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Bestselling Author School Safety Expert Coming to Yavapai College

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Bestselling author and national school safety expert, Bobby Kipper will be leading a two-day school safety conference at Yavapai College on October 15th and 16th.

Kipper the author of the bestselling book “No Bullies” solutions for saving our children from today’s bully will focus on building a positive school climate and effective responses to school crisis.

He is the founder and executive director of the National Center for Prevention of Community Violence. He has been featured on NBC, Fox News, MSNBC, CSpan and PBS for his work to prevent and address youth and school violence.

Seats are still available for the conference. For more information contact:

ncpcv.org or ncpcv.org/contact-us/

 

Sports Doctor Keeping NAZ Suns in the Game

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Most people’s first introduction to Bradley D. Williams, M.D., is due to medical reasons. Williams is a well-known orthopedic surgeon whose medical and academic training and subsequent experience have enabled him to regularly perform challenging joint replacement, arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery, as well as pediatric and fracture care.

In April, he performed the first computer-navigated shoulder replacement ever done in Northern Arizona on an 88-year-old female patient who has since totally recovered.

The California native has double Bachelor of Science degrees, one in chemistry and one in biology, from the University of California-Irvine. He then earned combined medical and doctorate degrees in exercise metabolism from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

His work and research experience provided opportunities for him to work with NASA, Vanderbilt University, the Shriner Burn Center and the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He started his orthopedic residency training with the Phoenix Orthopedic program. That is where Williams met his future wife, Brenda. He also worked with the University of California Orthopedic program. Ultimately, he completed an Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship with the San Diego Knee and Sports Medicine program.

In Arizona for the past several years, Williams was with the hospital in Cottonwood before moving to Prescott. “I really enjoyed my work in the Verde Valley, but I found I was working 70 and 80 hours a week. I just didn’t have time to enjoy my wife, Brenda, and the three kids. I also wanted to continue being actively involved in sports. That’s why we moved to Prescott, so I could have more independence and more time with family. My family is the most important thing in my life.”

An athlete since early childhood, Williams said, “I just enjoy the camaraderie of sports competitions of all kinds.”

Williams is a doctor with Orthopaedic Specialists of Central Arizona in Prescott and also is the team physician for the Northern Arizona Suns basketball team. Their home court is the Findlay Event Center in Prescott Valley.

“I’ll be called by the visiting teams for medical advice and care. Best of all, I’ll get to see some of the best basketball players on their way up in the NBA,” he said.

The most common basketball injuries Williams will see are ankle and foot trauma, hand injuries from hitting the rim, facial injuries, which he stitches up in the locker room, and other strains, sprains and bruises.

“I love getting to know the players and getting them back in the game as efficiently as possible. It’s their livelihood. They’re really awesome guys.”

Love of Sports

Williams is a committed cyclist. He is as serious about his bicycle competitions and bicycles as he is about caring for his patients and working with the NAZ Suns. He strives to work out daily; however, his family and medical duties take priority. Otherwise, he trains rigorously when he can, four or five days a week. “To be competitive, bike racers have to be in exceptional condition.”

Williams used to compete in 10 to 12 major races a year and was Arizona State Road Champion Cat-5 in 2014. He recently has taken a year off from being “too serious” so he can enjoy the sport and work on his mountain biking technical skills.

Races he has entered include the Annual Whiskey Row Off Road, a mountain bike event in Prescott. “This race attracts mountain bikers of all levels from all over the world, and is considered one of the most challenging in the U.S.,” Williams said.

One of his favorites, the Man vs. Machine bike race, pits cyclists against a 1930s-era steam railroad engine on a race from the Grand Canyon to the town of Williams, home of the Grand Canyon Railway. Held every September, except for the past two years because of construction, it attracts more than 250 bike racers from throughout the state.

In 2015, Williams placed second overall. “Well, third to the steam engine as we had a headwind that day,” he acknowledged with a grin. Williams covered the 53 miles in a time of slightly more than two hours.

