Arizona’s Chief Justice Fights for More Access to Legal System p. 3
Is Verde Valley the Next Napa Valley? p. 4
Boutique Brings Romantic Pioneer Chic to Camp Verde p. 8
Retired Pilot Grounded in U-Haul Service p. 10
Lowell’s Astronomy Discovery Center Opens p. 11
Wine Promotor Inducted into Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame p. 14
Babbitt Ranch Energy Center collaboration celebrated in remote grasslands
By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
As crisp white wind turbine blades rotated gently against a clear blue Northern Arizona sky, more than 100 people, representatives from Salt River Project, NextEra Energy Resources, Arizona State Land Department, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Coconino County and Babbitt Ranches, along with dignitaries, business owners, consultants and scientists, gathered to celebrate the completion of Arizona’s newest wind
energy center and the meaning behind the steel.
“When I consider the future of renewable energy and what it means for our communities, I see this truth more clearly than ever,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. “Each of us brings a unique part to the table – our skills, our expertise, our willingness
to make tough decisions. And while those contributions are important on their own, together they create something greater – a future where we not only generate energy, but also foster hope, resilience and a connection to the land and each other.”
Cordasco recounted his recent ultramarathon journey, in which he power walked for more than 16
Continued on page 30
By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
Navajo legend has it that a woman who once roamed the twisting, spiraling, sun-drenched red rock canyonlands near Page continues to watch over the land.
“Lady in Red has her hair down, long and untied, flowing beautifully,” said Taadidiin Tours Reputation Coordinator Angelita Nez. “Normally, Navajo women wear their hair in buns. When we take our hair down, we are in our fierce state. Her figure in the canyon shows her fierceness as the protector of this particular canyon.”
This “particular canyon” is Antelope Canyon X, where Lady in Red, symbolized in rock, saw more than 130,000 visitors last year. The slot canyon is named for the X-shaped opening above that invites the sun to shine in and set the red rock hues aglow. And this is only the beginning of miles of stunning, hidden pathways in a maze of ancient rocks, dripping in sunlight, that fit together like puzzle pieces crafted by time, wind and water.
In 2016, another Navajo woman, Rita Tsinigine, a mom and grandmother, founded Taadidiin Tours, with much the same goal as Lady in Red – to protect the stunning and sacred landscape. She is accomplishing this through awareness – by sharing the natural beauty, along with the traditions, history and culture of her tribe. Taadidiin Tours owns the exclusive rights to operate in Antelope Canyon X and Cardiac Canyon.
Her son, Logan Tsinigine, an engineer who worked at the now defunct Navajo Generating Station, runs the family-owned company that employs more than 50 people – all Navajo. He added the Corn Pollen Internship program to teach business skills, including marketing, human resources, the tribal legal system and tour operations, to young members of the tribe. The internship is designed after a similar program created by Salt River Project, the primary operator of the Navajo Generating Station, which had employed many tribal members, including Nez, Tsinigine and Begay. Through the Corn Pollen Internship, college-bound students can
Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer is the fourth woman in Arizona history to hold this position
By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
Stating, “We are a legal desert within an actual desert,” Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer says there are not enough lawyers to go around, particularly in Arizona’s rural communities. Thus, Expanding and Promoting Access to Justice tops her five key goals in her Strategic Agenda, “And Justice for All,” which she is rolling out for her five-year term.
“We have a great system, but what kind of meaningful justice is there – I’m talking about civil justice – if you can’t afford the lawyers? We’re actually 49th out of 50 states in terms of numbers of lawyers per capita,” said Chief Justice Timmer. “The rural areas are really light in lawyers. Even if you find a lawyer, they’re very expensive. Who can afford it for their consumer debt problems or their landlord/tenant problems or family law if they are getting divorced or have custody matters?”
Noting we have one of the most creative states when it comes to helping people navigate the legal system, Timmer says Arizona was the first to open self-help centers. She adds that the High Court has made it possible for licensed paraprofessionals to practice law in certain designated areas such as city courts for small dollar disputes, misdemeanor crimes where no jail time is involved, and family law.
“We test them. We do background checks. They have an ethics code, and they are actually affiliate members of the State Bar of Arizona,” she said, of the 60 paraprofessionals now operating in the state.
She is also working on creating community justice workers. These would be people who are already employed in social service agencies, for example, and could be licensed to deliver legal advice under the supervision of legal aid firms.
Her hope, she says, is for people to have the option of going to a self-help
center and paying $50 for a lawyer or legal professional to walk them through the process. And, for those who want more, such as legal representation in court, they could choose from a menu of sorts for services and pay accordingly.
Goal two is Maintaining Public Trust and Confidence. She says, “Distrust in courts erodes respect for the law, which is foundational for our democracy.” Thus, Judge Timmer is encouraging judges to be their own spokespeople regarding their case decisions, so that they are the ones explaining what rulings actually mean and what they don’t mean, without relying on the media or others to translate them.
“I’ve told judges in the [judicial] branch and my own colleagues that we have to start getting out there with our own media, our own educational institute. We can’t just send out these rulings and then wait for the media to try to digest them, which can be very complicated.”
Timmer has created a group of media and marketing professionals
to help judges communicate with the public better. She says she’d like to get a junior council together in middle schools and high schools to find out how students are learning about the court system.
“If we have to be on Tik Tok, we’ll be on Tik Tok, but we need to be able to start communicating with everyone. It’s so important that we can have confidence and trust in our judicial
Continued on page 34
Explosive Job Growth:
Computer & Electronic Product Manufacturing: Expected growth of 69.4% through 2025 with an average weekly wage of $2,700.
Ambulatory Health Care Services: Projected to grow by 4.9%, with weekly wages over $1,100.
Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction: Also expected to grow by 4.9%, offering wages above $1,100 weekly.
How ARIZONA@WORK-Yavapai County Can Help You Succeed in Expanding Industries:
Career Counseling and Job Matching: Connect with career counselors for guidance on finding jobs in high-growth sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and construction.
Skill Development Programs: Access training opportunities to develop in-demand skills tailored to expanding industries.
Resume and Interview Assistance: Get help with resume building, job applications, and interview preparation to stand out to potential employers.
Workshops and Hiring Events: Participate in industry-specific workshops and hiring events that bring job seekers and employers together.
On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships: Take advantage of programs that provide hands-on experience in growth industries, making it easier to transition to a new field.
Bright Future Ahead:
Yavapai County is poised for continued economic growth, offering more job opportunities with better wages in expanding industries.
Varietals are pairing nicely around the world
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
It has been said that all 50 states grow wine grapes, but what sets one region apart from another is a delicate balance of climate, soil and elevation. With fertile soil and dedicated vignerons, the Verde Valley has not only been steadily straddling that balance, it’s boldly crushing it with at least 47 varieties and a growing fan base.
With winegrowers in Sedona, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Rim Rock, the Village of Oak Creek and Verde Villages, the area now has 31 licensed wineries and several wine hobbyists.
According to a 2023 Arizona Wine Tourism Industry – Growth and Opportunities report prepared by Northern Arizona University (NAU) for the Arizona Office of Tourism, the Arizona wine industry has been maturing during the past two decades, with the number of wine producers increasing more than 10 times since 1999, with an economic impact of $351 million, supporting about 2,430 jobs and generating $115 million in labor income.
“Verde Valley is actually the warmer of the three American Viticulture Areas (AVA) in Arizona,” said Viticulture and Enology Director Michael Pierce at Yavapai College’s Southwest Wine Center. “We have all the pieces here to make nice wine – spectacular climate and nice diurnal temperature swings, which grapes like. The trend has been growing considerably over the last 10-15 years and wineries are really taking off. Our average age here at the school is 49 years old, so after they’ve earned their degree, they go out and start their own business.”
AVA status is awarded by the federal government to designate regions with geographic or climatic features that distinguish them from surrounding areas and affect how grapes are grown. There are three regions in Arizona: Sonoita in Santa Cruz County, Wilcox in Cochise County and Verde Valley.
“What we’re seeing is that consumers are leaning more toward lower alcohol wines with less manipulation and wines from newer regions that pair perfectly with food. Many of the Verde Valley wine producers fit seamlessly within that profile and are therefore thriving,” said Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards owner and winemaker Maynard Keenan.
Pierce says Keenan is an important supporter of the Verde Valley wine industry who employs YC’s wine center graduates. “Because of his notoriety, he’s been able to get Arizona wines to other places outside of Arizona.”
“We are currently distributing to Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Czech Republic and several other countries,” said Keenan.
Flagstaff lawyer Bruce Griffen and his wife, Lesli, a graduate of the Southwest Wine Center, bought their vineyard in 2021 from Jon Marcus, who had started Amigos de Vino dba Echo Canyon Vineyard and Winery, one of the first vineyards since Prohibition in the Verde Valley.
“When we purchased the vineyard, it was all dead. We had to replant the seven to eight acres, which yields about 8,000 vines,” said Griffen. The couple hopes to be licensed by October 2025 under the name Echo Canyon Vineyard, LLC.
“The Verde Valley is unique. People wouldn’t think that an arid area like this could grow grapes that are typically grown in a temperate moist climate. The secret about the Verde Valley is that the water, canyon and valley area have a very good growing potential for grapes,” said Griffen. “We have several different varieties: Southern Italian varietals such as Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Barbera and so much more. The wine industry is growing here and there are some very good wineries. There’s also a huge pool of people who come from Phoenix here.”
“We have a lot to offer,” said Verde Valley Wine Consortium President Paula Woolsey. In fact, a 2023 Arizona Wine Tourism
Visitors want to experience how Arizonans live; winemakers are ready to show them
By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
“Arizona is loved by many, but a lot of it is also largely unknown,”
said Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) Director Lisa Urias in her keynote presentation at the Fall Tourism Forum, hosted by NACOG (Northern Arizona Council of Governments), on Thursday, Oct. 10, in Camp Verde. “A lot of people don’t understand the full breadth of what Arizona has to offer.”
To change that, she discussed how AOT is considering ways to secure more funding for tourism promotion. She also revealed Arizona’s refreshed brand, which was released earlier this year, designed to better communicate the state’s “majestic beauty, vibrant culture and abundant diversity.”
AOT crafted the brand by traveling hundreds of miles across Arizona and asking more than 2,000 Arizonans in 57 communities what they love about their part of the state. “Arizo-
nans built and own this story about who we are, what we hold dear and what we want amplified,” said Urias.
“Every Arizonan can see a piece of themselves in the new brand.”
The chosen color palette includes turquoise, copper, desert sage, pine green, sunset magenta and warm sand. The ponderosa pine signifies
Northern Arizona, the saguaro represents Central Arizona, and the hummingbird stands for Southern Arizona and its desert wildflowers, she said.
Drawing from 2023 statistics, Urias gave these reasons for updating the brand: Arizona has 45.2 million overnight visitors annually; direct
travel spending by visitors adds up to $29.3 billion; $4.2 billion is generated in taxes from visitor spending; and some 187,000 jobs are supported by tourism directly, while another
300,000 are supported by tourism indirectly.
Speaking to Northern Arizona business owners and community
on page 31
understand your business and are here for you.
from strong national resources and sophisticated products and services plus the trust that comes from personal relationships. You deserve a bank as invested in your business as you are.
Costume seamstress Rebekah Sage opens her new romantic, vintage boutique
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
After losing 100 pounds, Julie Lawson of Camp Verde was excited to finally go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe. Thankfully, she didn’t have to look far, thanks to Sage Country Boutique, which just opened its doors this month.
Located in the middle of downtown Camp Verde in the historic Wingfield Building, Lawson says it’s her new favorite place to shop. “I love everything about this store. The clothes, the accessories, boots, hats, everything I need is here now and I don’t have to drive an hour away to the big box stores.”
Sage Country Boutique owner Rebekah Sage launched her clothing career working for corporate stores such as Buckle and Maurices. She also worked at several smaller stores in Sedona and Prescott.
“I just loved clothes and loved to shop. In 2003, I joined a group called Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). They did medieval enactment. I learned how to sew and ended up as their seamstress for the group, making costumes for 40-50 people. I sewed for nine years and even made elaborate belly-dance outfits. I just love that type of era and costuming.”
Switching careers, Sage moved to
Sedona for 17 years and worked as a life coach, from which she retired in June. She then opened her first boutique in Camp Verde.
“A friend asked a local business owner, Sheila, at Sheila’s Kitchen restaurant, to see if I could rent space for a women’s clothing store. At the time, I was selling out of my home. A few weeks later, I opened my first boutique starting with just a few pieces of clothing out of my closet and other inventory. It was quaint and cozy, but I learned quickly that I needed more space.”
A few months later, she was driving through downtown Camp Verde. “I saw a ‘For Rent’ sign in the Wingfield Building, one of the oldest buildings in town. I talked to the owner and the next day, he was taking the sign out of the window,” she said. “A couple ladies from the community offered to help me move, so we loaded up merchandise in vans and in my car, took the cash register and started selling.”
Born and raised in Camp Verde, Sage says she felt right at home. Her goal is to carry the largest collection of cute dresses in the Verde Valley. The style of Sage’s inventory is boho, pioneer, country, vintage and some steampunk, a mixture of trends from different historical periods. “I really
like that era and color scheme,” she said. “It’s more innocent, feminine, romantic and lighter colors. I like to think that some of the clothes are definitely boutique-quality but less than half the price. I keep my prices low
because I know I’m in a small town and I want inventory to sell so we can keep it rotating.”
