February 2023

Yavapai College to Offer Business Bachelor’s Degree

By Ray Newton, QCBN

During a Jan. 10 press conference, leaders at Yavapai College (YC) announced the intent to launch a new business degree program, the first baccalaureate degree in Arizona to be offered by a rural community college.

Approval of the new degree process is in the final stages of review. If

all goes as planned, the new degree program will begin accepting student enrollment as of April for classes that will begin with the fall semester.

YC President Lisa Rhine emphasized that the degree was created to meet the needs of people in the county and to offer a life-changing opportunity within reach. “It’s more than just a degree. It is accessibility to business owners who need flexible

training options and skills to increase sales and expand experiences.”

“I believe this is a positive step forward,” said Yavapai County Superintendent of Schools Tim Carter. “Community colleges are uniquely placed in the higher education structure to meet real issues at local levels. Universities need to be more global and philosophical in their approach, while community colleges are work-

ing to meet identified educational needs with local partners.”

Prescott Unified School District Superintendent Ron Howard agreed. “For years, Prescott teachers have wrangled with the conundrum that our kids have to leave town after high school. They often do not have the opportunity to live in their hometown for their own career and family. This degree is a huge step to help

Prescott’s Carlisto Family Acquires Raskin’s Jewelers

Third-generation family business retains same name under new ownership

By Clare Lei

Jim Carlisto and James Carlisto Jr., a father and son team, have acquired Raskin’s Jewelers, a third-generation family-owned, local jewelry company established in 1946. Jim Carlisto, Sr., a Prescott-area resident, looked at several business opportunities. In his search, he learned the Raskin’s Jewelers store was closing its doors. With a history in the jewelry business, Carlisto approached owners Greg and Renee Raskin to express interest in buying. After discovering many commonalities and a shared passion for the industry, an agreement transpired.

Carlisto formerly worked as the general manager at Langert Netzband Fine Jewelers and has 15 years of experience in the industry. He was familiar with the Raskin’s name, as they were wholesale clients while working at Langert. Both Raskin and Langert families established their companies in 1946 and have done business in

Arizona for the last 76 years.

The Carlisto family believes in keeping the integrity of the Raskin’s name and intends to showcase the same high level of service. “My son and I have built our success on the understanding that the transaction is secondary to the relationship. We are both excited to meet past, current and future clients of Raskin’s Jewelers,” said Carlisto, Sr.

The new owners of Raskin’s Jewelers will make no major changes to the business operations. They will continue to focus on the services that Prescott residents have come to know. In addition to jewelry sales and repairs, they will resume the sales of awards, trophies and engravings.

Raskin’s Jewelers will also continue to be buyers of precious metals and diamonds. “We understand the importance of integrity, longevity and tradition. Like Raskin’s, this new venture will be a third-generation business with my son, Lincoln, one day. Our family is honored to carry on the legacy and we are dedicated to being respected business owners in the community,” said James Carlisto, Jr. QCBN

The legacy continues . . .

Jim Carlisto and James Carlisto Jr., a father and son team, have acquired Raskin’s Jewelers, a third-generation family-owned, local jewelry company established in 1946.

The Carlisto family believe in keeping the integrity of the Raskin’s name and intend to hold the same high level of service. “My son and I have built our success on the understanding that the transaction is secondary to the relationship. We are both excited to meet past, current and future clients of Raskin’s Jewelers.”

Raskin’s Jewelers will continue to focus on the services that Prescott residents have come to know. In addition to jewelry sales and repairs, they will resume the sales of awards, trophies, and engravings. Raskin’s Jewelers will also continue to be buyers of precious metals and diamonds.

“We understand the importance of integrity, longevity, and tradition. Our family is honored to carry on the legacy and we are dedicated to being respected business owners in the community.”

- Jim and James Carlisto

Billie

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Former Prescott resident Billie Orr, a longtime popular community leader, died Jan. 7, at her Scottsdale home. Orr was 75.

Just two years ago, Orr was a nominee for the prestigious ATHENA Award sponsored by Quad Cities Business News and Prescott Woman Magazine

Orr and her husband, Bob, moved from Prescott to Scottsdale in 2021 because of health issues.

City Manager Michael Lamar recalls Orr from the terms she served on the Prescott City Council. He says she was a dignified and loyal civic and public servant who always was seeking to build bridges and do whatever she could for the good of all citizens.

Greg Mengarelli, who served as Prescott mayor when Orr was on the council, said she was constantly looking to make things better for the people. “I admired her priorities – God, family and city. She lived those priorities during her time in Prescott.”

Orr was prominent in the “Yes for Prescott” campaign in 2017. At that time, the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) had created a tax burden of $78 million Unfunded Liability debt that the city was obligated to pay. Orr and her colleagues decided the way to reduce that liability was to assess a threequarters-of-a-cent sales tax dedicated solely to paying down the PSPRS. That proposition was passed in a public referendum. Orr was often credited as being the “brains” behind that prudent financial decision.

Last fall, the city found itself in solid enough financial position that it could withdraw from assessing that tax. The General Fund is considered stabilized.

During three of her four years on Prescott City Council, Orr served as “Mayor Pro Tem,” a position whereby she assumed that leadership role when the major was unable to.

ACTIVE CAREER AS EDUCATOR

Born in Mississippi, Orr grew up in what she called “hardscrabble circumstances.”

She focused her long-term personal goals

on education as a way to advance. She visited Arizona in the late 1960s, established residency and enrolled at Mesa Community College.

She followed that by moving to Arizona State University (ASU), where she earned a teaching degree and began a career at the Madison School District in Phoenix. She then enrolled in a master’s program at ASU.

She was in Arizona from 1967 until 2003.

She and Bob moved briefly to Hawaii for only eight months. “We looked at Arizona again but decided to check out Wyoming and Montana. We landed in Bozeman, and were there eight years,” she had said in an interview.

Bob had a career as a cargo pilot in the Air Force; consequently, they moved around five times in three years. They also had a son, Porter, who later married Jennifer and made the Orrs grandparents of three children.

Upon returning to Arizona, she also enrolled in a Ph.D. program in leadership at ASU and found an opportunity to become involved in the Arizona Department of Education. Arizona Superintendent of Schools Lisa Graham Keegan invited Orr to work for the state for four years.

For a short term, Orr was directly involved with the presidential administration of George C. Bush in improving education standards nationwide.

When the Orrs moved to Prescott, Billie soon became involved in church, civic and community activities, such as Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Frontier Rotary Club, the Imagination Library at the Prescott Library and several boards and volunteer organizations. She helped create the local Pickleball Complex at Pioneer Park, where she played.

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode said he and his colleagues were sorry to hear of Orr’s death. “She served the community of Prescott very well during her time here.”

A memorial service was held for Orr Saturday, Jan. 14, at Paradise Memorial Garden in Scottsdale, where her life of service was celebrated. QCBN

City Council member and educator Billy Orr was a believer in education as a way for all to advance, and lived a life of service to her community. Courtesy photo

Retired GM Executive Catches Leadership Tips from Little League

Mike Van

Slyke

shares management strategies with Chino Valley businesses

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Mike Van Slyke, a former General Motors executive, learned from a Japanese Little League team that it is more important to have detailed, rigorous habits than to just tell workers that they need to produce more.

Van Slyke worked in various executive jobs for GM from 1965 to 2000, with some of his roles including plant manager and international engineer program manager. His specialty was time and people management.

“I was in charge of managing business and projects,” he said.

Van Slyke was the speaker at a Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Jan. 11, at Grace Church.

Van Slyke said one of the biggest challenges for companies is how to respond to market changes.

In 1989, he recalled that GM was envious of the stability and management of costs that Nissan and Toyota were having, so GM sent

him to Japan to learn about their successful practices. But his management-changing epiphany came from a Little League team rather than the automobile companies.

He was in a small Japanese town. “It was like Paulden without the Dollar Store,” he said, which was met with a lot of laughter. Van Slyke came upon a Little League baseball team and started watching them. He was amazed by the rigorous physical training that the coaches put the young players through.

He noted this was in October and toward the end of the season, not the beginning of the season, when coaches are trying to whip their players into shape. The coaches brought out three sets of bases. They continually had the players practice diving into first base, second base and third base, repeatedly. This was teaching the players the importance of learning the fundamentals.

“This taught me that rather than telling workers we need to improve

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productivity, it’s better to break them into small groups to see how they can fundamentally improve,” he said.

Van Slyke, who says he is in the results business, emphasized that “good results come from doing things the right way.”

Van Slyke doesn’t know what fu-

ture vehicles will look like, but he said as long as the industry has engineers, the vehicles will become more energy efficient. “There will be change because engineers see opportunities where others see problems.”

Van Slyke said recent consumer electronic shows give a glimpse of

what future vehicles will do, with one car even changing colors. He said some future vehicles will use solar power instead of batteries, but this will mainly be for in-town vehicles.

He doesn’t see fossil fuels, or gas, for vehicles going away anytime soon,

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Ann Marie Szabo from Sparklight volunteered to join retired GM executive Mike Van Slyke in front of the room as he demonstrated some baseball lessons he learned from watching Japanese Little League. Photo by Stan Bindell

Brewing Hospitality Skills at Overflow Coffee

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Overflow Coffee has become a popular meeting place for Chino Valley area residents. Its volunteer program teaches teenagers skills like customer service, how to use a register and how to make change.

Manager Desirea Payne said 14- and 15-year-olds come in after school, so when they reach the working age of 16, they have a job right away. They also prepare the teens so they can get a food handler’s card when they turn 16.

Overflow Coffee is owned by Word of Life Assembly of God Church in Chino Valley. Student workers come from the church’s youth group, which meets every Wednesday night. Those who are 16 can be hired immediately.

The coffeehouse opened 10 years ago. Payne started working almost from the beginning after completing college in Texas.

Payne’s mom, Rhonda Ehlert, executive pastor at Word of Life, created Overflow Coffee, which now has eight staff members along with the young volunteers. Some seniors volunteer there as well.

Word of Life has a teen pregnancy center right next to Overflow Coffee, where pregnant teens can come for help whether they are single or just young moms. Carrie Barnes heads the teen pregnancy center, which has been open for three years. It offers classes and has a baby store.

Along with a variety of coffees, Overflow Coffee has breakfast burritos, scones, brownies, five types of muffins and a variety of bagels.

The shop itself offers customers a large, comfortable lobby and patio, along with a conference room that can be rented to groups. The facility has microphones and a sound system. Often, speakers from the church give presentations. A musician performs every Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Community events are hosted here as well, such as Coffee with a Cop once a month and periodic car shows. Hours are extended as needed.

“We get so busy. I love it when we’re packed,” said Payne. “Over time, we have become really busy because we have a lot of loyal customers. The growth in business has just been wonderful to watch.”

Payne recounts how her mother came up with the vision for the coffeehouse 12 years ago. She raised money to start the business through the church. Any profit goes to the church’s youth program. QCBN

Desirea Payne manages teen and senior volunteers along with a staff of paid workers to keep the coffeehouse flowing. Photos by Stan Bindell

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Woman Business QCBN

of the Month

The Color Purple

Chino Valley Lavender Farm creates products for body, home, food

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Montagne Vue Lavender Farm sells lavender in many forms: soap, lip balm, foot balm, linen and room spray, body butter, body oil and culinary lavender.

Montagne Vue, French for Mountain View, is family owned and operated in Chino Valley by Janet and Brett Hall, and their son, Carter.

Janet said their family gets help from family and friends when it comes time to plant and harvest. They have 1,500 plants that encompass five varieties of lavender. The farm is at 5,000 feet in altitude and their property has great views of Granite Mountain, Mingus Mountain and the San Francisco Peaks.

One of their most popular products is the Silk Lavender Bar Soap.

“Real Tussah silk fibers are incorporated into the soap. It literally leaves your skin as soft as silk,” she said. “We also make Castille and Aleppo bar soap. Both soaps have recipes that date back hundreds of years. All soaps are made in small batch quantities to ensure high quality.”

She calls her husband, Brett, “the soap geek” as he’s happy to talk to anyone about what soap is best for their skin type.

In addition to soap, Montagne Vue also makes lip and foot balm. “Think giant lip balm for the bottom of your feet,” she said.

The linen and room sprays are popular with customers, as well. “You can spray almost anywhere to get the fresh, calming scent of lavender,” she said.

Montagne Vue also offers body butter, body oil, essential oil and seasonally available fresh lavender buds, lavender bundles and culinary lavender.

Janet says they decided to grow lavender because they wanted to make a living off the land but weren’t sure what exactly that vision looked like. Through extensive research, Brett found that lavender is special and the perfect crop for their endeavor.

“We have the ideal elevation,

climate and soil in the Central Highlands of Arizona for growing lavender,” she explained. “Anyone from this area knows the wind blows frequently here. It is the wind that helps lavender grow strong, robust bloom stalks. Lavender is not desirable to wildlife, so we don’t worry about rabbits, javelina or pronghorn munching on the plants.”

