November 2022

INSIDE THE NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE:

Community Working to Solve Affordable Housing Emergency p. 3 Backland Offers Luxury Glamping Near Williams p. 4 Flagstaff Promoting Business and Air Travel p. 6

Why the Minimum Wage Increase is Complicated

Employers will pay more and may have to work harder to recruit and retain employees

By Stacey Wittig, FBN

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $16.80 and the tipped minimum wage

to $14.80 per hour. City of Flagstaff Management Analyst Chris Rhode explained to Flagstaff Business News why the minimum wage increase is not as straightforward as in previous years.

“In 2016, voters passed Proposition 414, or The Minimum Wage Act, creating this office to enforce and implement the City of Flagstaff mini mum wage,” said the labor standards expert.

“Proposition 414 specified the minimum wage for the first several years. But, starting with the 2023

minimum wage – instead of being set in advance – 414 stated that we go through calculations [to determine the minimum wage] and publish it in advance. So, we officially announced the 2023 minimum wage in mid-Sep tember,” said Rhode.

“The calculation of the 2023

Babbitt Ranches Supporting Artemis Missions, Promoting LandUse Ethic on Other Worlds

Dark moon walks and ‘Lunar Gateway’ planned

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

On land commonly occupied by Hereford cattle, prong horn antelope and mule deer, a moon rover prototype cruis es at a top speed of eight miles per hour near Black Point Lava Flow. It is here on Babbitt Ranches that NASA, Japan’s space program, JAXA, U.S. Geological Survey scientists, along with engineers and technicians, set up a space camp of sorts. They have been preparing for the Artemis Missions to the moon, with the first launch window for the un-crewed Artemis 1 rocket opening Nov. 14.

“The next one [Artemis 2] will have crew on it orbiting around the moon and then Artemis 3 will bring humans

CCC Welcoming New President p. 7 Chocolatier Mixes in Organic Herbs p. 10 Making Snow on the Mountain p. 13

Babbitt Ranches President Billy Cordasco leans out of the moon rover on the Babbitt CO Bar Ranch and promotes a land-use ethic together with USGS and NASA, to be carried into new worlds. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

In Arizona, small business is a big deal.

The Arizona Commerce Authority offers a wide range of programming to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Find tools to help launch, operate and scale your business with our online, interactive Small Business Checklist. View webinars in our Small Business Boot Camp to help you master everything from finances, to leadership, to business plans. If you want to improve your digital footprint, our Small Business Digital Academy offers hands-on training to help grow your presence online. Plus, we’ll connect you with fellow Arizona business leaders who can share valuable insights and growth strategies to help you find success. Whether you have questions about getting started or you’re looking for a strategic plan to take your business to the next level, we’re here to help.

Flagstaff Workers Struggle to Find a Way Home

Businesses, organizations, city, school district working toward collaborative solutions

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Clover Jacobs could hardly believe the news when she and her young family had been accepted for a Habitat for Human ity home. She didn’t think she was eligible but then she heard the home would be “a hand up, not a hand out,” and that Habitat looks to help people get to the next stage in life. Clover shared her story at the Coconino Center for the Arts during the “Arizona Storytellers Pres ents: Finding Home” event on Oct. 3, a public forum addressing affordable housing challeng es in Flagstaff.

Clover, with her husband and friends, worked alongside volunteers to build the Flagstaff home. Before the drywall went up, the group wrote blessings on the wood studs. The home was small but it was their home – a safe place for their young son and a meaning ful start for a young family that could then manage an affordable mortgage, pay the bills and even save a little for a down payment on a larger home.

CRISIS BECOMING AN EMERGENCY

Arizona communities are facing what’s being called a housing crisis. For Flagstaff, the chal lenge to find affordable housing has been with the community for decades. In recent years, with the steaming hot real estate market, the challenge has boiled over, creating a housing emergency impacting the ability for workers to live here, small businesses to keep their doors open, and the Flagstaff Unified School District to keep buses rolling.

The number of houses available for sale has grown recently, to about a three-month sup ply, but escalating home prices in recent years have hiked the average median home to nearly three quarters of a million dollars.

“As a Flagstaff native who grew up with loving parents making income at or just above the poverty line, the housing crisis and affordability issue hits home,” said Realtor Lori

Anna Harrison with Zion Realty. “My grandfa ther, John D. Sutherland, built and developed Hidden Hollow Mobile Home Park. Back then, he provided affordable housing options for the resident workforce. As a local real estate agent, it is heartbreaking to work with clients who are prequalified to purchase but have no place to buy because these options at an entry level price point are out of reach, even in a dual income family.”

Ashlee Tziganuk, Ph.D., is a research analyst with the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University examining the issue of affordable housing. “Out of the six counties in the state we studied, Coconino County and Flagstaff have the highest percentages of cost-burdened renters,” she said during her Finding Home presentation, explaining that cost-burdened means paying more than 30% of a household income for mortgage or rent.

Housing Solutions CEO Devonna Mc Laughlin sees families struggling every day, living paycheck to paycheck and on the brink of homelessness. “When housing costs are 40% to 50% or more of a household’s income, any disruption to the balance can be catastrophic. If a family has a disruption to income – due to illness, accident, death in the family, etc., or unexpected expenses such as the car breaking down, a medical bill or something else outside their control, they struggle to make limited resources stretch even further. Many families who are paying too much for housing are one life event away from becoming homeless.”

Meanwhile, small businesses that have been creatively navigating the business landscape through the pandemic now feel the weight of yet another layer of adversity as hiring and retaining workers from an already shrinking workforce has become even more difficult, threatening their ability to stay open. “I’ve been trying to hire a manager for one of the restau rants for a salary of $70,000 a year. People can’t afford a place to live,” said restaurateur and chef

Restaurateur John Conley, FUSD Superintendent Mike Penca and Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona CEO Devonna McLaughlin discussed Flagstaff affordable housing challenges on a panel moderated by FBN Editor Bonnie Stevens.

Photo by Chad de Alva

Glamping Resort Immerses Eco-Conscious Travelers into Nature

By Stacey Wittig, FBN

When Jeremy Budge, founder and CEO of Backland, a luxury eco-resort, discovered a 160-acre parcel of land 36 miles west of Flagstaff, he felt, “This property is special.” He was looking for a place where modern travelers could escape from the hubbub of today’s world and immerse themselves in nature.

The rare island of deeded land, sur rounded by the Kaibab National Forest, was ceded to homesteader Clyde Moose in 1921. Since then, the hidden ranch, 20 miles southeast of Williams, was used as a farm, sheep ranch and private recreation area.

Budge has an eye for extraordi nary places. The former director of development for Under Canvas Inc., one of the nation’s leading glamping operations, combed the country to find similar pieces of exceptional property. “I did everything from finding the land to handing the zipper – or should I say, the key – to the operation team. I built a lot of camps, from the Smoky Moun tains to Mount Rushmore to Grand Canyon,” he said.

Now, the Cornell Johnson Gradu

ate School of Management alumnus is directing that expertise to his own venture. Backland is an eco-friendly glamping resort with 10 tents, a spa and a restaurant in a purpose-built lakeside lodge. Because the tent resort sits on the footprint of the original ranch, there is low impact on the land made up of meadows and ponderosa pine forests.

Unfortunately, the farmstead, known as Moose Ranch, showed symptoms of overgrazing, so Budge and his team are using regenerative agricultural practices to restore the soil.

“We believe we can improve the en vironment through what we do. Rather than merely focusing on ‘low impact,’ we strive to have real positive impact,”

says Backland’s website. The company has already sown an acre plot with milkweed, a host plant for monarch butterflies.

“We are trying to maximize the opportunity to feel like you are in a remote location rather than stuffing in as many lodging units as possible. We have 160 acres but are trying to keep the impact on the land at 5%,” Budge said.

The lodging units are large canvas structures set on concrete founda

tions. The team poured cement for the concrete floors on waffle mats or waffle slab foundations, which reduced ex cavation and haul quantities and thus, minimized disturbance to the land.

“Energy efficiency was a design criterion for us,” he added.

The front wall of the tent with expansive glass doors and windows –

16’ wide x 8’ tall – gives a spacious and clean feel. Travelers sleep under the stars viewed through a 16’ wide skylight system and wake up refreshed with unobstructed views of nature out of the front glass. The tent unit also includes an ensuite bathroom with a toilet, walk-in shower and square, raised sink. Budge, whose undergraduate studies

were in construction management and business, designed the tents.

“The ultimate goal of the tent design was to create a feeling that you are in nature without the negative factors.

The skylights give feelings of being immersed in nature,” Budge explained.

The glamping tents are heated and

Backland founder Jeremy Budge has created an eco-friendly village of 10 tents, a restaurant, a spa and a lodge on a 160-acre parcel next to the Kaibab National Forest. Photo by Stacey Wittig

Flagstaff Continues to Pursue Air Travel Partners, Services

City reports strong tourism numbers, airport improvements, business incentives

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

The City of Flagstaff reports that tourism remains strong as the community’s No. 1 economic driver, with an impact of more than $750 million. In its Annual Stakeholder and Partners Meeting before repre sentatives of businesses and tourist attractions on Oct. 20, Interim Deputy City Manager and Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen said the city is focused on attracting a second airline and continued efforts to expand service options. In addition, city officials said 27 local businesses were awarded business incentives totaling more than $60,000, which could result in 300 new jobs, while 40 non-profit organizations again received grants to encourage their work in arts and science.

“We have continued to create a vibrant community with revenue-driv en programming,” said Hansen as she thanked Airport Director Barney Helmick, Community Investment Director David McIntire, Interim Library Director Richard Tutwiler, and Convention and Visitors Bureau and Discover Flagstaff Director Trace

Ward. “We are very proud of the fact that we are putting businesses to work and we are putting people to work.”

Flagstaff Airport had 118,453 pas sengers board planes in the past year, a 37% increase in passenger travel, as the city still recovers from the impacts of COVID-19. Hansen expressed great disappointment regarding the loss of United Airlines and its service to Den ver, set to end in February.

“When we secured the airline, we said we would work hard to make them successful and we did just that – me, you, everybody in this room – we filled those planes. We filled them daily,” she said to the attendees at High Country Conference Center. “We had a 90% load factor. And even now that we know they’re pulling out, Barney [Helmick] shared with me it’s still over 80%. But even with all that, we can’t do anything about a national pilot, crew and plane shortage. So, what do we do? We realize brighter days are ahead and we do our best to secure other partnerships.”

The City of Flagstaff currently is scheduled for an airline conference this month and another one after that.

Meanwhile, $18.2 million in federal funding is being invested into airport maintenance and improvements, including a paid parking system for the new parking lot, which is expected to open soon, the installment of electric vehicle charging stations and hangar repairs.

The city also has increased its airport social media messaging and launched a new website, FlyFlagstaffAZ.com

Hansen also reported that visitation to the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library has doubled to nearly 1,000 people per day. “We’ve had the most successful summer reading pro gram that we’ve ever had, we’re helping people get resumes put together and we’re putting people back to work.”

Discover Flagstaff Director Trace Ward thanked the business and non-profit community as “tourism partners” welcoming and serving visitors. “You risk your own livelihoods to start these businesses, you work tirelessly to run these businesses, you create jobs and support the commu nity and you help facilitate cultural exchanges with millions of people.”

He said Discover Flagstaff continues marketing efforts to restore interna tional visitation and rebuild the busi ness meetings and conventions market. “We understand that the community

places a lot of trust in us as the team to tell the story of a small, yet captivating city perched at 7,000 feet at the foot of the highest mountain range in Arizona, a destination that truly fits in well with the current zeitgeist of the traveling, adventurous family and couple. With awe-inspiring dark skies, a historical role in the lunar landings, high-altitude training, Route 66 nostalgia, unique restaurants, award-winning breweries and a city known for seven natural

wonders that surround it, we’re so good at welcoming visitors.”

Also at the meeting, High Country Motor Lodge, the three Flagstaff Na tional Monuments and High Country Conference Center were honored for their sustainable practices. FBN

For monthly updates on the economic vi tality division, email hhansen@flagstaffaz. gov to be added to the recipient list.

Flagstaff city officials pledge to continue seeking additional airlines and flights out of Flagstaff Airport. Interim Deputy City Manager Heidi Hansen says United Airlines is departing Flagstaff permanently in February because of national challenges in the airline industry. Photo by Stacey Wittig

Heiser Named CCC President

The Coconino Community Col lege District Governing Board has announced that Dr. Eric Heiser will be the next president of the college.

“After a national search with more than 50 applicants, the District Governing Board is excited to announce the selection of Dr. Heiser as Coconino Community College’s next president,” said Nat White, Ph.D., chair of the Board. “The college is positioned through the past leadership of Dr. Colleen Smith and community support through the pas sage of the tax reset, to leap forward in serving the residents of Coconino County – from workforce training and associate degrees to pathways to baccalaureates.”

White added that Dr. Heiser brings successful urban and rural college and national experience that matches well with CCC’s vision and mission and the needs of Coconino County’s residents and businesses.

“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to be selected as the sixth president of Coconino Community College,” Heiser said. “I’m excited about the bright future ahead for CCC and look forward to working with the wonderful faculty and staff to meet the needs of students in

Coconino County.”

Heiser currently serves as the inaugural Provost of Central Ohio Technical College. He serves as the chief academic, student support and workforce officer for COTC. He has worked in higher education nearly two decades, starting as a full-time faculty member and progressing to senior leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Colorado State University.

As a full-time assistant professor at Central Wyoming College for six years, Heiser taught in the areas of business, management and criminal justice.  He also spent time as a direc tor and workforce training coordina tor during his time at CWC. He spent six years at Salt Lake Community College as an associate dean and dean and built one of the nation’s largest Competency-Based Education programs, from which the college was recognized nationally by multiple outlets. He has delivered more than three dozen conference presentations and keynotes and has published several articles on the topic of CBE and academic innovation. Heiser was appointed as a content expert to the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse to advise the department on best practices in

career and technical education and guided pathways.

Heiser serves as chairman of the Board of Directors for the Compe tency-Based Education Network, an international network of institu tions and organizations dedicated to improving graduation rates and eliminating equity gaps through quality CBE programs. In addition to his work in CBE, Heiser serves as president of the Board for the National Council of Instructional Administrators, an affiliate coun cil of the American Association of Community Colleges. In 2020, he was appointed for a three-year term on AACC’s Commission on Workforce and Economic Development.

Dr. Heiser and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Sophie and Emma.

Dr. Heiser will officially begin as CCC president on Jan. 1, 2023. FBN

I Always Fly Flagstaff First.

SEAN ANTHONY

Eric Heiser, Ph.D.

Health First Foundation Awards Grants, Scholarships

Health First Foundation North ern Arizona has awarded more than $400,000 in grants and scholarships to improve health and well-being in the region.

As part of its annual Northern Arizona Community Health Grant cycle, the foundation awarded grants to four non-profits for initiatives demonstrating a positive and sustainable impact on community health in the region. Grants of up to $100,000 each went to:

N Red Feather Development Group for clean water access and hygiene solutions in Hopi and Navajo homes lacking running water. Water and hygiene resources are proven, cost-effective ways to reduce disease.

N North Country HealthCare for team-based care in a family medicine residency clinic that emphasizes wellness, preventative care and better care coordination for high-need patients.

N Creek Valley Health Clinic for implementing a Food Rx program in Colorado City. The purpose is to increase access to healthy foods and nutrition education for people who have or are at risk of develop ing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

N Griffith Blue Heart for training and equipping Flagstaff Police Department personnel with the ability to provide high-per formance, life-saving care in time-sensitive emergencies. This program addresses a leading cause of death – heart disease.

“Our 2022 grant awards empha size innovation, health promotion and the social determinants that affect health and well-being,” said Health First Foundation President and CEO Sandra Kowalski. “We are excited to see the positive and life-saving outcomes these programs will have in our Northern Arizona communities.”