“It’s my favorite store,” said Lawson. “I love the style of clothing and accessories. One time I had a dress and it was too small. Rebekah did some research and found me a bigger size. She’s just great and so bubbly and the prices are so reasonable.”
Once a month, Sage will be sponsoring a Retail Therapy Party/Customer Appreciation night where customers can shop for 20% off. “We offer some free local wines and charcuterie boards and we have a lot of fun,” said Sage. “We have a red carpet and we put it down in the middle of the store and customers model their outfits in our spacious store. This helps women feel good about themselves and they have a good time.”
She expects to offer her Retail Therapy Party/Customer Appreciation night on the third Friday of every month, in conjunction with Camp Verde’s 3rd Friday Art Walk. “We plan to do glamour shots at our next party taking fun cell phone shots,” said Sage. The inventory at Sage Country
Boutique includes new items and resale items. The resale items must pass a nine-point inspection. “This includes items that are washed and dried, no odor, no stains, no missing buttons, zippers working, seams intact, no strings, no pilling. We want our customers to know that they are buying quality resale clothing,” said Sage.
Retail associate Emmalynn “Emma” Miller has worked alongside Sage for almost two months. “I really love it here. I’ve been in resale and retail for about five years now, so it’s just easy and Rebekah is a great boss. What is really special about this store is the customers. They’re all so friendly, and it’s really fun when everyone gets together for our Retail Therapy nights.”
When Sage is not dressing women, she enjoys being out in nature – camping, hiking and “taking the dogs down to the creek.” QCBN
Sage Country Boutique is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, at 564 South Main Street, Suite 105 in Camp Verde. For more, visit the website at www.SageCountryBoutique.com.
eafflicted
Stroke
Skilled
Hospice
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Prescott businessman David Caldwell is the U-Haul Co. of Arizona’s only independent neighborhood dealer to serve the Prescott community.
The U-Haul business is located at Auto Max, which Caldwell already owned, at 221 W. Willis St., in downtown Prescott.
U-Haul offers U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies. The company has been teaming up with independent dealers to offer rental equipment for do-it-yourself movers since 1945.
During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the United States and Canada are generating income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.
Caldwell said adding the U-Haul business to his Auto Max location was a natural fit because his manager, Howard Blake, had worked in another service area for U-Haul.
Caldwell jumped at the opportunity because of the supplemental income. He said the
Prescott location rents more trailers than trucks, at a 60/40 ratio.
The most challenging part of the business is finding parking for the U-Haul vehicles, as parking at his location is limited. “But we always find a place,” he said. “We fill our parking spaces very quickly.”
Caldwell notes that U-Haul workers who move the vehicles in and out must be certified.
“U-Haul is easy to work with because they provide everything we need along with the necessary training,” he said. “If we’re overloaded on vehicles, they will come get them.”
Caldwell said he works solely on commission, which means as long as trailers and trucks are being rented, he’s making money.
Caldwell has been in Prescott for 46 years. He came here in 1978 to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He became a commercial pilot. Ten years ago, after retiring from that profession, he became a businessman.
“I choose Prescott because of the weather,” he said.
Auto Max offers auto repair and vehicle restoration services. U-Haul is open Mondays through Fridays with Saturdays by appointment. QCBN
Lowell Observatory sets the final gems in its crown jewel
By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
With power tools and the precision of master craftspeople, the final gems are being meticulously set into what is being called the crown jewel of Northern Arizona. The Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center is scheduled to reveal its majestic science artistry and high-tech interactive exhibits Saturday, Nov. 16, in a grand opening with a grand view.
On the rooftop of the three-story building, chairs are lined up like moonstones, ready to be positioned into place to connect guests with the universe at an elevation of about 7,400 feet. These reclining, heated seats above the 40,000-square-foot, high-tech facility will offer an all-season, 360-degree immersion into the
ponderosa pine forest by day and a cosmic journey of the mind from the open-air Rooftop Dark Sky Planetarium by night, along with a glass of wine if you like.
“At the Dark Sky Planetarium, we can show people where in the night sky are these things they might have heard about,” said David Noble, project manager for exhibits. “They might have heard about the Andromeda Galaxy. What is that? Where is that? You can actually see that with your naked eye. So, we can show people that it’s in this part of the sky. And then, we can reinforce that with images from the Lowell Observatory telescopes on the large screen and tell them, ‘This is what it looks like in true form.’”
The “large screen” is a two-story, 160° curved 16K LED screen in the 180-seat Lowell Universe Theater. It also has a ceiling LED screen and
BY BONNIE STEVENS, QCBN
So, you’ve missed three appointments and have shown up for at least two at the wrong time. The universe is screaming at you that your hard-pushing, never-miss-adeadline personality is in overdrive and probably weakening your immune system.
We all know that stress causes terrible health problems and might even make you gain weight, break out in hives and ignore your dog. But asking Type A individuals to “relax” is like asking a tiger not to pounce – and it
can cause intolerable levels of anxiety.
Since nobody wants tiger anxiety, here are some tips for “Type A Stress Relief,” with help from Well Stated by Canyon Ranch.
There is no need to try to purr yourself through your instinct to attack. So, go ahead, attack the gym, the tennis court, the hiking trail –just attack, attack, attack, until you feel the endorphins race you to your happy place and pump some of that
relentless energy out of your body.
“Exercise is a great stressbuster” for that Type A you, notes Well Stated, and “it naturally works with your go-go nature.”
As we’ve established, Type As and tigers love to pounce. And you know that about yourself. You crouch and release quickly and effectively, which can be hurtful and difficult to recover from if you are coming down hard on a business associate with whom
Well Stated points out that “one of the ways you blow off steam is meeting up with friends after a long and stressful day at work.” Go find yourself a social setting. That’s right, go shoehorn one more thing into that day of yours! It just might minimize stress, foster a sense of belonging and boost your self-esteem. //
you will have to continue working. While Type As can swiftly spring on from that painful conversation or text sent in a split second of frustration, the rest of the animals in the business jungle may not.
Well Stated suggests, sort of, that you be a smart little tiger and try very very hard to “allow yourself 10 deep breaths before doing anything else,” even if you have to growl at the same time. The online publication actually says, “If you can’t manage a full 10 breaths, start with three.” Three you can do, right? And even one minute focused on breathing can lower the stress hormone cortisol, it claims, and might even save a relationship from a painful, claws-out death.
DON’T GO IT ALONE
If you tell a Type A personality to go journal or meditate or think happy thoughts by themself, well that’s just crazy. As a Type A, you know you don’t want to be alone with that ramped up mind of
yours demanding an insanely combustive burst of action RIGHT NOW!
Well Stated points out that “one of the ways you blow off steam is meeting up with friends after a long and stressful day at work.” Go find yourself a social setting. That’s right, go shoehorn one more thing into that day of yours! It just might minimize stress, foster a sense of belonging and boost your self-esteem.
Just knowing that you don’t have to go sit on a mat and listen to a story about walking through a beautiful forest with your eyes closed is enough to calm even the feistiest cats in the professional animal kingdom. QCBN
Bonnie Stevens is the editor of QCBN. She is a career journalist and public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie. stevens@gmail.com.
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Brian Watson, community outreach specialist with Resource Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly (ROSE), speaks to groups about preventing seniors from becoming victims of fraud.
During the past 14 months, Watson has given presentations to more than 50 groups and has appeared on television and radio programs, as well as podcasts.
“We can’t catch all the criminals,” he said, “so we want to dry up the scams. Our focus is on prevention.”
Watson, a retired special agent and public information officer with the IRS, has given presentations to the Prescott and Flagstaff police departments as well as the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. He also speaks to retirement communities on a regular basis, plus banks and car dealerships. “I will collaborate with anybody about fraud prevention.”
Watson has met with fraud victims, too. He says it is heartbreaking because many lose a lot of money. Some lose their life savings. “It changes how they interact with others because they no longer trust people.”
He offers this list of the common kinds of scams.
Phishing, which is when emails or texts are sent to trick people into giving out private information. “Be skeptical. Don’t click on any links. These are usually weird emails, so don’t open them,” he said.
Tech support scams that say it’s your bank or your computer security system telling you there is a problem and tricking you into giving out private information or asking you for passwords so they can access your computer system. “If you don’t know them, contact the company directly.” he said.
Pig butchering. These are romance scams, usually over a long period of time, asking you to send money through cryptocurrency. Scammers often prey on the lonely whether they are divorced or widowed, he
said. “They shower attention on you. This is a huge worldwide problem. Pig Butchering began in China. “They refer to the victims as pigs and kill you by taking your money.” Watson adds that some of the romance scams have started on Christian dating sites. He also says the United Nations is investigating scam farms in Southeast Asia. Credit card scams. Scammers may tell their victims their credit card is expiring and ask for personal information,” said Watson.
“You cannot engage with these people.” Instead, he says, contact the company directly to find out if the call is real.
Watson became involved with ROSE when he met founder Joyce Petrowski. She started the nonprofit organization after she was scammed in a romance scheme. Most of the members of the ROSE Board of Directors have been victims of scams, too. While scams hit every age group, seniors are often more susceptible.
Many scams are hard for law enforcement to prove, but those involving cryptocurrency or bitcoin can leave a digital footprint, making it easier for law enforcement agencies to investigate. “Scammers can be caught, but it’s tough because you have to get in line with all the other victims,” he said.
“The best part of this [being involved with ROSE] is working with people, because they are appreciative that someone is looking out for them,” he said.
Watson, who also teaches white collar crime at the University of Arizona, said the most challenging part of the job is funding. As a nonprofit, ROSE is continuously seeking grants and donations and creating fundraising events, such as golf tournaments. QCBN
Watson has a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a CPA in California. For more information, email brianwatson@roseadvocacy.org.
BY V. RONNIE TIERNEY, QCBN
For her decades of work in the Verde Valley wine industry and helping to elevate Arizona wines to the global stage, Paula Woolsey has received the 2024 Tourism Hall of Fame Award.
“We raise our glasses to toast Paula as this year’s Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame Award honoree, as her vision and hard work have been instrumental in making Arizona a rising star in the world of wine,” said Arizona Office of Tourism Director Lisa Urias.
As owner of the Cellar Door Unhinged, a sales and marketing business, President of Verde Valley Wine Consortium, adjunct professor at the Yavapai College Southwest Wine Center, wife, mom and grandmother, Woolsey’s glass is certainly full.
“I didn’t even know I was nominated until I got a letter from the Arizona Tourism office saying I had won,” she said.
“Decades ago, when there were few wine producers in Arizona, Paula both visualized a prosperous future for Arizona’s wine industry and, more importantly, got to work taking the steps to craft that vision into reality,” said Urias.
Woolsey found her home in Cottonwood when the city boasted one stop sign and no traffic lights. “That was in 1988 and, by the way, there was no wine industry,” she said. “I worked at various resorts in Sedona doing food and beverage and my husband, Eric, who has a degree in nursery management, worked at a local nursery. We then moved into the restaurant industry and opened up the Asylum Restaurant in Jerome. We ran it for 10 years before selling it. I wanted to focus more on Arizona wine.”
Although she says she didn’t ap-
preciate it at the time, wine was in her genes. Her father was an importer of wine in the ‘70s and ‘80s. “I was born and raised in Los Altos, California. After my father retired from Hewlett Packard, he became a wine importer. He also built wine cellars for wealthy clients around Los Altos. My grandfather would come out from Chicago during the summer. He planted a small vineyard. He would make one barrel of wine in our garage.”
In a short video viewed at the Arizona Governor’s Conference of Tourism, Sedona Film Festival Executive Director Patrick Schweiss reminisced with Woolsey about her efforts.
“Sedona was a smaller town back then. I knew a lot of people and Paula knew a lot of people,” said Schweiss in the film. “Everything we needed was a phone call away. She has arranged and provided every drop of wine for every event, fundraising, film festival – you name it, she’s done it. Paula realized a partnership with the film festival was valuable for everyone because they come here as tourists and locals come here and watch films and party and then taste the wines grown and produced here in the Verde Valley and come back for more. Paula has been involved in everything wonderful about the wine industry here in the Verde Valley. She’s so worthy of this award.”
MJ Keenan, owner/winemaker with Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards, also commented about Woolsey in the video. “It took people like Paula to get Verde Valley on the map and basically force people to try our wines. Paula is a bully; she’ll make you try the wine. Her being able to tell the story accurately has been critical. For her to be able to get out into the state and actually be considered for an award like this means
that we’re doing something right and that she’s doing something right. She is the cornerstone of that approach of storytelling.”
As adjunct professor at Yavapai Community College, Woolsey taught the first wine classes there and was instrumental in raising funds to develop the Southwest Wine Center in Clarkdale.
“It was a long haul. We didn’t have a lot of support and had to earn every dime. A lot of businesses and individuals donated,” said Woolsey. “It took a long time, but it now pays for itself. It makes me happy.”
The Southwest Wine Center now has 300 graduates from the program.
“Yavapai College is only one of three
in the country that does what we do, from planting the grapes, pruning to crushing to labeling and then teaching how to sell at our wine-tasting room,” said Woolsey. “Other colleges do not have actual vineyards on site like we do.”
She also notes that grape growing is a low water usage crop and that next to Argentina, Arizona has the biggest diurnal shift in the world.
“Some people don’t even know we have wine in Arizona, but we do, and it tastes great,” said Woolsey, who has served on the Sedona Wine Fest committee, an event that climbed to the second most popular wine festival in the state, according to a 2023 Arizona Wine Tourism Industry Growth and
Opportunities report.