His wife, Brenda, is an accomplished runner and has taken up mountain biking as well. His two sons and daughter are also athletes. The whole family enjoys riding bikes.

“There’s a joke about Prescott,” said Williams, “that bicycles on top of cars are worth more than the car itself.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Have faith, put in your best effort to do it right the first time and never give up.”

What characteristic do you most admire in your colleagues?

“Commitment, integrity and true concern for patients.”

What is your favorite food?

“Maybe a good New York steak, medium rare, or sushi, and tacos anytime.”

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

“Being where I am now, with my wife,
Brenda, and my three kids. They are my reason for being.”

What is your favorite holiday?

“Christmas. Seeing and being a part of all the spiritual ceremonies and seeing what a difference a generous spirit can make gives me intense gratitude for what I have. Having grown up poor, I have a deep appreciation for being able to share our good fortune with others.” QCBN

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

Prescott Ebike Adding Zip to Downtown

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On the heels of visioning and marketing efforts aimed at bringing new life and energy to downtown Prescott, Tony Carcoba has rolled in with his electric bike business with encouragement from city leaders and local businesses.

Tony Carcoba, 43, opened Prescott Ebike Rentals and Tours on July 4, with a Prescott Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on the lot next to the Chamber office with a silver bike trailer and an orange tarp.

For $25 an hour or $40 for two hours, riders can rent the ebikes from the downtown lot or from nearby hotels like Springhill Suites and Residence Inn. Riders can jump on and tour through historic streets famous for their Victorian houses, like Mount Vernon. “White Spar Road is great for people who want to go into the forest,” said Carcoba. “We’re mostly a mobile business. We’ll bring our bikes to you.”

Prescott Ebike also offers guided tour packages, however, the most popular option is the self-guided two-hour tour for $50 in the scenic areas around town, like Watson Lake with views of the Dells, and popular trails such as the Iron King Trail or the Peavine Trail.

Riders also enjoy Lynx, Goldwater and Willow lakes, as well as Thumb Butte and White Spar Trail.

Tours include both road and trail riding, ranging in difficulty from easy to medium and covering varying levels of fitness and expertise.

Prescott Ebike will bring bikes, helmets and bottled water to the designated trailhead, pay for parking fees and transport riders.

So far, Prescott Ebike has a dozen state-of-the-art electric bikes from which to choose, comprised of four different models for different needs, depending on cyclists’ size, age and physical condition.

“The most popular is the fat tire with four-inch tires; a lot of guys love this bike,” Carcoba noted. “We also have a fat tire mini, which is more manageable for the younger and more petite rider. We have two hybrids, both RadCity, a standard or a step-through for easy access.”

“Prescott Ebike Rentals and Tours is a local family-owned business that strives to show visitors and locals alike, the reason Prescott is ‘Everybody’s Home Town,’” said Prescott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sheri Heiney. “Their mission is to create unforgettable memories that you will cherish for years to come. They pride themselves in pioneering environmentally and socially responsible tourism by combining fun and awareness that will leave an ecological footprint on our lakes, forests and community.”

Carcoba was born in Mexico City and came to the U.S. as a teenager. He lived in California and then Prescott for 20 years before moving with his wife and two sons to Chino Valley 18 years ago.

His other business is Toro Manufacturing, which creates aerospace components such as spindles, gears, shafts and valves that go on airplanes and dollies that move airplanes. Toro also creates parts for telescopes, jet skis and motorcycles.

Carcoba became interested in electric bikes when he purchased one for his wife.

“She has some physical impediments that make riding a bicycle hard for her,” he said. “With the electric bike, she started riding again. I was getting left behind trying to keep up with her!”

Now, his whole family rides electric bikes. “For me, I don’t have any disabilities, but I can cover three times the distance on an ebike than I could on a regular bike,” Carcoba said. “I can explore more terrain than I can on a regular bike. They’re just a lot of fun.”

Carcoba did his research on demographics, tourism trends and market growth and concluded a year-round online electric bike business would be a good fit for Prescott.

