Issuu

INSIDE THE SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE: Cleaning Up After the Rains p. 3 Country Fans Prepare for Watson Lake Festival p. 6 Flagstaff Stylist Inspires p. 8

Sedona Producer Enjoys Job Variety p. 10 Prescott-Area ATHENA to be Named p.12 Community Profile: Chef Eddie Bibb Brings New Orleans to Flagstaff p. 17

Saying ‘I Do’ to Micro-Weddings With concerns about public health and travel, brides and grooms are choosing small, intimate celebrations By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

vent planners are busier than ever and, not surprisingly, smaller weddings have taken the lead, especially in Northern Arizona. “We’ve had a lot of micro-weddings of 50 people or less since March this year,” said Nancy Bewley, owner of Prescott-based Luella House Weddings and the soon-to-open

historic Willow Creek Inn. “I think it’s because small weddings make sense to people right now. People can spread out and the couple can have those who are most dear and closest to them attend, plus the expense is lower and the event is more manageable.” Rhonda Messal, of Fort Worth Texas, planned her micro-wedding at Moran Point at the Grand Canyon last May. A total of four guests

attended. “I thrive on simplicity. I chose to have a small wedding because I’m a simple girl who was raised in the mountains of Colorado and I prefer a more minimalist approach to things,” said Messal, a human resources executive. “Getting married on the rim of the Grand Canyon and taking in God’s beautiful creation was simply amazing, and keeping it small was so hassle-free.”

Choosing to have her wedding at the Grand Canyon in April, April Margulies, owner and founder of Trust Relations Agency in Williams, said, “With COVID, there was no telling when things would open up again and we didn’t really want to wait to find out. My parents would not have been comfortable traveling at the time, so asking anyone to attend seemed unfair. In the end, it was a great excuse to keep the moment intimate and just focus on each other rather than planning and executing

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Bear-Resistant Container Lands REI Deal for Local Entrepreneur Moonshot helps launch Holly Jaleski’s innovative Grubcan By Scott Hathcock and Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Outdoor enthusiast Holly Jaleski came up with the idea for the Grubcan while on a hike. Now, REI sells her product. Courtesy photo

September 2021 | Issue 9 Volume 14

n inventor and avid backpacker working with the entrepreneurial program Moonshot at NACET has landed two major distribution deals for her next-generation bear-resistant food container, including one with outdoor recreation powerhouse REI. Holly Jaleski, of Flagstaff, said the inspiration for Grubcan came to her while she was out on the trail. “My husband and I were hiking out at the beginning of a week-long backpacking trip in Yosemite when the bear-resistant canister I was carrying in my pack wouldn’t stop stabbing me in the back,” Jaleski said. Frustrated, she told her husband, Jim Corning, an engineer, that they needed to create a container that could be easily opened but also fit neatly into a pack, like a tent. With the help of Moonshot, Jaleski went from concept Continued on page 38

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Severe flooding, mud and debris closed roads and wreaked havoc in East Flagstaff. Courtesy photo

Monsoon Mess Wind, hail and record rainfall have residents trying to hold back water and minimize damage

By Stan Bindell, FBN

ith 2020’s monsoon season dubbed a “nonsoon” and this year’s seasonal storms delivering historic rainfall, Northern Arizona hardly seems like the same place as it was a year ago. Pockets of flooding have caused damage to homes, reported City of Flagstaff Public Affairs Director Jessica Drum, as the city and Coconino County have been working together to address the issues. The hardest hit area was downstream from the Museum Fire scar behind the Museum of Northern Arizona, which the Rio de Flag runs through, says Drum. She said the drainage was roaring. “It was crazy.” About 1.7 inches of rain fell in 15 minutes during one storm. The Fort Valley area received a lot of flooding, while Munds Park and

// “The community has been incredible,” she said, noting that United Way has coordinated volunteers to help, including athletes from local high schools and Northern Arizona University. “They have done everything, from debris clean-up to putting up sandbags. East Flagstaff is still cleaning up.” //

the Lake Mary had hail. “The community has been incredible,” she said, noting that United Way has coordinated volunteers to help, including athletes from local high schools and Northern Arizona University. “They have done everything, from debris clean-up to putting up sandbags. East Flagstaff is still cleaning up.” Meanwhile, the city and county have had a joint emergency operation center to address flooding issues. “Our message is: Stay where you are and shelter in place [when storms hit]. We do not encourage you to evacuate,” she said. For assistance with flood issues, residents can call the emergency operation center at 928-679-8525. Flagstaff Farmers Insurance agent Stephanie Trisler says policyholders have experienced some damage. “At one time, we could not get to our office. The roads were closed due to flooding and we had to work from home.” Hail and wind damage in Flagstaff was worse than the flood damage, she reports. Farmers Insurance sent a special catastrophe team to Phoenix for auto and home claims. “Mother Nature is on a roll we cannot control, but we have the experience and knowledge to take care of our policyholders, whether it’s rain storms, hail, flooding, fires, tornadoes, etc.,” she said. As a result of the fierce 2021 monsoon season, Trisler says more clients are buying storm damage insurance in Arizona as well as in Florida and Texas. She recommends that people reach out to their insurance agents to review their policies to make sure there are no gaps regarding hail, wind and flood damage, especially if they have valuables like jewelry, fine art and musical instruments. FBN

Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Millions for Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Included in Infrastructure Bill

lagstaff Pulliam Airport is slated to receive an additional $7,467,240 over the next five years to make repairs and upgrades once the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act becomes law. The legislation has been led by Arizona’s senior U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, chair of the Senate Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation Subcommittee. The act, co-led by Republican Senator Rob Portman (Ohio) and supported by President Joe Biden, would make the largest investment in America’s critical infrastructure in more than a century, supporting airports, roads, bridges, public transit, broadband, power grids, water systems and wildfire mitigation. “With Sen. Sinema fighting in Washington for rural Arizona, rural Arizonans keep winning. Her leadership on the bipartisan infrastructure bill provides much needed results

for Northern Arizona, including important airport improvements, and much needed broadband access and expansion. Sen. Sinema is helping narrow the digital divide for rural Arizonans, and our business communities will be better off for the work,” said Julie Pastrick, president/CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. “Flagstaff Pulliam Airport serves as an economic engine for Flagstaff, and these infrastructure investments will boost tourism, improve safety, fuel jobs and expand economic opportunities for Arizonans,” said Sinema. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $25 billion would be set aside for upgrading America’s airports. Arizona would be slated to receive more than $360 million for airport infrastructure. FBN

Join team Keele Smith Realtor for the 911 Tower Challenge Climb 20th Anniversary The annual 911 Tower Challenge is a stair climb challenge in Flagstaff, Arizona - and virtually around the world. Come recognize our heroes in person or use a stair stepper to challenge yourself wherever you may be. Registration: $50 | 9.11.2021 Skydome at NAU at 7-10 am

Pedaling Through the Pines By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

he beautiful weather and cool breezes made everyone feel like a winner at the Second Annual Bear Jaw Groove six-hour bike race at Arizona Nordic Village on Saturday, Aug. 21. The 11.3-mile loop single-track course took riders over a primitive fire road with a few roots, rocks and nice climbs. Riders rode as solos, duos or teams of four. The first place solo winner was 14-year-old Keegan Field, a Flagstaff High School freshman, who entered the race with members of the FHS Mountain Bike Club. Northland Prep Academy student Jessie Wildbook-Crawford, 15, won the women’s solo. “We had 235 cyclists this year,” said event organizer and founder of Bear Jaw Groove Stevie Sanchez. “It was a great success.” Cycle Bar Instructor Sara Kelley served as emcee. “It’s so nice be here at this community event and seeing everyone come together for a fun time,” said Kelley. FBN Jessie Wildbook-Crawford and McKenna Maloney from the Flagstaff High School Mountain Bike Club cross the finish line. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

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Big Sting Expecting Big Crowds Country music festival honoring military veterans, law enforcement officers and first responders

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

ountry Western singer Cory Marks says, “Drive, get out of this town for a little while,” and Vicki Burton says, “Make your destination Watson Lake for the Big Sting Country Music Festival Weekend Campout.” The Big Sting is being hosted by the Shadows Foundation, now in its 11th year as a non-profit organization helping first responders receive advanced health screenings and supporting individuals in need of financial assistance who are affected by life-threatening illness. “This is our biggest event we’ve ever had,” said Burton, Shadows Foundation founder and festival organizer, who is expecting as many as 5,000 people. “We have really good artists – Jerrod Neimann, Shenandoah, Ned Ledoux, Parmalee, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Sunny Sweeny and Cory Marks, for example.” The outdoor event at Watson Lake will have lawn seating with bar areas, food trucks and some tents. “We anticipate that a lot of people will be

Hearts Worth Saving was created when Northern Arizona firefighter Patrick Burns approached Burton camping. We’ll also have some walk-in after he researched how vulnerable first responders traffic,” she said. are. Through Shadows, hundreds of “I found there is a 300% firefighters and police officers have greater risk of having received the free advanced screening a heart attack than the service, which ordinarily would cost general population,” $225. Also, more than 500 Northern Arizona families and individuals have Burns told FBN about first responders in a 2018 interreceived financial support in times of view. At age 41, he had a sickness. heart attack while jogging “No one battling life-threatening with his wife, despite the illness should worry about how he fact that he was young, or she is going to pay utility bills, get healthy, physically fit and to doctor appointments, put gas in had just passed his annual the car, keep food on the table, cover physical exam. Two years Thousands of people are expected to attend the October festival at Watson Lake, with proceeds copay costs and medical bills, make going to the Shadows Foundation. This year’s event is expected to be the organization’s largest later, he had another. household repairs, get firewood to ever. Courtesy photo Shadows also has partkeep warm or any other day-to-day living necessity,” said Burton. “That is nered with the Flagstaff Gates open at 5 p.m., Thursday end music festival are $100 for threewhy there is the Shadows Foundation, Police Department to develop a comOct. 14. A U.S. Army flag ceremony day adult passes. Children age 12 and passionate solution to panhandling so we can help with the right now, so honoring military veterans will kick under get in free. Military personnel, individuals can focus on getting better, with the Better Bucks Program. It allows donors to purchase vouchers that veterans, law enforcement officers and off the evening and the music will so they can spend the time with loved begin with southern rock band The can be used like cash for non-alcoholic first responders will receive discountones.” Bayou Bandits. ed three-day passes for $35. Eleven Burton says the advanced screening, and non-tobacco related products at Flagstaff Business News is a sponsor which the foundation has made avail- participating local businesses. To date, hundred three-day passes are being of the Big Sting. For more informathe Shadows Foundation has paid out made available to firefighters, law able through its Hearts Worth Saving tion, visit thebigsting.com. FBN enforcement agencies, veterans and more than $26,000 to participating program since 2012, can detect heart members of the military on a firstmerchants for redeemed vouchers. conditions in high-risk populations Tickets for the Big Sting long week- come, first-served basis. that may otherwise go undetected.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Taking the Next Brave Step Warrior spirit keeps young Flagstaff mother outpacing cancer

By Betsey Bruner, FBN

or more than two years, Alexandra Wolf, a popular Flagstaff hairdresser, had been wondering why her left leg hurt so much. On June 19, 2019, at age 33, she found out: She was diagnosed with a cancer called leiomyosarcoma. “Sarcomas are extremely rare cancers, making up less than 1% of cancer in adults,” Wolf explained. “They are hard to catch and diagnose. Being diagnosed with my type of cancer was extremely scary because we see and hear so much about cancer so often in our daily lives, but no one I knew had heard of my type of cancer. I had only ever heard of the regular carcinoma cancers people usually get. It was a huge fear of the unknown.” She learned that sarcomas can grow anywhere in the body, and leiomyosarcoma starts in an involuntary muscle. As a wife, a mother and a daughter, the young woman had many important reasons to be motivated to wage a furious fight with her cancer. Wolf was raised in Tucson and moved to Flagstaff when she was 21. “Shortly after I moved up here, I met Jacob Wolf,” she recalled. “We pretty quickly got married and started a family.” The Wolfs, who have been married for 12 years, have a son, Dexter, 12, and a daughter, Acelyn, 9. “My parents decided to move up here after I had my son,” she said. “I still have lots of family in Tucson, including my younger brother and my niece.” Prior to her diagnosis, her family, including their dogs and her parents, had been enjoying a healthy and happy lifestyle, which included regular hikes on mountain trails and climbing rocks and trees. Her current passion, running, was not part of

Top: A year ago in August, Wolf ran her first 5K on a custom-built blade. Photos courtesy of Sonya Malkhassian Bottom: Alexandra Wolf’s prosthetic leg allows her to enjoy hiking with her husband, Jacob, daughter Acelyn, 9, and son Dexter, 12. Photo courtesy R2 Studios

her exercise regimen. “I actually never wanted to run before my operation,” Wolf said. “I was always very active and [spent time] outdoors, but never running. I did yoga and took other classes (like aerial silks) to keep active.” The summer of her diagnosis, the family focus shifted to a rapid scramble to find medical solutions. After first consulting with Dr. James Warneke, a sarcoma specialist at the University of Arizona, Wolf came back to Flagstaff and sought help from Dr. Peter Mathern at Arizona Oncology. “They had both treated this type of cancer almost the same number of times,” she said. “I Continued on page 37

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SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Business Woman FBN

of the Month

A Match Made for Hollywood Sedona filmmaker Margaret Knight says producing movies and commercials fits her lifestyle By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

aking movies and commercials is not for the physically or mentally weak, says Sedona-based freelance production manager, producer and assistant director Margaret Knight. “Every job is different,” said Knight. “The film business is a formula, and when the formula works, it flows – and it’s a great sensation to be a part of it. As in anything, when you feel the energy and synchronicity, it gives you a satisfying, rewarding, why-you-do-thisfor-a-living kind of feeling.” Once Knight is hired, she hits the ground running, procuring a production team and putting together plans, troubleshooting and anticipating challenges. “Be it a commercial or major feature movie, as soon as I know the location, I begin working on logistics. I have to make sure everything comes together, renting equipment, lodging, meals, sometimes casting, working with local authorities and, most importantly, keeping on budget.” Other masterminding includes parking, traffic control, permits, transportation, lodging and working with the police or fire department, Forest Service or National Park Service for impact statements. “Every job is different and I have to know the right approach for outfitting during the entire production. It’s also important to protect the land and be good stewards.” Knight has lived in Sedona for 31 years and has done freelance production since she arrived. “I’ve made a good living and carved out a career based on what I’ve learned through the years.” Appearing more like a movie than her biography, Knight was born in the rural town of Effingham, Illinois and earned a degree in radio and television broadcasting from Southern Illinois University (SIU). She waited tables for a few years then moved to Denver, where she explored scuba diving. “I was then introduced to a marine

