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Purina is Striving to Keep People and Pets Together through Crisis

December 1, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Young woman hand holding her dog
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The pet food giant is working with domestic violence shelters for pet-friendly space.

If leaving an abusive situation means leaving a beloved pet behind, many people won’t do it. In fact, according to a study (by Carlisle-Frank, Frank and Nielsen), 48% of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving because they can’t take their pets with them. However, Purina is striving to change that. Through its Purple Leash Project, in partnership with the non-profit organization RedRover, Purina is helping domestic abuse shelters become pet-friendly.

“About a decade ago, a Purina associate read about the difficult decision many abuse survivors with pets are forced to make,” said Purina Flagstaff Factory Manager Ramon Martinez. “A pet could be the only source of unconditional love and support an abuse survivor has. And it doesn’t seem fair that pets aren’t considered in a crisis situation.”

Purina’s Purple Leash Project was created out of the company’s mission to bring and keep pets and people together. RedRover reports that only 17% of domestic violence shelters accept pets. “We want to work with shelters in Northern Arizona to help them be able to accommodate pets,” he said.

Arizona consistently ranks among the top states with the highest homicide rates of women murdered by men, according to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. The organization reports that between 2009 and 2022, there were 1,459 domestic violence related deaths in the state, Locally, in 2019, the Flagstaff Police Department reported 1,809 domestic violence calls.

“While it’s a sad reality, it’s likely that you know someone who has experienced domestic violence or will in your lifetime,” said Martinez. “To address these sobering statistics and create change, it is vital that we increase the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters.”

RedRover has jumped in to help. The non-profit exists to help animals in crisis and protect and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Through Purina’s Purple Leash Project, in partnership with RedRover, the Purina team donates time, money and supplies to help Flagstaff area residents fleeing domestic violence with their pets.

Nationally, Purina has provided 46 grants totaling more than $1.2 million to help domestic violence shelters become pet friendly since launching the Purple Leash Project in 2019. Now, every state has at least one shelter that can support pets.

“We acknowledge that each crisis is different and unique, however, scientific research shows that pet ownership encourages structure and routine. Simple acts like taking a pet for a walk and feeding it assist in the recovery of a crisis. We encourage abuse survivors to do those things to help with their mental wellbeing, to have a purpose and someone to care for.”

Martinez and his wife, Shelly, were born and raised in Flagstaff and attended local public schools together. He worked at the Flagstaff Purina factory for 17 years in various positions. The couple moved with their three children to St. Louis, where he worked out of Purina’s corporate office, serving as the director of quality assurance and supporting 18 factories in North America. The couple returned to Flagstaff this summer when Ramon became the local factory manager.

“I believe everyone is needed to continue to make an impact supporting domestic violence survivors,” he said. QCBN

To make a donation or to find out more, visit PurpleLeashProject.com.

Courtesy Photo: Flagstaff Purina wants to make sure victims of domestic violence can take their pets with them when leaving an unsafe environment.

Prescott Veterinarian Sets High Goals on Horseback, on Foot

December 1, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Tandi Sherlock is the second woman to finish Prescott’s Man Against Horse Race.

It was another busy Saturday afternoon and hardworking Prescott veterinarian Tandra (Tandi) Sherlock was getting ready to go downtown to The Barley Hound gastropub for a fundraising event to benefit the 54-mile Prescott Circle Trail.

She squeezed in her attendance at the event between training hard for an upcoming Ironman race and her demanding 40-hour-plus workweek at Mile-Hi Animal Hospital on White Spar Road in Prescott.

Sherlock is a woman on the move, spending many of her waking hours focused on raising money to help charities through participation in cycling, running, swimming and horseback riding competitions.

“Raising money, I feel passionate about that,” she said. “I work with a lot of rescue groups as a vet, anything I can do to give back. If you’re happy doing it, it’s time well spent.”

Spending her time well has included training and then running in the Oct. 28 Man Against Horse Race in Prescott, a unique 50-mile/25-mile/half marathon competition that follows a loop up and over Mingus Mountain.

Originating as Man Versus Horse, it started in Wales when two men in a pub placed a bar bet after discussing whether a man was equal to any horse in a cross-country race.

According to the Prescott event website, the tradition continued in 1983 on Whiskey Row when Gheral Brownlow bet Cowboy Steve Rafters that he could outrun his horse in a race.

Today, in addition to the Prescott competition, annual races are also hosted in Scotland near Loch Ness and Central North Island in New Zealand.

