Quad Cities Business News

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt

You are here: Home / Archives for quadcities

quadcities

Ransomware is Risky Business

By Leave a Comment

Businesses large and small are under threat from increasingly aggressive and brutal ransomware attacks. Loss of access to critical files, followed by a demand for payment, can cause massive disruption to an organization’s productivity.

Hacking is becoming easier while attackers are becoming more sophisticated in their approach. Exploit kits can be purchased for only a couple of hundred dollars on the internet. These kits make it simple for less tech-savvy criminals to initiate, complete and benefit from a ransomware attack.

There are multiple ways that a ransomware attack starts. Common techniques include:

 

Malicious Emails Today’s criminals are crafting emails that are indistinguishable from genuine ones. They are grammatically correct, with no spelling mistakes and often written in a way that is relevant to you and your business.

Poisoned Websites Another common way to get infected is by visiting a legitimate website that has been infected with an exploit kit. Even popular websites can be temporarily compromised. You browse to the hacked website and click on an innocent-looking link, hover over an ad or in many cases, just look at the page. That’s enough to download the ransomware file onto your computer and run it, often with no visible sign until after the damage is done.

 

Staying secure against ransomware isn’t just about having the latest security solutions. Good IT security practices, including regular training for employees, are essential components of every single security setup. Make sure you’re following these 10 best practices:

 

  1. Patch Early, Patch Often Malware that doesn’t come in via a document often relies on security bugs in popular applications, including Microsoft Office, your browser, Flash and more.
  2. Backup Regularly, Keep a Recent Backup Copy Off-Line and Off-Site There are dozens of ways other than ransomware that files can suddenly vanish, such as fire, flood, theft, a dropped laptop or even an accidental delete. Encrypt your backup and you won’t have to worry about the backup device falling into the wrong hands. Furthermore, a disaster recovery plan can cover the restoration of data and whole systems.
  3. Enable File Extensions The default Windows setting is to have file extensions disabled, meaning you have to rely on the file thumbnail to identify it. Enabling extensions makes it much easier to spot file types that wouldn’t commonly be sent to you and your users, such as JavaScript.
  4. Open JavaScript (.JS) Files in Notepad This is advanced but an extremely effective solution. Opening a JavaScript file in Notepad blocks it from running any malicious scripts and allows you to examine the file contents.
  5. Don’t Enable Macros in Document Attachments Received Via Email Microsoft deliberately turned off auto-execution of macros by default many years ago as a security measure. A lot of infections rely on persuading you to turn macros back on, so don’t do it!
  6. Be Cautious about Unsolicited Attachments The crooks are relying on the dilemma you face knowing that you shouldn’t open a document until you are sure it’s one you want, but you can’t tell if it’s one you want until you open it. If in doubt, leave it out.
  7. Monitor Administrator Rights Constantly review administrator rights. Know who has them and remove those who do not need them.
  8. Stay Up-to-Date with New Security Features in Your Business Applications Other than new features with newer versions of software, they also come designed with security features such as blocking macros in Office applications.
  9. Regulate External Network Access Don’t leave ports exposed to the world. Lock down your organization’s remote access and other management protocols. Furthermore, use two-factor authentication whenever it is offered.
  10. Use Strong Passwords It sounds trivial, but it really isn’t. A weak and predictable password can give hackers access to your entire network in a matter of seconds. We recommend making them impersonal, at least 12 characters long, using a mix of upper and lower case and adding a sprinkle of random punctuation Ju5t.LiKETh1s!

 

To stop ransomware, you need to have effective and advanced protection in place at every stage of an attack: Firewalls with built-in active security, AntiVirus Software, a patching method for your computer(s), regular training of employees and, finally, a safe and secure backup solution to get your data back in the event of an attack. QCBN

By Theo Soumilas

Theo Soumilas is the owner of Northern Arizona IT servicing the Quad Cities and Northern Arizona.

