TG Magazine Prescott Valley - Spring 2021 - The Tech Issue by Talking Glass Media

THE

TECH ISSUE SPRING 2021 TA L K I N G G L A S S

MEDIA

WHAT’S INSIDE ART AT THE CENTER Connecting Community and Art with Tech

THE 1874 SOLAR PROJECT The Fains Spur Solar Development in Prescott Valley, AZ

A ROOM WITH A VIEW Why Remote Workers are Flocking to Rural Arizona

Celebrating 60 Years of Building Community Residential | Commercial | Industrial | Build to Suit | Publishing

We understand that careful planning and community building require strong partnerships for thoughtful and meaningful growth that support opportunities for living a good life. Fain Signature Group has been here for generations, and will work with the community for generations to come. You have our word on it.

www.FainSignatureGroup.com

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“ H E R E ’S T O T H E C RAZ Y O N ES . THE MIS F IT S . T H E R E B ELS . T H E T RO U B LE M AK E RS . T H E R OUN D P E GS I N T H E S Q U A RE H O LES . T H E ON E S W H O S EE T H I N GS D I F F ERE N T LY . THEY ’R E N OT F ON D O F RU LES . A N D T H EY H AV E N O R ES P E C T F OR T H E S T AT U S Q U O . Y O U C AN Q U O T E THE M, DIS A G R E E W I T H T H EM , GLO RI F Y O R V I LI F Y THE M . A B OUT T H E O N LY T H I N G Y O U C AN ’ T D O I S I GNOR E T H E M. B E C A U S E T H EY C H A N GE T H I N GS . TH E Y P US H T H E HU M A N RAC E F O RWA RD . A N D WHI L E S OM E M A Y S EE T H EM A S T H E C RAZ Y O N ES , WE S E E G E N IUS . B EC AU S E T H E P EO P LE W H O A RE CR A ZY E N OUG H T O T H I N K T H E Y C A N C H AN GE T H E W OR L D, A R E T H E O N ES W H O D O . ” Steve Jobs

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EDITOR'S NOTE This edition focuses on technology and the fundamental changes, and benefits, these advances are bringing to our communities. Although these tech advances are significant, what can never be forgotten is that it all starts with human capital, our greatest resource. The quote by Steve Jobs on the inside cover of this edition speaks volumes of grit, vision and creativity. Parts of that quote could have been written about Bill Fain, founder of Prescott Valley. In one man’s lifetime a town was born. That accomplishment wasn’t roped by way of a website or mobile app. It was executed by a highly respected leader who was well known for his vision, grit, and remarkable handshake.

Speaking of people, Talking Glass Media is especially excited about its growing relationship with Northern Arizona Technology Alliance (NATA) and people like Henry Ebarb of Eightfold Technology who are working to bring tech and remote workers to central Arizona to grow the economy while maintaining a very small footprint on our beloved natural resources. Finally, we are very pleased to welcome the newest member to our Team, Angie Johnson-Schmit, Assistant Editor, TG Magazine. Talk about human capital! We are grateful for Angie’s intellect, talent and yes, grit.

Welcome to the tech edition of TG Magazine and welcome to Prescott Valley, AZ, where people of vision and grit make the difference.

-Guy Roginson, Executive Editor, Talking Glass Media, LLC

Digital technology has become a regular part of our work and personal lives, often so seamlessly integrated that we take it for granted. With the advent of smartphones, we essentially carry a high-tech version of a Swiss Army knife in our pockets. We have the ability to make a video call, record a voice memo, browse websites, shoot high resolution video and photos, and, of course, make phone calls with the touch of a finger.

What comes next? Where is the next technological frontier? How will tech impact our lives and communities in the future? These are questions many of us will see answered far sooner than we might think. Perhaps the most interesting questions have yet to even be imagined.

As we move deeper into the digital technology era, it’s important to remember that the key element in all of these innovations is the human element. In this issue you’ll find just a few of the many stories about people working with tech in Central Arizona. Every day we are inspired by these people and their stories. We hope that you will be, too.

-Angie Johnson-Schmit, Assistant Editor, Talking Glass Media, LLC

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CONTRIBUTORS KRISTINA ABBEY

APRIL 2021 • SPRING

When not working as Assistant Editor for SignalsAZ.com, you can find Kristina Abbey working on a story, her blog, or participating in her weekly writing group. If she’s not writing her next article, story or blog post, you can find her planning her next travel adventure.

Executive Editor Guy Roginson Assistant Editor Angie Johnson-Schmit Art Direction Dina Ponder Contributing Writers Kristina Abbey Zara Glidden Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener

ZARA GLIDDEN

Zara is the content strategist and head copywriter at Eightfold Technology. Off-duty, she loves traveling, chasing live music and getting out on Arizona trails.

Contributing Photographers Blushing Cactus Photography How to Reach Us 3001 N. Main St., Ste #2-B Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314 To Advertise 928-257-4177 Publisher Fain Signature Group 3001 N. Main St., Ste #2-A Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314

KEN LAIN

Known by his friends as ‘The Mountain Gardener,’ Watters Garden Center owner Ken Lain has gardened and farmed in the region for 30 years and knows the best techniques for gardening in the high mountain climates.

TALKING GLASS MEDIA, LLC Publishing | Advertising | Marketing 3001 N. Main St., Ste #2-B Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314 Tel: 928-257-4177 Email: Editor@SignalsAZ.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS SPRING

2021

Our cover features Brad Fain of Prescott Valley. The Fain family homesteaded here in the 1870s, building one of the largest ranches in central Arizona, The Rafter Eleven.

Today, Brad, Ron, Dawn, Norman and Mrs. Nancy Fain lead the Fain Signature Group, local community builders focused on creating a great life for all. 8

TG MAGA ZINE S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

THE 1874 SOLAR PROJECT

A ROOM WITH A VIEW Remote tech workers find their dream work/life balance in Central Arizona.

ART AT THE CENTER: CONNECTING PEOPLE & ART THROUGH TECHNOLOGY Prescott Valley, Arizona wants to help their citizens easily connect with art. And they are using technology to do just that.

TAKING ON THE DIGITAL WORLD Why these technology companies are putting down roots in Central Arizona.

A TALE OF TWO REMOTE WORKERS A remote software programmer and an animator/designer reveal why they relocated - and brought their jobs with them - to Prescott, AZ.

SOLAR POWER 101 A look at how solar power is created, stored and shared.

The Fain family and rPlus Energies team up to harness the power of the sun in the Prescott Valley, AZ area.

EXPANDING BROADBAND IN RURAL ARIZONA The state of Arizona is taking steps to bring high-speed internet access to smaller communities, making better connections for businesses and individuals.

THE FAST LANE ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY A Q & A with Sparklight’s Senior Vice President, Technology Services on the future of high-speed internet in Central Arizona.

KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE Touchmark at the Ranch keeps the personal connections while integrating technology into their memory care “neighborhoods.”

TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTHCARE IN CENTRAL ARIZONA From Telemedicine and Cardiac Cath Labs, to online patient portals, local medical services bring a range of medical tech advancements to Yavapai County.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM A Prescott, Arizona high school teacher prepares students for tech jobs with hands-on learning in the Media Tech Lab.

BECOMING PART OF THE IT CROWD Yavapai College teams up with Google to offer the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program to their students.

FUNDING THE FUTURE: NURSING AND RADIOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS AT YAVAPAI COLLEGE Nursing and radiology students at Yavapai College get a big boost from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott and other community funding partners.

8 TECH GADGETS FOR YOUR GARDEN Ken Lain, “The Mountain Gardener,” shares some of his favorite tech gadgets for the Central Arizonan gardener.

Why Remote Workers are Flocking to Rural Arizona. -Angie Johnson-Schmit

Photo courtesty of Guy Roginson

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

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“I’M REALLY LUCKY THAT I’M DOING EXACTLY WHAT I WANT TO DO IN THE TECH AND COMMUNICATIONS WORLD, BUT I LIVE IN A RURAL, COUNTRYSIDE SETTING, COMPLETE WITH A HOBBY FARM SURROUNDED BY STATE LAND,” Guy Roginson, Executive Editor, Talking Glass Media

rom the expansion of remote work and remote learning, to telemedicine and “green” energy, innovative technology advancements are rapidly changing the way we live, work and play in towns like Prescott Valley, AZ and in the Central Arizona region. As better tech is developed and made available, it is bringing improvements to everyday life that would have seemed like science fiction less than 50 years ago. A better work/ life balance that blends ultra-modern tech with a more laid-back, rural environment is more than just a possibility today. It is a lived reality for many. Tech sector businesses are already here, they are thriving, and there is plenty of room for more growth. As Henry Ebarb II, co-founder and CEO of Eightfold Technology in Prescott, AZ points out, there are benefits to running a tech business beyond the high pay. Because many tech companies are “open-ended from top to bottom, you can really move your way up in organizations,”

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said Ebarb. This means that tech business owners can “actually open opportunities up to new individuals.”

