March 2023

INSIDE THE MARCH 2023 ISSUE: Caregivers Give Neighbors a Lift p. 3

KC HiLiTES

Expands in Northern Arizona p. 4

Chino Native Opens Women’s Western Boutique p. 8

Understanding Your Customers Through Data

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Knowing where Quad Cities customers are traveling from helps business owners know where to send marketing messages about their products and services. Regional Economic Development Center economist and data analyst Ryan Jones says knowledge about demographics are key to making effective business decisions.

He shared information about tools that can help inform businesses with the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce last month.

Customer tracking data is extremely valuable, he says. Whenever cell phone customers download apps, companies download data about the customers and sell it to other companies.

Buxton and Placer.ai are two companies that capture such information.

With information from cell phone apps, these companies can acquire customers’ marital status, income and education level.

For example, the data show that 73% of visitors to the Founding Fathers Collective in Prescott live within 25 miles of the entity, but they also come from Phoenix and Bagdad, Arizona.

“They know where you live so they can tell how much you make and have

Girl Scouts Learn Business Tips p. 10

Barber Offering Cuts, Community p. 16

No-Kill Shelter Seeks Support p. 22

March 2023 |

Issue 3 Volume 11

customer profiles,” said Jones. “They can tell how likely someone is to visit Founding Fathers.”

Jones points out that grocery stores like to serve a population of about 14,000 people. While Chino Valley’s population is slightly below that, the Safeway there remains one of the busiest in the country. Thus, data helps companies determine their market reach based on elements beyond simply

Former River Runner Develops All-Natural Skincare Products for Arizona Outdoor Lifestyle

Wandering the West collection available in Prescott and across the country

By Stacey Wittig, QCBN

Winter conditions in Northern Arizona can be brutal on your skin. DeeAnn Tracy, who has been developing all-natural, plant-based skincare products for the high elevation outdoor lifestyle since 1993, knows that well. The outdoorswoman grew up in the northland’s four seasons.

“Northern Arizona’s sun and wind are particularly brutal on skin because of the high elevation. We’re up on the plateau, and the elements are more intense here,” said Tracy, owner of Peak Scents.

“With so many days of sunshine here, we nat-

urally have more exposure to the sun,” she said. “It’s that sun and wind that makes it so dry here in Northern Arizona.”

Tracy grew up in Flagstaff and spent time under the extreme sun as a river runner in the Grand Canyon. “My background as a rafting guide helped me see the need for non-chemical sun protection. I could wear sunscreen, but it would get in my eyes – I couldn’t see! Also, guests would get rashes [from some types of sunscreen], so I developed something non-chemical.”

Before her river running days, Tracy trained at Winter Sun Trading Company, a Southwest botanical shop owned by her mother, ethnobotanist Phyllis Hogan.

Continued on page 34

Continued on page 30

Eric Brown and DeeAnn Tracy package Peak Scents products in Northern Arizona. Photo by Stacey Wittig

She’s captured your heart. And we want to keep it that way.

Today,

Verde Valley Caregivers Driving Healthcare Solutions

Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition provides transportation for elderly, disabled ‘neighbors’

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Miller Bizardi loves his job as driver for Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition (VVCC), and it’s just as rewarding for him as it is for the neighbors he drives.

VVCC gives clients, fondly referred to as “neighbors,” rides for kidney dialysis, doctor appointments, grocery shopping, medication pick-up, friendly visits and more.

“We even take care of pets when our neighbors are hospitalized,” said Bizardi. “That includes taking pets to veterinary appointments as well.”

“Caring always comes first, and we are building and rallying the entire community to care,” said VVCC Executive Director Kent Ellsworth. “That’s basically what we do, and we make sure we reach out to every little town throughout the Verde Valley to ensure we are reaching people in need and help to solve problems.”

Realizing that elderly people often want to stay in their home, the place they love, Ellsworth said, “We help those who are trying to make it on their own.”

“We don’t charge the people we serve, they’re struggling right now, they’re unable to drive due to health conditions at an advanced age, the last thing they need is somebody charging them for the next bit of help. So, what we want to do is make sure there are no barriers to getting them the assistance they need.”

Medical alert devices are also provided at no charge. “Our dispatch is available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” said Ellsworth.

“They are the nicest people and I’m so grateful for them,” said VVCC client Lynn

Newman, who has lived in Sedona for 23 years. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to move. They have been taking me to my physical therapy appointments every week since 2020.”

New to VVCC is a partnership with Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) to provide virtual care assistance to NAH patients who need help with telehealth appointments. The program will provide the device, software and volunteer staff assistance enabling patients to have telehealth appointments with their health care providers.

“We are grateful to be able to partner with the volunteers at VVCC on this program that will increase access to care for many patients that have difficulties leaving their homes for their medical appointments or experience challenges with technology,” said NAH Director of Telehealth Systems Travis Boren.

Transportation services extend as far north as Flagstaff and south to the Phoenix metro area. Ellsworth estimates that just this year alone, staff and volunteer drivers have driven nearly 500,000 miles.

After retiring, John Wozniak was looking for something to occupy his time, so he volunteered to be a driver with VVCC. “I wanted to help people and this opportunity came up. The people are very grateful and happy to have someone to take them places. It makes you feel like you’re giving back.” Wozniak volunteers three or four days a week and has been a volunteer driver for six years.

“We have so many people we are serving right now who need to get to dialysis. If they had to pay out-of-pocket, it would cost them at least $120 a day for a round-trip,” said Ellsworth.

“We are also funded by grantors and receive governmental and municipal contracts such as from Arizona Department of Transportation

Continued on page 35

Staff members at Verde Valley Care Coalition (VVCC) believe that caring comes first. Gathered outside the facility is Fleet and Dispatch Specialist Cassandra Begay, Volunteer Driver John Wozniak, Neighbor Lynn Newman, Van Driver Miller Bizardi, Executive Director Kent Ellsworth and Development and Communications Director Linda Clark. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

KC HiLiTES: Illuminating Adventure

Off-road vehicle light company expanding in Northern Arizona

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

KC HiLiTES, the shining star of off-road vehicle lights, is moving to Flagstaff, and City of Flagstaff Economic Development Business Attraction Manager Jack Fitchett is thrilled.

“This is the type of company we want to attract to our city,” said Fitchett. “Businesses with high quality products that have low-impact [environmentally friendly] jobs fit nicely into our manufacturing targeting sector.”

As an internationally known and respected business, KC HiLiTES began its humble beginnings in Saugus, California. Founder Peter “Kim” Brown discovered the need for offroad lighting during a camping trip in Parker in the early ‘60s. After almost missing a turn in his off-road vehicle, Brown decided he needed brighter lights, which didn’t exist at the time. He found aircraft landing bulbs, put them in housings, attached them on his truck and, voila, a star by the name of KC HiLiTES was born.

Of course, friends liked the idea and also wanted some lights for their vehicles, so as demand grew, Brown decided to turn his garage into a factory and recruited local stay-at-home moms to work with him while their kids were in school. He also convinced his friends, Bob and Carol DeLander, to help with the business. At the time, they were living in Saugus, California.

Today, the age-old KC branding of the iconic yellow and black smiley face can be seen on off-road vehicles, trucks, snowblowers, construction machinery and military vehicles around the world. KC HiLiTES also caught the attention of professional off-road racers and appear at competitive events.

Early on, Brown developed a partnership with Mike Wang, a supplier from California. The two became good friends and both had sons in the business. Brown’s stepson, Michael DeHaas, started working in the warehouse, eventually stepped into sales, and in 2004, purchased KC HiLites as the next CEO. Wang’s son, Alan, became an investor and partner to KC HiLites and purchased the company from DeHaas in 2015. He is now president and CEO of the company.

“During that time, we started seeing headwinds across the business,” said Alan. “Together, Michael and our

family saw an opportunity to leverage our long-standing supply chain relationship to create a run for growth in the years to come.”

Today, KC HiLiTES continues as a family-owned business.

“It has been great seeing the KC history embraced by keeping the company in Arizona, specifically,

Flagstaff,” said DeHaas. “They have developed many new products to bolster the KC product offering and really have done a great job in their business expansion efforts. KC HiLiTES is in great hands with a bright future!”

Flagstaff resident Ron Pryczynski has worked for KC for 20 years. “I started in the summer of 1999 and

worked with Pete and Michael as sales and events coordinator. I moved into product development and when Alan took over, I moved into the general manager position,” he said. “With the new management, it’s definitely a new company, as it has evolved a lot. It’s more technology focused with the

General Manager Ron Pryczynski and Brand Marketing Manager Team Lead Taylor Ulrich are looking forward to a bright new chapter for KC HiLiTes. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Arizona Scientists Working to Control Galapagos Rat Population without Poison

Rodents threatening survival of species and farms

By Cindy May, QCBN

The chain of 19 islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago have been called “a priceless living laboratory.” The vast biodiversity of these islands that lie 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador is said to have inspired the theory of evolution.

Now, a Northern Arizona organization is working to help protect the islands from an invasive rat population that is threatening not only many of the endemic species of the Galapagos, but also the farms that are vital to the islands’ 40,000 human inhabitants.

Women in Science Doing Outreach and Mentoring (WISDOM) LLC, co-founded by Flagstaff scientists Dr. Loretta Mayer and Dr. Cheryl Dyer, is providing fertility-control technology to The Galapagos Project (galapagosproject.org), a two-year initiative aimed at restoring ecological balance humanely and without the use of poisons. Among the Galapagos sponsors is the Arizona-based Ramsey Social Justice Foundation, which provides grants and financial assistance to underrepresented communities.

The project is a collaboration between WISDOM; Animal Balance, an international animal welfare NGO; and the Agencia de Bioseguridad Galápagos (ABG), which oversees the archipelago.

“Animal Balance has been working in the region for years, providing consistent spay and neuter clinics, dog training classes and workshops on caring for animals,” said Mayer. “What WISDOM is bringing is a protocol for disbursing oral contraceptives to rodents, to

reduce the population without poison.”

Mayer and Emma Clifford, who founded Animal Balance in 2004, have admired each other’s work for years. They first met in 2003 at the first conference of Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs, where Mayer was presenting early findings on the potential for a non-surgical spay approach for dogs and Clifford was preparing to go to the Galapagos to spay and neuter dogs and cats.

As Clifford recalled: “I wanted to use non-surgical means to kindly manage the rats, cats and dogs of the Galapagos, but I was 19 years too early.”

Mayer and a team of WISDOM scientists and researchers recently returned from Isabela Island in the Galapagos, where they confirmed that the rodents - rattus rattus (known as the black rat) and mus musculus (the house mouse), would eat the pellets containing the fertility-control technology from feeding stations placed around farms on the islands.

Most of the feeding stations were made of biodegradable paperboard, selected to not add to the waste-stream of the islands. Two, however, were wood feeding stations constructed by Sinagua Middle School students, who built them in shop class. The Sinagua boxes were tested in the field as a culmination of WISDOM’s partnership with Sinagua Woodshop teacher Amy Dries and the Flagstaff Festival of Science.

“The most important thing is that we accomplished our mission to establish a research beachhead with Animal Balance to collect the data to allow us to lay out the two-year plan in a research protocol,” said Mayer.

The trip also allowed the scientists and researchers to meet and learn from government

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Dr. Loretta Mayer (left) and the team talk with a Galapagos local about the use of natural materials to build feeding stations containing pellets with WISDOM’s fertility-control technology. Photo courtesy Morgan Boatman

In Arizona, small business is a big deal.

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

azcommerce.com/small-business

Woman Business

of the Month Rank Horse Rides into Chino Valley

New Western women’s boutique offers clothing

After selling online since last March, Rank Horse opened its store in December and has been attracting customers since then. “Everybody that has come in here has been very nice and everyone has wished me luck,” she said.

Previously, Reid owned Rank Horse Aromas. She lived in Texas and sold the popular car fragrances during the pandemic. “They are homemade car air fresheners that you can have in any color, shape and scent, so I made those for a while, up until I launched Rank Horse Co.” She continues to sell them, but just for the store.

“There are a lot of people that helped me get established,” she said. “For starters, my fiancé, Justin, helped me. I had the idea of Rank Horse Co. for a while and he helped me put it into existence. My parents have always supported me from day one, so I have to give credit to them as well. I don’t know if I’d be where I’m at now without them and some close friends that were cheering me on along the way, and still are.”

Reid was born and raised in Chino Valley and graduated from Chino

Valley High School in 2019. She moved to Texas shortly thereafter. She planned to stay there, but then met her fiancé and the couple moved to New Mexico for a ranch job before moving back to Chino Valley.

Reid took dual enrollment classes with Yavapai College during high school and earned her welding certification. Her career has been in retail sales, but her hobbies have always been about horses.

“I rode my first horse at the age of 3. I was also in the 2018 Prescott Frontier Days Sr. Court, so rodeo has played a big part of my life.”

Reid is active in the community and attends a lot of vendor events and equine events. She is a sponsor for Olsen’s Grain and plans to attend all of their events, including barrel races, breakaway and team ropings. She is also a vendor for Cattleman’s Weekend in Chino Valley, at the Prescott Livestock Auction on Perkinsville Road, March 17-18. She has helped put on pop-up events in Chino Valley that involve other local, small businesses.