“Spending by wine visitors has grown by an astounding 677% since 2011, from $31 million in 2011 to $241 million in 2023. That increase doesn’t happen without advocates like Paula promoting Arizona as a premier destination for award-winning wine and wine experiences,” stated Urias.
WHO I ADMIRE
My mother. She was an artist, grew up in Chicago and made beef tips at the original Stouffer’s Restaurant. She moved to California, went to college and was an art teacher. She had three kids in four years. When I hit 14, she had opened one of the first antique stores in 1970. It was the biggest antique shop on the West Coast.
FAVORITE SAYING
“Live long and prosper,” by Spock (Leonard Nimoy) on Star Trek.
MY SUPERPOWER
I’m a Nana. I have a lot of superpowers, but that’s the best.
LAST TIME I PUSHED MY BOUNDARIES
I went to a concert about three weeks after a knee replacement in a wheelchair and walker.
FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION
Los Barriles on the Baja California Peninsula. Our dad bought a compound on the Sea of Cortez. I love to just sit on the beach.
Nine Navajo filmmakers showcased their stories and talent at the first Navajo Nation Film Festival, Sept. 5 and 6, during the Navajo Nation Fair. Hosted at the Navajo Nation Museum and RGR Theatre, the festival ran from 3-7 p.m., offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience Navajo storytelling through the power of film – most of it presented in the Navajo language.
One of the films from the festival was “Are You Serious,” a 23-minute narrative directed, written and produced by Navajo filmmaker George R. Joe. “Are You Serious,” Joe’s first film, told the story of Dugasse Smith, a light-skinned, half-white Navajo man who returns to his roots to revive his late grandmother’s café.
Joe’s film, presented mostly in the Navajo language, was part of a project funded by the Navajo Nation Film Office. “This project is significant, not just for me, but for our entire community,” he said. “Using film to revitalize and preserve the Navajo language is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m proud of what
we accomplished.”
Joe, who also served as a Navajo language consultant for AMC’s Dark Winds (Season 2), brings more than 25 years of experience in media affairs, marketing and publishing. His extensive work with Navajo culture includes his role as founder of NavajoGuide.com, a travel website and app promoting Navajo heritage.
James Bilagody, who portrayed Hastiin Gah, the tough and traditional Navajo elder, brought his years of experience to the role. Bilagody, a renowned Navajo recording artist, actor and advocate, has played notable roles in indigenous films such as The Blue Gap Boyz and Legends from the Sky. His involvement in the Navajo-language dub of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, is a hallmark of his career, he says.
The lead role of Dugasse Smith was played by Dustyn Horse, a fluent Navajo speaker and actor from Sweetwater. Horse has appeared in productions such as Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga and Sydney Freeland’s REZBALL.
Valerie Saunders, a performer and
screenwriter, portrayed a tourist in the film. With an extensive career in theater, television and film, Saunders
has performed with the Eagles and was on the set of Tombstone.
The First Annual Navajo Nation
SUNDAY, NOV 24TH , 3:00 PM
Yavapai College student Tyler
Briner knew something was different – something was special – about his anatomy and physiology professor (A&P) when, while struggling with a concept, that professor invited him to a Saturday study session.
The session lasted four hours and by the end, Briner was no longer in the dark about synapses – the small spaces between neurons where they communicate with each other.
“It was life-changing that somebody actually believed in me,” Briner said of the study session and how Dr. Mark Muchna “made sure I understood what was happening in the body.”
Tyler was so struck by Muchna’s caring and gift of time, he nominated him for the college’s highest employee award, the S.A.M. award. The acronym stands for see, adapt and measure, a key principle of the Outward Mindset that the college community embraces to engender a positive workplace culture.
Muchna won the award and earlier this year, the college’s Employee of the Year award as well, because of
Briner’s and others’ accolades.
Now a second-semester nursing student, Briner said his YC classmates all “have nothing but great things to say” about Muchna, a former veterinarian whose foray into higher education was somewhat accidental, if not serendipitous.
Muchna was a practicing veterinarian and teaching youth Bible school at a local church when his co-teacher at the time, Dean Holbrook, asked if he’d considered teaching at Yavapai College. Holbrook, a former math professor and now an associate dean at YC, said he saw in Muchna an uncanny ability to explain material and connect with his young Bible students.
Muchna, who was contemplating giving up veterinary care, along with the 60-hour work weeks and emergency-response duties that go with it, applied for and won an adjunct position teaching A&P at YC in 2010. “For a while, he was trying to do both things, but you could tell he was falling in love with teaching,” Holbrook said.
Two years later, after filling in full time for an A&P professor who
abruptly left the college, Muchna earned a promotion as full-time faculty. “This was what his next career was supposed to be. I think it has been a great fit for him. His top priority is the students,” Holbrook said. Fast forward 12 years: Muchna humbly accepted the Employee of the Year Award. “I know there are others here at the college who are better teachers than myself and who have given more to the college outside the classroom,” Muchna said. “I am still growing as a teacher.”
Muchna’s affinity for creatures of all sorts, especially reptiles and amphibians, revealed itself while growing up in a Chicago suburb. He studied biology and later earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois. After graduation, he put his passion and skills to work for a mixed-animal veterinary practice in Iowa. “In the morning, I would get in my vet truck and go to farms working primarily with cattle and pigs, but also the occasional sheep or horse. Then, in the afternoon, I would go
to one of our clinics to work with dogs and cats. Being in a rural area, without specialists or emergency clinics nearby, the job demanded long hours and being on call weekends and nights. I did this for 15 years,” he said.
During that time, Muchna and his wife, Carolyn, welcomed four children, Jessica, Amy, Matthew and Mollie. The family later moved to
By Heidi Dahms Foster, QCBN
Prescott Valley’s Valley of Lights is entering its 24th year, and the holiday attraction has become a holiday favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Businesses and residents got behind the Valley of Lights concept in a big way, and the mile-long lighted display opened on Thanksgiving evening in 2000. Valley of Lights has grown each year, both in displays and number of visitors, which run in the thousands each season. It is open each evening from Thanksgiving through the end of December.
Visitors can find their way to Valley of Lights by turning south on Prescott East Highway off Highway 69, where a giant lighted toy soldier points the way. Drivers then turn at 5th Street and enter Fain Park, where the magic begins. From the entrance to the park, then through a festive holly tunnel, guests are treated to brightly lighted displays ranging from whimsical animated elves working and playing, dancing bears and a jack-in-the-box, to a giant American flag and Liberty Bell and a tribute to the Yarnell 19.
Along with the holly tunnel, visitors will enjoy a candy cane tunnel,
a Western town and a stagecoach and bunkhouse. Traditional seasonal displays include a nativity scene and a menorah. At the end of the mile, visitors will see Santa relaxing after all of his holiday hard work! Nearly 40 bright displays, each sponsored by a local business or group, are packed within the mile.
Those who would like to experience this festive holiday display on foot have a once-only chance to do so from 6-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3. Each year during the Stroll Through the Valley of Lights, thousands walk the displays, take photos, enjoy carolers and hot chocolate, and visit with Santa.
Valley of Lights is scheduled to open 6-10 p.m., Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. The display is open each night through Dec. 30: 6-9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 6-10 p.m., Friday, Saturday and holidays. The attraction is free, with a suggested donation at the end of the drive. QCBN
For more information on Valley of Lights, visit www.pvchamber.org.
Flagstaff Family Food Center
(FFFC), which has for more than three decades run a food bank and kitchen serving Northern Arizona, has assumed operations of the Grand Canyon Food Pantry Inc. (GCFPI), ensuring its continued service to those who live and work in and around Grand Canyon National Park.
“We’re proud to carry on the important work that President Mike Scott started seven years ago,” said FFFC President and CEO Ethan Amos. “We expect a seamless transition, ensuring that everyone who uses the pantry continues to receive the high-quality service they’ve come to appreciate.”
Scott, who was honored earlier this year as a “Hunger Action Champion” at the FFFC’s Anti-Hunger Summit, approached FFFC about taking over the pantry so that he could retire from his volunteer role as director.
The food pantry is open three days a week, delivers food boxes weekly to the Havasupai families living within the Grand Canyon National Park, and holds a monthly mobile food pantry in Tusayan in front of the
town hall.
The inspiration for the GCFPI came from a conversation in 2017 between Scott and Matthew Vandzura, then chief ranger at the park. Vandzura noted that more than half the children in the local school system received subsidized lunch. What did they do, the two men wondered, when school was out? During the next two years, volunteers provided students with meals during the summers.
The mission of the organization quickly expanded when they opened an emergency food pantry in December 2018, to help workers furloughed because of the six-week government shutdown that closed the national park. Plans to create a permanent food bank were made and the National Park Service provided a location, the old jail in the park, where the pantry still operates today.
It is estimated that about 18% of the families that live in the national park benefit from the pantry.
Currently, the operation is run entirely by volunteers, including Scott. FFFC will have a paid employee to oversee management of the pantry, but Scott and Amos said volunteers are still essential to the operation of the organization.
“The heart and soul of organizations like FFFC and Grand Canyon Food Pantry are our volunteers,” said Amos. “They embody our mission of ‘Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Every
The food and beverage management team at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos has been honored with the Arizona Indian Gaming Association’s People’s Choice Award. The award was the culmination of the AIGA Chef’s Challenge, a culinary battle represented by eight of Arizona’s premier casino and resort chefs.
Bucky’s team included Food and Beverage Director Chef Alex Riviera, Chef Will Caster, Chef Mert Dorsey and Food and Beverage Manager Grant Routson. The theme for this year’s challenge was “Native Flavors: Arizona is Your Pantry,” allowing participants to showcase their skills while incorporating local ingredients.
The meal was prepared on site and served to 200 guests who voted for the “People’s Choice Award,” and declared Chef Alex Riviera and his team the award winners. The winning menu consisted of Roasted Lamb with Prickly Pear Demi and Cheese Stuffed Courgette Flowers served on Roasted Poblano Corn Cakes. The award was presented during the AIGA Expo at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa last month.
Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos are properties of the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe in Prescott and offer two dining options and styles. Bucky’s Grey Room focuses on creative cuisine with a fresh take on seasonal and local ingredients and the Cantina at Yavapai Casino serves classic favorites. QCBN
For more about Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos gaming and dining options, visit buckyscasino.com.
Day’ and make it possible for us to change lives.”
Even though he is retiring from directing the pantry, Scott plans to be one of those volunteers.
“Next to raising a family, working with so many willing people, businesses, the public sector and
other food banks to bring a measure of food security to the people who live and work in the Canyon and Tusayan has been one of the most truly rewarding experiences of my life,” he said. QCBN
Findlay Toyota Prescott is hosting the Findlay Toyota Toy + Coat Drive, Friday, Nov. 1 through Tuesday, Dec. 17. Those who donate during the drive will be entered into a raffle for a pair of tickets to an upcoming event or concert of their choice in 2025 (some restrictions may apply).
Findlay Toyota representatives say donations will go to those in need in the Quad Cities. On Thursday, Dec. 12, Findlay Toyota Prescott also will make a $1,000 check donation to Real Hope Inc., CASA for Kids and The Salvation Army Prescott Angel Tree to help with their programs.
“The holidays are a special time, and we are very thankful for all of the support that we receive,” said Findlay Toyota Prescott General Manager Jim Diguilio. “We’re proud to be a part of this awesome community and we are excited to be able to give back. Thank you to everyone that stops in to donate to our Findlay Toyota Toy + Coat Drive to help make this a season of joy.” QCBN
By Jeff Lane, Au.D.
Achief concern among hearing loss patients is their ability to socialize. Indeed, studies show that untreated hearing loss can have a major impact on quality of life. This is especially true around the holidays. Family and friends come together for the explicit purpose of bonding. For someone with hearing loss, this can be anxiety inducing. Luckily, there are ways to ease the burden and ensure this is truly the most wonderful time of the year.
The simplest (and often most effective) thing you can do is schedule an appointment with your hearing care professional. Modern hearing aids are very durable, but still require occasional maintenance. Namely, it is important to ensure everything is clean. This does not refer to the cleaning a patient can do on their own at home. (Although, if you do have dexterity or vision issues that make doing so difficult, always feel free to bring your hearing aids in for inspection.) Hearing care profession-
als do more of a deep cleaning. With daily activities, dust and other debris can sneak into the microphone ports. When this occurs, the hearing aids can sound muffled, as they are not picking up the sound fully. Worn out domes and dirty earmolds can also be replaced or cleaned. All of this ensures the acoustic pathway remains clear.
There can also be maintenance required on the technological side.
A receiver may become worn out or a charger may malfunction, affecting the efficacy of the aids. Or, the hearing aids may need a firmware update. Since they are essentially tiny computers, the manufacturers sometimes come out with updates to improve functioning. All of these issues can easily be resolved with a quick 15-minute trip to the office.
Also, remember that you can schedule any time of the year if you need repairs or adjustments.
Depending on how long it’s been since your prior one, a hearing evaluation may be recommended as well. The general rule of thumb is to have your hearing tested once a year. And thankfully, most health insurance
plans will help pay the cost. It is important to keep tabs on your hearing, as it can gradually change over time. Hearing aids base their programming on the hearing thresholds, so if the most recent test is from five years ago, they may not be providing accurate amplification. When hearing does change, the software adjusts the programming accordingly.