In addition, Health First awarded funding and support for pandemic mitigation to Tuba City Regional Health Care and the Havasupai tribe.

Scholarships totaling $23,000 have been awarded to 11 college-level stu dents studying in Northern Arizona to become health professionals. Two new scholarships are supporting a student studying integrative health and a military veteran. FBN

For more information, visit https:// healthfirstforall.org

Cal McLoy

Griffith Blue Heart and Guardian Medical Transport personnel trained Flagstaff police officers in high-performance resuscitation techniques Sept. 16, at police headquarters in Flagstaff. The training plus AED equipment for each patrol vehicle was made possible through a Health First Foundation grant. Courtesy photo

Touching the Future through Scholarships

CCC awards more than one hundred students

By FBN Staff

Emily McKenzie has been giving a voice to matters important to her community since she was in elementary school. As a fifth grader, she collected signatures from her classmates and petitioned the school board to put a salad bar in her school’s cafeteria. The board agreed with her case. From then on, lunchtime became a bounty of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers.

As a teen, McKenzie studied Human Rights Watch, a powerful non-gov ernment organization that seeks to investigate issues, expose the truth and advocate for meaningful change.

Today, the 19-year-old’s interests lie in political science and journalism. She is enrolled in the CCC2NAU program at Coconino Community College. Through the new Mary Jo West Excel lence in Communication Scholarship, she has a team of support – including financial assistance and also personal mentorship from Arizona’s pioneering primetime anchorwoman herself and Emmy-award winning career journal ist, FBN Editor Bonnie Stevens.

“Journalism plays a critical role in the preservation of democracy and

it is vital to prepare young people to study journalism and seek the truth,” said West, the longtime KOOL-TV anchorwoman and Arizona Broadcast ing Hall of Fame recipient who went on to join the CBS news anchor desk in New York.

West and FBN Editor Bonnie Ste vens created the scholarship and met up with McKenzie, the scholarship’s first recipient, at the CCC Students First Scholarship Celebration on the Lone Tree campus in September.

“Part of me is interested in working internationally,” she said. “I would also like to use my degree to get involved in politics on a more local level and impact change in a community I care about. Ethics has been one of my fa vorite classes at the community college so far.”

“We loved Emily immediately and feel so blessed to get to know her,” said Stevens. “Emily is exactly the kind of young woman we want to see succeed in the world. She is smart and driven, loves nature, adventure and being out doors – she hikes, skis and plays rugby on the NAU women’s club team – and also has a deep interest in promoting the good in the world.”

During the breakfast celebration,

CCC awarded $240,000 in scholarships to more than 120 students. “We had over 200 guests in attendance,” said Chief Development Officer Dianna Sanchez. “It is an honor to be able to give our student scholarship recipients a celebration worthy of their accom plishments and to be a part of their educational journeys.”

Like McKenzie, whose older brother

is also in college, many scholarship re cipients are grateful for the aid because it helps ease the financial burden on families that have more than one young person earning a degree.

“I am so grateful to all the scholar ship donors who are willing to invest in my future and the CCC Foundation Board for general scholarships I have received, which cover all of my tuition,”

she said. “It takes the stress off of myself and my family and has meant that I didn’t have to get a job right away and can focus more on my education.” McKenzie learned about the CCC2NAU program through a college fair in Alaska. She says it was that program that attracted her to Flagstaff from her home in Anchorage, along

Continued on page 43

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These CCC nursing students all received scholarships through the CCC Foundation at the CCC Students First Scholarship Celebration on the Lone Tree Campus in Flagstaff. Courtesy photo by Larry Hendricks

FBN of the Month

WomanBusiness

Organic Chocolatier Sarah Ann Lesslie Offers Healthy Treats

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

Abite full of chocolate makes the herbs go down, and for Chocolita Founder Sara Ann Lesslie, this was the impetus for her specialty chocolates made from 100% plant-based organic ingredients. In her new East Flagstaff store, Chocolita, Lesslie features a low-glycemic array of botanically crafted vegan delicacies.

“I was struggling with health issues, so as a long-standing student of herbal ism, instead of painkillers, I took herbs. One day, when I was making chocolate, I thought, ‘Why not throw these herbs in?’ That was my first chocolate bar.”

Lesslie has been selling her choco lates in her Kachina Square Shopping Center certified organic store since March. She also sells them at the Flag staff Farmers Market and at various stores on the West Coast, as well as in Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Montana and Hawaii.

Her start was in Sedona, where she lived for 16 years. “I left my hometown of Yardley, Pennsylvania at 19 years old, followed the snow to Vermont for a bit, and then headed out West. I was planning to move to Utah, but a friend convinced me to come to Arizona. So, I moved to Cottonwood, then to Sedona.”

While living in Sedona, she met

Certified Master Chocolatier Kelly Johnson. “I worked for him at his ChocolaTree and apprenticed with him.” Lesslie then found a community kitchen in Sedona, where she started making her chocolates.

“I love her chocolate and I’m a big fan of her pine pollen sipping choco late,” said Stoked Firewood Co-Owner Sadhu Low. “She also has a dragonfruit truffle that is absolutely to die for. The fact that she is dairy-free and does not use refined sugar is big. I’m also impressed with Sarah, the integrity she has for the community. She’s had bands come and play in the parking lot outside her shop; she’s very inspiring.”

Creating her chocolates with six or fewer ingredients, Leslie’s choco late bars entice fans with a variety of modalities. The Strawberry Passion Bar contains maca, passionflower and ashwagandha “to explode your passions and open your heart,” she said. The Blueberry Bliss Bar to said to inspire taste buds and uplift the spirit. The Pine Lemon Bar packs more than 200 vitamins, nutrients and minerals for energy support.

“While my son and I were waiting for a hair appointment, I noticed the Chocolita Café across the street,” said customer CeCe Stanton. “As chocolate connoisseurs, we had to check it out. As soon as we walked through the door of Chocolita, we were hit with the amaz

ing smell of chocolate. We were also greeted by a friendly face, which turned out to be Sarah. Her organic chocolates are full of flavor, wonderfully balanced with a variety to please any palate. We will definitely return for more scrump tious chocolates and to purchase gifts for friends and family.”

Leslie was a client of Moonshot at NACET a few years ago in Verde Valley. “Sarah won our Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization [award, during] one of our stops for our pitch events. We love her product and she’s been great to work with,” said Moonshot NACET Chief Financial Officer Amanda Kristinat.

Chocolita Kitchen Manager Carlie Nannini says that Chocolita is a fun and creative environment in which to work. “I’ve always had a passion for cacao and so it’s been a pleasure to not only work with chocolate but with someone like Sarah. She has a sunny disposition and every day is enjoyable. A lot of love and laughter goes into the products we create at Chocolita.”

Most recently, Lesslie added locally made beauty products made with chocolate. “We have a chocolate body butter, a chocolate scrub that we make

ourselves and we even carry a botanical chocolate perfume made by a perfumer based out of Vermont.”

She spends her time away from work outdoors. “I love adventure, so snowboarding, canyoneering, hiking and cycling are my favorite sports. I try to get up to the mountains as often as I can.” FBN

Chocolita is located on the northwest side of Kachina Square at 2720 North Steves Blvd., Suite 22. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. This month, the chocolate shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays as well. For more information, call 928288-2232.

“Have a sweet day” are Chocolita Founder Sara Ann Lesslie’s favorite parting words.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Sarah Ann Leslie and Kitchen Manager Carlie Nannini encourage adding joy into the product and service.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Customers report “the amazing smell of chocolate” that hits them as they walk into the shop. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Travis Joralmon Receives Arizona Realtors Community Outreach Award

Flagstaff realtor Travis Joralmon has been honored with the Arizona Association of REALTORS 2022 Community Outreach Award.

Travis Joralmon is a coach, adult unified partner, member of the Area Development Committee, and a local booster for Special Olympics. In these roles, he makes a positive impact on the lives of Flagstaff area athletes by coaching the track and field and softball teams as well as organizing fundraising events with local business and venues.

Travis started volunteering with Special Olympics when he was in eighth grade and has served hundreds of people with hundreds of hours committed toward volunteer work with Special Olympics over the past two decades. In August, Joralmon secured a new venue for their Bare Aspen Wine & Beer Tasting fund raiser, helping to raise more than $30,000 for Arizonans with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Arizona Mountain and Northern Monument Area Director Rubett Garcia writes, “Travis Joralmon has been in strumental in making a positive impact on the lives of Flagstaff area athletes and teams. He gives so much of himself and makes a signif icant impact for Special Olympics Mountain

Area Athletes, and we are truly fortunate to have such a giving and supportive volunteer!”

This past summer, Joralmon was selected as the track and field coach to represent Arizona at the Special Olympics USA games in Orlan do, Florida, bringing home 32 medals and a lot of wonderful memories.

Contributing to his nomination, Special Olympics Arizona President and CEO Jamie Heckerman writes, “Travis gives his heart to the athletes and we are so incredibly grateful to him for his service.”

Beyond his involvement with Special Olympics, Joralmon is the president of the Flagstaff Lions Club, ensuring the organiza tion meets the needs of our local community through projects such as vision testing, feeding the hungry and assistance for the elderly and disabled. He also sits on the board as the vice president for Big Brothers Big Sisters Flagstaff and the organization’s executive committee, which oversees fundraising, most recently contributing toward events such as Bowl For Kids’ Sake, Charity Golf Tournament, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Breakfast, and the Dave McKay Half Marathon. Joralmon is also the president of the Flagstaff Youth Hockey Asso ciation. FBN

From Lumberjack country to New York Fashion Week

Ana Aranda is blazing her own remarkable trail.

Read Ana’s story at

Travis Joralmon

TOPS Encourages Weight-Loss Members

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

“Hoping to see less of you,” may not be the kindest way to bid adieu, but for most of the members of Taking Off Pounds Successfully (TOPS Club, Inc.), it’s the hope and goal of this national non-profit hands-on approach to weight loss program.

TOPS has been helping and supporting mem bers for more than 70 years. Recently, Northern Arizona held their annual TOPS Fall Rally in Prescott.

“We had members from all our nine chap ters,” said TOPS Northern Arizona Advocate Mary L. Sylvester. “Payson, Show Low, Pine, Camp Verde, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale/Cottonwood chapters, along with the state King and Queen from Mesa.” The total membership for Northern Arizona is 163.

Awards were presented for several weight loss contests and recognition of Chapter Angels, those members who have gone above and beyond to help others in their quest to lose or maintain their weight.

Prescott Valley TOPS chapter member Phay lon Wallace was a TOPS member in 1986 when he lived in California. “During that time, I lost 35 pounds in six weeks and kept it off for several years, then gained it all back. When we moved to Prescott three years ago, I rejoined and I lost 64.8 pounds in a year.”

Wallace says he has about 16 pounds to go and admits that facing the scale every week has helped him to count calories and lose weight. “TOPS is really a good support group and I really like the chapter we have in Prescott Valley.”

Together with weekly meetings, other support includes the TOPS website and a bi-monthly magazine full of encouraging success stories, exercise routines, recipes and articles on health.

“There is an internal urge in all of us to seek complex solutions for complex problems,” said TOPS President Rick Danforth, who lost 100 pounds and posts biweekly blogs on the Facebook page. “Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is complicated, but the solutions need not be complex.”

Rim Rock resident Betty Strehlow has been in TOPS since 1962. The spry and energetic

95-year-old said she started going to TOPS in her late 30s. “It took about seven months to lose 17 pounds. Then we moved to Boston and I gained it all back, plus more. Boston is a great place to eat and I love seafood,” she said.

Keeping Off Pounds Sensibly (KOPS) is the goal of TOPS members and Strehlow has reached that goal. “I might go up or down a few pounds, but I maintain my KOPS status,” she said. “You have to keep going. Nobody is going to do it for you.”

Meetings include private weigh-ins, recitations of encouraging mantras and songs, celebrations of weight loss, up-to-date information on nutri tion, discussions on topics relating to health and exercise, and tools to lose and manage weight.

Proclaiming that the scale is the one thing that has really helped her lose 143 pounds, Camp Verde businesswoman Joyce Manifee serves as a co-leader for her chapter. “I love TOPS – the fellowship and the programs are great.”

TOPS Arizona Coordinator Teri Boyd serves as a volunteer in her position. “I do it because I love TOPS, I love our members and there’s just a huge need out there. Because TOPS is not for profit, does not advertise and has a very low membership fee, word gets out by word-ofmouth, and I like to be a mouth for TOPS. I go to health fairs and speak at chapters around the state.”

“TOPS is like my family,” said Sylvester. “If I feel down and out, I go to my chapter in Prescott, weigh in and they encourage me and I encourage them. It’s so worthwhile and so personable. This Annual Fall Rally is a huge celebration and we have so much fun.”

The concept of TOPS began around a kitchen table in 1948, when Wisconsin homemaker Es ther Manz sat with friends who were discouraged by their weight. Deciding to meet once a week and weigh in, they began to lose weight. When a local newspaper picked up the story, others became interested.

The headquarters is located in Milwaukee.

Now, with thousands of chapters throughout the United States and Canada, TOPS members can meet online as well as at local chapters. FBN

For more information, visit www.tops.org.

Prescott Valley TOPS member Phaylon Wallace and TOPS Arizona Coordinator Teri Boyd have both been successful TOPS weight loss champions. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Snow is Flying

Snowmaking operations are underway, season passes are being sent out and all Arizona Snow bowl departments are preparing for the arrival of winter recreation enthusiasts from across the state and the rest of the country. The mountain ski resort is preparing to open the 2022-23 winter season on Friday, Nov. 18.

Marketing Coordinator Angelina Grubb says Snowbowl is continuing to make enhancements to ensure skiing is accessible to all. The resort is providing: direct-to-lift access with a reloadable Snowbowl Card or season pass; the Arizona Gondola; free season passes for ages 12 and younger; and free first-time lessons for ages 13 and older.

“Whether it’s your first time seeing snow or you’ve been an avid skier for years, there’s some thing at Snowbowl that will suit everyone,” she said. “The diverse trails and largest beginner terrain in the Southwest make this resort great, not only for those who are just learning how to enjoy winter sports but also for long-time skiers looking to improve their skills.”

Season passes are on sale now through Nov. 11, offering a variety of options ranging from unlimited access to Snowbowl to weekdays only.

“Snowbowl can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another great winter season!” said Grubb.

Arizona Snowbowl’s team is working around the clock to provide guests with great snow from its stateof-the-art snowmaking system to augment the natural snow and offer the longest ski season in the state.

// BUSINESS CENTS //

BY BONNIE STEVENS

Honoring our Values, Living a Life of Thanksgiving

After spending a day in the open spaces of Babbitt Ranches with mission-driven engineers, technicians, geologists, journalists and visionaries from organizations such as NASA, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Ex ploration Agency), the U.S. Geological Survey and Babbitt Ranches, I found myself energized, joyful, inspired and grateful to be in this bubble of positive intelligence focused on propelling the human race forward in cooperation and doing so with a land use ethic.

In this pop-up aerospace village of sorts that was testing equipment and communication systems in the chal lenging, rocky and lunar-like remote terrain, Babbitt Ranches President Billy Cordasco asked representatives in this international effort to sign a “goat bar,” a tool the ranch designed and uses to pull up the lower strand of wire fences to help pronghorn antelope crawl un der and maneuver across the landscape. The exercise was a symbolic, global commitment to care for the land and its inhabitants wherever we are and to consider how we leave the environment for generations to come.

Imagine feeling so good about what you are doing, who you are working

with and how you are contributing to an effort bigger than yourself that you are giddy with enthusiasm, open to the possibilities and just plain happy. I believe this is what happens when we love who we are and live our lives on purpose. And that comes from know ing who we are and visualizing what living our best life looks like.

We can all benefit by giving our selves some quiet time to contemplate what we care about, what talents we have to give the world and how we can participate with others to achieve goals that fulfill us individually, as a group, or even as a species. What do you value? What do you obsessively care about? What are you doing when you lose time and forget about all other matters, including eating and sleeping?