 

For additional information or to schedule an  appointment for a free assessment, call 928-719-7724 or visit northernazit.com.

 

Knowing What to Expect from a Car Dealership

By Leave a Comment

As I wrote in my last article, most people go online for much of their research when car shopping. You can search for new/used cars and trucks, and learn about new models. Most people use companies that car dealers pay to advertise. Some of these are Car Guru, Cars.com, Edmonds, True Car and many others. These companies direct leads or customers to the retailer’s website. Once you find a car or truck at the dealer, you should then check the reputation of that dealer.

Customers, whether happy or unhappy, will go to web reviews like Google, Yelp, Dealer Rater, Edmonds and Facebook. They will voice their opinion of that dealer in those posts. Smart dealerships will pay attention to the ratings and keep them as high as possible. Let face it, who would go to a business with a bad reputation?

Of course, not everyone is going to be happy, although I do try to keep everyone happy and give them a “Wow!” experience. Sometimes customers’ expectations are not met for whatever reason. There are many different personalities out there. You can expect to see a few bad reviews. When there are more bad reviews than good reviews, buyer beware.

Now that you have done your research and found a reputable dealer, you call the dealer and make sure the car is still in stock. Some dealers will tell you it is there when it was sold already. They want the chance to sell you another car or truck. Now it is time to make a decision. Do I stay and see what they have to offer or do I cut my loss and go back to the drawing board? This is where the reputation reports come in. It very well could have sold in the time it took for you to get there. With a good reputation, you might see what they have to offer. With a dealer that sells many vehicles, there may be some that have just come in and have not showed up on the website yet. Remember, it may very well be that the car you look at today and go home to think about could be the one that someone else looked at yesterday and is buying today. I know that sounds like a line, but that is just the way it is.

Let’s say you have found the car or truck you wanted. Some people think they have to make a ridiculous offer to make sure they are not getting taken advantage of. If you are unsure about the dealer and whether or not you are being treated fairly, ask for the Carfax. Most dealers subscribe to this or you can go online and get it yourself. Carfax will tell you all the repairs and if it has been in an accident or not. Carfax will also tell you what the car is worth with the options and mileage the car or truck has. Once you feel good about your decision, it’s time to do the paperwork.

The business office that does the paperwork is the next step. The best thing that I can let you know is it takes time. Just because you have taken hours to make a decision doesn’t mean that the paperwork should be ready in a few minutes. Allow enough time to buy a car or reschedule. In this highly regulated market, business managers are required to present all the products to you. With that being said, it is up to you whether you want them or not. No one can make you take something you don’t want. No law says you must buy what someone is selling you.

There are some dealers who bully and misrepresent products, but that doesn’t mean they all do. Again, this is where the research on reputation comes in. If you feel forced to buy something while doing the paperwork, simply walk out and regroup, or talk to the manager you dealt with. I can’t stress this enough. You don’t have to buy any product you don’t want and no one can make you.

One thing I hear quite often is that you have three days to back out of a contract that you signed at a car dealership. That is not true, so know what you are signing before you sign.

I hope this information helps with your next interaction with a car dealer. And, if I can be of any assistance, whether you are buying from our dealership or another, I would rather help you and answer your questions than have you make a mistake then come to me to get you out of trouble. QCBN

By Dave “Mac” Macfarlane

Dave “Mac” Macfarlane is the general manager of Findlay Subaru Prescott. Contact him at Dmacfarlane@findlayauto.com or 928-771-6900.

Kilauea One Year Later

By Leave a Comment

For the first time since 1983, Kīlauea Volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is not erupting. The world’s most active volcano ended its 35-year magma run in a spectacular grand finale of fiery fountains and high-volume molten rock rivers between May and August 2018. As a result of the massive and explosive event, much has changed: scientists now have a better understanding of how Hawaii works; drones have earned their place in the study and safety of future volatile events; and the Big Island itself is now 875 acres larger.

