Quad Cities Business News

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

You are here: Home / Archives for Columnists

Columnists

Identifying Best Smelling Plants for Outdoor Gardens

By Leave a Comment

Here is a list of the best plants for easy fragrance through your gardens.

Arizona is famous for outdoor activities. When all this activity brings the party to your deck, patio or pool’s edge, the fragrance of the garden should be positive and uplifting to the friends that gather. This is the perfect place to add sweetly scented plants for ambiance. Forget the candles and citronella. The right plants remind us why the mountains of Arizona are meant to be enjoyed outdoors.

The fragrance of many plants intensified at night are yet another reason to relax under the stars. Enjoy the aromas of the sweetest-smelling plants at the garden center today.

What’s the first thing we do when we see a flower? Most of us smell it, of course. Children primarily identify the sight of a blossom with fragrance. While we can occasionally be surprised, disappointed or repulsed by a plant’s odor, its scent is essential to gardens.

Using fragrant plants in the landscape is not a new concept. The botanical reason for plant fragrance is simple. Humans identify hundreds of odors. Many trigger solid reactions and emotions. Smells attract pollinators to the flowers. White or pastel blossoms seem to have more potent scents. This trait is probably to help them compete with their more brightly colored cousins.

The fragrance is not limited to flowers. Heavenly aromas are found in other parts of the plant’s foliage, seeds and bark. Herbs are perfect examples.

Viburnum by the front entrance to your home invites guests to take a moment to stop and smell the flowers. Remember, our prevailing Southwest mountain wind directs the aroma. You want to place fragrant plants where they can be appreciated.

Best Planting Locations

  • Container Gardens on Rolling Caddies – create your own portable plant aromatherapy using rolling plant caddies under your containers. Move them where you want.
  • Open the Window – any window that allows a breeze to enter your home is enhanced by the fragrance of plants.
  • Porches, Patios, Decks – anywhere you have seating is a great place to enjoy fragrant plants, especially evening blooming plants like jasmine and moonflower. A solitary bench in the garden is an excellent place to escape.
  • Trellis to Climb – bring the fragrance up to nose level. Arbors, especially over garden gates and pergolas, bring the aroma to you.
  • Walkways and Entry – passers-by enjoy the aroma of blooms. Scented leaves release their scent when brushed as you walk by.

Here is a list of the best plants for easy fragrance through your gardens.

Annual flowers bloom in riotous waves of fragrant colors. The best flowers are Alyssum, Marigold, Nasturtium, Pansy, Petunia, Poppy, Primrose, Stock and Viola.

Evergreens are famous in the mountains of Arizona for their pitchy pine scent. Many have incredible flowers with a fragrance that outdoes most. Evergreens with aromas are Azalea, Cypress, Deador Cedar, Desert Broom, Holly, Euonymus, Juniper, Lavender, Pine, Rosemary, Silver Berry, Spanish Broom and Waxleaf Privet.

Herbs – Most herbs are fragrant. Sage and rosemary are undeniably fragrant. Creeping thyme is used as a ground cover in stepping stone walkways simply because it smells good when stepped on. Almost the entire family of herbs is fragrant: Basil, Bay, Catmint, Chamomile, Lavender, Mint, Oregano, Scented Geranium, and Thyme.

Perennials at the top of the fragrant list would have to be Astilbe, Candytuft, Daylily, Dianthus, Hosta, Iris, Lilies, Lily-of-the-Valley, Peony, Phlox, Primrose, Russian Sage, Sedum, Sweet Woodruff and Verbena.

Shrubs are more fragrant for one reason only: their size. The most fragrant of all would be Butterfly Bush, Cotoneaster, Daphne, Forsythia, Gardenia, Lilac, Manzanita, Mock Orange, Osmanthus, Roses, Viburnum, Big Sage Bush and Silverberry.

Trees come in all scents and flavors. The most notable local trees for uplifting aromas are Crabapple, Flowering Cherry, Crape Myrtle, Chitalpa, Fruit Trees, Serviceberry, Pine and Spruce.