For Sherlock, competing in the race began shortly after she moved to Prescott in 2000. “I rode a horse in the event several times. You are allowed to get off and run with your horse, so I would do that often throughout the race and it helped me feel a stronger partnership with the horse.”

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the local Man Against Horse Race that raises money to support local food banks.

This year, Sherlock said she competed as a runner only in a pack of 40 participants who either rode a horse or ran. She was the second woman to finish across terrain that is very rocky and challenging for man and horse.

“There are checks and balances on the health of the horses, but there are no restrictions for the humans,” she said. “That’s why it’s so hard to beat the horses, who get two vet checks to get heart rates to come down. But, their feet aren’t all that cut out for rocks. A lot of horses end up going lame and coming out of the race.”

She began to think it was hard on the horses, so she decided to run the 25-mile distance. “I was hooked and have since gone on to run several marathons and ultra-marathons, including three 100-mile runs.”

She believes these daunting efforts make us better people. “For me, I see that we’re always underachieving and not accomplishing as much as we could. I don’t really feel awake or alive until I’m outside doing something, being the best I can be and setting a good example. I think we’re all going along living under our potential. When you push yourself at something like this, it helps to be better at everything you do.”

Sherlock has been active throughout her life. She played high school volleyball and showed horses growing up in 4-H. “I’ve always been into horses. I had an uncle who had a big ranch in Nebraska. I’ve had horses since I was 12. I babysat and mowed lawns to make money to buy a horse. My parents thought it was just a phase, but it’s still going.”

In fact, the veterinarian says her favorite animal is the horse. “They’re so versatile; you can do so much with them and they have amazing personalities and work ethic. For example, in endurance racing, they learn what there is to do. They’re very good at competing and enjoying it.”

Sherlock has three horses: Lucy, who won Man Against Horse one year, Frankie and the youngest, Caesar. Sometimes, she rides Lucy to work. “It’s a lot on trail, but we go through the neighborhood in the last bit. I always have really nice people stopping me, saying they’ve never seen that in 20 years.”

This love for horses and all animals led to her career as a veterinarian. Sherlock graduated in 1999 from Kansas State University, followed by an internship on Prince Edward Island in Canada.

“I love it,” she said. “Every day is different. I have the most amazing clients and patients. I am certified in acupuncture and feel it is a wonderful additional tool to use to help my patients.”

Even at work, Sherlock is on the go. “I don’t exactly rest; I’m running around keeping up with emergencies. It’s like I’m also training – it’s exciting.”

Sherlock also is the veterinarian for United Animal Friends and performs 20 to 30 spay/neuters once a month to help cat and dog owners in the community.

As a member of the Prescott Area Trail Runners (PATR), she runs whenever she can. In addition, she is the mother of two children: her son, Zane, who is a junior and basketball star at Prescott High School, and her daughter, Cadence, who is in her second year at the University of Arizona.

“They inspire me, and I try to be a role model for them,” she said. “It feels good to set a goal and go after it. They can see that example.”

Sherlock has trained for a year to compete in the Paradox Ironman Arizona race on Nov. 19 at Tempe Town Lakes, including swimming in Lynx Lake to get use to cold water. The event includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, followed by a marathon run of 26.2 miles.

She is grateful for dear friends who have helped her train, including Kay Lyons. Lyons, who retired from a pet emergency hospital in Prescott Valley, was part of Sherlock’s pit crew in the Ironman event.

“She has amazing energy and always a contagious positive attitude,” said Lyons. “She can accomplish more in one day than most can in a week. Somehow between working as a veterinarian and her intense training schedule, she finds time to attend her son’s basketball, volleyball or baseball games, ride her horse with me and other good friends, and support anyone needing help.”

Sherlock, who will be 50 in the spring, shows no sign of slowing down. “I have signed up for a 250-mile foot race next May called Cocodona. It starts in Black Canyon City and you have six days, I believe, to run, hike and crawl to Flagstaff! I am wearing a charity bib and my goal is to raise $5,000 for the Foundation for Women’s Cancer.” QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Photo by Kay Lyons: Tandi Sherlock’s support team includes Lucy, an Arabian horse that she won the Man vs. Horse 50-mile race with years ago, and Chuy, her rescue dog that runs with her.

One Hundred Chairs Owners on the Edge of Their Seats with Holiday Excitement

October 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“We saw the blissfulness of beautiful events and then we figured out the rest.”