In organizations, foundational principles explain why a company does what it does. An organization with im peccable clarity about what it stands for will have employees who can make de cisions with great pride and confidence, knowing and understanding how their actions align with the identified core values. In much the same way, adopt ing your own personal values will save you from wallowing in indecision or

going down a path that’s not right for you and hanging around people who don’t inspire you to be your best. Your values ground you in who you are.

Getting focused about what you, per sonally, and your work, professionally, stand for makes all kinds of decisions simpler, faster and cleaner, whether they are about selling a product, joining a company, forming a partnership or choosing a new friend.

Google says a mission statement is a “formal summary of the aims and values of a company, organization or individual.” My favorite mission state ments are concise and leave no room for interpretation, like TED Talks: “Spread ideas.”

Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization. They are guiding principles that should be unwavering and serve as a measure against which any idea or action can be measured. They look like: integrity, commitment and perseverance. NASA lists teamwork and excellence.

When we break it all down, living out a personal or professional mission and honoring our values is really about our truth – what we stand for and why we do what we do. This sets us up for a

gratifying life.

When we know who we are and are doing what fits for us, uses our individual gifts and contributes to something greater than ourselves, we will know we are living our purpose by how we feel about ourselves and our lives.

As Oprah says, “You are

fulfilling your mission and purpose on Earth when you honor the real you. Your whole life becomes a prayer of thanksgiving.” FBN

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

British and American journalists surrounded Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy and his son, Eden, as they touched the future. The two stepped out of a rover prototype being tested on Babbitt Ranches for extended moon visits as the mayor acknowledged Flagstaff’s commitment to dark skies. NASA and JAXA astronauts practiced living in the rover for several days at a time in October as they worked to usher in the Artemis missions and a new generation of discovery.. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

New Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Attraction

By Ray Newton, FBN

The past few months have seen major increases in visitation to unique educa tional experiences provided by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center (VVAC) in the heart of Camp Verde.

Executive Director Monica Buckle attributes much of that increase to the “phenomenal” new location of the center in its new building at 460 W. Finnie Flat Road in the middle of town. “We ran out of space at our past site, so local donors have been exceptionally generous in helping us fund the new museum site.”

Buckle, a Cherokee native of Sallisaw, a small town on the Arkansas River in eastern Oklahoma, says she’s thrilled to be leading the only organization in the greater Verde Valley area that is dedicated to the collection, care, management and curation of archeological artifacts found in the Verde Valley.

She explained that for decades, nearly every major artifact from the Verde Valley had been moved to another location. She said the loss of artifacts through the years has been staggering, and that while Verde Valley artifacts are on exhibit in museums and universities around the world, it was only recently that local people became interested in preserving and restoring the continuity of Native American people and communities in Central Arizona. The Navajo, Hopi, Apache and Yavapai-Apache tribes al low the VVAC to be the foremost research and educational institution devoted to preserving, interpreting and celebrating the archaeology here, where Indigenous People have lived for thousands of years.

She credits much of the enthusiasm for creation of the VVAC to Paul Dyck, who moved to Arizona and became a local Western painter. He ultimately lived in Rimrock, a small community 10 miles north of Camp Verde. During its first few years, the museum grew slowly, but it became a non-profit 501(c) (3), now governed by a board of 10 directors who are led by Cheri Meyerhofer.

Once the VVAC bought the 11,000-squarefoot, one-story building it now occupies for $1.1 million, it spent months remodeling the former medical facility into a visually appeal ing facility with an entry hall, classrooms, exhibit rooms, research and educational lab oratories and office space. The interior areas now feature murals and other artwork and exhibits that vividly reveal the creativity and lifestyles of the various tribes represented.

Much of the success in buying and remod eling is the result of a major grant from the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County (ACF). That loan was supported by longtime administrators ACF of Sedona Regional Director Jennifer Perry and ACF of Yavapai County Regional Director Lisa Sahady of Prescott.

Buckle works with five other paid staff employees: Director of Archaeology Kathryn Turner; Director of Collections Jeffrey H. King; Ethnobotanist and Historian Robert Estrada; Accountant Diane Happeny; and Director Emeritus Ken Zoll.

“A critical factor that lets us operate in our new facility is our large team of volunteers. We have more than 700 of them and they make possible all the exhibits and programs we present. What’s more, the number keeps growing,“ Buckle said. She also praises the leadership team at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff for its continuous support of the VVAC.

Buckle spent much of her early adult career in New York City, where she owned and coordinated galleries that featured Native American artwork. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and later received a Master’s of Art Business degree from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York. She recently was named to the board of directors at the Mesa Verde Foundation in Colorado, which is an official philanthropic partner with the UNESCO World Heritage site program. Buckle also is affiliated with the Tucson Museum of Art and

Recently promoted to the executive director positon at Verde Valley Archaeology Center, Monica Buckle’s birth heritage is Cherokee from Oklahoma. Photo by Ray Newton

Starting November 28 visit our Light A Life booth at the Flagstaff mall to help support our mission and continue to be the only non profit Hospice in Northern Arizona providing care regardless of ability to pay. Remember your loved one by placing a tag on our Christmas tree, pet tree, or Menorah. Receive a beautiful handmade ornament with every donation of $25 or more.

Blazin’ M Ranch Offering Holiday Hoedown

By Ray Newton, FBN

Crisp fall days and evenings illuminated by bright moons of harvest season make fall holiday celebrations especially memorable in the greater Verde Valley. Adding to the magic of the season is the Blazin’ M Ranch in Cotton wood, where actors are delivering the “Holiday Hoedown” from Nov. 29 through Dec.30.

“It will be an unforgettable holiday experi ence,” said owner Ryan Glass, who promises to have the appealing Western Fronter town in full service, including a saloon, shops, wagon rides, target shooting, axe throwing and other activities.

Special entertainment is planned for the younger kids, with face-painting, bounce houses, miniature golf, wall climbing, a mechanical bull, pumpkin decorating and live music.

On show nights, following a filling homecooked meal of chicken, BBQ ribs, side dishes and spice cake with cream cheese, the Blazin’ M Ramblers will perform a one-hour Western show.

“We’ve tailored it this year to make it even more fresh and clever,” said Glass. “We’ve sched

uled some talented entertainers to fill the evening, with the music of Chris Stapleton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Kenny Rogers, Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys, Tonya Tucker, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline.”

Glass and his wife, Leila, say the business has grown since they opened last spring. “Return vis its were up, and tour buses began bringing guests here,” said Leila.

Ryan added, “A lot of seniors began coming back this fall and on weekends, parents from the cities showed up with carloads of kids. In fact, when I received the number from July 2021 com pared to this July in 2022, I was surprised to see we had more than 23,000 guests. That’s phenom enal when you realize that during the height of the pandemic, we were totally shut down.”

The Blazin’ M Ranch has become a recognized attraction in the Verde Valley, cited as a Tripadvi sor “Traveler’s Choice.” FBN

Group rates are available and tickets may be pur chased at the gate at 1875 Mabery Ranch Road or by calling the main counter at 800-937-8643.

The Blazin’ M Ramblers, led by Ryan and Leila Glass, perform a lively post chuck-wagon dinner Western show of toe-tapping, sing-along music at the Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood. Photos by Ray Newton

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

Understanding Natural Gas from the Ground Up

UniSource Director Martin Anaya is passionate about the business and communities he serves

Off the top of his head, UniSource Energy Services Director Martin Anaya can easily quote the dates and positions of his 41-year career in gas utilities, which began in 1981.

Working literally from the ground up, Anaya’s first position was installing gas lines. As he progressed, his work kept steel pipes from corroding under ground. “I started with Southern Union Gas and moved into doing corrosion control, also known as cathodic protec tion. I stayed in that discipline for many years. It is my passion.”

His goal was to keep UniSource gas pipes looking brand new and in excel lent condition. “Anything metal has to have some kind of corrosion control such as bridges, skyscrapers, anything that is made out of steel should have some form of safeguard against deteri oration.”

Anaya worked toward many industry and professional certifications based on the discipline of corrosion and moved into a supervisory role for

Arizona and beyond. “Southern Union Gas was then sold to Citizen’s Utilities, so once that took place, my duties ex panded to Louisiana and Colorado.”

A native of Flagstaff, Anaya con tinued to live in Flagstaff but traveled a lot. He also continued to advance within the company, serving in several directorship positions.

“Martin is a committed and dedicat ed leader who is passionate about doing what is right for employees and the communities that we serve,” said Uni Source Energy Services Vice President of Field Operation Terry Nay. “I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for his all-encompassing knowledge of the gas business. With his many years with the company, he has served in almost every position possible. With his depth of knowledge, he truly understands the perspectives of our employees, and this enables him to be their best coach, mentor and champion.”

From his office at 2901 E. Shamrell, Martin Anaya reflects on his four decades in the gas utility business – from installing gas lines to director of UniSource. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Boosting Education with a New Kind of Postsecondary Ecosystem

By José Luis Cruz Rivera

Iam thrilled to tell you about NAU’s next step in our efforts to be a preeminent engine of opportunity for the people of Flagstaff, Coconino County and the State of Arizona.

Last month, we announced a new, first-ofits-kind partnership with all 10 community college districts across the state and the Ari zona Commerce Authority (ACA) to launch the Arizona Attainment Alliance (A++). This unique partnership aims to harness the collective impact of distinct institutions that together serve more than 322,000 students, based on a shared desire to dramatically boost Arizona’s postsecondary attainment rate. A++ represents a new kind of student-centered postsecondary ecosystem, one based on collab oration across shared interests and priorities and the optimization of complementary assets in service to Arizonans.

This is truly a partnership, where our indi vidual efforts are amplified through a system of collaborators across the state, including Coconino Community College, in order to broaden access to an exceptional education for thousands of talented Arizonans.

The initiative aims to meet one of our greatest challenges – low college-going rates and low college attainment. By harnessing the collective capacity of partner institutions and organizations, A++ will be able to achieve the following:

N Boost the immediate college-going rate of the state’s high school graduates.

N Serve a growing proportion of adults with some college but no degree.

N Exceed expected progression and gradua tion rates.

N Increase the postgraduate value of the cre dentials that students earn.

Despite having one of the fastest growing economies in the nation and serving as a hub for modern industry, Arizona’s associate, bachelor and graduate educational attainment rate lags well behind the national average, resulting in an annual shortage of more than 26,000 bachelor’s degrees – a staggering gap that compromises Arizona’s evolving econo my.

This innovative coalition has a simple but transformative aspiration to dramatically boost statewide postsecondary attainment in areas that align with the high-demand, high-paying jobs that are fueling the new Arizona economy.

Coconino Community College is a key local partner and will help drive the success of A++ here in our own backyard. They bring a well-earned reputation as a driver of education and

economic development in our community. They prepare students for essential jobs in areas like nursing, child care, construction, automotive technology, IT, fire science, law enforcement and so many others. In doing so, CCC has helped fuel the individual and collec tive aspirations of those who call this region home and is exactly what we are looking for in the A++ partnership.

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), the state’s leading economic development organization, is also taking a leadership role in A++. Having ACA directly integrated will en sure workforce development opportunities are tightly connected to A++ member institutions and programs, strengthening the college and career ecosystem.

A++ partner institutions like CCC and the ACA are committed to working together to spur more college attendance and completion and allow the people in our communities and the state to take full advantage of the opportu nities that exist right here at home.

A++ will launch this fall with a year-long exploratory commission composed of repre sentatives from NAU, the state’s 10 com munity college districts and the ACA. Over the following year, A++ partners will work together to develop a roadmap of measurable actions. Together, representatives from NAU and the state’s community college districts will explore opportunities across the following areas, among others:

Cross-institutional approaches to strategic enrollment management and degree comple tions that maximize access and attainment.

Strategies to strengthen the K-12 to higher education pipeline, such as dual credit and pre-acceptance programs.

High-quality, seamless, career-driven aca demic pathways that could be made available through A++, starting at the certificate level and continuing through associate, bachelor and graduate/advanced credential levels.

Cross-institutional shared services and technologies that provide seamless, high-qual ity student success, career advisement and transfer-pathway services.

The opportunity A++ represents has reso nated across the state with college leaders and business organizations that see an opportunity to cultivate talent and facilitate opportunity right here in Flagstaff and across Arizona that will increase the value, impact and accessibility of transformative postsecondary opportunities for students.

FBN

José Luis Cruz Rivera is the president of Northern Arizona University.

Brian Cripe M.D., Joins Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona

Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona (PSNA), led by Jack Quigley, M.D., Adam Boettcher, M.D., and Steve Lex, M.D., recently welcomed a new plastic surgeon to their Flagstaff practice. Brian Cripe, M.D., joined PSNA in August, arriving in Flagstaff from Roanoke, Virginia, where he completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, after serving as chief resident there.

“I am so happy to have this opportunity,” Dr. Cripe told Flagstaff Business News. “I have joined an outstanding plastic surgery practice where I am able to establish the diverse general practice I’ve been looking for, where I can perform a broad spectrum of plastic surgery. And to be able to do that in such a beautiful part of the country, my wife and I couldn’t be more pleased. We love Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, and we’ve really enjoyed exploring these amazing landscapes in our spare time.”

Like his partners at PSNA, Cripe does the full array of reconstructive surgery procedures, including breast cancer and skin cancer recon struction, and surgery to correct congenital defects and to treat facial trauma. He is also a hand surgery specialist, correcting problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and trigger finger, along with treatment of hand trauma. Like his PSNA colleagues, in addition to reconstructive and hand surgery, Cripe also enjoys providing cosmetic surgeries and he offers the full array of cosmetic procedures to his patients.

“One of the things I like best about plastic surgery is the breadth of the specialty,” he said. “We are able to help people in so many different ways, whether it’s helping them to re cover from serious injury or helping to correct something about their body that they’ve always felt self-conscious about.”

Cripe grew up in Michigan and earned his bachelor’s degree, in both zoology and journal ism, at Michigan State University. He attended medical school at the University of Queensland School of Medicine in Brisbane, Australia, which partners with the Ochsner Clinic for medical training, so that two years of medical school were spent in Australia and two years in New Orleans at the Ochsner Clinic. This was a unique opportunity for him to obtain his medical training across two continents.

“The opportunity to learn with an interna tional perspective in our changing healthcare climate has been incredibly valuable,” he said. “Additionally, the indigenous health and preventive care training has been a boon to my practice.”

Aside from his surgical practice, Cripe has numerous and varied interests. He is both an accomplished photographer and scuba diver, and he was able to combine these profession ally, being employed between undergrad and

medical school as a photographer and expedi tion leader, taking tourists on scuba dives in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

In his spare time, he enjoys endurance sports (triathlon, mountain biking and trail running), photography and, whenever possible, scuba diving. He and his wife, Whitney, love their new home in Flagstaff and look forward to rais ing a family here in the Flagstaff community.

PSNA was founded in 1991 by Dr. Lex and Dr. Quigley. To better serve their patients, they decided to build their own facility and, in 1996, they opened the Plastic Surgeons of North ern Arizona building, located at 1020 N. San Francisco Street, across from Flagstaff Medical Center. This building houses both the plastic surgery practice and hand center, and North ern Arizona SurgiCenter, the multispecialty ambulatory surgery center where all four plas tic surgeons perform most of their surgeries. Dr. Boettcher joined doctors Lex and Quigley in practice in 2012. With the recent arrival of Dr. Cripe, PSNA now offers the services of four outstanding plastic surgeons.

As they have for more than 30 years, the doctors at PSNA strive to provide expert plastic surgery and hand surgery care to the people of Northern Arizona, with their main clinic and surgery center in Flagstaff and satellite offices in Sedona, Cottonwood, Kingman and Prescott Valley.

FBN

For additional information or to schedule an appoint ment with a plastic surgeon or a licensed aesthetician, call 928-774-2300 or visit psna.net.

