. The hearing thresholds for the right ear are represented by circles or triangles, while the left ear thresholds are exes or squares. Hearing thresholds are the quietest sound you can hear at a given frequency. For example, the right ear threshold at 1k Hz may be 20 dB HL. This would mean that at that specific frequency, the right ear can hear the sound when it is 20 dB HL or louder, but not below that level. This will hold true for the threshold of each respective frequency. The cut off for normal hearing is 20 dB HL, with 21 dB HL and higher representing increasing degrees of hearing loss.

SPEECH UNDERSTANDING

Another main component of a hearing exam is speech testing. Speech test results may be found in numerical form in a box typically located at the bottom of the page. Two main speech tests are typically performed. The first is the speech recognition threshold (SRT). It represents the quietest level at which you can understand speech 50% of the time. The SRT mainly functions as a way to verify accuracy within the test battery. A measurement that is more relevant to daily communication performance is the word recognition score (WRS). Your WRS represents how well your brain can interpret speech sounds and is reported as the percentage of words repeated correctly. When measuring the WRS, the words are presented at a loudness level that is easy for the patient to hear. A high WRS means you can understand words well, while a lower WRS means that the brain has difficulty interpreting the speech sound because of distortion in the auditory system.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THRESHOLDS AND SPEECH UNDERSTANDING

One important concept to understand is that your hearing thresholds and ability to understand speech are not

necessarily correlated. Better hearing thresholds do not always mean a better WRS; nor do worse thresholds always mean a worse WRS. Indeed, two individuals may have the exact same hearing thresholds, yet drastically different abilities to understand what is being said. So what influences your WRS? It all has to do with the frequency filters in your ears. Each speech sound has a different fundamental frequency. Sounds like “shh” have a higher frequency than “oo” would. When sound is picked up by your ears, it is sent through specially designed filters to help separate out all the speech sounds. As more damage occurs to the auditory system, those filters become less precise and overlap with each other.

Thus, “shh” and “oo” may appear to your brain to be coming from the same filter and it has difficulty distinguishing them.

While many factors are taken into account when deciding treatment, test results are a main one. By possessing a greater understanding of your results, you can feel confident in the decisions being made. FBN

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@ trinityhearing.net

Caring for Wild Babies and Racehorses

Rescuers step

in

to help and heal

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Nature can seem cruel sometimes, even among Arizona’s majestic wild horses. Since June, Wildhorse Ranch Rescue has taken in six sick foals, abandoned by the herd, and also provided financial assistance for a thoroughbred while its owner seeks treatment for a life-threatening disease.

“Every year, we take in orphaned and/or injured wild baby horses,” said Kimberly Meagher, Wildhorse founder and co-author of Alternatives to Auction and Slaughter. “We have a team of volunteers we call The Foal Club. These babies need care every two hours with milk replacement and often veterinary care to get them healthy and eventually adopted into wonderful homes.”

“They are the real deal,” said equestrian and animal advocate Ann Herrington. “Wildhorse Ranch is a true rescue operation. They paid for the veterinary services for these foals, the medications, the food, the shelter. I don’t know what would have happened to them if they hadn’t stepped in.”

Like the wild foals, Herrington found herself feeling vulnerable recently. With the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, her resources were depleting, along with her energy. Her concern stretched beyond her health to the welfare of her beloved horse of 12 years, Miss Pauleena, a 17-year-old bred for horseracing.

“When I realized I could not take care of Pauleena financially at this time, I was sick over it. I was worried that I would have to give her up.”

Herrington shared her situation with Meagher.

“As a rescuer, she helps others, especially animals,” she said about Herrington to The Tucson Dog. “When she called me about her re-

cent diagnosis and not being able to provide care for Miss P, I immediately wanted to do anything I could

to help. Ann’s first thought was that she had to give Pauleena up and she

Ann Herrington and Miss Pauleena have been together for 12 years. Courtesy photos

Continued

Wildhorse Ranch Rescue adopted six wild foals abandoned by the herd this summer.

How Technology Affects Our Hand and Wrist Health: Ergonomic Tips for Prevention

By Derek B. Smith

In our increasingly digital world, the use of technology is unavoidable. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and gaming consoles, our daily activities are intertwined with devices that demand constant interaction. While these technologies offer immense benefits, they can also pose risks to our hand and wrist health. Understanding these risks and adopting ergonomic strategies can help prevent long-term injuries.

Understanding the Impact: The repetitive motion of typing, swiping and clicking can lead to strain and discomfort in the hands and wrists. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and repetitive strain injury (RSI) can be exacerbated by poor ergonomics and overuse that can further compress nerves or irritate muscles and tendons.

ERGONOMIC TIPS FOR PREVENTION:

ƒ Proper Posture: Maintain a neutral body position with a straight back and shoulders relaxed. Avoid hunching over. Your wrists should not be bent while typing or using a mouse. Keep your elbows close to your body and your wrists straight to minimize stress.

ƒ Desk Setup: Position your monitor at eye level and at least 20 inches away from your

face. The keyboard should be placed so that it allows your arms to form a 90-degree angle at the elbows. If using a laptop, consider a separate mouse and keyboard to maintain proper posture.

ƒ Frequent Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Additionally, stretch your hands and fingers to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension.

ƒ Ergonomic Equipment: Utilize ergonomic tools such as keyboard trays, adjustable chairs and wrist rests. These tools are designed to provide support and reduce strain on your hands and wrists.

ƒ Adjust Your Grip: Avoid gripping your phone or mouse too tightly. A light touch is sufficient. Also, vary your activities throughout the day to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

ƒ Exercise Your Hands and Wrists: Simple exercises such as wrist rolls and stretches can strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. Regular physical activity contributes to overall joint and muscle health, helping prevent injuries.

As technology continues to evolve, so does the need to protect ourselves from its potential harms. By incorporating ergonomic practices into our daily routines, we can enjoy the

benefits of technology without compromising our hand and wrist health. Awareness and prevention are key, as even small changes in how we use our devices can make a significant difference in our overall comfort and health.

FBN

Derek B. Smith, M.D., is a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a focus on hand, wrist and elbow surgery. He welcomes patients to his Flagstaff and Cottonwood locations. He is renowned

for his expertise in non-surgical care and cutting-edge surgical techniques that promise superior patient outcomes.

For more about Dr. Smith and the comprehensive services available at Flagstaff Bone and Joint, visit our website at www.flagstaffboneandjoint. com, call 928-773-2280 or text 928-6286391. Our committed team is here to assist you in achieving a swift recovery and a return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Family-Owned Pinnacle Banks Focus on Their Communities

By Betsey Bruner, FBN

The roots of the bank go back 86 years to a rural setting in Palmer, Nebraska. It was the Great Depression and the town’s only bank closed.

Brothers George and Tom Dinsdale, both farmers by trade, decided to work together with some friends to help the community by starting a new bank that would be responsive to local needs. When it opened in 1938, they gave it an inspiring name: Pinnacle Bank.

George Dinsdale’s sons, Roy and Jack, took over the family business in the 1950s and began expanding. Today, still family-owned and operated, it thrives as Pinnacle Bancorp and has expanded to 167 locations in eight states: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming and, beginning in 2020, five branches in Arizona.

The focus is still on community with core values that reflect hometown virtues.

Pinnacle Bank, with two branches in Prescott and single branches in Scottsdale, Sedona and Flagstaff, is doing well, say bankers.

Cheryl Rolland is right in the thick of this success as vice president, branch manager and business development manager, supporting both Prescott branch locations. “We’ve grown so much in just over four years,” she said.

“We’ve been very blessed by the communities where we’ve put locations. I think the success at all the branches boils down to a few things: doing the right thing; building trust with our clients; and operating with integrity. We spend the time to really get to know our clients, making sure we build the relationship and understand how they do banking so that the trust is built between them and us. People have to trust their banks.”

Clients enjoy the benefits of working with a long established, family owned and managed bank, including the attention given to their businesses by the Dinsdale family.

“The owners are highly engaged with the activities of all their branches,” said Rolland. “But they give us autonomy to run the business, so that decision making is quick and local.”

Team members (selected on a rotational basis) and owners all come

together at a conference once a year to get information on the bank’s direction for the upcoming year and to celebrate new locations.

“They tell us if we operate with integrity, at the end of the day it will come back to you,” she added.

After starting with a tiny 100-square-foot rental location with no windows, the Prescott branch celebrated a grand opening this year with a brand new, state-of-the-art building on East State Route 69. The bank also has a branch downtown on East Sheldon Street.

“It’s been a fun journey starting a bank from the ground up,” Rolland said. “The owners already had institutions in Colorado and New Mexico and knew Arizona was the very viable stop for the next location. They knew Prescott is a community-involvement town. Prescott aligns with much of who they are as a company.”

One way the Pinnacle Bank shows community support is through its sponsorship of the Prescott-Area ATHENA Leadership Awards, an internationally prized honor that recognizes the achievements of businesswomen.

In addition to Prescott, the awards are given in multiple locations in Arizona including Flagstaff, Phoenix and Yuma.

“Again, community is so important to our owners and us locally,” Rolland noted. “We want to help recognize the success others have had and lift others up in our communi-

ty. It is such a pleasure to hear the background of the candidates and how they got to where they are. It is inspiring for sure!”

Rolland, who was born in the small town of St. Johns in the White Mountains, moved to Prescott Valley in 1993 to finish high school. After

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Employees celebrated the grand opening of the new Pinnacle Bank building in Prescott with Vice President Cheryl Rolland (back row, third from the right), and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Courtesy photo Continued

Avenues of the World Team Shares Recent Travel Adventures

By Monika Leuenberger

Yves and I just returned from a week-long cruise from Rome to Malta on the recently refurbished SeaDream II. The cabins were updated and we really liked the fresh look and additional storage space. The two hot tubs on the top deck added a nice touch and I also got to enjoy the hammock for a bit. Reading my book with great views of Taormina, Sicily caused me to pause and look up frequently. The new slide from the pool deck into the ocean is an absolute blast and several of us enjoyed every minute of the thrilling slide into the ocean!

We have always loved the staff and the food on SeaDream Yacht Club. The staff was as personal and caring as always, but the food was even better than ever before. The menus change daily, with a few staple items that are always available. We also tried the wine pairing dinner and were very impressed with the knowledge of the wonderful sommelier.

The sailing included two overnight stays: first, Sorrento, which gave us a chance to explore the town in the

evening and visit Pompeii the next day. Amalfi was another overnight stay, and having dinner on the top deck with the incredible views of the dramatic coastline was magical.

Our trip highlight was cruising past Stromboli Volcano, which was erupting about every 15 minutes at that time. Watching it come closer as we were cruising after dinner was very special. Once we were up close, the captain stopped the ship for 30-45 minutes so that we could just sit and observe the eruptions. INCREDIBLE!

Because it is a yacht, it does not have balconies and the cabins run small, but they are well appointed. The guest-to-staff ratio is excellent at 98 staff and 112 guests. But it’s not the ratio that makes the difference, it is the attitude of the staff and how much they love taking care of their travelers. That’s what is sure to make you want to sail with them again and again.

Meanwhile, Daniela Harrison just returned from Alaska on board the Regent Seven Seas Explorer. Regent is an all-inclusive line, meaning the cruise, meals, beverages, gratuities and shore excursions are all included

in the fare. This makes navigating on the ship easy and there were about 70 excursions in each port of call to choose from.

