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Singer Toni Tennille Wants More Musically, for Herself and Prescott 

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Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter and classical keyboardist Toni Tennille could probably live anywhere she wants. She has lived throughout the United States, in cities big and small, from coast to coast, in the scenic Sierra Nevadas and in lush, semi-tropical and sun-kissed Florida.

But, Prescott is where she chooses to call home.

She has done that twice, in fact, once in 2007 and again in 2017.

The chart-topping vocalist with a contralto vocal range that spans two and a half octaves says it clearly in an exclusive interview with Quad Citie Business News. “I fell in love with Prescott the first time I was here – the climate, the environment, the various social and cultural activities – but most of all, the people. The locals are genuine, friendly and, most of all, much like family to me. Prescott is a special place. After I moved to Florida in 2015, where I worked with my niece, Caroline St. Clair, to write my memoir, I decided last August to return to Prescott. It is my home, and I live right where I want to be, just a few minutes from the center of town and the lovely Courthouse Square.”

When Cathryn Antoinette “Toni” Tennille came to Prescott the first time, it didn’t take long for her to become involved with several local musical organizations. Those included performing groups at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center and the Prescott POPS Symphony Orchestra, directed at that time by her friend and now retired founder Paul Manz. Manz now lives in North Carolina, but the POPS continues.

Tennille performed several songs during the last POPS concert Aug. 29. She received several standing ovations. POPS Musical Director Joe Place said of her during intermission, “She is one of the most wonderful, gracious and supremely talented persons I’ve ever met.”

What many do not know about Tennille is that when she moved here the first time, she and her dog, Smoky, volunteered as a therapy team at Yavapai Regional Medical Center and other sites. “I just loved seeing people’s faces light up when Smoky would snuggle up to them and wag. It was as good for me as it was them. I confess: I just love pets.”

Tennille no longer has Smoky, but she has two Australian Shepherds, Bebop and Lula.

She also has become an ambassador for the newly-formed AZ Philharmonic Orchestra. “When I lived in Reno, we had a top philharmonic orchestra of professional musicians. You could hand them a score and they would play it almost perfectly the first time through. I want to see the same thing in Prescott and in Central Arizona. This community deserves a professional level orchestra that will attract major performers and raise the musical profile of the region.” (See story about AZ Philharmonic Orchestra on p. 37.)

Five Decades of Performing

Tennille, who began singing in the late 1950s, plans to continue performing. She has returned to studying classical vocal music with Darrell Rowader, director of the Master Chorale at Yavapai College. She explained, “As a child in Montgomery, Alabama, I was trained as a classical pianist. My father had been a singer with Bob Crosby’s Bob-Cats. My mother hosted a local TV show. I attended Auburn University, where I continued my study of classical music. But when I moved to California, I moved more into popular music, jazz, rock and romantic ballads. That’s how I met Daryl. In 1969, when I was composing the music for a Broadway musical called “Mother Earth,” I hired Daryl to be the pianist. In 1973, we formed ‘The Captain and Tennille.’”

“The Captain and Tennille” soon became a top-performing musical success in the 1970s and 80s. They sold six million selling singles and several gold and platinum albums. Their most popular record, “Love Will Keep Us Together,” won the 1975 Grammy Award for Best Record of the Year.

In 1980, Toni had her own syndicated talk show, “The Toni Tennille Show.”

Her success continued. In 1998-1999, she performed the lead role in the national tour of the musical play “Victor Victoria.”

She and then-husband Daryl later moved to Reno, where they lived until 2007. They moved from Reno to Prescott, where they built a showcase home just north of the city limits in Williamson Valley. They lived in that subdivision until they divorced in 2014. Toni moved to Florida in 2015.

But now she is back in Prescott. “And this is where I want to be,” she said with a smile.

What is your favorite kind of music?

“My favorite kind of music — pop, ballads, jazz, rock — I love them all. But I really want to take on the challenge of some traditional classical music, which is why I am studying at Yavapai College. I really hope through getting some training in classical music that I can find notes and ranges in my voice that I haven’t used for years. I really want to expand my vocal horizons — find notes I never knew I had.”

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“The best advice I ever received probably came from my dear friend Eydie Gorme. We were talking one day. I said, ‘I wish I could sing the same kind of music as Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald.’ Edie looked at me and said, ‘There’s only one Sara and one Ella. You just sing and BE YOURSELF.’”

What would you want your next fortune cookie to say?

“Live long, prosper and have a healthy life.”

What is the one thing you cannot live without?

“The one thing I would not go on a vacation without is my own pillow.”

What is your hope for Prescott?

“I am hopeful that Prescott and the area can become a musical and cultural leader in Arizona. We have so much dedicated talent in our greater community. We need to share it with everyone.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Her book, “Toni Tennille:  A Memoir,” is available at Amazon.

Executive Chef Jose Martinez Cooking Up Culinary Delights 

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Before dedicating himself to the culinary arts, Executive Chef Jose Martinez thought about leaving his native Puerto Rico to set up a business devoted to distributing one of the simplest but irreplaceable foodstuffs. “This business had nothing to do with cooking,” Martinez said, sitting in a booth at Che Ah Chi, one of the foodservice entities he now helps oversee at Sedona’s Enchantment Resort.  

“I wanted to sell ice on a small island because anytime I went there to camp, I could never find ice.” However, his plan ran aground due to a justified parental veto. “My dad said, ‘You’re not gonna do that. I just got the keys to a restaurant and signed the lease,’” Martinez recounted. “I said, ‘Okay, let’s go!’ I was 19. It was a small place, very tiny, but I’ll tell you, the minute we started cranking food out of the kitchen, I just fell in love with it. And the rest is history.” 

Born into a family that included restaurateurs, “Chef Jose” points to his mother’s baking as an initial engine for his gastronomical passion. “From early on, I was on a pastry adventure.” While attending culinary school in Puerto Rico, he was recruited by a culinary school in Florida and was stateside three months later.  

“The idea was to go to the United States and come back, [but] I never left. This is the best nation in the world.” Though his career path has crisscrossed the country – with top gigs at luxury resorts such as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, The Roosevelt New Orleans, and Phoenix’s Arizona Biltmore – Martinez connected most with the Grand Canyon State. “I never felt as good as when I was here. To me, this is like I’m home,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a different town, smaller than Phoenix, but the scenery makes up for all of that. I’ve adjusted well.”  

After last year’s “IrMaria” devastation, which included landfall by both hurricanes near his hometown of Fajardo on the east end of Puerto Rico, the father of three asked his family to join him in his adopted hometown until living conditions returned to normal. “But living there is all they know, even though it’s not what it should be at this point. But they find a way to make it happen. All is well. They’re doing okay, but they’re stubborn!” 

Easter Sunday was Chef Jose’s second day on the job at the Enchantment and he found the brunch “incredible” because of its quality and variety of offerings (approximately 100 items). He has been busy orchestrating meals for summer visitors and team-building with the food and beverage staff. “I love food, but you can’t get to the point of good food and you won’t be able to put your best foot forward until you build a team where you’ve earned their trust and they’ll do everything they can for you,” said Martinez. “Building a team is the most gratifying time in a resort, in a work environment.” 

What’s your favorite dish to prepare? To eat? 

“I like a lot of things, as you might expect. I like the fancy stuff, the foie gras and all of this. But to be completely honest with you, the dish that really hits the spot for me is nachos! If you break it down and think about the perfect dish, you need great flavor, a contrast of textures – crispy, soft – and I think that nachos encompass all of that. It’s not fancy, it’s not something you see in a Michelin three-star restaurant, but whenever I need something that’s going to hit the spot and get me going, it’s the dish for me. To prepare, I would say I enjoy Hispanic cuisine in general because of the bold flavors and creating that perfect dish. One of the greatest dishes that I like to prepare is from back home. It’s a plantain mash with shrimp creole and pork rinds [or mofongo with shrimp creole]. Oh my! That dish to me is enjoyable to prepare and eat.” 

Is there any place you would love to visit? 

“I’ve never been to Europe, so I would like to visit one day. France, Italy and Spain, those three. The cuisine there is something that I admire and I would like to see the real thing.” 

Who do you admire the most in the culinary world? 

“I admire [famed chef and restaurateur] Thomas Keller. I really do, just because of what he’s been able to do. He’s an inspiration for me when it comes to food and wine.” 

What do you do to relax? 

“Golf! Aside from family time, golf. I do three things in life: I’m either working, with my family or golfing. I haven’t yet gotten out on the course here but I’ve heard that Seven Canyons is an amazing golf course so I’m looking forward to that. So, that’s essentially my triangle, the balance of my life. Golf started for me in Florida. A friend kept inviting me to play and I thought it was a sport for boring people. The first time I played, I left the course and spent about a thousand bucks on golf clubs and gear because I was hooked!”  

When was the last you laughed really hard? 

“I was laughing hard the other day at something my kids said. I can’t remember what it was exactly but I was laughing!” QCBN 

 

By Tom Vitron, QCBN 

Photo by Tom Vitron 

Ducey Touts Growing Economy, Prosperity In Quad Cities

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More than 100 people from throughout the Quad Cities heard Governor Doug Ducey say how pleased he is the Arizona economy has turned upward these past few months.

Ducey spoke during a morning breakfast program June 22 at Touchmark at the Ranch, a retirement resort in Prescott.

Introduced by Sanford Cohen, immediate past chair of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Ducey praised area business, city and town leaders for their aggressive and persistent effort to support existing businesses and woo new companies to Yavapai County.

He noted in particular Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli and Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog, saying they consistently were advocates for positive business and economic growth.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and District 1 Sen. Karen Fan, Prescott, interacted during Ducey’s breakfast presentation about the Arizona economy.   (Photo by Ray Newton)

“Arizona really suffered during the Great Recession years of 2007 and 2008,” he said. “Businesses had to struggle to survive. At one time, the state was $1 billion in the red. But the past few years have seen a turn-around.”

His staff distributed a flyer that summarized economic advances in Arizona, including the greater Prescott area. Among those were:

  • 160,000 new private sector jobs created
  • 200,000 new residents in Arizona, and that growth is accelerating; Arizona is one of the fastest growing states in the nation.
  • A falling unemployment rate – down by 2.2 percent.
  • More than 300 companies have relocated to Arizona.
  • Several new companies have selected Yavapai County as their home base, such as Vinyl Visions, RESAWear, Superior Industries and Signs Plus.

The first-term governor, who is running for re-election, said the Arizona Legislature focused upon finding essential support for education at all levels. “We put $2.7 billion into K-12 education. Districts across the state will reward all their employees with raises.”

Ducey applauded in particular two District 1 legislators, Rep. Noel Campbell and Sen. Karen Fann, both from Prescott. “These two legislators worked not only for what was good within their home districts, but also for the entire state.”

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey was emphatic in praising communities such as those in the Quad Cities for their aggressive action in supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones.  (Photo by Ray Newton)

Ducey noted several major challenges ahead, including intensifying efforts to save and protect Arizona’s water rights and sustainability; and, finding continuing support for all levels of education, including identifying ways to keep students safe in all campus environments.

He also discussed the opioid epidemic. “In just these past few months, we’ve seen more than 4,000 overdoses and 800 deaths as a consequence of opioid and drug abuse.” He praised the legislature for passing the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act, saying it was a major step in combatting the problem. A special session will focus specifically on the issue.

The crowd applauded when Ducey commented that Glendale will once again be the site for an NFL Super Bowl in 2022. “We know that thousands of people come to Arizona and travel the state both before and after the game. We all benefit economically from the money spent and the glowing visibility the state gains from such a popular event.”

But perhaps the biggest applause came when the governor was commenting about the influx of new residents. “As you know – and you are really affected by it here – a lot of people are relocating from California. I welcome them,” he paused, “…as long as they are not Dodgers fans.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Every Kid Deserves to be Loved’ 

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I stepped through the metal detector and was slipping my brown leather belt back through belt loops when I heard a lilting voice behind me. 

“Are you Ray Newton?
I turned. A blonde-haired woman extended her hand. “I’m Marvy McNeese. Welcome to my school.”  

She is the principal of Yavapai County Detention School, an extension of the first Education Service Agency in Arizona to become fully accredited through AdvancED.  

McNeese led me through a series of electronically controlled doors and security camera monitored corridors into the classroom areas near her office in the Yavapai County Juvenile Detention Center. The facility, barely half-a-year old, is on the east side of Prescott Lakes Parkway. Beyond the school, it also contains facilities for Juvenile Probation, Juvenile Court Judge Chambers, Clerk of the Court-Juvenile Detention; ASTEP (substance abuse program) and other county offices.  

As we passed through several security checkpoints, McNeese was greeted by staff and students. Virtually all cried out, “Hi, Marvy. How are ‘ya?” 

She laughed. “My name is slang for ‘marvelous.’ I was the first born in 1968 to my family in Long Beach. My dad said he decided if they had a girl, he wanted to name her ‘Marvy.’ He said he used to listen to a radio DJ, who always said, ‘My wife is just Marvy – just Marvy Sue.’ So there you have it – I’m Marvy S.” 

She led me into her office, immediately adjacent to bright, attractively decorated and fully-equipped classrooms. On the walls were bold inspirational messages such as this: 

 

I am a Kid At Hope. I am talented, smart and capable of success. I have dreams for the future, and I will climb to reach those goals and dreams everyday. All children are capable of success. No exceptions. 

 

McNeese explained the Kids at Hope concept. “This is a pledge created by Rick Miller, the Phoenix founder of Kids at Hope. As a youth development practitioner, he wanted to counteract the old ‘youth at risk’ term. It is positive, rather than negative. We endorse it totally. We need to discard labels that are negative. Instead, let’s create a positive culture based on a belief system that all children can achieve. What’s more, every kid deserves to be loved.” 

McNeese, the immediate past board president of Arizona Correctional Educators, said the Kids at Hope philosophy was initiated a little over 10 years ago by Miller. “It has become so popular, it has been adopted in school districts throughout Arizona.  

“In our school, we have a staff of four – myself included – who serve 240 kids a year, 240 days a year, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Many of these are broken kids who have committed offenses for which they must be held accountable.” She smiled, then emphasized, “But being detained does not define who they are, nor does it seal their fate. I – we – believe that if every kid has at least one adult in their life who cares, who encourages them to manage themselves and look to the future, there is hope in every child.”  

Students at the school can range in age from eight to one day before their 18th birthday.  

McNeese earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University. She also has Arizona K-12 Principal and Superintendent Certifications.  

Her immediate boss is Tim Carter, Yavapai County Superintendent of Schools. “Marvy is completely dedicated to her students,” he said. “She is committed to getting them on the right track and keeping them there. She wants them to have the skills they will need for success in the future. Her students know she really cares about them as people. That makes all the difference.”  

Director of Juvenile Court Services Scott Mabery, an official with the Arizona Superior Court, also works closely with McNeese. “The school that Marvy administers and teaches in is considered a model program throughout Arizona and internationally.”  

Mabery also said the reputation of the juvenile detention-probation program is such that in 2015, governmental officials from Northern Territory, Australia, picked this program to model for working with troubled youth. 

“Marvy’s school is the most innovative and creative in Arizona – a model for everyone,” Mabery said. 

 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received – and from whom? 

“I don’t remember who told me this, but I accepted it. It was, ‘Take my advice. I won’t be using it.’ I think that’s hilarious, for it says don’t take yourself too seriously – and I remember that daily.” 

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

“Give me a beach and a scuba tank, and I’m a happy girl. I don’t get either as much as I’d like.” 

What’s your favorite holiday tradition? 

Our Christmas Box. Every year, my mom writes about family accomplishments, funny things that were said or happened. On Christmas Eve, we sit around the table and take turns reading about things in the past year. It makes each of us feel special. We are a quirky bunch.  

What’s your favorite kind of music?  

“Rock and Roll and disco. Without a doubt. I get to go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this month. I cannot wait.” 

What makes you laugh out loud – and heartily? 

“The sound of a baby laughing.” QCBN 

By Ray Newton, QCBN 

 

Photo by Ray Newton 

Honoring a Champion for Children, Homeless 

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Diane Iverson is known as someone who has made a difference in the lives of hundreds. More than 130 people joined in a recent celebration, which included three standing ovations, to honor her nearly two decades of service with the Coalition for Compassion and Justice. Iverson was a founding member of the CCJ and later became a full-time staff member, retiring as the director of special projects.  

Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce President Marnie Uhl emceed the “Diane Iverson Legacy Celebration Brunch,” hosted by community philanthropists Jim and Linda Lee on March 24 at the Prescott United Methodist Church (PUMC).  

Uhl introduced representatives from diverse community organizations who praised Iverson for her kind, thoughtful, humble nature demonstrated by a lifetime of serving those in need.  

CCJ Executive Director Jessi Hans said Iverson was willing, no matter what time of day or year, to do whatever she could whenever she could if it would give relief to others. 

Regina Younger, a former CCJ board member, called her a dreamer. “She has always wanted things that would make a difference for the poor and needy.” 

Iverson’s husband, Doug, shared stories about how they would spend days and nights sleeping in the basement of the then Open Door shelter in the PUMC basement. They often work together on community support projects.  

Her compassion for children and those in need may well have been the direct result of her own troubled childhood growing up in California. She ran away from home at age 15. Her sister had polio and the family had little money, living on a small cotton, alfalfa and dairy farm. She said leaving was her way of coping with the hardships. She knew she wanted to write and draw, so while in high school, she wrote stories and collaborated with others in illustrating books. She says she was inspired to write and draw by high school teacher Robert Trainer, who followed her career and encouraged her for more than 20 years.  

Iverson was married at 18, had two daughters, and later divorced. “After my divorce, I considered myself a bird with a broken spirit and broken wing. But when I worked on my first book, I received physical and financial assistance that helped me heal.”  

 

When she met her second husband, Doug, a teacher, the two made a lifelong commitment to serve others.  

For the last 19 years, Iverson has been dedicated to programs that make a positive difference in people’s lives. “She especially helped the homeless and children,” said CCJ President Mary Bauer. 

Iverson is also the recipient of the 2016 Albert Lovejoy Social Justice Award.  “It’s only right that we try to help those who are less fortunate find food, clothing and shelter,” said the Fresno, California native, who has lived in Prescott for 22 years. Her daughters and seven grandchildren live in California.   

An accomplished author and illustrator of more than 20 books, her next major effort is to convert her historical fiction novel, Hannah’s Heart, into a play. She has given herself a deadline of December and says proceeds from the play will be dedicated to local charities.  

Iverson also has a love for the outdoors and a passion for birding. “It is a focused way of observing details of nature. Birding is a way to slow down the pace of life. It is spiritually refreshing.” 

Since her teen years, she has been guided by principles defined in the Bible, particularly Micah 6:8: Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.  

Prescott developer Jim Lee calls her “a living saint.”  

 

What’s your favorite holiday tradition? 

“Singing Christmas carols. It’s the heart-swelling highlight of Christmas season for me. I especially love ‘I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.’” 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

“I’d love to take my family to Britain for a hiking vacation along old Roman highways. My family history traces back to England, and I’d love exploring John Wesley historic sites.” Wesley was an 18th century theologian who, with his brother, founded Methodism.  

 

What character trait do you most admire in colleagues? 

“Compassion. Gentleness, patience, kindness and forgiveness – all these grow out of compassion.” 

What makes you laugh out loud? 

“Children make me laugh. They haven’t been tamed yet and say the funniest things without trying. I remember speaking to some elementary students about being in nature and the wilderness. One of them asked me, ‘Where do you go to the bathroom in the woods?’  I just love kids and their honesty.” 

What’s your favorite time of day? 

“I am much more creative in evenings. The world is quiet.  Still, if I am in search of birds, mornings are the best.” QCBN 

 By Ray Newton, QCBN 

Photo captions:  

Diane Iverson continues to help at the Little Tree House at the Prescott United Methodist Church, where children can play while their parents are receiving aid in social services such as finding employment and getting food for the family. Iverson has always cared for children like June Heppe, whose mom is the new CCJ Director Ali Heppe.  

Photo by Kay Lyons 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Helping Prescott Airport Reach Higher Levels

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Robin Sobotta has been chosen to serve as director of Prescott Municipal Airport. On loan from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she will serve until the fall of 2019, when she is expected to return from this sabbatical to the school.

“Prescott is such a lovely community and lovely airport,” Sobotta said.

During this time, she hopes to help complete an airport master plan, oversee economic development, determine how to increase air service and take part in the day-to-day operation of the airport.

“Prescott is growing fast. We need to see where the airport has room to grow. It is one of the busiest in the nation. It has three runways and a lot of infrastructure,” she said.

Sobotta says many communities depend on the airport because it is within a 60-minute drive from their homes. The next step for growth, in her view, is to lengthen one of the runways to accommodate larger aircraft, not large commercial aircraft, but smaller regional aircraft.

She said there is strong political and community support for airport improvements.

Sobotta, the founding chair and professor of the ERAU School of Business, has 17 years of experience in airport and aviation experience, including administration, operations and public relations at three commercial and two general aviation airports. She is an accredited airport executive and is considered an expert on not only airports, but unmanned aircraft systems and is a principle investigator on several projects including bioterrorism, defense, explosive and biohazard detection systems.

Sobotta formerly served as a business technical consultant to NASA at the Armstrong Flight Research Center, and she has served on several transportation research board panels.

Sobotta has a doctorate degree in public administration from Arizona State University and an MBA in Aviation from ERAU.

“I love serving the community,” she said. “I just love what I do. To me, the fact I get to work in aviation and academia – I have the best of both worlds. Airports are my passion and I get to bring the next generation on board.”

She believes one of the best ways to become an excellent teacher is to stay connected with the industry and bring back to the classroom current experience about how things are done.

It was not until 1983 that she knew what she wanted to do with her life. “I did an internship at Muskegon County Airport [in Michigan]. I went in as a public information intern. When I left, I had become enamored with the industry.”

Joe Lex worked directly for her for 10 years, but has known her longer than that. He graduated from Embry-Riddle in 1996 and now works for United Airlines. “In any walk of life, there are personal or professional people you admire for their work ethic and dogged pursuit and who want the best for other people. She epitomizes that.”

Lex serves on the industry advisory board. He says one of the major concerns is faculty burnout. “She is always there for the students. It is really rare to be that dialed in and engaged with the students with an open-door policy. She leads by example. She is indefatigable.”

Kathleen Sommer has known Sobotta for 33 years and considers her a good friend. “We worked together for several years and we’ve kept in contact. Our careers went into different places. Robin went into academia and I went to Maricopa County. We served together on the transportation board and the National Academy of Sciences on airport projects.”

Sobotta served on several commissions for the governor of Arizona. One focused on the non-traditional employment for women. “She has also been a good ally and good confidant,” said Sommer. “She has done so much and remains in contact with her former students and personal associates throughout the aerospace industry and different airports.”

Sobotta is married to Tom Roush, a telecommunications engineer. They have two grown children.

 

What do you do for fun?

“My husband and I play golf. We like to hike and I just love jigsaw puzzles, spending time with my grandchildren and seeing things through their perspective.”

 

Who do you admire and why?

“I have a strong relationship with my mom and I admire her and the women in my industry who broke the glass ceiling.”

 

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“When I was in high school, I played on the golf team. At the time, I thought I would be a professional golfer. The traveling of golf and going to college was too much.”

 

Where do you like to travel?

“My husband and I like to cruise. We have had 11 cruises.”

 

When was the last time you were star struck?

“It was kind of incredible working at NASA.” QCBN

By Patty McCormac, QCBN

 

 

Prescott Valley’s Longest Serving Mayor Looking Toward Retirement

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When 13-year-old Ashlyn asked her grandfather what a mayor does, Harvey Skoog gave his answer serious thought. At the time, Skoog was midway through his third term as mayor of the Town of Prescott Valley.

“Even though I had been mayor for several years, I decided I needed to be able to explain clearly to an inexperienced teenager what a mayor does. In doing that, it made me clarify for myself what the role involved,” Skoog explained.

Skoog, now 79-years-old, said, “The primary concern is to serve the best interests of the community in all decisions. Being mayor is an office that must serve the public.”

A resident of Arizona since 1974 and Prescott Valley since 1982, Skoog is emphatic in his view. “A mayor only holds the office; he does not own it. It is a multifaceted office – formal, informal and ceremonial. Many duties have no written descriptions. But foremost, is the obligation to draw upon the talents of council members, staff, commissions and volunteers to serve the best interests of the community. Concerns of citizens must be respected and appreciated.”

The Minnesota native has announced he will retire at the end of his fifth term in December.

 

Years of Professional Experience

Always well-dressed, Skoog, a farm kid from a small rural Minnesota community, attended a one-room schoolhouse. Later, he attended the University of Minnesota and Minnesota School of Business and earned credentials in financial management and bookkeeping-accounting. He began his management career with a major Minnesota food company but took advantage of a career opportunity to work with an international firm, National Cash Register, for several years.

But warmer weather in Arizona appealed to him. In 1974, he took the job of assistant to the comptroller for the Associated Grocers chain in Phoenix. In 1977, Skoog decided to become his own boss, so he moved to Prescott Valley.

“At that time, PV had only a population of 3,000 and it hadn’t yet incorporated. I was lucky and became a tax and business accountant-consultant. I founded and then sold three different practices,” he said.

Prescott Valley incorporated in 1978 and has experienced explosive growth to the point it is now the largest community in Yavapai County, with a population approaching 46,000.

“Growth isn’t stopping,” Skoog said. “We’re building about 42 houses a month – and they are affordable.”

Skoog says he became involved in civic government in the early 1990s and hasn’t stopped since, despite health issues. “I had cancer in 1999, but it’s gone now. I also had bypass surgery. I have a pacemaker. And most people don’t know it, but I’ve had seven heart attacks.”

Two people who have worked closely with Skoog for many years, Larry Tarkowski, PV town manager, and Lea Duke, PV executive assistant, agree that Skoog always has a positive outlook.

“Harvey has the distinction of having been a councilmember and mayor for the majority of the 40 years our town has existed. That gave him enormous opportunity to have positive impact on its direction. All of us who work with him are grateful he has served as an example for all the employees,” said Tarkowski.

Tarkowski complimented Skoog for his “…light touch on the tiller of public policy while at the same time he ensured transparency and a strong customer service ethic for all aspects of town government. Respect, trust and a sense of care for employees and citizens are hallmarks of Harvey’s tenure.”

Duke echoes Tarkowski. She has worked directly with Skoog for 13 years. “He loves this community. He dedicates himself to making it a positive, beautiful place for families to make a home. He keeps his office open so that citizens can come and share their concerns. They often tell me when they leave that they are impressed by what a gentleman Mayor Skoog is.”

Duke especially cited Skoog’s efforts to know personally each of the more than 230 town employees. “He appreciates what each employee contributes. He consciously reviews what each employee in each department has done, and he knows almost everyone by first name.”

Duke smiles when acknowledging Skoog’s pending retirement. “We’re going to miss him, but he and Edna truly do want to spend more time with their kids and grandkids. He deserves that opportunity.”

 

Where will the road take you in retirement?

“We’ll probably sleep a bit later and have more personal time. We’ve no big plans for travel other than perhaps visiting our children and grandchildren, who are spread all over the country. We have talked about a cruise.”

What’s the best advice you ever received?

“I can’t remember who told me this, but it was years ago – and it stuck. I was told to hire the best people I could identify, tell them what was expected and then to get out of the way and let them do their jobs. Don’t micromanage.”

 

What characteristic do you most admire in colleagues and associates?

“Ambition, honesty and integrity – all very important. And being approachable, not distant.”

 

What’s your favorite entertainment?

“We like walking and hiking. We enjoy good company, good friends. We don’t have a TV, and I’ve never, ever seen a movie.”

 

Where do you and Edna like to dine?

“We really enjoy going to local restaurants for breakfast, where we have a traditional bacon and eggs meal. And honest, we enjoy In-N-Out Burgers – a lot.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

 

Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog reviews official town business virtually every day of the working week.

Photo by Ray Newton

 

 

Leslie Horton has her Finger on the Pulse County Health

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“I hope the communities we serve are safer and healthier because of what we do.”

That’s the credo that Leslie Horton, director of Yavapai County Community Health Services, makes public whenever she has the chance.

“I see my obligation as assuring that public health services are effectively and efficiently delivered throughout Yavapai County,” said Horton, who earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Northern Arizona University in public health administration.

The 38-year-old Alaska native has been a county employee since 2002, when she accepted a health intern position. She rapidly moved into the executive administrative ranks. Slightly more than a year ago, she was selected unanimously by the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors to replace retiring Director Stephen Tullos. Prior to that, she had been the county health education section manager for eight years. She served three years as the public information officer, and two years as assistant health director.

Horton says she is delighted with the professionalism of the people around her and how serious health concerns are addressed. “All the issues we face – social, legal, service centers, ongoing medical issues – every one of these is being looked at intensely by our exceptionally dedicated professional staff. That, for me, is gratifying.”

A growing problem Horton sees in the county is the number of overdose deaths caused by the use of opioids or other drugs. “Most people are unaware, but Yavapai County has a higher per capita death rate because of overdoses of drugs than most other counties in Arizona. As a county, state and nation, we simply must address and mediate that health issue. We work closely with our many medical, social agency and legal partners to mitigate that serious problem.”

The department recently conducted a Community Health Assessment, wherein it collected more than 1,000 surveys. Focus groups will begin meeting this summer and fall “…to help us in our pursuit of programming to serve the public health needs of the more than 240,000 population of this huge rural county.”

Currently, County Health Services has office locations in Cottonwood, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley and Prescott and addresses behavioral health, dental care, family planning and medical services including pediatrics and well-woman checks. County Health Services partners with Yavapai Regional Medical Center, too, in providing mobile health services.

Horton’s position occurred during a transition that separated the public health and the clinical divisions of county health services. The Clinical Health Center is coordinated by Sharon Richman. All services, however, remain housed in the same building complex at 1090 Commerce Drive, just west of Willow Creek Drive at the northeastern edge of Prescott.

As part of the transition, Horton was charged with responsibility for the federally-funded Women, Infant and Children (WIC) care program for new families. She believes the new administrative system allows broader and better defined delivery of health-related services. Recently, she was assigned supervisory responsibility for the Medical Examiner’s Office.

The mother of two, Jackson, 9, and Lila, 6, Horton and her husband, Kevin, an engineer with a local firm, try to separate their professional from their personal lives. They spend their family time hiking, biking, and in many other outdoor activities.

 

What’s the most memorable advice you ever received and from whom?

“My mom told me many years ago, ‘Never settle.’”

 

What character trait do you admire the most in your associates?

“Passion and enthusiasm for their work. For those who have worked in the same job for many years but still come to work looking for ways to improve, for striving for excellence, and who show passion about serving others, I have nothing but admiration.”

 

If you had a million dollars to give away, where would it go?

“To local schools. Our children are the future. We need well-supported schools and teachers to provide them with the best opportunities they can have for success.”

 

What is your biggest family tradition?

“Every summer, we take our boat to Lake Powell. As a family, we hike the huge sand dunes and then run and tumble down as fast as we can. When my kids were small, I carried them up the dune so they wouldn’t miss out on the fun.”

 

Name something that made you laugh hard and loud recently.

“I laugh loud and hard every day. I have many reasons to be happy. But the other day, my nine-year-old son put things in perspective. I had left a bite of food on my dinner plate. He looked at it and then me and said, ‘Mom, leaving one bite of food on your plate is like running a marathon and quitting three feet before the finish line.’” QCBN

 

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

Photo by Ray Newton

 

 

 

‘Thanks for All You Do’

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Thrusting his hand out in warm handshake, he smiles broadly. “Hi, I’m Harold Viehweg. Thanks for all you do for the community.”

That is a pretty typical greeting most people get when they meet Viehweg in his tightly-organized, uncluttered ground-floor office in the Prescott Chamber of Commerce building on Goodwin Street.

Not everyone who enters the Prescott C of C sees Viehweg, for his office is at the rear of the tall skinny two-story building. However, Viehweg has been a chamber official more than one-fourth of the 80 years the C of C has served members, visitors and the community. He joined the organization in 1992, when he took a job there as an accountant.

Originally from South Dakota, where he earned his degree in business administration at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, Viehweg and his wife, Dottie, and their two daughters moved to Phoenix in 1965. He has worked almost his entire career as an accountant, financial manager or business coordinator. In 1992, when he and his wife moved to Prescott to own and operate the Victorian-style bed and breakfast known as The Mark’s House, he applied for and was accepted a position at the chamber.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with business and financial matters,” he said matter-of-factly. “Hard to believe I’ve survived all the way from pencil and paper accounting through IBM punch cards into sophisticated computerized technological wizardry.”

Viehweg accounts for more than half a million dollars that come through the chamber each year. Beyond that, he handles the bookkeeping for the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, too, which requires a distinctly different accounting process.

But Viehweg’s involvements go far beyond keeping track of numbers. He helps coordinate the annual Christmas Parade, which requires months of detailed planning and plotting. Equally challenging is annual fund-gathering for the traditional Christmas Courthouse Lighting. He works with the annual Bluegrass Festival, which brings thousands to Prescott for a unique music experience.

“We’ve so many activities where we work with the greater community that I really have to keep a careful list of everything – Labor Day, the Territorial Festival in June, Memorial Day and Fall Festival in October. And morning and evening monthly mixers, ribbon cuttings, arts and crafts shows and often special seasonal projects – all take time,” he explained.

He says he’s regularly surprised at how efficiently the chamber functions with only four full-time staff members and several part-time personnel. He credits much of the chamber’s success to “an exceptionally dedicated team of volunteers who give freely and willingly of their time and talent.”

Viehweg reports directly to Sheri Heiney, CEO and president of the 850-member organization. “What gratifies me is that despite the diverse activities and programs we’re always involved in, we rarely have problems or conflicts. We, at the chamber, owe thanks to a lot of people,” he said.

One of Viehweg’s colleagues is Visitor Information Center Manager Robert Coombs. Coombs interacts with up to 30,000 visitors annually, many of whom are out of state or international guests. “I’ve worked closely with Harold for more than 12 years,” said Coombs. “He’s one of the most dedicated, committed and friendly people I can think of, especially about community matters. He’s involved in so many activities and programs. He’s really a team player, too, and works well with everyone.”

Viehweg’s is a passionate supporter of performing and fine arts throughout the community, including the Yavapai Symphony Association and the Central Arizona Concert Band support group.

For years, too, he has been an active member of the Prescott POPS Symphony Orchestra School Grants Committee. Through funds raised from contributions and gate receipts from POPS concerts, Viehweg and other committee members annually distribute grants to Quad Cities schools, which have instrumental music programs. That process requires considerable time in solicitation and consequent review of applications to determine grant amounts and recipients.

Since he first moved to Prescott from Phoenix in 1992, Viehweg has been involved in one way or another in the Prescott United Methodist Church. “Harold has been volunteering at our church for years,” said PUMC minister, The Rev. Dan Hurlbert. “He sings in the Chancel Choir, rings bells in the bell choir, and is a part of the financial leadership team. He spends part of every week signing checks and auditing the cash flow to the church. He’s often overlooked because he’s so quiet. But believe me, his efforts are important and appreciated.”

Hurlbert’s praise is echoed by PUMC music director Jacob Gilbert. He especially lauded Viehweg’s faithfulness at every rehearsal and performance in the various groups with which he performs. “Harold is one of the most dependable persons I know,” Gilbert said.

 

What the best advice you’ve ever received?

“When I was just a kid, my dad told me, ‘Always tell the truth.’ That advice stuck, and I follow it daily.”

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?

“I’d love to go to London and the United Kingdom. I’ve never been there, but I’m fascinated by the history, tradition and culture. I’d really like to visit my granddaughter who lives in London.”

What character trait do you most admire in colleagues and associates?

“No hesitation there. Honesty and integrity.”

What really annoys you?

“Seriously? Being interrupted when I am really busy at some intense task.”

What actor is going to play your role when they make a TV show or movie about you?

“I hope it could be Steve Carrell, who seems like a really nice guy who never offends anybody.”

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Than A Broker

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When Kyle Karstens’s name comes up, typical responses sound something like this: “She’s got the biggest grin, happiest smile and the best sense of humor. She makes even the toughest real estate decisions understandable.”

Kyle Karstens is one half of the Karstens and Associates Realty team in Prescott. She and her husband of 35 years, Steve, have been handling real estate in Prescott for 22 of those years.

Those involved in the real estate business may say it is often a frustrating, annoying and disheartening profession that requires 24/7 attention and sometimes long periods of time without a paycheck.

But that is not the case for Karstens. In fact, she describes what she does as “…one of the most rewarding and satisfying careers possible. I get to meet the neatest people from all over the country, and I get to help people find just what they’re looking for.”

The Louisiana native has not always been in real estate. In fact, she has had a truly diverse career path, ranging from being a bartender in Tacoma, Washington, to driving an 18-wheeler Freightliner truck for a major commercial company, Conway Trucking. She also worked for a mortuary.

But she is adamant that the most fulfilling career she has had is being a real estate broker. “For 22 years, all of them in Prescott, my husband, Steve, and I have been lucky enough to live and work in what I think is one of the most charming communities in America,” she said.

 

Invested in the Process

Two of her clients have known Karstens for years. Dave and Brenda Favier, Prescott homeowners since the mid-1990s, used Karstens to sell their house a few years ago, at a time when the market was not as robust as it is currently.

“Kyle had such vast knowledge of real estate in the area that she and her husband made what could have been a stressful time into a pleasant experience,” said Dave.

When the Faviers decided to purchase another property slightly more than two years ago, they turned to Karstens. “Kyle doesn’t just want to sell a house or help you purchase one. She truly is invested in the process,” said Brenda. “We felt we had a good friend at our side.”

Recently, an out-of-state couple, Richard and Marlene Glasgow, sold their home in Redmond, Oregon and decided to move to Prescott. Marlene tells of her experience with Karstens. “We contacted her in mid-July and told her what we were interested in. Not long after, we got our first phone call from her. She had answers to our questions and some recommendations for us to consider. She helped us at every step of the way, finding just the right place for us to ultimately purchase.”

Glasgow continued, “Kyle was a joy to work with – a real ‘ray of sunshine’ in what sometimes can be a distressing time. Because of her, we bought our home and were able to move in mid-October – far sooner than what we ever thought we could. And guess what. She showed up when we moved in with wine and cheese.”

Karstens says buying and selling property through Karstens and Associates is a team effort. “My husband and I have loved this town and the people in it since we first rode through it years ago on motorcycles. Having earlier been in the cold, wet and gray Pacific Northwest, we decided immediately to move to Prescott. We’ve no regrets, and we’re here to stay.”

 

The Decision to Drive a Big Rig

When the real estate market crashed in 2008, Kyle and Steve wondered how they were going to survive economically.

“Our two girls, Chorissa and Caleena, were then grown and out of the house. Steve and I both liked to travel so we said, ‘What the heck? Let’s become truck drivers.’ So, we did. We went to school, got our Commercial Driver’s Licenses, and hit the road for 14 months.”

The Karstens were hired by Conway Trucking, also known as CFI, headquartered in Joplin, Missouri. CFI hired and assigned them to a brand new Freightliner with a Cascadia cab and berth. “It was big enough to stand up in and to sleep in quite comfortably,” Karstens said. “We called it ‘Frances the Freightliner’ and it was our home.”

For the next 14 months, the Karstens criss-crossed the U.S., coast to coast and north to south, in all kinds of weather and road conditions.

“We got to see a lot of country we’d otherwise never have seen – and somebody else was paying for the gas!” Karstens said they had long hours and were often exhausted, but as a team, they could take turns sleeping and keeping the wheels rolling.

“God was taking care of us, too. We never had an accident or serious problem, and we made a lot of friends across the country.”

But when the economy began recovering, the Karstens decided to return to their “real home,” Prescott. “We’re not going to leave again, unless it’s on our motorcycles for short vacations,” she said.

Karstens serves on the Arizona Association of Realtors Education Committee and was president of the Prescott Area Association of Realtors. She also is on the Prescott Preservation Commission and supports the Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity.

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

“Many years ago, one of my supervisors told me this, and I didn’t forget. Remember you are part of the community. Find a way to give back and make the community stronger.”

If you could travel anywhere you wanted to go, where would it be?

“Any place I can go on a motorcycle.”

What’s your biggest family tradition?

“Thanksgiving, and it doesn’t have to happen in just November. We take time to sit together at the table, share our gratitude, count our blessings and eat all kinds of things that may not be good for us.”

What character trait do you value the most and why?

“The ability to listen. People who are connected and hear what others say are a pleasure to be around. They can re-energize or defuse a room.”

What actress is going to play your role when they make a movie or TV show about you?

“Oh, Myrna Loy, the ‘Nora Charles” from the Think Man movies. But if not her, then Audrey Hepburn. She’s absolutely wonderful.”

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo caption:

Kyle Karsten, one-half of the two-member team of Karstens Brokers, is emphatic that the Prescott area is their first choice for a permanent preferred place to live. “And, we’ve seen almost every city and town in America,” she says.

Photo by Ray Newton