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Local Marine Veteran, Horses with Heart Volunteer Wins Horse Show

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Dewey resident, devoted to horses and their use in therapy, wins horse competition.

It all started when she wanted to carry an American flag in Heroes on Horses, a world championship horse show that honors veterans. After a phone call to the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) and Lynn Campbell, sponsors of the August event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kristie Vollrath was invited to enter in the Western Pleasure category at the horse show.

She accepted and started training in Cave Creek, with trainers Deanna and Jim Searls, on a champion horse owned by Susan Johns. Lilly, a Quarter Horse, proved a winner on Aug. 12, skillfully guiding Vollrath to a first-place finish in Western Pleasure, an event designed to highlight a more relaxed style of riding, featuring walking and gentle jogging.

“The horse is to appear to be a ‘pleasure’ to ride, smooth-moving and very comfortable; that’s the idea behind Western Pleasure,” Vollrath explained. “That’s what it’s supposed to be like, not to get sore or tired. It’s not a bumpy horse and it’s not a fast horse. The slower you go, the better it is.”

Walking in an arena, the rider walks, jogs and reverses on command using leg aids and reins, she added. The quarter horse was fully up to the task at hand. “Boy, she was something else,” Vollrath said of Lilly, whose registered name is KM Flat Out the Best. “As soon as she saw that arena, she said, ‘I got this.’ She’s a grand champion. She knew exactly what she was doing.”

Vollrath received a belt buckle, trophy and a jacket. She also came away with some wonderful memories from Heroes on Horses.

“It was so much fun,” she said. “It’s so touching, all those people carrying American flags, and they play that song, ‘Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?’ That’s a tearjerker. They go all out to honor us veterans. I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

Vollrath, 70, is a veteran of the Marine Corps and served from 1971 to 1974, in the Carolinas and Washington, D.C., where she worked in data processing at the Library of Congress and in the POW/MIA section at Camp Henderson.  Her devotion to horses goes back to her childhood.

“When I was a kid, I had a horse,” she recalled. “When I was 16, I gave up horse riding.”

A native of Minnesota, where she worked in the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier and then a manager, Vollrath retired in 2009 and moved to Dewey to benefit from the better weather and to be near two aunts in Apache Junction.

After joining a bowling league, she was asked to bowl in a fundraiser for Horses with Heart, a ranch in Chino Valley that uses horses as a therapeutic tool to help special needs individuals, veterans and first responders experience the healing power of a horse to gain confidence, increase independence and improve social skills, with the support of caring and credentialed instructors and dedicated volunteers.

She was delighted to be in the company of horses again and for five years has volunteered with Horses with Heart, focusing on the veterans program.

“After I retired, I was looking for something to do,” she said. “I looked at the Humane Society, but I was afraid I’d bring every dog and cat home. I knew I wouldn’t bring a horse home.”

Horses used in the program are middle aged, she noted. “They are mature, from about 9 to 25 years old and older. We need horses that do what we do, which is therapy. We can’t have a young horse because they’re too spirited. We kind of get retired horses.”

Vollrath said horses are very good therapy animals. “Some people are so afraid of horses because they’re so big. But they give me a lot of confidence and companionship. They give me a lot of love. They never bite the kids or kick anyone. They’re just wonderful, wonderful animals.”

Participants at Horses with Heart generally do not know how to ride, but the horses, which have been around for years, do know how to ride, Vollrath noted. QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Kristie Vollrath, a volunteer with Horses with Heart, took home first place in the Western Pleasure category of the Heroes on Horses world championship event. The 70-year-old Marine Corps veteran is considering participating in a Scottsdale competition in March. 

Carmen Frederic Receives ATHENA Leadership Award

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ATHENA symbolizes strength, perseverance, success for Quad Cities women.

An invisible, yet powerful, thread of overcoming adversity to achieve long-held dreams wove its way through the audience of more than 100 attendees during the 4th Annual Quad Cities Leadership Awards as women came together to honor and celebrate each other Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall.

As Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine and Prescott College President Dr. Barbara Morris shared deeply personal stories of their own challenges, women could empathize with their struggles, some could see themselves in their stories, and many fought to hold back tears.