It’s November and Annie Sharp and Holly Jones could not be more thrilled. “We love the holiday season – it’s just fun!” said Jones. “We love to be a part of other people’s celebrations!” added Sharp.

After a vintage and specialized wedding- and event-packed September and October, the celebratory momentum at One Hundred Chairs has made a sharp turn toward candy cane lane, where visions of sugar plums, gingerbread and icicles first dance in their heads and then into local businesses and homes.

“Our focus right now is on holiday installations, corporate events, and small, elegant dinner parties,” said Jones.

The Prescott sisters bought the vintage-inspired wedding and event rentals company six years ago and have since then tripled their business and added five part-time jobs. They specialize in boutique and unique furniture and décor and have a nearly 2,000-square-foot warehouse full of tables, couches, chairs, dishes and decorations. They also offer design services to make events distinctly personal, magical and memorable.

Those who know them will tell you setting the stage for special occasions is what they were born to do. In fact, they built a reputation designing weddings and events for friends and family members before they went into business together.

“It’s something we did for fun, we weren’t necessarily seeking to go into business,” said Jones. “We saw the blissfulness of beautiful events and then we figured out the rest.”

A COLLISION OF TALENTS

“Holly and I often say we were starry-eyed when we were presented with the opportunity to buy the business. We didn’t stop very long to think about the details,” said Sharp. “One Hundred Chairs became a collision of everything we love to do and do together.”

Using their unique gifts and interests, Jones leans into design, trends and artful environments. Sharp’s superpower is getting people together, building relationships and creating the space for gatherings.

Sharp, 44 and Jones, 34, are the oldest and youngest of the “Favour girls,” daughters of Prescott natives Mark Favour and Dawn Creamer. Sharp’s and Jones’ children mark five generations that the family has been in Prescott and Northern Arizona. The women are the great-nieces of V.M. Slipher, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff credited with first detecting the expanding nature of the universe. His younger brother, E.C. Slipher, their great-grandfather, was also an important astronomer known for photographing the planets. He developed many photography techniques still used by astronomers today.

“If you were to look back at us growing up, we have had very consistent personality traits that have followed us through,” said Sharp. “Holly has always made brave fashion choices with the confidence that it’s all going to work out. And I probably have the bossy, older-sister traits.”

“She is the brilliant, logistical brain behind it all,” said Jones about her sister.

Both women went to school at Northern Arizona University. Jones studied interior design and fashion merchandizing. Sharp earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. “She really puts those skills to work when emotions run high, which happens – especially in planning for a wedding,” said Jones. “I’m grateful Annie puts out the fires so I can keep focused on the design details.”

Bringing Vision to Life

For Sharp, success is seeing happy clients and developing personal relationships along the way. Jones’ biggest joy is being able to take someone else’s creative vision that they don’t know how to achieve, and make it come to life.

For example, the women designed a wedding in May for a couple that enjoyed the outdoors. They wanted to express their love for adventure in a low-key, beautiful and fun way,” said Jones.

So, instead of an aisle for the bride to walk down, One Hundred Chairs created a meadow setting, with triangular arches to suggest mountains and a meandering path dotted with flowers. The wedding also incorporated antlers as décor.

In contrast, the women have styled a feminine atmosphere for the Annual Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards High Tea, using antique China, delicate glassware and vintage silverware.

And now, as they deck the halls with boughs and wreaths, the women will tell you that whether the occasion calls for jingle bells, dinner bells or wedding bells, “it’s the smiles on our clients’ faces that make what we do so meaningful to us,” said Sharp. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

For more information about One Hundred Chairs, visit onehundredchairs.com.

Courtesy Photo: Holly Jones and Annie Sharp planned gatherings for fun for family members and friends before they became business partners. Today, they continue to bring creativity and elegance to celebrations and events with their vintage-inspired wedding and event rentals company. “One Hundred Chairs became a collision of everything we love to do and do together,” said Sharp.

Real Estate Values Climb Steadily as Market Struggles for Balance

October 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“When the rates come down, and they do, there will come a time when you will be able to refinance,” she said.

Home prices continue to rise, inventory continues to fall short of a balanced market, and the interest rate on a standard 30-year mortgage is hovering around 7.8%. Prescott Area Association of Realtors President and KMF Real Estate Broker/Owner Faye Humphrey says the Quad Cities remains a seller’s market, but she says, “It’s always a great time to buy the right real estate.”