“I think my business is right for Chino Valley, simply because there’s

not a business like mine here,” she said. “I think a nice fitting shirt and some jewelry goes a long way. I try my best to make the women that come in feel beautiful and not feel judged for wanting to feel nice about themselves.”

Rank Hose Co. is on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. She also has a VIP Facebook group where she posts exclusive sales and deals.

Most Rank Horse clothing is for women, but her graphic tees are unisex. She also has some accessories like hats and koozies that can be geared more toward men.

“I truly appreciate everyone who has come in to check my business out, shared or commented on my posts, or bought something. Even the smallest gesture goes a long way for small business owners. I really try to give my customers a pleasant experience and build a relationship with them. You won’t usually find that at big box stores. I encourage everyone reading this to go stop in at a small business. You never know what you may find or the relationship you will build.” QCBN

Morgan Reid opened the shop in December and continues to build clientele. Photos by Stan Bindell

Microelectronics are Arizona’s future

Accelerating innovation

Arizona State University’s MacroTechnology Works facility in Tempe is where the public and private sectors come together to develop the research and workforce that Arizona will need as it transforms into a global hub for microchip manufacturing. It’s a collaborative approach attracting attention from national policymakers because it allows companies of all sizes to partner with ASU to solve microelectronic challenges that impact our daily lives and national security. It also directly connects these companies to the largest pipeline of engineering and technology talent in the U.S.*

*American Society for Engineering Education, 2021

ASU’s MacroTechnology Works in Tempe is a one-of-a-kind facility that operates as both a lab and a fab, a national resource for microelectronics companies of all sizes.

Learning Business Skills Early

Annual Girl Scout Cookie drive trains girls to be entrepreneurs

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

You only have 3,484 packages left to sell to reach your goal of 3,500, and the annual Girls Scout Cookie drive has just begun.

For Madisyn “Madi” Van Hemert, a 12th grader in Girl Scout Troop 212, these goals are exciting, achievable and educational.

“After 12 years of scouts, I have learned many valuable life skills,” said Van Hemert. “Money management has been the biggest skill. Additionally, I have learned customer service skills, budgeting and how to grow with the modernizing advances that we have to incorporate.”

Van Hemert is also working on a project for a Gold Award, the highest earned award in Girl Scouts, which must be started in high school and must demonstrate leadership skills and a desire to give back to the community.

Mentoring her on her project will be Nikki Lober, the Troop 212 leader, who has been involved with Girl Scouts for more than 30 years.

Lober recently collected comments to post in the girls’ own words about their goals and what they have learned from the cookie sale.

“I have been privileged to lead this troop and see many girls come and go,” she said. “I have seen each and every one of them grow and leave our troop with more skills and more confidence than when they started.”

Since her scouting daughter, Amelia, graduated from high school, the troop has been limited to older girls in middle and high school, thus “providing a place for any girl who wants to continue but their original troop does not,” she added.

So far, Troop 212, which has been active for 19 years, has welcomed girls from six troops. There are 16 registered girls this year.

Lober also is the cookie manager for the Sunny Peaks Service Unit and trains all the Girl Scout leaders in Sedona, Flagstaff, Williams, Winslow and Page on the procedures for the cookie sale and how to teach the girls and parents how to have a successful cookie sale.

“Most of these girls have been selling for years, so I support them by training them on new information for the year and making sure they have the resources they need. Each year,

the older girls plan a Cookie Kickoff or Cookie Rally. At this event, they have activities to teach the younger girls the skills needed to be successful in the cookie sale.”

This year, the troop goal is to sell 12,000 boxes. There are 12 girls selling and their goals range from 250 to 3,500 boxes, depending on the time they have to put into the sale.

The girls train with a cookie booth. They take turns sharpening their professional behavior and sales pitch. They also engage in a doorto-door sales practice to help them become more comfortable talking to customers.

A cookie-tasting session teaches them about the cookie varieties, so they know their products.

They also learn about goal setting for themselves and their troop and play a business ethics game to learn how to live by the Girl Scout Law throughout the cookie sale. “The older girls make sure that each activity has some fun to go with the learning,” Lober said.

On the cookie website, Emma Hirning, an 11th grader, wrote that she completed her Gold Award in 2022, and that she has enjoyed being her own “cookie boss.” She states that she is “hoping to sell 350 boxes

this year to be able to make wonderful memories with some of my best friends in Troop 212! I am so happy to have the opportunity to raise money to go on fun trips with some of my favorite people!”

The history of the Girl Scout Cookie is long. It began in 1917 with home-baked cookies made by scouting girls with the help of their mothers as baking advisors. These early baking endeavors began about five years after Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts in the U.S., as an effort to raise money to finance troop activities.

The simple sugar cookie was the first product. Today, there are

13 kinds, from the classic Trefoils (shortbread) and Thin Mints (mint chocolate dipped), to newer Adventurefuls (brownie cookie with caramel crème and sea salt) and Raspberry Rally (crispy raspberry flavor dipped in chocolate).

Alexis Velazquez, a ninth grader in Troop 212, posted about the cookies and the sale: “Being my own cookie boss with special needs for the past seven years has taught me to have more confidence in myself,” she wrote. “As well as learning to work as a team and getting to eat some yummy cookies.”

This year, the website for the

Continued on page 31

everyone in our community.

Madi Van Hemert, left, a 12th grader in Girl Scout Troop 212, is pictured with her sister, Peyton, selling Girl Scout cookies during the annual drive last year in front of Sportsman’s Warehouse in Flagstaff. Courtesy photo

Rapid Response Campaign Five things to do now:

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BONNIE STEVENS

Mental Toughness is a Dance of Rituals, Rhythm and Rest

Tennis Pro Mark Frampton says when you’re a beginner, 90% of your focus is on the physical aspects of the game. But after your body has grasped the mechanics, most of your success shifts to the mind. “For top players, the game is 85% mental,” he said.

Frampton, director of racquets at the north Scottsdale Terravita community, breaks it down like this: In any game, any match, any set, the time spent actually playing the game is only about 25%. Thus, he created his Mental Toughness Workshop to train players for the other 75%.

Winners, he says, are determined by how well they handle adversity. In fact, they thrive on it. “The difference between the Top 10 tennis players and everybody else is that they are more mentally tough.”

And this, he says, can be applied to other areas as well. So, if mental toughness is a key determiner of a positive outcome and thriving on adversity is part of the formula, Frampton poses this question to his workshop participants: “How do we learn to love the battle?”

The answer is in our brains, including the superpowers of rituals, rhythm and rest.

RITUALS

We all have them, and whether we know it or not, they are important for setting us up for the day, preparing us for a big moment and even settling us down for sleep. This became painfully clear recently when I headed for the kitchen to make coffee. My morning routine involves the perfect latte with just the right amount of steamed vanilla-flavored cream crowned with exquisitely fluffed foam. But in the Zen-like moment of my deeply ingrained ritual, the electricity turned off. I can still hear the click followed by silence after pressing the button on my Nespresso. In that moment, all the subtle humming of machines that make my world right stopped at 5:51 a.m. I was momentarily stunned. Without my morning ritual, I was stuck. I could not think of what to do next.

In tennis, the mentally tough have their rituals, too – they examine their racket in between points, bounce the ball before a serve, tug on their clothes or touch their face. Rafael Nadal is famous for his rituals. He tucks his hair behind his ear, pulls on his nose, adjusts his shorts and bounces the ball – perhaps 17 times – before he serves. He says it puts him in the right frame of mind. “When I do these things, it means I am focused,” Nadal is quoted as saying in an Essentially Sports article by Varun Khanna. “It’s a way of placing myself in a match.”

RHYTHM

Watching a new-to-tennis player reminds me of watching my grandson, Jackson, learn to walk. It’s awkward, sloppy and kind of funny and sweet. We’re not born with great rhythm; we have to work at it by practicing. To make this point, Frampton showed a video of a player who was out of sync with his rhythm.

There seemed to be a disconnect between his arms and the rest of his body. He was jerky and his energy wasn’t centrally harnessed – it was all over the place. He appeared distracted and frustrated.

Just as dancers practice by counting their steps out loud, Frampton trains tennis players to give auditory cues, which create rhythm for breathing and action. In preparation for a ground shot, for example, he asks players to say the word “bounce” as the advancing ball hits the court, then “yessss” as the racket makes contact. The body responds by setting up for the shot with “bounce” and executing with “yessss,” which also triggers the body to exhale. It’s a dance.

REST

I think we can all agree, it’s difficult to create a relaxed climate of calm and control, which Frampton says is the goal for optimal performance, when our hands are tightly gripping something like a tennis racket or a coffee mug. He wants his players to “dissolve the tightness.” Here’s his measure: “If a strong handshake is a 5, the ideal tennis grip is a 3.”

If you think about it, that’s probably the way you perform at your best, too. Creating a relaxed climate doesn’t mean you are not intensely focused. But it does mean you are in for the long game – you’re not going to burn yourself out, get tennis elbow or make your head hurt.

In between plays, he wants players to switch the racket to their non-dominant hand. It gives those hard-working muscles a break, a moment of rest, a mini vacation. Similarly, when we are struggling to solve a problem and scrunching up our face to force an answer, that’s a good time to relax and give our mental and physical muscles a break.

Leadership and performance experts are big on breaks – take a walk, do some pushups, play with your dog, meditate or go to sleep already. How many times have the answers come to us while we aren’t thinking about them? Similarly, walking away from the game, or the computer, for a while can make us a better performer.

“The hallmark of a competitor is their intensity, relaxation and calmness,” said Frampton. Mental toughness is the game changer, which we can build through rituals, rhythm and rest, and also with some packets of Starbucks Via Instant French Roast and a propane grill for boiling water in a power outage. QCBN

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

Nordic Village Experiencing One of the Best Winter Seasons on Record

With all 30 miles of cross-country skiing trails and 15 miles of snowshoeing trails open in February, Arizona Nordic Village managers are calling winter season 2022-23 one of the best on record, and the snowstorms keep coming.

“It’s been just phenomenal!” said General Manager Theo Callan. “Guests are having the best time!

While the National Weather Service in Bellemont reports January 2023 the third snowiest January on record for the Flagstaff area, recreation sales are mirroring the well-above-average precipitation. As a result, Village team members have been striving to keep up with the snow, which topped four feet in just one week.

Working through blizzard conditions, groomers are striving to carefully protect the base and prolong the life of the snowpack into spring by incorporating a gentler grooming plan than in the past. Callan says there is enough snow on the ground to ski through March as the ski resort marks a number of positive outcomes:

N Unprecedented amount of snow;

N Record number of season passholders;

N New Rossignol rental equipment.

N First year with masters’ and kids’ ski teams; and

N Heightened community engagement and volunteer support. The Village also has attracted much news attention. A production crew from TV Azteca out of Mexico City visited before the Super Bowl to draw attention to Arizona in February. QCBN

Sola introduced Arizona Nordic Village snow sports to her massive viewing audience. Courtesy photo

Mexico City’s TV Azteca reporter Andrea Sola visited Flagstaff and the Nordic Village to promote Arizona’s high country. Courtesy photo

Two-Day Pecan, Wine Festival Returns to Camp Verde

Saturday, March 18 through Sunday, March 19 marks the 22ndAnnual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival hosted by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the Town of Camp Verde, sponsored by Yavapai College and the Southwest Wine Center, SRP, the Arizona Office of Tourism and Larry Green Chevrolet. Celebrating two of the area’s prime tourism draws –wine and pecans – the free festival will feature 15 Arizona wineries along with a variety of pecans for pairing, a very competitive Pecan Pie contest, a Budweiser Beer Garden, food trucks and 70+ local artisans.

“The Verde Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) has achieved so much acclaim since its designation in 2021 that we are expecting a great turnout this year,” said Parks and Recreation Manager Michael Marshall.

Fifteen of the best local wineries within the Verde Valley will be in attendance, pouring their newest releases by the glass, bottle and case.

Wine tasting tickets (for attendees 21+) are available for $20 in advance by visiting www.verdevalleywine.

org or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ camp-verde-pecan-and-wine-festivaltickets-479518782587. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 per person. Both include a commemorative glass provided by the Arizona Office of Tourism and six wine tasting tickets. Additional wine tasting tickets will be available for purchase

Prescott-Area Tourism, Arts and Humanities Grant Program Opens

The Prescott Tourism Office is accepting applications for the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) and Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council (PAAHC) grants from Monday, March 6, through Monday, April 10 at 5 p.m.

TAC and PAAHC Grants are designed to assist registered non-profit organizations hosting events in Prescott between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The goal of the grant is to encourage event marketing outside of the Prescott area, to encourage overnight visitation. TAC and PAAHC Grants are funded by the city’s Transient Occupancy (Bed Tax). Events are eligible for up to $5,000, depending on their rating and how many organizations successfully apply. The grant is available only to registered non-profit organizations.

at the event.

The festival runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 18 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 19 in downtown Camp Verde (75 E. Hollamon Street).

For more information, visit cvaz.org or  verdevalleywine.org.

All grant materials, including the application, a guidebook and other resources, will be available on the official website ExperienePrescott.com by March 6. For more information, contact the Tourism Office or email hello@experienceprescott.com. QCBN

A Caring Heart: Dr. Soundos Moualla is YRMC’s Physician of the Year

By Bridget O’Gara

Soundos Moualla, M.D., FACC, FSCAI – Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s 2022 Physician of the Year – describes the

passion and drive she pours into her work as “relentless commitment.”