Carmen Fredric Shelters Those in Need

With a standing ovation and roar of applause, Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS) Executive Director Carmen Frederic was honored with the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award. As she accepted the prestigious award, she didn’t share her story, but later reflected on how alcoholism and homelessness in her family motivated her to rise above her circumstances and then to commit herself to a career of supporting and encouraging other women.

“The Athena award is such a high honor and something I will always remember and treasure for the rest of my life!” she said in a Quad Cities Business News interview. “The award itself is beautiful and placed currently at the shelter office for all to see and enjoy. It will be a talking piece and maybe an inspiration to all of the women in shelter to aspire to someday, a pathway to be taken to be compassionate and build up other women as a goal in their life.”

Frederic left home for college after graduating from high school. “I helped to open the first teen pregnancy shelter in my hometown and worked for the education service district helping struggling families keep their kids in school. My biological father was a severe alcoholic and experienced homelessness himself. I often ran into him in my hometown when I would be working with my own clients.”

Today, she is credited with leading the evolution of PASS from a winter shelter in a church basement to a 26-bed facility at its own location, plus the creation of two transitional houses. The organization now serves about 180 women and children a year.

“All of these challenges in life have made me a better person and given me the insight and empathy in my work at the shelter,” she said.

Tracy Rogers Helps Students Stay in School

Cheered on by friends and associates from Yavapai College, YC Radiology Program Director Tracy Rogers was in disbelief as her name was called to join the stage to receive the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award.

“I was in total shock,” she said of the moment.

Rogers told QCBN how she burst into tears hearing about Dr. Rhine’s difficult childhood. “Her story is very similar to my upbringing. So many people have faced things you’d never expect. She is such an inspiration. I look at her and think, ‘That could be my future!’”

Rogers recalls a time when she could not imagine herself as a successful professional. “Growing up in a poor home, we didn’t know if we were going to have Christmas, and work was a priority to help provide for the household, not school. But I realized school is what makes a better life possible. I just kept pursuing education.”

Through a difficult divorce three years ago, she felt her world crumbling around her. As a single mom, the thought of balancing all of life’s challenges felt impossible. “Women especially find themselves in this situation, but I had an amazing career as an X-ray tech. I am so thankful to have this career. I always wanted to be an instructor for the [YC radiology] program. Before I knew it, I became the program director!”

As with many women, Rogers says she struggles with feeling like an imposter in her work. “Every day I feel like I’ve got to prove my worthiness. I think, ‘Is this real? Am I really doing this? Am I working hard enough?’”

At YC, her colleagues call her a transformational and servant leader. She established an emergency fund to support students struggling with unexpected expenses and recently received the Great Ideas for Teaching (GIFT) Fellowship Award for Teaching Excellence.

“This award reminds me that I have something to continue to be worthy of,” she said. “I just feel really empowered now to keep moving forward and inspired to help other women.”

Prescott Woman Showcases Women

As with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, QCBN added another award this year. Breeanya Hinkel accepted the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award for her business, Prescott Woman Magazine.

“I’m honored and surprised to be the recipient of the first ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award,” said Hinkel. “Typically, we love to be the ones honoring other women and it is such a privilege to have stood on the stage and be recognized along with other outstanding organizations.”

Hinkel and Prescott Woman Magazine worked with Quad Cites Business News to bring the ATHENA Leadership Awards to the region in 2020. “I’m thrilled that Quad Cities Business News has kept the tradition of ATHENA going and for their commitment to honor women throughout the area.”

ATHENA Wisdom

Keynote speaker Julie Jones motivated the attendees to “Stop Waiting, Start Living,” which is also the name of one of her books. The former police officer and SWAT team member reminded the audience that tomorrow is not guaranteed. She urged women to be authentic and live the lives they were born to live.

ATHENA Leadership Program Founder Martha Mayhood Mertz delivered a recorded message congratulating the nominees. ATHENA International President and CEO Traci Costa reminded audience members that there is still work to do to support women in leadership. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Hear more from Julie Jones and Martha Mayhood Mertz on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com.

ATHENA Founder Continues to Encourage Women to Step into Their Leadership Potential

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Tickets are available at PrescottAthena.com.

Just as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, gave strength and encouragement to ancient Athens, the steadfast support of ATHENA Leadership Program founder Martha Mayhood Mertz continues to be felt around the world. This month her pioneering work as a champion for women will be celebrated at the Fourth Annual Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall.

It will be an event for “the community to celebrate and inspire people,” she says, as the Quad Cities names three recipients: ATHENA Leadership Award, ATHENA Young Professional and ATHENA Organization.

Tickets are available at PrescottAthena.com.

Hear more from Mertz on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com

Watch now: https://starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/encouraging-celebrating-women-in-leadership-with-athena-program-founder-martha-mayhood-mertz-video

Sharing the Lane at High Gear Bike Shop

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Long-time family business services and sells e-bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes and kids’ bikes.

Love, according to owners Steve and Cindy Alward, is the oil that has kept High Gear Bike Shop rolling smoothly through more than 45 years in business – love for all forms of biking, love for community and love for each other.

Steve opened the business in 1976, but has been biking since he was 8 years old. Cindy joined the business in 1996 and they later married. Cindy says Steve is the heart and soul of the bike shop because he has a passion for bicycling, while she is more of a social rider.

One thing they have in common is they both have been hit by cars while riding their bikes. Steve broke his neck and couldn’t ride for three months in 2014, but got back into the sport as soon as he could. Cindy eased back into riding after her 2018 accident that hurt her shoulder and banged her head.

Their experience gives them the street cred to talk to their customers about bicycling safety. They are also meticulous about repairs.

Cindy says cyclists should pay attention to what’s around them, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and be familiar with the rules of every city they ride in. She adds that mountain bikers need to pay extra attention to make sure they have the correct amount of air pressure in their tires. And bicyclists who ride after dark should have lights.

“Like Lance Armstrong says, ‘Knowledge is power,’” she said.

That wisdom extends to knowing their customers as well, which has increased to include commuters, homeless people, college students, police officers and those who ride to stay fit.

High Gear provides tune-ups as well as accessories and clothes.

Cindy says one of the keys to their success is the employees. “The right employees always elevate you. They work hard at customer service. We all have bad days, but they leave it at home,” she said.

Steve is proud that they now are serving third generation cyclists with the grandchildren of original customers. “It’s important to listen to the customers and know their needs,” said Cindy, as some customers have to have their bike out of the shop by the next day and some may not need it back for several days.

High Gear Bike began selling e-bikes about six years ago, but mountain bikes, racers and kids’ bikes also remain popular. E-bikes changed their business because most of them weigh 50 pounds or more. They had an electrical lift built to raise the e-bikes so technicians can work on them.

Regardless of whether it’s an e-bike or another type of bike, Cindy said there are special moments such as when a kid gets his first bike or when a senior citizen learns they can ride.

Another change that the e-bikes brought is that repairs used to be all mechanical but now involve electrical and wireless skills. “We’re constantly learning something new,” she said.

High Gear Bike Shop also stays active in the community by sponsoring races, helping high school bike racing clubs and donating to local charities like Kiwanis. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

High Gear Bike Shop has two Prescott locations: one at 237 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. and the other at 505 E. Sheldon St. For more information, call 928-445-0636.

Photo by Stan Bindell: For nearly half a century, Steve and Cindy Alward have been keeping the wheels turning at High Gear Bike Shop.

Produce Only Market Offers an Experience in Fruits and Vegetables

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Owner Chad Tidlund said customers can expect competitive prices and quality fruit.

Produce Only Market on Goodwin Street in Prescott offers 200 types of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a smoothie bar.

Owner Chad Tidlund said customers can expect competitive prices and quality fruit. With 30 years of experience selling produce to supermarkets in Southern California, he prides himself on knowing when and where to find the best fruits and vegetables.

“I know produce quality and the time to get it in,” he said.

Tidlund said the summer fruits are going strong right now as grapes, apples and pears are plentiful. This is also a good time for corn. The only fruit expected to increase in the fall is pumpkin.

Tidlund, who opened Produce Only Market about four months ago, gets fruits and vegetables in from many countries, with Chile, Peru and the U.S. among the most popular. He hopes to work with Whipstone Farm in Paulden and other local farms.

In the short time he’s been in the Quad Cities, school have found him. Classrooms of kids come to Produce Only Market as an experience. Tidlund walks them through and has a demonstration table where they can taste the fruit. “I let them try it and give them smoothies,” he said.

Tidlund explains that fruit can be inconsistent. For example, he says you can buy two apples that are next to each other and one will be good and one won’t. “It’s nobody’s fault, as it’s the nature of fruit because it has sugar in it.”

Tidlund said there are ways to check fruit. For example, with watermelon, you can put it through three tests. First, you put it through the vibration test. Bang on it, and if it vibrates, it’s good. Then, check for yellow spots and bird peck. Both of these mean the watermelon will be sweeter.

Color and texture, however, don’t help buyers discern whether fruit is good. Vegetables, he says, are more consistently good year-round, although sweet corn is best in summer.

Produce Only Market offers organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables. Pesticides or fertilizers are more likely to be absorbed by fruits that are grown on the ground, like strawberries, he says.

Tidlund encourages customers to view Produce Only Market as a destination, because he educates customers about fruits and vegetables and will answer any of their questions. He loves networking with the community and has donated produce to United Way. He also enjoys being an active member of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

Tidlund grew up in Minneapolis. He moved to the Los Angeles area to get away from the harsh winters and participate in the produce business. Three years ago, he and his wife, Cynthia, moved to Prescott to enjoy the four seasons. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Produce Only Market is located at 405 W. Goodwin Street. For more information, call 928-379-5504.

Photo by Stan Bindell: Owner Chad Tidlund says it’s a good time to buy apples, pears, grapes and sweet corn.

Trails 4 Tatas Returns to Prescott, Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Care

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Not an off-roader? That’s OK. The BBQ feast, raffles, and silent and live auctions are open to everyone.

The fifth annual Trails 4 Tatas (T4T) is heading back to Prescott Oct. 14, inviting off-roaders to bump their way along nearby scenic trails with other 4×4 enthusiasts to support enhanced care at the Baskin Breast Care Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

Participants can look forward to a full day of activities, starting with a free breakfast before they head to four-wheel on one of four trails – ranging from easy to moderately difficult – in the Prescott National Forest. Following the two- to three-hour trail ride, everyone will head back for a sumptuous lunch, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, the Rosie Raffle drawing (featuring a pink pistol) and a rambunctious live auction headlined by highly coveted prizes.

Not an off-roader? That’s OK. The BBQ feast, raffles, and silent and live auctions are open to everyone.

“Every penny raised stays within Yavapai County, directly benefiting our community, including our neighbors, our friends and our family members who are battling breast cancer,” said Laurie Cwikla, who has been organizing the event on behalf of Summit 4×4 Company for the past three years and expects a crowd of up to 200.

“Off-roaders are a breed all their own, a really fun group,” she added. “This is a unique day that begins with a great breakfast, continues with a scenic trail trip, then everyone eats another great meal and bids on fun stuff!”

Prescott Valley Chamber President Marnie Uhl, the 2021 guest of honor, is a breast cancer survivor who shared personal details about her journey with the disease during the 2021 T4T lunch.

“It’s the most devastating thing to face,” said Uhl, who was treated at YRMC’s Breast Care Center. “Every one of the nurses, doctors, radiologists and imaging techs are there to take you through your journey and assist you. At that moment you’re with them, they’re your angels.”

The 2023 guest of honor is Cwikla’s good friend, Lesa West, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2022, a diagnosis received while she was serving as a volunteer for last year’s T4T.

Cwikla took over leadership of T4T three years ago, shortly after becoming president of the Summit 4×4 Girls Tribe. Newly appointed president of the Summit 4×4 Club, Victor Torres, joined her this year in organizing the event. The two clubs are part of Summit 4×4 Company, a one-stop shop for any 4×4 enthusiasts’ needs with two locations: one in Prescott and the other in Prescott Valley. They also have Off-Road Auto Sales at their original location on Sheldon in Prescott.

Cwikla is extremely dedicated to making Trails 4 Tatas hugely successful, to the point that she’s organizing fundraisers year-round to support the cause. She arranges restaurant fundraisers with local establishments nearly every month. Every year, the kickoff to T4T is National Jeep Go Topless Day, an event that gathers off-roaders for a fun trail ride, during which drivers are encouraged to take the tops off their Jeeps and “go topless.”

Hosted in May, Go Topless Day raised more than $1,300 through donations and sales of t-shirts, bracelets, stickers and a 50/50 raffle. The 2022 Trails for Tatas raised more than

$62,000; the fundraising goal for 2023 is set for $100,000.

For Cwikla, who retired from Southern California to Prescott 11 years ago with her husband, Allen, being active in the off-road club and organizing T4T allows her to stay engaged with the community she cherishes. Admittedly, she is “someone who loves to stay busy.”

But it’s more than that.

“It’s a chance to be a part of something truly meaningful,” Cwikla said. “Everyone is invited to join our heartfelt mission. Together, we can provide hope and support to breast cancer patients on their journey to recovery.” QCBN

By Drew Whitney, QCBN

For all details and to register for the event, visit https://trails4tatas.com/. Attendees must purchase a lunch ticket ($25 for adults, $10 for children) to enjoy the BBQ lunch as well as bid in the silent auction and live auction. Those interested in sponsoring and donating to help Trails 4 Tatas meet, and hopefully surpass, its 2023 fundraising goal of $100,000 can contact Laurie@summit4x4clubs.com or call 909-229-7675.

Courtesy Photo: Trails 4 Tatas committee members join with Summit 4X4 Company owners and employees to award Yavapai Regional Medical Center and their foundation staff a $62,782 check, representing funds raised in 2022. 

Mountain Sports Celebrates 50 Years of Promoting Outdoor Adventure

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Outdoor lifestyle family business credited with introducing new sports, keeping recreationists comfortable and championing environmental conservation.

For half a century, Mountain Sports has proven that having a passion for what you do, living your brand, aligning with your customers’ values, staying on top of trends and giving back to your community are key to outfitting your business for success. The Northern Arizona family-owned and operated specialty outdoor retailer is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“Growing up with Mountain Sports, in a family that cares deeply about the outdoors and in a community that values conservation, environmental education and wild places, has shaped me and the business,” said Mountain Sports owner Lisa Lamberson. “My parents [Mark and Rosie Lamberson], both entrepreneurs, are my role models. Early on, I came to understand that we are deeply rooted in community building, and I am incredibly grateful to our loyal customers for giving us the opportunity to cultivate and give back to our community.”

The Mountain Sports story began in Casper, Wyoming, when two young men who loved to ski, Mark Lamberson, 22, and his brother, Bruce, 20, wanted to start a business, earn at least $100 a week each, and have time for their favorite sport. With a $20,000 loan from a close family friend, they opened Mountain Sports, which became the source for all things alpine skiing and the place to go to find out about the next great outdoor activity before it hit mainstream America.

“We were passionate outdoor enthusiasts ourselves,” said Mark. “We first had a ski shop and then camping and backpacking were becoming new outdoor sports in the ‘70s, beyond Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts. We were early adopters of all these things – water skiing, mountain biking, windsurfing, snowboarding – we’d try them out, buy the gear and our excitement about the next new sport would lead to other people wanting to do it, too.”

“We were having fun and didn’t realize we would be participating in sports that didn’t even exist when we opened the business,” said Bruce Lamberson, who still owns and operates the Casper store. “It was at a time when there was this whole culture shift in America. The Vietnam War was happening, hippies wanted to be outside and there was an emergence of outdoor specialty stores.”

On Nov. 2, 1973, Mountain Sports opened with 100 puffy jackets in four sizes and three colors. “Nobody had ever seen these before. And they just sold like, boom!” said Bruce. “Business was really simple back then. We were fearless, probably naïve, and full of energy.”

“We had a tiger by the tail,” said Mark. “From the very beginning, we had tapped into something that was taking off. Our business grew very quickly over the first seven or eight years, and we realized Casper was going to tap out.”

They wanted to expand into an additional store in a new location and a friend advised them to check out an Arizona mountain town called Flagstaff. With a business assessment created by a Northern Arizona University business professor, Mark and Rosie made the move with their two young children, Bret and Lisa, and opened Mountain Sports Flagstaff on Milton Road.

“Like many people, we moved to Flagstaff for the lifestyle,” said Mark. “It’s what unites all of us. Rosie and I jumped in with both feet.”

“We were hardwired as kids to love the outdoors, to live for it, to appreciate it. And there wasn’t any shortage of good gear,” said realtor Bret Lamberson, of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, about growing up with his sister, Lisa, and Mountain Sports. “Our dad was adventurous in every respect. I remember wanting a BMX bike for Christmas one year and he said, ‘I have something you’re going to like even more. It’s really cool, called a mountain bike. You’re going to love it.’ And he was right!”

Both Bret and Lisa worked in the store as teenagers and gained an appreciation for high quality brands. “We have always had a joyous energy in the store with people who love to work hard and play harder,” said Lisa. “Our customers know we focus on quality brands. Some share stories of having kept the same jacket for 40 years!”

At one time, Mountain Sports had three stores in Arizona, two in Flagstaff and one in Prescott. In the early 2000s, the business narrowed its focus to primarily an outdoor apparel store, focusing on Patagonia clothing in Flagstaff’s historic downtown district. As it has evolved, Mountain Sports has hired hundreds of employees, providing many college students like Sarah Morton with their first professional job.

“It was pretty cool to be nurtured by Mark and Rosie, who recognized what your potential might be,” said Morton, who continued in the outdoor recreation industry and opened “Clear Water Outdoor” in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. “The experience gave me a passion I didn’t know I had about connecting products with the outdoors and getting people into nature.”

For half a century, the name Mountain Sports has been synonymous with outdoor adventure, and the legacy continues. “It is a fun-loving industry that cares deeply about the outdoors. Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, Mountain Sports Flagstaff has been able to grant more than $250,000 back to Northern Arizona environmental education and conservation organizations, which is super meaningful to me,” said Lisa. “Without our loyal, longtime customer support, none of that giving would be possible.”

Mountain Sports’ 50th anniversary activities include honoring local artists during First Friday ArtWalks, participating and supporting the Flagstaff Star Party, Sept. 21-23, hosting a Trail to Tavern guided hike and pint night with The Arboretum on Thursday, Sept. 28 and hosting a free grand celebration open to past and present employees as well as community members and partners at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff. The Friday, Nov. 3 celebration will include raffles benefiting the 1% for the Planet partnering organizations, stories of 50 years in retail, a slideshow of past employees and locations, photo booth and more. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

For more about upcoming Mountain Sports Flagstaff activities, visit https://www.mountainsportsflagstaff. com.  Hear from Lisa Lamberson on Zonie Living at www.starworldwidenetworks.com

Photo courtesy of Kristen Carnes: Mountain Sports co-founder Mark Lamberson and his daughter, owner Lisa Lamberson, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the family owned and operated specialty outdoor retailer that has grown up with Northern Arizona, reflecting the values of its outdoor adventure-oriented customers. 

Maui: An Island in Pain

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Small businesses struggle to recover from ‘horrific tragedy’.

Reeling from what have been called the deadliest fires in the last century of U.S. history, residents across Maui are hurting. More than 100 people are dead. Hundreds are said to be missing. Survivors say they are in shock. Some weep for a loss that has left many homeless, traumatized and desperately sad. For small businesses that have created the Aloha Spirit for visitors from around the world, the future is uncertain.

Summer Teixeira, who owns and operates Surf Yoga Maui, has struggled for words to describe the fire that devastated Lahaina Town on the island’s west coast, and the Upcountry Fire that ravaged the Kula community on the slope of the island’s Haleakalā Volcano, where she lives.

“The main word I can think to use is ‘apocalyptic,’” she said. “We are all really traumatized and sad. We cannot even fathom that our experience upcountry was happening at the same time as Lahaina Town got wiped out and that we are all a part of a horrific tragedy with so much loss that happened so fast.”

In the afternoon of Aug. 8, the Upcountry Fire came from behind the community of Kula. Eddy Teixeira and neighbors began spraying the roof of their homes with garden hoses as the fast-moving firestorm approached. In those tense moments, it was decided Summer should leave with their dog, and her husband, Eddie, would soon follow.

“We had no warning and I had to depart and evacuate with the doggie, leaving my husband in the flames because they wanted to stay and help with the fires and save the houses. He said he would be right behind us and then never came.”

As cell service failed and phone batteries died, the two lost contact with each other and didn’t reunite until the next day.

“While our experience was scary, our story is one of the fortunate ones,” said Summer. “The stories of our friends, neighbors and community are heartbreaking. We are just grateful to be alive and have a home.”

Six days after the inferno swept through Kula, Summer reported the danger wasn’t over. “I am up at 3 a.m. because of the smell of smoke. The flare-ups all around us are still occurring – from behind, to the side and in front of us. The ground is so hot and the hot rocks and roots start new fires. Neighbors are all on watch constantly and communicating with each other. The way we saw the other day go from smoke to a sweeping blazing fire rushing through, we are all super on edge and hyper-alert.”

About 20 miles away in Lahaina, many lost their businesses and their homes. “The town I called home for 16 years is gone,” said Surf Dog Maui owner Donny Travaglia. “The old neighbors and friends I have been able to reach have lost their homes. I don’t know what to do about the future of my business right now because there are so many unknowns. Just taking it day by day, trying to help anyone who needs it.”

Reports estimate it will cost more than $5.5 billion for Maui to recover. Without tourists in the foreseeable future, owners believe their small businesses will struggle. Many likely won’t come back.

Among those coming to Maui’s aid, news reports say Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who owns a house on Maui, and his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, have pledged $100 million to help the island recover. Oprah Winfrey, also a Maui resident, reportedly paid for support to help evacuees.

In Arizona, Scottsdale-based golf equipment and apparel company PXG announced a $1 million donation to Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster relief organization.

“Team Rubicon quickly coordinates and deploys trained military veterans, first responders and civilians as volunteers for disaster relief efforts,” PXG founder and CEO Bob Parsons stated. “We have witnessed the dedicated volunteers who make up its ranks fall in to embrace and empower devastated communities. Today, we look to bolster their efforts in Maui and help their boots on the ground to do what they do best.”

Cash donations are what residents say they need most, which can be sent directly to individual businesses and also to organizations such as HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org/maui-strong and MauiUnitedWay.org.

“Every donation brings tears to our eyes,” said Summer.

Meanwhile, in the midst of ashes and epic losses, words of hope and gratitude can be found. While standing on a dock in Maui loading supplies for the people of Lahaina, Maui physical therapist Dr. Amanda Eller sent this text, “There are so many people helping. The kindness of humanity and the community pulling together on this island is awe-inspiring.” QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

For more, visit “Maui: An Island in Pain” on Zonie Living at https://starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/maui-an-island-in-pain-how-we-can-help-video.

Photos courtesy of Summer Teixeira:  The Upcountry Fire burned without warning through the community of Kula on the western slope of Haleakalā Volcano. 

Ned Ledoux, RaeLynn  Headlining at Big Sting Country Music Festival

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Festival and campout to support first responder health.

With the risk of a heart attack for first responders 300% higher than the average person, organizers of the Big Sting country music festival and campout are hoping to raise $200,000 so they can continue to support health screenings and patients in need through money raised at the 9th annual event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14 at Watson Lake.

“We invite everyone to come on out, bring your RV, pitch a tent and enjoy the natural beauty while listening to your favorite country tunes,” said founder and organizer Vicki Burton. “We’ll have multiple stages and activities for all ages.”

The event features a flag ceremony at 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Country music singer Teddy Robb is opening for Ned Ledoux Friday night. Shari Rowe will sing the national anthem on Saturday, followed by John King opening for RaeLynn Saturday night. The event opens to campers Thursday, Oct. 12.

The Big Sting is a fundraising event benefitting the Shadow Foundation, a non-profit organization that has provided free health screenings for thousands of Arizona firefighters and police officers and helped more than 500 Northern Arizona families and individuals with financial support in times of sickness.

“We do this because they do so much for us,” said Burton. “I don’t think most of us realize what they go through on a day-to-day basis taking care of our communities. A simple call for an officer could lead to his death.”

She says advanced screening, which costs more than $200, can detect heart conditions in high-risk populations that may otherwise go undetected.

Burton expects about 4,000 people at this year’s event. “It gets better every year because we are bringing more to it. Bucky’s Casino is partnering with Majestic Marketplace to sponsor the VIP tent. Ticket holders will have access to blackjack tables and we’ll have a blackjack tournament both days from 3 to 6 p.m. In addition, Chef Reuban Stoller of Flagstaff’s Lumberyard Brewing Co. and Beaver Street Brewery will be creating an amazing dinner!”

Also new this year, Dos Equis XX is sponsoring a 30’ x 60’ tent open to all ticket holders. After parties will follow the headliners each night with special guests on stage in the Dos Equis tent.

Burton recommends that festival goers bring lawn chairs, blankets and layers of clothing. “We expect it to be beautiful during the day and chilly at night.”

General admission weekend passes are $80 per person; tickets per day for Friday or Saturday are $45. Discounted passes are available for first responders, those in the military and veterans. Kids 12 and under get in free. For more information, visit thebigsting.com QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Quad Cities Business News supports the effort as an event sponsor. For more information, visit thebigsting.com.

Courtesy Photo: Country music singers perform on multiple stages throughout the weekend. 

ATHENA Leadership Qualities on Display in the Quad Cities

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It’s an honor to inspire and empower others by showing them that their dreams are achievable.

Learning constantly, acting courageously and living authentically are among the key principles found in the way women lead, according to the ATHENA Leadership Model. These qualities are on display in the Quad Cities among women in leadership, such as Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine, Prescott College President Dr. Barbara Morris and Prescott Chamber of Commerce President Sheri Heiney.

Learning Constantly

Lisa Rhine, Ph.D., is not proud of her upbringing. “It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was painful,” she said. “I grew up in an impoverished home where the only thing that was consistent was chaos.” Her father, a single parent of six who left school after 8th grade, worked three jobs to feed the family. When he wasn’t successful, young Lisa and her siblings were shuttled around to foster care.

“I knew, even at a young age, somehow, that education was the thing that would lift me out of this mess and be the lever that would catapult me out of challenging, even dire, circumstances and change not only my fate, but the fate of the next generation.”

Rhine was the first in her family to attend college. It wasn’t easy, but she kept pushing through, through her bachelor’s degree, through her master’s degree, and through her doctoral degree. “The adversity you experience in your life is actually what builds your leadership ‘muscle.’ In my experience as a senior leader in academia at colleges and universities, I have learned that a key aspect to leadership success is resilience. Resilience develops as we adapt, bounce back and maintain a positive mindset and a high level of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.”

Acting Courageously

From a very tender age, Barbara Morris always wanted the same opportunities as the boys. As a young teen, she determined she wanted to be President of the United States. “This was an outrageous thought in the ’70s,” she said, “but I read a famous book at the time by C. Wright Mills called ‘The Power Elite’ that said for those to excel in leadership they had to have three aspects in their career: politics, business and military.” She set out on her plan at age 14.

“The issue was how to get political, business and military experience as a girl at the time,” she said. Morris pursued a double major in political science and economics at San Diego State University, plus a minor in women’s studies. However, according to her plan, she still needed military experience.

“There was a flier stating the Air Force was looking for the first six women pilots, so I decided to apply.” After 18 months of boot camp, she was among the first group of women to be in oxygen deprivation tanks and was accepted into the program. Morris was on the flight path of her dreams. Then, unexpected turbulence. Sixteen years later, she found herself mustering the courage to leave a difficult relationship with three kids, no money and no job prospects.

Living Authentically

From an early age, Sheri Heiney learned that success often lies beyond the familiar and comfortable. “As a woman stepping into leadership roles, I encountered unfamiliar territory, where stereotypes and biases tried to undermine my capabilities. However, I embraced these challenges, turning them into opportunities for growth.”

Heiney studied hospitality management, earned her real estate license, Learned about  insurance licensing and pursued other specialty areas. “I wanted to understand more things and how they blended together.”

She then embraced leadership in a big way in Rochester, Michigan, as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, an area comparable in size to the entire Quad Cities.

“I am deeply aware of the impact my actions have on those around me, especially young women aspiring to leadership roles. It’s an honor to inspire and empower others by showing them that their dreams are achievable. Authenticity, resilience and empathy are crucial traits that can leave a lasting impression on the next generation of leaders.”

Being true to herself, Heiney listens to her heart. “I’ve always wanted to have my own business.” Her love for animals explains the rescued donkey and pony in her household, along with the lively lab puppy she has in therapy training. Today, she is considering combining these passions.

Find out more about how Lisa Rhine, Barbara Morris and Sheri Heiney came to be leading ladies in the Quad Cities and how they created their personal blueprints for success. The three will share their journeys on the Women in Leadership Panel at the Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards, starting at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24. For tickets, go to www.PrescottAthena.com. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

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