“Options are endless,” said Heiney, “and everyone will be provided with breathtaking tours and exceptional customer care.”

“It’s been a fun and exciting adventure for us, and we hope we can continue to promote alternative ways of transportation and a fun activity to do while visiting, or just as a fun weekend thing to do with your family,” Carcoba said.

A new website is up and running, and brochures, rack cards and banners are spreading the word about the burgeoning ebike enterprise.

Carcoba is grateful for the local support he has received as a member of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, from the City of Prescott Parks and Recreation department and from local business owners like Margo Christensen, who encouraged him to put banners and bikes at her two hotels. “She is so helpful. The entire small business community has been so welcoming.”

Bikes are available at Springhill Suites and the Residence Inn. “Guests can make a reservation and we will meet them at the lobby and unlock the bikes,” Carcoba explained. “Or, we can pick them up and take them to the trail, and then pick them up and bring them back to the hotel. We’re trying to facilitate the activity so you don’t have to worry about anything.”

Prescott Ebike is also listed in Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Carcoba is also collaborating with the Prescott Pines Christian Camp of Yavapai County to offer bike rides to guests.

“We had 250 women on retreat last weekend and another retreat this weekend,” said Carcoba. “The women loved it; the age range was 18 to early 70s. It’s a great opportunity for us. We’ve been very, very busy.”

Carcoba believes the electric bike soon may be the preferred bike for many. “I think it’s going to be the future. I think the regular bike may be become obsolete, and the ebike might be what you buy your kids.” QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Renovation to Begin at Prescott Regional Airport Terminal

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The contract to start the renovation and ground-clearing process prior to the construction of a new airport terminal has been approved. Demolition of some existing structures is scheduled to begin once approval is received from the Federal Aviation Administration, says Kristi Miller, airport management analyst for Prescott Regional Airport-Ernest A. Love Field.

Ironwood Construction (dba Catclaw Contractors) will demolish and remove hangars and shade structures inside the fence just north of the existing 1940s-era airport terminal. It is currently located at 6500 MacCurdy Lane in northeast Prescott just off Hwy 89. The Prescott City Council approved a $58,350 contract for that project.

The existing terminal will be replaced by a multi-million-dollar building and road system that has been in the planning stages for several months.

“With what promises to be a beautiful new 18,000-square-foot terminal, the future looks even brighter for the airport and the region,” said Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli.

Prescott Regional Airport Director Robin Sobotta and her team have worked with Fann Contracting, a local company, and Willmeng Construction, a Phoenix-based firm, to initiate construction.

The Fann and the Willmeng companies will collaborate in what they are calling a “vertical and horizontal construction process” with upward rising buildings and ground-level roads.

In addition to the new terminal, plans for some runway lengthening and expansion are under consideration to support airplane performance. Longer runways are needed to help aircraft deal with air density in summer heat. Hotter weather diminishes air density, thus making it necessary for aircraft to need long runways to gain lift.

Need for a new terminal became more apparent with record-breaking commercial air service to and from Prescott. As of Aug. 29, during the past year, the airport has seen an unprecedented passenger count of 53,614 passengers. This occurred after a year of service from United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines.

Sobotta said the airline service provided by United Express/SkyWest Airlines has an average load factor of 77 percent. Currently, non-stop flights to and from Prescott are to Los Angeles or Denver.

She also said the airline had a non-cancellation rate – flights arriving and leaving on schedule – of 98.9%, an indicator of reliability for United Express.

She indicated the airline would be adding an additional 450 seats for holiday travel in the fall and additional spring flights are likely to be announced later this winter.

Estimated cost for the new terminal is close to $16.2 million. Sobotta said terminal design is 95 percent complete and should be finished in the next few weeks.

The City of Prescott already has a commitment of $1 million from the State of Arizona to go toward terminal cost. The City of Prescott also has made a commitment of $3.5 million.