For those who remember interest rates of the 1980s in the high teens, 7.8% looks pretty good. But compared to just a few years ago, the rate has tripled. For Humphrey, who has owned her house for five years and refinanced it three times to reach the historic low interest rate of 2.25%, her philosophy is: “Marry the house; date the rate.”

“When the rates come down, and they do, there will come a time when you will be able to refinance,” she said.

Humphrey also acknowledges that houses in desirable areas like the Quad Cities are expensive. The average list price in September 2022 was $632,000. Today, it is $701,000, up about 11% year over year.

“That makes me want to choke,” she said. “We have fewer sales today than we did a year ago because money is tight, but value seems to keep going up. Buyers need to shop harder and smarter.”

With just 1,097 residential homes currently available in Yavapai County, down about 20 from this time last year, the real estate market has more than three months of inventory. Six months of inventory, says Humphrey, would be considered a balanced market.

“We are much closer to a balanced, normal market than we’ve been in a long time,” she said, “but we are still in a seller’s market; however, not the frenetic kind of seller’s market we were in one or two years ago.”

For sellers, that means pricing the home based on comparable sales and expecting the home to stay on the market longer. “Some buyers are going to be asking for concessions. Eighteen months ago, that was almost unheard of.”

Prescott still remains the most expensive city in the Quad Cities area for real estate.

“If you want to get the most bang for your buck, go to Prescott Valley or Chino Valley or to Dewey. Today [with many people working from home], the geography doesn’t make that much difference,” said Humphrey. “If somebody comes to town and wants to buy a house for $300,000 to $400,000, there is a high likelihood they’ll be buying a manufactured home as opposed to a stick home.”

No matter the market, Humphrey recommends hiring an experienced, licensed real estate agent, familiar with the cycles and strategies of buying and selling homes. More than 2,500 licensed realtors make up the Prescott Area Association of Realtors (PAAR), where she currently serves as president. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Prescott Area Association of Realtors President-Elect Jeanelle Shearer, President Faye Humphrey and Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Westrum accept the Community Service Award from the Arizona REALTORS on Thursday, Oct. 19, in Litchfield Park.

Learning a Trade by Hand

October 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Findlay Hyundai donates vehicle and parts for hands-on education at YC.

For most of us, it’s enough to know how to turn on our car engines. Until a car breaks down, we prefer to take the functioning of our vehicles for granted. Not so for the students in the Automotive Technology Program at Yavapai College in Prescott.

They are eager to learn all they can about all aspects of the automotive industry. To help meet this challenge, Findlay Hyundai on Willow Creek Road in Prescott has partnered with Yavapai College to provide five newer engines and two transmissions, as well as a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe to be used for hands-on education inside the automotive technology lab at the college.

The timing is fortuitous as the outlook for automotive careers is increasingly rosy.

“Everyone is always hiring,” said Benjamin Clifton, service manager at Findlay Hyundai. “Dealerships are looking for a qualified technician, someone who, if they don’t have actual real-world experience, they do have some kind of technical experience.”

Clifton was one of three Findlay Hyundai staff, including Ben Hollibaugh, general manager, and Saben Vernados, parts manager, who supervised the delivery of the large boxes of auto parts and the vehicle to the YC auto tech lab on Sept. 28, via a truck and a flatbed trailer. The fact that the parts and automobile are fairly current models is a real plus for technical training.

“Hyundai vehicles and engines are particularly suitable for instruction purposes, because they represent the modern technology that these students will need to understand prior to entering the workforce,” Clifton said.

Hollibaugh said he and Clifton conceived of the idea to donate to the automotive program at the college. “We thought it would be a great idea to give back to our local community and our local college by providing modern engines and vehicles to help educate the up-and-coming students to be prepared for the workforce once they graduate,” Hollibaugh said. “This isn’t just a one-time donation. We plan to continue donating and contributing our time and resources to the college for years to come.”

The plan includes giving opportunities to students to have internships during their time at Yavapai College, and also to provide full-time job opportunities once they complete the program. The Hyundai parts and the vehicle donated to the college are worth approximately $12,500.

According to the Yavapai College automotive technology website, “This program prepares students for employment, at all levels, in the increasingly sophisticated automotive repair industry. Students gain knowledge of computerized shop equipment, electronic automotive components, mechanical systems, chemistry, physics and diagnostic techniques, all while developing their skills with traditional hand tools. Instruction in entrepreneurial and business techniques cap the program.”

