Prescott LIVING Spring 2026

2025 | ADVISOR RECOGNTION

The '47 Club not only pays tribute to the year in which our company was founded but also serves as an opportunity to recognize the top individuals of Lyon's Elite, the top producers in our brokerage. These highly tiered advisors are recognized for their dedication and service to their clients.

Lisa Roberts Karina Rodriguez Jeanette Sauer Jennifer Schumacher Alan Surges Jacque Weems Kim Weber

Dan Wolski

Patrick Rice

Jill Anderson

David Arustamian

Kathleen Benoit

Joe Bushong

Grant Almquist

Cheryl Anderson

Richard Arambula

Joanie Barreiro

Gary Brasher

Blake Cain

Barry Conser

Cheryl D Anna Karen DeGeorge

Will Foote

Shawn Chappel

Chad Christian Tricia Cormie

Johnathon De Young Jacqui Firestone

Bee Francis

Tami nderson Hans Horchler

Leslie Jenkins

Laura Lucky

Virgi Ge Mike Holder Tim Hundelt

Lonnie Lopez

Lisa Lucky

Ma Luc Keith Marshall Kirk Marshall Debbie Negrin Debbie Omundson Josie Pakula Ed Pennington

Dave Purpora

Lori Reiland

2025 | ADVISOR RECOGNTION

Prescott Office

Year after year, our advisors set the benchmark for excellence. We are proud to honor those consistently reaching new heights and pursuing excellence in life and in Real Estate. Please join us in celebrating the elite standards and dedication of our 2025 Advisor Recognition honorees from the Prescott Office.

Contents April/May

RECREATION

Join Prescott’s Parkrun for Saturday Fitness, Socialization

Celebrate Spring, Mother Earth and Make a Splash

Prescott’s Dancers Shine at Yavapai Ballet Theatre

7 Steps to Lower Blood Pressure without Medication

The Skin Longevity Revolution: Building Beauty from Within

Q&A

Joel Zwak, Owner, TopNotch Garage Doors by Joel 162

Maria Nalda, co-owner of Crystal Creek Builders and the photographer, says this home “was designed for clients who were drawn to the mountain modern aesthetic and wanted something that felt elevated, comfortable and just a little unexpected. The fireplace really sets the tone. It’s the focal point of the room and where your eye naturally lands. We layered natural stone with porcelain and subtle metal accents to create contrast without making it feel busy.”

Maria Nalda Found Her Home so

Photo by Maria Nalda

Findlay Subaru Loves to Help

Photo by Jim Bau

Advertiser Index

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

Katrina Jones Wildey

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

Valerie Demetros

Staff 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

MAKE YOUR Home Happy AND YOUR HEARTH the Center

The original definition of hearth is literally the floor of the fireplace, the area that keeps a house warm and safe. We expand on that definition with stories on how different things can center and connect to make your family, friends, whomever feel comfortable.

Welcome to our spring edition of Prescott LIVING

First, ever wondered how your house itself might feel about things? It becomes happy through color, texture, nature, lighting and de-cluttering. Read how to accomplish these concepts to make your house become a home.

Planting a cocktail tree to installing the perfect kitchen counter can become items that bring your family together. Sitting around, eating on, laughing at the counter in the kitchen is like a modern-day hearth. A gathering place.

And as for a cocktail tree, who wouldn’t want the multifruited trees in their backyard as a focal point? Not to mention the fun of picking Gala, Honeycrisp and Fuji apples off one tree, or harvesting Bartlett, Comice, D’Anjou and Red D’Anjou off another? Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center says these trees are low maintenance and provide a bountiful yield.

Gardens are such a lovely way to bring people together, so let’s not forget that roses reign supreme. These names alone promise beauty, fragrance and a place to sit, daydream or connect: Falling in Love, Frida Kahlo, Artic Blue or Lady in Red.

Our ROX interviewee this edition is Maria Nalda, who has quite the interesting backstory. She owns Crystal Creek Builders with her husband Scott. Her goal is to guide clients into their perfect homes, discussing every nook and cranny that adds to a family’s home life.

Perhaps one special room is devoted to reading (we’re all for that). We’ll help you see that room gets plenty of use as you learn to keep your middle and high schoolers focused on reading. While your elementary school children embrace reading, there can be a dangerous falloff that doesn’t bode well for the future.

In the broader sense, all of Prescott and surroundings represent house and hearth. The cities and towns are our home, and the local parks and recreation departments, for example, help build connections through what they offer. As do our businesses with their charitable work.

Please enjoy the stories we bring you. You are our home and hearth.

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 organizations 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

Ashlie Bigelow Marketing Specialist, Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation

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

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

Ken Lain Owner, Watters Garden Center

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

Christine Hardin Founder & Principal Designer, Niche Design Co.

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

Lacey Medina Administrative Specialist, City of Prescott Recreation Services

Saturday, April 18th 1pm to 3pm

Author Series with Jim Hinckley

Come celebrate the Centennial of Route 66 with Jim Hinckley, one of America’s greatest authorities on the “Mother Road.” Internationally renowned, Hinckley will present stories from his latest book, Route 66: 100 Years.

Sharlot Hall Museum

Saturday, May 2nd | 1:30pm Sharlot Hall Statue Dedication

Created by award-winning Prescott-based sculptor Heather Johnson Beary, the nearly 7-foot statue celebrates Sharlot M. Hall’s enduring legacy as a poet, storyteller, and historian. This will be an event marked in history, so join us!

Saturday, May 16th 4pm to 7pm

Sharlot’s Cellar

Join us for an unforgettable evening of craft drinks, delicious bites from local restaurants, and smooth jazz at Sharlot Hall Museum. A perfect celebration of flavor, fun, and charm!

On Sale Now! Signature Seeds! Seeds from our garden for you to plant in yours! Come check them out at the Bashford House Gift Store –Open to the public!

HIGHLIGHTING THE HEART & HUSTLE OF GREATER PRESCOTT

YAVAPAI COLLEGE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:

‘WE FUNCTION LIKE A SMALL CITY’

Yavapai College General Executive

Director of Facilities Management

James Crockett has roots in the institution going back over 30 years. He started taking pre-college courses as an elementary and junior high school student and started his academic path in earnest in 1995, securing 74 credit hours from Yavapai College before transferring to Bringham Young University.

He returned to Yavapai College in 2014 to work for the facilities department as a general contractor with an extensive background in project management, land development and more than 20 years of experience working in multiple construction trades.

Crockett has a wide range of responsibilities: he oversees the daily operation of all Yavapai College campus and center buildings and grounds; ensures proper maintenance of the HVAC, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems; manages custodial services, landscaping, fleet management, and environmental services; and implements preventative maintenance programs.

“It’s hard to find a profession that requires you to use all of your skills and experience, but that’s what this place demands,” Crockett said. “I get to work with so many wonderful people here at the college, as well as contractors, vendors, leadership, students, municipal leaders and more. We function like a small city and with that comes a diversity of experience, opportunities and challenges. I am pushed every day to be better than I was the day before and that is exciting to me.”

Oversight of YC facilities operations and management is just one facet of Crockett’s role. He is also heavily involved in capital planning and construction, working with architects, contractors and stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget and ensuring compliance with building codes, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and campus master plans.

Developing and managing multimillion dollar operating and capital budgets and forecasting resource needs and allocating funding for maintenance, repairs and capital projects also falls under Crockett’s purview. He also is very involved with safety, compliance and risk management to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

“The importance of my role at Yavapai College is to provide a safe and secure environment that is conducive to learning for our students, while being accountable to the taxpayers of Yavapai

County for the funds that we’re entrusted with,” Crockett said.

Overseeing a staff of 60 full- and part-time employees, Crockett said one of the bigger challenges is managing the expectations of the numerous operations for which he is responsible.

“We touch every space and impact everyone’s work experience. It’s impossible to meet everyone’s desires, so we spend a lot of time trying to be everything to everyone. This can lead to burnout if you don’t love the work you are doing, but the good news is that I love doing it and have loved my time working here.”

In a position that involves as much as Crockett administrates, he also leads sustainability initiatives, such as energy conservation, waste reduction and green building strategies. His role also requires him to monitor energy use and seek ways to improve efficiency and reduce the college’s carbon footprint.

Facilities Management Director James Crockett PHOTO COURTESY OF YAVAPAI COLLEGE

Light of PV Award Recognizes Yavapai County

The Town of Prescott Valley honored Ann and the late Bob Wilson of the Yavapai County Food Bank with the 2026 Light of PV Award. It was accepted by Ann Wilson and their daughter Robi at the annual State of the Town event at the end of January.

The Light of PV Award is an annual recognition of those who remind the community of the extraordinary potential achieved when people come together and celebrates leaders whose dedication and service illuminate the community. Inspired by the signaling mirrors of Glassford Hill, it honors those who act as “shining lights” for the region.

Since its opening in 1992, the Wilsons have been the heart of the largest food bank in the county, distributing tons of food to thousands of families and individuals. The Yavapai County

Food Bank Founders

Food Bank is a charitable organization that receives no government funding. The Wilsons have worked tirelessly to make sure the shelves are always full for those in need and have inspired volunteers and donors to ensure that no neighbor goes hungry.

Bob Wilson passed away in November 2025 at 93. The Wilsons’ impact extends far beyond the pantry shelves. Their holistic care approach has fostered a stronger community through several key initiatives:

• Providing backpacks and school supplies for children to start the year with dignity.

• Coordinating with the Chamber’s Flying High Turkey Drive and Living Faith Church to provide thousands of full Thanksgiving meals.

• Personally distributing coats, blankets and toys during the winter months to ensure every child feels the magic of Christmas.

The Wilsons have labored tirelessly through the years to foster connections and lift others through service and action. Their nomination for this award came directly from community members who have witnessed the difference they make every day. Prescott Valley celebrates Ann and Bob Wilson for their legacy of compassion, generosity and hope.

The Yavapai County Food Bank is at 8866 E. Long Look Dr. in Prescott Valley. For more information, including food distribution hours and how to donate, visit www.yavapaifoodbank.org or call 928.775.5255.

Pine Ridge Marketplace Installs Electric Vehicle Chargers

Pine Ridge Marketplace has installed Tesla charging stations at the shopping center’s parking lot near Chico’s on the east side of the mall at 3250 Gateway Blvd.

“We’re incredibly happy to offer these stations for our visiting Tesla owners,” said Anji Rude, creative director at Pine Ridge Marketplace. “We hope this new feature will motivate visitors to charge their cars while shopping in the mall.”

There are 12 superchargers for each parking space available 24/7. The base rate charging fee for a Tesla owner is $0.42 per kilowatthour, and $0.59 for all other electric vehicles. Drivers of electric vehicles can use the provided North American Charging System

adapter to charge their cars at the Tesla stations.

This is one of many efforts from Pine Ridge to upgrade amenities for the overall shopping experience. Guests can browse through a variety of unique, locally owned shops, such as Cosmic Potato for yummy eats and El Rancho Boots for authentic western wear. The mall includes stores for clothing, athletic gear, gifts, beauty products, accessories, footwear and more.

The shopping center also is hosting a monthly Artisan Market for visitors to shop for local artisan crafts and goods. Food and drink options are available from the shopping center’s restaurants and food court, including the newly reopened Augie’s Restaurant, Moussetache Café and Third Shot Coffee.

For more information about the mall and its events, visit www.pineridgemarketplace. com or Pine Ridge’s Instagram page @shopineridge. Find more locations of superchargers at www.tesla.com/ supercharger

the INTERVIEW with

MARIA NALDA

Photo by Macy Jean Photography

MARIA NALDA

Found Her Home

So You Can Build Yours

BY BLAKE HERZOG

For this year’s House & Hearth issue we’re sitting down with Maria Nalda, co-owner of Crystal Creek Builders. Her impoverished European childhood helped her to build the resilience and persistence she needed to overcome the obstacles of a high-powered career in the upper echelons of corporate America. Once she realized what that career was costing her, she followed her heart to volunteering in Asia and to her children in Arizona.

Through Match.com she met Scott Nalda, who had purchased Crystal Creek from its previous owners a few years earlier. Now 60, she’s rediscovered herself by guiding clients through the process of building the customized home of their dreams, enjoying life with her family including two grandchildren and pondering a return to writing children’s books.

Prescott LIVING: I’m sitting with Maria Nalda in the artfully decorated conference room at Crystal Creek Builders, one of Greater Prescott’s premier custom home builders, which she co-owns with her husband, Scott. Let’s start with your background. From reading your Women in Business bio, it’s clear you have quite a story.

Maria Nalda: I was born in Spain, in a tiny farming town on the border with Portugal called Terrado. It was poor, and it was during Franco’s dictatorship, so life was hard. My family didn’t have much. On top of that, my mom struggled with serious mood disorders and borderline personality disorder, so home life was difficult. By the age of 4, I was responsible for seven cows. When I look at my granddaughters now, it’s hard to imagine a child that young being responsible for getting them to the fields, making sure they ate, keeping them out of other people’s crops, and

bringing them home safely. I was an only child, but I was not a pampered child. I walked about two miles to school each way. Then, when I was 8, my parents had the opportunity to come to the United States, but they couldn’t bring me, so they left me in a convent. I stayed there for four years with no contact from my parents. I was 12 when I was finally reunited with them in Newark, New Jersey.

I arrived not speaking a word of English, trying to navigate a tough environment, a mother with serious emotional struggles, and a father who worked constantly and stayed away from the house as much as he could.

I realized pretty early that my way out was education, so I pushed myself hard. In high school, I graduated near the top of my class. The class that kept me from valedictorian was English, which makes sense because it was my third language. I also speak Portuguese.

I earned scholarships and could have gone away to school, but my parents wouldn’t let me. It was OK to leave their daughter in a convent, but it was not OK for me to leave them because by then it reflected on them. We lived in a close Spanish community where everyone knew each other’s business, and my leaving would have been judged. So, I stayed local, went to Kean University, studied accounting because I was good

Photo by Harrison Hurwitz

with numbers and a guidance counselor told me it paid well, and finished in three years. It was all transactional. I was just trying to find my way out. I married the first man I fell in love with when I was 21, and in many ways, I ended up marrying my mother. He struggled with mood disorders of his own. We had two children. I focused on my kids and my career because divorce was not an option in my mind. Ultimately, because of his struggles, he took his own life.

I became a supermom and superworker and went from being the little girl running with cows in a small town to an executive at a Fortune 50 company.

Prescott LIVING: Which company?

Maria Nalda: Prudential Financial. I made it pretty far up the corporate ladder. But in the middle of raising two teenagers and dealing with my husband’s death, I started having serious health issues. I had been there for 20 years.

Around that time, my daughter had come to college in Arizona, and my son said, “If she’s not coming back, I’m going too.” My

parents had already moved back to Spain, and I found myself asking what I was doing. I was chasing titles and the golden handcuffs, but I had lost sight of who I was. I decided to leave corporate America and started volunteering to reconnect with myself. I worked with children,

“I became the supermom, superworker and went from being the little girl in town running with the cows to an executive at a Fortune 50 company.”

including in the Philippines, and wrote three children’s books about helping kids navigate the harder parts of life, the loneliness, the fear, the feeling of not belonging. Eventually, I followed my kids to Arizona.

Along the way I met Scott. He started pulling me into Crystal Creek one small ask at a time, and before I knew it, I was all in. All the skills I built along the way now show up in what I do every day.

Prescott LIVING: How did you meet your husband, and did he already own Crystal Creek?

Maria Nalda: He bought Crystal Creek in 2014. We’re actually a Match.com success story. I moved to Arizona in 2017, and my kids kept telling me, “You need to get out there.” I was living in Chandler, and Scott was in Prescott. I almost dismissed him because I wasn’t interested in a long-distance relationship. Right around Christmas, he sent me a thoughtful email about a photo of my kids. Something about it made me respond, and that’s how it started.

