April 2024

INSIDE THE APRIL 2024 ISSUE:

Take a Tea Break at Moussetache Café p. 3

Prescott Valley Councilmember Creates Storybook World p. 4

Scammers Continue to Fool Residents p. 6

Historic Hotel Adds Lobby Bar

Hotel St. Michael invites guests in with a nod to Prescott’s past

By Peter Corbett, QCBN

Heading south from Gurley Street, there’s no risk of going thirsty on Prescott’s famous Whiskey Row, which boasts a handful of lively watering holes down the block: Matt’s Saloon, The Palace, Jersey Lilly’s, 1881 Spirits, the Bird Cage,

and starting with Hotel St. Michael’s Lobby Bar at the northern end on the 100 block of South Montezuma Street.

The Lobby Bar is a calm, spacious room with enough easy chairs and sofas for 60 guests and still some elbow room. Quiet conversation is a virtue here. Daylight streams in from tall, arched windows and contemporary chandeliers cast soft light on the room in the evening.

The walls are adorned with exhibits of Prescott’s past, including

rodeo posters, political memorabilia of Sen. Barry Goldwater and images of two Hollywood cowboys with ties to Prescott – Tom Mix and Steve McQueen as Junior Bonner.

Brad Courtney, a Prescott historian, said he has enjoyed several visits to the Lobby Bar.

“There is a lot of room and as far as hanging with friends, you can actually talk without having to practically yell,” Courtney said. “All in all, I think it is the best thing along the Row now, and I hope it catches on.”

April 2024 | Issue 4 Volume 12

Raggedy Ann Charms All Ages from Camp Verde p. 8

Arizona Photographer Reveals Glen Canyon Before the Dam p. 10

Community Profile: Matthew Joseph Moves Mules, Supplies through Grand Canyon p. 12

The Lobby Bar’s cocktail menu features a St. Michael Old Fashioned, Blood Orange Margarita and Hemingway Daiquiri. Craft beer choices include two lagers and an IPA. A short wine list has chardonnay, cabernet, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, pinot grigio and a red blend. It’s served by the glass or bottle.

Hotel St. Michael General Manager Regina Kilmer said the Lobby Bar is now open seven days a week after opening in December in the hotel’s former banquet room. Business has

Continued on page 35

Grand Canyon Railway Recognized for Green Practices

Historic train nicknamed ‘French Fry Express’

By Peter Corbett, QCBN

The Grand Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad thats carries passengers between Williams and the Grand Canyon every day over a historic route in place since 1901. But today, the railway is being recognized for something new – its green practices.

Grand Canyon Railway “is a community asset that is treasured by so many,” said Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Pastrick, adding that not everyone is aware of the company’s environmental values.

It starts with Grand Canyon Railway reducing automobile traffic and emissions at Grand Canyon National Park.

“By our numbers, it always fluctuates, but we believe we keep approximately 60,000 vehicles out of the national park by folks instead taking

our train to Grand Canyon,” said Sam Langner, Grand Canyon Railway community relations manager.

The Railway, owned and operated by the Xanterra Travel Collection, also retrofitted its steam locomotive in 2009 to operate on a mix of recycled vegetable oil and diesel fuel. The oil is collected from Xanterra’s restaurants at Grand Canyon and Williams.

The mixture is 40% to 50% cleaner burning than diesel fuel alone and the 1930 locomotive’s exhaust has an aroma of French fries, earning it the nickname French Fry Express.

“Wherever that idea came from, it’s just brilliant,” Pastrick said.

The next big idea for Grand Canyon Railway is studying the feasibility of converting a diesel-electric locomotive to a regenerative battery locomotive. Regenerative battery technology allows a recharge of the locomotive batteries from the braking systems while the train is traveling downhill, according to Grand Canyon Railway General Manager Jeff D’Arpa.

Continued on page 35

Grand Canyon Railway’s steam locomotive moves along the South Rim. Photo by Peter Corbett

Tea Time at Moussetache Café

Exotic flavors, calming atmosphere beckon shoppers to take a break

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Kira Gill has opened the first Moussetache Café in North America at Pine Ridge Marketplace in Prescott. The Old Worldstyle café offers bubble tea, fruit tea, Indian Chai, frappe, coffee, pastries and marinated meats in a relaxed atmosphere.

Moussetache Café has 41 locations in the Philippines, but Gill is the first franchise owner in the U.S. or Canada, and any new franchise owners in the North American continent will work through her.

Moussetache Café has a serene setting with easy listening music and a scenic video screen to make customers feel at home, setting the tone for them to socialize. The café is set up so nobody’s back is to another person.

“Strangers become friends here,” she said. “That happened yesterday where people came in and just started talking to each other and they were here for two hours. It’s just a good

place to destress.”

The café is small, with one table, one couch, several chairs, books and a wish tree.

“I think of it as a retreat where people can relax and unwind, like they enter into another dimension,” she said.

As the word has spread, Moussetache Café has been busy with foot traffic. Customers say they like the setting, which Gill says looks like her home. A Celtic harp sits in the café. Gill encourages visitors to strum it. Gill, whose background is in medical aesthetics, said she was looking for a business that was different and jumped at the chance when she learned the franchise was available here.

She says the bubble tea is authentic, meaning that it is not made from a machine or packet. “It’s made from scratch. It takes time. It’s not instant. Food and drink should not be instant. It should be enjoyed.”

She also uses organic milk. Customers choose from individualized teacups.

Moussetache Café is in a hallway across from the food court, which Gill considers perfect because it’s by itself and quiet. Plus, she liked

Moussetache Café offers a relaxing atmosphere in a quiet setting near the food court at the Prescott Mall. Photo by Stan Bindell

Enter Storybook World, Where Children Love to Read

This Prescott Valley creation appears at community events

By Heidi Dahms Foster, QCBN

Prescott Valley Councilmember April Hepperle has a passion for helping children fall in love with reading, and she has put her talents behind making her dream a reality.

Hepperle has started A Storybook World, Inc., born out of the desire to create a children’s storybook-themed botanical garden in the Quad Cities area. Until that dream comes to fruition, Hepperle’s pop-up Storybook Garden is a mobile method of bringing interactive book-based experiences to children and families. Hepperle says she and her fellow board members, Alex Heinemann, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona, and local entrepreneur and business owner Sarah Rainwater, are constantly seeking new and exciting ways to help children build a connection to books.

Storybook Garden interactions range from sensory buckets to art projects. Hepperle meets kids and families by setting up at free community events, such as the YMCA Healthy Kids Day, the Prescott Valley Pinwheel Party and seasonal Prescott Valley events Eggstravaganza and Harvest Fest.

Because of the hands-on aspect of the activities, Storybook also fits in well at STEM events such as Women in STEM (Highlands Center), Prescott SciTech Fest (Embry-Riddle), and the Chandler Innovation Fair. Hepperle’s brainchild, Gigi the Water Dragon, provides watershed education and water conservation tips and headlines these events.

Hepperle also has written and illustrated an interactive children’s book featuring Gigi, designed to educate kids about how watersheds work, and My First Comic Book, created for early and pre-readers! My First Comic Book is

an alphabet-based story featuring young animal characters learning in a school environment. It is a fun introduction to panel-styled storytelling, and an opportunity for parents who grew up loving comic books to introduce that love to their children.

She has noticed that all caregivers enjoy engaging with their kids in the various interactions, but dads seem to be particularly intrigued, she says.

“The best way to get kids interested in reading is through their caregivers, so this is exciting to see. My First Comic Book was written to further engage dads in the reading adventure,” she said.

Recently, A Storybook Garden participated in a book drive program to support families with an incarcerated parent. Sixty pairs of books were delivered to the Manzanita Re-entry Unit at the ADOC campus in Tucson. One book stays at the facility and the matching book is sent home to the child.

“This way, the parent and child can each hold the book and read it together during phone visitations,” Hepperle said. “It creates connection within the family and builds relational value to books and reading.”

The book drive started after Hepperle was in a train-the-trainers class for the Protective Factors Framework put on by the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance, hosted by Prevent Child Abuse AZ in Tempe.

“One of the people at my table was Holley Escudero, who works for the Manzanita Re-entry Unit down in Tucson,” Hepperle said. “We were talking about how the guys in that situation don’t have access to the internet, so they are cut off from basic information that the rest of us take for granted. That triggered a thought in my head about how cut off they are from everything,

Continued on page 31

Storybook Garden, the mobile brainchild of Prescott Valley Councilmember April Hepperle, provides interaction opportunities with the goal of cultivating a love of reading in children.

Courtesy photo

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Investigator Warns of Sophisticated Scams

Artificial intelligence is helping fraudulent messages appear authentic

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Fifty million adults were scammed last year. That eye-popping number means one out of seven Americans were scammed – and that doesn’t include those who were scammed and didn’t report it.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Fraud Investigations Officer Ron Norfleet said that there are a multitude of scams and in most cases, the victims cannot recover their money.

Norfleet, who has been investigating fraud in Yavapai County for four years, said the leading scam right now has to do with jury duty. For example, someone claims to be a law enforcement official and tells victims that because they didn’t show up for jury duty, they will go to jail unless they pay a certain amount of money. He said this scam, like most scams, can occur by phone, text or social media.

“Ignore it. If you never had a summons, it’s a red flag,” he said. “It doesn’t work that way. You would get a letter

from the court.”

Norfleet explained that the scammers make it look like it the message comes from law enforcement, but he said this never would happen, as those who do not show up for jury duty would be contacted by the courts.

Norfleet said the different types of scams are endless. “We don’t know the amount. These guys stay ahead of us.”

Another common scam occurs when grandparents are contacted and told that their grandchild is in some type of trouble and needs a certain amount of cash. Norfleet’s first advice for this and other scams is if you don’t recognize the phone number or message sender, then don’t answer it. “Don’t engage these folks, whether it’s by mail or text.” He advises grandparents to reach out to the grandchild as soon as possible if they get one of these communications.

Recently, someone in Yavapai County lost $12,000 in a “grandparent scam,” responding to what they thought was a call from a grandchild in danger and needing immediate financial help with a wire transfer. Norfleet said artificial intelligence is helping criminals more easily convince their victims by reproducing a voice that sounds like the person supposedly in trouble.

“Hang up and call that relative directly to see if they really are in trou-

ble,” he said.

Norfleet urges people to slow down and think when they get phone calls, texts or social media messages asking for money or information. “No matter how dramatic the story is, you don’t need to do something right now. Slow down, take your time, think about it, and investigate it for yourself,” he said.

Seniors used to be the most targeted group for scammers, and while they remain among the top groups, AI has made it easier for scammers to target all groups. Scammers talk people into giving out personal information like their credit card numbers or bank accounts and then use them. Other scammers talk people into giving them money directly.

Norfleet warned against the use of Bitcoin, the so-called “electronic money.” He recalls a local case where someone lost $40,000 in a Bitcoin deposit.

“Those type of payments cannot be traced. You will never get your money back,” he said.

Other current scams involve lottery jackpots, home repairs, computer tech support, online romance and phony payments to someone acting as a representative of the IRS or other governmental agencies.

“Many times, they will want you to

go to the store and buy gift cards to use for payment. And they will even tell you law enforcement and your bank are the ones working against you. Don’t fall for it,” he said. “Don’t automatically trust the caller ID on your phone. Scammers have the technology to use local numbers and names of law enforcement agencies.”

Norfleet said many who fall victim are reluctant to report it because they feel embarrassed. “One man told me about losing $17,000 in a scam. He was crying and he felt so ashamed.”

Norfleet believes scammers hit wom-

en and men equally. “Just don’t give out any info. There’s no such thing as being too careful.”

Norfleet, who hails from Texas, was a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry before switching to law enforcement. Today, he speaks to groups like the Senior Referral Network about fraud, how to recognize it and prevent it. QCBN

For more information, to schedule a fraud prevention presentation, or to report suspicious activity, call 928-771-3299.

Officer Ron Norfleet talks to seniors about fraud. Courtesy photo

Woman Business

of the Month

Ann Jackson Keeps Raggedy Ann Dolls Close to Hearts

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Throughout the decades of American history, Raggedy Ann dolls have played a role in comforting both adults and children with a warm message of kindness and a simple “I love you” embroidered on their hearts.

Created by American artist and writer Johnny Gruelle in 1915, the whimsical doll has become an American icon. Raggedy Ann and her brother, Andy, who was created a few years later, became so popular that a day was set aside to pay tribute to them. Their Facebook page beams with the dolls’ fans posting comments, questions and items for sale.

In keeping the character alive, AMKI Products owner Ann Jackson has been making Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls since 1974. Working from her Camp Verde studio, Jackson sells her crafts at Udderly Divine Mercantile and at craft shows.

“My mom used to make Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, so I initially picked up the craft from her,” said Jackson. “When my daughter was born, she was hospitalized with two chambers in her heart and no oxygen going to her heart, so I spent that time in the hospital. I had to keep my hands and my mind busy, so I started making Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. My daughter did not survive, but I continued to make the dolls because they brought me comfort.” At the time Jackson was living in Rochester, New York.

Working from an original pattern that she obtained in 1974, Jackson says she embroiders the face of

each of her dolls. “A lot of Raggedy Ann and Andy doll makers simply iron on the eyes or pencil them in, but I feel it’s important to take the time to embroider the way they did it when the dolls were first created, the old-fashioned way,” said Jackson.   She also enjoys making dolls that represent different cultural communities such as African American,

Asian and others. “Sometimes I’ll dress the dolls up for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and other holidays.”