It may also be worth considering upgrading your hearing aids. Hearing aids, especially those from major manufacturers, are designed to be durable. But, as with any technology, they may not perform as well with age. After about seven years, hearing aids start to require more repairs. Additionally, technology becomes outdated. New models come out about every two years or so. And each new model provides a clearer signal and better noise filtering than the last. So even if your hearing aids are still functioning, consider new ones if your find yourself struggling.
Accessories can also be game changers. Hearing aids are wonderful, but do have their limits. Accessories
fill in the gaps. For example, a TV streamer can send the TV signal straight to the user’s hearing aids. Thus, they can hear clearly without blasting out everyone else. Remote microphones can also provide great benefit. They pick up a person’s voice and stream it to the hearing aids. For example, if you are going on a tour, the guide can wear the microphone, ensuring no commentary is missed. It can also be placed on the table at social gatherings, picking up the voices of all loved ones. They are simple to use and can be easily set up in a few minutes.
Part of the counseling we provide patients revolves around how to maximize the efficiency of their devices. Practicing good communication strategies is essential for success. The main tenants are: ensure the talker is facing you, talking at a good volume and not at a distance. That last point is important, as 3 dB of volume is lost for every doubling of distance. If you have trouble distinguishing
voices in a group, consider taking loved ones for one-on-one conversations so nothing is missed. When going out to dinner, ask for a table in the quietest part of the restaurant. Advocate for your needs!
Easing communication and maximizing quality of life is always the main goal. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your hearing care provider to ensure a joyful holiday season! 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.
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
Juliana Ladenburg never expected to become known as the “Barefoot Trimmer.” What started as a mission to rescue wild burros has turned into a lifelong passion, leading her to Prescott’s Hope, The Wild Burro Place, where she earned her unique title and reputation for helping donkeys find their footing – literally and figuratively.
Her family, who lived in Orange County, spent summer vacations at Sprucedale Guest Ranch near Alpine. “When I was young, our family would go there. When I got old enough, I started to work there. I then moved to Montana, where I lived for 21 years, working for an outfitter doing trail rides, hunting and flyfishing trips, and driving mule and draft teams for dinner wagon rides. I even worked on the ranch fixing fences and doing every other ranch chore you could possibly think of.”
It was in Montana that Ladenburg’s love for donkeys and mules began to grow.
For a short while. she was a trainer with the Mustang Heritage Foundation, which at the time, was teamed up with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). “As trainers, we would pick up untouched wild burros and mustangs from the BLM holding facilities to gentle them with basic training skills and then find adopters for them. The goal was to get these animals out of holding facilities and into good homes,” said Ladenburg.
When she moved to Prescott, she began fostering burros on her five
acres. She also discovered that finding a barefoot trimmer, especially for burros, was challenging, so she decided to fill that gap.
Barefoot trimmers fall under the umbrella of farriers, who are typically known for horseshoeing. “We help equines develop healthy hooves by removing excess growth, which improves circulation, makes their hooves stronger, improves shock absorption and reduces soreness and injury. It is crucial for good health,” she said.
Ladenburg also found that few people were willing to do farrier work on burros because they were concerned about getting kicked. “I have found donkeys are very willing to learn to stand for trims if treated right. Their mind is very different from that of a horse and therefore, they are very misunderstood.”
Her first step was learning to trim rescue donkeys online through The Donkey Farrier Program run by Megan Hensley. “Megan Hensley has been trimming donkeys for close to 20 years and her school has been a blessing for donkeys around the world. After I completed my online schooling with Megan, I started doing a local apprenticeship with Amanda Marsh in Prescott who has been a hoof care professional for 15-plus years. Amanda has become my biggest mentor and has taught me so much about trimming.”
Her next step was connecting with Dr. Thomas Tesky, a world-renowned veterinarian in Camp Verde. “He has also been a mentor and increased my knowledge through in-person hoof dissection training.”
What sets donkeys apart from burros? Burros and donkeys are actually the same animal. “Burro” is the Spanish word for donkey. “Here in Arizona where we have herds of wild feral donkeys, the term burro is most commonly used to identify that they were once a wild/feral donkey. But again, it is still a donkey,” Ladenburg explained.
“I’m very passionate about donkeys and burros and that’s what I love about my work. One of my goals is to educate society about them. They are very misunderstood animals. People think they
are horses with long ears and that they are stubborn, but it’s not stubbornness, it’s just that they think differently. I love to teach people these differences. Once you learn to ‘speak donkey,’ they truly bond with you and they are incredibly loyal and are pretty much willing to do anything for you,” she said.
“When I met Juliana, I was really motivated to work with and help her because I really wanted to help women rise up in the farrier world, which is dominated by men,” said Amanda Marsh, who taught Ladenburg the art
of barefoot trimming. “Juliana had so much passion and so much knowledge and she was so well-versed and had so much experience, it was a no-brainer to bring her along.”
Now retired, Marsh praises Ladenburg for her professionalism.
“She’s smart, she’s responsible and she shows up for the job. She’s an inspiration, a great mom and so into her family and her animals. Also, her faith is extraordinary and I just love being around her.”
“I contacted Juliana because my saddle donkey was having some issues with her feet,” said Dee Whitt of Camp Verde. “Juliana started corrective trimming and slowly getting her balanced and comfortable. Juliana also taught me about donkey nutrition and the part it plays in keeping their feet healthy. She is efficient and picky and doesn’t stop until the animal is comfortable.”
Today, Ladenburg has six donkeys and works throughout the Verde Valley and Quad Cities region and enjoys living in Prescott. “My husband, children and I especially love the trail systems here for riding.” QCBN
To view her posts, follow Ladenburg on Instagram @hope_thewildburroplace.
By Loree Walden
Adopting a pet is a life-changing decision, not only for the animal but for the person who opens their heart and home to a furry companion. While puppies and kittens often steal the spotlight, there is something uniquely special about adopting a senior pet. At Yavapai Humane Society (YHS), we witness the incredible joy and fulfillment that comes when families choose to adopt an older animal. These pets, often overlooked in favor of younger ones, have a lifetime of love and companionship to offer. Adopting a senior pet is a deeply rewarding experience that can transform both the pet’s and the adopter’s life in heartwarming and unexpected ways.
Senior pets at shelters come from various backgrounds. Some have spent years in loving homes but were surrendered because of changes in their owner’s life, such as illness or financial hardship. Others may have been strays or lost their owners to unfortunate circumstances. Regardless of their past, senior pets often face a confusing transition from a familiar
home to an unfamiliar shelter environment, leaving them feeling scared or lonely.
Potential adopters frequently overlook older animals in favor of younger, more energetic ones. Yet, when someone chooses to adopt a senior pet, they offer a lifeline, providing the comfort and love these animals need. These older pets are ready to form deep, meaningful bonds with their new families, returning their loyalty and affection in abundance.
Adopting a senior pet is about creating a new chapter filled with love and companionship. Older animals often have calmer, more predictable temperaments, making them ideal for families looking for a relaxed companion.
Senior pets also thrive on routine, comfort and a loving human presence. They don’t need constant entertainment; they appreciate the simple things in life and are often happy to enjoy quiet moments with their adopters. The gratitude they express is profound – each gentle touch, each loving word is met with trust and appreciation as they realize they’re finally home.
The emotional impact on a senior pet when they are adopted is profound. At YHS, we’ve seen countless older dogs and cats arrive timid and anxious, only to blossom once they find a loving home. Senior pets form deep bonds as they recognize they’ve been given a new lease on life. Every day becomes cherished when they are surrounded by love, and their emotional transformation is nothing short of magical.
These pets bring with them a quiet wisdom. Though they may have fewer years ahead, those years are lived fully. They don’t take love for granted, understanding that they’ve been saved from a life of uncertainty. For an older pet, adoption isn’t just about safety – it’s about finding a place where they can finally relax, trust and love again.
In return, senior pets offer their families unparalleled companionship, filling homes with warmth and affection. Their ability to adapt and trust, even after loss or upheaval, is a testament to their resilience. For the adopter, knowing that they’ve provided an older pet with the care and comfort they deserve is incredi-
bly fulfilling.
Adopting a senior pet isn’t just emotionally fulfilling – it can also improve your health. Studies show that pet companionship can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and enhance mental well-being. For seniors or individuals living alone, older pets make perfect companions because of their calm demeanor and gentle nature.
Senior pets are also wonderful at providing emotional comfort. Their intuitive understanding of human emotions makes them particularly attuned to their owners’ needs. Additionally, adopting a senior pet encourages more active living, whether it’s daily walks with an older dog or interactive play with a senior cat. The presence of a pet in the home can reduce feelings of loneliness and give people a strong sense of purpose.
At YHS, we believe that every animal, regardless of age, deserves to know the love of a family.
In the quiet moments you’ll share, the walks at sunset and the gentle purrs or wagging tails, you will discover the love of a senior pet is
Prescott truly enjoys holiday celebrations and honoring those who serve. November is a month where we honor our veterans, celebrate Thanksgiving, and then we begin one of our most significant seasons with the events of Arizona’s Christmas City.
We begin with Veterans Day, on Nov. 11. I view Veterans Day as a celebration, giving us a chance to thank all veterans for their service to our country. We do so in grand style here in Prescott, with the annual Veterans Day Parade downtown, beginning at 11 a.m.
The Veterans Day Parade embodies the genuine appreciation our citizens show to veterans. I would like to thank staff member Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, also a veteran, and her team of volunteers and city staff who help make the parade a special event. As a Vietnam veteran who served in combat, I know how meaningful genuine expressions of appreciation are, since we did not receive a friendly reception when we returned from service many years ago.
Veterans Day is soon followed by Thanksgiving, which takes place this year on Nov. 28. Just a few days later, we begin the official Arizona Christmas City events. All of these events have
long stood in our community, with the oldest tradition being the Courthouse Lighting event, celebrating its 70th anniversary.
The festivities begin with the 27th Annual Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. in the downtown area. Nov. 30 is also Small Business Saturday, a time to support our many locally owned businesses, from retailers to restaurants and others.
On Saturday Dec. 7, we celebrate with the 42nd Annual Christmas Parade downtown, followed by the magical 70th Annual Courthouse Lighting. The Courthouse Lighting is one of my favorite traditions that makes Prescott so unique and special during the holidays.
Then, Friday, Dec. 13, is the 36th Annual Acker Night. A local favorite, Acker Night is a musical showcase with entertainers playing at businesses throughout downtown, benefitting musical scholarships for youth. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, is a newer tradition, the Third Annual Prescott ChristKindlMarket, a charming Old World style outdoor holiday market.
On New Year’s Eve, we have the 14th Annual Whiskey Row Boot Drop
a gift beyond measure. Their journey may be shorter, but the legacy of love they leave behind will be everlasting. Adopting a senior pet is not just an act of kindness; it’s an opportunity to experience a type of love that is pure, wise and profoundly rewarding.
November is National Adopt A Senior Pet Month. Please consider opening your heart and home to an older animal looking for their fur-ever family. QCBN
event. This great celebration helps us “Give the Boot” to 2024 with two drops – one at 10 p.m. and the other at midnight.
The courthouse lights remain on nightly through the Martin Luther King holiday in January, so citizens and visitors can stroll the plaza any night, while enjoying all that downtown has to offer.
Prescott recently was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the Top 10 towns to celebrate Christmas. I am very pleased to learn of this recognition. I am also proud of the long-standing events and traditions that make Prescott such a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas and all of the holidays. QCBN
To see the full calendar of Arizona’s Christmas City events, check out ArizonaChristmasCity.com.
By Ken Lain
Houseplants are a quick and easy way to spruce up your decor. When it comes to the kitchen, growing plants indoors has some practical applications. The right plants purify inside air, add splashes of color and provide fresh produce. These nine houseplants are the ideal place to start in your kitchen.
African Violets Saintpaulia, is the perfect houseplant substitute for those who enjoy cut flowers in the kitchen! Happy African Violets flower nearly year-round and come in a multitude of artistic colors. These compact houseplants want bright, indirect light and frequent watering. They are perfect for a windowsill.
Herbs Growing herbs in the kitchen may seem like an obvious choice, but cooking with homegrown herbs is the best. They need a bright kitchen with lots of windows or bright lights for lush, full herbs to thrive. Easy herb varieties to grow indoors include cilantro, chives, mint, oregano, parsley and thyme. Here are 10 ways to use Rosemary grown at home: https://wattersgardencenter. com/10-ways-to-use-rosemary-fromthe-home-garden/.
Philodendron This houseplant looks great in hanging baskets. Similar to pothos, they are considered relatively drought-tolerant and can grow in virtually any room. This foliage plant comes in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Its most notable trait is the ability to purify indoor air.
Pothos Epipremnum aureum are indeed some of the easiest houseplants to care for. They adapt well to any condition and are considered drought tolerant. Perfect for smaller kitchens with limited counter space, this plant also is ideal as a hanging plant.
Rubber Tree Ficus elastica is a significant statement plant in kitchens. It is a close relative of the Fiddle Leaf Fig, only easier to grow. Adaptable to any growing room with a window in it. They can get large, but can be easily controlled with mild pruning to keep their size under control. Choose from several different varieties to match your tree to the design of your kitchen.
Snake Plant Sansevieria, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are among the most popular houseplants. They come in various colors, shapes and sizes and can grow in any room with a window.
Spider Plant Chlorophytum are among the easiest houseplants to care for. They make excellent hanging plants, and when happy, they flower and send offshoots prolifically. They prefer a bright room without exposure to direct sunlight.