Jerrad Smith, a key member of the automotive faculty at Yavapai College, said the college bought the old Ruger casting building on Ruger Road in Prescott about 15 years ago and moved the automotive technical and career programs over from the main campus to the new building, which is located about 10 miles north of the airport.

“Our building is quite impressive; it’s over 118,000 square feet,” Smith said. “It’s not just automotive; it’s been growing ever since. There’s gunsmithing, welding, residential construction, unmanned aircraft system, instrumentation and technology, the full body shop program, and the automotive program, including the diesel program.”

There are three teachers just for the automotive program. “Enrollment is huge,” he said. “Just in automotive repair, we have right around 200 students. Everyone is hiring, including dealerships, independent automotive shops, anyone who is doing automotive repairs, municipalities like the City of Prescott and the Town of Prescott Valley. Anyone who does automotive repair is looking for techs.”

In the last decade, the need for automotive technicians has expanded. “It’s been a growing issue because you’ve got a lot of guys retiring out, a lot of baby boomers, and not enough people to replace then,” said Smith, adding that about 80% of the students currently in the automotive program at Yavapai College are high school students, many of whom plan on entering the automotive industry right after graduation.

High school students come to the college during regularly scheduled school-day hours, and their auto tech education is provided at no cost. They drive themselves or are bused by their school districts.

“We get high school students from all over, from Ash Fork, Seligman, Prescott Valley,” he said. “Our students range from 16 all the way up to 70, in some cases. People are taking it for general interest, too, to work on their own cars.”

In addition, more and more women are entering automotive programs. “This is my 15th year teaching here, and this is the most females I’ve had in any given semester,” said Smith.

The Santa Fe that was donated is GDI, gasoline direct injection, “which is pretty much what all the new engines are now,” said Clinton, who notes that Findlay Hyundai technicians will be assisting the YC auto tech students.

“I’ve talked to the instructor over there to set something up for one of my technicians to go over there twice a month to answer any questions, such as what to expect when working in a dealership and what to focus on before getting a job in a dealership,” he said.

In the future, Hyundai officials say they may also provide course curriculum. QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Standing in front of the Hyundai Santa Fe automobile donated to the auto technology program at Yavapai College are, from left, three members of Findlay Hyundai in Prescott: Saben Vernados, parts manager, Ben Hollibaugh, general manager, Ben Clifton, service manager, and, from Yavapai College, Jerrad Smith, automotive faculty.

Family Doctor Battles Health Care Inequities for Clients While Fighting Multiple Sclerosis

October 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Physician compares struggles with the healthcare system and MS to going ‘up the down escalator’.

Family physician Dr. Lisa Doggett is a classic example of a superwoman who is devoted to her family, her clients, her com-munity and her profession. She had no time to get sick; yet, she did. Two days before her youngest child turned 2, she woke up feeling dizzy. “I started getting double vision. I had taste changes. A peculiar cloudiness hung over me. I thought I had a brain tumor.”

In her new book, “Up the Down Escalator: Medicine, Motherhood, and Multiple Sclerosis,” Doggett offers a down-to-earth and inspirational memoir about her shift from doctor to patient, her frustrations with what she calls an “unfair” healthcare system and her insights about how social determinants and human connections are some of the most important factors when it comes to our own health and well-being.

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS

“We now know that the conditions in which we live, work, learn and play – called ‘social determinants of health’ (SDoH) – have a far greater impact on health than any medical treatment we can offer,” she writes. “It’s the social determinants – like access to housing and healthy food, transportation, and safe neighborhoods – that drive 80 to 90 percent of health out-comes on a population level.”

As the director of a clinic in Austin, Texas, Doggett witnessed daily how financial and other disadvantages became a barrier to quality health care. She worked tirelessly to diagnose and seek support for her impoverished clients, which she described as “an eclectic mix of uninsured patients – from a manic pink-haired stripper to an undocumented man, paralyzed by high voltage power lines.”

To help her clients receive the medicine and treatment they needed, she wrote how she would “navigate the highways, side streets and dark crooked alleyways of Austin’s health care system.” She knew the discount pharmacies and the ones that overcharged. She had a long list of generic medicines she would recommend instead of expensive new drugs, and she would call in favors from specialty doctors that she knew.

She was exhausted and discouraged. And that was before she received her MS diagnosis.