The ship is small, with under 800 passengers making embarkation and disembarkation a breeze. The passengers never had to stand in line or wait for anything, and there were always open seats at the restaurants and theater.

The public areas on board are well appointed and very comfortable. There is ample space for groups of friends and multi-generational families to spread out and enjoy the space, but there are also many nooks and hideaways for a more romantic couple’s retreat. The spa, gym and sports deck were always busy, and the cooking school and library were well attended. The lounges and atrium are host to multiple activities throughout the day and evening, pre-dinner music and lectures are followed by the big evening show and late-night music. Daniela says the evening shows were some of the best she’s seen in recent years! A wonderful variety of musical numbers, classic and modern dance, a magical comedian, and on

the last night, a most fantastic crew talent show.

Daniella explored Alaska by e-bike, sea kayak, helicopter, floatplane, packraft, nature hikes and rail. The trip highlight was a shore excursion to Norris Glacier in Juneau. After a 40-minute floatplane flight across multiple glaciers, the group landed at the foot of Norris Glacier. They hiked 15 minutes across a small island, learning about the new flora and fauna since the glaciers’ recess in the last 70 years. Then, they climbed into packrafts and paddled for about an hour through the ice shard field to the glacier front. The adventure included pulling themselves up onto the ice shore, embarking on the 40-minute hike across the glacier, drinking from a natural glacial spring and learning about the ice layers and geology. Then they did it all again in reverse. An AMAZING day! Other highlights were spotting a bear in Hoonah, and whales bubble-feeding in Skagway. FBN

To learn more about Avenues of the World Travel and our preferred supplier partners, please

join us at our 8th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo on Sept. 26 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff. Meet with world-renowned cruise lines, tour operators and hoteliers, face to face between 5-8 p.m. Check the September issue for a list of attending supplier partners and show details. Avenues of the World Travel Advisors will be on site to answer any questions, schedule appointments and assist with live bookings on site. Don’t miss your chance to secure amazing booking specials and enter our door raffle for vacation giveaways and much more! For questions, please reach out via 928-556-0853 or Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com.

Monika Leuenberger is the president and owner at Avenues of the World Travel. Daniela Harrison is a travel advisor and director of marketing at Avenues of the World Travel.

For more information, visit https://www. avenuesoftheworld.com.

// MAYOR’S ADDRESS // BY

BECKY DAGGETT

Securing Flagstaff and Tribal Water Supplies

On July 17, I joined Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley, Hopi Tribe Vice Chairman Craig Andrews and San Juan Southern Paiute President Robbin Preston Jr., for a ceremonial signing of the recently approved Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement (NAIWRSA or Agreement). Representing two other parties to the agreement at Heard Museum’s Steele Auditorium

in Phoenix were Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board President Terry Goddard and Salt River Project’s Patrick Sigl. In all, there are 39 entities who are parties to this agreement.

This historic agreement was a long time in the making. Since the mid-1990s, the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and parties to the Little Colorado River Adjudication, including Flagstaff, have attempted to settle water rights disputes through settle-

After months of ligation with the Navajo Nation in 2023, the parties turned to settlement and completed the settlement on May 9. This version of NAIWRSA confirms certain water rights for the Nation, Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, and also protects the existing water rights and uses of nonIndian parties, including Flagstaff.

ment. When settlement talks were not possible, the parties were actively litigating the water rights claims of the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation. Litigation had been ongoing since the 1970s - both expensive and resulting only in “paper” water rights for the Tribes.

After months of ligation with the Navajo Nation in 2023, the parties turned to settlement and completed the settlement on May 9. This version of NAIWRSA confirms certain water rights for the Nation, Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, and also protects the existing water rights and uses of non-Indian parties, including Flagstaff. Additionally, the San Juan Southern Paiute will finally have its own reservation, and it also provides funding for Tribal water supply projects.

The Agreement was unanimously approved by the Hopi Tribe on May 20, and the Navajo Nation and the San Juan Southern Paiute each unanimously approved the agreement on May 23. Flagstaff City Council unanimously approved the agreement on July 2, 2024.

The next step in this process is the

passage of H.R. 8940, sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani and co-sponsored by Representatives Eli Crane, Ruben Gallego, Raul Grijalva, David Schweikert and Greg Stanton.

The following excerpt is from my written testimony July 23 to the House Committee on Natural Resources:

“If approved by Congress, H.R. 8940 will provide funding for long-overdue water supply projects for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute. Flagstaff knows all too well that access to potable water in the region is very costly because of distance, bedrock and depth to water, and naturally occurring poor water quality.Federal funding for water supply projects is fundamental to ensuring the stability of our Tribal communities and the region. Hauling water is not a viable option for anyone, and inadequate infra structure among our Tribal partners must change for the better. Flagstaff supports H.R. 8940 because it will not only end litigation, it will also ensure the success

of the needed water supply projects identified by our Tribal partners for their respective reservations.”

Significantly, the agreement recognizes the City of Flagstaff’s Regional Water Supply Project and existing wells at Red Gap Ranch. Flagstaff purchased Red Gap Ranch in 2004 with the aim to secure a longer-term water future after drought triggered a city-wide water emergency the previous year. The Regional Water Supply Project would provide redundancy to the southwestern Navajo Nation and Flagstaff’s water supplies, further mitigating the risk of drought, wildfire and watershed degradation of Flagstaff’s water resources. The regional nature of the project would afford long-term water security for the greater Flagstaff area in the decades to come. This agreement recognizes Flagstaff’s existing wells; however, the project is currently unfunded and remains years away. FBN

526-7006/ (928) 526-6231

Becky Daggett is the mayor of Flagstaff.

Back2Basics Voices of Recovery: A Passion for Glass Art, a Center for Recovery

By Roy DuPrez

Before Robert Lewis was a behavioral health technician at Back2Basics helping others in recovery and before he was a glass artist working with Flagstaff’s premier glass artist, he was in his mother’s house with one last chance to quit heroin, a substance-use disorder he had had since he was a teenager.

“I had been through multiple rehab programs and when my mom found Back2Basics; we both knew this was my last chance to get sober,” said Lewis. “My mom gave me a backpack with my stuff and sent me to Flagstaff.”

Before joining Back2Basics, Lewis was frequently in and out of rehab programs. He participated in multiple outpatient programs, at least five inpatient programs and occasionally transitional living. He would quickly relapse after finishing rehab and be hospitalized multiple times in the months leading up to his arrival at Back2Basics.

After graduating from Back2Basics’ year-long program, Lewis can confidently state that it taught him the skills to stick with sobriety. He credits Back2Basic’s emphasis on outdoor

adventure therapy and community for helping him sustain sobriety when other programs couldn’t.

“Outdoor adventure therapy turned me into someone who can be disciplined when facing discomfort,” Lewis said. “However, the biggest thing is the program’s sense of community and accountability. Multiple AA meetings and group therapy with the same guys created a sense of camaraderie that I never got at other facilities.”

He went on to say that the six months in treatment and six months in the transition program helped build him up in ways a one-month inpatient program never could.

The six-month transition period allowed Lewis to pursue his passion for glass art once again. He developed this passion while working in a warehouse in Seattle with Glassybaby, a glass candle holder manufacturer.

“I used to make deliveries to glass studios and the work captivated me,” he said. “I paid for classes on the side, got my first entry-level glass-blowing job and never looked back.”

When he entered the Back2Basics program, Lewis had to put glassblowing on the backburner, a sacrifice that

almost made him quit the program.

“Glassblowing is always on my mind, and not being able to fulfill my passion for months was an anxiety-inducing experience. I almost quit the program just to find a place to do glass art. I am happy I didn’t go through with it.”

When Lewis graduated from the program, the first thing he did was find a place to blow glass. That search led him to Fire on the Mountain Gallery, a glass art gallery owned by Flagstaff Glass artist George and Holly Averbeck.

Lewis got a job on the spot because of his nine years of experience professionally making glass art. He works in the studio, helping Averbeck with his art and features his own glass art in the gallery.

“I really can’t thank Holly and George enough for letting me work in their studio,” Lewis said. “They have been so generous in helping me work on my craft here in Flagstaff.”

Glass art is a centering activity for Lewis, a way to keep his mind busy and productive when the challenges and stresses of recovery pop up.

“Glass art is a creative outlet that

Robert Lewis calls glass art “a centering activity” and a productive way to keep his mind busy and focused. Courtesy photo

Make Your Garden Firewise

By Misti Warner-Andersen

One of the benefits of living in the greater Flagstaff area is being surrounded by gorgeous forests.

Acre upon acre of ponderosa pines and aspens provides us with rich scenery, phenomenal hiking and biking, and an extraordinary opportunity to be close to nature.

There is a downside to this arboreal splendor, however, and it comes in the form of wildfires.

Our forests are densely packed, there have been historic droughts and every year, temperatures have been rising.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we just experienced the warmest June on record. Flagstaff had its hottest June ever, breaking a record that had been set back in 1974.

All of this means that wildfires are likely in our community’s future, which is why Firewise gardening and creating a landscape that helps protect a home in the case of a wildfire is a concern for many homeowners.

It might seem odd to talk about the threat of wildfire while we are in the middle of monsoon season, but your efforts to make your home and garden safe are a year-round effort, and now is a perfect time to start

The key to Firewise landscaping is making sure you have a “defensible” or “survivable” space around your home. “Defensible space” is a phrase coined in the 1980s to describe practices that would reduce wildfire threat to homes and provide a space where firefighters could battle the blaze to protect structures.

However, with more wildfires, there

are often fewer firefighters available to defend every home. So, a new standard, “survivable space,” was created to describe practices that make home ignition caused by wildfire less likely, even without direct firefighter intervention. This means thoughtfully planning out your landscaping to put more fire-resistant plants near your home and more flammable vegetation further away, breaking up vegetation areas with non-flammable materials like rock walls, making sure you aren’t creating a “fire ladder” and maintaining your property.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME GARDENING MORE FIREWISE:

ƒ Keep trees to a minimum within 10 feet of your house. Deciduous trees are preferable because they have low amounts of flammable resin and the leaves have high moisture content. Trees like aspens are great because they don’t accumulate large amounts of dead branches, needles or leaves that could fuel a fire.

ƒ If you do have trees close to your house, prune the branches so that they don’t touch or overhang your home. Additionally, prune low branches as well, so they are less likely to catch fire from flames

traveling along the ground.

ƒ Tree limbs within 15 feet of a chimney or encroaching on power lines should be removed.

ƒ The plants nearest your home should be more widely spaced and smaller than those farther away. Choose plants of high moisture content, such as succulents. Herbaceous plants such as bedding plants, bulbs and perennial flowers are also good choices near your home.

ƒ Your landscaping should be made up of small clusters of plants and not large masses. Break up these areas with decorative rock, boulders or stepping stones, which will slow the spread of fire on your property.

ƒ Remove dead vegetation, including branches, twigs, leaves and needles, as well as dried out grasses. Remember to remove plant debris in your rain gutters, too.

ƒ Make sure you get rid of ladder fuels. Sometimes, fire climbs vegetation just like the rungs of a ladder; a layer of pine needles catches fire, spreads it to a nearby shrub, which then spreads it to a tree. Removing lower limbs of trees or reducing shrub height can

help stop fire from moving up the ladder.

ƒ Rake up leaves and litter before and during fire season and if you have a lawn, keep it mowed.