Succulents When you have a
sunny windowsill in your kitchen, these are a fabulous option. The term “succulent” describes plants that store water in various parts of their leaves or stems. This makes them super-efficient water users with low maintenance needs. Watters offers literally hundreds of different succulents that come in stunning shapes, colors and sizes. Aloe Vera, Cactus, Crassula, Echeveria, Haworthia, Kalanchoe and Sedums are the most popular.
ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia is also known as
the Zanzibar Gem. As hardy as any cactus that thrives in low, to very bright conditions, ZZ plants make the list of Houseplants You Can’t Kill every year. These slow-growing plants are started by rhizomes and hardly need to be watered! Start here if you travel a lot, visit the grandkids often or are simply the forgetful gardener when watering your plants.
CHOOSE PLANTS BASED ON YOUR KITCHEN’S CONDITIONS
When choosing houseplants to accent the room, your kitchen’s light and humidity are vital. Make sure that you select plants that thrive in your unique space!
Garden Alert! Unwelcome bugs cause a lot of issues, with curling leaves being one of them. Holes in the leaves, speckling, yellowing or pale leaves are other signs of pest problems. Recently, gardeners had problems with fungus gnats here at Watters Garden Center. Tiny black gnats buzz around the house, but the larvae live in the soil of your houseplants and eat the plant from the roots up. Watters Systemic Granules obliterate this pest in one dose. Until next month, I’ll be helping locals choose the best kitchen plants here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN
Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Road in Prescot, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Houseplants.com.
By Lucy Leyva
As the owner of Prescott Maid to Order, I have seen firsthand the profound impact deep cleaning can have on individuals and families. A clean home is about much more than tidiness; it is about fostering an environment where one can thrive, find peace and nurture relationships with loved ones.
HOW A CLEAN SPACE ENHANCES
MENTAL WELL-BEING
Time and again, I’ve seen clients feel an immediate sense of relief when they step into a freshly cleaned home. It’s as if a weight has been lifted, and they can finally breathe deeply. I believe we often underestimate the influence of our surroundings on our mental state. When a home is cluttered or messy, it can become
overwhelming, contributing to feelings of stress. However, a deep clean brings a welcome sense of order and tranquility. It can be a form of mental decluttering, allowing you to think more clearly and creating an atmosphere where you feel more at ease.
FOSTERING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing how a clean home has positively impacted my clients’ relationships. A clean, organized space provides the foundation for people to connect more deeply. When the environment is inviting and clutter-free, relaxing and spending meaningful time with loved ones becomes more accessible.
I have heard many stories of couples feeling closer, parents spending more quality time with their children,
and friends visiting more often – all because they feel good in their space. It is truly fulfilling to know that through my work, I am helping to create these valuable opportunities for connection.
There is something extraordinary about welcoming guests into a clean, inviting home. It makes people feel valued and appreciated and creates an atmosphere where memorable moments can unfold. Many clients have shared feeling more confident about inviting friends and family after a deep clean. It is akin to a fresh start, elevating the entire experience of social gatherings. A clean home is welcoming and fosters meaningful interactions and relationships.
Regular deep cleaning has an incredible way of inspiring new, positive habits. Often, clients are motivated to maintain their cleaning routines after we have provided a thorough, deep clean, sparking a sense of renewal that extends to other areas of their lives. It is gratifying to witness people embracing positive changes, and a clean home can serve as the foundation for such transformations.
Deep cleaning is ultimately about nurturing not only your space but also yourself. It is about caring for the place where you live, where you make memories, and where you recharge. When
I clean for my clients, my goal is to help create a sanctuary where they can find peace, be themselves and enjoy time with those they love.
I am passionate about helping people experience the joy of a clean home. I know firsthand how much it can improve quality of life. Seeing clients feel lighter, happier and more connected to their spaces and loved ones reminds me of why I founded Prescott Maid to Order.
Thank you for entrusting me to join your journey toward a healthier, happier home. It is a privilege to help create spaces where you can truly thrive. QCBN
By Lisa B. Rhine
Afallen Czar; an empire lost. The glorious spectacle of a royal return and the flickering light of love that kindles it all. Join us for the grandeur and gorgeous music behind a mysterious princess and her return to the light. Yavapai College Performing Arts Department proudly presents its production of the Broadway hit Anastasia, Friday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, November 17 at YC’s Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center in Prescott.
Presented by the Yavapai College Performing Arts Department and directed by Craig J. Ralston, Ph.D.,
Anastasia was created by the Tony Award-winning authors of the Broadway classic Ragtime – music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Terrence McNally. This dazzling musical transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the giddy euphoria of 1920s Paris, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, she enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.
Based on the 1997 animated film of the same name, Anastasia taps the
enduring mystery surrounding Czar Nicholas II and his family, who were assassinated by Bolsheviks as Czarist Russia fell to the Communist Revolution in 1918. Because the communists did not disclose the location of their graves – and were at first reluctant to even admit the deaths of the Czar’s children – rumors swirled that the Nicholas’s youngest daughter, the 17-year-old Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, had escaped to Western Europe. The idea that a flickering ember of the Romanov family might have survived has captured imaginations ever since.
Anastasia, the musical, added 16 songs to the animated film’s original
The Yavapai College production of Anastasia will feature actresses Alyssa Ebel and Callie Voorhies doubling the roles of the Romanov princess; Dani Harnett and Ellie Schaible will double in the role of Dmitry; Phantom of the Opera’s André Sylvester returns to portray Vladimir; and Juliet Lapointe as the Dowager Empress. The production continues the YC Performing Arts Department’s tradition of presenting elaborate, large-scale musicals on the Prescott stage – after enjoying critical success with prior productions like Chicago, Into the Woods, Hello, Dolly! and Phantom of the Opera.
By Greg Riordan
While all mortgage types serve the purpose of helping you obtain financing to get a home, the types of loans vary significantly. There are four main types of mortgage loans: Conventional, FHA, VA and USDA, each with its own benefits and requirements.
Conventional loans are backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (Government-Sponsored Enterprises) and are available for borrowers with higher credit scores. A down payment can be as low as 3%, but Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required if less than 20% is put down. These loans have stricter credit and debt-to-income (DTI) requirements and must fall within conforming loan limits.
FHA loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, are designed for first-time buyers or those with lower credit scores. A down payment of at least 3.5% is required, and borrowers can have higher DTI ratios than with conventional loans.
FHA loans come with both upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums, which protect lenders in case of foreclosure.
VA loans, guaranteed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, are available to eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses. No down payment or mortgage insurance is required, though there is an upfront funding fee (1.25%3.3%), which can be included in the loan. VA loans are only for primary residences.
USDA loans are designed for low-income homebuyers in rural areas, backed by the USDA Rural Development Program. No down payment is needed and income limits apply based on location. A single upfront fee and annual fee are required, which help protect lenders in case of foreclosure.
In conclusion, understanding the key differences between Conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans is essential for making informed decisions when purchasing a home. Each loan type serves a specific purpose, catering to different financial needs and borrower profiles. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a veteran or someone looking to purchase in a rural area, there’s a mortgage option that can fit
six. It opened at Connecticut’s Hartford Stage and moved to Broadway in 2017, where it played more than 800 performances before closing in 2019. In addition to touring productions across the United States, Anastasia has enjoyed productions in Spain, Germany, Finland and Japan.
The Yavapai College production of Anastasia will feature actresses Alyssa Ebel and Callie Voorhies doubling the roles of the Romanov princess; Dani Harnett and Ellie Schaible will double in the role of Dmitry; Phantom of the Opera’s André Sylvester returns to portray Vladimir; and Juliet Lapointe as the Dowager Empress. The production continues the YC Performing Arts Department’s tradition of presenting elaborate, large-scale musicals on the Prescott stage – after enjoying critical success with prior productions like Chicago, Into the Woods, Hello, Dolly! and Phantom of the Opera.
Anastasia will offer two evening performances: 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8 and Friday, Nov. 15; and 3 p.m. matinees on each of the following Saturdays and Sundays: Nov. 9, 10, 16 and 17. The Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center also will hold a special Princess
Tea, at 1 p.m. before the Saturday, Nov. 9 performance, at $15 per person. QCBN
Tickets for Anastasia start at $35, with $10 Youth tickets available. For reservations or more information, please contact The Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center Ticket Office, located on Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus, 1100 E. Sheldon St. The office is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday; and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday and Friday. For more information, please call 928-776-2000 or visit www.ycpac. com.
Dr. Lisa B. Rhine serves as the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 35 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia.
Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, including two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County.
your circumstances. By working with a trusted lender, you can confidently choose the loan that best supports your homeownership goals. 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 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 looking to purchase your first or next dream home. Greg Riordan, NMLS # 832841 | Gardner Financial Services, LTD., dba Legacy Mutual Mortgage, NMLS #278675, an Equal Housing Lender.
and
and are therefore
Industry survey shows that locals and tourists alike have responded to the wineries and wine festivals such as the Sedona Winefest, Verde Valley Wine Festival, Camp Verde Pecan and Wine Festival and Walkin’ on Main Wine Festival in droves, bumping up visitation and overnight stays.
“People come to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff and other tourist destinations, and now we’ve added another leg to the stool,” said Woolsey. “People are really surprised at how great our wines are and they are loving them.” QCBN
For more about Verde Valley’s fertile wine industry, visit verdevalleywines.com.
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 the community. Tom and I love talking with our readers. Settle in, enjoy and have fun reading our column this month. Thanks for being such loyal and great readers.
Sandy: Hello Tom, we have a new twist for our readers this month. Since several of our YCCA members have stepped up to sponsor our column, we are going to launch our first sponsored column this month. Let’s give big a big welcome to Dylan Nordby, owner of Finishing Touch Painting, and Prescott Epoxy Company.
Dylan: Thank you, Sandy and Tom. I have always enjoyed reading your column and am glad to be the first launched sponsor, as they say.
Tom: Welcome. I like the names, Dylan, of both of your companies. Prescott Epoxy Company is direct and to the point. Finishing Touch Painting has a little flair to it. How did you come to the name Finishing Touch?
Dylan: I have always been in the finishing part of the construction industry and when a job is close to being done, we always referred to the ‘Finishing Touch’ as going the extra mile to make sure every aspect of the project has been gone over and the results are the best they can be. The company’s efforts are all predicated on that principle.
Sandy: That adds value for your customers, for sure. Tell us a bit about what is going on in your company this time of year.
Dylan: As we are approaching the colder months, our efforts are to complete all our exterior work while the weather holds. Once the temperatures drop to 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you begin to fall out of spec with most paint manufacturers.
Tom: So, you are getting it done and looking to do more indoor work?
Dylan: Exactly.
Sandy: Tell us about Prescott Epoxy Company. Like Tom says, that is a direct and to-the-point, no-nonsense name. What all do you do?
Dylan: We apply epoxy coatings
on floor surfaces such as garage floors, porches and other outdoor surfaces where we can restore damaged concrete surfaces. We can include color and a variety of additives to create non-slip surfaces. On exterior surfaces, we use quartz sand, which makes the surfaces stronger, acting like an aggregate in concrete.
Tom: What do you use on interior surfaces?
Dylan: We broadcast a vinyl flake on both epoxy and polished floors, which are becoming popular in residential applications. Commercial and industrial applications have been around for a while.
Sandy: Give our readers some more information about both products. How are polished floors different from an epoxy application?
Dylan: Well, an epoxy floor is a two-part product application and the polished floors typically have a penetrating sealer applied on the surface. There may be two coats of the sealer as well. Epoxy has the advantage of covering up patched concrete, making the surface more uniform in appearance, whereas a polished floor with a clear sealer does not hide aesthetic flaws.
Tom: I have seen polished floors in some big box stores where a vinyl tile surface has been removed and a polished concrete surface is done. Does traffic play a role in determining which system is used?
Dylan: Yes. A polished concrete floor that is ground and sanded as smoothly as possible along with a strong penetrating sealer is an extremely hard surface that can withstand not only high foot traffic, but also traffic from vehicles such as forklifts. To get the surface smooth, we will use grinding and sanding grit, beginning with a 30-grit and finishing with up to 800-grit sanding paper.
Tom: Wow, most woodworking surfaces do not see much beyond a 220-grit sanding paper. That smoothness makes the concrete surface easier for the sealers to penetrate deeper.
Dylan: Yes, the penetrating sealer is referred to as a ‘densifier,’ making the surface hard and not very susceptible to staining.
Sandy: While you have two different companies, I am curious to know more about the similarities of processes they have.
Dylan: Great question, Sandy. There are two aspects of each company we feel are extremely important. The results for both companies rely on careful and often tedious preparation before the final surface is added and communication with our clients.
Sandy: Cool. Tell us about your company’s approach to both aspects.
Dylan: The level of preparation work varies with each project. With painting, we want to fill cracks, replace caulking and prepare the surface for
the final coats of paint. Paint hides the prep work. When you see flaws, it is because the prep work was shoddy. Epoxy and polished concrete surfaces require a similar level of diligence, though the materials used for patching and filling are different. As I mentioned earlier, an epoxy surface, being opaque, will hide the concrete patches’ color differences, while a polished floor’s clear finish will not.
Sandy: You know I am a huge communications gal. Tell our readers what is important about communication with your customers.
Dylan: In a word, everything. From our detailed written proposals clearly outlining the scope of work, to daily updates on the schedule, notifications of any deviations, color selections and where the specific colors go, communicating with clients is critically important for meeting their expectations.
Sandy: Perfect!