Vines are ideal for climbing up arches, pergolas, fences and deck posts for a fragrance that reaches any location. Have them climb or spread out as a ground cover. Here are the top picks: Akebia, Clematis, Climbing Roses, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Lady Banks Rose, Sweet pea and Wisteria.

Until next month, I’ll be helping gardeners grow more fragrant gardens here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

By Ken Lain

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Road in Prescott or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.

Granite Creek Corridor Project Expected to Be Completed By Summer

By Leave a Comment

In my opinion, once completed, this one-mile stretch along Granite Creek will provide a scenic, safe and accessible trail for citizens and visitors.

As the city’s Granite Creek Corridor improvements are moving toward a conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to remind our citizens about this project and provide current information and an account of the history.

The Granite Creek Corridor project is almost four years in the making. Back in 2019, city staff identified an opportunity to enhance one of Prescott’s great natural assets, Granite Creek and the associated trail running alongside. Over the years, the creek had fallen into disarray, with encroachment from urban development, non-native species growing on the banks, and general deterioration of the banks and the water flow. In addition, the trail gained a reputation as being unsafe and unclean. Most citizens said they generally avoided the trail.

Knowing all of this, Prescott City Council formed a committee consisting of citizens and staff. Their first task was to ask citizens what they would like to see when we improve this amenity. A planning firm was hired to garner feedback from citizens, business leaders and others. Public open houses were also held and surveys conducted to garner citizen feedback. From that feedback, a master plan was created to guide the project.

The master plan document states the long-term goals of the project are as follows:

  • Clean up and restore the beauty and native landscape of the corridor, allowing the riparian habitat to thrive and water quality to improve.
  • Improve the usability of the trail in the downtown corridor, allowing greater access and enhanced safety.
  • Improve opportunities for interpretation of Prescott history and resources.
  • Reduce the risk of flood conditions for the properties along the creek.

Along with stream bank restoration activities, amenities such as lights, benches and an ADA accessible entrance were planned to make this a safe and accessible trail.

The improvements begin at Aubrey to the south, going north to end in Granite Creek Park. The trail goes through the heart of Prescott’s historic downtown and provides unique perspectives on businesses along the creek.

The total budget for the project was set at just over $3 million. The city received funding from the Arizona State Parks and Trails in the amount of $1 million. There was an unrestricted private donation of $656,000. The streets fund paid $640,000. An additional $220,000 was provided by the Bed Tax, from tourism dollars. The total outlay from the General Fund was under $500,000.

After some delays related to the grant funding and other factors, work began along the creek in the third quarter of 2022. Expected completion date has been delayed most recently by the extremely wet winter season; however, work continues and is expected to be completed by summer. In my opinion, once completed, this one-mile stretch along Granite Creek will provide a scenic, safe and accessible trail for citizens and visitors. Prescott is known for its trails, lakes and other natural assets. With a modest investment, the city has created a trail and public space for our citizens and visitors to enjoy for years to come.

All of the information about the plan, including Master Plan and other documents, are available here https://www.prescott-az.gov/city-management/programs/granite-creek-corridor-master-plan/. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

What is a Boot Camp?

By Leave a Comment

The beauty of a boot camp is that it is a beneficial exercise for both men and women of all ages, in all shapes and sizes.

When considering the term “boot camp,” most would think of the intense exercise training regime when starting in a branch of the military to get the new recruits in shape for battle. Although that is an accurate description, there are also other forms of boot camps. One example is a boot camp training facility for the public. In this type of boot camp, the most common exercise program is called HIIT, which stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It is led by a fitness coach and is typically in a group session. The HIIT description pretty much says it all – it is intense and one could view the coach as a drill sergeant.

The workouts have multiple stations, similar to circuit training, and often include various forms of cardio exercises, such as use of air bikes, rowing machines, skier machines, running, jumping jacks, squats, Bosu Ball taps, etc. Also included are ab exercises, such as sit-ups, Russian twists, planks, bicycle crunches and so on. Don’t forget bicep and tricep exercises such as pushups, overhead tricep extensions, kettle bell swings, dead lifts, incline dumbbell curls and hammer curls. Then there are gluteus maximus exercises (OK, that is the technical term for one’s behind), such as glute bridges, hip extensions, wall sits and much more. Essentially, you are getting a full-body workout at a boot camp and there will be a different focus each day.

The beauty of a boot camp is that it is a beneficial exercise for both men and women of all ages, in all shapes and sizes. In fact, there are even 80-year-olds who show up to work out at boot camps. If the coach is tough, remember, he or she is similar to a drill sergeant and wants to challenge you to get optimal results. However, one should start off slowly and build up to his or her full potential. In other words, if it is brand new to you, start at 60% and, in time, you will build up to 100%. The key is consistency and if you attend a boot camp three or more times per week, you most certainly are going to see results.

One very important tip: Don’t eat before you go to a boot camp workout. It is much more beneficial, in more ways than one, to work out on an empty stomach or at least just eat something small such as a banana, granola bar or protein shake.

Although this is not the same precise type of boot camp you will see in the Marines, how about we shout out a big OORAH and give it a try! QCBN

 By Westin Lahr

Westin Lahr is an NASM certified personal trainer and fitness coach who has been an instructor at boot camps for more than four years. He has a passion for fitness and exercise and enjoys helping others reach their personal fitness goals.

TriumFit Bootcamp is located at 1438 W. Gurley St. 928-379-1612. www.triumfitbootcamp.com

YC Celebrates National Recognition for Leadership, Student Success Initiative

By Leave a Comment

In my four short years at YC as president, Chair McCasland has avidly supported YC, its students and our communities.

Yavapai College was recently recognized on the national level by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Deb McCasland, Yavapai College District Governing Board chair, was named the National Trustee of the Year, a tremendous honor and one that is so well deserved. In addition, the college Promise Program and I were finalists for Outstanding Student Success Initiative and CEO of the Year.

McCasland, a YC alumna who has served on the District Governing Board for eight years, the last three as chair, was nominated for AACC Trustee of the Year by Dr. David B. Borofsky, director of the Arizona Association of Community College Trustees. The award honors a trustee who has made significant contributions to the college, demonstrated exceptional leadership and presided over significant achievements that benefit the college, district, state, system or foundation.

In his nomination letter, Borofsky lauded McCasland’s “amazing growth” as a leader, her tireless community engagement and statewide advocacy efforts, and her unmatched passion for student success. “She is THE trustee focused on student success,” Borofsky wrote.

In my four short years at YC as president, Chair McCasland has avidly supported YC, its students and our communities. She is a true leader, and her passion and dedication toward student success never waivers.

In 1976, Deb started her 34-year career as the Student Activities director at Yavapai College. Her most successful achievements were founding and developing the Community Events program and the Performing Arts Charitable Endowment. In 2010, Deb was chosen as an Outstanding Yavapai College alumnus and retired from Yavapai College in 2011 as director of Major Gifts. She has been elected three times to represent District 2 on the Yavapai College District Governing Board.

The AACC is a non-profit advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges. It represents nearly 1,200 institutions and more than 11 million students. The Awards of Excellence reflect and advance the association’s priorities and spotlight “promising practices” among member colleges.

It was overwhelming to attend the national awards gala. And for YC to be a finalist in three categories, and win one, shows that we are moving in the right direction and our peers throughout the country recognize it. QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D.

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona and the Prescott Airport.

Courtesy Photo: Yavapai College receives prestigious awards from the American Association of Community Colleges. AACC representatives flank YC District Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland and YC President Lisa Rhine. 

Considering Charitable Gifts through IRA Distributions

By Leave a Comment

Making a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA account can happen any time of year to support your favorite qualified charity or charities.