Exclusive to Jackson’s line of dolls is a patented pattern of grandpa and grandma versions of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. “I met the owner of this pattern and he sold it to me. At one time, these dolls were made with social security numbers, so I might start doing that again,” she said.

“These older versions of Raggedy Ann and Andy are so different and so cute.  They are dressed in old-fashioned clothing and have wire rimmed glasses. I like the size of the dolls and they are so nice to have as decorations in my living room,” said artist Sheri Morris of Camp Verde. “The price is very reasonable and they have custom names on them.”

Jackson was born in upper Michigan and raised her four children

in Hartland, Wisconsin. “I lost my husband in 1980. During that time, I made 29 Raggedy Ann dolls in one month. It kept me busy during my grieving.”

Education was important to Jackson, so when her children went to school, she did too. “I went to Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and obtained degrees in graphic design, interior, residential and commercial design.”

In 2003 Jackson moved to Peoria to be near her daughter, who was stationed at Luke Air Force Base. When her daughter was scheduled to serve in Korea, Jackson followed. “While in Korea I made a lot of dolls and gave them away. It was kind of fun to think that maybe Raggedy Ann and Andy might become popular in Korea, too.”

When she returned home, Jackson moved to Camp Verde to work for a blacksmith shop. “I worked there

for 15 years doing graphic design for a catalog. I really missed making my Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, plus I was getting some orders. So, I decided to become a full-time doll maker,” she said. “My dolls have been shipped all over the country.”

“My two granddaughters, ages 8 and 10, received AMKI Products Raggedy Ann dolls for Christmas this year. They were absolutely thrilled and are inseparable from their dolls,” said retiree Edie Huntting of Idaho. “I was impressed with the attention to detail on the dolls and how well they were made. Ann has truly mastered her craft.”

Some of her dolls are custom made with names embroidered on the heart. QCBN

For more about AMKI Products, Ann Jackson can be reached at  amkiprod@gmail.com or 928-274-0675.

Top: AMKI Products owner Ann Jackson displays her Raggedy Ann dolls at Udderly Divine Mercantile Store. Bottom: Jackson embroiders “I Love You” on the heart of each of her dolls. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

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Emerging from Its Watery Tomb

Glen Canyon documents re-emerge in film featuring Flagstaff photographer at Sedona International Film Festival

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

It’s a story that deserves to be told: The burying of what some say is one of the most pristine places on Earth, Glen Canyon, often called “America’s lost national park.”

The entombment came when the diversion tunnels of Glen Canyon Dam were screwed shut in 1963, causing the waters of the Colorado River to back up 186 miles to both flood the canyon and create Lake Powell.

One prominent storyteller stepping forward to tell this story is Dawn Kish of Flagstaff, a conservation photographer and filmmaker whose documentary, “Tad’s Emerging World – Glen Canyon Exposed,” has been featured at the 2024 Sedona International Film Festival.

Facilitating the telling of this story is the drastic drop in water levels in Lake Powell from September 2021 to April 2023, the lowest levels since 1963, reportedly caused by drought, climate change and increased human use.

Kish said she has been greatly inspired by the work of photographer Tad Nichols (1911-2000), who worked for the Sierra Club and the U.S Indian Services and first explored the Colorado River through Glen Canyon in 1950.

Nichols, working with a Crown Graphic 4x5 view camera, photographed the flowing streams, quiet amphitheaters, twisting slot canyons and naked red rocks for the next 13 years, before the completion of Glen Canyon Dam in 1963 halted his efforts by flooding the canyon.

His book, “Glen Canyon: Images of a Lost World,” was published in 1999 just before his death and contains what have been called the best photographic images of the most beautiful canyon system in the Southwest.

“I’m a big fan of his work,” Kish noted. “Tad is like the Ansel Adams of Glen Canyon. I’m going back to create art and advocacy in a place I never

thought I would see in my lifetime.”

Kish was able to borrow the actual 4x5 camera used by Nichols to create her own images of the emerging canyon.

“I can’t believe I was so lucky to go back to Glen Canyon with Tad’s camera, the same camera that documented Glen Canyon in the 1950s,” she said. “I really enjoy 4x5 and you really slow down when creating film images. I called the camera ‘Tad’ and would breathe slowly when releasing the shutter. Plus, I have been making films and usually I turn my photographic stories into films. It is still storytelling and creating.”

Kish obtained the Crown Graphic from Richard Jackson, a master photographic printer who lives in Flagstaff. Nichols left his view camera to Jackson, who was a friend, as well as his printer.

“Tad would come up from Tucson just to work with Richard in his darkroom,” she explained. “Also, Jackson was Bennett and Running’s printer too, and now mine. He is a big part of the story. He is in the film, too. Without him this never would have happened.”

As of now, because the water levels rose back up in the lake from a big snowpack in winter 2023, all the photos she has taken are under water again.

“Someone needs to document the story and show how humans really know how to mess up the natural world,” Kish said. “People don’t even know that there is this amazing canyon under the reservoir, Lake Powell. I tell people about Glen Canyon, and they have never heard of it. So, I’m going to expose Glen Canyon when it emerges out of its watery tomb every chance I get.”

Kish’s documentary had its world premiere at the 2022 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival and its U.S. premiere at the 2023 Telluride Mountainfilm Festival. The film has been in many other film festivals as well, before its accep-

Photographer Dawn Kish used Tad Nichols’ original Crown Graphic 4x5 view camera to tell the story of Glen Canyon. He photographed the flowing streams, quiet amphitheaters, twisting slot canyons and naked red rocks before the completion of Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, which halted his efforts by flooding the canyon. Courtesy photo.

Grand Canyon Wrangler Moves Mule Trains through All Seasons

Matthew Joseph delivers supplies for rangers, clinics, researchers, campers

An encounter with mules on the Grand Canyon trails is like finding yourself in the middle of a Western movie.  But for the wranglers, it’s the real deal and a job they wouldn’t trade for anything.

Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) Animal Packer Matthew Joseph says, “I love it! I get to be in the Grand Canyon, and the mules are the best coworkers you could ever ask for.”

A mule packer feeds and cares for the animals and carefully and strategically sorts out the cargo for transport in packs on the mules’ back. In general, mules can carry 20% of their body weight.

Working and living at the Grand Canyon on and off since 2018, Joseph began wrangling as a packer for Xanterra Travel Collection South Rim Mule Operations. After three months, he began packing supplies

down to Phantom Ranch and back. “I preferred working with the mules rather than people,” he said.

When COVID hit, Joseph took some time off to spend time in Prescott where his parents live.  Soon after, he accepted a position at Rock Creek in Bishop, California, where he rode horses and packed mules.

Returning to the Grand Canyon in 2021, Joseph was hired in his current position with GCNP.

Waking up early in the morning, Joseph packs his mules and hauls supplies to inner canyon park rangers, clinics, wastewater treatment plants and more. “You name it, we take supplies to anyone who is a Park Service employee.  That includes archeologists and anything biology related, vegetation crews, fish crews and law enforcement,” he said.

Joseph says the mule trains usu-

Continued on page 34

Grand Canyon National Park Animal Packer Matthew Joseph keeps mule trains moving safely through the canyon.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Sedona Film Festival Celebrates Henry Mancini’s 100th Birthday

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Aletter written in 1961 from actress Audrey Hepburn to the late composer and conductor Henry “Hank” Mancini put his timeless and innovative musical arrangements into perspective.

“A movie without music is like an airplane without fuel, your music has lifted us up and sent us soaring, and everything we cannot say with words or show with action you have expressed for us.  You have done this with so much imagination, fun and beauty.”

Internationally known for his musical scores Moon River, The Pink Panther, Peter Gunn, Itari (The Elephant Walk), Charade, Days of Wine & Roses and more, Mancini’s music and memories penetrated hearts at the Henry Mancini 100th Birthday Celebration at the Sedona International Film Festival.

The multimedia event showcased Mancini’s daughter, Monica, a two-time Grammy nominated singer who sang several songs, including her favorite, Days of Wine & Roses.  “There’s something so haunting and stirring about the song. It’s a beautiful song and something that stuck with me,” said Monica.  “I was so young at the time it was first recorded, but it was so beautifully crafted and worded by lyricist Johnny Mercer.”  Monica Mancini was accompanied by Grammy-winning Pianist Randy Waldman, who frequently collaborated with Barbra Streisand.

Monica Mancini’s husband and producer, Gregg Field, expounded on Henry’s life and music with personal memories, slides and film clips. “He wasn’t afraid to try new sounds with cool strings, piano and sexy saxophone. He created simple melodies that continue to resonate. Henry couldn’t understand why his music became so popular because it was so simple. He was a very humble man.”

“Gregg worked very hard on his presentation. We crafted it for the occasion and I’m really glad it worked. Working with the Sedona International Film Festival was great,” said Monica.

“We were honored to celebrate 100 years of Henry Mancini and give everyone a walk down memory lane to the soundtrack of so many wonderful films,” said Sedona International Film Festival Executive Director Patrick Schweiss. “Monica Mancini and Gregg Field gave us a glimpse behind the scenes and gave us some great insights into the musical genius that was Henry Mancini. It was a truly magical night! Brilliant in every way!”

With every seat filled at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, the first public re-recording of the ‘50s theme song Peter Gunn and ‘60s The Pink Panther captivated the audience while showcasing Cuban-American trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, American jazz musician and bandleader Herbie Hancock, record producer Quincy Jones and saxophonist Plaz Johnson.

“I found that the way they highlighted Henry Mancini’s songs along with the movies was so enjoyable. Also learning about his life and the story behind his success was so interesting,” said actress Rose Schatz Glinsky of Sedona. “Monica’s voice was impeccable, perfect pitch and pianist Randy Waldman did a wonderful job of accompanying.  I really had a great time.”

Mancini was born outside of Cleveland on April 16, 1924. His talent earned him 20 Grammy awards, four Oscars, one Golden Globe and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Pancreatic cancer took his life in 1994. He was married to Ginny Mancini, who sang in all of Mancini’s films. They had three children, a son, Chris, and twin daughters, Monica and Felice.

The Mancini family is planning a big 100th birthday celebration, which will take place at the Hollywood Bowl in June. “It was his home venue. He worked the Hollywood Bowl every other year until he passed. It was his homebase where he would perform,” said Monica.

“Through films and stories, we want people to see the face behind Henry Mancini’s music. We want people to see it wasn’t music created out of thin air, but the person who wrote it,” she said.

Outside of his music, Monica said that her dad

Continued on page 33

A commemorative postage stamp honoring Henry Mancini was issued on April 13, 2004. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney Fresh Focuses Photography

Could Pluto Become Arizona’s State Planet?

Controversial object gains cosmic support

By Kevin Schindler, QCBN

The rattlesnake is Arizona’s official state reptile, petrified wood is the state fossil, and the bola (or bolo) tie is the state neckwear. Now, if Arizona lawmaker Justin Wilmeth gets his way, Arizona will become the first state to boast an official planet: Pluto.

Wilmeth, a republican state representative for District 15, introduced the bill into the House on Jan. 17. Last April, he was part of a legislative delegation that toured the construction site of Lowell Observatory’s 40,000-square-foot Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center, set to open this November. During the visit, he was reminded of Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto at the observatory in 1930.

Jump ahead to early 2024. “I was sitting around with one of my staffers one day who is from Flagstaff, named Kelsey,” explained Wilmeth. “And I said I want to have a little fun this year.” Soon, the discussion triggered a lightbulb to go off in Wilmeth’s head and the idea of naming Pluto the official state planet formed.

He quickly wrote a bill, which reads simply, “Pluto is the Official State Planet.” He introduced it to the House and, after being passed by the House Rules and Government committees, it went before the entire House on Feb. 19. After Wilmeth read a proclamation honoring

Pluto, the House discussed the bill and voted unanimously to pass it, 52-0.

Wilmeth acknowledged that the bill is not necessarily as weighty as others but is nevertheless important. “We’re defenders and purveyors of our state history and this happened here,” he said. “When little kids hear about this, they will fall in love with Pluto and think, ‘If that happened here, we can do anything in this state.’”

Lowell Observatory’s Clyde Tombaugh, then 24 years old, discovered Pluto in 1930. Its planetary status has long been debated, but Wilmeth points out, “That’s not really the point of this bill. It’s to honor our state heritage, our state history and our strong astronomy background that we have.”

Diane Phelps, a Sedona-based writer of children’s books, recently published “Needle in a Haystack: How Clyde Tombaugh Found an Awesome New World.” She testified at a House Government Committee meeting on Jan. 31, “Here’s an opportunity for a teacher to lead a discussion with the fact that Pluto is the state planet. [Students] will think that is oh-so-cool!”

Lowell Observatory Chief Operating Officer Dr. Amanda Bosh, whose early days as an astronomer included participation on the team that discovered Pluto’s atmosphere in 1988, also testified at the Jan. 31 meeting. She

Continued on page 25

Lowell Observatory astronomer Stephen Levine, Ph.D., Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler, author Diane Phelps, State Representative Justin Wilmeth and Lowell COO Amanda Bosh, Ph.D., give the “Pluto Salute,” signifying Pluto as the ninth planet.Courtesy photo

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Preparing for Wildland Fire Season

This time of year, the Prescott area enters wildland fire season as the winter moisture subsides and the weather turns drier and warmer. The fire season for Prescott and all of Northern Arizona generally falls between April 1 and July 1. Weather and other factors can extend or shorten a fire season. Prescott Fire Department, working with partner agencies, is doing more than ever to help our community be prepared and resilient. However, as a community within a wildland-urban interface, we can always do more to be prepared and work together to minimize the risks.