WORK/LIFE BALANCE While most think of tech jobs as based in urban areas, the expansion of reliable high-speed internet into more rural areas has led many in the city-weary tech industry to look farther afield. As more tech-oriented businesses and individuals choose to relocate to the Central Arizona region, many are discovering that better work/life balance is possible.

Long commutes on congested roads are being traded in for a daily commute from the kitchen to the in-home office. The less than inspiring views out of office windows are being exchanged for brighter, more natural vistas.

Smaller Arizona cities, towns, and communities like Prescott Valley, Prescott, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt are seen as attractive alternatives for tech workers. “It’s all about that quality of life,” said Ebarb. Guy Roginson, Executive Editor of multimedia company Talking Glass Media, based in Prescott Valley, AZ, agrees. “I’m really lucky that I’m doing exactly what I want to do in the tech and communications world, but I live in a rural, countryside setting, complete with a hobby farm surrounded by state land,” said Roginson. The ability to work and then, at the end of the day, to walk outside and enjoy the quiet, open spaces is a big plus for his quality of life. For tech workers, the ability to stay connected with their clients is an absolute necessity. While in-person collaboration has been the mainstay in many tech companies, web-based technologies have helped free up many tech jobs from office life. For remote work-

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AS WE BECO ME A MORE DIGITA L L Y ARIZONA IS SECOND IN THE NATION IN NE T TECH JOB GAINS FROM 2018 TO 2019. According to cyberstates.org, Arizona’s leading tech occupation categories include software and web developers, computer support specialists, network architects, administrators and support, and systems and cybersecurity analysts.

CONNECT ED WORLD, NORTHER N ARIZONA HA S A N OPPORTUNITY T O

ers in rural areas, perhaps the biggest tech need is access to reliable highspeed internet and Information Technology (IT) support. Both are readily available in the Central and Northern Arizona regions.

CONNECTIVITY IS KEY “I have great Wi-Fi service, and that’s the only requirement these days,” said Roginson. While SignalsAZ.com, the digital good news platform produced by Talking Glass Media, is focused on the Prescott Valley/Quad Cities area, Roginson pointed out that he is “dealing with people all around the state and doing more and more national work.” With digital tech tools and a stable broadband connection, the ability to collaborate and work on a national scale has become an everyday reality.

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According to the Cyberstates.org report compiled by Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), Arizona is second in the nation in net tech job gains from 2018 to 2019. Several local tech innovators have created the Northern Arizona Technology Alliance (NATA) as a way to attract some of those tech jobs to the region. Ebarb pointed out that the communities lining the I17 corridor, including Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood and the Verde Valley, have the potential to become a holistic region for tech workers. “As we become a more digitally connected world, Northern Arizona has an opportunity to stake its claim in that space,” Ebarb said. It’s an exciting time to live and work in the Prescott Valley area. With over a

STAKE ITS CL A I M IN THAT SPA C E. Henry Ebarb

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quarter million people employed in Arizona’s tech sector and the state’s strong tech job gains, more rural areas are definitely paying attention. It’s a rare win-win scenario, and Central Arizona’s Quad Cities are uniquely positioned to welcome those workers and businesses. “We’re creating jobs and helping families live a high-quality life right here in the pines of Prescott Valley and surrounding region,” said Roginson. “And that makes me feel great.” u

ART

AT THE CENTER A Sculpture Garden with a Tech Twist. -Angie Johnson-Schmit

Previous Page: Limitless – By Michael Tierney 2 n d F l o o r C i v i c C e n t e r P a t i o | P r e s c o t t Va l l e y , A Z

ings will give more information about each piece, the artist and the materials used. QR codes are a variation of matrix barcodes. Originally designed in 1994 to be used in the Japanese automotive industry, QR codes quickly became popular for other uses. Because these codes can be “read” by devices like a camera, have fast readability and are able to store a large quantity of information, this tech is a good fit for the sculpture garden. Thanks in large part to a generous private grant, the town has a significant collection of outdoor public art sculptures from a range of local and regional artists. The majority of the collection is placed in and around the Prescott Valley Civic Center and these pieces are already available for the public to view. There are other sculptural pieces in the area as well, located on public trails and parks in the Prescott Valley area. All of the pieces will have QR codes. Once the code plaques have been in-

The Prescott Valley Arts and Culture Council has long been actively engaged in bringing quality public art to the community.

he Town of Prescott Valley, Arizona has plans to make their Art at the Center sculpture garden even easier for their citizens to enjoy with a little help from technology. According to Arts and Culture Coordinator Isabella Chewning, the town has plans to install plaques with special Quick Response (QR) codes near each sculpture. Visitors can scan the code with their smartphones and listen to an audio recording. These audio record-

A b o v e : Wa r r i o r s – B y J o h n B e r n a r d D u k e 1 s t F l o o r C i v i c C e n t e r P a t i o | P r e s c o t t Va l l e y , A Z Bedtime – By Joan Andrew 1 s t F l o o r C i v i c C e n t e r P a t i o | P r e s c o t t Va l l e y , A Z

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PERSONALLY, I EXPERIENCE THE GREATEST DEGREE OF PLEASURE IN HAVING CONTACT WITH WORKS OF ART. THEY FURNISH ME WITH HAPPY FEELINGS OF AN INTENSITY THAT I CANNOT DERIVE FROM OTHER SOURCES. Albert Einstein

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Sky Disk 2 – By Gary Slater P u b l i c L i b ra r y S c u l p t u r e G a r d e n | P r e s c o t t Va l l e y , A Z

Wind and Spirit – Bronze – By Marjorie Scott 1 s t F l o o r | P r e s c o t t Va l l e y P u b l i c L i b ra r y | 7 4 0 1 E . S k o o g B l v d .

stalled, visitors will be able to take a self-guided tour no matter where they encounter one of the sculptures. According to Chewning, the plan to integrate QR tech with the sculpture garden has been in the works for quite a while. For all of the challenges of the pandemic, it also gave Chewning and the Arts Council time to bring this project closer to fruition. The project is currently slated for completion in 2021. The Prescott Valley Arts and Culture Council has long been actively engaged in bringing quality public art to the community. The integration of QR codes is just another way to make the sculp-

tures accessible to as many people as possible. “We really want everyone to be able to enjoy it,” said Chewning. Chewning went on to note that while the tech will make the artwork accessible to anyone with a smartphone, it will also allow teachers to bring their classes to see the artwork and have a builtin educational tool. To keep up with the progress and for more information on the over 30 sculptures in the public art collection, find Prescott Valley Arts & Culture on Facebook or visit pvaz.net. u Photography by Blushing Cactus unless otherwise noted.

S u n F i s h a n d Fr i e n d s – B y K i m A n n e W e l s h 1 s t F l o o r P r e s c o t t Va l l e y P u b l i c L i b ra r y | P r e s c o t t Va l l e y , A Z

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According to Arts and Culture Coor-

G ra z i n g – M i x e d M e t a l s – B y G e n e G a l a z a n G l a s s f o r d H i l l S u m m i t Tra i l | 6 0 0 0 E . A n t e l o p e L a n e P r e s c o t t Va l l e y , A Z | P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f A d a m C r o w n o b l e

dinator Isabella Chewning, the town has plans to install plaques with special Quick Response (QR) codes near each sculpture.

T A K I N G O N T H E

DIGITAL WORLD -Zara Glidden

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ithin the ever-changing technology landscape, Northern Arizona is on the map for good. In 2019, the AZ Tech Council reported that Arizona’s tech sector was growing 40% faster than anywhere else in the nation. And local entrepreneurs will not be surprised to learn that Prescott is listed among the top 15 most entrepreneurial small cities in the US. With the rise of remote work and the availability of technological advances in communication and computing, it’s no surprise that small towns have become attractive homes for a variety of technology centered jobs and companies. This tech sector growth in the region is largely thanks to the expanding number of locally based startups and developers. Many of these businesses are taking a different approach to their work and getting great results by revolutionizing Arizona’s relationship with technology through remote work and services. Here are just a few of the Northern Arizona organizations creating opportunities for meaningful growth and innovation in the tech sector.

Photo courtesy of Eightfold Technology

Photocredit: xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx

EIGHTFOLD TECHNOLOGY Eightfold Technology is a web development and Information Technology (IT) firm located in Prescott, Arizona. Eightfold empowers businesses by providing custom, start-to-finish services, from site-building and platform development to content marketing and SEO. These web developers use a variety of programming languages like PHP and Python to create custom websites, applications (apps), ecommerce and more for their customers. Founded on the idea that web technology should never be shrouded in mystery, this company believes code is a problem-solving tool. They also adhere to the philosophy that problems are best solved in an encouraging, educated community.

The company has two central goals: build a new kind of tech company and grow the technology-driven culture that is currently taking root in rural America. To achieve these goals, Eightfold’s co-founders, Henry Ebarb and Steven Kreschollek, knew they needed to position the company differently on the map – literally.

America may be dotted with small towns just like Prescott where high-tech jobs can take hold and flourish, but Prescott is where they wanted to live, work, and play. Fitting Eightfold into the fabric of Northern Arizona meant completely rethinking conventional work models. While the company has physical offices for teamwork and client meetings, work-from-home options are always on the table. Embracing remote collaboration and flexibility means the team can work together from across Arizona, reach unique goals, and keep growing on its own terms.