“My parents and grandmother guided me to always do my best and to treat every patient as family,” said Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Moualla of the James Family Heart Center at Dignity Health YRMC.

Moualla’s resolve to care for patients with heart disease began as a child. She recalls putting her ear on her father’s chest and listening to the whooshing sound of his heart murmur. Eventually, her father underwent open heart surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. And years later, after earning a medical degree from the National University of Ireland in Dublin, Moualla returned to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to pursue an internal medicine residency and an interventional cardiology fellowship. Moualla also completed her fellowship in cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic.

Joining the James Family Heart

Center

Moualla joined YRMC’s James Family Heart Center in 2017 to oversee the Structural Heart Program, which had started the previous year. Among her first major initiatives was the expansion of the Heart Center’s successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Program. Moualla also helped implement processes to identify patients with valvular heart

disease early and expedite the delivery of state-of-the-art treatment by the heart team. All of this, she notes, was accomplished with the collaboration of the cardiothoracic surgical team, other cardiologists, primary care physicians and inpatient hospitalists.

Moualla also worked with physician colleagues and clinical team members to create a comprehensive Structural Heart Program. In a short time, the

team introduced an array of advanced interventional heart and stroke-prevention procedures – transcatheter mitral valve replacement and repair, paravalvular leak closure, left atrial appendage closure and more.

“We now have a full-blown, comprehensive Structural Heart Program,” Moualla said. “That would not be possible without teamwork. Physicians, advanced practitioners, nursing and clinical staff, administrative staff and every member of the Structural Heart team contributed to building the program. This award is truly a recognition of their work and the James Family Heart Center team.”

Passionate About Patient Care Moualla’s relentless commitment encompasses the compassion she generously shares with patients and their families.

“Structural heart disease is a disease of the elderly,” she said. “In a community with a significant number of retirees, structural heart services are fundamental. Serving these patients and providing good patient outcomes is the most rewarding aspect of my work.”

This is underscored by the many YRMC team members who nominated Moualla for Physician of the Year. According to one colleague, “Dr. Moualla treats her patients and their loved ones as though they are her own family. She spends extended time with her patients and gets to know each of them as people, not just as a diagnosis.”

Moualla also volunteers her time and expertise, providing medical care to homeless patients and refugees. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, cooking and traveling.

YRMC’s Physician of the Year is selected annually by YRMC employees and medical staff. QCBN

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.

Soundos Moualla, M.D., FACC, FSCAI

BY V. RONNIE TIERNEY, QCBN

Ray’s Barber Shop Serves as ‘Clubhouse’ for Men

Owner Miles Diaz is thrilled that customers drive a great distance for a cut

Abrief stopover in Tuba City from New Hampshire provided just enough time for Miles Diaz to be born. Although there’s been much hardship in his life, Diaz has managed to clip through it all. Today, he owns Ray’s Barber Shop, opened by his grandfather, Lazaro Adame Diaz, in 1961.

“My parents named me Miles, because I was born so many miles from home,” said Diaz, who became the barbershop owner about a year ago. “When I was 4 years old, I used to come in and sweep the floor for my grandfather. I would listen to the old guys talk and it was like a clubhouse for my grandfather and his friends. I knew then that when I grew up, I wanted that for me, too.”

“It was my clubhouse, too, because my grandfather and I were always together here. He was my bulwark and we were super close. After he passed

away, I didn’t want to see his legacy die. I have one client that’s been coming here since 1966. He told me that he was glad I’m younger than him because I can cut his hair until his dying day,” said Diaz.

Well-mannered and gregarious, Diaz

doesn’t hide the fact that he made a lot of bad choices in his life. “I went down the wrong path for a while and I was incarcerated three times.”

Diaz noted with a chuckle that today some of his clients are law enforcement officers. “I tell them that I went from er

Shop and I show up for a few minutes most days just to say hi and see how everyone is doing.”

Ray’s Barber Shop was named after Lazaro’s best friend, Ray Casina, who was also a barber. The original location was next to Macy’s European Coffee

House on Beaver Street. “It was a small shop with only two chairs,” said Diaz. “It was like a closet. Maybe the size of my break room.”

Working alongside Diaz are barbers Lucas Barbaro and Salvador FloriaContinued on page 35

Chris and Andi Remy, RN, CSA

O 928-278-3899

E Remy@YourOasisAdvisor.com

W OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/ northern-az

Left: Miles Diaz says clients drive from Phoenix for a cut. Right: Displayed in his shop is a photo from 1997 featuring Diaz’s grandfather Lazaro and friends Cipriano “Cippe” Almendarez, Frank Martinez and John Scherily. Featured in front is Ray Casino, whom the shop was named after. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Using VR in Tinnitus Management

By Jeff Lane, Au.D.

The second most frequent request I receive from patients, after improved hearing, is to make their tinnitus go away. While tinnitus is not dangerous, it can certainly diminish sufferers’ quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for tinnitus. Instead, the focus is on mitigating the impact on daily life. Studies show that amplification, sound therapy, dietary modifications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are all effective forms of tinnitus management. But are there any new tools to add to the arsenal?

Perhaps! Researchers are beginning to explore the use of virtual reality (VR) in helping tinnitus patients, and the initial results are promising.

SOUND THERAPY

Sound therapy refers to the practice

of having tinnitus patients listen to relaxing sounds to lessen the perceived annoyance caused by the tinnitus. Common stimuli can include white noise and nature sounds, such as waves. They are often presented through hearing aids. The stimulus sound masks the tinnitus; the brain focuses on the stimuli, rather than the bothersome tinnitus. It’s similar to putting on your headphones while trying to complete an assignment so you are not distracted by the noises around you. Sound therapy also promotes relaxation, which has been shown to reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus.

Recently, researchers have looked to fractal tones for use in sound therapy. Fractal tones sound like wind chimes or singing bowls, which most people find inherently relaxing. However, their real benefit is their unpredictability. Because they do not follow a predictable

pattern, the listener listens more passively, which promotes a more relaxed emotional state. Studies have shown that fractal tones can be as or more effective than other types of sound.

VIRTUAL REALITY

When hearing the words virtual reality, most people likely imagine video games or online communities. However, studies have shown it to be useful in the medical field as well. It can be used to help manage acute and chronic pain. It can also help with mental health conditions such as anxiety. Scientists believe the therapeutic benefit stems from VR’s effect on our limbic system, which helps to control emotional states and reactions. Since the limbic system is believed to be involved in our perception of tinnitus, VR offers an intriguing pathway to relief. Indeed, one study showed VR to be as effective as CBT in addressing tinnitus.

HAPPY MARRIAGE

So, sound therapy and virtual reality have both proven themselves viable options for managing tinnitus. But what happens if the two are combined? Is the benefit even greater? Fortunately, we have an answer. A. K. Deshpande, et al. (2022) performed an experiment to explore this exact hypothesis.

The authors gathered 20 adult participants with tinnitus in one or both ears. They excluded those with head, neck or spinal injuries, or those who already had a tinnitus masker active in their hearing aids. They then had the participants undergo two treatment paradigms. One involved a session using a commercially available sound therapy in isolation. The second involved those same participants undergoing the sound therapy in conjunction with VR. The VR involved wearing goggles which presented different nature scenes. Each session was performed one week apart, with the order of the sessions (VR first or second) being randomized.

After each session, the effects of the therapies were determined using three self-assessments. However, for our purposes, we will focus on two: tinnitus loudness and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Tinnitus loudness is the perceived intensity of the tinnitus. The TFI measures the perceived negative impact of the tinnitus on the person’s daily life. Both paradigms (sound therapy only and sound therapy with VR) were shown to help lower both the tinnitus loudness and TFI scores. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the

two, which favored the inclusion of VR. In other words, the authors showed that combining the two therapies did make them more effective.

These results are obviously quite exciting. Audiologists have a possible new tool in the fight against tinnitus! However, anticipation must be tempered. As the authors discuss, their experiment did not study the long-term effects and efficacy of their treatment. Also, the setup was entirely experimental and designed solely for the study. There is no commercially available, self-contained device that you can buy to replicate this specific treatment. But such significant results in early experiments are encouraging. Contact your local audiologist to discuss currently available treatments and keep an eye on the horizon. QCBN

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

Recently, researchers have looked to fractal tones for use in sound therapy. Fractal tones sound like wind chimes or singing bowls, which most people find inherently relaxing. However, their real benefit is their unpredictability.

BY PHIL GOODE

Understanding the Realities of Land Development, Growth in Prescott

During my five-plus years of serving the Citizens of Prescott as Planning and Zoning commissioner, councilmember and mayor, one overarching topic has been growth and development in Prescott. After moving here, I became involved in many organizations and, as a result, was quickly plugged into

the issues facing our community. Among them: growth, land development and private property rights were front and center, next to water and infrastructure.

Often, I hear calls to “stop growth” and “stop building” from both new and long-time Prescott residents. As much as we would like to keep

our fair town exactly as it was when we moved here, the truth is that no elected official or governing body has the power to put a halt to growth and development. We can manage growth, and encourage appropriate development, however, we can never take away legitimate rights of property owners who wish to develop and build on their property. Likewise, property owners must comply with applicable zoning, height restrictions, building codes and the city’s water policy. Through codes, ordinances and ballot initiatives, we can manage and control the pace and appropriateness of growth. We can influence how new development impacts our water supply, our traffic patterns, our public safety services and our infrastructure, but we cannot arbitrarily stop it.

The city has a number of development agreement contracts in place on hundreds of acres of land, mainly in north Prescott.

These are developments approved for thousands of residential units, with an expectation that they will be built out over the next several decades, not all at once or immediately. These are mostly single-family homes with multi-family apartments and condos also planned. These projects were approved by City Council over the years by different councils at different times. In each case, a development agreement and water allocation was negotiated, drafted and voted on by the council in place at the time. These agreements are contracts that bind the city to allow the negotiated elements, assuming they are legally conforming homes and meet all of the zoning, building safety requirements of the city code, and that they meet the provisions of our water policy.

What does all of this mean for Prescott? New home construction will continue. We are in a desirable community. Housing costs

have increased substantially in just three years, due in part to supply chain, component costs and labor –so much s, that our working class and professional residents such as police officers, teachers and nurses are having a difficult time finding places they can afford. The city has established a Workforce Housing Committee to explore how we can impact affordability. More living units are needed. Prescott has been growing consistently during a 10+ year period. It remains a manageable level of growth, provided that the city works to keep up with appropriate services and public safety infrastructure. Through all of this, we must work together to maintain the community and culture of Prescott, while welcoming a sustainable pace of growth and providing an affordable place for all of our valued residents to live. QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Often, I hear calls to “stop growth” and “stop building” from both new and long-time Prescott residents. As much as we would like to keep our fair town exactly as it was when we moved here, the truth is that no elected official or governing body has the power to put a halt to growth and development. We can manage growth, and encourage appropriate development, however, we can never take away legitimate rights of property owners who wish to develop and build on their property.

Pursuing Dreams Can Lead to Happiness, Satisfaction

By Deanna Eder

Pursuing your dreams can add a lot of value and meaning to your life. When you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and you take steps to make it a reality, you are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can lead to a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction in your life. Of course, the pursuit of dreams can also involve challenges and setbacks, but overcoming these obstacles can be a source of personal growth and development. The journey toward your dreams can teach you valuable lessons about resilience, determination and the importance of hard work. Following your dreams can help you create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling to you, and can contribute

to a sense of overall well-being and happiness.

Going after your dreams can be a transformative experience. Here are a few examples of life-changing lessons:

N It takes courage. Pursuing your dreams often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks. This can be scary, but it can also be incredibly empowering as you develop the courage to face your fears and take action.

N You will never fail if you follow your heart. The road to your dreams may be bumpy and challenging, but overcoming obstacles and setbacks can build your resilience and inner strength. You will learn to bounce back from failure and keep going in the face of adversity.

N There’s only one of you. When you

pursue your dreams, you may learn new things about yourself and what you are capable of. You may also discover what truly matters to you and what you value most in life.

N You won’t always feel excited. Pursuing a dream requires focus and dedication. You may need to prioritize your time and energy to stay on track and learn to say no to distractions that may derail you.

N Everyone is trying to figure it out. Achieving your dreams may take time, and progress may come slowly. This can teach you the importance of patience and perseverance, and the value of small steps toward your goals.

N Fear is not a stopping point. Be patient and kind to yourself. Your journey may not always be easy, but remember that each step you take brings you closer to your dreams and that in itself is a great accomplishment.

N Planning means nothing without action. Action and hard work will be required in different parts of your journey. Celebrate the little wins along the way.

N Live your purpose. Spend less time with distractions and more time embracing the present. Do more of

what lights you up.

N Your journey will look different from others. Strategies that work for someone else may be completely different for you. Find your own path.

N Life is sweeter when you go after your dreams. Go after your dreams with all that you’ve got. Do the things that make you uniquely happy and fulfilled.

Remember that you are capable of achieving great things, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don’t be afraid to seek support and guidance from others who can help you along the way. And most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself. QCBN

Deanna Eder is the director of marketing at Polara Health.