As volcanologists continue to monitor, measure and observe the now-quiet Kīlauea, they are very interested in the acid lake that is refilling the caldera and replacing the magma that emptied and redeposited itself last year. But also, Kīlauea’s bulging volcanic neighbor, Mauna Loa, is demanding some attention.

Best Example of a Caldera Collapse

Standing on the rim of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, U.S. Geological Survey researcher Matt Patrick with the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, points out visible evidence of the large collapse of the crater floor at the Kīlauea Volcano summit. “This caldera collapse event is arguably the best observed caldera collapse event anywhere on Earth in the modern record,” he said.

Kīlauea’s caldera was a lava lake before last year’s eruption, triggered by hundreds of earthquakes. Through a period of three to four months, the crater floor dropped 2,000 feet and moved 800 million cubic meters of lava underground to reemerge through new cracks in forests and neighborhoods on the east side of the island 25 miles away. “So, it emptied here and erupted there,” he said.

How Hawaii Works

Researchers learned that Kīlauea has a close connection between its summit magma chamber and the eruptions that occurred on the flank of the volcano, the rift zones. “What we observed is that over the 2018 eruption, the caldera collapse was incremental. It was highly episodic,” said Patrick. “Every day or two we’d have a collapse event and the floor of the caldera would drop several yards. What we observed was that an East Lower Rift Zone (ELRZ) eruption was happening at the same time as when a collapse event would happen at the summit. We’d see a surge of lava erupting from a vent on the lower flank and this is a distance of 40 kilometers, so this is a long distance that magma was moving. We saw that surge in the eruption on the lower flank happen within minutes. That was telling us that this was probably a pressure pulse that was moving down that magmatic conduit at high velocities.”

It also told researchers that they could predict the next burst of destruction moments before dense jungle would be mowed down, houses destroyed, and roads and beaches swallowed up. Surprisingly, the magma flow did not follow earlier lava tubes, but created new ones, flowing to the Pacific Ocean.

“Over the past year, we’ve been in this recovery stage. The magma chamber is recharging. We know that from instruments on the crater floor. And, one of the recent developments that we’ve had over the past couple months is that we’ve seen water seep back into this collapsed depression that formed last year. This is the first time in at least 200 years that a body of water has formed here at the summit.”

The Creation of an Acid Lake

Crater lakes that form atop volcanoes are typically acidic, with pH values as low as 0.1, which could burn skin. In comparison, normal lake water has relatively neutral pH values near 7.0. A late October measurement of Kīlauea’s new acid lake, made possible through the use of a drone gathering a water sample with a plastic sock, shows the pH at 4.0, which Patrick calls “intermediate acidity” for volcanic lakes. “This shows us that fresh groundwater is probably mixing in.”

However, he says, this is cause for concern. “Kīlauea has had an explosive history for hundreds of years. Those explosions were thought to have been triggered by magma interacting with groundwater. And so, in the future, if magma rises in such a way that it interacts with groundwater here or the water pond that we have now, it could potentially trigger explosive activity and that would obviously be very hazardous.”

Currently, there are no signs of imminent danger from explosions. In addition, Patrick says steam venting from the caldera is largely water vapor, not toxic gas.

“There was concern about carbon dioxide coming out of the volcano. CO2 can be a hazard when it pools or ponds in depressions, like the depression that we have at the summit. A drone that was used over the past week flew with a gas sensor and was able to measure the CO2 concentrations and those levels weren’t elevated, at least in preliminary values.”

Drone Use for Science and Safety

Flagstaff USGS volcanologists Greg Vaughan and Elise Rumpf, along with drone pilots John Vogel and Geoff Debenedetto, were called to Kilauea last year to help with field measurements and mapping of the ever-changing location and characteristics of lava flows, including some 24 different fissures. Vaughan says the highest temperature recorded at an eruption site was more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

“In all of the observations we make from satellites overhead, helicopters in the air and researchers on the ground, drones fill a really important niche. You can fly 1,000 feet above the flows and safely map out an area, not putting any humans in danger,” he said. “They have better views than a satellite as they fly under the clouds, and the person flying the drone sees what the drone sees in real time. We will, no doubt, be seeing more drone use in the future.”