KATALYST SPACE TECHNOLOGIES Katalyst has its sights set on revolutionizing the space industry. When their jobs in Big Aerospace left them wanting more, its founders set out to rethink satellite technology from Northern Arizona. After years of working together designing rockets, Embry-Riddle grads Nicholas Liapis, Ghonhee Lee, and Kaleb Beebout came together with a dream: accelerate humanity’s destiny beyond this planet. That dream, fueled by absolute passion for the limitless possibilities in space, coalesced into the Satellite Technology Research and Development company, Katalyst Space. Together, the team has taken on the challenge of innovating satellite operations.

Being physically located in Prescott Valley allows the company to include driven Embry-Riddle interns and to enjoy life outside work in a beautiful mountain environment. However, work itself is anything but traditional. Lee and his partners are just as excited about empowering their team through a thriving work environment as they are about satellites. They balance daily collaborative time (either in-person or remotely) with solo work hours where people can focus without needing to take calls or answer questions. This structure calls for trust, but the team is finding that trust may be the most important empowerment tool of all.

KASADIA Based in Prescott, Arizona, Kasadia (formerly Consent Solutions) is a technology company providing patient connection software solutions. Their core product focuses on presurgical & postsurgical education, informed consent, and decision systems for both patients and providers. Founded by surgeons, clinical coordinators, and office managers, Kasadia streamlines the surgical onboarding

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process by allowing patients to complete education and paperwork from home using hypermedia and Telehealth features to connect patients and providers. Using programming languages like Python, javascript and React, this software-as-a-service (i.e. cloud software servers) is delivered to desktops, tablets and other mobile devices. Kasadia plans to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for some portion of their product in the near future. These technologies allow higher quality engagement for patients and staff, both in and out of the office. This is a transformative yet easy step for any healthcare office, no matter where the practice happens to be.

NATA As our region transforms what technology can look like, the Northern Arizona Technology Alliance (NATA) is here to help. NATA is a 501c3 nonprofit Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) with the mission of supporting startups and innovators. Its vision is to expand the tech community by attracting companies and investment to Northern Arizona, facilitating opportunities for existing businesses to compete in global markets, and promoting economic growth in high-wage jobs.

Photo courtesy of Katalyst

Katalyst Space Technologies staff gather for an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Alumni networking event.

NATA goes above and beyond to help connect entrepreneurs and innovators in the tech space with the resources they need. But before entrepreneurs dive into networking, NATA hosts a Viability Event. During this process, NATA essentially sits down with an individual and goes over the business proposal to see if the tech business idea can actually work.

NATA members join a diverse, supportive community and can obtain grantbased funding along with free, discounted, and cooperative services from state and local partner organizations. The whole goal for NATA is simply to help tech sector startups actually get their businesses off the ground in Central and Northern Arizona. To find out more about NATA, visit them at tech-arizona.com. u

AOF TWOT REMOTE A L EWORKERS Big Tech. Small Town. -Zara Glidden

Photos courtesy of Corey McCoy and Biosera

he face of technology in Northern Arizona is constantly evolving. Each year, we see new businesses and opportunities that were once only available in larger cities moving into the region. This is thanks in part to a diverse, growing group of talented remote workers who are changing the way the world thinks about media and technology. The option of working remotely for larger companies has become more and more common. And, with that option available, more tech professionals are choosing to live and work in smaller

communities. What may be surprising is just how diverse the kinds of tech sector jobs these professionals are doing. For software programmer Corey McCoy and animator/designer Aaron Lambert, the option to work remotely created the opportunity to choose life away from the big city. Both wanted to continue working in their high-paying jobs, but still be able to live in a community that offered the lifestyle they desired. It turned out that Northern Arizona fit the bill.

When most people think of technology jobs, they picture things like a Silicon Valley tech company or a Hollywood version of a super-secret high-security lab. Or maybe visions of a Google office, complete with a slide for employees to slide into meetings and communal nap pods, come to mind. While dated tech stereotypes are fun, the reality is that tech jobs are no longer confined to urban hubs. Northern Arizona has long been home to tech workers who make their mark from a distance.

C O R E Y M COY C

Remote Software Programmer and Part-Time Ninja

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Biosero specializes in lab robotics that accelerate medical research. “Our programs enable scientists to make better decisions, in less time, with more data,” McCoy says. “Basically, we control the robots that do the research.” He is the lead developer on Biosero’s flagship product, Green Button Go, a lab automation “scheduler”. Passionate about how this tool helps labs perform better, he makes it clear that the product is much more than just a calendar. Green Button Go comes into play whenever researchers are up against serious practical obstacles. “When a scientist has a theory about how to treat or cure a particular disease, and of a molecule

Photos courtesy of Corey McCoy

For the past eight years, Corey McCoy has called Prescott, AZ home while working as a software developer for Biosero, an international biotech company based in San Diego. An Oroville, California native, McCoy has an eclectic history. His past roles have included professional tree trimmer, flight instructor, and competitor on the kingsize obstacle course of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior.

that might make a good drug, they need to mix sometimes a million different chemical permutations,” he explains. This means performing one million tiny experiments. “With robotics, instead of just moving plates around, the scientist can spend their time doing something more useful.” The data is better and leads to quicker, higher-quality solutions. In 2020, the need for timely medical research has never been more important. Biosero is offering free software and support to labs working on COVID-19. This is deeply encouraging for McCoy. “Now I see where all those difficult hours spent in my home office, which can get lonely, are impacting the real world in a time of need and crisis. What a blessing to get to live in rural Northern Arizona, work from home where I’m near my wife and kids, and still get to impact the world in such a way.” McCoy and his wife Kristen were living in Phoenix when he joined Biosero’s team, but they have always had an affinity for mountains, wilderness, and small-town life. Kristen grew up spending summers with her family at Camp Pinerock, and Prescott reminded McCoy of his hometown in the Sierra foothills. When his job gave him the chance to relocate, the choice was easy. “We prayed that we would somehow find a quiet, rural spot where we could have our hobbies, build big obstacle courses, and give our kids the kind of runaround room that we want for them. And at the same time, we want to be close to community events and amenities. We’ve got that here,” said McCoy. Remote work comes with its own special set of challenges and McCoy freely admits that his job calls for self-discipline. It can be challenging to see the results of the work he puts in from the home office. But when the going gets tough, McCoy has his one-acre yard near downtown Prescott to escape into.

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WHEN I NEED TO CLEAR MY HEAD AND ATTACK A SOFTWARE OBSTACLE FROM ANOTHER ANGLE, I CAN WALK AWAY FROM MY COMPUTER AND GO EXERCISE ON THE NINJA GYM FOR 10 MINUTES. OFTENTIMES, THAT GIVES ME A NEW PERSPECTIVE WHEN I COME BACK TO THE COMPUTER SCREEN. Corey McCoy

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“When I need to clear my head and attack a software obstacle from another angle, I can walk away from my computer and go exercise on the Ninja gym for 10 minutes. Oftentimes, that gives me a new perspective when I come back to the computer screen,” said McCoy.

In Northern Arizona, the McCoys have built strong local ties, a rich community of friends and church family, and a delightfully treacherous backyard ninja gym. Staying connected with his coworkers across the world can be tricky, but good strategies help close the distance. Video calls in particular make communication feel more personal. McCoy noted that when working with a colleague in Germany on a robotics setup in France, their conversation was as easy as if they had been working side-by-side. While McCoy and his career are anything but average, he believes that carving out a lifestyle like his own is more possible than people might think. Not every job can or should be remote, but there are more and more options in the tech universe for those who are ready to invest their time and talents. “My role in my company is a large one, and I can do it very, very well from Prescott,” he said. “I feel so incredibly blessed to live just minutes from downtown, where you’ve got this incredible community feel. I get to choose to live here and yet still impact the world through biotechnology. How cool.”

A decade of replacing water cooler breaks with ninja workouts paid off. McCoy worked his way onto American Ninja Warrior’s 2019 season, competing in both the LA Qualifiers and City Finals. Pursuing this passion (which began during his years in the tree trimming business) is possible in part because of his remote worker status at Biosero. He plans to continue to apply and compete in future years.