Long-time Sedona resident Margaret Knight has worked with celebrities and sports teams on high altitude production shoots. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

institute in the Florida Keys where I worked for a summer and got hooked on boats and diving. I went to seamanship school and learned a lot about navigation and seamanship. I then moved to Louisiana and applied at 80 places and no one would hire me. Finally, a port captain hired me and I worked as a merchant marine for four years and finally garnered enough sea time to sit for my Captain’s license with the Coast Guard.” Her seamanship skills came in handy for many jobs on Lake Powell. “I’ve done a lot of work on the water here and at times have worked on films as marine coordinator.” She says Arizona has more boats per capita than any state in the country. “Margaret is a very highly organized production manager on whatever job she is doing,” said Locations Southwest Owner PJ Connolly. “She has seen it all, thinks it all out way in advance and she wears many hats. She has a great personality and she is very strong and takes charge of coordination on set, making sure safety and logistics run smoothly.” Knight met her husband, Robin, on the set of a movie in Nashville, Tennessee. They have two grown

children. One of her favorite celebrities is Dolly Parton, whom she met on the set in Nashville. She says she “was fun to work with and has a charming personality.” Another favorite is William Shatner of Star Trek fame, with whom she worked on two projects. “He did all his own stunts, which was impressive, and he brought his own wardrobe. He was very refreshing and so delightful. I love working with folks that have a sense of commonality. Plus, he’s a great performer.” For several years, Knight has produced a number of spots for the Oakland A’s baseball team, which travels to Phoenix for Spring Training. She has also produced several commercials in Flagstaff. “Because of the high altitude, a lot of sport companies like Nike and Adidas have selected this area. Automobile companies like Kia enjoy the terrain, as well as Asian and European companies.” She says she loves working outdoors. “Since high school, I never wanted to work at a desk or indoors, so I’m blessed to have found something that fits my lifestyle and keeps my brain sharp.” FBN

// “Every job is different,” said Knight. “The film business is a formula, and when the formula works, it flows – and it’s a great sensation to be a part of it. As in anything, when you feel the energy and synchronicity, it gives you a satisfying, rewarding, why-you-do-this-for-a-living kind of feeling.” //

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Prescott-Area ATHENA Recipient to be Honored Global movement celebrates women for leadership qualities

“We appreciate all those who took the time to submit thoughtful nominations and the sponsors who are making it possible to shine the spotlight on the outstanding leaders who are making n her experience growing up, and even remarkable achievements right here,” said FBN during her career, Martha Mayhood Mertz wondered why women that she considered to owner Troy Bix. “The event will be one of celebration and inspiration.” be skilled and inspirational did not commonly Two Northern Arizona entrepreneurs, rise to the ranks of leadership. Thus, she figured, authors and motivational speakers will team up if women’s strengths were publicly recognized, to present “Inventing Your Extraordinary.” Lori they could no longer be denied. Anna Harrison, author of That was nearly 40 years “One Degree of Separaago. The ATHENA protion,” and Bonnie Stevens, gram she launched in 1982 author of “Life Lessons from Lansing, Michigan, from a Zonie Girl: How to has become an internaStay Sunny, Grounded and tional movement. And, Resilient,” will share their this month, a Prescott-area research, experience and leader will join the ranks insights about the characof nearly 8,000 ATHENAs, ter qualities and habits that including such notable lead to a life of excellence. leaders as: 1960 Olympic “We are the only ones medalist Anne Warner, who can grant our own who competed in swimwishes. Freedom begins in ming for the United States our mind,” said Harrison. in Rome; the late Supreme Lori Anna Harrison “When we give ourselves Court Justice Ruth Bader permission to dream and Ginsburg, known for her then have the courage to strong voice in favor of take the steps to make it gender equality; and NASA happen, we have succeedastronaut Christina Koch, ed.” who set a record for the “There’s no replacement longest single spaceflight for the calm satisfaction by a woman, with a total of that fills you to your core 328 days in space. as the result of doing your Co-hosted by Quad best and actually sucCities Business News and ceeding in a challenging, Prescott Woman Magashifting situation,” added zine, the Second Annual Stevens. “I cannot stress Prescott-Area ATHENA enough the power of stayAwards event is scheduled ing in the game.” for 4-6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. “Today, in more ways 19, at Goods for the Garden Bonnie Stevens and places than at any in the Prescott Gateway other time in human history, Mall. women are leaders,” stated Mertz, who now lives “We are so proud to bring this empowering program to the Quad Cities,” said Prescott Wom- in Sedona. “But what’s important isn’t just that women lead. What’s important is how women an Magazine owner Breeanya Hinkel. “It is so important that we take an afternoon to celebrate lead – reaching out to mentor, giving back to the contributions women have made to improve their communities, collaborating with others, staying true to themselves.” our communities while helping others reach Other businesses supporting the Prescott-Area their highest potential as well.” “The biggest reason it is important for North- ATHENA program are Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Findlay Prescott, Little land Cares to support female leaders is this: Women have fought long and hard for centuries Dealer Little Prices, Northern AZ Social, Pinnato improve their status in society, to become edu- cle Bank, SCORE and Prescott Valley Chamber cated and to hold positions in the workforce that of Commerce. “I am thrilled that Northland Cares can be a demonstrate their intelligence, their strength and part of honoring women leaders, mentors and their abilities,” said Vonda Chisolm, executive director of Northland Cares, the lead sponsor of community supporters through the ATHENA Awards,” said Chisolm. “It is so wonderful that the Prescott-Area ATHENA Awards. “Women this program was started for our Quad Cities to and their accomplishments must be continually honor women who might otherwise go unnocelebrated to help us keep up the momentum ticed, which would mean their efforts as leaders our ancestors put into motion. We also need to would go unnoticed.” be the role models who leave legacies for those Tickets are $60 per seat or $400 for a table of women coming up behind us so that they, too, eight. For more information, visit PrescottAthewill leave powerful legacies for future women na.com. FBN leaders.” Finalists for the distinguished award are: Robyn Allen, Amy Bonney, Kiona Bell, Carman Frederic, Alexes Niekamp, Courtney Osterfelt, Tracy Sheffer, Amber Aten, Tamara Player and Lynell Cavner.

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Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Retired L.A. Detective Stuns with ‘Bombshell’ By Sue Marceau, FBN

Best-selling author Mike Rothmiller pulls from his investigative notes to write about Marilyn Monroe’s death

elving deep into political intrigue energizes Mike Rothmiller, a former Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detective, who, in 1977 at age 27, had been the youngest person assigned to the department’s Organized Crime Intelligence Division (OCID). The division armed a succession of LA police chiefs with intelligence to peddle influence and intimidate opponents, Rothmiller said. Among about 70 detectives active during Rothmiller’s five-year tenure, he noted, not one arrest was made. “Going back to the 1930s, the police chiefs were the most powerful people in Southern California,” he explained. “It was a very different time.” New detectives were assigned to learning how the filing system worked. Never dreaming that he would one day be writing books about what he discovered, Rothmiller

said he flipped through index cards linked to files about mobsters, actors and actresses, politicians and other icons.

FROM DETECTIVE TO WRITER

Now a New York Times bestselling author chasing down conspiracy theories, Rothmiller has published 34 books since 1992. Four of those volumes were co-authored and some were written under pen names. His latest book, “Bombshell: The Night Bobby Kennedy Killed Marilyn Monroe,” incorporates Rothmiller’s handwritten notes, Monroe’s diary, and a 1982 interrogation of the late actor and Kennedy brother-in-law, Peter Lawford. “Bombshell” recreates the events of Aug. 4, 1962, at Monroe’s LA home, and has generated media buzz in Australia, England and Germany. Rothmiller stumbled upon Monroe’s missing diary, the grail in Robert F. Kennedy’s (RFK) frantic search of Monroe’s home on the night she died. Lawford later told Rothmiller that he was at Monroe’s home while Kennedy rummaged for the incriminating volume. Monroe’s diary had not been logged in the OCID filing system, a fact that Rothmiller ascribes to it having been buried. Rothmiller

handwrote the entries that interested him. When Rothmiller interviewed Lawford 20 years after Monroe’s death, he says the actor was an alcoholic and a broken man. Nonetheless, the he said he is certain that the actor was sober and truthful about witnessing RFK mixing a special beverage for Monroe. Not realizing what the concoction was, Lawford allegedly joined RFK in urging the emotionally distressed Monroe to drink it.

UNDERCOVER TO MAINSTREAM

The undercover experiences of Rothmiller in OCID and the cover-ups he alleges in his books are a far cry from his daily life in Prescott. He and his wife, Nancy, arrived 15 years ago following a stint in Colorado. He is currently working on his first novel and his next compendium of conspiracies, including RFK’s assassination and the Black Dahlia murder. The fiction book is pure detective drama. “My wife is reading it now,” he said. “I wrote it actually the way that detectives speak, not the TV stuff. It takes place in Hollywood. I worked there, so that’s where I come from in my writing.” Rothmiller also has been digging

into Hillary Clinton’s 340,000 emails. Despite his intense interest, Rothmiller says those email messages likely will be classified for the next 25 years. “I enjoy the research more than anything else,” he said. “I dig in. A lot of times, it’s a deadend. My work is true crime, very graphic. There is no candy coating.”

DECOYS AND SUBTERFUGE

Decoys, misinformation and other subterfuge were used by detectives and their sources to keep OCID’s intervention quiet, Rothmiller said. Often, there would be an official crime investigation and a parallel OCID case. The OCID analysis never saw the light of day. “We were working under cover,” he explained. “In a lot of cases, the information [from sources] was so startling to you that it was seared/embedded into your memory.” The backstory behind how he snagged the interview with Lawford and the actor’s concern that Rothmiller was a CIA agent provide interesting reading in “Bombshell.” Shortly after the Lawford interview, Rothmiller was ambushed and badly injured. Ultimately, the attack was traced to another case involving Central and South American gun running

Prescott author Mike Rothmiller discusses his latest book, “Bombshell: The Night Bobby Kennedy Killed Marilyn Monroe.” Photo by Sue Marceau

and drugs. “I was in the hospital in the trauma center under an assumed name,” Rothmiller recalled, when intelligence personnel reported that the attacker had returned to Nicaragua and that Nancy also had been targeted. “[The criminals] wanted to send a message to everyone in law enforcement that if you got in their way, they would take out your whole family.” Rothmiller’s first book was published about 10 years after he had left police work. Titled “LA Secret PoContinued on page 31

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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// BUSINESS CENTS // BY BONNIE STEVENS

Five Pounds to Perfect

o you ever hear yourself starting sentences with, “If only,” or “When I,” or “After I?” They sound like this: “If only I had a doctoral degree, I could get the job I really want,” or “After I make my first million, I can travel to exotic lands,” or “When I lose five pounds, I’ll reward myself with a beach vacation!” These sentence starters sort of sound like goal setters, but don’t be fooled. They can really be tricky little non-starters. Five pounds may as well be 500 pounds, because, in our minds, they are out-weighing the odds that we’re ever going to get there. They are fantasized versions of what a better you or me could achieve, acquire and

attract. And they are keeping us from thinking that we qualify for something better than we already have. When we say these words, we are declaring to everyone – the universe, too – that we’re “not enough” right now, and may well never be. Therefore, we don’t deserve this better life…yet. The worst part is that we’re telling ourselves this and we may actually be listening. These “If only’s, “When I’s,” and “After I’s” are nothing but big, uninspiring blobs that are lodged between the life we are living and the life we really want. And that keeps us firmly planted in some kind of weird blob purgatory where we’re not really living yet. So let’s do some blob busting.

“Most people, unconsciously, dream themselves out of their goals,” says “Abundance Now” author Lisa Nichols. “They dream so far past their current reality or what’s currently possible that they end up abandoning their goals and damaging their own self-esteem. They are chasing the macro-win all the time and they’re not looking at all the micro-wins that they can feel really good about to get them to that macro-win. Micro-wins lead to macro-wins.” The problem with only being focused on the macro-win is that we’re putting our life on hold. We’re actually dismissing the present as real life as we obsess over some massive goal. And we’re also depleting ourselves by not

// “Most people, unconsciously, dream themselves out of their goals,” says ‘Abundance Now’ author Lisa Nichols. “They dream so far past their current reality or what’s currently possible that they end up abandoning their goals and damaging their own self-esteem. They are chasing the macro-win all the time and they’re not looking at all the micro-wins that they can feel really good about to get them to that macro-win. Micro-wins lead to macro-wins.” //

celebrating the little successes, which is a way of punishing ourselves for not having the discipline, strength and intelligence to figure out how to lose those pesky five pounds, take those online classes or work smarter, not harder. Ouch. Those blobs are not only in our way, they’re causing us pain! I remember reading that Oprah would know that she had “made it” when she could afford a big, luxurious bathtub. I think about the people I know who do own big, luxurious bathtubs. Do you know how often they actually soak in them, with bubbles up to the ceiling, a glass of champagne in one hand and a great novel in the other? I don’t actually either, because that would be creepy, but I’m guessing they don’t use these big soakers very often. I do, however, hear people complain that these massive bathtubs take up too much space, require too much hot water, and after all, who has the time to bask in this kind of frivolous behavior, anyway? But that’s ok, Oprah, because that was a tangible marker for you. More importantly, I hope you celebrated like a blissed-out mermaid, because that’s what really counts – taking a moment

to congratulate ourselves for reaching an important goal. So, can we please have more bubbly celebrations? Lisa Nichols says we most certainly can, by creating more micro-wins. As Nichols describes, micro-wins offer a taste of that thing we want more of. If you want to go to Paris to see the Louvre, Nichols suggests visiting your local museums now, while you’re saving money for Gay Paree! Leadership Coach Ronda Beaman has mastered the micro-win. Beaman travels the world teaching leadership skills to top-flight executives. Before this, she was raising two boys as a single mom, working full-time and taking classes on nights and weekends toward advanced degrees. She would have liked to have put her boys on a plane and show them the world, expand their horizons and have some fun together, but that wasn’t in the budget, yet. So she created some micro-wins. As she explained it to me, she would have Italy Night, Morocco Night or Japan Night, for example. The three of them would research the selected country – through encyclopedias, not the internet then – decorate themselves Continued on page 37

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What Happens When a Client or Customer Files for Bankruptcy ?