Lavender is used in many ways because of its wonderful scent, in products like soaps, perfumes, candles, household cleaners and more. But also, “lavender has both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Foodies also use lavender for teas, ice cream, shortbreads and meat rubs. One of our favorite treats here at the farm is to make lavender simple syrup to put on snow cones,” she said.

Montagne Vue Lavender Farm is only set up to grow their products. The Halls also have a 40-acre property in Seligman that will be a place where people can visit and walk the lavender fields as well as shop at a

farm store, but for now, products are available on their website at montagnevue.com.

Montagne Vue Lavender Farm products also are available in person at GG’s Unique Boutique in Prescott, The Pea Vine in Chino Valley and BB’s in Jerome.

Montagne Vue also sells massage oil to salons and therapists. The business also can custom-label products for events like weddings and baby showers.

Montagne Vue Farms was started in 2020 and Janet considers them still in startup mode. “We started with 600 plants and now have more than 1,500,” she said. “We’ve gone from four-inch-tall starter plants to onefoot-tall plants that, last year, budded twice.”

The Halls have developed quicker ways to plant and have learned that farming is a labor of love, as weather and weeds can be frustrating to deal with. However, lavender is a plant that doesn’t require a lot of water.

“Lavender is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant. Compared to other crops, lavender is much more sustainable,” said Janet. “It only needs to be watered once or twice a week during the hottest part of the season. One of the biggest mistakes is overwatering lavender, which will kill it. Lavender is also a perennial plant, so it does not need to be replanted each season.”

She says the business community has been supportive of their endeavor. The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce has invited Brett to be part of their radio show twice. She says Gina Woodrich, owner of GG’s Unique Boutique in Prescott, is a great source for networking and connecting small business owners; and Lynne McKinney, with Beautiful Dish Gardens, has been wonderful about giving them leads to local events like craft shows that are a good fit for their products.

Montagne Vue Lavender Farm is located near Outerloop and Reed Roads. QCBN

Lavender Farm owners Brett and Janet Hall, along with their son, Carter, sell products in stores such as GG’s Boutique. Photo by Stan Bindell

Montagne Vue also offers body butter, body oil, essential oil and seasonally available fresh lavender buds, lavender bundles and culinary lavender.

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Six ‘Universal Truths’ for Being Happier, Living Peacefully

Professor Michael Glauser gleans wisdom from spiritual leaders, philosophers, researchers

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Salsa Queen (Maharba) Zapata was in the United States illegally, had no education, didn’t speak English and grew up thinking she had no value. As author Michael Glauser tells her story: “After two divorces and seven children, she was in a complete state of despair and could see no way out of it. Then she met a friend named Jim, an incredible mentor to her, who said, ‘Well, what do you like to do? What are you good at?’ She said, ‘I know food. I know salsas.’ So they started making salsas.”

Today, Zapata’s salsas are in more than a thousand grocery stores nationwide and she’s the largest manufacturer of salsas in the Inner Mountain West. “She’s happy, confident, believes in herself and now is earning money to help others who are in the same place that she was. She’s doing marvelous things that she had the capacity to do all along but she had to find someone who helped her

and believed in her. She changed her life by changing her self-perceptions and by taking small steps for success.”

Fresh and impactful stories about how individuals have changed their lives – like the Salsa Queen, a career criminal, and a Holocaust survivor –are masterfully woven through Glauser’s book, “One People One Planet: 6 Universal Truths for Being Happy Together,” in which he lays out a path for how to increase happiness and live peacefully on the planet.

To find these “truths,” the Utah State University School of Business professor sifted through teachings of the world’s largest religions and greatest philosophers, and studied cutting-edge research in the field of positive psychology.

“I’ve been concerned about what I call two epidemics in our country. One is the epidemic of despair. Anxiety, depression, suicide, thoughts of suicide and other emotional conditions have increased in just about

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Getting Enough Vitamin D in Winter

The sunshine vitamin can be in short supply when storm clouds block the sun

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

You had planned to walk in your backyard garden this afternoon, with the winter sun enveloping you in a warm glow. But then, your plan is shattered by fast-approaching storm clouds. You seek shelter inside, just as rain lashes the windows. So much for your vitamin D exposure for today, you think.

It’s true: winter weather often hampers the body’s opportunity for exposure to sunlight, a prime source of essential vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin. The timing of a lack of sun and vitamins is unfortunate, just as the cold and flu season takes hold.

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin after exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays and is crucial for calcium absorption, which helps maintain strong, healthy bones. Sadly, deficiencies in vitamin D are common throughout the world and can lead to bones that are soft, weak, brittle and prone to fractures.

“It’s a challenge to get enough vitamin D in the winter,” said Phyllis Hogan, longtime owner of Winter Sun Trading Co. in downtown Flagstaff, an herbal apothecary. “The best form of vitamin D is, of course, sunshine. We should try to get at least 15 minutes at midday in direct sunlight; you need to expose your skin to natural sunlight, with particular attention to the legs and arms, but be mindful not to burn.”

Midday is best for exposure because the sun is the highest and its UVB rays are the most powerful.

As the winter months set in, many health care providers suggest supplementing vitamin D from the sun with vitamin D-3, which is more bio-available and absorbs more effectively than vitamin D-2. Hogan recommends combining vitamin D-3 with K-2, which “is great for absorption and bone health, as well as supporting the immune system.”

Lack of vitamin D can also leads to other

health problems, in addition to weakened bones. “Researchers have found a deficiency in vitamin D is a risk factor for developing respiratory tract infection,” she said. “Vitamin D is a powerful immune factor for the respiratory tract. Lungs produce their own active form of vitamin D. I found that pretty interesting.

Magnesium helps activate vitamin D. It’s a cofactor. Magnesium and K combined have a greater effect on vitamin D levels.”

She herself uses KAL vitamin D-3 with K-2, a company in business since 1932, which is carried at health food stores. “Vitamin D is ideally taken with vitamin K to be sure that the increase level of calcium that is being absorbed is directed to your bones and not your arteries,” she said.

Stephanie Miranda, who is a certified functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner (FDN) in Prescott, says the best way to find your dosage is to get your vitamin D tested. “You want to know your blood levels. There is an optimal level and there is a below range, deficient level. You wouldn’t want to take 10,000 international units (iu) for very long before being tested.”

Dr. Christina Kovalik, also known as The Vitality Doctor, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist who has an office in Scottsdale and opened a second office in Flagstaff in 2020. She agrees that testing vitamin D levels is essential.

“It is important to test the serum levels,” Kovalik said. “I look at optimization for the most benefit on hormones, anticancer benefits, immune system, reproductive benefits and mood/cognition. Optimal serum levels are not what are considered within the normal range by some physicians. I target serum levels at least 60-100.”

Taking sun baths is important too, she advises, about 20 to 30 minutes per day, “with the most skin exposed as possible can benefit, but is a challenge here in Flagstaff,” Kovalik noted. “Even people who work outside may still be

Vitamin D can be found in supermarkets like Sprouts Farmers Market that offer a wide selection of vitamins and supplements. Photo by Betsey Bruner

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Healing and Changing Your Mind for a More Joyful, Successful Life

Hypnotherapist helps clients free themselves from fears, past hurts, negative thoughts

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Nancy is a healthy middle-aged woman with a loving family, satisfying career and as she describes it, “a great life,” at least while she’s awake. But when she closes her eyes, it’s been a different story. Nancy has been chased by nightmares every night for as long as she can remember. Besides her rest being regularly hijacked by terror, her screams would awaken her family. Exhausted and looking for help, she sought hypnotherapy with clinical hypnotherapist Rosemary Powell.

I met with Rosemary. After just one session, I no longer have nightmares,” she said. “And, according to my family, my screaming in my sleep has ceased. I feel like a 100% better person.”

Not surprisingly, Powell, has become the calming night light for many sleep-deprived, nightmare-weary clients of all ages, from elementary school children to seniors. She also has helped clients lose weight, build confidence,

reduce anxiousness, improve athletic performance, and reach personal and professional goals.

“An AQHA [American Quarter Horse Association] World Champion wanted to increase her focus and calm during practice and competitive events,” said Powell. “We taught her how to focus by holding onto her reins as an anchor for her focus and motivation. She anchored concentration and calm to her reins, and after yet another win, she said, ‘Hypnosis helps me focus.’”

As Powell explains, hypnosis is not about mind control but rather achieving a state of deep relaxation where we can deal with the root cause of anxiety, fear or negativity and even capture and remove those dream-stealing monsters straight out of our subconscious minds forever.

“The conscious mind is this little tiny bit of our brains and it processes only like 4,000 bits of information a second; whereas, our subconscious mind processes billions of bits of energy a

second. It is 95% of our functioning mind. All of our memories, emotions, beliefs and imagination are stored in our subconscious mind.”

Powell says much of our programming takes place when we are very young, up until about age 11. Information is gathered and stored in the subconscious mind and has a powerful effect on everything we do. “We were either loved and accepted, or some difficult, challenging things happened to us. We have absorbed memories, events, things we’ve learned, and belief systems from parents, pastors, teachers, coaches, or other authority figures. All the experiences that we’ve had are in our subconscious minds and affect, influence and trigger us today.”

As a facilitator in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Rosemary uses NLP to assist clients to access and override destructive beliefs, thoughts and memories stored in the subconscious mind. “When the busy mind is relaxed, we can go back to the very first time we felt that difficult emotion. Then we can change the memory.”

One of the first steps in her guided hypnotherapy is getting the mind to re-

lax. This sounds simple; however, early Buddhists understood the difficulty of this task. They came up with the idea of the monkey mind because it jumps around from thought to thought, like a monkey moving from tree to tree.

Powell says much of the time, our monkey minds are busy primarily with regrets, fear and dread. “We can calm our conscious mind by using relaxation breathing, and replace the fear and

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Hypnotherapist Rosemary Powell helps people live their best lives by getting selfdefeating thoughts out of the way. Courtesy photo

Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Destination

By Ray Newton, QCBN

The past few months have seen major increases in visitation to unique educational 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 YavapaiApache tribes allow 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-square-foot, one-story building it now occupies for $1.1million, it spent months remodeling the former medical facility into a visually appealing facility with an entry hall, classrooms, exhibit rooms, research and educational laboratories 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 remodeling 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 galler-

ies 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 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 serves as a guest curator and Native American representative.

Buckle speaks enthusiastically about what she views as the future

Executive Director Monica Buckle’s birth heritage is Cherokee from Oklahoma. Photo by Ray Newton

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Business Pitch Competition Like ‘Shark Tank’ Coming to Quad Cities

Yavapai College Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Moonshot Az are proud to announce that the AZ Pioneer Pitch State-Wide Tour – an entrepreneurship contest similar to ABC’s Shark Tank – is coming back to the Quad Cities as part of the fourth annual tour.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a moonshot start-up idea or a seasoned founder with a business you’d like to expand, participation in the event hones your business skills and assists in moving your business forward.

The final event will be held on Feb. 24, at the Yavapai College Prescott Campus. Entrants must apply at azpioneerpitch.org/quad-cities by Feb. 1. There is a $35 fee to participate. Local prize packages for the top three winners are as follows:

eIn addition to competing to win cash prizes and Moonshot scholarships, entrants will also receive startup and pitch education led by SBDC Director Ruth Ellen Elinski and her team of business analysts. Workshops will run from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 1, 8, 15

and 22. Participants will be prompted to sign up for the workshops after completing the online application.

“I am honored to be working alongside Moonshot Az in support of area entrepreneurs and to bring this competition back to the Quad Cities in Yavapai County,” Elinski said. “Having one of our very own entrepreneurs, Elaine O’Connor of Prescott Bark, win the state competition last year, capturing the grand prize of $10,000, we know that Yavapai County entrepreneurs are competitive. We are eager to support our local businesses and start-ups for this year’s challenge.”

The competition continues to empower business owners and provides opportunities to learn new skills and strengthen their business overall.

Participants prepare, practice and perfect a five-minute pitch presentation for a panel of judges who select the finalists. The winner of the Quad Cities Pioneer Pitch Competition will go on to compete in the state-wide competition for a $10,000 cash prize from sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Arizona Commerce Authority. The final event, which also

honors successful Moonshot entrepreneurs throughout Arizona, will be held in Flagstaff at Little America Hotel in July 2023. QCBN

SBDC Director Ruth Ellen Elinski teaches entrepreneurs how to pitch their ideas. Courtesy photo

Understanding Your Results

Jeff Lane, Au.D.

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

HEARING THRESHOLDS

Hearing thresholds are presented

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

The y-axis (top to bottom) represents intensity as measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL). On this scale, 0 dB HL does not represent the absence of sound, but rather the quietest sound that the average adult

//

This exam provides you and the audiologist an understanding of your current state of hearing and allows for proper recommendations to be made. The findings are presented in a report called an audiogram. An audiogram contains both a written section and a graph.

//

can hear. Intensity is interpreted by humans as loudness. A higher decibel level corresponds to a louder sound. Quiet sounds are at the top of the graph, while very loud sounds are at the bottom of the graph.