Everyone is trying to figure it out. Achieving your dreams may take time, and progress may come slowly. This can teach you the importance of patience and perseverance, and the value of small steps toward your goals.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

By Sheila Richardson

In a modern world, what is the draw of apprenticeship? Why does anyone enter into this relationship instead of choosing college or an entry-level job? To begin with, the apprentice starts with a paying job and the promise of advancement. There are guaranteed increases in pay as their skills and understanding increase. There are apprenticeship programs in health care, information technology, energy and construction, to name only a few.

Aspen Communications sponsors

a Telecommunications Technician

Apprenticeship that is endorsed by the State of Arizona and the United States Department of Labor. Not only is the training in the workplace, but often it includes classroom instruction. This instruction is frequently found in community colleges as associated work training and can lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree. Occasionally, an apprenticeship includes classroom training from industry-specific qualified trainers, either in classrooms or VCT (virtual classroom training) by industry experts, as is Aspen’s apprenticeship program. The completed full course of training and instruction, along

with supervised experience and certification testing over the course of one to six years, produces a nationally recognized long-term career for the successful apprentice.

This apprenticeship, in turn, provides a pathway to advancement for a person with interest in the employer’s business. This is a channel for stable, trained and experienced staff for the business. The clearly defined program of an apprenticeship provides individuals with the highest and most professional standards in each industry. As most of the apprenticeship programs include an emphasis on safety, it also provides employees who are knowledgeable in most aspects of safety generally and specifically in OSHA. Over time, these apprentice relationships prove 91% of apprentices are still employed nine months later and longer; a stable workforce for the employer. The State of Arizona provides some tax credits and incentives to employers for sponsoring these programs.

It is easy to see how mutually beneficial these programs are for both the employee and employer, but how is it of benefit to our states and why are they supported in workforce development? This is one case where all parties win. As employees become more

skilled and advance their careers, the employer grows a more skilled and professional staff that is also capable of developing future apprentices. The business thrives with well trained, productive and loyal staff earning good wages. The community benefits by a strong business and a productive workforce. The Department of Labor cites the following statistic:

The average wage for a fully proficient worker who completes an apprenticeship is $50,000 annually. Apprentices who complete their program earn approximately $300,000 more during their career than non-apprenticeship workers.

Everyone wins! QCBN

For more information, email info@aspentelco.com

Sheila Richardson is President/ CEO of Aspen Communications LLC and author of the State of Arizona Telecommunications Technician Apprenticeship Program.

What is a Community Foundation?

By Lisa Sahady

When people hear the word philanthropist, most think of someone with self-sustaining wealth. Billionaires and millionaires are seen on social media and in the news granting money to non-profit organizations, schools and emergency relief for natural disasters. You do not have to be a billionaire or millionaire to be a philanthropist. Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others; it is the expression of generosity in great ways and small ways. Every day, our friends and neighbors are making decisions to give back to our community. The best donor is the one that is giving $10 a month to their favorite organization. The reason, organizations know they can count on that donor’s monthly gift to help with their dayto-day operations.

You might know community foundations as grantmakers supporting local causes, but the annual grantmaking is an intended outcome of community foundation work. The work itself is mobilizing enduring philanthropy to strengthen the community. It is, in other words, building an endowment for the perpetual benefit of one’s community, whether that is a town, county, state or country.

Depending on a donor’s goals and interests, several options are available to them through a variety of fund types. A donor can support their favorite charity, create a scholarship for their high school or alma mater, or create a fund that helps many organizations through an annual competitive grant process, to name just a few. The benefit is having a direct say in how either current or future giving will happen.

When you hear the word “endowment,” you might think of the endowments held by universities, churches or hospitals. These are the “forever funds” where supporters direct donations to ensure the work that matters to them can go on past their lifetimes. These are also referred to as legacy gifts.

Endowments are not a simple type of math, such as 1 + 1 = 2. Endowment math is more like 1 + 1 = 3. Wise investing and healthy annual distributions help increase the principal of each endowed fund. This means that the annual distributions go up each year, not by leaps and bounds, but slow steady growth. For a donor, it means their favorite charities receive annual distributions in perpetuity that they can place into their annual operational budgets. It also means leaving a lasting impact

on the community.

A Community Foundation can be a solution for charitable giving, whether during your lifetime or, more often, after your lifetime. Endowment funds can be created from various assets such as stock, your home or business, and cryptocurrency, to name a few. It is always recommended that any donor talk with their tax preparer or estate planning

attorney, if needed, on which assets are the best option to give. QCBN

Lisa Sahady is the regional director for the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County. Since 2016, she has helped increase ACF of Yavapai County’s asset base by building relationships with professional advisors, individual donors and non-profit organi-

zations. She received her Certified Gift Planning Professional designation through Crescendo’s Gift College for complex estate planning. She can be reached at lsahady@ azfoundation.org.

Food Forest Growing with Volunteers, Sponsors, Programs

By John Murphy

The launch of the Prescott Food Forest and Gardeners Of Destiny (GOD) Training Program has been a real success. In fact, the eight-week Winter Greenhouse Gardening Course is sold out and has hosted 30 passionate local residents that want to learn how to grow food.

Located at B Organic Farm, Chino Valley, the program’s first week was on Jan. 21, 2023. While it was literally freezing outside, the greenhouse was a balmy 50 degrees with the help of heaters, provided by my non-profit “Make 100 Healthy Foundation.” This allowed classes to start, regardless of the weather conditions.

The full attendance confirmed that many people want to learn to grow food, to be able to help those less fortunate to receive fresh food, even in the dead of winter. How wonderful! We have attracted many local gardening leaders to join our efforts because of the awareness that was generated from my past articles in QCBN.

Greg Eddolls of www.Foodscape. tips has taken the bull by the horns by volunteering to teach each Saturday. His main business, Tri City Computers, in partnership with Don Gordon’s DLG Recycling, has donated a refurbished 60” Flat Screen Interactive Touch Screen Educational

TV and a greenhouse laptop that allows us to use multimedia and videos to reinforce the class subject manner.

We are grateful for his generosity in time and resources.

Also, we are so blessed to have seasoned gardeners and passionate people, including Hoss Lambeth and Master Gardeners LeRoy Miller, Joe Rubio, Ann Smeltzer and others who have led the volunteer efforts during the week to allow for a beautiful and productive greenhouse setup. In fact, Hoss has focused on reinforcing the cinderblock raised beds with rebar and drip system redesign. This is hard work that is not for the faint of

heart.

LeRoy Miller has brought his lifelong skills as a gardener to lead the ramp-up of the greenhouse to be ready to grow the Food Forest into a lush and productive place for fruits and vegetables to grow in.

Stephane Leon has been brilliant in bringing all the content together to inspire and lead the course for these aspiring gardeners; all of whom have received full scholarships to the eightweek course, thanks to our fundraising efforts and our main sponsors Lamb Cadillac and Pinnacle Bank.

The most exciting aspect of this program is the folks that have attend-

ed. We have families, couples and individuals that come each week ready to learn and apply their newfound skills, both at B Organic Farm and in their homes. Each student has committed to giving a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer time at B Organic Farm in return for the scholarship they received.

Ginny Buonaquista, the owner of B Organic Farm, is grateful for the help. “I have pretty much been on my own since COVID hit and it has limited our ability to provide free food to those in need. With all the new gardeners and volunteers, we are planning to grow more food than

ever before. It is a true blessing,” she said.

How can you get involved? First, we are always seeking volunteers to help tend to the garden. If you have three or four hours a week to give, we have plenty of work for you to do. We have a volunteer scheduler on our site: prescottfoodforest.com or call us directly at 928-899-1341 for more Information.

What’s next? We are in the process of offering a Spring Garden Growing course, starting in April, and we are working on a summer boot camp program for children and families alike to teach them the skills to be able to grow healthy and nutrient dense fruits and vegetables.

This effort has been a testament to the tenacity and commitment of many local people to give our community the skills and insights on why growing food is so important. Thank you to all who have been a part of this incredible journey, which is just starting to scratch the surface of our full potential. I am humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement.

Let’s keep growing! QCBN

John Murphy, Make 100 Healthy/ Realtor.

QC pet news

Chino Valley Animal Shelter Depends on Volunteers

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Thirty-two volunteers keep the Chino Valley Animal Shelter (CVAS) going.

Deborah Korell, animal shelter adoption specialist at CVAS, said they utilize volunteers for help with all aspects of cleaning, including disinfecting kennels, doing dishes and doing laundry. “We also have volunteers who like to walk the dogs and get them out for fresh air. When we go to adoption events, such as Woofstock and Dogtoberfest, volunteers help with setting up and tearing down, dog handling and manning the shelter’s booth.”

Having the volunteers is crucial, she says, because the shelter has a very small staff – only two full-time animal control officers, one full-time adoption specialist and one part-time adoption specialist.

“Volunteers are important for the smooth operation of the shelter,” she said “By having volunteers who are willing to clean, this frees up time for the employees to get important office work done. Shelter staff can also focus on scheduling meet-and-greets to get animals adopted more quickly. Volunteers are vital in helping to socialize our animals and provide them with the exercise and enrichment they need.”

Thirteen of the volunteers are regulars and come in on certain days each week to help out in different areas.

The CVAS is run through the Chino Valley Police Department, so potential volunteers need to fill out a volunteer application, which then gets sent to the PD for a background check. If all comes back clean, lead volunteer, Pam, will schedule a time for an orientation with the new volunteers. Orientation takes about an hour and covers safety rules and dog handling at the shelter.

Korell said the shelter is looking for two more dedicated volunteers who are willing to come in weekly on Friday and Saturday mornings to help clean the shelter. “These volunteers need to be self-motivated and pay attentive to detail. We can also use more volunteers for walking dogs. We currently have only a few who can make it in on a regular basis for walking,” she said.

After orientation, volunteers receive more training from seasoned volunteers or staff.

Korell, who has been at the shelter for eight-and-a-half years, said the best part about CVAS is the animals, staff and volunteers. “We have an amazing group of talented, hardworking people who help make our shelter everything it is.”

She has seen many changes, including a new office building, the updating of their play yards from decomposed granite to artificial turf, new front kennel doors and new cat kennels. “A very generous donor left money with which we were able to purchase our shelter van to transport pets to and from vet appointments and adoption events.”

CVAS is a small no-kill shelter. It can only house 12 dogs at a time. Currently, it has nine dogs and two cats. Eight of the dogs are available for adoption.

Adoption fees range from $150 to $200, depending on the age of the dog. Cat and kitten adoptions range from $50 to $115. QCBN

Adoption Specialists Beckah Segien and Debra Korell work with Animal Control Officers Mary Forsman and McKenna Popp. Muffin, an Alaskan malamute, is available for adoption. Photo by Stan Bindell

Let’s Go for A Walk Together

By Loree Walden

Do you sometimes feel that taking your dog out for a walk is more of a chore than an enjoyment? In all honesty, I can say for me, sometimes it does feel that way. Waking up early, piling on layers of warm clothes and boots and having to go out is not my idea of a good time, especially if it’s snowing or raining. The funny thing is once I get out there and start walking with my girl, I almost immediately have an “attitude adjustment” and start to get a little pep in my step and enjoy my

time outside with her. I find myself talking to her about what the day is going to hold, telling her how cute she is, stopping with her to look at a plant or flower, and just enjoying nature. Of course, after a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is come home and go out for another walk, but I have gotten to the point now where I look forward to that time, as well. When I head out with my girl, I talk to her and tell her about how my day was and it/she just seems to make all the stress of the day go away. It’s like a walking therapy session in a no judgement zone!

She’s not judging me about anything I’m telling her, or how fast or slow I’m walking. She’s just happy we’re together, and so am I.

Not only is walking your dog a stress-reducer and time to commune with nature, but it also keeps both you and your dog healthy. It’s a great way for them to burn off some energy, and help with joint health and weight issues, especially if they just lie around all day while you’re at work. I know my girl comes running to the front door when I get home and can’t wait to get out there and go, go, go! Our time out walking is exercise for her and for me too, and what’s great is it doesn’t even really feel like I’m exercising. We usually walk for 30 minutes every morning and about 45 minutes every afternoon, which means that I’m getting an average of over an hour of exercise every day and she is too, which is a good thing as she’s a big fan of treats, and I haven’t mastered the art of saying “no” to her!

Another benefit of taking your dog out for a walk is socialization for both them and you! When you meet up with other dog people, there is almost always some sort of conversation that happens while your furry friends check each other out. It gives you an

Exploring Screen Printing for Businesses

By Eva Janckila

Screen printing is an ancient art form that originates from China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was used to decorate fabric and other surfaces with decorative motifs by pushing ink through a silk mesh screen. Modern screen printing is much the same as it was in the past; however, nowadays the mesh is a synthetic rather than a natural fiber. Screen printing is a popular technique used by many businesses and individuals for making custom apparel. It can be used to decorate everything from T-shirts and posters to mugs and signs.

In the apparel industry, screen printing is used to apply graphics and logos to clothing items. Screen printing can be done with a variety of different ink types such as puff or metallic, which, when used properly, can accentuate certain areas of the design to be printed. Screen printing is also great for creating high quantities of items with the same design, making it ideal for businesses who need to produce many items quickly and efficiently. Whatever your needs may be, screen printing remains a popular choice because of its versatility, cost effec tiveness and durability. With its long history and many uses, it is easy to see why screen printing remains a popular choice for many businesses and individuals today. QCBN

opportunity to make new friends and possibly even future playdates for your dogs. My dog is really friendly and will pretty much try to love on everybody she meets. There are a couple people in the senior community near my apartment who are always sitting outside when Cassidy and I are out, and she runs right up to them. They get such a kick out of it and love spending time with her, while she’s loving on them. It’s good for her and them!