The new terminal is expected to be in operation in late 2020. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Tusayan Hotelier Carrying on Family Tradition

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Cleaning hotel rooms, working at the front desk and serving as a hostess and cashier is not typical for most nine-year old girls, but for Ann Serna, it was a way of life and perhaps the boost that landed her in the role she has today as owner and general manager of the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel.

“My father, Franz Rutter, worked for Fred Harvey in Chicago and was responsible for turning six restaurants around so they were profitable,” said Serna. “They were impressed with his work and in 1968, asked him to come to the Grand Canyon to oversee the Fred Harvey restaurants here, Bright Angel, Maswik, El Tovar, Yavapai, Desert View and the Cameron operation.”

Serna was six when they moved to the Grand Canyon.

Serna’s father was later asked to oversee hotels in Tusayan, a small resort town about six miles from the Grand Canyon Village: the Squire Inn, Red Feather and, finally, Quality Inn (which is now Grand Canyon Plaza).

“We lived and went to school in the Grand Canyon Village and after school we would go to work sometimes until 10 at night at the hotel. My dad was German and worked hard. We worked seven days a week.”

Today, the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel has 232 rooms, three complexes, replete with spa, restaurant and saloon as well as a newly renovated atrium the size of a football field. “We’ve been renovating for the last seven years. Once we’re finished, we’ll start the process all over again,” said Serna.

As owner/operators of the hotel, Serna shares her position with her husband, Louie. “He does the outside grounds work and building maintenance and I oversee the inside – accounting, front desk and restaurant operations.”

Serna says the hotel has 110 staff members. “One of my employees has been with us for 43 years and most over 20 years.”

“She loves and adores her employees, and she takes care of us,” said Front Desk Manager Racheal Rivera. “She’s has been a public figure here at the Grand Canyon and she’s a strong supporter of the school and fire department.”

Front Desk Assistant Manager Jamie Hoekstra has worked for the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel on and off for 25 years. “I came here when I was 17 and I keep coming back. I grew up with them. They’re like family to me and I love it here.”

Along with her long hours on the job, Serna also strives to give to the community. “Ann was one of two main people here who have supported the Tusayan Fire Department. I cannot stress how appreciative we are to them,” said Tusayan Fire Chief Greg Brush. “Due to circumstances, our funding could be cut in 2020. The Sernas have offered to sponsor a Friday night fundraiser at their Wagon Wheel Salon once a month. For five hours, 100% of all food and drink revenue go to the Tusayan Fire Department. It’s unbelievable.”

To fulfill her dad’s dream of owning a winery, the Sernas purchased 143 acres outside of Williams and opened Wagon Wheel Winery. “Louie and I bought 1,000 plants from France and planted them, but the vines couldn’t grow at such a high altitude. So, we source our grapes from Arizona vineyards down south and crush, blend, ferment, bottle and label. I’m involved from start to finish.”

The couple lives in Flagstaff on weekends and on the way home, they stop at the winery to check on things. “I love both Tusayan and Flagstaff.”

Another fundraiser that Serna supports is Acts of Kindness in Flagstaff, run by her golfing partner Kathy Flores, owner of several Subways in Northern Arizona. Acts of Kindness assembles bags of gifts to give to people who have lost loved ones to suicide. They also make bags for first responders.

“Ann is one of the most giving people I know and so quiet and soft-spoken, but a very strong woman,” said Flores. “We are very grateful for her support.”

“Louie and I were both widows,” said Serna. “I’ve got three girls and he has two boys and a girl so it’s definitely a Brady Bunch,” said Serna.

“In order to do well, you need to love what you do,” she said. “My advice for women in business is to be diligent, believe in yourself, have faith in yourself and listen to your instincts. Also, whatever you want, go and get it. Don’t let anybody stop you.” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Prescott Cheers for Charlie

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Not all 100 of the citizen soldiers of the Arizona National Guard Unit: “Charlie Company 158th Infantry Battalion” are Prescott residents, but they were welcomed back from Afghanistan like native sons at a recent ceremony.