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

SPEECH UNDERSTANDING

Another main component of a hearing exam is speech testing. Speech test results may be found in numerical form in a box typically located at the bottom of the page. Two main speech tests are typically performed. The first

is the speech recognition threshold (SRT). It represents the quietest level at which you can understand speech 50% of the time. The SRT mainly functions as a way to verify accuracy within the test battery. A measurement that is more relevant to daily communication performance is the word recognition score (WRS). Your WRS represents how well your brain can interpret speech sounds and is reported as the percentage of words repeated correctly. When measuring the WRS, the words are presented at a loudness level that is easy for the patient to hear. A high WRS means you can understand words well, while a lower WRS means that the brain has difficulty interpreting the speech sound due to distortion in the auditory system

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THRESHOLDS AND SPEECH UNDERSTANDING

One important concept to understand is that your hearing thresholds and ability to understand speech are not necessarily correlated. Better hearing thresholds do not always mean a better WRS, nor do worse thresholds always mean a worse WRS. Indeed, two individuals may have the exact same hearing thresholds,

yet drastically different abilities to understand what is being said. What then, influences your WRS? It all has to do with the frequency filters in your ears. Each speech sound has a different fundamental frequency. Sounds like “shh” have a higher frequency than “oo” would. When sound is picked up by your ears, it is sent through specially designed filters to help separate out all the speech sounds. As more damage occurs to the auditory system, those filters become less precise and overlap with each other. Thus, “shh” and “oo” may appear to your brain to be coming from the same filter and it has difficulty distinguishing them.

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

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

Motivated to Excellence

Entrepreneur, foodie, business leader, athlete Jamaal McCoy values authenticity

Jamaal McCoy’s early years set the pattern for his future. The highly successful Prescott businessman began his life as an Army BRAT who traveled widely with his family.

“I was born overseas in Germany, and we were stationed there again on two separate occasions,” McCoy said. “I have lived all over this great country, because home is where the Army sends you.”

After high school and college in Colorado, he moved to Las Vegas, where he lived for nearly 20 years, and where his business life began. Although involved in various businesses while in Las Vegas, McCoy said he spent the majority of his time in the automotive industry.

Before moving to Prescott with his wife and daughter, he was the general manager of Findlay Chevrolet. “The opportunity of relocating to Prescott was presented to me when the Findlay Automotive Group bought Tim’s Auto,” he said. “The idea of moving our family to a small town for a change

of pace was appealing to me, so I made the leap.”

His 21 years with Findlay Auto Group, with five-and-a-half years in Prescott, included starting his career as a salesperson and advancing through the ranks to ultimately becoming a general manager and a partner within the group.

McCoy thinks highly of Toyota automobiles. “I actually own three of them,” he said. “Toyota quality is top of the line. They produce reliable, long-lasting vehicles with the top resale value in the market. Toyota is the No. 1 selling manufacturer in the world for a reason.”

His affiliation with Prescott was solidified by his involvement in the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. He has been on the Chamber Board of Directors for five years and also served as chairman of the board.

“I have been involved with numerous chambers during my career and our Prescott Chamber is head and shoulders above the rest. The Cham-

ber’s mission is to be a leader in the community and provide our business community with the resources to thrive. Whether it is looking for opportunities for businesses to collaborate or helping small businesses develop and execute a business plan, our Chamber is ready to be that catalyst.”

McCoy has also reached out to help others as a motivational speaker, which he says he really enjoys. “I believe that there are no limits to what we can achieve. If we have reasons, such as purpose and a why, they will be the foundations to develop our core values. Our core values will define how we operate in life and what decisions we make. If we follow up with meaningful goals, the compass will be set to create the life of our dreams. I believe our book of life is being written, but it is our choice on whether or not we are writing it ourselves or if someone else is writing it for us.”

McCoy has a variety of other business interests focusing on the food industry. He is a member of an umbrella company, Krave Restaurant Group, which houses different brands

on page 39

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Business leader and serial entrepreneur Jamaal McCoy drinks from the well of possibilities as an owner in local restaurants such as Vibes Juice Bar. Photo by Kay Lyons Continued

// MAYOR’S ADDRESS // BY PHIL GOODE

City Highlights Projects for Year Ahead

Recently, I presented the State of the City address to business leaders at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Annual meeting. As I stated in my presentation, the state of the city is strong. Here are some of the highlights from my presentation.

We have a new Mayor Pro Tem, Brandon Montoya. I wish to thank Cathey Rusing for her service in this role during the past year, and I look forward to working with Mr. Montoya in this capacity. As you know, we welcomed Connie Cantelme as new councilperson, filling the vacancy left by Jessica Hall who resigned in 2022. Sadly, we also said goodbye to Councilwoman Billie Orr who passed away in January. We offer our condolences to her family and many friends.

The search is underway for a new city manager. After six years, Michael Lamar announced his resignation as of Feb. 14. Tyler Goodman was named interim city manager while the city conducts a national search for his replacement. We wish Mr. Lamar well and look forward to working with Mr. Goodman as we search for a permanent replacement.

The spirit of service is alive and well in Prescott. The city has 28 boards and commissions, of which seven have openings. The city has received 78 total applications from interested citizens. Three important commissions that will be working this year include the Water Policy Review Commission, the Charter Amendment Review Commission and the General Plan Review Commission. Each of these commissions, along with the city’s other boards and commissions, will play an important role in shaping city policy and actions in the year ahead.

The overall financial health of the city remains very strong. Taxable activity and bed tax collections continued to see year over year increases, as of the latest reports. The .75% sales tax to pay down the Public Safety Retirement System unfunded liability has done its job. After just five years, the city’s liability went down from $86 million to about $1.5 million. Therefore, we were able to end the tax on Jan. 1, bringing Prescott’s overall sale tax rate down to 8.35%, the lowest in the area.

Prescott Regional Airport contin-

ues to be a focus for the city. Prescott Regional Airport has been consistently in the Top 25 busiest airports in the nation. We will continue to work to encourage industrial and commercial uses around the airport and make sure that residential development is located in appropriate areas, well away from potential impact zones and noise contours. We are also awaiting word about the proposed runway expansion to allow more effective operations at the airport.

Public safety infrastructure is a priority for the years ahead. We are taking a data-driven approach to make sure we are placing resources in appropriate locations to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. We are also taking a proactive approach to recruitment and retention of our public safety personnel to ensure they are well staffed and ready to meet the needs of our growing city.

The city’s revised water policy has been in place since spring 2022. The revised policy is designed to appropriately manage water use and moderate impacts on our water

portfolio. Council recently reaffirmed the policy for the next six months. Looking ahead, the Water Policy Review Commission will discuss the procedure for appeals when a development exceeds the allocation limit, then Council will decide how to proceed in those situations

I will close with a few exciting updates about commercial development. In late 2022, FedEx opened their 200,000-square-foot ground and express facility near the airport. In the past two years, there have been 28 commercial industrial parcels acquired, with another 15 in escrow. Espire Sports opened a sports complex, centered around pickleball, at the former Sears location at Prescott Gateway Mall. Speaking of the mall, recently, a new owner took possession of the mall. He will invest a great deal to restore and repair the facility, then will work to bring quality retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues back for our community to enjoy. QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

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Public safety infrastructure is a priority for the years ahead. We are taking a data-driven approach to make sure we are placing resources in appropriate locations to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. We are also taking a proactive approach to recruitment and retention of our public safety personnel to ensure they are well staffed and ready to meet the needs of our growing city.

QC pet news

Knowing CPR for Pets

Pet owners are the first responders

When Kate Klasen’s fivepound dog started choking one day, she knew the Heimlich Maneuver from teaching human CPR but didn’t know exactly how to apply it to her pet. While she was ultimately able to save her, she realized it wasn’t enough just to know the life-saving techniques that are applied to people. She needed to know more.

Today, Klasen is an instructor at The Frontline Coalition, an organization that teaches CPR and first aid for pets. She says Pet CPR is similar to what we might perform on a human being, but there are significant differences. The size of the animal, the techniques, and the hand placements that are used are all different.

She and Master Instructor Malinda Malone teach how to perform CPR on dogs and cats through Pet Tech, an international program used by Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration. The program also is the designated Pet CPR and First Aid Training source for most pet care professional organizations in the country.

Pet Tech was originally developed by Thom Somes in 1997 after realiz-

ing there were no in-person training classes available. After many years of training and research, Thom and his wife, Cindy, created the Pet Tech curriculum, which follows the American Veterinary Medical Association’s guidelines and training.

Klasen says any number of unforeseen circumstances can result in the need for CPR – such as choking, poison, trauma or even allergic reactions. In the human world, we’re told to call 911 and then start performing CPR or administering first aid, she says. But we don’t have 911 for pets, and that makes pet owners the first responders.

The Frontline Coalition believes any pet parent or pet professional should have the knowledge that could allow them to stabilize a pet in an emergency, giving them the precious time needed to get to a vet. That includes having emergency contacts for pet sitters, dog walkers and anyone working at a non-veterinarian-related boarding facility, among other groups.

“It’s important to know what to do in an emergency and have some muscle memory from practicing hands-on CPR,” she said. “Taking

a class in person is ideal for having someone readily available to answer your questions and assist you with proper technique, ensuring that you’re performing each maneuver correctly.”

Klasen and Malone are both former first responders teaching from personal experience. Stuffed dogs and canine mannequins are used to teach proper hand placement and how to do compressions. To bring more realism to the classes, the women include

their dogs to demonstrate where to feel for a pulse, allowing trainees to find and feel it on a live animal. The instruction covers an array of emergency situations, including bleeding, seizures, heatstroke, choking and so many more instances that would require an immediate response.

Pet Tech currently has two courses available. The Pet CPR/First Aid course is a six-and-a-half hour class, and the Pet Saver course is an eighthour class with additional informa-

tion covering geriatric and dental care. Both courses have a two-year certification accredited through Pet Tech. Master Instructor Malone teaches a three-day Instructor Course for those who want to become Pet Tech Instructors. The Frontline Coalition based in Phoenix travels nationally to training new pet responders and instructors, along with conducting their classes locally.

The organization also stresses the importance of having a first aid kit on hand for your pet. “You want to be able to react quickly, as opposed to searching for supplies while in the middle of an emergency,” Malone said. The two have first aid kits that they’ve put together available at their classes, as well as supplies that pet owners may choose to add to an existing kit. QCBN

To find a class near you, visit TheFrontlineCoalition.com.

Klasen says an online course offers knowledge about CPR and first aid but doesn’t allow for the feel and hands-on experience that an in-person class provides in real time. Courtesy photo

Instructors use stuffed dogs and canine mannequins to teach proper hand placement and how to do CPR compressions.

Courtesy photo

“It’s important to know what to do in an emergency and have some muscle memory from practicing hands-on CPR,” she said. “Taking a class in person is ideal for having someone readily available to answer your questions and assist you with proper technique, ensuring that you’re performing each maneuver correctly.”

Considerations When Deciding to Say Goodbye to a Pet

By Armaiti May, DVM

While having a furry friend brings many joys to our lives, one of the most difficult decisions we ever have to make is the one to let our beloved animal companion go. There are times when it may not be the only option available, and others when it is the humane and merciful thing to do to relieve suffering – a part of the oath we veterinarians take.

In cases of the former, a pet may have an illness or injury, the treatment for which might ideally necessitate surgery or some other invasive (and likely expensive) intervention to help restore health and quality of life. However, there are instances where a “Plan B” approach might suit the animal and guardian until such time that humane euthanasia is appropriate.

For example, if modalities such as acupuncture and laser therapy are inaccessible, an older arthritic dog who has difficulty rising may derive some benefit – pain relief and improved mobility – through a few relatively simple, inexpensive interventions. Toe grips, invented by veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby, donut-shaped and made of rubber, can be applied to a dog’s nails, allowing for better traction on slippery surfaces like hardwood floors. Along with

regular nail trimming, they can make a world of difference for dogs affected by arthritis who have difficulty walking on such surfaces. In the absence of toe grips, yoga mats or throw rugs can be placed in areas where the pet walks.

Applicable joint supplements and herbs, along with carefully selected prescription medications, can further support these dogs in their senior years and maximize their quality of life. As long as they have more good days than bad days, show interest and engagement in their favorite activities and person(s), then quality of life is maintained sufficiently to support continuing treatment. However, if pain takes over despite multimodal pain relief, or if appetite and mobility decrease to a point where pressure sores and emaciation are imminent, peacefully letting the dog go is kind.

Consulting with a veterinarian you trust can help reassure you that the decision you are making is a sound one, considering the condition your animal has, or perhaps offer treatment options that may not have been considered previously that could offer additional much-needed time with your beloved companion.

Unlike most other decisions in life, the decision to end an animal’s life is of course completely irreversible, so

it’s important that it be made with clarity and a certain amount of peace, even though it will be sad for the pet guardian to lose the companionship that has provided happiness through many years.

