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Construction Underway on Babbitt Ranch Energy Center North of Flagstaff

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NextEra, SRP, Babbitt Ranches, Arizona State Land Department collaborating on wind power project for renewable energy future.

With a passion to move the state forward with renewable energy while protecting open space, creating jobs, boosting the Northern Arizona economy and planning for generations of Arizonans to come, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, SRP, Babbitt Ranches and the Arizona State Land Department have announced that construction is underway for the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center. The 161-megawatt (MW) wind project, featuring 50 wind turbines across 669 acres on the CO Bar Ranch about 25 miles north of Flagstaff, is scheduled to begin delivering clean energy to SRP customers by early 2024.

“In our efforts to support the delivery of renewable energy, we acknowledge the terrific and wonderful participation of so many businesses and government entities involved in the process to make this happen,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. “We appreciate the valuable input from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona State Land Department, Coconino County and everyone involved in the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community for the benefit of future generations.”

A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources will build, own and operate the project, expected to generate enough power to support nearly 40,000 average-sized homes annually during the next 30 years and bring about $9.5 million in tax revenue to the region. The construction phase will provide a significant economic boost to Coconino County and the state, creating up to 250 construction jobs and stimulating the purchase of regional goods and services from local vendors.

“This wind energy project will generate low-cost, homegrown energy and provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Coconino County over the life of the project,” said JD Rulien, director of development at NextEra Energy Resources. “We are pleased to work with SRP, Babbitt Ranches and the Arizona State Land Department on Arizona’s newest wind energy center.”

“SRP is proud of the diversity of our resource mix, especially among our growing portfolio of zero-carbon, clean energy resources,” said SRP Resource Planning Director Grant Smedley. “Utility-scale wind power at Babbitt Ranch Energy Center will complement solar resources by providing energy during evening and nighttime hours when solar energy is not available.”

Babbitt Ranches, one of the West’s longest running ranching operations, has been exploring renewable energy viability in Northern Arizona since 2005, measuring wind speeds and conducting solar power evaluations. In 2010, the land company signed agreements with NextEra, the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage, to explore locations on the ranch. A decade of environmental studies followed. The project proved to be viable and operational in the timeframe needed to help meet SRP’s growing customer demand by 2024.

The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center will co-exist with current land uses, including conservation projects, ranching, scientific research and recreation.

“Our relatives believed in a land-use ethic from the beginning, a forged ethic that continues to be at the heart of the Babbitt family and the family business owners’ decisions regarding Babbitt Ranches operations,” said Cordasco, a fourth generation Babbitt. “We are thrilled to be combining forces with others who share a strong commitment to the land, the environment and the future as we work together to generate renewable energy for generations to come.”

SRP was the first utility in Arizona to add wind power to its energy resource mix and continues to receive all energy output from the 127-MW Dry Lake Wind Power Project in Northeastern Arizona, the first large-scale wind power facility in the state. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Photo courtesy of Chad de Alva of LightForce Media: Babbitt Ranches became part of Arizona’s agriculture industry with 860 head of cattle 137 years ago and remains one of the West’s longest-running ranching operations. It began exploring Northern Arizona’s renewable energy viability in 2005. Today, it is the site of diverse and co-existing efforts, including renewable energy generation, landscape-scale conservation, recreation and space exploration, along with ranching. 

Hilton Garden Standing Out Among Hotel Chain Properties

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Sam’s Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn overlooks the splash pad. Nachos, wings and small plates are offered there.

It’s only been open for a few years, but Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Prescott is already earning national attention. The property is one of seven hotels out of 800, and the only one in Arizona, to win the international 2022 Conrad Achievement Award from the renowned hotel chain.

“It is quite an honor to achieve this award,” said General Manager Marci Hurlbert, who oversees five hotels, with two in Flagstaff, two in Show Low and the Hilton Garden Inn.

She says the recognition came because of the team, including Assistant General Manager Jenniffer Mangus, Maintenance Supervisor Josh Hargan, Housekeeping Manager Margaret Strutz, Culinary Manager Rachel Agan, Banquet Manager Hillary Hofstetter and Front Desk Manager Alex Torget.

The award measures guest satisfaction and the overall guest experience. It is based on guest evaluations and inspections by a Hilton inspector once or twice a year. Hurlbert said these are random so that the hotels cannot prepare or in any way impact the scores. The ratings include many areas such as cleanliness, upkeep of the facility and friendliness of the staff.

“We’re still replacing things on an ongoing basis,” Hurlbert said about Hilton Garden Inn, which opened in 2020.

Hilton Garden Inn receives weekly score updates, which identify where they can improve. “We want to see how we can make it better for our guests,” Hurlbert said. “They might want better lighting or different types of pillows.”

Hilton hotels became pet-friendly this year. That means not only allowing pets in the hotel, but letting pet owners know where the nearest vet is located, where they can get supplies and where there’s a pet-friendly park. “We want to make their stay amazing,” she said, adding that one customer described the customer service as “perfection” and that is what they strive to do for each customer.

Hurlbert said people love to come to Prescott because of its small-town charm and pioneering history. On the hotel campus is The Event Center at Sam Hill Warehouse, a historic 4,800-square-foot building, popular for wedding receptions, corporate gatherings and banquets.

Triple Creek Kitchen and Spirit is the main restaurant, which offers American fare, comfort food and regional favorites like burritos. Fresh fruit and salads are also available. “It’s an independent concept restaurant,” she said. “It’s not like any other Hilton restaurant.”

Sam’s Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn overlooks the splash pad. Nachos, wings and small plates are offered there.

Hurlbert was hired to open the property in 2020 as she inspected the 101 rooms and overlooked the hiring, training and marketing aspects of the new hotel. She said all of the staff members live in Prescott, as the company focused on hiring locally.

Hurlbert has worked for Hilton for about 20 years. Her family moved here in the 1970s and she is a graduate of Prescott High School. “Prescott is a great place to be.” QCBN

By Ray Newton and Stan Bindell, QCBN

Photo by Kay Lyons: Hilton Garden Inn General Manager Marci Hurlbert says she and her team are focused on the guest experience. 

Chino Valley Applauds Outstanding Individuals, Businesses, Organizations

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The Hall of Fame Award went to Essence Kitchen and Bar for their spirit of volunteerism in the school district and with people in need and veterans.

About 70 business owners and community members attended the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Recognition Awards ceremony Friday, March 31, at the Prescott Centennial Center.

The Business Recognition Award, also known as the BRA award, went to Tom Payne and Wendy McManigal of Tom’s Print and Sign. The Hall of Fame Award went to Julia Ammons of Essence Kitchen and Bar. The Community Service Award went to Sandy Jones of Chino Valley United Methodist Church, and the Business Excellence Award went to Tre Soria of Prescott Roots Landscaping and Design.

The event also honored outgoing Chino Valley Chamber CEO Lorette Stewart, who resigned to take another job.

Until a permanent replacement is hired, Sheri Heiney, president and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, has stepped in to offer not only her 20-plus years of personal expertise in chamber operations, but her team to assist CV Chamber of Commerce in managing membership files, financial analysis, short-term and long-term financial planning, bylaws adherence and board development.

In addition, John Courtis, the retired executive director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, has offered to serve as interim volunteer director. Courtis will be the face of the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce while they seek out Stewart’s replacement.

Heart Dance Records artist Darin Mahoney, a Chino Valley resident, performed live music with his guitar and vocals during the buffet dinner awards ceremony.

Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Max Bledsoe recognized community champion sponsors, including the town of Chino Valley. Vice Mayor Eric Granillo accepted the recognition for the town. Granillo thanked Stewart for her six years of work with the chamber. He also praised the overall business community. “This town has some of the best businesses,” he said.

Matt Santos, public information officer for the CV Chamber of Commerce, served as emcee. “There are so many businesses that do so much for our town,” he said, citing scholarships for students as one example. He urged everyone to shop local and join the chamber.

Jones said the CV United Methodist Church has been a member of the chamber for more than 30 years. CVUMC makes monthly donations to Chino Valley organizations. She highlighted the many good organizations in the community, including Horses with Heart and Yavapai Transit.

Soria with Prescott Roots Landscape received the Business Excellence Award for the company’s commitment to customer service and community involvement. Soria, who was born and raised in Chino Valley, praised his work crew for earning the award. He said the community inspired him to go into business.

Tom Payne and his sister, Wendy McManigal, with Tom’s Print and Sign are well known in the community after being here for 31 years. “Thank you for your years of commitment. Your work is remembered and appreciated,” Santos said when presenting them with the award. “You’re known for your years of outstanding work.”

The Hall of Fame Award went to Essence Kitchen and Bar for their spirit of volunteerism in the school district and with people in need and veterans. “This is a real big honor,” Ammons said as she accepted the honor with her 7-year-old grandson, Skyler, joining her at the podium.

Ammons said they have a great team that enables them to be involved in community causes. Essence Kitchen is known for having a lunch for veterans every other month. “It just takes a group of people with ideas,” Ammons said about the need for supporting good causes. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Photo by Stan Bindell: Sandy Jones shares the recognition for Chino Valley United Methodist Church with Kaleigh Stewart, the daughter of outgoing chamber CEO Lorette Stewart. 

Ruby Road Vintage Mall Offers Upcycled Treasures

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Pamela Bridgnell creates space for micro businesses.

Mondays can be quiet in small towns, but for Ruby Road Vintage Mall in Camp Verde, the start of the work week is bustling with business.

Packed with 60 vendor spaces, the store sells a mix of estate treasures, trendy home goods, repurposed furniture, new items and more. The staff at Ruby Road Vintage Mall totals about a dozen people who work part-time.

“Most everyone that works here also sells here and it’s a great advantage for them,” said Ruby Road Vintage Mall Owner Pamela Bridgnell. “They’re running their own little store or micro business without having to deal with the complexities of owning a business. I love the way the products they are selling often reflect their personality.”

Holiday items, greeting cards, jewelry, herbal products and hand-crafted candles also adorn the shelves at Ruby Road Vintage Mall. “One of our newest vendors is selling a cute brand of baby and toddler clothes. I heard a customer squealing with joy because she was so happy to find such an adorable assortment of baby apparel,” she said.

The largest space in the store is the furniture room, with hundreds of used pieces to choose from. “I think it might be the largest collection of furniture in one place in the area,” said Bridgnell.

“Pamela is honestly the superstar of the resale business. She’s always up to something innovative, new and exciting.  I love being a vendor here,” said Sandee Hedgcock.

The 8,000-square-foot store echoes the country character of Camp Verde and lures shoppers from all over Northern Arizona. The front parking lot is also a display area for outdoor furniture and vintage artifacts, serving as a colorful exhibition for passersby.

Insisting that she’s a stickler about quality, all products sold must meet Bridgnell’s standards. “We have Ruby Road values that must be met for every piece. Items sold must operate, drawers work, no holes. I hold our dealers to this commitment and there are times we do reject some items. I’m a tyrant because I want the best to be sold here.”

Pamela and her husband, Paul, came to Camp Verde from Phoenix in 2005, when they purchased a vacation home. “Once we got here, I fell in love with the area. I also had a desire to open a little thrift shop,” she said.

At first, she worked just a few days a week, but then she opened a larger store around the corner, which is where Ruby Road Vintage Mall was born, named after her granddaughter.

Bridgnell says it feels like the store became successful overnight. “I didn’t advertise, I just told people about it, word got out and vendors started renting spaces. Customers liked the concept, and we always seem to have a steady flow of business.”

“It’s really fun to look around, plus it’s clean, and it doesn’t have that musky odor that some resale shops have,” said local artist Sheri Morris. “They also stock a wide variety of items like appliances, household goods and lots of new inventory. We always find pieces of furniture that fit a certain niche in our home. Recently, we purchased a huge chest for our patio for $100. It holds everything that we use outside.”

Bridgnell travels weekly from her home in Phoenix to transport used furniture. “I bring up a 20-foot cargo trailer full of used furniture almost every week. It’s crazy how it sells and how hard it is to keep up with the demand.”

“The way the store has continuously evolved over time is all due to Pamela’s dedication and success,” said Ruby Road Vintage Mall Store Manager Nicole Sornprasitti. “She’s created a great environment and she’s a wonderful boss and a caring mentor who is always open to new ideas and strategies.”

Married for 41 years, the Bridgnells have two married children and five grandchildren. “We have a jeep and love four-wheeling, rock crawling in Sedona, and we also like to hike and travel.” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Ruby Road Vintage Mall is located at 851 E. Howards Road in Camp Verde. For more information, call 928-567-5759 or visit www.rubyroadresale.com.

Renee Rosales is a Champion for Neurodiverse Learners

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Theara founder offers brain-training exercises, coaching.

Maintaining the vision that “anything is possible with the right amount of education and determination,” Theara Founder and CEO Renee Rosales has set out to build a better way for the neurodiverse (ND).

“Neurodiversity is the belief that neurological disabilities and differences are not the result of faulty biology but rather the result of natural neurological variation,” Rosales said. “Conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, Tourette’s, giftedness and dyscalculia fall under the ND umbrella.”

As co-founder of two of the first virtual schools in Arizona, Marana Distance Learning K12 and Northern Arizona Distance Learning, and with a 25-year career in public education, Rosales has developed Theara, providing online training and coaching programs using simple brain-training exercises.

According to Rosales, about 15% to 22% of the global population could be considered neurodiverse.

Her passion for the Neurodiversity Movement is very personal, as she has ADHD. “I am determined to eradicate the negative stigma and wear my ADHD identity like a badge of honor.”

In addition, two of Rosales’ children are neuro-distinct, with ADHD and dyslexia. “My second son was diagnosed with a very complex ND profile. He had very few intelligible words until he was almost 4 years old. Our journey was very challenging and I decided to use my experience to light the way for others navigating the same journey.”

When contemplating the name for her business, Rosales said the word “Ara” kept coming to mind. “Turned out the name Ara meant ‘a table of offerings.’ I left a well-established career to bring all my best to the table to offer to others.”

Her support options for the neurodiverse include Cognitive Coaching, ND Advocacy, DEI Consulting and the Theara Academy. “Theara Academy provides online education options that provide individuals the roadmap I didn’t have: Know the Way at Home, which helps families just beginning their ND journey, Know the Way at School, for educators and parents, Know the Way at Work, for employers and employees and EMERGE ND for Neurodivergents seeking to better manage, embrace and share their ND identity,” she said.

Acronyms, including JOY, BRIDGE, RESET, CONNECT and REACH, are used as brain training tools to help ND people build connections and improve personal development.

Avondale Registered Nurse, wife and mother Lisa Diggs, who is ADHD, bi-polar and OCD, has been coached by Rosales for more than two years on a bi-weekly routine. “Renee has been an amazing resource and her tools have helped me maintain and stabilize my mind on everything I have going on,” she said.  “I learn very well with the Theara acronyms and especially like JOY. My husband noticed how this has helped me and he is now listening to our Zoom meetings as well.” Along with ND, Diggs is also battling cancer and going through chemotherapy.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Rosales met her husband, Flagstaff Foot Doctors owner, Dr. Anthony Rosales, D.P.M., in Cleveland, Ohio. “Anthony was placed for his residency in Tucson, so we moved out West. I started my master’s at University of Arizona (UA) and completed it in Flagstaff in 2005. I also worked at Flagstaff High School and established the Mesa Distance Learning program there, as well as teaching English.”

Leaving her career in education and developing Theara was a personal process for Rosales. When contemplating the name for her business, Rosales said the word “Ara” kept coming to mind. She discovered “Ara” meant a table of offerings. “I left a well-established career to bring all my best to the table to offer to others. I chose to leave the comfort of a secure career with the goal of helping people through the challenges of ND. Theara is the culmination of all I have learned along the way.”

Theara Chief Operating Officer Wanda Tompkins left a 30-plus year career in retail to join Rosales on the Theara team. “I’ve never worked with my best friend before and it’s been great. Learning the acronyms is not just for ND individuals. It really helps anyone with better communication, better awareness and helps to refocus on where we need to be. It’s a huge positive in my life. I like to think of it as learning a new language.”

“Wanda and I have done collaborative work together and she has incredible skills in management and business operation. I wanted a team member who could bring those pieces into the operation,” said Rosales.

Theara’s Masterclass is a monthly live online coaching session where members can speak directly with Renee and other ND parents. “Our Masterclass is a group of families across the world who connect and can help each other navigate their journey. They build lasting relationships and find practical advice on strategies, situational management techniques, learning how to effectively communicate and other valuable support,” said Rosales.

Ronin Media Network Chief Revenue Officer Jason Rhude has been involved with the Masterclass for more than a year. “I’ve been taking her classes to better understand how to interact with people with ND in order to make a more cohesive work environment and understand how to identify and utilize these skills so people can thrive,” said Rhude. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: With ADHD herself and two neurodiverse children, Renee Rosales is passionate about eradicating the stigma associated with neurodiverse conditions. 

Roots and Boots Music Camp Inspired by Pickin’ in the Pines

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June event promotes jamming and harmonizing under the stars.

Bluegrass is on fire, says Flagstaff Roots and Boots Music Camp founder Julie Sullivan, and it’s lighting up the nation. “Everyone wants to know how to play it. It’s very accessible and people can identify with the music and the instruments. We’ll hear, ‘I have a banjo that was my dad’s.’ Or, they play guitar and plunk around at home. What I’ve found is almost everyone who has an instrument wants to play, sing and work out songs with other people to create that communal, tribal quality. That’s what I focus on.”

Sullivan is one of the founders of the hugely popular Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival that attracts about 3,500 people and rocks Fort Tuthill for three days every September. “What makes it different from a rock concert is that people want to camp and play their instruments here. Jamming after bluegrass festivals into the wee hours is unique to this genre, having fun, singing to the stars.”

And that’s her inspiration for the Flagstaff Roots and Boots Music Camp, a four-day event for adults devoted to the study and enjoyment of bluegrass, acoustic folk and blues, scheduled for June 7-11 at Camp Colton on the San Francisco Peaks. Besides immersion classes with seasoned musician instructors from around the region, participants learn “the etiquette of jamming,” she said. “People learn how to play with an ensemble. We emphasize singing harmonies, too, which is so prevalent in bluegrass and folk music.”

Sullivan learned to play guitar when she was 14. She also sings and plays lead and backup acoustic guitar in her Roots and Boots band. She teaches others to play by ear, which is how she learned and how she continues to play. “That’s how bluegrass is played. It’s an oral tradition. Songs are passed along among people.”

As a young adult, Sullivan moved to Berkeley, California, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after college as an art student and fledgling guitar player. “I was really embracing my own musicality. I started working at a famous coffeehouse, The Freight & Salvage, and I was exposed to so many great bluegrass and folk legends there: Doc Watson, David Grisman, Tony Rice, Kate Wolf, Maria Muldar, Laurie Lewis. They were so welcoming and it was really through this folk and bluegrass form of music that I went on to perform and play it with other people. I loved it. It really resonated with me. And I could go anywhere in the world and find people to play with. It’s a universal language.”

Sullivan calls the music and the way it brings people together “uplifting.” After observing what an impact Pickin’ in the Pines had on audiences, she felt compelled to start the Flagstaff Roots and Boots Music Camp. “You can see they just really want to learn the music. So, I started thinking about a camp. Why shouldn’t we have a premier camp for adults to learn to play bluegrass and acoustic folk music?’”

The music camp was started in 2019 at Arizona Nordic Village, but the pandemic and forest closures derailed the camp in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, threat of wildfire closed the Nordic Village so, with just a few days before the start date, Sullivan reached out to Camp Colton. “It was available and perfect!”

She expects to fill the camp with 40 participants this year with a mix of locals, Arizonans and musicians from neighboring states. Eleven accomplished instructors will teach guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin and singing.

“The camp offers daily immersion courses in many instruments and lots of fun electives, including sound craft, where students can practice performing and expand their knowledge of sound systems,” said Sullivan.

New this year, is an intensive vocal master class with Chris Sanders of The Hard Road Trio. “I’ll be helping people get the most out of their voices and bringing their music forward by singing and playing with the instrument that they like to be accompanied by,” said Sanders, a longtime Las Cruces, New Mexico musician, grounded in classical and choral music. “Every camp is its own community. We get to share this wonderful experience of making music with others in a safe and fun place to grow.”

The evenings, says Sullivan, are magical, with musicians playing, voices harmonizing and talent igniting around the campfire. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

To sign up or for more information, visit https://rootsandbootsmusiccamp.com/about/

Photo courtesy of Dawn Kish: Julie Sullivan, captured here playing the guitar, founded the Flagstaff Roots and Boots Music Camp. She is also an art director and graphic designer in Flagstaff, with her business Shine Creative Industries. 

Celestial Gala Honored Jim and Linda Lee, Celebrated Planetarium

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“It was a really nice event, a great evening,” said Bobinsky.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott celebrated the five-year anniversary of the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium while honoring ERAU patrons, the Lees, at a Spring Celestial Gala that raised more than $70,000 to support the facility and STEM programming.

The Lees have been strong contributors to the success of the Quad Cities area for decades in a number of ways through charitable donations and business endeavors. They have donated to many community organizations and have impacted the area’s economic growth through upscale residential and commercial developments. The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium, the only Arizona planetarium north of Phoenix, is one of their most visible contributions.

“The Planetarium has created a wonderful venue to bring not only our own students, but also high school, middle school and elementary students here to see what a STEM education can provide,” said ERAU Executive Director of Philanthropy Steve Bobinsky. “It also encourages Quad Cities residents to venture onto our campus, engage with faculty and students and see that we’re not just a flight school. We also offer incredible STEM-related majors such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, cybersecurity, gaming and simulation.”

A live auction at the gala offered bidders unique opportunities such as a private event in the planetarium for 100 guests; a 60-minute flight in an ERAU Cessna 172S NAV III aircraft; a European culinary tour for eight people at the home of ERAU Chancellor Dr. Anette Karlsson and her husband, Dr. Rick Lehman, compliments of chef and restaurateur Barry Barbe; and a four-day live-flight experience for a parent and student.

Bobinsky said $33,000 was raised through the live auction and an additional $40,000 gift was received to support the expansion of the planetarium’s show catalog and technological capabilities provided for the public as well as STEM outreach educational opportunities.

More than 100 people attended the gala and were treated to an evening of images and discovery from the James Webb Space Telescope, set to a London Symphony Orchestra recording of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, created by Planetarium Director Eric Edelman.

“It was a really nice event, a great evening,” said Bobinsky. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: ERAU President Dr. P. Barry Butler and ERAU Prescott Chancellor Dr. Anette Karlsson honored Jim and Linda Lee (center) and thanked them for their involvement with the planetarium. 

Bombas Gives Socks to Young Ones through Tennies for Tots

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“She saw a need and did what it took, almost single-handedly, to fill it. That kind of volunteerism is rare, but the reward fills you beyond measure.”

Paula Sedillo Wise and the volunteers for the non-profit she started, Tennies for Tots, were more than thrilled when they learned they would be partnering with Bombas, a sock and T-shirt company, and their One Purchased=One Donated program. They are sending her 3,000 pairs of children’s socks to add to the new shoes, books and book bags she provides to children 5 years old and younger who are part of families who live in poverty throughout Northern and Central Arizona. As she put it with a smile, “It knocked my socks off!”

Bombas donates one item of clothing for every item they sell. Currently, the company has more than 3,500 partners distributing those gifts throughout the United States. To date, Bombas has donated 75 million pieces of clothing to programs that serve those in need. Of the clothing they donate, socks, underwear and T-shirts are the top three most requested items at shelters. “We are honored to be a part of this amazing and one-of-a-kind program,” said Wise.

Paula started Tennies for Tots in 2018, after attending a back-to-school event in Prescott, where she learned that there where programs in place to help school-aged children with school clothes and supplies but they were not available for younger children. Although she works full time, she decided she was going to fill that need. She started with a couple of the Head Start Programs in Flagstaff. Slowly, she expanded, and now serves nearly 40 Head Start programs in four different counties in Arizona and more than 3,000 children every year, including those in Williams, Flagstaff, Page, the Navajo Nation, Winslow and the White Mountains. For many of these children, they are the first new shoes they have ever had.

Last year was a difficult year for Tennies for Tots, Wise reports. She and the volunteers had always shopped discount bins and store closings to buy shoes and socks that they gave away. This held the cost to under $10 per child. But with inflation and supply chain problems, her sources dried up. As a result, the cost per child rose by almost 50%. “But thanks to some new ideas and help from Bill and Barbara Packard and their ‘Going Full Circle’ books, we found a way to get everyone outfitted,” she said.

“Making a difference is all about a commitment to a cause,” said Bill. “She saw a need and did what it took, almost single-handedly, to fill it. That kind of volunteerism is rare, but the reward fills you beyond measure.”

Sara Presler, former mayor of Flagstaff, introduced Wise to the Packards about four years ago. They helped her create the non-profit and fill out grant applications. Hence, donations doubled from 2021 to 2022.

“We were amazed how this single mother who worked full-time had found the time and resources to help all these children,” said Bill. “We recognized the same drive in her that lead us to open Full Circle Trade and Thrift and our Pantry.”

As word has gotten out, Wise says requests for help from families have increased as well. “We are always looking for more help, so if you or a group you belong to would like to help financially or to volunteer, buying, sorting and distributing, we sure could use the help.”

For more information, visit www.tenniesfortots.org. The State of Arizona recognized Tennies for Tots as a Qualifying Tax Credit Organization in 2022. That means a single person may donate $400 or couples may donate $800 to deduct the full amount from their state income tax bill. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Paula Sedillo Wise is joyfully overwhelmed by the gift of 3,000 socks to support her non-profit, Tennies for Tots.

Quad Cities Solar Co-op Surpassing Membership Goal 

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“It’s thrilling to see so much immediate interest in local solar from the community,” said  SUN Arizona Program Director Adrian Keller.

The Quad Cities Solar Co-op launched on March 15, and has quickly blown past its membership goal of 50 residents. The solar co-op, a group formed to help residents go solar, just announced a new goal of 100 members.

The solar co-op, organized by non-profit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN), is free to join and open to homeowners and small business owners in the Quad Cities region. This includes residents in and around Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt.

On Wednesday, March 22, SUN Arizona Program Director Adrian Keller and local partners hosted a Solar 101 presentation at the Prescott Public Library to talk to residents about solar and explain how going through the co-op works. More than 60 residents from across Yavapai County attended the event.

“It’s thrilling to see so much immediate interest in local solar from the community,” said  SUN Arizona Program Director Adrian Keller. “We know that the process and considerations can be complicated, so it was great to see so many folks come out to the event and get their questions answered.”

Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive price and top quality. Solar United Neighbors has run solar co-ops across the state, ranging from 50 to 200 members, but this is the first one for Quad Cities area residents.

With so much initial interest, SUN has already put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for solar installers to bid on the co-op. After collecting bids, SUN will facilitate a meeting for co-op members to select a single solar company to serve the group. Members are not obligated to purchase solar. Instead, they will have the option to individually purchase panels based on the selected installer’s group rate. SUN remains vendor-neutral through the selection process.

With the federal passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, co-op members will also have the opportunity to use the solar tax credit for residential solar. The residential solar tax credit saves homeowners 30% on the full cost of a solar installation. A similar tax credit is also available to small businesses, who are invited to take part in the co-op.

The solar co-op will also help participants consider battery storage, which, paired with solar, helps bolster the grid during extreme weather events like last summer’s monsoons. Thanks to the IRA, homeowners can take a 30% tax credit for battery storage for the next 10 years. The new legislation also makes it possible to receive the tax credit for stand-alone storage, no solar needed.

Partnering on the solar co-op are: Yavapai Climate Change Coalition, Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance, Sierra Club Yavapai Group and Interfaith Climate Action Team.

SUN has hosted 13 solar co-ops in Arizona since 2019. According to the group’s estimates, the 383 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent 3,070 kW of solar power, $9 million in local solar spending and more than 89 million pounds of lifetime carbon offsets.

Individuals interested in going solar can learn more and sign up for the co-op at solarunitedneighbors.org/quadcities. QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Solar United Neighbors (SUN) hosts Solar 101 presentations for residents. 

Sheltering Animals in Disasters                                                             

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Volunteers practice drills, identify shelter locations.

A record-breaking winter of cold temperatures, snow, rain and flooding in Northern Arizona has provided much-needed precipitation but has also primed grasses and fuels that will burn quickly in a wildfire. The wildfire season is the most recurring threat in Yavapai County, but neighborhoods may also need to be evacuated quickly because of flooding, severe weather or hazardous waste spills.

Disasters never happen at a convenient time and strong emotions of fear and uncertainty can run high when emergencies force humans to evacuate their homes.

Statistics from FEMA show that in emergency evacuations, most people won’t leave home without their animals, but with a plan in place, they will be better prepared to evacuate quickly.

Such evacuations can also be frightening for others in the animal kingdom, including household pets such as cats and dogs. However, until recently, there has been a lack of safe havens for evacuated farm animals, such as horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, rabbits, llamas and alpacas.

Disasters have increased in size and frequency, and as communities grow, more animal owners are affected. Fortunately, Yavapai County is proactive in emergency preparedness. Serving the households of Yavapai County, two dedicated non-profit organizations partner with Emergency Management to provide animal shelter services at no cost to animal owners.

Animal Disaster Services (ADS) provides shelter to pets and small companion animals displaced by evacuations. Large Animal Shelters and Emergency Readiness (LASER) provides a safe haven for barn animals during evacuations, sheltering equines, goats, sheep, poultry, pigs, llamas, alpacas and emus. Both organizations are powered entirely by volunteers and donations; there are no paid positions and no government funding is provided.

This spring, the outreach resources of both LASER and ADS have been merged to create a stronger force in emergency situations to help animals, large and small, in both urban and rural communities.

“In 2023, it’s a kind of renewed partnership between LASER and ADS,” said Cathy Heath, LASER director and secretary. “We’ve always worked alongside each other, because we both deal with animals. This year, we thought it would be good to join our efforts and get the message out about emergency preparedness and about the resources available for animals and our offer to make presentations to communities to help inform them.”

The two non-profits are members of the Yavapai County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), which is comprised of more than 20 organizations that may be activated to help people affected by disaster.

With similar missions, ADS and LASER address not only animal needs during a disaster, but also the safety of neighbors as well. They have teamed up to make community presentations about the resources they offer to individuals, families and households in the county.

Heath notes that LASER has been activated by Yavapai County officials seven times for local wildfires and has been on standby six times. “The April 2022 Crooks Fire struck early in the year and took everyone by surprise,” she said. “LASER sheltered 29 animals for the evacuated residents of Walker for an unprecedented 14 days. Our communities must always be prepared.”

Heath said the sheltered animals included chickens, turkeys, goats and horses. “There was plenty of food. Olsen’s Grain provides the hay. That’s one of our great community partners.”

It was challenging to prepare for the wildfire season during extreme winter conditions, she said, but efforts have been stepped up in the spring. “It’s been a very wet winter, so LASER held our first drill at the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management on March 29,” Heath said. “The entire intake process was simulated with areas for our greeters and stalls. Some volunteers did role playing as animal owners, arriving at the LASER shelter with virtual animals and a variety of situations. The process was then reviewed in a roundtable discussion with input from everyone who participated.”

There was another session in April, with two more scheduled for May and June.

Volunteers are at the heart of both organizations, and in LASER alone, there are currently about 60 volunteers.

“We’ve picked up a lot of new volunteers,” Heath noted. “It’s stayed pretty strong. We have a lot of compassionate people here. Everyone pulls together when they are needed.”

Shelters are available at various predetermined locations depending on the locale and movement of disasters. The primary LASER shelter is in Prescott Valley, off Highway 89A, near Arizona Down. There, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors has dedicated a parcel with 190 stalls as a Large Animal Evacuation Shelter and, under a written agreement, LASER will supply and staff it during evacuations.

Also, fundraising events for animal shelters have been effective. “In 2020, in spite of the pandemic, our communities rallied to raise over $40,000 to build a LASER shelter at the Chino Valley Equestrian Park,” Heath said. “This community has recognized this need, and they have always rallied for us. We’ve had great community support.”

Heath is one of six members of the LASER Board of Directors. “We are all very dedicated. What’s great about our board, each of us brings a different experience to the table, so we have a great balance within our board.”

Founded in 1999, ADS has provided shelter to pets displaced by fires and flooding, as well as warming shelters in the winter and cooling shelters in the summers when residents have been impacted by major power outages.

“One of my goals has been to reach out to organizations and work together to inform as many people as possible about pet emergency preparedness,” said ADS President Nancy Stamile. “I’m very happy to say we are achieving this goal. Working with a variety of rescue groups has also given us a better understanding of all the different evacuation needs. We are so proud to be a part of helping families, pets and other organizations in emergencies.”

Most recently, ADS provided two shelters simultaneously, with one in Camp Verde and the other in Black Canyon City, as a result of recent flooding, which impacted multiple communities throughout Yavapai County.

Supply trailers make ADS services mobile, as they are ready to be deployed to predetermined shelter locations within Yavapai County. Shelter locations have been selected based upon availability, accessibility and proximity to potential American Red Cross shelters.

“We always have to be ready,” Heath said. “With the Crook Fire, no one expected a fire that early in the year. They’re saying there’s really no fire season anymore; it could happen anytime.” QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Large Animal Shelters and Emergency Readiness volunteers train for evacuations caused by wildfires, like the 2017 Goodwin Fire, and other disasters, such as recent flooding events.