This may seem an odd time of year to think about your IRA distribution. Most of us think about making a qualified charitable distribution when the weather is cooler and the holidays are around the corner. There is something about the holiday season that awakens the giving spirit for many. Making a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA account can happen any time of year to support your favorite qualified charity or charities.

For anyone aged 72 and older, there is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) that must be taken each year. If you have a traditional IRA, taxes will be owed on distribution from the IRA, unless given to charity. A simple conversation with your IRA manager and the completion of a form can turn your RMD into a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). If you do not need some or all of your RMD, make a gift to your favorite charity, and that portion of your distribution is tax-free.

You can also talk with your IRA manager about making a charity a beneficiary of your IRA. Complete a beneficiary designation form identifying a charity as your primary or secondary beneficiary. If you have more than one charity you would like to be recognized in this way, help is available. If you would like, let the charity or charities know you have left this future gift.

Starting at the age of 70½, an individual can make a QCD from their IRA account up to $100,000. The individual does not pay taxes on a QCD. The QCD, although considered an IRA distribution, does not increase the individual’s annual income, and the QCD may lower future Required Minimum Distributions. Talk with your tax professional to see if this is a good strategy for charitable giving. The best benefit: feeling the joy of giving to your favorite charity or charities.

There are a few requirements and restrictions when making a QCD. The Qualified Charitable Distribution must go directly to the charity, it cannot come to the IRA owner first. Qualified Charitable Distributions cannot be made to a donor advised fund. QCDs must be received by a qualified charity no later than Dec. 31 to qualify for a deduction during the current tax year. Let the charity know that you have made this gift and if you plan to designate the funds for a specific program (designated gift) or if you will allow the charity to decide how best to use your gift (unrestricted gift). Either way, your gift will make a great impact.

Having a charitable spirit can be represented in many ways. Using an IRA is just one, and it could have tax benefits. Please speak with your tax professional; the information contained in this article is not intended as tax advice and is not a substitute for tax advice. QCBN

By Lisa Sahady

Lisa Sahady is the regional director for the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County. Since 2016, she has helped increase ACF of Yavapai County’s asset base by building relationships with professional advisors, individual donors and non-profit organizations. She received her Certified Gift Planning Professional designation through Crescendo’s Gift College for complex estate planning. She can be reached at lsahady@azfoundation.org.

Bringing Attention to Resources in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

By Leave a Comment

Mental health conditions can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person’s life.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of mental health. Mental health is a vital component of our overall health and well-being, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatized. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic status.

The last three years have had a significant impact on mental health, with many people experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression. The pandemic has highlighted the need for increased access to mental health services and support. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to address these issues and raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

One of the most important messages of Mental Health Awareness Month is that mental health is just as important as physical health. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and behave, and influences our relationships, work and overall quality of life.

Mental health conditions can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Some common mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These conditions can be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. However, many people do not seek help because of the stigma or lack of access to care.

Stigma surrounding mental health is a significant barrier to seeking help. Stigma can prevent people from talking openly about their experiences and seeking the support they need. It can also lead to discrimination and exclusion. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to challenge stigma and promote understanding and acceptance of mental health conditions.

Another key message of Mental Health Awareness Month is the importance of self-care. Taking care of our mental health is essential for our overall well-being. Self-care can involve a range of activities, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness and connecting with others.

Connecting with others is particularly important for our mental health. Social support can help us cope with stress, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote a sense of belonging. However, the pandemic has made it more challenging to connect with others, particularly for those who are isolated or experiencing financial hardship. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of social support and encourage people to reach out to others.

Mental Health Awareness Month also aims to promote access to mental health services and support. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to affordable, high-quality mental health care. This can be due to a lack of resources, long wait times, or stigma surrounding mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to advocate for increased funding for mental health services and promote policies that improve access to care.

There are also many resources available for people who are struggling with their mental health. Mental health hotlines, such as the new 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, are available 24/7 for people who need someone to talk to. Online resources, such as therapy apps and or tele-health, can also be helpful for people who are unable to access in-person care.

In conclusion, Mental Health Awareness Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health. Mental health is a vital component of our overall health and well-being, and it is essential that we prioritize it. By challenging stigma, promoting self-care, and advocating for increased access to mental health services and support, we can help improve the lives of those who are struggling with mental health conditions. QCBN

By Deanna Eder

Deanna Eder is the director of marketing and communications at Polara Health.

Spring Cleaning Brings Renewal

By Leave a Comment

 

Enjoy spring! It’s finally here!

A couple weeks ago while taking a walk on the trails at Watson Lake, I looked all around at the dark, cloudy skies and the barren cold trees. As I looked a little closer, there was a hint of green on the very tips of the Cottonwoods. Could it be? I examined the trees up close, and sure enough, there they were, little green sprouts on the tips of the branches. I absolutely love Spring. Everything is so fresh and beautiful. Things start to bloom, and the overall feeling is that of energy and renewal.

We can feel this way at home, too, and explore the possibilities of rectifying any negative effect that the winter has had while preparing for the upcoming warmer weather and plan projects to improve our homes and yards.

The last several months have brought in dust and dirt from wet roads, wind and rain. Your home has most likely been closed for a while, without a lot of fresh air. Heaters and fireplaces have been running. It’s time to clean things up and start fresh.

If you have a fireplace, it is a good time to get it checked out and cleaned by a professional. The same applies to the duct work in your house that circulates the air from your heater and air conditioning unit. There are several companies in the area that can check out the duct work and make sure it is clean and nothing has come loose during the winter months. Another money-saving idea is to have the ductwork sealed after it is cleaned so that it is energy efficient. This is also a good time to have your air conditioning unit checked out. If you wait until the hottest month (usually June) and something goes wrong, you may have to wait in line for someone to come fix it.

Consider power washing any drainage areas in your yard, around your house and clearing out the gutters of debris. Power washing can also clean your driveways and walkways much better than just sweeping or rinsing down with a hose. It is also a necessary step in preparing for any painting fixes or projects you may have on the outside of your house. It will strip away the dirt and loose, peeling paint so that your new paint will look beautiful and last longer.

My favorite thing to have done once spring comes is to have all my windows professionally cleaned, including all the screens and tracks. It feels so good to have all that dirt and buildup cleaned away so that I can clearly see the gorgeous weather and views that our area offers. Having crystal clean and clear windows makes the whole house feel newer, cleaner and fresher.

Have carpets, rugs, upholstery and tile cleaned. There’s been a lot of traffic trampled all over your floors. There have been holiday parties, food spills, wet boots, dog paws, sweet but muddy kids and who knows what else going in and out of the house bringing in all the dirt and grime onto your floors and furniture. Having the carpets and upholstery cleaned will also help to extract any unwanted odors that have been lurking.

Enjoy spring! It’s finally here! QCBN

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.

How Crews are Repairing Potholes after Wet Winter

By Leave a Comment

Over time, all road surfaces made from asphalt need to be maintained. Use and weather cause the surface to wear and crack.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” This month Tom and I thought we would take a road trip – but on that road trip, we will likely see lots of potholes. Settle in. This is going to be a great ride.

Sandy: Yikes Tom, potholes, potholes and more potholes. This wet, longish winter is wreaking havoc on our roads.

Tom: Sure is! Swerving to avoid them could make it look like you are a suspect for a DUI.

Sandy: Tom, I would like to invite Wyatt Orr, president of Earth Resources Corporation, to join us and provide some feedback from the guy who knows about this sort of thing – roads.

Sandy: Welcome, Wyatt. I am thrilled you can join us.

Wyatt: Glad to be here.

Tom: Wyatt, not only is it great to have you join Sandy and me, I also want to let our readers know that you are a YCCA Board member, and we are grateful for your expertise.

Sandy: We are talking about potholes, well actually everybody is talking about potholes, which seemed to appear overnight. Wyatt, what causes a pothole?

Wyatt: Potholes are a result of the subgrade under the asphalt failing, which means water got under the asphalt.

Tom: So, once the subgrade gets wet, does that impact the structural capability to support the asphalt?

Wyatt: Exactly. The wet subgrade is a base for the asphalt. When it becomes pliable from water, it no longer works.

Sandy: A squishy subbase causes the asphalt to fail?

Wyatt: Actually, the vehicles driving over the asphalt, i.e., the weight of the vehicle on the asphalt, moves the dirt subbase and displaces it.

Tom: Which, in turn, causes the asphalt to crack further, letting more water in, exacerbating the whole destruction process.

Sandy: Some potholes look as though the asphalt is gone. Does it crumble up and disappear below the surface?

Wyatt: It can, but more likely the vehicles driving over the cracked asphalt have caused the asphalt to be displaced along the road, leaving a pothole.

Sandy: So, cars and trucks make potholes.

Wyatt: Essentially, yes. If nobody drove over the area affected by water under the surface, I suppose it could dry out and not grow up to be a full-fledged pothole.

Tom: It seems road maintenance is key in preventing the water from getting under the asphalt in the first place.

Wyatt: Yes, it is.

Sandy: There are several different methods of maintaining the roads. Wyatt, could you run us through some of them?

Wyatt: Sure. There are three basic approaches to maintaining roads. They all address a different way to seal the surface of the asphalt, preventing water from getting below.

Tom: Over time, all road surfaces made from asphalt need to be maintained. Use and weather cause the surface to wear and crack.

Sandy: I suppose how a road deteriorates will determine what method to implement in maintaining it.

Wyatt: Exactly. The first step is crack seal. You have seen this being done; I am sure. A traffic lane is closed off as one team is out in front using compressed air to clean the cracks in the asphalt. This will allow the secondary team’s sealant to adhere better to the asphalt and protect the asphalt longer.

Sandy: Wyatt, sometimes I see crack seal being applied in warmer weather.

Wyatt: Well, yes, but crack fill is best done in cooler temperatures when the asphalt has contracted. The next step would be a seal treatment of some type. There are several to choose from.

Tom: Is this method chosen when the cracks are too numerous to seal individually?

Wyatt: Actually, the crack fill is done first and then some coating can be applied. When an asphalt surface has experienced a significant amount of wear but is not to the point of remove and replace, a chip seal coat or wear layer can be applied.

Sandy: That extends the life of a road quite a bit, I imagine.

Tom:    It must be difficult for the governing districts to keep up with road maintenance. It must be costly and labor intensive.

Sandy: I am sure you are right, Tom. I do, however, think that they all do a fairly good job staying on top of things.

Wyatt: They do, but with the freeze and thaw of a winter, the damage can be extensive and spread out all over a road system.

Sandy: OK good, we are back to potholes! Wyatt, why do some fixes stay and some do not?

Wyatt: A lot of the repairs that do not seem to work are really intended to be temporary fixes.

Tom: Like filling a pothole that is dangerous?

Sandy: The kind that causes you to need a realignment on your vehicle or can swallow your smart car.

Wyatt: LOL, yes. If the pothole poses a danger, road crews will fill the hole with what we call a cold mix, asphalt that is in a bag, making the road a little safer until the real repair can be done.

Tom: The real repair can be put off for weather reasons, such as too cold or too wet, and scheduling.

Wyatt: Exactly. Road crews can be stretched thin during this time of year. And weather plays a huge factor in when a repair can happen.

Sandy: So, Wyatt, what is entailed with a “real repair?”

Wyatt: Typically, the existing surface that is damaged, including the surface surrounding the pothole, not just the pothole itself, and the area is saw cut with the asphalt removed. The subbase we talked about earlier is removed to solid ground. New base material is then put back and compacted to create a dense and solid substrate. Hot asphalt is then put on the base and compacted in place.

Tom: What is done to protect the joint where the new asphalt meets the old?

Wyatt: A product we call Tak oil is spread all over the cut on the existing asphalt and that seals the joint quite well.

Sandy: It is quite the process to repair a pothole properly. It makes sense to me. Wyatt, thank you for joining us this month. You are a wealth of information for our readers.

Wyatt: After one of the wettest winters that the northern part of Ariona has seen for many years, I do want to give hats off to ADOT and their teams for making initial pothole patching repairs on State Route 69 so quickly.

Sandy: I guess we could blame this on the Groundhog for the six additional weeks of winter. Those potholes sure did pop up quickly after moisture seeped into and below the pavement.

Wyatt: Potholes are acute in our area. With the higher elevations, our pavement is subjected to more freeze-thaw cycles than so many other areas.

Sandy: I say patience, as our jurisdictions and ADOT are addressing the aftermath to our road system as quickly as they can.

Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.”  You are in good company, and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040.

Vinny Gallegos, CYMPO, 928-442-5730.

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Considering the Right Promotional Product for your Brand and Purpose

By Leave a Comment

When choosing an item, it’s important to keep in mind who your target market is and how you plan to use the item in your advertising campaign.

Promotional products, otherwise known as merch or swag, are a great way to promote your business. These can be any number of items such as pens, shirts, stickers and water bottles, to name a few. The purpose of promotional products is found in its name, they are to promote your business, your cause or your brand. In a general sense, promotional products are any item that has your logo on it that is used to raise awareness of your cause.

When choosing an item, it’s important to keep in mind who your target market is and how you plan to use the item in your advertising campaign. For example, if your target market is higher end, you want to get an item that has a higher perceived value or quality. You also want the item to be useful and reusable, that way after using your item and seeing your logo you will be at the front of their mind when something related to your business comes up. The next thing to consider is the quality of the product. If it breaks or your logo wears off quickly, then the item no longer serves the purpose of displaying and promoting your brand. Quality is not always the highest priority; for example, if you have a limited-time promotion, something cheap that draws people in might be a good fit.

With tens of thousands of items to choose from, how do you know which ones will be suitable for you and what will be the best item given your unique circumstances? Getting in touch with a promotional products advisor who can curate a list of items, has connections with the vendors and knows which vendors offer quality products will streamline the process to ensure the success of your promotional products campaign. QCBN

By Vance Janckila

Vance Janckila is the production manager at Arizona Cap & Apparel. He specializes in decorating apparel using several techniques, such as screen printing and direct-to-garment printing. For more information, visit arizonacap.com.

Diabetes Self-Management Helps People Feel Empowered, Encouraged, Enlightened

By Leave a Comment

YRMC’s Diabetes Education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for Quality Self-Management Education.

If you have diabetes, you’re not alone. One in 10 Yavapai County residents lives with the condition.

“It’s pretty widespread,” said Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Director of Preventive Medicine and Wellness Andrea Klein, RN, BSN, CDCES, CCRP. “Even with numbers like this, people who have diabetes can feel isolated.”

YRMC’s Diabetes Self-Management program helps people living with the condition overcome feelings of isolation. During five weekly sessions, participants learn strategies that empower them to effectively manage their diabetes. The program is for anyone with diabetes, from the newly diagnosed to people who have lived with the condition for years.

“Group members become each other’s cheerleaders and champions,” said YRMC Diabetes Educator Bonita Wilson, RN, CDCES. “The camaraderie creates a positive learning environment.”

YRMC’s Diabetes Self-Management five sessions focus on:

  • Managing Your Diabetes
  • Meals: Healthy Eating
  • Monitoring, Motion and Problem Solving
  • Reducing Risks and Healthy Coping
  • Taking Medications and Putting it All Together

YRMC’s Diabetes Education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for Quality Self-Management Education. The program is offered throughout the year in Prescott and Prescott Valley. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

For more information, call 928-771-5794 in Prescott or 928-759-5920 in Prescott Valley or visit our DignityHealth.org/YRMC.

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in healthcare. Bridget has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.