By Kate Mahady

ith the financial challenges and uncertainty we all endured over the last year and a half, it is no surprise that many of us have received notice that our clients or customers have filed for bankruptcy. There are very strict rules on what you may do when a client or customer, or any person or business that owes money to you, files for bankruptcy. While the rules are very strict, there is a common misperception that there is no way to collect on debts once a client or customer files for bankruptcy. Filing with the Bankruptcy Court to collect on unsecured debt is actually a very simple process individuals and companies may complete and submit without hiring an attorney. As a brief overview, the three most common types of bankruptcy are Chapters 7, 11 and 13. The Bankruptcy Code refers to a person or company that files for bankruptcy as a “debtor.” Chapter 7 is a liquidation, at the end of which the Bankruptcy Court discharges most unsecured debts. Chapters 13 and 11 are debt

reorganizations, in which the Bankruptcy Court approves a plan for debtors to repay certain debts and for others to be discharged at the conclusion of the plan. Most debts in Chapter 7 cases are discharged without being paid or are paid as pennies on the dollar. However, the debtor in a Chapter 13 or 11 Bankruptcy must make payments for numerous years throughout the plan, providing funds available for distribution to both secured and unsecured creditors. When a person or business files for bankruptcy, the Automatic Stay goes into effect and all creditors must immediately stop all efforts to collect on any debts directly from the debtor. You may not send invoices, call, email or communicate in any way with the client or customer to attempt to collect the debt. You may communicate with the client or customer regarding other matters and may collect on debts the client or customer incurs to you after they file for bankruptcy, but you may not make any effort to collect directly from the client or customer on any debts prior to the bankruptcy filing. Violation

of the Automatic Stay comes with hefty penalties, up to $10,000, and can expose the violator to additional punitive damages. The Bankruptcy Court takes the Automatic Stay very seriously and has little patience for creditors who violate it. To collect on debts clients or customers owe prior to their bankruptcy filing, the Bankruptcy Court requires creditors to submit a Proof of Claim. Filing this Proof of Claim makes creditors eligible to receive payment from any money that may be in the bankruptcy estate. Many Chapter 7 cases are “no asset” cases, meaning there are no assets to distribute from the bankruptcy estate and no unsecured creditors will receive any money to pay debts. However, in many Chapter 7 cases there are assets to distribute. It is very unlikely you will receive payment on the full amount of the debt, but creditors may only collect from the bankruptcy estate if they file a Proof of Claim. If you do not submit a Proof of Claim, you are guaranteed to receive nothing when the Bankruptcy Court discharges your client or customer’s unsecured debts.

In Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 cases, it is more likely you will be able to collect some money on the debt your client or customer owes to you, since the debtor pays into the payment plan for numerous years. While you are unlikely to receive full payment on the debt in these Chapters as well, you are likely to receive some payment. The process for submitting proof of debts in these Chapters is the same as the process for collecting in Chapter 7 cases. Creditors must submit a Proof of Claim through the Bankruptcy Court’s website. Submitting the Proof of Claim is a very simple process which a creditor does not need an attorney to file. The Bankruptcy Court provides a link to a very straightforward form on its website, which you may submit online. The process takes only a few minutes and the form and instructions are available at: azb.uscourts.gov/proofclaim-form-and-instructions. Given the quick process, it is time well spent to submit a Proof of Claim whenever you receive a notice your client or customer has filed for bankruptcy. FBN

Kate Mahady is a partner at Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, where she helps clients navigate bankruptcy. She also handles probate matters, immigration and real estate disputes. For additional information or to schedule an appointment with an attorney, visit AWD’s website at awdlaw.com or call 928-774-1478. Aspey, Watkins & Diesel’s Flagstaff office is located at 123 N. San Francisco Street on the third floor in the AWD Building next to Heritage Square.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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

Warming Altitudes with Cajun Spice Chef Eddie Bibb shares what he learned from his mama and New Orleans’ legendary Chase family

ridging the culinary gap between New Orleans and Flagstaff is the goal of Altitudes Bar & Grill Chef Eddie Bibb, whose hope is to bring his version of Cajun Creole cuisine to Northern Arizona “one dish at a time.” “Eddie has become a part of our family,” said Altitudes Bar & Grill owner Lynda Fleischer. “He was a valued return customer and would hang out with us and always talk about his mama and the times he spent helping her prepare meals. Then, we found out about his amazing cooking!” Bibb began creating lunch specials for Altitudes, and Fleischer says his dishes are a big hit. “I come every other Thursday because that’s when Eddie cooks,” said local resident Colleen Tucker, who was dining with three of her friends. “The Coubion Gumbo is the best dish I’ve tried yet.” Recently, Bibb started barbequing on Friday evenings on the Altitudes Bar & Grill patio. “It’s been going really good

and we’re really busy,” said Bibb. “I’ve been making beef brisket street tacos, catfish Po’ Boys and sometimes, Cajun sausage dog. People really love the food, especially the spices.” A native of Algiers, New Orleans, Bibb lived there until he was 8 years old. “My dad joined the Air Force and we moved around, from Alaska all the way to New Hampshire, where I went to high school.” Bibb’s zeal for food and cooking eventually led him back to New Orleans to attend culinary school and work at the legendary Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. “I wanted to learn from the late Leah Chase, who is known as the matriarch of cooking in New Orleans. So I started as a dishwasher and worked my way up to sous chef.” Chef Eddie Bibb was born and raised in New Orleans until his family moved when he was 8. His love for cooking and Cajun flavors “Our cooks are watching Eddie and brought him back. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography he is such a great example to those who are young and learning,” said Grill, Bibb is a private chef and caterer Bibb has lived in Flagstaff since Fleischer says he’s also a great Fleischer. “He’s a happy-go-lucky guy, with his Chef Eddie’s BBQ & Creole 2017. “I visited in 2009 and always conversationalist and the customers easy to get along with and such a great wanted to come back here.” In addition Kitchen. love him. “His presence commands an chef, plus he’s very clean and does to his position at Altitudes Bar and audience.” everything the right way.” Continued on page 31

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Are People with HIV More at Risk for COVID?

By Vonda Chisholm

bout 40 years ago, a new illness appeared, and because it was spreading like wildfire through the male gay community, it was dubbed the “gay cancer.” As the pandemic took life after life, the medical/scientific communities fought to understand it and how to stop it. After countless hours of research, advocacy, blood, sweat and tears, advances were made in medicine, and today, contracting HIV is no longer a death sentence. Untreated, it is still a potentially life-threatening virus, but thanks to many who gave their all to fight for those infected by HIV/AIDS,

there are successful ways to treat those who have contracted HIV, as well ways as to prevent it. Fast forward to 2019-2020, as the world learned of another new illness, the “novel” coronavirus. The many people who have been or are still affected by HIV surely experienced déjà vu. The same questions came up: What is this new virus? Where did it come from? How do we treat it or, better yet, stop it? More than oneand-a-half years later, we still don’t know much more than we did when COVID-19 appeared on the scene, but because of masking, social distancing and the vaccine, things began to get better.

// And just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water...here come the variants. Imagine, if you can, being a person living with HIV and feeling fortunate that you are safely on your medication regimen and living a healthy life – or being someone who loves and cares for someone with HIV, and the very first question is this: How do we handle a pandemic within a pandemic? //

And just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water...here come the variants. Imagine, if you can, being a person living with HIV and feeling fortunate that you are safely on your medication regimen and living a healthy life – or being someone who loves and cares for someone with HIV, and the very first question is this: How do we handle a pandemic within a pandemic? Granted, though HIV is still transmittable, because of the 40+ years of science behind how to treat it, it is no longer spreading as fast as COVID-19 and all the variants following closely in tow. However, the questions still begged to be asked: Are people living with HIV at higher risk than those who do not have HIV, and is it safe for them to be vaccinated against COVID? The CDC has been very good at keeping up with information concerning HIV and COVID and answering the questions regarding these two viruses sharing space in the same communities. Below, please find some of the most common Q & A provided by the CDC and use the link to read more on all things related to HIV and COVID. Are people with HIV at a higher risk for COVID-19 than other people? We are still learning about COVID-19 and how it affects people

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with HIV. Based on what we know at this time, people with HIV may be more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Other factors also can increase the risk for severe illness, such as age and certain underlying medical conditions. Older adults, people with certain medical conditions, and pregnant and recently pregnant people should take preventive actions (including getting vaccinated, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing) to protect themselves from getting COVID-19. Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for people with HIV? The U.S. vaccine safety system makes sure all vaccines are as safe as possible. COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the same safety tests and met the Food and Drug Administration’s rigorous scientific standards needed to support emergency use authorization. People with HIV were included in clinical trials. People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated. Can HIV medication (ART) be used to treat COVID-19? Currently, treatment for COVID-19 is very limited. There is no evidence that

any medicines used to treat HIV are effective against COVID-19. People with HIV should not switch their HIV medicine in an attempt to prevent or treat COVID-19. Some clinical trials are looking at whether HIV medicines can treat COVID-19. Other trials are looking at the effectiveness of different drugs to treat COVID-19 in people with HIV. They are also looking to better understand how people with HIV manage COVID-19. You can learn more at ClinicalTrials.gov. To learn more, go to: cdc.gov/hiv/ basics/covid-19. FBN Vonda Chisholm is the executive director of Northland Cares, Northern Arizona’s premier specialty HIV treatment and prevention clinic. With offices in Prescott and Cottonwood and remote services, the staff of Northland Cares provides HIV/ STI/Hep C education, testing, treatment and prevention as well as wrap-around services such as housing assistance, medical case management, behavioral health treatment and stellar specialty HIV medical services. For questions of any kind, please call 928-776-4612 for those in and near Prescott or 928-649-0833 for those in and near Cottonwood.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Improving Regionwide Health Helps Create Vibrant Communities

By Deirdre R. Meldrum

ealth First Foundation Northern Arizona is dedicated to raising funds and distributing them to advance community health and well-being throughout the region. The foundation evaluates health needs in our communities and brings together donors and community collaborators to support initiatives that have a sustainable impact on well-being. The following question and answer format characterizes community health and explains why it is so important.

Q: WHAT IS COMMUNITY HEALTH? A: Simply put, community health is the physical and mental well-being of people in a specific place. We look at the community health of Northern Arizona as a whole, but also dive in closer to look at the health and well-being of people in a particular neighborhood or town. Many indicators can measure aspects of community health. One indicator would be the number of health screenings received by members of a community each year. Another would be a community’s access to nutritious food

and clean water. Another would be access to preventive care and health education. These and other factors can inform us about the health of a community and its members.

Q: WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT COMMUNITY HEALTH? A: Good health supports a full and thriving life for individuals and communities. When people are healthy and well, they can better contribute to the good of their family and society. We care about community health because individual lives and the vitality of our communities are at stake.

Q: WHAT IS THE IDEAL FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH?

A: A healthy community is where all people have ready access to quality education, adequate employment, quality health care, safe home and work environments, and built environments like parks, paths, trails and sporting fields that promote outdoor activity and socialization. These broad categories are known as the social determinants of health. Communities that excel in these areas tend to thrive and prosper. Shortcomings in

any of these areas can lead to faltering health and unhealthy environments.

Q: WHAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF A SOCIAL DETERMINANT THAT AFFECTS HEALTH IN NORTHERN ARIZONA?

A: Location, or where one lives, can affect health. Many residents in our region live in rural areas, which can offer health benefits. For instance, people in rural areas tend to have less stress and less respiratory disease. However, rural residents often live far from essential goods and services, like nutritious food and health care. One factor contributing to higher death rates from accidents in rural Arizona is the distance to emergency services. Also, many rural residents will forgo routine health checkups, dental care and mental health care because of a lack of health professionals and facilities in their immediate area.

Q: HOW DOES HEALTH FIRST FOUNDATION HELP?

A: Health First Foundation works with community and non-profit partners, funding innovative and impactful initiatives that address the

Volunteers in Cottonwood put together MoPacks, nutritious foods and a book that are distributed by Manzanita Outreach. Health First Foundation awarded Manzanita Outreach a grant to support the MoPacks program, aiming to build up food security and health for children in the Verde Valley. Courtesy photo

region’s top health needs. Each year, it awards Northern Arizona Community Health Grants to the most promising programs for improving health in our five counties – Yavapai, Mohave, Coconino, Apache and Navajo. The foundation also awards special grants

when circumstances warrant them. For instance, it awarded $100,000 in grants to Navajo and Hopi non-profits for pandemic mitigation last year. To date, Health First Foundation has invested $17 million in improving health. Those Continued on page 39

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

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

Rodeo Rescheduled to September 16-18, 2021 Fort Tuthill County Park

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Exploring Hearing Loss, Dementia, Social Isolation, Loneliness

By Karon Lynn, Au.D.

earing loss occurs in all age groups. According to the National Institutes of Health, hearing loss is found in three out of 1,000 children in one or both ears. In adults, the number of people reporting trouble hearing is one in eight people, or 13%, in the United States. The Link Between Hearing and Dementia According to a recent Johns Hopkins study that tracked more than 600 adults for 12 years, it was evident that even a mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk. Moderate hearing loss tripled the risk of developing dementia and a person with a severe hearing loss was five times more likely to develop dementia. They found via brain scans that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain. If a person has a hearing loss, they tend to reduce the number of interactions with others. They may not want to be around groups of people or engage in conversations as much. These factors contribute to escalating dementia. Common symptoms of dementia

and hearing loss are confusion during a conversation, difficulty completing everyday tasks, difficulty communicating when stressed or in a noisy environment. If an individual struggles to understand what is being said, they are less likely to store new information in their brain. They spend so much energy and focus on getting the information that there is no time to store the comment or information before the conversation progresses. Most conversations are fast and require quick moment-to-moment storage of information. So, if you are trying to figure out what the third word was in the first sentence and the other person continues to talk, the following sentences will be missed. Sometimes, it is just too much trouble to keep up, so you give up. Hearing Loss and Social Isolation In the previous example, you can see how difficult it is to maintain a social connection with other people. If the hearing-impaired person asks to have something repeated, the normal hearing person will sometimes repeat but may not talk slower to help facilitate understanding. More likely, they will repeat part of the dialogue

and expect the other person to keep up. These types of exchanges contribute to social isolation. The hearing impaired will not want to engage in conversations that are too stressful to keep up or conversations that make them feel less than adequate. I have heard patients say, “It is easier to pretend that I understood what was said so they don’t think I am mentally slow.” I have heard comments like, “My family gets mad at me if I don’t understand what is being said,” or they will be told, “You were sitting right there, why didn’t you listen?” If you are sitting with a hearing-impaired person talking only to them, facing them and speaking slower than normal, you will probably be understood. However, if there are three or more people talking, people no longer look directly at the person with hearing loss when speaking. They assume everyone is able to keep up with the various speakers. But the hearing-impaired person is dealing with different voice pitches, different rates of speech, perhaps someone is laughing at the same time someone is talking. This all makes being with other people more stressful and less

enjoyable. It is easier to sit and read a book or watch TV than be with other people. Hearing Loss and Loneliness Loneliness is a state of mind in which what someone wants and what they are experiencing is not aligned. Another description of loneliness is the feeling we get when our needs for rewarding social contact and relationships are not met. You might feel misunderstood or not cared for by the people around you. You do not have to be alone to be lonely. People can experience loneliness in a group of people. If you have difficulty interacting with people, you might feel lonely. Hearing loss may create an invisible barrier to building a relationship with family and friends. It is hard to maintain relationships if you don’t understand what is being said or feel the conversations are not interesting. Feeling lonely can trigger dejection and depression. It is important to address the hearing loss before attempting to change social activities. If you try new activities with the hearing

loss, you may feel overwhelmed and misunderstood. Work with an audiologist to find the best amplification for your particular needs. The noise reduction and assistive technology will be important features to discuss. Your desired lifestyle needs and the price point of the hearing aids will be important information in a discussion with your audiologist. FBN Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit TrinityHearing.net. Karon Lynn, Au.D., is a doctor of audiology with 30 years of experience working with hearing impaired individuals. Dr. Lynn may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.

Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Best Five Places to See Flagstaff’s Fall Colors

By Meg Roederer

s summer draws to an end and the fall months begin to emerge, Flagstaff’s LEAF-ometer answers the question asked time and again: What color are the fall leaves? To experience the season at its most exhilarating, use the Discover Flagstaff LEAF-ometer to find the best places to see fall colors and catch the changing foliage on the trails and around town. Flagstaff is a leaf-peeper’s paradise often hailed as Arizona’s capital of autumn with warming fall colors descending from the San Francisco Peaks to the streets of Flagstaff. Frequently, there is a vague perception of when the leaves will reach their peak, so the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer is a great resource for those hoping to observe the transitioning colors. This online resource is available at flagstaffarizona.org/leafometer and provides an idea in real-time of what stage of color alteration to expect leaves when traveling to varying areas of the city. Flagstaff offers many opportunities to explore and witness the alluring golden, brown, red and orange autumn colors.

BEST FIVE PLACES TO SEE FLAGSTAFF’S FALL COLORS:

Arizona Snowbowl is well known as a skiing and snowboarding winter wonderland. However, every summer and autumn, nature lovers can take to the skies on the Scenic Gondola. As you soar over the mountains, you enjoy the glories of autumn’s crisp ambers, with a spectacular view of the mixed fir and aspen tree canopy below, including a view of the Grand Canyon. The Arboretum at Flagstaff is an oasis of high-altitude native plants, and as autumn draws near, the trees transform into golden pieces of art. The Arboretum is the perfect place for a picnic and family getaway. Historic downtown Flagstaff offers dining, shopping and nightlife, and just off historic Route 66, the downtown area is the perfect stop on anyone’s autumn road trip. The vibrant fall colors of green, red and yellow leaves sprinkle the tree-lined streets of downtown transforming it into the autumn season. Also, enjoy the Northern Arizona University campus for cool colors and a fun football game or other university activity. Perfect for hiking, the inner basin

trail on the majestic San Francisco Peaks is a crisp cool adventure. Golden hues invade the basin during the fall as large stands of aspen trees transform and steal the show with their quaking leaves glowing like liquid sunshine. As part of the beautiful Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon is a nature-lover’s paradise. With a multitude of plants that change color during the autumn season, Oak Creek Canyon transforms into the perfect fall picture. Full of radiant oranges, glowing yellows and alluring reds, the Oak Creek Canyon is impeccable for hiking with the family or that romantic autumn drive, located along Hwy 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.

Use the Discover Flagstaff LEAF-ometer to catch Flagstaff’s fall colors with a leaf-viewing visit and experience cool temperatures, amazing scenery and outdoor adventure! discoverflagstaff.com.

FALL FOR FLAGSTAFF LOCAL: MY ACTIONS MATTER

Fall for Flagstaff Local, a community movement encouraging and celebrating residents that choose to Shop Local, Volunteer, Be Eco-Friendly, Donate, Support Education, Mentor and Vote. By taking part in the Flagstaff Local movement, you are connecting what you love about Flagstaff and living here, with your everyday actions.

TAKE THE PLEDGE

Go to flagstafflocal.com and scroll to “Take the Pledge”...it’s easy! You have to be local to win, and your ID is required to pick up prizes at the Flagstaff Visitor Center.

VOLUNTEER

Want to be more involved but you are not sure how? Most of us are lucky enough to have a pantry in our kitchen, but not all. The Pantry is the result of an entire community coming together to support people in need in Flagstaff. There is a small, hard-working board and thousands of volunteer hours that have made this program a reality. Volunteering is meaningful and fun. And the best thing about it is that you get to engage in areas that align with your passion! Get involved in group trash pick-ups, assist with recreation and/or events, meet new people and make a positive impact in your community. Volunteers are needed and much appreciated!

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SUPPORT EDUCATION

Treat yourself! Take advantage of reasonably priced cuts and trims, mani’s, and pedi’s from dedicated, hard-workContinued on page 37

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SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Chasing Health from the Inside Out

By Amber Belt, ND

DIET

Again, I find myself wondering if I sound like a broken record because I talk about a healthy diet a lot. But, considering the lines of cars waiting to get their sugar-coffee and fast “food,” I think that diet should be mentioned again. Here are a few general guidelines so that you can take steps toward a healthier diet and a healthier immune system. Eat food that looks like it did when it was on the farm. By this, I mean whole foods, rather than processed foods that come in boxes and several layers of plastic. If a food label has more than five to seven ingredients and you need a chemistry degree to understand what those ingredients are, it’s a good idea to stop and think about what you are eating before you put it in your mouth. Eat seasonal and local foods. You don’t find much processed food at the Farmer’s Market! In Flagstaff, we have a CSA that carries local produce year-round. You might have to be more conscious and look, but local whole foods are out there. Avoid sugar. Sugar suppresses the immune system hours after eating it. Not to mention that excess sugar, over time, can lead to dysregulatHYDRATE ed blood sugar. And we know that people with Sometimes I feel like a broken record talking dysregulated blood sugar, like diabetes, have about hydration, but it is something that people more complications with viral illnesses, including perpetually struggle with (myself included!). Did COVID-19. you know that being dehydrated hampers your Avoid booze. This is a big one! I have seen ability to fend off bugs? more fatty livers from excess alcohol consumption One of the ways that bugs sneak into our in the past 18 months than I have collectively in systems is via our mucus membranes. Mucus my 16 years of practicing medicine. Excess alcohol membranes line our mouths, throats, eyes, lungs and tracheas (windpipes). Our mucus membranes consumption disrupts respiratory immunity and is associated with increased susceptibly to pneucreate an obstacle to infection by both creating a monia and acute respiratory distress syndrome barrier of tissue and by secreting mucus to keep (ARDS). Alcohol also negatively impacts gut that barrier slippery. health by altering the gut microbiome and damA slippery mucus membrane is better and aging intestinal immune cells. At least 70% of our healthier than a sticky mucus membrane. immune system is found in our gut, so damaging Dehydration allows that mucus to get way too it with alcohol can’t be good. Booze also dysregusticky, taking away one of your defenses. When lates blood sugar in the body and can lead down our mucus membranes are exposed to a bug, it’s the obesity/diabetes path, too. Cutting alcohol preferable for the bug to slide off that membrane. out can be difficult, but with so many strategies When a bug is allowed to stick, it can start to get available to help people quit, there has to be one past the innate defenses of the mucus, replicate out there for you! and get past that nice thick mucus membrane People, understandably, have fallen into poor barrier to cause systemic issues. dietary habits over the past 18 months as a means Because fall and winter are so dry, we need to make excellent hydration a priority and remember to find comfort and alleviate stress. I truly understand this, but I have seen many people harming that electrolytes make up half of the hydration their health with excess alcohol, sugar and just equation. So, don’t forget some sodium, potassiplain bad food consumption since the pandemic um, chloride, and magnesium! hit. It’s time to hit the reset button. nyone else out there taking a deep breath and bracing yourself for fall and winter and the expected increase in seasonal viral illnesses? Yeah, me too. While an uptick in seasonal viral illnesses seems overwhelming considering what we’ve collectively been through over the past 18 months, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to cross your fingers, squeeze your eyes shut and hope that you don’t get sick. You can take action to set your immune system up to take on these bugs when they come around. I’m also here today to tell you if you’re trying to bolster your health solely with medications or supplements, you’re missing a big part of the picture. Health comes from the inside out! But, unlike chasing health by taking a medication or supplement, being healthy from the inside out requires consistent work, vigilance and dedication. But, you can do it! Here are three areas to work on to prime your immune system for the upcoming fall and winter.

EXERCISE

// Because fall and winter are so dry, we need to make excellent hydration a priority and remember that electrolytes make up half of the hydration equation. So, don’t forget some sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium! //

Exercise is another healthy habit that many people have let slide since March 2020. If your workout happens in the gym and the gym is closed, it’s tough to maintain physical activity without making a change to your exercise routine. Right? But we can’t let exercise slide out of our lives without it being quite detrimental. Working out benefits the immune system, reduces stress, stabilizes mood, balances hormones and produces endorphins. During and after exercise, as long as we aren’t overexercising, we get an immune boosting and overall anti-inflammatory impact on the body. In fact, a recent South Korean study showed that regular physical exercise was associated with a lower risk of COVID infection, severe COVID illness, and COVID death. Continued on page 36

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Soldier’s Best Friend Program helps veterans live better lives with the support of furry friends

By Rebecca West, FBN

oldier’s Best Friend (SBF) is an Arizona program designed to give service members improved well-being and quality of life through relationships with service animals. The group behind the program is dedicated to bringing about positive change for veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those involved say the impact SBF has had has been life-changing.

THE SBF STORY

Following his father’s passing in 2007, Dr. John Burnham had a desire to connect with something bigger. He wanted something more, something that engaged his military interests, honored his father and allowed him to use his personal and professional talents to a greater degree in service to the community. Through his veterinary practice, Dr. Burnham worked with veterans and cared for their pets. He witnessed how the interaction with the animals helped returning vets interact more comfortably in civilian environments, sparking an idea. This idea was nurtured by the study of institutional research that supported the therapeutic relationships he was seeing and by outreach to experts in the field of service animals, behavioral science and veteran services. Dr. Burnham knew there must be a way to give more veterans the chance to experience the unconditional love and support that a canine companion can bring. He also knew he had a unique opportunity to help reduce the number of homeless dogs living in local shelters. With this alignment of purpose, Soldier’s Best Friend Burnham’s dream and driving passion. With the support of his wife and business partner, Jan, the organization became a reality and was

founded in 2011. Burnham’s goal has been to create a non-profit devoted to placing and training service dogs for veterans at no cost to them. His wish was to acquire many of the dogs through local rescue organizations, thus easing the pet-overpopulation problem. Pairing Up for Training SBF trains across Arizona, currently in Prescott, Flagstaff, Phoenix Metro, Tucson and the Sierra Vista regions. Requirements for eligibility outline that the applicant must have a confirmation of diagnosis of combat-related PTSD and/or TBI, participate in a thorough interview process (including a home inspection), provide two letters of reference, and undergo a background check, prior to being considered for acceptance into the program. To date, the group has rescued more than 185 dogs from shelters and rescue partners during the course of the program. In the past decade, volunteers have partnered with organizations such as K9 Konnection, White German Shepherd Rescue, BARK, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, Arizona Animal Welfare League, Humane Society of the White Mountains, Humane Society of Central Arizona, Marvel Assistance Dogs, PAWS, Yavapai Humane Society, Sierra Vista Animal Care and Control, Nancy J. Brua An-

imal Care Center, Arizona Small Dog Rescue, Bisbee Animal Shelter, Fetch Foundation, The Animal League of Green Valley and Saving Paws. Soldier’s Best Friend Executive Director Katie Ares in Phoenix says adoption specialists meet with the veterans to discuss individual needs that include lifestyle, other pets in the home, children in the home, allergies, Above Left: Trainer Carrie Haas instructs Soldier’s Best Friend teams. what the animal’s specific tasks will Above Right: Adoption specialists meet with veterans to discuss their needs and be, etc., to find the best possible fit. lifestyles to find a good canine match. Photos by Candice Eaton SBF has a dedicated training facility with more than 3,300 square feet at son graduation ceremony since 2019! the Peoria campus, built in 2016. In Carrie Haas has been training dogs the outlying regions, the group uses for 40 years, five of which have been borrowed and donated space, such as A DECADE OF SUPPORT with SBF in Tucson and Sierra Vista. the Warrior Healing Center in Sierra “As a military spouse and daughter She says the job she’s performing is Vista. The teams often can be seen at of a Vietnam Veteran, the mission her heart’s work. “It’s been rewarding local parks, outdoor mall areas and to see the change in vets, their being is very near and dear to my heart,” other local businesses where they able to do stuff now that they found said Ares. “I have also seen firsthand have an opportunity to get reacthe positive impact that dogs have on nearly impossible before taking part customed to everyday situations in in training.” the lives of people living with PTSD. everyday environments. Ares says the success the program Following the teams from the appliTraining typically takes a minihas had exemplifies the vision that cation process through graduation is mum of six to nine months once the Dr. Burnham had a decade ago. an extremely impactful opportunity. teams are paired. The teams attend SBF is celebrating its 10th anniverOften, the veterans haven’t left their training sessions twice a week and home in quite some time, might have sary with a golf tournament on Nov. each session lasts approximately one 6, at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scotttheir blinds drawn, or in some cases, hour. They use the owner/handler sdale. All proceeds will go toward even foil on their windows. To see model, so their professional service programming. For more information, them one year later taking the stage dog trainers train the veteran to train at a graduation, speaking publicly, visit soldiersbestfriend.org. their dog. As of July, more than 300 Those interested in volunteering at and sharing their testimonials of how veteran/dog teams have graduated SBF may apply at soldiersbestfriend. their lives changed, celebrating in a from SBF’s Service/Therapeutic org/how-to-help/volunteer.html. FBN crowd with their family and loved Companion Dog Training Program. ones, and then becoming a mentor to They recently had their first in-perincoming veterans, speaks volumes.”

