Prescott LIVING Early Summer 2023

MEN VISION of the Issue

LET’S

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About the Cover

The World’s Oldest Rodeo® returns to the Prescott Rodeo Grounds June 28-July 4 for another round of roping, bronc riding, barrel racing and more breathtaking cowboy-themed competitions. It brings a host of other festivities to town throughout the week including the parade, arts and crafts show, boot race, rodeo dances and cowboy church.

Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography

35 th ARIZONA COWBOY POETS

MUSIC • POETRY • STORIES

MORE THAN 40 POETS & MUSICIANS FOR A 3 -DAY EVENT

AUGUST 10, 11 & 12

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be a cowboy, then come hear the stories about the colorful culture and strong heritage that make up the meaning of the true American Cowboy!

FEATURED PERFORMERS

THURSDAY NIGHT SHOW

August 10th, 2023

FRIDAY NIGHT SHOW

August 11th, 2023

Trinity Seely

MUSICIAN

Doris Daley

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Yavapai College • Prescott, AZ

Visit AZCowboyPoets.org for the latest updates! Like us on Facebook!

The Best in Authentic Cowboy Poetry, Music & Storytelling!

SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW

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The Cowboy Way

MUSICIANS

“This One’s for You Buddy”

By Roselynn Fernwalt

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Laurie Fisher

SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Julie Turetzky

Director of Public Relations

Jacey Bailey

Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant

Jenna Leatherman

Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Michele Rodriguez

Creative Director

Abigail Biegert

Graphic Designer

Keith Dobie

Social Media Coordinator

Jennifer Hunter Digital Media Representative EDITORIAL

Christia Gibbons

Senior Editor

Blake Herzog

Staff Writer Prescott Pioneer Writer OPERATIONS

Bea Lueck

Vice President

Terry Scheib

Delivery Manager

Comments and ideas: editor@roxco.com

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Corporate Office: 1919 N. Trekell Rd., Suite C Casa Grande, AZ 85122

CEO Elaine M. Earle, CPA

Vice President, Operations

Bea Lueck

Prescott LIVING is published by ROX Media, LLC. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of ROX Media, LLC, community members and local organizations.

©2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication, including but not limited to editorial content, illustrations, graphics and photographic images, may be republished, reproduced or reprinted without the prior express written consent of the publisher. The publishers of Prescott LIVING assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequential damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement. Prescott LIVING shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, or damages from the use of information contained herein. Submitted articles do not reflect the opinions of the owners or management of Prescott LIVING Information contained within submitted articles had not been verified for accuracy and readers are responsible for forming their own opinions. Real estate information is as of 6/1/23 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

Advertiser Index

Bea Lueck Vice President, Operations

Abigail Biegert Graphic Designer

Elaine M. Earle Executive Publisher

Julie Turetzky Director of Public Relations

Jennifer Hunter Digital Media Representative

Jenna Leatherman Executive Sales and Marketing Assistant

Laurie Fisher Associate Publisher

Jacey Bailey Executive Sales and Marketing Assistant

Not pictured: Blake Herzog, Staff

Keith Dobie, Social Media

Vision of the Best HOLD ONTO YOUR

Welcome to our Early Summer issue! We’re heading into possibly the best season of the four glorious seasons we get to enjoy in Greater Prescott and all the events that come with it.

The World’s Oldest Rodeo® and 4th of July festivities will draw the community and visitors together, while locals and tourists explore the parks, trails and forests that surround us.

It’s a great time to support your favorite local businesses and discover new ones with our Best of Yavapai winners. Our readers and social media followers came through again this year, supporting longtime favorites and recent arrivals alike.

In this issue we also recognize Men of Vision, those who have recognized a community need and found a sustainable way to fill that need, bringing their ingenuity and ability to work with like-minded people to accomplish a goal they knew would benefit their family, neighbors, customers and many others.

They are public officials, businessmen and developers who have made Prescott brighter, more convenient and easier to live in — and that’s saying a lot!

We tapped Jamaal McCoy, general manager of Findlay Toyota, co-owner of five Prescott restaurants and owner of a recently opened gym as the ROX Interview for our Men of Vision issue. The motivational speaker shares the story of his success in the auto industry and how that has fueled his community involvement and passion for creating more jobs and helping people achieve their dreams.

We’re sad to have to say goodbye in this issue to another man with vision who was instrumental to our launching this magazine. Ray Newton drew us further into this market after supplying his great writing to a Prescott visitor’s guide we published, encouraging us to start the publication Prescott LIVING and connecting us with many of the people who helped us along the way.

Once we started the magazine six years ago, he wrote every Prescott Pioneer news section and many more wonderful feature articles until he no longer could earlier this year after his cancer diagnosis.

We’re dedicating this issue to his memory.

Elaine Earle Publisher, Prescott LIVING Magazine

Elaine Earle with Ray Newton

the Community

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

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

Sheri L. Heiney President/CEO, Prescott Chamber of Commerce

Ken Lain Owner, Watters Garden Center

Marnie Uhl President & CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

Loree Walden Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

Donna Werking Owner, Marketing Agency Northern Arizona Social, LLC

John Hughes Mayor, Town of Dewey-Humboldt

Phil Goode Mayor, City of Prescott

Jack Miller Mayor, Town of Chino Valley

Kell Palguta Mayor, Town of Prescott Valley

Maggie Tidaback Economic Development Project Manager, Town of Chino Valley

Michelle Stacy-Schroeder Recreation Services Administrative Supervisor, City of Prescott

Ray Newton: Contributor, Friend, Family Man

Obituary provided by Ray's Family

Much-loved husband, father and grandpa Ray C. Newton entered into the presence of the Lord April 10, 2023, after an excruciating battle with lung and bone cancer. He was 87.

Ray with Elaine Earle’s boys, Chandler, left and Christian

A resident of Prescott since 1996, Ray was born Sept. 26, 1935, in Denver, Colorado. He married his college sweetheart Patty Boekhaus while they were attending Kansas State University at Fort Hayes, and the two were married for more than 66 years.

He went on to earn additional degrees from South Dakota State University and the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in English, journalism and mass communications.

Most of Ray’s career was spent in higher education as a university professor at New Mexico Highlands University (1961-1972) and Northern Arizona University (1973-2000). He retired having served as chairman of the Journalism and Mass Communications department, dean of the College of Creative and Communication Arts and eventually the assistant to the president.

Retirement was not in his blood, however, and Ray continued to consult and serve on numerous local boards, as well as write for local publications including Prescott LIVING, clear up until his death.

If you asked him what was important, his family was at the top of his list.

Spending time together during holidays and pulling all of his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren together for annual exciting trips around the world were his joy. He and Patty also traveled extensively with family and friends. Ray treasured family relationships, and his eyes lit up with pride when

he spoke of them. He loved being “Grampa” to his four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Laughter and joy were a huge part of family gatherings.

Ray valued mentoring countless former students, many of whom he has been in touch with for decades. He also enjoyed camping and fly fishing, golf, coaching children and youth, and promoting educational opportunities by endowing scholarships throughout the state.

It’s difficult to pick and choose from the dozens of awards and recognitions he received, which included one of 10 “Outstanding Educators of America” awards, Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Faculty awards, and National Coordinator and Organizer of writing workshops for “Reader’s Digest .”

The last months of Ray’s life brought great joy amidst the physical pain, when God became real to him and he professed faith in Jesus as his Savior. The new relationship was on his mind frequently in his last month.

Ray is survived by his wife, Patty; daughters, Sheri Anderson and husband Dana of Tucson; Lynn Penner and husband Brad, of Prescott; grandchildren, Michael Newton of Virginia, Jessica Morrison (Aaron) of Albuquerque, Christie Schafer (Phil) of Prescott, and Daniel Penner (Cartie) of Katy, Texas; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, William, in 1986.

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ray was a very special person to me and the ROX Media team. He was really the influence that brought our company to Prescott to roll out Prescott LIVING Magazine.

I met him through the City of Prescott Tourism Office in 2015 because he was the writer hired by the city for the visitor guide we were publishing. Since then, he consistently messaged me about bringing our other publications, specifically our LIVING magazine, to Prescott, which we finally did in 2017 with his assistance.

At that time, he ran around town with me, introducing me to everyone and really ran alongside us to make sure we were successful — and we were, with his efforts! I credit Ray Newton for the success of Prescott LIVING Magazine, which led to more magazines and a full office in Prescott.

Personally, Ray was a special person as well. He always checked on me and my staff, making sure that we and our families were doing well. He knew the names of our kids and followed their ventures. I especially loved talking to Ray about travel. He is an inspiring person who was married to Patty for 66 years, and he often brought her along to lunch and get-togethers, which was special.

He will be sorely missed and certainly not forgotten.

— Elaine Earle, Publisher, Prescott LIVING Magazine and Owner, ROX Media

If you asked him what was important, his family was at the top of his list.

Ray's family on a trip in 2022 to Pinetop

The Prescott Pioneer

Prescott Finds New City Manager in Peoria

Prescott has brought on Kathryn “Katie” Gregory as its new city manager after she worked in the Phoenix suburb of Peoria for 23 years, spending the last five as deputy city manager. She reported for her first day on May 8.

“I am truly honored that the City Council selected me as their new city manager,” she said in a City press release. “I am thrilled to become part of the Prescott team and look forward to working with the mayor, council and city staff to serve the community.”

Gregory prevailed among four finalists for the position, who also included Deputy City Manager Tyler Goodman, who’d acted as interim city manager since Michael Lamar stepped down in February.

Gregory has worked in local government for 29 years, starting out as a recreation coordinator in Eugene, Oregon, and Glendale before Peoria hired her as a management analyst in 2000. Her subsequent roles there were development agreement coordinator, budget coordinator, deputy budget and finance director and management and budget director before becoming the deputy, according to her LinkedIn profile.

When she was appointed to the deputy city manager job in 2018, then-Peoria city manager Jeff Tyne said, “Katie has been a dedicated, hardworking leader in the city of Peoria for many years,” adding, “I am excited to have Katie bring her extensive knowledge, energy and expertise to our executive team.”

Gregory has a master of science in public administration from Arizona State University and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Western Oregon University.

“We are pleased to welcome Kathryn Gregory to the City of Prescott,” said Mayor Phil Goode. “I am certain that her wealth of experience in city government will serve the citizens of Prescott well. With Tyler Goodman as deputy city manager, I believe we have a very strong leadership team.”

PRESCOTT | PRESCOTT VALLEY | CHINO VALLEY | DEWEY-HUMBOLDT SUMMER 2023

Hospital, Insurance Provider Reach Agreement

Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), which has campuses in Prescott and Prescott Valley, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBS) resolved a contract disagreement which briefly ended coverage of hospital services for some of the insurer’s clients, forcing them to seek treatment at outof-town facilities or pay out of pocket.

A new network agreement retroactively effective to April 1 was announced at the end of April, negotiations having broken down in February over the amount YRMC would have been paid by BCBS to provide care to about 11,500 patients, a number which could have grown over time.

The organizations said in a joint statement: “The goal was always to continue to provide patients and members with quality, convenient and affordable health care in Yavapai County. Both organizations

thank the community for their patience throughout the negotiations.”

Several large Greater Prescott employers were affected by the breakdown in talks, including the City of Prescott and Yavapai County. Local officials and business leaders encouraged the entities to continue to work toward a solution and negotiations restarted in midMarch, leading to the eventual accord.

“After many months of negotiations, we are very pleased that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has agreed to a new contract that will put our patients first and keep health care local,” said Anthony Torres, MD, President and CEO of Dignity Health YRMC and YRMG.

“Providing local high-quality health care services is a top priority and we look forward to furthering our mission of improving the health of those who

call Yavapai County home,” he added Dr. Cara Christ, Chief Medical Officer at BCBSAZ said, “Standing up for our members has always been our priority, and we are thankful that Yavapai Regional Medical Center joined us in this effort.

“Together, we can ensure those in Yavapai County have access to the care they need while protecting affordability.”

YRMC’s outpatient service arm, Yavapai Regional Medical Group, was not affected by the dispute. Patients and BCBSAZ members with questions about the new agreement can contact BCBSAZ or its affiliated health plan using the phone number on the back of their insurance card or reaching out to memberhelp@azblue.com. Patients and members can also call YRMC at 702.616.5789.

JAMAAL MCCOY Accelerates His Vision with Drive

Born in Germany to a military family, Jamaal McCoy learned early about the value of discipline, goal-setting and adapting to constantly changing circumstances as the family followed his father’s career around the U.S. and the world.

He’s parlayed those lessons into an automotive sales career steering dealerships in Las Vegas and Prescott through economic highs and lows with award-winning results and is now expanding his vision into Prescott’s restaurant and fitness sectors. He’s the face of Findlay Toyota Prescott and general manager of Findlay Auto Group Prescott, which also includes GMC Buick, Subaru and Hyundai stores.

As a board member and past chairman of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, McCoy has supported local businesses and given to the community through volunteering with the Arizona Community Foundation, Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott Center for The Arts and many more nonprofits, as well as developing his skills as a motivational speaker.

His wife Rhona’s love of cooking and baking, and their shared desire to create more jobs and better futures for their neighbors, has in the last two years turned them into a formidable team on the dining scene, with four restaurants now open under the Krave Restaurants brand.

Their teenage daughter Naya has been pitching in as well.

A lifelong sports addict, who played professional arena football out of college, McCoy’s interests have brought him full circle to opening a gym, Prescott Fit Body Bootcamp, to share even more of his talent and passion to the Greater Prescott community.

by Laurie Fisher, Associate Publisher, Prescott LIVING

NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders and Jamaal McCoy at a National Automobile Dealer’s Association Conference.

Prescott LIVING: You often call yourself an Army brat. What role did growing up around the country and world play in you becoming the person of business you are today?

Jamaal McCoy: The first thing is the structure that being around the military provides, and that my dad imparted on us. But it was always from care and love and wanting to see us accomplish our goals.

I think the next thing is moving every two, three years, you learn to make friends really, really quickly. And you learn to become a people person and understand that there’s differences in so many different people and how to adjust to different people. That’s something that I had to adapt to very quickly.

And seeing different parts of the country and different parts of the world, you’re exposed to so many different things. And every different region has its own flavor. And I think that’s one of the things I like about what I’m currently doing. I’m bringing different things that were part of my childhood and combining them as one product.

Prescott LIVING: Did you ever consider going into the military?

Jamaal McCoy: I did. I went to high school in Colorado Springs where the Air Force Academy is. I got recruited by the Air Force Academy. I got recruited by West Point. So I considered both service academies, but ultimately decided I wanted to play football professionally after college. And that road was more attainable, not going to the

service academies, at least that was my thought. So after I played football, I actually played a couple years in the arena league after college. I also went and I took flying lessons because my dad was a helicopter pilot.

My dream as a kid was either to play NFL or fly jets. I had all these model jets hanging from my ceiling, which was cool. I took flying lessons thinking that maybe I could join the military at that point. So then I applied to the Air Force, and I applied with the Navy to be a pilot in the military.

But when it came down to it, because of my size, I was too big to fly jets, so I decided to get into business. Never did get to fly a jet.

Prescott LIVING: Where did you go to school, to college?

Jamaal McCoy: I went to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado, and played arena football for a few years after graduating. My first stop was Bismarck, North Dakota. That was probably the most fun I’ve ever had in my life, was in Bismarck, North Dakota. And I remember when my agent called me and he’s like, “You’re going to Bismarck.” I said: “No, I’m not.”

I looked it up. I said, “Negative 10 degrees? No thank you.” He said, “No, you’re going to Bismarck.” And I had a blast there.

"Dream big, work hard and surround yourself with great people."

—JAMAAL MCCOY

Rhona, Naya and Jamaal McCoy swimming with the dolphins in Cabo, Mexico

Then I went to the Detroit Fury. And my final stop was in Augusta, Georgia.

Prescott LIVING: And how did you meet your wife Rhona?

Jamaal McCoy: We met at a Volkswagen dealership in Las Vegas.

Prescott LIVING: So was she in the business too?

Jamaal McCoy: Yeah, she is a former car girl. When we met, she was in the finance department. I was in the sales department. And we became friends first, obviously. And then we just developed a relationship and started dating in 2004.

Prescott LIVING: Oh, that’s good. And how long after did you get married?

Jamaal McCoy: The next year. And our daughter Naya is 15.

Prescott LIVING: I had no idea she was your daughter when I first met her. I always thought wow, she’s so pretty and outgoing. When I found out I’m like, “Well, of course she is.”

Jamaal McCoy: Yes, she’s amazing! She does choir, and she is also involved in theater.

Prescott LIVING: So how and when did you enter the automotive industry?

Jamaal McCoy: I entered the business in late 2000. I just got done playing football, was looking for my next career. Being in Vegas, I bounced around a lot of different jobs and industries trying to find something that fit my degree in management and marketing, which didn’t happen.

I worked as a bar back. I worked in restaurants, I worked in the gym, delivered phone books. I did telemarketing. I worked at Rent A Center, renting out furniture and appliances. Then I saw an ad for a sales job and it said, “Drive a Tahoe,” and I replied to the ad, and as they say, the rest is history.

Left: Jamaal chasing a quarterback while playing for the Bismarck Blaze. Main image: Tackling a running back while playing at Colorado Mesa University.

Prescott LIVING: What did you do to advance within Findlay Auto Group, moving up from salesman to general manager and partner? When you started, what was your kind of transition to where you are now?

Jamaal McCoy: What levels did I go through? So I started in sales. I came to the Findlay Group after working at another group for a little over a year. My sales manager there came to Findlay, said, “We’re going to open up this Volkswagen store. I think you’ll have an opportunity to be in management someday, but you got to start in sales.”

So I started selling cars. I sold cars there for three or four months, then they promoted me to finance. I was finance manager for about a year, then they moved me to sales manager. Did that for a little less than a year. Then they promoted me to finance director. So then I oversaw the whole finance department where my wife was working.

And then from finance director is when they asked me to become the general sales manager at Findlay Volkswagen and then Findlay Chevrolet. After that, they asked me to become the general manager for Findlay Chevrolet.

In 2016, they asked me to help Findlay Chevy Buick GMC in Bullhead City. So I was running Findlay Chevrolet in Vegas. I’d go into Bullhead City two or three times a week and turn that store around, and they made me partner at that point.

And then in 2017 is when the Findlay Group decided they wanted to consider buying the

stores here from Tim’s Auto Group. And that’s when they asked me if I could come out here and oversee the stores in Prescott.

Prescott LIVING: So when did they become Findlay from Tim’s?

Jamaal McCoy: May 10, 2017.

Prescott LIVING: What was your vision in the beginning when you started in sales?

Jamaal McCoy: Well, when I first started, it really was just to find a job that aligned with what I thought my skills were. I’ve always been a car guy, grew up around cars with my dad and my uncles and all that. And I enjoyed the opportunity to be with people.

So initially when I got into it, I didn’t’ know what I was going to do. But the more that I was around the business, I think within three months, I told myself I wanted to be a dealer. That was my vision. And so in 2004 I went to what we call dealer school, National Automotive Dealers Academy in Washington, D.C. It’s a yearlong program where you learn to become a car dealer. I was president of the class.

So at that point, I was pretty set that, “Hey, this is a great career. You get to help people. And every day is different.” And that’s when I decided to pursue this path.

Prescott LIVING: What other business ventures were you involved in? You were in the dealerships in Vegas and Bullhead City. I’m curious, were you involved in any restaurant business before here?

Jamaal McCoy: Not as far as ownership, no. I’ve worked and managed them before but never in ownership.

Prescott LIVING: How did you decide to move your family to Prescott? Obviously, the job got you thinking about it …

Jamaal McCoy: I came here four weekends when Findlay was talking about acquiring it, just to get a feel of Prescott and see if it was somewhere I wanted to live. I just went downtown, people watched, walked in and out of the stores and just kind of got a vibe for the community, not knowing what to expect.

Coming from Las Vegas, it was different, but I enjoyed my weekends here. I think after the second weekend I invited my wife and daughter down. My wife already knew about Prescott because she lived in Camp Verde for a little while as a teenager.

Really, with raising a daughter in Vegas, I kind of weighed the pros and cons. And I thought this would be an opportunity, maybe, to slow down.

Prescott LIVING: How’d that work out for you?

Jamaal McCoy: Well we obviously didn't do that but we have been able to experience some things that we wouldn’t do in Vegas; outdoors, hiking, driving our sideby-side, just really getting involved in things outside of a building.

It was a tough transition at first for my wife and I, but my daughter, she was 9 and fell in love with Prescott almost right away. I wasn't expecting that.

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE GRANITE CREEK CORRIDOR

The Granite Creek Corridor project is almost four years in the making. Back in 2019, staff identified an opportunity to enhance one of Prescott’s great natural assets, Granite Creek and the associated trail running alongside. Public open houses were held and surveys conducted to garner citizen feedback. From that feedback a master plan was created to guide the project.

The long-term goals of the project are as follows:

• Clean up and restore the beauty and native landscape of the corridor, allowing the riparian habitat to thrive and water quality improve.

• Improve the usability of the trail in the downtown corridor, allowing

EVENTS

greater access and enhanced safety.

• Improve opportunities for interpretation of Prescott history and resources.

• Reduce the risk of flood conditions for the properties along the creek.

Along with stream bank restoration activities, amenities such as lights, benches and an ADA accessible entrance were planned to make this a safe and accessible trail.

The improvements begin at Aubrey to the south, going north to end in Granite Creek Park. The trail goes through the heart of Prescott’s historic downtown, and provides unique perspectives on businesses along the creek.

• Summer Concert Series 2023 on the Plaza

“This 1-mile stretch along the Granite Creek will provide a scenic, safe and accessible trail for citizens and visitors."

“Prescott is known for its trails, lakes and other natural assets. With a modest investment, the City has created a trail and public space for our citizens and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

All of the information about the plan, including master plan and other documents are available here: www. prescott-az.gov/city-management/ programs/granite-creek-corridormaster-plan.

June 1-Aug. 25, Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, most Tuesday, Thursday, Friday evenings, www.prescottconcertseries.com or 928.443.5220.

• Party in the Pines

June 3, 5 to 10 p.m., Mile High Middle School Field, 300 S. Granite St., www.partyinthepinesprescott.com.

• Territorial Days/Arts & Crafts Show

June 10 & June 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., shop handcrafted items from 100-plus vendors, www.prescott.org.

• 42nd Annual Bluegrass Festival (free)

June 24 & June 25, Yavapai County Courthouse, www.prescott.org/2023-bluegrass-festival.html and www.prescott.org.

• Prescott Frontier Days Inc.® and World's Oldest Rodeo ®

June 28 to July 4, Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 840 Rodeo Dr., www.worldsoldestrodeo.com or 928.445.4320 (tickets).

More information at PrescottChamber/Facebook.com, www.prescott.org and 928.445.2000.

For more information, please contact Community Services at 928.759.3090 or visit www.prescottvalley-az.gov.

Mayor Kell Palguta

PRESCOTT VALLEY

“This time of year is one of my favorites in Prescott Valley. Summer is upon us, gardens are blooming, events are happening almost every weekend, and people are out and about enjoying all the things Prescott Valley has to offer.

“For Prescott Valley Town Council and staff, community amenities are top priority, and the interests of our residents are of the utmost importance. The 2023-2024 budget, effective July 1, emphasizes park improvements.

“Our 4th of July celebration, Red, White & Boom, will take place this year at the Prescott Valley Civic Center, with an array of great family games and activities, food trucks, and of course, a spectacular fireworks show launched from the center of Town. Plan to join us on Tuesday, July 4!

“Be sure get outside, take a walk, and enjoy what God has created for us here in Prescott Valley.”

—Mayor Kell Palguta

A BIGGER, BETTER 4TH OF JULY!

An all-new 4th of July celebration will be July 4, 3 to 9 p.m.

The event moves to the Prescott Valley Civic Center, which allowing for additional activities and amenities:

• Greater accessibility to Prescott Valley residents for fireworks viewing from the center of town.

• Increased number of food vendors in one central location, with complementary café seating.

• Increased parking capacity, with multiple overflow lots and added accessible access.

• Various cooling areas in the Library and Civic Center buildings.

• Enhanced beer garden.

• Increased stage accessibility with live bands, including Trailer Park Millionaires and country singer Tyler Gummersal kicking off the fireworks show with the National Anthem.

• Free carnival rides and carnival games, pony rides, face painting and balloon art.

For those who like tailgate parties, the Town will be opening the Findlay Toyota Center parking lot for family gatherings and barbecues, as well as a front row seat to the fireworks. Bob Edwards Park, including the large grass area, will be available for quieter parties, still with excellent fireworks viewing. For questions contact the Prescott Valley Parks & Recreation Department at 928.759.3090.

FANDOMANIA IS BACK

Prescott Valley Fandomania is Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Findlay Toyota Center. From medieval sword fighting to cartoonists, including vendors, presentations and workshops, board games, roller derby demos, Comicars, Ghostbusters, authors and cartoonists, face painting, shield and button making, and a cosplay contest. Schedule of events, cosplay contest information: www.prescottvalley-az.gov/1349/Fandomania.

Town of CHINO VALLEY

“My priorities for 2023 are more road paving, continued IGAs (intergovernmental agreements) with the City of Prescott and setting the groundwork for a new town hall.”

Bringing you up to date: Purchase of the Historic Del Rio Springs

Using Trust for Public Land, which is a nationwide land preservation company that purchases land for preservation purposes, the Town’s goal is to protect the land from large development and preserve historic, riparian and the upper Verde River.

The Trust, Town of Chino Valley, Conservation Agency and Mark Holmes Consulting all went to the state capitol to lobby the Senate to get appropriations from Senate Bill SB 1392 — the ask $10 million.

• Passed the House 7-0.

• The bill made it through the House Appropriations Committee with an allocation of $7 million toward the purchase price of the land, which was included in the approved 2023-24 state budget.

EVENTS

• Olsen’s Saddle and Buckle Series (barrel racing — race 3), June 17, 9 a.m., Olsen’s Arena at 344 S. AZ-89. For more information email olsensbarrelracing@gmail.com.

• Chino Valley Community Services Presents Super Hero Mom and Son Dance

June 17, 5 to 8 p.m., Memory Park. Tickets $10 per pair, $5 per extra. For more information call 928.636.9780 or email recreation@chinoaz.net.

• Chino Valley Farmers Market July 16, 3 to 6 p.m., 344 AZ-89. For more information call 928.713.1227.

“—Mayor Jack Miller

SPRINGHILL SUITES PRESCOTT

Located in historic downtown Prescott, an easy walk to Whiskey Row, local restaurants and nightlife.

Spacious mini-suites with kitchenettes, heated indoor pool and FREE breakfast. Newly Remodeled

Conveniently located between Prescott and Prescott Valley, across from the Trader Joe’s Marketplace.

Town of DEWEY-HUMBOLDT

“Welcome to Arizona’s Country Town. We are the gateway to Prescott.”

“—John Hughes, Mayor, Town of Dewey Humboldt

In the news:

Once a month the quad city mayors meet for breakfast and discuss matters that are going on in their city or town.

Hughes,

Final thought:

“Our kids are our future,” says Mayor Hughes. “We need to rise above, set an example and give where you can, get involved in our schools, find a group or club that you enjoy and be a part of this amazing community.”

Dancing for BCGC:

“Our family was raised to donate our time and to give financially what you could,” Mayor Hughes says.

“Our town is excited to announce, returning for the seventh season, our very own First Lady of Dewey Carie Hughes will be performing professionally along with this year’s dance partner Ken Lain, owner of Watters Garden Center, to raise money for our community kids for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona.”

This Dancing for the Stars competition fundraiser will be Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center, Yavapai College, Prescott.

“What an honor to be invited back and to serve on the seventh season in a row, to raise volume money and to dance our hearts out to win for the kids,” Carie Hughes says. “God has always blessed my family, and I want to return that favor by sharing my gift and by being a blessing to others.”

Free meal to go:

This summer the Town of Dewey-Humboldt would like to give back and support local communities with a five-day meal pack for all families with children ages 1 to 18 years of age.

Families — from Dewey-Humboldt, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Mayer and Chino Valley — can get the meals to go by being registered by calling 928.759.5014. Meals can only be picked up at Humboldt Elementary School, 2750 W. Corral St., from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20, June 26, July 3, July 10 and July 17.

John

Mayor, Town of Dewey-Humboldt

VISION, MEN of

"IN ORDER TO CARRY A POSITIVE ACTION, WE MUST DEVELOP HERE A POSITIVE VISION."

-DALAI LAMA

MEN ACTION of

by Blake Herzog

There are two aspects to being a person of vision: having an inspiration and then making it a reality.

The inspiration that leads to visionary thinking and planning comes more easily to some than others, but it can strike almost anyone who’s in the right frame of mind, whether it’s an idea for a new business or a new direction in scientific research.

What really distinguishes a visionary is the ability to transform it into something tangible.

Prescott LIVING’s Men of Vision for 2023 have all brought their positive ideas to life, making the world around them a little bit better by acting on visions as varied as protecting his neighbors’ homes from invasive pests and making local history more accessible to the masses. All of them took a dynamic approach to finding the people and resources needed to solidify their vision as a concrete reality.

It takes time and talent to be able to pull this off, but anyone can achieve this if they remember just a few things, articulated well by motivational speaker Tony Robbins:

TAKE ACTION EVERY DAY Having a vision is the first and most important step to accomplishing what you want or need to, but without consistently taking the right steps it’s meaningless. Setting up a timetable for your accomplishments is the best way to hold yourself accountable.

BE DETERMINED AND STRONG-WILLED

Push yourself past the times when nothing seems to be going right and the naysayers are telling you there’s no reason to move forward; once you push through the adversity there’s no going back.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

This is critical for achieving anything worthwhile. You need to take care of yourself physically and mentally to have the power and energy necessary to bring your dream to life.

DEVELOP A TOLERANCE FOR FAILURE Don’t let the way things have always been done or the expectations everyone else has prevent you from looking for innovative approaches or solutions that can set your venture apart from the pack.

INVEST IN YOURSELF EVERY DAY

It will happen along the way in ways small or large because you’re trying something new, but each time you learn something important for getting you toward your goal.

Unless noted separately, photos of the men are provided by Blushing Cactus Photography.

BRAD & RON FAIN

of the Fain Signature Group

Generational Experience and Community Building: The New Face of Stewardship

operations. Over a quarter century of land planning, real estate, ranching experience and philanthropy provides Ron a unique view of the community both from a historical and contemporary perspective.

That perspective has led Ron to establish efforts like 100 Men Who Care and The Signature Series.

“I’ve spent my entire life watching and learning how my father Bill Fain and the Fain Signature Group established and built Prescott Valley, always living by the motto: “Our handshake is our word.”

ill Fain, founder of Prescott Valley in 1960, taught his sons many things. The most important lessons for Ron and Brad were taking care of the land and listening.

The generations of the Fains date back to 1876 with their original homestead in Cornville. Taking

care of the land to survive was the lesson each day, and listening was paramount in that daily lesson. Listening to the weather, your neighbor, the world.

Today, Ron Fain, President of Fain Land and Cattle, leads both the cattle operations and Fain Signature Group’s real estate brokerage

Brad and Ron Fain

He says the ethos of living with a higher purpose is guided by his family’s commitment to being good stewards of the land.

“Most valuable to me is the continuity of knowledge and how I am blessed with four generations of experience found within Fain Signature Group, and my family. Building community, being a good neighbor, and giving back to make a difference are all things we take with us into the future to make a great life for all,” Ron says.

Brad Fain is CEO of Fain Signature Group (FSG). The similarities both physically and intellectually to Bill Fain are uncanny as it is Brad’s vision to bring the Fain Signature Group

and the Town of Prescott Valley into a new century replete with progress, opportunity, social consciousness and vision rooted in a history of being good stewards for the community.

Guiding FSG into multifamily, both locally and in new markets, has expanded how FSG can make a positive impact in the communities they touch. The focus to have a positive impact on the region’s communities led to creating Talking Glass Media, to address the negativity and divisiveness in media today.

“What we are doing online and in print with our media is no different than what we’ve been doing on the land for generations,” Brad says.

“We are designing the real world and the virtual landscape simultaneously to make a better life for all while making long-term investments that will benefit our community for years to follow. The driver: designing in a manner that creates opportunity for everyone.”

He says he learned from his father that you cannot force markets, but must look and listen to what the market needs, then what you can offer.

“That is driving our commitment to attainable housing, our land donation for a new Prescott Valley YMCA, and positive media promoting only the good in our communities. It is a generational commitment.”

Photo provided by Fain Signature Group

JAMES HAIT Founder, Victory Wealth Services

ames Hait’s life story is one of resilience, determination and a deep appreciation for family and service.

He grew up in a small town in Montana where he learned the importance of financial stability as a child when his own family faced a crisis. With a shovel in hand, he cleared snow from every driveway on his street, determined to earn every dollar he could for his family.

Working for one of the largest financial institutions in the country, James excelled in helping others reach their financial goals. However, he knew that to truly go above and beyond for the people he served, he needed to be independent. James founded Victory Wealth Services in Prescott.

Today, he says he cherishes finding ways to invest in the community, such as leading Victory Wealth’s annual sock drive for area homeless shelters, fundraisers for local charities, and even small acts of kindness that make a big difference.

James leads an experienced team with the singular focus of helping their clients achieve victory. He understands that building and implementing a successful financial plan requires a collaborative effort and has

assembled a team of professionals who share his unwavering commitment to their clients.

For nearly 25 years, James has guided others toward their dream retirements, pioneering The

Victory Plan™ to offer people a clear roadmap to their retirement goals. This comprehensive written report covers all five aspects of a complete financial plan: income, investments, taxes, health care, and legacy.

im Dewey Brown is a former PRCA saddle bronc rider, rodeo coach and production professional. He has won numerous awards in and out of the arena for his achievements.

A two-time saddle bronc riding champion at the World’s Oldest Rodeo®, he was selected for the general manager job for Prescott Frontier Days in 2021 and is shepherding the storied event deeper into the 21st century.

Alongside with his amazing wife Jody Martinelli, the two are excited for their future in Prescott and the next chapter of the World’s Oldest Rodeo. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tarleton State University in Texas, Jim coached for the rodeo program at New Mexico State University from 2002 to 2015 during which the women’s and men’s teams each won the regional championship nine times and produced almost 40 Academic and Scholar All-Americans.

Since 2022, he has served as the commissioner for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, a job he has had his eyes on for over 15 years.

From student athlete to coach (national Coach of the Year in 2007) to College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) arena director and now commissioner, college rodeo holds a special place in his heart.

He occasionally serves as chute boss and flank man for Vold Rodeo Co., and he is a co-partner of Fite Ranch LLC, a commercial beefmaster cattle ranch in New Mexico.

KEVIN DEWITT Co-owner,

Patriot Pest & Termite Control

evin DeWitt grew up in Phoenix in a working-class family and in his early years worked in the construction industry. Then in 1994, he started in the pest control industry and in 1997 joined Patriot Pest & Termite Control.

In 2016, Kevin and his wife Nancy had the opportunity to purchase the company from his longtime friend Mike Fraker.

Kevin says he finds his work exciting and rewarding. “When we arrive at a property, we are there to help and to solve problems. No one wants pests in their home or business. Pests are like people; they have habits and at the end of the day we are there to solve those problems.

“People turn to us for solutions, and we are happy to provide them a pest free environment."

Even with almost 30 years in the business, Kevin says he still finds himself learning new things and facing new challenges.

“Throughout the years I have been fortunate to have met some very interesting people and made many new friends,” he says. “I feel blessed to call Prescott our home, and we

love the opportunity to contribute to the community.”

Most importantly, Kevin says, he thanks God every day for his

beautiful bride Nancy, with whom he co-owns the company. He is a proud father of three children and has two grandchildren he adores.

ennis Gallagher met his wife MaryAnn in high school and married her while attending ASU. He retired from a career in the microelectronics industry, working for companies in the U.S and in Europe, and in 2007 they decided to make historic Prescott their home.

Creating a Western Heritage Center on historic Whiskey Row had been his passion for years, and in May of 2019, his vision came to fruition when the Center opened its doors. Now the Center is a Prescott destination averaging more than 6,000 visitors a month.

Dennis believes everyone should have access the area’s history and heritage, so there is no charge for the educational experience the Center offers. Due to the incredible success of the Western Heritage Center, and the Foundation’s scholarship program, it was voted Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

The Center has no paid staff, so Dennis attributes its success to the dedicated volunteers. In addition, he says he is humbled by the generous donors who believe in his concept of how to share history.

Dennis has served on numerous committees and commissions for the City of Prescott and is currently serving on Prescott’s Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC).

DENNIS GALLAGHER

Founder, President & CEO, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation,

Inc.

DARRIN ROGERS Co-owner, Rogers Academy of Beauty

arrin Rogers co-owns Rogers Academy of Beauty with his wife Sheri Rogers. They operate the Academy with their two daughters, making it a family-owned local business.

Darrin is a supporter of local charities including Yavapai Human Society, Kiwanis Club, Prescott Area Shelter Services, Yavapai Regional BreastCare Center, Yavapai County 4H, and Western Heritage Center to name a few.

He is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and supports many of their fundraising efforts with Christmas lighting being one of them. Darrin says it is very important to be active and support one’s local community as much as possible.

Darrin is a Minnesota Vikings fan and classic car restoration specialist. He owned his own classic car restoration business in Mesa, Arizona, and has personally restored well over 40 classic cars.

Darrin has participated in some of the most affluent classic car auctions all across the country; Barrett Jackson and Mecum Classic Car Auction being the most recent. He says he looks forward to passing down his knowledge to his grandson and currently is mentoring his two sons-in-laws with their own projects.

ayor Kell Palguta was elected Mayor of Prescott Valley in 2018 after retiring as a Prescott Valley police officer. He was re-elected Mayor in 2022.

While working as a police officer, Kell obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northern Arizona University and master’s degree in criminal Justice Administration from New Mexico State University.

As a first-generation college graduate in his family, Kell understands the importance of good education and recognizes that education is a valuable asset to any community.

Since being elected in 2018, Kell served on the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Resolution Committee, as the Chairman of the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization for two years and continues to represent Prescott Valley as a member.

In 2019, he became a Flinn Brown Fellow after completing the state fellowship and civic leadership program. Kell currently sits on the Executive Board as the Treasurer to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona.

He is married to Aubrey and is the father to 7-year-old twins, Memphis and Emma Jo and a 13-year-old, Lincoln.

Kell says he strives to make certain that Prescott Valley is a place where one can be born, grow up, graduate school, get married, raise a family and retire.

JOHN HUGHES

Dewey-Humboldt Mayor

ewey-Humboldt Mayor John Hughes, an Arizona native and fourth generation cattle rancher, grew up in Page Springs, where his family ran Hereford cattle at the DA Ranch and the Diamond 2 ranch — today it is known as a popular winery.

John, being the youngest of six in his family, learned at an early age how to operate ranch equipment and machinery. He was active in his community, participated in 4H, was on the Prescott High School rodeo team, worked the livestock yards and was the FFA President during his years at PHS.

John built the family diesel business with his wife for 20 years, and shortly after his baby girl was born retired from the diesel business and continued on with his passion doing excavation in the construction field.

John has served four years as a Town Councilman and today presides as the re-elected Dewey-Humboldt Mayor. He also serves as Vice Chair of CYMPO, Vice Chair of TAC and Vice Chair of GAMA.

He is always volunteering, educating or giving his time to local clubs and organizations. John enjoys reading, boating and spending quality time with his friends, but most of all, loving on his adorable daughter and having quiet time with his highspirited wife.

He believes that being upfront and honest gains one relationships of trust and loyalty for a lifetime.

JACK W. MILLER

ack Miller was born in Dallas, Texas in 1957, the baby of seven children. His father was an aerospace engineer and mother a homemaker. The family lived in several states, settling in Phoenix in 1966.

He relocated to Prescott after a weekend visit, where he began his career with U.S. Electrical Motors. Jack worked as a machinist from 1975 to 1987, and he met his wife Jeri. They were married in 1981 and relocated to Chino Valley.

In 1987, Jack became a firefighter with the Chino Valley Fire District, which he calls “the best job in the world.” He earned an associate’s degree in fire science and business administration. He retired from the district as a battalion chief at the end of 2010 after suffering a knee injury.

Jack and Jeri have two sons who live in Kingman with their families, and they both work for local fire departments.

He says most rewarding to him has been serving the public; he has always enjoyed trying to find solutions to people’s problems.

Mayor, Chino Valley

MEN VISION of MARC VETERE Manzanita Landscaping

arc Vetere immersed himself in the high desert terrain around him at age 15 and discovered his passion for beautifying homes and businesses through custom landscaping.

“Here I was, outside, using cool equipment and making things look nice,” he says. “I thought, “‘Wow! This is cool, and I am getting paid to do it.’”

Sharpening his on-the-job training and gaining entrepreneurial momentum, he founded Manzanita Landscaping Inc. in 2009.

With his March 2020 purchase of Earthworks Landscape & Supply, Vetere also owns a 30,000square-foot retail garden center and nursery north of Road 3 North. The two companies comprise 4 adjacent acres.

Attracting and retaining good people is a challenge, but one he meets head-on with employee development. For his personal growth, he focuses on work/life balance.

He has attained some, he said, with wife Brianne; two adult daughters, ages 28 and 21: a 5-year-old “awesome” granddaughter; and four dogs. Brianne, a full-time orthodontic assistant, also helps network and market the businesses.

“Brianne is a huge inspiration. She has always backed me. We started the business the year we were getting married and in the middle of a recession. It has been a wild ride.”

orn and raised in Cave Creek, Frank Peña received national recognition for his sales and customer service achievements in the new homes sector.

His move to Prescott at the end of 2021 coincided with a career change to help buyers find the perfect home, as Frank highly values helping people.

This is exemplified through his voluntary work as operations manager for Three Willows Sanctuary, whose mission is to refresh hearts and souls through equine experiences, catering to a wide range of people who need respite.

Frank graduated in business management from Texas Tech. Apart from a lifelong love for all things horse-related, he enjoys competitive bass fishing, golf and hunting in his spare time.

Frank Peña Frank.pena@exprealty.com 602.715.4710

FRANK PENA

Sales Associate, EXP Realty

Photo by Lauren Schleifer

MEN VISION of DAVID SIKES

Casino General Manager, Yavapai Gaming Agency

avid’s casino career began in Las Vegas in 1988 when he started as a slot mechanic, also known as slot technician.

During the past 35 years, he has held management positions in three casinos and spent 15 years in slot machine sales. During the 15 years in sales, he traveled throughout the U.S. and took trips to Australia, New Zealand, Mexico City and Canada.

David landed in Prescott seven years ago to work for Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos. He has held

several management positions including director of marketing. In January 2022, he became the casino general manager, calling it “a great honor and privilege.”

He says many changes have been made in the properties over the last year and a half and many more are yet to come.

“It is an honor to work with such an amazing management team and the best in the business staff of over 250 employees,” he says.

RED WOOTAN

Gaming Director, Yavapai Gaming Agency

ed joined the Bucky’s team in 2021 as the director of gaming.

He brought with him extensive experience in the gaming business including 30 years in executive management. Red began his casino career in Laughlin, Nevada, and worked in

several jurisdictions.

Red says the gaming business is incredibly challenging in combining technology with a focus on guest services. He is passionate about providing a strong leadership role and being a positive influence for the Bucky’s team.

BEHIND THE SCENES

MEN VISION of

Branch Manager, Evergreen Home Loans & Firefighter EMT

s a mortgage banker specialized in mountain resort lending since 1997, Arnold has been passionate about volunteering for his communities. His volunteer experience began as a Back Country Search and Rescue EMT.

He and his wife Mishel purchased a second home 25 miles outside of Prescott with the intention of establishing a more suitable environment for the horses of their nonprofit organization, The Double U Ranch Horse Sanctuary.

The mountain resort community of Big Bear Lake was not conducive toward the mission of helping young horses recover from traumatic experiences, and the more time the couple spent away from California the harder it was to return. It didn’t take long to decide to make their primary home in Arizona.

Arnold graduated from Williamson Valley Bagdad’s Regional Fire Academy. He says it has been inspiring to see the dedication of these first responders as they build a district to enhance services to underserved communities.

He believes everything happens for a reason, and his role as a mortgage banker is not an exception toward contributing, and his employer Evergreen Home Loans has been fully supportive of his commitment and role as a firefighter EMT.

Through the Evergreen Cares Foundation, the business makes charitable donations to the fire department, horse rescue and meals on wheels charities.

Evergreen also supports Arnold’s role with Prescott’s Workforce Housing Committee to help address the growing demand for housing solutions.

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ALLAN ESPINOSA, MD Medical Oncologist

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4 REASONS TO GET INVOLVED TODAY WITH The Prescott Chamber

by Sheri Heiney, President & CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce

Let’s place the advocacy, marketing, advertising and public relations benefits of Chamber membership on the back burner. This article is about what the Chamber can do for you and your employees specifically, not the business.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Chamber has a number of education opportunities in which you and your employees can learn about important matters for free (or at a very low cost).

Chamber webinar topics may include things like diversity, how to excel in social media, and local economic interests in your area. They can help you become a more well-rounded professional, change careers, or get up-to-date on important topics in the community.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

The Chamber offers a lot of opportunities to volunteer for different committees or events. You may find

a volunteer position in a subject that interests you like women leaders, diversity, workforce development and marketing. Not only can these volunteer positions be added to your resume, but volunteering could also help you meet people with similar interests and help you grow your professional network.

NETWORKING

Getting involved with the Chamber can help you meet more people and grow your professional network, and make new friendships.

BUSINESS EXPANSION, HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES

As you grow your network, you may learn of additional business possibilities that could expand your current business or launch a new one. You may learn of seed money, grants, SBA funding or private opportunities.

Often business deals get made before anything is formally published or requested. Being personally involved in

the Chamber may help you be a part of those types of discussions and make you aware of opportunities before they become public.

The same may be true of the hidden job market. A contact may tell you they’re looking for someone before posting it on a job site, giving you the advantage.

If you get involved with the Chamber, there are many benefits to your professional growth and career. Plus, those benefits can be given to all of your employees. That can be a real selling point for someone looking for a great company culture.

For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, visit www.prescott.org or call 928.445.2000 or 1.800.266.7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center, 117 W. Goodwin St.

PV CHAMBER AMBASSADORS HELP CREATE a Stronger Economy

by Marnie Uhl, President and CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce is fortunate to have a wonderful cadre of business volunteers who commit to serving the business community through participation and support of the Chamber.

They are fun, they are dedicated and they embrace building a stronger Prescott Valley business community. These amazing volunteers are called Ambassadors, and they are the hospitality arm of the chamber.

Ambassadors are made up of business members who support the mission of the Chamber as well as enjoy making their own business connections. Ambassadors welcome new businesses, attend ribbon cuttings and grand openings, as well as host at the Alive after Five networking events.

They also preside over all raffles for the purpose of raising money for the Chamber’s scholarship program. With the influence and passion of the Ambassadors this year’s scholarship fund is over $5,000 and will assist

five graduating seniors with their post-secondary education.

This is the most that has ever been awarded since the program was started in 2008. Each year a member of the Ambassadors sits on the scholarship selection committee. It is my pleasure and honor to share this amazing team with you:

President

Kym Lopez, Arizona’s Hometown Radio Group

Vice President

Logan Roberts, Squealing Hog BBQ Catering

Secretary

Audrey Hovelsrud, Allstate Insurance, Robin Binkley Agency

Angela Johnson

Hampton Inn and Suites Prescott

Gerry Tarling

Desert Financial Credit Union

George McClenahan

All Copy Products

Joe Sweeney

Rotary Club of Prescott

John Johnson

Precision PC

Kira Gill

Laserium Medspa

Kristina Abbey

Talking Glass Media

Lesa West New Life CPR

Marilyn Mott

Your CBD Store

Matt Zurcher

Kooiman Realty/Central Arizona Fire & Medical Authority Board

Over the years many others have served as Ambassadors, and it is with the dedication of these committed business members that the Prescott Valley Chamber thrives in its service and has grown to be the leading organization moving the Prescott Valley economy forward.

MEET ALEX

Account Executive & Digital Marketing Strategist

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A l e x h a s l i v e d i n P r e s c o t t , A r i z o n a f o r t h e p a s t f i v e y e a r s

w i t h a b a c h e l o r ’ s d e g r e e i n M a s s C o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d

M e d i a S t u d i e s . H e h a s v a r i o u s s k i l l s , i n c l u d i n g p h o t o g r a p h y ,

c o p y w r i t i n g , g r a p h i c d e s i g n , c o n t e n t c r e a t i o n , w e b s i t e d e s i g n a n d m a r k e t i n g c a m p a i g n s t r a t e g i e s . H i s v a r y i n g e x p e r i e n c e s d r i v e s h i s p a s s i o n w h i l e a s s i s t i n g N o r t h e r n A Z

S o c ia l ' s c l i e n t s a c h i e v e t h e i r m a r k e t i n g g o a l s

Photo by Present Moment Photographs

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

PV’s Wheelhouse Sports Complex Awarded $100K Grant

Wheelhouse Sports Complex in Prescott Valley has received a $100,000 grant to complete outdoor football fields, soccer fields and other outdoor recreation facilities from Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, the nonprofit arm of Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys.

The nonprofit 60,000-square-foot facility sits on a 12-acre lot and opened in June 2022 at the former Coors Event Center near the Arizona Downs horseracing track. It offers leagues and classes in multiple sports to youth and other age groups, including volleyball, boxing, BMX racing, inline hockey, baseball and hockey, and at buildout plans to offer 14 different sports. It offers memberships for participation and some activities are open to the public.

“The board and volunteers of Wheelhouse are excited to partner with Lerner & Rowe to bring these new sports amenities to the youth and families of our community,” said Charles Arnold, president and co-founder of Wheelhouse Sports Complex. “The commitment to youth is shared by both of our organizations, and we look forward to serving more kids in the community.”

Wheelhouse, at 10401 E. AZ-89A, is becoming a go-to hub for all things youth athletics, community events, after-school programs and family-friendly activities.

Construction began in 2021, and work on capital projects continues to accommodate additional community programs. For more information visit www.

wheelhouseaz.wixsite.com/my-site-1.

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back was founded by the law firm’s managing partner Kevin Rowe to benefit youth, health and human services, animal welfare and public safety programs in Arizona, Illinois and Nevada, the states where it has offices.

“We have always supported community athletics because we realize how important it is to build up future generations through sports,” Rowe said.

“Wheelhouse Sports Complex is making it possible for families and children to unite and participate in activities that build lifelong friendships and leadership skills. We are lucky to be a part of such an important project and see this incredible vision come to life.”

A $100,000 grant will help to complete the outdoor fields at Wheelhouse Sports Complex. Photo courtesy of Lerner and Rowe Gives Back.

Racetrack Developer May Buy Arizona Downs

Prescott Valley’s Arizona Downs racetrack is under contract to be purchased by The Stronach Group, a Canadian firm positioning itself as “North America’s preeminent thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company,” according to its website.

Tom Auther, who currently co-owns the track with his two brothers and their partner Joe Jackson, said the group has always seen itself as a transitional owner for the park, which covers 122 acres, has a seating capacity of almost 3,000 and includes 800 horse barns.

“We always kind of considered ourselves a placeholder,” he said. “We’re not real horseracing people, we just thought it was a good opportunity to get it up and running, so that some entity would come along and buy it. And that’s what happened, and we’re fortunate that it’s Stronach, you couldn’t find a better group.”

Stronach Group is the holding and investment company for its 1/ST

businesses, which include racing and gaming, technology and other ventures. It owns five racetracks, among them Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California, and Pimlico in Baltimore, home of the Preakness Stakes. Stronach has developed shopping, offices and a casino around another of its tracks, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

Auther said he isn’t privy to the specifics of 1/ST’s intentions for Arizona Downs, but “the plans are to expand it.” The transaction, in its due diligence period, likely will close in late fall 2023, although he said, “There’s no guarantee it’s going to close, but we’re working diligently to effect that.”

Arizona Downs doesn’t have any live races scheduled for 2023, partly due to the uncertainties created by the potential sale of both Arizona Downs and the much larger Turf Paradise in North Phoenix, which is under contract to be sold to an industrial developer.

Racing is not expected to continue at Turf Paradise for more than a few years if that sale closes, leaving Arizona Downs and Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson as the only live horseracing venues in Arizona.

Arizona Downs opened in 2001 at its current site, 10501 E. AZ-89A at the northern edge of Prescott Valley, when historic Prescott Downs relocated from the center of that city and was renamed Yavapai Downs. It closed 10 years later after the owners went bankrupt after not being able to schedule a season. It reopened in 2019 under the current name and ownership with a simulcast room for off-track betting, but the pandemic scrubbed the 2020 season.

Auther said racing dates could be set for later in the year, depending on the timing of the sale. The simulcasting room remains open for OTB wagering seven days a week.

Visit www.arizonadowns.com for more information.

Photo by Daryl Weisser

Fernando Mendigutia

Janet Cameron

Karen Shaw

Fernando Mendigutia Andrea Hunting

Fernando Mendigutia

Jeff Scott

Mike Moutoux

Fernando Mendigutia

Special Events: Always Something to do in Prescott

by Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, Recreation Services Administrative Supervisor, City of Prescott

One of the biggest draws to the City of Prescott is the ever-growing list of special events.

Whether it is on a street with the backdrop of the Yavapai County Courthouse, the granite rocks of Watson Lake, or the downtown hustle and bustle of Mile High Middle School, Prescott offers an eclectic display of special events year round.

And with the small-town feel, it is no wonder that Prescott is a go-to destination for visitors.

The City of Prescott works directly with event promotors and community partners, such as the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Prescott Downtown Partnership and the Office of Tourism to bring in these one-day and multiday events.

But what makes Prescott unique is the fact that all but one of these events, the Veterans Day Parade, is put on by outside organizations and promotors.

To make these events happen, each event goes through an application process reviewed by City staff,

including public safety, traffic, sanitation and recreation services. The applications are vetted and reviewed to ensure all appropriate applications are submitted and to ensure the safety and success of each event.

In some cases, a city representative is assigned to make sure all guidelines, protocols and safety measures are adhered to. For more information on special events, you can contact the Recreation Services office at 928.777.1552 or email me at michelle.stacy-schroeder@ prescott-az.gov.

Below is a list of upcoming events for June and July. All of these and more can be found at www.prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/programs-special-events/special-events.

6/17

Whiskey Row Brewfest Mile High Middle School

www.prescott.events

6/23-25

Prescott Bluegrass Festival

Goodwin Street

www.prescott.org

6/28-7/4

World’s Oldest Rodeo

Prescott Rodeo Grounds

www.worldsoldestrodeo.com

6/29-7/1

Rodeo Dance Depot Marketplace

www.worldsoldestrodeo.com

6/30

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade

Cortez Street

www.prescottkiwanis.com

7/1-3

Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Arts & Crafts Courthouse Plaza

www.prescottdowntown.com

7/1

Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade

Prescott Rodeo Grounds

www.worldsoldestrodeo.com

7/1

Whiskey Row Boot Race

Whiskey Row

7/1

Prescott 4th of July Fireworks Event Watson Lake

www.prescott.events

7/2

Prescott Fire Dept. Hose Cart Races

Cortez Street

Serving the tri-city area since 1986. POSC allows patients to have elective surgery, spend minimal time recovering at the facility and then continue to recover in the comfort of their own homes – all in the same day.

SPECIALISTS

Dr. Bradley Benson (928) 445-4818

Dr. Craig Leicht (928) 445-2700

PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr. Burt Faibosoff (928) 777-5817

ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS

Dr. Richard Bassett (928) 777-9950

Dr. Kyle Chun (928) 777-9950

Dr. Bertrand Kaper (928) 778-9250

Dr. Greg Keller (928) 708-4545

Dr. Paul C. Pflueger (928) 777-9950

Dr. Judah Pifer (928) 778-9250

Dr. W. Lee Richardson (928) 777-9950

Dr. Bradley Williams (928) 778-9250

PODIATRY

Dr. Brad Hayman (928) 776-9428

Dr. Evan Simonson (928) 777-9950

UROLOGISTS

Dr. Paul Nguyen (928) 771-5282

THE BEST OF Yavapai County

Greater Prescott is a pretty great place — and it has lots of great places and people! The choices of our readers and social media followers for the Best of Yavapai County are here — an in-depth guide to the area’s best providers of goods and services.

These are people and places who help give our communities their luster, drawing loyal residents and visitors alike. Our more than 100 categories are grouped into sections for people (professionals, leaders and public figures), pets, services, lifestyle, shopping and food and drink, covering most of the facets of life here.

This is where you can learn about the county’s stalwarts and upstarts and discover new favorites that might be around the corner or in a neighboring town. Whether you’re looking for a bountiful burrito, a gentle dog groomer, a razorsharp barber or an unbreakable bank, we’ve got a pick for you!

As our region grows and new options arrive, our list is here to highlight Greater Prescott’s mainstays and recommend newer arrivals making great contributions to local culture. We love to honor excellence in our growing community, and Yavapai County teems with it!

Table of Contents

Photo by Dennis Tromburg

CATEGORY BUSINESS

Bakery Flour Stone Bakery

Bar | Tavern Matt's Saloon

Barbeque COLT Grill BBQ & Spirits

Breakfast & Brunch Zeke's Eatin' Place

Brewery & Taproom LazyG Brewhouse

Burger Whiskey River Tavern

Chinese W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

Coffee Shop Wild Iris Coffeehouse & Bakery

Comfort Food Gabby's Kitchen

Deli Park Plaza Liquor & Deli

Dessert Goods from the Garden

Donuts Outlaw Donuts, Inc.

Food Truck

The Hungry Badger Adventure Catering (food truck)

Fine Dining & Special Occasion Essence Kitchen + Bar

Fried Chicken COLT Grill BBQ & Spirits

Frozen Yogurt | Ice Cream Frannie's Cones and Coffee

Happy Hour

The Office Cantina

Indian Taj Mahal Restaurant

Italian Papa's Italian Restaurant

Margarita Dry Gulch Steak House

Mexican Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano

Patio Whiskey River Tavern

Pie Berry's Pie Pantry

Pizza Bill’s Pizza

New Restaurant Salt & Pepper Cafe

Sandwich Jed’s Sandwich Shop & Catering

Seafood Farm Provisions

Steakhouse Leff-T's Steakhouse & Grill

Sushi Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Tapas El Gato Azul

Thai Toi's Thai Kitchen

Vegan | Vegetarian The Local

Wine Bar Back Alley Wine Bar

Winery Winey Cats at Granite Creek Vineyard

Colt Grill

Photo courtesy of Colt Grill

CATEGORY BUSINESS

Art Gallery Yavapai College Art Galleries

Casino Bucky’s Casino

City Park

Pioneer Park

Festival Prescott Film Festival

Fitness Studio | Gym Get-Fit Prescott

Golf Course Antelope Hills Golf Courses

Hiking Trail (TIE) Constellation Trail

Hiking Trail (TIE) Peavine Trail

Live Music Venue Findlay Toyota Center

Museum (TIE) Prescott Western Heritage Center

Museum (TIE) Sharlot Hall Museum

Museum (TIE) Phippen Museum

Nonprofit Miss Yavapai County Scholarship Organization

Performance Theater Prescott Valley Performing Arts

Place to Take Kids The Park Collective

Place to Volunteer Prescott YMCA of Yavapai County

Romantic Resort Creekside Lodge & Cabins

Running | Fitness Event The Whiskey Off-Road Staycation Resort Prescott Resort & Conference Center

Photo by Karen Shaw

Specializing in residential interior design services for new construction custom homes, as well as residential remodels and commercial properties At Niche Design Co., it’s not just about designing a house, it’s about creating a sanctuary you're proud to call home 928.848.3432

BEST OF Yavapai County 2023

CATEGORY WINNER

Actor | Actress Stephanie Zeh

Artist Lindsay Fox, LM Fox Artistry

Band | Musician STEFnROCK

PEOPLE 74 PRESCOTT LIVING | EARLY SUMMER 2023

Bartender Marlena Welsh, The Windsock

Chef Barry Barbe, El Gato Azul and Torme

Custom Jewelry Kevin O'Neill, Artful Eye Jewelers

Elected Official Constable Ron Williams

Event DJ Matt and Allie's Karaoke and DJ

Radio DJ Leza Live, Leza Dandos

Willow Creek Dog Park

Photo courtesy of City of Prescott

Prescott’s Style Destination

CATEGORY

Antiques

Baby | Kids

Bike Shop

Bookstore

Farmers Market

Furniture

GENUINE

BUSINESS

Fallon's Down Home Vintage

Fox and Bear Kids Trading Post

Bikesmith Cyclery

Peregrine Book Company

Prescott Farmers Market

Bella Home Furnishings

Jewelry Artful Eye Jewelers

Kitchenware | Appliances Quality Maytag

Nursery | Plants Watters Garden Center

Outdoor Decor Wild Sage Antiques & Boutique

Outdoor Gear

Men's Clothing

Place to Buy Art

Place to Buy Gifts

The Hike Shack

Vincenzo's For Men

Carrie Weldon Gallery & Boutique

GG’s Unique Boutique

Place to Buy Souvenirs Drawn West

Second-Hand Clothing Wild Sage Antiques & Boutique

Vintage Clothing Cowgirl Country Antiques

Westernwear Boot Barn®

Women's Boutique

Classy N Sassy Boutique

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

- Asset Management

- Insurance Planning

- Financial Planning

In celebrating my 25th year as a Wealth Manager, this affirms my passion for helping clients with their financial planning and investment management needs.

I am honored to be your trusted advisor and look forward to helping our community members secure their financial future!

WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONTACT

2978 La Questa, Prescott, AZ 86305 928.756.2977

www.w-reynolds.com

wreynolds@g5financialgroup.com

There is a phrase, life imitates art. Only I believe your life is already a work of art in itself. It’s a beautiful masterpiece made up of all the little moments and interactions that create who you are. Capturing this is a treasured opportunity that I treat with respect, time and care. I believe in providing you with the best of the best images to remember the special moments and milestones of your life. Thank you to my community, clients, family and friends for this incredible honor! I am ever so grateful.

Yavapai County 2023

CATEGORY BUSINESS

Attorney Stephanie Willison, Willison Law, PC

Auto Dealership Findlay Subaru Prescott

Auto Repair

Bank | Credit Union

Iconic Automotive

OneAZ Credit Union

Barber John Hancock Barbershop

Car Wash Ocean Blue Car Wash

Caterer Goods from the Garden

Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center Synergy Wellness Center

Custom Cabinetry/Woodworking MCK Woodworks

Dance Studio

Lessons by Lexe: Dance Studio

Day Care | Preschool Discovery Gardens Preschool

Dentist My Kids' Dentist

Dryer Vent Cleaning & Repair Dryer Vent Pros

Education - Schools, Preschools, Colleges, Career & Technical Schools Yavapai College

Education - Tutoring Services, Learning Centers AdvocacySD

Electrician Jameson Electric LLC

Financial Services William C. Reynolds, Wealth Manager, CFP CRPC, G5 Financial Group

Florist Allan’s Flowers

Hair Salon

A Dream by Day

Home Repair | Remodeling Tri-City Home Improvement Pros

Housekeeping Prescott Maid to Order

HVAC Service & Repair

Comfort Pro Heating & Cooling

Interior Design Niche Design Co. LLC

Landscaping R.E. & Sons Landscaping

Massage A Valley of Vitality Wellness Studio

Medical Practice Hometown Healthcare

Mental Health Facility Polara Health

Nail Salon

Cherry Nails & Spa

Optometrist Premier Eye Center

Orthodontist Dr. Fenderson, Prescott Orthodontics

Painting Pinion Painting

Photographer

Adrienne Reynolds Photography

Physician Dr. Dennis L. Little, MD

Plumber Lawhorn Plumbing LLC

Real Estate Agent Joan Eaton, HomeSmart Fine Homes & Land Prescott

Real Estate Brokerage

Recovery Center

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate BloomTree Realty

Polara Health

Retirement Community Touchmark at The Ranch

Spa

Surgery Center

Aria Aesthetics + Permanent Makeup

Tri-City Surgery Center

Tattoo Studio Hold Fast Tattoo

Wedding Venue

Hassayampa Inn

Pass Torch with Love Papa’s ‘Mama,’ Daughter

by Blake Herzog

The owners of Papa’s Uptown Italian Restaurant in downtown Prescott have retired after 15 years of earning a loyal following with their family recipes and dedication to quality food and service. Donna “Mama” Bobadilla, her daughter Andrea Barattini and son-in-law Greg Swigut purchased the former Little Papa’s pizza restaurant in 2007, and on May 1 handed the reins to new owners Jason and Vanessa Perkins.

Prescott LIVING: When did you come to Prescott; how did you come to buy Papa’s?

Donna Bobadilla: This restaurant is in honor of my Grandma Benedetto, who taught me all the recipes, told me all the stories.

This is not my first career, I sold real estate before and had retail shops, put on my bucket list 20 years ago, plus, I said, “Gee, I’ve always wanted a little restaurant.” And my daughter and son-in-law said, “Well, yeah, we’ll help you.”

And that originated in Tucson and was called Contessa’s Italian Buffet. We had that for five years, and then moved to Prescott, took a year off after that, and we purchased Little Papa’s on White Spar Road.

Andrea Barattini: Five years later we had to move because they were putting in a bike path. We had to kind of scramble, and when this beautiful space came up, we

peeked in the windows and said, “Ah, Grandpa Benedetto, Grandpa Benedetto!”

Mama’s grandpa had a spaghetti house in Auburn, New York, and this location is reminiscent. Even the way the bar looks, it’s eerie. It was a big leap for our family, a bit intimidating coming from 12 tables to tripling that space, but it just became an absolute incredible destination.

Prescott LIVING: What has been the key to Papa’s success?

Donna Bobadilla: Papa’s is a feeling. The food’s got to be good, but Papa’s is a feeling. It creates a nice, warm fuzzy for the people who have memories of a time. And the decor and the feeling of the restaurant is like Italy, or it’s like New York. It’s not Prescott. So it’s a separate reality. And they come in and have their dinner and they feel like they’re transported to the Amalfi Coast.

Andrea Barattini: And our team is incredible. We are very blessed to have them. Some of them we inherited from the old Little Papa’s, and they’ve been with us for over 15 years. My brother Eddie, the bartender, is staying on and my son Jacob will come back when he’s not in school at Northern Arizona University.

Prescott LIVING:

All the recipes originated with Grandma Benedetto. What was it like for you to be able to keep her legacy alive?

Donna Bobadilla: These recipes are hundreds of years old. They’re casual Italian, family, comfort food and made in the style that our family from Naples and Sicily, how they cooked and created.

It’s truly a gift. It’s a very emotional thing for me, because it was my prayer for all these years to honor Grandma. And I’m sure she would be proud right now. It’s difficult to pass it on, but yet I know it’s in the right hands.

Andrea Barattini: It couldn’t go to a better family. These folks have been our customers for almost 15 years, and now they’re bringing up their little children, as we did with my son. They remind me of us 15 years ago.

Prescott LIVING: Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Andrea Barattini: I mean, to win best in Yavapai County is such an honor. We’re thrilled to be passing this to the new owners, being No. 1 in Yavapai County. And we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and just feeling so blessed and grateful. So, with gratitude, thank you, Prescott.

Preserving Papa's Power Jason and Vanessa Perkins

Jason and Vanessa Perkins took over ownership of Papa’s Uptown Italian Restaurant on May 1. He is the executive chef and kitchen manager while she oversees the front of house.

They have two young daughters who enjoy playing in the restaurant as their mom and dad serve lasagna, minestrone, chicken Alfredo and other beloved Papa’s recipes with authentic Italian wines.

Prescott LIVING: What brought you to Prescott?

Jason Perkins: We were living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, working at La Fonda Hotel. And the same group of owners at La Fonda also owned the Hassayampa Inn here in Prescott.

In 2011, the ownership offered me the Executive Chef position at the Hassayampa Inn (Peacock Dining Room). It was a two-week notice, and I was going to have to pick up and leave. Within that two-week period we got married. I was just overwhelmed with the opportunity but excited about moving to Prescott.

Prescott LIVING: How did you get into the hospitality industry?

Jason Perkins: I started doing catering right out of high school and started taking culinary arts classes while working in the industry. After working in restaurants and catering companies for a few years I decided that this was the chosen

path for me and I decided to start working my way towards being an executive chef. I focused all of my energy into learning and experience, I left home to travel out west and gain as much experience and knowledge as I could. That venture ultimately led me to where I am today.

Vanessa Perkins: At age of 16, I took my first steps into the world of hospitality in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was taught a high level of hospitality by an amazing team that I will never forget the La Fonda Hotel Team. It was there that I discovered my innate ability to find joy in making others happy. The opportunity to create unique experiences for guests ignited a passion within me, driving me to excel in the art of customer service. This early realization laid the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to serving others.

Prescott LIVING: Have you always wanted to own a restaurant?

Jason Perkins: I just always knew owning a restaurant is

something I would want. Once I started crossing off certain things in my career, I wanted to go further and take the next step. To me it’s always been about progressing and taking that next step and trying to always do better.

Prescott LIVING: What was the main factor in choosing Papa’s?

Jason Perkins: When Papa’s was located on White Spar, that was the first place we ever went out to eat in Prescott. I remember sitting outside on the patio, and it was a great first experience.

We considered buying other places or opening a new restaurant, but when we found the confidential listing and then found out it was Papa’s, we got very excited because we thought, “Well, that is exactly what we’re looking for; a wellestablished place with longterm employees and a great location.” That became our first choice by a very, very wide margin.

Prescott LIVING: Do you plan on making any changes at Papa’s?

Jason Perkins: We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel here. And why would anybody in that scenario of Papa’s? We just want to honor what they’ve done and put our hands on it, without changing a whole lot.

Mama was nice enough to make me a personalized recipe book, which they have never made for anyone, ever. And they didn’t even have recipes written down, it was just Mama doing it. We’re going to keep making the sauces and everything the same way.

Prescott LIVING: How are you going to make it your own?

Vanessa Perkins: We genuinely care about creating an exceptional experience for our guests. Our goal is to enhance the ambiance and ensure every detail contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere, I want to share my talent and contribute to the community by creating a dining experience that

reflects exceptional service and genuine hospitality.

Jason Perkins: While we strive to bring our own unique touch, we also recognize the importance of preserving the elements that have already made the restaurant special. We will introduce weekend specials that allow me to share some of my creative ideas I have but not have to change anything that’s already established.

We plan to focus on improving the comfort of the seating arrangements. We want our customers to feel truly relaxed and at ease while they enjoy their meals. By introducing cozy booths and perhaps even some plush seating options. We understand that the presentation plays a crucial role in the dining experience. We have already taken steps to elevate our service and presentation, but we are committed to going even further. We will invest in new plates, glassware, so that every dish and beverage is showcased beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall experience.

Prescott LIVING: What would you like the community to know about you and Papa’s?

Vanessa Perkins: Papa's is not just a business to us; it's a legacy that we are proud to carry forward. We pour our hearts into every aspect of Papa's, from the quality of our products to the experience we provide for our customers.

We are immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication of Papa's staff. They are the backbone of the operation and deserve recognition as we could not be here without them.

Gregory Swigut

Andrea Barattini, Donna Bobadilla aka "Mama”, Vanessa Perkins, Jason Perkins

Andrea Barattini, Donna Bobadilla aka "Mama”, Emily Perkins. Vanessa Perkins, Liliana Perkins, Jason Perkins

Continued from page 27 Q

Prescott LIVING: Did you have any hesitation when you were offered the job here?

Jamaal McCoy: Absolutely. I was running one of our highest volume dealership in the group. I had just built a team. We were dealer of the year six years in a row for Chevrolet. So I was very comfortable where I was. And we were improving the store in Bullhead City.

Anytime you start over again, it takes some time to build it up. So I was very hesitant. And we had just bought a new house, literally had just put the backyard in when the Findlays asked me to come up here. But the more I came to Prescott, the more I thought it would be a great opportunity for the family. We were going to do something different. And I like challenges.

Prescott LIVING: So, here’s a different topic. When did you become active in the Prescott Chamber?

Jamaal McCoy: Immediately. The first person I met outside of the dealership was the Chamber President and CEO Sherry Heiney. And that was two days after Findlay bought Tim’s. She met me here in my office, and we developed a friendship that day and have been friends ever since.

Prescott LIVING: Which other local organizations are you involved with?

Jamaal McCoy: Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott Center for the Arts, Arizona Community Foundation, Pacific Southwest Better Business Bureau, Mount Zion Tabernacle are some of the ones I’m involved with.

Prescott LIVING: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment as the general manager of Findlay Toyota Prescott?

Jamaal McCoy: Honestly, I think my biggest accomplishment is that the majority of our business comes from Prescott, and we don’t see a lot of residents from Prescott buying outside of our market, which wasn’t the case when I got here.

Prescott LIVING: That’s a huge accomplishment. Everyone’s moving here, and we want our money to stay here in Prescott, so that’s great.

Here’s another shift in topic — When and why did you become a motivational speaker?

Jamaal McCoy: Oh, that’s a tough one. The first time I spoke was in Las Vegas, and it wasn’t intentional. I’m comfortable talking to people who work with me. Speaking outside the office, at first, I was a little bit intimidated.

But I think what encouraged me to continue doing it and sharing my message was the response I got back from the kids I initially spoke to, and their parents. And that has taught me that we all have a voice and we have to use it for good. Because you never know who needs to hear that message at that time. I started out by talking to teens. My first speaking engagement was at an underprivileged school in a rough part of Vegas. The way I saw the kid’s engagement change throughout the time I spent with them was inspiring and rewarding.

Jamaal and wife Rhona celebrate a friend’s Las Vegas wedding.

Something clicked at that point and I realized the difference that can be made by giving someone hope that their circumstance doesn’t have to define them and what they can accomplish in life.

Prescott LIVING: I would think that it could be a better crowd, or it could be a rougher crowd, depending on the teens. What kinds of events do you appear at currently?

Jamaal McCoy: I've spoken at automotive conferences and seminars and a few businesses have asked me to come speak to their employees directly. Obviously the Chamber stuff, I do that. I’ve gotten a lot of emails or calls from businesses asking me to come speak to their groups, so that’s more of what I do, at least once a month. I've recently had the honor of speaking to the Prescott Area Young Professionals which was awesome. I also spend time at the Yavapai County Juvenile Detention Center which is very important to me. The message is different depending on the audience. It can range from business, to leadership, to setting and achieving goals.

Findlay Toyota and Jamaal donating a check to Bradshaw Mountain High School’s athletic program.

Jamaal in his Findlay Chevrolet office.

King and Queen CARGO IS OF SUMMER FASHION

by Blake Herzog

Cargo pants have been many things to many people, starting out on British and American troops during World War II who put binoculars, ammo and other supplies into their plentiful pockets.

Their little bros, cargo shorts, caught on with outdoorsmen and women because of how much “cargo” they can hold.

The full-length version filtered their way into pop culture through hip-hop couture in the mid-1990s, pushing their way into high fashion and peaking in popularity in the early 2000s on influencers of the day like Gwen Stefani.

They’ve never gone away, but this year it’s their turn as a Y2Kera staple to surge back onto the

runway, malls, streets and social media (including TikTok, which wasn’t around last time).

Anything that’s a little loose-fitting and has at least one pocket not at the hips is at the top of the style parade this year — we’re seeing cargo skirts and the sometimescontroversial cargo shorts bloom this year, too.

If you think this trend isn’t for you this summer, just check out all the variations. You’re almost guaranteed to find a pair that speaks to you.

THE CLASSIC

Cotton cargo pants in khaki or olive green are connected to the cut’s long history and mark you as an explorer or adventurer. When you wear these you’re saying you aren’t afraid of standing out or stepping outside the box.

You can wear them with anything from a cropped T-shirts to a trench coat (or both) as you venture boldly into the world. They’re also easily streamlined from the bagginess of

the old-school cut, which multitudes of designers have stepped up to the plate for with some ravishing results.

PRINTED PRETTY

The camo patterns that gave cargo pants their kicky flair in the ‘90s and early ‘00s are roaring back, but many more options are available now, from pinstripes to graphic and embroidered touches and full-on cloth murals. These attentiongetting garments mark you as an artistic soul who appreciates color and the way it perks everything up.

Your styling choices might be a little more limited as you don’t want to divert attention from the

great statement piece below, but you can use your creativity to complement them.

DENIM DREAM

Denim may be the most dominant fabric being made into cargo pants after cotton. These can be worn almost anywhere that jeans can go, and they tend to be baggier than other varieties, which does offer an advantage in being able to stuff more into your pockets without the outline being visible on your thighs. Their looser fit calls to mind the bellbottoms aesthetic of the ‘70s that’s also trending upward but in a fresher way.

Love Local Your Guide to Prescott’s Beauty &

BEAUTY

Aboost Wellness and Salon

543 W. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.910.4111

www.aboostwellness.com

A Valley of Vitality 2047 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott 928.442.6026

www.avalleyofvitality.com

ERA Salon & Spa

515 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott 928.778.0860

www.erasalonandspa.com

Prescott Medical Aesthetics

172 E. Merritt St., Ste. D

Prescott 928.277.7414

www.prescottbotox.com

Rogers Academy of Beauty 2375 E. AZ-69

Prescott 928.848.9929

www.rogersbeautyschool.com

Salon Tru Blu & Day Spa

1436 W. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.445.4126

www.salontrublu.com

Salud Spa

130 W. Gurley St., No. 307

Prescott 928.800.1777

www.salud-spa.com

Wellness Stores and Services

SkinFit 223 White Spar Rd. Prescott 928.460.3317

SkinPlus MedSpa 1747 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott 928.582.0716

www.skinplusmedspa.com

Skin Perfection 3190 Clearwater Dr. Prescott 928.541.0003

www.skinperfectionaz.com

Skin Works at Advanced Plastic Surgery

1615 Petroglyph Point

Prescott 602.931.5462

www.skinworksbyconnie.com

Strada Salon 931 12th Pl.

Prescott 928.778.2028

www.stradasalonaz.com

The Cut Above Salon & Spa 8600 E. Valley Rd., Ste. D Prescott Valley 928.772.8728

www.thecutabovesalonandspa.com

Wilson Aesthetics & Beauty+Wellness 8196 Florentine Rd.

Prescott Valley 928.350.5484

www.wilsonaestheticsaz.com

Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography

A

Stop by the H2O Health Store in the Gateway Mall, to learn more. We will show you all water is different and why drinking the cleanest water possible matters to your health.

OR BE

We are passionate about raising awareness concerning toxic chemicals and drugs that are found in drinking water today.

BUY 928.899.7504 Call for a FREE IN HOME appointment or VISIT OUR STORE in the Gateway Mall, located between JC Penney & Dillards.

Love Local Your Guide to Prescott’s Style Stores and Services

STYLE

Artful Eye Jewelers

124 S. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.445.5570

www.artfuleyejewelers.com

Bashford Courts

130 W. Gurley St.

Prescott 928.642.7984

www.bashfordcourts.com

Classy N Sassy

220 W. Goodwin St., No. 3

Prescott 928.776.7467

Drawn West

134 W. Gurley St. Prescott 928.778.5725

www.drawnwestaz.com

Fancy That!

124 N. Granite St., No. A Prescott 928.445.1883

www.fancythatprescott.com

French Hen Boutique

108 N. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.445.3424

Gypsy Vibes Boutique

105 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.583.9554

Hello Gorgeous Boutique

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 309 Prescott 928.273.0499

www.shophgb.com

Lost in Socks

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 303 Prescott 928.445.1833

www.lostinsocks.com

Purple Clover Boutique

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 205 Prescott 928.499.5195

www.purplecloverprescott.shop

Scarlett’s Curated Collection 107 N. Cortez St. Prescott 928.227.2581

www.scarlettsinprescott.com

The Clothes Hound

122 S. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.771.0811

www.clotheshoundclothingco.com

Vincenzo’s for Men

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 310 Prescott 928.445.3501

Wardrobe

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

Women’s Health & Wellness

Learning a Trade IS A POINT OF PRIDE

by Nancy DeWitt, Owner, Patriot Pest & Termite Control

There’s more to life than getting a four-year degree.

This is the right path for many students as they finish their high school years, but it’s impractical or unnecessary for others, especially when they’ve committed to learning a trade profession or already have by the time they graduate.

Plumbers, electricians, construction workers, medical techs, public safety responders, mechanics, pest control technicians and many more workers provide essential services and can earn $50,000 or more a year.

Most of these jobs require some training or a two-year degree, but it likely will cost much less than the oppressive expense of a university’s tuition.

In many cases, students can begin their journey to a well-paying career while still in high school at campuses like Mountain Institute CTED and Yavapai College’s Career and Technical Education Center, which are open to district, charter or homeschooled students.

Extracurricular clubs like FFA, 4-H, JROTC, SkillsUSA and others also can be gateways to picking up valuable skills for professional trades.

We’re here to cheer on every student who chooses this admirable path toward a satisfying career! And we’re proud to sponsor Prescott LIVING’s Education Section and offer a window of opportunity for students of all ages.

In each issue it provides a comprehensive guide to the public, charter and private schools available for them from kindergarten through postgraduate studies, along with several articles about education in Greater Prescott and pointers toward school success.

Education Directory

Sponsored by Patriot Pest & Termite Control

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 928.523.2988

www.nau.edu/statewide-campuses/ nau-yavapai-college

Northern Arizona University - Yavapai

7351 Skoog Blvd.

Prescott Valley 928.523.2988

www.nau.edu/prescottvalley

Prescott College

220 Grove Ave. Prescott 877.350.2100

www.prescott.edu

Yavapai College

1100 E. Sheldon St. Prescott 928.445.7300

www.yc.edu

TECHNICAL & TRADE SCHOOLS

Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC)

220 Ruger Rd., Suite 1 Prescott 928.776.2002

www.yc.edu/ctec

Guidance Helicopters, Inc. Helicopter Flight School

6565 Crystal Ln. Prescott 928.443.9370

www.guidanceaero.com

Mountain Institute

Career Technical Education District (CTED)

220 Ruger Rd., Ste. 2

Prescott 928.771.0791

www.micted.net

Rogers Academy of Beauty

2375 AZ-69 Prescott 928.848.9929

www.rogersacademyofbeauty.com

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Chino Valley Unified School District #51

650 E. Center St. Chino Valley 928.636.2458

www.chinovalleyschools.com

Humboldt Unified School District 6411 N. Robert Rd. Prescott Valley 928.759.4000

www.humboldtunified.com

Prescott Unified School District

300 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.445.5400

www.prescottschools.com

Mayer Unified School District No. 43 PO Box 1059

12606 E. Main St. Mayer 928.642.1000

www.mayerschools.org

Yavapai Accomodation School District No. 99

K-12

7497 E. Addis Ave. Prescott Valley 928.759.8126

www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

PRESCHOOLS

American Lutheran School Private School 1085 Scott Dr. Prescott 928.778.7049

www.americanlutheranschool.com

Bright Futures Preschool

Humboldt Unified School District

6411 N. Robert Rd. Prescott Valley 928.759.5130

www.bf.humboldtunified.com

Busy Bee Learning Center

8665 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley 928.772.6333

www.busybeelearningcenter.net

Cedar Tree Montessori Private School

129 N. Pleasant St. Prescott 928.771.8785

www.cedartreemontessori.com

Christian Academy of Prescott Private School

148 S. Marina St. Prescott 928.445.2565

Cornerstone Christian Preschool Private School

700 W. Rosser St. Prescott 928.771.2754

www.prescottcornerstone.com/ preschool

Discovery Gardens Early Childhood Center

Prescott Unified School District 300 E. Gurley St. Prescott 928.442.1283

www.prescottschools.com/ discoverygardens

James Family Prescott YMCA 750 Whipple St. Prescott 928.445.7221

www.prescottymca.org/preschool

Little Dreamers Preschool Academy 7175 E. 2nd St. Prescott Valley 928.800.1488

www.azlittledreamers.com

Little Explorers Learning Academy

12150 E. Turquoise Cir. Dewey 928.379.5068 www.facebook.com/ littleexplorerslearningacademy

Valley Learning Center 2235 AZ-89, Ste.1 Chino Valley 928.636-1656

www.valleylearningcenters.com

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

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

www.prescottschools.com/aj

Coyote Springs Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District 6625 N. Cattletrack Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4300

www.cs.humboldtunified.com

Del Rio Elementary School

Chino Valley Unified School District 1036 North Rd. 1 West Chino Valley 928.636.4414

www.chinovalleyschools.com

Granville Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 5250 N. Stover Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4800

www.ge.humboldtunified.com

Humboldt Elementary School Humboldt Unified School District 2750 S. Corral St. Prescott Valley 928.759.4400

www.he.humboldtunified.com

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

www.lv.humboldtunified.com

Liberty Traditional School Humboldt Unified School District K-8 3300 N. Lake Valley Rd. Prescott Valley 928.759.4500

www.lib.humboldtunified.com

Lincoln Elementary School Prescott Unified School District 201 Park Ave. Prescott 928.717.3249

www.prescottschools.com/lincoln

Mayer Elementary School

Mayer Unified School

District No. 45

12568 E. Main St.

Mayer 928.642.1101

www.mayerschools.org

Mountain View Elementary School

Humboldt Unified School District

8601 E. Loos Dr.

Prescott Valley 928.759.4700

www.mv.humboldtunified.com

Taylor Hicks Elementary School

Prescott Unified School District

1845 Campbell Ave.

Prescott 928.717.3276

www.prescottschools.com/th

Territorial Early Childhood Center

Chino Valley Unified School District

Preschool-2nd Grade

1088 Mahan Ln. Chino Valley 928.636.3842

www.tecc.chinovalleyschools.com

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Bradshaw Mountain Middle School

Humboldt Unified School District

12255 Turquoise Cr. Dewey 928.759.4900

www.ms.humboldtunified.com

Glassford Hill Middle School

Humboldt Unified School District

6901 Panther Path Prescott Valley 928.759.4600

www.gh.humboldtunified.com

Granite Mountain School

Prescott Unified School District 1800 Williamson Valley Rd. Prescott 928.717.3253

www.prescottschools.com/gms

Heritage Middle School

Chino Valley Unified School District

1076 North Rd. 1 W.

Chino Valley 928.636.4464

www.chinovalleyschools.com

HIGH SCHOOLS

Prescott Mile High Middle School

Prescott Unified School District

300 S. Granite St.

Prescott 928.717.3241

www.prescottschools.com/pmhms

Aspire High School

Yavapai Accomodation School

District No. 99

2970 Centerpointe East Dr.

Prescott 928.759.8126

www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

Bradshaw Mountain High School

Humboldt Unified School District High School

6000 Long Look Dr. Prescott Valley 928.759.4100

www.hs.humboldtunified.com

Chino Valley High School

Chino Valley Unified School District

760 E. Center St. Chino Valley 928.636.2298

www.cvhs.chinovalleyschools.com

Prescott High School Prescott Unified School District

1050 N. Ruth St. Prescott 928.445.2322

www.prescottschools.com/phs

Mayer High School Mayer Unified School District No. 44 17300 E. Mule Deer Dr.

Mayer 928.642.1200

www.mayerhs.mayerschools.org

Tri-City Prep

Grades 6-12

5522 Side Rd. Prescott 928.777.0403

www.tricityprep.org

Yavapai County High School

Yavapai Accomodation School District No. 99 6325 Baja Cr. Prescott Valley 928.759.8126

www.yavapaicountyhighschool.com

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Acorn Montessori Schools Preschool-8 8556 E. Loos Dr.

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.basised.com/prescott

Canyon View Prep Academy High School

9030 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley 928.775.5115

www.canyonview-prep.org

Franklin Phonetic Primary School

K-8

6116 E. Hwy. 69 Prescott Valley 928.775.6747

www.franklinphoneticschool.com

La Tierra Community School

K-7 124 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 High School 551 1st St., Prescott 928.717.3272

www.northpointacademy.org

Park View Schools Middle School 9030 E. Florentine Rd. Prescott Valley 928.775.5115

www.parkviewschool.org

PACE Preparatory Academy High School 6711 E. 2nd St. Prescott Valley 928.775.9675

www.paceacademy.com

Prescott Valley School

K-8 9500 E. Lorna Ln. Prescott Valley 928.772.8744

www.pvschool.com

Skyview School

K-8

125 S. Rush St. Prescott 928.776.1730

www.skyviewschool.org

Tri-City College Prep High School 5th-12th

5522 Side Rd. Prescott 928.777.0403

www.tricityprep.org

Willow Creek Charter School

K-8 2100 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott 928.776.1212

www.willowcreekcharter.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

ASCEND School

K-12 special education 3021 Centerpointe East Dr. Prescott 928.443.9290

www.azautismascend.org

Northwest Christian School Online

K-9 602.978.5134

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

Sacred Heart Catholic School

Preschool-8th Grade 131 N. Summit Ave. Prescott 928.445.2621

sacredhearteducation.com

Trinity Christian School

K-12 1212 Warrior Way Prescott 928.445.6306

www.trinitychristianaz.com

TRAINING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR Essential Jobs

by Michael S. Ellegood, PE, President, Yavapai County Education Foundation

The Prescott area needs a skilled workforce. We need doctors and lawyers and engineers, but we also need welders, firefighters, nurses, mechanics and electricians.

We have a trifecta of issues: an essential and largely unmet need for skilled workers, a college education that is increasingly out of reach for

many, and a cohort of young people dissatisfied with traditional schooling.

How does the Greater Prescott community address these issues?

There is a statewide program called Career and Technical Education that allows students to engage in a hands-on schooling program in one of several needed technologies

ranging from the health sciences to manufacturing skills and construction or 61 other career/trade areas recognized by the Arizona Department of Education.

Here in western Yavapai County, there is a special district, Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District (MICTED).

The instructor, here in black, is briefing the fire team on the strategy to be used to fight, in this case a simulated fire. The students in green suits are the hazmat team to provide first response to hazardous material fires, overturned tanker trucks, chemical fires and the like.

MICTED is a joint effort between our public school districts and Yavapai College so students in Ash Fork, Bagdad, Chino Valley, Mayer, Prescott, Prescott Valley/Humboldt, Seligman and all of western Yavapai County can get training/schooling and an industry certificate.

Let’s look at four of the 22 programs:

Medical assisting — qualifies an individual to work in a physician’s office or a health care clinic providing administrative and certain direct medical activities under the direction and supervision of a doctor or nurse. Medical assistants can draw blood, perform initial examinations, collect medical history and administer medications, including injections.

Nursing assisting — qualifies an individual to work in a longerterm health care setting such as a rehabilitation center, a nursing home, senior living center or similar clinical environment.

Both programs enable graduating high school seniors to sit for a certification test and become certified medical assistants or certified nursing assistants.

Instruction is held at the Yavapai College Health Care Campus in Prescott Valley using YC classrooms and laboratories.

Fire science

“Granite Mountain Hotshots” three words that explain every Yavapai County resident’s respect and understanding of the commitment of our firefighters. And yet, some communities still do not have a full complement of these important public servants. MICTED has developed a program to address this need.

Fire Science is a two-year, intensive program to introduce future firefighters to wildland and structure firefighting. The program includes basic skills development, hazmat

first responder training and fire protection systems. It allows students to become certified by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), an internationally recognized standard of professional qualification.

Welding technologies

Welding may seem a simple task to many of us. Not so, success demands care, skill and much practice. Think about the welding on your next drive over a steel bridge. Thousands of welds, each one critical to your safety.

The two-year program in welding covers arc welding, oxy-acetylene and MIG welding. This includes an intensive, hands-on experience in structural welding to enable graduates to work on major steel fabrication projects such as

buildings and bridges. Graduates from the program can apply to test for American Welding Society Certification, an internationally recognized qualification that certifies an individual as a welding professional.

Students also are taught overhead welding, one of the more challenging welding operations.

A professional welder can encounter a shower of sparks descending from overhead, which is both a distraction and a genuine safety concern, moreover, the visibility is often limited when working from below and the weld subject is backlit.

Read more online at www.prescottlivingmag.com/ essential-jobs.

Student getting her blood pressure checked by a student training in the nursing assistant program.

RWOP AWARDS $18,575 TO HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

submitted by Barbara Ernst, Press Chair and Scholarship Chair, RWOP

Republican Women of Prescott (RWOP) awarded $18,575 in scholarships to 17 outstanding high school seniors at the Prescott Resort May 9.

RWOP started the scholarship program in 2015 and has awarded 96 Republican students a total of $124,275. RWOP’s Mission Statement is to “inform and educate.”

Scholarship funding comes from through RWOP’s year-long fundraising efforts as well as

donations from our members. A special thank you to the Joseph and Peg Rhodes Foundation for their continuous and generous support of the program.

Congratulations to the Scholarship Committee members for a job well done. Members include Chair Barbara Ernst, Linda Nichols, Michelle Dicandia, Sherry Ragsdale and Michelle Warburton.

Recipients: Mattea Carman, PHS; Camerann Carr, PHS; Lindsey

Carter, PHS; Jonah Dozier, PHS; Cole Gross, PHS; Cody Hanna, PHS; Logan Hawks, CVHS; Caleb Inman, Trinity; Kayla Luedeman, PHS; Cian McKelvey, PHS; Lorna Pierre, PHS; Anna Olson, CVHS; Aubrie Passmore, CVHS; Kaitlyn Roskopf, CVHS; Natalie Stafford, Trinity; Breckyn Tubbs, PHS; and Grace Watson, Tri City Prep.

At a thousand members, RWOP is the largest Federated Republican Women’s Organization in the nation.

FULL OF

Unadulterated Summer Fun

Prescott National Forest

This time of year it’s hard to miss all of the stories and blogs about sneaking in educational activities throughout your kids’ summer vacation to ensure they don’t experience “learning loss” before they return for the fall semester, and that’s an important thing to keep in mind.

But this is not one of them. No, we’re talking strictly about having kid-friendly fun with no ulterior motives. This is about letting them run, dance, play, be silly and thrive under the warmth of the Greater Prescott sun.

Here are some perfect places to do it!

www.fs.usda.gov/prescott

One and a half million acres of woodland and grassland are waiting for your kids to run, bike, hike, climb, kayak, camp, fish and briefly revert to a wild state. Park Collective www.parkcollective.com

For those days when it’s just too hot to spend a lot of time outside, an empty supermarket has been transformed into a cavernous wonderland with a free indoor playground with slides, ramps, tunnels, stairs, swings, turf spaces and more while parents and guardians keep an eye on them while drinking top-notch coffee. They can even conduct business in an adjacent conference room. It also houses Upside Preschool and Heights Church.

In the Game Freedom Station

prescottvalley.inthegame.net

This family fun park has indoor and outdoor fun for everyone to choose from, including mini-golf, a play maze, an arcade and mini-bowling (plus axe-throwing with buckets of beer for grownups). Season passes are available and half-price games all day Wednesday to make frequent fun affordable.

Mountain Valley Splash Aquatic Center and Chino Valley Aquatic Center

www.pvaz.net

www.chinoaz.net/444/Chino-Valley-Aquatic-Center

Both offer waves of waterlogged fun with lap swimming lanes, splash pads, mushroom fountains, dump buckets and zero-depth entry for kids and kids at heart to jump and splash and play. Prescott Valley has the larger facility with a 75-foot spiral slide, six swimming lanes and more weapons of mass inundation for hours of fun and cooling off. Both offer open swim, youth and adult lessons, swim teams, aquatic fitness and other activities.

Sacred Heart Catholic School

Being the Living Example of God’s Love to Others Preschool through 8th Grade

UR 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. 928-445-2621 |

OWe 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.

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.

BECOME A Junior Ranger

submitted by City of Prescott Recreation Services

The City of Prescott Recreation Services Park Rangers have created a free Junior Ranger program to promote the Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace Principles, while also teaching the ecology, culture, history and outdoor recreational opportunities of the Prescott area.

The target age range for this program is 6 to 12, but all ages are welcome to participate and become stewards of our parks and open spaces. Adding on to our free Nature Niños program, the Junior Ranger program integrates new topics and leadership opportunities for local and visiting youth.

The Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace Principles are to plan ahead and prepare, stick to the trails, respect wildlife, share the outdoors, trash your trash, leave what you find, and be careful with fire. These principles are integrated throughout the Junior Ranger program.

This program consists of a free downloadable guidebook that maps out all of Prescott’s historic sites and outdoor recreational spaces, while teaching participants proper outdoor ethics. It will also be available in print at select locations.

Those who take the pledge to Protect Prescott by following the Appreciate AZ Leave No

Trace Principles will earn a Prescott Junior Ranger badge. The back of the certificate is also a special Passport to Prescott’s museums and local attractions.

While supplies last, printed copies of the guidebook and badges will be available to those who sign up for the Prescott Library’s Youth Services Summer Reading Program at our Recreation Services department and at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

We are looking for sponsors to help grow and

sustain this program into the future. Visit our Prescott Junior Ranger/ Nature Niños site online to donate or download your free copy of the Junior Ranger Guidebook. Questions or suggestions can be sent to the City of Prescott Park Rangers at sean.underhill@prescott-az.gov.

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.

Welcome to 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.

Sponsored by Patriot Pest & Termite Control

“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn…and change.”

—Carl Rogers

Tenney Promoted to PUSD Superintendent

After a 22-year teaching career that took him and his family to the other side of the world, Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) Assistant Superintendent Clark Tenney has been selected to take the district’s top job after the retirement of Superintendent Joe Howard.

As he was preparing to take over the role he told Prescott LIVING his most immediate goals include improving communication with everyone in the community by holding listening sessions and working to mend divisions that have cropped up between parents and other residents over politics and philosophies that affect K-12 schools.

“I see myself as kind of a bridge-builder,” he said. “I’d like to get back to the level of support in the community we always have enjoyed in the past.”

One of the narratives he wants to dispel is the contention that students’ standardized test scores are low or declining because the district’s actual scores are in the top 15% in Arizona for reading and science and the top 24% for math. He said he will work to raise math scores, which could lead to a sharpening of the district’s already strong focus on STEM-related curriculum.

The PUSD Governing Board named Tenney to the job in April after conducting a national search, naming him as one of two finalists before the other candidate accepted another position. His first day will be July 1, and Howard, who held the job for eight years, is staying on through October to help with the transition.

A Prescott High School graduate, Tenney served as a church missionary in Japan and took a part-time job teaching high schoolers Japanese toward the end of his studies in international relations at Brigham Young University and fell in love with the profession. He takes after two grandparents who were teachers

— his grandfather went on to become a schools superintendent in Oceanside, California, in the 1940s.

“I knew that we were never going to be doing that well for ourselves financially if I chose to do that rather than business or Japanese, but I said this is it, this is my calling, this is what I’m supposed to do. And I’ve loved it ever since,” he said.

Tenney and his wife Sonya, sweethearts since high school, moved to Tokyo where he taught Japanese to American high school students, and four of their five children were born there over the next 12 years.

They maintained a home in Prescott and moved back full time so he could teach U.S. history and Japanese at Prescott High. He started moving into administration in 2014 as principal of Abia Judd Elementary School for four years, then as Prescott High’s assistant principal for another three. He became human resources and special programs director in 2021 and took on the assistant superintendent’s title a year later.

Tenney also has served on the Prescott City Council since February 2021, when he was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Councilwoman Billie Orr. He is not running for election this fall and will leave the Council Nov. 28, a decision he made before securing the superintendent job because Howard’s retirement was imminent and he would be taking on more responsibilities as a result.

But he said he’s enjoyed the process and has learned much that will benefit him in his new role, including connecting with people who aren’t directly involved with the schools but can still play a role in improving them.

“I’ve built relationships of trust with a lot of people in the community that I know will benefit our kids and our schools as we partner with people,” he said.

Continued on page 176

Clark Tenney

PHOTO BY HALEY INMAN

“I JUST DECIDED TO KIND OF TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH AND START THIS, REALLY DO THIS AND DO IT RIGHT AND SEE HOW IT GOES."

-CINDY LAMONT

Dogtree Pines Gives SENIORS A SOFT PLACE TO LAND

by Blake Herzog

Cindy Lamont and her partner Bill Nicholas eased into the dog-rescue life over time, capping the number they would keep on their 6 wooded acres just outside Prescott at around six. Then, two years ago, Lamont was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She tried to go back to her real estate job after her recovery but says, “Nope, this is not what I want to die doing.” She turned her focus to her true passion — rescuing older dogs, after she and Nicholas put their all into making their two

beloved labs’ final years as joyful and comfortable as possible.

“I just decided to kind of take a leap of faith and start this, really do this and do it right and see how it goes,” she says.

Founded as a 501(c)3 in February 2022, Dogtree Pines Senior Dog Sanctuary has 17 dogs onsite and another five in foster homes, a growing army of donors and volunteers, and a heart as big as Arizona, taking in dogs of about 10 years or older with medical conditions from around the state and beyond. At the end of April followers of the sanctuary’s Facebook page watched the saga of Cactus and Finley, 14- and 12-year-olds pulled from the euthanasia list at a shelter in Prattville, Alabama, and transported in a 21-leg crosscountry relay with the final stretch between Gallup, New Mexico and Prescott in a private jet.

“Initially I would watch for dogs in need, and I more or less went to them. But it’s the complete opposite now that we have recognition and people are figuring out who we are and what we do,” Lamont says. “They’re starting to come to us constantly. I just got a voicemail from a lady that has two dogs to give up. And yesterday there were two or three messages. It’s multiple a day.”

Dogtree Pines canines live in a world without kennels, cages or concrete floors where they can go out for a slow walk whenever they feel like it, eat homemade meals including ground beef, chicken, veggies and supplements determined by their needs, sleep in whatever bed they choose, and get spoiled by every human they encounter.

They receive the medical and hospice care they need to stay comfortable and happy as long as they can play and enjoy life, and, when it’s time, given a peaceful sendoff and laid to rest beneath the pines.

“Old dogs are the best kind of dogs,” Lamont says. “They’re so easy and they’re so wise. And they know what to ask for. If you listen, they know what to ask for. Puppies are cute and wonderful, but they don’t know any better. They haven’t learned. Old dogs, they get it.”

How to help:

To learn more about donating, volunteering, buying from the group’s Amazon wish list and other ways to support Dogtree Pines visit www.dogtreepines.com; go to www.facebook.com/dogtreepines; call 667.364.8733; or email OldDogs@DogtreePines.com. Checks can be mailed to 1525 S. Dogtree Ln., Prescott, AZ, 86303.

LONG-TERM SHELTER AND OLDER PETS Deserve Love Too

by Loree Walden, Marketing Manager, Yavapai Humane Society

Adopting a pet can be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. While many potential pet owners want cute and cuddly puppies or kittens, older and long-term shelter pets are often overlooked, but they make equally, if not more, loving and loyal companions.

Some say rescued pets know you saved them, and the bond that is created is even stronger!

Have you seen the videos of longterm dogs finally getting adopted and running into the arms of their new owners, or seeing their tails wiggling with happiness knowing they are going home? It will definitely warm your heart watching some of those videos and maybe even change your mind about adopting and opening your heart and home to a needy animal.

Long-term shelter pets are overlooked every day because of their age, size, breed or even a medical condition. These pets have been in shelters for too long (some even a year or longer) and are hoping for a loving home.

Can you imagine what it must be like to have people walk by your kennel every day and not even give you a chance? That’s all they need from you — a chance to show you how much love they have to give and how much they will add to your life.

Sometimes older pets can be less demanding than younger animals, and they are content with a quiet walk around the block or a snuggle on the couch.

But some of them are just as active

as younger dogs and are ready for any adventure they can share with you. That’s why it’s important to not judge a dog by its age or think if you adopt an older dog you won’t have a lot of time left with it.

Isn’t it important to make every moment of that pet’s life the best it can be, giving it a chance to experience the life and love they deserve for whatever time they have left?

Adopting a shelter pet can be a magical and life-changing experience. You’re giving a deserving pet a new life and gaining a loyal companion in the process. If you’re considering adopting a pet, visit our website, www.yavapaihumane.org.

Who knows? You may just find your new best friend. They need you just as much as you need them!

Junior Rodeo Queen

AT HOME ON HORSES

by Blake Herzog

Gianna Minton has lived in Prescott for just a couple of years but already has joined the ranks of local royalty as 2023’s junior rodeo queen for the World’s Oldest Rodeo®.

At 16 she is an avid equestrian enthusiast who participates in rodeos and shows around the region and trains horses for other riders, switching recently to homeschooling so she can have more time to devote to horses.

“I just really enjoy how horses are and working with them, I really prefer it over people,” she says. “I just love how they work with people.”

She’s been one of the top ambassadors for Prescott’s iconic event held over the week of July 4

since the 2022 edition wrapped up, so she’s traveled to rodeos and other events across the state ever since “just to represent Prescott and show them that Prescott Rodeo wants to be included in all the different areas.”

This year, the rodeo will be held June 28 to July 4 and the Senior (ages 1823) and Junior (13-17) Courts will greet attendees, sell raffle tickets and sign autographs, as well as appear in the July 1 rodeo parade and other events.

Growing up in a horse-loving family in rural Yuba County, California, Gianna got to go for her first ride around age 1. Since they relocated to Williamson Valley, she’s been closer to her extended family and more resources for the equestrian world she loves.

Gianna says she loves the rodeo environment and being able to teach people about the ins and outs of it, especially kids.

She’s also developing her passion for reining and cutting, two equestrian events that turn on the connection between the horse and rider and their ability to work together to guide cattle or execute complex patterns.

“It’s very different from rodeo, but rodeo has a lot of great aspects to it,” she says.

In her spare time, she likes to ride with friends on state land near her family’s home in Deep Well Ranch and down to the Old Stage Stop gas station on Williamson Valley Road.

GIanna Minton on her horse Smokey Photo courtesy of Joanna Minton

Sustainable KITCHEN UPGRADES TO MAKE NOW

by Blake Herzog

When it’s time to update your kitchen there’s a bunch of factors to balance, including style, functionality and cost. There’s one more — sustainability. In some cases this last dimension can add to your expense but will save money in the long run, while others can be a fraction of the cost of other alternatives. These are just a few of the many steps you can take to make your next remodel more eco-friendly.

INVEST IN ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

We don’t need to scrap wellfunctioning refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers before their time to be decommissioned (and recycled as much as possible), but when it is time look for Energy Star-certified products, which may well have a presence in your home already and save on electric and water usage.

Beyond that, it’s a good idea to explore alternative versions of large appliances like induction stoves, touchless faucets and convection ovens that will keep you at the

vanguard of eco - and budgetfriendly kitchens for years to come.

USE NONTOXIC PAINT

Nontoxic paint uses raw, natural ingredients including clay, citrus, food-grade proteins, plant oils and dyes, minerals and water to create products with very low to nonexistent levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These contain chemicals easily released at room temperature and can increase indoor and outdoor air pollution with the potential to cause short-term irritation or longterm harm.

Look for paint (and other household products) certified as UL GREENGUARD, which signifies a product with very low VOC emissions, or GREENGUARD Gold, which has stricter standards and tests for more chemicals.

CHOOSE RECYCLED PRODUCTS AND INGREDIENTS

These can be used almost everywhere in your kitchen — reclaimed wood for counters and cabinets, recycled glass and paper composite for countertops and recycled tiles for flooring, reusing drawer and cabinet pulls from old

furniture, repurposing old iron or copper bowls into eye-catching sinks, upcycling vintage cake tins, wine bottles or even auto parts as light fixtures — use your imagination to keep things out of the landfill and lower your shipping needs.

SELECT SUSTAINABLE FLOORING MATERIALS

The word “linoleum” doesn’t exactly have a 21st-century ring to it, but turns out true linoleum is entirely made of biodegradable materials including linseed oil, tree resin, wood flour and ground limestone. With proper care it’s an incredibly durable surface, and it won’t have an extended afterlife in the landfill once it is replaced.

It’s becoming harder and harder to find, however, so other options include bamboo (though its transportation from tropical environments does enlarge its carbon footprint), cork and engineered hardwood.

REFACE YOUR CABINETS

Outdated cabinets and drawers are often the prime motivation for a kitchen remodel, but if their boxes are in good shape it’s much cheaper and friendlier to the environment to replace their

drawers and fronts and keep as much of the rest as you can. In many cases the hinges and hardware can be saved while you create a radically different look for your kitchen.

Top 10 Herbs FOR YOUR KITCHEN

by Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, Watters Garden Center

Overwhelmed by choosing what herbs will make the best culinary garden?

Check out this list of herbal favorites grown in local gardens. Each is used in various dishes and is easy to grow in any size garden. Start by picking a few of your favorite recipes and growing the herbs needed. It’s easier than you know.

1. Basil is among the most recognized and loved herbal flavorings. Basil starts fast and grows like crazy, which is gratifying for the first-time herb gardener. Grow copious amounts of basil to use all winter in pesto. Remember to cut it back often for bushy plants with plenty of leaves.

2. Chives are a local favorite for their sheer beauty and grow almost anywhere. The gentle onion flavor is perfect for dishes needing that layer of taste without an overpowering onion texture and flavor.

3. Dill makes an impressive herb for the culinary garden. There is no need to wait for flowers to enjoy rich flavors. Cutting back the leaves gives a much larger harvest in a smaller space.

4. Garlic is loved by most gardeners for its ease. It can be grown in any type of garden. Try planting it in containers for the most portable garlic garden ever.

5. Lemon Balm is a prolific grower, filling containers and garden beds with beautiful lush foliage. Cut back

throughout the growing season, and keep it for tea all winter. The lemon balm gives an authentic lemon flavor and can be used in any lemon juice recipe. Try it in pesto for your fish and as a substitute for cilantro in ceviche.

6. Mint is lovely in so many kitchen ways. It just makes sense to grow your own. Mint grows in sunny or shady gardens, fills quickly and loves to be trimmed back. Whether for tea or just to keep mosquitos away, mint belongs in your culinary herb garden.

7. Parsley brightens up a plate, and that same delicious taste makes it an easy herb to love. Grow parsley from plants. They can be temperamental to start from seed.

8. Sage is such a rewarding herb. It comes in many varieties and colors, so you can easily incorporate it into a garden design. Be sure to check out the pinks, green and golds that sage can produce. Pretty, tasty and spectacular in the garden. You’ll never go back to crusty dry sage again.

9. Sweet marjoram is a lesser-known herb that deserves some of the limelight. It is easy to grow and tastes like oregano, with depth. Oregano often turns bitter in the garden. With a prominent sweeter flavor, this herb deserves a second look in any culinary herb garden.

10. Thyme is an often-overlooked culinary herb. Thyme brings an unmatched flavor to meat dishes. It also dries well and keeps its flavor throughout winter, making it helpful in brightening up those heavier winter meals. Thyme proliferates and loves to be both in the garden bed and container. Try buying a few varieties of thyme and see which flavor is best in your kitchen.

Watters

Trees Are Cool

Summer shade with the best trees. We’ve collected 700 mountain hardy trees for summer-long shade, privacy, and wind protection. We guarantee you will fall in love with a backyard that is cool again.

Watters Garden Center can help.

WattersGardenCenter.com 1815 Iron Springs Road | Prescott, AZ Shop Local Plants online Top10Plants.com

A family business for 3 generations! Ken, McKenzie & Lisa Lain, owners

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

with Pastels COOL YOUR SUMMER DOWN

You may have heard that earth tones have been storming back into the interior decorating limelight this year, with warmer beiges and browns getting particular attention as homeowners retreat from the whites and grays that have dominated design for the past several years.

Pastels are a close second, however, infusing a sense of freshness and calm that can invigorate any space with a cool vibe that’s especially welcome as everything outside heats up.

Simple seasonal add-ons like pillows, rugs and wall art can chill a room faster than your HVAC, while more permanent fixes like painting walls and furniture, reupholstering seating and switching out countertops can extend the summery feel throughout the year.

Try these inventive ways to inject pastel tones into your home.

ACCENT WALLS

As many people are finding out, these don’t have to be painted bright, saturated colors to make an impression. Accent walls that don’t scream for attention are coming into vogue to bring an understated sophistication to living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Use a soft sage-green to evoke natural growth, light yellow for cheery sunrays, rosy pinks for luminous sunrises and sunsets or sky blue for a steady, calming influence to get you through the day.

MIX WITH DARK WOODS

If you have mid-tone or darker wood furniture, floors and other design elements you don’t think will play

well with pastels, take a closer look.

A warm-wood dresser or headboard can look even glowier contrasted with bubblegum bedding, and deep brown and black can be dramatically offset by any color on the pastel spectrum — try pistachio or tea green for an unexpected choice that can reap big dividends.

CORNER HAVENS

If some of the people don’t share your love for pastels, you can still furnish a corner of a room with a chair and ottoman or pouf that complements the rest of your home’s décor with a sturdy yet cute side table and a cheerful rug as your personal oasis, one that can in its way make a bigger splash than a whole room of champagne, mint and robin’s egg-tinged furnishings.

Home ‘To Dos YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF

Most of us try to keep a checklist of home maintenance tasks that should be done at least once or twice a year, taking some inspiration from magazine articles, blogs or other “to-do” lists that they come across.

Most of these sound pretty much the same — clean the gutters, check your roof, seal up all the cracks. Not that we generally need more stuff to do, but what are some other checks and tasks should be done to protect your house’s integrity and resale value?

We’ve come up with a few that need to be done periodically:

• Check all electrical outlets and other sources of power to make sure they’re functional. If not, bring an electrician in to address any problems, and get things back up and running.

• Clean the inside of your dryer cabinet and dryer vent of any built-up lint, which if left unaddressed can spark damaging fires.

• Wash the inside of heavily used trash cans with bleach and hot water once a month — you can make this easier by spraying disinfectant each time you change a bag.

• Wipe down inside walls with a mop or Swiffer implement with a long handle to clear out cobwebs, dust and other debris that collect on upper walls without having to use a ladder.

• Maintain your garage door by lubricating the tracks on which any springs or rollers run, and check safety sensors to make sure they stop the door when

something or someone gets in the way.

• Unplug and clean any exhaust fans, like the ones in your bathroom and range hood. If you can’t simply unplug them, you’ll need to shut off the applicable circuit breaker.

• Empty out and clean your refrigerator drip pan, which is found behind the kick plate (grill) at the bottom of the fridge beneath the defrost drainage line.

• Unblock outside drains by removing leaves and other debris before they get to the point of flooding your yard and home.

• Inspect the foundation and concrete slabs for hairline or larger cracks that need to be repaired before they compromise the foundation’s integrity.

'Antique' like a Pro

Given how many antique stores can be found in Prescott, Chino Valley and surrounding areas it’s likely you’ve at least considered perusing them to furnish your home. But that’s often easier said than done.

Many would-be antiquers feel overwhelmed at the prospect of sifting through stores and antique malls packed to the roof with treasures and comparative trash to find something that’ll work at their home.

You might know someone who seems to be a savant at finding the perfect vintage and antique items to create timeless interiors, but they’ve usually discovered tricks like these to get to where they are — along with a little bit of luck.

PLAN AHEAD

Reflect on the style of décor you have or want to have throughout

your home and the kind of condition you want it to be in.

If looking for something specific, bring a tape measure and notes about how much space you have to fill. Color samples or photos also are a good idea for knowing if a purchase will fit with what you already have.

Bringing cash can often get you some great deals, and having a budget that you won’t go over unless you unearth something you just can’t put back is a great idea for keeping your spending in check.

CHECK FOR DAMAGE OR AUTHENTICITY

Authenticity is likely to matter more to you if you’re buying antiques as an investment as well as a home good, but knowing

everything about the condition a piece is in is always going to be important.

Bring a flashlight and/or black light with you to inspect any large pieces you’re considering to uncover any flaws or repairs that aren’t readily visible but could compromise the integrity or durability of a piece.

Learning some of the basics for determining authenticity also comes in handy.

WALK THROUGH THE STORE AT LEAST TWICE

Even a well-organized store is likely to have hidden shelves and corners, so it’s good to do an initial run-through to look for the things on your list, then again more slowly for serendipitous finds.

Prescott LIVING: So let’s get into all of your restaurants. It looks like you and Rhona bought Nana’s Café, then called Café 10, in August of 2021, and now you have a total of four. Is this something you’ve been planning on for a while? Has it been part of your vision?

Jamaal McCoy: No, it wasn’t originally. It just came up one day. I think the conversation when Rhona and I started was: How can we get more involved in the community, more than what we’re currently doing? We started looking at business opportunities. When Cafe 10 became available, we talked about it. She loves cooking, she loves baking. It was close, where I could walk to it and help manage it.

Once we got into it, we got around the people and loved the customers, loved the interaction with the customers and engaging with them. That was a huge benefit.

But the bigger benefit for us was we saw the difference we were making in our staff’s

lives and wondered how could we multiply that and give people opportunities who didn’t think they had opportunities, through some of the things they were dealing with.

So we just said, “Well, how can we do more of this?”

Prescott LIVING: What drew you to each of these places now owned by Krave Restaurant Group? And will you be adding any others?

Jamaal McCoy: For every single one of them, I was a customer. With Cafe 10, I probably went over there two, three, four times a week, loved the food and just thought we could keep what was great and expand on it.

Barbudos

Mexican Grill, I’d

always heard about this Mexican place in town that used to be very popular and had the best Mexican food. So then when I tried it, I thought it was great, and then it became available.

With Vibes Juice Bar, we had some of their acai bowls at the dealership, and I thought it was great, and it was vegan and sugar-free. And while I was in the process of building the gym, that one became available. And so Rhona and I talked about how perfect that was for the health and fitness community.

But the barbecue place, I’ve actually been working on for almost three years now. In between the first time working on it, they sold it to someone else, and then we bought it from that person, and Lucy Dee’s is now State 48 Hometown BBQ.

As for the future, we are constantly thinking of new

Rhona and Jamaal enjoy a speed boat in Cancun, Mexico.

Chamber BOA member Jamaal presents first dollar certificate at a ribbon cutting.

concepts that we feel would be a benefit to our community.

Prescott LIVING: And you also own Fit Body Boot Camp, which opened in September. Obviously, growing up in the Army, with all the structure and this overall health and lifestyle, you’ve always been active and healthy and in the gym kind of mode. What made you decide to buy a gym?

Jamaal McCoy: I played sports my whole life, so I’ve always been a gym rat. And when I came here, I didn’t have the same type of access to things I was used to in Vegas.

Owning a gym is another thing that was always kind of cool to me; having my own space. But the catalyst behind that was I had a few guys that have

worked for me in the past that always talked about doing something that could inspire people and change lives". A gym was something that has always been on my mind and combined with their passion, I figured it could be a great opportunity.

Prescott LIVING: OK, this is a big, broad question to end with. What do you envision moving forward?

Jamaal McCoy: I’ll always be involved in automotive to some extent. What I love to do is to coach and help others. For me, the perfect role would be truly overseeing and helping general managers become successful, helping them coach and develop their team while continuing to grow the Krave brands.

Rhona and I are now envisioning having multiple locations in multiple cities of the brands that are here. And really, what we would love to see is people have an opportunity to go run their own restaurant and possibly be able to have ownership in these restaurants.

Refusing to be blocked against Western Colorado University.

Team is family. Playing with the Arena Football League’s Augusta Stallions.

Tori at Torii Gate

Photo submitted by Tori Ward

Photo by Tori Ward

In the next couple of issues, I’m going to take a detour from the continuing series of train travel in Europe to share a trip I just completed to southern Japan that involved as many as five trains a day.

by Tori Ward, Cruise and Resort Specialist, ROX Travel

Osaka was our launch pad for two nights while we explored and attended a maiko dinner performance at the Ganko Mansion House Takasegawa in Kyoto. Maiko are geisha in training as they master the art of and music and dance.

The maiko performed two dances, posed for pictures and answered questions about this fascinating career. The geisha and maiko have become so harassed by tourists stopping them for selfies that a law recently has been passed that fines anyone caught stopping one of these women on the street or snapping unauthorized photos.

The following day we did a slow bus crawl to Himeji Castle and Gardens. The traffic was relentless, and I longed for the train. It was snowing cherry blossoms at this UNESCO World Heritage site as the trees were at the peak of their beauty and families were taking advantage of this once a year spectacle.

Advance tickets are definitely advised as the wait time to purchase can be well over an hour. Also, shoes are not allowed inside the castle that is one of the few if not the most beautiful castles from the 1600s in Japan that have survived. The gardens themselves are quite beautiful and you can keep your shoes on.

The bullet train station or Shinkansen was about a mile walk from Himeji where we boarded for the quick trip of just under an hour to Hiroshima. The trains are clean, quiet and fast with announcements in both Japanese and English. A quick pre-trip internet tutorial will explain how easy it is to

understand how to find your train, car and seat.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum was an emotional, but necessary, stop for us where it was hard not to become emotional over the cost to civilians of international conflict. It was a reminder for us to never take a single day for granted or forget to let our children know how much we love them.

Another quick train ride delivered us to Miyajimaguchi Station where we walked to the ferry terminal and after a 10-minute ride, arrived at the island of Miyajima.

The island is a wonderful collection of walkable streets filled with pastry and coffee shops, but if you like oysters this is your world. Raw, grilled or fried, there are dozens of oyster bars and restaurants where service is quick. Full of oysters and Sapporo we walked along the shore to Itsukushima Shrine,

better known as the floating shrine where the red torii gate seems to float on the water at high tide. We wanted to spend more time there, but we were headed to Nagasaki, a train journey of over three hours.

Our stop in Nagasaki included the Peace Memorial Park, Glover Garden and the oldest standing Catholic Church in Japan, Oura. Glover Garden is a park where Thomas Glover, a Scottish merchant who contributed to Japanese modernization in several industries, had a house built in 1863. It is the oldest western-style house in Japan. The park with the residence museum involves climbing a hill, but once you ascend the views overlooking Nagasaki harbor are stunning.

In our next issue we will conclude our cherry blossom tour of southern Japan as we visit Kumamoto, Takachiho Gorge, Yufuin, Shikoku and finally Ritsurin Garden before heading back for a neon night in Osaka.

Tori's Tips

If you’re flying from the U.S. to Japan to visit western or southern Japan, try to book flights to Kansai International Airport. Both Tokyo airports are large and while friendly, the lines for both immigration and security were over an hour long at Haneda.

Have patience, a GPS, and a Japanese translation of where you are going if you take a taxi or Uber. Tipping is not expected or encouraged. (Download Google Translate or another language translation application.)

Wear socks as many restaurants, shrines and other facilities prohibit the wearing of shoes indoors.

Be prepared to depart the train as soon as it stops. That means being up with your possessions gathered and moving toward the door before arriving in the station.

If you are lost either in a train station, airport or street just stop and look lost. Someone will help you and often walk with you to where you need to go.

The flowers are blooming, and summer is right around the corner. But the real deal is on sailings later this year and early next: hundreds for as little as $100 a day to relaxing beaches in the Caribbean, the marvelous Panama Canal, autumn joy in Canada & New England and more. So, stop and smell the flowers … but show some love to the other seasons with a vacation then.

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British Isles

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welcome to the 136th world’s oldest rodeo

We’d be delighted to have you join us for another series of spectacular rodeo performances! Make sure to pick up our free brochure that features the schedule of events, rodeo grounds map, list of vendors, Know Before You Go guide, and a list of our sponsors.

Each performance will feature the singing of the National Anthem by talented local singers, and the crowd-rousing excitement of high-voltage rodeo announcers Randy Corley and James Horcasitas. Tickets can be purchased in person, at the gate, or online at: www.worldsoldestrodeo.com

The Rodeo Grounds open two hours before each performance. Join us early to shop, eat, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rodeo! Our specialty acts include John S. Payne, the One Arm bandit; the Broken Spoke Clydesdales; and Rodeo Barrelman Cody Sosebee.

tues.

taking a

our rodeo sponsors

PRESCOTT NEWS NETWORK

' Tiquing in Chino Valley

by Maggie Tidaback, Economic Development Project Manager, Town of Chino Valley

We consider ourselves the Quad Cities' No. 1 destination for boutique and antique shopping. You may be surprised, but certainly fascinated, by all we have to offer. For instance:

1. RANK HORSE CO. 1

Owner Morgan Reid combines her love of western grunge, cowgirl vintage, and desert vibes here. 150 S. AZ-89

2. THE WATERING CAN Specializes in vintage wedding decor for rent as well as creating custom florals.

323 Butterfield Rd.

3. COUNTRY TREASURES

One could spend hours discovering that perfect gift in this shop.

827 W. Rd. 3 N.

4. SEW-N-SEW

This one-stop-shop carries all your basic sewing needs, along with apparel, quilting and craft fabrics. Alterations and basic sewing lessons are available.

1120 S. AZ-89

5. OLD SOUL FLORAL

Offers fresh flowers, plants, and gifts. Owner Sara Canfield specializes in a European/ American design style. Beyond decorating for small events, she offers a DIY Brides service. 1174 S. AZ-89

6. THE PEA VINE

Explore hand-crafted gifts, art and more made by more than 90 local artists!

400 W. Butterfield Rd.

7. WILD SAGE ANTIQUE AND BOUTIQUE

S o much offered here including antiques, collectibles, vintage

Western wear jewelry, purses, home décor and new and used clothing.

378 N. AZ-89

8. BARN SOUR RUSTICS

Indulge in western flair galore in furniture, gifts and décor.

743A E. Rd. 2 N.

9. RIPS ANTIQUES

Here’s where you’ll find the jewel of the Nile and lots of other lost and buried treasures. 3977 N. AZ-89

10. MARY’S COZY HOME FURNISHINGS

Wander around in more than 6,000 square feet showcasing gently used and new furniture. 1299 N. AZ-89

11. CHINO VALLEY JEWELERS

Specializing in vintage jewelry sales, custom design and repair, Chino Valley’s original hometown jeweler since 1996 will make your eyes shine.

335 Butterfield Rd.

12. COUNTY ROAD BOOKS

At Hometown Book Store, Country Roads Books and more, you’ll find used and new books in such categories as children’s, religion, history and more. We trade books, too.

318 W. Perkinsville Rd.

Hollywood HEADING BACK TO PRESCOTT

by Blake Herzog

Prescott’s dramatic scenery, historic charm and rugged lifestyle make it an ideal location for filming Western movies and TV shows, so production crews were a regular sight when they reigned over the entertainment industry, peaking in the 1940s and again with the release of “Junior Bonner” in 1972.

Its prominence on the big and small screen has decreased ever since and wasn’t helped when Arizona discontinued tax credits it had offered to lure Hollywood location shoots a few years ago. Those incentives are back in the picture this year, and the City of Prescott is seeing an uptick as interest in shooting throughout the state.

Prescott Film Commissioner Sam Rice says the City and state have the same qualities that are beginning to revive the industry’s presence here: “In an hour and a half you can go from the desert, to the boulders, to the forest. It’s almost like this giant journey across the country since we have such a diverse landscape in Arizona.”

Rice is enthusiastic about the first production that filmed here, and the $84,000 it spent locally, after qualifying for the tax credits. Mysteries of the Heart, produced by Nicely Entertainment, is a murder mystery, the first in a planned series of four. “It’s such a

huge benefit to Prescott to have these films produced here,” Rice says.

“Things went fairly smooth, the movie itself is set to be in the spring and summer and of course we had storms galore, but they adapted and they did really well,” she says. “They hired local people including a production assistant, they did filming at Marino’s Mob Burgers, at The Porch, they used VRBOs, they did a great spend and it was a great service to the community.”

Mysteries of the Heart is expected to debut this summer on faithbased streaming platform Pure Flix. Rice didn’t know when Nicely will make its return but said a feature

FUN Arts & Culture

film is expected to set up shop in September, and “it’s quite the thriller.”

It’s Rice’s job to help any companies interested in filming TV shows, movies or commercials get the necessary City permits or paperwork from whatever other agencies might be involved. Prescott permits are only required when crews are using public streets, sidewalks or buildings, but she appreciates being notified when actors and cameras show up elsewhere in town, “so if I get phone calls saying ‘Hey, we have people out here who are doing what appears to be a shootout,’ then I’ll have the answers.”

Rice is getting a lot of help on that front from local filmmakers, many of them recent arrivals from California, who’ve coalesced into a group with an email list of about 70 that meets every month to brief each other on upcoming productions and offer up their skills, advice or contacts to help each other out.

Yavapai College also is participating in an Arizona Commerce Authority initiative offering a week of free production assistant training at several community college campuses. One was held at YC in April and another will be later this year.

Yavapai College Film and Media Arts Instructor Levi Holliman was the cinematographer for Mysteries of the Heart, filmed during early March in Prescott.

Yavapai College alum Sushila Kandola frames a shot in Prescott at First Congregational Church.

Photo courtesy of Yavapai College

Photos courtesy of Yavapai College

Sharlot Hall Museum PROGRAMS, EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT

Living

Last year’s To the Rodeo, Pardner! exhibit was so popular it has been extended through this year. When fans from around the world join the town’s annual celebration of its western heritage at the rodeo, they will can swing by the museum’s exhibit to learn more about the history of Prescott Frontier Days®, The World’s Oldest Rodeo®, as well as the behind-the-scenes story of the filming of the rodeo movie Junior Bonner starring Steve McQueen.

The museum’s exhibit features stories of locals who were integral in making the film, including location manager William Pierce and screenwriter Jeb Rosebrook, whose Arizona childhood memories inspired the story.

Thanks to a grant from the Dell Web Foundation for expanded youth programming, the museum also is offering camps and monthly Hands-On History programs. Registration is open for Full STEAM Ahead, July 18 to 21 — a camp for kids ages 9 to-13.

Monthly Hands-On History programs feature a historyrelated activity at the museum for children and adults — included with admission.

The Living History Adventure (second Saturday of the month, April-October) continues to bring Prescott’s past to life. Visitors learn about frontier life with Living History interpreters and enriching, inviting activities.

The Museum Lecture Series, cosponsored this year by Freeport McMoRan, educates and entertains with monthly presentations from through November. Guests enjoy stories of the past around a different topic each month brought to light by authors, educators, researchers and historians.

Lectures are $15 for the public; free to museum members. Reservations are required, and seats fill up quickly. Call the Admissions Depot at 928.277.2000 to sign up.

On Sept. 16 and 17, the Prescott Indian Art Market will return to the museum campus to celebrate its 25th anniversary, showcasing work from over 100 top Native American artists. And before you know it, the holiday season will be here with the museum’s much beloved Frontier Christmas, the evening of Dec. 2, and followed by, A Frontier Christmas Carol, on Dec. 8, a Prescott-inspired adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.

For a complete calendar of events and programs, or to purchase event tickets, please visit www.sharlothallmuseum.org.

From youth camps and

History Adventure days to the extended To the Rodeo, Pardner! Exhibit and the Prescott Indian Art Market, the Sharlot Hall Museum has a lot to offer throughout the summer months.

submitted by Sharlot Hall Museum

Photo courtesy of Sharlot Hall Museum

America Again

by Tod Christensen

Once upon a time there was a country the whole world waited to see if it would fail How it began was so different from other countries but this was no fairytale Brave families traveled into the great unknown just wanting to be free From such humble beginnings this country would become the envy of all who could see

Truly the great melting pot as different colors and cultures all merged into one One people, one vision, bringing only their dreams to this country they would run I said early on that this was no fairytale and that part is certainly true, But people put aside their differences to come together under the red white and blue

Far from perfect some horrible things did happen but from those mistakes the people would grow The people tried their best to be better and through this their true hearts began to show Today some people only want to talk about all the bad and twist the things that occurred They distort the entire picture for whatever reason until to many it’s becomes blurred

They forget that the founders of this country held certain truths to be self-evident, So blatantly obvious that they aren’t open to debate that they were that definite That the government has to recognize every citizen has certain God-given rights, And in order to protect these beliefs you may have to be willing to fight

Sometimes you have to fight an outside enemy, but sometimes the saddest fight was from within And many of the worst were fought over nothing more than the color of someone’s skin But those fights, as hard as they were, always ended with the Just side having won Because in a free country freedom means nothing if it’s not free for everyone

And other nations have tried many times to bring this people to their knees, But the people always put differences aside and to the All Mighty they would plead They would do it in many different forms and many individual ways All recognizing they were part of something bigger in those darkest of days

Some people would have you believe it simply didn’t happen this way if it happened at all But open the history books and you will read many stories of a people who have yet to fall And if you don’t believe those, then use your own eyes at any veteran’s cemetery Where you will see markers from boys from the mountains, cities, and even Little Homes on the Prairie

They believed this to the point they were willing to risk and give up their very own lives And not just boys and husbands sacrificed but the girls as well as the wives Because they saw something special here and they wanted their children to see it too Not exactly the same to everyone, but they all saw something in the red, white, and blue

This thing they saw was greater than any political party or any kind of group Nobody cared about political beliefs when the bullets began flying through the troops They were smart enough to know that if they truly tried to do the right thing No power could stop that people, no dictator and certainly no king

So many ghosts from the past have to be watching us right now As we bicker and argue while they shake their heads and simply wonder how Wondering how we could fight for the trivial after all the places we’ve already been And watching us and wondering if we have what it takes to be America again

KEN LAIN & CARIE HUGHES DANCING STARS

Performance August 25 & 26, 2023

Yavapai College Performing Arts Center

Tickets sold online at www.DancingForTheStars.net

VOTE EARLY & VOTE OFTEN FOR YOUR FAVORITE!

Couple with the most Votes Wins!

$20 donation vote to Boys & Girls Clubs at www.DancingForTheStars.net

DON'T MISS THESE

Prescott Fishin' Holes

by Blake Herzog

Watson Lake

Photo by Dennis Tromburg

Fishing has legions of fans spanning generations for its special combination of meditative calm, bursts of splashy action, connection with nature, camaraderie with fellow anglers and, with the right combination of smarts and luck, healthy fresh food.

It’s a healthy multigenerational activity that can be shared with family and friends anytime of year but was basically invented for long, lazy summer days.

If you’ve never tried it or haven’t done it in Greater Prescott, fishing here will get you hooked on this most wholesome of outdoor pastimes. Lakes come in many sizes and shapes, with beautiful settings and a variety of habitats and environments to choose from.

Arizona Game and Fish’s Community Fishing Program stocks Fain Lake and the Yavapai Lakes in Prescott Valley, and the agency also stocks most of the water bodies in Prescott National Forest and the City of Prescott.

WHAT’S SWIMMING

You’re most likely to encounter trout, bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and sunfish in these waters, with others surfacing when you least expect them — some of these might need to be released into the water they came from because they are threatened or endangered.

One fish whose protected status has been in dispute, the roundtail chub, must be immediately released if caught. Gila trout is a threatened species but can be fished out of certain Arizona lakes including Lynx, Goldwater and Watson.

LICENSING

Everyone age 10 and older is required to have a fishing license for any publicly accessible waters in Arizona. A one-year fishing license costs $37 for adult Arizona residents and $55 for nonresidents. All youth licenses for ages 10 to 17 are $5. Annual combination hunting and fishing licenses are available for adults and youth, as well as short-term combo licenses paid by the day.

Lynx Lake

Photo by Karen Shaw

Willow Lake

Photo by Karen Shaw

Goldwater Lake

Photo by Karen Shaw

For more information visit www.azgfd.com or see the web-based app at fishandboataz.azgfd.com, a good source of information specific to each lake as well as educational videos and info on state regulations.

Boating regulations vary and are listed below next to each Prescott area lake:

PRESCOTT

• Watson Lake, 3101 Watson Lake Rd. — All watercraft motor sizes are permitted but restricted to speeds which do not create a wake, and not over 5 mph in any case.

• Willow Lake, 1497 Heritage Park Rd. — Only boats with single electric motors allowed.

PRESCOTT VALLEY

• Fain Lake, 2200 N. 5th St. — No boats permitted.

• Yavapai Lakes, 8700 Lakeshore Dr. — Boating permitted from sunrise to sunset; gas motors are prohibited.

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST

• Goldwater Lake, 2900 S. Goldwater Lake Rd. — Boating permitted, electric motors only.

• Lynx Lake, on Walker Road about 2 miles south of Costco — Boats with 10 horsepower or less single electric motors only.

• Granite Basin Lake, on Granite Basin Road about 3.5 miles north of Iron Springs Road — Single electric motors only.

• Mingus Lake, 2 miles east of AZ-89A on Forest Route 104 (dirt road) — Single electric motors only.

Chino Valley Ranch Could Become a State Park

A nationwide nonprofit dedicated to increasing public access to open space is working with the Town of Chino Valley and numerous other local partners to purchase a 1,000-acre ranch within its borders for a new state park, which includes the headwaters of the Verde River and the site of the first territorial capital of Arizona.

Del Rio Springs Ranch is on the northeastern edge of the Town and contains several environmentally and historically significant features that factor into its suitability for a state park, including a rail bed that could extend the Prescott Peavine Trail to a total of 21 miles and century-old structures tied to farming and tourism.

The Greater Chino Valley Collaborative (GCVG) is a coalition of agencies and advocacy groups that has been working to increase outdoor recreation opportunities in the region. Members include the Town of Chino Valley, Yavapai County, the U.S. Forest Service, Nature Conservancy, Yavapai Trails Association and the Trust for Public Land (TPL), which has completed multiple projects along the upper Verde River.

Michael Patrick, senior project manager for TPL, said when he began learning more about the Del Rio Springs Ranch land by talking to locals he quickly realized its significance: “From all these different perspectives I learned just how important this property is, and I have to say in

over 20 years, I’ve never had one that had so many different elements to it.”

Historical and ecological layers

The land lies on the east side of AZ-89 and most of it stretches from Road 5 N., north past Del Rio Springs Road and contains the springs itself, which provided water to Prescott, Ash Fork and other communities.

The land includes the historical marker for the first territorial capital, which is also the original site of Fort Whipple, as well as a series of barns and stone buildings built by the Fred Harvey Company when it produced milk, eggs, meat and other food to be served at its string of higher-end hotels between Los Angeles and St. Louis including El Tovar at the Grand Canyon.

A smaller parcel is a bit farther to the north and surrounds Sullivan Lake, considered the beginning of the Verde as it flows east and then south. Patrick said the state park would make the lake and much of the Upper Verde River more accessible and appealing to the public.

“Part of our work is to do some restoration work, and Sullivan Lake is maybe the best illustration of that because we have one cottonwood tree out there and we’re hoping to be able to restore that and create a nature preserve and have something that’s deserving of mile zero of the Verde River, something that’s there for people to go out and experience,” he said.

The land currently is zoned for agricultural, light commercial and

multiple family uses, and previous plans have called for up to 1,400 homes.

Local officials believe the state park could fuel more economic development in and around Chino Valley that could benefit the whole region. Maggie Tidaback, the town’s economic development director, said officials are hoping to bring some of the approximately $862 million spent annually on outdoor recreation in the U.S. to the Town while helping to create a community amenity that could help attract investment and jobs.

Finding the funding

TPL has the land under contract and has until Oct. 4 to secure enough funding to commit to the purchase, after which the land would be donated to the state parks system. With support from the collaborative and nearby communities, the GCVC is seeking funding from several sources to develop the state park while starting preliminary design work.

The new Arizona state budget approved by the legislature and Gov. Katie Hobbs includes $7 million allocated for the purchase and development of the state park. Additional money could come from the Arizona State Parks Board and federal government. The owner is donating some of the land value.

Patrick said public meetings to get input on the park’s design are being planned for July and August.

A stand of cottonwoods shades Del Rio Springs in Chino Valley. Photo courtesy of The Trust for Public Land.

Outdoor

Supplies

Retailer

REI Opening Prescott Store in Fall

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-Op plans to open a new store in Prescott this fall to sell an assortment of apparel and gear for camping, cycling, running, hiking, paddling, climbing and other open-air pursuits.

The 25,000-square-foot store will be in Frontier Village, the sprawling retail center on Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribal land at 1841 AZ-69, east of downtown Prescott in a space near Sportsman’s Warehouse. Store features will include a full service bike repair shop staffed by certified mechanics, store pickup for online orders and curbside pickup.

“We look forward to joining the Prescott community, a long-respected destination for mountain biking, bouldering, climbing and hiking at nearby natural gems such as the national preserve, Prescott Circle Trail,

Watson Lake, Watson Woods Riparian Preserve and more,” said Kristen Engels, REI regional director.

“Our team will also build lasting relationships with nonprofits to support efforts that protect natural places and connect people to the outdoors,” she said.

The company is the nation’s largest consumer co-op and reports having 9,000 members in Prescott, where the nearest stores in Flagstaff and Phoenix are both about 95 miles away. Co-op members get several benefits for a $30 one-time membership, including a trade-in program for gently used gear including backpacks, camping and bike supplies, shoes and clothing. Anyone can get advice and feedback from knowledgeable employees and the Expert Advice resource on the company’s website.

The store will create about 50 jobs, and those who want to apply can do so at www.rei.com/jobs. REI says all employees will receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions.

The Seattle-based retailer is an active donor to organizations supporting openspace preservation and equal access to outdoor activities and supports Arizona nonprofits including Arizona Trail Association, Ability 360, Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund, Adaptive Adventures, Atabey Outdoors, Black Girls RUN! Foundation, Latino Outdoors, Native Womens Wilderness and SiiHasin.

It is known for closing its more than 180 locations on Black Friday to encourage its employees and customers to opt for outside recreation that day.

Rendering of Prescott REI store, courtesy of CullisonRTKL

QA & Frank Peña, Sales Associate, EXP Realty

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

A: Frank: The hearts of the people in Prescott. Everyone was genuine and had such a wonderful pride in the community.

How did you become interested in your career field?

A: Frank: I always wanted to help people, being that buying a home is one of the biggest decisions anyone has to make. I wanted to be there to help guide people through the experience and make it fun.

Q: What is the biggest challenge of your job?

A: Frank: Having the truth conversation with clients. Most agents will tell any future client whatever they want to hear to get a listing. I want to always provide as much true information

as I can to each and every one of my clientele.

Q: What is the greatest reward of your job?

A: Frank: I love to see people’s faces light up with joy and excitement when I hand them their keys. It’s simply amazing to be a part of the experience.

Q: Where would you like to vacation next and why?

A: Frank: I would love to visit Rome. I have always appreciated history, especially the Roman Empire. Plus I love the movie Gladiator.

Q: If you could have dinner with any 3-5 people (dead or alive) who would it be?

A: Frank: I would love to have dinner with my dad, grandpa and my uncle one more time, as they had all passed away

way too early. To have one last dinner would melt my heart.

Q: What is the last book you read; what did you enjoy about it most?

A: Frank: The last book I read was Atomic Habits. I normally don’t like to read self-help books. This book helped tremendously to understand my personal habits, which were good and bad. The book also helped clear my head to pave new and productive habits for the future.

Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?

A: Frank: It’s so hard to narrow it down to just one activity. But going back to me being a history nut, I love the Prescott Rodeo and the nostalgia around it. I love to see the town buzz with excitement, and when you see the parade the excitement on everyone’s face is priceless.

Photo by Lauren Schleifer