Voters to Decide Whether to Extend the Jail District Sales Tax

In the General Election, Prop. 445 asks voters to extend the half-cent Jail District Sales Tax, paid by both visitors and residents.

With the Jail District Sales Tax

• Most of the County Jail’s $22 million in annual operating costs are covered including food, staffing, medical care, safety, maintenance and security.

• The County Jail will remain financially secure.

• The County, its cities and communities will not have to increase taxes or take funding from other budgets to pay jail costs.

• Programs that help integrate individuals back into communities will be continued: job training, life skills, plus substance abuse and mental health treatment.

• The number of people returning to the County Jail would likely continue to decrease.

Without the Jail District Sales Tax

• The County would need to use money from the General Fund to operate the County Jail.

• County services that support public health, safety and enhance quality of life would likely be reduced or eliminated.

• Budgets of cities and towns would be impacted; local taxes could be implemented or increased to cover jail costs.

• Programs that help inmates prepare for a life outside of jail would be reduced or cancelled.

• Law officials would expect substance-abuse related crime to increase.

Brian Cripe, M.D.

Changing Lives. Restoring Families. Strengthening Communities.

Diabetes Awareness Saves Lives and Limbs

By Reisha Zang

Living with diabetes can be scary. One of the biggest fears is the threat of losing a leg. In fact, diabetes is responsible for someone losing a limb every three minutes in the United States. “There is no reason for so many diabetics to suffer an ampu tation,” said Dr. Joel Rainwater, chief medical officer of CiC. “Medical studies prove that up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations can be prevented.”

Diabetes is linked to two conditions that increase the risk of amputation: peripheral artery disease (PAD), some times referred to as poor circulation, and diabetic neuropathy. While people know about these conditions, they don’t understand how serious they are and that they can lead to amputation.

Poor circulation, or PAD (peripheral artery disease), is caused by the buildup of fatty material inside the arteries. “If an artery is blocked, oxygen and nutri ents can’t get to your nerves and mus cles, causing them to cry out for help,” explained Dr. Diana Perry, of CIC Foot & Ankle in Flagstaff. “Cramping, burning, tingling, numbness or a sore that never gets better are telltale signs.” A non-healing wound is one of the most concerning issues, putting you at serious risk for amputation.

Sores that are not able to heal are what lead to complications. “If enough blood isn’t circulating, that sore isn’t getting everything it needs to heal,” said Perry. “This worries me, because if it’s not treated, a chronic wound can lead to an amputation.”

Living with diabetes puts you at in creased risk. “High blood sugar and in flammation related to diabetes attacks your blood vessels and causes them to block with plaque,” said Rainwater. When this happens, your feet may feel cold, your legs may cramp during even a short walk, your skin may become very dry or thin and shiny, and a cut or blister just won’t heal.

If the signs are overlooked, or they are not diagnosed properly, they will continue to progress. “This serious condition must be identified by diabetic caregivers, because minimally invasive treatment can be lifesaving,” explained Rainwater. “If you get an amputation because you have PAD, your life expec tancy is worse than if you had breast cancer or lymphoma. PAD is no joke.”

The good news is PAD is very treatable. Lifestyle changes, medication and minimally invasive procedures can help prevent PAD from progressing to dangerous consequences.

“Fortunately, this is something that we can fix,” said Rainwater. Using tiny

tools and real-time imaging, Rainwater and other endovascular specialists at CiC are able to go into the blood stream to access the blocked peripheral arteries, clear plaque away, and restore normal blood flow. Establishing blood flow reestablishes the oxygen and nutri ent supply so healing can begin.

Patients are able to resume everyday

living with almost no downtime and no overnight hospital stay. Medicare and most insurance plans cover the treatment.

Knowing why diabetes puts you at risk, recognizing the symptoms, and taking ac tion helps you protect yourself. Diagnosing and treating PAD can

mean the difference between saving or losing a limb, and in some cases, saving a life. FBN

Reisha Zang is director of communication at CiC. You may contact her at 928-719-7400 or reisha.zang@ciccenters.com.

Jail Programs are Working

By Jim Driscoll

county jail is a pivotal com ponent of the criminal justice system. In Coconino County, the jail is not just a place where we put people who break the law. Our jail is a modern facility where people can get the help they need. They can learn how to heal from a difficult past, enroll in programs to find a way out of the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction and get a glimpse of what life away from jail can look like. Our jail offers hope and sets people up for a better future through programs and facilities funded through the Jail District Sales Tax.

Coconino County is focused on healing and equipping inmates –members of our community – with tools to help them recover from un healthy habits, cope with anger, com municate more effectively, become better parents and find positive ways to express themselves. We also offer job training and education, making valuable use of time spent in custody.

In addition, many people find comfort and guidance through spiri tual practices. We believe it’s critically important and grounding for people to have access to their traditional and religious practices. We have chaplain

visits and hold bible study classes.

We have built a hogan for important cultural rituals, and a sweat lodge, which many Native cultures use for cleansing ceremonies.

A shining example of the differ ence in-jail programs can make is EXODUS, a multi-faceted substance abuse program. Jail participants have been enrolling in EXODUS since 2007. More than 1,600 people have experienced it and the success is mea surable. Goals of the program are to:

N Reduce the impact of substance abuse on the community.

N Enhance inmates’ ability to facili tate change in their lives.

N Reduce recidivism and jail crowd ing.

N Provide educational services to inmates to help them maintain a life of recovery from addiction.

We have witnessed great prog ress through jail programs and the financially secure, safe and effective County Jail. Since the half-cent Jail District Sales Tax has been in effect, there has been a decrease in the im pact of substance-abuse related crime on county communities, numerous inmate success stories, an overall reduction in the jail population and

a decline in the number of people returning to jail.

Those of us in the County Crim inal Justice System believe a major contributing factor to the decline in recidivism – the number of inmates returning to jail – is the continued success of EXODUS. National statis tics report that 70% of those in jail return to jail in places where there is no in-custody drug and alcohol abuse program. However, EXODUS has been a game-changer. In Coconino County, only 30% or fewer of those who have participated in the program return to jail.

Also, funds generated from the Jail Sales Tax have been paying most of the jail operating expenses, about 86%, which includes maintenance, renovations, food, medical care and staffing. Without the financial sup port of the tax, paid by both visitors and residents, the county would have to find $22 million a year to cover the jail costs and the powerful programs we have now. This could mean a decrease in budgets for other county programs such as those that support public safety and health, and most likely would mean fewer jail programs. In addition, our cities and towns would

probably have to raise taxes to cover their portion.

Proposition 445 on the General Election ballot asks voters to extend the half-cent Jail District Sales Tax by 25 years. That’s 50 cents on $100 purchases of goods and services. The question is:

Shall the Coconino County Jail District Board of Directors be autho rized to extend the term of the exist ing County Jail District Excise Tax (sales tax), of one half-cent ($.005) by twenty-five years?

To find out more about Proposi tion 445, visit www.coconino.az.gov/ jailtax for the Jail District Sales Tax

Publicity Pamphlet, which includes letters from county residents, Fre quently Asked Questions and loca tions for assigned polling places.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8.

For more information, contact the Coconino County Elections Office at 928-679-7860 or visit www.coconino.az.gov/elections.

Please be sure to vote! FBN

Sheriff Jim Driscoll serves Coconino County.

Coconino County is focused on healing and equipping inmates – members of our community – with tools to help them recover from unhealthy habits, cope with anger, communicate more effectively, become better parents and find positive ways to express themselves. We also offer job training and education, making valuable use of time spent in custody.

DEASY

Asking Voters to Decide

Council salaries are on the table for discussion right now.

The proposal would increase councilmember salaries from $25,500 to $63,800 in just two years. Mayor pay would increase from $38,500 to $70,180 in the same timeframe. Per sonally, I believe an increase of this magnitude should not be decided by Flagstaff City Council. In any regular job, you have to go to your boss to ask for a raise. The people are the boss, and I believe that this should go

to the voters for a decision. Thank fully, we are already planning to call a special election in November 2023 to address city charter changes. If we want an increase to this level, let the voters decide, and we can change the charter so that anytime in the future that the council wants a raise, it must go to the voters.

The reason for the special election already being planned for next fall is to address other large concerns. For one, the signature count to get

In any regular job, you have to go to your boss to ask for a raise. The people are the boss, and I believe that this should go to the voters for a decision. Thankfully, we are already planning to call a special election in November 2023 to address city charter changes. If we want an increase to this level, let the voters decide, and we can change the charter so that anytime in the future that the council wants a raise, it must go to the voters.

on the ballot is excessive. This year, it required 1,602 valid signatures for the council and mayor to have their names on the ballot. This is far above any number of any city in the state. To run for council or mayor in Phoenix, it requires 1,000 signatures in a city of more than 1.6 million people. This year, even though 10 people pulled papers to run, only two were able to meet this high threshold, and now with four seats available, there are only two names on the ballot. The write-in candidates must receive 1,602 votes minimum to be elected. Even if they have a majority with 1,601 votes, they are not elected. This needs to change to create greater access for the job.

Other charter changes being considered include our extensive pro curement process that is preventing us from quickly and efficiently get ting projects completed. Another is to allow senior administration in the city to live outside city limits, as the charter currently requires senior officials to live within the city, which reduces the pool of qualified candidates who

may want to apply for the position of deputy city manager, for example.

I believe that a special election focusing specifically on the City Charter will be in the best interest of the city, and let the voters decide on these important matters from salary to signature counts.

FBN

A licensed nursing assistant providing compassionate private care giving for the elderly either in-home or at an outside facility. Non-medical orthopedics after-care, hospice care giving, dementia care giving, assistance with daily living activities are just a few of the areas of expertise we offer.

Tessla Baumgartner,

Nursing

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

Paul Deasy is the mayor of Flagstaff.

You or your loved one deserves quality time and gentle attention

Exploring the Lyric Hearing Aid

Karon Lynn Au.D.

The Lyric is a hearing aid that is housed inside the ear canal for extended periods of time. No need to change a battery or put the hearing aid in a recharging device at night. All you need to do is go to your audiologist and ask to try a pair of them for free!

DISCREET AMPLIFICATION

The most amazing benefit of wearing the Lyric is that you are a “normal” person. You do not have to be careful with your hearing aids around the house so the dog or cat does not eat them when you take them off. You can remove your glasses without catching the hearing aid and have it fly across the room. You can remove your mask without worrying that your hearing aids will be lost. You can put on your motorcycle helmet or bicycle helmet without fear of losing the hearing aid. You can even swim, so long as your head is not submerged. You must wear ear plugs to protect the Lyric from excessive water while lap swimming or kayaking and bathing. No one will politely remind you to put your hearing aids in every morning while you are simply trying to enjoy your coffee and newspaper.

People enjoy the fact that they wake up hearing normally and are able to hear noises around the house at night similar to the other family members.

CLEAR SOUND

The sound of speech is clear and distinct. You are able to understand your friends and family under most circumstances. Extremely loud environments will present a challenge, but my patients report that 95% of the time they are very happy with the sound quality.

THE LYRIC DIFFERENCE

The sound of these aids is different than other in-the-ear hearing aids because of the location in the ear canal. The Lyric sits deeper in the canal than any other hearing aid. The depth is one of the biggest secrets to the successful sound transmission. The canal wall has different composition as it extends to the ear drum. The Lyric sits a quarter of an inch from the eardrum in the boney portion of the canal. The com position of bone rather than cartilage and fat reduces the “echo” that many people hear with traditional hearing aids. The Lyric takes advantage of the outer ear, or pinna, in its ability to focus on the sound that the listener is facing. Finally, the power needs are

much less because it is so close to the eardrum; thus, less distortion of sound.

ADJUSTABLE SOUND

The Lyric comes with a wand that is designed to change the volume or even mute the sound completely. It has a sleep mode if you prefer to hear at your pre-hearing aid level. There are many options, allowing the sound to be modified by the person wearing Lyric.

EFFECTIVE FOR TINNITUS

Tinnitus is a noise that is heard by a person that is not generated by an

external source. It can be a whistle, buzz, chirp or hissing sound. The Lyric is a great way to either reduce tinnitus or completely eliminate the sound.

Studies even show that Lyric can offer relief faster than a traditional hearing aid. Many patients will be astounded that the minute the Lyric is placed into the canal the noise they hear is gone! Anyone who wants to see if they get benefit is welcome to try out a Lyric for free!

REMOVING THE LYRIC

The person using a Lyric is able to remove it at any time.

A tool is provided that is placed in the ear canal and attaches to a loop on the outer edge of the device. However, the Lyric must be reinserted by the audi ologist. I have had people attempt to replace their device, but by not using the specialized tool, the ear canal was scratched. The fit is comfortable only if it is placed in the canal at the proper depth and at the proper angle.

REPLACING THE LYRIC

The Lyric battery will last longer than two months. Sometimes they last up to three months but it is safe to say that the Lyric is replaced every two months. The audiologist will remove the Lyric, clean the ear canal and place a new Lyric. Even if you wear traditional hearing aids, you should try out this new technology on a free trial. FBN

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more in formation, visit TrinityHearing.net.

Karon Lynn, Au.D., is a doctor of audi ology with 30 years of experience working with hearing impaired individuals. She may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@ trinityhearing.net.

Senior Dogs Find Care at Camp Golden Years

By Stan Bindell, FBN

Camp Commander Joel Rockey calls Camp Golden Years in Dewey a veteran-operated Senior Dog Rescue with a mission to “Give Old Dogs a New Mission.”

“We do this by rescuing, rehab bing and rehoming homeless senior dogs. Being a veteran-founded orga nization, our primary focus is taking on seniors belonging to veterans facing homelessness or in hospice, but when space and resources allow, we can take in senior shelter dogs as well,” he said.

Camp Golden Years has the capacity to support up to 22 senior dogs at a time. On top of that, Camp Golden Years maintains financial support for another 20 to 30 senior dogs placed with veterans or with medical fosters. All senior dogs who are recruited into Camp Golden Years come from veterans who can no longer physically care for them, are in shelters or are facing home lessness.

WHEN ROCKEY MET LURCH

Rockey started working on this organization not long after he exited the military.

“I had completed a tour in Iraq and Afghanistan as Navy Corpsman (combat medic) attached to a Scout Sniper Platoon. I didn’t quite know it at the time, but that job taught me a great ability to endure difficult times while still maintaining compassion and positivity,” he said.

Like many veterans leaving the military, Rockey struggled to find a mission that he could personally impact. “Then one day, I stumbled across Lurch, a senior pug wandering in the streets in a blizzard. This fella had been through the wringer, and it was clear he hadn’t been adequately cared for. I spent three months car

ing for the old man before he passed and knew this was a mission I could be of service,” he said.

Rockey recalls that many folks around him couldn’t understand the act of opening up his heart and home to a dog that is only going to be around for a short period of time.

“I couldn’t understand how you couldn’t,” he said. “This was my duty, this was my mission and this was my something worth fighting for. From those days on, I would push forward by making sure these senior dogs didn’t die alone in shel ters or on the streets while finding people who are just as dedicated to giving these dogs the dignity they deserve in their final days or years.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR SENIORS

Rockey said that while it’s hard to say whether Camp Golden Years is making a substantial difference in the overall senior dog population in shelters, it is making a difference to the seniors within their ranks.

“One of the biggest reasons fami lies won’t adopt a senior is the cost. It’s hard to take on an initial $500 to $1,500 vet bill to get them comfort able.”

Camp Golden Years eliminates the cost, as all senior dogs receive food, shelter and companionship. They also receive a full medical work-up and any quality-of-life surgeries they need before adoption.

The majority of seniors who end up at Camp Golden Years haven’t been to a veterinarian in years, if ever. Covering the much-needed vet erinary care and providing lifelong advocacy for every adopted senior from the ranks is the key that gives adopters the confidence to be the difference.

For safety, Camp Golden Years has a weight limit of 25 pounds and

all seniors must pass a behavior test to see if they can safely cohab itate with the other recruits. In the future and with more support, the non-profit organization plans to look into adding space for larger seniors.