Perhaps the greatest benefit of taking your dog out for a walk is the one-on-one time you have together. My dog is learning to trust me more when I say “it’s OK, I got you” if she sees a bigger dog, or a loud car or truck goes by and spooks her. I love when we’re walking and she’s ahead of me and stops and looks at me to make sure I’m there and then we continue on. It’s almost like she’s saying, “Come on, mom, let’s do this together.” Taking your dog for walks every day offers the opportunity for both of you to continue to bond, which helps create a strong and happy relationship. Your dog is also likely to be more well-behaved and listen to you better when you have a good, strong bond. It’s fun to

watch her explore new things that she sees or smells, and sometimes I have to chuckle at her curiosity, especially when she’s looking at something and then looks up at me almost as if to say, “What’s this?” She’s made me try to look at the world with the same curiosity as she has, and it has made me a think about even the simplest things a little differently. Who knew walking your dog could do so much?

If you’re looking for a walking buddy, there are a lot of them waiting for you, and a new home, at Yavapai Humane Society! Visit our website at yavapaihumane.org to see all their pictures and then make an appointment at 928-445-2666 to come meet your new best friend. QCBN

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

Go to https://starworldwidenetworks.com/shows/bonnie-stevens

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Arizona Cap & Apparel first opened in 1999 as Arizona Cap Company in a garage in Chino Valley, Arizona. Within a few years, the company was offering a full line of promotional products, including banners, business cards, coffee mugs, pens and more. Today, it is owned and operated by mother and son team Eva and Vance Janckila and is located in Prescott Valley. The business continues to grow, serving more than 10,000 clients locally and nationwide.

Not only is walking your dog a stress-reducer and time to commune with nature, but it also keeps both you and your dog healthy. It’s a great way for them to burn off some energy, and help with joint health and weight issues, especially if they just lie around all day while you’re at work.

Practicing Mindfulness with Money to Boost Your Financial Wellness

By Daniel Martinez

Mindfulness is a hot topic in today’s fast-paced world; a practice of being present in the moment, fully aware of where we are and what we’re doing, of not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. But mindfulness isn’t only a practice

for yoga or meditation – it can also benefit your financial wellness. Here are three exercises to use mindfulness in your financial life.

EXERCISE 1: BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SAVINGS GOALS AND PAY YOURSELF FIRST

Do you struggle to meet your savings goals each month? It’s time to be more mindful and deliberate about what your goals are and what it will take to get there. Determine how much you can contribute each week or month and put mindfulness into action by paying yourself first.

Treat your regular savings contributions like a bill that is due each week or month. Whether it’s building an emergency fund or saving for a financial goal, put away as much as you can. Even $50 or $100 each month adds up to big savings! The good news is that you’re already practicing pay-yourself-first mindfulness if you are contributing to your 401K.

EXERCISE 2: BE MINDFUL OF YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTION

Can you increase your contribution

to your retirement account? Be mindful of your future by taking inventory of your retirement account at least once a year. Look at how much you’re contributing – is it enough to get the full employer match?

Look for opportunities to increase the amount you’re contributing. The longer you put off increasing your retirement savings, the more you miss the benefit of compound interest. So, don’t wait — even a $50-per-month increase in retirement savings has the potential to grow to almost $75,000 over 30 years, assuming an 8% annual rate of growth, compounded monthly. *

ness is a great way to have a better understanding of your spending and savings habits, making you more financially fit. Come back to these exercises whenever you need a boost in your financial well-being. QCBN

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:

EXERCISE

3: BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SPENDING BY MAKING A GAME OUT OF SAVING

Part of saving is being mindful of your spending. Push yourself to go on a no-spend challenge – a weekend, week or month when you don’t spend money on anything but the essentials. Doing these challenges regularly pushes you to be creative with what you have while opening ideas for more ways to save.

Practicing financial mindful-

For more than 12 years, Daniel Martinez 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. Martinez 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

NOT INSURED BY NCUA OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY | NOT CREDIT UNION GUARANTEED NOT CREDIT UNION DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS | MAY LOSE VALUE

* This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing.

Yavapai College Leaping Toward the Future with Classes in the Metaverse

By Lisa B. Rhine

The future of education is a hot topic as technology and innovation continue to change every industry. To excel in the future, we must accept these changes and adapt our current structures to take advantage of what technology can provide. It makes me proud that Yavapai College has its eyes set on the future, and the Metaverse is one of our focus areas.

“Metaversity,” as it is being called, is an immersive way for students to learn through virtual and augmented reality. The college has landed a grant with Meta and will partner with VictoryXR, a company specializing in virtual reality education. The grant provides Yavapai College with 25 Meta Quest 2 headsets to be used by students and instructors. The college will also have 10 branded classrooms at VictoryXR’s Virtual Academy. In addition, YC faculty and staff will receive training from VictoryXR.

The current form of traditional online learning can be difficult for students. Online learning presents itself as passive and unenjoyable via video conferencing. In contrast,

VictoryXR’s immersive classrooms and campuses allow students to interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment through virtual reality. Educators are given training and 3D objects to teach a variety of subjects to students.

I participated in classes at the VictoryXR Virtual Academy and it is an incredible way to teach and learn. It is the future. We must change the mindset that technology will eliminate the need for people to work or learn. It is not, but it will change how people work and learn.

YC will now begin to determine which classes it will offer in the Metaverse, with the goal of the first classes being offered in the upcoming fall 2023 semester. YC will become one of the only community colleges in the country teaching in the Metaverse.

Students interested in taking classes in the metaverse should visit www.yc.edu/meta and fill out the information form.

I look forward to offering our students and communities the future of education where they can take advantage of cutting-edge learning

experiences that are currently not widely available 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.

//Look for opportunities to increase the amount you’re contributing. The longer you put off increasing your retirement savings, the more you miss the benefit of compound interest.

Are Fruit Trees a Good Investment?

By Ken Lain

You used to need a lot of land to grow fruit trees. Dwarf and semidwarf fruit trees have allowed growing them in just about any yard.

Most standard-sized fruit trees mature at a height and width of between 18-25 feet. Not only will this require a big chunk of your yard, but it also makes them tall to prune and spray without using a ladder.

Even with smaller trees, growing fruit is a long-term investment. Fruits can take anywhere from two to 10 years to bear fruit. If you plan to be harvesting for years to come, it pays to do some upfront planning.

CHOOSING A SIZE

The terms dwarf and semi-dwarf can be confusing. Dwarf fruit trees reach a height and width of about eight to 10 feet. At this height, they can be tended and harvested without a ladder. Pruning keeps them even smaller. Unfortunately, dwarf fruit trees tend to be short-lived.

Semi-dwarf fruit trees are a little larger, with most topping at 12 to 16 feet tall and wide. Maintenance and harvest require a ladder, but the average yield is eight to 12 bushels, about twice what you expect from a dwarf tree and

far longer living.

There is not much space difference between the two types of trees, and both should start producing fruit within five years. With just a bit more work, the yields are far greater on semi-dwarf trees. With actual dwarf trees, you will have all your fruit within arm’s reach.

For those of you thinking that even eight to 10 feet is more space than you have or can sacrifice, don’t give up.

Fruit trees can be grown in containers as well. The yield is not as heavy, but every bit as delicious.

WHICH FRUIT TREES NEED POLLINATORS?

Most fruit trees produce better fruits if two or more trees are planted nearby. Just don’t put your house or barn between the two trees. Anywhere in the landscape will do.

Although the trees need to be the

same type of fruit, they should not be the same variety. You can plant two different kinds of apples and they will cross-pollinate with each other, as long as they bloom simultaneously. Most fruit tree catalogs and plant labels give you suggestions for excellent pollinators. We have several local charts here at Watters Garden Center that will help.

If you only want one tree, your best options are peach, apricot, nectarine and sour cherry. These are self-pol-

linating or self-fruitful and pollinate themselves with help from bees. One notable exception is a Stella Sweet Cherry, which is also self-fruitful.

A second option is a multi-grafted tree, where three or more varieties of fruit are grafted onto one trunk. Another name for this fruit tree is a “Fruit Cocktail Tree.”

SOME LIKE IT COLD

Fruit trees need a certain number of hours when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Without this chilling period during their dormancy, they set little fruit the following spring. We have locally proven varieties available here at the garden center.

WHICH FRUIT TREES ARE LOW MAINTENANCE?

All fruit trees require some care and the right Fruit Tree Food. Most require annual pruning. However, some can get by with minimal supervision once established. At the top of the list of low-maintenance trees are cherries. These require pruning only when branches are damaged or crossed.

Stone fruits like peaches, apricots, plums and nectar-

ines are also easy to maintain. Some pruning is required to keep the trees open to light and may need fruit thinning in early summer for a larger harvest.

Apples and pears are the best mountain producers. Because apples and pears are the last fruit trees to blossom in spring, it reduces the likelihood of frost damage. This one trait puts them in the number one producer spot. Pruning fruit trees is a vast topic and varies with the tree type. But starting with the right tree for your location and getting it off to a healthy start is a solid first step toward your first fruit harvest. If you’re thinking fruit this spring, now is the time to plant. Plant before they leaf. Late winter and early spring are the ideal planting window for fruit trees. Watters has the most extensive local selection and ready to set fruit and grow.

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners plant the perfect fruit tree here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10FruitTrees.com.

Do You Know Who Provides Your Security Service?

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Security systems are a great way to protect your property from intruders. They can be set up with motion sensors that detect any movement within the building or outside its perimeter. When an intruder is detected, they will trigger an alarm, which will alert those nearby of potential danger. But have you ever asked yourself, who is monitoring my security or fire alarm system? Many companies have the actual monitoring provided out of the United States. It can be unsettling for some homeowners and businesses, but the main reason is lack of workforce and cost. Some say it’s a way of doing business today, but we feel it’s better to have a monitoring company close to home.

More importantly, who is setting up your system or providing your service? Not only should they be professional with a crew who has knowledge and experience, but also the company should be a licensed contractor. It ensures that those who are employed as contractors have met the necessary qualifications and have been approved by relevant authorities to perform work on behalf of their clients. A license also provides assurance to potential customers that they can trust their contractor, knowing that they are qualified, experienced and

knowledgeable about their field of expertise. It also helps protect customers from any liability issues or legal repercussions should something go wrong with the project or service. And with changing technology, a licensed contractor must stay up to date with industry trends and best practices. And finally, it also helps ensure that they have proper insurance and liability coverage in place to protect themselves and their clients.

So, if you currently have a security system or fire alarm system or are in the market for one, you should consider who you are working with, not just what you are receiving for your purchase. Make sure to ask where the monitoring is being done and if the company is currently a licensed contractor. We promise this will be extra security for you and offer peace of mind, which is why we are in the

business ourselves. 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.

Considering Inflation, Return on Investment When Remodeling

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. Thanks for being such loyal and great readers.

Sandy: Wow, Tom, have you been keeping up with the cost of everything these last few months? It is nuts!

Tom: No joke there, Sandy. I can’t think of a single product that hasn’t gone up in the last year, with the exception of gas dropping from $4 a gallon by about 40 cents.

Sandy: The construction industry is certainly no exception. Estimating and budgeting a project has to be a challenge for sure.

Tom: I am told it is. Bidding must be even worse.

Sandy: Really, how can you anticipate the cost of an item like appliances or even paint when you won’t be buying it for six months? After you design, permit and start building, it will be at least that amount of time if not more!

Tom: True statement. There are some guides out there that can help homeowners develop a reasonable budget.

Sandy: Well, don’t keep our readers in suspense, where is this resource?

Tom: Handley Wood publishes several trade magazines, one of them is called simply “Remodeling.” This group has nationwide distribution and as such, is in a unique position to obtain data across the continent.

Sandy: I know about this group. You are talking about their Cost vs. Value report.

Tom: Yes, I am. Not surprised you know about that. Handley Wood collects data from remodelers across the country and compiles that information into national and regional reports for about 22 different project types.

Sandy: The report does more than relate the cost of a project. The report also presents information regarding the value a project will yield relative to the cost.

Tom: That information is very

helpful for homeowners. It can help you decide whether to move forward with a project or not.

Sandy: I know what you are saying. I receive calls all the time where people ask me if they are making an improvement that will add value to their home. My usual answer is maybe not when you look at the amount of money you will invest in the project vs. the value that project will add to your home.

Tom: That is exactly what this report will tell you. That being said, time is a factor as well.

Sandy: You are referring to turnaround time from project completion to a sale of the house, correct?

Tom: Exactly. If you put in a new kitchen and don’t sell your home for a few years, the value of the home will likely go up. The remodel will help that.

Sandy: Of course, the market you are in will help also.

Tom: Oh my, yes. In fact, this report is so comprehensive, it tracks cost differences by national, regional, major cities in a region and by zip code.

Sandy: Do they track Prescott?

Tom: Well no. Thankfully, we are not a major city. They do track Phoenix and Tucson though.