Every spring, firefighters from across the nation converge here in Prescott to attend the annual Arizona Wildfire and Incident Management Academy, hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. That recent event brought a record-breaking 1,100 participants, so you might have noticed their presence in town, especially if you run a restaurant or hotel. Those folks were training here to learn the best practices for dealing with this threat that annually endangers our community and much

of the Western United States. Their business is response, dealing with the threat as it happens. We should be doing our part, as a city and its citizens, to give them the best chance at success.

In 2023, the Prescott Fire Department onboarded a Wildfire Risk Manager who has been tasked with creating a strategy for minimizing future risks to life and property. Conrad Jackson, a long-time member of the Prescott Fire Department and an educator, has been named in this role. Beyond developing long-term strategies, part of his duties includes outreach and the education of our residents. Part of his educational work will be introducing the concept of Fire Adapted Communities to our region.

The Fire Adapted Community concept takes a core concept of Firewise and expands it to cover everyone’s role in protecting our community. It also expands the idea of being prepared to include your actions during a fire as well as after it passes. It is a more holistic approach, which makes sense given where we live. Wildland fires are going to hap-

pen, as they always have, so we need to have the right approach to living with its presence.

The core of all the preparedness though is still Firewise. For those folks new to the area and possibly unfamiliar, being Firewise relates to creating a defensible space around your home to decrease an approaching wildfire’s intensity and help give some working room for firefighters who may need to work around your home battling the blaze. It largely boils down to thinning out the brush and trees around our homes, removing their lowest branches, and removing problem materials like leaf litter, woodpiles, propane tanks and lumber from against our homes. Every little bit we do to remove hazardous material is a step in the right direction.

For years, the city has worked with other agencies including Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA), Prescott National Forest (PNF), and Yavapai Firewise to educate the public and mitigate the risk of a wildfire disaster. As fire season gets underway, there is still time for citizens to help these folks be successful in their efforts. I urge

citizens to be educated, informed and prepared. We cannot afford to do otherwise. QCBN

To learn more about best practices in creating that defensible space, there is literature available online, on the City of Prescott Website Prescott-AZ.gov, and through YavapaiFirewise.com.

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

BY BONNIE STEVENS, QCBN

Exercising Your Freedom is Good for You

After witnessing a profoundly moving and meaningful naturalization ceremony in federal court recently, I realized we American citizens seem to get so bogged down in the challenges facing our country, including political disagreements and the cost of gas, that we forget how privileged we are to live in the United States. We forget about the opportunities and freedoms we have that give us the power to pursue a better life.

Not taking advantage of our freedoms – like the right to vote, the right to express ourselves and the right to become educated – is like winning the lottery and burying the jackpot.

The process to become a U.S. citizen is not quick or easy. In general, most people have to be a permanent resident here for at least five years, three if you are married to a U.S. citizen. You really have to want it.

On Friday, March 22, I saw, firsthand, 74 people who really wanted it. I witnessed the palpable joy, relief and hope for the future as these individuals from 30 countries became U.S. citizens.

A woman from Iran pledged

allegiance to our flag with her hand over her heart and without a veil over her hair.

A man from Afghanistan will not face consequences in this country if he chooses to treat his wife and daughters as something more valuable than property.

A woman from China can now freely browse websites of companies that compete with Chinese businesses.

A man from Egypt likely has far better prospects now for earning a higher wage and enjoying higher living standards, as only the wealthy in his homeland can afford to live in a free-standing house.

According to Habitat for Humanity, 20 million Egyptians live in substandard housing conditions – dirt floors and thatched roofs – with little chance of improving their situation. Such conditions provide little protection from snakes, insects, intruders, rain or dangerously hot summer temperatures. “Some even share their homes with their livestock or poultry.” Thus, the threat of disease and danger from the elements is high.

Meanwhile, here in the States, we

generally don’t have to think about dodging cobras or becoming ill from exposure to sick animals or oppressive heat.

In fact, we have choices about where we want live and our path to get there. We can safely cast a vote for those we want to represent us. We can also name our babies whatever we want, marry whomever we want and wear a dragon tail in public, if we feel like it. We can chew gum (it’s banned in Singapore), go outside alone (women in Saudi Arabia are discouraged if not banned from doing this) and start a business. And everyone has access to education, which many say is the game-changer for an improved quality of life. All kids in the U.S. have the right to free public education. After that there are grants, programs, financial aid and counselors available to help guide the way.

Those of us lucky enough to have been born in the United States may well have won the lottery of a lifetime without ever buying a ticket. What we do with our jackpot is up to us. QCBN

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

Last month, 74 individuals from 30 countries became new U.S. citizens in a federal court in Phoenix. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

QC pet news

Sunrise Sanctuary Hopes to Build a Barn

Horse-rescue operation seeking funds, volunteers

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Horse owners know how much it costs to feed and care for a horse. So, multiplying those expenses by 10 can be overwhelming.

That is the challenge that Kristyne Schaff-Olson and her husband, Jason, face at Sunrise Sanctuary and Rescue (SSR) in Chino Valley. The mission of SSR is to rescue, rehabilitate and adopt abused, neglected and abandoned animals into caring and loving homes. SSR also aims to educate new owners through its rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

As such, they are seeking to raise funds through sponsorships to pay for the animal care and facilities. Businesses and individuals will have their names posted on signs for the areas they sponsor, such as horse stalls and a planned barn.

The barn is a major undertaking, as the sanctuary plans to move all the horses into one stall section as they build the barn. They also plan to build a track where they can train the horses.

“We work with people who are having rehab problems with their horses,” said Schaff-Olson.

Sunrise Sanctuary will need $3,500 for the first phase of construction, but they also need $1,000 every 10 days for feeding the horses, and an additional $300 every two weeks for supplements.

The design for the barn will cost about $10,000, and then they will get an estimate from the contractor on how much the building of the barn will cost.

Sunrise Sanctuary also has six goats, four cats, two donkeys and one cow.

Schaff-Olson said horses have been her passion since she was 11 years old, when she began riding horses and roping. Some of her friends were competitive in these events.

“I became more focused on horse health,” she said. “People from throughout the U.S. would ask me for horse help.”

Schaff-Olson had an uncle with a horse ranch in Pleasanton, California, and she would spend summers there riding and working with horses. “You can see the joy in the horses when

someone takes time to help them.”

The most challenging part of her job is the financial aspect. “When you have 10 horses that need to be rehabbed, it gets expensive. But we have a lot of people who are helping us out. It’s good that we built these resources, but we need to maintain them.”

Sunrise Sanctuary began small as a horse rescue operation with just one trailer on site in 2019, when another horse sanctuary was closing. But now it has a full-time trainer, Michael

Wilcox, and full-time barn manager, Adam Hash. The sanctuary is always looking for volunteers to groom horses and clean up stalls.

The horses they take in are assessed for nutritional deficiencies and physical ailments. Then, they are prescribed the appropriate rehabilitation.

For a fee, visitors can ride the horses or take them on trails. Also, on-site lessons are available for people interested in adopting the horses. Sunrise Sanctuary also offers horse-hauling services as well, and

hosts events including weddings on horseback. QCBN

Schaff-Olson is planning a ribbon-cutting event with the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, 4-8 p.m. July 6. Sunrise Sanctuary is located at 2120 W. Road 2 South, in Chino Valley.

For more information, call 775-636-0710 or email sunrisesanctuaryrescue@gmail.com

Sunrise Sanctuary continues to seek funding to care for horses. Photo by Stan Bindell

Putting a Spring in Your Step with Friends

By Loree Walden

Grab a leash and your fourlegged best friend and hit some of the many dog friendly trails in Northern Arizona! The weather is getting warmer and it’s the perfect time to be outside and start a new exercise routine together because April is National Canine Fitness Month!

Before heading out, make sure your dog has a clean bill of health from your veterinarian to prevent any injuries and avoid any issues that might arise from exercising. Getting proper physical stimulation helps dogs keep their muscles and joints healthy, maintain a healthy weight, and work off energy that might be pent up from being inside.

Start your dog out with a nice walk around the neighborhood and work up to a longer hike. Just like with us humans, you don’t want to jump right into a 3-mile hike without building up your endurance and muscles, so make your walks a little bit longer each day and add in a hill or two. When you’re ready to hit the trails, I suggest the Watson Woods Trail that starts at Rosser and goes to Watson Lake. It’s a nice 3.5-mile round trip hike that is pretty flat and a good starting point for beginners.

From there, you can venture out to other trails and eventually to some that challenge you both a bit more. Lynx Lake Loop is a beautiful 2.5mile hike that is relatively easy too. The Constellation Loop comes in at about the same length and is also easy but often quite busy. Goldwater Lakes Trail 396 is an 8-mile hike out and back which has nice benches along the way to take a break when needed. You can find many more dog friendly hikes at alltrails.com, bringfido.com and our local Chamber of Commerce offices. Remember to bring potty bags, water for both of you, and be sure to keep an eye on your dog(s) to make sure they are not becoming overheated or exhausted. And remember that while it’s tempting to let your dog off its leash, it is AZ law that your dog remains on a leash that is a maximum of 6 feet long. This is for the safety of not only your dog, but others you may come across.

Taking a walk or hike with your dog is not only good for them, but also for you. Benefits include getting exercise and it’s a great time to bond with your furry friend. You can even add in some training time with them by socializing with other people and other dogs. As it gets warmer, be sure to keep an eye out for snakes

that may be in bushes or even hiding buried in the dirt of the trail. We have a lot of different species of snakes in Northern Arizona and while some are not poisonous, many are. It’s a good idea to take a moment to learn the different types so you are able to spot ones that may be potentially poisonous or dangerous to you and your pet. Should you happen to come across a snake and your dog gets bitten, it’s important to know what kind of snake it is and make sure you take your dog to your vet as soon as possible.

In addition, April is also Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month. Lyme Disease is caused by ticks found in tall grass, thick brush, and woody areas. Ticks attach themselves to your pooch when they walk by and rub up against something the tick is on. A tick can transmit Lyme Disease to your dog in as little as 24 to 48 hours after being attached. When you get home from a walk or hike, be sure to inspect your dog for ticks. Be very thorough, especially in long-haired dogs, as they tend to dig their way down to their skin quite quickly. If you happen to find one, carefully remove it making sure you get the entire tick. You can prevent ticks from jumping on your dog altogeth-

er, by giving them a veterinary-approved flea and tick preventative available over the counter.

So, grab that leash and your dog and head out for a

nice walk together! It’ll do you both good! QCBN

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Ear Safety Tips

By Jeff Lane, Au.D.

Alarge portion of audiology appointments revolve around patient education. Given that ear health is not regularly discussed, it makes sense that patients may have a lot of questions. A common theme among their questions is safety. That is, how can one prevent damage or further loss? Below are a couple of the most common inquires.

EAR CLEANING

When testing as patient, they often express concern about their ears being full of wax. The truth is most people’s ears are pretty clear. Skin in your ear canal actually moves outward to clear out excess earwax. And a certain amount of earwax is actually

necessary for healthy ears! It helps to maintain skin moisture and can even deter bugs. However, it is true that some people produced more wax than others, which can potentially occlude the ear canal and affect hearing. In these instances, some extra effort can be needed. If someone is concerned about excess earwax, we recommended putting a couple of drops of mineral oil in the ear twice a month. There is no need to rinse out the ears. Simply insert the oil into the ears and let it soak into the wax. This helps the wax to soften, ensuring it can flow out properly. While you can purchase brands such as Debrox, any mineral oil will suffice. Patients who follow this regimen typically see their issues with buildup subside.

Of course, any discussion of ear cleaning must address that most controversial of topics: Q-tips. Most people have grown up using Q-tips, then been warned to avoid them as adults. So, are Q-tips dangerous? It’s possible. Inserting them too deeply can cause contact with the bony portion of the ear canal, which would cause great discomfort. It also runs the risk of harming the eardrum, which is only 0.1 mm thick. The real issue, though, is that Q-tips are not all that effective in cleaning your ears. A small portion of the wax may be removed, but most will remain. It also runs the risk of unintentionally pushing the wax deeper into the canal. The best option is to let your ears clean themselves or use mineral oil. Of course, your audiologist is also

So, how can one enjoy their music while also promoting safety? Limit the volume or duration of exposure to the sound. A good rule of thumb is that if someone standing a few feet away can hear your music, it is too loud. Luckily, most devices allow you to set a volume limit. For example, you could set your phone to not go beyond 75% of its output capability.

always ready to help clean your ears if needed.

LOUD MUSIC

When we consider forms of hazardous noise, things like guns and power tools are typically what come to mind. And these definitely pose a risk. But there are plenty of other daily activities that can be harmful to ear health as well. One such activity is listening to loud music. This applies even if you are not at a concert. Today, almost everyone has a smartphone or some other form of portable music player. Thus, a significant part of each day is spent listening to music while traveling or working. This isn’t inherently dangerous, but it can be if caution isn’t taken. Take, for example, AirPods. AirPods have the ability to produce sound in excess of 100 dB. According to OSHA regulations, exposure to 100 dB can cause damage in as little as two hours. Even 95 dB of exposure is only permitted for four hours. So, if somebody likes to crank their music, damage could be occurring over time without them noticing. (To be clear, this information would apply to all types of headphones, not just

AirPods.)

So, how can one enjoy their music while also promoting safety? Limit the volume or duration of exposure to the sound. A good rule of thumb is that if someone standing a few feet away can hear your music, it is too loud. Luckily, most devices allow you to set a volume limit. For example, you could set your phone to not go beyond 75% of its output capability.

