Prescott LIVING Early Summer 2024

LET’S

www.dancingforthestars.net

TEAMS:

‘00s - Rikki Avila and Ron Howard

‘90s - Brad Wright and Beth Raber

‘80s - Gillian Haley and Zach Leonard

‘70s - Conrad Jackson and Alexis Neikamp

‘60s - Rachel Sarti and Nolan Weidling

‘50s - Paul Hicks and Mallory Barrett

‘40s - Leslie Costes, Michael McConell and Monique McConell

‘40s - Kym Lopez and Sally Ann McGee

‘20s - Phil Stephens and Dre Caldwell

Season 8: September 6th, 7:00 September 7th, 4:00

There is no better way to thank donors than to have the leading champions of our community be honored as distinguished citizens at a jaw dropping public event.

What better way to thank donors and honor citizens than by having them perform and dance, all for the clear purpose of ensuring great futures for our youth.

Scan for donation & ticket information!

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Voice of the Community

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Gillian Haley, born and raised in Prescott, is the owner of Haley Construction and is a strong community advocate. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is dedicated to supporting many charitable organizations throughout the area.

This year she is excited to participate in the Dancing for the Stars event, organized by the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona. Dancing for the Stars is a highly anticipated annual fundraising event that brings together local celebrities and leaders to raise awareness and funds for the Boys & Girls Club.

“I am a big believer in the value of quality childcare, educational programming, and providing a safe place for our children – that is something as a community we should make sure EVERY family has access to….I want to be part of making that happen – I’ll even dance for it!”

Give us your support and scan our QR code to donate.

Late Summer 2024

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Laurie Fisher

SALES & MARKETING

Laurie Fisher

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Julie Turetzky

Director of Marketing Services

Christina Lewandowski

Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Michele Rodriguez Creative Director

Abigail Biegert

Art Director

Keith Dobie

Christian Kaschimer

Digital Intern

EDITORIAL

Julie Turetzky

Managing Editor

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

Calendar Inquiries: calendar@roxco.com prescottlivingmag.com/calendar

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

Advertising Inquiries: info@roxco.com prescottlivingmag.com/advertise 130 N. Granite St., Prescott AZ 86301 928.350.8006

Corporate Office:

N. Trekell Rd., Ste. C Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Molly Auman

Paige McCargar

Laura Spaeth

Chris Wood Tiffany Taylor

Linda A. Wood Lee Borst Terri Kiffer Jennifer

Bea Lueck Vice President, Operations Elaine

Abigail Biegert Art Director & Graphic Designer

Blake Herzog Staff Writer

Not pictured: Christia Gibbons, Keith Dobie; Senior Editor

Summer Vision Prescott is a

Greater Prescott is where it’s at in the summer. Unlike many parts of Arizona people are running toward it rather than away, absorbing its hometown sensibility along with its sublime temperatures.

Some of our biggest events and holidays are on tap in the process — the Prescott Bluegrass Festival returns June 22-23, and the World's Oldest Rodeo® ushers in the 4th of July. The Prescott Film Festival will be earlier this year, and is scheduled for July 17-20, while the Prescott Gem and Mineral Show is set for Aug. 2-4. Learn about these and more from our sister publication Prescott NOW on newsstands or online at www.prescott-now.com

We love to show our community off this time of year, and there’s a lot to be proud of — the national forests, the theaters, parks, arenas and other venues, the lakes we play on, the architecture of the Yavapai County Courthouse and the Victorians that surround it, museums, plenty of other beautiful neighborhoods and top-notch local businesses.

Visionaries brought all of this to reality.

Every summer we bring you our Men of Vision issue where we honor local men who’ve left a positive imprint on Greater Prescott through public service and business success while keeping their neighbors’ best interests at heart. We have profiles of more than 20 who have uplifted the community through their efforts, and our ROX Interview is with Cody Lundin, a Prescott survival instructor and former reality TV star who’s just released his own online series.

You’ll also find a listing of the second half of our 2024 Best of Yavapai County categories within the areas of Education, Health, Professional Services, Shopping and Recreation. Residents and visitors alike can nominate their favorite local businesses at www.prescott-now.com/promotions/best-of-yavapai. We owe a big thanks to everyone who cast a vote in Round One. Now see who tops in Round Two!

But summer never lasts as long as we think it will. Hug your kids close, read our Education section to help them get ready for school, and frolic in the forest for as long as you can!

Elaine Earle

PUBLISHER, Prescott LIVING

Elaine Earle

Photo by Ryan Stringham

VOICES of the COMMUNITY

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

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

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

Ken Lain Owner, Watters Garden Center

Marnie Uhl President & CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce

Joe Baynes Interim Deputy City Manager for the City of Prescott

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 Holmberg Economic Development and Intergov Manager, Town of Chino Valley

PRESCOTT PIONEER

Airport Adds Statue of Namesake Ernest A. Love

The City of Prescott is honoring local World War I hero Lt. Ernest A. Love with a statue in front of the Prescott Regional Airport Terminal, 6600 Airport Drive.

The bronze statue was created by Prescott resident and renowned Western artist Bill Nebeker. It was funded privately, in part by a $100,000 grant from the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County, and an additional $25,000 from Friends of Prescott Regional Airport.

The Prescott City Council approved the commission of the statue in March of 2023.

“This statue will be a wonderful tribute to Prescott’s history, and a legacy for Prescott Regional Airport,” said Prescott Mayor Phil Goode. “Prescott Regional Airport is also called Ernest A. Love Field, so this statue will stand as a reminder honoring the airport’s namesake, a true Prescott hero.

“The statue will be placed in a prominent location for all airport users to view and appreciate.”

Nebeker told the Council, “I’m extremely honored to be able to do this for my hometown.”

Ernest A. Love moved to Prescott with his family as a young child. After graduating at the top of his class at Prescott High School, he went to Stanford University, where he was at the top of his class in his third year of mechanical engineering when World War I broke out.

He was fascinated with aircraft and asked if he could fly planes if he joined the war effort. He went to flight school in San Diego and was later assigned to the 147th Aero Squadron, flying many missions in Europe before his plane was shot down over France in 1918.

He was rescued and taken to a Catholic church in France, and they tended to him until he passed away from his wounds a few days later. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

On Aug. 28, 1928, Prescott Municipal Airport was dedicated as Ernest A. Love Field. Love’s parents Allan and Louetta Love supported the construction of the airport’s first terminal.

EARLY SUMMER 2024

Stories by BLAKE HERZOG

Lt. Ernest A. Love monument

Photo courtesy of City of Prescott

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

Fort Whipple Museum Reopens to Public

Fort Whipple Museum, a key link to Prescott’s past that had been off-limits to the public for four years, is again welcoming visitors. It held its grand opening in May.

The museum commemorates the founding and ongoing service of the frontier military outpost established in 1864, the same year Prescott was founded. It protected settlers through the end of conflict with local Indian tribes in 1886, then converted into a tuberculosis sanitarium during World War I, the forerunner to today’s Bob Stump Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Fort Whipple Museum is operated by Sharlot Hall Museum, which has its large campus downtown on Gurley Street. But due to Fort Whipple’s location on the VA hospital property, on AZ-89 just north of AZ-69, that location was subject to a much longer COVID shut down than most facilities.

Jackson Medel, curator of collections and exhibits at the Sharlot Hall Museum, said the VA’s mandatory pandemic-related closure lasted for about two and a half years, adding, “The museum itself is staffed by volunteer docents, like the buildings on our main campus, and during that time some volunteers retired, moved on or shifted their emphasis in volunteering. So, we basically lost volunteer staff during the mandatory closure.”

Paid staff turnover brought additional complications. Once the closure was lifted, Medel said, Sharlot Hall and the VA went to work on a new operating agreement for Fort Whipple.

“We have finally gotten the agreement finalized and volunteer staff in place and are very excited to get it up and running again,” he added.

Fort Whipple has been instrumental to Prescott’s development from two angles, he said.

“Fort Whipple was a military base for many years and was a significant part of the development of Prescott itself, bringing people and goods to the area. Once it became a hospital it retained that significance but in a different way.

“It was a site of medical advancements and treatment. It was a major employer that also brought people to the area,” Medel said.

Most of Fort Whipple’s buildings are still in use. The one that houses the museum was built around 1905 as lodging for doctors and officers as the hospital expanded. The exhibits inside chart that history of territorial military, hospital history and Whipple’s role in Prescott through those avenues.

Visitors can learn about Col. Amiel Whipple who inspired the fort’s name, the fort’s prominence during Arizona’s territorial days and as the base of Buckey O’Neill and the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War, and its transformation into a place of healing for military veterans.

It includes artifacts from Yavapai and Anglo settlers, weapons used in battles and medical supplies, plus displays about New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia’s childhood at the fort.

Medel said the Prescott area was deprived of one of its primary links to the past and some of the best presentations of its military history, while those who visit and work at the VA campus may have been most keenly affected.

“It was a resource for staff, patients and visitors to use while working or being at the hospital. I think the value it added to people’s experience there is significant and will hopefully be appreciated now that it is available to those folks again,” he said.

Admission to Fort Whipple Museum is free, and it is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Medel said the hours will be expanded as enough volunteer docents are trained to cover additional shifts.

Survival is More Than a Show for Cody Lundin

For 33 years Cody Lundin has followed his vision of teaching people how to live off the land, using the skills developed thousands of years ago by their ancestors. He founded the Aboriginal Living Skills School (ALSS) in 1991, after graduating from Prescott College with degrees in depth psychology and holistic therapies. He built up his business through word of mouth as his students learned how to start and put out fires, improvise shelters in the wilderness, signal potential rescuers for help, the physiology and psychology of survival and related skills.

Lundin appeared in local media and special interest publications to promote his business and share his knowledge, making the cover of Backpacker Magazine in 1999. The Y2K scare and premiere of

BY BLAKE HERZOG

the Survivor reality series in 2000 increased worldwide interest in survival and adventure shows, and he appeared in segments on the TODAY Show and Dateline NBC as well as on the Discovery Channel. He wrote two books, 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive! and When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need to Survive When Disaster Strikes.

From 2010 to 2014 he starred in Dual Survival, a Discovery series that placed him and another person in various forms of danger in wilderness locations around the world. He became known for his nature-based philosophy, trademark long blond braids underneath a bandanna and going barefoot, resorting to socks in the coldest weather. The show was a success but Lundin was abruptly let go in the fourth season: he filed

a defamation lawsuit against the network and the producers, which he ultimately lost.

A decade after he left Dual Survival, Lundin has released five episodes of his first foray into TV since then. The Survival Show with Cody Lundin is a pastiche of segments including interviews with experts, survival instruction delivered by eccentric "co-hosts", Tent Talks with people who’ve survived dangerous encounters with wildlife and more. He continues to teach courses at the Aboriginal Living Skills School, Yavapai College, and lives north of Prescott in a passive solar earth home with rain catchment water systems and photovoltaic power. The Survival Show is available via www.thesurvivalshow.com , which links to the ALSS website at www.codylundin.com.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How did you first develop your interest in survival and living off the land?

Cody: One of the only things that was a staple in my life was nature because we kept moving around, so I kept leaving friends. But the one thing that I had in common with all the places we moved was going outdoors. My parents were pretty active outside.

I remember going to the Boundary Waters in Canada, and they took me on canoe and camping trips. My dad wanted to be a forest ranger at one point. So, they were both interested in the outdoors and grew up in rural places in South Dakota. I spent a lot of time outdoors rather than indoors.

But also, I was curious about how native peoples did all this stuff? And I’ve always been interested in doing more with less and self-reliance. And so I guess one thing led to the

other, and I decided to just pursue that myself personally as a personal passion. And of course, that turned into a business.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What type of survival skills do you teach in your classes?

Cody: Primarily what I do through my Aboriginal Living Skills School is focus on three genres of selfreliance. One is modern outdoor survival skills, like what happens if you went out hiking and the car broke down or something, and you were stuck at the trailhead and needed search and rescue, etc.

Another aspect is urban preparedness. COVID was a real wake-up call for people about what essentially was an urban preparedness situation. It’s also about what happens when your house is pushed off the grid if a monsoon storm takes out a

transformer, or we have an ice storm or a tornado.

And then I teach primitive living skills — making fire with sticks, catching fish with your hands, part of the indigenous living skills. Those are all three different genres of selfreliant training. And a problem with modern media, it mixes them up and confuses things, which tends to kill people in the short and long term.

PRESCOTT LIVING: And so what led you to start the school in 1991? You had just graduated from Prescott College at the time.

Cody: I needed a job. And looking like me, you don’t really go into Taco Bell and say, ‘Can you give me a job?’

I had a passion for the outdoors and outdoor skills, and I needed a job. I sent letters to the summer camps in Prescott saying, ‘Hey, my

Cody at his desk

Photos courtesy of Cody Lundin

name’s Cody. I can work with the kids teaching them how to make gourd canteens or how to safely make a fire.’

I didn’t get one response out of 27 camps. So, I had a friend of mine make a brochure, and I started taping them around Prescott and on the phone booths that used to be around.

Later, I approached Prescott College and Yavapai College. Both were tough sells because when I was doing this stuff, even though I’m teaching old-school stuff that’s thousands of years old, there wasn’t any of this stuff in the media.

Now you have all these survival shows and blogs and whatever, and now it’s just really been harmed. The industry’s been harmed in the profession by a bunch of disinformation, frankly, on TV.

I just remember doing a lot of work with little payoff and trying to spread stuff around town and hoping that when the tourists came through, I would get a job. That’s how you started a business back then, especially in an alternative business like this.

And now you’ve got the blog, social media, and it’s a lot less work. And that’s why there’s a lot of nonsense out there, because you don’t need to put really any work into the subject matter now. You can appear like an online expert easily with what’s out there.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How many students did you have in those early years before it became more popular?

Cody: I’ve done courses with a couple of people before. Maybe three; maybe I’d have four. If I got lucky, I’d have six or seven. Of course, I charged a lot less back then. Everything cost less, but I also lived on not much. I don’t have a heavy

Mr. Mah Mah

ALSS Ultimate Abo course wooden bowls. Nine days of primitive skills.

overhead for inventory because a lot of my stuff comes from the woods.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How have the courses you teach evolved over time?

Cody: The content has evolved because I keep learning stuff. If you get someone in my profession telling you ‘I know everything,’ they’re a liar. That doesn’t happen in my business, there’s too much to learn. There’s geology, there’s flora. Indigenous peoples living off the land out there were masters of what they did, or they died, especially here because of our lack of water.

I have courses I’ve taught from the beginning that I still teach at my school because they’re foundational skills that indigenous people used. It’s solid stuff. I have a unique perspective with some of the modern survival technology changes; now we have personal locator beacons and no one had that 20 years ago. So I keep up with some of the modern stuff.

There are thousands of tribes you could study all over the world, and I have been to a lot of places in the world, and there’s just such an overwhelming amount of information to learn. It makes my job frustrating, and it makes it super exciting.

There’s a lot of rabbit holes in my profession that you can go down and spend years training and developing. I know people who specialize in flint knapping, and they’ll teach a seven-day course just on that. They’ve dedicated 30 or 40 years to it.

I have to be a generalist. I have to know about a lot of different things in my profession with modern survival, primitive skills and urban preparedness. But also, Arizona has 12 different biotic life zones, three geographical provinces and all four North American deserts.

There are 27 species of mustard in Northern Arizona alone. I don’t even know some of the weeds that we’re sitting amongst, in the front yard of my school, after 30-plus years. How do you keep up with that?

PRESCOTT LIVING: There have been so many technological advances in the last 30 years that people can use now as they go into the wilderness, like GPS, cellphones, satellite phones. How much do the people in your classes use it, and how much do you encourage them to use it? Do you think it’s better for people to not rely on it?

Cody: I think technology has largely replaced common sense in the field, and that’s always a bad deal. I’m not pooh-poohing technology. But if you’re betting on technology at the expense of training and common sense, that’s a dead hiker.

I know some people in SAR, Search and Rescue, and they’ll get a call from someone who says, ‘I need you to come pick me up.’ And they had a backpack with their laptop and their cellphone and said they couldn’t carry water because then they wouldn’t have been able to fit their laptop in their backpack.

Whether you get a personal locator beacon or not, they’re wonderful tools, but you have to have the training to go behind that.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How do your courses differ between Yavapai College and ALSS?

Cody: Well, the Aboriginal Living Skills School, which is my school, most of the people are from out of state. A lot of them are from the Valley in Phoenix. Some are international. I’m marketing nationally and internationally with the TV show, with my website, with my books.

The Yavapai College courses, I have had people come up from Tucson or

down from Flagstaff to the Prescott area to train, but most of those are local people because it’s a community college.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Are the courses at Yavapai College for credit?

Cody: They’re two-credit courses. My courses through the Aboriginal Living Skills School are two to nine days long. I have a four-day course, seven-day courses, one nine-day course and a lot of weekend courses.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Who are the people who come to take those classes?

Cody: The primary reason people come is they want to learn how to do more with less.

I’m not the military-looking guy that caters to the Rambo-esque people. Most of the people that come to me want to just do more with less, experience nature on a different level, carry less gear and be prepared for emergencies because that’s essentially what I do, I’m trying to keep people alive.

A lot of the people who take courses from me go outdoors a lot and want to know what to do if something happens. Others want to know what to do when the grid fails. It’s not necessarily the zombie apocalypse, it’s just people who realize that they’re a cog in a chain that’s pretty loose.

PRESCOTT LIVING: How far do they come from? Internationally?

Cody: Europeans are common, and people from all over North America, Canada. Again, this is my 33rd year, you can imagine I’ve had students from all over the world. Mostly they’re U.S. citizens from the lower 48 states. And then next probably Canada, and after that probably Europe.