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Valley Fever Vaccine Expected to be Coming Soon

By Rebecca West, FBN

oughing, fever, weight loss, lack of appetite – these worrisome symptoms are all cause for alarm when exhibited by loved ones, including family pets. If you recognize these clinical signs of illness in your dog or cat, it could be an indicator of Valley Fever, a serious though relatively rare medical condition prevalent in the Western and Southwestern portions of the United States. Valley Fever is a systemic fungal disease caused by inhaling Coccidioides spores. The Coccidioides fungus is found most commonly in soil, and dogs are especially prone to infection because of living their lives with their noses to the ground. Arizona dust storms aren’t helping matters, either. Symptoms in humans resemble the flu, but dogs are regrettably more likely to develop heightened forms of the disease with muscle wasting, seizures and bone and brain lesions. That’s why scientists and veterinarians with the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence have been working for 25 years to find a vaccine for the debilitating disease. According to the center, twothirds of all U.S. Valley Fever infections are contracted in Arizona, even

though nationally, Valley Fever is uncommon. Recently, it was revealed that all of the center’s hard work has paid off with the announcement of Anivive, a groundbreaking fungal vaccine successfully vetted for Valley Fever in dogs. Reported as being the first vaccine with demonstrated efficacy against a systemic fungal disease, Anivive’s vax has so far been shown to afford protection in 100% of vaccinated dogs. Led by center founder and director Dr. John Galgiani, M.D., the group’s work was featured in a recent Scientific American article. Dr. Lisa Schubitz, DVM, a biomedical researcher with the UofA team working on the vaccine, spearheaded a three-year study into the epidemiology of Valley Fever in dogs in Tucson and Phoenix. She says that diagnosis of Valley Fever is performed through blood draws and X-rays. While there is no guarantee of saving the animal, current treatment options take an average of six to12 months and can be expensive. However, the Anivive

vax is projected to be available by 2022. Like all vaccines, however, the purpose is to keep beings from contracting the disease, so dogs who already have it at the time of the vaccine’s eventual release won’t be helped by Anivive. It has been estimated that more than 30 million dogs are now at risk for Valley Fever. While dogs are most frequently infected, it affects a wide array of animals. While it’s been

Top: Current treatment for Valley Fever in dogs can take as long as a year and may include the use of intravenous medicine. Photo courtesy Danae Nash Top Left: Dr. Lisa Schubitz, DVM, is a biomedical researcher working on the vaccine, shown here with a canine companion. Courtesy photo

difficult to get funding for research, she said, “There are a lot of angels out there helping the animals, and the shelters in the area have been doing a really good job. I’m continually amazed at these people who will take these dogs that are so sick.”

On a positive note, the success with dogs has been, as Shubitz pointed out, a proof-of-concept moment that is leading to a similar vaccine for humans in the near future. FBN

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Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Animal Enrichment: Rethinking Pet Toys

By Cheyenne Brown

hen you think of a dog toy, what comes to mind? Is it a tennis ball, a squeaky toy shaped like some other animal, or a simple rope? There is no doubt that pet retailers have plenty of options. In my experience, it doesn’t take much to entertain my dog – a football with a squeaker in the middle is just fine for her to play fetch with. The problem is, as we know, fetch requires a person to throw the ball. Since I work in an office, on days that I bring my energetic young dog with me to work, I want to give her something to do that might not exactly require my attention in between outside breaks. Just like giving a tablet to a child, there are ways to keep your dog occupied, while simultaneously offering a mind-enriching experience that is about more than just keeping them busy. There are plenty of toys and puzzles that are available to purchase for ready-to-go enrichment. Toys are available for all stages of a dog’s life. Some like to chew or cuddle, and some prefer food rewards. Here are some of my favorites: N Snuffle Mats – Typically an array of tassels that you can hide small treats and kibble inside. It requires your dog to seek out the food reward, much like scatter feeding. This is not ideal for dogs that like to chew stuff up! You don’t want them to shred or ingest the fabric of a snuffle mat. N Licking Pads – These have different levels of “difficulty” and can be filled with wet food, peanut butter and other food dogs love. Freeze

it, and let your dog lick away! This is a great exercise for dogs with anxiety to keep their minds busy during times like bath time or nail trimming. N Treat-Stuffed Toys – Some puzzles allow you to put individual pieces of kibble or small treats into something like a ball, and your dog has to line up holes or move pieces around in order to receive the food reward. There are a lot of ways to mentally stimulate your dog, no matter what stage they are in. It will keep them from getting bored, which can sometimes lead to chewing things up that you would probably rather stay intact! The benefits of offering enriching toys to your dog are endless. FBN Cheyenne Brown is the marketing manager for Olsen’s Grain.

Michael Ferritto Named Purina Factory Manager

his summer, Michael Ferritto joined the Flagstaff Purina factory as factory manager to lead operations and a team of 300 employees. The Purina factory has had a long-standing presence in Flagstaff since 1975 and manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet food brands, including Dog Chow, Purina ONE and Purina Pro Plan. Ferritto has worked in the pet food industry for nearly 20 years. The first decade of his career was spent with Purina, where he began as a production management trainee in Iowa. A few years later, he was named production manager at the Flagstaff factory. After spending eight years working at another consumer products goods company, Ferritto returns to Purina and Flagstaff with his wife, Alexandra; son, Weston; two cats and a dog. Ferritto holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Northern University and an MBA from Penn State University. He replaces Larry Holmes, a 40-year Purina veteran who now manages the company’s pet food operations in Davenport, Iowa. FBN

Assistance League Celebrates 40 Years of Service

he Assistance League of Flagstaff is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that has served those in need with 10 philanthropic programs for 40 years. One program is Operation School Bell, in which children are referred by schools. An average of 1,400 children receive new clothing, shoes, books and hygiene kits each year. Funds are provided through sales of donations at the Cedar Closet Thrift

Shop, with all revenue returned to the community. To commemorate the organization’s 40th anniversary, members are planning a celebration from 9:30-11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 18 at Cedar Closet Thrift Shop, 2919 N. West Street. The community is invited to enjoy festivities, treats, hear from Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy, see philanthropic displays and meet members. Shoppers will have a chance to win prizes. FBN

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Cordasco Honored as Arizona Cattle Grower’s Cattleman of the Year

xpressing gratitude and sharing the Babbitt Ranches philosophy of Cowboy Essence, President and General Manager Billy Cordasco accepted the prestigious honor as the Arizona Cattle Grower’s Association Cattleman of the Year, Friday, July 16, during the 2021 ACGA Annual Summer Convention in Springerville. “I am truly inspired by this honor,” said Cordasco. “On behalf of Babbitt Ranches, I am eager to continue to be a part of the agriculture industry’s efforts as it identifies and maintains its leadership role into the future.” “This is a lifetime achievement award, as the recipient is someone who has dedicated his career to improving the beef cattle industry in

Arizona,” stated ACGA Administrator Angela Ludd. An article in ACGA’s August Arizona Cattlelog states, “Cordasco has led the 750,000-acre ranch with a big-picture vision, optimism, respect and spirit of participation for 30 years, guiding the family business through reorganization efforts, public outreach and communication strategies, monumental conservation programs and the diversification of business ventures while maintaining and honoring long-held traditions, like the Annual Hashknife Colt Sale and principles reflected in The Constitution of Babbitt Ranches.” The award recognizes Cordasco as a long-time member and supporter

of ACGA, who has made significant contributions and demonstrated leadership regarding policy issues in agriculture, and also for substantial conservation and healthy range management practices. During his leadership at Babbitt Ranches, Cordasco and the Babbitt family have set aside more than 40,000 acres in conservation easements to protect Northern Arizona’s open space in perpetuity. FBN

Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco interacts with the crowd before the 2021 Annual Hashknife Colt Sale. Photo courtesy Ed Anderson

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Finding Buyer Success in a Seller’s Market

By Blake Cain

always say, we are extremely privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the country. As summer comes to an end and Flagstaff’s sunflowers are in full bloom, I look back on what was one of the busiest real estate seasons of my career. It was a full-blown sellers’ market, where any listing was solid gold and buyers were fighting for first place. While the market is still on fire – because of high demand and low inventory – in recent weeks, the market has moved from “red-hot” to “hot.” Mortgage rates remain at historic lows, making the cost of money cheap; thereby keeping many buyers in the game. Through stories I have heard and my own observations, I have seen many buyers become discouraged while trying to purchase a home in Flagstaff. Cash buyers, California buyers, investors, corporations and many now working from home are some of the reasons the average firsttime homebuyer is struggling to purchase a home. I am here to tell you, buying a home is possible when you have the right team working on your behalf. With a knowledgeable real estate advisor on your side, worries can turn into hope, and a realistic plan

can become a successful purchase. A full-time, experienced realtor is on the ground daily, gaining market knowledge and learning what it takes to “get the deal done” in this unprecedented market. Realtors are touring homes daily, that’s important when properties often sell in one day! When time is of the essence, it is important to have someone who has been inside and toured recent sales. Your realtor has valuable knowledge that can help you quickly and confidently make financial decisions and place a well-crafted competing offer. It is a grave mistake to place your trust in a Zillow estimate; a company using an algorithm, which knows little about the intricacies of our local market, what the interior of the house REALLY looks like, or for that matter… how to order a Rock Rammer at your favorite Late for the Train (a shameless plug, maybe, but it shows the difference between national pricing algorithms vs. local knowledge). But tell me, Blake, how do I compete with an all-cash offer?! Great question. There are many tips and tricks your agent should be able to provide. A bit on the dramatic/ ridiculous side, but one industry story is told of a couple who wrote

into the terms and conditions that the seller could name the buyer’s first-born child! Good luck with that! Maybe you’re not that brave, but little incentives (paying a portion of seller’s closing costs), or bonuses, are strategies that could help seal the seller’s final decision. Personal notes may be a thing of the past—while you may feel hopeful by sharing your life story, not all sellers want to know or even care in many circumstances. For sellers, picking the buyer solely based on a personal letter could potentially be a precursor to a breach of the Fair Housing law. Another point of competence that your real estate agent brings is contract writing. I have seen deals fall through because of two small words in a purchase contract. It is now common to add additional verbiage, addenda and contractual clauses into a purchase contract. Having an agent who has developed the skills to execute proper real estate verbiage will help you prevail. Lastly, you want to position yourself with a well-known and reputable brokerage or agent. An agent with notable local realtor connections and a good répertoire will benefit you. Go on and Google them, find their social media platforms, and read their

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online reviews! The digital agent is one who knows and understand the trends of technology in our ever-changing world. With out-of-state clients, I have delivered a service of virtual showings. Often with buyers from the Valley, or anyone out of state, I will offer personal video services for the homes of high interest. I have had many success stories of buyers actually purchasing properties that they initially viewed virtually. Access to Matterport tours, video and virtual staging are key to purchasing (or selling) from a distance. Again, all the more emphasis to work with a well-connected local realtor.

$320 for a single family home, which has increased from $306 per square foot in April. Average days on the market is 51 days including a 30-day escrow. Attempting to navigate this process alone is nearly impossible. Take your time and interview a few realtors to find the one who embodies these characteristics, and you will be on your way to finally purchasing your Flagstaff Home. FBN Blake Cain is a local Realtor with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. He can be reached at 928-856-9071 or blakecain. com.

THE NUMBERS

According to the National Association of Realtor’s Economic outlook: “Single-Family Home Prices Rose in 99% of 183 Metro Areas in 2021 Q2. The year started off with strong home price growth and continued for the second quarter of 2021, with 94% of the markets showing double-digit home price appreciation. National median prices rose 22.9% year over year to $357,900. Flagstaff’s median home price is currently $712,000.” Flagstaff’s average price per square foot is

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SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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APS is Committed to Flagstaff’s Dark Sky Initiative

t APS, keeping the lights on is a top priority, and has been for more than 130 years. At the same time, being a champion of Flagstaff’s Dark Sky initiative means that APS pays careful consideration to the type of APS-owned lighting fixtures installed in streets in communities with dark-sky requirements. As the world’s First International Dark Sky City and Arizona’s leading astronomy hub, Flagstaff holds a unique responsibility for preserving dark skies in the area and being an example for other cities striving to become dark-sky friendly. Working with the City of Flagstaff and as a supporter of Flagstaff’s Dark Skies Coalition’s annual Star Party, APS is committed to ensuring that all APS-approved fixtures meet Dark Sky Compliance, strengthening Flagstaff’s position as a dark-sky friendly city.

In addition to working with the City of Flagstaff, APS is involved with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Street and Area Lighting Conference, which attracts lighting professionals from across the country and internationally representing utilities, municipalities, departments of transportation, consulting and engineering firms, research firms, manufacturing firms and educational institutions. The IES sets dark sky compliance standards and is a go-to for cities looking to become dark sky compliant. “APS’s commitment to Arizona goes far beyond the electrical grid and deep into the communities we serve,” said APS Public Affairs Manager in Flagstaff Janet Dean. “Our environmental focus and natural resource management means that we support programs that celebrate [and]

preserve the Southwest’s unique environmental landscape and strengthen communities.” APS’s support for Flagstaff’s Dark Skies Coalition is just one way in which the company partners with our customers, employees, shareholders and suppliers to ensure the shared success of Arizona. In 2020, APS announced its commitment to serve customers with 100% clean, carbon-free energy by 2050. In the year since making the commitment, the company has made significant strides and has gone beyond the generation mix to help reduce emissions in other sectors. A key focus for APS is integration of electric vehicle charging stations to help achieve overall carbon-reduction and air-quality goals, not just in Flagstaff, but throughout the state. With 34,000 electric vehicles already

on Arizona’s roads, easy access to charging stations may help even more drivers go electric. Through the Take Charge AZ pilot program, APS covers the cost of installing and maintaining equipment for Level 2 charging stations at businesses, government agencies, non-profits and multi-family communities. At year-end 2020, 84 charging stations were installed through this pilot. The goal is to have 200 to 400 Level 2 ports across APS service territory by the end of 2021. In Flagstaff, Take Charge charging stations have been installed or are in the process of being installed at multiple city and Coconino County facilities, including City Hall, the Aquaplex, the Downtown Library, Pulliam Airport, the county’s King Street facility, as well as multiple private businesses. Now, through a

new APS partnership with Electrify America, more charging infrastructure will help make for a reliable EV experience on longer road trips. For its commitment to Flagstaff and the environment, the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and Flagstaff Business News honors APS as this month’s Dark Sky Champion. FBN September kicks off six weeks of free public activities including telescope viewing, concerts, art exhibits, presentations, performances and constellation tours during Celebration of the Night and the Flagstaff Star Party (Sept. 30-Oct. 2). For more information, visit FlagstaffStarParty.org.