These members, known as the “Bushmasters,” were honored by the community that turned out in force to thank them for their service on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza.

Just before the ceremony, a lone dark cloud hovered over the city and set loose a deluge.

“It poured and people started running for their cars, but they all came back,” said Melissa Fousek of the mayor’s office who was one of the organizers.

Still, it proved it took more than a little rainstorm to keep hundreds of community members from honoring these young people.

Participants were encouraged to wear red, white and blue for the event, which began with a silent march around the courthouse by the company. Afterward, the soldiers were seated on the steps of the courthouse, where speakers praised them for their service.

Yavapai County Supervisor Craig Brown, a Vietnam veteran, said he and his brothers did not get a proper welcome when they returned from war, but that has changed.

“We want to tell them we love them and that we appreciate what they do for us,” he said before turning to applaud them, which caused the crowd to erupt into applause.

Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli, wearing a cowboy hat, reiterated that no matter where they come from, they are now officially Prescott residents.

“You are one of us,” he said.

“Yavapai County is proud to have these brave soldiers as part of our patriotic community,” said Yavapai County Supervisor Rowle Simmons.

The company’s commander Major General Michael McGuire challenged the rest of Arizona and the country to keep up with Charlie Company. “You can’t be asleep at the wheel,” he said.

Fousek said the city recognizes its veterans whenever it can. “Once word started getting out, people wanted to participate, asking what they could do to help. Prescott is a very patriotic city. We have a lot of veterans in the area and the city is very supportive of anything to do with soldiers.”

Charlie Company was founded in September 1865 as Arizona’s first volunteer infantry. It was drafted into federal service in 1917 to help in World War I efforts. The group adopted the name “Bushmasters,” from the venomous jungle pit vipers that members of the 158th Infantry Regiment battled during drills in Central America.

Continuing the city’s patriotic efforts, the Prescott High School Band, after a nationwide competition, was chosen to perform at this year’s remembrance ceremonies of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, in Hawaii. The band is currently trying to raise enough money to make the trip. Those who would like to help are encouraged to call Rebeca Horninan at 919-923-3199. QCBN

By Patty McCormac, QCBN

 

Mayor Pledges Continued Dedication; Run-Off to Determine Council Seat

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Incumbent Mayor Greg Mengarelli won an uncontested second term as mayor of Prescott during the primary election Aug. 27. Mengarelli received 10,093 votes – almost double the 5,048 needed for a majority. There were 377 write-in votes for mayor.

Speaking almost immediately after the election results were announced, Mengarelli said he felt privileged to have led the city for the past four years. “I appreciate all those who voted for me, and I pledge to dedicate my efforts to doing what is best for the benefit of the entire community in coming years.”

Mengarelli, 52, has been a Prescott resident since 1995. He earlier had served on the Prescott Unified School District School Board, but resigned to avoid conflicts with his elected city position. He and his wife, Sheila, have nine children and one grandchild.

 

City Council Positions Not All Filled

The race among four candidates for the three Prescott City Council positions did not conclude as clearly as that for the mayoral position. Four candidates were running for four-year terms. Three positions were open.

Newcomer Cathey Rusing received 11,677 votes. Incumbent Billie Orr received the second highest number of votes, with 8,442.

Both were elected.

The other candidates – incumbents Jim Lamerson and Steve Sischka – did not receive enough votes to be elected, so they will face off in a Nov. 5 run-off election.

Lamerson received 5,661 votes. Sischka had 7,715 votes.

Lamerson has been a council member for four prior terms. Sischka was completing his first term.

Data released by Lauren Custis, the Yavapai County Registrar of Voters, showed that slightly more than one half the eligible voters – 15,958 (52.37%) cast ballots in the city election. Registration numbers show that 30,469 people are eligible to vote. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

YRMC Offering Cardiac Care Panel Discussion

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Top cardiac specialists from Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) James Family Heart Center and leaders from its Patient Blood Management Program will join YRMC – Your Destination for Cardiac Care and Blood Management, a live-stream presentation and panel discussion.