ƒ Have fire tools handy, including a long (100-foot) garden hose, shovels, rakes and a ladder.

ƒ If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure your wood pile is at least 30 feet from your home or other structures.

No plant is 100% fireproof, and living in Northern Arizona doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy having trees, shrubs and flowers in your yard. But carefully planning, managing and maintaining your landscape can help prevent disaster when wildfires are nearby.

If you have any questions about Firewise landscaping or fire-resistant plants for your garden, please visit us at 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 928-774-1983.

Are You Hydrated Enough?

By Christina Kovalik

The summer heat can be intense in Arizona this time of year. It is easy to get overheated or dehydrated in the warm and dry summer months. A general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day. Water alone may not be enough to hydrate you, and the need to be hydrated may increase if you sweat a lot or work outside all day. Dehydration can hit suddenly if you are not consistent about drinking water and replacing electrolytes that are released during sweating or exercising in the intense heat.

Signs of dehydration include fatigue, headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, increased thirst, dry mouth, urinating less frequently, muscle cramps, and skin tenting (pinch the back of the hand to see the skin tent and not bounce back as quickly).

If you think you are dehydrated, get cooled off as soon as possible. Drink fluids and electrolytes and eat some hydrating foods. If it is extreme, seek medical help.

There are a lot of electrolyte drinks and powders that claim to help hydrate you. You must be mindful of the ingredients in those drinks,

as they are often packed with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and artificial colors and chemicals. It is important to read labels and know what you are consuming.

TOP TOXIC INGREDIENTS IN SPORTS DRINKS

Bromide is a toxic halogen that can be a hormone disrupter of the thyroid. If bromide is present, it displaces iodine in the thyroid and may cause thyroid issues and cancer. It is often found in sports drinks, orange soda and bread products listed as brominated vegetable oil or potassium bromate.

High-fructose corn syrup is derived from genetically modified corn and increases the risk of diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity. It also promotes inflammation.

Artificial food coloring Red #40, #2 and #3 are linked to cancer, hyperactivity and nerve damage. Blue #1 and #2, Yellow #5 and #6, and Green #3 cause different cancers of the brain, kidney and thyroid.

Artificial sweeteners have added to the obesity epidemic. It was long thought that diet soda or sugar substitute was the answer to decrease the harmful effects of sugar excess. But

recent studies have shown that some sugar substitutes are more harmful than sugar. The sugar-free substances act the same as sugar in the body, and some are more toxic than others. Some sugar alternatives have been linked to obesity, such as high-fructose corn syrup and aspartame.

Aspartame is an excitotoxin found in diet soda, gum and sugar-free products. It is linked to cancer, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and now, increased obesity.

Sucralose can cause shrinkage of the thymus gland and enlarges the liver and kidneys. Saccharin contains benzoic sulfimide, which was banned for causing bladder cancer in rats. It is now found by the FDA to be safe. Preservatives prevent spoilage and are used in many different kinds of foods. The general rule is, if you don’t know what the ingredient is and it has a chemical name, it’s best to avoid it.

MORE FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICALS OR SUGAR

Sugar alcohols, like xylitol and sorbitol, which are found in some toothpastes and gum, are safer and have mild effects. They can cause digestive upset and can spike blood sugar.

Stevia is derived from a plant and

it does not elevate blood sugar. Stevia actually regulates blood sugar and decreases sweet cravings. The downside is that some people feel that it has a different, non-sugar-like taste.

Coconut water has many health benefits. It is packed with minerals, potassium and antioxidants. It can reduce high blood pressure, lower risk of diabetes, and has antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation. There is a version of coconut water with vitamins and natural fruit flavors in most stores that I find is better than some traditional sports drinks that have high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring in them.

CHOICES FOR HYDRATING NATURALLY

ƒ Lemon water with a pinch of sea salt

ƒ Fruit water – add cucumber, lime, raspberries, mint to water to help hydrate

ƒ Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water a day. Tea and coffee don’t count.

If you are not a water person, add fruit or a splash of juice to it for taste.

ƒ Drink coconut water to hydrate naturally – it is

higher in potassium and minerals that replace what is lost during exercise or sweating, without the sugar, excessive carbs or calories.

ƒ Eat hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, celery, melons, peaches, oranges, berries and lettuce. Of course, try to eat organic berries, celery and lettuces to avoid the toxic pesticide use (look up the dirty dozen fruits and veggies to make sure to always eat organic when possible).

ƒ Consider an intravenous nutrient push or bag of fluid and vitamins. It is offered in a medical setting or by a medical professional to replenish vitamins and hydrate. Stay hydrated and prevent overheating in these hot summer months by making an effort or create a new habit of targeting the correct amount of ounces per day. 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.

Advocates for a child who has experienced abuse or neglect

Meets at least once a month with the child

Gathers information from all parties involved in the case.

Gives recommendations to the judge regarding the best interests of the child

You are Part of the Problem, But You Can Change

By Chris Hallows

Human behavior is one of the most fascinating things I’ve been able to observe in my 15 years of home lending in Flagstaff. We are blindsided on all fronts with lifestyle, advertising and, for better or worse, we all wear the proud badge of “consumer” all too easily.

This can stand at odds with larger financial goals and financial freedom. When I sit down with first-time buyers, I often try to lighten up the learning curve by joking “they don’t teach this in school,” but that’s the unfortunate truth. The concepts on how money works and how we can reach larger financial goals and financial freedom truly are not part of our standard education or upbringing.

Our current inflation economy has certainly highlighted this weakness on both a broad and individual basis. Let me explain in the context of the housing market. Post-Great Recession, we entered a very unique decade that was a perfect storm for affordability. Supply and demand conditions pushed home prices extremely low and to stimulate the economy, interest rate subsidies kept mortgage rates historically low as well. Like going from the couch to a 5K fun run, you didn’t have to really gear up for buying a home from 2010-2020.

The extreme affordability in that decade is hard to compare to what we are seeing today. While current affordability conditions make working toward homeownership feel more like

a marathon than a 5K fun run, the financial and social/economic benefits of home ownership are still very much worth the effort. What I wish to explore in this month’s article is that change of perspective. While we may see some improved conditions in the near-term for housing affordability, what really needs to change is us.

DEBT ACCUMULATION VS. WEALTH ACCUMULATION

We’ve all likely heard the old adage “you’re either paying interest or making interest.” The concept is simple enough, but the practice does require some discipline. I am not a financial advisor, but it doesn’t take a licensed expert to know that debt can get expensive! I get it when

consumers complain about mortgage rates over 6% but I scratch my head when I see the chart below seeing we’re at all-time high levels for national credit card balances, with average rates exceeding 21% annually.

That $6,000 vacation that took you 12 months to pay off costs $704 in interest. It’s the time cost of that decision that cuts even deeper than that $704. Do that consistently over five years and that’s $3,520. Let’s talk about the opportunity cost of that decision. I’m not saying don’t go on vacation, but let’s say you budgeted half the cost and took the other $3,000 saved plus the otherwise $704 interest cost and invested the $3,704 over the year. With an inflation adjusted 50-year average rate of return of 7.39% on the S&P 500, that would produce a total investment balance of $22,276 in just five years. That equates to only $308 per month invested and with compound interest grows into something certainly substantial. The root of this issue, I believe, is that we conflate needs and wants. This truly is a principle of delaying gratification for a great good. Getting ahead is as simple as getting a vision, creating the plan and unapologetically sticking to it.

HOME DEBT = FORCED SAVINGS

Why is housing debt any different from the fight against consumer debt? Two words: appreciating asset. What you don’t realize is that when you purchase the average priced home of $650K in Flagstaff with a national average of 10% down, you then get an appreciation not on the 10% you put down but on the $650K value

of the home that you have yet to fully own. Based on the 30-year average of Flagstaff appreciation of 4.3%, the net worth increase of a homeowner from a renter, based on current market interest rates and rents, is approximately $90K. That’s definitely outpacing our previous example of vacation savings. With current market rates, your monthly mortgage may be higher than a monthly rent on a similar property.

Looking at historic statistics, human behavior shows that this forced saving of investing in your home equity actually plays out to be the most effective investing tool with home equity being close to an average of 83% of the wealth in retirement currently.

Wherever you are in your current financial picture, there is likely room for improvement and room for more wealth creation with home ownership. Getting the first-time home purchase, buying that second home or rental property are all things that can be done in this market but need better habits and preparation to accomplish. Get on the path sooner than later and get your actions tracking to your dreams! FBN

For additional information or to schedule an appointment visit ChrisHallows.Benchmark.us or call 928-7078572. The Flagstaff location is 824 W Rte 66 Suite A-3.

Chris Hallows is the Branch Manager & Sr. Mortgage Advisor of Benchmark Mortgage Flagstaff. NMLS 306345 Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS 2143 |Equal Housing Lender

Advancing Flagstaff’s Economic Diversity for a Prosperous Future

By David McIntire

In the last eight months, the City of Flagstaff has completed a new Economic Development Strategic Plan, approved a new Workforce Development Analysis and Strategic Plan and reorganized its Economic Development Program. This new set of data-based strategies, implemented with the new program structure, will help advance Flagstaff’s economic diversity and prosperity into the future.

To begin, the city’s economic development efforts are often accomplished working with partners such as the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECONA), Moonshot, Local First, the Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center, Northern Arizona University, Coconino County and others. The Economic Development Program uses Bed, Board and Beverage (BBB) - Economic Development funding to support and grow the local economy in a number of ways.

One example is entrepreneurial support and facilities provided through Moonshot at the Incubator and Accelerator. This provides

businesses coaching and mentorship while founders get their business up and running. The BBB - Economic Development funding also provides grant opportunities to new and existing businesses through competitive processes such as the Innovate Waste: Carbon Neutrality Challenge and the Business Retention and Expansion Incentive. They fund assistance to reusing challenging spaces through the Adaptive Reuse Program. They also work with Flagstaff’s businesses to provide analytics to better understand customer demographics.

With recruitment efforts, the Economic Development Team reaches out to attract businesses that fit our community values as well. The team seeks to bring new businesses and jobs to the community. The team will work with any business interested in Flagstaff, but our recruitment efforts target businesses that fit our community profile and values. As a business attraction example, the new Economic Development administrator recently returned from a trip to California, with partners from ECONA and the City of Winslow, where they recruited businesses related to growth in the

electronics design and manufacturing supply chain.

To go deeper into the new plans themselves, the new strategic plan focuses its recommendations into four thematic pillars:

ƒ  Focus and Positioning of the Community: Involves numerous actions such as identifying and mobilizing around priority sectors and aligning our talent pipelines.

ƒ Branding and Awareness: Involves communicating Flagstaff’s value proposition and increasing the business community’s awareness of the city’s available opportunities and programs.

ƒ Sustainable Economic Development: Recommends establishing metrics for what sustainable business and economic development are, attracting businesses that meet those metrics, and identifying opportunities for infrastructure expansion.

ƒ Finally, Community Ecosystem Development would involve formalizing the city’s relationships with community partners to ensure the most effective efforts are being made and pursuing funding

The Three Cs of Mortgages: Credit, Capacity, Collateral

By Morgan Hagaman

When applying for a mortgage, lenders evaluate three critical factors known as the three Cs: Credit, Capacity and Collateral. These elements play a pivotal role in determining your mortgage terms, including the interest rate. A strong standing in each of these areas not only increases your chances of approval but can also significantly lower your interest rate. Even a 1% reduction in interest can enhance your borrowing power by 10%. Here’s a closer look at how each of these factors works.