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Having Responsibilities Furthers the Addiction Recovery Process

By Roy DuPrez, M.Ed

n his book, “Boys Adrift,” Dr. Leonard Sax explains that men need to be responsible because if men are not needed, they do not flourish. Furthermore, according to organizational psychologist Benjamin P. Hardy, men actually step down if they are not needed. For example, when expectations are low, you will find young men demonstrating behaviors like remaining in their parents’ homes longer, delaying steps into adulthood and failing to thrive overall. Back2Basics believes addiction takes and recovery gives back and makes amends. Apologizing through one’s actions ignites an essential process of introspection and settling of past debts that were unhealthy and harmful. This is the work that gets a resident to be in their frontal cortex, where higher forms of neurological activity exist. Giving back to others is ultimately a gift to one’s self and that process begins with a very important and necessary step in the recovery process: being remorseful. Part of gaining the perspective need-

ed to begin this process and reintegration into society is service work. Young men are encouraged to heal their addiction by successfully engaging in the world around them, regularly investing their time into a significant community project such as volunteering at a local food bank or a wilderness cleanup. Doing something positive for the community helps change the chemistry of the brain. It gets them outside of themselves where valuable perspective can be gained. Volunteering to help others is a component of preparing for lifelong sobriety because developing inner resources and emotional maturity are key in preventing depression, anxiety and a regression to substance abuse. People who experience successful recovery have many things in common. They never forget what they’ve been through and wisely bolster what they’ve learned with after-care programs, support groups, continuing therapy, healthy habits and coping skill application to maintain their resilience, achievement and long-term sobriety. FBN

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their minds are cleared and they learn ways to defeat old addictive thinking patterns through various outdoor adventures. Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males, from 18-30, with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaning-

Courtesy photo

ful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programing. Now accepting all private insurance plans. Call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com. back2basicsoutdooradventures.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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// MAYOR’S ADDRESS // BY PAUL DEASY

CHEF EDDIE continued from page 17

Big Projects Ahead for Improving Life in Flagstaff

lot of big things are coming up before the Flagstaff City Council after having our summer recess. One major discussion coming up Sept. 7 is how we will be allocating the American Rescue Plan Act dollars from the federal government. Millions were given to the city, with certain guidelines on how it can be spent. Some of the proposals that we’ve suggested for the use of these funds could have a significant impact on our economy, infrastructure and social services. A priority is to improve our broadband infrastructure to create a long north-south, east-west corridor of fiber through the main arteries in town. This would connect our water facilities and improve cybersecurity for our water system, which is a top security issue for our city. The City of Flagstaff has been in very productive conversations with public and private entities to achieve a more advanced and reliable network citywide in the near future, including the potential for a new internet service provider coming to town. Collaborative efforts have led to a robust city plan for

our internet infrastructure that we are working hard to see completed in short order. Regarding social services, there also have been proposals from myself and other councilmembers to assist with rapid rehousing, and how to create a potential respite center for our unsheltered. This could work in tandem with the Alternate Crisis Response program run through social service providers that the City Council approved at the budget retreat in June. The Alternate Crisis Response model consists of a van with a medic and behavioral health specialist that can respond to certain 911 calls without necessarily the need for police, fire and ambulance. Mental health crises, public intoxication and other types of calls will be responded to in this manner, and the funding for additional facilities and services through ARPA funds can help improve outcomes for these individuals who may otherwise be thrown into the criminal justice system. Another area we are having

big discussions and planning on is with our stormwater infrastructure. On Aug. 26 and 27, an engineering summit was called to brainstorm and lock in feasible ideas to mitigating long-term flooding from the Museum Fire scar. Many minds came together from Coconino County, City of Flagstaff, United States Forest Service and private entities, and I am optimistic about the future. As with many of these large problems, we need resources to do it and a lot of collaboration from all levels of government to see through, but we are committed to doing so. City Council meetings are now available in a hybrid model. Public participants, councilmembers and staff can participate either virtually or in-person. Meetings are held at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays. FBN Paul Deasy is the mayor of Flagstaff.

“I’m very passionate about food and it gives me joy when I see people enjoying my cooking,” says Bibb. “It’s not work for me, and my hope is that I can educate and expose people to different cuisines.” In keeping with the seasons, Bibb will be preparing hearty gumbos, Jambalayas, Étouffées and various stews. Conversely, the summer menu will feature a lighter fare of crab and shrimp salads and ceviche. “Everything that I’ve tried that Eddie cooks is excellent,” said BEC Southwest Project Manager Steve Bernard. “It’s authentic Louisiana cooking with legit ingredients and the flavors are fantastic. The catfish Po’ Boy was the best I’ve ever had.” Going on 18 years in business, Altitudes Bar and Grill is owned and operated by Lynda Fleischer and Paul Joerger. “The manifestation of our restaurant came out of a desire to recreate the Mainstreet Bar & Grill, which is no longer open but is now a catering service.”

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ROTHMILLER continued from page 14

lice,” the book documented life inside OCID and quickly made the bestseller list. By that time, he had been a TV reporter and had his own ESPN series. “I thrive on exposing things that the average person does not see,” Rothmiller said. “Intelligence gathering is a completely different world. There are things that people do not want you to see. There is so much political corruption, but now they are more cautious and devious in the way they cover their tracks.” FBN

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Outside of the kitchen, Bibb enjoys hiking, fishing, camping and dabbles in construction. He has two grown sons. He says, “I’m just a normal guy trying to do my thing.”

3/1/21

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Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

Responses for Common Questions, Comments Heard at Timberline Firearms

By Elise Wilson

orking at Timberline Firearms, we see a lot of interpersonal dynamics and we get a lot of great questions. Here are some of the questions and comments we hear and overhear at the gun store. 1) I’d like to buy my wife a small firearm because she has small hands. What do you recommend to make it easier for her to shoot? We hear this quite a bit at the shop. We would like to recommend that everyone try a few guns before purchasing one. Small guns are not necessarily easier to shoot, trust us. They typically

have more recoil and can be “snappy.” 2) Do you have any inexpensive guns? While we try to accommodate all budgets, you do get what you pay for in the firearm world. If you are purchasing a firearm for self-defense, you want to buy something reliable with a good reputation. 3) I don’t need to take a class; I’ve been shooting for years. Everyone could benefit from a class, even if you’re experienced. Safety is of the utmost importance with firearms and being reminded of the safety rules and shooting fundamentals is always a good thing. From beginner to advanced

classes, they’re all important. 4) Why should I take the CCW class if Arizona doesn’t require a permit to conceal carry? This is an excellent question that we hear quite a bit. The CCW class goes over topics like: situational awareness; deadly force encounters and their rules; Arizona laws, including where you can and can’t carry; what to do if you get pulled over; what to do if you are involved in a self-defense situation; and different types of guns and holsters. 5) I don’t know how to load my magazines, load my gun or unload it. My husband always does that for me. While our husbands are well mean-

ing, it’s time to learn how to handle your firearm yourself. Our Intro to Handguns class is a perfect place to do that. 6) I’d like to purchase my first firearm and it needs to have a safety. We like people to know that if they are going to have a safety on their firearm, they must practice taking it on and off while shooting. This is extremely important, so you don’t forget to disengage it if you end up in a self-defense situation. This step needs to be automatic (muscle memory), since it is an extra step in firing your firearm. Remember, you are your best safety. 7) I don’t need a class, my husband,

brother, sister, uncle or friend will teach me. Range time is supposed to be fun as well as important for training. We see time and time again, loved ones trying to teach each other. We have come to realize that this isn’t always the best idea for happy relationships. Come take a class, get some private instruction and keep your happy household. FBN Elise Wilson is the owner (with her husband, Rob) of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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The Importance of the Age-Old Business Card

By Logan Enright

usiness cards are important for people in business. Don’t make the mistake of poo-pooing them as old school and outdated. Cards are a seemingly small piece of the business puzzle, but a key ingredient to successful business networking. Many young people view the business card as a relic from the past and unnecessary. Others know the value of cards but forget to carry them. Before going out, reload your wallet with as many as you can fit. Business cards are an extension of you and your business. Consider the graphics. Logo creation is critical. That subject could be a separate article. We like to advise our SCORE startup business owners that their logo should reflect a solid and stable business. Whimsical and creative art works, if that’s the impression you intend to deliver. Don’t carry old or incorrect cards – stopping to scratch in your new email address is not good. Cards and their creation are very affordable. Buy new ones when things change. Actively exchange cards at all meetings and public events. When back at your office, take the time to

input them into your computer, more specifically, your CRM (Customer Relation Management) software. By doing this, the new contact information is further planted in your brain. When reviewing a newly acquired card at your office, you’ll probably remember action items you committed to while in putting them in your computer. People move and their contact information changes. Cards keep you on track. Of course, one can get contact info off a signature page in an email, but will you remember to do so? Probably not. At the very least, reviewing a business card allows you to really know if you are spelling their name correctly! Offer your card early in any professional conversation and request one back (even if the person has to walk back to their desk or car for one). It’s alarming how many people go to public business events without cards. Do they think they’ll not meet new contacts? Much can be learned with the manner in which businesspeople in Asia handle cards. Not so much their very respectful formality of handing it to the recipient with both hands with thumbs up and head down respectfully, as that might look contrived

depending on the circumstances. I am simply referring to the idea of respecting the business card as an important personal item. When in a group, arranging multiple cards of the people across the table from you in the order they’re sitting is practical. Then look at them while conversing – in such a way so as to commit to memory who is who in the room. They’ll notice and that’s a good thing. Memorize their titles –

they’ve worked hard to achieve that rank. Think about their names and where you might know them from in a previous job. I am surprised at how many young people don’t recall who they’ve met. You and your new contact are usually one meaningful conversation away from remembering each other for life. It’s all about networking. One of the secrets

of success is having a wide and deep network of contacts. This requires knowing to whom you are speaking! Business cards help this process. FBN Logan Enright is the chapter chair and a Certified Mentor of SCORE Northern Arizona.

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Coconino County and Partners Face the Challenge of Broadband

By Chris Pasterz

nternet service. For most of us it is either too slow, too spotty, too expensive, or too far out of reach. Reliable internet service has become increasingly important to life and work in last 18 months. In this month’s article, we are going to share some of the solutions that are out there and what is happening at the county to bring forth those solutions, especially for those not-connected or under-connected to the internet. A quick disclaimer here: we are not going to be talking about what private internet service providers are doing. They are rapidly upping their service areas as well as updating their networks, and that is for them to share. We are going to talk about what options are out there, share some programs that can help improve your access to internet, and then move onto large projects that are underway from a county perspective. Internet access is as powerful today as the transcontinental railroad was in the late 1850s. Internet is increasingly being viewed as an essential utility, and communities with access

to the internet are benefiting with work-anywhere jobs, sell-anything anywhere markets, in-home education, telemedicine, and let’s not forget on-demand entertainment. The lack of connectivity can stagnate a local economy and divide a community. This is often called the Digital Divide, but there many partners who are focused on shrinking that divide. Household internet access can be impaired by the sheer cost of the service. While most agree that they don’t get the internet service that they pay for when it comes to download and upload speeds, there are some that simply cannot afford to pay for it all. For households that are low-income, a program known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit can temporarily reduce the cost of accessing internet. The program provides a discount of up to $50/month on your broadband service (up to $75/month discount for those living on tribal lands) and a one-time payment up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer. This program is available one per household. Check your household eligibility and sign up at getemergencybroadband.org. This program

is paid for by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is available now. Rural Coconino County residents who are experiencing no internet service in their areas have more options coming online. There are many partners that provide service in hardto-reach, rural areas using wireless and microwave technology. Coconino County has helped install multiple wireless solutions across rural towns in our county in partnership with local municipalities and community groups. Microwave or wireless internet technology is widely available in rural areas with established microwave towers. Remember, this not about individual internet companies, but rather about the solutions that are in rural Coconino County, working now. Ask your neighbors what service they are using and you will be surprised, as hundreds of residents are accessing high-speed internet via small satellite dishes on their home, very similar to satellite TV. When it comes to these satellite solutions, review the options as there are

different type of satellite systems – high-orbit, low-orbit, and the costs vary. Once again, Coconino County has been partnering to test and help bring forth satellite internet technology to under-connected rural and tribal residents. Next time you have access to the internet, perform a web search for “low-orbit satellite internet providers” and you will come across the solutions that your neighbors are using. The best internet is not free, it is fiber. Fiberoptic cables are the fastest, most reliable and most efficient ways to connect to and transfer information to the World Wide Web. The best internet options have historically been isolated to high-density population centers such as cities and metro areas. Coconino County has been actively pursuing a fiber cable project to connect residents along the Northern Arizona Corridor. The details of this project are available to the public here: Coconino Middle Mile: coconinocountybroadbandinitiative.com. While a project of this magnitude takes tens of millions of dollars (usually invested by private telecommuni-

cations companies) to complete, the local, state and federal governments are now entering into the funding stacks of these multimillion dollar networks. If this sounds similar to the build-out of our nation’s railways, that is because it is. These arrangements are called P3’s (Private-Public-Partnerships) and Coconino County is actively working with partners to gain funding and rightsof-way to bring fiber to our northern corridor. The best internet solutions take considerable money, time and effective partnerships. This project is ambitious and needs the support of more dedicated partners in order to be realized, and that is part of the broadband challenge we are facing in Coconino County. For questions and or more information, please feel free to reach out to me. FBN Chris Pasterz is the economic development manager for Coconino County. He can be reached at 928-679-7114, 928-2255650 or cpasterz@coconino.az.gov.

Healthy Feet Make the Best Dancing Feet By Anthony Rosales, DPM, FACFAS

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eing “light on your feet” when dancing is not entirely true; dancing the night away can take a toll on feet and ankles. Both professional and amateur dancers can suffer foot injuries that can stop the show, as witnessed this season on the popular reality-television show, “Dancing with the Stars.” The most common types of dance-related foot and ankle problems are overuse injuries, which occur because of the repetitive movements in dance. More than 50% of dance injuries occur in the foot and ankle. The severity of the damage is determined by a patient’s age, strength and flexibility and the type of shoes worn when dancing. Other common types of injuries related to dancing can include: N Stress fractures (hairline breaks in the bone) from repeated jumping and landing. N Foot neuromas (thickening/irritation of the nerves in the ball of the foot) resulting from repetitive pivoting. N Shin splints (pain and swelling in the front of the lower legs), which can be aggravated by recurring activities. N Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons in the foot) from overexertion. N Corns, calluses or blisters – all painful skin irritations resulting from repeated rubbing of the skin on the feet.