Dylan: Communication for us doesn’t end when the job is completed. We take the time to follow up with all our clients to be sure they are satisfied with the results and how the process works.
Tom: That is always an excellent approach. Tell our readers about any promotions going on for Fishing Touch Painting and Prescott Epoxy Company.
Dylan: Sure! As I mentioned earlier, we are looking to increase our
indoor work as winter approaches. So, for both companies, we are offering a 10% discount for anyone wanting to get their garage floors done, or interiors painted.
Sandy: That can add up to quite a savings. Dylan, I want to thank you for joining us and sponsoring our column this month.
Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN
Tom Reilly, Architect. Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association 928-7780040.
PS: Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning at 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM, 99.9 FM, 95.5 FM or the web: kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry, meet your local community partners and so much more. What a great way to start your weekend!
By Teri Drew
The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) has released its latest employment report for Yavapai County, revealing that the unemployment rate in August 2024 stood at 3.2%, down by 0.6% compared to the same period last year. This decline underscores the county’s ongoing economic recovery and resilience in its labor market.
One of the most promising sectors contributing to job growth in the region is Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing, which is projected to see the largest increase in employment, with a staggering 69.4% growth through 2025. This industry not only offers substantial job opportunities but also boasts an impressive average weekly wage of $2,700, positioning manufacturing as one of the most lucrative fields of growth and wage gain for Yavapai County.
Several other industries are also expected to experience growth in the coming years. Both Ambulatory Health Care Services and Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction are projected to grow by 4.9% through
2025. These industries offer more competitive wages, with both sectors boasting an average weekly wage of over $1,100.
However, not all industries are following this upward trend. The Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation sector is expected to see the highest decline, with employment projected to drop by 6.2% through 2025. This sector also offers a lower average weekly wage of just $434, prompting many workers to consider transitioning to more stable and higher-paying fields. Transit is typically a second job opportunity or supplemental income choice for students or retirees.
Another declining sector is Food Manufacturing, which is projected to decrease by 3.9%. Workers in this industry face lower wages as well, with an average weekly wage of $455.
These trends indicate a shift in the local economy, with certain industries in decline, while others, particularly in technology, health care and construction, are on the rise. Workers in declining industries may benefit from transitioning into these growing sectors, where wages and job
opportunities are more favorable.
In addition, Arizona’s minimum wage is set to increase to $14.70 per hour on January 1, 2025, up from the current rate of $14.35. This increase aims to improve wage conditions for workers across the state, especially in industries offering lower pay. At the same time, small businesses struggle to keep up with rising wage demands.
For those in Yavapai County considering a career change into one of these growing sectors, ARIZONA@ WORK-Yavapai County offers career development services and guidance. They can provide the support needed to explore new employment and training opportunities in fields like computer and electronic product manufacturing, ambulatory health care, and heavy and civil engineering construction.
With positive job growth on the horizon and a statewide wage increase approaching, Yavapai County is poised for continued economic progress, providing its residents with better-paying job opportunities in expanding industries. QCBN
NACOG - Economic and Workforce Devel-
opment, in conjunction with the Prescott Area Hospitality Collective, managed by major hotel and restaurant owners/operators and SCORE, is actively working to connect job seekers with opportunities in this growing sector, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped to thrive in Yavapai County’s expanding leisure, hospitality and tourism industries. Contact us at 928-778-1422
to connect with these major employers for exciting careers.
Teri Drew is the regional director of NACOG-EWD. For more information about job opportunities and resources available through ARIZONA@WORK – NACOG, call 928-778-1422 or visit us at 221 N Marina St. Ste. 201 Prescott, AZ 86301.
By Cynthia Jones
Arizona Philharmonic and Prescott Chorale are collaborating on the first-ever immersive community performance of the holiday season: Handel’s Messiah as a special Sing-Along event. Sponsored by The James Family Foundation, this collaborative offering invites the audience to bring Messiah scores and join in the choruses, or simply bask in the surrounding music.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Prescott Chorale for a true community celebratory experience,” said Arizona Philharmonic Artistic Director Henry Flurry. “This Messiah Sing-Along invites us all to become part of the music, bringing a meaningful new tradition to our Prescott community.”
The free pre-concert talk begins at 2 p.m., with the concert starting at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Ruth Street Theater, 1050 Ruth Street in Prescott. Tickets start at $25 (no ticketing fee), and are available at AZPhil.org or by calling 855-3216724. Messiah scores will be available for purchase at the door.
The Messiah Sing-Along will be conducted by Dr. Edith A. Copley, the beloved and recently retired Regents’ Professor in Northern Arizona University’s choral department. Dr. Copley is currently vice president of American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). She has conducted numerous performances of Messiah. This is her first appearance in Prescott.
“In a time so needing unity, this performance is bringing together over 70 singers from the Prescott Chorale, The Yavapai College Master Chorale and the Flagstaff Master Chorale. Larger choruses, as this one is, are necessary to deliver the power and grandeur of the choruses. Examples are The Glory of the Lord, For Unto Us a Child is Born and, of course, the Hallelujah Chorus,” said Prescott Chorale Artistic Director Dennis Houser.
“This joining of Arizona Philharmonic with choral forces from three different communities makes this performance unique from the aspect that the music itself becomes the unifying element. All three groups have performed the music separately, but through this medium, will form a unified voice for the first time to perform this work at the level that it most certainly deserves,” added Houser.
At 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, as part of AZ Phil’s ongoing Community Lecture Series, Houser will lead an engaging session on choral music and the timeless beauty of Handel’s beloved Messiah. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children and are available at AZPhil.org. Please note, the Community Lecture Series is a separate event from Sunday’s pre-concert talk and will feature distinct content. QCBN
Artistic Director Dennis Houser founded Prescott Chorale in 2015 when he observed the need for a
semi-professional community-based chorus in Prescott. The Chorale, a 55-voice chorus, is known for its exquisite performance of major vocal works such as Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Mass in C and Puccini’s Messa Voci. The Chorale also excels at contemporary works including Ola Gjeilo’s Song of the Universal, Dreamweaver, and our very own Henry Flurry’s vocal and instrumental work, Fragments. The mission of Prescott Chorale is to inspire audiences through the joyful performance of choral masterpieces. The Prescott Chorale is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For information about Prescott Chorale’s 20242025 season and tickets for its Christmas and Spring concerts, go to PrescottChorale.com.
Founded in 2018, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is Prescott’s only professional orchestra focused on classical music, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. In its seventh season in 2024-25, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.
Cynthia Jones is the marketing manager at Arizona Philharmonic.
By Lisa Sahady
In today’s world, many people want to be charitable but must figure out how they can balance that desire with ensuring financial stability for themselves. For those individuals, a charitable gift annuity may be the tool they need to achieve that balance.
Creating a charitable gift annuity can be easy. You donate cash or marketable securities to a foundation, a nonprofit or a charitable gift annuity program, and in exchange, the charity will promise to pay you, or a person of your designation, a fixed amount of income every year for the duration of your life. CGAs can be a way to
fund charitable interests while also providing a steady stream of income.
Tax Deductions: Through CGAs, donors can benefit from tax advantages. A portion of their donation may be tax-deductible in the year they make the gift. Additionally, if they donate appreciated assets, they can avoid paying capital gains tax on those assets, allowing more of their money to go to the causes they support.
Guaranteed Income: One of the primary benefits of a CGA is the fixed payments received. These payments are based on age and
A charitable gift annuity isn’t just a financial transaction; it’s a way to align your values with your financial goals. It’s an opportunity to give back while also ensuring you have the income you need. //
the amount donated.
Charitable Impact: CGAs can inspire more people to consider philanthropy by combining charitable giving with financial security. Fixed payments can motivate individuals to contribute more than they might otherwise, as they see a direct benefit alongside their charitable impact.
While the specific payout rates can vary, it’s worth noting that they tend to be more favorable for older donors. Generally, the older they are when they establish a CGA, the higher the payout rate. Once the CGA is established, the payment amount remains fixed for the duration of the donor’s lifetime, providing financial stability.
IS A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you’re considering a CGA, think about what causes you’re passionate about and how you’d like to support them. Whether it’s education,
By Shawn Powers
Promotional products pack a punch, no matter where they’re being used. Research shows that 53% of customers given a promo product will use it about once a week, while an amazing 85% recognize and remember the brand behind the gifts they receive.
There are many options for promotional products to be used at home or at the office, but what about that in-between time during a commute? On average, people spend about 27 minutes each way commuting between home and work, leading to a large chunk of time spent on the road. That gives you a unique opportunity to create an impact for your brand in a space that most people spend a lot of time in, but that isn’t often targeted.
Here are some ways you can target your commuting customers:
Air fresheners: Inexpensive and easy to customize, an air freshener will showcase your brand in a visible area (either clipped to a vent or hanging from the rearview mirror).
Car chargers: Your customers will
appreciate the ability to charge their devices on the go, and they’re easy to add your logo to.
Sun shades: No one likes coming out to a sweltering hot car, and adding your branding to a fun design will spread the word about your company every time it’s used.
Roadside emergency kits: These kits usually include jumper cables, tire gauges, gloves and other tools and are great to have in a pinch. Plus, the cases they come in can be made in your company colors or have your logo added.
Trunk organizers: No one likes having to dig through a pile of junk to get what they need out of the trunk, but a well-designed organizer can solve that issue. They often feature several compartments or even a cooler and can be easily customized to feature your branding.
Promotional products already pull their weight for your brand, but choosing one that can be used in a unique environment can help you stand out even more. For all your promotional needs, give us a call – we can help! QCBN
environment, housing, health care or the arts, foundations like the Arizona Community Foundation can help ensure your gift makes a meaningful difference.
Let’s take Emily Grand as an example. She is a retired professor who has always been passionate about education and supporting local charities. After learning about CGAs, she decided to establish one with the Arizona Community Foundation. She chooses to donate a certain amount of her savings, and this donation would provide her with a fixed annual income for the rest of her life. Emily’s CGA offers her an annual payment of approximately $5,500, providing her with a reliable source of income to cover living expenses and enjoy her retirement activities. This example illustrates how an individual can leverage a charitable gift annuity to achieve financial security while supporting a cause they care about.
A charitable gift annuity isn’t just a financial transaction; it’s a way to align your values with your financial goals. It’s an opportunity to give back
while also ensuring you have the income you need.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of a charitable gift annuity, foundations play a crucial role in helping donors set them up. They can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision and guide you through the process. Foundations typically handle the investment of the funds contributed to the CGA, making the process a lot easier for the donor. They use their expertise to ensure the funds are managed properly and they often have resources or partnerships with tax professionals who can help donors understand the tax implications of establishing a CGA. QCBN
For more information on making an impact locally with a CGA, call one of our offices serving Northern Arizona: ACF of Yavapai County at 928-583-7815, ACF of Sedona at 928-399-7218, or ACF of Flagstaff at 928-526-1956.
Lisa Sahady is the regional director of the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County.
MUCHNA continued from page 16
Shawn Powers is the president and owner of Allegra Marketing-Print-Mail. He can be reached at Shawn@AllegraPrescott.com. For more information, visit AllegraPrescott. com.
Mississippi, where Muchna spent a year working with catfish farmers while interning at Mississippi State University. When the internship ended, Muchna moved his family to Prescott and began working at a local small-animal clinic.
“I’d always enjoyed the West. My grandparents lived out here when I was growing up,” he said.
Muchna is grateful to have found a second calling at YC. “I have really enjoyed being a community college teacher as my second career. I enjoy my colleagues, the creative aspect of teaching and the variety of ages of students we have here at YC. I also enjoy the subject I teach – the truly amazing human body.”
Muchna acknowledged that A&P is a difficult, yet necessary, course for aspiring nurses, radiologic technologists, paramedics and many other career tracks offered at YC. “It’s like learning a foreign language. There is a lot of raw learning of what’s there [in the body] and how it works. I love it when students get it, do well and are successful.”
“Without his steadfast dedication to education, I’m not sure I would be where I am currently,” Briner said. QCBN
By Joanne Robertson
Your retirement is here! It’s time for traveling, hiking, fishing, gardening, golf and whatever else your ideal retirement brings. The last thing you want is an unexpected setback, like an accidental fall.
According to the National Institute on Aging, the risk of falling – and fall-related problems – rises with age. In fact, more than one in four people aged 65 or older fall each year.
Statistics show that the rate of fall-related injury and death is even higher in Northern Arizona, where we deal with a greater number of specific risk factors such as hills, unpaved streets and trails, historic homes with wood floors and staircases, and icy streets and sidewalks in the colder months.
While it’s tempting to give in to the fear of falling by avoiding activities such as shopping, walking or socializing, it’s important to stay active to keep strong and healthy. There are many simple things you can do to decrease your risk of an unexpected fall.
Manage your medications. Review all of your medications with your healthcare provider. Find out if there are any that you no longer need to take. Ask whether there are any adverse drug interactions of which you should be aware.
Assess your home. Look for loose rugs or electrical cords, clutter, unstable furniture, poor lighting or other hazards. Wipe up
spills right away.
Drink up. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps keep your mind clear and helps prevent dizziness.
Stand up slowly. Sit at the edge of the bed or chair for a few moments and pump your hands and legs, then slowly stand up.
Get exercise every day. Even if it is walking a little each day or doing chair exercises, do what you can to keep your muscles active.
