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Community Profile

Smoothing Out Life’s Bumps

May 28, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Preferred Auto Body’s Cameron and Erika Snow know when you’ve had a bad day.

Cameron and Erika Snow are exactly the people you’d want managing the fallout if your motor vehicle were sideswiped, rear-ended, dented or otherwise damaged in a mishap.

The Snows, owners of Preferred Auto Body, Inc., apply their know-how to making your prized wheels look as good as new. From coordinating with insurance companies to buffing newly repaired auto bodies, their 11-person crew aims for complete customer satisfaction.

Since purchasing Preferred Auto Body in 2014, the Snows have focused on “keeping people happy” and “trying to do everybody right,” Cameron said. He and Erika bought the shop three years after relocating from California to Prescott, where Cameron had enjoyed visits during high school with a friend whose family had local connections. Cameron had been a firefighter until a job-related back injury ended that career. A family friend mentored him in auto body work, Cameron explained, “and here we are.”

In a typical week, the shop repairs about 20 vehicles. After dropping to 15 a week during the pandemic, business is picking back up.

“Our business is a mix of everything from bumpers to ‘train wrecks,’” Cameron said. “It goes in spurts. We can’t predict what will be coming in, so we’re ready for anything. Seventy percent is repeat customers and referrals. There are a lot more customer pays than I ever thought. People are scared to death to use their insurance.”

That fear arises from misconceptions about what causes insurance rates to rise, he explained. The general rule is that a driver hitting something spurs a rate increase, while damage such as that from hail storms, vandalism and grocery carts does not. A collision with a deer or other animal is exempt. Cameron shared that three-year rate increases of $27 to $30 a month have been reported by customers for “chargeable” incidents.

“The average person is going to get into a wreck,” according to industry statistics, Cameron said. “You would have to go 21 years without a loss to justify a $1,000 deductible and you’d only save a small amount a year for not choosing the lower deductible. People should know the fine print of their policies. Everyone thinks they have full coverage, but they don’t. Many go online and pick the cheapest rate, where accident payouts are low and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are limited.”

Preferred Auto Body takes pride in advising customers on when to use insurance coverage and when to pay cash. “You may be able to repair minor damage for not much money, but you will want to explore if a more expensive repair justifies the cost of having insurance pay for it,” Cameron said. “We can help you figure that out.”

Besides negotiating with insurance companies, Snow says interfacing with customers can be challenging. “There are a thousand different scenarios, but any of them may have one thing in common: customers are stressed and not happy because their prized possession, and their second most expensive purchase after a home, is broken. We apply our knowledge to make them as happy as possible when they get the vehicle back. Circumstances change, so that task can be hard or easy.”

Community is important to the Snows, who have built strong relationships with businesses such as Brinkley Automotive, Big O Tires, Jim’s Alignment & Brake Service Inc., Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz Car Rental. The Preferred Auto Body experience includes, if needed, a ride to or from Enterprise or Hertz or a nearby home, office or similar location.

Of their many philanthropic activities, Erika said they like to keep their donations local by contributing to Prescott High School, Boys to Men Mentoring, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kiwanis, and Arizona tax credits to area schools. Serving veterans is a favorite cause.

The Snows had collaborated in California with other businesses to raise $10,000 to $20,000 a year to take underprivileged children shopping during the holidays. They said they’d like to do the same in Prescott by aligning with schools and a merchant for after-hours shopping.

On a personal level, the Snows met at a California high desert roping event during the summer between sixth and seventh grades, Erika said. Their parents were friends and Erika later saw Cameron at middle school, though she says “he didn’t know I existed until we were 19.”

Their son, Travis, 21, and daughter, Shelby, 18, focus on “storming their own castles,” Erika said. Travis works in heavy construction and Shelby graduates this year from Prescott High School.

“Finding the right employees is the hardest part of this whole thing,” Cameron explained of opportunities for painters, painters’ helpers, detailers and office managers. “It’s worse because of the pandemic. We try to keep everybody working together as a family. We are blessed to have the people that we do.”

Best advice I’ve ever received:

“My former boss, and now friend, taught me everything I know about the auto body business and continues to give us advice regularly. His best advice was to always make the customer happy and go out of your way to make the repair process as easy as possible.”

If I could obtain a new skill, it be would be:

“To learn how to play an instrument, like a guitar, because it would be fun to play around a campfire.”

The last time I felt gratitude:

“We feel pride and gratitude on a daily basis. Our son is 21 and is working for a local company in construction and loving it. Our daughter is 18 and is graduating from Prescott High School this month. We’re proud of both of them and are grateful to God to have been able to raise them in a town like Prescott.”

In our spare time:

“We like to explore Arizona in our Side by Side, go hunting with our kids and when Cam can, he competes in Bench Rest shooting.”

Our role models are:

“Our dads. We lost them both at very young ages. They were 46 and 49. They both were hard-working men who were leaders both at work and at home. We try to work and live our lives in a way that we think would make them proud of both of us.” QCBN

By Sue Marceau, QCBN

Filed Under: Community Profile, Spotlight Tagged With: Cameron Snow, Erika Snow, Preferred Auto Body

Paul Kirchgraber Takes Reins of PUSD Foundation

May 4, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Education advocate brings local knowledge and international experience.

The new executive director of the Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation has national and international experience and credentials that bring him praise across the Quad Cities community.

Paul Kirchgraber recently accepted the head administrative position for the PUSDEF after having headed the Yavapai College Foundation (YCF) for almost 10 years.

“I watched the PUSDEF since its inception six years ago,” he said. “It is a remarkable success story. That small group of passionate volunteers saw a need and created an organization totally dedicated to providing financial support for amazing public school teachers, administrators and their programs.”

During the years since its founding, the PUSDEF has raised approximately $1 million, with those funds being used to support teacher grants, technology, curricular improvements, and teacher and student recognition programs.

Kirchbgraber accepted the position following the retirement of former Executive Director Tami Phillips, who had headed the organization until her January retirement and relocation to Tennessee to be near family. “When that leadership position became available, it fit my timing perfectly,” he said.

Joe Howard, superintendent of the PUSD system, was enthusiastic about having Kirchgraber take the executive director’s position. “I’m thrilled that PUSD and the PUSDEF continue to land some of the best talent in the business for its many different leadership positions. Paul Kirchgraber is as successful and experienced as you could hope for in this kind of foundation work. Worth mentioning is that he is calm, cool and collected. I believe he has found this type of professional calling, because our public schools are in a place where his servant’s heart can make a big difference.”

Equally supportive was Jenna James, president of the PUSDEF. “Now more than ever, it is important to marshal our resources and attract more funds to support our schools, teachers and students,” she said. “Paul brings the fundraising expertise and knowledge of the local philanthropic landscape that we need to continue these efforts. “

Decades of Fundraising Experience

Kirchgraber has been involved in fundraising since his 1976 graduation from SUNY-Brockport in his home state of New York. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Louisville in Kentucky in 1980. He immediately began work with an American healthcare project in Saudi America, where he remained until 1984. He then relocated to Los Angles and was recruited by Peter Ueberroth to help identify and train staff to work at 27 different sites for the 1984 Summer Olympics. It was there that he met his future wife, Melinda. They have been married for 32 years.

In 1985, the Kirchgrabers became involved in international efforts again. He worked for the Peace Corps in Somalia on the border of Ethiopia and then worked with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Médecins Sans Frontieres, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Red Crescent Society (equivalent of the Red Cross) and several other healthcare groups.

Upon returning to the United States, Kirchgraber accepted a teaching position in social work at California State Long Beach and, later, the University of Southern California. He soon was recruited to be part of a billion-dollar fundraising campaign. His successes in California attracted the attention of the Arizona State University Foundation, where he served as vice president of advancement. He also was involved in programs for Arizona Special Olympics and the American Red Cross, which gave him opportunities to travel to Prescott and the Quad Cities. In 2010, he learned of the opening at Yavapai College (YC) in Prescott.

“When we started visiting Prescott, my wife and I fell in love with the place,” he said. “We immediately agreed that if the right job came along, we’d move to Prescott.” It did. They did. And they have no regrets.

During his years at YCF, Kirchgraber headed efforts to raise money to support the YC multi-campus system.

He calls the capital campaign to raise $3 million for the Southwest Wine Center in Verde Valley on the Clarkdale campus “the most fun I had at Yavapai College.”

He says most people didn’t know that it was the only academic wine education program in the Southwestern United States. “In just a short time, it has become an award-winning program and one of the college’s most recognized destination programs.”

Kirchgraber stresses that his new position will give him many opportunities to build nurturing relationships in the community, especially now, during the pandemic. “We need to find creative ways to connect during this time of social distancing. We’ll pivot to virtual tools such as online auctions, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer fundraising and live streaming. I have all the confidence we’ll be successful.”

Asked if he had any major disappointments, Kirchgraber reflected a moment and then responded, “Yes. My biggest disappointment is that we didn’t find Prescott sooner.”

My favorite entertainment:

Marvel Comic books. They let me have total escapism.

My ideal meal:

Anything cooked by my wife. She is a fantastic home chef – very eclectic.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

My dad told me, “Always stop and take a breath. And to say ‘I don’t know’ when I don’t know.”

Qualities I admire in others:

Someone who is an honest person and who manages with integrity and ethics. They must be flexible and adaptable.

What I’d do with an open checkbook:

I’d establish a charitable foundation to fund innovative ideas in education. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Filed Under: Community Profile, Local News Tagged With: Paul Kirchgraber, Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation, PUSDEF, Yavapai College Foundation, YCF

Teen Builds Business Out of Chocolate

April 4, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

  Tyler Stickler works hard to make life sweeter at the Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory.

When you have been the Flagstaff High School student body president, captain of the football and track teams, and a part of the school’s Governing Board, it’s not surprising that you would be in a business management position at age 19.

For Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory Co-owner and Manager Tyler Stickler, starting a business and running it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “I just wasn’t interested in going to college after high school,” said Stickler. “Then, my dad had this epiphany for a business so we sat down and came up with this idea to open a candy store at the gateway to the Grand Canyon. We opened right when COVID hit so business was a little slow, which we expected, but it picked up fast and we are doing surprisingly well.”

Stepping into his new role, Stickler is in charge of sales but says he has his hand in every aspect of the business. He drives to Tusayan from his home in Flagstaff every day. “I work from 9 in the morning until 9:45 at night.”

“Tyler is a very kind and driven person,” said Sales Associate and Cashier Sophia Maragos. “I can’t wait to see how far he takes the business. He is so passionate about it.”

Selling an abundance of treats, the lineup at Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory includes 15 different flavors of truffles, 18 types of fudge, 24 flavors of gelato, candy and caramel apples, and a large selection of trail mix and popcorn.

“Our biggest seller is our Grand Canyon Crunch,” said Stickler. “It’s Rice Krispies on steroids,” he said. “It has marshmallows, white and dark chocolate, and peanut butter.”

Stickler researched candy shops and says he is very proud of the selection he offers. Everything, except the gelato, is made on site. Stickler’s mother, Vicki, and other family members and friends help out.

Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory Manager Sean Ketcher grew up with Stickler and he and his family helped get the store going. “I’ve learned that when Tyler has a goal, he doesn’t stop. He digs down and works until he achieves it. I’m really lucky to work with him.”

Renovations are planned in the next couple of months, along with an expansion of products. “We have space on the other side of our building, so we’re looking into opening a coffee and pastry shop as well,” said Stickler. “We have had requests for specialty coffee and drinks.”

The Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory is located off Highway 64 in Tusayan. For more information, call 928-853-9753 or visit grandcanyonfactory@gmail.com.

My superpower:

My parents. They taught me to push myself out of my comfort zone. In high school, I was scared of public speaking, but I pushed myself and eventually, I spoke in front of 8,000 people and felt at ease. Also, my parents taught me people skills and the ability to communicate effectively. I thought it was normal to have these traits, but as I grew older I’ve realized it’s not, and that has set me apart. I owe it all to my parents.

Character traits I most appreciate in others:

For me, it’s hard work. I think hard work defines character more than any other trait. Just by showing up and working consistently is one of the most important attributes someone can have. More than anything, work ethic will get you further in life.

My guilty pleasure:

Weird, but other than the Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory, my life is the gym at Flagstaff Athletic Club. I love weightlifting.

My favorite place to recreate:

My family grew up around Page and Lake Powell, so I fell in love with it because it is such a beautiful area and so much to do. My dad and I also like to hunt, especially in the Kaibab Forest, Unit 9.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

My dad taught me that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work. He’s always said there’s no substitute for a good attitude and good work ethic and I always believed that and always will because it’s worked for me. That’s the way I live my life. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Filed Under: Business, Community Profile Tagged With: business, chocolate, Co-owner, coffee, community profile, Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory, Manager, pastry. treats, starting a business, Tyler Stickler

Nation’s Winningest Soccer Coach Retires

February 25, 2021 By quadcities 1 Comment

Mike Pantalione ends his extraordinary 32-year career at Yavapai College.

Pantalione was hired in 1988 by then YC Athletic Director Lynn Merritt. He was at the University of Montana, where he earned his degree. Prior to that, Pantalione had been coaching and directing soccer programs in England and then the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Kenyon College in Ohio, Jesuit High School in Portland, and Archbishop Wood High School in Philadelphia. In all, he has been active in soccer for 40 years.n icon in the Quad Cities and even more so in the collegiate soccer world, Mike Pantalione retired in mid-January after a 32-year career as head soccer coach at Yavapai College (YC).

No men’s soccer coach in the nation has a record that even comes close to Pantalione’s .900 winning percentage. He is the only coach in intercollegiate soccer to average more than 20 wins a season.

A Hall of Fame recipient, he coached the Roughriders to several National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championships. His team won its first national championship in 1990 – two years after he founded the team. The Roughriders won national championships again in 1992, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2007 and 2009.

Those who know Pantalione will tell you he is a quiet, humble man, reluctant to take credit for any Roughrider accomplishment. That was apparent when Pantalione, in an exclusive interview with QCBN, said, “It’s a player’s sport. All the credit should go to the players for the program’s success.”

However, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native’s individual honors are too numerous to be put aside. Among them:

1980—Named national coach of the year by Special Olympics, Washington, D.C.

1995—Recipient of National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Merit Honor because of high standards for professional and ethical behavior.

2006—First-ever national coach to be named to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Hall of Fame.

2012—Awarded the NJCAA National Service Award for significant contributions to junior college athletics.

2015—Received NSCAA Letter of Commendation for unusual achievements that exceeded performance requirements, expectations and contributions to junior college athletics and soccer in the United States.

2016—Awarded the prestigious Bill Jeffrey Award in recognition of long-term service and contributions to collegiate soccer.

2016—Only active coach in men’s sports to be selected for the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. Pantalione also is a member of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

 

But, larger than Pantalione’s personal honors are those of the teams he and assistant coach Hugh Bell coached through the three decades they worked at YC. Those include seven national NJCAA championships, 78 total championships (conference, regional district and national), 21 national tournament appearances, 19 Final Four national appearances, 28 Arizona Conference titles, and 29 consecutive years of being ranked in the weekly Top 10 National Soccer Polls.

Student-athletes under Pantalione’s leadership number 64 All-Americans, 146 All-Region players, six national Players of the Year and 22 NJCCA Hall of Fame players.

More than 350 of his players moved on to soccer scholarships at major colleges and universities, and dozens played with national teams, Major League Soccer teams and World Cup teams.

Expressing Gratitude to the Coach

Following the announcement of Pantalione’ s retirement, tributes poured in from all over the nation. Former student athletes, fellow coaches, parents and fans let him know of their affection.

Pantalione says he has been contacted by hundreds of former student athletes, many of whom have gone into professional or semi-professional soccer careers, and others into coaching and teaching.

“Coach Pantalione had a legendary career guiding the Roughriders to unparalleled success both on and off the field,” YC President Lisa Rhine said of Pantalione’s years of contributions. “We are proud and honored to celebrate all the achievements he accomplished in the coaching community. We wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”

YC Athletic Director Brad Clifford echoed Rhine. “Words cannot express what Mike has meant to Roughrider athletics. Mike is a true professional in every sense of the word. Mike is a Hall of Fame coach who is well-respected across the world for his soccer knowledge that has made Yavapai College synonymous with soccer.”

The college is sponsoring a public event at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 27, when the recently completed practice soccer field is scheduled to be dedicated as the Michael Pantalione Field. Immediately following the dedication ceremony, the celebration will continue in the YC Community Room, where the new head soccer coach and the new women’s soccer coach will be introduced. Guests need to RSVP in advance via the YC Events pages if they plan to attend.

Pantalione is reported to have recruited soccer players to Yavapai College by telling them that “Yavapai” is a Native American word that means “winning soccer.”

Plans for retirement include:

I am remaining in Prescott. This has been our family’s favorite place. It is home.

Advice I share with fans:

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are the ones who make our souls blossom.

Special people in my life include:

Dedicated student athletes. They’re the ones who scored more than 3,000 goals. I didn’t.

I credit my success to:

Yavapai College. Special acknowledgement is due for allowing me to guide, direct and support every one of my student-athletes during my tenure.

The dates most special to me are:

Nov. 18, 1990, when we won our first national championship and Nov. 18, 2007 – 17 years later, when we won our sixth national championship. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Filed Under: Community Profile Tagged With: community profile, Mike Pantalione, soccer, yavapai

Marlboro Man in Action at the Grand Canyon

January 28, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Some boys do grow up to be cowboys, and some cowboys even grow up to be Marlboro men. Such was the case for Grand Canyon National Park Service (NPS) Wrangler Ed Forbis.

Born on a ranch in Deer Lodge, Montana, from the brim of his hat to his well-worn boots, Forbis is a genuine cowboy. His warm country accent and perfectly-shaped thick cowboy mustache portray the rough cowboy on a bucking horse that he portrayed in Marlboro advertisements.

“I grew up living next to Darrell Winfield, who played the famous Marlboro Man for over 30 years,” said Forbis. “He was a horse trader and he’d have about 300-400 horses on his ranch.”

“After I graduated high school, I went to ride colts for Darrell . He’d pick out young dummies like me to get on them brooks and break them in.”

Further down the road, Forbis was hired by Marlboro to ride bucking horses as a stuntman for Marlboro advertisements and television commercials, a job that lasted 12 years. Footage of Forbis riding a bucking horse with a herd of wild stations not only became popular in the United States, but worldwide.

“When smoking advertisements were banned in the United States, other countries who didn’t have regulations picked up the commercials and ran them,” said Forbis.

“Almost all Marlboro’s commercials had footage of wild horses and a cowboy galloping through. It charmed people,” said Forbis. “Most filming was in Wyoming and other states and some filming was in the ocean on the coast of California. We got beautiful shots, but the waves were cold and almost drowned me.”

“When I tell people about my dad, they kind of listen in [disbelief],” said Forbis’s youngest son, Doug, who works as a Crisis Clinician with Terros Health in Flagstaff. “I’m really proud of my dad and I’ll probably tell people about him the rest of my life. We’re close, but due to work schedules, it’s been hard to see my dad as much as I would like.”

Forbis has another son in Scottsdale and a daughter and three grandchildren who reside in Montana.

Rodeoing is also a Forbis favorite. “Bucking horses, bulls, cattle, roping calves, I do it all and love it,” he said. “I never had a desk job in my life and never will. I work on a horse. If I ever had to quit saddling a mule or horse, I’d be done. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else but what I’m doing.”

The worst accident Forbis remembers is when he got bucked off a horse. “I slipped and fell and we both went down. Then the horse got up and stepped on the back of my head. I got 14 stitches and was back at work.”

As a packer for the National Park Service (NPS), Forbis takes supplies down the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails, sometimes staying at Phantom Ranch.

“Ed is a great guy and great to work with,” said NPS Lead Packer Chris Clark. “He does a good job and he’s a good friend. He’s been with us for about five years.”

Rambo Three and Stagecoach are two movies that Forbis worked in as an extra.

Created by Leo Burnett Worldwide, the Marlboro advertising campaign is noted as one of the most brilliant advertisement campaigns of all time and achieved the goal of bringing a masculine edge to the filtered cigarette, which were considered feminine.

This Marlboro man, Forbis, never smoked.

I can describe myself in one word: Simple.

My favorite thing to do:

Rodeo. Team-roping with my horse, Angel.

My favorite place to travel:

Mostly in the United States. I don’t need to go anywhere else except maybe Brazil, great beaches. Also, maybe Canada because there’s great fishing there.

My favorite food and restaurant:

Mexican. Plaza Bonita in the romping town of Tusayan.

The actor who will play me in the movie about my life:

Kevin Costner. Costner seems to ride a horse pretty well. That’s one thing I can pick out in Western movies is how well actors can ride. So many of these new guys don’t ride well – and I can catch it. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Filed Under: Community Profile Tagged With: community profile, Ed Forbis, Grand Canyon, Marlboro Man

2020 Best of Business Winners!

January 15, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Best of Business


Quad Cities Business News asked for your vote in our Best of Business campaign. We all do business with a variety of companies in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Dewey/Humboldt, and Chino Valley. This was your opportunity to tell us which business you think is best in the categories we designated. We appreciate and thank you for taking the time to support and vote for your Best of Business selections. The results of the 2020 Quad Cities Business News Best of Business have been compiled.

See the Results: www.quadcitiesbusinessnews.com/qcbn-best-business-winners/

Filed Under: Business, Community Profile, Local News Tagged With: Best of Business, business

Meeting Student, Workforce Needs

November 28, 2020 By quadcities 1 Comment

Closing in on her second anniversary as Yavapai College (YC) president in February, Lisa Rhine shared the major philosophical shift the college is taking.

“We have a new view of how post-secondary education should be structured to meet personal and societal needs,” she said. “We’re putting that vision into place at Yavapai College. Classes and curricula now fit students’ needs instead of making students fit academic policies based on centuries-old tradition.”

YC’s mission is providing students with an education they want and need to enter the job market and find a meaningful career.

“When I first came on campus two years ago, I did a listening tour for the first six to nine months. I tried to meet every person on campus – employees and student groups. I spent time listening and trying to figure out what themes emerged. What I discovered is that we are an institution that serves students, but we weren’t as strong as we should be in relationships that support one another. I knew if we didn’t get those relationships right, we weren’t going to reach the goals we needed to reach to be successful.”

Rhine says she and her administrative team adopted the concept of the “YC Way: relationship excellence, learning excellence and service excellence.”

One change she put into place is a comprehensive management framework to grow enrollment. That involved dividing the student affairs division into student affairs and enrollment management – an infrastructure similar to what exists at many universities. It focuses on identifying prospective students, walking them through the application process, and then supporting them throughout their enrollment.

It paid off. Despite the impact of COVID-19, summer student headcount was up 30%. YC was the only community college in Arizona that experienced an increase in enrollment.

A second major change was the introduction of new academic offerings, including trades programs, transfer degrees and lifelong learning courses. Those include new partnerships with Northern Arizona University (NAU) in education programs and a collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in cyber-tech programs.

One unique new program involves the 3D printing and construction of homes. The college purchased two different commercial printers. A small machine, used for training, will print smaller houses of about 900 square feet. The big printer is capable of printing homes up to 2,000 square feet. “What’s remarkable is that the printer can do a complete home in about a month, as opposed to traditional construction, which can take several months,” said Rhine. “In this area, that size home can cost from $400,000 to $600,000 and more. We can do it for between $90,000 and $120,000. We’re the first community college in the nation to have that program. I can’t wait until we get a demo house set up.”

Other curricular changes involve bringing a skilled trades center to the Verde Valley campus, which will provide certificate programs for electricians, plumbers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians, and others.

These changes are the result of the meetings Rhine and her team conducted in the community to understand the greatest needs for residents and employers.

Meanwhile, Rhine says the college worked hard to work keep costs down. As a result, YC has the lowest tuition in Arizona for community colleges and the lowest taxpayer cost per student. “We didn’t want to increase taxes. We didn’t want to increase our budget.”

“We are so fortunate to have Lisa as president,” said YC Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland. “Her commitment to student success is evident.”

Yavapai College has two main campuses – one in Prescott and one in the Verde Valley – and four centers: Career and Technical Center, Chino Valley Center, Prescott Valley Center and Sedona Center.

Rhine, a Brooklyn, New York native, spent most of her younger life in Ohio. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1988 from Wright State University and her master’s in 1991 from the University of Dayton. She met her husband of 24 years, James “Jim” Rhine when they were working at Sinclair Community College. They married in 1996. With degrees in mathematics, he is currently teaching at Prescott High School.

Rhine earned her doctorate in education administration in 2004 at Capella University in Minneapolis.

The Rhines have two adult sons. Alex, 23, is completing an associate degree at YC and planning to transfer to NAU. Ben, 21, is a junior at Virginia Tech where he’s majoring in building construction.

I am grateful for

I couldn’t have been more blessed. This college has so many intelligent and talented faculty, staff and students.

Something new learned since moving to Arizona

I was nominated to dance in the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser last year. Jim and I signed up for dance lessons. We now do Latin dances – the bachata and salsa – and love it.

What I do in my spare time

I make time for family. For 24 years, I have made it a practice to prepare dinner at home six nights a week. Family is important.

My favorite Christmas tradition

I prepare a large dinner on Christmas Eve and then we attend midnight mass. We share gratitude for the year gone by and our hope for the year to come.

Making the move to Prescott after living in major urban centers

I want Prescott to be my forever home. I hope it’s my last stop on the higher ed train. I’m trying to develop relationships I know are going to be long-term because I don’t plan to go anywhere. I’ve been given an exceptional opportunity. You know, we are genuinely grateful to be here. We’re in awe of the beauty and friendliness of the community. There’s no place I’d rather be. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Filed Under: Community Profile Tagged With: community profile, Lisa Rhine, spotlight, YC

Making Time Stand Still

October 31, 2020 By quadcities 1 Comment

Folks living in or wandering through Northern Arizona who want a break from the fast pace of daily life have a unique opportunity with a one-of-a-kind Bed and Breakfast in Prescott known as Foxbriar.

Husband and wife owners Sandy Moss and Mike Shepard have literally made time stand still with the ambiance and antique clocks that adorn the space – none are wound or set. “This is our signal to guests to slow down, to savor life – in a setting not of this time or this place,” they say.

That description is apt. Walls are not straight, floors creak, room décor is straight out of consignment, antique, second-hand shops, thrift stores and, in some cases, junk piles. In fact, they rescued an abandoned 1900 upright piano from an alley where it weathered for several weeks. They hauled it to Foxbriar and Shepard later refinished it, including the application of gild detailing on the piano’s front.

Another remnant from the past is a 1914 tube-type radio, displayed near the front entrance. It still works, receiving signals from a local AM radio station. The stained-glass front door was rescued from a dumpster at a Prescott school.

Today, the popular rental is listed on the web as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, fully-equipped house. It is rarely vacant.

Foxbriar now has running water, electricity and indoor plumbing and meets all city and county codes, but don’t expect television. Shepard, the concierge, makes it clear: “When you step into Foxbriar, the intent is that you leave the contemporary world behind and enter a world where you can relax and let your imagination create the entertainment and quietude of decades ago.”

“Foxbriar is totally unique,” added Moss. “There is no place like it in Arizona – or anywhere else.”

More than 100 years ago, the home was a primitive rock, log and cement cabin tucked into the eastern shoulder of the prominent Prescott landmark Thumb Butte. Now, it is a popular destination that appeals to guests from around the world.

One recent guest was an NFL linebacker (and his family) who prefers to remain anonymous. When Shepard stopped by to ask if he needed anything, he sat outside in a wicker chair looking at the rustic landscape and responded, “Everything I want – including absolute peace and quiet – is right here in this magic setting.”

An online review by Vanessa S. said, “So much love and thoughtfulness have been put into every intricate detail.  It’s almost magical, like a fairytale.”

One set of guests liked it so well they extended their stay for six weeks.

Moss describes how she and Shepard bought the original cabin in 2014 for a price they don’t want to disclose – but thousands of dollars below the current property appraisal. “We spent hundreds of hours tearing out rock and cement slabs, replacing old single-pane windows, and jackhammering a portion of an outside rock wall to open the master bedroom to a totally reconstructed but antique bathroom. Putting infrastructure in – electricity, water and gas lines – was especially difficult, because we had to tear out rock and cement and totally replace interior surfaces.”

Shepard, 68, is a native of Prescott. After attending school and then working for various firms in the city, including the Salvation Army and, later, Prescott Unified School District, he says he is enjoying retirement and serving as the concierge/host for Foxbriar. Through the years, he developed a reputation as a talented guitar player-singer and performs with several local musical groups.

Moss, a St. George, Utah native, came to Prescott as a newspaper reporter. She remained in journalism as a radio host and, later, anchor for television programs at a local Prescott TV station until her retirement a few months ago. In 2012, she published “A Terrible Loyalty,” a book describing her husband’s 1992 two-month adventure on a 20-foot boat with a friend crossing the Pacific Ocean from Southern California to Hilo, Hawaii.

For more information about Foxbriar, email shep5353@gmail.com or call 928-925-9949.

What we find appealing about the hospitality industry:

Sandy:  I love our guests as commodities to collect. No two are alike.

 

Mike: I like providing our guests with a unique and memorable place to stay and relax.

My favorite season:

Sandy:  Fall. I love the color of trees as they say goodbye before their winter naps. I relish the smell of wood smoke and crisp apples just off the tree.

What I would do with a blank check:

Mike: I’d create a trust account for people in this community who have aspirations and hope to help others improve their lives.

The best advice I’ve ever received:

Sandy:  My high school history teacher, also the football coach, gave me advice that has guided me through life. He said if we had a difficult decision, think of the worst thing that could happen if we chose what we really wanted. If we did, he said to be prepared to live with it.

 

Mike:  Don’t ever let anyone tell you to ignore your imagination. Imagination is what makes us alive, warm and human.

How we combine our styles and work together:

Sandy:  Mike is incredibly patient. He’s dedicated to taking whatever time is needed to make something fit. That counterbalances my ‘Let’s do it now and move on to something else’ attitude.

 

Mike:  Sandy’s creativity and enthusiasm give me the energy to spend long hours on sometimes tedious tasks. Even if we’re not perfectly in sync, the results are always rewarding. Let’s just say we don’t always have the same timesheet to get things done. QCBN

By Ray Rewton, QCBN

Filed Under: Community Profile Tagged With: Bed and Breakfast, Foxbriar, Foxbriar Sandy Moss, Mike Shepard

Challenges Ahead for Alzheimer’s Association Director

September 28, 2020 By quadcities 1 Comment

Lesley Jenkins, regional director for the Desert Southwest Chapter – Alzheimer’s Association, has a daunting task ahead.

It involves creating more awareness and more support groups for what is becoming the most insidious illness attacking Arizonans – dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the state. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause – 60 to 80% – of all dementia cases.

“Arizona leads the nation as the state with the highest growth rate of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jenkins. “Right now, more than 150,000 people 65 and older have been diagnosed. That number is expected to increase by as much as 33% in the next five years.”

Two-thirds of Alzheimer’s victims are women.

Jenkins, who accepted the regional director job in February 2019, said the past 10 months have been especially difficult for her and her staff of two. The COVID-19 pandemic essentially stopped face-to-face meetings and training sessions scheduled from her office at 3111 Clearwater Dr., near the northern boundary of Prescott.

“The region for which we are responsible is bigger than some states – more than 66,000 square miles. We work with people in Yavapai, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo and Apache counties. It’s a growing population of more than 773,000. Many of those are older people,” she said.

Despite difficulties with travel and in-person meetings, Jenkins and her team have been recruiting volunteers to help in various areas. “Additionally, we have a variety of resources and programs that help people cope with all aspects of the disease and its progression,” she said.

Among those resources cited by Jenkins:

24/7 Helpline – 800-272-3900
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a professional consultant is available to talk confidentially and provide information about Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Support Groups – When circumstances permit, free forums conducted by trained individuals are offered throughout the four counties. Most are for dementia care partners, but some are for individuals diagnosed with early-stage dementia.

Ongoing Education – These presentations utilize trained volunteers who introduce the audience to all aspects of the disease and provide resources to help caregivers find assistance.

Early Stage Programming – These programs include specific activities focused on engaging, encouraging and empowering diagnosed persons to utilize their strength and capacities as long as they can.

Safety Services – Jenkins and her teams, in collaboration with the greater Alzheimer’s Association and the MedicAlert Foundation, provide membership plans with 24/7 “Wandering Support,” a nationwide emergency response service for persons with dementia who have a tendency to wander or have other medical issues.

 

The Nashville, Tennessee native earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism, speech communication and theater at Tennessee State University. For several years, she served as assistant director for media relations for The Ohio State University. She also had experience in public relations for the City of Columbus. It was in Cleveland where she met her future husband, Rodney Jenkins.

Her husband has been a college and university administrator most of his professional career. Both Lesley and Rodney were working in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. She was the associate director and member coordinator for the YMCA there. Rodney accepted a position as vice president of community relations at Yavapai College in Prescott in 2017.

They have two sons, Jayden, 16 and Jared, 13. Both are enrolled in Prescott public schools.

Jenkins said her most immediate challenge is to organize the annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” scheduled in the Quad Cities Oct. 3, and in the Greater Verde Valley on Oct. 24.

“This is a part of the world’s largest event to raise funds to create awareness and support for Alzheimer’s care and research. Because of the pandemic, we’re pivoting to do it virtually this year. Even so, we are calling on people of all ages and abilities from throughout Northern Arizona to step forward and join in this major effort. We are committed to focus not only on care and support for families in this region, but also to help fund research to find a cure.”

My Favorite Entertainment

I binge watch TV – Hallmark channel and HGTV. And, try this: Watch cheerleading competitions.

Best Advice I’ve Ever Received

From my pastor in my early career, who said, to be a leader, we had to have impeccable character and respect for authority and realize that quality of life is more important than quantity.

The Biggest Influence on My Career

My mom. She sacrificed a lot for me. Now that I’m a mother, I want her to know the time and attention she paid me were not in vain.

Characteristics I Admire in Co-Workers and Colleagues

A solid work ethic and ability to work together as a team. Teamwork makes dreamwork.

If YOU Could Snap Your Fingers for Social Change

I would encourage empathy. Empathy allows us to imagine what it is to be someone else. It allows a person to speak the truth and be respected. QCBN

By Ray Newton

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association, contact Jenkins at
ldjenkins@alz.org.

Filed Under: Community Profile, Spotlight Tagged With: Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, Lesley Jenkins, MedicAlert Foundation

Nebeker Selected to Sculpt Bronze Statue Honoring Fallen Officers

August 30, 2020 By quadcities 1 Comment

One of America’s most renowned Western artists, Bill Nebeker, was selected to create a bronze sculpture as a memorial to officers who have lost their lives in service of citizens of Yavapai County.

Nebeker’s selection was announced by the Yavapai Law Enforcement Memorial Committee (YLEMC), chaired by Sheriff Scott Mascher. Nebeker, a lifelong resident of Prescott, said he was humbled and honored beyond his ability to express.

Recognized as one of the nation’s most prominent sculptors of cowboys and horses, Nebeker has been president four times of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America.

Nebeker was not always famous. He and his wife, Merry, scratched out a modest living in the 1960s and early ‘70s, working at a foundry in Skull Valley created by the late Western artist, George Phippen.

It was not until 1974, when he sculpted a small statue of legendary Western actor John Wayne, that he achieved more than regional recognition. He fashioned the sculpture after an image he had of Wayne from the award-winning movie “The Searchers.” Wayne heard about it, contacted Nebeker and invited him to meet him in Stanfield, a small town near Casa Grande, where Wayne owned a ranch. The Nebekers drove down in their pickup truck.

“We sat on the tailgate and talked to Wayne,” said Nebeker. “He ended up buying a couple of my bronzes. Before long, a lot of Hollywood people knew about me.” His works started selling.

Nebeker credits Merry, his wife of 55 years, with being his main supporter and cheerleader during the lean years when he struggled to make a professional career of Western art. Now, his works are showcased in major museums throughout the United States. Private collectors also have his work. Several European galleries and museums display his art.

On Aug. 9, Nebeker’s largest sculpture ever, “If Horses Could Talk,” was mounted on a roundabout at Deep Well Ranch and Crystal Lane on SR 89 going north out of Prescott. The artwork shows a cowboy peering through binoculars to find a deer while his horse is looking downward under a rock ledge where a buck has hidden.

Remembering Law Officers

His newest sculpture, “Lest We Forget,” will memorialize the estimated 18 Yavapai County law officers who have died in the line of duty since the founding of Arizona Territory.

The memorial features an officer of the 1880s-1900 territorial era portrayed in Western style – a gun belt and holster with historic depictions of a pistol and bullets, wearing old-fashioned trousers tucked into high-topped leather boots. Hat in hand, he’ll look down in honor toward an empty pair of boots signifying fallen officers.

The life-size statue will be mounted on a granite boulder approximately three feet by four feet wide and deep. A smaller boulder in front will be inscribed with names of fallen officers and display a pair of empty old-time boots with spurs on them.

When finished, the sculpture will be located on the Courthouse Plaza in a triangular-shaped raised area near the corner of Montezuma and Gurley Streets. It will be highly visible to thousands of residents and visitors who explore Arizona’s first territorial capital and seat of government.

Nebeker spoke about the memorial’s significance to him. “Several lifelong friends and Prescott High School classmates have been policemen, sheriffs, DPS officers and U.S. marshals. In fact, several of their children now are serving our community, county and state. To create something to honor law enforcement officers is a great opportunity. To have it on the Courthouse Plaza in the town where I grew up and near the famous Bucky O’Neill statue is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Prescott Chief of Police Debora Black commented about the choice of Nebeker to create the memorial: “A memorial dedicated to honor law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice will be a fitting addition to our already beautiful County Courthouse Square. It will allow everyone to pay homage to our fallen heroes. Bill Nebeker grew up in our Prescott tradition. His work embodies the legacy of our Western heritage. I can’t think of anyone better suited to create a memorial reflecting the valuable role peace officers play in our community.”

“This statue at the Courthouse Plaza will remind us all that freedom and peace [are] not free,” said Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chair Craig Brown.

Nebeker said he hopes to have the memorial completed by January. It currently is being cast by the Prescott Valley foundry Bronzesmith.

No taxpayer dollars are being spent to construct the memorial, YLEMC committee members said. Instead, a fundraising campaign fund has been established for those who wish to contribute.

Best advice I ever received:

Be honest. A man’s word is his bond.

Favorite celebrity to hang out with:

John Wayne, but he’s gone. Now, probably Sam Elliott, with that gravelly deep voice that fits so many of his Western movie characters.

Favorite meal:

No doubt about that. A couple of eggs, over medium, easy, sausage and hashbrowns – every morning of the week.

Best place to vacation:

Big Island, Hawaii, up north where all the cattle ranches are.

Advise for a long, successful marriage:

Lots of hugging and kissing and dancing. And never go to bed at night angry.

Best character quality to pass along to my children:

For more information, visit billnebeker.com

By Ray Newton

Filed Under: Community Profile, Spotlight Tagged With: art, Bill Nebeker, community profile, Prescott Valley foundry Bronzesmith, Sculpture

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