With dancing being repetitively hard on the lower extremities, how can dancers of any level protect their feet and ankles? The best defense to injury is prevention. Dancers should wear appropriate shoes to properly support their feet and ankles, as well as perform dance moves with their individual skill levels in mind. When an injury does occur, prompt medical attention by a foot and ankle surgeon can make all the difference in a proper rehabilitation. Most dance injuries can be treated with conservative care as long as they are addressed early and not ignored. Many people dismiss foot pain if they can walk on the foot, but it is important to remember it is possible to walk on a seriously injured foot. Plus, common injuries, if left untreated, may require surgical intervention to ensure proper healing. FBN If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, call Dr. Rosales’s office at 928-864-0602 for an assessment. Anthony Rosales DPM, FACFAS, a foot surgeon with offices in Flagstaff and Page, is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

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Fall is a Special Time for Northern Arizona Gardens

By Misti Warner-Andersen

t’s a time of transition – there’s still a lot of life left in your late summer garden, with late bloomers that grow quickly and give your garden beds or patio containers a splash of color. (Deadheading flowering plants will help encourage those last few blooms, by the way). Then, there are the flowers that love the cool temps of this time of year: mums, asters and the second wave of hardy pansies and violas that you haven’t seen since spring. You can also still harvest from your veggie garden as well. Cool season vegetables like arugula, broccoli, spinach, kale, onions and radishes will germinate within 30 days and can stand a light frost. Your best bet, if you are growing cool season vegetables from seed, is to find out the growth rate and calculate the time needed to grow versus the first expected frost. In the Flagstaff area, that can range from late September

to mid-October, depending on what section of town you are in. But the stars of the fall planting season are your trees, shrubs and bulbs. Many experts prefer fall planting to spring for trees and shrubs. The biggest benefit is the combination of warm soil and cool air that autumn provides. It’s perfect for stimulating root growth, which means your tree or shrub will be well established before the ground freezes. Additionally, at this time of year, the earth is wonderfully saturated from the monsoon rains. This also encourages deep root growth. This doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about watering! You should always make sure any newly planted plants get daily watering, regardless of the time of year or rain levels. Here are a few tips for planting your new tree or shrub: N When you are planting, make sure the hole you dig is about twice the width of the root ball of your shrub

or tree and equally as deep. (It’s better to plant it a little above ground level than too deep.) N Don’t just fill it with the soil from your garden – amend it with something like Warner’s Supreme Planting Mix to make sure it provides your new plant with the nutrients it needs. Place some of the amended soil in the bottom of your hole as well. N Water your plant thoroughly before you place it in the hole. N Remember to remove any wire on the root ball or to fold back the burlap so that you expose the trunk and about four inches of soil. N You can add some fertilizer tablets, but make sure that they don’t touch the root system of your plant. N Don’t forget the mulch. It will help conserve moisture, prevent weeds and maintain moderate soil temperatures. N Once your tree or shrub is in the ground, prevent transplant shock and promote root growth by

watering thoroughly with a root stimulator. Finally, there is one more thing you should be planting – although you won’t get to see the results until next year – bulbs. If you want tulips, crocuses, hyacinth, irises and daffodils next spring, you need to get their bulbs in the ground now. I can’t tell you how often we get people in March asking if we have daffodils they can plant. Here are some basic tips to getting gorgeous spring blooms: N Your optimal time to plant is late September through October. The cool night temperatures prevent the bulbs from rotting and the coming winter will guarantee your bulbs get the necessary chill needed to bloom in spring. N Bulbs need at least partial sun and well-draining soil. If your soil is mostly clay, amend it with planting mix.

N You’ll want the hole for your bulb to be about 3 times the size of the bulb. So large bulbs like tulips or daffodils will need to be about 8 inches deep and other, smaller bulbs will be planted about four inches deep. N Make sure your bulb’s “nose” (the pointy end) is facing up out of the hole. We hope you enjoy the end of summer and the beginning of one of my favorite seasons – fall. If you need any help with making the transition and extending your garden throughout the new season, please call or visit Warner’s Nursery. We’d be glad to help. 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.

Acupuncture Restores Post-COVID Fatigue, Loss of Smell and Taste By Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc

any people are aware of the hallmark symptom for COVID: loss of taste and smell. Researchers have found that the temporary loss of smell (anosmia) may be a better indicator of a COVID infection than other symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, cough, digestive upset or shortness of breath. It has been suggested that the olfactory nerve cells can be affected because of the swelling of surrounding nasal mucosa tissues and cells being inflamed by the viral replication process. One study showed about 82% of mild-moderate positive COVID cases had loss of taste and 71% of people had loss of smell, while 18.6% of people had both. The timing of loss of taste and smell starts three to four days after the onset of COVID symptoms and can last anywhere from seven to 14 days. It has even been prevalent in non-symptomatic patients as well. Some people have lingering symptoms post-COVID infection such as fatigue, body aches, chest tightness and lack of taste and smell long after recovering from the virus. I have seen several cases in my practice and am excited

to share how powerful acupuncture treatments are at restoring the full function of taste and smell. In those patients with loss of taste and smell, treatments can often bring back the joy in their life. Food plays such a big part of enjoying what you eat, tasting and smelling the aromas and connecting with people socially. Patients with anosmia may feel depressed, have a lower appetite and do not enjoy eating. There is a solution. Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years and uses hair-thin needles that are inserted in energy points on meridians (energetic channels) within the body. It balances anything that is out of balance, boosts the immune system, opens the chest, enhances breathing, opens the nasal pathways, balances hormones and releases natural endorphins to make you feel good. It can treat a multitude of conditions ranging from allergies, digestive upset, migraines, hormone imbalance, pain and emotional issues such as anxiety, depression and stress. The great thing about acupuncture is that it works on many different conditions at once, getting to the root cause and treating it naturally by restoring the energetic balance in the body, mind

and spirit. Chinese medicine ancient texts have been treating loss of smell and taste for more than 2,000 years as a Traditional Chinese medicine pattern of lung dysfunction. The lung qi (energy) is responsible for boosting the immune system or Wei Qi. When it becomes compromised, cold/ viral symptoms may present, chills, fever, sore throat, runny nose, headache, etc. Acupuncture releases the pathogen, tonifies the lung qi, boosts the immune system and can help reduce aches and pains, open the nose, reduce coughing and open the chest. In turn, this helps the body recover faster. There are many studies showing the benefits of acupuncture. One study showed marked improvement in nerve regeneration of the olfactory nerve and improved smell in post radiation of the head and neck patients and chronic sinusitis/allergic sinusitis patients. Taste also improved in the post-radiation patients. Although there are not many studies yet showing the benefits of acupuncture for post-COVID loss of taste and smell, I am certain that there will be. So far with what I have seen in my practice, acupuncture made a huge

difference in my patients who have been dealing with it. Here are a couple of case studies from my own practice. BD: 65-year-old male had 90% decreased smell and taste for nine months after two separate COVID infections. He stopped enjoying food. After one acupuncture treatment, he was able to smell peppermint oil that I placed on him. The effects of the first treatment lasted for one week and his smell was 60% better. He was able to taste certain foods like steak and pineapple. He continued to use peppermint oil daily. After two more treatments, he is enjoying food again and is happy to be able to have his sense of smell fully restored 100%. SS: 58-year-old woman had COVID three weeks ago and now has low energy and loss of smell. After one treatment, her smell was 80% better and her energy had much improved. The smell seemed to come and go over the next few treatments and then after the fifth treatment, her smell was 90%. Her energy is still going strong and she is having fewer cycles of her smell coming and going.

REAL ESTATE TIP OF THE MONTH WITH KEELE SMITH Picking a Realtor: When choosing a realtor to help you navigate these crazy market conditions, it helps to make a list of what is important to you. The most seasoned agent or the one with the most listings may be too busy to listen to and take care of your needs. Maybe a new-ish agent will have the time, the tenacity and the drive to give you and your purchase the attention it needs. One thing is a must: you need someone local in an established office that has a network of contacts to find your perfect home, maybe before it even hits the market, and has the connections to help make your transaction stress-free.

homesbykeele.com | 928-853-7373 | keele.smith@outlook.com

Both patients continue to come in for acupuncture tune ups to keep symptoms at bay. Know that there are many supportive and preventative therapies available to keep your immune system strong and lessen the severity of getting COVID, such as higher doses of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Zinc. Strongly consider getting acupuncture treatments to strengthen the lung qi, boost the immune system and promote healing. It is a viable option for people suffering from post-COVID symptoms, like fatigue, body aches and loss of taste and smell, that continue to linger. 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 928863-6086.

Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

CCC Celebrates Three Decades of Putting Students First By Colleen Smith

residents to receive help in their goal of improving their quality of life for themselves and their families, has he year was 1991. grown from humble beginnings in The Hubble Telescope was launched into orbit. The World rented space on Fourth Street. The college now has two locations in Wide Web was born. The Soviet Flagstaff and one in Page. With grit, Union was formally dissolved, and determination and commitment to Seattle-based “Grunge” music domifiscal responsibility, your community nated the airwaves. college has worked with bare-bones It was also the year the Coconino funding to provide today’s students County Community College (now with the knowledge, skills and traincalled Coconino Community College) opened its doors in rented space ing for tomorrow’s careers – never an easy task. Partnerships – with in a building on Fourth Street. The businesses, non-profits, government date was Aug. 26, to be exact. Nearly agencies and other educational insti1,000 people showed up that day to tutions – have been necessary for the begin taking classes at the college, college to be all it is capable of being far exceeding the expectations of the faculty and staff available at the time. for the communities of our rugged, large and beautiful county. In the last 30 years, I have worked In the last 30 years, CCC has all that time – as a teacher and as an become accredited and continues that administrator – for community college students in Wyoming, Texas and accreditation in good standing to enArizona. Now, 30 years later as CCC’s sure that students – by putting them first, above all – receive high-quality president, I am thinking about, working on, discussing and planning education. Accreditation also gives students the opportunity to receive all things related to the college and federal financial aid and ensures that the students with my colleagues and credits received at CCC can transfer friends. to other institutions of higher learnCoconino County’s community college, born out of great need of our ing, like to our valued and long-time

partner Northern Arizona University. In fact, this year, representatives from the Higher Learning Commission, CCC’s accrediting body, will be visiting our college to make sure we are continuing to deliver on our promise of high-quality education. In the last 30 years, the college has served about 100,000 students – from all age groups and backgrounds – in one of our “three pillars” of service our students and friends may choose to explore new interests and build a strong and resilient future. Those three pillars are CCC2Work, devoted to students who are interested in moving into the workforce as quickly as possible with an education that provides the necessary skills for a reliable trade; CCC2University, devoted to students who plan to continue their educational journey by transferring to earn a four-year degree at a university after they have completed their studies with us; and CCC2Community, devoted to the lifelong learner in us all. In the last 30 years, countless numbers of faculty members and staff have

worked hard with the sole purpose of providing students a successful educational journey. In the last 30 years, there have been five presidents at CCC, including me, and I am honored to work within the framework I inherited from their dedication to our students. Each student, all 100,000 of them, has a story, and it is their stories that make up the story of this community college. Serving Coconino County as your community college and making a difference in the lives of students of all ages and from many different life experiences is an honor for those of us who serve at CCC. Please join me as we wish Coconino Community College happy birthday and celebrate putting students first for 30 years. Onward! FBN

Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D., is the president of Coconino Community College.

DIET continued from page 23

So, if you haven’t been exercising, there is no time like the present to get started! It’s worth looking into hiring a trainer to get you started if you haven’t worked out in a while. No need to get a self-induced injury when you’re just getting started.

CONCLUSION

Of course, supplements can play a role in how we respond to viral illness, including COVID, too. Some supplements that I find beneficial to support the immune system are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, selenium, n-acetyl cysteine and zinc. However, I encourage you to work with a provider knowledgeable about the testing for and dosing of these supplements to get optimal results. And I don’t want anyone to forget that health starts from the inside out. You can start getting healthier today by making just one change! FBN Amber Belt, N.D. is a naturopathic physician with sharp regenerative injection skills, a roller derby enthusiast, a business owner, an animal lover and a Flagstaff devotee. She has been performing regenerative injections for 12 years and can be contacted via aspenmedcenter.com or at 928-213-5828.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews

FIVE POUNDS continued from page 15

WOLF continued from page 8

chose to get my treatment where I lived so I could be close to my family. Dr. Mathern and his staff all took care of me the best they could. I had some complications from treatment and ended up in the ER a couple times, but those things are common for the type of chemotherapy I was receiving.” Initially, she had chemo treatments once a week for three months starting in July 2019, but the tumor did not respond. “The amputation was necessary because the chemo didn’t shrink my tumor,” Wolf said. “The tumor was 11.8 cm when my leg was amputated, and the tumor was less than a millimeter from getting into my bone marrow. We had to get rid of it before it was able to spread.” Chemo treatments after the amputation were “much more intense,” she said, and included five more rounds, four days a week each, from November 2019 to February 2020, including wearing a pump at home to administer chemo through the night. “I have so many great relationships with my friends and clients that I had many people trying to visit me in the chemo room while I got treatment,” Wolf said. “They had to limit how many people were allowed in at a time. Friends, family and even people I didn’t know brought gifts and treats for me and the other people receiving treatment. It made me feel really supported and cared for when I needed it the most.” She had another surprise, and not a pleasant one, when her treatment finished. “When I was done, the timing was very interesting because I was declared cancer-free Feb. 28, 2020, and March is when the pandemic really hit. I had been trapped at home and in doctors’ offices for almost a year, and I was ready to be free. The world had other ideas.” The pandemic has been just one of the twists and turns in the road back to recovery for Wolf. Along the way, she decided to try to reach and even surpass the level of exercise she had previously enjoyed. “My goal was to get back to that, but everything changed when I was told I could apply for a grant to get a running blade.” The grant application, which was ultimately successful, included letters from her doctors and physical therapists explaining why she was a good candidate for a blade. Wolf also had to write about why she thought she was someone who deserved and could use a blade. “I felt like this was my only opportunity to have one because any prosthetic equipment is extremely expensive,” she said. Today, she trains and competes with a custom-built Ossur Flex-Foot Cheetah blade that enabled her to run