A A R O N LAMBERT Animator and Designer Aaron Lambert is a designer who creates motion capture graphics for movies and video games. Motion capture, or “mo-cap,” involves filming human actors with sensors placed all over the actor’s body. These sensors track and record their movements, which are then mapped on a computer. Lambert’s job is to then use these mo-cap images to create animated characters. Anyone who has played a realistic video game or watched a superhero movie has seen mo-cap in action, but most

L AMBERT H AS WORKED ON HUNDREDS OF VIDEO GAMES, MOVIES, COMMERCIALS, PHONE APPS, AND AN ANIMATED YOUTUBE CH ANNEL. 28 TG MAGAZINE S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

viewers are too busy enjoying the game or movie to think much about how those characters are brought to life by digital artists like Lambert. Born and raised in San Diego, Lambert has loved design and video games from an early age. “I was always into video games, even when I was young,” he says. “One of the big things that really got me into thinking of it as a potential job was a game I enjoyed called Thief. It’s pretty old – I think it came out in ’98 – and anyone can use it to make their own missions and play them. A lot of people actually created missions that were even better than the original game.” This interactive community helped Lambert see video games as more than just something to enjoy as a player. He studied animation at the Art Institute of California in San Diego and interned at Sony Computer Entertainment. After a year of contract work, he moved to Los Angeles and landed a job at House of Moves. “It’s funny, it was supposed to be a sixmonth job and now it’s been 13 or so years,” he laughed. As Lambert grew into his current position, he’s had the opportunity to take on many different roles. Lambert currently lives in Prescott, Arizona, working as Lead Animator for the Los Angeles based motion capture stu-

dio, House of Moves. Skilled in animation, graphic and video game design, video editing, special effects, and writing, Lambert has worked on hundreds of video games, movies, commercials, phone apps, and an animated YouTube channel. You can see some of his work in video games like Call of Duty, Mortal Kombat, and Resident Evil. He also worked on movies such as Invictus, Spiderman: Far from Home, The Ninja Turtles, and The Great Wall. After he and his wife met and married in LA, they started dreaming of living somewhere with more breathing room and access to nature. Though Lambert enjoyed being near other creatives in his industry, he admits that the city was crowded, expensive, and a difficult place to raise a family.

Lambert’s creative flexibility and desire for a more rural life eventually led him to Arizona. With their second child on the way, he and his wife, who attended college at Embry-Riddle, decided to move to Prescott. The couple has family in the Quad Cities area of Arizona and had visited the area before, so they knew it would be a great fit for their growing family. “It’s just a beautiful place with a lot of outdoor opportunities. We liked that there are seasons here - and that they aren’t too harsh. There are a lot of things that this community has that we appreciate,” Lambert explains. Bringing his job with him, he took the plunge into remote work. It was a dicey decision, since there was no surefire guarantee the transition would be smooth. The studio had previously only had one remote employee.

“ THE COMMUTE IS GREAT,

JUST A WALK DOWN THE STAIRS. Aaron Lambert

”

“Another guy was in this program where you travel for a year, going to different countries each month. [The fact that] he could do that, where he had sketchy internet, and was still able to do his job, kind of convinced my lead and director that it could be done.” Since then, he’s settled into the remote routine and gained a lot of perspective. “The commute is great, just a walk down the stairs,” he said. “I knew it’d be a challenge in that I needed to make sure I was staying social since I didn’t have a group of people I was going to be seeing every day at the workplace. I think I’ve done a pretty good job of that. I was very intentional from the beginning about not just being a homebody, because I know that I can be.” Lambert and his team use services like Discord, Zoom, and Slack as well as industry-specific file sharing systems to stay in touch day-to-day. Surprisingly, the shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic have actually improved the company’s digital communication. “We always joked about how the animators just wouldn’t use those tools, but now everyone’s kind of having to,” he chuckles.

As the entire technology universe is being shocked into innovation, Lambert thinks that the door to remote work opportunities is opening wider. As he and his teammates work on new projects (including the forthcoming game Crucible) from their homes, they’ve sharpened their skills and opened their minds to what’s really possible. Design work, especially in the world of video games, requires collaboration. But for people who want to travel or live in a small town, there are new, interesting ways to make co-working successful. Working remotely from Arizona has also given Lambert time to pursue several personal projects. Off-duty, he writes both fiction and nonfiction, and designs board games. Passionate about helping others achieve more and find purpose in their work, he’s published Done! Finish Your Creative Project in One Month, as well as other books and articles on creativity. Most recently, he’s created a series of games for families to play while spending more time at home. While he has a lot of personal and professional projects going at once, he admits that it keeps things fun. u

SOLAR POWER 101 AT THE HEART OF SOLAR POWER ARE TWO THINGS:

PHOTONS AND ELECTRONS.

1839 DISCOVERY French physicist Edmond Becquerel conducted an experiment with platinum electrodes coated in silver chloride. He left it in the sun and later noticed that a small electrical charge was generated. That experiment led to the discovery of the photovoltaic effect.

DURING THE 1860S, FRENCH MATHEMATICIAN AUGUSTIN MOUCHOT BEGAN DEVELOPING AND REGISTERING PATENTS FOR SOLAR-POWERED ENGINES BASED ON BECQUEREL’S DISCOVERY.

A PHOTON IS THE BASIC UNIT OF LIGHT AND IS THE FUEL THAT STARTS THE PROCESS.

A photon of light hits a solar module or panel and energizes the solar cells in the module.

AN ELECTRON IS THE TINY SUBATOMIC PART OF AN ATOM THAT HAS AN ELECTRICAL CHARGE.

The energized solar cell “knocks off” electrons from atoms in the solar cells.

ONE HOUR OF SUNLIGHT EQUALS ONE YEAR’S WORTH OF ENERGY FOR THE ENTIRE EARTH.

These newly released electrons are put into motion by the electrical field of the solar cells, creating an electrical current. This creates direct current (DC) electricity.

THE FIRST SOLAR CELL was created by American inventor Charles Fritt in 1883 by using a thin layer of gold to cover selenium. This produced a strong, continuous electrical current.

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The DC current is sent to a power inverter, changing the electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what is needed to power most homes.

Electricity is stored in batteries, most often some type of lithium battery, until it is needed.

For utility-scale solar power projects, the electricity is then placed directly on the power grid for use.

1874 T H E

SOLAR PROJECT

“

The Fains Spur Solar Development in Prescott Valley.

I’D PUT MY MONEY ON THE SUN AND SOLAR ENERGY. WHAT A SOURCE OF POWER! Thomas Edison

”

-Angie Johnson-Schmit

s Arizona turns to clean, sustainable electricity sources, solar energy has become a first choice for many communities. With an average of 273 sunny days per year and relatively flat terrain, Prescott Valley, Arizona has a lot of advantages for a solar project. Committed to building and supporting community, family and the environment, the Fain family recognizes the value of bringing sustainable energy to the area. Solar power was the logical choice.

Solar project was formed.

The Fain family first partnered with Arizona Power Developers (AZPD) to explore the potential for bringing solar power to the region. Once viability was affirmed, they sought out a larger, more experienced development partner. With over 30 utility-scale solar, wind and pumped storage hydro projects under their belt, renewable energy development company rPlus Energies fit the bill. Out of that partnership, the 1874

Solar developers looking to build a utility-scale project have plenty to consider when choosing a location. Before any solar site is chosen, an array of project requirements must be investigated, including geological makeup and potential environmental impact. A section of the Fain family-owned Rafter Eleven Ranch in Prescott Valley checked all the boxes for rPlus Energies.

Named for the year the Fain family first arrived in Arizona, the 1874 Solar project will bring utility-scale solar power to the Prescott Valley area. The Fain family has worked this land for generations. “We were looking to continue to use the land,” said Brad Fain. “That’s what we’ve done for 140 years.” This project will continue that tradition while also fulfilling his father’s vision of building a vibrant community.

BEFORE

Can you spot the difference? Designed for low visual impact, the 1874 Solar project will blend into the natural landscape. u

Photos courtest of rPlus Energies

AFTER

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After the initial assessments, feasibility study and system impact study came back positive, the 1874 Solar project moved forward. The Fain Signature Group and rPlus Energies signed an option lease, which allows rPlus to begin another round of studies and surveys. On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, the 1874 Solar project’s conditional use permit was approved by the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors. For an area that counts beautiful vistas and outdoor recreation as key parts of

possible to capture more sunlight. Other benefits include the location’s southward sloping, no obvious red flags in terms of endangered species, and close proximity to the electrical grid. For a utility-scale project that will be putting the electricity created directly onto the power grid, proximity is vital. “We have the transmission right off the highway there, which is definitely very useful for our project,” said Kreger. The company plans to build a substa-

rent. Then it is sent to a transformer which steps up the current on the internal grid before it is stored. Before uploading to the grid, the stored energy is sent to a substation where the electricity is run through another transformer before being placed onto the power grid. “We’re providing clean power, which means a good sine wave” said Hamilton. “So being closer to the project means that the quality of electricity you have in the local area is improved.” For

The 600-acre solar project is expected to have a positive economic impact on the community. Construction is scheduled for 2022 or 2023, and the 1874 Solar project will create about 200 construction jobs. On completion, the 1874 Solar project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 20,000 homes for the community. life, solar energy is a great way to generate power with minimum environmental impact. The solar project will actually have a fairly low visual profile because of the type of photovoltaic panels that will be used. “The benefit of the Fain’s property is that it’s a little bit more dry and has less vegetation, so our hope is that that’s going to provide us with a higher rate of albedo,” said rPlus Energies Development Analyst Tanner Kreger. Albedo refers to the rate at which the sun bounces off the land and back onto the back of the solar panels. Simply put, albedo measures how reflective the ground is. A good albedo rating means the bifacial, or two-sided, panels planned for this project can capture maximum sunlight from both sides. Another big advantage is that the parcel is situated at an altitude of approximately 5,300 feet. Higher altitudes mean less particulates in the air, and with less atmospheric interference, it’s

tion nearby to keep the distance from energy generation to energy uploaded to the grid as short as possible.