Currently, unmanned drones are limited as to how long they can stay in the air, but Patrick agrees, technological advances will make them increasingly valuable as tools for scientific study.

In addition, during the eruption, a drone was credited with leading an individual to safety. In late May, a U.S. Department of the Interior team was flying a drone to help map the flows in the subdivision of Leilani Estates as a new outbreak of lava was rapidly moving into the neighborhood. “The team overheard radio transmissions that a resident was trapped,” said Vaughan. “They were able to communicate with the individual and instruct him to follow the drone through the jungle.”

Using a cell phone flashlight and the drone for guidance, the resident met up with emergency responders and the rescue effort was deemed a success.

Watching the Sleeping Giant

While Hawaii scientists continue to monitor Kīlauea, they are also keeping a close eye on another shield volcano. Mauna Loa is the world’s largest and one of the most active volcanoes, looming at 13,678 feet above sea level and covering half of the island.

“For the past several years, we’ve seen Mauna Loa inflating and we’ve seen an increase in earthquake activity at the summit,” said Patrick. “Those are signs that potentially could lead to a future eruption. Mauna Loa is another very hazardous volcano. It produces eruptions at very high rates and large lava flows, sometimes fast-moving lava flows. It has the potential of threatening residential areas in Hawaii.”

From the geochemistry of the lava, Patrick says each volcano has its own distinct plumbing system.

Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984 and currently is in its longest period of inactivity ever recorded. “I would not be surprised if it erupted again in my lifetime,” said Vaughan. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Nurse Follows Healing Path to Ancient Energy Medicine

By Leave a Comment

Tara Tech’s passion to heal others came with a devastating punch to the gut as a teenager when her best friend developed cancer. The two girls were just 16 years old. Watching her friend suffer made such an impact that Tech became a nurse.

“I wanted to help Lisa heal, ease her pain and discomfort, and make her feel better,” Tech said   of their precious time together. “Sadly, Lisa passed away a week before I graduated college. I was devastated. I pledged to do what I could to help other people so they wouldn’t have to go through what she did.”

Tech became disenchanted with traditional medicine and blended nursing with natural healing.  She gained experience as a Tai Chi instructor, Qi (Chi) healer, health and anti-cancer coach, natural health consultant, laughter facilitator, Reiki master teacher, Qigong instructor and (Korean) Dahn (Vital Energy) master.

“I was helping people enough as a nurse for them to leave the care facility, but it wasn’t enough to make much of a difference in their lives,” she lamented. “We got them well enough to go home, but they inevitably would end up back in the hospital. We only managed symptoms. The root of the problem was never addressed.”

The turning point was her husband’s third bout with cancer in 13 years. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy had been prescribed for him twice before, she explained, but “the conventional route didn’t seem to be effective because he kept getting diagnosed with different cancers. The third time, he decided that it not only wasn’t working, but also had detrimental effects physically, mentally and emotionally. He asked me to research and find out if there were natural ways to heal.”

Concurrently, she lost her 24-year-old nephew and eight other family members and friends to cancer in a period of three months.

Diving deep into Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tech particularly embraced Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise of mediation, controlled breathing and flowing movements to enrich the body’s inner energy, or “chi.” The more she learned, the more avidly Tech “wanted to share with the whole world how amazing Qigong is. We are self-healing beings. If we get a cut or break a bone, we will heal.”

Applying that same healing power to cancer “was news to me,” she marveled. “If it’s true that practicing Qigong can be beneficial for healing from cancer, then why wasn’t anyone talking about or doing it? Why wasn’t it on the news? Why didn’t anyone mention it to my best friend, my husband, my nephew or anyone else? Why weren’t more people here in the U.S. practicing Qigong?”