CREDIT

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, derived from your credit history. It reflects how reliably you have repaid debts in the past. Lenders use your credit score to assess the risk of lending to you. The higher your credit score, the more favorably lenders will view your application.

ƒ Improving Your Credit Score: To enhance your credit score, focus on timely bill payments, reducing outstanding debts and avoiding new credit inquiries before applying for a mortgage.

ƒ Impact on Mortgage: A high credit score can lead to lower in-

// These elements play a pivotal role in determining your mortgage terms, including the interest rate. A strong standing in each of these areas not only increases your chances of approval but can also significantly lower your interest rate. //

terest rates, saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

CAPACITY

Capacity refers to your ability to repay the mortgage based on your income and employment history. Lenders assess your capacity by looking at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income.

ƒ Calculating DTI: To calculate your DTI, divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. A lower DTI ratio indicates a better ability to manage monthly payments and is viewed positively by lenders.

ƒ Improving Your Capacity: You can improve your capacity by increasing your income, paying off existing debts, or both.

ƒ Impact on Mortgage: Lenders are more likely to offer lower interest rates to borrowers who show they can comfortably manage their mortgage payments alongside other financial obligations.

ƒ Create a Monthly Budget: Download a budget and complete your

to address infrastructure needs and challenges.

The strategic plan also calls out specific sectors that data and analysis show as potential areas of opportunity.

These include:

ƒ Forestry

ƒ Food Processing

ƒ Advanced Manufacturing

ƒ Astronomy/Space

ƒ Biomedical/Healthcare

These are areas where Flagstaff has historic strength, where we already have a talented workforce, and where the education and research opportunities in the community are compelling. You can see more about what makes these areas our targeted sectors in the plan itself.

The Workforce Development Analysis and Strategic Plan identifies positives and challenges for the community and paths to work on them. Most of the work done in this area is led by partners, and the plan recommends the city continue to support those partners in achieving their great outcomes while potentially working with them to identify gaps where city BBB-Economic Development resourc-

es could provide the bridge. The team intends to work with our partners to do just that. One particular area that came up significantly in this conversation was childcare. The city is now researching what supports may make sense in addressing the challenging childcare environment. This would be beneficial both to assist hard working families and to help maintain a viable and sustainable workforce for our businesses.

There is a lot of great work to do to help Flagstaff to continue to grow in resilience and prosperity and in a way consistent with our community values. This new structure for the program and the data driven strategies identified in the City Council approved plans will allow staff to use time and resources efficiently and effectively. It is critical that the city and its partners continue to work together to support Flagstaff’s economic well-being to ensure we remain a diverse economy and that there are jobs in the community that can provide the great quality of life Flagstaff can offer. FBN

David McIntire is the community investment director for the City of Flagstaff.

expenses based off three months of current spending. If you do not have a budget, contact your local lender to receive a copy.

COLLATERAL

Collateral is the value of the property you are purchasing, which serves as security for the loan. Lenders want to ensure that the property is worth the loan amount, providing them with a safeguard if you default on the mortgage.

ƒ Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): The LTV ratio is used to evaluate collateral. It is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the appraised value of the property. A lower LTV ratio indicates lower risk for the lender.

ƒ Improving Your Collateral: Making a larger down payment can reduce your LTV ratio, making you a more attractive borrower.

ƒ Impact on Mortgage: Strong collateral can lead to better mortgage offers, includ ing lower interest rates.

ƒ Appraisal: Have the home appraised using three comparable sales.

MAXIMIZING YOUR MORTGAGE BENEFITS

The 3 Cs play a crucial role in securing a better mortgage. By improving each of these factors, you can not only increase your chances of approval but also secure a lower interest rate. Even a 1% reduction in your interest rate can significantly impact your borrowing power, allowing you to afford a more expensive home or reduce your monthly payments.

In conclusion, by focusing on improving your credit score, enhancing your capacity to repay and ensuring strong collateral, you position yourself for the best possible mortgage terms. This strategic approach can make a significant difference in your home-buying journey, providing both immediate and long-term financial benefits. FBN

Morgan Hagaman is a lifelong Flagstaff resident with more than 20 years of Mortgage Lending experience. For additional information, Morgan and the staff of Mountain Country Mortgage can be reached at 928-226-6908 or mountaincountrymtg.com. NMLS#243821

Galleries, Artists Share

As Arizona Handmade Gal-

lery prepares for “Dark Skies Downtown” in the First Friday Art Walk on Sept. 6, co-owner Holly Averbeck says every artist she has talked to about the event wants to participate.

“We’ve got five potters, three glassblowers and then most of our wall artists want to create a dark skies piece, too!”

“We have supported celebrations of the dark skies for a long time,” said Arizona Handmade owner and glassblower George Averbeck. “Why? Because Flagstaff is home of the Dark Skies.”

George plans to make his signature dark skies ornaments, vases and bistro glasses that have become popular items in his store, as well as in gift shops around the region, including at Lowell Observatory, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sedona Arts Center and the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Continued on page 38

Sharon McGinnis features her “Raven and the Snow Moon” watercolor at The Artists’ Gallery. Courtesy photo

Glassblower George Averbeck will display his vases, ornaments and bistro glasses inspired by the universe at Arizona Handmade this fall. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

Considering Firearms Accessories

By Rob Wilson

While purchasing a firearm is both a big decision and a significant investment, there are plenty of accessories that you should consider because they will contribute to the safe and responsible use of it.

Let’s start with a way to store it. You are responsible for the safe storage of your firearm. For many first-time firearms owners, a firearms safe is likely not necessary, but a secure steel handgun vault is. Handgun vaults come in a variety of sizes and shapes that are designed to provide quick access for you while denying those who shouldn’t have access to it.

When selecting a vault, make sure that it can be secured to something like a closet shelf, a nightstand or some-

thing else significantly large to prevent someone from walking away with it. If you’re going to use it in your vehicle, there should be a cable that can wrap around a permanent part of your car like the seat post. The most basic vaults use a key to secure them and are often a good choice. If you don’t want to rely on a key and/or there are multiple people that you want to have access to it, a button-type combination locking device is likely a better choice.

The most expensive vaults come with fingerprint sensors. They provide easy access but only if they are working correctly, your fingerprint is not obscured, and you scan your fingerprint the same way you did when setting it up.

The majority of defensive handgun uses occur in less-than-optimal lighting conditions. Safety rule No. 4 tells us

Tip of the Month:

we must know our target and what is beyond it, so you’ll need a quality, reliable light source. There have been tremendous improvements in “tactical” LED lights in the last decade and they now easily produce well over the 500 lumens of light that many consider the minimum.

You have two choices for types of lights: the first is handheld and the second is a weapon-mounted light, which actually goes right on your handgun. For the average civilian in a personal defensive situation, a handheld light is much more flexible because you can use it to identify a potential threat without having to draw your firearm and point it in the general direction. For that reason, we recommend a quality handheld light that has a tail switch (on the end, opposite the lens) to activate

Disconnect all outside garden hoses from wall hydrants in winter. Frost proof hose bibs require your hose to be removed for adequate draining of the barrel which is hidden inside the wall of your house and subject to freezing if not drained.

it. We strongly suggest that you receive training on and practice frequently with whichever light source you decide is right for you.

If you are planning to carry your firearm, you’ll need a quality holster that properly protects the trigger guard and retains the firearm well. There are multiple levels of firearm holster retention, starting with level one. A level one holster uses friction between the holster and the firearm to hold it in place. Some have adjustments so you can set that friction level to one you’re comfortable with. Keep in mind that a level one holster may not retain your firearm in a highly active scenario like a physical altercation.

Level two holsters use a locking device that must be released before the firearm can be removed. They have

very little, if any, friction, so drawing and reholstering can be done much more easily.

Finally, many of today’s modern firearms can be fitted with an optical sight. The red or green holographic sights add the benefits of shooting with both eyes open, so your peripheral vision is much better. They are also much more accurate for most people as the distance to the target increases. Do your research, as not all optics will fit all handguns. Make sure you select good quality firearms accessories; your life could depend on it. FBN

Rob Wilson is the owner (with his wife, Elise) of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.

6993 N. Columbine, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, Tel (928) 526-7006 | (928) 526-6231 www.intermountainaz.com | admin@intermountainaz.com Let our family take care of yours!

By Terry Baker

Corporate Philanthropy: Businesses Giving Back to Society

By Lisa Sahady

In today’s dynamic business environment, corporate philanthropy stands as a cornerstone of how companies engage with and support their communities. By actively participating in charitable initiatives, businesses not only contribute to societal well-being but also bolster their own performance and enhance their brand reputation.

Corporate philanthropy includes a wide range of activities aimed at positively impacting society. These include charitable funds, employee giving programs, competitive grant cycles, scholarships, and project-based services. Such initiatives are often structured to address specific community needs and are integral to a company’s broader commitment to social responsibility. Ultimately, corporate philanthropy catalyzes positive change, aligning business goals with societal needs and demonstrating a commitment to ethical practices and community stewardship.

REAPING THE BENEFITS

Corporate philanthropy is a power-

ful tool for businesses to give back to society in meaningful ways. By engaging in charitable activities, businesses can enhance their brand, improve employee engagement, and make a lasting positive impact on their communities. Both businesses and nonprofits must work together strategically to ensure their efforts are impactful and sustainable, fostering a better future for all.

Involving employees in social impact activities is pivotal in uniting teams, especially those who are remote, and revitalizing company culture. Corporate philanthropic efforts not only strengthen corporations but also attract and retain talent. As employee expectations for corporate responsibility and sustainability rise, corporate philanthropy serves as a crucial tool in fostering employee engagement and maintaining a productive workforce.

MEASURING THE IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS

Measuring the impact of corporate philanthropy is crucial for companies to assess the effectiveness of their efforts. This involves tracking the

amount of financial donations and in-kind contributions made, as well as monitoring the hours employees dedicate to volunteer work. Additionally, collecting data on the number of beneficiaries and communities impacted provides insight into the reach and scope of their contributions. Analyzing participation rates in employee giving programs also helps gauge the level of engagement and commitment within the workforce, ensuring that philanthropic initiatives align with broader business goals and community needs.

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES

In navigating corporate philanthropy, companies encounter various challenges alongside reaping its benefits. One common hurdle is the limited availability of sponsorship opportunities, which can be exclusive or invitation-only, posing barriers for new nonprofits seeking support. Businesses often contend with a high volume of donation requests, making it complex to prioritize and decide which causes align best with their mission and resources. Another challenge lies in the communication

gap between nonprofits and corporations, where some organizations may struggle to effectively articulate their needs or make compelling requests for support.

Despite these challenges, corporate philanthropy takes diverse forms that reflect a company’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. For instance, businesses may establish scholarship programs or fund educational initiatives that resonate with their values and objectives. These initiatives not only contribute to societal well-being, but also strengthen employee engagement and brand reputation.

By addressing these challenges and adopting strategic approaches, both corporations and nonprofits can collaborate effectively to maximize the impact of corporate philanthropy on communities and stakeholders alike.

GET STARTED WITH THE HELP OF A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Community foundations can help you determine the best mix of funds to include in your corporate philanthropy portfolio. This includes charitable funds, employee giving

programs, competitive grant cycles, scholarships and project-based services.