FEELING POWERLESS, MORALLY DISTRESSED

MS has long been known as the crippler of young adults, usually affecting people between the ages of 20 and 50. It is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The immune system attacks the myelin, or coating around nerve cells, which affects how the brain and spinal cord communicate with the rest of the body. The wide range of symptoms makes MS difficult to diagnose. They can include mobility issues, fatigue, sensory changes, visual and cognitive changes, bowel and bladder problems, and depression. The disease affects women at a ratio of 3:1 to men, and, although research has identifed certain risk factors and possible triggers, its cause remains unknown.

“MS made me feel powerless. I was now ‘Less Likely to Succeed.’ I couldn’t cure poverty or fix our broken healthcare system,” she writes.

“I think I was depressed, but more than that, I was demoralized,” she said. “That sense of powerlessness was triggered by my own health and also by my work. Each kind of fed off the other. We’ve learned in recent years that a lot of healthcare professionals are suffering from what has been termed ‘moral distress’ or ‘moral injury.’ That’s this feeling as a doctor or another health professional that you know what your patient needs but you can’t get it for them. It was very common at my clinic that I couldn’t get someone the medicine, the specialist, the behavioral health counselor, or the test that they needed and that I thought they deserved.”

BEING INSPIRED BY PATIENTS

Despite the discouraging times, Dr. Doggett also says she was inspired by her patients. One of her clients said that her diabetes diagnosis actually made her take better care of herself. “One of my very favorite patients had the worst asthma I have ever seen. In addition to the usual asthma medicines, she needed daily oral steroids, which is fairly uncommon for asthmatics to have to take a pill by mouth every day. That caused her to have a lot of weight gain. And she struggled a lot with arthritis, in part because of the weight. But she was resilient and ultimately, she was able to change her diet. She lost 60 pounds and her asthma improved dramatically.”

Doggett took those lessons to heart and decided MS was not an excuse for her to stay at home. Instead, she decided it was her “launchpad to do more and do it now” because of the uncertainties of the disease. “I really did make self-care a top priority.”

MEDITATION, CONNECTIONS AND BIG GOALS

She started meditating to manage stress. Ultimately, she found that mindfulness and meditation have helped her dizziness more than anything else. “It’s been a very good tool for me to cope with anxiety as well as help me sleep better. It’s been a huge improvement in my life.”

She also learned more about the healing power of social connection. “I had patients who were isolated. Language barriers contributed to their feelings of isolation. Some were estranged from family. One client struggled to get sober. He didn’t have a support circle.”

As her symptoms improved, Doggett decided she wanted a big physical challenge. She started training for a marathon. She kept her goal to herself but kept pushing to run one more mile every week. On Valentine’s Day 2016, she completed a marathon. Since then, she also has completed a half Ironman triathlon (70.3 miles of swimming, biking, and running). She continues to exercise every morning and participates in the Texas MS 150 bike ride each spring to connect with others with MS and to push herself.

Today, her life continues to be very full, “like an overstuffed suitcase,” she says, as she and her husband raise their daughters, now ages 15 and 18. She works for a company that designs programs for people with Medicaid and Medicare to help them be as healthy as possible. And she recently started a part-time position at the Dell Medical School’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center, where she will provide preventive care and lifestyle medicine support to others with MS.

“Writing and publishing the book has been a dream come true,” she says of “Up the Down Escalator: Medicine, Motherhood, and Multiple Sclerosis.” It’s available now on Amazon and at libraries and bookstores around the country. FBN

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Courtesy Photo: Dr. Lisa Doggett touts the health benefits of exercise, a healthy diet, meditation, a strong support circle and big goals. Since her diagnosis she has run a marathon, completed a half Ironman triathlon and participates in the Texas MS 150 bike ride each spring as well as other outdoor sports.

Sandy Adams is the Georgian Behind Painless Peach Pain Care

October 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“My experience with acute pain management started when I was a cardiac nurse,” said Adams.

According to the great philosopher Aristotle, “The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.”

As many of us may well know, just going about daily activities can cause soreness, discomfort and pain, and finding relief can be challenging. However, Painless Peach Pain Care owner Sandy Adams has devoted her career to helping people live pain free.

“Keeping people living their best life, that’s my goal,” said Adams, whose business name is a reminder of her home state, Georgia.

Adams dove into her medical profession as an EKG technician at 18 years old. “As I learned about the field of health, I wanted to do more. I stepped into nursing and grew in knowledge one step at a time.”