The event will feature prominent heart specialists – a cardiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon, an electrophysiologist, an interventional cardiologist – and knowledgeable blood management experts. These professionals will highlight the leading-edge, less-invasive procedures used to repair hearts at YRMC as well as how blood management strategies are significantly improving patient outcomes.

YRMC – Your Destination for Cardiac Care and Blood Management will be broadcast live from the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center in Prescott for the public to watch 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, at YRMCHealthConnect.org/pbm.

What is a Healthcare Destination Program?

Healthcare destination programs are thriving, specialized medical programs – typically associated with hospitals – that patients seek out because of their:

Highly skilled physicians

Excellent outcomes

State-of-the-art technology

Innovative procedures

Outstanding staff

“YRMC’s Heart Program and its Patient Blood Management Program check all of those boxes,” said Pierre Tibi, M.D., FACS, medical director of the James Family Heart Center at YRMC and YRMC’s Patient Blood Management Program. “It starts with our exceptional physicians, who were all trained at top heart programs. This team has worked together to expand our Heart Program and integrate blood management strategies that improve patient outcomes.”

A Lively Live-Stream Event

YRMC – Your Destination for Cardiac Care and Blood Management will include an energetic panel discussion with YRMC’s heart specialists and patient blood management experts. Those physicians and other YRMC leaders will also give interesting and informative talks on:

YRMC, A Destination for Hearts and Blood Management
John Amos, BS, MSM, president and chief executive officer, Yavapai Regional Medical Center

Launching YRMC Cardiology – A Journey to Better Outcomes for You
George Rizk, M.D., Invasive Cardiovascular Medicine, YRMC PhysicianCare

The Beat Goes On
Nisha Tung-Takher, M.D., cardiac electrophysiologist, YRMC PhysicianCare

Mending Hearts With Less Invasive Interventions
Soundos Moualla, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, structural and interventional cardiologist, YRMC PhysicianCare
Gwen Rhodes, RN, patient navigator, Yavapai Regional Medical Center

PBM at YRMC – Together We Are Doing Great Things
Elizabeth Black, Patient Blood Management program data manager,
Yavapai Regional Medical Center

Patient Blood Management – YRMC and Beyond
Pierre Tibi, M.D., FACS, medical director, Patient Blood Management and the James Family Heart Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center

Ask the Experts – Panel Discussion
Pierre Tibi, M.D., FACS
Elizabeth Black, Patient Blood Management data manager, YRMC
Dale Black, Patient Blood Management program coordinator, YRMC
Soundos Moualla, M.D., FACC, FSCAI
George Rizk, M.D.
Nisha Tung-Takher, M.D.

 

To learn more about YRMC – Your Destination for Cardiac Care and Blood Management, visit YRMCHealthConnect.org/pbm. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

 

Bridget O’Gara is a freelance writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Remodeling Your Home on Any Budget

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When it comes to updating your home, the expenses can feel daunting. You may be trying to increase the curb appeal of your home in preparation to sell, or perhaps it’s just time for a new look that you can enjoy for years to come. Regardless, it’s important to make the most of the money you have for whatever project you’re facing. Whether you’re starting small with a kitchen refresh or overhauling your entire house, check out these tips for making your home look great on any budget.

$100

A hundred dollars may not feel like a lot, but you can use it to make your living area look like a million bucks with new accessories. It’s all in the details. Try throw pillows to take a basic couch to the next level, indoor plants to bring the space to life and wall art to make the room look complete.

$500

Try refinishing your kitchen cabinets. A fresh coat of paint or stain can go a long way in improving the look of the room; pick a light neutral color to really open the space up. This is also a great time to replace the hardware if you have outdated pulls and handles.

$1,000

Make upgrades that will increase your comfort over time, like installing a smart thermostat. You can program and control most smart thermostats remotely using a mobile phone app; plus, you may save big on your energy bill!