Then you would know that even if you turned the volume up, it would not be straying into dangerous territory. You could also make yourself take breaks from the headphones ever few hours to provide your ears an opportunity to rest. In essence: be mindful.

To be clear, there are many other factors that play into ear health and safety. If you have questions, ask. Your audiologist is always happy and ready to educate. QCBN

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

Real Estate Sales Surge as Prices Change Across the Quad Cities

By Jeanelle Shearer

The number of homes listed during February in the Quad Cities increased by 13.5% year over year, according to the housing market report released by the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS (PAAR). Last month, a total of 286 homes were listed for sale, compared to 252 in February of the previous year. Across the Quad Cities, the number of new listings increased in each area except Dewey-Humboldt, which experienced a 4.2% decrease in February of this year, compared to last. Prescott Valley had the lowest number of new listings at 94 total, representing an increase of 1.1% from 93 new listings last year. Both Prescott and Chino Valley saw the most substantial growth, with 21.8% and 40% increases, respectively.

The amount of active inventory in the Quad Cities has continued to rise at an impressive rate with the influx of new listings. The area experienced a 32.1% increase in active inventory year over year, with substantial rises in each of the four cities. Chino Valley saw the greatest increase, at 47% with 97 active listings this February, compared to 66 in 2023. Dewey-Humboldt was the runner-up, experiencing a 37.7% increase in inventory with 84 active listings last month, despite showing an overall decline in new listings. Both Prescott and Prescott Valley sustained sizable increases in active inventory, with rises of 28.9% and 30.7%, respectively. As active inventory increased across the Quad Cities, the months of inventory increased simultaneously in each area. The four cities had a combined 4.1 months of inventory available to buyers, having seen a 20.6% increase from the 3.4 months of inventory this time last year. Chino Valley and Prescott had the most months of inventory available, with 5.1 and 4.7 months each. Dewey-Humboldt fell close behind with 4.2 months of inventory, followed by Prescott Valley with 3.1 months.

The median number of days on the market for listings in the Quad Cities during February was 56 days, a 36.6% increase year over year. Despite an overall positive change in the median number of days on market in the four cities as a whole, only Prescott saw an individual increase while Prescott Valley, Dewey-Humboldt and Chino Valley saw

decreases. Prescott experienced an astounding 156.7% increase in the median number of days on market for listings, sitting at 77 days last month. The other three cities saw decreases of more than 20%, with Chino Valley’s median number of days on the market being the lowest, at 27 days. The median number of days on market for Prescott Valley and Dewey-Humboldt settled at 54 and 66 days on market each.

In regards to total sales, the Quad Cities experienced a 10.2% increase year over year, a much welcome improvement from January. Each of the four cities saw individual increases in total sales, with the largest upswing being in Dewey-Humboldt, on account of a 33.3% increase. Chino Valley underwent the smallest change, with a 5.6% increase from 18 sales in February 2023 to 19 sales last month. Prescott and Prescott Valley experienced greater increases than Chino Valley, but not nearly as substantial as Dewey-Humboldt, with hikes of 9.4 and 7.2% each. Seventy-four homes were sold in Prescott Valley, followed by 20 in Dewey-Humboldt and 19 in Chino Valley. February saw 206 total sales across the Quad Cities, with Prescott leading at 93 total sales.

The median sales price of homes in the Quad Cities rose by 3.1% year over year, with only one city contributing to the overall increase. Prescott experienced a 20.4% increase in the median sales price of homes, while the other three cities all saw noticeable decreases. The median sales price dropped the most in Dewey-Humboldt, decreasing 24.4% and settling at $310,000. Chino Valley and Prescott Valley both experienced reductions of 7.7% and 3.7%, respectively, with the median sales price sitting at $360,000 in Chino Valley and $438,200 in Prescott Valley. The highest median sales price of all the cities was $589,000 in Prescott. The median sales price in February for all of the Quad Cities was $469,185.

The housing market has started to take off, with an upswing of sales in February across the Quad Cities. The amount of active inventory has grown immensely, meaning buyers have more options from which to choose. A larger supply of homes paired with lower prices increases the likelihood of buyers finding a house they love and can also afford. Potential buyers will continue to enter the market as they see affordable homes becoming

more readily available. A realtor with expertise of the local market can guide buyers in purchasing a home that fulfills all their needs. QCBN

All data is compiled from the Multiple Listing Service of the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS® and includes single-family, manufactured, mobile, modular, condos and townhouse residential activity in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt.

Jeanelle Shearer is the 2024 PAAR president.

About PAAR: The Prescott Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) is the trade association representing more than 2,000 REALTORS® serving the greater Quad Cities area. Established in 1944, PAAR’s mission is to advocate for private property rights, and provide its members with resources to foster their business success.

The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark, which identifies real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics as members of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Yavapai College Adds New Programs for Fall

By Lisa B. Rhine

Yavapai College is set to launch an exciting array of new programs for the fall 2024 semester.

These programs were all vetted through the college’s extensive curriculum process, including a comprehensive college committee and multiple vetting steps. The process requires months of preparation before committee vetting, and then once the curriculum passes, it must receive Yavapai College Board approval.

YC endeavors to create academic programs that are accessible and

affordable and lead to living wage jobs. All YC programs provide the education and training needed to compete in the open job market.

The new programs offered to students in fall 2024 are:

ƒ Agriculture Technology Management certificate

ƒ Foundations of Leadership certificate

ƒ Media Editing and Post-Production certificate

ƒ Media and Extended Realities certificate

ƒ Practical Nursing Fast Track certificate

ƒ Script Supervisor certificate

ƒ Women’s Health Imaging certificate

In addition, the college added a new concentration in Digital Marketing to the Bachelor of Science in Business Degree. Now, with four concentrations, this degree is built for students in all fields of the workforce, new students, continuing students or working adults looking to upskill.

Overall, YC offers over 100 degrees and certificates in Visual and Performing Arts, Humanities, Business and Professional Programs, Science and Math, Career and Technical Education, and Health Sciences.

I hear a lot that YC is one of the

“best-kept secrets” in Yavapai County, and I genuinely believe the college has something for everyone. Our fall registration opens on April 15, and I encourage anyone interested to contact our advising and admission team to determine what YC can do for you. QCBN

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.

What is Respite Care?

By Cecelia Jernegan

Caring for an aging loved one can be a huge full-time responsibility, especially when you have other family, work and personal obligations that command your attention. What happens when you need to run important errands, go to a business meeting at the office, take a vacation, or need a breather?

If you are one of 40+ million Americans providing unpaid elder care, you understand the issues and challenges of being a primary caregiver.

WHAT IS RESPITE CARE?

Respite care is short-term or temporary home care that provides much-needed relief or a break from a primary caregiver’s duties. Respite care helps families and primary caregivers who may need to leave briefly to work outside the home, take care of personal tasks, or manage other responsibilities.

Flexibility is one of the most significant benefits of respite care. You can usually schedule services for a few hours or overnight to a few days or longer. Professional caregivers can also perform in-home assistance routinely on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis.

You will also gain peace of mind knowing your loved one is in capable and experienced hands – even for a short time.

RESPITE CARE SERVICES

Visiting Angels Offices in Northern Arizona realizes the positive difference short-term help from a senior can make. Professional and dedicated caregivers will take a flexible approach in planning and scheduling services to ensure you and your loved one receive the respite care you need.

In-home respite care can include a wide range of services, including companion care and personal care. Some of the most common tasks performed include:

ƒ Assistance with activities of daily living (such as dressing, grooming, and bathing)

ƒ Laundry

ƒ Light housekeeping

ƒ Meal preparation

ƒ Medication reminders

If your loved one requires specialized care, such as Alzheimer’s care and dementia care, professional caregivers with expertise in these areas will provide support.

Respite care can also help reduce your risk of caregiver burnout without

compromising the quality of in-home support your loved one receives.

WHAT IS CAREGIVER BURNOUT?

If you provide care for a loved one without professional assistance, you may be at high risk of physical and mental exhaustion, often referred to as “caregiver burnout.” Symptoms of caregiver burnout include:

ƒ Feeling irritable, stressed, exhausted or isolated

ƒ Difficulty sleeping

ƒ Inability to keep appointments or manage responsibilities

ƒ Lack of motivation

ƒ Resentment toward your caregiving duties or your loved one

ƒ Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use, overeating, or not eating enough

ƒ Withdrawal from people and activities you used to enjoy In-home respite care can substantially reduce your risk of burnout and make caring for your loved one more manageable.

GET STARTED WITH RESPITE CARE

Contact your local Visiting Angel office in Prescott or Flagstaff to request more information. A Visiting Angels’ care coordinator will pro-

vide you with a free, no-obligation home consultation to discover and determine the services you need. The care coordinator will also answer any questions you have about Respite Care for your love one.

The thing is this, if you don’t take care of you, then you can’t take care of your loved one. Respite care is much needed for the caregiver staying at home taking care of their loved one. QCBN

If you want to learn more information about Respite Care

call Visiting Angels offices at 928-2204100 or go to www.visitingangels.com/ Prescott or www.visitingangels.com/Flagstaff to find out more about professional caregivers helping families with Respite Care.

You can also call me directly at 928-4584729 for other eldercare services.

Cecelia Jernegan is the director of Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona and the co-founder of Senior Referral Network, https://seniorreferralnetwork. org/.

How Does Your Credit Score Add Up?

By Greg Riordan

Not too long ago, credit scores were something many people did not pay too much attention to. Presently, people are increasingly invested in their credit score and finding ways for it to be the best it can be. You’ve probably asked yourself, what is a credit score communicating? A credit score tells lenders and credit card issuers how likely you are to pay back your loan on time. FICO credit reports rank on a scale of 300-850, with 300 being extremely poor and 850 being the absolute best.

Your credit score is made up of a few factors and considers both positive and negative information. In every category, the scoring model asks questions about your credit report. The answers to these questions determine however many points you earn. A combination of all these points reveals your credit score.

Thirty-five percent of your credit score comes from your payment history, which is the heftiest factor on your credit score. The scoring model will consider questions such as “Are there any late payments?” and “How late were these payments?” Bankrupt-

cies, collection accounts and foreclosures are other examples of negative payment-related information.

Thirty percent of your credit score is amounts owed. The scoring model will examine things like, “What’s the total amount of debt?” and “How many accounts are there with balances?” Keeping a low balance-to-limit ratio is the best way to avoid a decreased credit score when it comes to this factor. It’s also important to keep in mind that large payments like mortgages, auto and student loans will have an impact on your credit score as well.

Fifteen percent of your total credit score is determined by your length of credit history. It will ask questions like, “What is the time elapsed on both the newest and oldest accounts?” and “When was each account last active?” The longer you’ve had credit history, the more likely it is that your score will be higher.

Ten percent of the score comes from any new credit. It’s important to remember that any time you apply for new credit, the lender does a hard inquiry on your credit score. When you check your own credit score, referred to as a soft inquiry, your credit score is not impacted. Opening new

credit should be done sparingly. The last 10% that makes up your credit score is having different account types. While it may be a small thing, managing different accounts like credit cards, retail accounts and mortgage loans can make a difference in your credit score. You should make sure to open new credit applications periodically and not all at the same time. It’s important to note that

your credit score affects what kind of interest rate you are able to get and what loan programs you qualify for.

QCBN

Greg Riordan is a Loan Officer with Legacy Mutual Mortgage. For additional information or to get in touch with Greg, visit legacymutual.com/ officers/greg-riordan or call

Four Steps to Take Before Buying a New Commercial Truck

By Kenny Perkins

Picture this: You’ve been in business for more than a decade. Your truck fleet consists of mostly half-ton trucks, which has always been adequate until now. You were just awarded three large contracts that will require substantially heavier hauling capacity. You start to panic. “Where do I start? What if I end up with too much truck, or even worse, too little?”

Here are four useful steps to take in order to mitigate costly mistakes:

1. Identify your business needs: Before you dive head first into a sea of commercial truck options, it is crucial that you identify your business needs first. What are you transporting? How much are you hauling? How far are you traveling? What type of terrain will you be covering? What kind of maneuverability will you require? What kind of fuel efficiency are you expecting? What are you currently licensed to drive? This information will help you take your next steps.

2. Do Your Research: Now that you’ve outlined your business needs, it’s time to see what’s out there. You’re not looking to become a professional on the subject. You’re simply seeking information in order to become more confident and knowledgeable about the

features and specifications that match your business needs. For example, a truck’s size and capacity will affect its maneuverability, fuel efficiency and load-carrying capabilities. This is in direct correlation to price and leads to the next step.

3. Establish your budget: Now that you’ve done your research, it is time to establish a budget. Be certain to factor in other related costs such as fuel, insurance and maintenance. It would also be wise to reach out to your CPA to discuss whether cash, credit or a Commercial TRAC lease would be best for your particular situation. It’s also vital to discuss the merits of financing a new vehicle under your business name versus personal. Once you’ve sorted out your options, you are now ready to take the most significant step of all.

4. Team up with a seasoned commercial truck professional: Choosing a reputable dealer can make all the difference in the world. Plus, it’s important to note that not all automotive dealerships have a designated commercial fleet division. For example, not every Chevy dealer has a Business Elite fleet department, which offers additional services such as extended hours beyond the traditional 9-to-5 day and access to specialized credit lines of $500K or more. It’s also imperative that you find

928-427-5156. You may find his office at 325 W Gurley St #102, Prescott, AZ 86301. Greg cares about the people that choose to trust him with the biggest asset in their lives – their home. He will give straight, honest answers with exceptional advice, whether you are refinancing your home to pay off debt, lowering your rate, reducing the length of your loan or to purchase your first or next dream home.

a fleet dealer that has a seasoned staff with the proper knowledge to build the correct vehicle, not just for the job, but for all safety and legal regulations as well. No one knows your business better than you, but the partner you choose should be just as invested. It should be someone with whom you can build a long-lasting business relationship, understands that “time is money,” and respects the fact that you simply don’t have the time to invest in lengthy stints at the dealership.