For charitable funds, community foundations can handle the back-office administrative tasks, including vetting nonprofit organizations, managing scholarship applications and reviews, issuing grant/scholarship payments, and communicating with grantees and scholarship recipients.

Depending on your company’s individual needs, community foundations can provide strategic consultation, customized solutions, grant and scholarship administration, consultation on tailored investment options, development of corporate giving programs, education and training, and guidance. FBN

For more information on corporate giving, visit azfoundation.org/corporatephilanthropy, or call one of our offices serving northern Arizona: ACF of Yavapai County at 928-583-7815, ACF of Sedona at 928-3997218, or ACF of Flagstaff at 928-526-1956.

Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award®, which will be presented to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

Nominations are also open for both the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.

Nominations are now being accepted until August 2 at prescottathena.com

Celebrating Dark Skies Downtown

First Friday Art Walk begins six-week Celebration of

the Night

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Telescope viewing, music, dancing, jewelry, paintings, glasswork, beer and more will be part of “Dark Skies Downtown” as the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and Downtown Business Alliance join forces to invite locals and visitors to the heart of the city in celebration of Flagstaff’s famous night sky on First Friday Art Walk, Sept. 6.

“Our dark skies are indeed part of the deeply valued natural wonders that have come to define Northern Arizona and the people who live here,” said Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition member Chris Luginbuhl. “Inspiration from our dark skies shows up in art galleries and businesses and we are thrilled to be spotlighting our local creativity as well as stargazing on Heritage Square with volunteers from the Coconino Astronomical Society.”

Arizona Handmade Gallery, West of the Moon Gallery, Mountain Sports Flagstaff, Bright Side Bookshop, Phoenix Avenue Gallery, Art 35degrees North, The Hive Flagstaff, Human Na-

ture Movement Arts Studio and Dark Sky Brewing Company are among the participating businesses and organizations opening their doors in celebration of dark skies.

“The Milky Way above the San Francisco Peaks, the stillness of a starlit forest, the moon highlighting rock formations, a campfire’s warmth within the darkness of a quiet night –these inspire artists to create and spark

personal memories in their viewers,” said Stephanie Stinski of Arizona Handmade. “The dark starry skies are precious to all of us and we’re grateful for the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition’s efforts to keep them an inherent part of Northern Arizona.”

Jewelry maker Avari Copp of Reed and Rush is displaying her crescent moon earrings, starry rings and other innovative pieces at Mountain Sports.

through

helps me manage stress in my own life. Glass centers me because it takes all of my focus and is a productive and rewarding distraction from the outside world. When I don’t blow glass, I feel like I am in withdrawal, and it is an amazing feeling to have a productive passion like that.”

When Lewis is not doing glass art, he is at Back2Basics helping guide others through recovery as a behavioral health technician and mentor. Lewis wanted

to thank Back2Basics Clinical Director Natalie Randolph and his mother, who helped him through the recovery process and supported his glasswork. 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, ages 18 to 35, 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.

“Being a Flagstaff local, our dark skies have been a constant source of inspiration and comfort for me. I started stamping forest nightscapes into my work as a way to remind myself and my clients of the importance of preserving and protecting our sweet mountain home,” she said. “They also often serve as a way to carry the forest with us wherever we go and a gentle reminder of home.”

Meanwhile, a collaboration involving Phoenix Avenue Gallery, Art 35degrees North, The Hive Flagstaff and Human Nature Movement Arts Studio will offer a dark skies event featuring live mural painting, art exhibitions, music, dance, poetry and performance storytelling.

“We create in the dark space, filled with starlight and nebula incalculable,

They were just getting their footing when the pandemic hit, slimming the staff from nine to two. Like other small business owners, they adapted to curbside takeout and discovered an unlikely blessing in disguise.

While diners were searching for places still open, they found Go Sushi. Through word of mouth, the restaurant’s reputation grew. And now, Go Sushi is able to offer a wide menu of raw and cooked dishes – sashimi, rolls, Te Maki (hand rolls) and Nigiri, as well as noodles, Bento and Thai.

Thus, the front of house is coming together as an izakaya (literally, “staydrink-place”) where late-night customers can imbibe and order yakitori skewers and bar snacks. Chotabtim is able to mentor Executive Chef Ivan Hernandez while focusing on RiceThings and plotting to, one day, open a full-on izakaya. He’s following his dream with perseverance and patience.

“You just have to hang in there and believe,” Chotabtim said. “Take care of staff first. Dishwashers become sushi chefs. The pawn can be as important as the general.”

Meanwhile, RiceThings Manager New Boonphow is building its social media presence and boosting RiceThings’ rise. And Chotabtim is moving forward with all systems go. FBN

As a Back2Basics behavioral health technician, Robert Lewis, a Flagstaff glassblower, helps others

recovery so they can return to their passions. Courtesy photo

GLASS continued from page 27

SUSHI continued from page 3

The Chef’s Special duck curry offers a pungent burst of flavor. Courtesy photo

Telescope host Susan Marshall shares her binoculars with Lisa Foley during a downtown star party. Courtesy photo

The night sky designs of fiber artist Arline Martens will be on display at Arizona Handmade Gallery. Courtesy photo

with miraculous synchronistic alignments surrounding us, as we spiral around the sun, spiraling around the center of our Milky Way’s unknown journey,” said Frederica Hall, artist and owner of Phoenix Avenue Gallery. “Starlight that travels light-years to reach Earth has evoked our minds to create dreams, musings and inquiry of observable reality, often represented in our art.”

The Coalitions’ Celebration of the Night spans six weeks, September through mid-October, beginning with First Friday Art Walk, Sept. 6. Other events include the “Artist Reception and Enviro Partner Night” at Mountain Sports with new t-shirts and sweatshirts to raise funds for dark skies, Thursday, Sept.12; virtual telescope viewing with Lowell Observatory, Wednesday, Sept. 25; the Flagstaff Star Party at Buffalo Park, Sept. 26-28, featuring stargazing with more than a dozen telescopes and astronomy presentations at NACET, in conjunction with the Flagstaff Festival of Science.

“This year’s season in science and creative expression is setting up to be the best yet,” said Luginbuhl. “Flagstaff’s crisp autumn skies are ideal for spectacular views of the universe and for allowing our imaginations to soar.” FBN For more information, visit Flagstaffdarkskies.org or FlagstaffStarParty.org.

Last November through May, George’s dark skies pieces were on exhibit in Terminal 4 at the Phoenix Airport Museum. “We got involved in promoting dark skies when the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition had its very first NightVisions exhibition at the Coconino Center for the Arts in 2001.”

Since then, Averbeck’s colorful swirling glass designs have expanded from depictions of waves to movement of the cosmos, especially popular during Pluto and moon celebrations and events.

Across the street, artists of the Artists’ Gallery are excited about the dark, as well.

“I plan to have some paintings with the moon,” said watercolor artist Sharon McGinnis about the September First Friday Art Walk. “It’s amazing that each month has a different moon. Most recently, I made a painting called, ‘Raven and the Snow Moon.’ It’s currently in the gallery.”

Other galleries featuring the dark skies this fall include West of the Moon Gallery and Phoenix Avenue Gallery.

The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition recognizes local art galleries for their role in promoting an appreciation of Flagstaff’s dark skies and the artists who offer their expressions of our starry nights that shoppers can take home with them.

FBN

leadership about what a quality organization does to care for its employees.”

“We’re excited to have such a rich source of professional knowledge, experience and positive energy leading our organization,” said Flagstaff Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Lasiewicki. “Chief Connolly is a welcome addition to our team. I’m optimistic about the future of FPD and our community.”

Calling the Flagstaff Police Department “victim centric,” Connolly’s vision includes a focus on recruitment and retention, learning to be more efficient by using technology, and incorporating a data-driven. real-time operation center involving other agencies.

“Ensuring we increase the quality of life in our community is a priority,” he said. “I also believe in virtuous policing. The four virtues I want all of our officers to embrace are courage, wisdom, temperance and a sense of justice. In the brief time I’ve been here, this department has demonstrated amazingness. There’s incredible relationship and intellectual capital in this department and I look forward to molding it even further as we move along together.”

Fostering a work-life balance is another aim of Connolly’s.  “It’s really easy for us in law enforcement to not unplug. I think one of the reasons I’ve been successful in life is that I’ve been very diligent about unplugging, and I encourage my department to do the same.”

With a great love of the outdoors, Connolly is an avid sportsman who loves to hunt and fish. He enjoys hiking and riding mountain bikes. “I love everything outdoors.”

Connolly has two grown sons. His oldest played football for UofA and currently is a Phoenix Police Officer. His youngest son recently graduated from NAU with a degree in forestry. Two golden doodles also light up his life.

HORSES continued from page 22 wanted her to go to a safe place. As Ann and I talked, we came up with a practical solution.”

The plan called for Wildhorse to take temporary ownership of Pauleena. But rather than bringing the horse to their ranch in Gilbert, they found a way to keep her with Ann in Northern Arizona.

“She’s always lived in Northern Arizona, and I was afraid she may not do well in the heat,” said Herrington. “She’s a very sensitive being and because we are so bonded, sending her to the Valley would have hurt both of us deeply.”

As with the rescued foals, Wildhorse took care of Pauleena’s needs, which included veterinary care for a torn back ligament. “I am deeply grateful,” said Herrington.

Not comfortable asking for help for herself, Herrington is encouraging others to consider a donation to Wildhorse Ranch Rescue in

Pauleena’s name to help recover the costs. In addition, Pauleena needs to be hand-walked for six months to a year while she recovers from her injury. Thus, Herrington is looking for a volunteer who can take on this task once or twice a week.

Meanwhile, the foals have received a clean bill of health and Ann’s condition has stabilized. She is convinced a big part of her recovery is being close to Pauleena. “I see her almost every day here in Chino Valley. And I cannot thank Kim and Wildhorse Ranch Rescue enough.”

For more information or to donate to Wildhorse Ranch Rescue, visit wildhorse.org or call 866926-8007. Checks may be sent to Wildhorse, P.O. Box 3080, Gilbert, AZ 85299, along with a note about how the donation is to be used, for example, for Miss Pauleena, cats, dogs, baby horses or where it’s needed most.

“Every year, we take in orphaned and/or injured wild baby horses,” said Kimberly Meagher, Wildhorse founder and co-author of Alternatives to Auction and Slaughter. “We have a team of volunteers we call The Foal Club. These babies need care every two hours with milk replacement and often veterinary care to get them healthy and eventually adopted into wonderful homes.”  //

FBN

Flagstaff Police Department Chief Sean Connolly gets comfortable in his new office.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

CONNOLLY continued from page 18

Wildhorse Ranch Rescue will celebrate 30 years of supporting and saving animals in January. FBN

Wildhorse Ranch Rescue adopted six wild foals abandoned by the herd this summer.

The work of jewelry maker Avari Copp of Reed and Rush will be featured at Mountain Sports this fall. “Our dark skies have been a constant source of inspiration and comfort for me,” she says. Courtesy photo

DARK SKIES continued from page 36

CHAMPION continued from page 32

BUILDING FENCES AND CHARACTER

As he grew older, cross-country running, basketball, and forest thinning and fence-building with his uncles taught him discipline, while shaping his character and earning him money. “I learned a lot of different teachings and a man’s perspective from my uncles. They taught me that there’s always balance. And, as little as I was, I’m pretty sure I was helping with their workload. But what’s so cool about it, they put me on their payroll.”