In my close to 18 years of practice as a veterinarian and 16 years as a house call veterinarian, I have euthanized hundreds of animals and I always take this responsibility very seriously. A relaxation injection precedes the final euthanasia injection so a tranquil, sleep-like state is reached in about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the guardian to cherish those last few moments while preparing the animal for a peaceful passing. When considered carefully, it is the final act of kindness they can bestow upon their pet, and when done in the home setting can be a beautiful experience, with the pet surrounded by people who care.

Many clients report a sense of relief despite the grief of losing their beloved family member knowing that he or she is no longer suffering. If you know someone who is dealing with the loss of an animal companion, it is important to recognize that such a loss can be almost as emotionally devastating as losing a human loved one.

As a guardian of dogs and cats myself, I have had to make this decision, as challenging as it was, for the ultimate relief of suffering when that time had come. Although everyone needs time to grieve, sometimes people find that adopting another pet soon after saying goodbye can help fill the void and loneliness that often follows losing such a companion, particularly for someone who lives alone. Whatever decision is made going forward, cherishing the bond that was shared with that pet and his or her unique personality can be gratifying and healing. QCBN

Armaiti May, DVM, is an integrative housecall veterinarian for dogs and cats practicing in the Quad Cities area. She graduated with a B.S. in Bioresource Sciences from UC Berkeley in 2001. After graduating from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, Dr. May worked at an emergency dog and cat hospital and then trained in veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. She also founded a non-profit organization called the Veterinary Association for the Protection of Animals, to provide education about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.

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Consulting with a veterinarian you trust can help reassure you that the decision you are making is a sound one, considering the condition your animal has, or perhaps offer treatment options that may not have been considered previously that could offer additional much-needed time with your beloved companion.

How to Help Pets Suffering from Allergies

By Sandy Haffner

When our pets are showing symptoms like chewing or licking paws, itching and scratching, ear infections, hair loss or bald spots, hives, sneezing or runny eyes, they are communicating with us that they are suffering from food or environmental allergies. Allergies happen when your pet’s immune system overreacts to something in their environment, known as a “trigger.”

Allergies develop from ingredients in your pet’s diet or something in the environment that triggers a response. Food sensitivities can be determined through testing, and then you can remove those ingredients from your pet’s diet. Environmental triggers are a little more challenging, even after you find out what they are. Some of the most common triggers are trees, grass and weed pollens, mold and dust, and airborne pollutants. The antibodies in your pet’s immune system think these substances are dangerous, even though they may not be. The antibodies try to get rid of the foreign invaders.

In your pet’s bone marrow live stem cells that produce a white blood cell called a B cell. They produce antibodies that identify any foreign

matter that shouldn’t be in your pet’s body – viruses, parasites or allergens, for example. There are five different classes of antibodies in your pet’s body.

When a trigger enters your pet’s body, the antibodies go on alert for the immune system to get rid of it. At the same time, those antibodies attach to mast cells. Mast cells, in the connective tissues, help regulate the immune system. They contain chemicals like histamines that fight allergens. When allergens enter the body, mast cells release histamines to kill them. Histamines cause redness and inflammation, itching, sneezing and irritation. That’s where the symptoms will start.

Tips to help with allergies would be to feed a fresh, raw diet to boost gut health and improve your pet’s natural immunity. When the pet’s natural immunity is strong, most allergens don’t cause inflammation, which leads to the symptoms we see. There are several commercial raw companies. Each company has different formulas with raw proteins that have different benefits for healing the gut, building the immune system and helping the body recover from the damage the allergens left behind. An allergy test, or wellness scan, can

determine the food triggers so that you can avoid them for 60 days to let the body heal from fighting those allergens. Then, reintroduce one protein/food trigger at a time back into the diet. Some antihistamine foods that can help are fruit and vegetables, like apples, bananas, berries, broccoli, garlic and parsley.

Some easy tips to try at home to relieve environmental allergens would be starting with changing your filters in your home often to keep the air in your home allergen-free. When you vacuum, let your pet hang out in a different room. Vacuuming can stir up dust and cause the allergies to spike. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or towel. This will greatly reduce the allergens that stay on their coat and cause skin irritation. After they come in from playing outside, rinse their paws with a bucket of water to clean between the toes and under the fur.

Raw, organic apple cider vinegar can relieve allergy itches. It also helps get rid of the offending allergens. One of the most common effects of environmental allergies in pets is itchy feet. Try an apple cider vinegar/ warm water foot bath to help. When you replace your cleaning products with more natural options, this

protects your pets from the harmful chemical ingredients in cleaning products and avoids allergies to those toxins. Having your house checked for mold is helpful so you can get it removed, and that prevents reactions for everyone in your home, not just your pet. Every little thing helps to

move toward the goal of less itchy and happier pets! QCBN

Sandy Haffner is a pet nutrition specialist and owner of Preskitt’s Pawz ‘N’ Clawz.

Feeling the Love From Pets

By Loree Walden

February is traditionally known as the month of love! If you need a little inspiration to understand and remember what unconditional love is, just take a look at your pets.

We’ve all heard the saying “a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than it loves itself.” Just look into their eyes and you can feel that love. We can learn so much about love from our pets. Like pure devotion to you and you alone! They’ll cuddle up with you when you don’t

feel good or had a bad day, they’re always ready to listen to you and they will never share your secrets. They will never leave you or disappoint you, and they only want to make you happy. They’re always excited to see you, they love to smother you with kisses and can’t wait to go for a walk together. They’re alw ays ready to snuggle up on the couch with you and watch a good movie together and don’t care what movie it is as long as they get to spend time with you. Really, they’re just the perfect example of love!

They don’t care what we look

They don’t care what we look like, what kind of car we drive, what kind of job we have or if we’re rich or poor. They don’t discriminate or hold grudges. However, they are great judges of character and can sense when danger is near. They can sense when we are sick and can help prevent medical emergencies. They can help us lower blood pressure by just petting them. //

like, what kind of car we drive, what kind of job we have or if we’re rich or poor. They don’t discriminate or hold grudges. However, they are great judges of character and can sense when danger is near. They can sense when we are sick and can help prevent medical emergencies. They can help us lower blood pressure by just petting them. They give emotional support to those who need it and even help the blind get around. They’ll run into a burning building to save you and will always protect you. Really, they’re just the perfect example of love!

The best part is they don’t expect anything from us except to love them back, keep them safe and of course, feed them. Yes, they love it when we play with them, take them for a ride, go out for an adventure or a special treat, but they don’t expect it! That’s what’s so great about our furry little family members, they just love us…because! So many lessons to be learned from these wise souls who have blessed our lives with such incredible love!

Now, we can’t forget about our furry little felines. Dog people think dogs hold all the love and devotion, but cats give just as much! I’m blessed to have both in my life, and I can say

beyond a shadow of a doubt that my cats are as devoted and loving as my dog! Again, they don’t care what I’m wearing, if I have makeup on or if the house needs vacuuming! They greet me at the door when I come home, rub up against my legs while I’m making dinner, don’t let me go to the bathroom alone and give me endless head bumps while cuddling together.

Cats are also really tuned into our emotions and can be extremely comforting. I’ve had Pooh Bear for 12 years and I can tell you that every time I cry, he comes over to me, jumps on my lap and reaches up and wipes my tears! He looks at me and lets out a gentle little meow that just warms my heart. It’s like he’s saying, “It’s OK Mom, I’m here and I’ll make it all better.” And ya know what? He does! He listens to me tell him about why I’m crying or sad and he doesn’t judge me for it. He is just there for me no matter what! We need more people like that in our lives!

It’s why I don’t understand why people abandon their pets. Why would you give up the dog you’ve had for 10 years because he doesn’t get along with your new puppy? Why would you move to a new apartment/home

and leave your beloved dog behind because they don’t accept pets? Why would you leave your dog chained up outside in the cold and not let them inside to cuddle with you and share a warm bed? These animals have feelings, emotions, feel pain and deserve to be loved as much as they love us, unconditionally! The love of a pet is like no other love we will ever know.

So, take a moment and look into your pet’s eyes and see the love and devotion they have for you. I’ll end this with words from a song from one of my favorite movies, “Grease.” It’s a song we can sing to our pets and if they could sing, would sing along right back to us: I’m hopelessly devoted to you.

If you’re looking for unconditional love and devotion, please make an appointment to visit Yavapai Humane Society and… feel the love.

QCBN

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Increasing Survival in Cases of Cardiac Arrest

By Nancy Wiechec

Damar Hamlin’s traumatic collapse during a nationally televised NFL game stunned football fans and viewers. Four days later, doctors said the 24-year-old Buffalo Bills player was making a “remarkable recovery” from cardiac arrest.

We learned that immediately after Hamlin’s collapse, trainers rushed to the field and administered two necessary interventions – CPR and defibrillation — to save his life.

Usually, when someone experiences cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting, they don’t survive. In fact, there is less than a 10% chance of survival. Most cases are fatal because the victim doesn’t receive prompt and efficient CPR and defibrillation, as Hamlin did.

Health First Foundation Northern Arizona is helping increase survival rates in our community by providing grant funding to equip and train Flagstaff police officers in high-performance resuscitation. The training from

the non-profit Griffith Blue Heart goes above and beyond what officers receive when they join the force.

Since police typically arrive at priority 911 calls before emergency medical professionals, it makes good sense for them to have the skills to respond immediately.

Survival increases when law enforcement officers know how to respond effectively in cardiac, bleeding, drowning, overdose and other urgent medical situations.

“Seconds count; seconds matter,” said Lt. Charles Hernandez II of the Flagstaff Police Department. “This training will significantly impact our capabilities and response to emergency situations. It will enable us to save lives.”

And it already has. During two incidents – one involving a 1-yearold child who stopped breathing and another involving a man who collapsed while enjoying time with friends – Flagstaff police officers responded and started performing CPR. In each case, emergency medical technicians and physicians noted that quick action from

the police officers was vital to the victim’s survival.

Health First Foundation funds non-profit health initiatives through its annual Northern Arizona Community Health Grant program. Please consider giving to help support health and well-being in our region. Visit healthfirst-

Considering the Professional Look of Embroidery

By Eva Janckila

The art of adding embroidery on clothing changed little for more than 2,000 years.

Embroidery, seen as early as the 3rd century in Asia, spread to Europe as trade routes opened. Traditionally, it was used as a rich, decorative option for royalty and others of high status. In modern times, however, it has become a popular choice of decoration for successful business owners. To many business owners, embroidery adds professionalism and sophistication to corporate, branded apparel.

Throughout the centuries, embroidery was done by hand, one piece at a time and was a slow, artistic process. Modern, embroidery equipment can achieve in minutes what took days or weeks to complete in the past. For example, some machines are capable of embroidering 15 items, with designs of up to 15 colors, at one time. Although the embroidery machines of today are very technical, they can produce the beautiful, high-quality designs that customers have desired through the ages.

Choosing the right product for your embroidery needs can be challenging because of the wide variety of styles and options available. An embroidery specialist can help streamline the process to ensure that you have a quality product

February is American Heart Month

You can help decrease heart disease, the most significant health threat to Americans and the leading cause of death. The American Heart Association says most heart disease is preventable if people adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes:

• Not smoking

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Controlling blood sugar and cholesterol

• Treating high blood pressure

• Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week

• Getting regular checkups

forall.org to donate and learn more. QCBN

Nancy is Health First Foundation’s community engagement and communications manager. Reach her at nwiechec@healthfirstforall.org.

In addition, learn the signs and symptoms of heart attack and cardiac arrest. Heart attack symptoms include chest discomfort or pain, discomfort in other upper body areas, and shortness of breath. Other possible indicators are breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.  Cardiac arrest symptoms are a sudden loss of responsiveness, no normal breathing or complete loss of breathing.

If you see a person with any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. In the case of cardiac arrest, administer CPR immediately after calling 911. QCBN

Celebrating our Members during “Heart” Month

that looks great with your logo. As a business owner, you want to present your best image to the world. You will find that overall, embroidery is a cost -effective and beautiful way to promote your company brand. QCBN

Arizona Cap & Apparel, formerly Arizona Cap Company, was opened in 1999 selling custom decorated caps. Within a few years, the company began offering a full line of apparel and promotional items, including mugs, pens, banners and business cards.

Today, it is owned and operated by a mother and son team, Eva and Vance Janckila.

Located in Prescott Valley, the business continues to grow, serving more than 10,000 clients locally and nationwide.

Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce; Catalysts for business and community growth, Conveners of leaders and influencers, Champions for economic success.

Clockwise, left to right: Cashmere Day Spa & Wellness, Ciao Bella, iRealty Professionals, Start Moving-On, Counseling and Trauma Center

Source: American Heart Association

Tim Freund, a SWAT medic and director of training for Griffith Blue Heart, instructs Flagstaff police officers on increasing their cardio-cerebral resuscitation performance. Courtesy photo

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Yavapai College Announces First Bachelor’s Degree in Business

By Lisa B. Rhine

On Jan. 10, 2023, Yavapai College announced that it would offer a Bachelor of Science in business degree with a concentration in organizational management and leadership.