After 20 years as a nurse, she earned her master’s degree and became a Certified Acute Care Adult Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-C).

“My experience with acute pain management started when I was a cardiac nurse,” said Adams. “I was called in for heart attacks and to assist with pain management and hemodynamics. I used my experience with mental health to connect with patients to control pain. A big piece of pain management is being heard, so I try to connect and let them vent and talk about how they are feeling.”

One of her patients suffered from chronic back pain radiating to other parts of her body after a car accident. “I have a difficult job and stand on my feet all day,” said Crystal Rusinsky, a sterile processing technician, who also has migraines. “Sandy began treating me about a year ago and has provided treatments in a way that makes my pain manageable. She has been the only pain specialist I’ve seen who has taken the time to really evaluate my symptoms. She treats pain as a full systemic issue.”

Adams starts treatment by educating her patients about their pain and the most appropriate and modern methods of treatment, which can range from a simple dietary change to interventional pain management.

“We provide a multimodal treatment method such as physical therapy, aqua therapy, acupuncture, massage and stretching, along with interventional injections and medication treatments,” she said.

Collaborating with local physicians is also an important part of treatment. “I work with orthopedists, neurosurgeons and interventionists in the Flagstaff, Cottonwood and Prescott.”

Rusinsky is a huge fan of Sandy’s work. “If it weren’t for Sandy, I would not be able to work or care for my son. As a single mother, that’s important,” she said. “I’m really grateful to Sandy and all she provides.”

When she is not helping people, Adams enjoys spending time with her family and pets. “I love reading, playing board games and taking weekend camping trips.” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

The Painless Peach Pain Care clinic is located at 3100 N. West St., Ste. 200B in Flagstaff. For more information about Painless Peach Pain Care, visit painlesspeachpaincare.com or call 928-389-9041.

Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Sandy Adams says her goal is to allow space for patients to discuss and vent about how they feel about how pain affects their everyday life. She then works with the patient to make an active treatment plan to keep them functional with minimal discomfort and improve their quality of life.

An Antique Store that Car Buffs Can Get Revved Up About

October 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

For Steve, it’s a labor of love.

Steve Whitten, co-owner of Prescott Antiques, says his store draws happy shoppers because there is something for almost everyone, including a unique collection of automobile memorabilia.

Aside from the classic cars for sale in the car lot across the street, Whitten showcases items related to classic cars, trucks and hotrods in the shop.

Prescott Antiques features antiques and collectibles from 35 vendors in two buildings: one three-story building and one two-story building. The main building also has a bakery in the basement, complete with a classic jukebox. Pastries, muffins, cookies, breakfast sandwiches and coffee are among the offerings.

The antiques and collectibles include autographed baseballs, vintage baseball card packs and sports memorabilia, as well as jewelry, coins, glassware and Western regalia such as saddles. Prescott Antiques buys entire estates and collections.

Whitten, who opened Prescott Antiques about three years ago with his wife, Rhonda, said he has enjoyed antiques since he was a teenager.

“I always liked antiques and the classic cars. It was always the plan to have the classic cars along with the antiques. I loved going to garage sales as a kid and my dad got me interested in cars. For years, I was a buyer, not a seller. It was a hobby and three years ago we decided to turn it into a business,” he said. “We have a little bit of everything.”

Whitten also finds the business side interesting, as he’s been collecting items for 30 years. “The fads change every 10 years. Some items cost four times as much as 10 years ago. The prices of some antiques will go up, while others will go down.”

Whitten also sees the generational changes. He said many people are more interested in the collectibles from the 1970s rather than the 1920s. He adds that Tonka Toys prices “are going through the roof” because they are popular right now. “It’s whatever people are buying or collecting at any given time.”

In the family business, Rhonda is often at the cash register, while their sons Cole, 19, and Clay, 17, help out. For Steve, it’s a labor of love. “People who come in here don’t want to rush back home. They want to spend time and money. And I get to be around what I love all day. It’s just fun.” QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Prescott Antiques is located at 915 E. Gurley. For more information, call 928-800-9776.

Photo by Stan Bindell: Co-owner Rhonda Whitten greets customers at Prescott Antiques.

Celebrate Fall: Immerse Yourself in Nature, Be Unapologetically Messy

October 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

I’ve learned it’s hard to “act like a lady” when nature sings to your soul and beckons you to climb on rocks and wade in rivers.

Fall is nature’s beautiful and colorful dance that gently escorts us away from long sunny days. Our aspen trees paint the high elevation mountainsides in gentle hues of autumn. Their delicate leaves float to the ground to create golden pathways that light up the woods. It’s a magical time and humans like to frolic in it.

Before McDonald’s had the ball pit, leaves were the things kids would roll around in. Leaves are fun. And that’s what I would try to explain to my after-kindergarten caregivers when they gave me that exasperated look and the sigh that followed while plucking leaves from the lacy designs on my tights again, before my mom came to pick me up.

I’ve learned it’s hard to “act like a lady” when nature sings to your soul and beckons you to climb on rocks and wade in rivers. And that’s why I love author Melissa Sevigny’s new book, “Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon.”

Through her captivating storytelling skills, Sevigny allows us to vicariously dip our toes into the mighty Colorado while immersing us in a time that was really quite limiting for girls and women.

In 1938, Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter were two botanists who seemed to be driven by curiosity and didn’t mind getting messy on their journey to scientific discovery.

Sevigny writes that women of the day were not encouraged to pursue science; however, botany was socially acceptable. “Botany’s virtues were women’s virtues: gentility, innocence and modesty. Flowers, after all, reflected the qualities most treasured in women; fragility, purity and loveliness.”

Interestingly enough, women were mostly the ones who were gathering plant specimens and pressing them for researchers to study. However, as Sevigny explains, “they were not permitted to collect any plant that couldn’t be reached on a leisurely afternoon stroll.”

Of course, what these two women had in mind was no leisurely afternoon stroll. They were called to the Grand Canyon and a river that only 50 men before them had survived.

“With its churning waters and treacherous boulders, the Colorado was famed as the most dangerous river in the world,” wrote Sevigny. “Journalists and veteran river runners boldy proclaimed that the motley crew would never make it out alive. But for Clover and Jotter, no one had yet surveyed the plant life of the Grand Canyon, and they were determined to be the first.”

Because of their efforts, we now have a catalog of thorny, spiny and spiky specimens that lived along the Colorado River more than 70 years ago, a time when humans had just begun to change the river ecosystem.

These women were pioneers, scientists and change-agents in the history of the American West. Their journey was stickery, muddy, rocky and scary at times, but because of their determination and courageous bushwhacking ways, Clover, Jotter and many other women made the path much smoother for generations of women who followed to pursue their own passions, no matter how messy they might be.

This fall, I invite you to frolic to the rhythms of nature, the beat of your heart and the calling of your soul, even if you get leaves in your stockings. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens

Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@gmail.com.

Hear from Melissa Sevigny on Zonie Living at www.starworldwidenetworks.com.

Courtesy Photo: KNAU science reporter Melissa Sevigny says her new book, Brave the Wild River, took five years to research and write, including a river rafting trip down the Colorado River. It is available now on Amazon.

Grand Celebration of Art

October 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

The CoA Exhibition and Sale is open to the public at Kolb Studio through January 15, 2024.

About the only thing better than a picture of the Grand Canyon is a painting, and Grand Canyon Conservancy’s 15th Annual Celebration of Art (CoA) showcased 24 selected artists painting “en plein air” (outside on location) along the South Rim.

The week-long event and fundraiser had an audience of returning fans and visitors who were captivated by the artists as their palettes brought the magnificence of the Grand Canyon to their canvases.

“This is my first year and I’m so excited to be a part of CoA,” said artist Russell Johnson of Prescott. “The Grand Canyon is one of the first places I backpacked when I was 13 and that trip has inspired me to represent what I’m feeling when I’m here.”

Along with Johnson, six other artists from Arizona attended, Bill Cramer of Prescott, Chris Fanning of Lake Havasu City, Matt Sterbenz of Chandler, Marcia Molnar of Prescott, Deborah McAllister of Cottonwood and Dawn Sutherland of Flagstaff.

Other artists came from as far as Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, California and Oregon.

The CoA Exhibition and Sale is open to the public at Kolb Studio through January 15, 2024. The online sales gallery can be viewed at shop.grandcanyon.org/collections/celebration-of-art.

“Celebration of Art is a wonderful opportunity to bring a piece of Grand Canyon home with you through unique artwork while supporting the Grand Canyon Conservancy in its effort to raise money for an art venue at the canyon’s South Rim,” said Grand Canyon Conservancy Director of Marketing and Communications Mindy Riesenberg. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

The Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official non-profit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. For more about the conservancy, visit www.grandcanyon.org.

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