Continued on page 168

PRESCOTT city of

Sculpting Prescott’s Cultural Heritage

“Last month I was privileged to speak at the dedication ceremony for a monument honoring Lt. Ernest A. Love at Prescott Regional Airport. This largerthan-life bronze statue stands outside the terminal, welcoming visitors to our fine airport and reminding us of one of Prescott’s true hometown heroes.

“Renowned local Western artist Bill Nebeker was commissioned to create this important piece and his works can be found all over the country, including right here in Prescott.

“In its long history, Prescott has many heroes, and individuals worthy of our admiration, including artists like Bill, who have graced our city with significant public sculpture.”

Solon Borglum was an American sculptor born in Ogden, Utah, who created the famous Roughrider statue on the Courthouse Plaza in 1907. His work Cowboy at Rest resides on the south side of the Plaza as well.

His work is most notable for frontier life, especially his experiences with cowboys and Native Americans. He was the younger brother of Gutzon Borglum and uncle to Lincoln Borglum, the team responsible for the presidential carvings at Mt. Rushmore.

George Phippen was a well-known, local Western artist and the namesake

for the Phippen Museum.

From the earliest age, he could be found creating scenes of cattle drives on the chalkboard of his oneroom schoolhouse or molding livestock from the clay he scrounged from the banks of a nearby creek. Depicting the real life of the working cowboy was incredibly important to him.

The George Phippen Memorial Foundation was founded in 1974. His famous work Cowboy in a Storm was unfinished at the time of his death in 1966. However, in 2018 the piece was cast as a 15-foot monumental bronze that now resides at the AZ-89 roundabout.

George was a member of the Mountain Artists Guild and first president and co-founder of the Cowboy Artists of America.

Bill Nebeker was raised in Prescott. He was inspired to begin sculpting in 1964 when he attended a show of George Phippen’s artwork. Perhaps Bill’s most prominent monument in the area is Early Prescott Settlers, located at the intersection of AZ-89 and AZ-69. He also sculpted the Fallen Officers Memorial at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, as well as If Horses Could Talk at the AZ89 and Deep Well Ranch Roundabout. Bill’s work can also be found in galleries and museums throughout the west and beyond.

Call the City of Prescott with questions or comments at 928.777.1400. Or email a citizen inquiry to citystaff@prescott-az.gov.

Lt. Ernest A. Love monument

Photo courtesy of City of Prescott

PRESCOTT VALLEY town of

Welcome to Prescott Valley, the most dynamic community in Central Arizona, with its nearly mile-high elevation, mild weather, four distinct seasons and stunning scenery. Add in Prescott Valley’s proximity to the desert cities 90 miles south, and the offerings of the high country 75 miles north, and you’ll find a lot to love!

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

As Prescott Valley’s population hovers around 50,000 people, it still retains the small-town ambiance that attracts friendly people from throughout the country. We enjoy many of the amenities of much larger communities while still being the third safest community in Arizona.

Community “points of pride” include the 5,500-seat Findlay Toyota Center, home to the Indoor Football League’s 2022 Champion the Northern Arizona Wranglers and the host to concerts, professional bull riding, monster truck shows and other exciting entertainment.

For 2024, Prescott Valley will be hosting Country Music Award Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson as well as world famous comedian Gabriel Iglesias.

You can venture out to hike and bike on miles of scenic trails and multiuse pathways. Prescott Valley offers more than 2,000 acres of park lands and open space, an outdoor public swimming pool, 20 multipurpose

athletic fields, miles of trails, and an awardwinning amphitheater.

The Town is constantly striving to enhance its 26 parks to provide an enjoyable experience for residents and visitors. These parks provide such recreational opportunities as playing, fishing, participating in youth and adult sports leagues, letting your pup run free at the dog park or simply basking in the sun.

Visitors and residents always enjoy their time at the historic Fain Park on Lynx Creek, where you can try your hand at gold panning or fishing at the fully stocked Fain Lake. Up for a challenge? Hike 900 feet above the community on the Glassford Hill Summit Trail, with the reward of spectacular views of Prescott Valley, the San Francisco Peaks and other surrounding landmarks.

Enjoying everything Prescott Valley has to offer will certainly work up an appetite so don’t forget to enjoy a pleasant meal out at one of our award-winning restaurants.

Check us out on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Additionally, browse through the Town’s website at www.prescottvalley-az.gov and download the OurPV app on your phone to stay updated.

Welcome to your new hometown. We’re glad you’re here!

Jack Miller

“My priorities for the Town of Chino Valley are more road paving, continued IGAs with the City of Prescott and setting the groundwork for a new town hall.

CHINO VALLEY town of

Upcoming Events

Summer Means Horses, Music and Swimming

2024 Open Schooling Show Buckle Series

The last in the series is June 29. The show starts at 9 a.m. at the Chino Valley Equestrian Park, 2208 Equestrian Way.

The day includes halter/showmanship; English, western pleasure and ranch riding; trail; walk/trot; and EQWD mini and pony classes.

Register: www.cvequestrian park.org/allbreed-open-schooling-show-buckle

Let Music and Fun Fill your Day

Triple 3 Farm & Events presents Summer Music on June 29 complete with live music, food trucks and yard games at 764 W. Road 1 S. The entrance fee is $15; kids 12 and younger are free.

For your musical pleasure:

• Sky Daddy & Lonesome Valley, 12:30 to 3 p.m.

• Truly Reckless, 4 to 7 p.m.

• Colton Burris, Travis Crow & Forrest Cooley, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

For thirsty and adventuresome attendees, Corrin’s Mixology will be on hand all day. For more information contact T3FarmAz@gmail.com.

2024 Open Driving Show Buckle Series

The last in the series is June 30. The show starts at 9 a.m. at the Chino Valley Equestrian Park 2208 Equestrian Way.

The day’s events include pleasure driving, working, reinsmanship, cone courses and classes for horses, minis and ponies.

Register: www.cvequestrian park.org/allbreed-open-schooling-show-buckle

Splash Around at the Chino Valley Aquatic Center

Stay cool in our pool, 1615 N. Road 1 East, owned and operated by the Town. Let our red corkscrew slide guide to the zero-depth entry pool with mushroom fountain and five tipping buckets.

Daily admission for kids 3 to 17 and seniors 55plus is $3.50; adults 18 to 54 is $4.50. A family up to five is $16. Season passes are $50 for kids 3 to 17 and seniors 55-plus; $160 for adults 18 to 54; and $200 for a family up to five.

Children younger than 3 are free.

We offer lap, therapy, toddler, open and night swim times, as well as aqua fit and swim lesson sessions. Friday 6 to 9 p.m. is Dollar Swim.

The pool is open through Aug. 4.

CENTER receive the Preservation Honor Preservation recognizes projects that represent in preserving resources. and CEO, been selected to Ruffner Keystone Leadership presented during Conference

WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER

has been selected to receive the 2024 Governor’s Preservation Honor Award from The Arizona Preservation Foundation. This award recognizes organizations and projects that represent outstanding achievements in preserving Arizona’s historic resources.

In addition, the Founder and CEO, Dennis Gallagher, has been selected to receive the Elisabeth Ruffner Keystone Award For Community Leadership. Both awards will be presented during the Arizona Preservation Conference later this month.

DEWEY-HUMBOLDT town of

Yavapai-Apache Nation to Provide Public Transportation Area

On March 19, the Town Council approved an IGA (Intergovernmental Agreement) for a transit stop at the Shell station located at AZ-69 and Main Street.

Visit these links for more information:

Yavapai-Apache Nation to Provide Public Transit for Dewey-Humboldt: www.kyca.info/2024/03/20/yavapai-apache-nation-to-provide-public-transit-for-dewey-humboldt

Yavapai-Apache Nation: www.yavapai-apache.org

YAN Transit https://yantransit.org

“Arizona's Country Town It takes a strong leader with hands-on experience, a business background, who is knowledgeable, highly respected, honest and passionate to serve as Mayor for the people of this great community.

Agua Fria Little League Receives $10,000 Donation

The local Aqua Fria Little League received a $10,000 donation from the Dewey-Humboldt Community Action Program in March. Terry Nolan, the group’s president, made the presentation to the Little League board members.

Cassie Hofferber, the Little League President, says the money will be used to buy equipment. The Agua Fria Little League currently has 114 kids participating. There are 11 teams.

If you would like more information about the Little League, please contact Heath Hofferber at 928.910.6564 or go to www.aguafrialittleleague.org or www.facebook.com/AguaFriaLittleLeague

The Dewey-Humboldt Community Action Program runs the Kate Garber Senior Community Center on Prescott Street in Dewey-Humboldt and supports many local programs.

NEED

Agua Fria Little League and supporters proudly holding their donation check. Photo courtesy of Dewey Humboldt Community Center Chair Terry Nolan and DCAP Board

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT

of MEN VISION

Shaping the Present and Future of Prescott

Greater Prescott is an area known not just for scenic beauty and rich history but also for the vision of its leaders.

These “Men of Vision,” from elected officials to entrepreneurs in fields as varied as construction, electrical services and culinary arts, shape the future of our city through their commitment to innovation, leadership and community service.

Fields of Influence

Our elected officials play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative landscape, ensuring that our community's needs are met with foresight and integrity. Their grounded yet inventive governance strategies help maintain Prescott, Prescott Valley and surrounding communities as a top destination for residents and visitors alike.

In the realms of construction and electrical services, local professionals are setting standards with cutting-edge, sustainable practices that promise a safer, greener future. Within insurance and landscaping, the focus is on service and sustainability. Innovative insurance solutions help residents feel secure, while landscaping experts enhance our community’s natural beauty, making our community not only a place to live but a place to thrive.

Financial stability and lawful integrity are upheld by our experts in wealth management and law. These professionals ensure that both the economic and legal frameworks of Prescott remain robust and fair, fostering a climate where business and personal growth can flourish.

The sales and culinary arts sectors reflect Prescott’s vibrant community spirit and cultural richness. Local entrepreneurs and chefs bring innovation to their crafts, turning Prescott into a hub for cultural excellence and diversity that attracts and delights.

Maintaining Excellence

Leadership in Greater Prescott is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and progress across all sectors. These men lead by example, spearheading initiatives that not only drive economic growth but also enhance community wellbeing.

Their dedication to community service is evident in how they leverage their skills and resources. From organizing local events to participating in charitable works, they ensure their success is intertwined with ours.

Their impact is profound and far-reaching. As they continue to innovate and lead, their efforts not only enhance today’s quality of life but also pave the way for future generations.

otherwise noted.

Photos by Tracy & Jeremiah of

Blushing Cactus Photography unless

RICK KIECKHEFER

Owner, K4 Ranch

Rick Kieckhefer’s love for ranching and agriculture began at an early age while growing up on the K4 Ranch in Prescott. His upbringing instilled a strong work ethic that has been evident throughout his life.

This ethic helped him achieve rodeo championships in junior high, high school, college and even at the professional level, qualifying for the 2002 National Finals Rodeo Tie Down roping competition, where the top 15 qualifiers in the world compete each year.

After injuries kept him from the sport he loved he was able to focus his energy on the family ranch.

“We work hard, it’s a tough business, and if you don’t have a passion for it, you’re wasting your time,” Rick says. In 2008, following in the footsteps of his great grandfather, grandfather and father, Rick took over the management of the K4 Ranch at age 30. Rick is the youngest son born to John and Lynda.

Rick expanded K4 ranching, farming and cattle feeding operations, while also marketing the cattle through natural beef programs. Under his leadership, the ranch also began the successful development of Legacy Ranch Horse Sale, and the branded beef platforms K4 Gourmet Beef and K4 Copper State Reserve.

He leads by example and encourages his employees, uniting and driving his team toward success. Rick’s undefeatable attitude is felt throughout the company, and his pride and appreciation for his team’s hard work and growth is evident.

Working closely with his father, brother Johnny, wife and daughter is the most rewarding aspect of Rick’s role, he says.

Rick met his wife Sarah while high school rodeoing, and they began dating his freshman year of college at the University of Arizona. Married in 2001, they are raising the seventh generation, their 12-year-old daughter Kodi, on the family ranch.

The K4 is located 45 miles north of Prescott and was purchased by Rick’s great-grandfather J.W. Kieckhefer in 1941. They supplement this location with other ranch and farm holdings in southern Arizona where they also farm and have a 10,000-head feedlot in addition to ranch

Rick with daughter Kodi and wife Sarah.

holdings in California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

The K4 runs around 1,500 mother cows on 120,000 acres. The cattle raised on the family ranch are part of their K4 Branded Beef program. K4 Gourmet Beef is their retail ready label that consumers can purchase online or in their store in downtown Prescott. And their wholesale boxed beef label is K4 Copper State Reserve and served at many Arizona restaurants like Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, Mowry & Cotton at the Phoenician Resort and others.

In 2018, Rick partnered with the late Harvey Dietrich and bought half interest in Cholla Livestock, which operates the Diamond A Ranch —

Arizona’s largest cattle ranch. Also known as the Big Boquillas, the ranch stretches 75 miles, covering 750,000 acres and runs 6,000 cows and 400 bulls. Upon Harvey’s passing in 2020, Rick took over all operations.

Rick admits he is “cattle crazy.”

But when it comes to the business, he loves growing it — making a plan, executing it and having the right people in place to see it grow, battle and get to the finish line.

He is proud of the team, which totals just over 50 employees and says: “The difference is the people, and we have some of the best. I travel all over this country and others may have a better ranch, but we have better people.”

"We work hard, it's a

-RICK KIECKHEFER

Photo by Desert Dandy Photography

GRANT ROUTSON, WILLIAM G. CASTER & ALEX RIVERA

Bucky's and Yavapai Casinos

Grant Routson is the Front of House Manager for Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos. He grew up in Prescott, pursuing the hospitality industry since his first position.

He has worked in multiple establishments in the Prescott area and has landed at Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos as FOH Manager. Being able to combine his love for food, travel and drink into one job is a dream for Grant. His mission is to create lasting memories for guests.

William G Caster is the Kitchen Manager in The Grey Room at Bucky’s Casino. Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Will moved here in 2015 with his lady and a drive to succeed.

He became the chef at his first kitchen before age 21. Will is a “people focused” leader, striving to elevate any kitchen he comes into while learning multicultural cuisine and creating creative culture. Will prides himself on leadership and team building.

Alex Rivera is the Food and Beverage Director for Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos. Chef Rivera began his professional journey 20 years ago at the El Convento Hotel in Puerto Rico. He has showcased an unwavering passion and commitment to culinary excellence that has taken him to esteemed destinations such as the Omni Homestead Resort, Desert Mountain Club, Desert Diamond Casino and Upward Projects.

With his relentless passion, Chef Rivera has taken Bucky’s and Yavapai Casino’s food and beverage department to new heights, as seen in his work with The Grey Room and Yavapai Cantina.

From left, Will Caster, Alex Rivera, Grant Routson

MARCUS SWADENER

Owner, Prescott Flooring Brokers

Born and raised in Arizona, Marcus Swadener discovered his passion for the flooring industry early. His journey began as an apprentice under the wing of the previous owner of Prescott Flooring Brokers, Mark Meux, where he learned the intricacies of the trade.

Years of hard work and dedication paid off as Marcus honed his skills and eventually assumed ownership of the business alongside his wife. Together, they have upheld the tradition of family leadership, with their two daughters and son-inlaw actively involved in the company's operations.

Driven by a pursuit of excellence, Marcus obtained his license and committed himself to continuous learning. Actively participating in classes to expand his knowledge of installation processes and products, he ensures that Prescott Flooring Brokers remains at the forefront of industry standards.

Marcus remains deeply committed to providing quality service to his clients. He takes pride in fostering a supportive work environment for both his family and employees, prioritizing integrity and dedication in all aspects of his work.

Outside of the business, Marcus finds solace and joy in spending time with his two grandchildren. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time for family, embodying the values of love and connection that define him.

As Marcus continues to lead Prescott Flooring Brokers with distinction, his story serves as a testament to the importance of family, tradition and unwavering dedication in both business and life.

MARC VETERE

Manzanita Landscaping

Marc 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 30,000 squarefoot 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 help, he said, with wife Brianne; two adult daughters, ages 28 and 21, and now two awesome granddaughters; and three 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.”

KEVIN DEWITT

Co-owner, Patriot Pest & Termite Control

Kevin 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.

DENNIS GALLAGHER

Founder & CEO,

Western Heritage Foundation, Inc.

On May 16 of 2019, Dennis Gallagher’s vision came to fruition when the Western Heritage Center opened its doors on historic Whiskey Row.

Now the center is a Prescott destination averaging over 6,000 visitors a month. There is no admission charge for the educational experience the center offers, as Dennis believes that everyone should have access to our history and heritage.

Much of the incredible success of the multi-award-winning Western Heritage Center, is the Foundation’s scholarship and educational outreach program. This year, the Center was voted “Best of Yavapai” in two categories; Best Attraction and Best Museum/Heritage Center. Recently, the Center has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Governor’s Preservation Honor Award, and Dennis has been selected as the recipient of the Elisabeth Ruffner Keystone Award for community leadership by the Arizona Preservation Foundation.

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 our history.

Dennis met his wife MaryAnn in high school and married her while attending Arizona State University. 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.

DARRIN ROGERS

Co-owner, Rogers Academy of Beauty

Darrin Rogers co-owns of Rogers Academy of Beauty with his wife Sheri Rogers. They operate the Academy with their two daughters, making it a familyowned 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 Prescott 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.

He also is a member of the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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.

JIM DEWEY BROWN

General Manager, Prescott Frontier Days ®, Inc.

Jim 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.

SCOTT NALDA Owner, Crystal Creek Builders

Scott Nalda’s story began on a New Mexico ranch, where he learned the value of hard work and a commitment to quality from an early age.