Registration for classes begins April 17, with classes starting Aug. 12.

It is the first baccalaureate degree to be offered at Yavapai College and the first baccalaureate to be offered by any rural community college in Arizona.

In May, Senate Bill 1453 passed into state law, allowing community colleges in Arizona to offer baccalaureate degrees.

After years of effort in this state, we are thrilled to receive this authorization. Yavapai College was at the forefront of the lobbying effort for SB1453 because we know how much of an impact it could have in our county.

Our goal in creating the degree was simple – we want to launch degrees that make sense for community members of all ages, demographics and occupations. Degrees that can instantly transform lives, help them reach a higher job level, increase their wages, start something new, grow something

current, and most importantly, not be gouged with financial or travel burdens. We want our students to graduate from YC, and we want them to stay in Yavapai County.

The Bachelor of Science in business degree will have a tuition price of just $155 per credit for the upper-level courses, a massive discount compared to other baccalaureate options. There are also no additional program fees, and all classes will have open educational resources or zero-cost textbooks.

This is a game-changer for our communities.

Additionally, the degree is accessible. It will have an entirely online class option and can also be taken in traditional 16-week classes or in condensed eightweek semesters, significantly reducing students’ time to completion.

The Organizational Management and Leadership Concentration opens the door for this degree to be taken by almost anyone in any occupation.

I couldn’t be more excited that Yavapai College has embarked on this journey.

Most importantly, I am thrilled to see the impact this

degree will have on our students, communities, businesses and the overall growth of Yavapai County.

If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in business degree at Yavapai College, visit www. yc.edu/bsb and fill out the information form so that our staff can reach out to get you started. QCBN

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom

opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona, and the Prescott Airport.

Infusing Culinary Herbs into Healthy Oils

By Debbie Maranville

As an herbalist and culinary specialist, I truly enjoying celebrating with culinary herbs. They are good for you, easy to use and they enhance the overall flavors and style of food.

Infusing your favorite herbs into healthy oils is a great way to top your baked potato, fresh salads and dressings, pizza, roasted veggies, sauces, pasta and more. Dipping fresh bread into your infused oils is also a great way to enjoy the amazing flavors.

One of our team members, Chef Charles, created a basil/leek infused oil and drizzles that over Bruschetta. The rich color and fresh herbal flavor are amazing!

Preparing your own infused oils is inexpensive, whereas you do not need to spend a lot of money at a gourmet store for tasty oils.

My favorite oils to use are olive oil and avocado oil. I have recently started experimenting with coconut oil also. Olive oil is full of antioxidants necessary for fighting free radicals in the body. It’s thought that olive oil consumption reduces the risks of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and strokes. The infused oil in recipes has many beneficial compounds that act as antifungal, anti-stress and

anti-pain agents.

My husband, Richard, has recently purchased a LEVO Oil Infuser. It is a great countertop model for infusing (www.levooil.com). Of course you do not need to go out and purchase the infuser, it simply makes great use of time and is so very easy with clean up also.

I would love to share with you a quick and easy method to infusing in your own kitchen. You can make flavored oils on your stovetop. To make the infused oil, you should heat your oil in a saucepan to about 140 degrees. Don’t let it get too hot or the flavor of the oil itself will change from cooking. Remove the oil from the heat and add your herbs and/or spices. This method is good for pulling flavor from spices like peppercorns, rosemary, garlic, basil or chili peppers. You can flavor a cup of oil with two to four tablespoons of herbs and spices. If you are using fresh herbs, which is my recommendation, rinse the herb and allow to dry before submerging into the oil.

The longer you let the ingredients sit in the oil, the stronger the flavor will be. You can taste the oil to see if it has reached a flavor you enjoy. You can strain out the solid ingredients if you don’t want it to get any stronger. Once completed, store your oils in a

glass jar for up to 30 days in the refrigerator.

Whatever method of infusion that you use, enjoy the flavor and health benefits

of

oils that you create. Cheers to good health!

QCBN

the

Debbie Maranville is the

co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events.

Understanding the Extraordinary Rising Costs of Construction Materials

Welcome to “At Home With Tom & Sandy.” We are here to give you the inside scoop and tips on everything A to Z for your home and we love talking about the construction industry. Settle in, enjoy and have fun reading our column. We sure do enjoy sharing our words with you. hanks for being such loyal and great readers.

Sandy: Well hello, Tom, and happy June to you.

YIKES, YIKES, and more YIKES!!! What is going on with the cost of construction materials? I have never seen industry prices like this before.

Tom: Oh, boy. You said it! In preparation for this conversation, I talked with several contractors and some suppliers. And they are all shaking their collective heads.

Sandy: I have heard everything from COVID to the Suez Canal blockage to tariffs causing material supply issues and rising prices.

Tom: Me, too. It is amazing at how intertwined our economic systems are.

Sandy: The labor supply is no real big news to me. That is why the YCCA started the “Boot Camp” process a few years back. It was created to get younger people interested in a career in the construction industry.

Tom: And wow, were you were successful at that. How many souls got jobs from that effort?

Sandy: Thirteen, and I am proud to say they are still working in the industry for the original companies that hired them – all local.

Tom: But the labor problem has many facets to it. From young folks being drilled for years that college is the only route to happiness and success and eschewing the blue-collar jobs.

Sandy: COVID contributes to the shortage as well. With the stimulus package paying higher unemployment, the motivation to work is lessened for some. Not necessary the skilled trades, but the manual labor force as well.

Tom: True. Our readers need to know that construction costs are skyrocketing though. The labor shortage is only part of it.

Sandy: I agree. The price of a piece

of OSB plywood ½” thick has almost tripled since this time last year. Can you imagine – $64 for a 4’x8’ sheet!

Tom: That is only the tip of the iceberg. Dang near everything is up 50% to 250%.

Sandy: People are still building like crazy, though. There is a lot of pent-up demand. Talking with contractors, the funnel is not slowing down.

Tom: It is almost the perfect storm of craziness. I do not think the average consumer has a clear picture of the depth of negative impact COVID has had on our economy.

Sandy: The industry is grateful that construction was considered an essential service in Arizona; that was not the same elsewhere.

Tom: Exactly. Let us look at something as simple as granite countertops. Quarry workers in other countries could not work because of the quarantine. Therefore, the granite is not mined, and the supply dries up. The demand is still there, just not the product. If the quarantine is lessened and some mining is done, the next cog in the wheel is shipping. Cargo ships are sitting in Long Beach harbor waiting to be unloaded.

Add to that a trucking shortage. I think I heard it takes more than 800 trucks for a ship to be unloaded. And stacking container space has swallowed up the docks.

Sandy: That same scenario touches almost every aspect of the supply chain, including mining for aluminum windows and manufacturing – everything from a 2 x 4 to sinks, mechanical equipment – you name it.

Tom: In the last year, many facilities were either shut down completely, or partially opened then shut down multiple times, adding to the low supply.

Sandy: And the high demand all leads to the classic economic theory of supply and demand affecting the price of a service or commodity.

Tom: What our readers need to know is how the construction industry is handling this craziness. Estimating a project normally takes a few weeks –depending, of course, on the project’s complexity. Before the pracademic, a

supplier or subcontractor would hold their numbers for 30 to 45 to 60 days. I am told that currently, seven days is the max.

Sandy: I have heard that also. How can anyone sign a contract at a fixed price when the project might take three, four, six or 12 months to complete?

Tom: Therein lies the dilemma. Some of the tools being used are pre-orders with price guarantees. This works for some products but usually not the most volatile.

Sandy: One could delay construction until things settle, but we are not really seeing a lot of that.

Tom: Some savvy contractors and smart owners are agreeing to a shared price clause in the contract. That allows a project to move forward with both parties agreeing to something akin to a floating cost. This allows the project to move forward without delays because of price increases.

Sandy: Contractors are also going to cost-plus contracts.

Tom: Prices are rising. Construction materials are surging amid higher demand and as we talked about earlier in our column, supply constraints are big.

Sandy: I have seen construction costs rising since last June and we know the increase is having a big effect on the residential construction industry. Everything from lumber to asphalt to cement to insulation has soared in price as the home-building industry has heated up.

Tom: When this thing called the pandemic happened, many suppliers cut their output, expecting that the subsequent economic disruption would cause severe reduction in demand.

Sandy: Tom, that drop in demand never occurred and because the industry was deemed essential, we avoided a shutdown. In fact, home building and renovation have been leaders in the post-pandemic economy.

In one year, from March 2020 to March 2021, lumber has increased 83%.

Tom: From everything I have read, prices show no signs of abating amid the surge in home building driven by

the receipt of stimulus money and higher consumer saving because of stay-at-home restrictions. Remote work is also supporting the trend, with many people forced to live, work and play at home.

Sandy: Adding to the squeeze on supplies, wildfires struck the Pacific Northwest last fall, burning through forests slated for market. Many construction companies and suppliers have turned to central Europe to fulfill lumber orders. Forest Economic Advisors has stated that it expects lumber imports in the United States to rise 14% to 15% for 2021.

Tom: The takeaway of this is: For construction companies, higher material and shipping costs are adding to margin pressures. Through the past year, final demand pricing for construction services has grown only 2% year over year through March. This means that contractors are absorbing these cost increases without passing them on to their customers.

Sandy: Tom, our region is growing

and there is no doubt about it – the housing market and the construction industry are two strong sectors keeping our economy going.

Thanks for stopping in to read At Home With Tom and Sandy. You are in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-7780040

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Top Seven Spring Cleaning Tasks Every Garden Needs

By Ken Lain

Serious gardeners are in the garden on the first warm day of spring. While there is no harm in cleaning up fallen branches and debris, wait until the soil is no longer wet enough to form a ball in your hand before walking on it and compacting. But start your cleanup quickly. It’s much easier to cut plants back before the old growth gets tangled up in the new growth. Here are the insider tips for a gorgeous garden this spring.

#1 REMOVE MULCH AND PRUNE YOUR PERENNIAL FLOWERS

The first task is removing and composting dead annual plants that remain through winter. These will not return, and any self-seeders will already have done their job.

The perennials look pretty ugly as spring approaches. Herbaceous perennials hibernate underground through winter. Look closely. Once you see new growth at their base, it is time to remove winter mulch and prune them back to ground level.

#2 PRUNE WOODY PERENNIAL FLOWERS

Shrubby plants with woody stems, like artemisia, butterfly bush, caryopteris

and lavender, must be cut back before spring; they only bloom on new branch growth. Most of these woody perennials send signals when it is time to prune, showing open buds on the lower portion or base of the plant. Prune then to encourage the plant to grow tender new flower branches.

#3 PRUNE ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

If you left your ornamental grasses up for winter interest, cut them back as soon as possible. Don’t wait for new growth to show. Cut grasses to within a few inches of the ground. They will grow back when ready.

#4 CARE FOR YOUR ROSES

Prune, clean and fertilize roses as soon as new buds grow. Generally, this is the end of February through March. Most shrub roses appreciate pruning down to knee height with 3 to 5 young canes remaining. Pick off all remaining leaves and rake the area clean. Spray what remains with Horticultural Oil and feed with a Systemic Rose Food.

#5 PRUNE TREES AND SHRUBS

Most spring-blooming trees and shrubs set their flower buds last summer and fall. You prune off their spring flowers by pruning now. Waiting until after

they bloom is the best time to cut them back. Focus pruning on summer blooming shrubs like Rose of Sharon, Potentilla, Russian and Autumn Sages. These are safe to prune now. Vines like honeysuckle, ivy and trumpet vine are safe to prune now. Maple, aspen, oak, ash and the rest should all be pruned now.

#6 SPRING WEED PREVENTION

Early spring is the time to take action against weeds. Damp soil makes it easy to pull young seedlings. Do not compost weeds. They come back to haunt you. Clean the gardens up, then apply Watters Weed & Grass Stopper to keep the area weed-free. This granular weed seed killer prevents weeds from germinating and is worth the extra step.

#7 FEED ALL YOUR PLANTS

Plants enjoy being fed in the spring when they have their initial growth spurt. Watters 7-4-4 All Purpose Food is the ideal granular plant food. Feed everything in the yard by using a hand spreader. The soil will look “salt-andpeppered” when complete. Another benefit of this natural plant food is the margin for mistakes. It is much harder to burn plants with slow-release organic plant food. This food is also excellent for vegetables and container plants

inside and out.

Spring + Soil Sulfur is the secret to the best Spring gardens ever. Our mountain water works against you because of the high pH. Soil Sulfur counteracts high pH, so plants grow richer greens and brighter colors. Apply once to the entire landscape with the Spring feeding for maximum beauty, silvery blue from spruce, holly and hydrangea, larger roses and taller

perennials. Even grasses benefit. Until next issue, I’ll be helping gardeners grow better here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Road in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.

Is a Residential Sprinkler System Required in Your Home?