In summary, even though buying a commercial truck can start out as an

unnerving task, it doesn’t have to be. By identifying your business needs, doing your research, establishing a budget and teaming up with a seasoned commercial truck professional, you can succeed in making the perfect purchase that fits your business needs to a T! QCBN

Kenny Perkins and Kurt Roberts are the fleet and commercial managers at Lamb Chevrolet and Cadillac located at 400 Prescott Lakes Pkwy in Prescott,

AZ 86301. For additional information or to schedule an appointment with Kenny Perkins, call 928-778-5262 or email Kenneth.perkins@lambauto.com. Kurt Roberts can be reached at 928-777-9375 or Kurt.roberts@lambauto.com. Interested in finding a work truck that can be customized for your business? Check out our actual inventory at www.lambchevrolet.com.

World’s Oldest Rodeo Features Full Events Schedule

By Donna Werking

Prescott Frontier Days, Inc is thrilled to announce the much anticipated 137th annual World’s Oldest Rodeo, taking place from Monday, July 1 through Sunday, July 7 in Prescott. This iconic event, held during the bustling Fourth of July week, is a cornerstone of Prescott’s summer calendar, driving economic prosperity throughout the county. Featuring a week-long extravaganza of world-class rodeo action and family-friendly entertainment, the World’s Oldest Rodeo stands as Prescott’s premier event of the year.

Drawing rodeo enthusiasts from across the globe, Prescott Frontier Days invites attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Western culture and history dating back to its inaugural celebration on July 4, 1888. This year, the rodeo pays tribute to the deep-rooted Western culture, embodying the theme of “Prescott Traditions.” As part of the festivities, the rodeo is launching the Memory Catcher campaign, inviting fans nationwide to share their cherished memories and stories of Prescott rodeo traditions. These stories will be featured on the rodeo’s website and social media platforms, celebrating the enduring legacy of Prescott’s premier event.

Jim Dewey Brown, general manager of Prescott Frontier Days, Inc., expressed his gratitude for the generations of rodeo families, stating, “It is an honor to highlight their stories and share the profound impact our rodeo has had on their lives over the years.” To submit your rodeo memories, please visit https://worldsoldestrodeo.com/memory-catcher.

The downtown event of the week

is the annual rodeo parade, themed “Prescott Traditions,” set to take place at 9 a.m., Saturday, July 6 in downtown Prescott, sponsored by Barrett Propane. The parade will kick off with the grand marshal honoree, Ibbie Champie. She is the daughter of Lawton Champie, a 13-time rodeo champion across various events. The week’s festivities around the rodeo performances will culminate at the annual rodeo dance at the Depot Marketplace/BMO Harris Bank parking lot, offering three nights of music and dance. Thursday night is family night, so bring your entire family to kick up your heels! Friday and Saturday night are slated for ages 21 and older. Tickets for the rodeo dance can be purchased at the door at $5 per person. Join us as we celebrate the enduring spirit of Western traditions at the World’s Oldest Rodeo!

PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS, INC PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: 2024

ƒ Performance 1

Monday, July 1, 7:30 p.m.

The Daily Courier

ƒ Performance 2

Tuesday, July 2, 7:30 p.m.

Wrangler Bucking Cancer

ƒ Performance 3

Wednesday, July 3, 7:30 p.m.

York Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

ƒ Performance 4

Thursday, July 4, 7:30 p.m.

First Responders Tribute

ƒ Performance 5

Friday, July 5, 7:30 p.m.

Jack Daniels

ƒ Performance 6

Saturday, July 6, 1:30 p.m.

Military Tribute

ƒ Performance 7

Saturday, July 6, 7:30 p.m.

Coors

ƒ Performance 8

Sunday, July 7, 1:30 p.m.

Nackard Pepsi

MUTTON BUSTIN’ | PRESCOTT RODEO GROUNDS

ƒ Monday, July 1, 6:00 p.m.

ƒ Tuesday, July 2, 6:00 p.m.

ƒ Wednesday, July 3, 6:00 p.m.

ƒ Thursday, July 4, 6:00 p.m.

ƒ Friday, July 5, 6:00 p.m.

ƒ Saturday, July 6, 12:00 p.m.

ƒ Saturday, July 6, 6:00 p.m.

ƒ Sunday, July 7, 12:00 p.m.

RODEO DAYS FINE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW SPONSORED BY THE PRESCOTT DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

ƒ Friday, July 5 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ƒ Saturday, July 6 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ƒ Sunday, July 7 - 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

RODEO DANCE | DEPOT MARKETPLACE/BMO HARRIS BANK 303 N. MONTEZUMA, PRESCOTT

ƒ Thursday, July 4, 2024, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. – Family Night

ƒ Friday, July 5, 2024, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Ages 21 and older

ƒ Saturday, July 6, 2024, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.  – Ages 21 and older

KIWANIS KIDDIE PARADE, SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF PRESCOTT

ƒ Friday, July 5, 8:30 a.m. - Cortez & Goodwin Streets

PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS, INC. RODEO PARADE, SPONSORED BY BARRETT PROPANE

ƒ Saturday, July 6, 9 a.m. – Courthouse Plaza / Goodwin Street

COWBOY CHURCH AT THE PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS

PLUTO continued from page 15

pointed out that the benefits of the bill extend beyond inspiration and community pride. “Adopting Pluto as our state planet would signify the importance of state optics, photonics and astronomy, an industry that stretches from Tucson through Phoenix all the way up to Flagstaff,” she said, “and brings in $4.3 annually to the state as noted by the Arizona Technology Council.”

After the Feb. 19 House vote, the bill moved to the Senate, where it was introduced on Feb. 22 and assigned to the Senate Finance and Rules committees for deliberation. From here, it moves to the entire Senate for discussion and voting. If approved, it then goes to Governor Katie Hobbs for final approval and signing into law. This could happen by early spring, adding Pluto to the list of officially recognized emblems of Arizona. QCBN

RODEO GROUNDS

ƒ Sunday, July 7, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

WHISKEY ROW BOOT RACE

SPONSORED BY BUDWEISER

ƒ Saturday, July 6, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Downtown Prescott, Arizona

Join us for a week of unforgettable rodeo experiences and the celebration of enduring traditions. Tickets are on sale now only at www.worldsoldestrodeo.com where you can purchase via our only certified ticket vendor, Rodeo Tickets. The rodeo ticket office is open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday - Friday. For all media inquiries, please contact Donna Werking at NorthernAZsocial@gmail. com. The Prescott rodeo office is located at 840 Rodeo Drive Prescott, AZ 86305. For other inquiries, please contact the Prescott Rodeo

Office at 928-445-3103 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Learn more at www.worldsoldestrodeo.com. QCBN

Donna Werking, Owner, Northern AZ Social LLC

Northern AZ Social, LLC is a premier, full-service agency that specializes in traditional, digital and social media marketing. In 2021, Northern AZ Social, LLC was named 10 Best Social Media Agencies in Arizona. Donna and her talented team are recognized for their customized programs for a multitude of clients across Northern Arizona. In 2022, she was named TOP 3 marketing agencies in Arizona by SocialAppsHQ and also featured on PBS’s Road Trip Nation as an Arizona leader in her industry. She has aided the marketing efforts of the Prescott Frontier Days-World’s Oldest Rodeo since 2017.

Vold Pro Rodeo Company leads the Grand Entry in this file photo.

Photo courtesy of Blushing Cactus Photography

Lowell Observatory Historian Kevin Schindler, with a City of Flagstaff proclamation celebrating Pluto, joins State Representative Justin Wilmeth, holding a Pluto poster, on the floor of the State House of Representatives Feb. 19, after the House passed the bill to make Pluto the state planet. Courtesy photo

Step Into Spring with a New Walking Routine

By Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP

The days are finally longer, trees and flowers are starting to bud, and frosty weather is on its way out. If you’ve been thinking about starting a walking routine, now is the perfect time. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise. No special equipment or training is necessary, and people of all ages and fitness levels can benefit.

Research shows that walking at least 150 minutes at a brisk pace per week can help reduce your risk of serious illnesses like diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. It can also have a positive effect on bone health as well as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

In addition to the physical benefits, walking has been linked to a reduction in the risk for dementia and can improve your stress level, memory, sleep and emotional well-being. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce the symptoms of depression.

There’s no need to start out at 150 minutes a week to reap the benefits.

Any walking is better than no walking and you can slowly increase your minutes over time. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Set realistic goals. Start by setting achievable goals for yourself. If you are new to walking, aim for five to 10 minutes of brisk walking a day and gradually increase the duration as you build stamina.

2. Walk with a buddy. Walking with a friend or family member is a nice opportunity to spend quality time together while getting fit and keeping each other motivated.

3. Wear comfortable shoes. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes with plenty of support and cushioning.

4. Choose your route. Look for walking paths or neighborhoods in your area where you feel safe and comfortable. Of course, walking in nature can be especially enjoyable. When walking in the evenings, make sure the path is safe and well-lit.

5. Make it a habit. Incorporate walking into your daily routine by scheduling it at a specific

time that fits easily into your schedule.

6. Track your progress. Using a pedometer or a fitness app can help you track the number of steps you take each day and will allow you to see your progress over time.

Keep in mind that even shorter periods of walking throughout the day, such as taking the stairs, parking farther away from your destination or taking a stroll during your lunch break can be added to your goal and will offer significant health benefits.

Finally, it’s important to listen to your body. Start at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially If you have any health concerns or medical conditions.

So, lace up your shoes, step outside and start reaping the rewards of walking this spring. Your body and mind will thank you for it. QCBN

Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP, is the president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

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 8-10 feet. At this height, they can be tended and harvested without a ladder. Pruning keeps them even smaller. Unfortunately, dwarf fruit trees tend to have short lives.

Semi-dwarf fruit trees are a little larger, with most topping at 12-16 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 live far longer.

There is not much space difference between the two types of trees, and both should start producing fruits within 5 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 8-10 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 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-pollinating 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 F. 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 nectarines 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 No. 1 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.

Until next month, 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 Road in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10FruitTrees.com.

Gardeners Of Destiny Graduates Become Squad Warriors

By John Murphy

The Prescott Food Forest is proud to launch its 2024 Gardening Education season with an eightweek Spring Gardening course starting 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 6, at B Organic Farm in Chino Valley and running through Saturday May 25. This course was well received last year and is close to being filled this year, too.

If you or someone you know would like to join us, please go to prescottfoodforest.com to secure your spot. It’s that easy.

GARDENING EDUCATION

Stephane Leon, our gardening educational director, has put together a comprehensive program that teaches the full ecosystem of planning, planting, growing, harvesting, eating, cooking and preserving all the delicious fruits and vegetables that we grow locally. The course is valued at $199, but through the generous donations of our sponsors and donors, including Lamb Chevrolet, Dignity Health, Solstice Ridge 11, Prescott Luxury Realty & Investments and many others, we can reduce the price to $99. Want more good news? We are offering full scholarships to anyone willing to give 10 hours of volunteer work. That’s a win/win for all!

TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION ABOUT GROWING FOOD

Our mission at Make 100 Healthy Foundation and the Prescott Food Forest is to teach people how to grow food and then help others do so, too. The fellowship, camaraderie and positivity experienced are long-lasting. Currently, we have close to 500 people in our community that all have a desire to learn about growing food and gardening. Our Gardeners Of Destiny (G.O.D) students apply these skills in their own homes and by helping others that might not be able to. We want everyone possible to be self-sufficient and to eat nutrient dense, non-GMO fruits and vegetables. This is an ideal way to stay healthy now and in the future.

One of the primary areas we are focusing on is schools. We recently hosted a group of eighth grade students from Trinity Christian School that came to offer their time and efforts as a service project. We were able to prepare our indoor greenhouse and the outdoor gardening beds at B Organic Farm. In two days, we were able to do over 100 hours of work. What a blessing! Thanks to Michelle Conley and these wonderful students for a job well done.

INTRODUCING THE G.O.D SQUAD

As part of our community volunteer

goals, we have launched a new program for graduates of our Gardeners Of Destiny course, The G.O.D Squad. The concept is simple. We are seeking two to three people teams to help families and aging or disabled neighbors in their own gardens. If you or someone you know needs help in your garden, or you want to lead your own G.O.D Squad, please email prescottfoodforest@gmail. com for details.

CHARITY STARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY

None of these programs and opportunities would be possible without our core team of Master Gardeners and volunteers who oversee all aspects of growing food and managing students and volunteers. A special thanks goes to Stephane Leon, LeRoy Miller, Debra Ott, Ann Smeltzer, Greg Eddolls, Kathryn Crew, Kim Plancich, Ann Herrington and many others who have been amazing teachers and workers for our Prescott Food Forest @ B Organic Farm. We could not do any of this without the welcoming hospitality of Mark and Ginny @ B Organic Farm. They have blessed us with access to their property. Thank you!

GOLF TOURNAMENT TO FUND SCHOLARSHIPS SOLD OUT

In closing, I want to extend my appreci-

ation and gratitude to everyone who has signed up to play in our First Annual Rock the Garden Open Golf Tournament at The Club at Prescott Lakes. It’s completely sold out, allowing us to fund scholarships, purchase gardening supplies and to support community outreach. If you want to donate, please go to prescottfoodforest.com and look for the donation tab. We are an Arizona 501(c)3 non-profit. As we like to say,

“Let’s get growing!” QCBN

John Murphy is the founder of Make 100 Healthy Foundation and a former chair for the Commission on Well-Being for the City of Prescott. He is also a realtor in the Quad Cities. He can be reached at John.teammurphy@gmail.com or 928-899-1341.