They also introduced him to hunting. “I remember archery hunting in junior high. My first kill was an elk.”

He also recalls the impact of meeting NBA champions Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, James Worthy and Michael Cooper of the Los Angeles Lakers at a basketball training camp. From that moment on, he’d save his earnings for a wardrobe of court shoes.

Meanwhile, Greg was raising a calf that his mother had purchased – one for him and one for his brother. “We raised those calves, they produced offspring, and by the time I was in high school, I had 60 head of cattle.”

TRAINED BY THE ARMY, HIRED BY NAVAJO POLICE

Upon high school graduation, Secatero joined the U.S. Army. “I was a combat engineer, responsible for setting up obstacles by any means, using the terrain, trees, rocks, wires, anything to block a place.”

He also was trained to clear the path and breach obstacles. “We had to learn how to recognize, arm and disarm landmines. They even taught us how to make our own explosives. To do all this, you had to do math because with these different types of fuses you would have to nail down the correct timing. We saw what hundreds of pounds of explosives can do.”

He also learned that he could advance by doing more homework, practicing his shooting skills, and keeping up his physical fitness along with his uniform and overall appearance. “I was fortunate enough to be put into a leadership school and promoted to sergeant.”

At age 21, he decided not to re-enlist and applied to the Navajo Nation Police Department instead. Within months, he was in the Navajo Police Training Academy. After excelling as a patrol officer for three years, he became part of the prestigious Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations (NDCI).

“Between my work ethic, tracking skills and arrest rate, my mentor saw that my caseload was much higher than my co-workers’ and he helped me develop as a leader.”

DEER WHISPERER, CRIMINAL CHASER

Since his early years as a shepherd and hunter, Secatero has studied ani-

mals and their behavior. He says this knowledge, plus situational-awareness training from the military and police academy and his own intuition have refined his skills for tracking game animals and people.

As a hunting guide, he has a reputation for leading archers to trophy deer. “Greg is exceptionally talented and ambitious,” said FBN Publisher Troy Bix. “In hunting circles, he is affectionately known as ‘The Deer Whisperer.’ Combine that with his patience, determination and achievements, he’s got to be the best there is.”

“I’ve guided people to the largest deer killed on the Reservation,” said Secatero. “People have these grand expectations. My biggest one is so small compared to the ones I’ve guided people to.”

His extraordinary abilities also have served him and the Navajo Nation Police Department well when it comes to searching hidden chasms and out-of-the-way gullies of the vast Navajo Nation for missing people and bad guys. He recalls tracing the steps of a murder suspect in Fluted Rock near Window Rock as a young investigator.

“This guy had killed a grandma. We found his vehicle and investigators were searching 360 degrees from the location but were tracking out. I knew something was wrong. From hunting other animals, I know that instinct takes over.”

Secatero believed the suspect was backtracking over his own shoe impressions and was going in the opposite direction toward his house. “In mid-afternoon, I got some people to cover me as I tracked into the night.”

At midnight, Secatero was still tracking in the dark of the forest.

“The suspect’s shoe impressions led us to a compound. Inside, we found houses. And that’s when it got creepy. His shoe impressions led back over our shoe impressions.”

Secatero and the other officers found the suspect inside his house with the gun positioned under his chin. “We cornered him. He was getting ready to pull the trigger and we tried to negotiate. But I knew he was hungry. I had some Beanie Weenies, little hotdogs, with me. I rolled three or four of the cans along with a flashbang [stun grenade] toward him. He took his finger off the trigger, reached for a can and the flash-bang went off. This stunned him. We were able to disarm him and get him into custody. I was able to use my tracking techniques, and it was a good ending.”

ON TRACK FOR A GRAND SLAM

“Running in our culture is really significant,” said Apryl Joe, Secatero’s ultramarathon crew captain and a team member with Change Labs, a Tuba City nonprofit that supports Navajo and Hopi entrepreneurs.

“It has a big purpose in the teachings of Diné people,” she said. “It’s about getting out before the sun comes up, running toward the east and praying. Some do this in practice; it’s also used in some of our ceremonies.”

Joe met Secatero in 2022 at the Bears Ears Ultra run in Utah. “He did the 50-mile race. My uncle was also participating.”

The two met again last year during the Cocodona 250, a grueling fiveday, 250-mile foot race across iconic trails and towns from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, with nearly a 40,000foot elevation gain.

“He is definitely driven,” she said of Secatero. “He actually got into ultra running a little over two years ago. He ran the Cocodona last year when ultra running was very new to him. He only had a couple of ultras under his belt and he just signed up. Greg is determined. He sets a goal and works really hard to get it.”

Secatero did not have a coach at the time. He learned a lot about hav-

ing a strategy for sleeping and staying hydrated. “The hardest time for me to stay awake is between 3 and 5 a.m. I was hallucinating plenty and it took my body six months to heal.”

Now, at age 49, his goal is to run four ultramarathons in the same year and become the first Native American to complete the Grand Slam of 200s.

He finished the 2024 Cocodona in a little more than 114 hours, three hours and 14 minutes faster than his time the year before. “It’s kind of weird,” he said of the hallucinations he experienced during the 250-mile race. “I was right on mile 200 with Tim Deel, my pacer. We were trying to get to the next aid station and I saw a 6-foot husky puppy on the side of the trail. I walked up to it and tried to give it some of the food that I had. And then I thought, ‘Puppies should only be tiny!’”

Just three-and-a-half weeks later, in early July, he completed the Tahoe 200, a journey around the largest alpine lake in North America. “I’m trying to ask my body to heal faster.”

“It was challenging, but he did really well there,” said Joe. “I wasn’t on site, but we had been in contact throughout the race. He finished strongly.”

In the three-week break before the next endurance run, he’s preparing for the Big Foot 200 starting at Mount St. Helens in Washington on Aug. 9. After that comes the Moab 240 in Utah this October.

AN INTENT TO INSPIRE

As the senior criminal investigator, a supervisor and captain for the NDCI overseeing the northwestern portion of the Navajo Nation, Secatero’s job includes investigating major crimes and also coroner duties.

“It makes you think what people can do to extend their lives. I figure more people can live a little longer and not be crippled by illnesses like

diabetes and hypertension. We have control over this. In my own life I’m not going to fall victim to these types of preventable illnesses. It’s what keeps me exercising. Hopefully, I’ve inspired others to get out there and take this sport to another level. Action speaks louder than words.” FBN

MOST IMPORTANT LESSON

The most important lesson I taught my kids [two sons and two daughters, now adults] was to be honest and truthful, and to be themselves.

MEMORABLE SAYING

One of the classic sayings that my grandmother would use often was the Navajo version of “It all depends on you.” To me, that means it all depends on how much effort you put into something. If you put in a little bit of energy, you get a little back. If you put in a lot of effort, the possibilities are endless.

FAVORITE MEAL

If I had to order the same thing every day, it would be steak and eggs. I like having breakfast for lunch and dinner, too.

WHERE I GO TO RELAX

Mount Hesperus in Colorado is one of the sacred mountains for the Navajo and one of my favorite places to visit. I caught the biggest trout of my life fishing on a lake nearby.

IF I COULD CHANGE THE WORLD

I wish people would take a little bit of time to themselves. Kids would get off the video games and people would spend a little bit of time prepping and cooking their meals, rather than gravitating to processed foods.

Top Left Greg Secatero, far right, is grateful to crew members Shunbaah Begay and Lavern Joe, and pacers Brandan Bowie and Zak Jansen, who helped him through the Tahoe 200 last month. Top Right Shown here with pacers, Ethan Liebross, Brandon Parker, Tim Deel, Samuel Nockideneh and Brandan Bowie, Secatero completed the

Cocodona 2023. Missing is Roger Stash. Courtesy photos

Small does not mean that it’s not beautifully designed; good design does not have to cost more.”

Harrison uses her accounting degree and MBA to help clients figure out their budgets and buy a home of their dreams while still being able to enjoy splurges, like going out for a nice dinner.

Her gift for seeing what can be has won her awards and built a loyal fan base of homebuyers and sellers. And now, as the market is shifting again, she is anticipating the silver lining in foreclosures.

“It’s not 2009 at all, but I see the writing on the wall. History may be repeating itself. Recently, 0% loans were approved by a national lender. In addition, people can now borrow $15,000 out of the equity in their house to start the lending process on a new home, which puts them in a precarious financial position to begin with. The rules for home equity loans are becoming less stringent, rent is astronomical and credit card debt has shot up.”

Noting that foreclosures are not particularly high right now, “there are plenty of them at the moment,” she says, “enough to buy, fix them up and flip or live in.” And that, she sees as her new opportunity.

This summer, she has taken classes and learned the home foreclosure and wholesale auction process. She is also taking time to catch her breath and enjoy the calm following the real estate frenzy of recent years. On a solo restorative road trip through Arizona last month, she packed her pickleball paddle, hiking boots, audio books and tiny dog, Maybelline.

“I’m noticing a gentler road ahead,” she said. “Single women are now the largest percentage of homebuyers and I’m going to help them make their beautiful dollhouse.”

Find Harrison at www.azdreamlifestyle.com

PEACEFULL LIVING FOUNDER CREATES TRANQUILITY, OPENS PILATES, WELLNESS STUDIO

With all the serenity of a savasana, Pilates coach Roberta Hughes has been welcoming clients virtually onto their mats and meeting them where they are, metaphorically and physically, often at other people’s studios.

“I believe, since the pandemic, anxiety has become the norm. People are in this constant state of going and doing and they don’t know how to slow down. They don’t know where the off button is.”

Hughes opened her own yoga studio in 2007, in space that she subleased

from a friend. The building was purchased a few months later and the new owners didn’t honor her contract. In fact, they raised her rent substantially.

Shocked and hurt by the experience, Hughes, a military spouse raising two boys, chose to close the doors. “I said to myself, ‘I’ll never own my own studio again.’”

Since then, she has hired Arizona-based Business Coach Colleen Biggs and has been rebuilding her confidence, expanding her services and growing her clientele.

“Rewind back to October when we were creating our vision boards, Colleen planted a seed. She said, ‘One day I think you’re going to have a brickand-mortar studio.’ Following those words of wisdom, I added a photo of a beautiful space with big windows, trees outside all the windows and a wraparound patio to my 2024 vision board.”

Fast forward to Valentine’s Day, Hughes ran into an old friend and mentioned she was looking for a quiet space to offer her Tranquil Touch facial reflexology sessions. The conversation led to an introduction at a fertility doctor’s medical and wellness center. “The doctor had a small studio in the holistic wing of the building perfectly sized for private Pilates, yoga and Tranquil Touch sessions. I would have my own business, work for myself and lease the space directly from her. It was a God thing.”

This spring, Hughes opened her own Peacefull Living studio near her home in Parker, Colorado. Not surprisingly, it has trees she can see through large windows and a wrap-around patio. She provides Tranquil Touch facial reflexology and teaches private and semi-private Pilates, yoga and meditation in person and online.

“Being stationary allows me to be more present and invite people into their own journey. I see myself conducting mini retreats, focusing on self-care, keeping bodies healthy and bringing nervous systems into a place where they can rest and restore.”

Hughes offers free content on Instagram, @Roberta_PeacefullLiving

GOING BIGG: BUSINESS COACH LAUNCHES DRONE FRANCHISE

For nearly two decades, Business Coach Colleen Biggs has been helping entrepreneurs create more than 350 businesses and cultivating her Leap Community, a network of businesswomen driven by their passions.