If you feel like you’re having issues, you can have your balance tested by a specialist. The specialist will conduct assessments of the three important systems that affect balance:
Vision
Vestibular (ear) balance
Sensation (joint and muscle) balance
The results of the testing will indicate if there are any particular deficits or weaknesses in one or more of these areas. This information, combined with your personal goals, will help you and your specialist create a customized treatment plan. Objective measures are put in place to track progress and improvement. One of the most important goals of this approach is increased confidence. When you see that your risk of falling is in a normal range, you’ll feel secure enough to continue pursuing the activities you enjoy.
Remember, falls don’t have to be inevitable
as you age. With a few simple steps, you can reduce your chance of falling and enjoy the retirement you’ve earned. QCBN
For more information about balance testing and falls prevention, contact the Physical Rehabilitation Services Department at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center. In Prescott, call 928-771-5131, and in Prescott Valley, call 928-759-5940.
By Donna Werking
As someone who has been collecting jewelry and luxury goods for decades, I can tell you one thing: at some point, all of it becomes too much. My drawers are full of items that once held meaning, but now? They’ve become little more than dust collectors. I’ve come to the conclusion that many others like me might reach, too: it’s time to purge. Clearing out old jewelry and luxury goods isn’t just about reclaiming physical space; it’s about refreshing your life and financial portfolio.
“Letting go of pieces you no longer wear or use can be incredibly freeing,” said jewelry expert Jim Carlisto from Raskin’s Jewelers. “Often, we hold onto things because we attach sentimental value to them, but many times that sentiment fades, and all we’re left with is clutter.”
That realization hit me recently as I rifled through my collection. Beautiful fine jewelry, watches and rare coins were tucked away, unappreciated and unused. My initial thought was, “I might wear this someday.” But as days turned into years, the reality set in: if I haven’t worn it yet, I’m probably never going to.
Take, for instance, an old watch I bought on impulse years ago. It’s a stunning timepiece, but it doesn’t suit my lifestyle anymore. As elegant as it may be, I rarely wear it, opting for newer, more practical pieces. Like many collectors, I fell into the trap of equating value with emotional attachment.
“People often attach memories to their jewelry, but holding onto those items isn’t always practical,” added Carlisto. “If you don’t love it, wear it or use it, there’s no reason to let it take up space. Instead, consider selling or donating it, allowing someone else to cherish it.”
The luxury market is still thriving, and buyers are particularly interested in unique, vintage and high-end items. Whether it’s diamonds, fine art or rare coins, many old pieces can be liquidated for substantial financial gain. Scrap gold and silver, too, can be turned into instant cash.
Purging your collection isn’t just about decluttering your home; it can also serve as an investment strategy.
“Selling scrap gold and silver or even old designer bags can be incredibly lucrative in today’s market,” said
Carlisto. “You’d be surprised by how much value is tied up in items you no longer use. That old, tangled necklace could be worth a nice vacation.”
I recently sold an unused diamond bracelet, and the process was far easier than I’d anticipated. The local jeweler evaluated its worth, and within a week, I had turned it into liquid cash. It was refreshing to see something I hadn’t worn in years actually contribute to my financial health.
There’s another reason to consider purging old jewelry: the rising appeal of minimalism. It’s not just a trend – it’s a lifestyle choice. In today’s fastpaced world, many are opting to live with less, focusing on owning fewer, higher-quality items that bring true joy and utility.
I found that, as my jewelry collection grew, I became overwhelmed with choices, and in the end, I wore the same few pieces repeatedly. With this realization, I decided to part ways with pieces that didn’t fit my life anymore. The once treasured designer purses, old currency collections and fine art just didn’t make the cut. Now, I’m left with items that I truly appreciate and use regularly.
Of course, not every piece should be purged. Family heirlooms or pieces with deep emotional ties deserve careful consideration. That said, even sentimental items can be reevaluated. If a piece isn’t being worn or doesn’t match your style, consider passing it down to a loved one or transforming it into something new.
I had an old, inherited ring that, while lovely, wasn’t my taste. Instead of keeping it tucked away in a drawer, I had it redesigned into a modern piece that I now wear daily. Repurposing old jewelry is a wonderful way to honor the past while still making it fit your present lifestyle.
For me, purging my old jewelry collection wasn’t just about clearing out space; it was about moving forward and making thoughtful, intentional choices. I learned that there’s no need to hold onto every piece forever – sometimes letting go is the best way to make room for something new.
As the owner of Raskin’s Jewelers, Jim Carlisto, a member of the esteemed Carlisto family, remains unwaveringly committed to upholding their founding values, guaranteeing exceptional service to each patron. With over 16 years of profound experience in the jewelry realm, Jim’s steadfast devotion lies in maintaining unparalleled standards, placing paramount importance on customer satisfaction.
As Carlisto so aptly put it, “Jewelry should bring joy and meaning to your life. If it’s no longer doing that, it’s time to let it go.” The decision to purge might feel overwhelming at first but trust me – it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. And who knows? Your old treasures might just become someone else’s new favorite pieces. QCBN
FACT: High Market Demand –storage demand is 5X current supply
FACT: RV Ownership All-Time High –RV shipment projections are 24% above last year
FACT: Boat Ownership Growth –15M households now own boats
Executive RV & Boat Storage Facilities Workshop December 6, 7:30AM – 6:00PM – Phoenix, AZ
The Executive Workshop brings together industry thought leaders to share detailed information on the steps required to own, invest, and operate an RV & boat storage facility.
By Donna Werking
The Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County (ACFYC) is inviting students, parents, and school representatives to a free educational event, 5-6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, at the Findlay Toyota Center, 3201 N. Main St., in Prescott Valley.
The event aims to provide critical information about scholarship opportunities for students interested in furthering their college education. Attendees will learn about options for pursuing degrees at four-year universities, two-year colleges, and career or technical programs. This event is open to all students, including those returning to school after a break in their studies.
“We want to make sure that everyone, whether they are planning to attend a university, community college or vocational school, is aware of the financial support available to them,” said Lisa Sahady, regional director of the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County. “Our goal is to ensure that finances aren’t
hours across the nearly 60 miles of the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, passing each of the 50 turbines that together will generate 161 megawatts of electricity and reflecting “on the contribution, effort and dedication” of all those involved.
“With every tower I passed, I felt a growing light, a sense of admiration and gratitude for the collective spirit that made this renewable energy project possible,” he said. “I carried with me, not just my physical endurance, but the realization that each part of this journey, each person involved, mattered in a way that created something far more significant than just the sum of their efforts. I saw a promise for the future – a symbol of what we can accomplish together.”
Coconino County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman noted the county’s guiding principles including conservation, sustainability and the advancement of stable, safe and attractive rural communities and called the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center “exactly the kind of project and results that Coconino County contemplated” when creating its Renewable Energy Ordinance.
a barrier to anyone who wants to pursue higher education.”
The Arizona Community Foundation (ACFYC) is the largest independent provider of scholarships in the state, distributing millions in aid each year to deserving students. In Yavapai County alone, ACFYC has supported numerous students by connecting them with scholarships that make higher education accessible.
The event is designed to assist a wide range of individuals, including high school seniors, returning adult students, parents and school counselors.
The aim is to offer resources and guidance to help navigate the often-complicated process of applying for scholarships and financial aid.
“It’s important that students and their families understand the variety of scholarships available,” Sahady said. “Whether you’re attending a four-year institution or enrolling in a technical program, there are scholarships out there to help cover the costs.”
The Arizona Community Founda-
tion of Yavapai County encourages students from all backgrounds and academic interests to attend. Representatives will be available to explain the application process, eligibility requirements and deadlines for scholarships. Parents and school counselors are also encouraged to participate, as they play a key role in helping students through the decision-making process.
ACFYC offers a wide variety of scholarships, many of which are geared toward specific fields of study or demographics. Some scholarships are awarded based on merit, while others consider financial need. By providing such a broad spectrum of scholarships, ACFYC aims to ensure that students from all walks of life have access to higher education. Sahady emphasized that the event is not just for those planning to attend traditional universities. “If you’re pursuing a technical or vocational career, there are scholarships for you as well,” she said. “We want to help students find the right path,
whatever that may be.”
ACFYC’S
As the largest scholarship provider in the state, the Arizona Community Foundation has a long history of helping students achieve their academic goals. Last year, ACF awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships across Arizona, benefiting thousands of students in fields ranging from health care and engineering to the arts and trades.
“Our commitment is to help students succeed, no matter where their career aspirations lead them,” Sahady said. “This event is just one way we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their educational and career goals.”
For those unable to attend the event, Sahady encourages reaching out to the foundation directly for more information. “We are al ways here to answer questions and provide guidance.” QCBN
For additional details about the event or scholarship opportunities, contact Lisa Sahady at lsa
hady@azfoundation.org or 928-583-7815.
This educational session represents one of many efforts by the Arizona Community Foundation to empower local students and make post-secondary education more attainable for all.
Donna Werking is the owner and marketing strategist of Northern AZ Social, LLC. Donna has been marketing the Northern Arizona region since 2006. They’ve been named Best Marketing Agency for QCBN for seven consecutive years. 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. Donna also serves on the Board of Advisors for the ACFYC and volunteers her time to her community in Prescott.
SRP Senior Director of Resource Management Angie Bond-Simpson said the utility has big goals and a mission to serve its customers with reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power for generations to come.
“We want to go net zero by 2050, have an 82% reduction in our carbon emissions by 2035 and do that in a reliable, an affordable and a very mindful way for the communities that are supporting this infrastructure.”
“Coconino County made a commitment for the promotion and development of reliable clean energy as the county sees this as critical to the health, safety and welfare of our residents, all while also promoting economic opportunities,” she said. “One of the early voices in the building of the Renewable Energy Ordinance was Billy Cordasco. His leadership reflected generations of experience, his land ethics and his passion for the wildlife that have long inhabited this vast country.”
She added that SRP cannot achieve these goals alone and that the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center is not just a collection of 50 different turbines. “It’s actually a symbol and a recognition of hope, of progress and the strength of collaborations because all of us are working together on a shared vision to strive and thrive for Arizona for generations to come.”
Amber Troidl, Arizona State Land Department acting manager of the right-of-way section, said every inch of the project on state trust land generates revenue. “Over the next 30 years, the revenue received from this operation and then transferred to the K-12 public schools is forecast at nearly $10 million. It was amazing
to observe how much intentional thought was put into every aspect of this endeavor by fostering open collaboration and honest communication between all of the entities involved.”
NextEra Energy Resources Executive Director of Development J.D. Rulien thanked everyone involved on the project and praised Babbitt Ranches for its leadership. “You have been visionary as to how this land can continue to provide value to all Arizonans, including the wildlife that were here long before us. What we’ve learned most from the Babbitts and Billy is the importance of working together so we can collectively rise to the occasion, this modern-day
energy revolution, and continue to build assets like this that bring value for decades to come. Thank you for teaching this $160 billion company the North Star.”
“As I finished my journey, a bit weary but meaningfully fulfilled,” shared Cordasco about his ultramarathon, “I thought about how we – as individuals, landowners, public officials, agencies, developers, utility companies and the broader community – how we are all on this journey together. Just as I relied on each step to carry me forward, our shared efforts will carry us forward, putting ourselves and everything we have toward a cleaner, more sustainable world.
leaders who want to encourage and enhance tourism, Urias listed tourists’ top choices for visiting the state: the outdoors, entertainment, cultural experiences and sporting activities. “Visitors want to experience life the way you live it,” she said.
As if answering the AOT call for sharing their lifestyle, Verde Valley winemakers discussed how Arizona vineyards have burst onto the tourism scene in a big way with tours and tasting rooms.
“People like to see where wine was made,” said Tom Pitts, founding president of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium. “You talk about the place, not the grape,” he said, noting that people won’t remember the particular grape grown, but will remember the region where the vineyards are, citing examples such as Bordeaux and Champagne, in France.
The economic impact of Arizona’s rapidly expanding wine industry, which now is pouring onto the global wine-loving scene, has grown more than 500% since 2011, according to a recent study conducted for AOT by the Economic Policy Institute at Northern Arizona University.
“The tremendous growth of Arizona’s wine industry can be attributed to several factors, including promoting the state’s unique grape-growing regions, development of Arizo-
na’s wine-industry workforce, the proliferation of tasting rooms and visit-ready vineyards, and increasing promotion of Arizona wine country tourism experiences by AOT and others,” states an AOT news release.
“I believe we can grow any grape on the planet in Arizona,” said Eric Glomski of Page Springs Cellars, noting the many micro zones and opportunities across the state. “The majority of people, even in Arizona, don’t know that Arizona’s wines are world class.”
Ginger Mackenzie, owner of Vino Zona with wine tasting locations in Jerome, Sedona and Cottonwood, expressed the joy of promoting the pioneer spirit of Arizona’s wine industry. “We get to be ambassadors for Arizona wines!” she said.
Forest Service representatives also spoke at the forum, sharing their efforts to enhance tourism experiences. “Recreation is the portal for understanding and caring for natural resources and public lands,” said Tom Palmer of the Prescott National Forest.
Forum attendees also heard tips and strategies from members of the news media about how to promote their communities, attractions and businesses.
“One of the biggest takeaways from the media panel were the comments
from reporters and editors about being approachable and wanting to hear story ideas from the community,” said Discover Flagstaff Media Relations and Marketing Project Manager Ryan Randazzo. “Sometimes it can be a little intimidating reaching out to the media, but the fact that they took time away from covering news to be there in person and encourage people in rural Arizona to pitch them stories shows they are committed to finding the best stories for their audiences.”