Prescott Valley, this will mean clean, reliable, and sustainable electricity that is locally generated.

A major reason why being close is so important is that electricity does not like to stay on power lines over long distances. “Think of the power grid as a bucket,” said rPlus Director of Development Rick Hamilton. “The electrons will go to the first place they can get out of that bucket, and the longer distance you transmit something, those electrons just fade off into the universe.” In addition to keeping the distances as short as possible, the power loss challenge is also met by raising the voltage of the power generated. “You can go longer distances with super high voltages and have fewer losses,” said Hamilton. To create that higher voltage, the process is an additive one.

The actual technology used for this kind of solar project is relatively straightforward. Essentially the project tech can be boiled down to bifacial photovoltaic solar panels, or modules, a central inverter, a tracking system, and lithium batteries. In addition, there are plans to build a small substation to put energy generated by the solar panels directly onto the nearby power grid.

Basically, the energy coming out of the photovoltaic panels is sent to a battery before going into an inverter to change it from direct current to alternating cur-

Improved battery technology has taken down one of solar power’s biggest challenges. Solar power customers no longer have to worry about having access to power during the night or on Prescott Valley’s rare cloudy days. This

“

AS WE GO FORWARD AS A COMPANY, WE TRY TO LIVE UP TO THAT STANDARD THAT HE (BILL FAIN) ESTABLISHED, THAT ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE. Brad Fain

”

project will likely use lithium battery banks to store that solar power so it can be added to the grid – or even scheduled in advance – when it is needed. As battery storage technology has improved, the costs for large scale solar projects have dropped rapidly. This means a drop in cost for both straight solar and for stored solar power. New hydrogen battery tech is in development for very long duration storage, which will likely have a further effect on energy costs. Another factor that helps keep solar energy costs down is the solid-state technology used. Other than the trackers that move the panels to face the sun

and cooling fans on the inverter, there are “very, very few moving parts, including the storage,” said Hamilton. Fewer moving parts mean a more stable system that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. The Fain family sees putting sunshine, one of Arizona’s most abundant and sustainable resources, to work as a great way to honor the family ethos of supporting the Prescott Valley community. “As we go forward as a company, we try to live up to that standard that he (Bill Fain) established, that anything’s possible,” said Brad Fain. The 1874 Solar project is a big step forward for Prescott Valley’s sustainable, locally generated energy future. u

EXPANDING

BROAD

BAND IN RURAL

ARIZONA -Zara Glidden

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ccess to high-speed broadband internet has become a necessity for many businesses, students, health services and entrepreneurs. While urban areas tend to have easy access, it is a different story in more rural communities. With so many of its citizens depending on reliable high-speed internet, the state of Arizona is taking steps to meet that need. ADOT is currently exploring its options for expanding high-speed access in rural Arizona.

What would this expansion mean for businesses in Central Arizona? In a word, plenty. In a year where many of us have spent time learning to work from home, one lesson we’ve all learned is that having a quality, reliable connection isn’t optional. In 2019, Governor Ducey proposed initiatives to invest over 50 million dollars into broadband development for rural Arizona. The designated investment areas include: Interstate 17 between Sunset Point and Flagstaff, Interstate 40 between the Arizona-New Mexico and Arizona-California borders, and Interstate 19 between Tucson and Nogales. In Central and Northern Arizona, including the greater Prescott area, this expansion will mean safer highways, better tech capabilities for healthcare facilities, and more support for automated/self-driving vehicles. Via private sector partnerships, it could also expand growth opportunities for tech-oriented businesses. In today’s world, that means every business will benefit.

What is Broadband? Broadband is a type of always-on connection, high-speed that combines multiple signals on different bands on the same line. Most people think of it simply as a high-speed internet connection.

Much faster than old dialup services, it can be delivered over various mediums such as DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber-optic. Broadband is already established in Arizona’s metro areas and towns including Prescott and Prescott Valley. However, it has yet to benefit rural areas surrounding the quad cities.

How Could Expanded Broadband Make a Difference? High-speed internet throughout Arizona would mean more connections on every level for regions like ours. In addition to improved highway safety, improved broadband connectivity could make a difference for any business that utilizes technology. In Northern Arizona, where the tech sector is taking off like never before, it would increase our visibility and help sustain smart growth. Local officials are looking forward to seeing broadband investments pay off in more jobs and better work opportunities. Mayor Terry Nolan of Dewey-Humboldt wrote: “Broadband in [this] area would make a world of difference. It would allow for telemedicine and help senior citizens to contact their doctors over the internet … It would also allow residents in our area to work from home.” Mayor Nolan went on to explain that “working from home” also applies to schoolchildren. Not only should adults be able to take their work home when necessary, but it’s important to understand how high-speed connection could positively impact the student experience. This year’s season of working and learning at home won’t last forever, but it has shown how impactful rural development could be. As the state weighs its options on how to move forward towards expanded broadband, Northern Arizona can look forward to better technology, faster connections, new opportunities to grow, and the competitive edge we need to stand out in our statewide, national, and global economy. u 37

THE

FAST LANE

ON THE INFORMATION

SUPERHIGHWAY A Conversation with Sparklight -Angie Johnson-Schmit

As we spend more of our personal and professional lives dependent on digital technology, high-speed internet has taken on a greater importance than ever before. Broadband allows us to zip along the information highway in the fast lane, fueling everything from remote work and remote learning to Telemedicine. Ken Johnson, Senior Vice President, Technology Services at Sparklight took the time to answer some questions about where broadband services are headed in Central Arizona.

nificant investment on initiatives that increase the reliability and survivability of our network in order to ensure that the connection to our customers’ homes is not just reliable, but that there is always adequate capacity to meet the new demands being placed on our network.

What changes have you noticed in what your customers need and/or require to meet their broadband needs? With everything that happened in 2020, we are seeing customers migrate to faster speeds and moving to the highest quality connection they can get. This reflects the importance of their internet connection with the shift to working, learning, and accessing entertainment from home.

As people depend more and more on reliable high-speed internet for telemedicine, remote work, remote learning and business, what is Sparklight doing to meet that demand? With the onset of COVID-19 last year, we have seen a significant shift in how customers use high speed internet service. With the tremendous increase in remote learning, work from home, and telemedicine, reliability of the Internet connection into the home has become more important than ever before. Our strategy is Internet-centric, and that means ensuring our network is never a barrier to an outstanding customer experience. Given that, we have focused a great deal of energy and sig-

Along with this, we are seeing a greater sense of urgency from customers if there is an issue that impacts their internet service. As a result, we have been working hard to ensure we have associates in place to safely respond to the needs of our customers if issues arise. The migration of customers to a quality service encompasses all of these things - a high quality internet experience, a high level of capacity and reliability and an outstanding level of customer care, which includes the ability to respond quickly and safely if an issue arises.

Do you see customer use peaking at particular times of the day or week? Peak demand times have traditionally been highest on weekends and in the evenings, starting when school lets out for the day. The big shift we saw in 2020 and carrying into 2021 is that our typical weekday now looks like the traditional weekend day from a utilization perspective. With the majority of individuals now working and learning from home, the

traditional off-peak times have largely gone away, and we now see what looks like an expanded peak that happens throughout the day, every day, rather than just during primetime hours or on the weekends. Fortunately, we have designed our networks to manage consumption at peak times, so this has not had any impact on our network capacity or reliability.

As Arizona seeks to expand broadband to more rural areas of the state, what technology is Sparklight planning to use to meet those goals?

We have been expanding our fiber footprint to be able to serve additional areas in our northern Arizona service area, as well as working to increase the redundancies in these more remote areas to increase reliability.

How can Sparklight customers get the most out of your service? For most consumers, the best answer here is to use the modem/router that Sparklight provides. One of the big challenges with modems/routers is making sure that the technology used in the device is current and that the firmware running on the modem is kept up to date in order to ensure it is operating optimally and securely. As a service provider, we handle this for our customers when they use the equipment we provide in their home. We also replace it free of charge when it breaks and offer an application for the modem that allows our customers to better manage their home network, see device status, and monitor usage.

What changes or growth are planned for the next year? We have a lot happening in 2021, so I will just touch on a few items. We are beginning a migration to mesh networking in the home, which will provide

an advanced in-home WiFi experience for our customers; we are deploying new DOCSIS 3.1 technology in our network to increase our overall capacity and improve network latency; and we’re working on new tools that will improve self-service options for customers who prefer self-support.

began sheltering in place due to COVID. In the last half of the year, the growth curve became flat to slightly downward.

How frequently do you suggest customers update their hardware (modem)?

In the Prescott area, our associates have volunteered with or given back to: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yavapai County; Boys and Girls Club; Stepping Stones Agencies; local K-12 schools; AZ Cowboy Poets Gathering, and the Yavapai Symphony Association, to name just a few.