“I enforce two rules: Increase your visibility – tell everybody about you; and build long-lasting relationships.”

In the last two years while coaching

others, she and her husband, Robert, have started one business and bought another. However, the fatal illness and death of a close friend this spring caused her to pause and reassess priorities.

“Robert and I really enjoy assisting people, building their brands, buying and growing businesses. But we did everything separately. When our good friend, Mike, got sick, we bought Beyond Basil [a mobile pizza business] and that’s when we realized we needed to make sure we were supporting each other through all our endeavors.”

Meanwhile, Robert had been growing his Phoenix Drone Pros business. “It turns 10 next year and we have decided to create a franchise. I feel super confident in the franchise world and have been really successful in that realm, working with business owners from conception to design, to sales, marketing and scaling. Through this process, we’ve turned a good relationship into a powerful one.”

Biggs says Mike’s death also made her realize how the human body holds onto trauma. “I started doing these natural medicine journeys. They make you discover the childhood you forgot about, the traumas harbored and deep-seated anger that can cause cancer.”

She’s learned that we can choose our thoughts and change our outcome.

“We only have so much time and I want to keep building with Robert. We’ve gotten to a place where we’re saying, ‘OK, there’s a lot more we can do.’ We are deciding to play big in all our investments, our time, money and energy. When we’re talking about building peoples’ businesses and generating an opportunity for them to make their own money, I want to help as many families do that as I can.”

Find Biggs at www.ColleenBiggs.net

appeals to the target audience that they want.”

She believes businesses get so caught up in the day-to-day operations that they don’t think through their advertising choices and don’t spend their money effectively. “I can’t tell you how many businesses open and don’t have a marketing budget. They get so busy, they fly by the seat of their pants!”

Currently, she is working to spread the word about the power of digital marketing. “With the tremendous growth we’re seeing in Arizona, gone are the days of surviving by word of mouth. You have to be on all formats, including having a social media presence. For businesses that aren’t comfortable in that space, they need to work with a professional who can help them build a strategy and create messages that call customers to action.”

Thein is especially excited about being part of FBN’s Prescott-Area ATHENA Leadership Awards, which features local women of excellence. It is scheduled for 3-5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, at Starting Point in the Pine Ridge Marketplace.

“Participating in the SHINE workshop was such a joy. The ladies were amazing and it was really nice to take time to connect with people and also focus on ourselves. Like a lot of businesswomen, I’m often working by myself at my computer or supporting others. Events like SHINE and the ATHENA Leadership Awards are such a boost for the spirit. The women are incredibly inspirational.”

For digital marketing and advertising strategies, find Thein at linda@ quadcitiesbusinessnews.com

MASTER SPEAKER GOES FROM BROKEN TO BUFF, SETS GOAL BIGGER THAN HER GRIEF

// Their charge was to clearly state their goals and message, boldly step into the spotlight and unapologetically inspire more people with their story, soul and style. //

Small businesses are what keep the economy and communities vibrant and alive, says Flagstaff Business News Advertising Manager Linda Thein. “I honor the entrepreneurial spirit and want to partner with businesses to help share their stories, their successes, their inspirations, their innovations, including their pain.”

As a seasoned media and marketing professional, this Prescott resident cringes when she sees a business plan without a marketing strategy. “Advertising is how a business shares everything they have with their customers. It tells their story, it makes the offer, it

Feisty, famous and fearless, Arvee Robinson, known to thousands as The Master Speaker Trainer, is invincible on any stage – she can hold her own with motivational giants like Tony Robbins, share the spotlight brilliantly with experts in any field and transform stage-frightened entrepreneurs into polished international speakers.

Known for thinking on her feet while getting conference-goers up on theirs, Robinson’s natural spunk and zest pours into the hearts of others. But, what no one saw coming was the unexpected death of her husband and the crippling toll it took on her.

“My grief was overwhelming. I had to find something to live for. I needed something huge that would be bigger than my grief.”

She found it in bodybuilding. “I saw

a woman bodybuilder on YouTube. I’ve worked out all my life, but I didn’t look like that! She inspired me.”

Her goal was to push her boundaries and compete on stage in a bikini before she turned 70. “I discovered that you need the same elements for bodybuilding as public speaking: commitment, dedication and consistency.”

She began posting her progress on social media. “I was 35 pounds heavier a year-and-a-half ago. Unexpectedly, I started inspiring women in their 50s, 60s and some in their 70s. It gave them hope that no matter how old they are, they can start to work out again.”

In that time, she hit her goal more than once. “I’m going to be honest. It took a lot of courage to step on stage in a teeny-weeny bikini alongside a 50-year-old woman! But I won a victory for myself by doing that. I also inspired girls and older women right there at the competition. They wanted to take their picture with me. They made me feel like a star.”

This spring, she competed again, securing first place in the 60+ category for the National Physique Committee (NPC) California State Championship.

“I set the intention. I said I was going to win and I told everybody I was going to win and that’s how you manifest stuff. I knew, like I knew, like I knew. There was no question. I had to work up to that intention with diets and discipline. I had to avoid people who kept me up too late or wanted to go out to eat. I stopped everything and focused on my goal. I owned it. That’s what it takes for a big goal.”

Six days before her 70th birthday, July 26, Robinson competed nationally in the NPC Teen, Collegiate and Masters National Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She tracks her journey on Instagram @Arveebuff4life

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During the spring, Clarkdale Kayak Company sponsors an outdoor children’s program and has partnered with Grand Canyon Youth, a nonprofit organization that offers educational outdoor expeditions that connect young people to the rivers and canyons of the Southwest.

“Clarkdale Kayak has been an incredible partner,” said Flagstaff-based Grand Canyon Youth Executive Director Emma Wharton. “Scott has helped to connect hundreds of fifth graders to the wonders of the Verde River. We have collaborated for over five years. Scott provides the boats and access, and we bring the guides and the kids. He’s very supportive and loves that we bring the kids.”

Robert Brooks’ first trip down the Verde River was when he was 16. “I was pretty scared at first because I didn’t know what to expect, but I had a blast. The rapids are fun, but my favorite part is being out in nature and seeing wildlife that you don’t see every day. I now have my own kayak and over the summer go at least once a week to enjoy the river and fish.”

The Town of Clarkdale, in collaboration with Freeport McMoRan and the Arizona State Parks Board, has ensured improved access and recreational opportunities on the Verde River. “This has encouraged the community to form personal connections with this vital waterway,”

EVANS continued from page 6

at the University of Arizona in 2000. That same year, he moved to Cline Library’s Special Collections and Archives, where he worked for 24 years.

“Sean was also a talented instructor,” said Peter Runge, head of Special Collections. “He had a gift connecting undergraduate and graduate students to the historical treasures. Faculty and students alike would frequently share their overwhelming positive experiences with Sean and the archives.”

Range worked with Evans for nearly 20 years of his 43-year tenure at NAU’s Cline Library. “I came to understand the depth and breadth of Sean’s institutional knowledge and his passion for Route 66.”

As a result of that passion, the National Park Service designated Cline Library as the repository for the history of Route 66 in Arizona.

Of course, NAU has changed markedly since Evans started working in the library. A 1992 expansion doubled the size of the library to 192,000 square feet, with 1.5 million books. Enrollment has more than doubled to over 28,000 students.

The digital revolution brought dynamic changes to the NAU library, starting in 1991, when the card catalogs were digitized. Those index cards were simply recycled as notepads, Evans said.

Snow days are more common now.

Evans joked that decades ago NAU’s “snow dean” drove a half-track and

said Clarkdale Parks and Recreation Director Joni Westcott. “These connections are critical in establishing a collective sense of stewardship and protection for the river, and have been successful.”

Operating under a permit from the town, Clarkdale Kayak Company strives to foster a deep connection between the community and the river. With their exhilarating and educa-

figured if he could make it to campus during a blizzard then everyone else could.

Evans never expected to stay in Flagstaff and at NAU for so long.

“My wife and I decided in 1981 we were going to give this little ‘berg five years and then move someplace real,” he said.

They are still here.

“I’m a low risk-taker and Flagstaff is a great town,” he said. “It’s a great place to live.”

Evans’ wife, Karen, a longtime nurse at Flagstaff Medical Center, retired eight years ago.

Evans was motivated to retire last fall after he was severely afflicted with COVID-19, even though he had all his vaccine shots.

“Now I have time to get the weeds out of the front yard,” he said. And more time to read.

Evans will also stay involved as a board member of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. The group will have a key role in plans for celebrating the Route 66 Centennial in 2026.

NAU will miss Evans, Runge said.

“Anyone who knows Sean will quickly mention his quick wit and ability to turn a phrase,” he said. “I can safely speak for Special Collections and Archives, Cline Library, and the broader research public when I say we all miss Sean’s presence and knowledge, but we’re equally thrilled that he’s enjoying life after NAU.” FBN

tional river trips, the company works to cultivate an appreciation for the Verde River for generations to come.

Clarkdale Kayak Company Director of Operations Aaron Weiss has extensive experience in whitewater rivers in the Canadian wilderness surrounding Hudson Bay. He also has sea kayaked in South America and has retraced the river explorations of John Wesley Powell on the Green and

Colorado rivers.

“That trip took 88 days on the river,” said Weiss. “We started at Flaming Gorge in Wyoming to the top of the Grand Canyon, then to Diamond Creek to finish it off.” Weiss worked as a winemaker and brewer before joining the team at Clarkdale Kayak.

Kayaking trips are available for children ages 5 to 12, who are accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak.

Clarkdale Kayak Company uses Coast Guard Approved hard-shell or inflatable kayaks that feature a sit-on-top design for comfort and stability. They offer both guided tours and self-guided tours and shuttle service to and from the river. FBN

To contact Clarkdale Kayak Company, visit www.clarkdalekayak.com or call 800478-4711.

attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and studying to be a physical therapist, she switched gears in 1997 to work at a bank in Prescott to help her then-husaband finish his schooling.

“’I’ll just work in a bank temporarily,’ I thought. And then, I really fell in love with it,” she said. “I love this industry. I love helping others and that every day is different. I get the chance to pour into others on a daily basis and be a support in things that matter to them. I love the team I work with and the staff we have.”

Rolland raised her three children as a single mother, working in managerial positions at several banks in Prescott. Today, her three children, two girls and a boy, are grown and are centered in the Prescott area, as are her mother and stepfather, as well as her brother and his wife and their family.

“I’m not planning on moving,” she said. “Our community is amazing. We have kind people. I love it here.”

Rolland has seen many changes in the banking industry during that time. “When I first started, we had lines of people in the banks. Everything was a manual process back then. Most everything is virtual now. People like the virtual piece of it, but they still like to have in-person communication as well in the branch. They still want a dialogue.”

The popular ATM system is now evolving to the higher-tech ITMs, which are now being used in some of the Pinnacle Banks, including the new location in Prescott on Hwy 69.

“You can speak to a person,” she explained. “Let’s say you’ve lost your card, they can log into your account and get cash for you.”

Live people are staffing the ITMs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.

The movement from long lines to more electronic banking includes the “Positive Pay” system that “helps prevent fraud for our business clients, also remote scanners help business owners run deposits in the comfort of their location,” she said.