The Prescott Food Forest offers scholarships for courses to those willing to give 10 hours of volunteer work. Courtesy photo

Nurturing Health Comprehensively: The Whole Person Care Approach at Polara Health

By Deanna Eder

The concept of whole person care at Polara Health embodies a profound change in our healthcare philosophy, placing equal emphasis on the physical, emotional, social and mental aspects of well-being. This approach acknowledges the intricate interplay of these elements in shaping an individual’s overall health and quality of life. By embracing whole person care, we enhance health outcomes and cultivate a patient-centered, empathetic environment where individuals feel truly heard, valued and understood - essential components of a fulfilling life.

Central to whole person care is its patient-centered focus, which involves actively engaging with patients, understanding their unique needs, preferences and aspirations, and involving them in decisions regarding their care. This approach fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, leading to improved treatment adherence and outcomes. Moreover, by considering all facets of a person’s health, whole person care can help identify and address underlying issues contributing to health problems, resulting in more effective and sustainable interventions.

Recognizing that well-being is influenced by various factors beyond medical conditions, whole person care extends beyond symptom management. It acknowledges that elements such as relationships, personal resources, healthcare literacy, access to care, equity, employment and living environment play vital roles in health. These factors, identified as the “Social Determinants of Health” by the National Institutes of Health, are at the forefront of our approach, as we are dedicated to addressing them for each client through whole person care.

Dr. Lisa Emmans, our new integrated care/primary care doctor, joined Polara Health late last year. Dr. Emmans will play a vital role in our integrated care services, which emphasize the significance of addressing not only physical health but also mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Born and raised in Phoenix, Dr. Emmans pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor in Colorado. Starting her career as an emergency medicine physician, she later completed an internal medicine residency. With nearly 30 years of experience, mostly in Arizona, we are happy to have Dr. Emmans as a valued member of our team.

To integrate the whole person care philosophy into practice, Polara

Health is combining primary care with psychiatric services. The new Polara Health Integrated Care Center at Gail Gardner Way will provide comprehensive care, addressing individuals’ entire healthcare needs. Our Gail Gardner office is set to open in late spring/early summer. Polara Health currently offers primary care services at our Windsong Drive location in Prescott Valley and our Ruth Street location in Prescott. For those interested in learning more about Polara Health’s Integrated Care/Primary Care services, please call 928-4455211. Dr. Lisa Emmans is accepting new patients in Yavapai County. Whole person care at Polara Health transcends a mere model; it

represents our commitment to treating individuals with the dignity, respect and personalized attention they deserve. By integrating primary care with psychiatric services and addressing the social determinants of health, we aspire to create a healthcare experience that is truly transformative. Our team of dedicated practitioners is here to support each

person’s unique journey toward better health, ensuring that no aspect of their well-being is overlooked. Together, we are shaping a future where health care is not just about treating illness but about nurturing the whole person.

QCBN

Deanna Eder is the director of marketing and communications at Polara Health.

Exploring the Benefits of a Professionally Cleaned Home

By Lucy Leyva

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, maintaining a clean and organized home often falls to the wayside. Between work, family obligations and social engagements, finding the time and energy to tackle household chores can feel like an impossible task. That’s where Prescott Maid to Order comes in,

offering professional cleaning services in Prescott, Prescott Valley and surrounding areas. But beyond just a tidy space, the benefits of regular professional cleaning extend far beyond the surface.

First and foremost, a clean home is a healthy home. Dust, dirt and allergens can accumulate over time, leading to respiratory issues and exacerbating allergies. Professional

Beyond health benefits, a professionally cleaned home provides peace of mind and reduces stress.

Coming home to a tidy and organized space allows you to relax and unwind without the added worry of tackling chores. Instead of spending your precious free time scrubbing floors or dusting shelves, you can focus on the activities and people you love.

cleaners, armed with industry-standard equipment and eco-friendly cleaning products, can effectively remove these pollutants, creating a healthier living environment for you and your family. With Prescott Maid to Order’s meticulous attention to detail, every nook and cranny of your home receives the thorough cleaning it deserves, ensuring a breath of fresh air every time you walk through the door.

Beyond health benefits, a professionally cleaned home provides peace of mind and reduces stress. Coming home to a tidy and organized space allows you to relax and unwind without the added worry of tackling chores. Instead of spending your precious free time scrubbing floors or dusting shelves, you can focus on the activities and people you love.

Prescott Maid to Order’s reliable and efficient cleaning services ensure that your home is always guest-ready, whether you’re hosting a spontaneous gathering or welcoming family for the holidays.

Regular professional cleaning can prolong the life of your furnishings and surfaces. Dirt and grime can gradually wear down surfaces, leading to costly repairs or replacements down the line. By investing in routine cleaning services, you not only maintain the aesthetic appeal of your home but also protect your valuable investments. Prescott Maid to Order’s experienced cleaners utilize safe and effective cleaning techniques tailored to your specific needs, preserving the beauty and integrity of your home for years to come.

In addition to these practical benefits, outsourcing your cleaning needs to professionals can save you time and money in the long run. Rather than spending your weekends scrubbing toilets or mopping floors, you can reclaim your leisure time and pursue activities that bring you joy. Professional cleaners are equipped with the expertise and tools necessary to tackle even the toughest cleaning

challenges efficiently and effectively, saving you the hassle of trial and error with DIY solutions.

The advantages of regular professional cleaning services by Prescott Maid to Order are manyfold. From promoting health and well-being to reducing stress and preserving your home’s value, investing in professional cleaning is an investment in both your physical and mental comfort. So, why wait? Experience the refreshing difference of a professionally cleaned home today and reap the rewards for years to come. QCBN

Call us today for a free quote at 928-8998518.

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.

Polara Health Integrated Care Clinic is opening soon at 726 Gail Gardner Way.

Courtesy photo

Primary care physician Dr. Lisa Emmans is accepting new clients. Courtesy photo

Can Funds Be Recovered After a Botched Construction Job?

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.

Tom: Here we are again, Sandy, and I have a topic for our readers this month.

Sandy: I am all ears!

Tom: We are always touting the benefits of hiring licensed contractors. But some recent events where a licensed contractor was found guilty of taking deposit money, starting jobs and then abandoning them, led me to think we need to talk with our readers about such an occurrence.

Sandy: Good idea, Tom. We never like to hear about such things, especially happening in our own backyard.

Tom: We should state from the get-go that while that does happen, the frequency of occurrences are few and far between in our area.

Sandy: True statement. I see more incidents where fraud takes place with an unlicensed entity than with a licensed company.

Tom: I think that is because most honest folks, who want to engage and become a part of the industry and create their own company, have good intentions and are willing to put in the work necessary to get a license.

Sandy: Obtaining a contractor license is not an easy task. And setting up a viable business takes a lot of work. There are very few who would risk losing all that effort by being fraudulent.

Tom: Thank goodness that is not the norm.

Sandy: This might be a good time to look at the silver lining here.

Tom: Always the optimist you are!

Sandy: Absolutely. The silver lining is that because the contractor that did something that was so wrong and unethical was licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, there is a thing called the Recovery Fund that allows the harmed clients to recoup some of their lost money.

Tom: Had these folks selected

an unlicensed contractor, they would not have been able to have access and been approved for the Recovery Fund process, correct?

Sandy: Correct. Most victims that have used an unlicensed entity will not get back their investment.

Tom: That’s another reason to use a licensed contractor, as though there aren’t enough.

Sandy: The ROC, or Registrar of Contractors, is set up to protect the consumer in a variety of ways. The primary purpose is to ensure that a contractor is knowledgeable in the particular trade they want to operate in.

Tom: The testing is thorough. If you don’t know your stuff, you are not going to get a license. There are a multitude of licensed categories in which one can obtain a license.

Sandy: https://roc.az.gov/license-classifications is the best way to access all the different licenses that are available.

Tom: When folks select a licensed contractor, they have a reasonable expectation that the person, or company, has the qualifications to adequately perform the task for which they are hired.

Sandy: That is correct. The recent occurrence of this local contractor that took money and caused harm is quite rare in my experience, and I know literally hundreds and hundreds of contractors.

Tom: In my 40-plus years of contracting in this area, I could count on one hand the number of experiences I have had with bad actors. The hard work done by licensed contractors often gets undermined by the few bad guys.

Sandy: Perhaps the overriding reason the YCCA exists is to support the consumer. A lot of the programs we sponsor focus on continuing education for our members which, in turn, helps the consumer.

Tom: That is a great point, Sandy, I think it is worth saying that if someone is looking to hire a trades person or company for any work around their home, they could look for more than licensing. There are many trade organizations out there, in which membership can indicate a deeper commitment to the industry.

Sandy: True. Each trade has organizations specific to that trade that are indications of ongoing education or supporting a higher standard of performance for that company.

Tom: And, yes, YCCA is among them. You, specifically, are a tremendous resource for any consumer.

Sandy: Aww shucks, thanks, Tom! I love this industry and the folks who work so hard in it. I always say, this industry built America and it will never disappear – maybe we will see a few robots, but nothing can ever replace the men and women who have real true grit.

Tom: Part of anyone’s due diligence during the selection process should include noting the various associations a contractor or tradesperson might have.

Sandy: Good idea. I want to get back to reinforcing the concept of why hiring a licensed contractor is important. One supporting factor is dispute resolution. If you and your contractor are not in agreement about any aspect of the work, from quality to quantity, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors has a process where they can assist in mediating a resolution. That is called a Building Confidence Inspection.

Tom: That is a great resource. The ROC representative can be contacted by the homeowner or the contractor to meet, usually on site, and work with both sides to review the items in question, without going through a formal complaint process.

Sandy: So, I would like to sum this conversation up. We began with the silver lining that people who are defrauded by a licensed contractor potentially have some measure of recourse financially, rather than if they hired a non-licensed contractor. Then we talked about the testing and the educational commitment a contractor or tradesperson needs to make in order to get licensed. Let’s just share again the importance of hiring a licensed contractor. You know me, Tom, I cannot say enough about that.

Tom: Sandy, I get it and support you in your talk of talk. Contracting by unlicensed entities occurs every day and all too often the consumer loses hundreds or even thousands of dollars. What’s worse, you, as the property

owner, have no recourse through AZ ROC if you hire an unlicensed entity.

Sandy: Hiring a licensed contracting professional offers many additional protections to the property owner, especially regarding residential property. First, a contractor cannot obtain a license without possessing a minimum amount of experience and must pass a business management test. The applicant is also subjected to a criminal history background check, may be required to take a trade examination, and must not have any unresolved contracting complaints outstanding.

Tom: Should a homeowner experience a problem with a licensed contractor, as a residential property owner there are significant protections not available to persons utilizing an unlicensed entity. Among them is the ability to file a complaint against the contractor’s license within a two-year period from the date of occupancy or date the last work was performed. This is the agency’s jurisdiction period should the workmanship be below standard or in violation of existing codes.

Sandy: We talked earlier about the Recover Fund. Under certain conditions, the homeowner may also be eligible to apply to the Registrar’s Residential Contractors’ Recovery Fund and, depending on the cost of damages, receive up to $30,000 to have the work corrected or completed. Each residential contracting license is covered for up to $200,000 to a maximum of $30,000 per residential property owner, on a pro rata basis upon filing a complete claim. Keeping detailed records of your contract, checks or other forms of payment will speed the processing of the claim, should the need arise.

Tom: And I am sure, Sandy, if any homeowners have questions, they can call YCCA. That about sums up this conversation. What did we leave out?

Sandy: Absolutely nothing. Bye for now. Keep smiling, everyone. QCBN

Tom Reilly, Architect, 928-445-8506

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

Spring Clean Your Small Business

By Sheri Heiney

Small business spring cleaning, while time-consuming, is extremely beneficial to small business owners: trimming the fat from their organizations while streamlining business processes. It’s exactly like regular spring cleaning except it involves way less elbow grease and a lot more professional evaluating.

OK, so it’s nothing like regular spring cleaning.

Assuming you’re on board with the idea, set aside some time this spring to clean up your company.

BUSINESS SPRING CLEANING

TIPS

ƒ Clean your office. Literally.I mean, you might as well. No one has vacuumed behind the printer in years.

ƒ Update your website and social media. Go through and take stock of what your online presence is like. Is there some copy on your site that could be rewritten to sound better or more accurately reflect slight shifts in your target market, or what kinds of services you are focusing on now?

Is your brand being represented as effectively as possible? Now is

a good time to tighten things up and fix up all the little details that, although they don’t take a lot of effort, make a big impact.

ƒ Organize your emails.

ƒ Shop to see if you can get better prices on materials and utilities Are you getting the best deal on business communications? What about your cloud infrastructure and hosting fees? From time to time, it’s worth reexamining your relationship with suppliers and vendors to see whether you can reduce your expenses. Get in the habit of making this a regular part of your small business spring cleaning.

ƒ Invest in technologies that save money on the back end. When’s the last time you invested in new platforms? You can improve your cash flow by strengthening team productivity through investments in the right technologies. The perfect collaboration platform, for example, will almost certainly increase your team’s output by accelerating decision-making processes and helping move projects forward faster. The right investments will enable you to take on more clients and generate more revenue, making cash flow

management much easier.