Has Sparklight noticed an increase in specific devices used to access broadband (i.e., increased use of cellphones, tablets, streaming devices like televisions, etc.)? Absolutely, and there is no end in sight! The number of devices connected within the home is increasing rapidly. It’s not just computers, cell phones and smart TV’s, but home security systems, cameras, smart appliances, smart thermostats, game consoles, tablets, wireless speakers, home lighting and even door locks.

How much of an increase have you seen in the “internet of things,” such as “smart” appliances?

The Internet of Things is seeing rapid growth, as people are attracted to the control and convenience these devices provide. While these devices are increasing in popularity, they are generally very low consumption devices and do not really have an impact on our overall internet traffic volumes.

Was there a significant increase in broadband usage due to the pandemic in 2020? How much? Yes, we saw average consumption increase of approximately 30 percent in 2020. The majority of that increase happened early in the year as people

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This technology changes fairly quickly. We would recommend updating customer-owned equipment every 3-5 years in order to keep up with the changes in technology.

Are there any Sparklight programs or projects you wish more of your customers knew about? Being a strong local community partner is central to Sparklight’s mission and values. We have a personal stake in improving the communities we serve. Through educational programs and donations of time and resources, we seek to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Sparklight associates are passionate about giving back to the communities in which they live and work, volunteering year-round to raise money for or support causes which will benefit the community.

Additionally, we believe strongly in improving education through the use of technology. While many school systems are taking big steps and working to give every student and teacher access to the technology and tools they need to learn, not all schools have access to funding to support this effort. By donating Chromebooks to Title 1 elementary schools in our community each year, we’re investing in a generation of future leaders and helping to conquer the digital divide in schools that lack funding. Our Chromebook donations in Arizona have included donations to schools in Prescott, Clarkdale/ Jerome, and Show Low. In 2021 (to be announced soon), we will be launching the Sparklight Charitable Giving Program, which will offer grant opportunities to 501c3 organizations across the communities we serve. u

KEEPING

MEMORIES “ ALIVE

IS PERHAPS THE GREATEST RESPONSIBILITY WE HAVE. THOSE WHO WALKED BEFORE US HAVE GIVEN SO

MUCH AND MADE POSSIBLE THE LIFE WE ALL ENJOY. Senator John Hoeven

Memory Care at Touchmark at the Ranch. -Angie Johnson-Schmit

Photos courtesy of Touchmark at the Ranch

CARING FOR OUR SENIORS

planned memory care addition will result in a total of 64 new homes. Touchmark at The Ranch prefers the neighborhood model to provide a more focused level of care while allowing residents to easily participate in group activities. They have used this model for over 15 years and found that the combination of personal homes built around community spaces work well for residents dealing with memory challenges.

care residents. The benefits of using music to help people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia related memory loss have been well-documented. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” The Mayo Clinic also points out that benefits of using music for those with memory issues include stress relief, reducing anxiety and depression and decreasing agitation. For the construction of the new memory care housing, Touchmark is keeping up to date by following strict guidelines for insulation, the use of Energy Star appliances, and a state-of-the-art VRF HVAC system. There will be a wireless emergency call system in each resident’s home so that residents can easily call for and receive help.

eople with memory challenges due to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia often benefit from a living situation that can provide additional supports. Touchmark at The Ranch in Prescott, Arizona is expanding their services for these individuals with a 45,000 square foot addition dedicated to memory care. Committed to person-centered, relationship-based care, Touchmark is also integrating some common technologies to provide additional support and enrichment to their memory care residents. The addition will consist of two levels, with the first floor providing a secured environment and the second floor geared toward residents who don’t require a secured setting but would benefit from more structure. Both floors are subdivided into two smaller communities, or “neighborhoods.” The

Technology is a part of people’s lifestyle, even for those living with memory loss. As part of their full-sensory engagement approach, Touchmark at The Ranch is incorporating the use of 70inch smart board touch screens into their Life Enrichment/Wellness activities. These smart boards provide an interactive and engaging way to play games, watch music, or have fun with trivia. Another use of technology for memory care includes easy access to pre-loaded iPods. These iPods may have a playlist of favorite songs, musicians or genres of music and are available for residents to use whenever they wish. It is a simple technology integration that can have a big impact on the mental and emotional well-being of memory

With an eye to fire safety, the building will also be equipped with a “defend in place” fire suppression system. This will allow residents to remain where they are if a fire alarm triggers, giving staff the opportunity to assist residents in safely exiting the building if needed. Construction of the memory care addition is expected to be complete sometime in early 2022. The project is expected to create over 200 construction jobs and will add approximately 30 staff positions when it is open. Technology has a role to play in elder care, especially for those who have memory challenges. Touchmark at The Ranch focuses on building relationships, working under the ethos that the most effective way to help with memory loss is to create real and memorable moments between people. Technology supports are incorporated where appropriate to help their residents stay connected to their memories. u

One of the biggest changes to a doctor’s visit is the growing use of telemedicine. Telemedicine has become a much more common and has steadily grown as a preferred way for patients to consult their physicians. According to the CDC, “during the first quarter of 2020, the number of telehealth visits in-

TECHNOLOGY AND

H E A L T H C A R E IN CENTRAL ARIZONA Improving Quality of Life Through Medical Innovation. -Kristina Abbey

creased by 50%, compared with the same period in 2019, with a 154% increase in visits noted in surveillance week 13 in 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.” While the pandemic clearly impacted those numbers, telemedicine was already well on its way to becoming part of standard medical care.

Photos courtesy of Yavapai Regional Medical Center

trip to the doctor’s office has changed quite a bit in the past several years. You are more likely to see your doctor use a laptop or iPAD to type medical notes directly into your digital file than handwrite notes for paper records. The paper prescription pad has become virtually obsolete as prescriptions are instead transmitted wirelessly to the office printer or sent directly to the pharmacy of your choice.

While it won’t likely replace in-person visits entirely, telemedicine can save time and travel for many non-emergency medical appointments. The technology behind telemedicine is fairly simple. A stable high speed internet connection is needed for the best video and audio quality. Telemedicine also relies on a stable video platform, which usually means using a secure and encrypted computer application. These video platform apps must also be in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The other key component is information technology (IT) support. Other than broadband internet, a secure video platform and reliable IT support, many physicians also use peripheral technology for recording and securely storing the video and audio recorded during the appointmet for their patient’s records. Beyond telemedicine, innovations in medical technology have impacted the healthcare field overall. Everything from a routine office visit to medical imaging, patient care, diagnostics and prevention have been improved by advancements in tech. Many of these new technologies are currently in use right here in Yavapai County at medical facilities like Thumb Medical Center, Yavapai Regional Medical Center and the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare system.

Photo courtesy of Thumb Butte Medical Center

Using a variety of digital communication technologies, patients can consult their physicians without an office visit. Instead, they can talk to their doctors via video chat, email, online portals or phone from the comfort of their own homes.

THUMB BUTTE MEDICAL CENTER Thumb Butte Medical Center has integrated an array of medical technology into all three of their locations. Medical Director Dr. Hojat Askari, M.D., is committed to ensuring that all locations offer the latest advancements for their patients. “Our mission is to provide excellent and accessible medical care. We treat our patients with the utmost respect, dignity, and honesty in a healing environment,” he said.

With 30,000 square feet, the Prescott location is a state-of-the-art multi-specialty medical clinic. The goal is to provide services to area residents capable of treating everything from internal medicine, cardiology, allergy treatment, foot and ankle surgery, and dermatology. The Orthopedic Specialists at Thumb Butte Medical Center use Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments for joint pain and injuries. This treatment involves using stem cells to harness the healing power of the patient’s own body. The typically in-office PRP treatment involves injections into the injured area to decrease inflammation and pain, stimulate healing, and speed repair for bone, muscle, joint, ligament, and soft

tissue injuries as a way to decrease the need for surgery. Thumb Butte Medical Center also has plans to open a new Radiology Center soon, and will have two types of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. MRI machines create detailed images of internal organs and tissues within the human body. Basically, this is achieved by using magnetic fields and radio waves to measure the amount of water in different body tissues. The picture is based on how hydrogen protons behave within the magnetic field, or BO field, when hit with a pulse of radio frequency (RF). MRI machines generate detailed images based on the information from this process. The Radiology Center will have two types of MRI machines for their patients, the 3T MRI scanner and an Open MRI machine. The s3T MRI scanners work by generating a very strong magnetic field, typically twice as strong as a traditional MRI machine. These 3T MRI scanners have several advantages. They are much faster, produce more detailed images and can correct for slight movement from the patient, like breathing. While there are a lot of benefits, the 3T MRI is a closed scanner that is not ideal for people with anxiety. In that case, the better option might be an open MRI. While open MRI machines work on the same principles as the 3T ones, they are slower and the images

Dr. Askari and his team at Thumb Butte Medical Center are continuously integrating new technology to provide the best medical care possible. “We have over 20,000 patients, plus we’re seeing about 30-40 brand new patients every day,” said Dr. Askari. “We take care of people who have no insurance, we welcome everybody, and we never say no to people when they need help.”