Sandy: Let’s give our readers some information. First of all, the 2023 report is not out yet, so the current report is for 2022. We already talked about how inflation is affecting the construction industry so the numbers will not be as accurate for 2023. That is why people can use this as a guide, and not a hard and fast fact.

Sandy: Knowing that, which project has the highest return on investment?

Tom: That would be a garage door replacement. The national average cost is $4,041, with return on investment 93.3%.

Sandy: How does that differ for the Phoenix average cost and ROI?

Tom: For a garage door replacement in Phoenix, the average cost is close to the national at $3,994, with an ROI of 93.1%

Sandy: So, if I wanted to sell my house and my garage door looked bad, this would be a worthy project to

undertake. This information would be helpful for realtors also. It can help them guide their clients to appropriate decision making.

Tom: It sure could.

Sandy: Tell our readers which project has the lowest return on investment.

Tom: That would be an upscale, master suite addition. The national average cost is $338,862, with a return on investment of 45.8%. The Phoenix average cost is $328,327, with an ROI of 52.7%.

Sandy: Yeah, don’t do that if you are thinking about sprucing up your home for sale. I know that a report like this cannot predict what future home values would be, but having this information can help a homeowner budget realistically for a project.

Tom: That is one of the report’s real strengths. Many professional remodeling companies utilize this report as a means to assist folks in establishing a very preliminary budget.

Sandy: People need to realize, though, that these numbers are averages. That their operating budget will vary based on their choices for materials and design.

Tom: Absolutely. Thank you for

clarifying that.

Sandy: So, while helpful, people will need to get their contractor to flesh out a project’s real costs.

Tom, we know the most watched indicators of the rate of inflation are the costs of various construction materials and the labor needed to install them. However, the level of construction activity has a direct influence on labor and material demand and margins and therefore on construction inflation, would you agree?

Tom: Yes, I agree. One of the best predictors of construction inflation is the level of activity in an area. When the activity level is low, contractors are all competing for a smaller amount of work and therefore they may reduce margins in bids. When activity is high, there is a greater opportunity to submit bids on more work and bid margins may be higher. The level of activity has a direct impact on inflation.

Sandy: I am a firm believer that regulatory costs, because they are increasing, go straight to the bottom line of what individuals pay for their homes. A clear regulatory code with a reasonable amount of restrictions will make the end product less expensive

for homebuyers.

Tom: Sandy, this is another topic for another month – I know you are passionate about codes, zoning, requirements, fees, etc.

Sandy: So, I guess we are signing off. Until next month. P.S. I have had enough of Punxsutawney Phil – I know we need the moisture, but I am over shoveling my driveway!

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.

Put a Little Spring in Your Home

By Lucy Leyva

This is the time of year that we start thinking about warmer weather. There are things that need to be done to prepare your home for the upcoming spring and summer. Spring and fall are optimum times during the year to take care of several semiannual tasks around the house.

The outside of your home is where you will be spending much of your time as the weather continues to warm up and the leaves start to come back. Clear gutters and downspouts

of debris and leaves that have collected throughout the year. Consider some new landscape projects: tree planting, designing the garden you’ve always wanted, adding a deck, or adding rock landscape. It’s time to start planning these projects and preparing the ground and clearing out old plants, bushes, trees and weeds to make way for your outdoor dream yard.

Don’t forget the top of your house, which protects everything inside. Inspect the roof for loose, broken or missing shingles or tiles. You may want to have a professional roofer

do an inspection so that you are confident that you are ready for the summer monsoon season. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, this is a good time to have the chimney swept and checked for excessive soot, leaves, bird nests, etc.

And don’t forget windows, windows, windows! How else can you enjoy the outdoors while you are inside other than to have beautiful, sparkling clean windows. Make sure that the window cleaning includes cleaning out the tracks and cleaning the screens. Look up high and down low. Other interior spring-cleaning tasks would include cleaning the fans and light fixtures, getting up and getting all the dust off of those high pot shelves and cleaning doors and door frames. Down low would be cleaning under beds, couches and scrubbing those baseboards that collect so much dust.

Finally, but very importantly, would be to test all of your emergency systems including fire and smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and make sure all systems are clean, charged and in working order.

Hire professionals that are bonded, insured and businesses that are locally owned. They can make sure the jobs are done correctly and safely,

and you can feel good that you are contributing to the health of our Quad Cities area economy.

We are Maid to Order and we hope you have a beautiful and clean spring! QCBN

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.

Other interior spring-cleaning tasks would include cleaning the fans and light fixtures, getting up and getting all the dust off of those high pot shelves and cleaning doors and door frames. Down low would be cleaning under beds, couches and scrubbing those baseboards that collect so much dust.

Workers Remain in High Demand

By Teri Drew

The Yavapai County employment rate is at 97.3% and the unemployment rate is at 2.7%, which, by most definitions, equals full employment. Since the pandemic, Yavapai County has had disparity between the number of jobs in demand and the number of workers actually seeking employment. Employers in our area have been creative and innovative in their quest to attract and retain workers. Some examples of creativity and innovation include hiring bonuses, increased wages, temporary housing solutions, moving expenses and most importantly, there have been large investments in up-skilling job candidates and

tenured workers.

Our most recent data calculated our labor force at 70,300 individuals in non-farm employment and our average wage is stable at $23.24 per hour. The current worker population demographic is almost equal between 18- to 35-year-olds and 35- to 60-year-olds and 65 or older rounding out at 31.6%. These changes would indicate an increase in population below 65 or possibly fewer retirees returning to work.

The top five industries in the county include food and accommodations, construction, retail trade, administrative and waste services, and real estate rental and leasing services. According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the healthcare, utility,

Our most recent data calculated our labor force at 70,300 individuals in non-farm employment and our average wage is stable at $23.24 per hour. The current worker population demographic is almost equal between 18- to 35-year-olds and 35- to 60-year-olds and 65 or older rounding out at 31.6%.

art and recreation employer sectors are in decline, especially with recent events.

The ARIZONA@WORK, Yavapai County servicer hosts a Rapid Response process for employers who are laying off workers and for workers being furloughed, permanently laid off or individuals who have been separated from their income. These services offer businesses and workers

Celebrating the Hand Pie

By Debbie Maranville

Amazing Pies of Prescott, Arizona is our upcoming concept of celebrating all things pie. Sweet pies, savory pies, pizza pies, hand pies and more. Our staff has been focusing on amazing recipes and tastings to showcase to our community. One item that will be offered daily will be our hand pies.

Much of the world calls hand pies meat pies or pasties (PAS-ties) and traces their origins back to at least 19th-century England, where they were a convenient lunch for Cornish tin miners.

So, what is a hand pie? Trusty Wiktionary defines the hand pie as a “semilunar pastry with either a sweet or savory filing, formed by placing a dollop of filling onto a circular piece of biscuit style dough and then folding it over and crimping it shut. They may be baked, fried or deep-fried.” https://yourdictionary.com/hand-pie

You will find with many cultures there are many names of hand pies. The calzone originating in Naples, Italy, is a casual handheld street-food way of eating pizza. It can be made with dough and a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables and sauce. It is folded over, pinched and baked.

The cmpanada, originating from South America and Mexico, is filled

with savory proteins and sometimes sweet ingredients.

Samosas are made according to traditional Kenyan methods. We have local Safari Samosas, owned and operated by Priscillah Finney. Priscillah is one of our commissary partners working out of our Amazing Pies commercial kitchen. These are triangle shaped and she makes 10 flavors of Samosas each week for customers at the Prescott Farmers Market: beef, chicken, chorizo, mung bean, mushroom, curried potato and veggie, kale, sweet cinnamon apple and wild salmon. If you’ve ever had one, you’ll agree with her, that it’s hard to have just one.

Bieroks were brought to the United States as a German pastry/meat turnover. During the City of Prescott’s 2022 Christkindl German Market, Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events was blessed to create the menu for this amazing inaugural event. Bieroks were one of the menu items we offered and included a savory beef, onion and cabbage filling. They were well received and delicious. We have included the recipe below.

In summary, you can take your favorite ingredients and layer them into doughs (pizza, bread or pastry) bake off and enjoy!

options to easily transition to other jobs, avoiding the need for lost income or unemployment services and access to retraining with paid tuition and job placement. We also assist employers with exit strategies including layoff aversion. Currently, in Yavapai County, we have two active Rapid Response events, to include manufac-

turing, retail and food service. Workers are still in high demand and the competition continues to be fierce. Stay tuned, as we expect to see significant changes to the labor market over the next quarter.

QCBN

Teri Drew is the executive director for the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.

Bierock – German Meat Turnover

N Prep Time: 15 mins

N Cook Time: 45 mins

INGREDIENTS

N Fresh prepared bread dough or 2 loaves frozen bread dough, thawed

N 1 pound ground beef

N 1 onion, chopped

N 1 clove garlic, crushed

N 1 ½ teaspoons salt

N 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper

N 1 small head cabbage, chopped

N 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

N 2 teaspoons caraway seeds

N ½ cup melted butter

DIRECTIONS

N Preheat oven to 350 degrees

N Sauté beef, onion and garlic, salt and lemon pepper in a large skillet over medium high heat,

until beef is browned. Add cabbage, Worcestershire sauce and caraway seeds. Cook until cabbage is limp; drain liquid from mixture.

N On a lightly floured board, roll each loaf of dough into a 12- inch circle. Cut each circle into 6 wedges. Spoon cabbage/ beef filling onto center of each dough piece, dividing equally. Pull three points of each wedge up to the center and pinch to seal. Place bierocks on a lightly greased cookie sheet. If desired, brush dough with melted butter or egg wash (1 egg white with 2 tablespoons water).

N Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot or wrap and freeze for heating later. QCBN

Debbie Maranville is co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events. She is a certified herbalist and culinary specialist.

Yavapai College Presents Pop Icons Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

Yavapai College is featuring a legendary trumpet player whose hits shaped the sound of an age, a Grammy-winning vocalist and an evening full of cherished music, memories and joy. Pop icons Herb Alpert and Lani Hall are schedule to perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the YC Performing Arts Center.

Herb Alpert’s extraordinary musicianship helped expand and define late 20th Century pop. His legendary career earned him five No. 1 hits, nine Grammy Awards – the latest from his 2014 album “Steppin’ Out” – and sold more than 72 million records. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass propelled his energetic sound into the pop music limelight. In 1966, they became the only artists ever to have four albums in the Top 10 and five in the Top 20.

In all, Alpert has recorded more than 30 albums and produced for many other artists.

Hall has recorded more than 22 albums in three different languages. From 1966 to 1971, she performed as lead vocalist for Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ‘66.

Now back on tour, Alpert and Hall’s upbeat blend of classic hits, innovative jazz arrangements and new work has been delighting and inspiring new fans – as well as those who remember when. “There is a certain satisfaction and energy that comes from playing the horn,” Alpert said, “a feeling that I am really in my element. I am passionate about what I am doing. I am just trying to create whatever comes out in the spontaneity of the moment.” QCBN

Campaign to Raise Funds for YMCA in Prescott Valley Continues

By Ray Newton, QCBN

With more than $3 million raised and another $5 million in requests under consideration, the campaign to reach $17.5 million for the proposed YMCA in Prescott Valley continues. Additional funds will allow for a swimming pool, gymnasium and airnasium, said campaign director Chris Sar. The proposed location for the YMCA is within walking distance of Bradshaw High School, Glassford Hill Middle School and Yavapai College-PV. For more information, visit prescottymca.org/prescott valley. QCBN

Alpert’s hits read like a set list of American favorites: “The Lonely Bull,” “Tijuana Taxi,” “Spanish Flea,” “A Taste of Honey” and “What Now My Love,” with the No. 1 hits “This Guy’s in Love

Tickets start at $45. Yavapai College Performing Arts Center is located at 1100 E. Sheldon Street, in Prescott. For reservations or more information, call 928-7762000 or go to www.ycpac.com.

With You” and “Rise.”

Lamar Resigns as Prescott City Manager

By Ray Newton

Effective Feb. 14, Michael Lamar resigned from his job as Prescott City Manager. Deputy City Manager Tyler Goodman will serve in the position on an interim basis while a national search is conducted.

Lamar spent more than six years as city manager, having been appointed to the position in October 2016. He is resigning the position to take a leadership role for an out-of-state business startup.

“I want to thank him for all his hard work and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Mayor Phil Goode.

the number of people who live in the area.

He said the data reveals that 27% of the workforce in Chino Valley and 30% in Prescott and elsewhere in Yavapai County commute to Maricopa County for jobs. Also, the Prescott area is one of the most expensive in the state for cost of living.

One of the reasons for residents working in Maricopa County is the difference in salaries. The median salary in Chino Valley is $38,200, and Prescott is $38,600, while the median salary in Phoenix is $42,600, compared to $43,400 for the country.

Meanwhile, wages advertised for job

postings for Chino Valley and Prescott have increased 33% since 2020, while the national wage average for job postings in the U.S. has gone up 17% during that time.

Jones says Chino Valley has more jobs than expected with workers in government, retail and construction. He said the government jobs are considered secure while construction jobs are risky. Sixty percent of the workers in Yavapai County are employed by small businesses.

Using 2020 census figures, Jones reports that Chino Valley’s population has grown by 21% since 2010, while the state has grown

14% during that time.