She offers various Qigong classes at Yavapai College, CrossFit Prescott, the Prescott YMCA and privately through her company, Qigong For Health AZ. Her students rave about how Qigong has helped them recover from injuries, lessen pain, increase flexibility, improve balance, breathe better, expand oxygen saturation, sleep sounder, reduce allergy symptoms, alleviate headaches and experience better moods.

“Each story is unique and beautiful, just like the people who participate,” she said. “Everyone is on their own unique journey to health and wholeness. I advocate for them to find their own path without judgements or criticism for themselves or others, and no comparisons.”

Tech relocated to Prescott from Tempe in 1999 because she and her husband wanted to raise their two young boys in a smaller, hometown atmosphere. They appreciated the mountains, mild four seasons, friendly people and outdoor activities.

She says downtime provides a balance. “While I absolutely love what I do, I also need time for self-care. I do that by getting out in nature. I love being near water, so I often visit and hike around our local lakes. Last but not least, I love naps and regularly partake in a 20-minute daily nap to recharge.”

A voracious reader and researcher, Tech said her ultimate dream is to travel the world teaching and sharing Qigong. She’ll begin in 2020 by offering overseas retreats. QCBN

By Sue Marceau, QCBN

For more information, go to TaraTech.org.

 

Prescott Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

By Leave a Comment

Leaders of the Arizona Office of Tourism lauded the City of Prescott and its partners for significant increases in attracting national and international visitors.

Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), told dozens of community members who represented various hospitality and tourism attractions throughout the Quad Cities that because of such efforts, AOT was going to request additional funds to support future promotional efforts for Prescott and Central Arizona.

Johnson and Becky Blaine, AOT deputy director, shared both anecdotal and statistical information about how Prescott and Central Arizona have attracted more and more visitors from the United States and several foreign nations. They credited the commercial air passenger traffic generated by United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, from Prescott Regional Airport as having had a major impact.

More than 30 community members were at the “Tourism Team Up” event sponsored by the City of Prescott Tourism Office in mid-October.

They used a PowerPoint presentation to document their comments that the financial impact of tourism in Prescott and in Arizona is significant. They also reported that in 2018, visitor spending in Yavapai County was $949 billion, up nearly 11% over 2017. More than 9,910 jobs were supported because of visitor spending, an increase of 4.2% over the prior year.

Blaine said accommodations in Yavapai County generated the most spending, at $249.8 million. Arts, entertainment and recreation brought in $209.8 million; food service accounted for $189.5 million; local transportation drew $78.7 million; and visitor air transportation accounted for $800,000.

“This area has some of the strongest leisure travel numbers in the state,” said Johnson.

Because of the success of commercial passenger flights in Prescott, she said she is going to request additional marketing dollars from the state to promote “Denver to Arizona.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Symposium Discusses Sustainable Economic Development

By Leave a Comment

Strategies that work in building economic growth, businesses and jobs in the greater Phoenix area and Tucson do not always transfer to rural and non-metropolitan communities like Flagstaff, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Payson and Prescott.

That is what participants from 14 communities and five counties heard at the half-day Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) symposium conducted in Camp Verde on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Camp Verde Mayor Charlie Gorman and Star Valley Councilmember Bobby Davis opened the meeting. Speakers presented recommendations suited to smaller communities and less-populated regions. All emphasized sustainability and meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future of the environment, culture or society.

Leading off was Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) Deputy Director Becky Blaine. She described how tourism bolsters the Arizona economy, especially in smaller communities. “It brings in new money and new people,” she said.

She cited data showing that domestic tourism brought in $34.6 million, while international tourism brought $5.9 million to Arizona last year. She said tourists want new places to explore and experience and AOT is dedicated to emphasizing rural, non-metropolitan experiences.

“Attracting tourists strengthens the local economy and encourages protection of the natural and cultural resources that make communities unique,” she said.

Most visitors are coming from Mexico, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France and China.