YAVAPAI REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has a national reputation for being a leader in technological and digital solutions for patient care. Among other distinctions, the American Hospital Association’s Health Forum has recognized YRMC as a Most Wired Hospital on multiple occasions.

YRMC has introduced a new Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the James Family Heart Center at YRMC West in Prescott.

The new Cardiac Cath Lab incorporates technology so advanced that it is the first of its kind in the western United States. “The innovative technology and clinical expertise allow us to deliver highly advanced structural, coronary, peripheral, and electrophysiological procedures to our community,” said Soundos Moulla, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Medical Director, Structural Heart Program, James Family Heart Center at YRMC.

In the new Cardiac Cath Lab, there are two pieces of innovative diagnostic imaging equipment, the Azurion Angiography Operating System, and the EchoNavigator. The Azurion Angiography Operating System gathers a combination of x-ray and ultrasound images that are combined into a single, three-dimensional view of a patient’s heart. The EchoNavigator technology introduces “road mapping” which combines the Azurion’s three-dimensional images into a clear and detailed “map” of a patient’s heart. These images allow physicians to see the vessels, valves, leaflets, and more in real-time. This tech gives interventional cardiolo-

gists a clear view of the catheter or heart implant they are guiding during an angiography procedure.

In addition to the new Cath Lab, YRMC uses cutting edge medical technology in other areas of care. YRMC uses Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to diagnose conditions of the prostate - the walnut-sized gland below the bladder in men. “Prostate MRI can prevent some biopsies and give urologists the information they need to perform targeted biopsies,” said Deven Cox, DO. Cox is a YRMC Diagnostic Radiologist who is fellowship trained in Body Imaging. The Prostate MRI allows diagnostic radiologists to answer three essential questions about prostate cancer: Where is the tumor located in the prostate gland? How aggressive is the tumor? Has the cancer spread outside of the prostate gland? There have also been tech developments used to diagnose and track neuroendocrine tumors. Recently introduced to YRMC East in Prescott Valley, Gallium-68 DOTATATE Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is helping radiologist locate these hard-to-find tumors which can be found in the pancreas, stomach, intestines, a gland in the abdomen, or the lungs. “For people who suffer from neuroendocrine tumors, the availability of this imaging study in Prescott Valley is very good news,” said Shaun Walton, CNMT, Supervisor, Nuclear Medicine, and PET/CT at YRMC. “This study is faster and offers more specificity than other neuroendocrine tumor studies.”

Photo courtesy of Yavapai Regional Medical Center

less detailed.

artifact reduction/removing software through a variety of x-ray imaging techniques. This goes beyond anatomical analysis and allows for quantitative tissue characterization and advanced functional imaging. The Dual-energy CT has features like advanced imaging, 3D and 4D software, and uninterrupted power system (UPS) which allow for 30 minutes of continued screening during a power outage or surge. The Wide Bore MRI System allows for patient comfort offering quiet, quick scanning capabilities and also adjusts for patient motion like breathing, detecting and correcting as needed.

NORTHERN ARIZONA VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM The Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System (NAVAHS) works tirelessly to ensure patient care is efficient. Part of that achieving that goal is met by bringing technology into the systems, treatment and diagnostic services.

Photo courtesy of Northern Arizona VA Healthcare

Technology can often go beyond machinery and equipment in the office or exam room. Some of the most important tech advancements have been in how appointments are booked and communication with patients. One method that NAVAHS uses is the VA Telemedicine service.

While VA Telemedicine is not new, the system saw a massive increase in patient use in 2020. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, there were a total of 5,439 telemedicine appointments, but in FY2020 the reported number increased to 7,081 appointments with 30 days remaining in the fourth quarter of FY2020.

My Healthy Vet, another patient service, is a secure online patient portal that allows individuals to check medication status, order refills, and check appointments. Patients can also communicate with both their healthcare providers and their pharmacy using the My Healthy Vet service. Offered by both secure web portal and secure cell phone app, patients have efficient means of using tech to stay current on their healthcare needs. In 2020, NAVAHS reported that 44% of their patients are using My Healthy Vet. NAVAHS is also currently working to expand their radiology clinic by 8,000 square feet. The additional space will allow NAVAHS to increase the number of Veterans who can receive care. The expanded radiology clinic will also introduce a variety of state-of-the-art imaging equipment. Equipment in the radiology clinic will include Dual-energy computed tomography (CT), Wide Bore MRI System, Dual Energy X-Ray Absorption Imaging. Dual-energy CT allows for hi-definition, image clarity, and the addition of metal

In the past, Dual-energy X-Ray Absorption Imaging has been specific to bone mineral density. Going forward and partnering with clinical dietician/nutritional services NAVAHS will be able to perform body composition analysis which will help improve clinical-nutritional care to meet target body weight as well as give precise, accurate measurement on each individual patient.

Thumb Butte Medical Center, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, and the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System are just three examples of how tech is being incorporated into healthcare.

With the introduction of new technology in the various healthcare services and treatments in the Quad Cities, patient care continues to improve and become more effective. As the Northern Arizona region grows, medical facilities are likewise incorporating and constantly updating their technology to provide the best possible care for their patients. u

TECH CLASS

I N T H E

ROOM -Angie Johnson-Schmit

illions of American school children have sharpened their digital communication skills with remote learning over the past year. But some students were already deeply involved in learning tech knowledge and skills. You can find some of those students in Robyn Bryce’s classroom at Prescott High School in Prescott, Arizona.

48 TG MAGAZINE S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Named a Yavapai County Teacher of the year in 2020, Bryce is known for inspiring students to explore and experiment with technology in a range of tech oriented classes. Her interest began when she spearheaded the Media Tech Lab, focusing

on Film and TV production about five years ago. The Media Tech Lab has since expanded to include multiple tech disciplines. Bryce credits a grant of over $40,000 from the Jewish Community Foundation for getting the Media Tech Lab up and running. “We were really backed by them, and then people heard about it,” said Bryce. As word spread about her tech-oriented coursework, other community supports and grants followed.

Photos courtesy of SignalsAZ.com

Preparing the Next Generation for Tech Jobs.

2020 was the first year Bryce offered computer science as a semester long course, with a focus on teaching students basic Java. It’s proven to be so popular that computer science is slated to become a yearlong course in the 2021-2022 school year. Likewise, the media tech lab course will be a full year class. Her freshman students start off with a survey course, Exploring Digital Media. Students can then branch out and take classes that focus on computer science, Film and TV or something that Bryce calls “modern industrial arts.” The modern industrial arts courses combine “computer science, contemporary technology and old school manufacturing.” Her students are able to try out a variety of tech in the classroom, giving them the chance to discover where their interests are so they can go deeper. Bryce’s students have the opportunity to work with everything from video and audio production gear to 3D printers and a robotic arm. She said she has, “kids that are interested in robotics, kids that are interested in engineering…kids that are interested in coding, and computer science, and designing.” Even courses that might appear to be more like old-fashioned shop classes

have tech components. Bryce has introduced a variety of small manufacturing equipment to the classroom, including a sticker maker, a t-shirt press, and a wood and metal router machine. For students interested in working with this gear, they also need to master the core design tech needed. Students have full access to the Adobe software suite. Film and TV students use applications like Adobe Premiere Pro to edit their video projects, or Adobe’s After Effects to add visual effects. A variety of design programs like Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign are used to develop designs for the sticker machine and the t-shirt press. Bryce and her students are currently diving into Adobe Aero, an application used to build augmented reality experiences.

One of her favorite things about teaching tech is shepherding her students through the design process. “Teaching kids to come up with a thought and then to go through the design process and those iterations of it, working on a team, getting feedback, prepares students to deal with the entire process,” said Bryce.

She also sees the value in teaching kids how to manage projects that don’t turn out as planned. “The ultimate (experience) is creating that prototype,” said Bryce. When that prototype doesn’t work or isn’t up to the stand, she thinks it’s important for students to know to go back to the design process, correct the errors and try it again. “Whether you’re dealing with technology or you’re dealing with writing a paper, or you’re making a film, it’s the same kind of idea,” said Bryce. Beyond the practical applications of tech, Bryce is keenly interested in helping students understand how these new tech skills can translate into actual employment for them. Her goal for the class as a whole is “for us to eventually become the media powerhouse for Prescott Unified (School District).” For example, if the high school football team is “giving an award…I want us to make the plaque, to use our router to make the plaque and engrave the metal.” She is also looking to future job or career skills and opportunities for her students. Keeping an eye on where the industries are headed, Bryce focuses on providing the tools for her class to get hands-on experience with the tech. Her students learn things like how to make custom car magnets and stickers, how

to write and produce film, television and digital media, how to write and produce a podcast and how to program a robotic arm. Her dream is that students, regardless of whether they go into a tech-related job or not, have learned the skills of effective teamwork, creative problem solving, excellent communication and the ability to see a project through to completion. While some students will be heading off to college after graduating high school, Bryce is “also of the belief that college isn’t necessarily for everyone.” She has several former students attending Yavapai College and Northern Arizona University, but she has others who have gone directly into tech jobs or who want to open up their own businesses. No matter what her students choose, she points out they can “get an apprenticeship, or maybe even use some of these skills to help pay the bills when they are going to college.