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Did you know that in most parts of the country, installation of a fire sprinkler system is required in new homes? Local government codes vary, but you may not be used to seeing them in homes in our area. For instance, a sprinkler system is required in a Prescott home that is

5,000 square feet or greater. They are also mandatory, regardless of square footage, in those subdivisions that do not have fire hydrants or if a property has a steep driveway or could be difficult to reach with a fire engine.

Most systems are installed to cover a 16-foot by 16-foot area, so a standard-size bedroom may have up to two sprinkler heads. Each head

If you happen to be buying a home with a sprinkler system, we want to ease your mind if you have any concerns. First, these systems are very sophisticated. Unlike what you see in the movies, the sprinklers do not all activate at the same time. Most systems are not interconnected, so when one goes off, the whole house won’t go off. This, of course, saves you from more clean-up and water damage. Second, they are designed to save your home and lives, and like we said, more and more homes are installing them at the start of construction.

is heat-activated, so smoke from a fireplace, a candle or burning your favorite fish dish won’t set the system off. It’s only the heat from the proper temperature that will trigger the water from the system. Fire sprinkler heads have a glass bulb with fluid inside. When the fire reaches 165 degrees, the fluid expands and breaks the glass bulb, letting the water run through the fire sprinkler and extinguish the fire.

If you happen to be buying a home with a sprinkler system, we want to ease your mind if you have any concerns. First, these systems are very sophisticated. Unlike what you see in the movies, the sprinklers do not all activate at the same time. Most systems are not interconnected, so when one goes off, the whole house won’t go off. This, of course, saves you from more clean-up and water damage. Second, they are designed to save your home and lives, and like we said, more and more homes are installing them at the start of construction. Also, they can help with homeowners’ insurance rates.

Please keep in mind that they will need to be inspected before you close

on your new home. Many other items in a closing inspection come to mind, but a sprinkler system doesn’t. We’re often called out at the last minute on many inspections, to help make the closing date. Also, just like the required maintenance on your heating and air conditioning units, you should have your sprinkler system inspected annually. We do this not by letting off water in your home, but by doing a controlled water flow test. It is also important to inspect your sprinkler heads monthly to make sure nothing is blocking the sprinklers or interfering with the heads. If you have a water tank that delivers water to the system, make sure it’s also checked monthly.

If you have any questions about your residential sprinkler system, or if you are thinking you’d like one installed, please contact us and let us help with any questions you may have. QCBN

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, has

been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certificationS and more.

Have You Considered Volunteering in Your Community?

By Deanna Eder

Volunteering is an important way for senior citizens to stay connected and engaged in their communities. It not only provides an opportunity to give back, but also helps seniors to maintain social connections, stay active, and continue to learn and grow.

One of the main benefits of volunteering for seniors is the opportunity to socialize and make new friends. According to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, older adults who volunteer have higher levels of social connectedness, which can help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Loneliness is a growing public health concern that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Loneliness is defined as a subjective feeling of social isolation, and it can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also lead to depres-

sion, anxiety and suicide.

To combat loneliness, it is important to prioritize social connections and make an effort to build and maintain relationships. This can include joining clubs or groups that align with your interests, volunteering in your community, and spending time with friends and family. It is important to engage in face-to-face interactions.

Volunteering can help seniors to stay active and maintain physical and mental health. Volunteering can also provide an opportunity for seniors to continue to learn and grow by taking on new challenges and learning new skills.

A few benefits to volunteering in your senior years include:

N Keeping mentally and physically active by providing a sense of purpose.

N Building new connections and friendships.

N Staying engaged in the community.

N Improving physical and mental health.

N Making a positive impact, giving back to your community and others.

N Keeping skills sharp and learning new skills.

N Reducing stress and loneliness.

Polara Health’s Senior Peer Program is a volunteer-based community outreach program for isolated seniors. The program is designed for ages 60+ and encourages connection. The Senior Peer Program also provides FREE community support groups for blind/low vision, a men’s group, a women’s group and a mindful meditation group. A grief and support group is in the planning process and will be added shortly.

Senior Peer Program Manager Melanie Jacobson is growing the program based on our community needs. “Our senior population is a vulnerable population and our goal is to combat loneliness and isolation and to increase happiness and connection,” she said. Polara Health’s Senior Peer Program is in need of volunteers! QCBN

To learn more, please to go www.polarahealth.com or contact Melanie Jacobson at m.jacobson@polarahealth.com or 928445-5211 ext. 2035.

Starting off in 2023, Melanie will teach a workshop called “The Seven Habits of Happiness” on Feb. 15, at the Prescott Library. We have collaborated with United Way of Yavapai County to provide this workshop. For more information or to register, go to www. yavapaiuw.org and register on the

Events page. This is a free event available to all in our community.

Deanna Eder is the director of marketing and communications with Polara Health. www.polarahealth.com.

Accomplished Pulmonologist Joins YRMG

By Bridget O’Gara

Jacob Gelberg, M.D., FRCPC, has joined Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG) Pulmonology and Infectious Disease.

An accomplished pulmonologist, Dr. Gelberg has extensive experience caring for people with conditions that affect the respiratory system – asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and more. He is certified in both respirology and internal medicine.

Gelberg’s medical education included a fellowship in interventional pulmonology at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada and another in respirology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Prior to that, he undertook multiple internal medicine residencies: one at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Ottawa and another at Queen’s University in Ontario. Gelberg earned his medical degree from Queen’s University.

A dedicated educator, Gelberg has received several awards of excellence for his work with future clinicians. He was also recognized by the

deficient. People also wear more sunscreen to block the body’s ability to make vitamin D.”

Unfortunately, deficiency in vitamin D is commonplace. Corinne Sadecki-Lund is a nurse practitioner working with Dr. Whitney James at James-Marco Health in Prescott. With more than 27 years’ experience as an ER nurse, she came to Prescott from Chicago about a year ago and was surprised what she discovered.

“When I see patients for their annual labs, I check vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels,” she said. “Interestingly, when I came here, I saw a lot of patients when their labs were drawn, were vitamin D deficient. I was shocked. I looked it up and found that across the United States, when people get their labs drawn, 42% of the time, they are vitamin D deficient.”

She had thought this would be less of a problem in a sun-rich state like Arizona. “People are worried about how much sun they get because of skin cancer,” Sadecki-Lund said. “They say the sun should provide half the amount you need, but unless you’re golfing or out in the sun a lot, you’re not going to get the vitamin D your body requires. I do tell them to go get their sunshine, but just be mindful of their time.”

It is also important not to take more vitamin D that is recommended by the packaging or by a health care provider. Vitamin D can build up in

ERAU Starts Spring with Record-Setting Enrollment

By Ray Newton, QCBN

and other medical conditions. He has also published articles in a variety of peer-reviewed journals and is sought after as an expert speaker by leading medical societies. QCBN

Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Gelberg is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, please contact: YRMG Pulmonology and Infectious Disease 811 Ainsworth Drive, Suite 106 Prescott, Arizona 86301 928-771-5550

Cancer Quality Council of Ontario for establishing a clinic focused on caring for people with malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a disease that causes a buildup of fluid and cancer cells between the chest wall and lungs.

Gelberg has been involved in numerous research studies that focus on improving care for people with COPD, lung cancer

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. Bridget has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

When Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (ERAU) began spring semester classes Jan. 11, it continued its streak of setting new enrollment records, with more than 3,100 students.

“It is nice to have all the students back,” said Chancellor Anette Karlsson. “There soon will be lots of students flying over the Quad Cities area.”

So far, this academic year has been a record-setter all the way, and not just in enrollment. Along with its record-high enrollment last fall 2022, ERAU had national championship flight competition winners, it was selected best in the nation for five different programs by U.S. News & World Report, and was rated first in the nation for student-oriented academic programs such as cybersecurity, aviation and business by industry organizations.

The semester ended Dec. 17 with a record-breaking fall commencement class of 271 students who received their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Diplomas were distributed

the body and lead to toxicity, with a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, dehydration and pain.

Sadecki-Lund said there are other problems that arise from too much vitamin D in the body.

“Too much vitamin D can cause stomachaches, kidney stones, dizziness and gastrointestinal issues like constipation,” Sadecki-Lund explained. “More than taking the standard dose of 2,000 to 5,000 iu per day may be too much. You can get toxicity. People think the more you take the better it is, but that’s not necessarily true.”

Diet is also important and should include foods that provide the highest amounts of naturally occurring vitamin D. Because it is challenging to get enough vitamin D from food sources, manufacturers have been fortifying food with vitamin D since the 1930s.

Readily available vitamin-D-fortified foods include cow’s milk, soymilk, cereal and orange juice.

Kovalik recommends eating vitamin D-rich foods, especially more servings of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Also high in natural vitamin D are oysters, eggs, liver and shitake mushrooms.

“Eat wild-caught, not farm-raised fish,” she said. “Some food items are fortified in Vitamin D but is usually not enough to be significant.”

Sadecki-Lund said she was pleased when she found out how vitamin

D-rich egg yolks are, as she loves them.

Another controversial question is how much vitamin D you should get from foods and supplements. “We have a pretty extensive section on vitamin D, everywhere from 400 to 10,000 international units (iu),” said Miranda, who has also worked in the supplement section of Sprouts Farmers Market in Prescott for four years. In addition to capsules and tablets, Sprouts also sells vitamin D in dropper, spray and sublingual forms.

“Some people have a hard time absorbing Vitamin D, so adding A and K can help with absorption,” said Kovalik. “It is a fat-soluble vitamin,

at ceremonies in the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Also recognized were 13 students commissioned into the U.S. military: 10 in the Air Force ROTC and three Army cadets. Chancellor Karlsson praised the students, saying,” Commencement represents two important milestones for graduates. First is the culmination of all the dedication and hard work they put in over the years. The second is the beginning of what is sure to be a promising career bringing critical skills to the areas of aviation, aerospace, cybersecurity and the other fields for which our Eagle graduates are eminently qualified.”

ERAU President P. Barry Butler from the Dayton Beach, Florida campus, told graduates, “Wherever you go, remember that you are Eagles. For you, the sky will never be the limit.”

Butler emphasized that just recently, the university counted nine astronauts, the chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, the chief master sergeant for the U.S Air Force, and former National Transportation Safety Board Chair Robert Sumwalt as successful graduates. Sumwalt now heads the ERAU Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety. QCBN

so eating it with a meal that contains fat can also help with absorption.”

Research has shown that getting enough sun exposure is particularly difficult in regions north of the 37th parallel, where the sun is lower and UVB rays are weaker, such as Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and central and northern areas of Nevada and California.

“Even in Arizona, the angle of the sun doesn’t give us enough vitamin D,” Miranda said. “Most of our

vitamin D receptors are in our torso; that can be challenging when you’re walking around.”

The good news, according to the medical experts, is that as the summer sun returns, we can consider adjusting our strategy for getting adequate levels of the “sunshine vitamin” by finally taking that sunny walk in the garden. QCBN

Left: Winter Sun owner Phyllis Hogan calls it a “challenge” to get enough vitamin D in the winter. Right: Nutrition practitioner Stephanie Miranda of Prescott says the best way to find the correct dosage for an individual is to get tested for vitamin D.

Jacob Gelberg, M.D., FRCPC

Starting Strong with First Quarter Investment Statements

By Daniel Martinez

Understanding your Quarterly Investment Statement is a key part of successfully managing your investment portfolio. Quarter 1 statements will start hitting your mailboxes in early 2023, so now is the time to freshen up your understanding of what exactly to expect from your Quarterly Investment Statement.

WHAT’S INSIDE MY STATEMENT?

Quarterly statements are sent every three months of the calendar year. These statements provide you with a broad overview of your assets and investments, as well as a more detailed analysis of each of your accounts. To help you understand your investment strategy, each statement will give you a summary of your investments, the total monetary value of your assets, graphs that show trends over time and details of recent transactions. Establishing a close relationship with your financial advisor can be key to deepening your knowledge of how to use the information in each statement

to plan for the rest of the year and beyond. Your financial advisor will guide you through the three main sections of your statement: your portfolio, accounts and asset allocation.

YOUR PORTFOLIO AND ACCOUNTS

A consolidated portfolio summary provides a high-level view of all your accounts. This section provides a clear picture of the most important information. Here, the previous year or quarter may be compared side by side for a more transparent and indepth understanding.

Analyzing your individual accounts is important in understanding your current financial situation. Your statement will show any changes in values that have occurred during the quarter. Items like investment objectives and a gain/loss summary might appear here, along with activity for your retirement accounts.

ASSET ALLOCATION

What investments are included in your portfolio? Asset allocation illustration in your quarterly statement will summarize the portfolio’s asset

diversification in a list or chart. Some common assets you might recognize are equities, fixed income, ETFs, mutual funds, cash and cash equivalents, and other alternative investments.

A RULE OF THUMB WHEN INVESTING

One of the most basic principles of investing is to gradually reduce your risk as you get older. The challenge is figuring out exactly how safe you should be relative to the stage of life you’re in.