Leaders from local Central and Northern Arizona communities spoke as well. Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Director Steve Ayers said intense planning and collaboration with construction and building organizations had resulted in significant growth potential for the Verde Valley. “We have the possibility of seeing $20 million of potential involvement in our area within the next 24 months, and that means jobs and economic growth.”

Page Economic Development Director Gregg Martinez said the city is focusing on repeat visitors. “We are going to have our business emphasize excellent customer service. We see customer satisfaction as a key to making people want to return to the good times they enjoyed in Page, so we’re really focusing upon workforce development and education.”

Flagstaff Community Investment Director David McIntire said his community is working with the business and hospitality community to create an atmosphere of friendly, sustainable and practical development. “We need to help businesses utilize existing space and facilities, for Flagstaff is never going to be a low-cost community to build in or live in. We will work with the university and college personnel, with local leaders and others to create a quality environment, for we know that tourism has a major impact on the city.”

Verde Canyon Railroad Vice President of Passenger Services Teresa Prospeck said the train company is focused on protecting the Verde River and Verde Canyon. “We’ve taken 2.2 million people into the Verde Canyon. In that 42-mile round trip, we constantly tell our guests that they should feel obligated to protect and respect the natural environment. Our employees – 30 full-time and 40 part-time – are told over and over of that obligation. Our economic future depends on that.”

Luncheon speaker Keith Watkins, representing the Arizona Commerce Authority, said his organization is aggressively working with rural Arizona and small businesses on two objectives: encouraging the development of more sawmills in Central and Northern Arizona in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service; and the expansion of broadband high-speed wireless Internet service to rural communities.

Local First Arizona Executive Director Kimber Lanning said there is a need to improve entrepreneurship in our smaller communities. “They are the ones who will help us keep dollars and jobs in our local communities. We need to stop leakage of hometown money to big cities by spending it at home. Rural communities need to diversify their economies. They need to be consistent, convenient and focused on customer service.”

The next AAED meeting related to economic development in Central and Northern Arizona is at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Sedona. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, go to AAED.com or call 602-240-1233.

Technology Alliance Developing

By Leave a Comment

With visions of economically beneficial alliances to foster opportunities for existing businesses to compete in global markets, two organizations are cooperating to create a powerful interrelationship that will stimulate unprecedented economic development.

The two are the Northern Arizona Technology Alliance (NATA) and the Arizona Israel Technology Alliance (AITA).

AITA CEO and President Lieb Bolel recently praised Prescott, saying he envisioned the community becoming a state leader in partnering with Israel-based technology companies.

AITA is headquartered in Scottsdale. NATA is based in Prescott.

Bolel met representatives from the City of Prescott, NATA, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Yavapai College and several local businesses that are involved in high technology.  Richard Hernandez, director, Regional Economic Development Center of Yavapai College, hosted the Nov. 6 meeting at the college library.

The purpose, Hernandez said, was to discuss strengthening the relationship among all involved.

During a presentation, Bolel said, “AITA is the premier resource for companies and organizations in Arizona and Israel on collaborative initiatives. AITA is dedicated to promoting and strengthening business, investments and entrepreneurship, technology and trade relations with Israel.”

He added that AITA is particularly interested in Arizona because of its proximity to three of the world’s largest economies: Mexico, California and Texas. He said Arizona has an advantage in its aerospace and defense installations, cybersecurity emphases, biosciences and health care, and aggrotech programs.

“Such programs appeal to Israeli venture capitalists,” he said. He then noted that more than 42 Israeli-based companies have come to Arizona for business. He also said Israel is home to more NASDAQ companies than any other countries except the U.S. and China. He explained that NASDAQ is the world’s largest electronic stock exchange, founded in 1971.

He noted that per capita, Israel has more technology professionals, scientists and venture capitalists than any other country. “Israel is becoming a technology hub that has serious impact around the world.”