With a career spanning more than three decades in home building, Scott stands out as a visionary. He is recognized not only for his ability to anticipate and adapt to evolving industry trends but also for his insight into the importance of human connection in every aspect of his work.

He treats every build as a personal mission and wants his clients to feel secure in their choice.

“A home is one of the most significant investments people make, and I honor that by overseeing the build with the care and attention it deserves,” Scott says.

Under his leadership, Crystal Creek Builders has earned numerous awards and accolades, cementing its reputation as an industry leader. For Scott, true victory is witnessing the genuine satisfaction on his clients’ faces when they step into their new home for the first time.

“It's a privilege to help people turn their dreams into reality.”

This belief is the cornerstone of his vision: to build not just homes of great quality but to foster trust and a legacy within the community he serves.

Love Local DAVID SCHAPER

President, Benchmark Wealth Management

David Schaper says he was fortunate to have found wise words to live by, and they can be summed up in two phrases: “Doing the right things for the right reasons” and “Being present in every moment.”

These words fuel his personal and professional life. In his “day job,” David guides families and first responders toward ensuring their retirement is secure and helps them plan for their next chapter.

When not helping his clients and their families, he and his family can be found off-roading, kayaking or listening to live music on Whiskey Row.

They all are engaged in helping the community. His wife Heather works for the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and their son Ethan has been a Prescott Fire Cadet for several years. After 17 years as a Reserve Deputy with Los Angeles County, David now works patrol as a volunteer with YCSO.

The family relocated to Prescott in 2020 to be closer to other family and to make a better life for themselves. “We have come to love Prescott and the surrounding areas for the climate, change of seasons, sense of community and culture, many of which were absent in our previous location,” David says. “We now only wish we made the move sooner.”

He says his family loved the town so much they became partners in the Whiskey River Tavern.

“Come on down and say hey.”

KELL PALGUTA Mayor, Prescott Valley

Kell Palguta was elected Mayor of Prescott Valley in 2018 after retiring as a Prescott Valley police officer and was re-elected 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 says he understands the importance of good education and recognizes that education is a valuable asset to any community.

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

In 2019, Kell became a Flinn-Brown Fellow after completing the state fellowship and civic leadership program. He currently sits on the executive board as the treasurer to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona.

Kell is married to Aubrey and is the father to 7-year-old twins, Memphis and Emma Jo, and 13-year-old son, Lincoln. Kell says he strives to make Prescott Valley a place where one can be born, grow up, graduate school, get married, raise a family and retire.

JACK W. MILLER

Mayor, Chino Valley

Jack 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.

JOHN HUGHES Mayor, Dewey-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 served as councilman for four years, was re-elected as Dewey-Humboldt Mayor, four years, and is running for reelection. He also serves, among other groups, as a state committeeman, vice chair of Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization and is an honorary member of the Mounted Yavapai County Sheriff Posse.

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 and family, but most of all, loving his adorable daughter Bristol and supporting his active wife of 30 years Carie.

John stands for God, Family and Freedom. He believes that being upfront and honest gains trust and loyalty that will last a lifetime.

GREG MENGARELLI

Candidate for Yavapai County Supervisor

Greg Mengarelli is a long time resident of Yavapai County and a successful businessman. He says he looks forward to representing his community as County Supervisor for District 1, where he has lived with his family for the last 30 years.

He grew up on small farms and ranches in Kansas before moving to Yavapai County. He learned the value of hard work and self-reliance at a young age.

Greg is a strong advocate for the values of faith, family and freedom, private property rights, and limited government. He believes that the government should not be eager to interfere in the lives of its citizens.

“Our government needs to protect our residents and their rights and be limited in its scope so that we can be free to pursue our dreams."

He also is a strong supporter of the Constitution and the Second Amendment.

Greg has a long record of service to his community, both in the nonprofit and public sectors. Most recently, he has served as Prescott Unified School District President and Board Member and Mayor for the City of Prescott.

A man of strong faith, Greg wants to leave the county better than he found it and preserve Yavapai's traditional values and small-town way of life. He is married to the love of his life Sheila and they have nine children and four grandchildren.

JEFF FALLS

Chief Operating Officer, Haley Construction Company

As Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Falls brings decades of expertise to Haley Construction, where he has been an integral part of the team since 2011.

Originally from Payson, Jeff's foundation of hard work was laid early on as the son of a general contractor. This ethic propelled him through a successful 10-plus year career in graphic design before returning to the construction industry in the mid-1990s.

Jeff and his family moved to the Prescott area in 2003 where he was hired by MacMillan Construction, and after eight years there he was hired by Haley Construction. Jeff attributes a large portion of his success to the visionary leadership of Bob MacMillan and Tom and Bill Haley, who made a profound impact on his professional and personal life.

Throughout his career, Jeff says he has been blessed by the friends and mentors he’s met in the industry, leaning on them for guidance and inspiration. He remains deeply grateful for their support and friendship.

MARIO TRAINA

Founder, Allied Electric

To name just a few structures, Mario Traina has done electrical work on the Empire State Building, Mount Sinai Hospital and the Plaza Hotel in New York City and on airports in Florida.

He and his wife Amber moved to Prescott Valley from NYC and own and operate Allied Electric in Prescott. The depth and breadth of his experience in electrical work allowed Mario to develop his skills, values and work ethic in fast-paced jobs held to the highest standards.

Mario’s passion and vision was to start an electrical company where he could provide high-quality work, outstanding service to homeowners and a positive work environment and great living for his team.

One of his favorite things about running Allied Electric is the ability to train and work with his team weekly.

Allied Electric electrician Brandon Moore describes Mario as a supportive boss who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty.

“He’s always available to help us through something, he’s a great leader and a great teacher. One of his main things in life is definitely helping people. He wants everyone to succeed. I think that he was born to be a leader. And he’s still got a great head of hair!”

Mario is a lifelong learner, and loves spending his free time on personal development through books and mentors. He also prioritizes family time with his wife and 2-year old daughter, going to the local zoo, parks and much more.

DAVID REARDON

Reardon & Associates Insurance & Financial Services

David Reardon grew up in a family of six kids where his mother stayed home and cared for the family while his dad worked at his CPA practice, growing it over 43 years into one of the largest regional CPA firms in Southern California.

While there was never a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps, the idea of helping people manage their finances was always a burning interest.

His dad passed away in 2009, and after having lived through the experience of navigating his mom through her “new” financial challenges, David joined a regional agency in the local area.

As the agency grew, David started his own individual practice: Reardon & Associates Insurance and Financial Services. It was named in homage after his father’s CPA practice.

In 2020, David and his wife Stephanie of 31 years decided it was time to pursue the next step in their life as their two sons were settling into their own careers. They moved full time to Prescott, their dream community.

Upon finding their home in The Ranch, David officially moved his company here. With his designation as a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), the Quad Cities have made a good fit for David’s expertise.

David, Stephanie and their dog Kayla love hiking, kayaking and exploring all aspects of Arizona. They are especially grateful for their sons and their long-time girlfriends, and love to show off their beautiful community of Prescott.

RICKEY SANDERSON

Owner, Spartan Restoration & Construction LLC

Rickey Sanderson has been in the restoration and construction business for more than 20 years, having grown up in the trades with a father who “molded me into a hard-working man and showed me how to make an honest living.”

Taught to put the customer first, Rickey says he wants to stand apart from the competition by doing his best every day. He gets great satisfaction from building and/or creating someone’s “dream come true.”

The business specializes in restoration, roofing, plumbing, flooring and remodels.

Rickey appreciates his business and all that goes with it, saying, “When you enjoy what you do as much as I do, it doesn’t feel like work.”

Off hours are spent with his wife Karina, son Kayden, and dog Leonidas. He enjoys camping, riding motorcycles, kicking back around a fire and drinking a cold beer, and spending time with friends.

FINDLAY TOYOTA CENTER

Findlay Toyota Center www.findlaytoyotacenter.com | 928.772.1819

3201 N. Main St. | Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Nestled in the heart of Prescott Valley’s Town Center, the Findlay Toyota Center is a cornerstone of the Quad Cities’ vibrant community. This multipurpose facility effortlessly hosts a diverse range of events from concerts and sports to graduations and community gatherings.

With a seating capacity of up to 6,200 for concerts and 5,100 for sporting events, it ensures that every guest experiences the pinnacle of entertainment and comfort.

The men who makes it all happen are:

• Scott Rubke, Assistant General Manager and Director of Operations

• Paul Stephenson, Operations Manager

• Satish Athelli, Director of Partnerships & Premium Seating

• Shane Cadwell, General Manager

• Colton Priest, Operations Supervisor

• Bill Riviere, Director of Finance

Throughout the year, the Findlay Toyota Center serves as a stage for a variety of events, featuring high-energy shows with icons like Ringo Starr, Gabriel Iglesias, Dwight Yoakam and Bonnie Raitt, alongside rising stars such as Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Parker McCollum.

It also hosts the excitement of NAZ Wranglers IFL football games, familyfriendly events and community-centric activities like local graduations and charity events. Managed by OVG360, a division of the Oak View Group known for enhancing venue operations globally, the center is recognized as a beacon of quality entertainment and community service.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to both entertain and serve the Prescott Valley community, reinforcing the center’s role as a hub of cultural and social activity.

In addition to providing thrilling entertainment, the Findlay Toyota Center offers exclusive amenities such as private event rentals, luxury suites and premium seating options — ideal for those seeking an elevated experience. These services are available for business partnerships, offering a unique opportunity for local and regional companies to engage with the community and enjoy highprofile events in a distinguished setting.

As we continue to enhance our facility and expand our offerings, the Findlay Toyota Center remains dedicated to being a premier destination that celebrates the spirit and unity of Prescott Valley.

For more information about the arena and to view a list of upcoming events, visit www.FindlayToyotaCenter.com

From left: Scott Rubke, Assistant General Manager and Director of Operations; Paul Stephenson, Operations Manager; Satish Athelli, Director of Partnerships & Premium Seating; Shane Cadwell, General Manager; Colton Priest, Operations Supervisor; and Bill Riviere, Director of Finance.

MARK A. KILLE

Attorney and Community Philanthropist, Mingus Mountain Law Group, PLLC

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Mark A. Kille calls Prescott the best “basecamp” in the world. As an attorney, he founded MINGUS MOUNTAIN LAW GROUP, PLLC, where, since 2006, Mark has represented hundreds of good people injured by bad circumstances.

Because he and his veteran team are local, they know the courts, first responders and medical providers. These relationships, and Mark’s 22 years of injury law experience, lead to superior results for their clients.

At the conclusion of every case, Mark then gives 2% of the fee earned to a local nonprofit selected by his client to support good programs making a difference in Yavapai County.

A strong advocate of education, every April since 2017 Mark hand selects an area high school senior deserving of the annual MINGUS MOUNTAIN LAW GROUP, PLLC college scholarship.

He is also a mentor with the Yavapai College School of Business Mentorship Program, providing real world guidance to entrepreneurial-spirited students.

Mark says he is 100% committed to community, beginning at home with his wife Amy and four daughters. For 16 years, he has served on the Advocacy Team at Stepping Stones. He also serves as the current Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County.

Mark believes that as a community, we should encourage each other, and build each other up. For in reality, we all have much more in common than that which divides us.

KEN LAIN

'The Mountain Gardener,' Watters Garden Center

Ken Lain is known by his friends as “The Mountain Gardener.”

His weekly garden advice is featured by Prescott LIVING and Prescott Woman magazines, the Daily Courier, Prescott eNews, and Signals AZ Newspapers.

He is passionate about plants, creative landscape design and spreading the good news that gardening is healthy and fun.

Ken dreamed of owning his own business after graduating from Prescott High School. Yavapai College piqued his business interest and he finished a management degree from ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business.

His garden credentials are Master Gardener, Certified Nursery Profession, and owner of Watters Garden Center on Iron Springs Road in Prescott.

Ken and wife Lisa host the “Mountain Gardener radio show,” sharing garden tips, tricks, and techniques on both National Public Radio and KQNA talk radio.

JASON KRUPP

Chef & Co-founder, Essence Kitchen + Bar

Chef Jason Krupp is the co-creator of Chino Valley’s Essence Kitchen + Bar, established in June 2020. He specializes in seafood, sauces and fileting his own fish.

Chef Jason is from Studio City, California, and attended Santa Barbara Community College for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management. He received mentorship under Lisa Stalvey at Santa Pietros along with Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken who are The Two Hot Tamales from The Food Network at Border Grill.

He met his wife Julia, a Prescott native, at King’s Fish House, lived in Huntington Beach, then moved back to her hometown.

He currently serves as a supervising board member of the Yavapai County Food Safety Industry Council. Chef Jason also works with Chino Valley culinary students to master their craft in culinary arts through ongoing community charity events.

He says he loves mentoring and passing on his knowledge to inspire creativity by using produce from the Yavapai College Horticulture Department as local ingredients in his restaurant.

In Chef Jason’s spare time, he enjoys beach vacations and swimming in his pool with his children and grandchildren.

His vision of inspiring creativity, nurturing the craft and sharing it with the community comes to fruition one plate at a time.

TIM BEAL & BRYAN SWINEHART

Owners, Beal's Auto Body & Paint

Beal's Auto Body & Paint 928.445.2295 | www.bealsautobodyandpaint.com 1460 W. Iron Springs Rd. | Prescott, AZ 86305

The emphasis at Beal’s Auto Body has always been to offer a better quality of life for team members and quicker, safer repairs for customers. Tim Beal and Bryan Swinehart say: Work smarter, not harder!

After a combination of an expansion followed by a shifting economy, Tim knew he needed to change things up. He says the industry was too “chaotic” and too many overtime hours kept team members away from their families.

He traveled the country to observe how other auto body shops operated. He shared what he learned with Bryan, who he hired in 1999, making him a partner in 2016. (Tim opened the shop in 1985.) Together they worked on creating a team culture where everyone could be on board toward a common goal. They implemented new procedures

that eliminated bottlenecks and created faster turnaround times which resulted in a better process for safer repairs. All this made for happier, more invested team members and customers.

Tim and Bryan proudly point out that the business has many long-standing team members who have been there 13, 18, 22 and 25 years. They are quick to say that none of Beal’s success would have been possible without its core team members.

“We are grateful to those who have been a part of the journey and those who will help take us to new heights!” they say.

Some of those future employees will likely be local high school students who can get proper training and support

at Beal’s. Students are hired for after school and summer hours, and some have transitioned to full-time team members.

Bryan has taken up Tim’s mantle and continues to meet with other shops across the nation to keep improving the business. The goal is not only to keep Beal’s humming but to better the collision repair industry.

Now other shops tour Beal’s to learn how they could operate better. The two say visitors are surprised by the sense of calm and fluidity of the shop.

Photo by Kimberly Marsh Photography

From left: Oscar Cardenas, Jim Chaney, Felipe Perez, Damian Norbury, Peter Vogelzang, Angel Alvarado, Isaias Macias-Torres, Tim Beal, Bryan Swinehart, Sam Gonzalez, Saul Esparza, Osvaldo Cardenas, Alex Estrada, Clint Dougan and Neftali Hernandez.

B elonging to the Prescott Chamber The Crucial Role of

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

In the vibrant community of Prescott, businesses are not just entities, they are integral threads woven into the fabric of the city’s economic and social tapestry.

Among the various avenues for businesses to thrive and contribute, belonging to the Prescott Chamber of Commerce stands out as an essential cornerstone. From fostering connections to amplifying voices, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in shaping the local business landscape and driving collective progress.

At its core, the Chamber serves as a unifying force, bringing together businesses of all sizes and sectors under one umbrella. This unity transcends mere membership; it cultivates a sense of belonging and solidarity among entrepreneurs and business owners.

In a bustling marketplace, where competition can be fierce, belonging to the Chamber provides a sense of community and support.

Networking lies at the heart of the Chamber’s value proposition. Through regular events, workshops and seminars, members have unparalleled opportunities to forge meaningful connections with fellow professionals, potential clients and industry leaders.

These networking avenues also spark innovation through the cross-pollination of ideas and expertise.

Moreover, belonging to the Chamber offers businesses a powerful platform for advocacy and representation. As a unified voice for the local business community, the Chamber champion’s issues that directly impact its members, ranging from regulatory challenges to economic development initiatives.

By leveraging collective influence, Chamber members can effectively shape policies and decisions that shape the business environment, ensuring a level playing field and fostering conditions conducive to growth and prosperity. Beyond advocacy, the Chamber

serves as a hub for resources and support services essential for business success. From educational programs to marketing assistance, members gain access to a wealth of tools and expertise designed to enhance their competitiveness and resilience.

Furthermore, belonging to the Chamber confers a stamp of credibility and trustworthiness upon businesses. As a recognized pillar of the community, the Chamber symbolizes integrity, professionalism and commitment to excellence. By displaying the Chamber logo and affiliating with its esteemed network, businesses signal to customers and partners their dedication to upholding the highest standards of ethics and quality.

The importance of belonging to the Prescott Chamber of Commerce cannot be overstated. It transcends mere membership dues, offering a myriad of tangible benefits that bolster the growth, resilience and reputation of businesses within the community.

Strengthening communities through charitable giving.

For over 45 years, the Arizona Community Foundation has supported nonprofits across our state by mobilizing the collective passion and generosity of thousands of Arizonans.

We are glad you feel inspired to give back to the organizations and institutions that work tirelessly to serve our communities. When you are ready to take the next step in your personal charitable giving journey, we are here to help you achieve your goals.

The Essential Role of Board Members

in Chamber Leadership

BY MARNIE UHL, PRESIDENT/CEO, PRESCOTT VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

In the intricate ecosystem of chambers of commerce, board members stand as pillars of strength, steering the ship of community development, economic growth and advocacy.

Their significance transcends mere titles: they are the heartbeat of chamber leadership. Here’s why they matter.