Maria looks at architectural plans in Crystal Creek Builders’ conference room.

Photo by Harrison Hurwitz

At the time, I was just leaving my corporate job. We met on the 12th, and by the 16th, I was on a plane to Manila to do volunteer work.

That experience changed me. I thought I had seen hardship before, but I wasn’t prepared for what I encountered there. I worked with children who were suffering, and in some cases had passed away, families who couldn’t even afford a funeral. It broke my heart in a way I had never experienced. Scott stayed in touch with me during that time. I was not at my best. I was emotional and overwhelmed, and he showed up with a level of care and steadiness that meant a lot. Together, we helped cover the cost of a little girl’s funeral.

When I came back, we saw each other again, and everything just fell into place. I had gone from being very guarded and driven in my corporate life to feeling completely open and vulnerable, and that didn’t scare him. He stepped right into it with me. We got married on the third anniversary of when we met, in 2020, in the middle of COVID.

Prescott LIVING: So, how is your work for Crystal Creek different from your career at Prudential?

Maria Nalda: When I joined corporate America, I had to work extra hard. I had

the grades, but not the same background or schools as my competition. I started in accounting and technology and reinvented my career several times. Did it touch my heart? Not really. I was good at it and I got it done, but it felt mechanical.

Crystal Creek is completely different. This is a human experience. Our clients are building the home of their dreams. Every home is different. Some are retiring here. Some are downsizing. Some are creating a place for their grandchildren. Others are still growing their families. Our job is to understand the home they’ve been carrying in their minds, bring it to paper, and turn it into reality. That brings a level of satisfaction that nothing in corporate ever did.

You see it in their faces. It starts with a floor plan, and suddenly they’re imagining how they’ll live there, where they’ll have their morning coffee, how they’ll enjoy the sunset. Then we bring it to life with 3D visuals and flyarounds, and it becomes emotional. There are tears. That moment of, “This is going to be our home.” Then we build it. They select the finishes, the flooring, the countertops, the cabinets. It’s an adventure for them, and being part of that journey is very meaningful. I think I was always meant to be here. In corporate, I did a lot of public speaking,

presentations and women’s forums, and people would often ask, “If you weren’t doing this, what would you have done?” I always said, “Probably interior design or architecture,” because I just love it. And here I am.

Prescott LIVING: It couldn’t have worked out better.

Maria Nalda: Scott and I really complement each other, both personally and professionally. We share the same values, and that foundation carries into how we run the business. From a skillset perspective, we fill each other’s gaps. He brings deep construction expertise and strong business sense, while I bring the creative vision, operations and strategic thinking. Together, we make a great team.

Prescott LIVING: Where do you build?

Maria Nalda: We focus on the premier communities. Most of our work is in Prescott, Prescott Valley and across the Williamson Valley corridor, extending down toward Las Vegas Ranch.

Prescott LIVING: You will help people find a property if they need one. Is that more often the case, that they don’t already have the property?

Photo by Macy Jean Photography

Maria Nalda: About 50% of the time they’re still looking for a lot, and yes, we help with that. We offer free lot evaluations so people can make informed decisions before they buy. A lot of times people focus on price and think, “This is the most affordable option,” but they don’t always understand what comes with it. They might find something online, see it on Google Earth, and it looks flat with beautiful views. But what they don’t see is that it may sit in a drainage area or require significant site work. What they saved on the land, they end up spending in construction, and it can limit what they’re able to build. We walk the lot, evaluate it and help them understand the real cost and what’s truly possible before they commit.

Prescott LIVING: Tell us about your full-service approach. How does Crystal Creek guide clients from start to finish?

Maria Nalda: We call it “from design to keys.” Everything happens under one roof, and we handle every aspect of the build from design through completion. Scott and I are both at the table from the beginning, and as a husband and wife team, we naturally bring two perspectives. Most of the time, the men want to understand how the home is going to be built, the structure, the systems, how it all comes together. The women are thinking about how it’s going to look and how it’s going to feel. We’re able to guide both sides of that conversation, and that makes a big difference. Clients feel understood, and decisions come together more naturally. We also have in-house design, so we can walk clients through selections step by step and keep everything aligned. And we handle everything behind the scenes, permitting, HOA submittals, all of it, so they don’t have to think about it. It’s a very personal experience, and we’re right there with them through all of it.

Prescott LIVING: How many employees do you have?

Maria Nalda: We are 10 in the office, that’s our core team, and it’s a really strong group. Beyond that, we work with many subcontractors, most of whom we’ve had long-standing relationships with.

We work with some of the best in town. That combination of an excellent internal team and trusted trade partners is a big part of why we’re able to deliver the level of quality and experience we do.

Prescott LIVING: How has Crystal Creek grown over the past 35 years?

Maria Nalda: It has really adapted to the times. In the early years, under the previous owners, the focus was on developing communities and building more budgetfriendly homes. After the 2008 financial crisis, the company had to shift, and that’s what shaped the model we have today. Scott took it over in 2014, and I joined him in 2018. At that time, he was building about 10 homes a year. Today, we’re in the 20s, and that growth has been very intentional. As the market evolved, so did client expectations, and we made the decision to invest in the experience. We’ve built a strong team, brought design in-house, and created a space where clients feel comfortable and supported through the process.

Our focus has always been on quality and how people feel while they’re building their home. Over the past two

years, we’ve received eight awards, and we’ve become known in the community for the quality of our builds. Even real estate agents will point out

“We have a good reputation, we have good relationships, and we work at it every day.”

when a home is built by Crystal Creek.

Prescott LIVING: What do you see in the future for Prescott’s luxury home market?

Maria Nalda: We’re seeing a strong move toward mountain modern, cleaner lines, more glass, and homes that feel more connected to the outdoors.

by Sedona Bride

Photo

Photography

Maria surrounded by family on her wedding day.

At the same time, the classic ranch style will always have a place here. That’s part of what people fall in love with when they come to Prescott.

We’re also seeing more thoughtful design overall, homes with more movement in the architecture, more attention to fireconscious building, and a shift toward richer colors and natural materials like real stone. But what really stands out is how people want to live in their homes. They want light, views, and spaces that open up. Big windows, large sliders, places where they can sit with their morning coffee, hear the birds, and feel connected to where they are. At the end of the day, it’s less about a specific style and more about creating a home that feels right for their life.

Prescott LIVING: What are your plans for the future, for the business and personally?

Maria Nalda: From a business standpoint, it’s about staying grounded in what we do well. There’s a lot of noise in the world right now, and our role is to create a

sense of stability for our clients. Building a home should feel like a positive, exciting chapter, and we’re very intentional about protecting that experience. We want people to feel taken care of, informed, and confident from start to finish.

Personally, I would love to get back to writing children’s books. Especially now that I have little granddaughters, it feels even more meaningful. I started writing them because I wanted to help children navigate the harder parts of life, the things I wish I had help with growing up. Feeling abandoned. Feeling afraid. Not knowing where you belong. Those themes still matter to me deeply.

Prescott LIVING: How many books have you written?

Maria Nalda: Three. I self-published one, and then a company suggested turning it into a series. The other two are written but not yet published. I’d like to write one more and then re-pitch the full series.

Prescott LIVING: You have two children?

Maria Nalda: I have two, and Scott has one. They’re all adults. One of our granddaughters is 7 and the other is 5 months, so we like to joke that the future is female. They’re in Chandler and Phoenix, so we still have the house I bought when I first moved to Arizona. We spend our weekends there to stay close and be part of the little ones’ lives.

Prescott LIVING: Do you get to go back to Spain frequently?

Maria Nalda: All the time. My parents moved back about 20 years ago, and now they’re in their 80s and their health is getting more fragile. My mom’s memory and personality have changed a lot. She went from being very strong, with mood swings that kept you on edge, to having dementia, and in a way it softened her. Now she’s this sweet, gentle version of herself that I never experienced growing up. She just wants to be loved. Life has a sense of humor sometimes. And sometimes it doesn’t. I love to travel back as much as I can, and I talk to them every day.

Photo by Macy Jean Photography

Mountain Modern LIVING:

Design that B lends Home and Nature

Mountain modern home design is growing in popularity throughout all of the nation’s mountainous areas, from the Rockies and our own Bradshaws to the Appalachians. This approach fuses the clean lines and openness of modernism with the natural materials and earthy vibes found in hillier terrain that isn’t as easy to pave over.

It’s largely regarded as an architectural form, and its influence can be seen in custom builds throughout Greater Prescott. It holds sway over interior design as well.

You can bring its influence to your own mountain home through remodels or making some tweaks inside.

MODERN ON THE OUTSIDE

Most mountain modern homes are structurally similar to other modernist homes. Straightforward facades with overhanging roofs and rectangular windows incorporate high-ceilinged interiors with lots of clear space and natural lighting. Wood and stone siding brings the structure in harmony with the environment and creates a refuge that invites nature inside, bringing in the beautiful and grounding energy of our planet’s resources.

BY BLAKE HERZOG

In most of these homes you’re never far from the outdoors.

They seek to blur the border between in and out with huge windows, even floor-to-ceiling ones. Some have partitions that can be opened up to the backyard patio to erase the line entirely. Many also contain metallic elements like steel, aluminum or iron railings or fixtures to add industrial elements that enhance the modern feel. Others lean away from that aesthetic toward something closer to a cabin or a ski lodge.

These features are found in many of the area’s newer homes, customized or otherwise. It can be difficult to reverse-engineer them into an existing home, but with the right expertise and materials remodels like this can be successful.

EARTHY AND WARM ON THE INSIDE

It’s considerably easier to refresh your home with mountain modern décor, and nothing flows better with the landscape of central Arizona’s highlands — warmtoned neutrals like cream, beige and pale brown, which can be offset by touches of green, blue, gold and more colors found in nature, including

the purples, reds and yellows of wildflowers. These colors will ensure your home feels bright and open even when it isn’t being flooded by sunlight.

Make sure you preserve that open feel by not bringing in excessive amounts of furniture, and get rid of clutter before it accumulates in corners, on counters and shelves, on top of tables and wherever else it piles up. This will allow the essence of the nature-based materials to shine through and be enjoyed by everyone who enters.

A far cry from the cramped log cabins of yore, these modern homes offer sustainable comfort in some of the most beautiful and rugged habitat in the country.

Along with light, texture is what usually puts a mountain modern home in a class of its own. Everything from stone fireplaces to wood floors and marble counters has its own story to tell.

Use leather and hair-on-hide fabrics subtly, in rugs and on stools and accessory pillows to add a cowboy flair to the interior. Even if you’re not interested in going all-out for industrial vibes you can still incorporate iron legs

on furniture or rustic metal wall hangings for a more homespun charm.

When it comes to surfaces like wood and stone you can go as big as you want to leave a real impact on floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, furniture and much more. Look for a balance between light tones, which should predominate, and some deeper flourishes to ground the space. White oak cabinets and floors look fabulous paired with an accent of river rock on a wall or a slate countertop pouring down a waterfall kitchen island.

These surfaces bring natural history into a house, whether it’s brand-new or been there for 100 years. Try to use as much locally sourced virgin or reclaimed materials as possible to strengthen the bond between your home and the environment it sits within. Whatever building blocks you find, let them add its essential beauty and spirit to the life you have in your abode.

SETTING THE MOOD

We can’t forget the other touches that bring a home closer to those who inhabit or visit, most crucially lighting. In general, mountain modern homes rely on natural light as much as possible via large windows and skylights. You don’t need to rely on harsh overhead lights once the sun goes down — use task lighting where needed, but layer indirect lighting from floor and table lamps, sconces, cove and strip lighting, and even pendants and chandeliers directed toward the ceiling. This reduces glare and shadows and creates a much cozier, more inviting ambiance.

Picture windows are the ideal wall art for this type of home, but if some of your views are less than spectacular you can find paintings, sketches and photos of mountain and high desert landmarks and animals, either naturalistic or abstract.

Baskets, rugs, rattan wall hangings and other pieces made from organic material can add even more charm to

the décor. Just remember that too much ornamentation can lead to a cluttered look; choose each art object you use carefully.

Strive for a balance of rustic and modern elements in your interior. Keep your lines clean and your finishes modern and simple to ensure a contemporary sheen will always be present in your interior. Then you can scatter homier details to give it a more human scale, especially in more intimate spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms.

These touches can include rugs, blankets and throws, or even more prominent touches like wallpaper. They should be used sparingly, but small-scale mountain and nature-associated patterns like pine trees and cones or birds and wildlife in small spaces, or a modern mural of mountain peaks in a large room, can add a “wow” factor that will stick in people’s minds long after they’ve seen them.

Best in Show Best in Show Best in Show

2026 ROSES

Best in Show

The mountains of Arizona are famous for easy-care roses. Because of the dry air and alkaline soils, we grow a better, brighter, more fragrant rose without the disease and insect issues that plague gardens in high-humidity states.

Every garden deserves at least one rose bush, whether in the ground, raised bed or a container.

Winners of the Best Mountain Roses for 2026 are those with fragrance, ease of care, long bloom cycles, and fadeless colors. Roses are listed in alphabetical order, not in order of popularity. Enjoy reading about this year’s list of the best mountain roses.

ARCTIC BLUE

(double-ruffled lavender floribunda)

Pointed buds slowly unfurl to reveal spiraled flowers of lovely lilac pink, fading to lavender-blue with a cream reverse. The petals hold their color well, remaining attractive right until they are finished.

FALLING IN LOVE

(blushes of clear pink hybrid tea)

This rose makes your heart pitterpatter with its showy, fragrant flowers of warm pink and porcelain white. Each long-lived blossom is regally carried atop sturdy stems, just waiting to be cut and enjoyed. Destined to garner its share of awards, we’re confident you’ll swoon over Falling in Love.

FRIDA KAHLO

(fabulous jeweled floribunda)

World-acclaimed painter Frida Kahlo once said: “I paint flowers so they will not die.” Frida, the rose, is a lively reminder of her enduring spirit.

BY KEN LAIN, THE MOUNTAIN GARDENER, WATTERS GARDEN CENTER

The colored swirl of this rose intensifies as the flowers age, adding a red blush as the final touch. If you are one of Frida’s followers or merely a rose lover, plant her rose for a striking show of vibrant flowers on this compact, vigorous bush.

GOOD AS GOLD

(Sunset Gold hybrid tea)

Some might say “orange,” some “gold,” some “amber” or “double-dipped yellow.” However you perceive it, we guarantee it is bold and beautiful, especially with the kiss of red on the finish. This bushy bouquet fills your garden with loads of long-stemmed roses. Good as Gold is not for the lovers of pastel in their gardens.

Best in Show

HEAD OVER HEELS

(pink cloud-like flowers, shrub)

Full, fluffy, light pink flowers repeatedly blooms through the season. A straightforward rose used along driveways right to the front door or planted in comfortably elegant containers.

LADY IN RED

(large ruffled old-fashioned red, climber)

The large ruffled flowers will take your breath away. You will fall in love with her sturdy, fast-growth covered in classic red flowers. No other climbing rose shows off masked in red like this lady.

NEPTUNE

(aquatic lavender hybrid tea)

You’ll idolize the big blossoms of luscious lavender tinged with just a touch of purple. This new rose is sure to get awards. The abundant blooms arrive on a praise-worthy plant with large glossy green leaves, good vigor and energetic vitality; best bloom size in colder temps.

RADIANT PERFUME

(citrus yellow grandiflora)

The boldest yellow rose with an intoxicating citrus fragrance! The long-stemmed flowers are perfect for gardens and bouquets full of blooms! The combination of dazzling color on long-stemmed flowers and the irresistible lemon scent makes Radiant Perfume a favorite.

TROPICAL LIGHTNING

(fast sunset purple growth, climber)

No other rose comes close to this extraordinary color blend. Her tropical warmth comes in the form of vibrant sunset oranges with dazzling streaks of light cream. The effect is accentuated by a layer of purple smoke creating a burnt orange combo, perfect for a stormy sky! New growth shows in dark burgundy for an endless tropical storm of fragrant rosy blooms!

There you have the roses you’ll find mountain gardeners talking about in 2026. View all 25 rose winners for 2026 at Pinterest.com/WattersGardenCenter

Water your new rose bush deeply twice a month for bouquets of full, plump flowers the entire year. Grow your vegetables and herbs for a healthier you. Watters plants are entirely organic with plant genetics never altered. Natural Vitamins straight from the garden with healthier herbs and vegetables.

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

Creating Homes

Live Well THAT

BY CHRISTINE HARDIN, FOUNDER & DESIGNER, NICHE DESIGN CO.

In Prescott, homes are shaped as much by the geography as they are by the people who live in them.

The mountain landscape, the consistency of natural light, and the rhythm of all four seasons quietly influence how a home should feel, function and endure. Thoughtful interior design begins here, with a focus on place and daily life.

In well-designed homes, comfort is rarely accidental. It is the result of hundreds of small, intentional decisions made early and with clarity. When those decisions are aligned, a home feels effortless to live in. Rooms connect with ease, materials feel grounded and spaces support both unhurried moments and meaningful gatherings.

One of the simplest places to begin is with light.

Being mindful of how sunlight moves through the home as the day unfolds, and supporting it with layered lighting in the evening, can dramatically change how spaces feel. A well-executed lighting plan adds warmth, depth and flexibility without calling attention to itself.

Material selection is another opportunity for intention. Finishes inspired by the stone, wood and sun-washed neutrals of Northern Arizona’s landscape age gracefully and create a sense of continuity from room to room.

When materials are selected with longevity in mind, the home feels cohesive rather than overly styled.

Equally important is designing around real-life routines. Where does everyone naturally gather? How do mornings

begin and evenings wind down? Considered planning recognizes these patterns and allows the home to support them quietly, through intuitive layouts, integrated storage and transitions that feel effortless.

Perhaps the most lasting impact of intentional design is the sense of calm it brings. When choices are made with purpose, clutter is reduced, visual noise fades and the home feels balanced and enduring. These are qualities that define how a home lives, long after construction is complete.

In a community like Prescott, where homes are often designed to be lived in for many years, thoughtful design becomes an investment in timelessness, one that allows a home to evolve gracefully while remaining deeply connected to the place it stands.

Photos by Amy Schaumberg, Owner, A. Marie Studio www.phoenixbrandphoto.com

Kitchen Countertops to MATCH YOUR STYLE

A kitchen countertop does more than hold your coffee maker and catch the mail. It sets the tone for the entire room. It takes daily wear. It quietly determines how easy your kitchen is to live in.

Choosing the right one comes down to three things: how you use your kitchen, how much maintenance you’re willing to do and the look you want to live with for years.

START WITH YOUR LIFESTYLE

If your kitchen sees constant action with kids, cooking projects and frequent guests, durability matters most. Quartz is one of the most popular choices for this reason. It’s engineered to resist stains, scratches and bacteria, and it doesn’t require sealing. For busy households, that low-maintenance factor can be a game changer.

If you love to cook and don’t mind a little upkeep, natural stone might appeal to you. Granite is heat-resistant, and each slab is unique, with movement and variation that adds character. Marble offers a softer, classic look, but it does

stain and scratch more easily. It works beautifully for bakers who value a naturally cool surface, but it may show wear over time.

THINK HONESTLY ABOUT MAINTENANCE

Some materials require sealing once or twice a year. Others need regular conditioning. Butcher block, for example, brings warmth and works well in farmhouse or transitional kitchens. It’s forgiving on dishes and can be sanded down if scratched, but it needs oiling to prevent drying and staining. If you prefer to wipe and go, quartz or solid surface materials might be better.

BUDGET ALSO PLAYS A ROLE

Laminate has come a long way in design and affordability. Today’s options can mimic stone or wood convincingly, making it a smart choice for secondary kitchens, rentals or remodels where cost control is important.

On the higher end, premium stone and specialty finishes increase price quickly, especially with custom edge profiles.

CONSIDER COLOR AND LIGHTING

Bring samples home. What looks dramatic in a showroom can feel overwhelming under your own lights.

Focus on how the material interacts with your cabinets, flooring and backsplash. A heavily patterned slab may compete with bold cabinetry, while a subtle surface can create balance.

THINK ABOUT LONGEVITY

Trend-driven colors or bold veining might excite you now but ask yourself if you’ll still love it in 10 years.

DON’T FORGET FUNCTION DETAILS

Do you want an integrated sink? A waterfall edge? Rounded corners for safety? These small decisions affect both appearance and daily comfort.

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT STYLE

It’s about how your kitchen works for you. Choose the surface that fits your habits, your home and your willingness to care for it. When those align, your countertop won’t just look good, it will feel right every single day.

Celebrates 25 Years of Building Northern Arizona’s Future JEBCO

SUBMITTED BY

WERKING,

JEBCO Construction Co., a trusted leader in commercial construction across Northern Arizona, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 2001 by owner Jeb Johnson at just 25 years old, the company has grown from humble beginnings into one of the region’s most respected construction firms, recognized for its integrity, craftsmanship and commitment to community.

Johnson’s path into construction began long before JEBCO was formed.

A third-generation member of a Prescott ranching family, he developed a strong work ethic building fences and gathering cattle with his father. He later gained valuable experience overseeing dirt work development in Phoenix for Sunstate Builders and expanding his knowledge of construction trades locally. An important influence during those early years was his father-in-law, J.T. Purvis, who provided startup support, guidance and office space.

“My father-in-law helped get JEBCO off the ground,” Johnson says. “He introduced me to Bob Bell, who consulted on the startup, and provided the support I needed. My

OF

wife Jamie was operating a salon and art gallery to help make ends meet. We knew we wanted to build something of our own.”

Like many young entrepreneurs, Johnson faced skepticism.

“One of the biggest challenges was earning trust at a young age,” he says. “I learned the business as I went and adapted quickly.”

During the past 25 years, JEBCO has evolved alongside the construction industry. Johnson says he has witnessed the shift from handshake agreements to highly documented, technology-driven processes that allow for real-time project tracking and improved accountability. By embracing modern software, researching advanced materials and partnering with skilled subcontractors, JEBCO continues to deliver quality projects while maintaining its core values.

Strong relationships and community trust have been central to the company’s growth. One early milestone was the construction of the UniSource Energy Services building, a 30,000-square-foot

facility that helped establish JEBCO as a capable commercial builder in Northern Arizona.

JEBCO also persevered through the challenges of the 2008 recession. Johnson temporarily took a project management role in San Antonio, overseeing large multifamily developments. That experience strengthened his leadership and helped position JEBCO for long-term stability and growth.

Today, Johnson says he focuses on strategic leadership and business development while crediting the JEBCO team for the company’s success: “Our culture is built on mutual respect, accountability and always striving to improve.”

As JEBCO celebrates its silver anniversary, Johnson remains focused on the future.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he says. “We’ve helped build this community and create jobs. I look forward to the next 25 years and continuing the legacy we’ve built.”

DONNA

NORTHERN AZ SOCIAL, LLC, PHOTO COURTESY

JAMIE JOHNSON, JEBCO CONSTRUCTION CO

From left, Jeb Johnson, Stephanie Kincaid, Dave Pierce and Robert Morgan

to Paint your House THE Perfect Seasons

If you live in Greater Prescott you already know the weather doesn’t follow the same rules as Phoenix or Tucson. We get four real seasons. That matters when you’re trying to decide the best time to paint your home’s exterior.

The short answer is late spring to early summer, and again in early fall. The longer answer depends on temperature, moisture and timing.

Exterior paint needs mild, stable conditions to cure properly. Most high-quality paints recommend application between 50 degrees and 85 degrees. Too cold, and the paint won’t adhere well. Too hot, and it can dry too quickly, leading to cracking, bubbling or visible brush marks.

Spring in Prescott can be tricky at first. Early April can still bring chilly nights that dip into the 30s. That overnight cold can interfere with curing, even if daytime temperatures feel pleasant. By late May and June, the weather settles into a sweet spot. Days are warm but usually not scorching, and humidity is

relatively low. Paint dries evenly, and crews can work comfortably without racing against extreme heat. Summer might seem like an obvious choice, but Prescott’s monsoon season tells a different story.

Starting in July and running into early September, afternoon thunderstorms can roll in with little warning. Moisture is paint’s enemy during application. Even if the rain holds off, higher humidity slows drying time and can cause issues with adhesion. If you schedule painting in summer, early June before the monsoons hit is usually your safest window.

Fall is another excellent option. September and October often bring clear skies, mild temperatures and lower humidity. The air feels crisp but not cold, and daytime highs typically sit in the ideal painting range. Once nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 40 degrees, your window starts to close.

Winter, while beautiful, is generally not ideal for exterior painting. Snow,

freezing nights and limited daylight hours create unpredictable conditions. Even if you catch a warm afternoon, the overnight temperature drop can compromise the paint’s finish. Most professional painters slow down significantly during this season for that reason.

Beyond weather, timing also affects cost and availability. Late spring and early fall are popular for home improvement projects, so contractors book up fast. If you want those prime months, schedule your estimate early. Some homeowners choose late fall just before winter sets in to take advantage of slightly lower demand, but it’s a gamble if cold weather arrives early.

Preparation is just as important as timing.

Prescott’s dry climate and strong sun can cause wood to crack and paint to fade over time. Make sure surfaces are cleaned, sanded and properly primed. Quality materials matter here. The high elevation means stronger UV exposure, so choosing paint designed for intense sunlight will help your finish last longer.

for a Modern Look Consider Concrete Floors

Concrete floors, long used for garages, basements and outdoor patios, have been working their way inside and making a big impact.

Indoor concrete floors are polished, etched and stained for a modern, slick look that instantly elevates the style of the home. They can be impervious to damage and cost-effective.

Here is what you should keep in mind:

STRONG, DURABLE

Concrete floors are extremely strong and hard-wearing and can last for many years. They are practically stain-proof, waterproof and give a room a sleek appearance.

They are resistant to fire, water and odors. Further, they won’t scratch easily and are easy to clean.

ECO FRIENDLY

Unlike carpeting, concrete floors won’t support the development of mold and mildew. Exposure to toxic mold in homes has been blamed for ailments ranging from headaches to severe respiratory infections.

Polished concrete floors are toxic-free because they are not treated with

BY VALERIE DEMETROS

chemicals or sealers known to emit harmful VOCs.

PET FRIENDLY

Smooth floor surfaces like polished concrete won’t trap pet dander, which makes it easier to clean. And admit it, Fido has his accidents even in the best of homes and concrete is much easier to clean and is less likely to stain.

HEALTHIER

When it comes to allergies, carpeting can be one of the biggest culprits, becoming a host for dust mites, pollen and other allergens. Concrete doesn’t trap allergens and is easy to clean — meaning less sneezing.

COST EFFECTIVE

Concrete floors typically cost between $2 and $20 per square foot, installed. If you want colors, polishes and etching, the cost can reach up to $300 or more.

Concrete also has a high thermal mass, helping it absorb more heat from the environment and hold it longer. This is good for cooling, since it continues to absorb heat as long as the air temperature is warmer than its thermal mass.

This way concrete floors keep a more

constant temperature indoors, meaning warmer in winter and cooler in summer, saving you money on heating and cooling.

ECHO, ECHO

Concrete floors can produce an echo effect, but no more than tile or hardwood. Of course, you can muffle the sound with area rugs, curtains, pillows and wall fabrics, which you will want to do to add softness to the room.

HARD AS ROCK

Fragile items dropped on a concrete floor will probably break, just like on tile or wood. And walking on it can become uncomfortable. But area rugs soften the blow.

Being hard means it can also become slippery. Applying a high-gloss sealer can reduce the traction, and keeping it clean and dry minimizes the slickness. Modern techniques have moved concrete floors from boring to luxurious.

With a huge range of colors available and surface treatments like acid stains, concrete stains and paint, you can make your floor a one of a kind. Concrete also can be stamped with stencils and etched to resemble brick or ceramic.

9 Steps

TOWARD

DETOXING YOUR HOME

Many possible contaminants don’t pose any threat to your health, but with the science constantly shifting on what’s good, not-so-bad and terrible to have around, it’s often better to err on the side of caution by keeping as many of them out of your household as possible.

Try these strategies and see if you don’t feel better at home!

KEEP YOUR SHOES

AT OR OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR

They’re the main importer of dust, pollen and bacteria into your house.

TOSS WOOLEN BALLS INTO THE DRYER

An all-natural, long-lasting alternative to dryer sheets, which contain a chemical that can irritate skin and aggravate asthma.

PUT FILTERS ON YOUR FAUCETS AND SHOWERHEADS

A full-home filtration system is even better at removing contaminants and chemicals, but much more expensive.

USE NATURAL CLEANERS; HOMEMADE IF NECESSARY

Baking soda, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, borax powder, hydrogen peroxide and unscented soap all qualify.

OPEN YOUR WINDOWS

Try to open at least a couple every day to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your household.

REDUCE YOUR PLASTICS USE

If you don’t want to throw everything out, at least check before you buy new ones, avoiding PVC (recycling code 3)

and Styrofoam (6) as much as you can. Opt for glass containers or stainless steel.

KEEP YOUR BEDDING CLEAN

Buy a certified organic mattress or mattress cover and sheets to ensure you’re sleeping in as chemical-free a setting as you can.

USE NON-VOC PAINT

Thinking about painting a bedroom? Volatile organic compounds can cause respiratory problems, so find paint brands with low or no VOC content to keep your lungs happy.

PICK ORGANIC YARD PRODUCTS

Here of all places we should be using green and non-harmful products — seek out natural pesticides, herbicides and landscape products.

Fruit Cocktail Trees TO YOUR YARD Bring a Sweet Surprise

SUBMITTED BY WATTERS GARDEN CENTER

Fruit cocktail trees are trending as a must-have plant for 2026 gardens. These innovative trees offer a variety of fruits on one tree, making them perfect for small spaces.

Also known as fruit salad trees, they are a great way to get the most out of your garden and try exciting new fruits.

Fruit cocktail tree varieties available at Watters Garden Center for 2026 include:

• Apple trees with three varieties featuring Gala, Honeycrisp and Fuji varieties

• Pear trees with four varieties featuring Bartlett, Comice, D’Anjou and Red D’Anjou

• Plum trees with three varieties: Santa Rosa, Burgundy and Satsuma

• Cherry trees with four varieties featuring Rainier, Stella and Montmorency pie cherry

“We are proud to offer these unique and innovative trees to local gardeners,” says Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott. “They are becoming Watters’ most popular addition to gardens across Yavapai County.”

Lain says cocktail fruit trees are lowmaintenance and yield a bountiful harvest. They also add beauty to any garden, and they’re great for smaller properties. Various fruits are grafted onto the trunk of a mother fruit tree and nurtured for up to 10 years to integrate with that tree. They are mature enough to produce fruit this season in local gardens.

Besides trees that support multiple varieties of apples, there are other trees that offer multiple kinds of fruit on the same plant. Stone fruit trees can sprout apricots, peaches, plums, prunes, cherries and nectarines. Some grafted trees produce seven different fruits or varieties of fruit, but three or four appear to be more common, especially if you’re seeking a more compact specimen.

GROWING TIPS

According to a December 2025 post from Better Homes & Gardens, the best time to plant fruit cocktail and other deciduous fruit trees is late summer to early spring, while the trees are dormant, to reduce transplant shock. Allow for plenty of airflow around the crown at its expected full growth size.

These and most other fruit trees should be planted in full sun to encourage more robust growth. Careful pruning is particularly important on a fruit cocktail tree to prevent a faster-growing branch from overpowering the others and reducing the number and variety of fruits it’s able to produce.

Be prepared for at least annual pruning, and do it more frequently if it ever starts to appear unbalanced. Fertilizer needs vary with tree species, but most will do well with one application in spring as buds begin to develop and another toward the end of summer. Don’t plant in the fall or winter — it’s likely a waste of resources.

Makeyour Home HAPPY

Your home should be one big deep breath followed by one relaxing, calming exhale. It should bring you happiness as you walk through the front door.

Design experts say you can make your home happy in how you use color, texture, nature, lighting and by de-cluttering it.

COLOR

Choose colors that make you feel more cheerful and energized, such as yellow. Even purple and lilac have been shown to create a positive feeling. You might want to start with pillows, throws or pieces of furniture when considering happier colors for your home. Consider these shades:

• Neutrals such as a clean, crisp white help make smaller spaces larger, while gray evokes feelings of relaxation and tranquility, especially soothing for bedrooms and bathrooms.

• Cools such as a blue are perfect in kitchens and bathrooms to promote calm; purple is sublime in bedrooms to evoke feelings of sophistication and luxury; brown suits hallways and dining rooms; and green is a soothing and fresh color for living spaces and kitchens.

• Bright yellow cheers up a kitchen or home office (orange also works

well here); bright pink, the calmer alternative to red, is great for bedrooms and living areas; red, which symbolizes passion and can be angry, should be used sparingly.

TEXTURE

Sprinkled throughout your home, soft things translate to tranquility — plush pillows, fuzzy blankets, thick fluffy rugs.

NATURE

We know being outside helps lower stress, improve our moods and help us perform better, so bring the outside in. Even fake plants lend themselves to a sense of well-being.

Keep blinds and curtains open to allow natural light to shower your inside living. Increase your productivity by redesigning your home office in a room with a view of nature, whether a strip of grass or full-fledged garden. And, spread houseplants throughout.

LIGHTING

Foremost, keep your windows unobstructed — daylight is a natural mood lifter. Strategically hang mirrors to bring more light into rooms.

Beyond enhancing all options to bring natural light into your home, consider illuminating every corner of a room with table lamps or floor lamps, use

decorative ceiling lights, but avoid cold LED lights as they contain harsh blue light.

Your goal is warm white in dining and living areas and natural white in kitchens and bathrooms.

DE-CLUTTERING

De-cluttering is probably the most loathsome thing you’ll need to do to get the big payoff of a happy home. But there are tricks:

• De-clutter in stages — one room, one space, even one zone such as kitchen cabinets at a time.

• Use five bins or baskets to sort — put away, recycle, fix/mend, trash, donate.

• In the living room, decide on a permanent storage space for such things as remote controls, magazines and books. Store chargers, gadgets and gaming equipment where you find them.

• Before you even buy something, ask yourself: “Do I like this, or do I love it?” (Even if it’s a type of vacuum cleaner).

• Make tidying up a daily routine — even if it’s just making your bed.

The Heart of

Home and Community

BY SHERI HEINEY PRESIDENT & CEO, PRESCOTT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

There’s something special about the feeling of home. Whether it’s the warmth of a kitchen filled with family, the comfort of a favorite chair by the fire, or the welcoming front porch where neighbors gather, the idea of “Home & Hearth” represents much more than a place — it represents community.

In Prescott, our homes are a reflection of the lifestyle we cherish. Nestled among the pines and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, our community blends historic charm with modern living. From cozy mountain cabins to beautifully restored historic homes and thoughtfully designed new neighborhoods, Prescott offers a sense of place that truly feels like home.

The concept of “House & Hearth” also extends beyond our front doors. It reflects the businesses, craftsmen, designers and service providers who

help create the spaces where families gather and memories are made. From builders and real estate professionals to local artisans, landscapers and interior designers, our local businesses play an important role in shaping the homes and neighborhoods that define Prescott.

Supporting these businesses not only strengthens our local economy but also ensures that Prescott continues to maintain its unique character. When residents choose to shop local, hire local professionals and invest in local services, they help build a community that thrives together.

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce is proud to represent more than 1,200 businesses that contribute to the vitality of our community. Many of these members specialize in home improvement, construction, real estate and lifestyle services that support

homeowners throughout every stage of their journey — from purchasing their first home to remodeling, decorating and maintaining a place they love.

Our Chamber works to connect residents and visitors with trusted local businesses while supporting economic growth and tourism in Prescott. Through networking events, community programs and partnerships with local organizations, we continue to promote the businesses that make our city such a vibrant place to live. As we celebrate the idea of House & Hearth, we are reminded that a home is more than walls and windows — it’s the people, businesses and community connections that bring warmth to it.

Prescott has long been known as Everybody’s Hometown, and that sense of belonging is what truly makes this community special.

House and Hearth:

Building Business, Belonging, Community

Spring in Prescott Valley has always carried a special energy. As the days grow warmer and families gather outdoors again, we’re reminded that the true strength of our community lies in the feeling of home and the warmth of the hearth; the places and people that ground us.

For the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, April and May are a time to lean into that spirit and celebrate the businesses, neighbors and traditions that make our town not just a place to work, but a place to belong.

Our local businesses are the heart of this community. They sponsor the Little League teams, donate to school fundraisers, hire our neighbors and create the character that defines Prescott Valley. Supporting them isn’t just an economic choice, it’s a way we take care of one another. That’s why this season, we are focused on strengthening opportunity, connection and growth right here at home.

One of the most exciting milestones this spring is the launch of our bilingual

Business Academy, in partnership with the Hispanic Business Association. This initiative reflects our belief that entrepreneurship should be accessible to everyone.

By offering programming in both English and Spanish, we’re opening doors for more business owners to gain the skills, resources and confidence they need to thrive.

When we empower diverse voices and perspectives, our entire business ecosystem grows stronger. This academy isn’t just a class; it’s a pathway to leadership, ownership and generational success for many families in our region. As we move into May, our sense of home shines brightest during Prescott Valley Days, running May 7th through 10th.

This beloved tradition brings together neighbors, nonprofits and businesses to celebrate everything that makes our town special. From parades and entertainment to local vendors and carnival rides, Prescott Valley Days reminds us that community pride is built together. It’s also a powerful opportunity to support local

entrepreneurs and showcase the creativity and resilience of our small business community.

This year carries added significance as communities across the country begin celebrating America 250, marking 250 years of the American story. As we reflect on that history, we’re reminded that the promise of America has always started in towns like ours, places where hard work, service and innovation create opportunity for the next generation.

Here in Prescott Valley, we honor that legacy by continuing to invest in local businesses, strengthen partnerships and foster a culture where everyone has a chance to succeed.

House and hearth mean more than comfort; they represent stability, connection and shared purpose. This season, I encourage each of you to shop local, attend community events, mentor an entrepreneur and support the organizations that keep Prescott Valley thriving. Together, we’re not just growing businesses, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant place to call home.

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

BUSINESSES HELP MAKE

Chino Valley Home

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

The phrase “House & Hearth” often brings to mind images of home — gathering around the kitchen table, sharing meals with family or relaxing in a space that brings comfort and warmth. But behind every home is a network of local businesses helping make those spaces possible.

In Chino Valley, our homes and community are supported by the hardworking local businesses that provide the services and products we rely on every day. From builders and contractors to home improvement specialists, landscapers, retailers and service providers, these businesses help create and maintain the places we call home.

Local businesses are more than just storefronts or service providers — they are neighbors, community supporters and employers. They sponsor youth programs, volunteer at community events and invest back into the town that supports them. Their success helps strengthen the local economy and

reinforces the strong sense of community that Chino Valley is known for.

The Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support these businesses and the role they play in building a vibrant local economy. Our mission is to support, promote and provide resources for businesses throughout the Chino Valley area.

Through networking opportunities, business programs and community events, the Chamber helps connect businesses with customers and with one another.

Throughout the year, Chamber events provide opportunities for businesses to build relationships and share ideas. Programs such as Business After Hours, Lunch & Learn, Women in Business and Chino Valley Business Spotlight & Connect allow local professionals to network, collaborate and strengthen partnerships that benefit the entire community.

The Chamber also serves as a statedesignated visitor center, welcoming residents and visitors and connecting them with the many local businesses that make Chino Valley such a welcoming place. Whether someone is looking for local services, shopping, dining or information about the community, the Chamber helps showcase the businesses that make Chino Valley unique.

The idea of House & Hearth ultimately reflects more than the homes we live in — it reflects the businesses and community connections that help create a sense of belonging. When residents choose to support local businesses, they help sustain the entrepreneurs, craftsmen and professionals who contribute to the character and vitality of our town.

Chino Valley has always been a community built on strong relationships, hard work and local pride. By continuing to support our local businesses, we help ensure the heart of our community remains strong.

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

TO HELP KIDS Findlay Subaru

LOVES

Findlay Subaru Prescott proudly partnered with Operation Warm and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona to host an on-site coat gifting event as part of the Subaru Loves to Help® initiative at both the Prescott and Prescott Valley clubs.

During the event, 132 brand-new, high-quality coats were given to local children, ensuring they stayed warm and confident throughout the winter season.

Subaru believes that love is the most powerful force in the universe, and through Subaru Loves to Help, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. This initiative reflects Subaru’s commitment to supporting local

communities and helping children feel cared for, valued and ready to thrive.

Each coat offered not only warmth and comfort during the cold months but also a sense of confidence and belonging. To make the experience even more special, children wrote their names on the personalized name tag inside their new coat, creating a feeling of pride and ownership in something that was truly theirs. This simple gesture turned a practical gift into a meaningful moment of joy and empowerment.

“At Subaru, we believe that even the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting impact,” says Kara Hartman, Marketing Director. “Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they wrote

their names inside their new coats was a powerful reminder that warmth is more than physical, it’s about feeling valued and cared for. We’re honored to help give these kids not just a coat, but a sense of pride and belonging.”

The Subaru Loves to Help initiative is part of the larger Subaru Love Promise®, a commitment to being more than a car company by supporting causes that matter most to our communities that Findlay Subaru Prescott fully embraces. Proud to be your hometown Subaru retailer.

For more information about Subaru Loves to Help, visit findlaysubaruprescott.com/ subaru-love-promise

STORY AND PHOTO SUBMITTED BY FINDLAY SUBARU PRESCOTT

John Van Winkle and Taire E. of Findlay Subaru Prescott set up for the on-site coat gifting event.

The Club at Prescott Lakes 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Yearly at The Club at Prescott Lakes the fairways become more than a beautiful place to play golf — they become a pathway to gratitude, remembrance and community support.

The annual charity golf tournament benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization born from the heroism of Sept. 11, 2001. The foundation honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full gear to reach the World Trade Center after the attacks.

The funds raised help provide critical support through programs that pay off mortgages for families of fallen first responders, build specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and offer financial stability to those who have sacrificed so much.

“Having my mortgage paid off after finding out that it was a service-related death truly just validates what Mike did. … It truly was a validation that there are people who saw Mike’s service, who still see Mike’s service, who still see me and the kids.”

-NICOLE KARDOES (Gold Star Family Home Recipient)

WEAR YOUR RED, WHITE & BLUE! Don’t forget to

Honoring 25 years of memory, service and sacrifice.

Dignity Health, YRMC Employees Fight Food Insecurity

Employees from Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) are stepping up to support the Yavapai County community and help address local food insecurity.

In October, YRMC employees and their families volunteered at the Prescott Food Forest’s B Organic Farm in Chino Valley, where they helped weed, prune, move soil and assist with a variety of gardening tasks. Prescott Food Forest is a community garden that donates fresh produce to food banks throughout the region.

After learning more about food insecurity in Yavapai County, YRMC’s Community Health Advocacy, Mobility and Planning Committee made the issue a key focus for this employee volunteer initiative.

“As members of our community who are deeply committed to service and to the health and well-being of the people we serve, we believe it is important to create purposeful volunteer opportunities where our teams and their families can come together and make a meaningful impact outside of work,” says Dr. Ronael Eckman, Vice President of Medical Affairs at YRMC.

This effort was organized by the Dignity Health HumanKindness Council.

SUBMITTED BY JESSICA DUARTE, PHOTOS COURTESY OF DIGNITY HEALTH, YAVAPAI REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

by

photo

Blushing Cactus Photography

A merica 250

Comes to Prescott

As the nation prepares to commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, communities across the country are joining the celebration through America250.

Here in Yavapai County, Prescott recently welcomed one of Arizona’s most symbolic tributes: the traveling replica Liberty Bell.

Arizona’s signature initiative, the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum, is bringing a full-scale replica Liberty Bell to all 15 Arizona counties before it returns for permanent installation at the Arizona State Capitol. The traveling museum features engaging, interactive exhibits exploring American history and Arizona’s unique role — past, present and future — creating opportunities for residents of all ages to connect with the state’s civic story.

Prescott hosted the Liberty Bell Feb. 14 and 15 at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, welcoming families, students and community leaders for an up close look at this enduring symbol of freedom. The event served not only as a celebration, but as an educational experience designed to spark reflection on civic engagement and the responsibilities that come with liberty.

The Traveling Museum is just one part of Arizona’s broader America250 efforts. Through Passport250 Arizona, residents are invited to participate in a statewide digital experience that encourages exploration of historic landmarks, cultural institutions, outdoor destinations and culinary experiences that define Arizona. Participants can follow themed routes, check in at featured sites and discover new corners of the state while engaging with its heritage.

Additional initiatives outlined at www.america250az.org include statewide programming focused on education, civic leadership, storytelling and cultural preservation — all aimed at honoring Arizona’s past while inspiring its future. Community partnerships, heritage projects and public events will continue to roll out through July. Go to the website for a full calendar of events.

For Greater Prescott, participation reinforces the area’s deep territorial roots and longstanding civic identity.

And this is only the beginning. Readers can look forward to expanded coverage of local and statewide America250 efforts in our June issue as Arizona continues its journey toward celebrating 250 years of American independence.

450 White Spar Rd.

Prescott, AZ 86303

Sprouts Farmers Market

174 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott, AZ 86301

7720 E. AZ-69

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Sprouts Farmers Market 5645 E. AZ-69

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

1031 N. AZ-89 Chino Valley, AZ 86323 Southwest Homes 8841 Florentine Rd., Ste. C

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Realty Executives Arizona TerritoryNew Home Marketplace 113 W. Goodwin St. Prescott, AZ 86303

Keep Focus on

Reading Skills in Middle, High School

BY NANCY DEWITT, OWNER, PATRIOT PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

Reading remains fundamental to education, the key to unlocking all the other subjects from STEM to language and arts to trades. Students are said to face a “third-grade reading cliff,” after which they are doomed to struggle through school and beyond if they aren’t reading at grade level.

But once your child attains that level it’s not time to relax, especially with all the distractions, technological “advances” and audio-visual communication pulling them away from the written word. Stories of students entering college without being able to read and comprehend short pieces are becoming legion. Parents and guardians have many tricks and tools they can use to reinforce and expand their kids’ reading skills as they move through middle and high school without becoming part of that phenomenon.

Push pleasure reading

These days it’s still relatively easy to keep your younger kids picking up books and reading when they don’t absolutely have to, but research shows that interest drops off precipitously for many once they reach their preteen-early teen years. Pleasure reading is linked to better comprehension, writing and spelling, higher test scores and advanced cognitive development.

Let them choose what to read and which format (book, e-book, articles, graphic novels, etc.), within reason. Help them find books aligned with their passions, whether it’s wizardry, sci-fi, current events or reading about kids like themselves. Encourage them to share their favorite books with their peers one-to-one or on social media, and find series with compelling topics that will keep them hooked.

Talk isn’t cheap

Chatting with your kids about their day, your day and what everyone experienced is crucial for building family and social links and also develops their literacy skills. Whatever the topic, spoken conversation helps them (and adults) broaden their vocabulary,

understanding of sentence structure and overall confidence with reading and using language.

A popular way for parents to structure conversations with their family is the “Rose, thorn and bud” game, where everybody shares a good thing and bad thing that happened that day, along with something they’re looking forward to. The result is a miniature story that helps them shape the narrative of their lives and can be used creatively in schoolwork.

Lose yourself in a good book

Modeling reading behavior is one of the most powerful ways you can communicate the importance of reading to your kids — yes, even teenagers.

They’re going to call you out if you push them toward reading and they never see you pick up a book or e-book on your own, but will pay attention if you show genuine interest in your own reading material.

For bonus points, insert your current reading material into conversations with your kids. Showing them what engagement with a book looks and feels like gives them a visceral connection to the intellectual stimulation and joy that comes with it.

Support late bloomers

If your child is reading below their grade level and struggling in school, they and the teachers around them may have reduced their expectations for what they can achieve in life. But there’s no reason to give up or let them give up on themselves, as there are plenty of interventions that can be effective at this age.

But it won’t necessarily be easy. First, make sure any learning disabilities or other issues have been either diagnosed or ruled out.

Most struggling readers will have experienced intense frustration with reading by this age and try to avoid having to do it. Have them work with

a reading specialist if at all possible and work with them on decoding words when you have time, helping them with prefixes and suffixes or pointing out familiar spelling patterns that can be linked to new words, for example.

Putting in the effort to find books at your child’s reading level that are interesting to them will be worth the effort, giving them a chance to experience the joy of reading in a way that will get them searching for more. Help them shop online and, whenever possible, take them to a library or bookstore so they can experience the thrill of discovery from rummaging through physical volumes that can open up new worlds to them.

Modeling reading behavior is one of the most powerful ways you can communicate the importance of reading to your kids — yes, even teenagers.

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

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

Leighnor Aircraft LLC 6418 MacCurdy 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 www.busybeelearningcenter.com

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

Yavapai College Accounting Professor EMPOWERS STUDENTS TO BUILD PRACTICAL LIFE SKILLS

Dr. Fahim Mazumdar’s expertise spans multiple dimensions of accounting and beyond.

In addition to teaching financial and managerial accounting, he brings deep knowledge in fraud prevention, forensic accounting and risk management, supported by his Certified Fraud Examiner credential and over 14 years of experience in that field and his published doctoral research on occupational fraud.

These allowed him to help organizations and professionals strengthen internal controls and ethical practices.

Prior to joining Yavapai College in 2023 as an accounting professor, Mazumdar managed 19 separate operations for major fast-food restaurants and drugstore chains across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He also taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students at Rivier University in New Hampshire.

Mazumdar also served as one of the elected board directors for the New Hampshire Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, where he also was elected to be the chair of the Professional Development Committee for the professionals dedicated to fraud prevention, detection and deterrence.

SUBMITTED BY YAVAPAI COLLEGE

The professor says he’s committed to fostering an environment where students excel in accounting and business education. He focuses on delivering rigorous, high-quality courses and creating open educational resources that make learning accessible and transformative.

“I design innovative, interactive materials that reflect the dynamic nature of accounting and business,” he says. “Through curriculum development, mentoring and academic advising, I empower students to build practical skills essential for success in today’s competitive marketplace.”

Mazumdar says accounting often is called “the language of business” because it communicates the financial health and performance of organizations in a clear, standardized way. That, he says, is essential for decision-making, compliance and strategic planning.

“Accounting not only opens doors to diverse career opportunities in auditing, taxation, forensic accounting and corporate finance, but it also builds a foundation for leadership and ethical responsibility in today’s competitive business world,” he says.

This field of study also teaches critical thinking, ethics and risk management skills

vital for preventing fraud and maintaining trust in financial systems, he says. By mastering accounting, students gain tools to interpret and analyze data, empower them to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to any organization.

“Another area I’m passionate about is mentoring students on how to write professionally and scholarly,” Mazumdar says. “Strong writing skills are essential for success in accounting and business, and helping students master this craft is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”

Mazumdar says that as an educator and Certified Fraud Examiner, this discipline allows him to bridge theory and practice, helping students and professionals “connect the dots” between financial data, ethics and leadership.

He finds it deeply rewarding to see learners develop confidence and competence that will shape their careers and strengthen organizations. The continuous evolution of accounting standards and technology keeps him intellectually engaged and committed to lifelong learning.

“I believe that an adequate teacher educates reactively, but a truly magnificent teacher illuminates hearts and minds while exercising intelligence proactively,” he says.

Dr. Fahim Mazumdar

Connect Kids to LEARNING through NATURE

Children are naturally curious and even more so when they’re out in nature. They play longer and stay engaged longer when they’re out in the sunshine and open air, just like the rest of us.

There are many ways to capitalize on their special kind of focus when outside. You can teach them the basic concepts in reading, science and math they will need for school.

Here are a few enjoyable activities that combine the lure of the outdoors with basic school lessons.

SUN PRINTS

Kids will learn about the power of the sun’s ultraviolet rays by using loops of

tape to secure the back of a piece of construction paper to a sunny outdoor table. Then they can place objects on top of them to see how the sun fades the pigment in the exposed paper over the span of four or five hours, leaving behind a dark print of the object used. More loops of tape can be used to secure lightweight objects like leaves or foam shapes.

SPRING BULB GROWTH CHARTS

Similar to marking your child’s height on a wall, only this puts the kid in the driver’s seat. Plant several bulbs from the same or different species, such as daffodils, hyacinths or paperwhites. Track their growth with wooden strips on which kids can draw and color

blocks marking the progression of growth, and older kids can measure them with a ruler. Science and math united!

JUMP-ROPE SPELLING

Using a grade level-appropriate vocabulary list and a piece of sidewalk chalk, give the child a word to spell while jumping rope, one jump per letter. If they get the word and jump right, they get to write the word on the driveway or sidewalk. If they misspell the word or miss a jump, the caller writes the word down in chalk and the jumper spells it twice, once by reading the letters and then without. The game is done when all the words on the list are written down in chalk.

La Tierra Community School is a public, tuition-free hands-on learning school. For over 10 years, our enthusiasm for the outdoors and exploring the world is matched only by our close ties to every member of our community.

~ At Willow Creek Charter, Every Child Thrives ~

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR 2025-2026

At Willow Creek Charter, we believe in the potential of every student and are committed to the success of all.

Each student is valued as an individual and we celebrate the unique qualities he or she brings to our family-like community.

Sacred Heart Catholic School

OUR MISSION: Guided by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are a community of faith, dedicated to teaching the whole child by providing a Catholic education that promotes academic excellence, quality of character, social responsibility, and spiritual growth, being the living example of God’s love to others.

We provide a broad and relevant curriculum based on our mission, philosophy, and Schoolwide Learning Expectations. We are devoted educators dedicated to curriculum development and best practices in instructional methodology to meet students needs in the 21st century.

We welcome you to visit our school, talk with our faculty and families, and take a tour or shadow for a day. Please contact us to learn more.

Intelligence and proper education will give you independence of spirit.

-Charlotte Brontë

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.

PLANT a Pet-Friendly PARADISE in your Backyard

It’s springtime and it’s time to figure out what, if anything, you’re going to do with your yard this year. You definitely want to make it enjoyable for every member of your family. That includes your pets, who may spend the most quality time investigating and relaxing on your property than anybody else.

Designing a yard that will let your dogs and cats thrive outside will involve some careful plant selection and some protective measures to separate your animals from your more tender plants, but you can still have a beguiling backyard to enjoy with your furry and comparatively hairless companions.

POTENTIAL PROBLEM PLANTS

Nearly all plants contain some substances that can become toxic to dogs and cats if they’re overconsumed, but there are some that you genuinely need to consider leaving out of your garden plan to keep pets safe in your yard:

LILIES

It’s pretty widely known these lovely plants are poisonous to cats, with small

amounts of any part of the plant able to cause their kidneys to fail. Their toxicity to dogs may be less well known but needs to be kept in mind. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and even more severe poisoning.

A more pet-friendly alternative is catnip, which cats can go nuts over (individuals’ mileage may vary) and dogs will probably have no reaction to unless they get a little sleepy. Sunflowers and snapdragons are also pet-friendly and grow well in our Central Highlands climate.

RHODODENDRONS

Some varieties of this colorful plant can do well in Prescott, but they won’t do well by your pets, unfortunately. Grayanotoxins are chemical compounds found in their leaves, nectar and twigs that are highly toxic to dogs, cats and humans alike.

A better choice for pets and our local climate is spirea, which is droughttolerant once established and grows well in most soils. Flowers come in mauve, pink or red and attract butterflies and other pollinators that

will add entertainment value for animals and humans alike. Just be careful around bees!

INDIAN PAINTBRUSH

This beautiful red-blossomed plant is native to the Southwest and thrives in our mountain climate, so it’s usually a good choice. But most plants contain concentrated stores of selenium, which in these high doses can cause heart, lung and nerve damage, so keep it out of your yard if you can.

For a native, drought-tolerant plant that will add beauty without causing this kind of harm consider blanket flowers, which generate vivid flowers, many sporting more than one hue. They may cause skin irritation to animals that brush against it, particularly small animals, but it’s generally considered safe for pets.

GRASSES

Most widely available grasses don’t pose much of a threat to pets, but there are a few commonly used ones out here that are more of a concern for cats than dogs, including Bermuda grass and fescue.

All pet owners should avoid foxtail barley, rye, wheat and similar varieties that have “awns,” or small seedheads with V-shaped bristles. They burrow deeply into fur, skin and even organs, leading to pain, infections or even death.

KEEP TOOLS, MULCHES, CHEMICALS SECURE

Sharp gardening tools like shears, trimmers, rakes and shovels can all be hazardous to unsuspecting pets, so don’t forget to gather them up and put them in a shed or somewhere else secure. Use pet-safe pest and weed control products for your yard, but make sure to keep those containers locked up.

Organic wood-chip mulch is fine for pets, but cocoa bean mulch is toxic to dogs and cats, along with mulches treated with chemicals and composted or moldy materials — keep your compost secured in a bin. Hemlock tree bark mulch is fine, but don’t get it confused with the poisonous hemlock plant.

LEARNING TO SHARE

As much as you and your furbabies love each other, your visions for your backyard aren’t always going to line up: you’re picturing a luxuriant lawn or a bed of vibrant, pet-safe flowers while your four-legged buds dig big dirty holes or deposit their waste.

You can come to a reasonable compromise by carving out “zones” in your yard for different activities that will keep everybody happy.

Areas on the edges of your yard can be set aside for digging in sand or loose dirt, playing around tunnels and other agility equipment, splashing around in shallow, safe kiddie pools — just make sure to provide some shade from trees or structures like canopies or pergolas. Choose another spot and train your dogs to use it for potty breaks, and consider placing a sandbox to draw your cats’ interest in leaving their deposits in that spot.

Dogs with strong inclinations to dig present a real challenge to

homeowners maintaining lawns or gardens, but there are ways to at least contain if not eliminate the issue. Tiring your pet out with other forms of play can reduce their interest, since digging is often done out of boredom. Remove any burrowing critters that are attracting their hunting instincts. If that doesn’t help, setting up a digging pit of sand or soil to divert their energy may be enough.

If you have a veggie garden that you need to particularly protect from predatory paws, you can sprinkle the soil with spices like red pepper flakes or powdered mustard, which will deter your pets without affecting the plants’ growth.

You can also spray the plants with white vinegar or apple bitter spray to repel animals from your garden bed. You can put gravel on top of the soil when you’re done planting or consider some type of fencing as a last resort.

In any case, you can consider adding a sensory garden with pet-safe herbs like mint and lavender to give your animals a pleasant-smelling refuge where they can explore and relax. If there’s room you can add textured pathways, beds of hay, tiered levels to climb and even a squirrel or bird feeder for entertainment — hung out of your canine’s reach so they can be enjoyed safely by the wildlife.

Shonto’s Story

I answered a call about a horse on the reservation in trouble. We made the long drive north — past the open desert and red mesas beyond Tuba City.

I answered a call about a horse on the reservation in trouble. We made the long drive north — past the open desert and red mesas beyond Tuba City.

For years he had been seen drifting in and out with bands of bachelor stallions, appearing only when food and water became scarce. Those who watched over the area believed he had been dumped long ago. Unlike the wild horses, he carried the unmistakable look of a domestic horse trying to survive.

For years he had been seen drifting in and out with bands of bachelor stallions, appearing only when food and water became scarce. Those who watched over the area believed he had been dumped long ago. Unlike the wild horses, he carried the unmistakable look of a domestic horse trying to survive.

I gave him a name that reflects both who he once was and who he could be: Shonto, the Navajo word for sunshine springs.

I gave him a name that reflects both who he once was and who he could be: Shonto, the Navajo word for sunshine springs.

His body was badly torn up.

His body was badly torn up.

Deciding to intervene in such cases is never simple. Our choices must be guided by whether we can truly provide care and quality of life. There are so many who suffer, far more than we can ever help.

Deciding to intervene in such cases is never simple. Our choices must be guided by whether we can truly provide care and quality of life. There are so many who suffer, far more than we can ever help.

When Shonto arrived at Healing River Ranch, we gave him time to decompress, to rest and to slowly adjust to the safety of his new home. Then we began diagnostics, implementing a refeeding and nutrition protocol. Shonto was nearly 150 pounds underweight. At some point, he had suffered a fractured neck, and several pellets were still lodged there from having been shot.

When Shonto arrived at Healing River Ranch, we gave him time to decompress, to rest and to slowly adjust to the safety of his new home. Then we began diagnostics, implementing a refeeding and nutrition protocol. Shonto was nearly 150 pounds underweight. At some point, he had suffered a fractured neck, and several pellets were still lodged there from having been shot.

What stands out most about Shonto today is who he is. His kind heart is felt throughout the herd, and his gentle, old soul carries a quiet sense of peace that seems to settle over everything around him.

What stands out most about Shonto today is who he is. His kind heart is felt throughout the herd, and his gentle, old soul carries a quiet sense of peace that seems to settle over everything around him.

SADDLE UP 2026 FUNDRAISER

Our sanctuary is a forever home for elderly, special-needs, and hospice animals — those often overlooked or forgotten — who were once destined for euthanasia or slaughter. Here, they live out their lives surrounded by safety, dignity, love and enrichment.

THERE ARE MANY MEANINGFUL WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR

We are sustained entirely through grants, donations and fundraising efforts and receive no government funding. Every dollar donated goes directly toward providing life-saving care and lifelong sanctuary for animals in need.

Pets, your Prescription for Better Mental Health

Interaction with pets and therapy animals has been linked to improved mental health for people in numerous settings — homes, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, prisons, first responder stations, workplaces, rehab centers, community centers and many more environments.

The common thread in all these settings is people dealing with stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, addiction, eating disorders, PTSD or other types of mental distress. Everyone, regardless of whether they’ve ever been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, deals with stress or negative feelings at one point or another.

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute, a nonprofit that maintains the world’s largest online library of humananimal bond research and funds further studies, reports on its website about the numerous situations in which pets or pet therapy was found to benefit humans’ mental health, including:

• Child-dog interactions may prevent the evolution of emotional problems into full-fledged mental, emotional or behavioral disorders during adolescence or during adulthood. According to a cross-sectional study

of more than 600 children in a primary care setting, having a pet dog in the home was associated with a decreased probability of childhood anxiety.

• A study of 400 homeless youth found that 23% of those surveyed reported owning pets. Those who did report owning a pet reported experiencing less depressive symptoms and loneliness than their non-pet-owning peers.

• In a study examining an intervention of animal-assisted activities on hospital patients receiving chemotherapy, symptoms of depression were shown to improve by as much as 50% in the group receiving the intervention.

• A systematic literature review provides a comprehensive overview of empirical research on animal-assisted intervention for trauma. The review concludes that results have been predominantly positive, showing short-term improvements in depression, PTSD symptoms and anxiety.

• One study of elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease found that after the introduction of an aquarium into the facility, patients experienced higher food intake and weight gain and a reduced requirement of nutritional supplementation.

• Pets also were found to contribute to a stronger sense of identity in pet owners with mental health conditions, including reducing negative perceptions of a mental health condition or diagnosis.

• About 190 employees of 31 companies that allowed pets in the workplace responded to an anonymous questionnaire; the presence of pets was likely to be perceived as reducing stress and positively affecting employee health and morale.

• Companion animals were found to have a statistically significant impact on the number of depressive symptoms experienced by older adults after being widowed or getting divorced. Those who didn’t have a pet also reported higher levels of loneliness, while those with a pet reported levels of loneliness similar to those in a control group who had not experienced a loss.

Watson Lake

Photo by Karen Shaw

Photo by Fernande Hastert Kuykendall

Highlands Center for Natural History

Photo by Robert Kinsler

Willow Creek Dog Park

Photo by Gary Gromer

Watson Lake

Photo by Dale Maas

Goldwater Lake

Photo by Jim Bau

AFTERNOON

Hassayampa Happenings

February 22, May 31, August 30, October 25

- Eugene Onegin May 2 - El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego May 30 - Tristan und Isolde Jun 20 - Arabella Jun 13

Jan Alfano Trail

Photo courtesy of Billie-Lynne Fife

Join Prescott’s Parkrun

for Saturday Fitness,

Socialization

BY BLAKE HERZOG, PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAN ALFANO TRAIL PARKRUN

On the same Saturday in early 2020, Molly Auman and Fiona Reid of Prescott found themselves taking part in a global recreation movement on opposite sides of the world.

Reid was visiting family in her native South Africa when she ran in a weekly event called a parkrun that uses a simple premise in a network reaching 22 countries; hold a 5K run/walk event using open space every Saturday regardless of the weather or other conditions and allow entrants to track their personal times.

Reid says the course that day was on a farm that was extremely muddy from recent rain, but “I just thought ‘Oh my gosh, this is so much fun.’ You get to meet everybody, you run in fantastic locations, and South Africans are nuts about parkrun. Out of all the other places in the world,

South Africa has really, really hooked onto the idea of this 5K, every Saturday, no matter what.”

It hasn’t caught on in the same way in the U.S., but Auman also took part in a parkrun in Tucson, and once the friends got together they agreed Prescott needed a parkrun of its own. Then the COVID-19 pandemic shut it down globally for a couple of years, and it wasn’t until June 2024 when they were able to launch the Jan Alfano Trail parkrun, held 7:30 a.m. each Saturday, beginning at the trailhead near Willow Creek Dog Park.

Ever since, the parkrun has gained its footing within the Greater Prescott running community and is now consistently drawing 20 to 30 participants per week, rain or shine. Reid says the weather gods have been generous to

them from the outset, with just a few minutes of rain one morning.

The event is free and participants only need to register for it once through www.parkrun.us/janalfanotrail or the national website at www.parkrun.us/ register. After they do, they receive a personalized scannable barcode to bring every time they attend. Their finish time will be linked to their name and displayed with the final results from the week.

Anyone can run, walk or do both over the 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) course, which follows a trail running east/west along Willow Creek Road, turning around north of Britni Drive. One dog on a leash per walker or runner is permitted. Participants are strongly encouraged to register and use a barcode even if they’re not tracking their time so the organizers can have an

emergency contact if anything should happen during the run.

Regulars range in age from 10 to 87, and most love to socialize. Everyone is encouraged to gather at Method Coffee afterward.

Auman says the camaraderie keeps people coming back, “and sometimes it’s hard for us to get out of there, because they want to sit around and visit. I’m not complaining, it’s wonderful.”

Every Saturday morning either Auman or Reid acts as the event director, pulling parkrun signs and other equipment out of a small shed at nearby Findlay Subaru. A total of seven volunteers is required every week to move forward. They have never failed to pull it off, though it can take some begging and pleading to make it happen.

The most frequent volunteer Mike Gulley is “our biggest ambassador. He goes all over talking about parkrun and how wonderful it is and we’re so grateful,” Auman says. Besides the generally mild Prescott weather, the scenery has been a huge draw, Auman says.

“People come from, especially from out of the country and say this is one of the best parkruns they’ve ever done because it’s so beautiful. You get to see the lake and you kind of touch on the Granite Dells, and it really is beautiful.”

The weekly event does get a fair number of international visitors, many of them coming for a surprising reason; parkrun enthusiasts around the world set various challenges for themselves, and a common one is resolving to participate in one run that begins with each letter of the alphabet.

“Ours is the Jan Alfano Trail parkrun, and there aren’t too many Js out there in the world,” Reid says. “So, we get a ton of people here who want to ‘cross off the J’ for the parkrun. We get people from all over the world, particularly the UK, Australia, South Africa and from other parts of the country. They take vacations specifically around where parkruns are being held. It might just be for a short time and they’re gone, but there’s been an exchange of something like magic.”

One of these out-of-town visitors may be the most famous parkrunner Prescott has

The weekly event does get a fair number of international visitors, many of them coming for a surprising reason; parkrun enthusiasts around the world set various challenges for themselves, and a common one is resolving to participate in one run that begins with each letter of the alphabet.

ever seen, a man who used one prosthetic running leg and registered under the name “Juan Leg.” His resilience has won him some coverage over the last decade for being the only person to show up to a snowed-in parkrun and running a halfmarathon in Illinois in less than two hours. He turned into the Prescott parkrun’s second-biggest cheerleader, Reid says. “He ran it. … and he was just incredibly positive.”

The only other two parkruns in Arizona are both in Tucson, and there’s just three in California. But the concept is slowly spreading though the U.S., which now has almost 100 active ones. Reid says the global nature of the movement, and the eccentricities it includes, is one of the most compelling parts of it.

“I know when I get out there for Saturday parkrun, and this is an all-volunteer run event, I know around the world, this very same Saturday, thousands of people are getting outside, meeting their community, having fun and getting 5Ks worth of exercise whether it’s walk, run, push your grandchildren, run with a donkey — we’ve had donkeys come to ours.”

A Servant’s Heart: and H er VolunteersKarlyne Crewse

Living in the Prescott area for more than 10 years with her husband Bob of 44 years, Karlyne Crewse is an integral part of the City of Prescott’s Recreation Services programming division.

Serving as the SNAP (Special Needs Activity Program) Coordinator since 2018, Karlyne, her assistant Amy Beaupre, and exceptional team of hardworking volunteers has provided consistency, safety and routine for adults with developmental and/or cognitive disabilities.

Through activities and events such as monthly dances, bingo nights and craft nights, Karlyne and her team have created a sense of community and belonging not only for the adult participants, but their caregivers and families as well. SNAP is, in Karlyne’s words, “the best kept secret” and “hidden jewel” of the Recreation Services Department, and the program’s impact is like that of a stone dropped into a pond, a ripple effect of positivity and acceptance.

Having empathy, a servant’s heart, respect and dignity for the participants, and patience is paramount to the

success of the program. Anyone who has the privilege of meeting and knowing Karlyne can see this instantly in the way she cares for her volunteers and participants and talks about the program so near and dear to her heart.

Implementing schedules, flyers, reminders and an RSVP process when she first became the program’s coordinator, Karlyne elevated the program. Its continued success can be seen in the large numbers of attendees each month and the smiles on everyone’s faces.

Partnering with organizations such as Target, First Congregational Church, Foothills Bank, Starbucks and Endeavor HCBS, Karlyne has fostered relationships with businesses and professionals throughout the community to provide donations and volunteers to ensure the longevity of SNAP for years to come.

When I ask Karlyne why she does it all, she smiles and tells me it’s all because of a boy named Carly: “Carly was an exceptional boy with cognitive and developmental disabilities who rode my school bus. Carly always had a smile on his face and was a happy influence for all of those who had the privilege to know him.”

Karlyne is an essential part of the Recreation Services Department, and we’re incredibly thankful to her and her team for all the ways they dedicate their time, care and hearts to our community and to those who have found belonging through SNAP.

Karlyne Crewse

CELEBRATE SPRING, Mother Earth

and Make a SPLASH

BY ASHLIE BIGELOW, MARKETING SPECIALIST, PRESCOTT VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRESCOTT VALLEY PARKS & RECREATION

Get ready for your next adventure with Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation. Whether you are looking for a way to enjoy the last fleeting moments of spring or embrace the beauty of the summer season, there are always new opportunities and excitement around the corner with us.

Enjoy the captured moments of spring by local artists at this year’s Photography Showcase! This exhibit will highlight the different aspects of spring, never before seen.

Whether it is a snapshot of a flourishing meadow or a quick shot of animals emerging from hibernation, this Springtime themed showcase will provide you with the opportunity to dive deeper into these captured moments. Stop by the Prescott Valley Public Library during operating hours between April 18 and May 31 to enjoy this year’s display!

Take a moment to celebrate our planet at this year’s Earth Week. Register for one of our free programs happening daily, April 20-24.

• Spend Monday at Read and Rec and participate in this year’s Butterfly Release in the Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation Discovery Garden.

• Get up close and personal with the diet of an owl at Owl Pellet Dissection on Tuesday

• Spend Wednesday on a Watson Woods hike.

• Round out the week of celebration by creating your own craft at Recycled Art on Thursday.

Whether you join us for one Earth Week program or all of them, we are so excited to celebrate our planet with you this year!

Mark your calendars: Mountain Valley Splash is back for another season of summer fun! The 2026 season at the facility will kick off Saturday, May 23, with a

Y2k/90s themed Saturday Splash. This free open swim session is the perfect way to kick off summer with friends and family.

Visit our website at prescottvalley-az. gov/parks for more information about Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation, or our online program catalog at rec.us/prescott-valley to register and kick-start your next adventure today!

www.prescotthealthyliving.com/subscribe/digital

Emily Tylecote

Prescott's Dancers SHINE AT YAVAPAI BALLET THEATRE

BY BLAKE HERZOG, PHOTOS COURTESY OF YAVAPAI BALLET THEATRE

Emily Tylecote has founded Yavapai Ballet Theatre (YBT) to provide an opportunity for as many dancers and performing arts practitioners as possible to participate in a full-length ballet production.

Her ballet training was shaped by Jerzy Golek of the Lodz Ballet of Poland and she later attended Yale University, where she danced for the university’s ballet company. She is now faculty for Summers Danceworks in Prescott where she teaches advanced ballet.

As Yavapai Ballet Theatre’s artistic director, she is reaching out to Yavapai County’s dancers and 12 dance studios, inviting them to participate in Yavapai Ballet Theatre’s first production, The Nutcracker, in December.

nonprofit in December 2025, will not have its own facility, though it will rent space for rehearsals.

“Our goal is to make this at least an option for all the studios, making them feel like they’re part of the vision and not competing with the vision. That’s really the fundamental groundwork and we want the studios to understand this is not a competition for resources or for dancers. Rather, it’s just another opportunity.”

Tylecote emphasizes that her organization, launched as a 501(c)(3)

YBT will offer supplemental training opportunities, mentorship, financial aid and scholarships to performers and technical teams as they prepare for performances.

Summer’s DanceWorks in Prescott is one of the studios that’s come onboard with Yavapai Ballet Theatre, and owner Summer Hinton says a communitywide dance production could help foster connections

between Greater Prescott’s dance students, since students and studios are often pitted against each other in competitions. She’s also glad there will be more chances for ballet students to train and perform locally.

“Usually when we get master teachers they may be ballroom or hip-hop, and so having ballet and having it be such a classical style, it’s good that it’s teaching them technique and also giving them the chance to perform, where in a recital they might do two minutes of a ballet dance but here they can perform a whole production.”

Tylecote began her dance training at the age of 3 and explored jazz, tap and ballet until she was about 8, when she and others concluded “my temperament was more suited to ballet. I was never one to have ‘jazz hands.’”

Emily’s ballet training was shaped by Jerzy Golek of the Lodz Ballet of Poland and she later attended Yale University, where she danced for the university’s ballet company. She is now faculty for Summers Danceworks in Prescott where she teaches advanced ballet.

After graduating from Yale, starting her career in international risk management consulting and moving

to Prescott with her husband, she enrolled her now 5-year-old daughter in dance training when she was 2.

“I realized very fast that my heart was aching, watching her. It’s lovely watching kids grow and do beautiful things, but I didn’t realize how much my soul was missing ballet,” she says.

Eventually, she decided the best way to contribute to the local ballet scene would be to give more dancers chances to train for and perform in large-scale productions, beyond smaller supporting roles filled locally when a visiting company comes to town.

“If a dancer wanted to do that they’d have to go somewhere else, like Phoenix,” she says. “Which is a real shame, because we have so much talent here, and actually, across the performing arts we have so much talent.”

Given the expense involved with launching a full-scale production, Tylecote says, “The YBT production vehicle is the best mechanism for the studios to get involved when they’re looking for full-length production experience.

“We are securing the funds for the production, we are applying for the grants, we’re looking for corporate and private sponsors, we’re not asking for funds from studios either. We’re also keeping our tuition at the bare minimum, like $100 a student, because for us accessibility is a huge deal.”

Yavapai Ballet Theatre will offer financial aid, scholarships and adopt-adancer programs, she says: “I think for a lot of dancers, especially as they go en pointe and become preprofessional, the expenses of ballet become quite prohibitive.” Donations can be made online at www.ybtheatre.org ; for information about sponsorships email info@ybtheatre.org or call 928.202.9421

Besides organizing and funding The Nutcracker production, YBT ensures local performing arts programs are able to train their students for The

Nutcracker, but they can receive free supplemental instruction from qualified YBT choreographers and instructors.

Tylecote says she anticipates casting dancers over three performances, and some performers may take more than one role. There also are plenty of other ways to participate in this The Nutcracker besides dancing, she says, as she is looking for local musicians, actors, a children’s choir, set designers and theater engineers to put together a full-fledged production. Depending on how many musicians are ultimately used, the number of these artists could be anywhere from 42 to 90.

Yavapai Ballet Theatre’s contribution to the dance community will go beyond this one production, as the group also is planning to offer “summer intensive” classes providing more advanced training with guest artists from professional ballet troupes around Arizona.

Fundraising and outreach efforts are planned to expand its presence

Auditions for The Nutcracker, open to all dancers, will be held May 14 (5-8:30 p.m. at Summers Danceworks, Prescott) and May 16 (3-7 p.m. at the Elks Theatre, Prescott). Performances are scheduled for Dec. 12-13 at the Ruth Street Theater in Prescott. Visit the website at www.ybtheatre.org for audition information and tickets or scan the QR code.

throughout the community. Two galas that will include ballet performances are scheduled for late summer, at the Elks Theatre in Prescott in August and Sedona in September. Residents can also expect to see “pop-up” performances at school assemblies, senior centers, community events like Acker Night and other locations.

Tylecote leads YBT with a community-based leadership team: Managing Director Sara Gallardo, Marketing and Communications Manager Kimberly Powers and her mother, Costume Director Linda Sosangelis, who taught herself to create professional-level ballet costumes while her daughter was growing up. They are supported by a fundraising committee and artistic advisers from across the community.

“The fact that this is a production that can be so collaborative, I’m already excited just thinking about how all these different groups will come together,” she says.

STILL SEARCHING for You

BY TOD CHRISTENSEN

Appearances can deceive, or at least mislead—

My smile is real, my joy is true, but in my eyes, you may read An emptiness I can’t quite name, though sometimes I forget. I push it away, thinking it selfish, as the world owes me no debt.

Yet, every so often, something stirs, reminding me of you— For just a moment, even a second, then like a bird, the thought flew. Though we’ve never met, or maybe we knew each other too well, We were more than the best of friends; in complete love, we fell.

But perhaps it wasn’t in this life, or this time, or this place, And I can’t stop wondering, even though I can’t picture your face. But when I close my eyes, the image is faint, yet I can still see your heart, And so, though I never stop searching, each day, I again must start.

I thought I’d found you in every failed relationship I’d had, But when they weren’t you, all that remained was anger and sad. Then someone said, “What if you’ve discovered the truest of love, But you’re separated now—that’s why you search, high and low, under and above?”

Was that you, when, as strangers, our eyes met in the busy airport, And I felt a sense of knowing, though the contact was short?

Or was it the fragrance that caught my attention that day in the crowd— You trying to speak to me, yet unable to scream out loud?

Or am I just a fool, like all fools, hoping to believe in something not there? Maybe these thoughts are just a silent cry of longing, of despair. But I can’t give up, for I still believe my soul is not just one, but two. So I will walk through this world, always looking, always searching for you.

Crack of Dawn on a Cow Ranch by George Phippen CA

Courtesy of the Phippen Studio Gallery LLC

Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography

Chris Tenney CONNECTS MUSIC & PEOPLE YAVAPAI COLLEGE PROFESSOR

Professor and Faculty Program Director for Performing Arts at Yavapai College

Christopher Tenney has a long track record with musical training and the performing arts. He performed and toured nationally and internationally with The Tucson Boys Chorus starting at the age of 8.

He received highest honors in his graduate studies, graduating with a master’s degree in music education from Boston University, where he currently is in his final semester of earning his Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education.

Tenney started teaching at Yavapai College in 2016, but he’d visited previously.

“I first became familiar with Yavapai College while attending an event here as choir director of Chino Valley High School in 2009,” Tenney says. “I was immediately impressed by the facilities and the scope of the program, and I remember thinking that it was a place doing something special. That initial impression stayed with me.”

At Yavapai College, Tenney mentors music and theater faculty and students seeking a music degree. He teaches music theory courses, directs the symphonic band and several jazz ensembles. His position takes him across the state in a clinician/recruiting capacity, and his student-led jazz combo performs for hundreds of high school students each year.

As a conductor, Tenney has worked with Yavapai College’s musical theater department to music direct and conduct the pit orchestra for several large-scale musicals, including Fiddler on the Roof (2025), Anastasia (2024), Chicago (2022), A Christmas Carol (2018) and White Christmas (2017).

Tenney says one of the most rewarding aspects of his job “is working with a genuinely diverse student body, particularly seeing adult learners and traditional-age students making music together. That intergenerational collaboration creates a depth of musical and personal growth that is really special and increasingly rare.”

Professor and Faculty Program Director for Performing Arts at Yavapai College

Tenney spent five years as the director of bands at Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley, receiving multiple excellent and superior awards. He also has served as the Arizona Band and Orchestra Director’s Association (ABODA) Northwest Region Band chairperson and site host, and as site host and guest conductor for the Northern Arizona Band, Choi, and Orchestra Festival (NABCOF). He was recently elected as the vice president of the Yavapai Jazz Institute, a nonprofit committed to rural jazz education.

The performing arts degrees at Yavapai College prepare students for a wide range of pathways, Tenney says. They go on to work as performers, educators, composers, therapists, technicians and arts advocates, among other roles. Even for those who pursue careers outside the arts, the discipline, creativity and collaboration developed through music study are deeply nourishing.

“Music brings people together across backgrounds, experiences and generations, and that sense of community is at the heart of why the subject matters.”

Tenney says he and his colleagues offer almost the same number of ensembles as a major university.

“The combination of artistic rigor, accessibility and community focus makes this a truly meaningful place to teach and create.”

STORY AND PHOTO SUBMITTED BY YAVAPAI COLLEGE

Christopher Tenney,

Wheels & Steel

MAY 9TH | 10 AM-3 PM

In the 1800s, covered wagons were the backbone of westward migration. These wooden “prairie schooners” carried supplies and people across rough trails, but they depended on iron parts and the skill of blacksmiths to keep them rolling. Visitors will see how wagons were maintained and watch blacksmiths as they shape the tools and hardware that made traveling to the West possible.

Kids

Under

Life in the West was full of illness, from cholera to influenza. Pioneers relied on a mix of folk remedies, herbal cures, and early medical practices to survive. Explore the diseases that challenged settlers and the creative ways they sought healing. Visitors will learn about treating illness on the frontier and explore a variety of medical tools from Arizona’s past. “Curious Cures: The Wild History of Staying

JUNE 13TH | 10 AM-3 PM

“Wine is the only artwork you can drink.”

–Luis Fernando Olaverri

7 Steps to Lower without Medication Blood Pressure

BY BLAKE HERZOG

High blood pressure has a way of sneaking up on people. You feel fine. You’re busy. Life moves fast. Then one day at a routine checkup, your doctor says the numbers are higher than they should be.

The good news is that for many people, especially in the early stages, blood pressure can improve with consistent lifestyle changes. Medication is sometimes necessary, and for some people it’s absolutely the right and safest choice. But in many cases doctors recommend trying practical, sustainable habits first.

Here are seven steps that can make a real difference.

1. RETHINK SALT, REDISCOVER FLAVOR

Salt is one of the biggest contributors to elevated blood pressure. When you consume too much sodium, your body holds onto extra fluid. That added volume increases pressure on your artery walls.

The tricky part is that most sodium doesn’t come from your salt shaker. It hides in packaged foods, frozen meals, deli meats, sauces, bread and restaurant dishes. Start by reading labels. Look for products labeled “low sodium” or

compare brands. Cook more meals at home so you control what goes into them. Flavor food with garlic, lemon juice, herbs, spices and vinegar.

You don’t need to eliminate salt completely. Just reducing it consistently can lower blood pressure within weeks.

2. MOVE YOUR BODY MOST DAYS

You don’t need marathon training to see results. Regular, moderate activity can lower systolic blood pressure by several points.

Aim for about 30 minutes of movement most days of the week. That could mean brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing or even energetic gardening. If 30 minutes feels overwhelming, start with 10 and build from there.

Exercise helps your heart become stronger and more efficient. A stronger heart pumps blood with less effort, which reduces the force on your arteries. The key is consistency. A daily walk after dinner often works better than an ambitious workout plan you abandon after two weeks.

3.

LOSE WEIGHT IF YOU NEED TO

Carrying extra weight forces your heart to work harder. Even a small reduction in body weight can significantly improve blood pressure numbers.

You don’t have to aim for a dramatic transformation. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can make a measurable difference.

Focus on gradual, realistic changes: smaller portions, more vegetables, fewer sugary drinks, fewer late-night snacks. Avoid extreme diets. They’re difficult to maintain and often backfire. Think in terms of sustainable shifts rather than short-term restriction.

4. EAT FOR YOUR ARTERIES

Certain eating patterns consistently support lower blood pressure. Some of the most studied approaches, including the DASH diet, emphasize:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Beans and legumes

• Lean proteins like fish and poultry

• Nuts and seeds

• Low-fat dairy

These foods are rich in potassium, magnesium, fiber and antioxidants, all of which help regulate blood pressure. At the same time, reduce processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugary beverages and heavy saturated fats. A simple visual guide can help: fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains. It’s not about perfection, it’s about patterns.

5. CUT BACK ON ALCOHOL

A glass of wine with dinner may not be a problem for many people. But regular heavy drinking can raise blood pressure and interfere with heart health.

If you drink, keep it moderate. That generally means up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men. Some people with high blood pressure may benefit from cutting it out entirely.

Try alcohol-free days during the week. Swap your evening drink for sparkling water with lime or herbal tea.

6. MANAGE STRESS REALISTICALLY

Stress doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It affects your body. When you’re stressed, your nervous system triggers temporary spikes in blood pressure. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to long-term elevation. Eliminating stress entirely is impossible. Start small:

• Take five minutes of slow, deep breathing.

• Go for a short walk when you feel overwhelmed.

• Set boundaries around work emails at night.

• Prioritize sleep.

Practicing meditation, yoga, journaling or simply spending time outdoors can help calm your nervous system. Ask yourself: What reliably helps me feel grounded? Then make that a regular habit instead of a rare treat.

7. IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP

Sleep is often overlooked, but it plays a powerful role in blood pressure regulation. Poor sleep, especially less than six hours per night, is linked to higher blood pressure and greater cardiovascular risk.

If you struggle with sleep:

• Keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.

• Limit screens an hour before bed.

• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol late at night.

• Keep your bedroom cool and dark.

If you snore heavily or wake up gasping, talk to your doctor about sleep apnea. Treating it can significantly improve blood pressure in some people. Better sleep supports nearly every other healthy habit on this list.

WHEN LIFESTYLE ISN’T ENOUGH

While these seven steps can be highly effective, they’re not a substitute for medical advice. Some people have genetic factors, underlying medical conditions, or long-standing hypertension that requires medication.

There’s no failure in needing treatment. Blood pressure medication can protect your heart, brain and kidneys from serious damage. For many people, a combination of medication and lifestyle changes works best.

The goal isn’t to avoid medication at all costs. The goal is to lower your risk safely and sustainably.

MAKE IT MANAGEABLE

Trying to change everything at once rarely works. Instead, pick one or two steps to focus on this month.

Maybe you commit to walking 20 minutes a day. Maybe you cook dinner at home three nights a week. Maybe you replace your afternoon chips with fruit and nuts.

Track your blood pressure at home if your doctor recommends it. Seeing small improvements can be motivating.

Lowering blood pressure isn’t about dramatic overhauls. It’s about steady, practical changes that protect your health over time.

•Oral

•Oral Appliances

•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 oral appliance treatment.

Get your Kid into the Game

Youth sports are an important training ground for children. Whether they play softball, soccer, football, basketball, hockey — or better yet, all of the above and then some — the discipline, teamwork and other healthy habits they gain will serve them throughout their lives.

Playing sports can also create lifelong friendships and build social skills they’re unlikely to be able to acquire from classroom activities alone.

Kids reap lasting benefits from playing in school or community leagues, no matter their level of innate athletic talent.

HEALTHY HEART, BONES AND WEIGHT

Playing sports will lead to better health no matter your age, but getting started at the ground level gives children a firm foundation. Kids who participate will build more lean

muscle and carry less fat on their bodies, which leads to better heart health and a healthy weight. Rigorous and weight-bearing exercises also builds their bone density, same as with their parents.

HIGHER SELF-ESTEEM

Early sports participation lets kids earn praise from adults and peers for their hard work, improvement and dedication to team goals. This helps them start to form their own identities around these and other activities they enjoy. Forming friendships and successfully using social skills learned in the sports environment also helps build self-confidence that will be critical as they undertake new challenges and risks.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Many important skills fall under this heading. Learning how to accept

defeat and respect your opponents’ performance is as important as enjoying a win without gloating or demeaning members of the other team. Respect for rules and authority, supporting your teammates and employing self-control all are essential components of sportsmanship that can be learned in a youth sports setting.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Many studies have shown a positive link between playing high school or college sports and higher grades, a correlation with many possible factors.

These include the positive impact of exercise on brain function, learning about the importance of practice and discipline on the field, schools setting minimum GPAs for athletes, and the additional attention athletes tend to get from peers and teachers.

Keep Moving while at Work

Most jobs don’t require us to run into burning buildings or assemble new walls four stories above the ground, yet they do pose hazards to our health by discouraging us from getting the physical activity we need to keep our hearts pumping, blood circulating and lungs expanding.

In study after study, people who sit while they do their jobs are reported to be at higher risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and some forms of cancer — even if they stay active when they’re not on the clock.

It may seem close to impossible to stay on your feet while you’re being paid to write words or code or anything else,

but it’s easier than ever as more people work remotely and employers become more accommodating, so start looking for opportunities to:

Take movement breaks every 30 minutes, even if you can only squeeze in two or three minutes of walking around or stretching. Even intervals as short as these have been proven to make a significant impact on blood pressure, blood sugar levels and other important markers of health.

Get on your feet during every phone call that you’re able to by walking down the hall or block or pacing behind or in front of your desk. Any such movement will lighten your mood

and help your brain work faster as you converse and brainstorm. Using a headset while making and taking calls is much better for your posture.

Find a “work workout buddy,” someone who shares your interest in ratcheting up physical activity in a job that doesn’t rely on it. This can be someone in the same office or on the other side of the country, as long as you both commit to providing accountability and support for the other.

Keep light weights, resistance bands and related equipment on your desk and use them regularly. Getting cardio in at work can be hard but strength training is much easier!

—Alexander Den Heijer

DOCTORS’ ORDERS: GO OUTSIDE

Now that the weather is getting balmier, it’s time to do what we should be doing all along — going outside.

Getting outdoors has been shown in various studies to improve mood and lower stress, increase energy levels and encourage people to exercise longer than they do inside. It’s also the best way to get your vitamin D, though older people or those with darker skin are less able to synthesize the chemical from UVB rays, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Read on to learn about some of the ways that just stepping outside the door benefits your mental and physical health.

REDUCES STRESS

Research conducted by Qing Li of the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo and published in 2022 by Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found multiple health benefits from forest bathing, which originated in Japan as shinrin-yoku.

This includes a decrease in three stressrelated hormones after people spent time in forested settings, with a larger effect on adrenaline, which affects psychological stress, than noradrenaline, which is tied to physical stress.

LOWERS RISK OF DEPRESSION

A link between spending time outdoors and improved depressive symptoms has shown up in research numerous times, including a 2022 study from University College London published in Scientific Reports focusing on UK residents during the first national COVID-19 lockdown. It reported more days spent outside by subjects led to greater life satisfaction and fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, though no impact was found on another factor, loneliness.

INCREASES CREATIVITY

A study out of Osaka and Kyoto Tachibana universities published by Frontiers in Psychology in 2023 compared the effects of indoor and outdoor exercise on creativity, finding that brain activity in a section associated with “divergent creativity” increased during activity done outside, and participants also tested higher on a flow state scale for absorption and positive emotional experience after running outdoors.

HELPS VISION

In 2023, Scientific Reports published a study by several mostly Australian scientists who followed a group of young participants over the course of

14 years, finding higher sun exposure in childhood was associated with lower risk of myopia in young adulthood, while spending more time outdoors during late adolescence and young adulthood was also associated with a lower risk of myopia onset during this time.

AIDS IMMUNE RESPONSE

A 2022 review of 33 studies by researchers published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health linked strengthened immunity to spending time in natural settings. It found significant improvements in several related measures, including the number of natural killer cells, reduced allergy and asthma symptoms and anti-inflammatory effects.

IMPROVES SLEEP

In 2021, a study published in Population Medicine from the University of Louisville reported participants who spent between four and eight hours outdoors per week reported higher quality sleep than those who spent less than four hours a week.

However, sleep quality was found to decline when they spent 12 or more hours outside per week.

TAKE 5 DAYS

to Better STRESS MANAGEMENT

We all run into stressors every day, whether we see them as an annoyance, challenge or nightmare.

Try setting aside five days for taking steps to strengthen your skills for coping with practical and emotional pressure.

1. MAP OUT YOUR RESOURCES

Draw a diagram, chart, list or whatever image works for you of the people and places (books, workouts, locations, etc.) you turn to for enjoyment, advice and comfort. Glance at it when you’re not sure where to turn for the most relevant support.

2. MAKE A LIST OF ALL YOUR ‘WINS’ FOR THE DAY

Whether they’re massive or miniscule, write down every positive accomplishment of the day to remind yourself of what you’re able to do now and in the future.

3. ORGANIZE ONE SMALL SECTION OF YOUR HOME

When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your house and the effort it will take to undo it, start by tackling one small space, like a cupboard or desk, and make a priority to keep it in order for at least a week so you know you’re capable of it elsewhere in your household.

4. DEEPEN YOUR BREATHING

Many of us have lost the skill of belly breathing to a frenetic world. Schedule at least two times during the day to practice this by lying down in a comfortable position and placing your hand on your belly and feeling it expand as you inhale and flatten as you exhale.

5. ADD AT LEAST 30 MINUTES OF MODERATE-INTENSITY MOVEMENT TO YOUR SCHEDULE

We do hope you are doing this already. If you are, try adding 30 more minutes if you can. If not, it’s essential for your brain health and stress management skills to add this to your routine most days of the week.

The Skin Longevity Revolution:

Building Beauty

“Anti-aging” has been nearly synonymous with “skin care” for decades, but in the last couple of years the concept of “skin longevity” has begun to take its place.

This approach uses scientific breakthroughs to power new products that go beyond reducing wrinkles and other visible signs of aging to rebuild your skin up from the cellular level.

These treatments aren’t necessarily quick, aggressive fixes, but they work over time. The result is skin where time hasn’t stood still, but your skin may be stronger and more resilient than ever before, able to protect you from environmental aggressors while absorbing nature’s healing elements.

PUSHING AGAINST THE HALLMARKS

Since the identification by scientists of the “hallmarks of aging” about 15 years ago, much research has been devoted to targeting these processes, aiming to support the body’s functions and slow or reverse as many of them as possible.

Skin longevity specialists probe how these factors apply to this part of the body, and treatments are used to address one or more of these hallmarks. For example, one of the hallmarks of aging is cellular senescence, or the accumulation of cells that have stopped dividing and release inflammatory proteins that negatively affect the body.

BY BLAKE HERZOG

from Within

Also known as “zombie cells,” those that reach this state cannot be revived and our body’s ability to remove them declines over time. As a result, many skin care products contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and niacinamides to protect healthy cells from oxidative stress from UV rays, pollution and other sources that contribute to senescence.

Some of the newest treatments being formulated now are intended to go further at nipping this “zombiefication” in the bud. Keep an eye out for these senotherapeutics, designed to propel these cells into self-destruction or suppress the inflammatory signals they send out. Many ingredients of these compounds have been used in skin care for years, including retinols, niacinamide and green tea extract.

Skin care companies have developed patented ingredients that target senescence or other hallmarks of aging, providing preventive measures essential at any age.

SHORING UP THE BARRIER

One of the aspects of our skin that is most negatively affected by senescence is its barrier function, intended to trap moisture inside and block toxins and irritants from invading. Whenever that shield is compromised it invites chronic inflammation that can only accelerate the aging process.

Skin longevity formulas can fortify this barrier, comprised mostly of dead skin cells that are eventually sloughed off. They stimulate the process that leads to cells located deeper within the skin to move outward and take on the characteristics that will lead to the cell dying, instead of remaining in the “zombie” state, and taking its place in the cornified cell envelope that provides much of the barrier function.

Another approach to building up the barrier that’s under development is fostering the skin microbiome, the menagerie of (mostly) beneficial microorganisms that colonize our skin. A study published by the Annals of Dermatology in July 2025 noted the promise of treatments incorporating pre-, pro- and post-biotics but said challenges remain; these include individual microbiome variances and limited knowledge of how skin interacts with these organisms.

THE POWER OF 7 PROTEINS

Another interest for scientists studying longevity is sirtuins, a set of seven proteins produced by molecules found in every cell that have been linked to survival-based processes that lead to cell longevity.

Researchers are investigating whether some of these enzymes may slow or prevent agerelated diseases including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

These substances are triggered by biologically stressful conditions like calorie restriction and exercise, working to tamp down oxidative stress and inflammation that can result. This is one reason why reducing food intake in general and intermittent fasting in particular are believed by many experts to be beneficial for overall health and longevity. Sirtuin activity is one of the many processes that slows down with age.

This concept has made its way into skin care, with Estee Lauder recently introducing a product line containing sirtuin-targeting compounds intended to extend and improve the functioning of skin cells. Resveratrol, the collagenproducing compound used in many skin care products, was the first substance found to activate one of the sirtuins.

THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE AND SKIN

Longevity skin care is predicated on supporting positive natural processes rather than introducing artificial

ingredients, but artificial intelligence (AI) plays a key role in advancing it by enabling much of the research and personalization required for it to thrive.

AI can execute the biological and metabolic engineering necessary to enable advanced biotech processes like precision fermentation, which reprograms the DNA of yeast, fungi or other microscopic molecules to produce pure ingredients like fats and proteins, including ingredients that would normally be available only from animal sources.

This technology also can evaluate ingredients much more quickly than human scientists are able to, taking a fraction of the time to come up with the most effective combinations to address skin problems like dryness, discoloration and acne.

As consumers grow more accustomed to AI it’s being used more than ever to connect them to possible skin care solutions. In just one example, L’oreal

unveiled at the beginning of 2025 a tabletop device, Cell BioPrint, that can produce a detailed analysis on a sample of anyone’s skin in five minutes based on the composition of proteins that affect aging.

The results provide patients with their biological skin age and tips on how to slow the aging process, predict the patient’s responsiveness to certain ingredients including retinol and point out potential future cosmetic issues that can be dealt with proactively.

HOLISTIC SUPPORT

As we all know the skin is our largest organ, and striving to nurture it will benefit your body and mind. But wellness is a holistic state, and keeping the rest of yourself healthy and strong is just as important, if not more so.

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet, prioritizing exercise, getting adequate sleep and reducing stress through social connection and relaxation should be the basis of every skin care regimen.

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

Essence Hair Salon

705 W. Hillside Ave.

Prescott 928.778.0632

www.facebook.com/ EssenceRelaxation

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

continued on page 150

TUESDAY:

WEDNESDAY:

Nyla D’ Salon

144 N. Montezuma St.

Prescott 928.445.8430 www.nyladsalon.com

Prescott Medical Aesthetics & Wellness

172 E. Merritt St., Ste. E

Prescott 928.277.7414 www.prescottbotox.com

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

Fringe & Feathers take Fashion to NEW HEIGHTS

Fringe and feathers are back, but not in the costume-y, festival-only way you might remember. This season, designers are treating both with a lighter touch.

The result feels wearable, modern and surprisingly versatile.

Fringe has moved far beyond suede jackets and bohemian bags. On recent runways, it showed up trimmed along hemlines, swinging from sleeves, and layered over sheer fabrics to create movement with every step.

The key difference now is refinement. Instead of just heavy, Western-inspired pieces, we’re seeing fine, silky strands that skim the body and catch the light. One of the easiest ways to try the trend is through a fringe skirt. A midi with tonal fringe can elevate a simple knit or crisp white shirt. As you walk, the subtle motion does most of the styling work.

For evening, fringe takes on a more dramatic role. A sleek black dress with fringe cascading from the hips or shoulders feels glamorous without being fussy.

Feathers are following a similar path. They’re less about full-on feather boas and more about strategic accents. Designers are adding soft plumes to cuffs, collars and hems, turning otherwise classic silhouettes into statement pieces. A tailored blazer with feather-trimmed sleeves instantly transforms from office-ready to cocktail-hour chic.

TEXTURE BRINGS DIMENSION

Texture is at the heart of both trends. In a fashion moment dominated by clean lines and neutral palettes, fringe and feathers add dimension. They invite touch and bring life to minimalist outfits. A monochrome look in cream or charcoal becomes more interesting when you layer in movement and softness. What makes this revival feel current is the styling.

Instead of pairing fringe and feathers with other overtly dramatic elements, fashion insiders are grounding them. Think feather-trimmed tops with straightleg jeans and loafers, or a fringe jacket worn over a simple tank and tailored trousers. The contrast keeps the outfit balanced.

Accessories are another approachable entry point. A fringe-trimmed handbag adds personality to an everyday look. Feathered earrings can frame the face and elevate a basic slip dress. Even shoes are getting the treatment, with delicate feathers peeking out from strappy heels or mules.

CHOOSE COLOR CORRECTLY

While classic black remains a favorite for evening, designers are embracing soft pastels and rich jewel tones. A blush feather-trimmed camisole feels romantic. Emerald fringe layered over a matching dress feels bold yet cohesive. If you prefer neutrals, look for pieces where the fringe or feathers are dyed to match the base fabric. The effect is subtle but still dynamic.

QUALITY MATTERS

Well-made fringe should lie smoothly and move fluidly. Feathers should be securely attached and feel soft, not brittle.

The appeal of fringe and feathers ultimately comes down to emotion. They bring playfulness to getting dressed. They encourage movement, confidence and a little bit of drama in everyday life.

Style & Services

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

Black Arrow Jewelry & Art

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!

109 S. Granite St. & 124 S. Granite St. No. A

Prescott

928.445.1883

www.fancythatprescott.com

continued on page 156

continued from page 154

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

IdentiFreed

102 Montezuma St.

Prescott

602.413.8909 www.identifreed.org

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

Mariposas Lifestyle Boutique

225 W. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.583.2778

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 928.420.8230

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

The Voice of the Community

Habitat for Humanity CELEBRATES 100 HOMES, 35+ YEARS IN PRESCOTT

Housing affordability has been a problem in Prescott, and the U.S., for longer than many people realize.

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) was formed in 1976 as working families already were finding it difficult to purchase houses of their own. The nonprofit pioneered the “sweat equity” model it became famous for, allowing those who qualified for the program to participate in the construction of their home and lower their mortgage payments.

By 1989, concerned citizens, civic leaders and employers were aware of the same issue in Greater Prescott and banded together to start a Habitat chapter, Executive Director Bruce Rosenberg said.

“Following the HFHI model, they began working on solutions — one family at a time,” he said. “Their work evolved into the local Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate that continues today, eventually blossoming into our organization serving an average of three families per year over our 35-year history.”

“During those 35 years, the affordable housing crisis has only intensified, making our mission even more important than ever.”

In January the local chapter formally dedicated its 100th completed home for Mayela Vargas and her family in eastern Prescott. Homes have been built throughout that city, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley by families who meet the qualifications and are able to contribute at the

homesite. They’re also encouraged to chip in at other homesites as well.

The families do get a lot of help on the construction site — Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers and donations to meet its mission of providing safe and affordable housing for families. Rosenberg said the Prescott chapter is currently seeking people who can sit on its

Board of Directors, preferably with experience serving other nonprofits in that role.

Other working committees, including Finance, Fundraising, Resource Management and the ReStore shop also have open seats. Rosenberg said that aside from Finance “no special knowledge, experience or skills are required to serve on these committees — only a love for community service and a passion for helping others.”

More roles need to be filled at construction sites and at ReStore, which sells donated construction

or home improvement materials and new or gently used furniture and appliances. Volunteers also power its special fundraising events, including the Golf FORE Homes tournament and Casino Night.

Donations are always needed, whether it’s money, land for houses or merchandise for ReStore. Rosenberg said the leaders appreciate everyone in the community that gives, from individuals to local businesses and big-box retailers.

Families and individuals interested in pursuing a home purchase through Habitat are put on a contact list and contacted about starting the process when land becomes available, typically every 12 to 18 months. Those who are approved enroll in financial management and home maintenance classes to build a strong foundation for homeownership.

2026 plans for Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity include building at least three more houses, which will be the agency’s first manufactured homes.

“Several Habitat affiliates around the country have investigated the manufactured home market, in various forms, with great success, in order to affordably serve a greater number of families,” Rosenberg said. “We believe this is a positive wave for the future as the affordable housing need continues to increase.”

To learn more, visit www.prescotthabitat.org or call 928.445.8003.

#100 Family PHOTO COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

INTERACTIVE

INTERVIEW OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR

ESTHER BASCH UNVEILED

An interactive video interview with Esther Basch, a Holocaust survivor who spent her final years in Prescott, is available to the public as part of an Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center exhibit at Yavapai College through Aug. 31.

The state-of-the-art technology, which includes a two-dimensional hologram of Basch speaking her answers, was officially unveiled in February at YC as part of TriumphinTragedy:StoriesofCourage and Connection. It is also available online at.

Viewers can speak or type questions about her experience and hear a spoken response pulled from three days of interviews conducted in September 2024. She died at age 96 on April 14, 2025, exactly 80 years after she was freed from a concentration camp.

Interactive Interviews is an initiative by USC Libraries that enables users to ask questions and receive real-time responses from pre-recorded video interviews. This project uses specialized display technologies and next-generation natural language processing to create an immersive, interactive biography. USC Shoah Foundation and USC Digital Repository are the additional partners in this effort.

Basch, affectionately known as the “Honey Girl,” survived Auschwitz and later devoted her life to education and public speaking. The unveiling of the exhibit brought together her family, fellow survivors, educators and community leaders to honor her legacy and mark a significant milestone in Holocaust education and remembrance.

Attendees shared reflections on her lifelong commitment to educating students and communities about her experiences and the importance of confronting antisemitism and hatred through education.

“My mother shared her story so young people would understand the dangers of hatred and the power of their own choices,” said Rachel Basch, Esther’s daughter and a Prescott resident. “Knowing her voice will continue to teach and inspire future generations means everything to our family.”

“When survivors can no longer stand in front of a classroom, we have a responsibility to ensure their voices still can,” said Talli Dippold, Executive Director of the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center. “Esther’s testimony does more than tell history. It invites conversation, challenges indifference and reminds every generation that their choices matter.”

The Interactive Interview will be integrated into Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center programming and made available to visitors and student groups at the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center in

Phoenix when it opens in spring 2027.

“Interactive Interviews allow us to preserve survivor testimony in a way that feels immediate, personal and profoundly human,” said Sam Gustman, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Director of Collections at the USC Shoah Foundation and Associate Dean of Technology at the USC Libraries. “Esther Basch’s Interactive Interview ensures that her voice, her resilience and her commitment to education will continue to engage students for generations to come.”

For more information visit: www.azjhs.org/what-we-do/exhibitions

SPRING 2026

Esther Basch PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIZONA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Scan to see the video interview.

Joel Zwak

Owner, TopNotch Garage Doors by Joel

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

A: Born and raised in Prescott for 46 years (4 years in Hawaii) with mom, dad and little brother. I’ve worked all my life in construction and trades. When the opportunity presented itself to form my own business, I took it, ran with it, started in my garage and continue to work and form the business to what the company is today. Prescott is home to me and my family, having raised my twin girls here.

Q: Where would you like to vacation to? Why?

A: I could go anywhere and enjoy it. I seek out adventures, challenges, outdoors, and most of all, fun. Catching a ball game in a new city, hiking a mountain 20 miles away, kayaking in the ocean, swimming with the manta rays, it’s all about being in the present and making memories with loved ones.

That being said, I’d head to Seattle for the World Series or wherever it ends up being. I’d go on a seven-day hiking expedition with no service and only what’s in my pack to survive. In Hawaii, you could see something new every day. I’m down for all that.

Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?

A: Prescott is always here when I get back from my adventures. Prescott and Prescott Valley is home to my family, my customers, my employees. Prescott and PV families have supported my business. I shop local, bike and hike local, play softball local and my kids have grown up here. I love to support the local arts and music scene.

Q: What motivates Joel Zwak?

A: Positivity, good vibes and living a good life. Making the most of what we got. I’m here to provide for my friends, family and community.

Q: If you weren’t your own successful small business owner and entrepreneur, what would you do and why?

A: I’d be in a sports-related field such as a player and transitioned to a manager position. I’d get to share my passion, teaching, knowledge and experiences about not only the game but life. My players would get to see the human aspect of life anywhere from helping to manage their finances to giving back to their communities and living human kindness. It’s all about more love, fun and making memories.

“When the opportunity presented itself to form my own business, I took it, ran with it, started in my garage and continue to work and form the business to what the company is today.”

-Joel Zwak

ACHIEVE SMOOTH, LONGLASTING HAIR REDUCTION WITH LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Using advanced laser technology, we target unwanted hair at the follicle to reduce regrowth and free you from the hassles of shaving or waxing. Say goodbye to unwanted hair and hello to silky-smooth skin you can enjoy for months or even years with a series of treatments.

SERVICES BRANDS

Botox/Dysport

Filler

Sculptra

B12 Injections

Medical Weight Loss

Program

Hormone 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