Bolel said Arizona’s cost of living appeals to people in Israel. “You also have 1,400 companies involved in aerospace, serious research and application of cyberspace activity, a solid higher education system and many market opportunities that are constantly evolving.”

He noted that Eviation, an Israeli-owned electric aircraft manufacturing firm, already had selected Prescott as its U.S. headquarters.

Jim Robb, an economic development consultant for the City of Prescott, told Bolel that the recently-formed NATA organization was eager to partner with organizations such as AITA. “We have a great opportunity. Our goal is not to compete, but to partner with organizations outside the state. Such ground floor opportunities make a difference. We are open-minded and excited to be a part of the growth in tech jobs and career opportunities.”

Robb also commented that Prescott faces the challenge of losing young people to other cities with more opportunities for them. “We can change that and we can create high-paying jobs that keep these talented people in the Quad Cities area.”

Hernandez concluded the meeting by urging those present to continue seeking venture capital to support technology growth. “We have the education faculty and facilities and committed personnel who can meet such needs. We have the potential in Prescott to become a technology leader in Arizona.” QCBN

Prescott Junction has New Owner

By Leave a Comment

The historic Prescott Junction Restaurant, one of the first businesses motorists encounter as they approach the downtown area, has a new owner as of mid-November.

Jim Cabral, who owns and operates five other eateries and catering services in the Quad Cities, bought the restaurant from Don and Nancy Burton, who had owned and operated Prescott Junction for more than a quarter of a century. Cabral has been in the Prescott area for 35 years, after having come here from his home state of Rhode Island.

Cabral says nothing significant will change at the popular restaurant located near where highways 69 and 89 merge on the east side of Prescott. The menu will remain essentially the same. Cabral hopes the staff, some of whom have been employed at the restaurant for 20 years, will remain as well.

“We’ll keep the same American-style menu that has been so successful in attracting returning and new customers,” he said.

Considered one of the best locations in town at the gateway to Prescott, the restaurant has abundant free parking and positive reviews. TripAdvisor calls it “one of the top 20 of the more than 150 restaurants and cafes in the greater Prescott area.”

In July, Cabral was named “Business Leader of the Year” by the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce during its annual awards event.

Former owners Don and Nancy Burton say they now plan to retire and spend time with family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They also plan to travel.

“We’re proud of all we’ve achieved, but it’s time to try something else,” Burton said.  “What we’ll miss is seeing the many regulars. Some have been coming ever since we bought the business.”

Married for 47 years, the Burtons have been involved in the restaurant business for most of their adult lives. Prior to moving to Prescott, Burton had been a vice president with the national JB’s Restaurant chain, which involved his traveling the country to evaluate the company’s four operating regions.

That led him to find the restaurant in Prescott, labeled JB’s. The name changed to Prescott Junction in 2007-2008, when the Burtons decided they wanted to shift the JB’s menu emphasis to something that had more appeal to local tastes.

One thing that did not change was the “Wall of Fame” of autographed photographs of celebrities who had dined at the restaurant.

The Burtons are happy they and the Prescott Junction, located at 1121 E. Sheldon Street, have had a role in the city’s history. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Visitors Charmed by Arizona’s Christmas City

By Leave a Comment

Winter visitors and skiers will be pleased to hear that more seats are available on flights to Denver this Christmas season. Moreover, a new non-stop flight will be added between Prescott and Denver beginning March 5.

That doubles the number of Denver departures daily from Prescott Regional Airport (PRC).The additional flight will operate through June 2020.

Data released by the City of Prescott and the Arizona Office of Tourism reveal the Quad Cities area is becoming a favored destination among national and international visitors. Moderate climate, an abundance of recreational activities, accommodations and a variety of food and entertainment options have resulted in an increase in visitors.

That’s certainly true during the next few weeks, when “Arizona’s Christmas City” receives statewide and regional attention because of holiday events.

Not long ago, USA Today ranked Prescott as a “must-see” community in Arizona, especially during the Christmas season.