First and foremost, board members bring diverse expertise to the table. Comprising individuals from various sectors — business, academia, government or nonprofits — they offer a holistic perspective on community needs and economic trends. This diversity fosters innovation and ensures the chamber’s strategies are comprehensive and inclusive.

Moreover, board members are the primary link between the chamber and its stakeholders. Their extensive networks and influence amplify the chamber’s voice, garnering support for initiatives and policies that benefit the community.

Their ability to cultivate relationships with key decision-makers paves the way for impactful collaborations and legislative advocacy, which drives positive change.

Furthermore, board members serve as custodians of the chamber’s mission and values.

Grounded in a shared commitment to advancing the interests of businesses and fostering a vibrant community, they

provide strategic direction and uphold ethical standards. Their stewardship ensures the chamber remains true to its core principles while adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities. Additionally, board members play a pivotal role in resource mobilization.

Leveraging their financial acumen and fundraising prowess, they secure vital resources for the chamber’s operations and initiatives. Whether through corporate sponsorships,

membership investments or grants, their efforts sustain the chamber’s viability and enable it to deliver value to its constituents.

Essentially, board members are the linchpin of chamber leadership, driving vision, collaboration and impact. Their collective wisdom, influence and dedication empower chambers of commerce to fulfill their mission of driving economic prosperity and fostering a thriving community.

We are excited to introduce the 2024-2025 Prescott Valley Chamber Board of Directors

OFFICERS

Chairman Robert Houle, APS

1st Vice Chair Eric Strobel, State Farm

2nd Vice Chair Meredith Dunlap-Sterrett, National Bank

Treasurer Rick Jensen, Walmart

Secretary Robyn Hazlewood, Pet Headquarters

Past Chair Rodney Jenkins, Yavapai College

DIRECTORS

Frank Almendarez, Dignity Health YRMC

Steve Bracety, Grace Hospitality

Dr. David Frausto, Bradshaw Family Dental

Chief Scott Freitag, CAFMA

Christine Griffin, Humboldt Unified School District

Michael Menlove, Menlove Law

Diane Tenison, Pierce Property Management

Ex-Officio — Vice Mayor Lori Hunt, Town of Prescott Valley, and Brad Fain, Fain Signature Group

Explore Opportunities:

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, we’re here to help.

Tailored Services:

From personalized career coaching to resume workshops, we offer services to meet your needs.

Start Today: Your dream job is within reach – start your journey with ARIZONA@WORKYavapai County!

Serving, Solving, Sustaining

Rick Ohanesian, MD

Jeffrey Osburn, MD

Katie Campuzano, MD

AnnMarie Massimo, NP

Victoria Cahill, NP

Danita Napier, NP

Brittany Peña, NP

Marilyn Martindale

Karen Shaw

Ryan Stringham

Fernando Mendigutia

Daryl Weisser

Sheila Zaput

Gary Gromer

•

•

•

•

Veterinary

Advanced

Electrical

Legal

Pre-Engineering

Automotive

Early

Culinary

Legal

Categories:

• Assisted Living

• Audiology

• Chiropractor

• Cosmetic Surgery

• Day Spa

• Dentist

• Dermatologist

• Eye Clinic

Bestof HEALTH

• Family Practice

• Health Equipment & Supplies

• Health-related Training Classes

• Holistic Practice

• Hospital/Clinic

• Massage

• Medical Spa

• Mental Health Facility

• Nursing Home

• Optometrist

• Orthodontist

• Permanent Makeup

• Pharmacy

• Recovery Center

MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY AT WILSON AESTHETICS

At Wilson Aesthetics, we’ve crafted a welcoming environment designed to melt away your stresses. Our philosophy goes beyond skin-deep; we focus on holistic care that nurtures both the skin and the individual. Our mission isn’t just about appearing youthful or feeling invigorated— it’s about fostering a transformative lifestyle from the inside out. Trust in our team of skilled medical professionals, nurses, and aestheticians to design a personalized antiaging and skin health regimen tailored just for you.

SERVICES

Botox/Dysport • Morpheus8

IV Therapy • Filler • Hydrafacial

PRF/PRP Injections • DiamondGlow

Women’s Health • Hormone Therapy

Laser Hair Removal • IPL

Semaglutide Weight Loss

B12 Injections • Body/Skin Tightening

BRANDS

Skinbetter Science • ZO Skin Health

Colorescience • LilFox • Epicutis

OSEA • Anfisa • Epionce • Alastin

Face Reality • Hydrinity • GlyMed Plus

CONTACT

HELLO@WILSONAESTHETICSAZ.COM

928.350.5484

@WILSONAESTHETICSAZ

WWW.WILSONAESTHETICSAZ.COM

Bestof PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

• Accountant

• Bank/Credit Union

• Barber Shop

• Caterer

• Computer Repair

• Dry Cleaners/Laundry

• Event Planner

• Financial Planner

• Hair Salon

• Insurance Provider

• Law Firm

• Media Company

• Moving Company

• Nail Salon

• Photographer

• Print Shop

•

•

•

•

•

•

• Men’s Clothing Store

• Pawn Shop

• Shopping Center

• Sporting Goods

• Thrift Store

• Toy Store

• Women’s Clothing Store

•

Willow Lake

Photo by Karen Shaw

Tank Tops, the Foundation of Cool Summer Style

Whether lounging at home, hitting the gym or stepping out for a casual meet-up, tank tops offer a perfect blend of comfort and style for women and men.

Experiment with different combinations and accessories to discover what works best for you, ensuring both comfort and style in the hotter months.

The Best Fit For Women

Think about your body type and find the top that best complements it. Those with hourglass figures can take advantage of cinched-waist tanks, those with a rectangular one can gravitate toward ruffles or intricate details to add definition and add curves, while apple shapes can rock a looser-fitting tank that draws the eye down to the hips.

For Men

Opt for a tank top that fits you well. It should be snug around the shoulders and chest without being too tight — up to a half-inch of give is a good idea so any perspiration won’t be easily seen.

Men with athletic builds should choose more form-fitting tanks while those who are slimmer or heavier can benefit from slightly looser garments.

For Women: Effortless Style Casual Looks

The quintessential summer look for many women includes pairing a tank top with denim shorts or a breezy skirt. This combination not only is comfortable but also stylish.

Choose a form-fitting tank top and highwaisted shorts for a beach-ready outfit, or a flowy one with a patterned skirt for a day out in the city. Complete the look with open-toe sandals or sneakers.

Chic and Elegant

For a more polished look, layer a plain or subtly textured tank top under a blazer or cardigan. Choosing a textured skirt or slacks to add more contrast and interest to your ensemble is ideal for cooler evenings or a smart-casual office environment.

Accessorize with a long pendant necklace or a pair of statement earrings to elevate the outfit. High heels or fashionable flats can complement this chic appearance.

Sporty Vibes

Athletic tank tops made from moisturewicking materials are great for those who want to combine fashion with functionality, and they offer a great opportunity to inject your look with a smash hit of color.

Pair them with leggings or sports shorts for a morning run or a yoga session. A pair of sporty sneakers and a sleek ponytail can complete this active yet stylish look.

For Men: Cool Confidence Casual Streetwear

Men can embrace tank tops as part of their streetwear ensemble by pairing them with cargo shorts or comfortable joggers. Choose tank tops in solid colors or with bold prints to make a statement. Sneakers and a casual watch can complete this laid-back look.

Love Local

A Dream by Day

721 E. Sheldon St.

Prescott

928.710.4753

www.adreambyday.com

Aboost Wellness and Salon

543 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.910.4111

www.aboostwellness.com

Artisan Aesthetics and Wellness

3619 Crossings Dr., Ste. A

Prescott

928.515.3096

www.artisanaesthetics.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

Prescott Skin Care

1000 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. G

Prescott

928.275.1121

www.prescottskin.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

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 Restoration

720 N. Montezuma St., Ste. C

Prescott 928.589.6976

www.skinrestorationinprescott.com

Skin Works at

Advanced Plastic Surgery 1615 Petroglyph Pointe Dr.

Prescott

602.931.5462

www.skinworksbyconnie.com

Sola Salons 1046 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. 105

Prescott

402.680.1206

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

Strada Salon 931 12th Pl.

Prescott 928.778.2028 www.stradasalonaz.com

Studio ROX

720 N. Montezuma St., Ste. A

Prescott 928.351.1555

www.studio-rox.com

The 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

Good Scalp Care Rooted in Good Hair

It’s easy to obsess about our hair because it’s so obvious. Its presence, or lack thereof, is easy to get wrapped up in and treat with shampoo, conditioner, styling products and anything else that’ll stick.

But too many of us overlook taking care of the scalp. We tend to assume it’s doing fine unless it’s actively itching or flaking, but there are plenty of reasons to give it some TLC.

Promotes hair growth

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. Nourishing the scalp helps to ensure that hair follicles are strong and can support robust hair growth.

Prevents hair loss

Issues like dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can lead to hair thinning and loss. Regular scalp care helps prevent these conditions and reduces hair loss.

Eliminates dandruff

Proper scalp maintenance can help control and prevent flaking and itching associated with dandruff by regulating oil production and reducing fungal growth.

Enhances hair texture, shine

A well-maintained scalp supports the health of the hair shaft, leading to smoother, shinier hair.

Reduces oiliness and dryness

Balancing the scalp’s pH and sebum production through regular cleaning and care can prevent it from becoming too oily or too dry.

There are many easy ways to shore up your scalp health, and most have a direct effect on your hair too.

Regular washing

Wash your hair regularly to remove buildup of oil, skin cells and hair products. The frequency depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but generally, washing every two to three days is recommended for most people.

Use the right products

Choose shampoos and conditioners suited for your hair type and scalp condition. For example, use antidandruff shampoos if you struggle with flaking and itching or hydrating formulas if you have a dry scalp.

Scalp massage

Regularly massage your scalp to stimulate circulation, which enhances hair growth and vitality. This can be done during washing or when applying oil.

Clarifying shampoo

If you use a lot of styling products that are building up on your scalp, clarifying shampoo once or twice a month is a wise idea.

Brush your hair

Every time you do this you pull the sebum and oil your scalp naturally produces down through your hair, a major reason why it looks so much better after you brush it.

Maintain a healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports scalp health.

Vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for hair and scalp health.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Try to minimize the use of harsh chemical treatments, such as perms, relaxers and certain dyes that can damage the scalp and hair.

Protect from the elements

Shield your scalp from excessive sun exposure and harsh weather conditions by wearing hats and using leave-in products with UV protection.

Keep hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps to hydrate the skin and scalp from the inside out, promoting overall health.

Love Local

Your Guide to Local Style and Services

Afterglow Jewelers

7025 E. Florentine Rd., Ste. 106

Prescott Valley

928.515.3552

www.afterglowjewelers.com

Artful Eye Jewelry Design Center

124 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.445.5570

www.artfuleyejewelers.com

Bashford Courts

130 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.642.7984

www.bashfordcourts.com

Black Arrow Jewelry & Art

124 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

800.621.6668

www.blackarrowgallery.com

Classy N Sassy

220 W. Goodwin St., No. 3

Prescott

928.776.7467

Creations in Thread

1046 Willow Creek Rd., Ste. 101

Prescott

928.800.2270

www.creationsinthread.com

Drawn West

134 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.778.5725

www.drawnwestaz.com

Drifters

130 W. Gurley St., Ste. 101

Prescott

928.458.7131

Fancy That!

124 N. Granite St., No. A

Prescott

928.445.1883

www.fancythatprescott.com

Fite Girls Boutique

210 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.445.3524

French Hen Boutique

108 N. Montezuma St. Prescott 928.445.3424

Gypsy Vibes Boutique

105 E. Gurley St. Prescott

928.583.9554

www.gypsyvibesboutique.com

Lamerson's Jewelery

105 N. Cortez St. Prescott

928.771.0921

www.lamersonsjewelry.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

Raskin's Jewelers

110 W. Gurley St.

Prescott

928.445.6120

www.raskinsjewelers.com

Scarlett’s Curated Collection

107 N. Cortez St.

Prescott

928.227.2581 www.scarlettsinprescott.com

SugarPine

1235 Willow Creek Rd.

Prescott 928.717.2233

www.sugarpineaz.com

The Clothes Hound

122 S. Montezuma St.

Prescott 928.771.0811

www.clotheshoundclothingco.com

The Hike Shack

104 N. Montezuma St.

Prescott

928.443.8565 www.thehikeshack.com

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

Foods Can Help Anti -Inflammatory

The problem:

Chronic inflammation can arise from incomplete recovery from an infection that causes acute inflammation (the body’s immune response), autoimmune disorders, pollutants and other irritants and other causes. Certain foods can contribute to inflammation, including sugar, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, processed meat and excessive alcohol.

Research has shown the constant stress of this kind of low-grade inflammation on the body contributes to heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses.

The solution:

While there are many drugs on the market to combat inflammation, you can first take other, more natural approaches such as bringing more antiinflammatory foods into your diet.

These generally contain high levels of at least one important nutrient that fights inflammation, such as fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats.

Some of the specific foods that fight inflammation with these and other chemical compounds include:

Cruciferous vegetables — broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, collard greens, bok choy, radishes, turnips.

Other vegetables — sweet potatoes, squash, artichoke, peppers, beets, leafy greens.

Fruits — pomegranates, tomatoes, berries, cherries, apples, guava, plums and prunes, avocado, oranges, grapefruit, watermelon, pineapple.

Whole grains — whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, farro, popcorn, barley, buckwheat.

Nuts and seeds — walnuts, almonds, peanuts, flaxseed, chia seeds.

Proteins — salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, beans, chickpeas, grass-fed animals and dairy, high-quality eggs and cheese.

Drinks, herbs and spices — coffee, tea (especially green tea), turmeric, ginger, garlic.

Need Sleep? Don't Touch These B efore B ed

Sleep seems to get more important to our health every time somebody decides to study its benefits. It’s enough to make you lose sleep over trying to get enough sleep.

But there’s one easy way to improve your sleep quality — avoid foods known to interfere with sleep when consumed too close to bedtime. The right cutoff time varies between foods and people, but all of these should be avoided for a minimum of two to three hours before you plan to go to sleep.

Large amounts of anything

Big meals naturally take longer for your body to process than smaller ones. Shifting more of your calories to lunch could be a big help with getting to sleep.

Heavy, fried or greasy foods

Your body will be digesting these well into the night if you eat them too close to bedtime, raising the odds of indigestion and other issues that disturb your sleep.

High water-content foods

Watermelon, cucumber and others in this category can be sneakier than water itself because we’re less aware of their ability to fill our bladders and wake us up in the middle of the night.

Alcohol

It’s almost as famous for disrupting sleep as it is for inducing it. It may seem to

help initially but messes with our sleep cycles later on and reduces overall REM sleep.

Caffeine

This is the big one, a stimulant that nobody expects to aid with sleep (and it doesn’t). Remember that it can show up in unexpected sources like desserts, non-cola sodas, pain medications, weight-loss pills, and it’s been added to some of the foods you’d least suspect — oatmeal, sunflower seeds.

Carbonated beverages

Even without caffeine, these can cause indigestion that will keep you up and have the same effect on your bladder or any other drink, when consumed to excess.

Acidic foods

Lowering your stomach’s overall production of acid cuts down on acid reflux and related issues. This is a big group including alcohol, soda and carbonated drinks, grains, sugary foods and some dairy and meat products.

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Develop Leaders FOR DIVERSE FIELDS 4-H, FFA Clubs

BY NANCY DEWITT, OWNER, PATRIOT PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

4-H and FFA, which have roots that stretch back a century, still offer students timeless instruction in agriculture-related subjects, often highlighting skills that will be applicable to any career they end up pursuing.

These national organizations are structured differently and focus on different age groups but teach lessons and skills applicable to all aspects of life including leadership, public speaking, writing, networking and organization.

4-H: Projects are based on interests 4-H is a part of the nationwide Cooperative Extension program, which is operated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its partnerships with universities and county offices in all 50 states.

Natalie Olson, outreach specialist for 4-H youth development at the Yavapai County Cooperative Extension Office, says with 6 million members 4-H is the largest youth development organization in North America. About 300 students participated countywide as of spring 2024, “which is more than twice what we had enrolled this time last year,” she adds.

4-H has programs for children ages 5 to 19, Olson says, but the largest share are 9 to 12 years old, along with some “senior” members who are 14 to 18 and may also be taking FFA classes in high school.

Olson says “one of the biggest misconceptions about 4-H is that kids have to raise an animal in order to

participate. Basically, any interest/ passion can become a 4-H project, whether it’s cake decorating, gardening, woodworking or rocketry.

“If there’s an interested youth and a volunteer willing to lead, then it can become a project. Some of the more popular projects in our county include livestock (rabbits, poultry, swine, goats, sheep, beef/dairy cow, to name a few), shooting sports, sewing, robotics and blacksmithing,”

For more information or to sign up visit www.extension.arizona.edu/4h/ yavapai or email yc4h@arizona.edu with questions. Enrollment opens Aug. 1, and the 4-H year runs from October to September.

FFA: Classes, competitions teach productivity

Officially known by its initials rather than its onetime name of Future Farmers of America, FFA is an intracurricular student organization for grades 7 to 12, which means students must be enrolled in at least one agricultural career technical education (CTE) class to join.

Miles Holder, FFA teacher and adviser at Chino Valley High School, says anyone who attends ag classes on campus, including homeschooled students, can join the Chino Valley chapter. The school had about 150 students enrolled in the classes and about 40 of those actively participating in FFA events this spring.

“We have your typical ‘ag’ students, but we also have students who know nothing about agriculture,” Holder says. “Those students learn that ag isn’t just about ‘sows and plows.’ Agriculture has many different career paths that work for everyone.”