Rolland offers tips for managing finances. “Choose a financial institution where you know your banker. If a situation comes up – fraud, purse stolen, cards not working, etc. – you want to know who to call versus waiting on a 1-800 number. Lastly, use extreme caution when getting phone calls requesting your information. If you are unsure, hang up and call the company directly to confirm validity of the call.”

Aside from her banking career and with her youngest in high school, Rolland plans to get back into acting at the Prescott Center for the Arts, as well as upping her volunteer commitment to help nonprofits in the area. FBN

Clarkdale Kayak Company owner Scott Buckley strives to foster a deep connection between the community and the river. He and his wife, Ally, started the business in 2016.

Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney

KAYAK continued from page 4

BANK continued from page 24

their dogs would only eat our treats,” added Amanda. “We kept adding products to our line, including a couple of items for cats.”

Soon, the idea a food truck crossed their minds. After several months, their vision came to fruition. “We had a dream and we made it come true,” said Beth, who loves the color pink and fashioned the food truck with different shades.

Initially, the Fiscus duo began making their dog treats in Wisconsin, where they lived at the time. “It took a couple years for us to develop the recipes before we could launch our products,” said Beth. “Wisconsin had strict regulations, so our treats had to be tested to determine the amount of carbohydrates and proteins.”

“We continue to drive back to Wisconsin to buy our grass-fed beef and pork. We’ll buy a whole cow and pig frozen and bring it back. It tastes better and more tender and flavorful,” said Amanda. “We also like to go back to visit our friends and family there.”

“The meat from Wisconsin is also less expensive and the dogs just love it. It’s hard to explain unless you taste it,” said Beth.

Both Beth and Amanda work full-time jobs but have managed to put time into their business, which is doing well. “We’ve doubled our sales from last year and we are booked at

sales events until the end of 2026,” said Beth.

Currently, Bark & Bakery products are sold at various stores around the state. “We have products at Timeless Antiques & Treasures in Pine, D.A. Ranch Estate Vineyards in Cornville, Sweet Pea Trading in Camp Verde, and Rickeldoris Candy & Popcorn Co., in Jerome.

“I have a 151-pound Great Pyrenees,” said April Lynn Seymore, a Mesa banker. “I went to Pine for a weekend and found the Bark & Bakery products there. I love the fact that their products are natural and healthy. I typically buy

their pumpkin and peanut butter treats, but recently tried their pig snouts. My dog just loves their products. And he’s a picky eater!”

Making deliveries to the Phoenix area once a month keeps their customers happy there. “We do have about four stores wanting to carry our products down south, but I haven’t made that choice yet.”

Colorful donuts made with peanut butter, banana, wheat flour and eggs top the Bark & Bakery menu, along with chicken strips, dehydrated liver, beef and pumpkin treats and smoked bones. They also sell nail-free

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chicken feet that they say break up the tartar on a dog’s teeth. “Pigs ears and snouts are also good for tartar,” said Beth. Amanda raises chickens and uses fresh chicken eggs for their products.

Two treats for cats are dehydrated salmon and tuna.

Bark & Bakery was also featured in a recent Cottonwood Moonshot pitch event. “They liked us, and I think we came in fourth or fifth. We did make it to the finals,” said Beth. Eventually, they’d like to open a dog park in Camp Verde. “We just launched our dog beer, which is a

timely process using beef broth with pumpkin powder and applesauce,” she said.

“Bark & Bakery came to our market last year and they quickly got involved.  They are also helping me plan a dog’s event that we hope to initiate this September. In fact, we didn’t allow dogs at our event until this year and it’s working out great,” said Verde Valley Farmers Market Manager Don Kovacovich. FBN

For more about Bark & Bakery products, visit www.barkandbakery.com or their Facebook page.

121 E. Birch Avenue, Suite 408 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Phone 928.864.7440 Fax 928.226.0303

Email: Troy@flagstaffbusinessnews.com www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Founder: Troy Bix

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Photography V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses

Photography, Aspen ProMedia, Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau

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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.

Bark & Bakery owners Amanda and Beth Fiscus drive to Wisconsin to buy grass-fed beef and pork for their recipes. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Dog treats include smoked bones and chicken strips.

BAKERY continued from

thought he lost his brother. Danny’s 1993 harrowing icy slip in the Dolomites – famous for sky-scraping vertical walls, terrifyingly sheer cliffs and long, deep, snow-covered valleys – inspired the documentary “Designed by Disaster.”

“Danny was always testing his limits, always, you know, ‘how high can I jump? How far can I jump?’” said his mom, Ginger Giovale, in the film.

“When Danny said he was going to climb the Dolomites and he was going to take his brother, Mike, with him, I had no idea what the Dolomites were,” added his dad, John Giovale, in the documentary. “I think if I’d had a picture of the Dolomites before he left on the trip, I would have been very critical of that trip.”

Filmmaker James Q Martin traces Danny’s near-fatal steps and heart-stopping slide, which ultimately landed him in his garage at his Utah workbench where he was determined to pound out better mountain climbing footwear.

The film also follows Danny back to face the northern Italian Alps, 30 years later, to ascend the peak that changed his life and became the impetus for Kahtoola.

A TEAM-ORIENTED COMPANY OF PRODUCT TESTERS

“All of our products are designed, not because of accidents, but with the spirit of adventure in mind,” said Bunch. “People are empowered to get outdoors and exercise or explore. We also hire people who are engaged in the same outdoor adventures and active lifestyles as our customers. They rely on the products that they buy and use, and all the things they do that matter to do them. That results in making stuff that has to really work.”

Unique to Kahtoola, associates in every department of the organization are encouraged to add their thoughts about the design and are all too happy to be product testers, like Rory in shipping.

“Rory [McGivern] doesn’t have anything to do with the design, but he’s a Grand Canyon hiking guide and a great source for pressure testing. He has used a lot of gear and seen others use a lot of gear,” said Bunch. “He’s an expert and excellent for feedback about what people will actually use and what feature they’ll appreciate most.”

The shop itself is situated in brutal terrain, strewn with sharp lava rocks and made more challenging by steep slopes, just footsteps from the Flagstaff Urban Trails System and the Arizona Trail. “That makes for really amazing stress-testing,” said Bunch. “We can build a prototype in the morning, test it out by noon and have a new prototype before the end of the day.”

“Our team-oriented company culture is something I’m really proud of,” said Giovale. “We have such a talented team and we’ve been able to

create an environment that draws on that talent in a really nice way. There is an underlying sense of purpose and responsibility in what we do and that shows up in a number of ways, like how we give back.”

Kahtoola supports a number of environmental causes and helps Indigenous cultures around the world through efforts like bringing clean water to remote villages in the Himalayans through the Flagstaff-based organization, Elevate Nepal, for example.

IT NEVER GETS OLD

“Thanks to the Lamberson family, who employed me during high school, the first Kahtoola products were offered for sale in their large store on South Milton in December 2000,” said Danny. “Later, seeing our products in specialty shops in Colorado and beyond and eventually REI where I could be anonymous was really fun! I could ask about the products and see what interesting things salespeople would say.”

Launching MICROspikes in 2006 kicked off an era of growth that built a larger customer base. MICROspikes is still Kahtoola’s best-selling product, but plenty of people, like Cat Mellum, a Kahtoola associate in warranty and repair, keep more than one pair of spikes in their closet.

“I use MICROspikes on winter hikes and EXOspikes for cruising around town – they are designed to go over running shoes and to be used on urban road surfaces,” she said. “The EXOspikes are not as aggressive as the MICROspikes.”

During the pandemic, Mellum learned how important a role the outdoors plays in keeping people calm.

“I was on the frontline communicating with Kahtoola customers during COVID-19. I heard one lady

say, ‘I had no intention of going outside in winter, but when my husband died from COVID and I was so isolated and scared, friends told me I needed to get outside. I found your company. I bought your spikes. I went outside.’ Stories like that are inspirational,” said Mellum. “People got healthier because they were outside. That was a pivotal moment for me, when you consider our most important goal is to make the outdoors accessible to everybody.”

Meanwhile, Danny continues to be thrilled each time he sees Kahtoola products on the trail. “It’s even better than seeing them in stores. That’s where the magic happens. I’m sort of a footprint-tracking expert. I love to look at people’s tracks and see what traction device or gaiter they were wearing. When we launched the EXOspikes several years ago, at first it was only the tracks from prototypes a few of us were testing that could be found. After it launched in stores, I remember seeing the first tracks from the production model on the Elden Lookout Trail. That was a super fun moment.”

20-year-old rodeo competitor Taylor Girvin of Flagstaff. She comes from a long-time Northern Arizona ranching family; her grandfather owns P & M Trailer Sales. She recently competed in barrel racing and team roping in the Flagstaff Pro Rodeo and has another one coming up in Prescott. She bought a colt last year, too.

“In the last two years, I’ve had a rule not to buy a horse, but it didn’t work out that way. It’s hard to pass up a wellbred horse with good conformation to go with it,” she said. “And I always need another one.”

Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco has long said the Colt Sale is not about buying horses, but about bringing people together. “The Babbitt Ranches Community is grateful to be able to host this special and meaningful event every year. The horses and colts have a gentle way of reminding us of the seasons on the ranch and in life.” FBN

downtown enjoying free parking.”

Shoppers will also be encouraged to use routes other than Aspen Avenue to enter the downtown area, such as San Francisco and Leroux streets and Cherry Avenue.

Should there be any temporary disruptions to access, shop owners are considering using cheerful “Pardon Our Dust” signage, to clearly send the message that shops are still open.

“The Department of Public Works has assured business owners that any access issues will be promptly addressed and will not impact planned events like First Friday Art Walk or NAU Parents Day,” Hebert explained.

KAHTOOLA EUROPE AND BEYOND

Within the last five years, the company formed a Kahtoola Europe arm to support climbers there and make it easier for them to purchase products.

“We are continuing to expand both geographically and with our product offerings,” said Danny. “We are the leader in the U.S. for winter traction products and we want to be sure to maintain that.”

In addition, Kahtoola’s gaiter line has been refined in recent years and has helped the company diversify and grow. “We are also developing ideas in other categories where we have insight and expertise, which is energizing,” said Danny. “We hope they will result in some meaningful breakthroughs in new product categories in the coming years.” FBN

The Flagstaff premier of the 26-minute film, “Designed by Disaster,” is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7, in Northern Arizona University’s Prochnow Auditorium during the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival.

The main focus of the merchant campaign is to highlight the unique goods and services that each business offers and encourage locals and tourists alike to brave the dust and disruption and continue to shop and dine downtown.

City of Flagstaff representatives plan to meet with the downtown business community regularly to provide project updates and hear feedback from businesses.

Hebert said the DBA will hold a stakeholder meeting at 8:30 a.m., Aug. 28, at the Drinking Horn, 108 E. Route 66.

Lamberson is optimistic about August and September. “We’d love the community’s support and awareness during this construction period. We encourage everyone to continue visiting downtown and not avoid our businesses.”

“We appreciate the city’s work to beautify downtown and make it safer for all, but it will be a challenge to keep business strong during that time,” said Greenhalgh. “We appreciate the business community on Aspen and are excited to offer specials, free parking and other perks to guests if they are willing to help us all keep downtown’s heart beating during this time!”

PARKING

Kahtoola associates are proud of their team-oriented culture. Founder Danny Giovale cites W. L. Gore & Associates, started by his grandparents, as an example of a non-conventional business model that benefits the planet and the people living on it.

Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Kahtoola products go through rigorous design testing.

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