Take down a wall to open up your space if that’s an option – your home will instantly feel bigger. You may also want to upgrade your lighting fixtures. Try some stylish pieces that will keep things fresh for years to come.

$5,000

Replace the flooring. After years of wear and tear, replacing worn carpet and outdated tile will refresh your home’s look and feel. If you want the look of hardwood without the price tag, opt for wood-look tile, which has the added bonus of being extra durable.

This is also a great time to update your countertops. Choose hardy materials like stone, ceramic tile, stainless steel or polished concrete.

$10,000

Make investments that will pay off in the long run. Consider installing new energy-efficient windows to cut down energy bills year-round. Upgrade your appliances to new models that simplify your life. If you spend your whole weekend doing laundry, get a programmable washer and dryer; if you’re a foodie, go for a fridge with convenient storage options. QCBN

By Mary Jo Magaw

Mary Jo Magaw is the branch manager of OneAZ Credit Union’s Chino Valley branch. OneAZ offers a full suite of financial services, including Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) with special reduced rates just in time for fall renovations. Estimates based on average home size in Arizona. OneAZ is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 607456. Insured by NCUA. Learn more at OneAZcu.com/HELOC.

Author Identifies Components of Thriving Communities

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In the book “Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen Powered Change is Reshaping America,” author Quint Studer could be describing Prescott.

The Florida-based businessman and philanthropist points out that most small cities have great downtowns, unique small businesses and restaurants, a strong sense of community, many opportunities for civic engagement and events and festivals that bring the whole city together.

His book is a blueprint for communities to be a place where residents work, live, shop and play.

When he traveled as a hospital consultant, he began noticing the differences in cities.

“Some thrive. Some don’t. That is just the way it is,” he discovered.

But he began to notice that the cities that were on the edge had big box stores, or one big business like General Motors, which gives them a false sense of security. Take away one of these and you have a city with declining population that is a place where people don’t want to start a business and where youth go away to college and don’t come back, he says.

Studer lives in Pensacola, Florida, where there is a naval base and wonderful beaches for tourists. But he noticed that thriving cities have a number of attractions, not just one or two. City leaders make sure the environment is right for small businesses, and there’s a reason for people to go downtown.

As the founder of Studer Community Institute, Studer’s plan to revitalize cities worked in Pensacola. The city has seen a 25.9 percent growth in property values and has won several awards for its vibrant downtown.

Now, Studer travels the country speaking to community leaders about how the cities can reinvent themselves by encouraging citizen participation and downtown revitalization.

Prescott is on board with both of these and other elements Studer identifies as components of a thriving community, say residents.

“We have many events for the whole family, outdoor activities and all the things that make a small town go ‘round,” said Robert Coombs, visitor information manager for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

“There are many opportunities to volunteer and volunteers are the heart of the community,” he said. “They are the heart of the library, hospital, humane society and many other organizations.”

There are unique stores, and, as Coombs said, “When you walk into a business, you are usually talking to the owners.”

The Spice Traveler on Gurley Street, for example, offers dry rubs, spice blends, olive oil and beverages from acai green tea to something to take for symptoms of colds and flu.

“We have more than just spices,” said Glenda McCleary, owner of the shop where you will find her busily working and greeting customers. “We also sell kitchen items, gifts, furniture, specialty foods. All our spices are really fresh because we sell a lot of them so they don’t sit around. We sell a lot of tea, too.”

They opened the store in 2011 and the community has embraced it. She says her cold and flu tea mix actually works – her customers have told her so.

There are also charming and unique restaurants like the Barley Hound on Cortez Street. Dogs are not only welcome, they are encouraged to network.

Meanwhile, humans can enjoy duck fat fries or a juicy rib eye steak.

As for festivals, Prescott’s Christmas Festival is renowned, Coombs said. But there are many other year-round activities in the area featuring music, food and seasons.

In addition to “Building a Vibrant Community,” Studer has authored seven books. He also writes columns on community revitalization and small business leadership development. QCBN

By Patty McCormac, QCBN