in her first 5K race on Aug. 13, 2020, a Sarcoma Strong Virtual Run/Walk fundraising event. The state-of-the-art blade is the same one made famous by Oscar Pistorius in the Paralympics and Olympics. “One of the best parts about being a hairdresser is all of the amazing people I get to meet,” Wolf said. “One of my clients, Kerstin May, got me in contact with a Paralympic cyclist who told me about the Challenged Athletes Foundation.” May told her the Paralympic cyclist, her friend Todd Key, “is very well known down in the Valley for his speed and also functions with prosthetics. He was intrigued to hear about Alexandra’s journey through fighting cancer and how she has coped with the amputation of her leg.” Since receiving her running blade, she has been working with Mike Kayser, owner of Next Step Prosthetics in Flagstaff, to rework her blade so it is the right fit for her body. “Having the blade even slightly off can seriously affect my running and injure me,” she said. “I have to be extremely careful not to fall and hurt myself. I’ve done lots of physical therapy and still continue to go to learn how to use my equipment better. It’s also beneficial to be extremely active and build strength because I use about 25% more body energy just to move, due to the limb loss.” Her parents, husband and kids have all helped her train for races. “We have been running at Buffalo Park because I like trail running, but it’s mostly flat,” she said. “Because I’m still really new on my blade and still building muscle and endurance, I am running intervals just a few minutes at a time. Every time I go out, I try to push myself a little bit harder than last time. It always feels good to accomplish more than I could yesterday.” That spirit of striving has also been reflected in her personal training sessions. She has been working diligently for about six months on overall strength and conditioning training with Erin McDonald, a personal trainer in town. “She learned to walk, to jog, then run,” McDonald said. “Then, got a blade and booked a 5K. This person is a real life superhero. And she lets me train her.” The trainer said there is nothing her client can’t do. “She has been resilient from day one,” she said. “She has the attitude of a warrior: stubborn, steadfast and strong as hell, but with a great sense of humor so it doesn’t come off aggressive ever. She is constantly in a state of ‘Can do.’ I’ve honestly never experienced anyone like her. She just dominated her recovery and keeps going.” Wolf’s battle with cancer also has been a financial challenge. For one thing, her hairdressing

business took a heavy hit. “I enjoy doing hair so much, and I had owned a salon with a partner, Lanyap Salon, for a about year when I was diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “I didn’t know what was going happen to my family because I was the sole breadwinner in my house, as my husband is a stay-at-home dad. Unfortunately, we ended up closing it, but it turned out for the best. I think going through chemotherapy while worried about my business would’ve been much harder.” The Flagstaff community, her friends, family and clients – “everyone came together to support me,” Wolf said. “R2 studios, owned by my friends Robin and Renee, held a fundraiser for me. Multiple locally owned business owners donated so many things to be auctioned off for me, and Satchmo‘s donated all of the food. My best friend since childhood, Ginnene [Iman], started a GoFundMe [account] and we raised enough money to be able to pay all of our bills.” Wolf learned that adaptive equipment is expensive and that she needed a different tool for each activity. “I need a different leg for running, swimming, climbing, etc., and that can add up pretty quickly. It is possible to figure out how to do these activities without the specialized equipment, but it’s extremely hard and can be damaging to your equipment and your body.” Currently, Wolf works in a small studio where she rents a chair from another hairdresser. “Alexandra is an amazingly talented hairdresser and hair designer and listens closely to people’s concerns. In my case, the stress from COVID caused my hair to thin like crazy,” May said. In addition to hairdressing, Wolf is also devoted to her work with Next Step Prosthetics and has started a support group for amputees in Flagstaff. “Alexandra is, in a way, still at the beginning of her journey, but already is advocating for others and becoming a positive role model,” May added. “I talk very openly to as many people as I can,” said Wolf. “I have online friends with similar stories, and we support each other. I love talking to kids about my amputation and even showing them (with parent consent) to help them understand and be less afraid.” The lessons have been many in her fight back to good health, but one lesson stands out. “The main lesson I’ve learned is balance,” she observed. “I always want to do so much and be everywhere at the same time. I’ve learned to say ‘No’ and give boundaries when I need to take care of myself. I appreciate everything so much more than I did before. Being stuck in a bed and a wheelchair for a year and a half changes the way you see life.” FBN

and their kitchen table in honor of the celebrated culture, and prepare the cuisine of the selected nation of the night. At dinner, they might sip miso soup, roll sticky rice in nori, and discuss what they had “seen” that day when they climbed Mount Fuji. These globetrotting events became much-anticipated mini-vacations for the family. And no doubt, the boys got to experience the world through books, their imaginations and their taste buds. My jaw dropped when I heard about the innovative, educational, family fun and togetherness these people were having on a budget right down the street from me! Guess who else’s jaw dropped? USA Today! Yup, the newspaper proclaimed them “America’s Most Creative Family.” Are you kidding me? Turning hot dogs into racecars with toothpicks and cardboard wheels at my dinner table wasn’t creative enough? Today, Beaman is the hugely successful executive coach and chief creative officer for PEAK Learning, a leadership firm based in

Arroyo Grande, California. She is the first recipient of the “Art of Teaching” award and has been “Professor of the Year” at three universities, including Northern Arizona University. In her spare time, she’s written bestselling books and was named 2018 Fitness Idol! And, she can now actually fly her family to Japan or Timbuktu if she wants. If you just, if you only, if you could, what would it be? What’s keeping you from living your best life? What micro-wins can you have and celebrate now? Go ahead, I see you there in your toga with a handful of legumes. Write them down on your scroll during your Ancient Rome Night and consider this a double micro-win! Because really, no one will notice those five pounds under a toga anyway. FBN

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

FALL continued from page 22

ing cosmetology students at Kuttz Beauty College. The building is split, half is a barbershop for men, the other is a salon for women. Kuttz will be there for you and all the family’s needs too. Check them out!

MENTOR

Did you know you can become a mentor? Have you ever received good advice that made a positive impact on your life? Pay it forward! Become a mentor at the Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club. Adult role models (Bigs) are matched with children aged 7-17 (Littles) and have the opportunity to mentor them in supported groups.

SHOP LOCAL

Fly locally from the Flagstaff Airport. Have you been to Texas or Colorado and wish to return, or have you never been and wish to go? In addition to Phoenix (PHX), the Flagstaff Airport has added more flights to its daily schedule to Dallas (DFW) and Denver (DEN). Don’t get grounded!

DONATE

Little actions add up, just like donations! Consider donating to a non-profit, school or organization of your choice. Consider a donation to Pledge for the Wild to support non-profit Flagstaff Trails Initiative

and help keep Flagstaff’s wild places special. It’s easy to donate, simply text WILD4FLAG to 44321.

VOTE

PILLARS IN ACTION

We want to show your actions really do matter by awarding prizes to Flagstaff locals. Entry is as easy as following three simple steps. Submit a photo or video of you showing how #Myactionsmatter. Then, share your post and ask your friends to vote for your entry. Done! Winners will be announced at the end of the month. The winner of June’s My Actions Matter Take the Pledge contest was Sara LaRosa! She won a JCPenney Sephora Gift Basket from the Flagstaff Mall, a Pro Image Gift Card from the Flagstaff Mall, a gift card from the Little America Hotel and Travel Center and Nackard Pepsi Products. Don’t forget to encourage friends, family and neighbors to take the pledge, too, like a true Flagstaff Local! And as always, please stay and play responsibility in our mountain town. FBN

Meg Roederer is Discover Flagstaff’s communication specialist.

Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

GRUBCAN continued from page 1

to minimum viable product in record time. In early 2020, she met with Kiersten Hathcock, Moonshot mentor and Shark Tank-winning entrepreneur, to discuss possible avenues for distribution. Jaleski was working part-time at the Flagstaff REI co-op at the time and Hathcock discovered that the company, which has 168 stores nationally, was sponsoring an innovator contest. “It felt like we struck gold when we found the REI contest,” Hathcock said. “From the moment I shared the link with Holly, it resonated on an intuitive level for both of us. I was thrilled to help her prepare for what felt like a kismet opportunity for Grubcan and REI.” More than 500 ideas for products were submitted, and Jaleski was one of 35 finalists chosen to meet with REI buyers in Washington state. Moonshot flew her to Seattle, where she secured a vendor partnership. Last December, REI ordered 4,000 Grubcan units. “What I love most about the launch of Grubcan is the excitement we’ve had from people,” she said. “This was a product I mostly wanted for myself and then other people wanted it too once they saw the first prototype. I have people thanking me for making this product and changing the bear-resistant container industry. We’ve not done any advertising,

Left: Grubcan was put to the test at Out of Africa. Right: Holly Jaleski wanted to protect her food from bears and pack a product that fit comfortably in her backpack. So, she invented Grubcan. Courtesy photo

but people are finding us through REI and word of mouth. That’s so exhilarating!” Grubcan is made from the same material as bulletproof windows and fits easily in or tied to a backpack. The unique gravity latch keeps bears

from getting into the canister, but allows people to open it easily without tools. Grubcan has been certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, which tests bear-resistant products. In coming months, Liberty Moun-

Signature Taxidermy Studio Signature Taxidermy employs some of the world’s best artisans to ensure nothing short of the best for each of our customers, and their specific, one of a kind pieces.

USDA approved facility for receiving sport hunted trophies from around the world. This also includes all deer, and turkey from Mexico. Trophy Room Design- We can assist you in designing a trophy room display to complement your collection. We can assist with lighting, layout, murals, and dioramas. Custom pedestal and base work available.

Crating and Shipping- We crate and ship around the world, and have discounts with many major trucking companies. Rush Orders- Rush orders are available on request for an additional fee. Stock Taxidermy- We have an assortment of legal capes, antlers, and horns that can be mounted in a pose of your choice.

(928) 526-0456

www.signaturetaxidermy.com sigtaxi@msn.com 5440 E Commerce Ave Flagstaff, Arizona

tain Distribution will begin distributing the canisters to smaller brick and mortar stores across the country. Buyers can also purchase the product on the tuffystuffy.com website. “I want to emphasize how great it has been to work with REI,” said Jale-

ski. “They have helped launch many young products like mine and are changing the sustainability practices in the outdoor industry by requiring certain packaging, tagging, etc. In addition, they have provided so much guidance on shipping and tracking orders.” Jaleski credits Moonshot at NACET for providing the support, education, mentorship and networking opportunities she needed to bring Grubcan to market. “I loved being part of the entrepreneurship class with other startup founders,” she said. “The class content provided a backbone for great conversations with my fellow classmates. We helped one another by offering suggestions and support. To this day, I still keep in touch with and support several Moonshot graduates.” Jaleski says her talent for innovation is not stopping with Grubcan. “I have three new products in various stages of development.” FBN For more information on Grubcan, go to tuffystuffy.com. For more information on Moonshot at NACET, visit moonshotaz.com.

121 E. Birch Avenue, Suite 408 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Phone 928.864.7440 Fax 928.226.0303 Email: troy@flagstaffbusinessnews.com www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com Publisher: Troy Bix Advertising Manager Ann Herrington | 928-420-4407 Ann@flagstaffbusinessnews.com Account Executives Regina Salas | 928-699-4272 regina@flagstaffbusinessnews.com Deborah “DMK” Mainville-Knight 928-460-4330 dmk@flagstaffbusinessnews.com Editor Bonnie Stevens | 928-380-4349 bonnie.stevens@gmail.com Copy Editor Carolyn Wendell | cwendell@gmail.com Design & Production Rob Ghosh Design | rob@robghosh.com

Website Content Director Darren Choate admin@flagstaffbusinessnews.com Photography V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography, Aspen ProMedia, Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau Contributing Writers Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau, Patty McCormac, Ray Newton, Kevin Schindler, Bonnie Stevens, Veronica Tierney, Stacey Wittig Flagstaff Business News is a publication of Flagstaff Business News, LLC and is distributed free each month to residents of Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams and Winslow. Reproduction of any portion of the publication is strictly prohibited without expressed permission. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // Flagstaff Business News

@flagstaffbusinessnews WEDDINGS continued from page 1

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

PICK Rhonda Messal of Texas was looking for simplicity when she planned her wedding. She says her big day with a small group at the Grand Canyon was “simply amazing.” Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

some complicated event.” According to Las Vegas-based Cactus Collective Weddings owner McKenzi Taylor, 2021 weddings have become much more intimate affairs, and micro-weddings have gone from second-best to many couples’ first choice. “Gone are the days of the 300-person guest list, the splashy banquet hall and multi-tiered wedding cakes, at least for most post-pandemic couples who are more conscious of the health of their guests as well as the health of their bank accounts.” Williams Justice of the Peace Robert Krombeem confirms the trend as well. “With COVID making many of our hopes, dreams and plans for the future come to a screeching halt, we have seen a definite increase in small, spontaneous courthouse weddings.” In Flagstaff, Sutcliffe Floral Owner Kelly Tulloss says she has seen a lot of brides have their weddings at Airbnb’s, out in the woods, backyards and the courthouse. “I think Flagstaff provides the perfect setting for smaller, intimate outdoor weddings, and they are very popular here.” Churches also are seeing the shift to smaller weddings. Flagstaff’s Mountain View Church (MVC) Pastor Nathaniel Bradford is preparing to officiate a micro-wedding consisting of the

bride, groom, maid of honor and best man. “Pastor Nathaniel and I are honoring the couple and their wishes to have just their immediate family present,” said Bradford’s wife, Cindy, who is the wedding coordinator at MVC. “They decided to keep their wedding small and simple and believe their love for each other and their faith is more significant than any crowd.” Weddings in Sedona Owner and Senior Planner Susan Perry says small weddings have always been popular in the Red Rock Country and continue to be. “We have a healthy range, from small elopement, to micro, to large, custom weddings. Because we are such a popular wedding market, couples come from around the world to get married here.” Meanwhile, Viola’s Flower Garden Wedding Coordinator Jessie Bangle says smaller weddings are here to stay. “Since COVID, people are sticking to 50 people or less, mostly for regulations, but also because these weddings are more intimate and less expensive. Going forward to 2022, we’re not seeing big numbers and the trend is unique styles of decoration and scaled-down weddings where the bride and groom can spend more time visiting with their guests.” FBN

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HEALTH continued from page 20

dollars have had a direct positive impact on the health of more than 500,000 people. That’s about a $34 investment in the health of each person. Wouldn’t you give $34 to make a positive impact on the health of a family member, friend or someone in your community?

Q: HOW DO YOU KNOW THOSE NUMBERS?

A: The foundation closely tracks the impact and results of each program it funds. And even more people benefit from the foundation’s work. When one person achieves optimal health, it tends to have a positive ripple effect on family members and the community. That’s the goal: keep working to improve health and well-being until there is sustainable vitality in every corner of every community in Northern Arizona.

Q: HOW CAN PEOPLE BECOME INVOLVED?

A: Put health first in your daily life and inspire others to make health a priority. The bottom line: We cannot

achieve our full potential without good health. You also can join the foundation and its partners in making health a priority by volunteering or giving to the Health First Community Fund. FBN Dr. Deirdre R. Meldrum, Ph.D., is the Distinguished Professor of Biosignatures Discovery at Arizona State University, director of the Center for Biosignatures Discovery Automation, and a tenured full professor of electrical engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. She is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for her significant innovations in healthcare technology. Dr. Meldrum also is vice-chair of the Health First Foundation Board of Directors. The Health First Community Fund is a comprehensive campaign to improve health in our region. To learn more about the fund or to donate, visit the Health First Foundation website, healthfirstforall.org.

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Flagstaff Business News // SEPTEMBER 2021 flagstaffbusinessnews.com

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