Bryce understands that students getting ready to move into a tech-oriented workspace need to be nimble, curious and creative to find success. “The way technology comes out, who knows what’s going to be the next new thing three years from now?” she said. No matter what the answer to that question is, Bryce is making sure her students have the skills and mindset to meet those challenges. u

H e l e n S t e p h e n s o n , Ya v a p a i C o l l e g e F i l m and Media Ar ts Director and Robyn Bryce, P H S M e d i a T e c h L a b t e a c h e r.

50 TG MAGAZINE S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

BECOMING

PART OF THE

CROWD Yavapai College Offers Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program. -Zara Glidden and Yavapai College

s an Information Technology (IT) specialist in the digital age, can you really help your clients from any location? Is it possible to live in Northern Arizona, work on your own terms, and still play an active role in your community? The short answer to those questions is yes. IT workers have countless options open to them. No matter whether they plan to work for a company or as independent contractors, demand for IT services isn’t limited by region or population. IT support is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. With the right skills, dedication, and connections, you can carve out a flourishing career in this sector, working from anywhere in the world. The availability of high-wage IT jobs in areas with a higher quality of life (and lower cost-of-living) has slowed the flow of IT workers toward urban U.S. tech hubs. Tech professionals are increasingly seeking work in new areas, and even large companies are scouting more rural and suburban talent. Specializing in keeping systems running smoothly, and upgrading and updating as needed, IT support workers frequently do their jobs remotely. It’s only really necessary to have an onsite presence in two situations: when installing new hardware or infrastructure, and when replacing faulty equipment. Beyond that, IT workers generally only need to go on-site once to physically install remote-access programs. Well before the COVID-19 pandemic, remote tech work in the US had become easier and more

widely accepted than ever before. The shutdowns due to the pandemic in 2020 accelerated the remote work trend, with many businesses pleasantly surprised at how well workfrom-home solutions performed. As Arizo-

nans become more interested in what’s possible as remote work options, area schools, colleges and universities are stepping up their tech education programs. For those looking to start a career in IT, the resources and education necessary are closer than you might think. Yavapai College (YC) has partnered with Google to offer their students an opportunity to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. This is an accredited online course that teaches the skills needed to start a career path in IT support. As part of the Grow with Google initiative to ensure tech opportunities are available to all, YC’s certificate program is designed to graduate students with skills in troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration and security.

What is truly exciting about this program is that Grow with Google reports 80% of Google IT Support Professional Certificate learners in the U.S. experience a career impact within 6 months, such as finding a new job, getting a raise, or starting a new business. The program, developed by Google, is specifically designed to cover what IT professionals need to know to start or move ahead in the field. Yavapai College offers its own advantages by offering online tutoring for the selfpaced IT support certificate classes. While it is possible to enroll in the certificate program and walk out the door with the core skills needed to become an IT professional, students also earn 3 credit hours for each of the two courses. This means students can also apply those credit hours to an Associate degree if they choose to move ahead with their college education. As more business moves online, there has never been a greater need for IT support professionals and Northern Arizona is rising to meet that demand. Yavapai College is listening to what their students and businesses want and is helping people enter this part of the tech sector better prepared than ever before. u

“

FUNDING THE

THERE IS NO POWER FOR CHANGE GREATER THAN A COMMUNITY DISCOVERING WHAT IT CARES ABOUT.

FUTURE ” Nursing and Radiology Scholarships at Yavapai College. -Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott

n 2012, Yavapai College announced the creation of the largest scholarship program in its history. The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott (JCF) set up and funded the Jewish Foundation Healthcare Scholarships for students in nursing and radiologic technology programs at the college. The scholarship attracted other community funding organizations over time. The Community Healthcare Scholarship is designed to address two regional healthcare needs: the expected shortage of healthcare professionals in the coming years, and the challenges of effectively competing with urban areas for these highly valued healthcare professionals. The scholarship is an effort to identify, support, and train students who are committed to pursuing a healthcare career in our local community.

“The program simultaneously supports education and healthcare, while ensuring a ‘pipeline’ of vital healthcare professionals for the local medical community,” said JCF president David Hess, M.D. With a 93.8% graduation rate of scholarship recipients, JFC is thrilled that approximately 97% of those who complete their training choose to remain in the area.

Paul Kirchgraber, Director of Development at Yavapai College Foundation, shares that excitement. “The College is overwhelmed with the enthusiasm our community has shown in supporting these aspiring healthcare professionals,” said Kirchgraber. “The generosity of these respected organizations is truly amazing, and the provided scholarships relieve the financial burden for students, allowing them to concentrate on their studies.” Originally slated to last five years, the program was so successful that it has been extended. As of 2020, over one hundred scholarships have been awarded and the program is still going strong. JFC and Yavapai College report ten scholarship recipients will graduate Spring 2021 and another five will finish Fall 2021.

Margaret J. Wheatly

Now in its third phase, the Community Healthcare Scholarship Program has attracted additional funding partners including the Harold James Family Trust, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott, Margaret T. Morris Foundation, Prescott Radiologists, LLP, Yavapai College Foundation, Yavapai Regional Medical Center and the newest partner, the Fain Signature Group through its latest project Homestead Luxury Apartments.

Combined, these generous organizations will fund over $1 million dollars in healthcare scholarships during this phase. Approximately 18 students (16 nurses and two radiology techs) annually will receive a full scholarship, with close to 200 scholarships awarded over the course of the program. The first class entered the program in Fall 2020 and the last class is scheduled to graduate Spring 2025. Financial need is the primary determinant in obtaining an award, with recipients making a good faith pledge to remain in the greater Prescott area to work in their healthcare field of experience. u 53

8 TECH GADGETS

FOR YOUR GARDEN Essential Tech for Beautiful Gardens.

Time seems to slow in the garden. Without the continual noise from notifications sounding from my cell phone, it’s easy to lose track of time altogether. Admittedly I am addicted to technology, even in the gardens. If you define yourself as tech-savvy or an early adopter, then some of these garden gadgets can really help in the garden.

-Ken Lain | The Mountain Gardener

GARDEN APP - GROWIT!™ THE PLANT COMMUNITY I like sipping coffee in the morning, scrolling through this garden app. You can connect with people to find inspiration for your next plant project, get questions answered, and have your plants identified. They host plant and seed giveaways and the app is available on both the Apple and Google stores. Join the community.

Watch your flowers grow, or see which critters are grazing from the gardens. Super easy to use and fun. The time-lapse motion camera can be set to snapshots at intervals from 1 minute to every 24 hours. Just stick the camera outdoors and watch your garden grow.

54 TG MAGAZINE S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Photos courtesy of Ken Lain

BRINNO GARDEN CAM

VEGIBEE POLLINATOR The gadget for garden connoisseurs looking to finetune their craft. The VegiBee imitates the high-frequency vibrations of a bee’s wings during pollination. The waves release pollen onto a spoon, which the gardener can use to hand-pollinate other plants for a 30 percent increase in crop yield. Plus, the satisfaction of giving Mother Nature a helping hand.

SPRUCE IRRIGATION

This irrigation system can be voice-activated and controlled via Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. All interface with the Spruce phone app or laptop. Live weather data, predictive rain, and wind algorithms learn your gardens needed irrigation pattern, and it works. Flow Meters, moisture and rain sensors can all be added for an even more data-driven garden, and all WiFi activated.

4 GARDEN PLAN PRO IPAD Having trouble plotting your plot? The Garden Plan Pro app acts as a visual aid in laying out your patches before you pick up a shovel. It also provides weather station data, gives advice on the best plants for your region, and offers information on more than 140 different species of flowers and vegetables.

ROBOTIC MOWERS

Autonomous robots can now be employed to cut your lawn. Mowing up to 1/2 acre, they recharge themselves when battery power runs low and are guided by GPS tracking. If you have large lawns, rough grass, or just like seeing a robot mow the grass for you, then this is your ideal tech.

MOISTURE METER The most basic of garden gadgets you really can’t call yourself a gardener without one. Healthy garden soil can be challenging in an arid climate, and this simple tool lets you know when to water containers, raised beds, or simple houseplants. Available at Watters Garden Center!

NETATMO WEATHER STATION

This personal weather station stands above the rest by monitoring the indoor environment as well as the outdoor weather. Among other features, this weather station measures indoor CO2 levels and provides the air quality index in real-time. Netatmo links to your smartphone, keeping track of what’s best for your home, plants, and garden.

GARDEN TECH LINKS

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Photos courtesy of Ken Lain

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58 TG MAGAZINE S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

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TG Magazine Prescott Valley - Spring 2021 - The Tech Issue

Articles inside

Assistant Editor's Note

8 Tech Gadgets for Your Garden

Funding the Future

Becoming Part of the IT Crowd

Tech in the Classroom

Technology and Healthcare in Central Arizona

Keeping Memories Alive

The Fast Lane on the Information Superhighway

Expanding Broad Band in Rural Arizona

The 1874 Solar Project

A Tale of Two Remote Workers

Art at the Center

Taking on The Digital World

A Room With A View

Editor's Note