NACOG-Economic Workforce Development Regional Director Teri Drew called the forum “an overwhelming success,” showcasing the Economic Development Council’s dedication to Northern Arizona’s thriving tourism sector.
“Attendees from four counties – Apache, Coconino, Navajo, and Yavapai – expressed positive feedback, appreciating the chance to connect directly with media contacts, like Quad Cities Business News, as well
as gain insights from top industry leaders,” said Drew. “With dynamic discussions on sustainable tourism, state and regional collaboration, a media panel, AOT, a wine panel and forest industry initiatives, the forum delivered both practical takeaways and an energizing impact.”
The Fall Tourism Forum was sponsored in part by Quad Cities Business News QCBN
By Sheri Heiney
In a tradition that spans more than two decades, the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and Prescott Area Young Professionals (PAYP) are teaming up once again for the 22nd Annual Flying High Turkey Drive. This community event aims to ensure that families in Yavapai County have a warm meal to enjoy this Thanksgiving, providing both turkeys and food baskets for those in need.
Scheduled for noon to 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 25, the Turkey Drive will be held at two Fry’s Grocery Store locations in Prescott, at 950 Fair St. and 3198 Willow Creek Road.
With each year’s drive, the goal remains the same: to gather as many turkey donations and financial contributions as possible, with proceeds benefiting the Yavapai County Food Bank and additional local churches and organizations. This network of support will help ensure that families across the community can come together to share in the Thanksgiving spirit.
How to Support the Turkey Drive Community members who want to participate can do so in two ways: through turkey donations by dropping off a turkey at either Fry’s location on Nov. 25 during event hours; and through cash donations.
A donation of just $30 can provide a meal for a family of four. For those unable to attend
in person, financial contributions can be made by mail, with all funds directly supporting the Turkey Drive. To donate by mail, checks can be made out to the Prescott Chamber Foundation with “Flying High Turkey Drive” in the memo line. Donations should be sent to the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, 117 W. Goodwin St., Prescott, Arizona 86303. The donation deadline is Friday, Nov. 22.
Each year, we see the community come together to make this event a success. We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of our local businesses, residents and partners, who make it possible for so many to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. QCBN
For more information about how to contribute to the 22nd Annual Flying High Turkey
Drive, please call the Prescott Chamber of Commerce at 928-445-2000 or visit www.prescott.org.
Sheri Heiney is the president and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.
The Prescott Chamber of Commerce serves as a driving force for economic growth and community welfare in Prescott, Arizona. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, the Chamber supports local businesses, encourages innovation, and promotes job creation while preserving the area’s cultural heritage. The organization invites both businesses and residents to work together in creating a vibrant and prosperous future for Prescott.
a stage for interactive presentations, combining elements of a planetarium with live shows.
“And then for the coup de grâce, you can go down to the [GODO] telescopes and actually see the Andromeda Galaxy through the eyepiece to make that connection. Now you know where in the sky you can see it and can say, ‘Yes, I’ve seen it for myself through a telescope,’” added Noble. “It sends chills through my body. It just connects me right to the universe.”
As the only facility of its kind, Lowell representatives say the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center is designed to offer a unique blend of multi-sensory, interactive experiences, cutting-edge technology and accessible learning that sets it apart on the international stage of astrotourism.
“At Lowell Observatory, we believe in the power of education to transform lives,” said Executive Director Jeff Hall, Ph.D., who has dedicated his career to world-class scientific research, public education and accessibility to universal exploration. “The center adds to Lowell’s mission to be incredibly accessible and an exciting place for people of all ages to discover the universe, and we hope it will ignite lifelong curiosity in everyone who comes through its doors.”
Already a key tourism attraction in Northern Arizona, Lowell Observa-
tory is projecting a massive increase in visitors. “The Discovery Center will not only be the crown jewel for Flagstaff, but also for the state and the country in astrotourism,” said Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler.
“It’s an exciting addition that will further solidify Flagstaff’s reputation as a premier destination for stargazing and astronomical research,” said Discovery Flagstaff Executive Director Trace Ward.
Lowell Observatory founder Bostonian astronomer Percival Lowell was compelled to come to the clear, dark skies of Flagstaff in the late 1800s to build an observatory and explore Mars. He believed the formations he saw through his telescope were canals, evidence of intelligent life. In the new Astronomy Discovery Center, one of his early drawings of Mars comes to life in a three-dimensional touchable globe that explains what he thought he was looking at.
“It’s very interesting to see his vision,” said Noble. “We’ve learned it’s not correct, but it really brings to life what he was thinking and what he believed Mars could have been.”
The Orbits Curiosity Zone is a two-story exhibit hall for children ages 0-8, although all ages are welcome. It offers a nursing room for moms and their babies, a space station that encourages exploration and a quiet space for being still and contemplative.
The Astronomy Gallery features activities for those age 9 and up. One exhibit allows guests to trace their atoms to the Big Bang, said Noble. “We’ve represented an image of you, pixelated so you can pick out individual atoms – a carbon atom, say, or an oxygen atom – and you can trace that atom’s journey back through the formation of the universe. It connects you with where your atoms came from.”
The Origins Gallery features a suspended artistic centerpiece depicting the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to life. “When scientists are dealing with subatomic particles in the lab, they [the particles] make these spiral trails, so that’s represented on the ceiling,” said Noble. “And then, soon after those were formed, individual atoms began to form. So, you have simple atoms and then more complex atoms. Soon after that, you’ve got stars beginning to form, beginning to shine and turn on. With stars, you’ve got planets like Earth and hopefully you’ve got life that is inhabiting these planets.”
The Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center also will include cultural murals, expressing the origins of the universe through Navajo and Hopi tribal traditions, a café and a transition zone where human eyes can adjust to the darkness of the night sky. In addition, glow stones embedded into the walkway will light a path in
Members of the media joined David Noble, program manager for exhibits (third from left), for a tour of the nearly completed $53.4 million state-of-the-art center, which encompasses three stories and a rooftop open-sky planetarium. Courtesy photo
celestial designs leading to the GODO [Giovale Open Deck Observatory], the idea of philanthropist and longtime Lowell supporter Ginger Giovale.
Lowell planned the $53.4 million Astronomy Discovery Center and parking to support 250,000 visitors per year. Before the pandemic, the observatory was attracting about 110,000 guests annually.
“The current Steele Visitor Center was designed for about 60,000 visitors a year, allowing us to triple our attendance from the previous one-room visitor center,” said Schindler. “This new Discovery Center is designed to do the same thing.”
Lowell Observatory’s newest masterpiece stands poised to allow the universe to shine brighter than ever. With the last gems carefully set, the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center promises to be a beacon of exploration, inviting visitors from all over the globe to uncover the wonders of the cosmos. QCBN
system. We can’t afford to let people take our courts away from us. And, if we don’t have trust in the courts, that’s exactly what’s going to happen. The people in the judicial system will come and go, but the institution itself just needs to remain rock-solid or I fear for our democracy.”
Timmer acknowledges that public trust in the judicial system has been on the decline. A 2022 report from Duke Law School states that only 25% of those surveyed said they had “quite a lot of confidence” in the U.S. Supreme Court. And she says she understands the public perception that governors and presidents “pack the benches” for political outcomes.
“I can tell you, in my experience, politics never actually come into play with any decision. It just doesn’t happen. But from the outside looking in, it can seem that way.”
Goal three is Protecting Children, Families and Communities. Chief Justice Timmer says she is very concerned about youth. “The good news is that fewer and fewer kids are getting arrested and prosecuted for delinquency. And that’s great. The bad news is the type of delinquency acts that are being committed are more violent than ever. And that’s very disturbing.”
Last month, she held a Youth
Violence Summit for Arizona. All 15 counties were represented with participants – including police officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and mental health professionals –charged with coming up with the best practices for steering young people away from crime.
“They are still just children and the last thing we want to do is just lock people up. We want to do everything we can to prevent that because if they are locked up, we know from evidence-based studies, the likelihood increases that they will go on to a life of adult crime.”
Goal four is Advancing Judicial Branch Excellence and Innovation.
The Arizona Supreme Court has a partnership with Arizona State University and the Center for Forensics and Artificial Intelligence for guidance on how to safely use AI in a variety of tasks.
“I’m most excited to find out how the user, people who don’t have legal training, can use AI to navigate the judicial system to help them with legal issues that maybe they haven’t confronted before.”
ATTRACTING THE BEST
Goal five is Enhancing Professionalism and Leadership Within Our
Justice System. Chief Justice Timmer is striving to make state judicial system jobs more attractive.
“We are never going to be able to compete with the private sector [for successful lawyers to become judges], the pay differential is just too great – although we still have pensions for non-judges. For everyone else, we are losing people right and left. And it’s not to the private sector, it’s to other governments. State government does not pay as well as the cities; it does not pay as well as the counties.”
She says that at a time when the courts want more technology and more e-filing, they are losing their tech people to other governmental entities, for example. “We just did an employee differential study for the same positions, comparing state to city and county, and we are at 17.6% less pay. That is my absolute No. 1 budget goal for this upcoming cycle. We need to give our employees raises.”
Chief Justice Timmer attended Arcadia High School in Phoenix. As a teenager, she was robbed at gunpoint while selling movie tickets at a Scottsdale movie theater. “It was scary, but you always think, ‘How will I react in that kind of a situation?’ And it turns out that I learned I was actually pretty calm about it. It was a little bit of a
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Not every bargain store
sells reptile food and worms, but owners Robert and Monica Lawson raise reptiles and fishing is their favorite pastime, so it is natural for them to sell these products. “A lot of our customers already buy mice and rats from me,” said Robert.
The Lawsons and about 50 customers of Open Hands Bargain Store, on Butterfield Road in Chino Valley, braved the cold weather to celebrate its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Oct. 18. Open Hands Bargain Store received a certificate of appreciation from the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center during the event.
birds-eye view into the legal system.”
She attended both the University of Arizona and ASU and earned her master’s in judicial studies at Duke Law School. She worked in private practice as a lawyer in Phoenix for 15 years, served on the Arizona Court of Appeals for 12 years, appointed by Governor Jane Hull, and has been serving on the Arizona Supreme Court for 12 years, vice chief justice for five of those years, appointed by Governor Jan Brewer. Timmer was sworn in as chief justice on July 1, 2024.
Arizona Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer and QCBN/QCBN Editor Bonnie Stevens were friends at Arcadia High School in Phoenix. Watch the full interview on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com
“A lot of people don’t realize that the Arizona Supreme Court actually runs the state court system and the practice of law. In that way, we are very unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, which simply decides cases. That is the whole reason I have stuck around this long, to nudge the system in a direction that I believe it should go: to serve people.” QCBN
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Aside from fishing equipment, the store also sells other sporting goods, plants, clothes, lamps, tools, crafts and toys. The owners say they enjoy searching for items to sell, helping kids and being involved in the community.
fund local baseball, football and cheerleading teams.
“My passion has always been hunting for bargains,” said Robert.
Revenue from sales help
Robert coaches youth baseball and serves as the town’s chief umpire. QCBN
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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.
apply for a $4,000 scholarship.
Nez explained that corn pollen is important to the Navajo culture and used in many ceremonies. She carries a small pouch of corn pollen with her and sprinkles a pinch to the east during her morning prayers.
“There’s not really that much exposure to the young people as far as cultural instructions are concerned,” said Navajo historian and Taadidiin Cultural Advisor Paul Begay. “The tour company here understands that, so that’s how we set up the program, so we can teach the young people. Tour guides want to learn the culture, the language and the history of the Navajo.”
In the inaugural class of the internship program, the teenagers enrolled were all members of the Taadidiini family, now Tadytin, the English translation.
“In our culture, the stories of history and tradition are passed on orally. They are not written down,” said Begay. “It’s understood that if the young people want to learn about it, they approach the elders and ask questions. Of course, the elders themselves sometimes are willing to talk about it freely, but for the most part, they will wait to be asked.”
When Taadidiin Tours opened eight years ago, it consisted of two Chevy Suburbans and a card table where Rita Tsinigine and her daugh-
ter, Jackie, sat on the side of Highway 98, about 10 miles southeast of Page. Today, it has a gift shop, a maintenance building and large equipment like road graders, plus a fleet of four-wheel drive vans, necessary for transporting hikers and photographers while navigating the hilly, fine-sand-covered terrain – the same
sand used in traditional Navajo sand paintings.
“We are growing and opening a new building soon that will have all the amenities necessary,” said Rita, who, like Lady in Red, once roamed this land. She recalls running with her friends under massive boulders, scrambling up corkscrew-like for-
mations and squeezing through tight rock wall passageways as a teenager.
“It feels so good to be here, to be home.” QCBN
Fry’s Prescott Valley
Donate a turkey or fixing so that those less fortunate may enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving. Chamber CEO Marnie will join CAFMA Captain in the ladder truck to “Fly” for turkeys. Sponsored by Fry’s, CAFMA, Yavapai Broadcasting, PV Chamber and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce; Catalysts for business and community growth, Conveners of leaders and influencers, Champions for economic success.
Valley of Lights
Celebrating 25 years as the premier holiday destination. Fain Park
A beautiful one mile drive through animated and lighted displays.
Open Sun-Thurs 6 to 9 pm, Fri, Sat and holidays 6 to 10pm
Suggested donation $5 per car
Stroll Through Valley of Lights
Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
One-night only 1 mile walk. Parking on 2nd Street
Our dedicated team is here for you.
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