Fifty-five percent of the residents are 18 to 64 years old, while 29% are 64 or older.

He also reported a trend that many Chino Valley residents are moving to Wyoming, noting that Chino Valley and Wyoming both have cowboy cultures and an appreciation for freedom.

Jones moved here from Minnesota 18 months ago. His degree from the University of Wisconsin is in financial investments and banking. He also studied business and economics in China. QCBN

Prescott native Tyler Goodman attended Brigham Young University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and then served church missions in Argentina. He returned to Prescott, earned a master’s degree in public administration at Arizona State University, and began working for the city in 2016. QCBN

Regional Economic Development Center data analyst Ryan Jones shared the importance of customer demographics with Chino Valley businesses.

Photo by Stan Bindell

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall will no doubt spark memories with famously upbeat music.

Courtesy photo

Academy of St Martin to Perform in the Fields Performs in Prescott

YSA to

host the orchestra with soloist Avi Avital

An Oscar-winning English chamber orchestra is coming to Prescott, with a groundbreaking international soloist and a program of Bach and Dorman to herald the approach of Spring. The Yavapai Symphony Association welcomes the Academy of StMartin in the Fields, with guest soloist Avi Avital, Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, led by music director and virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, is one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music. Founded in 1959 by John Churchill and the legendary Neville Marriner – and named after the location of its first performance – the Academy of StMartin in the Fields is one of the most-recorded chamber orchestras in the world, with more than 500 releases in their discography. Their soundtrack to the Oscar-winning film Amadeus reached No. 1 in the Billboard Clas-

cookie sale reminds customers of the benefits to the girls from their selling efforts: “When you make a Girl Scout Cookie purchase, you’re helping the next generation of girl entrepreneurs get an important taste of what it takes to be successful – teamwork, planning and a positive outlook.”

The success of the cookie campaign each year is aided by a Family Guide, published by the Girl Scouts - Cactus Pine Council, which serves more than 90 communities in Central and Northern Arizona.

“It helps the families help their Girl Scouts,” said Lober. “There are also lots of resources on their website to help the girls with skills and also help them earn a Family Cookie Entrepreneur pin and badges.”

The troop earns $0.95 per box sold, which the girls decide how to spend. “The remaining proceeds from the cookie sale stay with our Arizona Cactus Pine Council to support our camps, girl programs and activities, and for volunteer support and training. The cookie sale is not a competition between girls or troops. It is an opportunity for the girls to learn how to be businesswomen and support the programs they love.”

“Troop 212 gives back to the community each year. “We have adopted a trail, and we take advantage of many different volunteer opportunities. We always help out at Riordan Mansion events. Our favorite is the Tea on the Veranda.”

sical Albums chart and remains one of the most popular classical music recordings of all time.

Their program for the evening

– which includes Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor and Walton’s Sonata for Strings – will feature the remarkable talents of internationally acclaimed mandolinist Avi Avital.

The first mandolin soloist ever nominated for a classical Grammy, Avital’s virtuosity on the instrument has drawn comparisons to Andres Segovia and Jascha Heifitz. The 45-year-old Israeli’s passion and dexterity in performance have made him a driving force behind the reinvigoration of the mandolin. More than 100 contemporary compositions have been written for him, as he continues to bring Classical, Baroque and folk music on the mandolin to public attention. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center – as well as in Beijing and Berlin. The New York Times dubbed Avital “explosively charismatic” onstage.

The Academy of StMartin in the Fields, featuring mandolinist Avi Avital, will perform at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon Street, in Prescott. Tickets are $45 to $65, and only available by contacting the Yavapai Symphony

The role of volunteers has always been vital to the success of scouting.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman has acted as an informal volunteer “whenever the Arizona Cactus Pine Girl Scouts have reached out to me,” and was honored by the group as a “Woman of Distinction” in 2018.

With Liz Archuleta and Kerry Blume, she helped establish Troop Pearl, an adult Girl Scout Troop dedicated to assisting the Girl Scouts.

“I was a Girl Scout in my youth and have tried to live the Girl Scout creed of ‘building a better world,’” Horstman said.

She has also been assisting girls in developing business skills for successful cookie drives, the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, she noted.

“The Girl Scouts are dedicated to building courage, confidence and character in girls,” she said. “The cookie drives helps to further this mission. Money earned can allow the girls to embark on wonderful adventures. These cookie drives teach the girls important financial, organizational and marketing skills.”

Horstman has assisted some scouts with perfecting their techniques and in developing a “sales pitch” for in-person sales. “Since we also live in a virtual sales world, I have reviewed some Girl Scout cookie sales videos,” she said. “Each girl has their own approach that reflects their personal-

Association at 928-776-4255. For further information, please call the Yavapai Symphony Association or visit: www.yavapaisymphony.org.

QCBN

YAVAPAI SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION REMAINING 2023 SCHEDULE

The Academy of StMartin in the Fields Mar. 7 at 7 p.m.

Sarah Chang Mar. 26 at 3 p.m.

Les Violons du Roy Apr. 30 at 3 p.m.

The Curtis Symphony Orchestra May 16 at 7 p.m.

ity. Cookie sales give the girls real life leadership experiences and provides an opportunity to contribute to the financial benefit of their troop, so that together the girls can engage in projects, travel or community programs.”

Troop 212 meets once a month for planning that includes deciding how to spend the money they earn.

For Troop 212, goals include horseback riding and travel. “We have been planning for their Costa Rica trip for five years. They set aside some of their cookie money each year, and we are going this summer. As for giving back to the community, we donate cookies to first responders. Last summer, we were able to thank the firefighters on the Tunnel Fire with several cases of cookies,” said Lober.

Girl Scout cookie season in Arizona usually runs for six weeks. The Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, which serves Phoenix as well as greater Central and Northern Arizona, began the cookie drive officially on Jan. 16, with cookie delivery closing on March 5.

The link to find cookie booths is  https://www.girlscouts.org/en/ cookies/how-to-buy-cookies.html.

QCBN

new LEDs and cutting-edge lighting systems. It’s a cool adventure.”

“We are deeply passionate about our products and even more passionate about using them,” said Alan. “At the heart of everything we do lies an authentic desire to connect with ourselves and each other through adventure.”

“Our plan is to move the entire business to Flagstaff. Nothing will be left behind,” said Alan. “The Williams property is a huge part of our legacy that got us here and we do plan to leverage it in the future, but no final plans have been set.”

Built in 1997, the 23,700-squarefoot facility is located off Old Route 66 and was the former home of the Arizona Daily Sun. Pryczynski says they will be hiring retail, production, warehouse, marketing and other various positions.

Using High Intensity Discharge (HID), Light Emitting Diode (LED), and Halogen, KC manufactures off-road lights, light bars, rock lights and adventure products for just about any off-road vehicle and or work vehicles such as snowplows and snowcats.

“Our lights are also used for camping and other recreational uses,” said KC HiLites Brand Marketing Manager and Team Lead Taylor Ulrich.  “Our auxiliary lights and fog lights light up the path for

those headed to the trailhead to hike, bike or camp.

The recent release of their FLEX ERA 1light is the smallest and most versatile light for off-road vehicles. “This is our new generation of lighting and accessories,” said Ulrich.

Supporting the community is also important to KC HiLiTes.

“KC has been an integral partner of ours and we wouldn’t be where we are without their support,” said Jeff Lehman, who, with his wife, Beth, founded Dirty Hands, Happy Heart, a local non-profit organization that teaches kids skills such as gardening, welding and changing tires.

“They have donated an array of lights, graciously opened their facility for a tour and allowed the kids in our program to build a light bar. They have introduced us to important supporters in the off-road industry and have even allowed us to join them as participants in a car show,” said Lehman.

“The KC team is amazing and we’re so thankful for the opportunity to partner with them.” QCBN

KC HiLiTes proposed move-in date is Oct. 15. For more information, visit www. kchilites.com or call 888-689-5955.

KC HiLITES continued from page 4

Orchestra scheduled to perform at Yavapai College, 7 p.m., March 7. Courtesy photo

How to Plan for a Comfortable Retirement

By Steven Calabrese

When do you begin planning for retirement? Now is a good time to start. If you do not have a plan, it’s time to get started. The more time you have until retirement, the more wealth you can accumulate. We will present some options to consider.

EDUCATION

As we move into other finer aspects of preparing our long-term financial plan, we once again must understand all of our potential options. Preparing a long-term financial plan must include retirement planning, regardless of the amount of time until you hit retirement age. The retirement age will differ for everyone. The paramount question to ask yourself is: Did I do my homework?

Learn what you need to have a successful retirement. One’s age does not matter, except the further away from your retirement age, the more time you have to get your plan in order. Your plan will require periodic reviews to assess if you are on target. Adjustments must be made so that you can hit your goals and have a comfortable retirement.

What follows are some aspects you must address as you move closer to that magic age. This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list but a starting point for assessing where you are and where you want to go.

BUDGET

Thought you were done with developing a budget? In retirement, a budget is more important than in pre-retirement as a guide to tell your money what to do. If you need help putting together a budget, see our article “How to Create

a Budget for Success” at https://www. quadcitiesbusinessnews.com/how-tocreate-a-budget-for-success/.

If you operate with a budget, this will require you to make some adjustments. The first question to ask yourself is: What do I not need in retirement?

Do you have two cars? Will you still have two cars? Insurance will be less with one car. Repairs could also be less. If you are no longer commuting, gas will be less.

What about life insurance? Are you still going to carry some? Is it necessary?

Go through your budget and ask if this expense will continue or how will this be different. With your retirement budget hot off the press, we now know what you will need to have a nice, comfortable retirement. Will your income support the budget or do you need to cut some expenses? Perhaps additional income besides the ones you have planned in retirement may be necessary. Be diligent. Make changes as assumptions become clear.

TAXES

This is a tricky topic to navigate. Tax laws are always changing. Unfortunately, we can only address what we know. Different states have different laws regarding retirement income and social security. Be careful, as taxes can and will reduce your disposable income. Perhaps you live in a state that has no state income tax or one that does not tax retirement income.

Sales tax is another tax you may look to avoid. A few states do not have state sales tax. In addition, if you stop working, Social Security and Medicare tax will not be paid by you.

As you begin to draw on your retirement nest egg, certain portions will

be taxed by the federal government. For example, any withdrawals from your traditional IRA, 401K, etc., will be taxed by the federal government. In addition, you will be required to take RMD (required mandatory distributions) from traditional tax-deferred retirement funds. Any funds in Roth retirement, along with the earnings, can be withdrawn tax-free. Any pension you receive will be taxable.

As you can see, taxes can and will have an impact on your planning as well as your potential income.

HOME PURCHASE

How is home ownership part of a retirement plan? Very simply, if your mortgage goes away, your housing costs are reduced. The costs needed for maintenance, electricity, insurance and HOA fees now become your housing costs.

If you are entering retirement renting or paying a mortgage, then your costs will be higher. Eliminating your mortgage before retirement and not renting will increase your disposable income. Either way, this could have a big impact on the budget.

If you have been following and building your financial plan, then you should have this under control.

INVESTING

Planning for this time by funding your retirement accounts at a level of 15% of your income will afford you to have accumulated a handsome nest egg. Retirement is what you have been planning for over these years. Where is your nest egg? Do you have a traditional, Roth, 401(k), 403(b), 457, or pension? Some may even have a taxable investment account.

It’s time to review your portfolio.

National IFL Champion Wranglers Kick Off New Season

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Fans in Prescott Valley already are sporting their favorite Northern Arizona Wranglers player’s jerseys, logo caps, banners and other team memorabilia.

Town of Prescott Valley manager Gilbert Davidson says the national championship the team won last year brings “tremendous pride and excitement” to the community. “It’s hard to believe the season is upon us again.”

He noted that interest in the Indoor Football League seems to be strong throughout Central and Northern Arizona.

Team owners and coaches are anticipating a sell-out crowd when the 2022 Indoor League champions from Prescott Valley open their 2023 season March 25.

The season opener features the Wranglers against the Duke City Gladiators at 6:05 p.m., Saturday, March 25, in the Findlay Toyota Center. That’s when the team reveals the large banners it won as a result of being the 2022 conference champion and winner of the national

championship.

“We are excited to have the Northern Arizona Wranglers begin their season in March as current IFL champs – and do it right here where we live,” said Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Marnie Uhl.

“We look forward to great football and fun evenings for the whole family.”

The 2023 IFL season will feature 15 total games for each of the teams. Teams will play eight home games and seven on the road.

The Wranglers will compete in only two games against teams from the IFL’s Eastern Division. Those games will be on their home turf, Pinnacle Bank Field inside FTC. The opponents are Frisco Fighters on June 19 and the Massachusetts Pirates on July 8.

The Wranglers will play each team from the Western Conference twice during the regular season, and one team three times – one of the primary rivals, the Arizona Rattlers from Phoenix. Two of those games will be in Phoenix at the Rattlers’ home field, the Snake Pit. QCBN

Where are your funds invested? Do you want to continue with the same strategy that was used before your retirement? Alternatively, will you change strategies? The overall objective is for your money to last longer than you may live.

SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE

This is where things can get tricky. There are many different variables of which to be aware. At what age will you begin to collect Social Security? What is your FRA (full retirement age)? Hint: it is not 65. FRA is generally between 66 and 67, depending on your year of birth and if further changes to the law are not made.