For years, a commonly cited rule of thumb called the 100 Rule has helped simplify asset allocation. According to this principle, individuals should hold a percentage of stocks equal to 100 minus their age. So, for a typical 60-year-old, 40% of the portfolio should be equities. The rest would be comprised of high-grade bonds, government debt and other relatively safe assets.

Speak with your financial professional to monitor your portfolio progress and set up a comprehensive wealth-building strategy. QCBN

For more than 12 years, Daniel has worked

in the financial services industry helping individuals and families align their goals toward financial freedom. He provides clients with a variety of investment knowledge and experience, taking the time to create a personalized financial plan for each client. Daniel holds his Insurance Licenses and is also bilingual in English and Spanish to better serve the community. He is registered through LPL Financial with his SIE, Series 7 and 63 securities registrations. To schedule an appointment with Daniel Martinez, email DMartinez@oneazcu.com or call (928) 777-6050.

OneAZ Wealth Management is a team of LPL Financial licensed professionals and support staff located in OneAZ Credit Union branches across Arizona providing investments, insurance, and retirement planning services intended to guide credit union members towards their financial goals. To learn more about OneAZ Wealth Management, visit OneAZWealth.com or call (877) 566-0517.

Securities are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. OneAZ Credit Union (OneAZCU)

and OneAZ Wealth Management are not registered as a broker/dealer. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using OneAZ Wealth Management, and may also be employees of OneAZ CU. These products and services being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of OneAZ CU or OneAZ Wealth Management. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

NOT INSURED BY NCUA OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY | NOT CREDIT

UNION GUARANTEED NOT CREDIT UNION DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS | MAY LOSE VALUE

Showing Love to Your Home this Valentine’s Day

By Lucy Leyva

So here it is, the month of love. This Valentine’s Day month is a good time to show a little love to your home without breaking the budget. I’m not talking about a renovation project, but rather, lots of little things that you can do to spruce up and “show the love” to your home. Some of the simplest tasks can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Here are a few to consider:

N Replace some area rugs, curtains or shower curtain. It’s easy to change the feel of a room just by changing the color scheme or adding to it. Change out a room’s curtains or rugs and add in a color or style that is new and fresh.

N Use a little scratch cover up or good quality wood oil with the appropriate color in it to give your wood furniture a facelift. Sometimes I forget what a difference it can make.

N Pay attention to the details like baseboards, window tracks and door frames. Scrub the baseboards and paint if needed. Clean out the window tracks and clean all the tops and edges of the door frames.

N Has it been years since you put those knickknacks up high on the pot shelves? Maybe it’s time they come

down, the pot shelf gets cleaned and new, clean and updated décor goes up.

N Add a little life to your house. It won’t be long until you can start to plant some outdoor plants, but you can plant indoors any time. Bring in some flowers, freshly cut or potted. There are benefits to having indoor plants and flowers beyond the obvious, including: reducing carbon

dioxide levels; increasing humidity; reducing levels of certain pollutants, such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide; reducing airborne dust levels; and keeping air temperatures down.

N Add some new art, change it up, expand your style. It feels good and different and fresh. For that matter, change up the whole theme if you can. Without having to renovate, knock out walls or change flooring,

a simple change like changing the art style in your house can give it a completely different feel.

N Change filters and clean vents. Filters should be changed out several times during the year. Pollutants and dust particles collect and get blown back into your environment. A dusty dirty vent gives an impression of lack of care.

Love your home this month, show it you care. Do the little extras and enjoy the new year with a fresh, new, clean perspective. QCBN

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.

Maximize Tax Savings with Health Benefits

By Steven Calabrese

Many employer-sponsored health plans offer a variety of options all focused on reducing your tax liability. Health plan premiums are generally paid with pre-tax dollars, reducing your tax liability. The type of plan you choose can have other tax savings benefits.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be used to pay for dependent care as well as medical expenses. Contributions are made pre-tax, reducing your tax liability. If you plan on using it for dependent care, make certain your employer has set it up that way.

Contributions up to $5,000 per

family/household can be made for dependent care. For 2023 contributions, up to $3,050 can be made for medical expenses. In addition, up to $610 maximum can be rolled over if your employer plan permits. Check with your HR team to determine specific rules for your employer-sponsored plan.

Dependent care is defined as a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs and child or adult daycare.

In addition to savings on income taxed, you will also save on social security and Medicare tax.

The potential of a childcare tax credit also exists and varies by indi-

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is similar to an FSA but has some additional benefits not available with an FSA. One important difference is any amounts not used can be rolled over and used in future years. The family limits apply here but the limits are higher.

vidual. Check with your tax professional to determine which may be the most advantageous.

The ability to estimate your costs is the most challenging because if you do not use all the funds, you will lose them. There may be an ability to roll over up to $610. This may vary by employer and, again, check with HR.

The rules specify that these limits are family limits. For example, if a husband and wife both have an FSA available, the limit is combined, rather than a separate limit for each spouse.

Again, do a little digging educate yourself and save some taxes.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is similar to an FSA but has some additional benefits not available with an FSA. One important difference is any amounts not used can be rolled over and used in future years. The family limits apply here but the limits are higher.

The HSA limits for 2023 are $3,850 for a single individual and $7,750 for a family. An additional $1,000 is permitted as a catch-up contribution for those over age 55. Again, this is a family limit, a married couple would be capped at $7,750.

Any unused amounts are rolled over to be used at some point in the future. In addition, when your account reaches a certain amount, usually around $3,000, you will be eligible to invest the amount over that amount, essentially acting as a retirement account. These funds can be used in retirement.

All expenses must be for qualified medical expenses. The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed payments for preventative care, treatment, surgeries, dental and vision care, visits to psychologists and psychiatrists, prescription medications, appliances such as glasses, contacts, false teeth, and hearing aids, and expenses that you pay to travel for qualified medical care.

HSAs are only available with high deductible plans. It can be a way to fund your deductible and other outof-pocket expenses.

Once you become eligible for Medicare, you are no longer eligible to fund an HSA. However, the premiums for Medicare can be made from your HSA. This benefit is available only for Medicare and other expenses during retirement. All expenses are paid from your account and are tax-free.

An HSA allows you to make contributions pre-tax, earnings grow tax-free and payments for qualified expenses are paid with these tax-free dollars. If you find that you do not need these funds, you can withdraw them penalty-free after age 59-anda-half and pay the taxes on the withdrawal, similar to a traditional IRA.

SAVE MORE MONEY

As you can see, learning a few simple tax tricks can save you a bundle by reducing your tax liability and putting more money in your pocket.

For more tax-saving tips, please fine last month’s article at https:// www.quadcitiesbusinessnews.com/ how-to-minimize-taxes/ Begin to educate yourself, get professional help and save tax dollars.

Good luck!

You work hard for your money, make sure it stays your money! QCBN

Steven Calabrese, CPA, is the CFO of Polara Health. He also is the owner-operator of a website known as thepersonalfinancewizard.com. Such topics as budgeting, investing, paying off debt, and goal setting are discussed.

IV Vitamins and Hydrations: Symptom Relief for Fibromyalgia Patients

By Anita Farrelly and Jessica Dickinson

Meet Kathy. She’s loving, caring, strong, independent, sometimes opiniated and has suffered for more than 30 years. When her symptoms started in the early 1990s, she was sent to multiple medical specialists, such as neurologists, neurosurgeons, primary care, rheumatologists and even psychologists. They were all attempting to identify why Kathy had widespread pain, tenderness, burning, pins and needles, fatigue, headaches, sleep difficulties and depression.

It wasn’t just Kathy who was suffering. So was her family. They would watch her struggle with constant and sometimes severe pain in her hips, legs, hands, back, neck and shoulders. The effects of the pain didn’t stop at how she was feeling physically, it affected how she coped with conversations, stress, family gatherings, and later, led to loneliness.

Kathy may be you, your mom, your sister, your friend or your wife. For me, Kathy is my mom.

She suffers with fibromyalgia and she’s the reason I started an IV vitamin and hydration business.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. Symptoms of the disease include widespread muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, depression, irritable bowel syndrome and more. Traditional treatments can help manage symptoms, but they don’t always provide long-term relief.

When I first introduced my mom to IV vitamins, she was skeptical, critical and quite honestly tired of trying different things to help alleviate some of her pain. She reluctantly agreed, only because I was her daughter and had been a nurse for more than 25 years. Two years later, Kathy puts “give mom her infusion” on my weekly to-do list – as she has come to experience something that helps her ease her pain, sleep better, improve her thinking and mood, and that boosts her energy along with her physical activity levels.

She just feels better after getting her IV vitamins and hydration. What is IV vitamin therapy? IV vitamins and hydration have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to boost vitamin levels in the body. It is believed that intravenous therapy can improve health by providing essential nutrients directly into your

bloodstream without having to go through the digestive system first. This can be especially beneficial for those with fibromyalgia since their bodies may struggle to absorb nutrients properly because of gut issues or malabsorption issues that often accompany this condition.

The benefits of IV vitamin and hydration therapy for fibromyalgia patients are numerous. Most notably, this type of therapy helps reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can help alleviate pain in muscles and joints. It can also boost energy levels by providing essential nutrients that may be lacking in a person’s diet because of poor absorption or malabsorption issues associated with their condition. Finally, it helps provide essential vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health but may not be readily available in food sources alone because of dietary restrictions or food allergies.

Dehydration is another common issue for those with fibromyalgia since dehydration can cause increased fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness and more – all of which are also symptoms of fibromyalgia. That’s why IV

hydration therapy is so important for those suffering from this condition –it helps replenish fluids quickly while providing essential electrolytes for proper hydration levels in the body. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. This widespread illness can be incredibly painful and debilitating, making it difficult for those who suffer from it to lead normal lives. IV vitamin and hydration therapy is a safe and effective way to support many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Infusions are administered by Licensed Registered Nurses, under the direction of a medical director. They take less than an hour to receive and include health assessments, vital signs and education.

While I’ve never been able to “fix” or “heal” my mom’s suffering. I know I have helped her have better days and a higher quality of life, so we can enjoy more mother-daughter time, sharing, laughing and loving one another. QCBN

Anita Farrelly, RN, BSN, MBA/ HCM and Jessica Dickinson, RN, BSN and the owners of Aboost Wellness.

Most notably, this type of therapy helps reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can help alleviate pain in muscles and joints. It can also boost energy levels by providing essential nutrients that may be lacking in a person’s diet because of poor absorption or malabsorption issues associated with their condition.

Welcoming Retirees Back to the Workforce

By Teri Drew

Many of us have seen the movie “The Intern,” where a retired gentleman seizes a chance to go back to the workforce as a senior intern. He brings a wealth of knowledge and skills, work ethic and dedication, and quickly becomes an invaluable team member. This fictional movie has become a reality for so many retirees returning to the workforce.

Retirees have a variety of reasons to return to work. Post-pandemic, many individuals are looking to find a rewarding job opportunity that will make a difference to a business and community. They also have the luxury to do the work they like, not what they need to do to sustain a family. Some retirees are looking to earn extra money for travel or to have additional funds to pay bills. Most just want to remain active and engaged.

Over the last quarter, applicants for local job vacancies come from retirees. According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Yavapai County has more than 54% of the active workforce in the age range of 55-64 years and almost 14% are over the age of 65.

WHY HIRE A RETIREE?

There are several reasons, including the following:

N Reliability and a strong work ethic: This includes punctuality, maturity, a willingness and eagerness to learn, and a strong commitment to quality.

N Varied work experience: Many seniors and retirees have a broadbased career, education and skills background, which enables them to bring a wide variety of knowledge and experience to the workplace.

N Job flexibility: In many cases, seniors have accomplished their career goals and are excited and willing to take base jobs or intern roles. Senior employees have excellent attendance records because they rarely miss work for the myriad of personal and family reasons that other workers typically have.

N Job loyalty: A fear about seniors and retirees is that they won’t stay on the job for very long. But, in fact, they tend to be much less likely than younger workers to job-hop and look for other opportunities. The average tenure is two to

three years or less.

N Eagerness to learn new skills and a positive attitude: Another misconception about seniors is that they are hesitant or even resistant to learn new technologies and ways of doing things. Some studies have shown that seniors and retirees are among the fastest growing demographic of social media users and online communities as well as adopters of new technologies such as laptop and tablet PCs and handheld devices and software programs.

N Strong people and customer service skills: While this is obviously not true of every individual, as a group, seniors and retirees tend to interact best with customers and their co-workers because of their history of experience in resolving conflict and strong communication skills.

If you want qualified, dependable, skilled workers, consider hiring quality workers by recruiting retirees! QCBN

Drew is the executive director of Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.

every age group for some reason over the last decade,” he says. “We’re also experiencing an epidemic of incivility – just a lot of judging and hatred –amongst various groups and political parties. I wanted to see if there were some proven principles that would lead to greater joy and happiness personally and lead to greater civility in our communities.”