The “Christmas City” designation goes back to 1962, when then Governor Paul Fannin named Prescott as Christmas Town. In 1989, the late Governor Rose Mofford issued an official proclamation, calling it Arizona’s Christmas City.

 

Holiday Events Have Begun

One holiday event that has become famous internationally is the 27th annual Gingerbread Village in the lobby of the Prescott Resort. It opened Nov. 25, and will run through New Year’s Day. It is known as the largest gingerbread village in the world. The carefully crafted, often whimsical displays are created from not just gingerbread but also shredded wheat, crackers, gumdrops, mints, licorice and chocolate chips.

The popular Valley of Lights display in Prescott Valley began during theThanksgiving weekend and continues through Dec. 30.

Prescott Valley has a Festival of Lights and Parade beginning at 5 p.m., Dec. 6, around the Prescott Valley Civic Center.

With the theme “Ugly Sweater Christmas,” the Prescott Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring one of the state’s most popular parades at 1 p.m., Dec. 7. Entries will include bands and marchers from throughout Arizona.

That evening, thousands are expected around the courthouse plaza for the 65th annual Courthouse Lighting at 5 p.m. Earlier in November, the annual fundraiser at the Jersey Lilly Saloon raised more than $18,000 to help cover some of the costs of the estimated $85,000 it takes to string lights around the Courthouse.

That same evening, Sharlot Hall Museum is featuring Frontier Christmas exhibits.

On Dec. 8, those who enjoy traditional holiday and Christmas music can hear the Prescott Pops Symphony in a 3 p.m. concert at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 13, the ever-popular Acker Night Showcase will feature more than 100 musicians performing throughout the greater downtown Prescott area.

At 6 p.m., Dec. 14, Chino Valley will turn on Christmas lights at Memory Park and feature Santa greeting children.

Those who enjoy the traditional “Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky can hear it at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m., Dec. 15.

Kids interested in decorating cookies are invited to the Dec. 18 Cookie Decorating event at 1:30 p.m. at the Prescott Public Library on Goodwin Street.

Those who enjoy dance music can hear a variety of groups at 7 p.m., Dec. 20, when the Yavapai College Jazz Band, the Roughriders and the Trailblazers, perform for a scholarship fundraiser at the concert hall.

For ringing in the New Year, Prescott offers the Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop. An illuminated giant cowboy boot will drop at 10 p.m. and again at midnight, with festivities from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

For more information, visit-prescott.com/Christmas. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Kids treated at Shriners Children Hospital to Your Toys

By Leave a Comment

Watters Garden Center is happy to shine the light on the Shriners Children Medical Centers. SCMC was founded in 1952 to provide the highest quality care for children with orthopedic conditions, burn scars, cleft lip and palate, and other special health care needs. All while discovering ways to improve the quality of care of children and their families.

 

It’s a noble cause and Watters is collecting toys this season for the children who have to spend the holidays in a Shriner hospital. Bring a new toy for children ages newborn to 13 by Watters Garden Center before December 18, and we’ll make sure the children receive your gift. New art supplies, Legos, Play-Doh, trains, stamp kits, school supplies, and gift cards all make ideal gifts. No need to wrap a gift, Watters will take care of that for each kid individually.

 

A giving box is set up in Watters Garden Center to receive your donations. Buy a Christmas tree, poinsettia, greens, or wreath for yourself and consider a toy for kids in need. We accept cash donations on behalf of SCMC and will make sure the right age-appropriate gift is donated on your behalf.

 

Toys, gift cards, and cash for the Shriners Children Medical Centers are accepted through December 18 at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Road, Prescott AZ 86305. Buy a Watters Gift Card between now and then, and the monies go directly to the cause as well, now through December 18.

 

Watters Garden Center is a locally owned and operated garden center that specializes in providing avid gardeners and novices alike with the expertise and products to get things growing in the mountains of Arizona.

 

###