Competition is at the core of FFA’s Career and Leadership Development Events, held at the local, state and national levels, and which involve any one of 25 topics, from agricultural communication to veterinary science.

Holder says the most important skills students pick up through these contests are “learning to speak to judges, how to work as a team and how to take defeat and be humble when they win.”

His FFA students participate in many community events over the course of the year, including the Chino Valley FFA Corn Dinner on Labor Day weekend during Territorial Days, the Unified Rodeo, Yavapai Cattle Growers Calf Sale, FFA roping in May and many more events.

Two more schools in Greater Prescott have FFA chapters: Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center in Prescott Valley and Mayer High School.

Sponsored by Patriot Pest & Termite Control Education Directory

UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES

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

Northern Arizona University - Prescott Campus 1100 E. Sheldon St. Prescott 928.523.2988 www.nau.edu/statewidecampuses/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 No. 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 P.O. 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

Prescott Mile High Middle School

Prescott Unified School District

300 S. Granite St. Prescott 928.717.3241

www.prescottschools.com/ pmhms

HIGH SCHOOLS

Aspire High School

Yavapai Accomodation School District No. 99

2970 Centerpointe E. 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

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-8

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

Mingus Springs Charter School K-8

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

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

Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy 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 Grades 7-12 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 www.sacredhearteducation.com

Trinity Christian School K-12 1212 Warrior Way Prescott 928.445.6306 www.trinitychristianaz.com

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Highlight your school to the community with an ad in our Education Section. The section will run in every issue of Prescott LIVING magazine and will include a directory listing with your school’s logo and name in bold. Every issue, the education section is sponsored by a local company that strongly

Sacred Heart Catholic School

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

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

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

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

Each student is valued as an individual and we celebrate the unique qualities he or she brings to our

MICTED Veterinary Assistant Program Launches Careers A DINNER, AN IDEA, A PROGRAM

BY MICHAEL S. ELLEGOOD, PE, PRESIDENT, YAVAPAI COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION

It all started over a dinner table conversation with my wife, the current president of the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS), who was lamenting about the lack of available and qualified staff to help care for the dozens of dogs, cats, horses and other pets and livestock that had been surrendered to the care of YHS.

I suggested a joint effort between YHS and our own Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District (MICTED) might be able to provide a source of technically trained and certified animal welfare staff while providing students with a hands-on opportunity to work with animals.

Perhaps, I suggested, a conversation with Bill Stiteler, Superintendent of MICTED, might be in order.

The very next day we visited the annual Yavapai County Home and Garden show

and, to our delight, found Bill manning the MICTED booth. The seed was planted. A meeting the following week with Rich McClish, the Executive Director of YHS, launched the partnership.

Bill did some homework, found there was student interest and a need for a veterinary assistant training program in western Yavapai County. Graduates could find work not only at YHS but in veterinarian offices and other animal rescue organizations in Yavapai County.

Over the next year, extensive planning and organization took place. YHS made the underused spay and neuter clinic facility available for a training laboratory while MICTED began the design and construction of a classroom facility adjacent to the YHS facility (still in design process).

Heather Andrews joined MICTED to help develop and teach the program, and she

and Christine Campbell of YHS jointly worked on curriculum development to meet rigorous national standards for certification. This work culminated in a program that opened with 14 students in fall 2023, with a current enrollment of 24 for fall 2024-25 classes.

While in the program, students receive 2.5 high school credits, 120 hours of clinical rotations and are tested to be awarded an industry certification of Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA). All of the MICTED students passed the state Technical Skills Assessment for Veterinary Assisting in April.

Graduates can go on to Pima Medical Institute that has a certified Veterinary Technology program where they can earn their credentials as CVTs, Certified Veterinary Technicians, while earning an associate’s degree. The MICTED program can provide approximately 50% of the coursework.

Household Tasks are TEACHABLE MOMENTS FOR TEENS

Regularly taking care of chores and tasks helps to foster kids’ independence and teach valuable life skills. Whether they’ll actually want to do any of this, though, is a different matter entirely — especially once they hit the rebelliousness of adolescence.

Getting them on board may take some negotiation, like requiring them to complete chores before they can have access to video gaming or the car.

You may not want to pay them to take care of things they really should be doing on their own like cleaning their room or doing laundry, but compensating them for babysitting, heavier yard work or other jobs you might otherwise hire someone else to do can be a good middle ground.

Rotating chores periodically provides variety and prevents boredom.

Here are some good, age-appropriate chores to consider:

Ages 13-15

Cleaning their bedroom

Making the bed, tidying up belongings and vacuuming or sweeping the floor.

Folding and putting away laundry

Teach them to sort clothes, fold them neatly and organize them in drawers or closets.

Setting and clearing the table

They can assist with setting the table before meals and clearing dishes afterward.

Loading and unloading the dishwasher

Show them how to properly load dishes and unload them once clean.

Watering plants

Assign the task of watering indoor or outdoor plants on a regular schedule.

Feeding pets

If you have pets, they can take responsibility for feeding them and ensuring they have water.

Ages 16-18

Yard work

Teens can mow the lawn, rake leaves, weed flower beds or shovel snow, depending on the season.

Grocery shopping

Allow them to accompany you to the store and help with selecting items from the list.

Cleaning bathrooms

Teach them how to clean toilets, sinks, mirrors and floors.

Cooking meals

Encourage them to help with meal preparation, whether it’s cooking simple dishes or assisting with more complex recipes.

Running errands

They can pick up items from the store, drop off packages at the post office or handle other errands as needed.

Basic home maintenance

Show them how to change light bulbs, replace air filters or perform minor repairs.

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically."

—Martin Luther King Jr.

SPONSORED

BY

PATRIOT PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

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

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

Protect Pets Play it Safe to from Summer Heat

Because we’re so close to the unforgiving desert heat of Southern Arizona we can sometimes lose perspective on how hot it can get up here in Greater Prescott. In July 2023 it hit 100 degrees or higher on seven days in Prescott.

While most humans can cope with these temperatures, it’s much easier for our pets to overheat.

Dogs and cats have few sweat glands, and most of those they are on their paws. Both pant to cool off, and cats lick their fur to stay cool, which helps up to a point.

Here’s how to get them through the summer.

Get them vet-approved

If your pet hasn’t been seen by a veterinarian lately it’s a good idea to get them checked out, especially if you’re planning to take them on outdoor activities longer than a short walk.

Provide water

Place bowls in multiple locations throughout the yard and consider doing so inside the house, especially if your home has no air conditioning or it’s unreliable.

Consider using cat fountains.

Keep it chill indoors

Reliable air conditioning is the key to maintaining comfort and safety for people and pets. Fans can make them feel cooler, but they don’t need to be run all day and night.

If one room they hang out in is particularly hot, consider hanging blackout curtains in the window.

Never leave pets alone in the car

Not even with the a/c running or the window open. Engines can shut down abruptly while idling, air conditioners

can malfunction, thieves can try to steal vehicles that are running. Anything unexpected can turn deadly.

Limit outdoor activity

Keep your pets indoors or at least limit their time outside during the hottest parts of the day, generally between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or longer on hotter days with temperatures of 85 to 90 degrees.

Groom, but don’t shave

Keeping your pet brushed or groomed will remove excess hair and keep their

body temperature regulated, but in most cases shaving them for the summer is a bad idea because their coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.

Make sure any sunscreen you use on them is labeled for animal use.

Supervise pets around water

Don’t lose sight of them if you take them to a pool, lake or beach. Bring water; don’t let them drink from the body of water. Have them wear flotation devices while on boats.

YOU Pets

Try cooling pads

These are filled with gel with molecules that absorb heat from dogs and cats (and people) that lie on top of them, keeping them comfortable for hours at a time before “recharging” once the occupant moves.

Protect at-risk pets

Older, ill and obese pets are more vulnerable to heatstroke, as are breeds with flatter faces including pugs, bulldogs (including French bulldogs), boxers, shih tzus and Persian cats. Take further precautions with these animals, keeping them inside as much as possible.

Know the warning signs

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive panting or drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, erratic pulse, dry gums that are white or pale, sudden confusion or low energy. If you have a thermometer, beware rectal temperature over 103 degrees.

Act quickly

If your pet begins exhibiting these symptoms immediately move them inside or to a shaded area, wet them down with cool water and give them some fresh water to drink while you’re seeking medical attention or driving them to a veterinary office or hospital.

Plunging them into ice or ice-cold water can cause shock to the system, so avoid doing this unless you have no other options.

What Do Pets Bring to Our Lives?

BY LOREE WALDEN, MARKETING MANAGER, YAVAPAI HUMANE SOCIETY

The first thing is unconditional love. We’ve all heard the saying that “A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than it loves itself,” and I believe that with all my heart. They have such an amazing connection with us, feeling our moods and emotions and knowing just what we need at the right time.

They know we are going to take care of them and love them and our reward is them actually taking care of and loving us! Some people think there isn’t that kind of connection with a cat, but I disagree. Cats are extremely tuned in to our emotions too, knowing what we need and providing us with head butts, cuddles, purrs and love.

The second thing is friendship.

Our pets provide the truest form of friendship; they never lie to us or betray us, never tell our secrets and never judge us by what we look like or what job we have. They’re always there when we need to talk or vent about our day or something that happened, and just by doing that it always seems to make everything better.

They truly are the best therapists out there. It’s hard to be in a bad mood when you’re with your furry family members!

The third thing is a healthy heart and healthier lifestyle.

People with pets tend to be healthier because they are more active going out for walks and playing with their dogs. Pets help to lower blood

pressure, heart rates and cholesterol levels. They provide companionship to ease loneliness and help with PTSD.

If you’re looking for unconditional love, friendship and a chance to change a life (yours and theirs), think about adopting a new pet who will provide you with all this and more!

Visit www.yavapaihumane.org to learn about Yavapai Humane Society and all the animals looking to find their furever homes!

Writer Anne Lamott said, “My idea of absolute happiness is to be in bed on a rainy day with my blankie, my cat, and my dog.”

We couldn’t agree more!

Transitional Kitchens Strike B alance between Styles, Rooms

BY BLAKE HERZOG

You may have heard the term “transitional style” come up while reading about interior decorating trends and puzzled over what it could mean.

The key is to move past the “temporary” implications of the word and think of furniture, appliances and design choices that straddle the lines between traditional and modern or contemporary approaches to create a timeless, functional and stylish space.

The result is a kitchen that feels very much your own, not overly tied to nostalgia for the past or projections about the future.

Transitional style works especially well for open-concept kitchens and floor plans because it makes it easier to tie it into patterns and themes seen elsewhere in the house.

It calls for a reduction of clutter, so you’ll want to make sure you have adequate storage capacity.

If you’re aiming for décor that draws from the best of all worlds, consider taking these steps:

Color scheme

Choose neutral color palettes such as creams, whites, grays or beiges as the foundation of your kitchen. These colors provide a versatile backdrop that can be accented with bolder hues or natural elements like wood. Blacks or deep blues can work as a complementary contrast to lighter shades.

Appliances

If you’re really starting from scratch and buying new appliances anyway, stainless steel is the finish most associated with transitional kitchens,

but whites or beiges could work, or it could even be where you slot your black elements if you’re trying to work those in.

Cabinetry

Look for Shaker-style cabinets with clean lines and simple hardware. You can choose wood cabinets stained in rich tones like cherry or maple for a traditional touch or go for painted cabinets in neutral colors for a more contemporary look.

Countertops

Select durable, timeless and low-maintenance materials like quartz, granite or slate for your countertops. These materials offer both functionality and elegance, fitting well within transitional style kitchens — particularly when they have a consistent color, without obvious veining or patterns.

Backsplash

Incorporate a backsplash that adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. Subway or mosaic tiles in neutral tones are popular choices. You also can experiment with geometric patterns or textured tiles for a modern twist or a slab that matches your countertop for ease of cleaning.

Flooring

Choose hardwood flooring or wood-plank tile for a warm and inviting feel. Lighter wood tones can brighten up the space, while darker hues add depth and richness.

Lighting

Install a mix of ambient, task and accent lighting to create a well-lit and functional kitchen. Pendant lights above the island or sink area can add a touch of drama and elegance, while recessed lighting provides ample illumination throughout the space.

Fixtures

Select faucets and cabinet or drawer hardware that strike a balance between traditional and contemporary styles. For example, brushed nickel or matte black faucets and hardware can complement both classic and modern elements in the kitchen.

Furniture and accessories

Incorporate furniture pieces and accessories that blend traditional and contemporary aesthetics. For instance, you can add upholstered bar stools with clean lines or a farmhouse-style dining table paired with sleek, modern chairs.

Details

Pay attention to the finer details such as moldings, trim work and architectural elements. Keep these touches subtle, without a lot of fussy ornamentation, and they can enhance the overall elegance and sophistication of your kitchen.

Personalization

Finally, don’t forget to add your personal touch to the design. Whether it’s displaying artwork, incorporating decorative accents or adding pops of color through accessories, infusing your personality into the space will make it feel truly yours.

Find your Backyard's B est Shade

If you have a home in the Prescott area, you want to spend some serious time in the backyard over the summer.

The spectacular mountain climate will inevitably draw everyone in the house outside to enjoy the breeze, watch the birds and other wildlife, play games and enjoy fresh, home-cooked food off the grill.

But the intense Arizona sun can be a problem, unless you’re lucky enough to have shade trees providing relief at the precise spots you want to sit and relax. If you aren’t there are a few alternatives that can offer the protection you’ll need to fully embrace the warm-weather outdoor lifestyle.

Pergolas

These versatile structures provide partial shade while adding architectural interest to your backyard.

You can install a pergola over a patio or deck and cover it with fabric, retractable shades or climbing plants.

Shade sails

Shade sails are triangular or rectangular pieces of fabric stretched between anchor points to create shade. They come in various sizes, shapes and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your backyard while providing effective sun protection.

Umbrellas

Patio umbrellas are a popular and versatile option for shading specific areas of your backyard, such as outdoor dining or seating areas. Choose a sturdy umbrella with a tilting or adjustable canopy for maximum flexibility.

Arbors and trellises

These can provide shade while adding

beauty and charm to your backyard. You can train climbing plants like vines or roses to grow over them, creating natural shade and a lush, green environment.

Outdoor curtains

Installing outdoor curtains or drapes can add a touch of elegance to your backyard while providing shade and privacy. Choose weather-resistant fabrics and install curtain rods or wires to hang the curtains from pergolas, arbors or other structures.

Retractable awnings

Retractable awnings can be mounted to the exterior of your home or installed freestanding to provide shade over patios, decks or windows. They offer the flexibility to extend or retract the awning as needed, allowing you to control the amount of shade. These can be pricier than other options, however.

Growing 5 Different Garden Lavenders

BY KEN LAIN, THE MOUNTAIN GARDENER, WATTERS GARDEN CENTER

Lavenders can be overwhelming with at least 17 mountain hardy varieties. With this simple guide, you will be a garden expert on this fragrant mountain herb.

Purple an expert can spot

Lavenders grown in the mountains of Arizona are grouped into six main types: English, French, Spanish, Sweet, Fern leaf and Lavandin.

There are others, but these are the most robust and popular varieties found seasonally at your garden center.

English lavender is the wonderfully fragrant lavender commonly dried for sachets and decorations. English lavender forms a mounding shrub from 8 inches to 2 feet tall, with gray-green, smooth-edged foliage.

The bloom period is from late spring to mid-summer.

French lavender blooms most of the growing season in sunny Arizona gardens; it’s an irregular shrub reaching 3 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide. The leaves are toothed in green or gray. The flowers are purple, with two little “rabbit ear” petals on top.

Goodwin Creek is the most popular hybrid at the garden center, with lightly toothed, very silver leaves and dark, violet-blue flowers that bloom continually.

Spanish lavender has small, silvergreen leaves and chubby flowers with pronounced “rabbit ear” petals. Many new varieties have large and

prominently contrasting “ears” (2-4) of purple, black-purple, cream and white.

Plants mound from 18 inches to about knee-high and equally wide. As pretty as it is fragrant.

Sweet lavender enjoys the hottest parts of the landscape. Very, very heat tolerant, these lavenders have flowers on tall, wiry stems. Most flowers are bright, violet-blue, thin and narrow. Shrubs can reach just above knee height and wide and bloom all summer.

The fragrance is mustier than English lavender.

Fern-leaf lavender is a unique variety with cut and divided leaves, hence the name. With brighter green foliage than

others, the flowers are branched and held very high on tall stalks that dance in the mountain breeze. This lavender blooms the entire growing season from spring through autumn. Shrubs reach 2 feet tall by 3 feet wide and require little pruning.

It looks great planted in containers where the fragrance greets their gardener upon each return.

Growing Better Lavender

All lavenders like growing in the sunny parts of Prescott and the surrounding cities with well-drained soil. This is one of the few herbs that stays green through winter with the added benefit of being extremely animal resistive.

Feed this plant twice monthly to bring out the color and fragrance.

Most varieties do not like a lot of water or clay soil, for that matter. These guys are tough. It is the main reason they make such good container plants. Too much water kills more lavenders than under watering, so err on neglect rather than loving this plant to death.

Cut lavenders back by shearing foliage by a third right after flowering to keep them tidy and neat.

There... wasn’t that easy? You are now an expert on all things lavender.

Insider Flower Tip

To successfully cultivate lavender, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, as lavender thrives in bright sunlight and dry conditions. A helpful tip is to incorporate sand or gravel into your soil mix to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and prune regularly to encourage bushier growth. With these simple steps, you'll have a flourishing lavender plant in no time.

Canopy Beds PROVIDE ENCHANTMENT for All Ages

Canopy beds, with their grand structure and elegant drapes, are seeing a renaissance as more traditional and classic styles come back into vogue.