Glauser began his quest by reading early manuscripts from the founders of the four largest religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. He also studied the teachings of the world’s greatest philosophers. Here are the six common threads of wisdom he’s captured from people like Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Confucius, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

GIVE UP THE EGO

“The way ego has been defined throughout history is it’s a composite of all of our self-perceptions. It’s everything that we believe about ourselves. The early Hindu and Buddhist writings say it’s a fabrication or an illusion. It’s been fed to us from parents and teachers and the media. So we grow up thinking we’re too tall or too short, too thick or too thin, or smart or not smart enough, athletic or not athletic enough – and these self-perceptions really limit what we do with our lives. So the first prin-

ciple is to realize that these self-perceptions are fabricated. They are not really who we can become. We have tremendous potential as human beings and there is a way to overcome these and to grow into something different and better.”

REFRAIN FROM JUDGING

“Confucius believed we should constantly work on improving our own lives,” writes Glauser. “He felt that examining the foibles of others before considering our own weaknesses is a sign of arrogance and not worth our time or effort.”

The book offers practical ways to squelch our biases and become more open to understanding our differences. “As we refrain from judging other people, wonderful changes occur in our lives.”

DO GOOD DEEDS DAILY

The Hindu sages called this Karma. “Jesus not only taught the importance of performing good deeds; he was a great example of doing them for his followers,” writes Glauser.

Confucius used the concept of “Ren” to mean that we are all connected and we impact each other.

“Ren is this whole idea of contributing to a community daily like carrying somebody’s groceries or giving up a seat on a bus or shoveling someone’s snow in the winter,” he

says. “The research is so clear that that dramatically reduces stress, anxiety and depression. It gives us a sense of self-worth and self-value.”

FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER Forgiveness may well be the most thoroughly researched principle on the path to happiness and civility, writes Glauser. “Harboring grudges and refusing to forgive others results in anger, hurt feelings and embedded anxiety – and it’s these negative emotions that do the damage to our mind, body and relationships.”

“One People One Planet” describes forgiveness as such hard work that the Hindu sages called it “heroic.” Glauser says the Greek philosophers simply said holding a grudge and being vindictive “is beneath the dignity of magnanimous individuals.”

SHARE OUR GOOD FORTUNE Glauser tells us that in the Islamic faith, Muhammad taught that everything we have in life is given to us by Allah; for Christians, everything comes from God. In essence, then, we are stewards of the things in our possession with a responsibility to manage them in a way that benefits the community.

Similarly, Glauser discusses the new “sharing economy” and the practice of sharing houses, rides and employees. “We’ve got to quit

thinking about possessions and start thinking more about people and become people-oriented. We can’t all have everything, the world is growing too rapidly and we’re using up our resources. There are websites, formats and templates to share cars, houses, tools, toys, equipment and even personnel in organizations. The more that we develop this attitude of sharing, we just become part of a bigger community and that brings us a great deal of joy and happiness.”

CARE FOR OUR NEEDY

Aristotle, as noted in “One People One Planet,” believed caring for the poor made good political sense. “He felt that a strong middle class was the key to a well-functioning society,” Glauser says.

However, Glauser suggests that doing good deeds involves actively looking for opportunities to be kind and helpful. “If we all found one person to help lift up and it wasn’t just a one-time act – we’re going to be committed to coach, mentor and befriend this person – then we will see people go from where the Salsa Queen was when she was suicidal to where she is today and that benefits all of us and makes the society far better, far richer and much more enjoyable.”

CHARTING A PATH TO PEACE AND HAPPINESS

For those who want to improve their state of mind and physical health, Glauser says these six truths have been proven to make a difference through 20 years of research.

“We all know these things, the question is are we doing them? My discovery is that most people don’t. We used to always think that success led to happiness, but now there’s so much evidence that happiness is the driver of success in our careers and in our organizations. Good leaders need to learn to manage happiness –their own and their team members’ happiness. As we become happier, we communicate more, we like people more, we make more friendships, we have more energy, we set more goals.” QCBN

Michael Glauser is an entrepreneur and business consultant. He serves as executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. He’s also the director of the SEED self-sufficiency program, helping people around the world improve their standard of living and benefit their communities through entrepreneurship. His book, “One People One Planet: 6 Universal Truths for Being Happy Together,” is available on Amazon.

To watch the full interview with Michael Glauser, visit StarWorldwideNetworks. com/shows/Bonnie-Stevens.

Teri

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. QCBN

For more information, visit https:// www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org or call 928-567-0066.

Prescott be that generational community we have longed to be.”

Humboldt Unified School District Superintendent John Pothast says he is excited for the students. “One of the problems with education in general has been access, and how realistic – or challenging – it is for someone to simply be able to get access to the education they need. This is a significant step forward for anyone living in rural Arizona.”

“It’s gratifying that Chino Valley graduates will have a more affordable local option for a baccalaureate degree,” said Chino Valley School Superintendent John Scholl. “We are hopeful that YC will consider a degree in education to help us address the teaching shortage in the area.”

A FOCUS ON MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

When the Arizona Legislature passed Senate Bill 1453 a year ago, Rhine said the college was thrilled to receive the authorization. “We have been at the forefront of the lobbying effort for SB1453. We knew how much impact it can have in our county,” she said.

Rhine explained that the new degree is designed for continuing students or those who have associate degrees. It is offered entirely online and can be completed in the traditional four-year pattern for a full-time student at 30 credits a year.

It also can be completed through eight-week classes.

Students will pay $155 per credit for in-state tuition. There are no textbook charges and no associated student fees.

Once final approval is granted, registration for classes can begin April 17. Classes won’t officially begin until

the beginning of the fall semester on Aug. 12.

“This is a modern, high-quality degree. The curriculum will be 120 applicable credits specifically designed to help students achieve career success,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Ryan, who noted the work it took facul-

ty and staff members to make the degree a reality. “We are elated for the opportunities that students now have.” QCBN

Application forms for the new program can be found at yc.edu/ bachelordegree.

any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

YC President Dr. Rhine, Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Ryan announced that the business degree program is designed to graduate effective managers and leaders. Photo by Kay Lyons

and concepts. “We believe we have strength in diversity and leverage as a group. We have had the fortune of utilizing the knowledge attained from each restaurant independently to use it for the good of the entire organization.”

McCoy and Krave currently own four restaurants. “Our first purchase was Nana’s Café, which was formerly known as Café 10, and serves breakfast and lunch. Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day and I was a frequent patron of the restaurant before we purchased it. Barbudos Mexican Grill & Cantina was our second purchase. Our family loves Mexican food and always thought Barbudos was one of Prescott’s best kept secrets.”

Additional acquisitions included Vibes Juice Bar, specializing in coldpressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls, and the recent purchase of Lucy Dee’s BBQ, with “amazing” flavors in their smoked meats. “I do consider myself a BBQ snob, growing up with parents who refined their BBQ skills while we moved across the South, including Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas,” McCoy said. “Barbecue has always been a dream of mine and we have big plans to expand our BBQ footprint.”

Both he and his wife are fascinated by food. “I would consider myself a food lover and my wife a foodie,” he said. “That combination has allowed us to set specific goals for food quality

GM continued from page 4

but it may not be to the degree that they are used today. He sees the use of electric vehicles continuing to grow.

“All the big players are too far invested for it to go away,” he said. “I expect some of our grandkids will drive electric vehicles.”

Van Slyke also expects the prices for electric vehicles to go down, just as handheld calculators cost a lot when they initially came out, but then dropped in price. He also expects charging stations for electric vehicles to become commonplace and to be offered at places like Walmart and Safeway.

“American ingenuity will be part of the marketplace,” he said.

Van Slyke, an engineer, earned his undergraduate degree from the GM Institute and his MBA from Central Michigan University.

Van Slyke, who moved to Chino Valley about five years ago, was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. He moved here because he didn’t want to shovel “that white stuff” anymore. QCBN

while refining the menus within our restaurants. As for my role, I consider myself a consultant to each business. We look for the right person to manage the day-to-day and back them up with a strong kitchen. My involvement is culture, processes, systems and profitability. My wife manages the menus and restaurant ambiance.”

In addition to the food endeavors, a different kind of business has recently been added to McCoy’s business portfolio: Prescott Fit Body Boot Camp. “As a former athlete, I know the impact that working out has on not only your physical health but also your mental health. The formula at Fit Body Boot Camp is 30-minute guided sessions that challenge the body and deliver results in a positive, supportive atmosphere. We combine High Intensity Interval

worry thoughts with positive affirmations. Pay attention to what you are saying because our subconscious mind is always listening.”

She teaches the power of self-affirmations. For example, she helped one client rephrase what she had been repeating to herself. Instead of “My life is just chaotic,” her self-affirmation became, “My life is busy and challenging and I’m up to it!”

Today, she is living her life’s purpose as a Board Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Medical Support Hypnotherapist and facilitator in Neuro-Linguistic Programming with advanced training in trauma recovery, pediatrics, geriatrics, pain control, past life regression therapy, weight loss and smoking cessation. As a certified medical support hypnotherapist, she treats hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, overactive bladder, anxiousness and depression, and many other conditions.

In addition, Powell brings more than 40 years of experience as a Registered Nurse to her practice. She also was a hospice nurse for 30 years. This fall, she moved her Phoenix-area office, Joyful Life Hypnotherapy, to Tehachapi, California, where she provides sessions for many of her clients over Zoom, as well as in person.

One of the tools she uses is regression into past lives. She says these sessions help people understand where

Training with active rest and nutritional guidance.”

WHERE I FIND INSPIRATION

My inspiration has been, and always will be, my family. Specifically, my mother and grandmothers, who I watched work tirelessly to provide for their families. They instilled in me the drive, determination and focus to achieve at the level that I have. As for a role model in business, I am a huge Simon Sinek fan. He is more of an author than a businessman but his philosophies and teachings I have used as blueprints for how I operate in business.

FAVORITE LEADERSHIP BOOK FOR ENTREPRENEURS

I have three books that I always recommend for various stages in the journey.

some of their false and limiting beliefs, destructive thoughts and old habits or patterns come from. In the case of Gloria from Fountain Hills, she guided her into the future.

Gloria is a terminally ill cancer patient who came to Powell because she is afraid of dying and also is in a lot of pain. “With the power of our subconscious mind, we can reduce and, at times, eliminate pain,” said Powell. “When guided into trance, Gloria learned and could see that as she died and crossed over, her death was going to be a pleasant, joyous experience. She was no longer afraid of dying.”

“She treated me with hypnosis and I feel wonderful,” said Gloria. “I want to be her best friend. That’s how wonderful she is.”

Powell says she loves doing hypnotherapy because of how profoundly it helps people and how rapidly it helps clear negative thoughts and experiences. “I am living my life purpose, which is to bring joy and to help other people improve their lives.” QCBN

To find out more, visit JoyfulLifeHypnotherapy.com or call Rosemary Powell at 661-238-9154.

For a guided meditation and to hear more from Powell, watch Zonie Living at StarWorldWideNetworks.com/shows/ bonnie-stevens.

I start with “The Carpenter,” by Jon Gordon, then “The Go Giver,” by Bob Burg, followed by “Infinite Game,” by Simon Sinek.

FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT

My favorite place to visit is D.C. because of its thought-provoking architecture and history. My favorite place to vacation is Cabo, Mexico, due to the relaxation, beautiful beaches and amazing food.

FAVORITE GAME

Monopoly, hands down. I love that the average game is going to take you a few hours to play, which means more time with family and friends. I also enjoy the

ability to watch how different personality types process decisions to make, whether it is buying property, homes or hotels. Monopoly also teaches how certain financial decisions can affect the game’s final outcome.

MOST ADMIRED CHARACTER TRAIT

Authenticity. The true value one can give is one’s self. Authenticity in business results in conveyance of intentions through words and actions. Transparency and understanding build trust among associates. QCBN

Quad Cities Region Chooses Best of Business

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

From health food stores to uniform companies and chiropractors to lawyers, Quad Cities Business News presents the region’s choice for Best of Business.

More than 100 local companies and organizations have been voted best in their fields. Some businesses won in more than one category. Watters Garden Center received the Best of Business honor for Best Garden Center and Best Plant & Garden Nursery.

Yavapai College won in two categories, as well: Best Business School and Best in Professional Training – Education.

“It is an honor to be recognized as Best of Business,” said YC President Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D. “At Yavapai College, we pride ourselves on being a premier place to learn, work and grow while also being strong partners to local business and service organizations, stewards of economic growth, and an overall asset to the residents throughout Yavapai County.”

“We are so proud of the many wonderful businesses in the Quad Cities that focus on quality, excellence, reliability and customer service,” said QCBN Publisher Amy Bix. “This year, more people cast their votes than ever before. It’s so nice to see these hard-working businesses, business owners and workers receive this much-deserved recognition.” QCBN

See the QCBN Best of Business results on pages 28 and 29.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Left: Samantha Lanaway, Jamaal McCoy, Sierra MacGill, Autumn King and Kaleb Hill create and serve juice drinks at Vibes Juice Bar. Right: McCoy credits his mother and grandmothers for influencing his drive, determination and focus. Photos by Kay Lyons