ƒ Change the way you invoice There’s no law that says you have to wait until the end of the month to bill your customers. If you’re struggling with cash flow, change the way you invoice your clients. Instead of sending all your bills out in one fell swoop at the end of the month, immediately invoice your customers as soon as projects are completed. This should accelerate payments by at least a little bit. You may also want to offer discounts to encourage your customers to pay early. Specifically look at the way cash flows through your small business. A few changes here and there could go a long way toward solving your cash flow problems and growing your bottom line.

Happy cleaning! QCBN

For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit prescott.org or call us at 928-4452000 or 1-800-266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center located at 117 W. Goodwin Street, Prescott, AZ  86303.

The mission of the Prescott

Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources to create a vibrant business environment for Prescott.

Sheri Heiney is the president and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

Exploring the Basics of Investing

By Steve Schott

Frequently, we encounter clients seeking guidance or a review on the fundamentals of investment. Often, their funds may have been sitting in retirement plans like a 401k, Profit Sharing, TSP, Roth, etc., without active management. However, as retirement approaches, decisions become imperative. Here are some fundamental pillars of investing:

Stocks: Represented by terms like equities, Dow Jones, S&P 500, stocks enable clients to purchase a stake in a company, thereby gaining partial ownership. The anticipation is that the company will appreciate in value, leading to price increments. Additionally, as shareholders, they may receive a share of profits in the form of dividends. Most stocks are traded on stock exchanges such as NYSE or

NASDAQ.

Bonds: Known as fixed, treasuries, notes, bonds, allow clients to lend money to corporations or government entities, ranging from local governments to the federal government. Typically, bonds offer a yield (interest rate) and exhibit lower volatility compared to stocks. Unlike stocks, bonds are not traded on exchanges, making individual trading more complex.

Mutual Funds: Comprising groups of stocks, bonds or a combination thereof, mutual funds offer a convenient avenue for small investors to own a diversified portfolio without purchasing individual securities. Index funds, mirroring the performance of stock and/or bond averages like the S&P 500, are also prevalent.

ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds): Similar to mutual funds but tradable like stocks, ETFs provide clients with

An overarching principle to remember in investing is time. While markets may fluctuate unpredictably in the short term, a well-structured plan typically yields consistent returns over time.

STORYBOOK continued from page 4

diversified exposure while offering ease of trading on stock exchanges. ETFs, like mutual funds, can be either actively managed or indexed.

Others: Various other investment types exist, including REITs (real estate), Futures, TIPS, Hedge Funds, and Limited Partnerships, each carrying distinct rules and risks.

These options serve as a comprehensive toolkit for financial advisors and their clients to devise an investment strategy tailored to factors such as risk tolerance, time horizon and income requirements.

Two crucial elements in formulating a plan are:

Diversification: Spreading investments across multiple assets prevents overexposure to any single stock or sector, thus mitigating risk.

Yield: Particularly vital for retirees, yield in the form of interest and/or dividends ensures a source of income post-retirement.

An overarching principle to remember in investing is time. While markets may fluctuate unpredictably in the short term, a well-structured plan typically yields consistent returns over time. Attempting to time the market or individual stocks is inherently risky, but maintaining a disciplined investment approach

including their families.

“I had the idea for the two books [one to stay at the facility and one to be sent to the child] and told Holley about it to see what she thought. She loved it. Obviously, she and her team are the ones who must facilitate it, so I had to make sure she was on board. I thought it was crazy that nobody had ever had this idea before, so I just started it.”

The event generated great excitement and will be repeated. Escudero contacted Hepperle, saying, “We want to keep doing this with you. These guys are super excited. I have one who has never met his granddaughter. She is 5 and he will be giving her the book in person to read together.”

A Storybook Garden will also be traveling to most rural libraries in Yavapai County this summer, in order to encourage kids to take part in the summer reading program. Ideally, every child will receive a copy of the story-prompt book, “Story Time,” Hepperle said. Additionally, Storybook is assisting in the design and illustration of books that detail Tohono O’odham history in order to keep tribal children in foster care connected to their culture. QCBN

For more information on A Storybook World, visit www.a storybookworld.org.

aligned with an appropriate portfolio usually leads to achieving investment objectives. QCBN

Securities offered through Registered

Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Schott Financial Management are not affiliated. These are the opinions of Stephen Schott and not necessarily those of Cambridge, are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed or acted upon as individualized investment advice. The information in this email is confidential and is intended solely for the addressee. If you are not the intended addressee and have received this email in error, please reply to the sender to inform them of this fact. We cannot accept trade orders through email. Important letters, email, or fax messages should be confirmed by calling 928 776-1031. This email service may not be monitored every day, or after normal business hours.  Indices mentioned are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a price-weighted index composed of 30 widely traded blue-chip U.S. common stocks. The S&P 500 Index is a

market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading publicly traded companies in the U.S. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a basket of the 100 largest, most actively traded U.S. companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The index includes companies from various industries except for the financial industry, like commercial and investment banks. Investing involves risk. Depending on the types of investments, there may be varying degrees of risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure profit or protect against loss.

Steve Schott has been a financial advisor since 2010. His expertise in business ownership and capital management spans banking, office products, office machines and autos. A former owner of Prescott Honda, Steve holds an MBA from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from The University of Denver. Steve is a proud graduate of Prescott High School and an avid community volunteer. Steve purchased Tomlinson Wealth Management from its predecessor, Andy Tomlinson, in 2019, making Schott Financial Management a 3rd generation financial firm in Prescott, AZ. Schott Financial Management is licensed in over 30 states.

Storybook Garden interactions range from sensory buckets to art projects. Courtesy photo

tance into the Sedona festival.

In addition to the two screenings at the Sedona International Film Festival (Feb. 29 and March 2), the documentary and question and answer session with Kish is included as one of the elements in The Glen Canyon Rises Tour, which will have tour dates this month in Utah, Colorado and Flagstaff, 3p.m., March 16, at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Kish, the daughter of Flagstaff artist Dee Brewer, was raised in Flagstaff and graduated from Coconino High School. She says she was fortunate to live in a city with several renowned photographers who took her under their wings.

“Sue Bennett and John Running were my mentors,” Kish said. “Sue gave me my first camera when I was 17 years old. I grew up in Flagstaff. I’m a Coconino Panther. I am a published photographer for over 30 years and filmmaker for about 10.”

Today, she travels all over the world on photo shoots.

Kish has also been a river runner for many years, which aided in her explorations for her Glen Canyon film.

“I have been rowing boats down Grand Canyon since 1998, and my first trip was in 1994 with Raechel and JP Running,” she said. “We are all still running the river. I didn’t really know

Glen Canyon. It was a thorn in our side to go to Lake Powell because of the dam. But, now I am so glad I’m there to document this historic moment.”

During her efforts to explore the Glen Canyon story and its unveiling as waters receded, she did many journeys with a variety of boats and with new and old friends into the unknown of Lake Powell and to watch the canyon emerge.

Kish published a photographic portfolio of the project in Arizona Highways, The Advocate and Adventure Journal magazines. Her photographs were also exhibited at Northern Arizona University, Hidden Light and Coconino Center for the Arts.

“I did seven trips all together, for about three to four days at a time,” she said, “sometimes with my assistant, Cierra Murrietta, sometimes just me. She helped me capture the story, as much as she could, while working another job. Then we edited the film in my little casita in the back of my Flagstaff home.”

In addition, David Brower is part of the Glen Canyon history. He served as executive director for the Sierra Club from 1952 to 1969. During his term, he had successfully fought to prevent the building of a dam that would have flooded Dinosaur National

Monument on the Upper Colorado River. However, he was also serving when a compromise was reached to build a dam and reservoir in the lesser known and recognized Glen Canyon.

“David Brower said it was his biggest mistake to let Glen Canyon go under,” Kish said. “Maybe we should make plans to let the river flow free now that Lake Powell has hit record lows. I think Mother Nature is telling us something and we should listen for once.”

Creating the documentary in an outdoor environment was challenging.

“When your studio is the outside world, there are always challenges with weather and ever-changing light,” she said. “I think when you live in the elements you learn to keep your equipment clean, but sometimes that sand storm comes and you are screwed. We had one storm that was so bad it broke my tent.”

What is the message that Kish would like to convey to viewers of her documentary?

“That we should never let this happen. We need to respect the land and the people that lived there. I didn’t know much about the canyon except what I saw in photos, songs and books.

I didn’t think I would ever see Glen Canyon in my lifetime, but what I saw was incredibly beautiful. Breathtaking

really! When the water levels dropped in the lake, the lowest in history since the Glen Canyon Dam stopped the Colorado River from flowing, I knew I had to explore and document this moment. I’m still going back. I’m not done. That canyon is massive. I need to expose Glen Canyon when I can.” The Tad Project continues, she added.

Employment Projections Through 2025

By Teri Drew

Yavapai County’s economic landscape is poised for growth, as short-term projections from 2023 to 2025 reveal promising trends across various sectors. Data provided by the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) sheds light on the anticipated expansion, offering insights into the county’s evolving job market.

However, against this backdrop of growth, recent figures also indicate a slight uptick in unemployment. In January 2024, the unemployment rate in Yavapai County increased to 3.5%, from 3.4% in January 2023 and 3.3% in December 2023. Despite this, the short-term projections highlight areas of growth and opportunity within the county.

Construction Sector: The construction industry is expected to experience a notable upswing, with an overall increase of 7.8%. This growth results from expansions in building construction, heavy and civil engineering construction, and specialty trade contractors.

Health Care and Social Assistance: The healthcare sector shows promising signs of growth, with a projected increase of 5.2%. Ambu-

latory healthcare services, hospitals, health care and social assistance are all expected to contribute to this expansion.

Manufacturing Sector: Manufacturing is slated for the most significant expansion, with an overall increase of 20.5%. This growth is primarily attributed to substantial expansions in computer and electronic manufacturing.

Computer and electronic manufacturing are expected to witness an extraordinary job surge of 187%, with figures projected to rise to 749 jobs from 261 jobs.

While some segments, like primary metal manufacturing and fabricated metal product manufacturing, show decreases, others, like machinery manufacturing and paper manufacturing, are expected to increase as well.

Mining Sector: The mining industry is forecasted to experience a modest increase of 5.6%. Expansions in natural resources and mining are primarily driving this growth.

Natural resources and mining jobs are expected to see a 2.2% increase, with figures projected to rise from 2,349 jobs to 2,400 jobs.

Educational Services: The educational services sector is anticipated

“I have exhibited the photos, created TAD TALKS and tours, screened nationally and internationally and now I’m working on a coffee table book,” Kish said. “It’s all about the love for art and advocacy for Glen Canyon. If you like this project and would like to support it, please go to my gofundme: Tad’s Emerging World. Thank you.”

QCBN

to grow, with an overall increase of 4.3%. This growth is attributed to expansion in education, health and educational services throughout the county.

Management of Companies and Enterprises: The management of companies and enterprises sector is set for growth, with a projected increase of 14.5%. Expansion in administrative and support services and professional and business services primarily drive this growth.

Administrative and support service jobs are expected to grow by 9.5%, reaching 4,044 jobs from 3,692 jobs.

Professional and business services are projected to see a 5.6% job increase, with figures climbing from 6,881 jobs to 7,267 jobs.

Despite the recent surge in unemployment, these short-term projections underscore the resilience and potential of Yavapai County’s economy. Hiring trends to follow in Yavapai County are manufacturing, construction and management and enterprises with the highest growth opportunities. While expected growth in health care is in the 5% range, it continues to be

a high demand sector in the county.

QCBN

Our local ARIZONA@WORK-Yavapai

County One-Stop Centers can provide local, regional, state and in some cases, national talent searches to meet the growing needs of job seekers as well as business and industry. Call 928-778-1422 or email nacog_prescott@nacog.org.

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

Tad Nichols, for whom the documentary is named, published stunning photographs in his book, “Glen Canyon: Images of a Lost World.” Courtesy photo

CAFÉ continued from page 3

the way it was already set up with counters and cabinets.

Moussetache Café also has many ongoing events. Saturday is Harry Potter Day as the screen shows Harry Potter movies all day long and many of the customers dress up like Harry Potter. The menu includes non-alcoholic butterbeer, made famous by the series. Weekend events run from noon to 6 p.m.

Friday is Fairy Team Day. Kids and adults receive drawing books.

For one event, Moussetache Café partnered with Chico’s Clothing for a fashion show. Other events include storytelling, karaoke, Pirate Movie Day and Peter Rabbit Day.

In addition, the wish tree invites customers to write a wish and hang it on the tree.

Gill says operating the café has been a learning experience and a lesson in patience, as it takes 27 days to receive food or drink supplies from the Philippines.

So far, Moussetache Café has four part-time employees. For more information, call 928-7789786. QCBN

MANCINI continued from page 14

loved to ski and cook. “He loved to ski, so we would go to Vail, Colorado. He loved to cook, too, so we had memorable Sundays when he would make his favorite dish, pasta.”

An extended play (EP) version of several of Mancini’s songs will be released this year as well.

Exemplifying the immortality of Mancini’s music, Moon River was recently recorded by singer and songwriter Beyonce. Last year, guitarists Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck released their rendition of Moon River. A commemorative 37-cent U.S. postage stamp was issued on April 13, 2004, to honor Mancini.

Sampling Verde Valley’s Bounty from Pecan Farms and Wineries

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

The 23rd annual Pecan and Wine Festival in Camp Verde featured 15 wineries from around the state. As promised, pecans and wines were there for the tasting. By 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16, 1,000 glasses of wine had been sold. “We sold more pre-sale tickets for wine tasting than ever before,” said Verde Valley Wine Consortium President Paula Woosley. “We were slammed busy.”