They can transform any ordinary room into a whimsical retreat or a sophisticated sanctuary.

The Adult’s Room

Focus on creating a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere with:

Soothing colors

Choose muted colors like cream, beige, light grays or pastels. These shades promote relaxation and easily blend with different design aesthetics and can be accented with bolder colors to provide interest.

Elegant fabrics

Silk or velvet drapes add a touch of luxury and can dramatically change the look of your canopy bed.

Thicker materials create a sense of privacy and warmth while gauzier fabrics exude airiness and filter the light.

Incorporate textured layers

Add layers to your bed with various textures. Use a knitted blanket, a high-quality duvet and enough throw pillows to make the bed inviting and comfortable.

Understated décor

Keep the surrounding accessories simple and elegant, so they complement the bed. A pair of nightstands, a plush rug and soft lighting enhance the sophisticated feel without overwhelming the space. A piece of art or a sculptural element adds personality to the room.

The Child’s Room

Use your own and your child’s imagination to build a world of their own.

Themed decorations

Whether it’s a princess fairy tale, a jungle adventure or a space exploration theme, the canopy can be styled to fit the narrative.

Bright colors

Play with vibrant shades that coordinate with your child’s favorite cartoons, movies or video games. Think of pastel pinks, bold blues or lively greens and yellows that spark imaginative play.

Fun fabrics

Use lightweight and playful fabrics for the drapes. Patterns like stars, clouds, cars or favorite cartoon characters can make bedtime exciting for kids.

Interactive elements

Hang fairy lights or paper lanterns around the canopy for a magical touch. You can also add a soft play mat or a small tent underneath for a daytime play area.

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

SWITCH OUT YOUR FAUCET to Switch Up your Kitchen

When thinking about a kitchen makeover, many homeowners go straight to the large-scale investments like cabinetry or appliances. However, smaller details can also make a significant impact.

One such detail is the kitchen faucet, an often-overlooked feature that can redefine the space’s aesthetics and functionality.

Here’s how a new faucet can transform the look of your kitchen.

Aesthetic appeal

The right faucet can serve as a stunning focal point in your kitchen. Modern designs offer sleek and sophisticated styles, ranging from minimalist taps to elegant, vintage-inspired fixtures.

For a contemporary look, consider a high-arc faucet with a stainless steel or matte black finish. These faucets not only look clean and modern but also

blend well with various color schemes and design elements.

For those with a taste for the traditional, faucets with more ornate designs and finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or polished brass can add a touch of classic elegance. These styles complement natural materials like wood or marble, enhancing the overall warmth and charm of the kitchen.

Functionality and efficiency

Today’s faucets go beyond aesthetics. Features like pull-down sprayers, touchless operation and water filtration systems not only are convenient but also promote sustainable living. For instance, touchless faucets can reduce water waste by automatically shutting off when not in use, and filtration systems can protect your family’s health.

“Smart” faucets with voice activation can be even more efficient by dispensing the exact amount of water you ask for!

Enhanced usability

Ergonomics play a crucial role in the design of modern faucets. A wellchosen faucet can greatly enhance the kitchen’s usability.

Models with swivel spouts or pull-out spray heads make it easier to handle large pots and pans, rinse produce and clean the sink area efficiently.

The height and reach of the faucet also should be considered to avoid splashing and ensure the faucet meets the needs of all users, including children and those with limited mobility.

Easy updates

Unlike many other kitchen upgrades, replacing a faucet is relatively simple. Many modern faucets are designed with easy installation systems that homeowners can manage as a DIY project for an affordable kitchen makeover.

Easy Projects Can Boost your Home’s Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Enhancing your property’s exterior doesn’t have to be a costly or time-consuming project. With a few simple updates, you can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal, whether you’re looking ahead to putting it on the market or simply want to update the façade that greets you as you arrive at home.

Refresh your front door

As the focal point of your home’s exterior, the front door sets the tone for the rest of the property. Giving it a fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve your home’s appearance.

Choose a bold color that contrasts with the walls or siding to make it pop, or select a more subdued hue that complements the windows and trim for a cohesive look.

Adding new hardware — like a shiny new doorknob or a stylish knocker — also can enhance the door’s appeal.

Update the lighting

Replacing old, outdated light fixtures is a quick way to modernize your home’s exterior.

Whether it’s elegant lanterns for a traditional look or sleek, modern designs for a contemporary home, new lighting not only enhances your home’s aesthetics but also improves safety and visibility at night.

Add container plants

If you don’t have the time or money to overhaul your landscaping, enhance it with large and small potted plants, planted window boxes, wreaths and other less time-intensive projects. These can be used to either draw the

eye up to the house or down to the yard, depending on which you want to emphasize.

Upgrade your mailbox

An often overlooked detail, the mailbox can either enhance or detract from your home’s overall appeal. If your mailbox is rusty or outdated, replace it with a new one that complements your home’s style. You can also plant a small garden or add decorative stones for a more charming look.

Power wash the exterior

Dirt and grime can accumulate on your home’s exterior over time, making it look dull and neglected. Rent or purchase a power washer to clean your siding, driveway, walkways and decks.

This can brighten up your property instantly, making it look well cared for.

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• Soil-Plus™ 7-0-0 Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener, Conditioner

• Nutra-Plus™ 8-2-4 Liquid Multi-Purpose Fertilizer

• Arbor-Plus™ 6-2-3 Tree and Shrub, Root Feed, and Foliar Blend

• BioFeeder® S-Series Automatic Fertilizer Injectors

• Amino-Carbon Technology® (ACT) Base Additive – In Every Bottle

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Luxury Apartments

• Any Grass or Season. Treat Compact Soils, Standing Water, Poor Drainage

• Promotes Growth of Flowers, Fruit, Plants, Trees, Shrubs, and Turf

• Quicker Healing, Deep-Root growth, stronger vertical/horizontal growth

• Tested, Proven and Durable Stainless Steel Automatic Injectors

• Proprietary, Organic Molecules That Mimic Nature’s Nutrient Delivery System

Bookshelf Wealth is a Design Trend with Depth

When you walk into a library (and get past all the computer terminals and listening stations), you step into a world where “content” isn’t something to skim as you scroll, but to be digested as you turn each page and let the information unfold in front of you.

This captivation powers the social mediadriven trend of “bookshelf wealth,” a quiet-luxury interior decorating trend that displays hardbacks and paperbacks along with a few decorative pieces.

It’s about artfully displaying things, ideas and concepts that mean something to you.

Getting the shelves right

If you’re lucky enough to already have built-in bookshelves, you’re most of the way to mastering this look. If not, you might want to build some, which can get expensive when not done as a DIY project, or buy enough freestanding shelves to accommodate your collection.

Some recreate the built-in look with units that reach from the floor almost to

the ceiling. Another approach is to buy shelves of different heights for variety and put them in multiple rooms. Taller bookshelves can also double as room dividers.

Get a little messy

The kiss of death to the aesthetic is to arrange books as if you don’t actually read them, or at least as if you value them more for their color, size or shape than their words. Grouping by author, subject, time of purchase or other categories that make sense to you shows your literary life in all its diversity and heart.

Storing them backwards on the shelf works for a few people, but don’t feel like you must be one of them.

Arts and crafts

You may have to do some winnowing if your books take up nearly all your shelving, since bookshelf wealth also is about the other meaningful objects you can display there: heirlooms, awards, souvenirs from special moments and art that you value — framed pieces, figurines, pottery, baskets and other gems.

Infuse YOUR VACATION RENTAL WITH PERSONALITY

AirBnB, Vrbo and other platforms have grown vacation rentals into a significant slice of the hospitality industry pie, particularly in appealing markets like Greater Prescott.

You don’t have to break the bank to make your space memorable enough to get that all-important word-of-mouth marketing working in your favor.

It takes just a few tweaks to elevate your short-term rental:

Color palette

Opt for a neutral color scheme — whites, grays and soft earthy hues — as your base for walls and furniture to create a calming and versatile backdrop, then insert pops of color on that backdrop in the form of wall art, accent pieces and textiles.

Comfortable furnishings

Invest in quality mattresses, sofas, chairs and bedding to ensure a

restful stay. Including vintage and antique furnishings boosts the appeal of your rental, particularly in Prescott and other areas with strong ties to historic sites and buildings.

Functional layout

Arrange furniture and amenities in a way that maximizes space and functionality. Consider the flow of traffic and provide ample seating and storage options for guests.

In the living room, arrange sofas, chairs and coffee tables in a circular formation that makes it easy for guests to converse, with a clear view of each other and convenient places to set down their drinks

Local art, décor

Incorporate local artwork, décor and cultural elements that reflect the

destination and create a sense of place. This adds character to the space and allows guests to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere.

In Greater Prescott the presence of numerous artists and photographers makes this easy.

Tech-friendly amenities

Beyond the interest antique furniture and art provides, don’t forget to provide modern amenities like high-speed internet, smart TVs and charging stations to cater to the needs of guests.

TRUST A PROFESSIONAL, USE A REALTOR®

BY THE PRESCOTT AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Homeownership is a major facet of achieving the modern American Dream. Whether you are a first-time buyer or have been around the block, buying or selling a property is a major financial milestone and can be a complicated process without the proper guidance. A REALTOR® can bring valuable expertise and assistance, streamlining each step of a transaction and acting in their clients’ best interest.

By choosing to use a REALTOR®, they in turn agree to have a fiduciary duty to you until the transaction is complete. A REALTOR® will first work to understand your current needs, ensuring they know exactly what you are looking for in a property or your expectations of a sale. Using specialized tools and analytics only available to them, your REALTOR® will compile a list of potential properties for viewings or complete a comparative

market analysis to prepare for a sale. Communication and consistency throughout this step fosters trust and transparency, forming a solid foundation for the forthcoming legal and financial pieces of the transaction.

Once you find the right property or buyer, your REALTOR® serves as your advocate through the purchase or sales process. They offer guidance on formulating an offer, negotiating the purchase price and contingencies, requesting repairs, finalizing the terms of a contract, and navigating competitive bidding wars. Their experience helps anticipate potential hurdles, saving you time, money, and stress.

One of the key advantages of working with a REALTOR® is access to their network of resources and connections. They can recommend trusted

professionals, from title companies to home inspectors, to facilitate every aspect of the home buying journey. After an offer is accepted, your REALTOR® handles the paperwork and coordinates with necessary professionals to ensure a seamless process. These relationships help streamline the transaction, providing top-notch services and support until the closing is complete.

Buying or selling property is a complex journey that can be made simpler with the help of a REALTOR®. Their experience, resources, and professional connections ensure that each step, from finding the right property to closing the deal, is handled with care and expertise. As you pursue your dreams of homeownership, use a REALTOR® as your trusted ally, dedicated to making your experience as smooth and successful as possible.

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

Continued from page 21

YavaLine Extends Service into Prescott

The YavaLine Regional Transit System, known as “YAV,” has added a Prescott service area for its public transit rideshare service, which will give residents another option to get to medical offices, classes, stores and other locations within an expansive service area.

Residents and visitors can request service or prebook minivan rides from their phone by using the new Yav Connect app, available on Google Play or Apple’s App Store, or by calling 866.928.8726. The cost is $2 per ride, with discounted $1 fees for those 60 and older, ages 6 to 17 and for those with a disability. Children ages 5 and younger ride free.

Service hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Once a ride is confirmed, users will be notified of when and where they should proceed to meet the clearly marked vehicle, usually on a nearby corner. Fares can be paid by credit or debit card on the app or with cash at the time of pickup — no change will be given.

All service vans are equipped with a wheelchairaccessible ramp, and door-to-door service can be requested through the app.

Prescott’s service boundaries are from roughly Iron Springs Road in the west, AZ-69/AZ-89 interchange in the east, Gail Gardner Way to the north and Copper Basin Road to the south. This includes downtown Prescott, Dignity Health YRMC hospital and medical offices, Yavapai and Prescott colleges, the Northern Arizona VA and several shopping centers.

The new service is administered by the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (CYMPO), after it began in 2022 as a division of the Town of Prescott Valley’s public works department. Rides continue to be available in Prescott Valley within a service area bounded on the north by AZ89A, extending just south of AZ-69, and roughly between the western and eastern town limits. For more information visit www.yavconnect.org.

Prescott Regional Airport Gets New Director

Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) is under new leadership after the Prescott City Council appointed Richard “Rick” Crider as its executive director.

Crider, who started the job May 28, arrived from San Antonio, where he served as executive vice president for airport/railport & military relations at Port San Antonio and executive agent for Kelly Field.

He had worked for 12 years for Port San Antonio, a redevelopment authority tasked with repurposing the former Kelly Air Force Base as a technology and innovation campus.

“I am excited and honored to have been selected as the next leader of Prescott Regional Airport. Prescott Regional is a unique place, and I look forward to collaborating with partners and stakeholders to help navigate the opportunities that lie ahead and to maximizing its potential as a community asset,” Crider said.

Crider has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from the University of Central Texas

and a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy & Management from The Ohio State University.

He is an accredited airport executive and was first vice chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), before becoming its chair last month. Crider has flown as an active pilot for most of his adult life.

“I am very pleased to welcome Richard to the team,” Deputy City Manager Tyler Goodman said. “His wealth of experience and connection with the airport industry across the nation will serve Prescott Regional Airport well.”

Crider succeeded interim Airport Director Kelly Fredericks, an airport consultant, who took the role in November following Robin Sobotta’s departure after six years in the job.

PRC is ranked as the 25th busiest airport in the nation and is adjacent to the Prescott Regional Airpark and Commerce Center.

Photo courtesy of Prescott Regional Airport

Richard "Rick" Crider

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

Ruff’s Closet Offers YC Students Professional Apparel

After months of dreaming, planning, collecting donations and creating a boutique-like shopping experience, the Yavapai College Student Government Association has opened a free professional clothing store for students.

Ruff’s Closet, named for YC’s Roughrider mascot, had its grand opening in April in Room 125A in Building 3 on the Prescott Campus, the space adjacent to Student Engagement and Leadership offices.

YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine and former and current Student Government Association leaders were there to cut the ribbon. Rhine was the catalyst for the businessclothing shop, “planting the seed” in mentoring meetings with SGA leaders who noted the difficulty some students face affording professional attire for job interviews and other occasions.

“Dr. Rhine’s idea was not just about clothes, it was about confidence, about breaking barriers and about empowering students to present their best selves in a professional setting,” said Jamie Oltersdorf, former SGA President, during the grand-opening event.

“The Student Government Association took this idea to heart. We saw the potential, the need, and the difference it could make. What started as a small collection of business attire has grown into Ruff’s Closet — a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.”

Rhine thanked student leaders for taking the idea and running with it.

“Everything that exists in this world was once an idea — a thought… and today an idea is a reality. Thank you, SGA, for bringing it all together,” she said.

While much of the initial clothing in Ruff’s Closet was donated by college faculty and staff, a team of student volunteers drove the project, securing college leadership support and donations of shelving, racks, decorations, signage and other items needed to make the apparel shop appealing and inviting. A number of area businesses, including JC Penney, donated supplies to the closet.

Janice Sautee, YC Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, gratefully acknowledged the support of college leaders, faculty and staff, the time and effort of facilities employees and the students who made Ruff’s Closet a reality.

“Without your support the students’ initiatives and visions would not come to life,” she told the crowd on hand for the ribbon cutting.

“Your steadfast dedication to our students is truly everywhere we turn, and our students recognize that. And keep cleaning out your closets because we need more stuff. Every day we have students in here already, shopping and taking, and we want to keep it clean and fresh.”

Ruff’s Closet is open from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays for student shoppers and to take donations of new, gently used and clean business clothing and shoes from everyone. For questions or more information write to sga@yc.edu.

Photo courtesy of Ruff's Closet

Athens Some Like it Hot—

BY TORI WARD, CRUISE AND RESORT SPECIALIST, ROX TRAVEL

Taking advantage of the renaissance of grandmothers being cool again, my best friend and I treated our granddaughters to an Aegean cruise that I will cover in the next issue. But first, Athens.

We landed in Athens following an African safari in June where the term “out of the frying pan and into the fire” produced heat haze and an appreciation for dry body oil.

We explored our immediate neighborhood literally across the street from the Acropolis. When the lights came on at night, I could stand on the balcony for hours and get lost in my wonderings of how these ruins established values that still are the basis for many governments today.

My husband and I booked a late evening visit to the Temple of Poseidon. We snacked on salty olives, hot crispy calamari and a citrusy white wine as we waited for the sunset to cast golden pink hues on this temple built to protect those who depended on the sea for trade or travel.

By the time family and friends arrived the next night, we had the shop early, eat late pattern down and were excited to see their reaction to our vantage point in the shadow of the Parthenon. We had a cold buffet ready for them and drug chairs out to the balcony.

The next day, since our location was so close and the walk up the hill was miserable after the sun rose, we delayed

our visit to the Acropolis until later in the evening. Our first stop with Demetrius, our guide, was Mt. Lycabettus. At over 900 feet, it is the highest hill in Athens.

The views are an illustrated definition of why the colors of Greece are so closely associated with white and blue. There seems to be no space between the white structures housing over 3 million residents and the cerulean blue sea sprawling out and over the horizon.

Grabbing a Greek coffee at a small bar we made our way back down and to the Agora. Madeline, my granddaughter, and my friend’s granddaughter made friends with many cats — the current residents of this ancient site that was a market.

The best preserved of the ancient temples, the Temple of Hephaestus from 450 BCE and the Stoa of Attalos from 150 BCE are structures in the complex.

We did a drive-by of Parliament, where parking is forbidden, before a quick stop at the Panathenaic Stadium originally constructed BCE as a racecourse. The stadium was excavated and restored in 1896 and is the only stadium constructed entirely of marble.

The Olympics were last hosted there in 2004.

Before lunch we stopped to witness the changing of the presidential guard. Although the temples and ancient ruins are why most people visit Athens, this stop delighted us. The guards’ bright red

“

"When the lights came on at night, I could stand on the balcony for hours and get lost in my wonderings of how these ruins established values that still are the basis for many governments today."

—Tori Ward

Photo by Tori Ward

Parthenon by night

berets and long tasseled vests over bright white tunics and skirts provide drama to the changing ceremony. The sentry stand motionless for an hour then, during a slow motion process that involves Rockettes’ leg rises, march from post to post. The nails on the bottoms of their shoes crack the pavement with every step.

Lunch was a recommendation from Demetrius we would never have been able to find on our own, but was the best meal we had during our stay. We wanted another glass of wine, but resisted as we had more ground to cover at the Temple of Zeus.

There are few of the original 104 Corinthian columns still standing. Much

of the temple has been the victim of political and environmental conflict, and many of the stones have been pilfered over the centuries to construct other buildings.

After a late afternoon drop off by our guide, we rested before the young women climbed up the hill to visit the Parthenon and other sites at the Acropolis. Because the older adults had been there just a few years before we were too heat limp to attempt the climb.

The scaffolding that was present during my last visit still surrounds the massive Pantheon, but, if it means preserving this significant historical treasure, I’ll pout no more.

Athens changing of the guard.

Photo by Tori Ward

Madeline Warren at Panathenaic Stadium.

Photo by Tori Ward

CHAMPIE

CHAMPIE

riding in 1920’s prescott frontier days rodeo

riding in 1920’s prescott frontier days rodeo

CELEBRATES 137 YEARS WHILE HONORING ‘PRESCOTT TRADITIONS’ THEME

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

Drawing rodeo enthusiasts from across the globe, Prescott Frontier Days invites attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of western culture and history dating back to its inaugural celebration on July 4, 1888. This year, the rodeo pays tribute to the deep-rooted western culture, embodying the theme of “Prescott Traditions.” As part of the festivities, the

rodeo is launching the Memory Catcher campaign, inviting fans nationwide to share their cherished memories and stories of Prescott rodeo traditions. These stories will be featured on the rodeo’s website and social media platforms, celebrating the enduring legacy of Prescott’s premier event.

Jim Dewey Brown, General Manager of Prescott Frontier Days, Inc., expressed his gratitude for the generations of rodeo families, stating, “It is an honor to highlight their stories and share the profound impact our rodeo has had on their lives over the years.”

The downtown event of the week is the annual rodeo parade, themed “Prescott Traditions,” set to take place on Saturday, July 6 at 9 a.m. in downtown Prescott, sponsored by Barrett Propane. The parade will kick off with the grand marshal honoree, Ibbie Champie. She is the daughter of Lawton Champie, a thirteen-time rodeo champion across various events. Lawton won the AllAround in 1931, 1934 and 1944; calf roping in 1939; steer wrestling in 1931 and 1934; saddle bronc riding in 1924, 1926 and 1931. However, Slim Riley got the credit for winning the bronc riding in 1924 because he got hurt the first day and Lawton was bucked off the first day, so, Lawton filled in for Riley the last three days and won the event. In those days it was all right for someone to ride for another person. Demonstrating true cowboy spirit, they shared the reward money.

PERFORMANCES

With record-breaking rodeo attendances over the last two years and unprecedented sponsor participation, this year promises to be another triumphant showcase of worldclass rodeo competition and family-oriented activities. This year’s highlights include Beau Schueth, a national champion bullfighter who grew up in O’Neill, NE; Quirt Hunt, champion bullfighter, who is joining the Prescott rodeo for his 21st consecutive year; Matt Tarr known for his quick wit and passion for making people smile and laugh as a rodeo clown; Tomas Garcilazo, featuring his mastery and artistry of La Charreria, Broken Spoke Clydesdales, a fan favorite, and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Announcer, Randy Corley, joined by Co-Announcer, James Horcasitas to highlight the eight performances.

“IT IS AN HONOR TO HIGHLIGHT THEIR STORIES AND SHARE THE PROFOUND IMPACT OUR RODEO HAS HAD ON THEIR LIVES OVER THE YEARS.”

JIM DEWEY BROWN

The week’s festivities around the rodeo performances will culminate at the annual rodeo dance at the Depot Marketplace/BMO Harris Bank parking lot, offering three nights of music and dance. Thursday night is family night so bring your entire family to kick up your heels! Friday and Saturday night are slated for ages 21 and older. Tickets for the rodeo dance can be purchased at the door at $5 per person. Join us as we celebrate the enduring spirit of western traditions at the World’s Oldest Rodeo!

Photocredit: Blushing Cactus Photography

MON. JULY 1

6:00 PM MUTTON BUSTIN’ RODEO GROUNDS

7:30 PM PERFORMANCE 1 SPONSORED BY THE DAILY COURIER RODEO GROUNDS

TUES. JULY 2

6:00 PM MUTTON BUSTIN’ RODEO GROUNDS

7:30 PM PERFORMANCE 2 SPONSORED BY WRANGLER BUCKING CANCER RODEO GROUNDS

8:30 AM KIWANIS KIDDIE PARADE SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF PRESCOTT DOWNTOWN PRESCOTT

6:00 PM MUTTON BUSTIN’ RODEO GROUNDS

7:30 PM PERFORMANCE 5 SPONSORED BY JACK DANIELS RODEO GROUNDS

8:00 PM  1:00 AM RODEO DANCE (21 AND OLDER) DEPOT MARKETPLACE FRI. JULY 5

WED. JULY 3

& SAT 95 SUN 94

6:00 PM MUTTON BUSTIN’ RODEO GROUNDS

7:30 PM PERFORMANCE 3 SPONSORED BY YORK DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM RODEO GROUNDS

THURS. JULY 4

6:00 PM MUTTON BUSTIN’ RODEO GROUNDS

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

7:30 PM PERFORMANCE 4 FIRST RESPONDERS TRIBUTE RODEO GROUNDS

8:00 PM  12:00 AM RODEO DANCE (FAMILY NIGHT) DEPOT MARKETPLACE

SAT. JULY 6

9:00 AM PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS RODEO PARADE SPONSORED BY BARRETT PROPANE DOWNTOWN PRESCOTT

12:00 PM MUTTON BUSTIN’ RODEO GROUNDS

1:30 PM PERFORMANCE 6 MILITARY TRIBUTE RODEO GROUNDS

6:00 PM MUTTON BUSTIN’ RODEO GROUNDS

PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS®, INC

7:30 PM PERFORMANCE 7 SPONSORED BY COORS RODEO GROUNDS

8:00 PM  1:00 AM RODEO DANCE (21 AND OLDER) DEPOT MARKETPLACE

is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and traditions of the World's Oldest Rodeo®. With a legacy dating back to 1888, Prescott Frontier Days, Inc continues to captivate audiences with thrilling rodeo events, exhilarating entertainment, and a vibrant celebration of Western heritage.

9:00 AM COWBOY CHURCH RODEO GROUNDS

12:00 PM MUTTON BUSTIN’ RODEO GROUNDS 1:30 PM PERFORMANCE 8 SPONSORED BY NACKARD PEPSI RODEO GROUNDS SUN. JULY 7

More than 40 Musicians, Poets and Storytellers for a 3 Day Event

AUGUST 8, 9, 10 2024 !

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!

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center Yavapai College • Prescott, AZ

HEADLINE PERFORMERS

THURSDAY NIGHT AUGUST 8, 2024

Dave Stamey MUSICIAN

FRIDAY NIGHT AUGUST 9, 2024

Mike Dunn POET

SATURDAY NIGHT AUGUST 10, 2024

Kristyn Harris & Hailey Sandoz MUSICIANS

A Good Way to Get Shot Down by Steve Atkinson

National Night Out Prescott Rodeo Grounds to H ost

Prescott Frontier Days ®, Inc. is proud to host National Night Out (NNO) a free, annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer places to live.

"We look forward to welcoming friends, neighbors, and First Responders," said Jim Dewey Brown, Prescott Frontier Days General Manager. "The Prescott Rodeo Grounds is a great place for our communities to gather and get to know each other better."

The event will be 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 840 Rodeo Dr.

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while encouraging a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring our local police, other first responders and neighbors together.

So far, 38 million neighbors in 41 years have taken part in NNO on the first Tuesday in August. The event will include safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much more.

For more information on National Night Out go to www.natw.org

How it started

From the NewSpirit, an official publication of the National Association of Town Watch, Inc.:

It began in the western suburbs of Philadelphia in 1970. During Matt Peskin’s volunteer work for the community watch program, he patrolled his neighborhood, assisted in patrol dispatch and then introduced the program’s newsletter to illustrate the success that took place within the organization.

Matt started to contact surrounding communities to help gather newsletter content, noticing that hundreds of these local groups existed with no shared platform to connect.

National Association of Town Watch was founded a few years later to provide community watch groups the necessary information, resources and assets to stay informed, interested, involved

and motivated within the community. Neighbors and local law enforcement nationwide supported the association as it steadily grew for the next three years.

National Night Out was introduced in August 1984 through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation.

NNO became a celebration among neighbors to send a message of neighborhood camaraderie. Neighborhoods across the nation began to host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.

36 th Gathering of Cowboy Poets Returns in August

SUBMITTED BY HELKEN & HORN ADVERTISING AGENCY

The Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering will again take the stage at the Jim and Linda Lee Yavapai College Performing Arts Center Aug. 8-10. This year’s Gathering features more than 40 cowboy singers, poets and storytellers sharing the heritage and culture of the American cowboy.

Headline performers include Dave Stamey, Mike Dunnand and Kristyn Harris and Hailey Sandoz. This year’s collectible poster — "A Good Way to Get Shot Down" — was created by local artist Steve Atkinson and will be available at the Gathering, as will raffle tickets to win an original framed giclee of the poster.

The Gathering offers free day sessions throughout the campus on Friday and Saturday where attendees can meet and hear the cowboy singers, poets and storytellers.

Dave Stamey has been a cowboy, a mule packer, a dude wrangler. He has been named seven times as Entertainer of the Year, seven times as Male Performer of the Year and five times as Songwriter of the Year by the International Western Music Association. In November 2016, Stamey was inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame. He will be on stage Thursday, Aug. 8.

Mike Dunn’s Arizona heritage dates to the 1800s, with memories centered along the east side of the Whetstone Mountains where much of his grandad’s ranch, the Rail “A” brand, remains in the family. His book "Somewhere Between Earth and Heaven" contains much of his original poetry. The Academy of Western Artist named the book a recipient of the Will Rogers Medallion.

Dunn will appear on stage Friday, Aug. 9. Kristyn Harris and Hailey Sandoz take center stage Saturday, Aug. 10. Kristyn is the five-time, currently reigning International Western Music Association (IWMA) Entertainer of the Year, the youngest musician to receive this honor. She is recognized for her powerful voice, swing rhythm guitar chops, songwriting and yodeling. Her recent album, "A Place to Land", was awarded Outstanding Western Album by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for 2020.

Hailey is the three-time IWMA Instrumentalist of the Year; she’s known for fiddling, jazzy vocals and arranging skills. A recent graduate of Texas A&M University, Hailey is a sought-after touring musician. At 18, she was hired full-time by GrammyAward Winner Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band.

Photos courtesy of Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering

Hassayampa Happenings

Stars Coming Out this Summer for Prescott Film Festival

BY BLAKE HERZOG

The Prescott Film Festival has been a rite of early autumn for film fanatics, with traditions like the flagship horseanchored movie and equine-inspired poster, an eclectic selection of films accompanied by members of the team who made them.

But it hasn’t always been that way, and the festival’s 14th edition this year will be held July 17 to July 20 to entice people in the hot Valley of the Sun temps to the cooler ones here. Prescott Film Festival co-founder and executive director Helen Stephenson says the organizers want to bring them back into the mix.

Stephenson, who also is director of the Yavapai College Film and Media Arts program, says, “We had been considering moving the festival back to the summer to take advantage of the tourist season.

“It’s an extremely short turn-around this year, but we have all poured on a lot of hours and have found some amazing films we are excited to share with our audiences.”

The next festival already has been scheduled for July 2025.

The festival board has been feverishly working to assemble a lineup of intriguing movies and presenters for cinephiles: more than 2,000 tickets were sold for the 2023 event. They are trying to keep as many elements the festival is known for as intact as possible, including a showing of short films, featured student films and a singalong movie.

As of press time, these are the films and events on the schedule, which is subject to change. All screenings will be held at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at YC’s Prescott Campus, 1100 E. Sheldon St.

"We have all poured on a lot of hours and have found some amazing films we are excited to share with our audiences."

Schedule

Wednesday, July 17

• 1 p.m. “Arizona Shorts” - Short films from YC’s Film & Media Arts Program and Prescott High School

• 4 p.m. Feature: Call Me Dancer; Short: Sound Tracks

• 7 p.m. Feature: Cowboy Poets; Short: The Wolf in the Chute

• Opening Night Party

Thursday, July 18

• 1 p.m. Feature: Shoshanna; Short: Katya

• 4 p.m. Feature: What We Find on the Road; Short: Save the Cat

• 7 p.m. Feature: Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot

Friday, July 19

• 10 a.m. Feature: The Extortion (La Extorsión) with subtitles; Short: This is Not Norway (Estoy no es Noruega) with subtitles

• 1 p.m. Feature: UnBroken; Short: Jack and Sam

• 4 p.m. Feature: The Convert

• 7 p.m. Feature: Tokyo Cowboy; Short: Just Deserts

Saturday, July 20

• 10 a.m. Feature: “Shorts We Love” - Award-winning national and international short-subject films.

• 1 p.m. Feature: Avenue of the Giants; Short: Gone Before Your Eyes

• 4 p.m. Feature: The Cowboy and the Queen; Short: Deep in My Heart is a Song

• 7 p.m. Feature: Pre-Fab!

• Awards Ceremony and Closing Night Party

Tickets: Available at www.prescottfilmfestival.com, www.ycpac.com and at the door for each event.

• 2024 Platinum Pass: All films and access to VIP Director’s Loft with meals from El Gato Azul and Torme — $254.

• All Film Pass: Access to all films screening throughout the festival — $141.

• General Admission Tickets — $14.

• Students (including OLLI — Osher Lifelong Learning Institute — students) with ID at box office: $7.

Photo courtesy of YC

The Fathers That You See

BY TOD CHRISTENSEN

He wasn’t a blue blood and he didn’t grow up famous or rich

Used to hard work so when faced with a challenge he didn’t back down or flinch He had one main job and he knew how important it was

His title was Father and the weight of that would sometimes give him pause.

He wasn’t responsible for the world that you see He was just responsible for the world of my siblings and me

The world tried to convince him he was nothing by the insults they would sling

But to my eyes He was my teacher, my role model, my everything.

Years would go by that were happy and fun

You knew his life was amazing by all the tales that he spun He taught me to work and he taught me to play

But the biggest lesson he taught me was the one how to stay.

I’m sure he was tempted with things like all men are

And He was never perfect and occasionally enjoyed a visit to the bar

But life has taught me there are very few things that you can really count on You think you have it all figured out but you turn around and it’s all gone.

But He was always there, through the thick and the thin

Consoling me when I lost and celebrating when I would win Birthday parties and Christmas morning around the tree

We weren’t rich or famous but a family were we.

As I get older I marvel at who the world finds important and divine

Who they talk about and idolize and want to enshrine

Into their halls of honor that reek of hypocrisy and lies

While ignoring the truly important that rest right before their eyes

If a man does nothing with his life but gets one thing right

It’s to guide his young souls out of the world’s darkness and into the light He might not have been famous but He was famous to me

Thank you to all the men who stuck around and are the Fathers that you see.

Summertime H appenings

at Sharlot Hall Museum

SUBMITTED BY SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM

This summer, take a step back in time with Sharlot Hall Museum’s lineup of engaging activities perfect for families, history buffs and art enthusiasts.

Extend your Rodeo Experience:

Due to popular demand, the exhibit To the Rodeo, Pardner! continues through July 7. It offers a special focus on Prescott Frontier Days® and the making of Junior Bonner

Hang on to your hats!

Our all-new exhibit Snaps & Clasps: Fashions from the Collection comes Aug. 16. This exhibit tracks a century of fashion through the lens of Prescott and southern Arizona in the Lawler Building.

Living History Adventure:

On the second Saturday of each month experience Prescott’s past at our Living History Adventure events. These adventure days feature Living History interpreters.

Engaging, educational activities await visitors of all ages, providing

a hands-on glimpse into Territorial lifestyles. Admission includes access to these enriching experiences. They are supported by APS, Findlay Toyota Prescott, Impact Fire and Bennett Oil.

Engage in Enlightening Lectures:

The Museum’s Lecture Series continues to captivate audiences with fascinating monthly presentations spanning from March through November.

Upcoming lectures include the Granite Creek Trail Mural by Dana Cohn, July 6; Public Art in Prescott Valley by Coleen Bornschlegel, Aug. 3; and Mining History in Arizona, Sept. 7.

Please check the website for updated information on these and more lectures! Public tickets are priced at $15, however, Museum members enjoy free admission on a first come first serve basis with presale tickets. Sponsored in part by Findlay Toyota Prescott.

Summer Series:

New to Sharlot Hall Museum this year are three delightful vignettes. Each of these is a fundraising event, and the $25 ticket includes a light reception at 4:30 p.m. on the red brick patio in front of the Transportation Building followed by the presentation and Q&A.

The first, June 11, takes a look at Stagecoach Operations with museum favorite Bob Baker, who will portray famous stagecoach driver James Grant, followed by Sharlot Herself, July 16; Jody Drake will portray Sharlot M. Hall. The third presentation Aug. 20, tells the Tale of Two Cousins — Gov. John N. Goodwin and his distant cousin Richard “Dick” Broadwell of Dalton Gang bank robbers’ fame.

All productions in the Education Center Auditorium. Tickets required, please purchase ahead. Sponsored in part by Findlay Toyota Prescott and Pinnacle Bank.

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

Photo courtesy of Sharlot Hall Museum

PRESCOTT LIVING: Approximately how many courses do you teach locally per year?

Cody: Most of my stuff is local. What I mean by that is most people come to me. I would say about 80% of what I do happens here in Yavapai County.

I do get flown out, including to Europe, to train other people, and I get flown sometimes to do custom training to another state for other people. So it might be a city doing an outdoor event, and they hire me to do some lectures or whatever as part of this big outdoor event that they do annually. I just did one of those last year. Or it might be a private group or person that flies me out to their home or their landscape or a corporate event.

PRESCOTT LIVING: So, for our readers, let’s say someone is on a day hike in the Prescott area, and they get lost in the forest or the desert. What would you say, if you could, to somebody who ends up in that predicament?

Cody: That is such a massive question, I can’t even answer it. I get asked that a lot, and I will not give a dangerous, vague answer, because there’s not enough context for me to answer it.

But what I will say is simple day hikes are one of the most common ways to come home dead. And it’s because people on a simple day hike are not physically prepared. They’re leaving the coat in the back of the truck because it’s just a couple of hours’ hike. They’re also not mentally and emotionally prepared for bad things happening.

What I would say to someone hiking around Prescott is get training. Know what you’re doing. Leave a game plan with two people you trust, so that if you don’t come back on time, they

know where you are and they can call Search and Rescue and get qualified people out to find you and hopefully find you alive as quick as possible.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Do you consider yourself a survival expert in every kind of environment, like in the tropics or the Arctic, as well as mountain or desert terrain like in Arizona?

Cody: Because my profession is a series of grays, and there’s a lot more gray area than black and white, I’ll never know it all, and I’m always learning. That type of personality is super dangerous, who says they’re an expert on this or that they’ve stopped learning and they know everything. I don’t even feel I know Yavapai County nearly as well as I should. Let alone Botswana or Zambia, where I’ve been. So there is no worldwide survival expert.

If you have a surface level survival instructor who really doesn’t know what they’re doing, maybe they’ve been on TV and then opened a school, but they think they have credibility, that literally can get people killed.

As a doctor, you must go through training. You have degrees on the wall. As a survival instructor, you can be a 17-year-old kid with a YouTube channel and call yourself

a survival instructor. There’s no resume. There’s no background. There’s no certificate. Some people might be in my course and say, well, so-and-so on TV says to do this, and I would just look at them and go, ‘Here’s why not to do that.’ I’ve been having to deprogram people now for 15, 18 years since all the nonsense began.

So I would say to the readers of this article, if you don’t vet a survival instructor just as much as you would a physician that you’re going to go into surgery with, that’s on you because you’re dealing with your life. Both cases deal with your safety.

PRESCOTT LIVING:

What did you learn from your experiences appearing on cable TV and the production process?

Cody: What I learned is a lot, when I'm traveling around the world, and it was a wonderful experience meeting people around the world and training in skills and teaching skills. What was horrific was Discovery Channel and TV executives. So, I learned a lot about attorneys, I learned a lot about disingenuous people, I learned a lot about being lied to my face, I learned a lot about being ripped off, I learned a lot about a lack of vetting, I learned a lot about how bad it can get, unfortunately. So, I had a good time with nature

Dr. Dingle

and some of the people I met. But as far as in general, working for Discovery Channel was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.

I’ve been doing survival skills on TV since the 1990s. Not once have I worked with a television executive or a producer that has any experience in outdoor survival training. Dozens of people, over 30 years, making shows on survival training, that have no idea. So that’s a dangerous, sketchy mix.

PRESCOTT LIVING: Now, we’re at this point where you’ve made your own show again, 10 years after that experience.

Cody: So this show, The Survival Show with Cody Lundin, has been years in the making. It’s been a very long process and a total labor of love. I was looking historically at TV, and what the longest-running shows were in the U.S. market. One is The Tonight Show, one is Saturday Night Live, and one is The Simpsons. And I’ve been dealing with this television show in my head for more than 20 years. This has been on my bucket list for a long time.

I wanted to have a kind of variety show format, where I could have smaller bits of information in little skits, instead of one long monologue about survival training. I know how students learn best, and it’s in little bits of interactive information, lots of bright colors, put some music in there and have some interesting characters. My co-hosts obviously get people’s attention.

PRESCOTT LIVING: And are you the puppeteer?

Cody: Oh, I wouldn’t call my hosts puppets. That would piss them off. They’re no one’s puppets, believe me. They’re definitely their own people.

PRESCOTT LIVING: OK, I see …

Cody: Dr. Dingle is awesome. He’s teaching the physics of heat loss and gain and other scientific aspects. There’s a lot of scientific stuff to what I do. He puts out all this heady stuff out there in a more palatable presentation style because of who he is. These different co-hosts, these characters of mine, come in and have their own take on a very important aspect of survival training.

I vet the experts I interview as special guests in each episode. This is the only survival show out there that has been created, produced and hosted by a qualified survival instructor. And I’ve been in the field long enough that I know what’s out there, and I know what I don’t want to be a part of anymore.

My show is not a reality show. It’s a scripted variety show. We have the survival theme song, and of course “Elvis” is singing it, because why shouldn’t he? It’s set in a 1970s travel trailer with green shag carpet and a lava lamp. It was a lot of fun doing it, and I’m very proud of the product. It’s way, way out there, but it’s meant to teach you skills that could save your life.

The shows of Season 1 are all in kind of the same format. And if you watch a couple of them you’ll see what I’m doing. If you watch one, it looks like this guy’s on acid. This is a crazy show. But there is a format, and there’s a methodology. You can’t teach in a conventional manner anymore and keep people’s attention. It just doesn’t work.

And I’m thankful to be a teacher, and I’ve been a teacher in person a long time. That means that I’m looking at the students and how they’re reacting to how I’m presenting, and I can change my presentation style to keep their attention.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What kind of response have you gotten for the first season, so far?

Cody: People who watch it have responded well to it in general. Because it’s different, it’s real, it’s authentic. People know I give a damn. I care about the viewer. Networks care about making a bunch of money. And I want to make money too, because then I can’t do another episode if it doesn’t monetize. But this has been something I’ve been working on in my head for more than 20 years. TV’s really wrecked the profession of outdoor survival training, and I’m trying to take it back in my own little way.

PRESCOTT LIVING: What is your vision for the future of your school, or anything else you do, going forward?

Cody: I love what I do, and I’m really excited. There’s so much to learn, so much to learn. I’m just blown away at how little I know.

I would like to write more books. One that I’m thinking about would essentially create a list of gear that I think is important for people in most emergency situations. This would follow the rules of common sense, human physiology, human psychology under stress and the physics of heat loss and gain.

While many survival instructors do this to sell their own gear, my point would be to remind people of nonbrand things or qualities that they need to survive, or that would make life easier in a compromised scenario.

Of course, I would also like to have Season 2 of The Survival Show with Cody Lundin and experiment more with ocean survival. It’s a fascinating environment and will set up several more years of learning and teaching for me.

Sean Underhill and his two kids, Quinn and Lucy, hiked the new trail together

Photos courtesy of City of Prescott

New Trail Scales Hillside

Near D owntown Prescott

BY

BLAKE HERZOG

Photo by Blake Herzog

The Prescott branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona is nestled at the foot of a tree-studded hill that rises 60 feet above its clubhouse, playground and basketball courts at 335 E. Aubrey St.

It’s a perfect example of how Prescott’s landscape can surprise you with its varied terrain and vegetation.

This slope just south of downtown Prescott wasn’t accessible to most residents or visitors until the City of Prescott and GEM Environmental, a local conservation nonprofit, teamed up with local youth to blaze a short, winding trail up to the summit’s view of Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte.

City Park Ranger Sean Underhill says this hidden hillside was uncovered by a GIS mapping and data analysis project funded by a grant from the Cities Connecting Children with Nature initiative, sponsored by the National League of Cities and Children & Nature Network. The project’s purpose was to locate additional open space children and young families could have access to, especially in areas that lacked options.

“We noticed a few acres of undeveloped city property behind the Boys & Girls Club. With that location hosting a public playground and outdoor educational programing, it seemed like a prime spot for a trail,” he says. Underhill also is community navigation program coordinator for

Yavapai County Community Health Services and the Arizona advocate for the Leave No Trace organization.

Underhill quickly got support from club officials and City Trails Coordinator Chris Hosking, then contacted Ryder Moreno, a U.S. Forest Service tech who previously worked at GEM, to see if he could find additional resources.

Moreno was leading a program at GEM to help develop a new generation of trail builders, and the nonprofit agreed to build the trail free to the City so its building team could get more experience.

GEM Environmental Executive Director

Ashley McDonough says the trail was built in three weeks over the summer by a four-person crew of 18- to 22-year-olds participating in the GEM Corps program, which provides paid experience that can help those pursuing STEM careers.

She says they were very happy to see the product of their effort, which was finished off by a first step and sign at the trailhead early this year.

Underhill’s involvement with Leave No Trace ended up being key for the trail builders, as he was able to teach them a lesson about following those principles.

“Leave No Trace is not just practiced when walking a trail, but those principles can be used to ensure that the surrounding area remains natural and undisturbed during the construction

of a trail,” he says. Those visiting the new trail are encouraged to follow these principles by staying on the trail and not disturbing any wildlife they may encounter along the way.

Once the trail was opened this spring, the club and others in the neighborhood began taking advantage.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs are grateful to the City of Prescott and GEM Environmental for building this path right behind our facility,” says Alex Heinemann, chief executive officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona. “With our new initiatives surrounding outdoor and adventure programs, this trail is perfect for kids and staff to head outdoors and go on a quick hike.”

It is a quick hike, just .17 of a mile up and back, but the quick elevation gain and loss and surrounding vegetation keep it interesting, not to mention the view from the top.

A couple of folding chairs and some rocks colorfully painted by kids greet those who reach the summit, which Underhill hopes will be replaced by a bench at some point.

An outdoor classroom and a metal sign outlining the surrounding peaks also could be added in the future. Anyone interested in making a donation to support these can contact Sam Rice with the City of Prescott Recreation Services at 928.777.1121 ext. 4502.

Photo by Blake Herzog

New Outdoor Basketball Courts

Ready for Action

What better way to start your summer than improving your basketball skills!

The City of Prescott Recreation Services received council approval for two full outdoor basketball courts. These will be the first full-size outdoor courts within City parks.

Recreation Services has had outdoor basketball courts in their Recreation Master Plan for well over a decade. Jim McCasland Willow Creek Park, located at 3181 Willow Creek Road,

is home to the freshly acrylic coated courts, which were completed in May.

The basketball courts will be available throughout the day and evening hours, thanks to the installation of LED sports lighting. These basketball courts replace the old, deteriorated log cabin style ramada that was demolished in December 2020.

City staff has worked very hard to improve the amenities within Willow

Creek Park. Some renovations you may recognize would be a full remodel on the park restrooms, additional concrete sidewalks and shaded picnic table seating areas.

The City held a grand opening of the new basketball courts with Hoops & Heroes June 1. Local heroes went head-to-head or others tried out the courts to test their skills and win prizes. The first 50 kids received a free basketball.

BY ADAM CAMACHO, RECREATION SERVICES SUPERINTENDENT, CITY OF PRESCOTT

Adventure, Beauty Perkinsville Road Offers

BY MAGGIE HOLMBERG, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INTERGOV MANAGER, TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY

Perkinsville Road is a local favorite. This well-maintained dirt road through Perkins-family land takes you to Jerome and Williams.

The first stretch wanders through junipers, oak, mesquite trees and grama grass, which Chino lends its name to. You’ll pass the Garchen Buddhist Institute and soon happen upon beautiful vistas.

About 20 miles in, you’ll reach a T — Jerome to the right, Perkinsville

to the left. Go left and you will cross the Perkinsville Bridge. There is a picnicking area with a rope swing into the Verde River.

A sign directs you to Jerome along much the same route the Perkins used to transport beef to feed miners in the early 1900s.

To get to Jerome, head back over the bridge and go straight. Beware, there are no guard rails, and the drop seems steep, but the views are spectacular.

The valley spreads out below, with views of Sedona’s red rocks and Humphreys Peak. You’re in historic Jerome!

Buy a Plate, Clean Up the State Chino Valley supports the Arizona — Keep It Beautiful license plate. $17 of the $25 renewal fee support’s Local First Arizona community cleanups, recycling events and beautification projects.

See the plate: www.localfirstaz.com/kazb

Continued from page 143

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

HUSD Wins Largest K-12 State Grant in County History

The Humboldt Unified School District (HUSD) has been awarded a continuous school improvement grant totaling more than $1.2 million from the Arizona Department of Education.

This represents the largest federally funded statebased public education grant in Yavapai County history and will fund a program called Project Momentum.

The goal of Project Momentum is to increase student achievement in language arts and mathematics at a higher rate than the rest of the state while compensating teachers for their participation in Professional Learning Communities.

“The uniqueness of Project Momentum is that those

who have gone through the program essentially pay it forward by mentoring and supporting our staff to address the specific needs of our district and our students,” said Katrina Kadah, HUSD Director of Educational Services. “That coaching then builds a foundation focused on K-12 student learning, thereby resulting in significant student growth.”

Teachers at participating campuses get support from their districts including professional development and mentoring, use these supports to build collaborative teams and deliver “high quality, Tier 1 instruction,” according to the education department’s website.

Since 2015, a total of 60 schools in Arizona have participated in Project Momentum. Across eight years of

participation, student growth rates in test scores at the schools are more than two times the state growth rate in English language arts, and more than three times the state growth rates in mathematics.

“Through innovative strategies and dedicated resources, our aim is to outpace the state’s progress, ensuring that our students not only meet but exceed academic expectations,” said Dr. Christine Griffin, HUSD Superintendent.

“Project Momentum embodies our commitment to excellence and our belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Together, we will raise the bar and set new standards of achievement in education.”

THE PRESCOTT PIONEER

Highlands Center Director Retires, Associate Steps In

Highlands Center for Natural History Executive Director

Dave Irvine has retired after 14 years in the role. During his tenure, the center has grown tremendously and has established itself as a leading nonprofit nature education organization in the region.

“It has been exciting to see this community embrace both the mission and programs offered by the Highlands Center,” Irvine said. “We have had great support from our local school districts, area foundations, and individual donors and members that have made all this growth possible.”

He added, “We have strived to introduce all ages to wonders of the natural world, which we believe will encourage them to become wise stewards of this land that we all cherish.”

The Board of Directors has named Associate Director Sarah Vincent as the new executive director. Her professional experience includes leadership roles in outdoor and science education, including locally with the Aspen Creek Outdoor School at Chapel Rock and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon the foundation laid by those who have come before me and in service of those who will come after me,” Vincent said.

“I intend to work with this community and the Board of Directors to facilitate meaningful experiences for people in nature, about nature, and most importantly, with nature.

“The Highlands Center is truly a deeply rooted, highimpact organization with a lively and responsive future.”

Irvine succeeded Founding Director Nichole Trushell. The organization has doubled its staff and now engages more than 10,000 youth annually in outdoor education programs. Participation in adult programs has grown, and the James Family Discovery Gardens were added in 2017.

The center added the James Family Discovery Gardens to provide an accessible connection to nature and introduce visitors to the ecological communities of the Central Highlands. Phase II of the project included the addition of a second restroom facility and significant improvement to the parking area.

Highlands Center for Natural History now attracts more than 50,000 visitors annually to the Walker Road Campus for educational programs, special events or to hike the 80-acre site.

Photo courtesy of Highlands Center for Natural History

Sarah Vincent and Dale Irvine

Q & A

Greg Mengarelli

Business Development Manager, Prescott Frontier Days®

Q: What brought you to Prescott?

A: I came to Prescott nearly 30 years ago to lead and grow United Christian Youth Camp. Prescott captured my heart. Sheila and I raised our family here, and now our kids are raising their kids here!

I’ve been blessed to support a variety of community endeavors, including serving on the Prescott Unified School District Board and as a two-term Prescott mayor.

There is no place like Prescott, and the neighborly feel combined with the quality of life and the natural beauty continue to draw new residents like I was drawn. Preserving the unique lifestyle in Yavapai County drives me and led me to my newest endeavor: running to represent my neighbors as a Yavapai County supervisor.

Q: What is the biggest reward of your job?

A: I manage the Buckle Club, which raises funds for critical capital improvements to our historic, treasured rodeo grounds. Rodeo has been in my blood for decades; it’s a staple of Prescott life.

It’s incredibly rewarding to bring people together to accomplish a goal that contributes to the vibrancy of life in our city. I am blessed to have found such a rewarding part-time position that allows me flexibility to pursue other community projects.

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

A: It’s been a dream to travel with my family to the Marche region of Italy, where my Nono (Italian greatgrandfather) Henry was born. He started from nothing and worked hard to provide for his family as a migrant, miner and farmer.

I would also visit Normandy. My paternal grandfather August Mengarelli served our country as a combat medic in WWII. He served in hopes his grandchildren wouldn’t have to. His first combat experience was D-Day.

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

A: Imagine Heaven, by John Burke. This book gave me comfort

after my daughter Brooklyn died and went to heaven. Through the book, I’ve learned so much about the eternal home that she is experiencing right now.

Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?

A: The July 4th parade and rodeo. Every year our family is either in the parade or we all go together to watch the parade. Now our grandchildren are making the same memories with us!

The rodeo is another family tradition, and we especially enjoy the display of faith and freedom, the opening prayer, the national anthem and honoring our military and first responders.

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