OPERATING ON VOLUNTEERS, DONATIONS

Currently, Camp Golden Years op erates with one or two staff members to cover the day-to-day duties, five core volunteers to help cover larger projects and events, and about 20 volunteers that help with odds and ends like fostering, transporting and marketing seniors for adoption.

“We are always looking for fosters and folks to help get our recruits in front of possible adopters. At this time, we cannot accommodate more on-site volunteers, as we are going through some facility changes, but please email info@campgoldenyears if you are interested or think you can help our mission in any way,” he said.

Rockey said Camp Golden Years has been fortunate that people have supported them financially through the years. The majority of the support comes from $6 monthly donations from people all over the country. “It takes a dedicated team and a community that believes in the mission, and local volunteers and donors committed to putting in the time and resources,” he said.

GROWING SUPPORT FOR OLDER DOGS

The best part of the job is the dogs, he says. “We have a variety of seniors here and Camp Golden Years is ken nel-free. You get some easy-going seniors, some grumpy seniors, and some seniors who haven’t been told they are a senior, so on any given day, you see some funny stuff. Some one is always sleeping in someone’s

bed and someone is always stealing someone’s treats. It’s honestly a great time.”

The staff and volunteers also have their down days when they have to say goodbye to friends. “But Camp Golden Years has been and always will be a place to laugh, smile and celebrate the life and companionship these seniors give us.”

Rockey said this year has been a very bad year for many shelters because of a number of factors including owner relinquishments, underfunding and staff shortages. But Camp Golden Years has been able to take in the dogs while they await forever homes.

“As support grew, we have grown from a foster-based organization to

a facility and foster-based organi zation. With an aging population, we are seeing more and more senior dogs who are losing families, but the silver lining is that some commu nities are evolving, and senior dogs are winning the hearts of the people. This change is only possible when the responsibility for these animals is embraced by a community as a whole, and at the moment, we seem to be going in the right direction,” he added.

FBN

Dog lovers can check out Camp Golden Years on Facebook and Instagram to see what their recruits are doing. To find out more, visit campgoldenyears.org or call 833-OLD-DOGS.

Camp Golden Years Commander Joel Rockey welcomes new recruits. The Navy vet founded the organization to care for senior dogs belonging to veterans who could no longer care for them. Today, the nonprofit accepts older shelter dogs, too. Courtesy photo

Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery: Relapse Prevention Help for the Holidays

By Roy DuPrez

November is here, which means it is officially the holiday season. For most people, the holidays represent a time of celebra tion and joy with friends and family. Sharing time with good company is a positive experience and one of the best parts of the holidays. However, this is not true for everyone. The hol iday season can be especially stressful for those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. The holidays can be a relapse-trigger for those in recovery, since home and family can be the place where their struggle with addiction began.

Coming home for the holidays can mean the return of traumatic mem ories or connecting with old friends who use and abuse drugs and alcohol.

Relapse is already incredibly common throughout the year and the holiday season can heighten the triggers that cause relapse, such as social pressure, loneliness or money troubles. Relapse during the holidays is a concern, but that does not mean it will happen. There are steps you can take and resources available to

people looking for help staying sober during the holiday season.

HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN

It is imperative that anyone in recov ery have a relapse prevention plan during the holidays. Old friends and family are a trigger for many people, especially if they are using drugs and alcohol.

If you are in a situation that tempts you to relapse, then it is important have a plan to remove yourself from that situation. It can be something as simple as deciding to leave early if you feel triggered to relapse. You can also bring a sober friend who will hold you accountable and give you an excuse to leave. Your sobriety is the most important thing and leaving a holiday dinner early is more import ant than relapsing.

KNOW YOUR FAMILY’S DYNAMIC AND YOUR TRIGGERS

Ideally, your family is a force of sup port and love, but for many people, they can be a source of stress. Know your family dynamic and know which family members may be a trigger for you. If you have a strained relation

ship with one of your family mem bers or one of them has a substance abuse problem, then it is important to make a plan. You must plan how to engage with them and when you should or should not interact with them. Plan for the support you need in dealing with family members who can trigger you.

If friends or family begin to trigger you, it is important to be assertive and don’t let anyone pressure you into using substances. Friends and family are the hardest people to say no to, but it is important that you set hard boundaries.

If you are having a good time and are feeling stress-free, it is important to note which friends and family members have done a good job vali dating your sobriety and support you on your journey. Spend your holidays with these friends and family and avoid ones who trigger you.

EXERCISE AND CLEAR YOUR MIND

Relapse is most likely to occur when you are neglecting your own needs and self-care, and one of the best ways to reduce stress and clear your

mind is exercise. It is important to make time to exercise, as it can help free the mind from negative thoughts. Exercise can provide a consistent routine, increase self-esteem and help with overall mental health.

Exercise makes us feel good, so the likelihood of relapse may decrease if you are able to stay active. Practicing yoga or engaging in diaphragmatic breathing exercises before entering a potentially triggering situation is also helpful. Doing these things will put your mind and body in a good state and help you deal with the stresses of the holidays.

GO TO MEETINGS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Just because it is the holidays does not mean you should avoid support group meetings. Narcotics Anony mous, Alcoholics Anonymous and other support groups are great ways to connect with like-minded people trying to maintain sobriety during a stressful holiday season. Continue to attend your regular meetings if you are in town and find a local meeting if you are traveling for the holidays. Most support groups are continuing

to hold virtual meetings as well as in-person meetings, so access to these meetings is easier than ever.

Arizonans looking for a Narcotics Anonymous meeting can find one at arizona-na.org.

Arizonans looking for an Alco holics Anonymous meeting can find one at alcoholicsanonymous.com/ aa-meetings/Arizona. FBN

Roy DuPrez is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his BS and MEd from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse is sues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness ad ventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsout dooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.

Benefits of Home Health, Private Caregiving

By Tessla Baumgartner

Home health private caregiving provides families and individu als with a nonmedical support team. We can provide assistance with daily living activities and companion ship. Private caregiving allows the fam ilies to change their role from primary caretaker to a supportive loved one. Nonmedical caregiving provides support to the individual and the family. Taking care of a loved one can sometimes become a welcomed but heavy responsibility. Caregivers will take a lot of the day to day responsibili ties off of the family and into the caring

hands and hearts of a trained profes sional. Private caregiving allows seniors to stay in their home and still receive quality care. Private caregivers are passionate about their work with your loved one. They have dedicated their lives to improving the care of seniors in our community. We see their wisdom and understand these are very special people! They have lived a long life and deserve the dignity and respect shown to them. We are here to comfort and support our seniors as we all walk this path of life. We consider our work as an honor, not just a job, but a passion to care for others.

Private caregiving offers many

Nonmedical caregiving provides support to the individual and the family. Taking care of a loved one can sometimes become a welcomed but heavy responsibility. Caregivers will take a lot of the day to day responsibilities off of the family and into the caring hands and hearts of a trained professional. Private caregiving allows seniors to stay in their home and still receive quality care.

services, depending on what your loved one needs or wants. We talk with you and your loved one to determine this individualized care plan. Our services range from full care to standby assist and end of life care (hospice). This includes bathing, grooming meal preparation, toileting needs, oral care, transfer from wheelchair to bed and position changes to reduce pressure and increase comfort. We can provide support with exercise programs and pet care. We offer companionship that includes reading, coloring, doing puz zles, gardening, going for walks, getting

the mail and any activity or interest that you or your loved one enjoys! We enjoy active listening when we provide transportation to doctor appointments or for shopping trips and errands – and our seniors in this community have the best stories. We also offer assistance to those in senior living communities. We can attend meals, facility activities such as going to church and assisting with orientation to a new facility.

We understand that your family is important and we are honored to be able to help

in any way we can. We encourage one’s overall physical and emotional well-be ing! It has been my experience that having a private caregiver can bring a lot of joy into one’s life. We take the time to build that trusting relationship and encourage as much positivity and joy as possible. Home health private caregivers work closely with other local agencies as well, such as senior living communities, those providing physical therapy, and hospice services.

A few really special private caregiv ing companies that I have found that are organized by special and qualified people in our community are Wild Flower Caregiving LLC and Integrity First Home Care LLC.

If you or a loved one are interested in contacting private caregiving services, you can contact your local hospitals to get a list of home health private care giving companies, or call 928-221-6892 and I will do my best to help you find the care you are looking for. FBN

Tessla Baumgartner, LNA, is the owner of WildFlower Caregiving, LLC. She is a licensed nursing assistant and private caregiver. She graduated from Coconino Com munity College and has been a Flagstaff resident since 2011.

www.nazderm.com

F or over forty years, our Board Certified dermatologists have provided medical care to patients of all ages with disorders of the skin, including skin cancer. With our extensive medical and surgical training, experience, and passion, our physicians help keep your skin, hair, and nails healthy for life.

We treat the medical, surgical, and cosmetic skin needs of Northern Arizona residents, tourists passing through, and individuals from surrounding states at our three facilities: Flagstaff, Sedona, and Cottonwood.

FLAGSTAFF 1490 N. Turquoise Flagstaff, Arizona 800-469-5074 928-774-5074

SEDONA 95 Soldiers Pass Rd, Suite. C-2 Sedona, AZ 800-469-5074

COTTONWOOD 297 S. Willard St. Cottonwood, AZ 928-639-9596

Kelly Czarnecki Scott Dale Jordan Miller Brendan O’Neill Kristina Paley Sara Risner-Rumohr Elena Salpas Bradley Taylor PA-C M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. PA-C M.D.

Arizona Nordic Village Sets the Stage for Premiere Dark Skies Destination Event

The vision began in the living room of Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition member William Seven in fall 2019. It would be a destination dark skies event, drawing people from around the region with a captivating world-class speaker, a talented quartet filling the night air, telescope viewing under the darkest of skies, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind artwork and experi ences, original specialty brews crafted in Flagstaff and the kind of creative, delectable food local chefs are known for.

As the group began sharing the idea, the search for the right loca tion ensued. That’s when Arizona Nordic Village, owned by Babbitt Ranches, offered its unique, off-thegrid hospitality among old growth ponderosa pines and aspen-lined meadows. The yurts and cabins could offer glamp-worthy overnight accommodations for traveling guests,

and the area itself, just 15 miles north of Flagstaff, would create the feel of being swept up by the wilderness and the stars.

Legendary Egyptologist Zahi Hawass also signed up. He would captivate listeners with stories about night, where the journey into the afterlife began for Ancient Egypt’s deceased and a fantastic adventure of gods, gatekeepers, serpents and riddles ensued.

The coalition, Arizona Nordic Village, Dr. Hawass and the vision waited the pandemic out for twoand-a-half years. Finally, on Sunday evening, Sept. 25, the event unfolded, with a setting made possible through the generosity and hospitality of Arizona Nordic Village.

Artist Arline Marten donated artwork featuring the night sky to the silent auction. She and her husband, Chuck, attended the event, Flagstaff

Dr. Zahi Hawass took the audience on a night journey into Ancient Egypt’s afterlife.

Photo

What’s Your Christmas Tree Style?

By Misti Warner-Andersen

couple of months ago when I walked into a big retailer in September and saw Christmas lawn decorations being displayed. There they were – inflated and or lighted deer and snowmen and Santas – right next to the Halloween costumes and candy.

It was a little surreal.

For us, the holiday season begins in earnest later this month, when our Christmas trees arrive at Warner’s Nursery. It’s really rewarding to help families find that perfect tree that will be the centerpiece of their holiday décor.

From selecting your tree, to attach ing lights, to adding baubles and finally the topper, each step is vital to creating your holiday masterpiece.

If you are looking to change up your look this year, we’ve gathered some of the current trends from the world of professional decorators to create amazingly decked-out trees.  Your first step is picking out your Christmas tree.

And here’s where I’m going to make my annual pitch: a live or freshly cut tree is so much better than an artificial

tree. I’ve got lots of reasons why “real” Christmas trees are preferable, but let’s just talk about sustainability.

Real trees are grown on farms in all 50 states. They help preserve open space and are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees, about 80% of which are manufactured in China, con tain non-biodegradable plastics and of ten use lead to stabilize the plastic. Ac cording to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs in the United States, including one right here in Flagstaff.

Warner’s Nursery will be offering a wide variety of trees starting this November, including cut Douglas Firs, with their soft green-blue coloring and sweet scent, and Noble Firs, known for their gorgeous green color and sturdy branches that can easily hold heavy ornaments.

There’s also the option of potted live trees that you can plant on your prop erty after the holiday season. Warner’s Nursery will be offering potted Austri an pines as well as Colorado Blue, Baby Blue and Fat Albert spruces.

When you get your tree home, you’ll want to give it a day or so to let the branches settle.

Then, you’ll need to think about your theme. If you need some inspi

ration, I’d suggest Pinterest or the internet, but here are the trends we are seeing in 2022:

N Rustic and Traditional

The dominant colors for this are pine green with deep berries (like holly) and natural materials like pinecones and flowers. Bringing the outdoors in means your tree can have a woodland theme with lots of animal ornaments, like deer, bird, mice and one of my favorites, hedgehogs. Touches of gold, silver or copper will add a little sparkle.

N Snowy or Winter White

There’s nothing quite so dramatic as a tree of rich green decked out entirely with white ornaments, snowmen and icicles. In 2022, one of the looks is described as “frost and mint,” using the light green to add a little more depth of color while keep ing the theme cool and stylish.

N Purple

While this isn’t the color we natural ly think of for Christmas, Pantone’s color of the year for 2022 is “Very Peri” (as in periwinkle), a dusky violet hue. That’s opened up a whole slew of new colors for designers to consider this holiday season, and you can dress your tree up with shades from plum to lavender to amethyst.

Different, trendy and a lot of fun.  N Metallics

Nothing looks as luxurious as a tree glistening with gold, silver, copper and bronze ornaments. And with this look, you can go traditional or sleekly modern with your decora tions.

Your theme is only limited by your imagination. There are seaside trees full of starfish and seahorses; garden trees that feature lots of flowers; and retro trees with those totally groovy bubble lights that look like candles.

Once you’ve got your theme decided and ornaments selected, it’s time to build your tree.

Start with the lights. Your best bet is to start at the bottom. with your plug as the starting point. Wrap the lights around your tree’s trunk and work your way up the center of the tree. Then, continue wrapping the lights evenly around the branches, weaving the lights so that you alternate under one branch and over the next. (And here’s another pro tip: test the lights before you put them on the tree! In fact, test them a day or two before, so you have time to get more if needed.)

Then move on to your or

naments. Simple reflective balls should be stationed closer to the trunk so they can help amplify the lights, and more decorative items should be closer to the branch ends where they can be seen. For effect, you might want to cluster your baubles in small groups. Make sure that your tree decorations are bal anced and spread out to your liking.

To add another layer of decoration, use decorative ribbons, garland or “tree picks” (decorative branches with bend able stems you can lay into your tree).

Finally, it’s time for your topper. Whether it’s an angel, a star or large showy flowers, make sure the decora tion crowning your tree complements both your theme and the size of your tree.

And while your tree is the showstop per for your holiday décor, you don’t have to stop there. Poinsettias, live gar land and stockings will help complete the holiday scene and make the season even merrier in your home.  Happy holidays and happy gardening from all of us at Warner’s Nursery! 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.

Preventing the Spread of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

By Sara Risner-Rumohr, M.D.

Living in Northern Arizona, we have ample opportunities for heavy ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Our beautiful weather, high elevation and outdoor lifestyle conspire against our skin. Cumulative long-term UV exposure is a signifi cant squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) risk factor. Individual characteristics like fair skin, older age, male gender, red hair, certain genetic syndromes, immunosupression, and chemical, viral and inflammatory exposures also contribute.

SCC takes more than 15,000 lives each year in the United States – twice as many as melanoma – and the incidence is rising. Early, superficial detection is critical to avoid metastat ic disease (cancer spread). Delayed diagnosis can lead to extensive oper ations, radiation and chemotherapy. The key is early detection.

Protective clothing, hats, broad-spectrum sunscreens and avoiding higher peak sun UV exposures help protect us from the carcinogenic effects of UV light. There are also medical therapies to

prevent SCC: treating pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratosis), or using topical retinoids such as prescrip tion Tretinoin. A dermatologist may recommend nicotinamide nutritional supplementation or oral medications for additional prevention, particularly for high-risk patients.

The most effective preventative in tervention is to have a dermatologist or primary care provider examine the skin for early detection of pre-can cerous areas and SCC localized to the skin. During a skin exam, your dermatologist may recognize a high-risk lesion, often using a spe cialized tool called a dermatoscope to recognize the patterns of skin cancer in the lesion. If there is any suspicion of cancer, the lesion will be biopsied. Examination of the tissue under a microscope is the only way to diagnose skin cancer. Board-certified dermatologists and board-certified pathologists are the only physicians trained to evaluate skin cancer microscopically. A physician who has completed a dermatology residency is qualified to understand how the microscopic pathology translates to the skin manifestations visualized on

exam. This allows the dermatologist to appropriately diagnose and treat the abnormality, whether it is a pre cancerous or cancerous lesion.

A board-certified dermatologist has completed medical school, internship and residency specializing in dermatology, passed board exams and keeps current with continuing medical education and assessments. Having your skin evaluated by a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD) will guarantee you are receiving care from a physi cian with the most rigorous training to diagnose and treat your skin, a physician who continues to train and keep abreast of the latest advances in skin disease. The dermatologist is trained in specialized skin exams, a pathology review and the surgical interventions to treat SCC if it arises.

If high-risk features are identified that indicate a possibility of regional or distant spread, the board-certified dermatologist will often order addi tional tests or imaging. A dermatolo gist may have the benefit of rigorous additional training in micrographic dermatologic surgery, or “Mohs surgery,” which is the standard of

care for many SCCs. This surgical procedure produces the highest cure rates while sparing the healthy surrounding skin. Mohs surgery has revolutionized the cosmetic outcomes of dermatologic surgery for SCC, and is available in Flagstaff.

Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment can lead to recurrences and increased cancer size, which leads to the spread of SCC beyond the skin. All of us who enjoy the natural beauty of Northern Arizona are urged to get evaluated on a regular basis by a board-certified dermatologist. FBN

Sara Risner-Rumohr, M.D., FAAD, is trained in medical dermatology, cutaneous oncol ogy and cosmetic dermatology and treats patients of all ages with a broad range of skin conditions. She is board certified in dermatology and is a diplomate of the American Academy of Dermatology. She also has a Micrographic dermatologic surgery subspeciality certification. Dr. Risner-Rumohr relocated from Houston, Texas to Flagstaff in fall 2014, as she missed both her family and the Arizona landscape. Dr Risner-Rumohr grew up in Tucson and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arizona. She com pleted her medical education at Vanderbilt University, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr Risner-Rumohr then moved to Houston and completed a residency in der matology at Baylor College of Medicine. Af ter residency, she joined a private practice group in the Houston Medical Center and was a consult staff physician for the Hous ton Methodist Hospital.

Northern Arizona Dermatology Center, PC 1490 N Turquoise Dr. Flagstaff, AZ  86001 928-774-5074  ext 239

How Skin Rejuvenates with Micro-Needling, Red Light Therapy, Infrared Therapy

By Christina Kovalik NMD, Lac

There are so many different treatment options available to help the skin rejuvenate and look more refreshed. Many treatments can be stacked based on what your aging skin’s needs are. Many treatments are minimally invasive and can promote your body’s ability to build collagen, improving the brightness and skin quality, resulting in skin tightening.

Micro-needling is a minimally inva sive skin rejuvenating procedure that involves the use of an oscillating needle pen. The mechanical action of the pen allows the needles to puncture the skin at a certain therapeutic depth to induce collagen and elastin production in the dermis. Because of the high RPMs of the dermal pen, the skin is parted, not damaged, allowing for the absorption of hyaluronic acid and other quality serums to enhance the rejuvenation process. Micro-needling improves the skin tone by reducing age spots, skin discoloration, pore size and stretch marks, and improving brightness and texture while tightening the skin.

A series of monthly or bimonthly treatments may be recommended,

depending on the area being treated.

Nanoneedling is a branch of microneedling that uses microscopic hair-like cones that turn over cells in the epidermal layer. It can be used in more sensitive, delicate areas like under and around the eyes or upper lip. These treatments can be done weekly, as it doesn’t penetrate as deeply as microneedling can.

It is usually recommended to do one treatment per month for a set of four to six treatments to see the best results for areas of the face and neck. Body or scalp treatments may be bimonthly de pending on the response to treatments.

Micro-needling and Nanoneedling can treat and improve:

1. Skin texture and tone and reduce pore size

2. Stimulate the building of collagen, resulting in more supple, tighter skin

3. Scar treatments

4. Acne

5. Hair loss

6. Stretch marks

We often combine the micro-nee dling treatments with red light therapy to better improve the chances to stimu late collagen regeneration and improve

the skin quality and laxity.

There are many studies showing the benefits of utilizing red light therapy to restore the body as well as benefiting the skin. For the skin, it can improve fine lines and wrinkles, reduce skin

discoloration and pigment changes, reduce inflammation (acne, cold sores), reduce damage from UV light/ sun damage and also tighten and lift laxed tissue through collagen/elastin stimula tion. For the body, it can reduce fatigue,

enhance muscle performance and recovery, stimulate the growth of hair follicles on the head, reduce fat, reduce inflammation and pain and speed up wound healing.

Continued on page 39

Who are we?

Onlife represents a concerted effort to assist individuals on the path of recovery from addiction and mental health conditions to a sober, fulfilling and generative lifestyle. Given the incredible amount of resources needed to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety, Onlife acknowledges the sometimes insurmountable financial challenges faced by many people as they seek an effective and accessible recovery program.

Onlife, therefore, works to create a scholarship fund that will function to effectively close the gap and allow individuals committed to there own sobriety, wellbeing and personal health find, access and participate in proven programs in both the national and local arenas.

Our Mission: To gather, manage and disseminate the necessary resources to support sincere and

dedicated efforts that are aimed at achieving and maintaining sobriety, as well as actualizing one’s life potential as an individual and empowered community member.

You can help!

As a federally recognize 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we endeavor to promote recovery from addiction to individuals and families by providing financial assistance to those who cannot otherwise afford the treatment. Through our mission, we hope to demonstrate the power and promise of recovery from addiction and mental illness and its value to individuals, families and communities. We seek to provide treatment and support services to those with the willingness to attain recovery and a meaningful life within the greater society.

Please donate today in order to support us in our mission and/or contact us for more

Micro-needling

Promoting Programs that Prevent Suicide

By Jasmin Chavez

Native Americans for Commu nity Action’s Reach Ur Life is a youth suicide prevention program that has been creating a suicide-safer community in Flagstaff for more than a decade. The program provides suicide prevention resources and trainings for various organizations and communities, specifically targeting Native American youth ages 12 to 24 in Coconino, Navajo and Apache Coun ties, as well as the Navajo and Hopi reservations.

Reach Ur Life partners with schools,

organizations to implement protective factors to prevent suicide. Examples of these factors are early identification, screening, referrals and treatment for youth at risk. This also includes providing gatekeeper trainings such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and SafeTALK for all staff and participants to understand and recognize the signs of suicide. Additionally, Reach Ur Life supports health care agencies in align ing with the Zero Suicide framework. The Zero Suicide framework provides health care agencies with the necessary steps for safer suicide care.

Reach Ur Life implements evi dence-based programs such as UNITY

(United National Indian Tribal Youth), Sources of Strength and CAST (Coping and Support Training) in partner ing schools. For the community, the program has offered culturally based workshops, such as a pronoun beading event for youth, which allowed partici pants to learn about the importance of self-identity and culture. The program has also facilitated events such as a community garden harvest, where team member Shonri Begay was able to show participants a variety of beans planted in the community garden earlier in the year and how each type of bean could be utilized.

For Native American Heritage Month, the Reach Ur Life team, in partnership with Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Flag staff Unified School District’s Native American Education Program, and Flagstaff Bordertown Dormitory, is hosting a Youth Summit for youth ages 13 to 18. The Youth Summit, which is also known as a GONA (Gathering of Native Americans) will kickstart Native American Heritage Month in November 2022, and implements an interactive approach to empower youth and allow them to reflect on their culture, values, traditions and spiritual

practices. The goal is to model a safe, supportive and nurturing community. This encourages youth to self-reflect and acts as a stepping stone for them to build a future in an environment where they can thrive and grow in hózhó (balance).

In 2020, approximately 45,979 peo ple died by suicide in the United States (CDC, 2022). Suicide prevention can be as simple as being kind to strangers, attending to your own mental health, and sharing a 988 resource on social media. Suicide is prevent able; it is important to raise awareness about how suicide is a serious public health issue and to acknowledge that every individual can play a role. It is

crucial to be mindful of the resources and messages shared with others. FBN

For more information about Reach Ur Life and how to be involved, please visit https://nacainc.org/community-develop ment/reach-ur-life-program/

Jasmin Chavez is the training coordinator for Reach Ur Life.

NACA’s Family Health Center currently offers the seasonal flu vaccine, as well as the COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer primary vaccines, and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-773-1245.

What Realtors Want

By Paula Mack

You may see real estate sales professionals with a different perspective than mine, particu larly if you are not one yourself. You may see our local Flagstaff realtors as salespersons you can call for informa tion and prices for listed properties around town, or maybe show you a house or two, and even write an offer on your behalf. After all, how hard could it be? After 90 hours of pre-licensing, you take a state and local test and BAM- you are a realtor. I know, because that’s what I thought too, before retiring as a long-time veterinarian to become a realtor.

What I have learned as a realtor in the past 10 years in Flagstaff is that this profession, like many others, is filled with highly educated, ethical and compassionate client advocates and trusted advisors. A realtor’s basic skill set revolves around contracts, representing both buyers and sellers, our code of ethics, and expands to negotiation skills, local inventory knowledge, accurate price opinions, marketing and the basic tenets of financing, title and escrow.

Because conditions and technolo gy are constantly changing, realtors must be life-long learners in order

to represent and advocate for their clients to the best of their ability. Be sides the knowledge and experience, your realtor is your advocate. Real tors truly care and will protect you from disaster and disappointment like a Mama Badger. If you’ve found a great match with your realtor, you already know this, but if you are new to real estate, here are a couple of tips from the trenches to start off on the right foot with your realtor.

Be loyal. We are loyal to you, we educate you on the current market conditions and learn your specific needs. Our ears perk up when we hear about a property not yet on the market that would be perfect for you. You are on our minds. Don’t go rogue and call and work with multiple realtors, including realtors at open house sales offices or new con struction. You need your own trusted representative. Realtors are compen sated by commission only. We are only paid once your sales transaction has been completed and recorded, which sometimes takes years of work. See a “For Sale by Owner” sign? Call your realtor. Your realtor may be able to represent you after a simple phone call.

Believe us. If you are a seller, believe our recommended list price

ranges. Our goal is to make sure you get every penny out of your property, so please listen to our vast experience to strategize, market and stage in order to not only list, but to sell your home in this market.

If you are a buyer, believe us when we detail what strategies and prices may result in a contract acceptance. Our goal is to give you a set of keys and not disappoint you with news that another buyer’s offer was accept ed on a home you love.

Be nice. Be respectful of your real estate professional. We are on your side. Our goal is to make your transaction as smooth and stressfree as possible for you. Don’t call or text after or before office hours if it’s something that can wait until the next day. There are exceptions, of course, if there are time constraints, or if there’s an emergency.

If you are a buyer, be prepared. Decide what you are looking for and be able to list your top three or four priorities. Show up on time for showing appointments and narrow your search to what is in your prequali fied budget, your chosen neighborhood or focus area in Flagstaff. Com munication is key in this

Watch Your Business News!

Bonnie Stevens' Communication Station is delivering a refreshing, engaging and inspirational vodcast (video podcast) that features Northern Arizona businesses, outdoor adventure and leadership tips twice a month. Zonie Living is sponsored in part by Flagstaff Business News

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lightning-fast real estate market. If we call you, please pick up or get back to us promptly. It’s probably important. Although we likely have multiple clients, we will do our level best to return that courtesy.

One of the biggest joys of being a realtor for me is the satisfaction of helping clients navigate our real estate market and achieve their goals, whether it is selling their large family home to downsize, or moving closer to family out of state, or buying that first home in Flagstaff and then welcoming them to our fabulous community.

I have great respect for and am proud to serve with my dedicated realtor colleagues in Flagstaff who have such tremendous compassion and care for clients who become our neighbors and friends. FBN

Paula Mack, SRES, is a REALTOR with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. She can be reached at 928-699-6837 or paula.mack@russlyon.com.

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If you are a buyer, believe us when we detail what strategies and prices may result in a contract acceptance. Our goal is to give you a set of keys and not disappoint you with news that another buyer’s offer was accepted on a home you love.

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Pondering the Pelosi Home Invasion

By Rob Wilson

invasions happen far too

and can affect any one

The recent event at Speaker

received far

coverage but is not unlike those happening every day. While we still have a lot to learn about exactly what happened and why, there are several lessons we can learn.

what has been reported so far. Mr. Pelosi was alone in his home and asleep when he was awakened by some one breaking in. At some point during the event, he told the attacker that he needed to use the restroom and was allowed to do so. While in the restroom, he called 911 and requested assistance. It’s unclear exactly what he said but a “wellness check” was dispatched to local police. Pelosi did not end the 911

call and then left the restroom. The 911 dispatcher was able to hear enough that they increased the call priority and shortly after, police arrived on the scene. They found Pelosi and his attacker struggling over control of a hammer. They directed them both to stop, at which time the attacker gained control of the hammer and used it to assault Pelosi. The police officers immediate ly intervened, disarmed the attacker and summoned emergency medical assistance.

Awaking at 2 a.m. to the sound of breaking glass is something no one wants to experience. The results of such an experience will be significant ly impacted by your prior planning and preparedness. Now is the time to develop a plan of what you would do in a scenario like this. You don’t want to count on making the right decisions in

the spur of the moment.

So, what could have been done differently?

First, you must communicate that you have a problem to the authorities. Your cell phone should be charging on your nightstand. Use it and call 911 immediately. Tell them you believe that someone has broken into your home and you require assistance immediate ly. Response times vary considerably based on where you live. In this case, it’s reasonable to expect that police were on scene within five minutes of being called. If you live in rural Coconino County, that response time could be much lon ger. Don’t delay getting help on the way.

Second, do not go investigate the sit uation on your own. Searching a home for a potentially armed intruder (or, worse yet, several armed intruders) is a complicated and dangerous process. The

police are trained to perform this task and will almost never attempt it alone. You shouldn’t either. You should take up a defensive position that provides you as much protection and distance from an intruder as possible. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher and keep them informed of where you are and what is going on.

It should come as no surprise that when Pelosi, an 82-year-old man, was attacked by a person 40 years his junior, he was at a major disadvantage. You should consider how you can eliminate the advantage a younger, more aggres sive attacker would have over yourself. Non-lethal options like pepper spray, stun guns and Tasers are available, but all of them have a major weakness. To employ them, you must be close to your attacker. Firearms are sometimes referred to as the ”great equalizer.” A

trained person with a firearm is no longer at a physical disadvantage to their attacker. Simply displaying a firearm can often times be a sufficient deterrent to prevent an attack. If the aggressor is not deterred by the display, you will be best prepared to defend yourself.

To summarize: have a plan, commu nicate your needs immediately, take up a defensive position and arm yourself with something that will negate your attacker’s advantage. We will never know for sure, but had Pelosi followed this plan, the results may well have been significantly different. We wish Mr. Pelosi well in his recovery. FBN Rob Wilson is the owner (with his wife, Elise) of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.

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By Terry Baker

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Bone Building Tips for Osteoporosis Prevention

By Paul M. Despres, NMD and Alexandra Mele, ND

Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mineral density that leads to increased risk of fractures. Affecting men and a higher percent age of women primarily over the age of 60, prevention is key to solidifying healthy, solid bones. Lifestyle, malnu trition, hormone status and medica tions can all contribute to developing osteoporosis. Living a healthy lifestyle with the right kind of exercise and diet can greatly influence one’s risk of developing osteoporosis. If you are over the age of 65, female and have a history of fracture, ask your doc tor about receiving a bone mineral density scan, or DEXA, to screen for osteoporosis.

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EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT

Proper exercise is integral to main taining good health. Particularly for osteoporosis prevention, the right type of exercise matters. Exercise that includes weight bearing and resistance helps to load the axial spine, or the cervical, thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine, to increase bone mineral density. This can be ac complished by weight lifting, walking with a weighted vest or small back pack and using resistance bands. If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia (the precursor to osteoporosis), make sure to tell your doctor if you have back pain after doing these activities, as compression fractures can occur.

Balance is another key to the exercise regimen to prevent osteoporosis and can include activities such as yoga, tai

Proper exercise is integral to maintaining good health. Particularly for osteoporosis prevention, the right type of exercise matters. Exercise that includes weight bearing and resistance helps to load the axial spine, or the cervical, thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine, to increase bone mineral density.

chi or qi gong. Maintaining and prac ticing balance is integral to prevent falls and can easily be worked into a daily routine when brushing one’s teeth, washing the dishes or drinking a morning cup of coffee.

OPTIMIZE DIET AND NUTRITION

Eating a healthy diet with minimal processed foods and sugar is im portant for generating all the needed vitamins and nutrients for strong bones. Some of the most important vitamins and minerals for bone growth are calcium, magnesium and vitamins D and K. Physiologically, these vitamins and minerals work in concert to either maintain bone mass or break it down when necessary. Vitamin D is not hard to come by in Arizona, but some folks can still be deficient and may need to supple ment; a simple blood test performed by your doctor can help one under stand vitamin D status. Early AM and late PM sunlight is important for physiological function and also contains the most red light, which is relaxing and calming and will provide vitamin D. A great place to practice your balance is outside! Vitamin K, typically in the form of K2, aids the absorption of vitamin D. It is helpful to find a supplement containing

both of these vitamins together to ensure proper absorption. Calcium and magnesium can be found in foods such as dark, leafy greens, dairy products, pumpkin seeds and eggs. Ideally, more calcium is coming from the diet than a supplement, so talk to a naturopathic doctor about how to add more calcium containing foods to your diet. Certain foods have also shown to be protective, such as soy products, dairy for its calcium con tent, and foods with probiotics such as sauerkraut. Avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of filtered water are essential to maintain proper nutrient balance.

MEDICATIONS PLAY A ROLE

Certain medications can be pro tective, such as certain forms of hormone replacement therapy. Main taining hormonal balance is import ant, as many different hormones play a role in the physiology of healthy bones, calcium and vitamin D levels, including estrogen, thyroid and parathyroid hormones. Other medications can increase the risk for osteoporosis, such as steroids commonly used to treat asthma and PPIs or acid-blockers, commonly used to treat heartburn. Talk

to your doctor if you have been on these medications long-term and are concerned about bone loss.

Diet and lifestyle are two of the most important factors in the prevention of osteoporosis, but are also the cornerstone of maintaining health and longevity. Practicing proper nutrition, daily movement and activities that cultivate joy are the key to a healthy lifestyle for many years to come. If you are interested in how to make healthier changes, speak to a naturopathic doctor today about osteoporosis prevention or general health and wellness. FBN

Drs. Paul M. Despres and Alexandra Mele are licensed naturopathic physicians prac ticing at Aspen Integrative Medical Center in Flagstaff. They specialize in acute care, men’s health, women’s health, gastroin testinal disorders, and complex chronic disease such as Long Covid, Lyme Disease, Mold Illness, and environmental toxicity. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 928-213-5828 or visit aspenmedcenter.com.

Big Ideas in Small, Affordable, Futuristic Packages

By Lori Anna Harrison

spaces are gaining bigger attention these days. There are many reasons for this shift, in cluding being conscious of sustainabil ity, leaving a lighter carbon footprint, and probably top of the list is simply the affordability factor. Currently, with inflation swelling around us and the minimum wage heading to $16.80 per hour in January, many are looking for ways to stretch the dollar and make it reach further.

Good design doesn’t have to cost more and smaller spaces can be overthe-top-fabulous when creative minds are involved. Tiny homes are now all the rage and Bob Worsley, founder of SkyMall – and former Arizona State Senator – has found a way to make a small spaces a big concept with a little price tag. Meet ZenniHome, futuristic shipping container homes as modern as the Jetsons, manufactured here in Page, Arizona at the old Navajo Generating Station.

ZenniHome currently offers two different floor plans. One is called the Denizen, coming in at 320 square feet, perfect for accommodating one to two people, with a price tag of just $75,000. The other is called the Citizen, which is double the size at 640 square feet,

with a purchase price of $100,000. A special feature is that it comes complete with furniture that rearranges to create different rooms within the space, de pending on needed use or time of day.

In the Citizen floor plan, the living room is open and spacious, with a couch and coffee table during the day.

At night, the bed drops down from the ceiling and the room is transformed into a bedroom. There is one bathroom and a kitchen and at the back of the home, there is a flexible space that is a workspace with a desk that transitions to a pullout bed for additional sleeping.

Buyers simply need a parcel of land for delivery of the container home; reserva tions are being taken now.

Bob Worsley, the CEO, said, “Ze nniHome is true housing innovation, bringing new home options to suit changing customer preferences, 21st century manufacturing and robotics to how homes are made and how living space is utilized, new ways for aspiring entrepreneurs and developers to build communities and real estate wealth, and additional economic, social and en vironmental benefits around the world. ZenniHome is living transformed.”  ZenniHome anticipates hiring up to 150 workers and has gained the atten tion of state leadership. “Rural Arizona has vast potential for economic growth and this exciting project is just one example,” said Governor Doug Ducey.

“We are thrilled to see new jobs and industry grow from the former Na vajo Generating Station, and we look forward to continue working with our tribal partners to bring more opportu nities to all parts of Arizona.”

Beyond employment opportunities and recycling 8,775 pounds of steel, this container home concept could poten tially revolutionize affordable housing by providing an aesthetically pleasing abode for only $156 per square foot. Flagstaff and surround ing areas are in a premium position to take advantage of this opportunity specifically because of our close proximity to the manufacturing site.

Now the quest for land begins. Will city zoning allow for variances to accept these affordable modern marvels? FBN

Read more at: https://zennihome.com/. Lori Anna Harrison is a Flagstaff native and 18-year real estate veteran commencing post graduate school with Shea Homes. Lori is a full-time licensed REALTOR with Zion Realty, LLC. Call her today at 928396-5851 or text 602.524.5674, email lori@ AZdreamlifestyle.com and visit AZdreamlifestyle.com.

SOURCE: http://www.bobworsley. com/about-bob/

SOURCE: https://www.azcommerce. com/news-events/news/2021/12/ zennihome-partners-with-navajonation/

All

are of the Citizen model.

Exploring Flagstaff’s Elevated Food Scene

By Meg Roederer

Craving an amazing culinary ex perience? Flagstaff’s foodie scene in this mountain town is a cele bration of flavors and fun! Enjoy a taste of Flagstaff dining around town with a selection of more than 200 restaurants offering delicious menus featuring local ingredients and international flavors. Flagstaff is a “critic’s choice” according to Phoenix Magazine, which recog nized Flagstaff as a favorite Arizona food town, and the Arizona Restaurant Association presented Mother Road Brewing Company with a “Foodist Award” as a top Arizona brewery.

New to downtown’s food scene is Teatro, a brand-new concept from THAT Place Projects Hospitality Group featuring fresh and innovative Italian cuisine. THAT Place Projects are the creators of Tinderbox Kitchen, Annex Cocktail Lounge and Tourist Home All Day Café. Their newest addition, Teatro, brings the spirit of Northern Italy to the heart of Flagstaff with an all-Italian wine portfolio, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, locally sourced produce and traditional Italian shared entrees.

Just thinking about your favorite Flagstaff foodie experience will have you smiling and inspire the opportu nity to recreate the chef crafted recipes at home. The “wipe the smile on your face” web pages at discoverflagstaff.

com share more than 10 recipes from Flagstaff’s top chefs. Featured restau rants include the following: Atria, Brix Restaurant & Bar, Diablo Burger, Fat Olives Wood Fired Pizzeria, Josephine’s Modern American Bistro, MartAnne’s Burrito Palace, Sakura, Silver Pine, Satchmo’s Cajun & BBQ, Toasted Owl Café and Tourist Home All Day Café. Continue to tempt the taste buds of a culinary journey with fine dining, creative cocktails, wine bars and award-winning craft beer. Atria’s menu is honed to perfection by Chef Rochelle Daniel, who delivers beautifully crafted dishes for a fine, yet casual, dining ex perience. Go to Annex Cocktail Lounge for elevated bites and exquisite cocktails such as the Seven Wonders or Bicycle Thief. Perhaps a shift in direction leads to a bright and casual locale showcasing artful seasonal menus at Shift Kitchen and Bar. Shift owner Chef Dara Wong

also opened downtown wine lounge, Oeno, a perfect place to sit back and relax. Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar expanded their dining area in the beau tiful historic Carriage House, offering seasonal, farm focused, contemporary American cuisine prepared by Chef Logan Webber. And, did you know

that Flagstaff is designated as Arizona’s leading craft beer city? Take a trek on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail and be sure to order a Conserve and Protect Golden-Ale at Mother Road Brewery to support critical conservation work at Arizona Game and Fish. Download the Flagstaff Brewery Trail passport at

craftbeerflg.com and once completed, receive a free Brewery Trail pint glass at the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 East Route 66). FBN

Learn more at discoverflagstaff.com.

air-conditioned and furnished with what one would expect to find in any upscale Scottsdale hotel room. In addition, Backland utilizes heat pump technology that pumps but does not create heat, so it is four to five times more energy efficient than other heat ing units.

Sustainability measures include water-saving processes. The Nebia by

Moen showerhead installed at Backland is the leader in luxurious showers, with a low flow of 1.25 gallons per minute versus the national standard flow of 2.5 gallons per minute. The low-flow toilets use half the water of other toilets and push-button sink faucets reduce water usage, which is critical since Backland must haul water to the remote site.

“We are conserving water right now

with landscaping that doesn’t need much water and laundry that is done off-site. In the restaurant, we have compostable dishware because we don’t have a dishwasher – that saves hundreds of gallons of water daily.”

Backland can utilize the existing septic system because of its watersaving measures.

In the restaurant, French-trained

Chef Jarrett Parten prepares breakfast and dinner daily. Patrons can enjoy gourmet meals indoors or out.

The nightly rate includes free use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Backland’s private lake, beach toys for the children, a telescope for stargazing and binoculars for watching the wildlife attracted to the water. In addition, there are complimentary supplies for roast

ing s’mores at a firepit and two electric vehicle charging stations.

“This place is hiding back here,” said the glamping expert. “I’m not sure of any other place in the forest I’d rather camp.” FBN

Get more information at travelbackland.com.

Indoor furnishings in Backland tents create a modern minimalistic atmosphere. Photo by Stacey Wittig

Photo Courtesy Teatro, Mother Road Brewery

Best of Business: Honoring Excellence

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

In keeping with a significant and meaningful Flagstaff Business News tradition, businesses and business owners in the region are being recog nized for excellence in the annual FBN Best of Business awards. Voting is open now through Jan. 15.

“We are honored to have been chosen for the Best of Business award for the past few years,” said Absolute Tax & Financial Solutions President Wendy Kuhn. “Awards such as the Best of Business not only show the Flagstaff community that ATFS is a leader in our field, but they also reassure our team that they are doing a great job and they should be proud of the accomplish ment.”

“This is an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the accomplishments of businesses serving the region and qualities they exhibit, like integrity, customer service, effectiveness, effi

ciency, flexibility, responsibility and kindness that we all value when hiring companies and working together,” said FBN Co-owner and Publisher Amy Bix.

To be a successful company, Kuhn says it takes more than just doing a job.

“It takes a cohesive team of profession als who actually care about their clients. That’s our ATFS team. We work very hard to provide the best customer service experience while helping our clients achieve their tax, accounting and business goals.”

Best of Business categories include construction trades, home building suppliers, auto dealers, retail business es, gun shops, hospitality, marketing, housekeeping and real estate agencies, among others.

Bix says Best of Business winners will be announced in the February 2023 FBN issue. Voting is quick and conve nient. Go to flagstaffbusinessnews.com/ bestofbusiness. FBN

Dark Skies: An Evening of Aware ness, Appreciation and Awe.

“My husband and I were swept away with the environment staged at the Nordic Center, the evening’s well thought out events, with the rare opportunity to hear Dr Zahi Hawass speak of ancient Egypt,” she said. “We also enjoyed seeing many long time friends while swept up in the magic of the evening! Did you notice the smiles and warmth on the faces of the guests throughout the evening? It was an evening of awe and wonder, a truly successful event, a world-class event. FDSC and all the generous organizers should know this was a complete and beautifully orchestrat ed evening! Thank you again for an amazing night. We are still enjoying discussing our evening at the Nordic Center.”

And that’s why this month’s Dark Skies Champion is Arizona Nordic Village. “The hard-working and tremendously accommodating staff members at Arizona Nordic Village created an evening of enchantment that sets the bar so very high for dark skies destination events to come. We can’t say enough about their custom

er service and can-do attitude tucked into the forest that is so beautifully and uniquely Flagstaff in setting and atmosphere,” said Coalition Execu tive Board Member Robert Breunig, who attended with his wife, Karen Enyedy. FBN

There are many devices out there for personal use that may not be strong enough or produce the desired results. The professional grade red light therapy device used in my office has 15,000 lumens/1,226 bulbs of thera peutic LED lights that penetrate the cells of the dermal layer as deeply as infrared light can. The red light therapy device is designed for the face or body and is frequently used to support the improvement of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, dull skin. It also is used to improve the look of fatigue and reduce fat, inflammation and pain. It can promote hair growth on the head and wound healing.

How does it work? There are three spectrums of light that we can use during treatments. Blue light has

423nm wavelengths and can be used to kill bacteria, clear the skin, help with tissue recovery and acne and promote wound healing. Yellow light – 583nm wavelengths – is used to promote circu lation, remove red spots and pigmen tation. Red light – 640nm wavelengths – is the most penetrating light that promotes cell regeneration. It increases circulation, improves wound healing, improves collagen, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and can reduce fat.

During a treatment, we use a single light or a combination to get the results we are looking for. It can also be combined with an infrared heating mat to stimulate detoxification, improve lymph flow and reduce DNA damage and stress on the body. The treatment lasts about 20 minutes and you don’t

feel any warmth or discomfort from the light. After the treatment, your skin can feel stimulated and tight.

An Infrared heating mat can also be used during treatments to enhance the body’s restoration. It is similar to an infrared sauna in that it warms you from the core. The infrared light is light that you cannot see but you can feel the warmth. It penetrates at the cellular level to promote healing. The Infrared Mat naturally releases both FIR-far-in frared rays and MIR-mid-infrared rays of heat through warmed gemstones in the mat, resulting in “bio resonance.”

This contains the best utilized wave range 4-16 microns with a two to three times deeper impact than that of the traditional infrared saunas with carbon heating panels. This effect is

achieved by conduction, refraction and restructuring of infrared light through several layers of crystals that are infused throughout the mat (especially by the thick purple Amethyst crystals layer).

Infrared heat can:

N Reduce pain and inflammation

N Aid in weight loss and detoxifica tion

N Boost immune system

N Regulate blood pressure and body temperature

N Treat fatigue and muscle pain

N Improve wound healing and collagen regeneration

N Reduce stress

N Improve the nervous system

Whether you chose one or a combi nation of therapies for your skin, your overall health will also benefit while you seek the ultimate results to en hance the beauty and youthfulness of your skin.

FBN

Dr. Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc, The Vitality Doctor, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist specializing in hormone op timization, 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 thevitalitydoc tor.com or call 928-863-6086.

Absolute Tax & Financial Solutions Director of Accounting Jacque Aldridge, Director of Tax Division Wendy Thompson and Director of Operations Wendy Kuhn make up the partnership in the award-winning Flagstaff accounting firm. Courtesy photo

Watch for 2023 Flagstaff Dark Skies events at FlagstaffDarkSkies.org

To see the interview with Zahi Hawass, watch Zonie Living on StarWorldWideNet works.com

Dr. Zahi Hawass visited with FBN writer Stacey Wittig. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Dark Sky Brewing joined the Dark Skies event, contributing with its craft beer.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

back to the surface,” said USGS geolo gist and astronaut trainer Lauren Ed gar. “But there are many more Artemis Missions that are planned, including having a ‘Lunar Gateway,’ a space station that will be in orbit around the moon, and a pressurized rover that will enable the crew to go much further from the lander.

That pressurized rover is about the size of a tank or small RV. The cockpit has two pilot seats, where each astronaut can control the vehicle using a joystick device. Benches behind the seats fold down into beds with a toilet located between them. The 12 wheels underneath can turn 90 degrees to make the rover go sideways. The rover takes on rocks and small boulders with ease, climbs up and down hills and can turn in a complete circle. Last month,

astronauts from NASA and JAXA spent two and a half days at a time inside the vehicle.

“They were having dehydrated food, which would be equivalent to a lot of the dehydrated food being used on the Space Station right now,” said Edgar. “Everyone said it worked out pretty well. They were very comfortable for the time that they spent in there and I’m glad we had the chance to test it out.”

“It’s really exciting to be back out here on the Babbitt property,” said Desert RATS Mission Manager Barbara Janoiko. “The last time we were here for a Desert RATS mission was in 2011. They’ve been real supporters of our testing this year as well as in the past. It’s also really exciting that what we’re doing out here – developing the

That pressurized rover is about the size of a tank or small RV. The cockpit has two pilot seats, where each astronaut can control the vehicle using a joystick device. Benches behind the seats fold down into beds with a toilet located between them. The 12 wheels underneath can turn 90 degrees to make the rover go sideways.

pressurized rover requirements – plays a small piece in the Artemis Missions.”

The Artemis 3 Mission is being planned for 2025 or 2026, with a landing at the lunar South Pole where the sun shines at a very low angle and creates long shadows. To simulate the

conditions, the Babbitt land provides the rocky lunar-like terrain while the Desert RATS team has brought in a big spotlight, or “portable sun,” to practice drills with at night. “The biggest challenge,” said Janoiko, “is trying to understand how to operate in

this low-lighting condition with these different natural conditions and what you can see and explore in that type of environment.”

“There’s a lot of great science that can be done at the lunar South Pole,”

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NASA, JAXA and USGS are testing this moon rover on Babbitt Ranches north of the San Francisco Peaks for future overnight excursions on the moon. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

said Edgar. “We expect there to be volatiles, potentially water ice, in some of the permanently shadowed regions there and that could be a really good resource for future exploration. It’s also a good chance to go to this part of the moon that we’ve never explored before to better understand the moon’s formation and evolution and to sample some geologic units that are really old and reveal information about the impact-crater ing history. One of the really cool things about the moon is it’s really been this witness plate to everything that we’ve experienced here on the Earth, but maybe we don’t have a record of that anymore because of plate tectonics on Earth that have actively destroyed some of those earlier records.”

Although the specific landing site has not been identified yet, NASA recently announced 13 dif ferent regions of interest at the lunar South Pole. “Right now the planetary science community is working to understand those areas in more detail including the geology and minerology, the potential hazards that might exist and the challenging lighting conditions. In terms of what

the terrain might look like, there are some really big old impact craters in that area. We don’t necessarily intend to see lava flows because that terrain has just been pummeled over and over again by impact craters over time, so it’s going to be a lot of loose fluffy regolith probably.”

As a scientist inspired by the Apollo Missions, Edgar calls it a huge honor to be part of the pro cess. “It is a privilege to be at this point in human history. And it’s even more special to be connect ed to some of those who might be making those first steps. I can just say from the astronauts I’ve worked with, the future of space exploration is in great hands.”

Also inspiring, says Cordasco, is a land stew ardship philosophy intended to travel with the astronauts. “Together with the USGS and NASA, we want to promote the idea that the land-use ethic we practice here on Babbitt Ranches be extended to form our ideals in space,” he said.

“We have land ethics here on the Babbitt property that we maintain and then we’re going to carry that forward as we explore future desti nations in our solar system,” said Janoiko.

USGS geologist Jim Skinner is one of the key forces behind developing a statement that honors the use of land wherever humans travel. “It’s a way to have everyone understand that we are taking care of the land, whether we are on private land, like Babbitt Ranches, or on the moon or other worlds,” he said. “We want to always be respectful and that goes beyond the ground itself, it includes the critters and the biota. That’s some thing we will be working on over the next year.”

A draft statement suggests a personal and professional commitment “to help maintain the integrity of the land as we take this next step off of our world and onto another.”

“We want to ensure that those who follow will have the same lands here and beyond available to them for their own stewardship, use and explora tion,” said Cordasco.FBN

For drone video of the moon rover rolling across Bab bitt Ranches north of Flagstaff by LightForce Media and a more in-depth interview with astronaut trainer Lauren Edgar, go to Zonie Living at StarWorldWide Networks.com.

John Conley, owner of Salsa Brava and Fat Olives, who employs about 160 people.

The Flagstaff Unified School District, the fourth largest employer in the city, is also feeling the strain. Where experienced teachers once willingly served as substitutes until coveted permanent full-time posi tions opened, the last five years have seen fewer applicants per position.

“Each year, we have a few teachers accept a contract for a teaching position, but after having difficulty finding affordable housing, request to be released from the position. FUSD currently has a need for bus drivers, special education paraprofessionals, substitutes, custodians, food service and crossing guards. Currently, other staff must cover these essential services.”

SOLUTIONS FOR FINDING HOME

In a panel discussion during the Finding Home evening with Mc Laughlin, Conley and Devonna, the group agreed that the solution will require a collaborative effort. Conley said large employers in the communi ty may need to build housing for their workers. He has been exploring the idea for his restaurants.

“For FUSD, this could mean we organize a public-private partner ship to utilize current land assets for employee housing,” said Penca. “We are looking for creative ways for

our employees to live in affordable, safe and quality housing, and to have the opportunity to build equity so they can realize the dream of home ownership.”

“If we are going to get actual affordable/attainable housing in Flagstaff, we have to invest in it.” said McLaughlin. “We won’t build our way out of the crisis. Neither the private sector nor the federal gov ernment will solve the crisis in our community. If we believe housing is a crisis, we need to invest local dollars

into local solutions,” she said, en couraging Flagstaff voters to approve Proposition 442, which would fund infrastructure improvement projects turning city-owned properties into affordable housing.

FLAGSTAFF CONSIDERED A LEADER

Despite the challenges, other Arizona cities, researchers and the Arizona Association for Economic Develop ment consider Flagstaff to be leading the way and taking on the affordable

housing crisis.

“The City of Flagstaff has been one of the most proactive cities in the state when it comes to addressing the affordable housing crisis,” said Tzig anuk. “For example, Flagstaff City Council declared a housing emer gency in 2020 and the city developed a 10-year housing plan that includes policy initiatives and strategies to address housing issues.”

In the meantime, Habitat for Hu manity has been hammering away at the problem for years, one home at a

time, one family at a time.

For Clover, when it was time to leave her Habitat home, the joy of handing over the keys to another Habitat family, a single mom with two children, outweighed the tearful nostalgia she felt when moving on from the small home with blessings on the beams. FBN

USGS geologist Lauren Edgar tests the moon buggy in the high desert landscape of Babbitt Ranches. She has been training astronauts in geology to help them understand the rocks and minerals they may encounter. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

LEFT Homeowner Clover Jacobs shared her story. RIGHT KNAU Executive Producer Ryan Heinsius hosted the evening. Finding Home was sponsored by The Arizona Republic, the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff, KNAU, FBN and ASU’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy. Photo by Chad de Alva

minimum wage is fairly simple. First, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts out monthly inflation figures,” Rhode explained. “We then divide August 2022 inflation figures by Au gust 2021 inflation, which, this year, equaled 8.3%. The inflation figure is 8.3% higher, so the minimum wage will increase by the same percentage,” he explained.

“Since doing the calculation is a different mechanism than before, we have to do a lot more education now so businesses can prepare for the 2023 minimum wage increase,” said the Flagstaff High School graduate, who returned to his hometown from Phoenix in May 2021 to run the new ly-created City Office of Labor.

“Getting out of Phoenix in May is always nice,” he said with a smile. “I came from a job where I worked for the Secretary of State in elec tions, which gave me background in legal language. I’m not an attorney, but I know when to check with an attorney. Our goal in this office is to give business owners every chance to get their businesses in order,” Rhode said.

Many Flagstaff businesses are already prepared for the increased minimum wage. “Our finance depart ment has already sent out messaging that the paperwork is done and is ready for January deployment,” said Terra Lehr, general manager of the

new High Country Motor Lodge.

The new boutique hotel will also implement bonuses for perfect attendance to encourage stability and teamwork. “Most of our depart ments enjoy the benefits of a bonus structure or a tip program that would put them over the minimum wage,” she said. “In addition, after 90 days, employees get health, dental, vision and life insurance and can contribute to a 401K.”

She says the business strives to think creatively to keep employees in centivized. “We want them to love to come to work with the environment we create here.”

High Country Motor Lodge (HCML) is part of Classic Hotels & Resorts. The Arizona corporation operates over half a dozen boutique hotels in Scottsdale and Carmelby-the-Sea, among other vacation destinations. HCML employees can stay at these luxury accommodations at a reduced rate. “It’s a great benefit that they can stay at the beach for $75 a night,” said Lehr.

HCML’s efforts demonstrate the compression effect of the minimum wage increase. Wage/salary com pression “occurs when there is little difference in pay between employees regardless of differences in their re spective knowledge, skills, experience or abilities,” according to Insperity, a recognized professional employer

organization.

So, as a result of the minimum wage increase, employers may find that they not only need to prepare for the rise in pay, but also need to look for ways to incentivize and up the earning potential of employees.

“When employers increase the wage for the entry-level positions, they have to adjust salaries for the upper levels to be equitable across the board. Otherwise, they will lose their management or senior-level people,” said Flagstaff City Councilmember Regina Salas. “There is a wage distor tion when you increase the minimum wage.”

Salas pointed out that the mini mum wage increase also increases the business contribution to social security, workers’ compensation and other benefits. “Those increases are absorbed by the employer and not the worker. What I’ve seen in the last year as we face the new normal is businesses across the board struggle to recruit and retain employees, even in manufacturing. I also see a trend that restaurants have limited their hours and reduced staffing, and I see staff working three roles: bartending, busing and hosting.”

Salas added that Flagstaff is experi encing increases in prices and worker shortages. “Yet, even at the city, we adjusted for compression and still have 30% vacancy on city jobs.”

For the first time, the City Office of Labor will add Navajo language docu ments to the English and Spanish workplace posters produced to com municate minimum wage changes. In addition, public outreach campaigns, using radio, print and social media, will run in all three languages from mid-December through January.

“We try to take an approach to

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work with businesses as much as we can,” Rhode said. He urges any em ployer or employee who needs more information to contact him at 928213-2071 or visit laborstandards@ flagstaffaz.gov. FBN

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Photography V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography, Aspen ProMedia, Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau

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City of Flagstaff Management Analyst Chris Rhode encourages business owners and employees with questions to contact him. Photo by Stacey Wittig

UniSource Energy Services in Flagstaff currently has approximately 60 employees. “In total, we have about 180 employees in the areas we serve in Northern Arizona, Prescott, Cotton wood, Williams, Mojave County, Lake Havasu City, Kingman and Verde Val ley. I also oversee the technical aspects for Santa Cruz County, Nogales, Tubac and Rio Rico.”

Prescott UniSource Energy Services Construction and Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Brown met Anaya in 1984. “Martin would bring his crew down to Prescott from Flagstaff to work on our corrosion protection efforts. He is someone who could always be count ed on and even though he’s advanced to a top position in the company, he’s stayed true to his roots and treats every body with respect and hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He’s a great guy and a hard worker, an honorable person who sincerely cares about the people he works with.”

“It’s a blessing to be born and raised here in Flagstaff and have a good job,” said Anaya. “I tell my team to be ready because we’re always one phone call away, but I think it’s important to step away and take time off and experience the beauty around us. My favorite thing to do is hike or camp up on the San Francisco Peaks. That’s my sabbatical and I take no phone. I just lose myself for a few days.”

Married with no children, An

aya said in jest, “It’s just me and my wife, Anita, so we do whatever we want.” Golfing is their sport of choice and Flagstaff Ranch is their favorite destination every chance they get.

UniSource Energy Services and its sister company, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) are among a family of utilities owned by Fortis Inc. Citizen’s Utility was acquired in 2003. UniSource provides natural gas service to Flagstaff and surrounding areas.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE

“Bring your best every day; you owe it to yourself.”

WHAT I’D TELL MY YOUNGER SELF

“Pause, think, then act/react.”

MOVIE I RECOMMEND

“‘Yellowstone Kelly.’ Many scenes were shot on the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks in 1959. We will never see the mountain like that again.”

WHO I ADMIRE

“Aldo Leopold, for his forward think ing and observations toward nature and conservancy.”

GOAL YET TO BE ACHIEVED

“To be able to give back to all those who have given so much to me and my family in times of need.” FBN

with the beautiful mountains of North ern Arizona.

CCC2NAU Manager Robin Long calls the program the perfect vehicle for students who want to start in a smaller environment than a university and save money on tuition. “This innovative joint admission program between CCC and NAU is now in its 14th year and makes up a third of the enrollment at Coconino Community College,” she said. “It’s unique because students can still have the university lifestyle. They can live on campus, get a meal plan, buy an NAU Recreation Center pass and join clubs. It’s also advising-cen tered. We can tell business, forestry or journalism students with confidence

that 100% of everything they are taking will transfer to NAU.”

West is celebrating her birthday on Nov. 12. She says her birthday wish is for others to support the Mary Jo West Excellence in Communication Schol arship. Those interested in donating to CCC2NAU scholarships can do so by going to coconino.edu/scholarships. FBN

For an in-depth interview with Mary Jo West about her career in broadcasting and her current work bringing water to an Afri can village and helping orphaned children there, watch Zonie Living at StarWorldWid eNetworks.com.

serves as a guest curator and Na tive American representative. Buckle speaks enthusiastically about what she views as the future for the VVAC. “We are becoming a stellar place to learn and to grow in our knowledge of history and culture in the region. We want to make our program accessible to everyone – from youngsters to seniors – to have a meaningful learning experience in our handson experiential exhibits. Museums such as ours are the foundation for instilling pride in the past and opportunity for the future.”

The VVAC is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The “Kids’ Adventure Room” can be rented for children’s parties. Tickets are $10 for adults 18 to 64, and $5 for those 65 and older. They may be purchased online. Admission is free for those under 18, veterans, active-duty service members, Native Americans and NARM members. FBN

For more information, visit verdevalle yarchaeology.org or call 928-567-0066.

Meetings here

Bonnie Stevens, Emily McKenzie and Mary Jo West met for the first time at the CCC Students First Scholarship Celebration. McKenzie is the first student to receive the Mary Jo West Excellence in Communication Scholarship, which promotes CCC2NAU.

Courtesy photo by Larry Hendricks