Be aware that a married couple collecting under the primary wage earner will have some significant income adjustments should one of them pass on. A spouse can collect about half of what the primary earner collects. Upon the death of one partner, the other partner’s benefit would stop. Only the higher benefit will survive. For example, for a married couple collecting Social Security under the primary wage earner, earnings will collect the primary wage earner’s benefit plus about onehalf for the spouse’s regardless of earnings. Upon the death of either spouse, the lower benefit will stop.

Medicare, on the other hand, is available at 65. This is important because if you miss the window to sign up, you may find yourself paying a penalty for the rest of your life. So, get this on your calendar and sign up in a timely manner. What type of plan will you sign up for? There are many choices, so begin your research several months before you become eligible.

ESTATE PLANNING

So, you spent your entire life planning for retirement, you have done everything right and are enjoying a nice, relaxing time in your twilight years. Now what? What will happen to your assets when you pass on? Who will inherit them?

Make sure you have a will. Make the will as explicit as you want. Who will be your executor? Who will get what assets? Decide now; please, do not ignore this because if you do, the state will decide. Name primary and secondary beneficiaries on all your accounts. This is an area often overlooked. If you love your loved ones, leave a will. A will is nothing more than your final instructions as to how you want your lifelong financial achievements distributed after you pass on.

CONCLUSION

You thought you would turn 65 and life would be simple. Think again. Some of the items discussed above will help you make your way through the retirement maze. As you begin to create your retirement plan, reach out for expert help. If you have an investment advisor, tax advisor and attorney in your current brain trust, reach out to them to guide you through the technical pitfalls. Good luck!

You work hard for your money, make sure it stays your money! Thanks for reading. I hope you found this helpful. QCBN

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

Supporting Future Artists

The artwork of the late Ash Fork artist Paul Ebling is on display and for sale at ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery in downtown Prescott, with proceeds supporting local children’s arts programs. Manager Gay Simeral, shown here with Ebling’s artwork in the gallery, says he was a painter and sculptor who worked in mixed media. He was largely known overseas; however, this project by the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Chino Valley Lioness Club offers art enthusiasts an opportunity to view his art in the Quad Cities. QCBN

Photo by Stan Bindell

“Growing up in the herbal apothecary, I learned the way herbs could protect and heal our skin,” said the Flagstaff High School graduate. “After school, I ran Winter Sun. Customers would ask me for all-natural skincare products, but there were not many available at that time. So after hours, I started developing my own line.”

After graduating from Northern Arizona University, Tracy studied at the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine to learn more. Today, her experiences with her mother’s herbal apothecary, botanical medicine schooling and a love for the outdoors have come together to innovate skincare products that give people results without harmful chemicals.

“Unfortunately, the outdoors that we love so much wreaks havoc on our skin,” the herbalist said in a video on the Peak Scents website. “I drew on my background in herbal medicine and started making herbal-based, toxin-free skincare products for outdoor enthusiasts who need it the most.”

Tracy designed the plant-based skincare products to protect skin from harmful UV rays while keeping it moisturized and hydrated. The woman-owned business handcrafts creams, mists and facial serums with pure herbs, vitamins and minerals.

“We source from a wide variety of suppliers and try to source as local as possible,” she said. As a result, many of

the all-natural, toxic-free ingredients are native to the area.

“A woman on the Hualapai Nation harvests the pinyon pitch [an ingredient in the Pinyon Pine Balm]. The distiller for our sage essential oil is out of Utah. Kate Waters of Wild Heart Farms in Rimrock is growing roses for us next season. I used to do foraging, but I just don’t have time to do it anymore.”

It’s no wonder. Tracy runs a business concurrently with handmaking the plant-based skincare goods and developing formulas for new collections.

Peak Scents offers five collections, including:

N Power Repair is her first skincare line, created to help fellow river runners, which has a foaming cleanser, toner, serum, sunscreen and face mist.

N Organic Rose Phyto³ is formulated with rare selections of restorative proprietary ingredients like plant stem cells, peptides and powerful superfruit extracts.

N Body Nürish offers facial masks, body scrubs and formulas that are created to keep dry, mature, sensitive skin radiant and glowing.

N The Super Salve Co., a sister company founded by Tracy’s sister, Denise, in 1990, offers natural herbal skincare for the whole body.

N Wandering The West Apothecary is created with plants that grow in

the American Southwest. Formulas feature the highest quality herbal extracts, oils and butters that soothe and calm dry, chapped skin.

“Wandering the West was born out of a gift line for visitors; now it’s in natural product stores across the nation,” Tracy said. That happened in 2016 when an airport gift shop group reached out to Tracy to design a collection of skincare products that would fit the needs of visitors to Arizona.

Wandering the West collection is available at Fite and Son’s Mercantile and Ice Cream in Prescott, airport gift shops at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Rainbow’s End and Winter Sun Trading Company in downtown Flagstaff, Indian Gardens Cafe & Market in Oak Creek, L’Auberge de Sedona and

Xanterra giftshops in Williams and the Grand Canyon. The popular collection is also available online and in the Flagstaff shop.

The five-person team at Peak Scents includes Tracy and her husband, Eric Brown, who is involved in production.

Peak Scents has partnered with American Rivers to help protect wild rivers and conserve clean water for people and nature. The company also partners with Greenspark and Eden Projects to offset their carbon footprint. In addition, Peak Scents donates to Eden Projects to plant a tree with every online purchase.

Last August, as part of Peak Scents’ commitment to reducing waste, the business brought in a line of refillable products, including hand and body

soap, lotion, massage oil, dish soap and laundry products. Shoppers can bring their own containers or buy refillable containers at the shop. “It feels good to reuse containers,” Tracy said.

What’s next for Peak Scents? “When I slow down, I want to be a beekeeper,” said Tracy with a smile. “Then we can use the beeswax in our collections.” QCBN

Products can be ordered online at peakscents.com. Peak Scents Plant Based Skincare Collections

1000 E. Butler Avenue, Suite 101, Flagstaff M-Th 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 928-556-9499 peakscents.com

Phone 602-909-3910

Fax 928-226-0303

The Courtyard Building | 115 E. Goodwin Street - Suite D, Prescott, AZ 86303 troy@quadcitiesbusinessnews.com Web quadcitiesbusinessnews.com

Founder: Troy Bix

Publisher Amy Bix | 602-909-3910 Amy@quadcitiesbusinessnews.com

Director of Business Development Rich Bussen | 928-310-9662 Rich@quadcitiesbusinessnews.com

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

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

Copy Editor Carolyn Wendell | cwendell@gmail.com

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

Web Content Editor news@quadcitiesbusinessnews.com

Contributing Writers

Bonnie Stevens

Stan Bindell

Ray Newton

V. Ronnie Tierney

Betsey Bruner

Contributing Photographers

Kay Lyons, Bonnie Stevens, Ray Newton, Sue Marceau, Stacey Wittig, Veronica Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

The Quad Cities Business News is a publication of Quad Cities Business News, LLC and distributed free each month to residents of Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt. Reproduction of any portion of the publication is strictly prohibited without expressed permission. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

Peak Scents Skincare products are sold in the sold in the Flagstaff store and in other locations including Sky Harbor Airport to help prepare visitors for Arizona’s high country. Photos by Stacey Wittig

GALAPAGOS continued from page 6

CAREGIVERS continued from page 3

and the cities of Sedona and Cottonwood,” said Development and Communications Manager Linda Clark.

The VVCC staff includes 13 and 180 volunteers. “We cater to individuals with disabilities as well as the elderly,” said Ellsworth.

“I just love working here,” said VVCC Call Specialist Veloy Habinck, who has worked at VVCC since 2017. “I’m a team leader and my responsibilities are making sure we’re all on the same page here by keeping systems updated and distributed properly.”

Verde Valley Caregivers was founded in 1992 by a coalition of Sedona churches, City of Sedona, Kachina Point (assisted living facility), and Verde Valley Medical Center. QCBN

To contact VVCC, call 928-204-1238 or go to vvcaregivers.org.

BARBERSHOP continued from page 16 officials, local farmers and community members, building on relationships that Animal Balance has cultivated for decades. This includes working closely with the ABG. The agency – part of the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment – is charged with the biosafety of the islands and reducing the risk of any invasive species that endanger the biodiversity of the islands, the local economy and human health.

If successful, the project will bring greater ecological balance to the Galapagos, benefiting both that biodiversity and the residents of the islands, and also inform better balance solutions for islands worldwide.

Rattus rattus was accidentally introduced into the Galapagos by pirates and whalers in the 17th and 18th centuries. The consequences were devastating; over time the rodent population has resulted in the near extinction of certain endemic species.

Among the creatures threatened by the rat overpopulation are the rare pink land iguana and the giant tortoises of the islands. Rats will dig into the nests of these animals and eat the eggs and hatchlings.

Meanwhile, the rats also feast on local farm goods, which are essential to the residents of the islands. While there is a monthly container ship from mainland Ecuador that provides some foodstuffs, the pandemic showed that relying on these ships is not sustainable. Residents need the produce produced by local farms to survive, and rats are destroying these crops.

The reception of the WISDOM and Animal Balance teams on this project went very well, according to Jessica Gonzalez, who is the program director for Animal Balance in the Galapagos.

“This project brings together science and the community with the support of local authorities in perfect synchrony to implement an effective and sustainable solution for the control of non-endemic rodent populations, which Galapagos deserves,” she said. “I am convinced that we are marking an important milestone in the conservation of the Enchanted Islands.”

The team from WISDOM plans to return to the archipelago later this year.

no. “Many people think Salvador is my son because he looks like he’s 12 years old, but he’s actually 21. He’s a talented barber and customers love him.”

Retired Army Officer and Northern Arizona University (NAU) Civil Engineering Student Doug Harman is a regular customer at Ray’s Barber Shop. “Salvador is probably one of the best barbers I’ve ever had. Everyone here is super friendly and they always greet you with a big smile.” Harman’s dog, Liberty, is also welcomed and waits patiently while Harman gets his hair cut.

Historically, barber shops were places of social interaction, and Ray’s Barber Shop fits that description. The ambiance is warm, neighborly and razor sharp clean. Models of old cars, tonic bottles, antique razors, old pictures and other memorabilia are displayed throughout the shop. “We even have a flag from my grandfather’s shop,” said Diaz.

A magazine rack showcases issues of Gentleman’s Quarterly, Classic Cars and fishing and hunting magazines, catering to customers’ interests.

“We have a great mix of customers, “said Barbaro. “People come from all over. There’s an attorney from Winslow, a few from the Grand Canyon and one guy travels all the way from Scottsdale.”

“It seems like we have the old-timers in the morning and college kids in the afternoon, and young professionals throughout the day,” said Barbaro.

Though there are a few female clients, Barbaro likes to call it his “man cave.”

Retired schoolteacher and longtime Flagstaff resident Diana Gabaldon, cousin to the Outlander series author who shares the same name, remembers Ray’s Barber Shop from almost 20 years ago. “I was looking for a place to get my grandson’s haircut. He is autistic and also had long thick ringlets. He didn’t like anyone touching his hair.  I explained our situation to the barber, Felix, and he did an amazing job. My

grandson sat still, which is a miracle in itself.”

According to Barberhead.com, Ray’s Barber Shop is considered one of the best and most popular barber shops in Flagstaff and was rated 4.5 out of 5 by 122 unique and verified visitors. Along with haircuts, offerings include beard trims, and Barbero offers a chest and back shave.

Recalling his troubled youth, Diaz is working with a non-profit to provide free haircuts to troubled kids.  “If they look good, they’ll feel good about themselves,” said Diaz.

With four children, two boys and two girls between the ages of 12 and 17, Diaz and his wife, Brenda, who is assistant manager of Facilities at Northern Arizona University (NAU), spend as much time together as possible.  “My wife and kids are all amazing,” said Diaz.

He also spends time with his grandmother, Sferina Diaz, former Flagstaff school teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Diaz’s brother, Arty, is finishing his barber training and will be joining the team sometime in the future.

Ray’s Barbershop is located near Visible Difference Art and Drafting Supply and next to Floral Arts of Flagstaff at 122 South Beaver. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. To reach the shop, call 928-

225-1067.

BEST ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS

Be confident, relaxed and self-motivated.

FAVORITE MEAL

Tomahawk steaks from Sam’s Club. I often eat them for breakfast and sometimes I grill out in the back of the shop.

CURRENT HOBBY

My family and I are working on a project restoring my grandfather’s car. He’s been driving since he opened the shop. It’s a 1956 Oldsmobile that gets 9 miles to the gallon going downhill. I still drive it to this day, but not in the wintertime.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT Rocky Point, Mexico.

CHARACTER TRAITS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME

Very outgoing and sharp. It’s hard to put one over on me. QCBN

QCBN

Jessica Gonzalez, program director for Animal Balance in the Galapagos, translates the observations of local farmer Oswaldo Cali to the WISDOM team. Before this program, Cali said, farmers were using poison to control the rat overpopulation on Isabela Island. “It was the only option we had,” he said. Photo courtesy Morgan Boatma

VVCC Neighbor Lynn Newman accepts a cup of hot tea from Call Specialist Veloy Habinck.  Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Barbers work every day of the week and are happy to take walk-in customers.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography