Prescott LIVING New Year 2026

Luxury Home Furnishings

New Year’s Eve

15th Annual Whiskey Row

Boot Drop

Additional Sponsors

COMMUNITY

54 Finding Calm in Chaos: Imani Moore’s Path to Protecting Prescott

56 Former Navy SEAL Richard Rodriguez Builds a Lifeline for ERAU Veterans

72 Start your Pet’s Year Off on the Right Paw

Feature: Prevent Winter Break Brain Freeze

88 Subtle Winter Decor Won’t Need Postholiday Reset

124 Festive to Functional: Transitioning Beauty for the Rest of Winter

132 Put the ‘Win’ in Winter Fashion by Using Seasonal Shades

RECREATION

140 Winter Hiking Guide: Health Perks & How to Hit the Trail 144 Willow Creek Park: Striving for Efficiency, Wellness of Future Generations 152 Recreating History: Sharlot Hall Museum Brings Hassayampers’ Evening Back to Life

162 Jason Jenkins, General Manager, Findlay Subaru Prescott

by

Photo

Bob Larson Photography

Karen Shaw

Advertiser Index

Water

Pavers

Retaining

Landscape

HOA &

Landscape

Bio-Feed

Maintenance

Irrigation

Sod

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Laurie Fisher

SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Julie Turetzky

Director of Marketing Services

Christina Lewandowski

Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Michele Rodriguez

Creative Director

Abigail Biegert

Art Director

Keith Dobie

Social Media Coordinator

Shannon Price

Digital Media Specialist

EDITORIAL

Julie Turetzky

Managing Editor

Christia Gibbons

Senior Editor

Blake Herzog

Staff Writer

Prescott Pioneer Writer

OPERATIONS

Terry Scheib

Delivery Manager

Gabrielle Luciano

Distribution Associate

Comments and ideas: editor@roxco.com

Subscriptions: info@roxco.com prescottlivingmag.com/copies

Advertising Inquiries: info@roxco.com prescottlivingmag.com/advertise

130 N. Granite St., Prescott, AZ 86301 928.350.8006

Corporate Office: 1670 N. Pinal Ave., No. 11190 Casa Grande, AZ 85130

Abigail Biegert

Not pictured: Christia Gibbons (Senior Editor), Blake Herzog (Staff Writer), Keith Dobie (Social Media Coordinator)

Let's Get Started

First relish the joy, lights and color of the holiday season from our beautifully lit Courthouse to our oh-so fun Boot Drop. Then take a breath — slowly in through the nose, slower out from the mouth.

Literally overnight it’s time for new beginnings and inspiration.

Read how everyday heroes Imani Moore and retired Navy SEAL Platoon Chief Richard Rodriguez impact the world around them.

Moore is a Prescott firefighter/paramedic, along with being a wife and mother to a toddler. She calls herself “a regular person.” Rodriguez connects veterans with services on and off campus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The work “keeps me young.”

This issue we provide an array of ideas in our Home and Garden section from decluttering to picking an alternative to your fireplace to putting the glow in your winter kitchen. Best yet, maybe suggestions on designing small spaces for big living. First rule: Everything must earn its keep.

Now is a good time to shift your mindset. Don’t let ongoing worries deflate you, choose optimism. Practice self-compassion, set boundaries, embrace your values, limit social media, practice gratitude and be mindful.

To help you reset, be creative. Art taps into the part of the brain rarely used in daily routines. Writing can help spark

new ideas. Music touches your emotions. Any or all of these can aid in resetting yourself for what’s to come in the new year.

You certainly are in the right place to explore the benefits of hiking. We give you the howtos of hiking in the winter. Solidify the fitness and health benefits of those hikes by making preventative health care appointments for your annual physical, routine screenings, dental and vision checkups. Could there be a better time?

Don’t put off seeing a dermatologist, physical therapist or mental health provider. Treat scheduling like you would any other priority.

And take some time to help others. Volunteering — in big or small ways — can bring purpose, connection and clarity to your life. Walk shelter dogs, serve meals, tutor kids, drop off groceries for an elderly neighbor.

Read on,

Laurie Fisher

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, Prescott LIVING

VOICES of the COMMUNITY

At Prescott LIVING magazine, our slogan is “The Voice of the Community” because we believe the stories in our local region are best told by the people, companies, nonprofits and governments that comprise our community. Here are the “voices” who helped make this issue possible!

Tod Christensen Managing Broker, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Sedona

Tom Armstrong Mayor, Town of Chino Valley

Ashlie Bigelow Marketing Specialist, Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation

Sheri L. Heiney President/CEO, Prescott & Chino Valley Area Chambers of Commerce

Ken Lain Owner, Watters Garden Center

Steve B racety President & CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

Lacey Medina Administrative Specialist, City of Prescott Recreation Services

Loree Walden Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

Donna Werking Owner, Marketing Strategist, Northern AZ Social, LLC

Matthew Fenn Mayor, Town of Dewey-Humboldt

Kell Palguta Mayor, Town of Prescott Valley

Maggie Holmberg Economic Development and Intergov Manager, Town of Chino Valley

Cathey Rusing Mayor, City of Prescott

HIGHLIGHTING THE HEART & HUSTLE OF PRESCOTT, ARIZONA

Prescott Pioneer NEW PRESCOTT FIRE DEPARTMENT ENGINE COMPANY Supports Growing Need

The Prescott Fire Department has deployed a new engine company to support the increasing needs of the community. “The (City) Council’s commitment is allowing us to move quickly to address identified service gaps. This is evidence that we are acting as quickly as possible to address the response gaps that were identified,” Fire Chief Holger Durre said.

Launched in August, the unit operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., covering areas around Highway 89 and Prescott Lakes Parkway that need better service. The department plans to expand this coverage in early 2026 after newly hired firefighters graduate from the fall academy.

This deployment represents a step toward meeting department and council goals related to reducing response times, strengthening public safety and improving the level of service.

To meet the public safety needs of the community, the department is placing the new engine in service ahead of establishing a permanent facility. Proposition 478 will fund the construction of Station 76, and while the design process for the station is already underway, its completion is still likely a couple of years away.

In the meantime, by implementing this additional engine company, the department is strengthening its ability to meet resource demands and improve response times across the community.

For more information about the City’s public safety initiative, go to www.ParticipatePrescott.com and select Prop 478 Information.

The City of Prescott’s latest fire engine company. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PRESCOTT

Tri-State Metal Roofing Supply EXPANDS INTO PRESCOTT

Tri-State Metal Roofing Supply, a manufacturer of American-made metal roofing and siding, will expand to Prescott in the first quarter of 2026 as it opens a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on Generation Lane, just east of Prescott Regional Airport.

“We’re in a growth stage,” said co-owner Jason Norton. “As Prescott continues to grow, we want to grow right along with it. Our goal is to expand this facility over time, adding options and creating even more jobs for people in the community.” Tri-State’s three existing locations, all in Utah, employ 12 to 15 people.

Founded in May 2016 in St. George, Utah, TriState Metal Roofing Supply was established by partners Norton, Kortney Leavitt and Kalan Lemon. Together, they bring more than five decades of combined expertise to the manufacturing industry, with Norton contributing over 30 years of specialized knowledge and Leavitt and Lemon each contributing a decade of experience.

Since its inception, Tri-State has quickly grown into a regional leader by focusing on customer satisfaction, fast turnaround speeds and high-quality products manufactured in the United States. The company supplies a wide range of metal roofing and siding materials, trims and accessories, including custom trims designed for unique projects. Products serve everyone from lumberyards and contractors to homeowners and DIY builders.

“Our mission is simple: keep roofs solid and communities strong,” Norton said. “We believe in hard work, honesty and real relationships. Whether it’s a ranch, a commercial building or a family home, we want to help people protect what they’ve built with materials that last.” When deciding where to expand, the partners initially considered other markets but quickly fell in love with Prescott.

“The people and the tight-knit community felt like home to us,” Leavitt said. “That sense of community is exactly what we want our brand to represent.”

The company also sees Prescott as an ideal hub for sustainable building practices. Unlike shingles and tile, which frequently end up in landfills and release toxins into the ground, metal roofing is fully recyclable, energy-efficient and designed to last. Tri-State’s expansion will not only provide cost-effective solutions to local contractors and homeowners but also support long-term sustainability in the region’s construction industry.

For its new Prescott manufacturing facility, Tri-State partnered with Prescott-based JEBCO Construction Companies, led by owner Jeb Johnson.

The site was purchased from the family of a longtime Prescott resident who had planned to develop the property but passed away before its completion. Tri-State and JEBCO worked together to reimagine the space, incorporating innovative roofing profiles, custom trims and a modern design aesthetic. Among the touches is Tri-State’s signature wood grain steel paneling, which replicates the rustic look of barn wood.

Tri-State Metal Roofing Supply’s facility under construction near Prescott Regional Airport. PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHERN AZ SOCIAL, LLC

the INTERVIEW with MISSY SIKORA

BY BLAKE HERZOG, PHOTOS BY BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Yavapai Family Advocacy Center (YFAC) in Prescott Valley has supported victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other interpersonal crimes across the county for a quarter-century.

The center began as a drive spearheaded by the county attorney’s office and local police chiefs to join a nationwide movement toward centralizing as many of the free services for victims as possible. These include forensic interviews and exams, counseling, food, housing and legal assistance and more. YFAC is funded by federal and state grants, contributions from Yavapai County and its municipalities and private donors.

Since Missy Sikora took over as executive director 10 years ago, the agency has grown significantly both in its staffing and the number of residents served — that figure has grown every year and reached 1,300 last year. About half are brought in by law enforcement officers responding to a crime report and the other half reaching out for help on their own. As the need steadily grows, the center team and its supporters work to raise awareness and find the money to fund more services.

On Oct. 1, Yavapai Family Advocacy Center simultaneously reached its 25th anniversary and another milestone: a relaunch as its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, having operated since its founding as a program under the umbrella of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, a Prescott Valley-based statewide organization. Embracing the new flexibility this provides, Missy says she is pushing ahead toward new goals, including establishing a second location in the Verde Valley and expanding capacity at the current office at 8485 E. Yavapai Rd.

To ask for help, learn more about the center’s services or donate visit www.yfac.org or call 928.775.0669

Everybody

is Family for MISSY SIKORA AND YAVAPAI FAMILY ADVOCACY CENTER

Prescott LIVING: I’m sitting with Executive Director Missy Sikora at the Yavapai Family Advocacy Center in Prescott Valley. We usually start these interviews at the beginning, and I see that you grew up in Payson. What was that experience like, and how did it shape who you are today?

Missy Sikora: I was actually born in upstate New York. I come from a long line of law enforcement. My grandfather and great-grandfather and my dad were all law enforcement in New York. My dad was a New York state trooper, and my parents had eight daughters. When I was born, I was number seven, but the sister just older than me had some health issues, and it was recommended that they move out here to the Southwest.

My dad initially worked in the mines in Kearny for about a year and a half. That’s where my youngest sister was born, but then he was hired by the Gila County Sheriff’s Department. That’s why we moved to Payson, and that’s where I grew up.

Started kindergarten, graduated high school. Was a rodeo girl, barrel raced when I was young. We had a small kind of ranch, farm, and we owned a little cafe in town that my mom ran. It was

a great experience. I loved growing up in Payson. It was wonderful, but my dad being in law enforcement so long, I always thought that would be the field I would go into. But my dad did not want any girls to go into that. I at first was going to be a lawyer so I was going to Arizona State University, got my bachelor’s. Over that time I had started substitute teaching at a school, and I loved it. I detoured and said, “Well, I’ll teach for a while.” I ended up teaching kindergarten for six years, and then I went back to school and got my master’s in special education, and I taught junior high special education to

kids that had behavior and conduct and language disorders, a lot of kids with autism and emotional disability, for nine years. I loved that. I loved teaching; so it was 15 years total, all in the Valley. I was also a single mom to my two girls.

Then I wanted to get back out of the big city. Twenty years down there was kind of it for me. Prescott’s a little bit bigger than Payson. I still have a lot of family over there, and I’m over there two or three times a month, but I just liked this better. My best friend for 35 years had moved up here just before that. I moved up here, and I didn’t want to teach special education anymore, I was tired of all the paperwork. I applied for completely unrelated jobs, one with the Department of Child Safety — back then it was called Child Protective Services — and one with Probation, adult and juvenile. The first interview I had was CPS, and they offered me the job right away and I took it. I ended up at our Prescott CPS office for 12 and a half years. I was a supervisor, and I ran the investigations unit, and that’s what brought me here to YFAC.

In that role, I was here at this office a lot because CPS was here for cases with law enforcement. I ended up being on a lot of city and county and task force meetings and this team. When the woman that was

here before me was retiring, I was asked if I would be interested in talking to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona about the position here. I had never worked for a nonprofit. It was a big learning curve, but I came here, and I’ve been here 10 years and I love it.

It’s like this was the job I was preparing for all along ... it all came together, because I get to help families, still be connected

I had never worked for a nonprofit. It was a big learning curve, but I came here, and I’ve been here 10 years and I love it.

and work with law enforcement. It’s just a great mix of all my skills and experience.

Was it intimidating to take over as executive director of a nonprofit when you hadn’t worked for one before?

It was definitely intimidating, but I did have support at the time. It was like, “Those things that you don’t know, we’re here. We’ll support you. We’ll help you with them.” As a supervisor over at Department of Child Safety, I had 12 or 13 people under me. When I came here, I only had three full-time employees and one part-time employee. The nonprofit part was a little bit intimidating. At that time we were, and up until Oct. 1, we were a program of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. That meant there was support with people helping me write grants, with finance and payroll and HR and all that kind of stuff.

Now we have 12, 13 full-time employees; I think seven part-time employees. We have contracted therapists that work for us, contracted attorneys. We contract with HonorHealth for all the nurses that do our exams. It’s a lot of moving parts. It’s really grown a lot, but it’s wonderful. I’ve been able to instill that growth in the agency and I’m growing at the same time.

The lobby at Yavapai Family Advocacy Center’s headquarters in Prescott Valley.

Who do you help?

Our mission has always encompassed what we call interpersonal crimes. That breaks down into being any type of sexual or physical child abuse or severe neglect. It’s the more severe cases of neglect. Or when children witness something like a homicide or something like that, they’re considered a victim. And then it goes into human trafficking, stalking, elder abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault. Any family where there’s been a homicide or a suicide in the family, we consider those other family members victims, and we’ll give services to them. So it really encompasses a lot of people.

And we have leeway to give more help. For instance, we’ve had cases come through where someone’s house was trashed by criminal activity and damaged by the police response, and we can help those people. And somebody could call and say, I was in a horribly abusive relationship 10 years ago, or I was raped 10 years ago and I never got help for it. They can still come here and get advocacy and therapy and go to our support groups and get help with all those things.

Through federal funding, particularly the Victims of Crime Act grant, they always

require that we give services to these people. In areas that are larger, they’ll have child advocacy centers that only serve people under 18, and then they’ll have adult advocacy centers that give services to 18 and older. And then most of our rural counties have what we are, which is a family advocacy center. We give services across the board.

My funding just prohibits me from ever giving services to the person that committed the crime. For instance, if there’s domestic violence and the person that we’re helping wants to get back in that relationship. We’ll have them ask us a lot of times, “Can we get family therapy or counseling?” Under my funding, I cannot let him come in and get therapy or counseling. We also offer free training in the community and around the state.

What services are most in demand from YFAC?

The largest volume of cases we have are advocacy cases. That’s where I can say they’re the people last year that helped over 1,300 people. But we might have 10 services we’re doing for them at once. We might be helping them apply for AHCCCS and victims’ compensation, and

doing domestic violence education, and running a support group with them, and going to court with them, doing the court paperwork. We sit with them and help them go through and file for orders of protection, injunctions against harassment. And then things like, if their husband got arrested for something in their home and now he’s not allowed to come back to the home, but she’s afraid of him, the advocates will come to me. We use emergency funds and help them change their locks.

We give out emergency cards for gas and for food emergencies. We can put somebody in a hotel if they don’t have a safe place to go for a night or two, and we’ll help them find a safe place. Connect with a shelter or get with a family member. Then there’s the forensic services, which are the medical exams, and the interviews are crisis-driven. They’re urgent. So we did almost 100 exams between sex assault exams and strangulations last year. We shot over 450 forensic interviews. And then things like therapy and attorney services come into play at different parts of the case. The advocate’s always the connector to those when they need them.

What’s a typical day like here, or is there a typical day?

Thursdays are a big court day, so most of the advocates are out at hearings or court, trial. We don’t have any trials right now, but hearings or initial appearance conferences or getting orders of protection with the clients that they’re working with, or just meeting them in the community. Right now, one of our girls is over on the other side of the hill. She’ll set up where she can meet with multiple ones at the same time in their community in Cottonwood and Camp Verde, Clarkdale, all of that.

It’s 3:05 p.m. We could get a call in 10 minutes from a detective that says, “I just got called out on a child abuse case. I’m headed there right now with two children, and I need forensic interviews.” Then we shift gears and do forensic interviews. If it was a molestation case or something and they need an exam, then we’re calling

continued on page 160

An outdoor seating area at the YFAC office.

Cathey Rusing

PRESCOTT city of

The City of Prescott is wrapping up 2025 with a new Mayor and Council. 2026 will be a new beginning for us, and we would like to thank the previous Mayor, Phil Goode, City Council and staff for giving us a solid foundation as we continue to preserve those things that make Prescott special.

One of the highlights for 2025 was the solid voter support for Prop 484. This was the first-ever citizen generated petition presented to Council that was placed on the ballot. If any city-owned open space is to be leased, transferred or sold, it now requires voter approval. About 2,700 acres of lakes, trails and open space in the Granite Dells are now protected.

Another first-time, wonderful event was the generous donation of $2.5 million by a private party to repurpose the

As we have been getting settled into the new City Hall building, we broke ground in November for a new hotel downtown located on the site of our old City Hall. The 350-year-old oak tree on the site will be carefully preserved and the five historic bronze plaques will be displayed in the new hotel.

The landmark centennial Early Rodeo cowboy statue will be going to its new home at the rodeo grounds.

As 2025 comes to a close, Arizona’s Christmas City has been celebrating holidays throughout the month of December! Visitors from all over come to experience traditions such as the Christmas Parade, the Courthouse Lighting, the shopping and music of Acker Night and all the holiday traditions. (I’m hoping for a white Christmas!) New Year’s Eve features a street party on Whiskey Row with the famous Boot Drop and fireworks!

Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography Headshot photo by Mama Bear Studios

PRESCOTT VALLEY town of

As mayor, one of the things that makes me most proud of Prescott Valley is the way our community continues to positively grow while holding on to the neighborly spirit that built this town in the first place.

“

Prescott Valley still retains the small-town ambiance that attracts friendly people from all around the country.

Every day, your Town Council and dedicated staff work hard to listen, plan and act in ways that reflect the needs and priorities of our residents. Whether it’s protecting our most precious resource — water — improving our roadways, strengthening public safety or attracting new jobs and amenities, we are focused on one goal: making Prescott Valley the best place in Northern Arizona to live, work and raise a family.

Water naturally is at the heart of every great community. We recognize how vital it is to plan responsibly for our future, ensuring that every drop counts.

The Town continues to invest in water conservation education, advanced metering systems and infrastructure that supports longterm sustainability. Residents have shown great stewardship through xeriscaping, efficient irrigation and awareness of how daily choices make a big difference.

For infrastructure, anyone who drives through Prescott Valley knows our community is growing quickly — and with that growth comes the responsibility to maintain and

improve roads. The Town is actively investing in resurfacing, intersection upgrades and new connections to make travel safer and more efficient. From Glassford Hill Road to Lake Valley and beyond, these projects are part of a comprehensive plan to enhance mobility and reduce congestion while maintaining our smalltown charm.

Safety remains a top priority. We are proud of the men and women of the Prescott Valley Police Department and Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority who serve with professionalism and compassion. The town continues to support new technology, training and staffing levels that help our first responders stay prepared and connected. A safe community is a thriving community — and Prescott Valley continues to be one of the safest places in Arizona to call home.

As our population grows, please know we recognize the importance of bringing in new grocery stores, medical specialists and familysupporting jobs. We work closely with regional partners and developers to attract quality businesses and high-paying employers who share our vision for a strong local economy. We’re also encouraging health care expansion.

As always, please reach out to me on my personal cellphone with any questions, comments or ideas you have. I can be reached at 928.533.5979

Headshot by B lushing

Cactus Photography

Photo by Karen Shaw

Tom Armstrong

CHINO VALLEY town of

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

WOMEN’S COMMUNITY NETWORK HOLIDAY HOODIE PARTY

El Paraiso Mexican-Italian Restaurant

Dec. 19, 5 p.m.

1150 AZ-89

For more information call 928.636.8593

“Our rural community enjoys four beautiful, distinct seasons and a true hometown feel. The beauty of Chino Valley lies in its wideopen spaces, big blue skies and a culture defined by friendly people, unique dining and outdoor adventure.

KNOW YOUR PISTOL

Compass Training Center

Dec. 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

3926 Shooting Range Rd.

Cost is $125 per person. For more information call 928.848.9885

This course is specifically designed for beginner shooters. Required: handgun, 2 magazines, handgun case or quality holster and magazine carrier, eye and ear protection, 100 rounds of ammunition and personal first aid kit (optional). Class held rain or shine, so be prepared with proper personal equipment.

RHETT WALKER’S LOOK AT GOD TOUR

Grace Church

2010 S. AZ-89

Jan. 17, doors open at 6:30 p.m. for 7 p.m. concert

Cost is $25 per person; tickets available at the church weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday mornings after services, or at www.extremefaithproductions.com for a $5 fee.

the Chino Valley Recreation Department at 928.636.9780 or email recreation@chinoaz.net for additional information on upcoming events.

DEWEY-HUMBOLDT town of Matthew Fenn

“

Success in low-water crossings is balancing safety, cost and convenience.

When roads cross waterways, our top concerns are safety, cost and maintenance. Crossing over a waterway generally requires infrastructure. Small ditches can be crossed with culverts. Rivers that flow high all the time require bridges.

Roads that cross low-flowing and often dry waterways can take advantage of what is called a low-water crossing. A common rural way of life, these are seen throughout Arizona’s flash flood areas.

Low-water crossings are designed to handle heavy surges of storm runoff while keeping costs manageable. Unlike bridges, which cost millions, low-water crossings use reinforced concrete to allow water to flow over the roadway and recede naturally. They’re durable, lowmaintenance and effective.

Designed to flow over the structure, temporary closures occur during high-flow times. After storms, debris can be cleared from the crossing, leaving an intact structure ready for the next surge.

Drivers should never attempt to drive through swift moving water. Not only are motorists responsible for their own safety, Arizona Revised Statute §28-910, Arizona’s “stupid motorist” law, holds drivers liable for the cost of their rescue if they become stranded after entering a flooded road.

I want to personally thank Public Work’s Supervisor Jade Peddie and the Public Works crew for your grit and commitment in managing the Agua Fria River crossing. Balancing safety and convenience isn’t easy, but you do it with quiet strength and professionalism. Your work keeps this community running through rain, shine or flood.

Public Works Supervisor Jade (Center) with his crew Mike, Greg, Bob, Nathan and Todd (not pictured) at the Prescott Street's Agua Fria River Low Water Crossing in Humboldt, AZ. Photo courtesy of Town of Dewey-Humboldt

Open Up Possibilities by Shifting your Mindset

BY BLAKE HERZOG

If you’re looking ahead to 2026 with a little bit of trepidation, you’re not alone. Whether it’s financial pressure, health concerns or being weighed down by the world’s problems after too much screen time, we all have anxieties that we project into the future.

So, this is a great time to work on a shift in perspective — embracing optimism and that will make this year much more enjoyable and productive.

PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION

Catch yourself before you start berating yourself for a small gaffe like misplacing your keys or stumbling over a crack in the sidewalk. Instead of labeling yourself an “idiot,” work to be more present in the moment so you can avoid mishaps like these.

Strive to treat yourself with fairness, holding yourself to the same standards you would for a friend or relative, rather than sky-high expectations you’ll never be able to meet.

SET PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

Don’t cede control over your time and space to anyone else beyond reasonable limits. Stop checking work email while you’re off the clock and learn to say no to asks you simply don’t have the schedule or headspace for.

This will reduce the pressure you’re under and free up your energy to better meet the obligations you still have with a better attitude and outlook.

DEFINE AND EMBRACE YOUR VALUES

Drawing those boundaries may be difficult if you’re not sure what your core principles are. Taking time to nail these down will make it much easier to

set priorities and be confident you’re living a life with purpose.

One approach to this is to list what’s important to you (and not to outside influencers), choose the top two to four and rank them for yourself. There are many other exercises you could use to clarify your values.

MOVE INTO MINDFULNESS

Whether you’ve been embracing it for decades or are trying it for the first time, mindfulness requires consistent practice for you to reap the most benefits.

Being able to be fully present in what we’re doing without becoming overly reactive to it isn’t easy, but inserting brief pauses into your day and taking longer breaks for meditation exercises will reduce your stress, sharpen your focus and promote your creativity and problem-solving skills.

LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA

We all know by now that social media sites tend to promote dissatisfaction with our own lives through comparison to the highlights that everyone else sends to your feed. It’s rife with harassment and bullying, yet many people still find it addictive. Even if you enjoy connecting with friends through the platforms, it’s wise to step back and set a limit on

your activity, setting aside a handful of 15-minute blocks per day or week to curb any impulses you have to check it.

HAVE FUN!

Don’t forget to allot time for doing what you truly enjoy, which will give you the boost needed to get through all of the other stuff.

If you’re lucky your job falls into that category but regardless, ensure you have time for family activities and adventures, sports and fitness, hobbies and creativity, entertainment and travel. You can even work dancing and music into your chores. You don’t always have to take life so seriously.

GRATITUDE BEFORE SLEEP

Thankfulness and gratitude are something we all need to reinforce. It’s easy to get caught up in our daily struggles and feel like the deck is stacked against us, so it’s incumbent upon us to connect with the positive influences and situations that help keep us afloat in stormy seas.

A frequent recommendation is to write down three things you’re grateful for before going to bed each night — it promotes better sleep while allowing you to reflect on and celebrate all that you’re grateful for.

Log Off, TUNE IN

The average person spends more than seven hours a day staring at a screen. Between work emails, endless group chats and late-night scrolling, it’s no wonder so many of us start the year feeling drained instead of refreshed.

But here’s the good news: reclaiming calm doesn’t mean tossing your phone in a drawer forever. Sometimes, the smallest digital detoxes — just a few hours here and there — can have the biggest impact.

Micro-breaks from tech reset your brain. Instead of checking notifications the second you wake up, try starting your day phone-free for 30 minutes. Brew coffee, stretch or simply sit in silence. This short pause sets a slower, more intentional tone that carries through the day.

Likewise, swapping doomscrolling for a midday walk can clear mental clutter faster than another caffeine hit.

Unplugging doesn’t just give your mind rest, it opens space for offline hobbies that ground you. Gardening, journaling, painting or even puzzling reconnects you with the kind of focus that gets lost in the quick-hit world of apps. These activities are tactile, quiet and force you to be present.

Evenings are prime time for digital creep — emails, news alerts and auto-play episodes. Creating a simple “tech sundown” rule, such as plugging in devices an hour before bed, can transform your nights. Replace the glow of a screen with a paperback, meditation or even a bath, and your sleep will thank you.

Social connections also benefit when you unplug. Try device-free dinners, game nights or coffee catch-ups where phones stay face down. Without the constant buzz, conversations deepen and laughter lasts longer. These small

rituals remind us that attention is one of the best gifts we can give each other.

Of course, modern life requires balance. Digital detoxes don’t need to be extreme to be effective.

What matters is weaving in intentional moments that remind you there’s a world beyond notifications. Start small, stay consistent, and notice how your energy shifts.

Logging off isn’t about rejecting technology, it’s about reclaiming your attention for people and things that deserve it. By carving out space for analog hobbies and intentional pauses, you create room for clarity, creativity and calm.

And as the year unfolds, those unplugged moments just might become the highlight of your day.

Power Up YOUR HEALTH WITH PREVENTIVE CARE

Now is the perfect time to book the appointments that keep you well. A new year brings fresh calendars, blank planners and plenty of good intentions. But before resolutions get lost in the shuffle, there’s one step you can take that sets the tone for everything else: schedule your preventive health appointments.

It’s easy to put off checkups when you feel fine. Yet routine screenings and exams are designed to catch issues early — often before symptoms appear. Think of them as an investment, not an inconvenience. By booking them now, you’re creating a baseline for the year and reducing the chances of bigger problems down the road.

ANNUAL PHYSICALS:

THE ANCHOR POINT

Start with your primary care provider. An annual physical covers the essentials like blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and general wellness questions. It’s also your

chance to raise small concerns before they grow into larger ones. Consider it the foundation of your preventive care plan.

SCREENINGS THAT MATTER

Depending on your age and health history, screenings might include mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies or skin checks. These aren’t just boxes to tick — they’re proven to save lives. If you’re unsure what you need, ask your doctor for a personalized schedule.

DENTAL AND VISION: OFTEN OVERLOOKED

Oral health links directly to heart health, and many conditions can first show up in your mouth. Twiceyearly cleanings and exams are nonnegotiable. Likewise, vision appointments do more than update your prescription, eye exams can detect issues like glaucoma or even early signs of diabetes.

SPECIALIZED CARE: DON’T DELAY

If you’ve been putting off seeing a dermatologist, physical therapist or mental health provider, let this be the year you make it happen. Preventive health isn’t limited to one doctor’s office; it’s the network of professionals who keep your whole self in balance.

SMALL STEPS, BIG RESULTS

One trick: treat scheduling like you would any other priority. Block out time now, add reminders and view appointments as nonnegotiable. You’ll thank yourself later when your calendar fills up and your energy dips.

MAKE THIS YEAR DIFFERENT

There’s something empowering about starting the year by taking control of your health. You’re not waiting for problems — you’re setting the stage for strength, stability and peace of mind. Resolutions may come and go, but preventive care is one commitment that pays off every single day.

you or a loved one suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, or can’t tolerate a CPAP?

Sleep Better Southwest has been located in Prescott Valley for over 12 years and Dr. Jonathan Held is the only Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in Northern Arizona

•Oral Appliances are a ctive, and easy to t comfortable, effective, travel with alternative to CPAP.

•We assist in helping set up home sleep testing.

• We are the only dental sleep practice that is in-network with most medical insurance plans. Traditional Medicare patients typically have no out of pocket costs for testing or treatment.

NEW

TRY SOMETHING to Fuel your Renewal

There’s something magical about being first: the first footprints in fresh snow, the first step onto an unexplored trail, the first wobbly attempt at a skill you’ve never tried.

Starting something new isn’t always graceful, but it carries an energy that no amount of routine can replicate. It’s the spark of renewal, something available to all of us.

NEW TRAILS, NEW PERSPECTIVE

Take hiking, for example. Walking a familiar loop has its comforts, but exploring a new path changes everything. Your senses wake up. You notice details — crunch of leaves, angle of light, unexpected views — that routine may filter out. That alertness, that awareness, is exactly what makes new experiences so powerful. They pull us out of autopilot and into the present.

SPORTS THAT CHALLENGE YOUR STATUS QUO

The same applies to learning a new sport. Whether it’s skiing, pickleball or paddleboarding, the point isn’t immediate mastery. It’s the thrill of movement in a way your body isn’t used to. You laugh, you stumble, you try again. In those moments, you tap into curiosity and resilience — qualities that often get buried under daily obligations.

The reward isn’t just physical; it’s mental refreshment.

HOBBIES THAT SHIFT THE TEMPO

Hobbies offer their own renewal. Picking up a paintbrush, learning guitar chords or trying pottery hands you permission to play without pressure. These activities create flow, a state where time stretches

and your mind quiets. In a world wired for productivity, choosing to learn something just because it interests you is radical and deeply restorative.

THE SCIENCE OF STARTING

Psychologists call this “novelty seeking,” and it’s tied to dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical. Trying something new literally lights up your brain, improving mood and motivation. You don’t have to leap into the extreme; small first steps are enough. A new trail, a beginner’s class or a fresh recipe can all deliver that spark.

BEGINNING AGAIN, AGAIN

What matters most is the mindset. First tracks and first steps remind us that life is not about staying in the well-worn grooves but about daring to explore. Renewal doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from permission to begin again.

This season, give yourself that gift. Sign up for the class that intimidates you, open the book on something you know nothing about. It’s only the beginning.

—Alexander Den Heijer

your Life with ART, WRITING AND MUSIC RECHARGE

Feeling stuck? Burned out? You’re not alone. The start of a new year often brings pressure to do more, be better, move faster. But sometimes the real reset comes from slowing down and tuning in to your creative side.

Art. Writing. Music. These aren’t just hobbies. They’re powerful tools for self-renewal. You don’t need to be a professional, and you don’t need a five-year plan. All you need is a little time, some curiosity and a willingness to let go of expectations.

Painting, sketching or sculpting taps into a part of the brain we rarely use in our day-to-day routines. There’s something deeply grounding about working with your hands and watching

an idea take shape. Start small. A notebook and some watercolor pens. A block of clay. A digital sketchpad. Don’t overthink it — just create. It’s not about making something perfect; it’s about showing up.

Writing is another underrated reset button. It helps organize your thoughts, process emotions and even spark fresh ideas. You don’t need to pen a novel. Try journaling for five minutes in the morning. Write a short poem. Start a list of things you notice on your daily walk. The simple act of putting words on a page can clear mental clutter and help you reconnect with yourself.

And then there’s music, the most direct line to emotion. Whether

you’re learning an instrument, making playlists or just singing in the shower, music shifts energy like nothing else. Try playing something new while you cook or work. Pick up that guitar that’s been gathering dust. Join a community choir or take a beginner’s piano lesson online. You might be surprised how quickly it lifts your mood.

What all these creative outlets have in common is this: they get you out of your head and into the moment. In a world obsessed with productivity, creativity reminds us we’re more than our to-do lists.

So this year, don’t just aim for goals. Make room for wonder.

Jeanette

Denise

photo by Blushing Cactus Photography

Denise L. Gallus, PA

Jeanette Pilotte MD, FACOG

Start the Year by Volunteering and Gaining a Fresh Perspective

The new year often kicks off with personal goals; eat better, work out more, spend less. But what if one of the best ways to feel better isn’t about self-improvement at all? What if it’s about looking outward?

Volunteering is one of the most powerful, overlooked ways to reset your mindset. It brings purpose, connection and clarity, especially after the holiday haze. Whether it’s serving meals, tutoring kids, walking shelter dogs or simply offering your time to a local nonprofit, giving back can bring a sense of meaning.

Between the pressure to achieve and the constant scroll of bad news, it’s easy to get caught in your own head. Volunteering shifts that. It grounds

you. You meet people with different stories, different challenges and different perspectives. And in helping them, you often find something unexpected: yourself.

You don’t need to overhaul your life or make a grand gesture. Start small. One Saturday a month work at a food pantry. One hour a week read to kids. Drop off groceries for an elderly neighbor. The key is consistency. The ripple effect of showing up, even in a small way, can be huge for others and for you.

It’s also a way to connect. In a time when loneliness is at a high, volunteering creates natural community. You work alongside others with shared values. You laugh. You listen. You show up for

something bigger than yourself. That kind of energy is contagious.

And here’s the kicker: studies show that people who volunteer regularly report lower stress levels, higher satisfaction and even better health. It’s a win-win. If you’re not sure where to start, look local. Community centers, libraries, animal shelters, food banks and schools are almost always in need of a helping hand. Or go digital — there are plenty of virtual opportunities if in-person isn’t an option.

This new year, as you set your intentions, consider this one: give your time. Give your energy. Give without expecting anything in return. You may walk away tired, but you’ll also walk away fuller, clearer and more connected.

For Employers:

Looking for the right talent to grow your business? We’ve got you covered!

•  Find Qualified Candidates: With access to a nationwide database, we can connect you with skilled individuals who match your hiring needs.

•  Advertise Job Openings: We’ll place your job ads where they’ll attract qualified applicants.

•  Pre-Screen Potential Employees: Save time and focus on top candidates with our complimentary screening services.

For Job Seekers: Take the next step in your career with our comprehensive support!

•  Job Search Assistance: Discover opportunities tailored to your skills and interests.

•  Career Placement & Coaching: Get personalized guidance to land the job you deserve.

•  Resume Building: Craft a standout resume that captures employers’ attention.

Whether you’re hiring or looking to be hired, we’re here to help every step of the way!

Rick Ohanesian, MD

Jeffrey Osburn, MD

Danita Napier, NP

Brittany Peña, NP

Erin Bloomfield, NP

Kari Herrington, NP

PRESCOTT ON LOOKOUT FOR NEW CITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

In Arizona, cities and towns set their policies and make spending decisions through a council of elected leaders. But these people, knowledgeable as they may be, cannot be experts about every issue that affects their communities.

This is where advisory boards, commissions and committees, filled by local volunteers appointed by the city or town council, come in. Prescott has quite a few of them, 16 in fact. That’s nine more than neighboring Prescott Valley, which has a slightly larger population. There’s also a subcommittee comprised of three City Council members who review and make recommendations on all applications for board and committee seats.

Its members were busy during 2025 as Prescott’s advisory committees and boards were hit with “a bit of a wave” of resignations for various reasons, City Clerk Sarah Thornhill said, and things aren’t going to slow down during the first part of 2026. Every winter the City recruits applicants for seats on boards and committees, in preparation for current members’ terms expiring in the spring.

The members of all standing committees, which are created by a resolution of the

City Council, serve two-year terms that expire in the spring of even-numbered years, according to the city code. Other boards and commissions, including the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment, are required by state statues that set their own requirements.

All committee members are appointed through a council vote aside from those on the Mayor’s Veterans Affairs Committee, which are appointed by the mayor at the beginning of every two-year mayoral term. Thornhill said the incumbents are invited to reapply for their seats but aren’t guaranteed to be re-appointed.

In almost all cases members of the committees review cases or issues the Council will eventually have to make a decision on, ranging from a new housing development to placement of a piece of public art. They also watch presentations or hear reports on their field of interest, such as a report on a veterans support program or traffic concerns at a particular intersection.

One board mandated by state statute does make binding decisions and is considered “quasi-judicial.” The Board of Adjustment rules

on appeals and requests for relief from City zoning laws, and its decisions only band be appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Prescott seeks area residents who can donate their time and input on issues affecting the City’s development, employees and services. Many, but not all, committees require members to live within the city limits, so those who own businesses or otherwise participate in community life also can take part.

The time commitment required of committee members varies widely with the meeting schedule. Planning and Zoning has two scheduled meetings per month, while most meet monthly or quarterly. Others convene on an as-needed basis, and any committee meetings can be canceled if there are no items to be reviewed.

Thornhill said, “I think anyone who wants to be more involved and serve their community and has interest in an area or expertise is someone who should take a look at our vacancies and consider applying.” For more information on open seats and to apply, visit www.prescott-az.gov/prescott-cityclerk/boards-commissions

Prescott Valley Citizens’ Committee RECOMMENDS BOND INITIATIVE FOR RECREATION FACILITY

Following strong community feedback that a new recreation facility is a top priority, the Prescott Valley Town Council established the Citizens’ Recreation Facility Advisory Committee to research options for enhanced recreational amenities. The committee met from April to August 2025 and presented their recommendations to the council in September.

The committee recommended that any future recreational facility include seven amenities based on public input, with four included in the first phase of development:

• Indoor pool

• Gymnasium

• Weights and conditioning space

• Part-time child care (2-hour limit)

• Group exercise studio (Phase 2)

• Multipurpose rooms (Phase 2)

• Elevated indoor track (Phase 2)

Eric Tetreault, co-chair of the advisory committee, said demand for one feature loomed well above all of the rest: “By and large the respondents to the survey recommended or even commanded an indoor pool.”

The group’s vision is to build a heated 25-meter, six-lane pool that can host swim meets with an open swim and aerobics area and a children’s play area with a water slide, along with locker rooms. The outdoor Mountain Valley Splash pool will close if the new center is built.

Programs currently housed at the Parks and Recreation Department would be moved to the new facility, freeing up room for more office space for employees. No site has been identified as a potential location for the new recreation center, but the committee recommended integrating it with existing infrastructure and putting it on land the Town already owns, if possible.

The committee also recommended the project be funded through a bond initiative paid back via sales tax revenue. Their proposed timetable for seeking the necessary voter approval is at the November 2026 election, with construction to be completed in 2028. The committee’s report did not identify a total construction cost but said annual operating costs would run from $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

Prescott Valley Civic Center PHOTO BY CODY CHEWNING , COURTESY OF TOWN OF PRESCOTT VALLEY

IMANI MOORE’S PATH TO PROTECTING Prescott Finding Calm in Chaos:

BY BLAKE

When she was 14 Imani Moore witnessed a traffic collision involving a motorcycle that changed the course of her life.

“There was all this chaos all around it, and I remember this lady pulling over, she was a firefighter/paramedic, and she kind of took control of the scene and was able to calm everyone down and she knew what to do,” Moore says. “And I remember feeling I never wanted to be lost in that chaos again, and to have that calmness like she did.”

Sixteen years later, Moore is a firefighter/paramedic for the Prescott Fire Department, juggling her 24-hour shifts spent as a guardian of the city and family life with her husband and 17-month-old son.

Moore grew up in Las Vegas and became an EMT after graduating from high school. She learned while working alongside firefighters that she wanted to be one as well.

“I really admired them because they were doing the EMS (emergency medical services) side, but they were also doing the extra stuff, fire, hazmat, rescues, so much more,” she says. After two years with a department in Texas, Moore joined the PFD three years ago. Every call is a new challenge, one she says she’s ready to take on even under stressful circumstances.

“I really enjoy — I don’t know if enjoy is the right word, but I enjoy car accidents and trauma as well, just because the car accidents can be like a puzzle too, trying to figure out how to cut this car open, get

this person out safely, in a timely manner, and so those can really make you think, and it’s a challenge, which is fun for me, to figure out how to accomplish the goal,” she says.

Being in a line of work that’s labeled “heroic” from time to time can be intimidating, but Moore says they all take it in stride:

“Before I became a firefighter I probably would have said ‘Yeah, firefighters are heroes,’ and I still believe that, but when I think about me in particular I think that I’m just a regular person. And I think we all feel that way, we’re just regular people doing our jobs. It doesn’t feel like we’re superheroes or anything, we’re just doing something that we love to do and are trained to do.”

HERZOG, PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMANI MOORE

Pest Control Promise

Richard Rodriguez Builds a Lifeline FORMER NAVY SEAL for ERAU Veterans

BY BLAKE HERZOG, PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURIE LAWTON SCOTT

Retired Navy SEAL Platoon Chief Richard Rodriguez, Veterans Support Coordinator for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Prescott Campus, would go back into the military if he could. Since aging out, he’s devoting his life to helping vets access and create their own support networks, as well as assist others in the community.

He is the veteran support coordinator at the campus. His job is to connect veterans with services on and off campus.

“I love it, I absolutely love it, because it keeps me young, keeping up with all the shenanigans that go on with them. I’m 63. They keep me involved. I have always been pro-military,” he says.

He is campus adviser for the Student Veterans Association, which meets every other week during the semester for a barbecue that doubles as a fundraiser — either for veteran scholarships or, twice per academic year, an outside organization.

Every October the association raises about $2,000 during Pink Friday, which funds about 20 mammograms provided by SimonMed Mobile On-site Mammography to low-income patients. In springtime another barbecue raises the same amount for HunterSeven Foundation, which researches and educates about military-connected cancers and assists those who have been diagnosed.

ERAU’s Prescott campus enrolls about 120 veterans out of its enrollment of 3,200, and has been named No. 1 in Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report for the last five years. Rodriguez took his current job in May 2018, just after graduating from the campus with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and his commercial helicopter license at age 55. He served for 20 years in Navy Special

Ops and was assault team leader for SEAL Foxtrot Platoon during the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, earning the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for valor. He filled numerous leadership and educational roles in the military, including developing a Tactical Ground Mobility Department in the Advanced Training Detachment.

He and wife Laurie Lawton Scott, a Nations Lending branch manager deeply committed to writing VA and first responder mortgages, support numerous local activities including the one closest to Rodriguez’s heart, a November flag retirement ceremony he describes as “basically a combination of a Navy retirement and a military funeral.” He says, “If you haven’t seen a military ceremony, this is one you don’t want to miss. It’s a tear-jerker, though.”

Meet the

and

Arizona Crisis Team

BY YVONNE GIBBS, PHOTO COURTESY OF

From our larger cities to outlying remote communities, Yavapai County is served by outstanding teams of first responders and emergency room personnel who provide help to those impacted by traumatic incidents.

Because trauma doesn’t end when the sirens fade, the Arizona Crisis Team (ACT) provides immediate emotional, practical and resource assistance to people who have been impacted by any type of crisis, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Crisis team volunteers fill the critical void of supporting the family or individual while the police and fire personnel attend to law enforcement, medical emergency and fire suppression needs.

“The Arizona Crisis Team has been an invaluable partner to the Prescott Police Department,” says Prescott Police Chief Amy Bonney. “Their expertise and compassionate response allow our

officers to focus on public safety, knowing that individuals and families in crisis are receiving immediate and specialized care. This collaboration strengthens our community and helps us provide the right support at the right time.”

Personnel are trained volunteer advocates coordinated through a single system that provides 24-hour, on-scene, crisis intervention services in Yavapai County. When requested by emergency agencies, ACT volunteers provide immediate crisis intervention support to individuals who have been faced with traumatic incidents such as deaths (natural, unexpected, accidental, suicide), attempted suicides, sexual assaults, homicides, robberies, drownings, domestic violence incidents, residential fires, serious injury accidents and medical emergencies.

These critical services are provided free of charge and are made possible by grants from local governments,

individuals, foundations and fund raising. The Arizona Crisis Team is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Volunteer advocates are always available. They are called at any time of the day or night 365 days per year by police officers, firefighters and hospital personnel to assist individuals, families, groups, schools, hospitals and businesses that have been exposed to a traumatic event.

“The service ACT provides is caring, respectful and truly benefits both the community and our firefighters,” says Bill Hickey, Division Chief of Operations Prescott Fire Department. “I am thankful for the dedicated men and women who volunteer their time to help our citizens and visitors in critical times. The Prescott Fire Department is able to return to service knowing that those we serve are being cared for.”

For more information on ACT, visit www.azcrisisteam.org

Trained volunteer advocates provide emotional, practical

resource assistance to people impacted by crises.

ARIZONA CRISIS TEAM

Hassayampa Happenings

Driving Change: Powerful Impact Findlay Toyota’s

ON GREATER PRESCOTT

BY BLAKE HERZOG, PHOTOS COURTESY OF FINDLAY TOYOTA PRESCOTT

Since it came to town in 2017 Findlay Toyota Prescott (previously known as Tim’s Toyota) has stepped up to help its community celebrate, raise money, experience culture and do lots of other things besides buy and repair cars and trucks. It funds museums including the Sharlot Hall and the Phippen; contributes to nonprofits like Bethany’s Gait and Prescott Area Shelter Services; and sponsors fundraisers including Trails 4 Tatas and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Liberty Casarez, the dealership’s

Community and Public Relations Director, has been at the center of these efforts since she came to Prescott from another Findlay Auto Group location.

“I came from the Bullhead City store and I was there since 2014 and we did the same thing there, it was a small community and we were helping each other there. If you live there, you’re helping each other as much as you can. And over there we had less funds to help the community, so if you can’t help financially, you can always contribute your time and be present.

Today she can list 25 major Greater Prescott causes and institutions that Findlay Toyota sponsors, including the naming rights to the area’s largest sports and entertainment venue. The dealership also backs smaller projects — a Coyote Springs Elementary School teacher assembling gift bags for her class, supermarket gift cards for those in need.

Findlay Auto Group team members attending the annual 2025 Prescott Area Shelter Services Tea, supporting displaced women and children in the community.

From left: Kara Hartman, Fatima Avila, Dora Casarez, Liberty Casarez, Alex Logan.

During the pandemic it also stepped up for people who didn’t know where else to turn. “During Covid when everything was happening, people were calling our store for help, so that’s how we ended up helping,” she said. We did deliveries, we bought food and took it to people’s houses, we’d pick up prescriptions. I ended up with those calls. We managed to do a little food pantry for our team and also to deliver food.”

PRESCOTT GIVES BACK

The dealership’s role in boosting events for everyone to enjoy and supporting people who need a little extra help has brought some of them back to its service and sales department at 3200 Willow Creek Rd., mentioning they got some help from it while they were in a difficult spot.

“Two, three years ago we used to go to the juvenile detention center and talk to kids, and we have had kids come after they get out, with their parents,” Casarez added.

Casarez will always look for ways to aid those who come looking for it, referring them to other resources if she’s not able to assist. And, she said, “There are times when the community has so much going on that we can’t be everywhere at once, but we make every effort to support as many events as possible!”

TOYOTA PRESCOTT SPONSORSHIPS 1. Big Brothers Big Sisters 2. Walk to End Alzheimer's 3. Relay for Life 4. Prescott Valley Little League

5. Trinity Lutheran Church - Angel Trees (2 annually) 6. Dancing for the Stars - Boys & Girls Club

7. Highlands Center for Natural History

8. Sharlot Hall - Annual sponsorship

9. Captain Crossfit

10. Prescott Yoga Festival and Health Fair - Pickles Lea 11. Lady Hawks Softball

12. Bethany's Gait

13.

Area Shelter

20. Heritage Park Zoo

21. Findlay Toyota Center (naming rights)

GROUP SPONSORSHIPS

22. 4th of July at Watson Lake

23. Tunnel to Towers Foundation

24. Annual Christmas Parade - Presenting sponsors

25. Arizona's Christmas City - Prescott Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Prescott

Services

Mountain Artists Guild Festival 15. Sober Grad Night - Prescott High School 16. Phippen Museum - Annual Western Art Show 17. Keep Prescott Lit - Friends of Jersey Lilly

18. Trails 4 Tatas - Title sponsor

19. Meals on Wheels

Angel Trees are displayed in the Findlay Toyota Prescott showroom each holiday season to help support Catholic Charities by providing gifts and essentials to local families.

Let's Build a

New Beginnings: Stronger Prescott Together

BY SHERI HEINEY, PRESIDENT & CEO, PRESCOTT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

There’s something truly special about “new beginnings.” Whether it’s the dawn of a new year, a fresh season of growth or an exciting new project, each beginning brings opportunities to reflect, to innovate and to move forward with purpose.

In Prescott, new beginnings happen every day. A business opens for the first time. A new family moves into town and discovers the beauty of our community. Volunteers give time to make local events shine. These moments remind us why Prescott is not only Everybody’s Hometown, but also a place where dreams take root and thrive.

At the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud to be part of these beginnings. Each year, our chamber

works with hundreds of local businesses, nonprofits and organizations to help them succeed. Through networking events, educational programs and community partnerships, we help entrepreneurs find their footing and established businesses find fresh inspiration.

This year, we’re focusing on strengthening collaboration — between businesses, schools and civic leaders — to ensure Prescott continues to grow responsibly and sustainably. Together, we’re creating new opportunities for workforce development, tourism and community engagement. When our members succeed, our entire community flourishes.

New beginnings also invite us to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come.

Prescott has evolved into a vibrant, thriving hub of culture, creativity and commerce — yet it has never lost its small-town charm or sense of connection. That’s worth celebrating.

So, as we look ahead, I encourage everyone to embrace the possibilities that come with starting something new — whether that’s launching a business, volunteering at a chamber event or simply making a new connection. Every new beginning adds to the story of who we are and what makes Prescott such an extraordinary place to live, work and visit.

Here’s to new beginnings, to community and to the shared spirit that makes Prescott shine brighter every year.

Prescott Valley Chamber

is Ready for

New B eginnings in 2026

BY STEVE BRACETY, PRESIDENT/CEO, PRESCOTT VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

As we turn the page and welcome 2026, the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce embraces the theme of New Beginnings — a call to action for growth, collaboration and community renewal. Each new year offers an opportunity to reflect on the past and set fresh intentions for the future. For our chamber and the business community we serve, this means reimagining how we connect, support and champion local enterprise while cultivating a thriving environment for all.

Prescott Valley continues to experience remarkable expansion, both in population and economic opportunity. New businesses are opening their doors, established companies are expanding and entrepreneurs are stepping forward with innovative ideas. The chamber stands ready to serve as a catalyst for business vitality, helping

to guide these new ventures while strengthening the foundation that supports our long-standing members. Our mission remains clear — to create an ecosystem where business and community prosper together.

Before we jump to 2026, there is still time to experience the magic of Prescott Valley’s Valley of Lights. This incredible light display truly captures the holiday spirit. Open until Dec. 30, Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. This is certainly a “must see.”

New beginnings also call for renewed energy in how we serve our members. The chamber will focus on embracing technology and innovation to enhance communication and outreach, ensuring members can access tools and information to help them grow and adapt in an ever-changing marketplace.

Whether through digital platforms, community events or one-on-one engagement, our priority is building relationships that empower business success.

Perhaps most importantly, 2026 invites us to celebrate the human side of commerce — the people who make Prescott Valley a special place to live, work and thrive. Every business, from family-owned shops to major employers, contributes to the heartbeat of our community. Together, we represent resilience, creativity and optimism for what lies ahead.

As the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce steps confidently into this new year, we do so with gratitude for the past and enthusiasm for the future. New beginnings mean new opportunities — to grow, to connect and to make a difference. Here’s to 2026 — a year of progress, promise and prosperity for all.

Growing Together in Chino Valley

BY SHERI HEINEY, PRESIDENT & CEO, CHINO VALLEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

New beginnings aren’t just about change — they’re about growth, courage and vision. In Chino Valley, we see those qualities shining every day. Whether it’s a small business opening its doors, a young entrepreneur taking a first leap, or a local family choosing to plant their roots here, Chino Valley is filled with people embracing opportunity and building their future with heart.

Once known primarily for its ranching heritage and open landscape, Chino Valley is becoming a dynamic center for innovation and small-business development. New retail spaces, locally owned restaurants and service providers are setting up shop — all driven by one shared goal: to serve

our residents and strengthen our local economy.

The Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is privileged to support this momentum. As President & CEO, I’m proud our chamber provides leadership and resources to foster a vibrant business environment. Our work includes creating networking opportunities, delivering educational programs and forging partnerships with schools, municipalities and civic organizations — all designed to retain our unique character while enabling new growth.

New beginnings also invite us to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come. Chino Valley has evolved into a lively,

thriving community — yet it continues to preserve its small-town charm and sense of connection that drew so many here.

As we look ahead, I encourage residents, business owners and community leaders to embrace the promise of new beginnings — to explore fresh possibilities, form new partnerships and keep dreaming big. Every new idea, every handshake, every small step forward contributes to a stronger, more vibrant Chino Valley.

Here’s to a community that grows together, supports one another and always looks ahead with hope. Because in Chino Valley, every new beginning is a chance to make our hometown even better.

For more information about the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.chinovalley.org or call us at 928.636.2493

WHERE A LONG LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE, BUT A FULL ONE ABSOLUTELY IS.

WE PROVIDE NEGLECTED ANIMALS LIFE-SAVING CARE. OUR SANCTUARY GIVES SPECIAL NEEDS ANIMALS HOSPICE CARE FOR LIFE.

A place where the most overlooked and forgotton animals — elderly, special needs and hospice animals who were destined for euthanasia or slaughter and had little chance for adoption — come to live out the rest of their lives in a safe, loving, enriching sanctuary.

WE HAVE SEVERAL OPTIONS TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION:

Volunteer  Legacy Giving

Direct Monetary Donation  Memorial Bricks

Amazon Wish List  Fry’s Community Rewards

Project Sponsorship  Holiday Gift Giving

We operate solely through grants, donations and fundraising. No government funding is received. Every dollar donated goes towards saving the lives of animals in need.

on the Right Paw Start your PET’S YEAR OFF

It’s part of human nature to look at the new year as a clean slate, a tabula rasa on which we can draw up a desired destination over the upcoming 365 days by exercising more, eating cleaner and testing our brains. Our pets may not grasp this concept as instinctively as we do, but they can still benefit from some healthy tweaks to their routine for 2026.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a dog, cat, horse or bearded dragon — your animal friend deserves the best year possible.

We’re going to focus on dogs and cats, but no matter what other species you have in your home you’re likely to be able to find many ideas online and some of the same principles here will apply.

DIET

If your dog or cat is not on a prescribed diet, take a look at their food and whether it’s as nutritious as it could be. They have different nutritional needs to keep in mind: dogs are omnivores and can eat a wider variety of ingredients like vegetables and carbs, while cats are obligate carnivores and required to consume more nutrients they cannot synthesize for themselves.

One basic thing to look for on all pet food packaging is an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement confirming the contents meet the nutritional needs of the species and age group you’re feeding, as determined by experts advising the

BY BLAKE HERZOG

Association of American Feed Control Officers, and meets its labeling requirements. Pet food is regulated at the federal and state levels.

EXERCISE

Cats and dogs have different needs for different types of exercises. Cats tend to be solitary, independent hunters like their ancestors, and can get their approximately 30 minutes of exercise per day through play with people, other pets or their own toys. If they don’t seem to be active enough, take some time to tempt them with a teasing toy or take them on a short walk, if they’re leash-trained.

Almost all dogs can be leash-trained and taking them for at least one walk every day will go a long way toward them getting the exercise they need. Their needs vary by their size and age from about 30 minutes to two hours for the largest and most energetic breeds.

Maintaining a daily routine will keep your pet happy and occupied enough to cut back on any undesirable behaviors like chewing, digging and barking.

GROOMING

All pets need some level of grooming by their owners to keep their skin and hair healthy, free of fleas, ticks and other parasites and stop mat formation dead in its tracks.

Cats are famous for their self-grooming but should be brushed regularly to

prevent shedding and hairballs, as should their mats. Establish a routine for weekly if not more frequent grooming. However, most will fight any attempt to bathe them so don’t do it unless you must.

Dogs’ needs vary with their size, but most should be bathed at home or by the groomer every six to eight weeks. Short-haired dogs should be brushed at least weekly, and more frequently if they have an undercoat. Those with long, silky or wiry hair will need a trim every four to eight weeks depending on their rate of hair growth. Their nails should be trimmed every one to two months.

MORE PREVENTIVE STEPS

Don’t neglect teeth

Pets should have their teeth cleaned, either by their owners or their vet. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a cat or dog who will allow you to do this, make sure you use only veterinary grade products, which can be purchased online, at your vet’s office, pet stores and some big-box stores.

Get them microchipped

It’s the best way we have to identify them if they should ever get separated from their pet parents. A collar and tag will make that process easier, but they’re not foolproof. As long as you register the tag and keep your information current, the benefits greatly outweigh the small risks of the chip migrating or causing other problems.

A first-of-its-kind sanctuary offering families and their beloved pets comfort, dignity, and compassion during life’s final moments.

Created to feel like home, Serenity House provides a quiet, private space where families can spend precious time with their companions surrounded by warmth and understanding. “Serenity House is a soft place to land that every family deserves when they have to make this difficult choice,” says Rich McClish, Executive Director of Yavapai Humane Society. “It’s about slowing down, holding our pets close, and honoring a lifetime of love with compassion and grace.”

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

-ANATOLE FRANCE

Make a Difference with New B eginnings

BY LOREE WALDEN, MARKETING MANAGER, YAVAPAI HUMANE SOCIETY

There’s something truly special about new beginnings. Here at Yavapai Humane Society, we get to see them every single day, and honestly it never gets old. Every adoption is a new chapter waiting to be written — not just for the animals, but for the people who welcome them into their hearts and homes.

For our animals, it’s trading fear for trust, loneliness for love and uncertainty for the feeling of finally being safe. For the people who adopt, it’s often just as life changing. Suddenly there’s this extra heartbeat in your home, someone waiting by the door when you get home, curling up next to you on the couch or making you laugh when you need it most.

Adopting a pet gives you purpose, routine and a sense of being needed. You start noticing the little things more, the morning tail wags, the head tilts, the tiny moments that make you smile. It’s amazing how caring for a pet can lift your spirits, calm your heart and remind you of the simple joys in life.

Pets teach us patience, compassion and how to live in the moment. And sometimes, they even help us heal from things we didn’t realize still hurt.

I’ve seen it time and time again; I’ve lived it myself. These animals have this incredible way of healing us, reminding us of what really matters and showing us unconditional love in its purest form. It’s amazing how a rescue can somehow rescue you right back.

Every animal at YHS has a story. Some have been through heartbreak or loss; others have simply lost their way. But each one deserves a chance to start again — and every adoption gives them that chance. When you adopt, you’re not just changing a life, you’re opening your heart to a whole new kind of love.

As we move into this new season, let’s celebrate the beauty of fresh starts. Whether it’s adopting, volunteering or simply sharing kindness, new beginnings remind us that it’s never too late to make a difference because love always finds a way.

And sometimes, that new beginning you’re giving just might be the one you needed too.

Prevent Winter Break

Brain Freeze

BY NANCY DEWITT, OWNER, PATRIOT PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

Winter break brings a welcome pause from busy school routines — a time for cozy mornings, festive activities and much-needed family connection. But for many K-8 students, those two or three weeks away from class can sometimes lead to a “winter slide,” where reading,

Keep learning light but consistent Maintaining a gentle daily learning rhythm helps keep academic skills fresh. Just 15 to 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.

Encourage reading over breakfast, play word or math games in the car, or have children write a few sentences in a daily journal. These micro-learning moments

Greater Prescott’s libraries are an excellent resource for keeping this momentum going. The Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley public libraries often host winter reading challenges and interactive events for all ages. Families can browse seasonal book displays, pick up reading logs and discover new authors together.

Make reading an adventure

Children who read for pleasure maintain stronger comprehension and vocabulary skills. Let them choose books that spark excitement, from adventure stories to science comics.

Turn reading into a family event: host a cozy “book and blanket” afternoon or start a mini reading club with friends. For early readers, try read-aloud sessions and encourage them to retell the story in their own words. Audiobooks from the library’s digital collection (via Libby or Hoopla) are another engaging option for family road trips or quiet evenings by the fire.

Turn everyday moments into math practice

Winter break offers plenty of opportunities to reinforce math in real life. Cooking together teaches measurement and fractions while shopping for holiday gifts introduces percentages and budgeting.

Younger children can count ornaments or practice addition with playing cards. For older kids, apps like Khan Academy Kids, Prodigy or even strategy board games can keep problem-solving skills active in a fun way.

Local families might also check out STEMfocused programs at the Jim and Linda

Lee Planetarium at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or check out Yavapai Exploration and Science’s (YES!) events listing at www.yes-az.org.

Encourage creative expression

Writing doesn’t need to feel like homework. Ask kids to write thankyou notes after the holidays, create winter-themed stories or jot down goals for the new year. You can even start a simple family newsletter, in which children take turns reporting on weekly highlights or local outings. Providing colorful notebooks, pen or sketchbooks can make writing time feel special rather than structured.

Use screen time wisely

Not all screen time is created equal. Encourage children to engage with interactive learning platforms that inspire curiosity. Websites like PBS Kids, National

Geographic Kids and Scratch for beginner coding blend entertainment with education.

If kids love watching videos, explore educational channels that teach through creativity — from DIY crafts to science experiments they can replicate at home.

Explore local learning opportunities

Winter break also is a great time to connect with hands-on local learning. Visit the Phippen Museum for art inspiration, stroll through Heritage Park Zoo to learn about animal habitats or take a short trip to Watson Lake to explore geology and winter ecosystems firsthand.

These real-world experiences help children connect what they learn in class to the world around them — an important step in lifelong learning.

“Not all screen time is created equal. Encourage children to engage with i nteractive learning platforms that inspire curiosity.”

Education DIRECTORY

UNIVERSITIES/ COLLEGES

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 3700 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott 928.777.6600 www.prescott.erau.edu

Northern Arizona University - Prescott Campus 1100 E. Sheldon St. Prescott 928.523.8047 www.nau.edu/statewidecampuses/nau-yavapai-college

Northern Arizona University - Yavapai

2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott 928.523.2988 http://legacy.nau.edu/statewidecampuses/nau-yavapai

Prescott College 220 Grove Ave. Prescott 877.350.2100 www.prescott.edu

Yavapai College 1100 E. Sheldon St. Prescott 928.717.7777 www.yc.edu

Yavapai College Chino Valley Center 2275 Old Home Manor Dr. Chino Valley 928.717.7720 www.yc.edu

Yavapai College

Prescott Valley Center 3800 N. Glassford Hill Rd. Prescott Valley 928.717.7911 www.yc.edu

TECHNICAL & TRADE SCHOOLS

Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) 220 Ruger Rd., Ste. 1 Prescott 928.776.2002 www.yc.edu/ctec

Leighnor Aircraft LLC 6418 Mac Curdy Dr. Prescott 928.499.3080 www.leighnoraircraft.com

Mountain Institute Career Technical Education District (CTED)

220 Ruger Rd., Ste. 2 Prescott 928.771.0791 www.micted.net

Bright Futures Preschool Humboldt Unified School District 8601 E. Loos Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.5130 bf.humboldtunified.com

Montessori Children's Academy 630 Park Ave., Unit A Prescott 928.445.0649 www.mcaprescott.org

Rogers Academy of Beauty 2375 E. AZ-69 Prescott 928.848.9929 www.rogersacademyofbeauty.com

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Chino Valley Unified School District No. 51 650 E. Center St. Chino Valley 928.636.2458 www.chinovalleyschools.com

Humboldt Unified School District

6901 Panther Path Prescott Valley 928.759.4000 www.humboldtunified.com

Prescott Unified School District No. 1 300 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.445.5400 www.prescottschools.com

Mayer Unified School District No. 43 P.O. Box 1059 12606 E. Main St. Mayer 928.642.1000 www.mayerschools.org

Yavapai Accommodation School District No. 99 K-12

2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott 928.759.8126 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

PRESCHOOLS

American Lutheran School private school 1085 Scott Dr. Prescott 928.778.7049 www.americanlutheranschool.com

Busy Bee Learning Center 8665 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley 928.772.6333

Cedar Tree Montessori private school 129 N. Pleasant St. Prescott 928.771.8785 www.cedartreemontessori.com

Cornerstone Christian Preschool private school

700 W. Rosser St. Prescott 928.771.2754 www.prescottcornerstone.com

Discovery Gardens Preschool Prescott Unified School District 300 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.442.1283 dgardens.prescottschools.com

God's World 3950 N. Valorie Dr. Prescott Valley 928.772.0460

James Family Prescott YMCA 750 Whipple St. Prescott 928.445.7221 www.prescottymca.org/ preschool

Leap & Learn Preschool 7175 E. 2nd St, Ste. B Prescott Valley 928.800.1488 www.leaplearnpreschool.com

Little Explorers Learning Academy 12150 E. Turquoise Cir. Dewey 928.379.5068 www.littleexplorersaz.com

Valley Learning Center 2235 AZ-89, Ste. 1 Chino Valley 928.636.1656 www.valleylearningcenters.net

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Abia Judd Elementary School Prescott Unified School District 1749 Williamson Valley Rd. Prescott 928.717.3263 aj.prescottschools.com

Coyote Springs Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 6625 N. Cattletrack Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4300 cs.humboldtunified.com

Del Rio Elementary School Chino Valley Unified School District 1036 N. Road 1 W. Chino Valley 928.636.4414 drs.chinovalleyschools.com

Granite Mountain Upper Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 1800 Williamson Valley Rd. Prescott 928.717.3253 granitem.prescottschools.com

Granville Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District 5250 N. Stover Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4800 ge.humboldtunified.com

Humboldt Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 2750 S. Corral St. Humboldt 928.759.4400 he.humboldtunified.com

Lake Valley Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 3900 N. Starlight Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4200 lv.humboldtunified.com

Liberty Traditional School

Humboldt Unified School District

K-8

3300 N. Lake Valley Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.759.4500 lib.humboldtunified.com

Lincoln Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 201 Park Ave.

Prescott 928.717.3249 lincoln.prescottschools.com

Mayer Elementary School

Mayer Unified School District No. 43 12568 E. Main St.

Mayer 928.642.1101 www.mayerel.mayerschools.org

Mountain View

Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District 8601 E. Loos Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4700 mv.humboldtunified.com

Taylor Hicks

Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District 1845 Campbell Ave.

Prescott 928.717.3276 taylorh.prescottschools.com

Territorial Early Childhood Center

Chino Valley Unified School District

Preschool-2nd Grade 1088 Mahan Ln. Chino Valley

928.636.3842

tecc.chinovalleyschools.com

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Bradshaw Mountain Middle School

Humboldt Unified School District 12255 Turquoise Cir. Dewey 928.759.4900 ms.humboldtunified.com

Heritage Middle School

Chino Valley Unified School District

1076 N. Road 1 W. Chino Valley

928.636.4464 hms.chinovalleyschools.com

Prescott Mile High Middle School

Prescott Unified School District

300 S. Granite St.

Prescott 928.717.3241 mileh.prescottschools.com

Pronghorn Ridge Middle School

Humboldt Unified School District

6411 N. Robert Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.759.4600 pr.humboldtunified.com

HIGH SCHOOLS

Aspire High School

Yavapai Accommodation School

District No. 99

2972 Centerpointe E. Dr.

Prescott 928.759.8126

www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

Bradshaw Mountain High School

Humboldt Unified School District

6000 Long Look Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4100

hs.humboldtunified.com

Chino Valley High School

Chino Valley Unified School District

760 E. Center St. Chino Valley 928.636.2298 cvhs.chinovalleyschools.com

Mayer High School

Mayer Unified School District No. 43 17300 E. Mule Deer Dr. Mayer 928.642.1200 www.mayerhs.mayerschools.org

Prescott High School

Prescott Unified School District

1050 N. Ruth St. Prescott 928.445.2322

phs.prescottschools.com

Yavapai County High School

Yavapai Accommodation School

District No. 99

2972 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott 928.759.8126 www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Acorn Montessori Schools preschool-8th grade

8085 E. Manley Dr. (preschool-K)

7555 E. Long Look Dr. (K-3) 8556 E. Loos Dr. (4-8) Prescott Valley 928.772.5778 www.acornmontessori.com

Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center (AAEC) high school

7500 E. Skoog Blvd. Prescott Valley 928.775.3200 www.aaechs.com/campuses

BASIS Prescott K-12

1901 Prescott Lakes Pkwy. Prescott 928.277.0334 www.enrollbasis.com/prescott

Franklin Phonetic Primary School K-8

6116 E. AZ-69 Prescott Valley 928.775.6747

La Tierra Community School K-8

124 N. Virginia St. Prescott 928.445.5100 www.latierracommunityschool.org

Mingus Springs Charter School K-8

3600 N. Sunset Dr. Chino Valley 928.636.4766 www.mingusspringsschool.org

Mountain Oak School preschool-8th grade 1455 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott 928.541.7700 www.mountainoakschool.org

Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy middle & high school 551 1st St. Prescott 928.717.3272 www.northpointacademy.org

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

ASCEND School

K-12 special education 3021 Centerpointe E. Dr. Prescott 928.443.9290 www.azautismascend.org

Northwest Christian School Online K-12 602.978.5134 www.ncsonline.org

Orme School high school

1000 E. Orme School Rd. Mayer 928.632.7601 www.ormeschool.org

Prescott Adventist Christian School K-8

2980 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott 928.224.8022 www.prescottadventistchristian school.com

Primavera School preschool-5th grade 1446 Moyer Rd. Prescott 928.445.5382 www.primaveraschool.org

Education DIRECTORY

Receives Grant Central Arizona FIRE AND MEDICAL AUTHORITY (CAFMA)

FOR CAR SEAT SAFETY PROGRAM

The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) is pleased to announce it has been selected as a recipient of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Highway Safety Grant for the third consecutive year.

This grant will further strengthen community safety through its child seat inspections and car seat assistance program.

The state highway safety office has awarded CAFMA a $6,710 grant to support materials, supplies and personnel services. These resources will play a critical role in supporting the organization’s mission to educate parents and caregivers on the correct installation and use of child car seats.

CAFMA has a team of five certified car seat technicians.

“We are grateful for the continued support from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety,” says Darrell Tirpak, Fire Marshal at CAFMA. “This grant allows us to expand our efforts in promoting child passenger safety and provides families with the resources they need to keep their children safe on the road.”

Alongside its educational programs, CAFMA will use the grant to provide a limited number of car seats to families in need. By improving access to these essential safety devices, CAFMA seeks

to reduce the number of preventable injuries and fatalities caused by improper car seat use.

For more information about the car seat assistance program or to schedule an appointment with a certified child passenger safety technician, please contact 928.772.7711

ABOUT CAFMA

The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority provides emergency services and all hazard responses for 369 square miles of Yavapai County, including the towns of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, areas of Paulden and outlying areas of Prescott.

Sacred Heart Catholic School

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR 2025-2026

At

Each

IT IS THE SUPREME ART OF THE TEACHER TO AWAKEN JOY IN CREATIVE EXPRESSI ON AND KNOWLE DGE.

—Albert Einstein

SPONSORED BY

Education is the basis for the growth and progress of society, allowing people to contribute more in their areas of expertise and create better communities. Education on every level develops problem-solving skills and provides the opportunity for empowerment through hard work.

Thank you for reading the Education Section! The section appears in every bimonthly issue including a complete directory, local articles and messages from local schools to help you decide what best suits your personal or family needs.

BY BLAKE HERZOG

Holiday decorations have such a limited annual lifespan that it’s hard for some people to invest too much in them, either financially or emotionally. Before you know it you’ll be boxing them up again and have to face the rest of the long, gray winter without the cheer they provide.

Decking those halls with more homey and natural adornments, on the other hand, can be the key to keeping the spirit of the season going until spring comes prancing onto the scene!

A great compromise between going all-in on the holiday and instilling a more understated winter vibe is to display a fully ornamented tree, menorah or other observance-bound totem through December, then putting it away while keeping the more neutral decorations up as long as you want. You might even be able to leave the tree up after removing the ornaments to serve as an evergreen symbol of life enduring through the cold.

A color reset could be in order as well if your holiday palette is heavy on the deep Santa-suit reds. Red velvet bows and stockings, crimson dishware and berry garlands are self-contained decorations that easily can be put back into storage after shining in front of a more subdued background.

VINTAGE AND RETRO STYLINGS

Winter holidays are imbued with tradition, and we can carry that inspiration through the rest of the season in our homes with vintage or retro figures, fabrics, housewares or even larger items like signs, sleds and fireplace accessories, which are evocative even if you don’t have a fireplace.

Even if most of your year-round home furnishings are contemporary you can integrate throwback items such as these into your décor. In some cases it can help to surround the vintage piece with more modern counterparts to emphasize the differences.

CHROME ACCENTS

Gold and glitter are inextricably woven into the fabric of Christmas and can

seem a little bit out of place once we get past New Year’s, whereas the bright silvery tones of chrome ornaments reflect and enhance the light of every room they’re in without overpowering the scene.

Chrome snowflakes, reindeer, vases or other ornaments of any size can add a futuristic gleam to any tableau, making it easier to look into the new year with anticipation.

LAYERED TEXTILES

You’re going to want to have a bunch of blankets, quilts, afghans, comforters or any other comfy textiles you can find to wrap around yourself and your loved ones during chilly mornings and evenings. When they’re not in use they can

be layered onto your sofas, chairs, benches and beds to amp up the toastiness factor throughout your home.

Don’t forget your floors! Rugs can be layered to elegant effect, as long as you can do it without throwing off the balance of any furniture that’s sitting on top of them.

NATURAL WREATHS

Wreaths fashioned from plastic limbs just don’t have the iconic aroma and aura of an authentic wreath of pine, fir, boxwood, grapevine, grass or other species of vegetation. Fresh, green wreaths may be the most aesthetically pleasing but can take a little more maintenance and will last about one or two months.

Dried wreaths can last for many seasons under the right care and conditions and can be especially vibrant during winter months when adorned with colorful dried flowers and fruits.

CANDLELIGHT

Candlelight, both the flame and LED varieties, is a facet of holiday décor that holds onto its power from January through March or April as its glow melts the frozen sea many of us feel inside of us as the winter drags on. Any type of candle can be used to add a little bit of brightness and heat to everyday living. Scented or not, they elevate a living or family room with the purity of simple light.

Following the Season or Festival of Light you may want to tone down

presentation of the candles, muting the radiance a bit behind frosted glass, mercury glass or wrapped mason jars.

MOODY FLORALS

Fresh florals may be harder to find this time of year, but dried and preserved flowers in deep, dusky hues bring unexpected drama to winter interiors. Think plum-toned hydrangeas, preserved eucalyptus or black-tinted baby’s breath in matte ceramic vessels. These textural bouquets hold up beautifully through the cold months and offer a romantic, old-world vibe that pairs well with rustic or minimalist palettes.

Consider arranging a mix of preserved blooms and branches for dining tables or fireplace mantels. Their sculptural silhouettes create interest even without

bright colors — and unlike fresh flowers, they won’t need water or frequent replacements.

SOFT LIGHTING LAYERS

After the sparkle of holiday string lights fades, subtle ambient lighting can help preserve a sense of magic. Swap harsh overhead fixtures for layered lighting — floor lamps with warm bulbs, battery-operated fairy lights in cloches or LED-lit paper lanterns. The soft glow adds warmth and intimacy to rooms still touched by winter’s chill.

Dimmable table lamps and sconces are ideal for adjusting mood throughout the day, especially as the sun sets early. Consider warm-tone smart bulbs to shift from cozy afternoon glow to evening relaxation, giving you control over your environment with just a tap.

The Perfect Retaining Wall System

VERSA-LOK retaining wall systems are cost-effective, easy-to-install, and give you endless design options.

VERSA-LOK segmental retaining walls are made from high-strength concrete units, dry-stacked, interlocked with pins, and set on granular leveling pads. These mortarless walls do not need frost footings. And when stabilized with geogrid soil reinforcement, VERSA-LOK walls can be built 50 feet tall and even higher. From intricate landscaping features to tall, commercial walls, VERSA-LOK delivers your best value in segmental retaining wall solutions.

BUILDING ARIZONA... ONE BLOCK AT A TIME

BANDED SHADES

CUSTOM STYLES. SHARED VISION.

As your trusted local window treatment partner, we bring expert craftsmanship, personalized design, and dependable service to every project. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or working with a designer, we’ll help deliver spaces that impress–on time and on budget.

Learn more about our in-home consultation and design process for window treatments and outdoor lifetyle products.

PLANTATION SHUTTERS OUTDOOR PATIO SHADES

Furry Friends SAFE FORCreate a Green Oasis

BY KEN LAIN, THE MOUNTAIN GARDENER, WATTERS GARDEN CENTER

Many “pawsitively perfect” pet-friendly plants can add life and beauty to your home without posing a risk to your beloved animals. Here are a few of the best choices.

BOSTON FERN

Its cascading fronds evoke a sense of calm, reminiscent of a peaceful forest, while also purifying the air. This easyto-care-for plant thrives in humidity, making it perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. Its nontoxic nature ensures your pets safely admire its beauty.

BROMELIAD

Imagine a vibrant, tropical flower that brightens your home and coexists peacefully with your furry friends. They are nontoxic to cats and dogs, and

their sturdy leaves even withstand a curious nibble or two. With minimal care requirements and long-lasting blooms, a bromeliad is the perfect pet-friendly plant to add a touch of the tropics to your home.

CALATHEA

With its mesmerizing leaf patterns, like a Rattlesnake plant’s intricate designs or a Prayer plant’s captivating movements, a calathea is a lowmaintenance living work of art. Its nontoxic nature ensures your pets safely satisfy their curiosity.

HAWORTHIA

These are excellent for pet owners looking for low-maintenance, attractive plants. These succulents are known

for their unique textures and shapes, adding visual interest to any space. Their hardiness makes them easy to care for. Haworthias require minimal watering and thrive in bright, indirect light.

PEPEROMIA

This plant boasts a fascinating array of leaf shapes and colors, from the watermelon-esque patterns of the peperomia argyreia to the deep red hues of the peperomia caperata. Not only are they safe for cats and dogs, they are incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in various conditions.

PONYTAIL PALM

Imagine a quirky, Dr. Seuss-like plant as tough as it is charming. This succulent is entirely safe for your furry friends

and practically thrives on neglect. Its swollen trunk stores water, making it drought-tolerant, and it loves basking in bright sunlight. With its whimsical, cascading foliage, the Ponytail palm adds a touch of personality to any space.

PRAYER PLANT

This plant with its captivating foliage resembling hands raised in prayer, folds its leaves up at night and lowers them during the day. This pet-friendly wonder purifies the air while being completely safe for your furry companions. Its easy-going nature means you don’t need a green thumb to keep it thriving.

SPIDER PLANT

The cascading foliage provides a playful texture for curious paws and its nontoxic nature ensures worry-free greenery, even if a nibble is taken. Easy to care for and even easier to propagate, a spider plant is a gift that keeps on giving, offering endless opportunities to share its beauty with friends and family. A must-have for any pet-loving plant enthusiast.

VENUS FLYTRAP

Forget those boring ferns! A Venus flytrap is the ultimate pet-friendly houseplant that offers endless entertainment. Not only is it completely safe for your furry friends, it’s also a fascinating spectacle to observe. Imagine the delight of watching this carnivorous wonder snap shut on unsuspecting flies, providing natural pest control with a side of captivating drama. Its feeding habits and alien-like appearance are guaranteed conversation starters, making it the most interesting pet-friendly plant in your collection. Plus, caring for a Venus flytrap is surprisingly easy, requiring only distilled water and ample sunlight.

SPRUCE UP THE HOLIDAYS

BEYOND PLANT SELECTION

While choosing nontoxic plants is essential, it’s also important to discourage your pets from chewing on them. Provide plenty of engaging toys and activities to keep them occupied. If you notice your pet showing excessive interest in your plants, try using a pet-deterrent spray or placing the plants out of reach.

DESIGN

for B ig LivingSmall Spaces

When space is tight, creativity steps up. Whether you’re downsizing, prepping a cozy guest room or trying to make winter hibernation feel less cramped, small spaces can pack a big punch with the right design choices.

Designing a small space is less about compromise and more about choosing wisely. With smart planning and a few multifunctional tricks even the tiniest room can feel expansive, stylish and ready for anything the season throws your way.

The first rule of smart small-space living? Everything must earn its keep.

That means choosing furniture that works double (or triple) duty. Think of storage ottomans, sleeper sofas or a dining table that folds down when not in use. See if you can find deep built-in drawers to eliminate the need for a bulky dresser. That alone can make a room feel twice as big.

BY BLAKE HERZOG

Vertical space is your secret weapon. Most people decorate side-to-side, but when you go up, you unlock storage gold. Floating shelves, tall cabinets and hanging planters draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height.

In tight kitchens, magnetic knife strips and pegboards can replace drawer clutter.

Winter brings bulk — extra blankets, coats and gear — which means seasonal storage is key. Vacuum-seal bags slide under beds easily, and over-the-door organizers turn closet doors into utility heroes. Don’t overlook wall hooks by the front door or collapsible bins in the entryway for gloves, scarves and boots.

Light and color also play a huge role. Stick with a light, neutral palette to bounce natural light around the room. Add mirrors to double that effect. And

don’t be afraid to go bold in small doses — an accent wall or patterned rug can add personality without overwhelming the space.

Clearly, you’ll need to edit ruthlessly. Clutter shrinks a room faster than anything else. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring joy, it goes. Every item in a small space should be intentional.

And the best news? It’s easy to turn a small space into a warm and cozy winter refuge! Be careful not to overload the room with layers of quilts and blankets that crowd out any people who want to sit there.

All your small space needs is a simple rocking chair with a seat cushion, afghan and overhead reading light to turn it into a delightful nook for reading, knitting or other hobbies.

Winter Warmup Easy Kitchen Tweaks for Cozy Comfort Cooking

Winter is the season for comfort food — and comfort cooking. The kind of slow, soothing, soup-simmering, breadbaking energy that makes the kitchen the warmest place in the house, both literally and emotionally.

But if your space feels more like a fluorescent work zone than the snug heart of your home, it might be time for a kitchen glow-up.

No need to spring for a full reno. With a few smart, seasonal upgrades, you can make your kitchen a joy to cook in all winter long — without crossing the line into quickly dated holiday kitsch.

HERB POTS WITH A SIDE OF SUNSHINE

Start with your windowsill. A row of small potted herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage does double duty. They add fresh

BY BLAKE HERZOG

flavor to hearty winter meals and bring a welcome touch of green to gray days. Choose clay or matte ceramic pots in neutral or earthy tones. Bonus points if you catch a bit of afternoon sun — they’ll thrive and so will your mood.

COZY APRON HOOKS, NOT CLUTTER

If your go-to apron lives on the back of a chair (or stuffed in a drawer), fix that. Install a pair of warm wood hooks near your prep area. Hang your favorite apron, maybe a vintage linen one, or something in a rich, wintery fabric. It’s a small touch, but it signals comfort, intention and readiness to create.

SLEEK UNDER-CABINET LIGHTING

Overhead fluorescents make everything look harsh, especially at night. Instead, add under-cabinet LED strips or puck lights in a soft, warm tone (2700K is the sweet spot). They’re easy to install and

instantly change the atmosphere. The effect: less “task station,” more “evening ritual.”

KEEP IT SEASONAL

Skip the reindeer mugs and tinsel. Aim for subtle, festive countertop touches that are wintry but not holiday-specific. A carved wooden bowl of citrus. A cinnamon stick bundle in a glass jar. A small stack of cookbooks with spiced recipes. A dark plaid or wool-patterned dish towel. Set it up as a winter lodge, not a Christmas village.

FINAL STIR

A kitchen glow-up isn’t about aesthetics alone, it’s about making the space feel more like yours, especially during the season when we cook and host more and crave warmth on every level. A few intentional tweaks can turn everyday meal prep into nourishing meals.

FIREPLACE Alternatives

STILL WARM THE HEART

Not every home comes with a fireplace, and not everyone wants the upkeep. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the cozy, soul-warming vibe a fire brings. There are plenty of fireplace alternatives that give off the same inviting energy without the chimney, smoke or ash cleanup.

These options don’t just warm the room — they warm the mood.

TABLETOP FIRE PITS: FLAME, UP CLOSE

For instant ambiance, a tabletop fire pit delivers. Fueled by clean-burning ethanol or gel, these mini flames add a flicker of warmth to any space, like a coffee table, dining nook or balcony. Look for models in stone, concrete or matte metal for a sleek look.

They don’t throw off a ton of heat, but they bring just enough glow.

FAUX LOG BURNERS:

NO FIRE, ALL FEEL

Electric “log burners” mimic the look of a wood stove, crackling logs and all, without the hassle. Some models even include sound effects to simulate the snap and pop of burning wood. Set one in a corner, plug it in and enjoy the instant cabin vibe. Add a chair and a knit throw, and you’ve got yourself a fireside reading spot, minus the flame.

RADIANT WALL PANELS:

WARMTH

YOU CAN FEEL

Radiant heat panels are sleek, silent and surprisingly effective. Mounted on walls or ceilings, they gently radiate heat without blowing air or drying out the room. They’re especially great for bedrooms, bathrooms or chilly corners where traditional heaters don’t reach. Some panels even double as minimalist wall art — functional and beautiful.

LAYERED RUGS:

WARM FROM THE GROUND UP

Cold floors kill the cozy vibe fast. Combat this with layers by starting with a base rug, then adding a smaller, softer one on top in hightraffic or lounging zones. Mix textures like wool, faux fur and thick cotton for a plush, insulating effect. It’s a trick borrowed from Scandinavian interiors.

TEXTILES:

LET THEM HUG THE ROOM

When there’s no hearth, textiles do the heavy lifting. Use thick curtains that keep the draft out, oversized knit throws draped on chairs, sherpa-lined cushions and plush flannel sheets. The more tactile the better. You’re building a space that feels like it wants to hold you. Together, these layers soften every corner and make the whole room feel instantly warmer.

Outdoor Winter DECOR:

BRING LIFE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON

Winter doesn’t have to mean a flat, lifeless front porch. Even when the ground is frozen and the trees are bare, your exterior can still look thoughtful, welcoming and full of texture. It’s not about holiday excess or over-the-top displays. It’s about embracing the season’s stillness and making it feel intentional.

You don’t need flowers or greenery in bloom to have a beautiful exterior. With smart layering, bold textures and a few winter-hardy elements, your home can look alive and inviting all season long — no thawing required.

HARDY PLANTERS THAT DON’T QUIT

When summer blooms are long gone, evergreen planters step in. Use weatherproof pots in natural stone, rusted metal or matte ceramic. Fill them with cold-hardy elements like

boxwood, cedar, juniper or dwarf spruce. Add trailing ivy or ornamental grasses for movement.

STUNNING DECORATIVE BRANCHES

Bare doesn’t mean boring. Red twig dogwood, birch poles and curly willow branches can turn a plain planter into a sculptural centerpiece. Arrange them upright or fan them out like an abstract bouquet. Mix in a few sprigs of pine or eucalyptus for contrast. These branches hold their shape through snow, wind and ice, and they look even better frosted.

NATURAL SEASONAL WREATHS

Skip plastic and glitter. Go for wreaths made with real or lifelike materials — think fresh evergreen, dried citrus, pinecones or seed pods. Grapevine bases with subtle natural accents work beautifully through the whole season,

not just December. Hang them on your front door, windows or even fence posts to echo the natural beauty of winter.

LIGHT THAT GLOWS, NOT GLARES

Twinkling lights aren’t just for Christmas. Choose warm-white string lights or lantern-style LEDs to cast a soft glow on porches, railings and planters. Use timers to keep it low-maintenance. Add just enough glow to feel cozy and intentional, not blinding. Soft, indirect lighting gives texture to snow-covered surfaces and adds warmth to cold corners.

INVITE, DON’T OVERWHELM

The beauty of winter is in contrast: rough bark, soft needles, smooth stone, cold metal. Let those elements show. Layer materials like wooden crates, wool doormats and galvanized buckets to create a tactile mix that holds visual interest even on the grayest days.

& B eautify Declutter YOUR SPACE FOR THE NEW YEAR

Decluttering for the new year isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating space to breathe, think and live with more intention. And with a few smart upgrades, even the most practical storage solutions can feel curated, cozy and totally your style.

CONTAINERS

Start with the basics of beautiful storage. Look for handwoven baskets, seagrass bins and soft canvas totes. These aren’t just containers, they’re part of the decor. Tuck them under benches, stack them in open shelves or line them along entryways. Use them to corral the usual chaos like scarves, shoes, dog leashes and mail. Everything has a place.

HOOKS

Stylish hooks will be your best friends. Matte black, brushed brass or natural

BY BLAKE HERZOG

wood hooks add a clean, sculptural touch to walls. Use them by the door for coats and bags, in the bathroom for towels or in the bedroom for tomorrow’s outfit. They save space and elevate the room, but don’t let them overtake the walls.

FURNISHINGS

Next up: multipurpose furniture. If you’re short on square footage (and who isn’t?), every piece should pull its weight. Ottomans with hidden storage. Benches with built-in cubbies. Side tables that double as magazine racks. These clever finds help keep surfaces clear and essentials close.

NATURE

Don’t forget natural materials. Decluttering shouldn’t mean adding more plastic. Opt for wood, metal, rattan, cotton and linen. Not only do

these materials last longer, they age better and bring warmth to your space. A room that’s both organized and inviting is the goal.

ZONES

The trick to decluttering is to think in zones. One weekend, tackle the entryway. Next, the kitchen counter. Then the bedroom closet. Take it slow, and don’t just toss — edit. Keep what you love, what you use and what fits your life right now.

VIGILANCE

Don’t wait until 2027 to put your clutter in your crosshairs again. This should be a year-round journey, dedicated to removing unneeded objects before they take root in your home and become “belongings” that are harder to get rid of.

Daryl Weisser

Karen Shaw

Daryl Weisser

Rhonda King

Chris Bellos

Photo by Broken Star Photography, James Bau

Step back in time to where it all began... In 1907, Sharlot M. Hall hosted The Hassayampers’ Evening— a night of music, poetry, and storytelling that shared her dream of a museum for Prescott, a dream she would not realize for more than two decades. On January 17, 2026, relive that extraordinary night in a special recreation honoring Sharlot’s enduring vision and the community she inspired.

January 17, 2026 • 3pm

15th Annual Whiskey Row BOOT DROP Celebrate the

The Whiskey Row Boot Drop is back and bigger than ever, celebrating its 15th year as Northern Arizona’s most iconic New Year’s Eve event. On Wednesday, Dec. 31, thousands will gather in historic downtown Prescott to welcome the new year with the drop of a dazzling 6-foot illuminated cowboy boot from the Palace Building’s 40-foot flagpole.

This year’s milestone event builds on the excitement of last year’s worldwide recognition, when CNN broadcasted the Boot Drop live to a global audience.

“It was incredible to see our small-town tradition featured on an international stage,” says Matt Brassard, producer of the Whiskey Row Boot Drop. “We’re thrilled to continue sharing Prescott’s unique charm and western heritage with the world.”

The celebration will feature two boot drops — one at 10 p.m. to coincide with the New York City ball drop and another at midnight — each accompanied by spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the Prescott night sky.

“The Boot Drop is more than just a party; it’s a celebration of our community and our western roots,” says Tracey Horn, founder of the Whiskey Row Boot Drop and owner of Helken & Horn Advertising. “What started 15 years ago with just 4,000 attendees has grown into a tradition that now draws over 20,000 people. It’s a bucket-list event that brings joy, hope and togetherness as we step into the new year.”

The entertainment lineup includes live music from The Instant Classics, a renowned classic rock and top 40s cover band from Phoenix. Attendees also can enjoy food from local street vendors, carnival games and prizes throughout

the evening. Hosting the festivities will be Leza Lachapelle Dandos of Leza Live 1490AM/103.5FM and Marco Espitia of M & M Entertainment.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

Where: Whiskey Row, Downtown Prescott Highlights: Two boot drops (10 p.m. and midnight), fireworks, live music, food vendors, games, and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly for this outdoor event, and celebrate responsibly.

The Whiskey Row Boot Drop is presented by Findlay Auto Group Prescott, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, and the Experience Prescott Office of Tourism.

For more information, contact Matt Brassard at 1.800.975.0013 or visit www.bootdrop.com

SUBMITTED BY HELKEN & HORN ADVERTISING AGENCY, PHOTO BY BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY

“Where there is no wine, there is no love.”

–

Euripides

Festive to Functional: Transitioning Beauty FOR THE REST OF WINTER

BY BLAKE HERZOG

The sparkle and shimmer of the holiday season have a special kind of magic — luminous skin, bold lips and glistening shadows that catch every twinkle of the lights. But as the decorations come down, many find themselves craving a beauty reset to a simpler, lower-effort look that feels fresh without losing that post-celebratory glow.

The key is refinement, not removal. Rather than abandoning everything festive, selectively carry forward elements that spark joy while letting go of what feels too party oriented. Here’s how to gracefully glide from glitter to glow.

START WITH THE BASE

After weeks of heavy makeup, rich creams and setting sprays, your skin deserves a detox. Start with a gentle exfoliant to slough off buildup and restore radiance. Follow with a hydrating serum and a lightweight moisturizer. Switch from full-coverage foundations to tinted moisturizers or skin tints — formulas that even your tone without masking your complexion. The goal is skin that looks lighted from within, not by sparkle.

MILK THAT TONER

If you’re using toner, it’s worth checking out the “milky” products that K-beauty influencers introduced and are trending upward again.

These have a creamy consistency that’s wonderfully hydrating for this arid season without clogging pores, though the heaviest ones might not be a good bet for oily skin types. It may work better for the cold season than the lightness of watery toner and the astringence of alcohol-based toner.

SIMPLIFY THE EYES

Glitter shadows and metallic liners were made for December nights up through New Year’s Eve, but January calls for something softer. Swap high-shine shimmer for satin or matte neutrals in taupe, rose or cocoa.

A single wash of color across the lid paired with lengthening mascara offers

definition without drama. For a touch of life, use a champagne highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes — it brightens without feeling like it’s blinding.

REFRESH THE LIPS

The bright season of red and berry lips gives way beautifully to balmy tints and glosses. Choose a rosy nude or soft coral stain that enhances your natural lip tone. If you’re craving a little more richness you can go with deep burgundy or plum shades that always work as a cool, moody post-holiday vibe. Hydrating formulas with shea butter or hyaluronic acid will soothe dryness from winter air while maintaining a polished, put-together feel.

KEEP A HINT OF GLOW

A cream highlighter dabbed along cheekbones or a dewy finishing spray can maintain a subtle radiance. The trick is moderation — think candlelight, not disco ball. Another approach you can try is “pearl” skin, moving away from the dewiness and toward the luminosity that stems from illuminating powder pearl dust blended onto the apples of cheeks, the ridges of cheekbones and the crowns of foreheads.

A NAILED-DOWN AESTHETIC

Faces sparkle a bit during the holidays, but our nails often take the lead in that department. Come January it’s time to tone it down while maintaining a warm and strong look. Trendy creamy latte manis in any neutral shade make a toasty and cozy statement that will soften hearts until the spring thaw.

RECLAIM JOY IN YOUR ROUTINE

Just because the parties are over doesn’t mean beauty has to feel boring. Try new skin care rituals, experiment with minimalist looks or embrace a “five-minute face” that celebrates how refreshed, confident and real you feel after the grind of the holidays.

THE FIVE-MINUTE FACE

Many versions of this routine exist online but one of the best is offered by Haley Bogaert on www.forbes.com . The founder of makeup brand HBFace counsels start with a coverage stick with light SPF protection and apply it over the face with a blender brush. Then go back with the same stick and use it as a concealer. Follow that with a powdered bronzer applied to the cheeks and dusted over the rest.

Take a tint stick to the eyelids, lips and cheeks, a brow glaze to give them a laminated look and finish with two layers of mascara.

Beauty & WellnessSERVICES

A Borgata Salon

3755 Karicio Ln., Ste. A

Prescott

928.443.9119

www.aborgatasalon.com

A Dream by Day

721 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott 928.710.4753

www.adreambyday.com

Aria Aesthetics & Permanent Makeup

1955 Commerce Center Cir., Ste. A

Prescott

928.298.5974

www.aria-aesthetics-pmu.com

Aphrodite Aesthetics & Wellness

3619 Crossings Dr., Ste. A

Prescott

928.362.7773

www.aphroditeaestheticsaz.com

A Valley of Vitality

2047 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott 928.442.6026

www.avalleyofvitality.com

Bella Luna Beauty Salon & Supply

3147 N. Robert Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.775.6706 www.bellalunahair.com

Cashmere Day Spa & Wellness

8600 E. Valley Rd., Ste. D

Prescott Valley 928.499.8271

www.cashmereinclusive.com

Dermatology & Skin Care by Shelly

1598 Susan A Williams Way, Ste. E

Chino Valley

928.499.2915

www.dermatologybyshelly.com

Desert Rose Retreat

Salon + Medspa 701 S. Ruth St.

Prescott

928.778.9798

www.desertroseretreat.com

Enhanced Beauty by Reagan 1320 Iron Springs Rd., Ste. B

Prescott

928.713.5271

www.enhancedbeautybyreagan.as.me

Era Salon & Spa 515 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott

928.778.0860

www.erasalonandspa.com

Exclusively Glamorous 3128 N. Tani Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.910.1747

www.exclusivelyglamorous.com

Hair by Joey 1559 & 1569 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.396.1695 www.hairbyjoey.com

Jess D Aesthetics 1320 Iron Springs Rd., Ste. B

Prescott 928.713.6150 www.aboostwellness.net

La Lumière

214 N. McCormick St.

Prescott 928.899.7021

www.lalumierelaser.com

Local Body Bar 1519 W. Gurley St., Ste. D

Prescott

928.224.9014

www.localbodybar.com

LUXE | ABOOST

1320 Iron Springs Rd.

Prescott 928.910.4111 www.aboostwellness.net

Prescott Medical Aesthetics & Wellness

172 E. Merritt St., Ste. E

Prescott 928.277.7414

www.prescottbotox.com

TUESDAY-FRIDAY:

continued from page 128

Prescott Skin Care

1000 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. G

Prescott 928.275.1121 www.prescottskin.com

R & R Aesthetics

100 N. Summit Ave., Ste. D

Prescott 928.460.3866 ritualrest.glossgenius.com

Rogers Academy of Beauty 2375 E. AZ-69

Prescott 928.848.9929 www.rogersacademyofbeauty.com

Salon Tru Blu & Day Spa 1436 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.445.4126 www.salontrublu.com

Salud Spa

309 E. Gurley St.

Prescott

480.384.0380 www.salud-spa.com

Skin Lounge by J 8148 E. AZ-69

Prescott Valley 928.515.3006 www.facebook.com/skinloungebyj

Skin Perfection Med Spa

3190 Clearwater Dr.

Prescott

928.541.0003 www.skinperfectionaz.com

SkinPlus MedSpa 1747 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott 928.582.0716 www.skinplusmedspa.com

Sola Salons 1046 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. 105

Prescott

402.680.1206

www.solasalonstudios.com/ locations/willow-creek-road

Strada Salon 931 12th Pl.

Prescott 928.778.2028 www.stradasalonaz.com

Studio ROX

720 N. Montezuma St., Ste. A

Prescott 928.351.1555 www.studio-rox.com

The Hormone Zone Med Spa 720 N. Montezuma St., Ste. C Prescott

928.813.0366 www.hormonezonemedspa.com

The Rancher’s Wife Salon 2235 S. AZ-89

Chino Valley 928.636.4637 www.facebook.com/ TheRanchersWifeSalon

The Reset Aesthetics and Wellness 1470 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.277.8860 www.theresetaesthetics.com

Whiskey and Willow Salon and Boutique 1511 W. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.642.3236 www.whiskeyandwillowaz.com

Wilson Aesthetics Beauty & Wellness 8196 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley 928.350.5484

www.wilsonaestheticsaz.com

Put the 'Win'

IN WINTER FASHION BY USING SEASONAL SHADES

During winter, especially after the holidays have passed us by, our fashion palette tends to veer one of two ways: saturated blues, greens and reds paired with stark whites and blacks or near-fluorescent brights to counteract the chill coming from the air.

But you can always draw some inspiration from our dramatic wintertime landscape, which offers a wider variety than you might expect. Here, we’ll offer some ideas for shades that mimic Greater Prescott’s earthy vitality by drawing inspiration from one of our most photographed spots, Watson Lake in the Granite Dells. Perception of color can be somewhat subjective and natural features can look different depending on the weather and time of day, but we’ll do our best to match specific hues to our environment.

BURNT SIENNA

This luminous yet grounded color can be found throughout the Granite Dells, still carrying the energy created 1.4 billion years ago as magma cooled while being pushed above ground and was weathered over millennia to become the boulders and cliffs that

BY BLAKE HERZOG

define this wonderfully rugged area surrounding Watson and Willow lakes. The stone looks especially ruddy under a dusting of snow.

This subtly warm color may strike some observers as more autumnal than wintry, but it can inject some heat into the winter landscape without overcompensating. It can recharge your winter outfits as a comfy sweater or luxurious shawl.

It also can be found on slacks, pants and skirts. It may have its greatest power on leather or suede accessories like jackets, belts, shoes and bags.

SKY BLUE

You can get ethereal energy from the sky overhead and the water underneath when you’re at Watson Lake. This light color has a surprising strength coming from its presence in the most important elements of our environment — water and air. Sky blue is a fantastic alternative or complement to the starker whites and off-whites that tend to dominate the season.

This refreshing hue looks great on turtlenecks, sweaters, cardigans and

denim shirts and jeans. A low-key sexy wool dress will keep you toasty and near the center of attention. Sky blue scarves on the head and about the shoulders can elevate your mood and your features. A cute knit beanie or beret lets you snatch a piece of sky to top off your ensemble majestically.

WHITE

Winter and white are pretty much inseparable if you live in Northern Arizona or most other parts of the country. Snow doesn’t fall or stick around here like it does in Flagstaff, but it’s still a defining feature of the season.

Type “winter landscape in Prescott, Arizona” into any browser and the results will be dominated by snaps of Watson Lake and its surrounding snowdusted boulders.

The calm and purity of a true white sweater or pair of slacks centers your outfit and opens you up to the world. It pairs beautifully with burnt sienna and sky blue to create a perfectly wintry tableau that doesn’t meet expectations but exceeds them by bringing its brighter, warmer aspects to the forefront.

Adorn Interiors

134 N. Cortez St.

Prescott

928.445.3505

www.adorninteriordesigns.com

Afterglow Jewelers

7025 E. Florentine Rd., Ste. 106

Prescott Valley 928.515.3552

www.afterglowjewelers.com

Amish Home Decor

2710 N. Glassford Hill Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.277.8267

www.amishfurniturepv.com

Artful Eye Jewelry Design Center

124 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott 928.445.5570

www.artfuleyejewelers.com

Bashford Courts

130. W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.642.7984

www.bashfordcourts.com

Bella Home Furnishings

115 W. Willis St.

Prescott

928.458.7275

www.bellahomefurnishings.com

Blush & Cactus Boutique

121 N. Cortez St.

Prescott

928.277.1174

www.blushandcactus.com

Carrie Weldon Gallery & Boutique

219 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.910.6402

www.carrieweldon.com

Classy N Sassy

220 W. Goodwin St., No. 3

Prescott

928.776.7467

www.facebook.com/ NewClassyNSassyBoutique

Creations in Thread

1046 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. 101

Prescott

928.800.2270

www.creationsinthread.com

Drawn West

134 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.778.5725

www.drawnwestaz.com

Drifter's

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 101

Prescott

928.458.7131

www.prescottdrifters.com

Fancy That!

124 N. Granite St., No. A

Prescott 928.445.1883

www.fancythatprescott.com

continued on page 136

continued from page 134

Fite Girls Boutique

210 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.445.3524 www.facebook.com/fitelikeagirl

French Hen Boutique

212 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.445.3424

Frontier Village Center 1841 E. AZ-69

Prescott 928.777.0532 www.frontier-village.com

Goldmine Jewelers

106 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott 928.442.9167

Gypsy Vibes Boutique

103 N. Cortez St.

Prescott

928.583.9554 www.gypsyvibesboutique.com

Joe’s Furniture

3787 Karicio Ln.

Prescott

928.778.7593 www.joesfurnitureaz.com

Lamerson’s Jewelery

105 N. Cortez St.

Prescott

928.771.0921 www.lamersonjewelry.com

Lost in Socks

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 303

Prescott

928.445.1833 www.facebook.com/LostInSocks

Old Firehouse Plaza

220 W. Goodwin St.

Prescott

928.925.6111 www.oldfirehouseplaza.com

Palomino Lifestyle Co.

107 E. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.350.6268 www.palominolifestyleco.com

Personal Touch Jeweler

377 N. Montezuma St., Ste. A-106

Prescott 928.777.9090

Prescott Consignment Galleries

415 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott 928.443.8665

Pine Ridge Marketplace 3250 Gateway Blvd.

Prescott

928.442.3605 www.pineridgemarketplace.com

Purple Clover Boutique

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 205

Prescott

928.499.5195

www.purplecloverprescott.shop

Queen Esther’s Closet

7025 E. Florentine Rd., Ste. 104

Prescott Valley 928.899.5516

Raskin’s Jewelers

110 W. Gurley St. Prescott 928.445.6120 www.raskinsjewelers.com

Scarlett’s Curated Collection

107 N. Cortez St., Ste. 100 Prescott 928.227.2581 www.scarlettsinprescott.com

SMARTgirls Resale Fashion

7025 E. Florentine Rd., Ste. 107 Prescott Valley 928.772.1227

www.smartgirlsfashion.com

The Clothes Hound

122 S. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.771.0811 www.clotheshoundclothingco.com

The Hike Shack

104 N. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.443.8565 www.thehikeshack.com

Three Sisters Consignment 4077 N. AZ-89 Prescott 928.777.0107 www.threesistersconsignment.com

Wardrobe

520 W. Sheldon St., Ste. 2A Prescott 310.709.8099

Whatever Was

124 S. Granite St. Prescott 928.778.4186

www.facebook.com/pastafajole

FOR THE LATEST IN LIFESTYLE, WELLNESS & DESIGN TRENDS, ENJOY THE CURRENT ISSUE WITH AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

WINTER HIKING GUIDE: Health PERKS

& HOW TO HIT THE TRAIL

BY BLAKE HERZOG

We’ve finally made it to winter, the star of Prescott’s revered fourseason climate, and as many of us know there’s no reason to curb our quintessential outdoor activity — hiking — when our temps drop into the 40s and below.

It can be more enjoyable, and in some ways safer, than trekking in bakedboulder-strewn canyons during the height of summer. Read on to learn about the benefits of winter hikes and how to do them safely.

MORE CALORIES BURNED

Studies have found winter temperatures do cause people to expend more energy just to stay warmer by turning unhealthy “white fat” into “brown fat” that’s more efficient at burning calories.

ENHANCED ENDURANCE

Any kind of exercise creates heat, which the body must counteract in hot or humid weather to keep your internal temperature from overheating. Since this isn’t a concern in cold weather your body has more energy to keep you moving, so you can keep up your pace longer and elongate your workout time.

GENTLER ON YOUR JOINTS

Walking on snow, even when it’s compacted, is easier on your joints than most other surfaces. This can hike up your fitness so you’re in better shape for spring and summer treks.

FIGHTS THE SAD

Seasonal affective disorder slows down many people in the winter due

to less exposure to light and sun, but spending time in whatever sunlight is available in the winter months has clear benefits for counteracting the winter blues, not to mention helping vitamin D levels.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

If you’re not a winter person, getting out and hiking in the winter teaches you that it doesn’t have to mean the end of your outdoor existence. The right clothes, fuel and training can help you discover the pleasure of bracing winter breezes, the beauty and fun factor of snow and the fullbody workout of ice skating, among other winter treats.

Simply getting outside will help you acclimate to the cold.

RIGHT TIME OF THE YEAR

Hiking is one of many activities that tends to be moved to the back burner once autumn’s crispness morphs into winter’s chill and ice, but it doesn’t need to be and you’re missing a lot when you do.

The reduced number of tourists adds to the deep peace you find in nature while leaving more space for wildlife to come out and play, all while the frost eliminates most of the bugs you must contend with during hotter times of the year.

You need to take precautions to hike during winter, but that’s true no matter the season. There are always tradeoffs — needing to bundle up means you don’t need to wear as much sunscreen because most of your skin is covered, for example.

Here are some cold-weather hiking tips from the American Hiking Society so you can experience those breathtaking snowcapped horizons.

DON’T TOSS THE SUNSCREEN

Winter hikers still need to think about the sun’s glare reflecting off white snow, along with the fact that its UV rays don’t switch off when the weather grows cold.

DRESS IN LAYERS

Wear several layers you can peel off or put on when you stop and go on the trail. Your base layer should be a wicking fabric that will pull your sweat away from the skin. Excess moisture that isn’t allowed to escape can freeze and cause hypothermia.

WEAR A HAT

Our heads are filled with oxygencarrying capillaries that fuel our brains and consume one-third of the body’s energy. During the colder months it is important to keep your head covered to maintain brain function and not lose precious body heat. You may want to bring a warmer/heavier hat to wear during rest periods.

KEEP YOUR WATER BOTTLE WARM

To keep water from freezing, keep your water bottle on the inside of your jacket — properly sealed, of course.

BE PREPARED FOR SHORTER DAYS

Get a good idea of the usable daylight hours before going hiking. Always carry a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.

Willow Creek Park: STRIVING FOR Efficiency, Wellness of Future Generations

BY LACEY MEDINA, ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST, CITY OF PRESCOTT RECREATION SERVICES, PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF PRESCOTT PARKS & RECREATION

Hard work is underway at Willow Creek Park as Prescott’s Recreation Services Department works diligently to continue the revitalization of the multiuse complex, which currently provides a community dog park, basketball courts, lake access and nearby trails.

The department’s latest efforts are focused on updating the ball field, set for completion in time for the 2026 softball and baseball seasons.

The new and improved Willow Creek Park will become an essential component in the city’s efforts to accommodate sporting events such as baseball and

softball for a variety of user groups and special events throughout the year.

The addition of sod turf, new irrigation, reduced infield, new infield material and a block wall for proper drainage, will improve the overall health and efficiency of the field in years to come. Some additional upgrades include fencing, benches, bases and scoreboard, making the field a dream-come-true for players.

Using technology such as a laser-grader to perform leveling of the in-field, the city shows just how vital and helpful technological advancements can be to the benefit of the community and help

the department achieve its goals. The park’s ability to accommodate all ages, sports and events makes it another example of the ways in which the Recreation Services Department continues its tireless efforts to provide outdoor recreational spaces for the community, with future generations in mind, and its dedication to continually move into the future and advocate for the health and wellness of friends, families and fellow Prescottonians.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the grand reopening of Willow Creek Park set for spring 2026!

PUPPER PAINTINGS & PROMS: Prescott Valley’s

Fun Never Stops

BY ASHLIE

Break in the new year with Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation! Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or expand on your skill and knowledge, our programs are a great way to get active, involved and learn something new. Does your dog want to get in touch with their artistic side? Join the Pupper Paint Party on Wednesday, Jan. 7 to unlock their inner PAWcasso from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Meet other dog parents and create art both you and your four-legged friend dig.

Welcome to Babysitter Training on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This

program provides youth who are breaking into the babysitter business with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for children and infants. In this Red Cross course they will learn basic care for infants and children, basic first aid/child CPR, child behavior, age-appropriate activities and so much more.

Don’t forget to celebrate National Appreciate a Dragon Day on Friday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. with a story time of Dragons Love Tacos and a fun interactive craft at Read and Rec. This free program is a great way to spend time with your little one.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year at our Very Important Person (VIP) Dance and Adult Prom on Saturday, Feb 7. Whether you are a parent, grandparent or guardian, the VIP Dance is for you and your little one! Enjoy brunch and games with your child, and dance the morning away. Don’t forget to wear semi-formal attire and get your pictures at the photo op to capture the special memories of the day.

Break out the formal attire and grab your partner later that evening for Adult Prom! Join us for an evening of dancing, dining and more at this year’s magical ball.

BIGELOW, MARKETING SPECIALIST, PRESCOTT VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRESCOTT VALLEY PARKS & REC

H ighlands Center Announces New Status as Accredited Arboretum

SUBMITTED BY HIGHLANDS CENTER FOR NATURAL HISTORY

Achieving ArbNet Level I Arboretum Accreditation is a meaningful milestone for the Highlands Center for Natural History. It affirms the center’s commitment to stewarding and celebrating the biodiversity of this unique ecoregion.

It also deepens the center’s mission: To help children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land.

This recognition strengthens the center’s ability to engage the public in understanding the ecological importance of native trees and plants while fostering a culture of awareness throughout the community.

ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. The accreditation program is the only global

initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards.

The Highlands Center for Natural History is an 80-acre campus situated within Prescott National Forest under a special use permit. At the heart of the site lies the James Family Discovery Gardens, a thoughtfully designed, 5-acre arboretum that highlights the rich botanical diversity of the Central Highlands of Arizona. These gardens serve as a living showcase of the region’s major plant communities — from the dense chaparral slopes of scrub oak and manzanita to the cooling shade of riparian willows, the iconic Ponderosa pine woodlands, and the transitional zones of pinyon pine, alligator juniper and grassland species such as prickly pear and banana yucca.

This immersive landscape invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the wonders of native flora. Fully ADA accessible, the James Family Discovery Gardens are lined with interpretive signage and thoughtfully curated pathways that encourage exploration, discovery, reflection, wonder and connection to the natural world.

Formed in 1996, the Highlands Center for Natural History is a nonprofit organization and a regional hub for lifelong learning, designed to invite discovery of the wonders of nature through on and offsite programs and includes an inviting venue for community events. It is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners. Visit www.highlandscenter.org for more.

YAVAPAI COLLEGE’S PRESIDENT APPOINTED TO ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY BOARD

Yavapai College President Lisa Rhine has joined the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Board of Directors after 10 community college presidents of the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council unanimously nominated her to represent the state’s community colleges on the board.

Dr. Rhine replaced Mohave Community College President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein in the role.

“The Arizona Commerce Authority is a vital organization to help grow and strengthen our economy in Arizona, and I am honored to be named to the Board of Directors,” Rhine said. “Yavapai College and the network of community colleges throughout the state have a significant positive impact on Arizona’s economy by providing education and training for several industries.”

The authority uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.

Rhine, the 10th president of Yavapai College, has more than 36 years of leadership experience in colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia and Arizona. She serves on numerous local, regional and national commissions, task forces and boards including the Commission on Economic and Workforce Development for the American Association of Community Colleges and is the presidential liaison for the state of Arizona to the American Council on Education Women’s Network.

The Arizona Commerce Authority is overseen by a public-private sector board of directors

bringing together industry, academia and government. Chaired by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, the board is comprised of the state’s most prominent private-sector business leaders, university and community college presidents and elected officials.

The ACA’s executive management team drives the organization’s day-to-day operations, ensuring it maintains focus on the recruitment of quality companies and jobs to the state of Arizona. The team brings together the best and brightest in economic development, management and communications.

The Arizona Community College Coordinating Council works to raise the visibility and

understanding of the significant impact of community colleges, provides strong legislative and public advocacy, and advances shared initiatives through the Arizona Center for Community College Success, strategic partnerships, and its various committee initiatives. More information about the AC4 can be found at www.arizonacommunitycolleges.org

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu

Dr. Lisa Rhine PHOTO COURTESY OF YAVAPAI COLLEGE

Jody Drake

Recreating H istory: SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM BRINGS HASSAYAMPERS’ EVENING BACK TO LIFE

BY BLAKE HERZOG, PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM

Jody Drake stepped into the role of Sharlot Hall 33 years ago to portray the trailblazing Prescott woman, an author, poet, historian and activist who worked in the early 20th century to create the local history museum eventually named after her. She’s made countless appearances as Hall on and off the museum grounds in plays and other events, usually writing her own scripts. She knows the role.

Yet she’s intimidated by an upcoming performance set for 3 p.m., Jan. 17, at the Elks Theatre, 119 years and two days after Hall hosted the first fundraiser for her museum, Hassayampers’ Evening, on the

same stage. Drake’s mission: to re-create that program of music and poetry, all of the latter from Hall herself.

“It’s completely different from anything that you have today,” Drake says. “There’s no hype, there’s no punchlines. It’s pure poetry, fine music and an elegant evening of intellectual conversations. In some ways when I first looked at this, I thought it was terrifying. How do I present this to the public and have them not run out screaming in the first 10 minutes?”

She has been considering some updates to the production, such as video

projections to accompany her recitation of several of Hall’s poems, but generally intends to preserve as much of the spirit of that long-ago staging.

“This is a re-creation of the actual evening. We have the program from the actual evening with an exact description of how the evening went down.”

The idea for this re-enactment was sparked when Deputy Director for Museum Program Paul Fees, PhD, ran across the program in the museum’s files, along with a 1978 article about it that ran in the Journal of Arizona History. He said events featuring theatrical performances

and public speakers were popular forms of entertainment in Prescott at the time, and Hall would have been a particular draw.

“From the second half of the 19th century public lectures and performances like this were, as entertainment, ranked right up there with horse racing and shooting competitions. And that’s something Sharlot excelled at,” Fees says.

By 1907 the poet and author was a major draw on the speaker’s circuit in Arizona and California, and in 1911 her poetry collection Cactus and Pine: Songs of the Southwest was published, earning a favorable review from The New York Times, he says.

The first Hassayampers’ Evening (taking a name given to the earliest Hassayampa River gold miners and their tales of wondrous fortune) interspersed Southwestern-themed music performed

“From the second half of the 19th century public lectures and performances like this were, as entertainment, ranked right up there with horse racing and shooting competitions. And that’s something Sharlot excelled at.”

-Paul Fees, Ph.D. Deputy Director of Program, Sharlot Hall Museum

on piano and violin with Hall’s introduction about the museum plan and recitations of six of her poems.

Despite the details from the program and other accounts, there are some gaps in knowledge of the event — what time it was held, the cost of tickets and the amount of money it raised. No known photos exist.

Drake is producing and directing the show, and some of the people she’s approached about taking part agree the prospect of reviving this show is daunting.

“The actors I’ve talked to have looked at it and said ‘This looks terrifying, how are we going to present this? … But we’re going to create a portal of time,” she says.

Museum Development Director Sally Jackson says January’s event also will be a fundraiser: “She did this 21 years

before the museum existed, bringing out her vision and her goals, and we want to convey her vision is still alive, and fundraising is important to keep it going.”

Despite her uncertainty, Drake expects her show will carry a relevance spanning the almost 120 years since its inspiration. “It’s a literary evening of socializing, discussing intellectual matters. And that in itself makes it really beautiful, because how often do we do that?”

Tickets for Hassayampers’ Evening: Echoes of Time are $47 for general admission, $92 for VIP seating and $102 for box seats. A reception featuring Drake and all other performers for VIP and box seat holders will be held across the street at the Hassayampa Inn. For additional information visit www.sharlothallmuseum.org or call 928.445.3122

Sharlot Hall

The C louds Always Break

BY TOD CHRISTENSEN

Take a moment, a quiet moment, and think about your journey.

Has it always been bright and sunny or dark and stormy?

Always is a word that is so often overused

And the mind has a terrible way of just leaving you confused

Everyone gets bright and sunny and everyone gets a storm now and then

But since we don’t fear bright and sunny those aren’t the thoughts we have over and over again

Far too often we let our mind live in the past or the future and neither is real

If we just stayed in the present moment there’s so much that it would reveal

That storm we are so scared of? Well what if it’s already here

And we are forced to take an honest look at all our doubts and fears

Outside the lightning is crashing all around

And the thunder is booming and echoing the sound

And we can conjure up a million scenarios all at once in our head

And I guarantee you they won’t be happy ones but scary instead

Or we can just live in this moment and enjoy it and let it be

So now when we look and listen there’s something different that we see

It’s a wonderful light show that we can enjoy if we wish

As we live in this one moment our senses are all being nourished

Not worried about what might happen in the future or what did happen in the past

Just enjoying this moment for what it is, something amazing that will be gone all too fast

Remember this the next time your mind tries to take you somewhere you don’t want to go

Just stay here in the present because now you know

That you don’t have to be a slave to your past fears and mistakes

Because no matter how fierce the storm is, sooner or later the clouds always break.

at Sharlot H all Excitement Abounds IN THE NEW YEAR

BY STUART ROSEBROOK, PH.D., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM, PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM

The winter in Prescott is a time of family, fun and reflection. As snow falls and families gather to celebrate the holidays, Sharlot Hall Museum welcomes visitors through the season of joy. Even if snow blankets the campus, we will have our paths cleared and our exhibits open for you and your family and friends to visit our 4-acre campus and its historic buildings and exhibit halls.

We have great plans for Sharlot Hall Museum in 2026, kicking off the year on Jan. 17 in spectacular fashion with an afternoon at the Elks Theater, The Hassayampers’ Evening: Echoes of Time. This performance is a reimagining of the fundraiser Sharlot M. Hall hosted on Jan. 15, 1907. More than a century later, that evening of music, dancing and poetry comes to life again — on the same

stage — celebrating Sharlot’s dream of preserving Arizona’s history for future generations, years before her vision of a museum would be realized in 1928.

The museum has a big year planned, from new exhibits to entertaining lectures and workshops on the calendar. The ever-popular Sharlot’s Cellar returns to the museum on Saturday, May 16. This beautiful outdoor event in the museum’s gardens and arboretum features wine, beer and mead tastings, live music and delicious food from local chefs. Bring your friends and family and experience the museum in a new and fun way. We hope you will join us for this well-loved event!

As we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026, we hope to have your continued support. Together,

we can preserve the past and shape the future. Museum membership and financial support from our community — individuals and corporations — are crucial for us to sustain our operations and make improvements.

That’s why we would like to take this opportunity to ask you to consider us in your year-end giving. The future of our museum and its ability to continue educating and engaging visitors relies on the generosity of people like you.

Thank you for choosing to be a part of Sharlot Hall Museum. We can’t wait to welcome you and share the fascinating stories of Arizona’s past with you.

We wish you a happy and prosperous 2026 and look forward to seeing you soon!

continued from page 27

in a nurse to do an exam. Our forensic interviews, we’re open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and that’s what my full-time staff are for. We offer forensic interviews and medical exams 24/7. I have different people that, when we leave at 5 p.m., we push a button and the phone rolls over to them and they’re answering it, and then calling whoever’s on call for interviews and exams.

How has YFAC grown in the decade you’ve been here?

When I started, we had two victim advocates and we had one office administrator, and we had a part-time forensic interviewer. A lot of times if she wasn’t available, police officers were coming in and doing their own interview using our cameras to record it. We knew we immediately wanted to grow that, so I got some funding and we hired a full-time forensic interviewer to be here. Then we were able to hire a couple more forensic interviewers to be after-hours staff. When I started, we didn’t offer that. We would come in and open up the building, but police would come in and use our equipment to do their interviews. We had one family nurse practitioner who was an amazing woman. She did our forensic exams, but had a full practice during the day, so she could only do exams evenings or weekends, and sometimes she would be sick or out of town. Then we would have to tell people they need to go to Flagstaff or Phoenix. And Flagstaff’s services were limited. That’ll cause a lot of people to say, “Never mind. I’m not doing the exam. Physically I’m OK, I’m not going to do it.” Which is really unfortunate because then the bad guy’s not going to get caught.

We had to grow our advocate team because we were getting a lot more cases and a lot more work. So we started growing that team as well. And then when I started, we had one therapist that contracted with us, and she worked here two or three days a week. We now have five contracted therapists, specializing in trauma therapy. And then we started contracting for legal services. And all this takes more funding. I chase

the funding, and then I’m able to do it. And then once I get it in place and my grant’s about ready to run out, then I got to go get more funding to keep it going.

We brought in attorney services. A lot of our clients are leaving really violent relationships. If they’re leaving with children or they’ve been married for 20 years and there’s property and all of that, we will pay an attorney to either just consult with them and help them do their own paperwork. Or if the attorney’s like, “This is a very messy one, I think I need to represent them,” we will pay for them to represent that person. Sometimes we have clients that can afford to pay the attorney themselves, or we’ll pay part and they pay part. My advocate team now has an advocate director. Then under her is an advocate supervisor, who oversees five staffers, and the director also oversees our afterhours people who do advocate work.

And now that we’re separating from Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, we have a director of finance and operations who runs all of my HR and my payroll and all the business, keeping the lights on, all that stuff.

The best thing I learned about being an executive director is having a great team. And I have just the most amazing team. And then we have an office administrator, and then we have a receptionist who also does all of our volunteer coordination. So we’ve just grown a ton.

And how has all that expansion been funded over the years? Grants or fundraising?

We get federal grants and state grants. And back when our doors opened, there was an arrangement made between the community leaders that each municipality would donate annually to help the advocacy center run. We get, I think, 90 cents per citizen based on the census.

We really need to strengthen our fundraising base and skills. And that’s one of the biggest reasons why on YFAC’s side, we really wanted to separate from Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. Because even though their headquarters are here, it’s always

been a challenge to build a really strong donor base in Yavapai County, because when they’re donating to a statewide organization, even though I say your money will stay local, it’s like, “But why wouldn’t I just give to an organization that’s only

The best thing I learned about being an executive director is having a great team. And I have just the most amazing team.

local?” That’s something we’re really gearing up to work better on now that we’re on our own. And we’ll have our own board of directors that are all local; they will be good ambassadors for us in the community. And we are applying to be a recipient of the Arizona state tax credit; that was another major reason for our split. As long as we were under Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, we could never qualify because their 12 other programs don’t work directly with people. We’re going to be applying for that next year. And then just actively trying to build that consistent donor base.

And then we write for private grants. Grants are tricky because a lot of times they only want to pay for a very specific thing. So we can find a grant that only wants to pay for therapy, and we can find a grant that only wants to pay for advocate time. It’s very hard to find grants that want to pay for any kind of capital improvements. And we are actively working right now to open up a second location in the Verde Valley. So we got some funding for that. And we’ve got a potential building with the Town of Camp Verde, or there’s another building owned by the fire district over there. We need to raise the funding to bring them up to code and make it work as an advocacy center.

That’s my next thing on my list. That’s what we have to do, is raise the money to get that accomplished. I just keep checking down my list, and as soon as I get rid of one thing, I add something else.

And YFAC just celebrated its 25th anniversary, so congratulations!

Yes, it was Oct. 1, which coincidentally was also the beginning of our status as an independent nonprofit. We had a big event in November to celebrate them in unison, because it’s a huge milestone. On both fronts. And 25 years ago, the conversation was that YFAC will start out under Prevent

Child Abuse, and eventually step out to its own 501(c)(3). We knew this was the time to do it when we started to talk about a second location.

That’s where our next goal is, to open up a place over there, hopefully in the next year or two. And then as soon as that’s done, we need to expand our space here in Prescott Valley. We’re not exactly sure how that will look like, but we’re busting at the seams. Whether that’d be looking at expanding this building, putting some sort of a portable building on the property, something. But that’ll probably be about a year or two down the road.

Wow! You’re really busy.

I am. And I always say, my plan is to retire at 65 and I just turned 59, so I’ve got six years to accomplish all this and then hand over the reins to somebody.

Although, who knows? I may stick around after that. I have so many friends that are like, “I’m going to retire at this age,” and then they don’t. But I have one granddaughter who’s 10 and a new grandbaby just born on H alloween, which I’m fortunate I get to spend a lot of time with them. My granddaughter is with me all the time, they call her the mini-director.

The medical examination room at YFAC.

Jason Jenkins General Manager, Findlay Subaru Prescott

Q: What brought you to Prescott and how long have you been here?

A: My wife and I had been visiting my parents in Sun City a couple of times per year and we would sometimes make the trip up to Prescott for a day. In 2011 my father had a heart attack. Shortly after, my wife offered that if I wanted to move somewhere closer to my parents, she would be OK with leaving her hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

We quickly started doing research on the Prescott area. We put in notice at our current jobs, sold our house and rented a vacation home at the Prescott Country Club in Dewey and proceeded to bring our belongings and the dogs for a one month trial on Nov. 17, 2011. That one-month turned into six months and starting a small business.

Q: How did you become interested in your career field?

A: I have always been into cars. My wife explains me to her friends as the person who has a bucket list of cars he wants to own, instead of places he wants to travel to.

In 2014, I came to Tim’s Subaru (former name of this location) attempting to trade in two of my cars on a new WRX STI. I was unable to make a deal with the current sales manager. A few weeks later, after selling both of the cars and my business, I came across a Craigslist ad looking for “Salesmen” at the same store.

I thought: “I’ve always been a car guy, how hard could it be to go in there and climb to the top?”

Q: What is the biggest reward of your job?

A: I knew we could sell cars with integrity and make it much easier and more fun for customers. I have watched this great team we have at Findlay Subaru Prescott make that a reality and change the perception of a car dealership and car salesperson. I’m most proud when a customer walks into my office to tell me: “It just feels different in here” and “This is the best experience I’ve ever had buying a car.”

Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?

A: I enjoy dirt biking with my two kids, Novi and Hank. A close second is an early morning hike at Watson Lake. It is a beautiful place to be for sunrise and a good sweat.

“I’ve always been a car guy, how hard could it be to go in there and climb to the top?” -Jason Jenkins

This season, feel strong, radiant and in control with a personalized Weight Loss Program from Wilson Aesthetics Beauty + Wellness. Led by our Nurse Practioner, each plan is designed around you – your body, your goals, your lifestyle.

Through advanced, science-backed treatments and holistic support, we help balance appetite, boost metabolism and make sustainable weight loss feel attainable. Pair your program with IV Therapy and Vitamin Injections for extra energy and nourishment from the inside out.

SERVICES BRANDS

Botox/Dys port

Filler

Sculptra

B12 Injections

Medical Weigh t

Loss Program

H ormon e Therapy

IV Therapy

Lumecca/IPL

Men & Women’s Wellness

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Hydrafacial

Microneedling

DiamondGlow

Brow Lamination

Teeth Whitening

Laser Hair Reduction

Morpheus8

Anfisa

Alastin

Epicutis

GlyMed Plus

Hydrinity

Skinbetter Science

Face Reality Skincare

Lumielle

ZO Skin Health

Osea

Colorescience

Vacation ® ( plated )™ Skin Science