“Despite the challenges that we had with the weather such as wind, rain and some hail, this year was one of our biggest ever,” said Town of Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Division Manager and event organizer Michael Marshall. “We partner with Verde Valley Wine Consortium to help us with the wine expertise and the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance put together the live music with a blues and roots review.”

The two-day event is held the third weekend in March to celebrate the region’s pecan growers and wineries. It is free to attend; wine-tasting tickets can be purchased online or at the event.

While in Sedona, Monica said the views were “stunning,” the food was “wonderful” and working with the Sedona International Film Festival was “delightful.”

“The executive director, Pat, had so much on his plate but was so attentive to our needs,” she said. “He is so efficient and so passionate about his job and yet so fun and a pleasure to work with. He is the absolute perfect person for his job.” QCBN

The Sedona International Film Festival is now in its 30th year. For more information, visit www.sedonafilmfestival.com or call 928-282-1177.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Reaches Quad Cities Children

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Dolly Parton’s Prescott Area Imagination Library supplies thousands of free books to children from birth to five years old in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada.

Wendy Watson and Noel DeSousa, former teachers and now volunteers for the Prescott affiliate of the national non-profit literacy group, gave a presentation March 19 at the Chino Valley Library. The event was co-sponsored by Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and Women’s Connection Network.

Watson said the Prescott Area Imagination Library covers Western Yavapai County including Chino Valley, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Dewey-Humboldt. She explained that Parton started the Imagination Library in 1995 because her father was illiterate. “Our job is to get the books into the hands of children,” she said. Families can register their children to receive the books. “For a child to go to the mailbox and get a book, it feels like love,” Watson said. “We equate reading with love.”

Reading helps prepare children for school as it helps build their vocab-

ulary, she added. “That’s why it’s so important,” she said.

Parton’s Imagination Library has given away 252 million books. Seventeen states fund the Parton Imagination Library, but Arizona is among those that do not, so volunteers like Watson and DeSousa fundraise to keep the program going. Watson says $25 donations are enough to fund books for a child for one year.

Prescott Area Imagination Library was started in 2019 by three Prescott Rotary clubs. Currently, it has 10-12 volunteer board members who keep a database, select books, and buy and mail the books to the children. As of March, the library was sending out 2,441 books a month at a cost of $5,400. “That’s why we’re asking you to help support this,” said DeSousa. Support in the past has come from Rotary Clubs, Arizona Community Foundation, United Way, Read on Arizona/State of Arizona/COVID funds and private donations. QCBN

For more information, call 928-717-1516.

Celebrating Community, Service through Hometown Halo Award

The Senior Referral Network filled the rooms and hallways of The Center at 1280 E. Rosser in Prescott, as more than 300 people turned out to network and mingle with local senior industry organizations.

One highlight of the evening was the prestigious Hometown Halo Award presented to Kathy Kent of NACOG-Aging, recognizing her service and commitment connecting Northern Arizona seniors with the resources they need to be supported and healthy at home for as long as possible.

“Kathy’s unwavering dedication to serving seniors exemplifies the values we hold dear, and we are privileged to have her as part of our elder care community,” said Cecelia Jernegan, director of Visiting Angels and co-founder of Senior Referral Network. Kelly Paradis of Good Samaritan Hospice shared a bio of Kent’s work at NACOG-Aging, mentioning they serve 1,600-plus seniors and have a waiting list of almost 500 more, yet are facing congressional budget cuts to their program this summer.

Kent’s said her wish is for the community to reach out to members of Congress and share how important it is to keep this program funded. She brought her team on stage and thanked the crowd for the honor and the $500 check donated from Senior Referral Network and Circle of Life Alzheimer Homes, which she says will be used to provide 50 meals for seniors. QCBN

For more information about the Senior Referral Network and upcoming events, visit https://seniorreferralnetwork.org/

Pianist Randy Waldman, singer Monica Mancini and producer Gregg Field honor Henry Mancini with some of his most famous songs. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney Fresh Focuses Photography

Dean and Alicia Hettel of New Jersey found the festival while camping nearby. “We love festivals like this,” said Alicia. “It’s so nice because we can taste the wine and if we like it, buy a bottle. It’s also nice that it’s outside and we can connect with people.”

Town of Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Leader II Sarah Woodson, Recreation Supervisor Shawna Figy and Division Manager and coordinator of the event Michael Marshall offered information about local farms and wineries.

The board of directors and steering committee from Senior Referral Network presented NACOG’s Kathy Kent the Hometown Halo Award.  Courtesy

ally leave as early as 4:30 a.m. in the summertime. “We won’t ride in the dark because the mules can’t see well enough to pick through the trail, so we’ll wait for twilight when they can see. That’s kind of the unwritten rule for Xanterra and NPS.”

When they ride down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, they spend the night. “We also mainly stick to Bright Angel Trail since we have to service Havasupai Gardens Ranger Station. The only reason we are on South Kaibab this winter is because of the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) project.  Typically, we hit Bright Angel Trail by 7 a.m. or 8 a.m., and that’s a five-hour ride one way.”

Overnight stays at Phantom Ranch occur about five times a month.

Sometimes Joseph will trek to deeper parts of the Grand Canyon such as Cottonwood Campground and Manzanita Rest Area. “We deliver parts and stock for the compost toilets there.”

Joseph typically has a train of 12 mules. “Generally, we have two packers.  The last mule is called the whip mule, because they whip around the corners. We have a great crew and they’re all my friends. We text each other, laugh and get to enjoy the Grand Canyon. Meeting hikers on the trail is always fun, too, and I’m always learning.”

Before hiking the Grand Canyon,

northern Alabama resident Joey Bishop did his research and learned that giving the right of way to the mules was proper protocol on the trails. While hiking South Kaibab Trail, Bishop said he saw a mule train about one mile away. “It was such an awesome feeling when they passed us. The organization of the mules was amazing, and I could tell the wranglers were experienced. They are truly the lifelines of Phantom Ranch.”

A memorable winter ride up South Kaibab Trail in snow and high winds is a day Joseph won’t forget. “There were two of us wranglers and we each had four mules. We were coming up to the O’Neil Saddle and everything was good. We met a hiker coming down who told us to watch out, as the winds were pretty brutal. As we rounded our way up to Cedar Ridge, the wind was blowing so strong it blew me off my mule. We had to get down on our hands and knees for a bit and then walked up to Ooh Aah Point. Our mustaches, eyebrows were iced. Once we got closer to the top there were large snowdrifts and once again had to walk.”

“As Matthew’s parents, we have enjoyed his stories and adventures at the Grand Canyon,” said his mom, Renee Joseph, a dental hygienist in Prescott. “His hunger for knowledge and willingness to learn should be admired. We are so proud of his

dedication and work ethic. He is a true cowboy.”

Joseph was born in San Diego and grew up surfing, sailing and scuba diving. After visiting his Aunt Doris who owned two horses in Chino, he caught the bug. “She taught me how to ride when I was about eight years old. I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever done. Later on in my life, I started wrangling horses. I’m very grateful to my Aunt Doris for opening the doors to me for this amazing career.”

FAVORITE PARTS OF THE DAY

My favorite parts of the day are early morning, while it’s still dark, before the world is awake and end of day, the golden hour.

LAST MOMENT OF NOSTALGIA

I came across a Mark Knopfler (Dire Straights) song I hadn’t heard in a long time. It’s called, “You Don’t Know You’re Born,” and it reminded me when I was a kid backpacking with my dad in the Western Sierras, Yosemite Wilderness.

HOBBY TO EXPLORE

In the Scottish Highland Games, the hammer throw is where men throw a 22-pound piece of metal. It’s usually guys in kilts running around in traditional dress. I came across it and it looks like fun. My family is

Scottish and Irish and I’ve always been a sports guy. The mules will probably think I’m nuts.

LAST TIME I SANG OUT LOUD

I don’t remember when I sang out loud, but I do whistle. I like Willy Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger” song and Willy’s tempo in that song.

PEOPLE I ADMIRE

I admire my parents and former GCNP Wrangler Ed Forbis, who was also a Marlboro Man at one time in his life. Also, Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius. QCBN

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Contributing Writers

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Stan Bindell

V. Ronnie Tierney

Betsey Bruner

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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.

On their way to Phantom Ranch, the Grand Canyon National Park animal packers descend from Windy Ridge down South Kaibab Trail. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

JOSEPH continued from page 12

been good, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, when a piano player entertains guests.

The Lobby Bar is just one of several improvements planned for the hotel since new owners took over in March 2023, Kilmer said.

Prescott Hotel SO LLC bought the St. Michael from K&G Services Inc. for $7.95 million.

Springboard Hospitality took over the management of Hotel St. Michael in May 2023. The company manages 47 hotels in 13 states, including Wilde Resort & Spa in Sedona, Harbor Court Hotel in San Francisco and Anvil Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming.

All 70 hotel rooms at Hotel St. Michael will be remodeled and the hotel is seeking building permits to open a bar in the basement with a speakeasy vibe, Kilmer said. A bar called J.R.’s previously operated in the basement, but it’s been closed for 30 years.

Hotel St. Michael as a cornerstone of Whiskey Row has a long history. It was preceded by the Hotel Burke, which opened on the same corner in 1891. It was promoted as a fireproof building but burned down in the big fire of July 1900 that leveled Whiskey Row.

Dennis Burke, with his business partner Michael Hickey, built the three-story hotel that exists today. It opened in 1901 as the new Hotel Burke.

RAILWAY continued from page 1

Burke served two terms as Prescott mayor and was in the 24th Territorial Legislature. Hickey was a deputy sheriff.

In 1907, Burke sold his interest in the hotel to Hickey, who renamed it Hotel St. Michael.

Hotel St. Michael is the oldest hotel in Prescott. It also had the city’s first elevator, an Otis lift, installed in 1925, according to Kilmer.

The hotel overlooks Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza.

“With our great location we have all the events down here – the parades and courthouse lighting,” Kilmer said. “We’re sought out by folks because all the action is down here.”

The hotel staff does its best to earn customers’ repeat business.

“We go out of our way to make the guests feel they’re at home, that this is a place they can continue to come back to each time they visit Prescott,” Kilmer said. QCBN

The Lobby Bar, at 205 W. Gurley St., is open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

The Grand Canyon route could be ideal for this technology since the trip goes downhill from Williams at an elevation of 6,770 feet to roughly a midpoint below 6,000 feet and then uphill to the South Rim at 6,800 feet.

Grand Canyon Railway is considering applying for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant for the locomotive conversion, D’Arpa said.

The battery-powered electric locomotive could be charged with solar panels at its locomotive shop in Williams, according to Langner.

Xanterra’s motto is “legendary hospitality with a softer footprint,” he explained.

As part of that ethic, Xanterra has its Operation Shrivelly Apples, which collects outdated fruits and vegetables, and other food waste from its restaurants to feed the mules at the Grand Canyon mule barn.

“There’s always an interesting twist that out teams implement,” Langner said.

A Xanterra partner — Kastlfel— makes T-shirts sold at Xanterra’s South Rim gift shops from recycled plastic bottles. It takes about six 16-ounce plastic bottles to make one shirt, keeping those bottles out of the landfill, according to Kastlfel.

In February, Grand Canyon Railway was recognized by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce as its Green Business of the Year. The award, now in its third year, brings awareness to area businesses and non-profits that reduce operational impacts on the environment.

“We hear from our business community frequently about how much they’re doing to preserve our environment and keep our quality of life high here,” said Pastrick.

That includes water conservation, lighting to protect the dark sky and recycling. “It’s really a joy to be in a community where environmental awareness is high and businesses care,” she said.

Incidentally, the nation will celebrate Earth Day on April 22. It has been celebrated since 1970, marking the beginning of the modern environmental movement. QCBN

Grand Canyon Chamber Shares Campaign to Promote the Region

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

With some grand ideas and deep enthusiasm about partnerships, leaders at the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau met with the local business community and the Grand Canyon Rotary Club to hear how “All Roads Lead to the Grand Canyon.”

In the marketing presentation, Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Past President and Buck Wild Hummer Tours Manager Stoney Ward and incoming President and Pink Jeep Grand Canyon Tours General Manager James Trautman outlined their strategies after attending the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Phoenix last July.

“We won the Arizona Tourism Award. Our presentation created interest because people liked the fact that we weren’t just wanting to advertise for Tusayan and the Grand Canyon but for Kingman, Flagstaff, Williams, Page and Sedona,” said Ward, who pointed out that both he and Trautman operated competing tour guide businesses. “We went from business competitors to working together to strengthen businesses and communities working together.”

They brought attention to the interactive Digital Visitors Guide featured on the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce website, which offers 65 pages of information about the area, including hiking, maps, videos and links to helpful facts to plan a Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona vacation.”

“Having been raised here in Northern Arizona, I see a bright future for the Northern Arizona cities,” said newly elected Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Vice President Miranda Baldosky. “We are striving to create a network of businesses that want to work together and help build each other up.”

“The event was well organized and it was great to see the excitement,” said Greg Espinoza, group sales manager of Squire Resorts at the Grand Canyon.

“The Digital Visitors Guide is using technology to the fullest, not just for Tusayan but for our neighboring cities. Their visitors are our visitors. We should work together since we share the same customer(s).” QCBN

HOTEL ST. MICHAEL continued from page 1

The spacious Lobby Bar at Hotel St. Michael has comfortable seating and elbow room for its guests. Photo by Peter Corbett

Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Past President Stoney Ward presented the new Digital Visitors Guide. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography