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Bronze of Prescott Fighter Pilot Being Created for Airport

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“The statue will remind people of the history of Arizona and will promote the city at a nominal cost,” said Goode.

Prescott-based sculptor Bill Nebeker is working on an eight-foot statue of Prescott World War I fighter pilot hero Ernest A. Love, which will be placed at the entry of Prescott Regional Airport, Arizona’s third busiest airport.

The Prescott City Council voted unanimously March 28 to approve $125,000 for Nebeker’s creation. The statue is funded by the Arizona Community Foundation and Friends of the Airport. The statue is expected to be placed there by April 30, 2024.

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode said the statue will be a great addition to the airport, placed in front of the new terminal. The old terminal was built in the 1940s. Prescott Airport was built in 1928 and was the second in Arizona, with Tucson having the first in 1919.

“The statue will remind people of the history of Arizona and will promote the city at a nominal cost,” said Goode. “Bill is a world-renowned sculptor. It’s fortunate that we have someone of his caliber who combines Western art and aviation.”

Nebeker said he was honored that the Art in Public Places Committee selected him. The hardest part, he said, was researching Love so he knew how to authentically portray him in bronze. “Love was an amazing young man.”

Nebeker learned that Love excelled in athletics and academics at Prescott High School. He studied engineering at Stanford for three years and was at the top of his class. He quit during his third year because of his fascination with airplanes. He was sent to flight school in San Diego.

Nebeker also learned that Love wrote home to his parents every week. Nebeker read those letters for his research, which are stored at Sharlot Hall. A book about him, written by a second-generation cousin, is in the Prescott Library.

Love was severely wounded when his plane was shot down over France. He died a few days later. This happened two months before the war ended. Love was considered to be missing in action for several months. Later, his body was buried at Arlington Cemetery.

Nebeker is known nationally for his bronze statue creations. He sculpted the one by the roundabout near Phippen Museum. He has another one on Courthouse Plaza that pays tribute to fallen officers. His statue of early settlers is in Glendale and a statue of a territorial marshal is located at the Arizona Department of Public Safety headquarters in Phoenix. He also makes coffee-table sized bronze statues.

Nebeker started working in a bronze foundry in 1967 and remained there for eight years. He has been an independent artist since that time. His work can be found at Mountain Spirit Gallery on Whiskey Row. It is also online and in galleries throughout the country. QCBN

By Ray Newton and Stan Bindell, QCBN

Photo by Stan Bindell: Bronze sculptor Bill Nebecker displays a lot of love with a miniature and larger-than-life statue of Presoctt World War I fighter pilot Ernest A. Love.

Granite Creek Corridor Project Expected to Be Completed By Summer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

YRMC, Blue Cross Blue Shield Continue to Discuss Insurance Coverage

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Every patient and the quality of their health care matters.

Dignity Health Regional Medical Center and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), have agreed to restart negotiations regarding a dispute between the hospital and the healthcare insurer about reimbursement for certain medical care and surgical treatments.

The issue has left some patients in Yavapai County confused about what this means for their coverage. Emergency services will continue to be covered, but some of the medical services may be considered out of network and would cost patients more money. In some cases, the patients may not be able to afford the extra costs.

Another option is traveling to another Blue Cross Blue Shield provider, but some patients don’t have the capacity to do that.

The two sides have been negotiating since September regarding the amount of increases the hospital wants the insurance group to pay. This impacts the two hospital campuses in Prescott and Prescott Valley. Dignity Health Regional Medical Center is the only full-care hospital in Western Yavapai County.

Patients who have medical appointments can contact BCBSAZ to find out about their coverage.

BCBSAZ Public Relations Specialist Amanda Siedler said that while the insurance provider continues to help members get the care they need, affordability remains a focus as they work to find a middle ground with Dignity Health Regional Medical Center.

“Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, all members in Yavapai County can go to any emergency services because they are always covered regardless of the facility’s network status. Primary care providers at Yavapai Regional Medical Center community clinics remain in network. The YRMC Medical Group Clinic providers have separate agreements and are still in-network,” she said in an issued statement.

Siedler said if a member is facing a life-altering condition or diagnosis, the Clinical Rapid Response Team is ready to help.

“We can move fast to get the member the testing, treatment and care they need,” she said.

Clients can email RapidResponse@azblue.com.‍ BCBSAZ also will help find new in-network providers in the area for future appointments. Members can email MemberHelp@azblue.com.

Sara Patterson, manager of external communications for Dignity Health YRMC, said in an issued statement that for nearly a month, Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has been eager to have BCBSAZ return to the negotiating table and reach a fair agreement on behalf of its members.

“We are pleased that BCBSAZ has agreed to re-engage in negotiation discussions, as both organizations have a responsibility to address this matter professionally, fairly and with a sense of urgency in the best interests of those who are directly impacted,” she stated. “Every patient and the quality of their health care matters. And, every patient should have access to health care that is close to home while also having financial protection from their health insurance plan.”

Patterson said it is their hope to work together toward an equitable contract that will put patients first and allow them to continue providing their full range of healthcare services. “We apologize for the inconvenience this situation has created and sincerely appreciate the community’s patience as we continue to work through this negotiation.” QCBN

By Stan Bindell and Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo by Stan Bindell: While discussions continue about coverage and costs, BCBSAZ officials say all Yavapai County members are covered for emergency services in YRMC community clinics. 

Superhosts Share Tips for Short-Term Rental Success

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  Airbnb designation attracts visitors, increases revenue.

Wendy Chavis designed and built her Prescott home to raise her teenaged daughters. But empty nest syndrome began to emerge when they left home after high school. “Airbnb took the empty nest right out of the house,” declared the Airbnb Superhost.

From her four-bedroom home, guests can see the mountains and are close to the Prescott National Forest. “The online description of my Airbnb talks about plenty of peace and quiet, so it brings in the kind of guest that fits right in,” said Chavis, a residential sales realtor with Weichert, Realtors – CLA. “I get many female solo travelers who are attracted to the description.”

And through their glowing reviews, they attract more visitors to her home. “It seems like a blessing for all who come, so it’s an honor to provide a welcoming space. I anticipate my guests’ needs, like bringing a cup of hot tea to a weary traveler arriving late.”

A Badge of Honor

Every quarter, Airbnb evaluates the hosting performance of the past 12 months for all listings on the host’s account. Hosting performance is measured on various criteria, including response rate, cancelation rate and overall rating. Hosts must maintain a 4.8 rating to earn the Superhost badge.

“The Superhost program was created in 2014 to celebrate and reward the top-rated and most experienced Airbnb hosts,” report Airbnb officials in a news release. “Regardless of what kind of space they list on the platform – from a simple spare room to a sprawling estate – any host can become a Superhost by consistently offering exceptional hospitality. And it pays off.”

Indeed, the typical Superhost earned 64% more than a regular host, according to the Airbnb report.

Airbnb identifies its Superhosts with a special badge in the online marketplace for vacation rentals, indicating to potential guests that their short-term homestays have been reviewed and rated positively by previous lodgers.

Providing Comfort

Superhost Beth Tucker of Flagstaff is an 11-year Airbnb veteran with many repeat guests. “I enjoy meeting the guests,” she said. “I meet them and help them have an experience. I want people to come back and dig the area. It gives me great pleasure to hear, ‘I didn’t know there was so much to do here!’”

Tucker worked and traveled in developing countries for her job before retiring. “I feel I gained insight from those travel experiences and can provide comforts. Everybody travels differently, but being able to anticipate the guest’s needs makes me successful.”

One way she makes guests feel at home is to turn the internet radio onto a station streaming from the guest’s home country. “I had people from the Netherlands come in, so I set the radio to an Amsterdam station. Turns out they were getting homesick, so the radio in their native language really helped. You need to think about what kind of situation your guest is in.”

Creating Experiences

Darryl Brown, who rents out two rooms in his Flagstaff home, also earned the Superhost designation. “I made a separate entrance and closed [the rooms] off from the rest of my home. I had a blast creating the space, furnishing and decorating,” he told Quad Cities Business News. “I tried to make each space beautiful, fun and a different experience from what people have in their own homes.”

Brown says Airbnb success comes from “tangible” and “intangible” elements. “Photography catches people’s eye, but before long, people are booking on your reviews, so reviews have to be high. The feedback I get on my place is that people love the interior design and attention to detail. I have unique furniture, art, quality linens, a comfy bed and a beautiful bathroom. I have good coffee, tea and hot cocoa,” said Brown, who has been an Airbnb host for the past five years.

“I have seen short-term rentals done irresponsibly where large homes are rented out and the guests are loud and disrespectful to the neighborhood,” he added. “An aspect of being a good businessperson means respecting the community you are a part of.”

While earning the Superhost designation can pay off with more bookings, Superhosts like Wendy Chavis say they just feel really good about welcoming and taking care of guests. “I like the idea of maintaining my home and yard for people who are appreciative,” she said. QCBN

By Stacey Wittig, QCBN

Stacey Wittig is a travel journalist based near Flagstaff. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to her website at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.

Photo by Kay Lyons: Airbnb Superhost Wendy Chavis of Prescott enjoys anticipating guests’ needs, providing special touches and making their stay a memorable visit. 

Delayed Justice Center and Jail Near Completion

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Upon completion, Greene said, the public will have an opportunity to tour the new facilities.

The construction on the Yavapai County Justice Center and Jail should be completed this month and the sheriff should be given the key by early summer, according to county officials.

“We’re getting really close,” said David McAtee, public information officer for the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors.

The project, which has been underway since late 2020, is located along Prescott Lake Parkway. After construction is completed, McAtee said they have to go through the punch list to make sure everything is ready. He said the punch list can take a long time because it involves many details.

Polara Health will be housed at the detention center to address inmates’ behavioral health needs. “They will get the attention right there that they need,” said McAtee, noting that the emphasis is to keep people out of jail.

The Yavapai Justice Center and Jail will have two courtrooms, so those arrested can be processed right there. There will be space for two judges and courtroom staff, along with a big kitchen. The jail will have 125 beds for short-term holding. The cafeteria will be able to feed nearly 400 people, with inmates charged $2.99 per meal.

The project is running about six months behind and $1 million over budget because of the construction delays during the pandemic and inflation. It was funded through a $60 million bond and $12 million from the county’s general fund.

Hensel Phelps, with its corporate office in Colorado, is the main contractor, while Kitchell Corp. from Phoenix is coordinating the work on the ground. “They are doing an amazing job considering that prices doubled during the pandemic,” said McAtee.

Kristin Greene, director of public affairs for Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department, said there are three main buildings in the complex.

  • The jail, where inmates are either released or held before being sent to prison.
  • A new courthouse, which replaces the one on Gurley St.
  • A connection center, also known as a reentry center, where community resources will be housed. Concerns such as housing, substance abuse and mental health will be addressed there.

The overall size is 105,524 square feet, with the 73,289-square-foot detention center, the 24,466-square-foot court and the 7,769-square-foot connection center.

Inmates will also be screened for mental health and other issues before they are booked. “Recidivism rates have a lot to do with mental health,” Greene said. “We’re going to look at ways to keep people from coming back to jail,” she said.

Greene said the only jail intake and booking in Prescott now is very small and the old jail is dilapidated. She said the new jail will save time and gas costs by not having to transfer inmates to elsewhere in the area. The new facilities also will move the courthouse out of the busy downtown.

“This will be a lot more efficient from top to bottom,” she said. “I’m extremely excited about the connection center being right there. This is the culmination of a long belief by Sheriff David Rhodes.

Upon completion, Greene said, the public will have an opportunity to tour the new facilities. QCBN

By Stan Bindell and Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo by Patty Newton: Officials say the Yavapai County Justice Center and Jail on Prescott Lake Parkway will save on time and money, with services on site aimed at reducing the number of people returning to jail.  

Cancer Support Community Arizona Offering Free Services Statewide

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“I’ve found lots of support, encouragement, education, hope and many friends,” said Gerda Bubestinger.

When Cancer Support Community Arizona opened its doors in 1999, it was with the goal that no one impacted by cancer – from the newly diagnosed to long-term survivors to caregivers and loved ones – would have to face the disease alone.

The always-free services, which include educational workshops, support groups, resources and referrals, social and healthy lifestyle programs, would help ease the cancer journey by empowering participants, increasing their feelings of hope and connection and ultimately improving their quality of life.

Because Cancer Support Community was based in Phoenix, however, the vast majority of people accessing the non-profit’s programs were in Maricopa County. That’s changed dramatically over the past three years. Part of it was because of the pandemic, which prompted Cancer Support Community Arizona to pivot to streaming all of its programs online.

“There was still a community; it was now meeting on Zoom,” said Cancer Support Community Arizona CEO Debbie DiCarlo. “In fact, we found that attendance grew quite a lot during the pandemic because people throughout the state could now easily take part.”

The online option was so popular that even after Cancer Support Community started hosting in-person events again last year, most programs continue to be offered on Zoom as well.

“I participate virtually so I don’t have to drive a long distance,” said participant Sandy Basse. “My sister, who is one of my caregivers, lives in Washington state and we can participate together virtually. It is such a blessing to have this resource available to us.”

Another part of the non-profit’s expansion to other parts of the state was the opening in October 2021 of Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. In addition to the types of programs offered in Phoenix, the Northern Arizona campus also features a wig salon, the state’s only source of free wigs for cancer patients north of Phoenix.

“The wig salon is for anyone impacted by cancer, they don’t have to be from Flagstaff, they can come in from anywhere to get a free wig,” said Executive Director Cindy Payne. Although the wig salon’s scheduled hours are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Payne said that out-of-towners visiting Flagstaff on other days can schedule an appointment to be fit for a wig any time the office is open.

In the 18 months that Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona has been open, it has reached out beyond the greater Flagstaff area. In-person support groups for patients and caregivers meet in Cottonwood and Sedona, while a Native American support group meets in Tuba City and on Zoom and men across Northern Arizona gather together weekly on Zoom for a Men’s Only support group.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to expand where we can provide these vital services throughout the state,” said Payne. “It’s a matter of having a relationship with an organization in a city or town that’s willing to host us in a central location where people can meet together.”

Whether in person or virtual, all Cancer Support Community programs are evidence-based and evaluated for efficacy in helping cancer patients or loved ones. In any given month, those programs can range from hypnotherapy for pain management, to exercise sessions that help prevent cancer-related fatigue, to workshops discussing how essential oils can help ease the side effects of cancer treatment.

Even the group’s fundraisers are a form of therapeutic support. Take, for example, the inaugural Paws-4-Hope celebration, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 15, at Bushmaster Park in Flagstaff. It was chosen not only because a dog-centered day at the park promises to be fun, said Payne, but because of the proven therapeutic benefits of dogs.

“National Institutes of Health studies show that even small interactions with dogs cause the human brain to produce oxytocin, the ‘cuddle chemical,’” she said. “Oxytocin increases feelings of relaxation and trust and empathy while reducing stress and anxiety. Who doesn’t need more of that?”

For some of the participants, the most important word in the organization’s name is “community” and the knowledge that they will not be alone in their cancer journey.

“I’ve found lots of support, encouragement, education, hope and many friends,” said Gerda Bubestinger. “I’ve attended classes like Strength and Balance, Yoga and Tai Chi on a regular basis since 2015. With the pandemic, Cancer Support Community Arizona generously offered virtual classes, which I’m really thankful for. Now I’m enjoying the classes in the convenience of my home. This saves the environment, and me time and money.” QCBN

By Cindy May, QCBN

To learn more about Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona and its wide range of in-person and virtual programs, visit cscaz.org or call 928-236-2333.

Courtesy Photo: The Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona wig salon is the only source of free wigs for cancer patients north of Phoenix.

Stars Come Out for Sedona International Film Festival

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Jacqueline Bisset honored with Lifetime Achievement Award.

For nine days, Sedona rolled out the red carpet for filmmakers, actors, producers and writers in the 29th Annual Sedona International Film Festival, Feb. 18-26. During the event each year, the Red Rock Country becomes a mini Hollywood of sorts. So, it’s no surprise that residents and visitors found it commonplace last month to share a moment with “One Day at a Time” actor and local Glenn Scarpelli, wait for a ride next to “Taxi” star Judd Hirsch, catch Tim Daly on the fly [Wings], or get deep with Jacqueline Bisset [The Deep].

Bisset attended the screening of her newest film “Loren & Rose,” directed, produced and written by Russell Brown, and received the festival’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, along with a standing ovation.

“Loren & Rose” is a three-act film framed around meals and conversation in a quaint Topanga Canyon restaurant in the Santa Monica Mountains as a friendship buds and blossoms between a fledgling director, Loren, and a famous actress, Rose, whom he courts for a role in his film. The challenge, said Brown, was keeping the dialogue-heavy scenes visually engaging. He used the reflection and angle of mirrors in the restaurant and on the furniture to bring life and interest to the film.

On a similar note, Bisset said, “I was really worried about the amount of words I had to say. Rose was complex and extremely literate.”

Another Bisset film, “The Sleepy Time Gal,” directed by Christopher Munch and released in 2001, was also shown during the festival. “When a role is right, it is like seeing a painting and committing to it,” said Bisset, noting it was her favorite personal film.

“Films come alive in the hands of gifted actors,” said Munch, who attended Bisset’s films at the event and has known her since the 1990s. “It’s a joy to watch her confidence increase through the years, reinforced by some of the attention she’s received. There’s something about growth that comes with age that has strengthened her confidence as an actor.”

Bisset reminisced about some of the celebrities she had worked with. “Dean Martin was the jokester of the world, always carrying his apple juice and playing that he was drunk. Burt Lancaster was so friendly to everybody. Vanessa Redgrave has such a strong presence.”

When asked what advice she would have given her younger self, she responded, “I would have done more exercises to be mentally and physically stronger. Filmmaking takes lots and lots of energy!”

More than 150 films were screened during the festival. Actress Karen Allen of “Indiana Jones” fame had two films showing: “White Irish Drinkers” and “A Stage of Twilight.”

Actor Judd Hirsch and Actress Amy Smart [Just Friends, The Butterfly Effect and Rat Race] attended the screening of their film “Rally Caps.”

Actor Tim Daly, pictured above, came to Sedona for his short film, “All Through the Night.” Known for his role as Joe Hackett on the NBC sitcom “Wings” and Henry McCord, husband of U.S. Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord, played by Tea Leoni on the CBS drama “Madam Secretary.”

“Filmmaking is the most collaborative art there is,” he said. “Hundreds of people need to do their job well so you can do your job well.” QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Jacqueline Bisset plays a legendary actress in the new film “Loren & Rose,” whose friendship with a fledgling director evolves through their love of art, grief and personal transformations. 

New Camp Verde Economic Development Director is Committed to the Region

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Molly Spangler weaves historic charm with modern benefits.

Molly Spangler beams with excitement about embracing and enhancing the Town of Camp Verde as the new economic development director.

“We have a competitive advantage here in Camp Verde,” said Spangler, who served as economic development director in Sedona for six and a half years. “Camp Verde is one of the last communities that has agricultural rural character and a very cool historic downtown. There’s a lot of opportunity here and a great plan in place, alongside a coordinated effort and direction from the council, to move forward.”

Maintaining the persona of the Town of Camp Verde is one of Spangler’s top priorities. “Change is inevitable, like death and taxes, but I think our job is to make sure we’re balancing those community needs and values. We want Camp Verde to stay the way it is, but we also want the good stuff, like jobs. My role is not to copy what Sedona or Cottonwood or any other municipality is doing but to leverage what we want and define what our niche is.”

The Verde Valley encompasses Sedona, Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Prescott, Cornville, Jerome and Lake Montezuma. “When you work in one municipality here in the Verde Valley, you work regionally.  It’s the only way to make changes happen, so I’ve been working with my counterpart, former Town of Camp Verde Economic Director Steve Ayers, for several years.” Ayers just recently retired.

“When it came time to start a succession plan, I knew my first choice would be Molly. She has the skill set Camp Verde will need over the coming years to move forward in a thoughtful and strategic way,” said Ayers.  I couldn’t be happier that she accepted the position, knowing she will be the person leading Camp Verde’s economic development efforts for the foreseeable future.”

Small-town living is familiar to Spangler, as she grew up in Bluffs, Illinois, where the population was about 800. After college, Spangler joined the Peace Corps and spent a lot of time doing economic development work because she wanted to focus on environmental studies, which was not popular at the time.

“I was told that nobody cared about environmental work, so that’s when I started working in community and economic development and got my master’s in economics. I worked in Illinois for a few years before moving to Wyoming, where I stepped into the position of their state’s economic development agency, the Wyoming Business Council. I was there eight-and-a-half years and ran their Investment Ready Communities division.”

“Molly and I haven’t worked together long, but so far I’m really impressed with what she brings to the table,” said Camp Verde Interim Town Manager Gayle Mabery. “She has literally jumped in with both feet and has engaged the business community, working collaboratively with all the departments. I look forward to great things to happen in Camp Verde as a result of her efforts.”

Spangler joked that her primary goal is to find the bathrooms and conference rooms and learn everyone’s name. “The goals here are not my goals but the goals of the Town Council,” said Spangler. “Everyone I’ve been working with has been pretty wonderful. Our primary objective is to make sure we are moving along in our five-year community and economic development strategic plan. Top on the list is Main Street development and revitalization. We just had our first meeting.”

Another primary objective is to construct a sewer line along Highway 260 to have adequate infrastructure for future development.

The team at Town of Camp Verde Economic Development consists of Economic Development Specialists Crisi Clark and Sean Brooks, as well as three ambassadors at the visitor’s center.

“I feel that Camp Verde is very fortunate to have Molly on board. With her experience in economic development and her love of the area, she will be a great leader for our team and community,” said Clark.

“I worked with Molly in Sedona for about a year when I was with AmeriCorps Vista, also serving as economic specialist,” said Brooks. “I couldn’t be happier that she’s my director again. The transition has been smooth and positive and she will do great things for this community. She’s a great boss and incredibly smart. She knows economic development inside and out and I’m looking forward to our accomplishments together. She will do great things for this community.”

Outside of work, Spangler spends time with her husband, Andy, an elementary school teacher, and their 9-year-old son.

From the economic development front, FrameTec, a manufacturer and framing services company, has announced its expansion to Camp Verde. The business plans to operate out of a 110,000-square-foot facility and is scheduled to be open by 2024. FrameTec expects to create more than 180 new jobs.

 Best Advice
“Smart people ask questions,” was the advice I’ve been given, and I routinely give the same advice. In an effort to not make assumptions and to better understand the issues, we have to ask questions. I now say this regularly to my son, my team and myself, for the only way we can learn and help is to ask questions.

My Role Models 
Nothing’s more inspiring than watching a professional live their values of creating change, being brave and doing what it takes to see their goals come true. It’s inspiring when people volunteer their time to serve on boards and run for elected office to make a positive impact on their community. Many of my role models balance motherhood, professional jobs and adversity and that’s what motivates me to keep doing the work I get to do!

What I Would Tell My Younger Self 
I would tell her to spend more time enjoying the process and journey. Some of my fondest professional moments have been working with great partners on difficult projects. Those projects often felt insurmountable, but it was a true pleasure working alongside great people.

My Ideal Vacation
My ideal vacation involves spending time with people I love and exploring beautiful scenery. I love seeing different parts of our country and the world, meeting new people, experiencing new things and culture, and partaking in their local foods and traditions.

On a Day Off  
I love to read, hike, cook new recipes, do art and painting with my son, volunteer, and help family and friends. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Camp Verde Economic Development Director Molly Spangler loves the historic town’s character and possibilities.

Sedona Chamber Honors Lisa Dahl for Lifetime Achievement

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In the beginning, she says, she was a minority. “There were absolutely no women in the kitchen until three months into our first year.”

When Lisa Dahl began opening restaurants 27 years ago, she never envisioned having a family of more than 350 employees and being one of Sedona’s largest employers. “I consider it an honor and am humbled by the responsibility that affects the lives of so many in our community,” she said to more than 200 people at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce’s International Women’s Day Luncheon, Wednesday, March 8, where she received the Women’s Lifetime Achievement Leadership Award.

Dahl is the executive chef and owner of six internationally acclaimed restaurants: Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, Cucina Rustica, two Pisa Lisa restaurants, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill and Butterfly Burger. “You don’t get a lifetime achievement award unless a good number of people somehow know how you went through thick and thin and didn’t give up. I know I couldn’t have done much without the help of so many people and it has really affected me deeply. I don’t want anyone, whether they’re here or passed, to ever think they weren’t a huge part of my journey.”

In the beginning, she says, she was a minority. “There were absolutely no women in the kitchen until three months into our first year.”

That’s when she met Elena Jaimes at a catering event and asked her to work with her. “I began teaching her my recipes and we cooked together with love. To this day, she puts the love she has for me into every soup, sauce, meatball and so much more. Elena has raised eight children. I am proud to have helped her and her children become naturalized U.S. citizens.”

One of Jaimes’ daughters is named after Dahl. “I am her Godmother. She is now a sous chef at Butterfly Burger and is becoming an excellent chef in her own right. Everyone calls her ‘Little Lisa.’”

The Lifetime Achievement Leadership Award has caused Dahl to take a rare pause to absorb the recognition and reflect upon how a restaurant can be so much more than just a place to eat.

“As I stand here today on International Women’s Day, I am proud to see the contrast of women working in the restaurants compared to 1995, when it was only Elena and myself,” she told the group. “When women come up to me and say, ‘thank you for being a role model as a woman entrepreneur,’ or tell me they researched my restaurants and say they want to support woman-owned businesses or introduce me to their daughters, I can’t begin to tell you how much that means.” QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Prescott Food Forest Gala Marks a Major Victory for Gardening Education Programs

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There has never been a more important time than now to learn or expand your ability to grow food.

On Tuesday Feb. 21, at The Club at Prescott Lakes, we hosted a Victory Garden Gala to raise awareness and funds to support the Gardeners Of Destiny (GOD) gardening education training program at B Organic Farm, Chino Valley.

The evening was a total success. More than 125 people from all sectors of our community came to support our mission to empower people to grow food for health and self-sustainability.

I am grateful for the support from our sponsors, donors, friends and neighbors. I want to thank Ed Walsh and Bob Knudson from Lamb Cadillac for their generous primary sponsorship and also Grayden Guilford and Pinnacle Bank for their gold sponsorship. Your donations allowed us to accelerate our plans and efforts!

A special note of appreciation to Ken Lain and Watters Garden Center for their sponsorship and donation of a fruit tree orchard as part of our live auction. Ken was also the keynote speaker, sharing his first-hand experience seeing the shift toward edible growing and backyard gardening to fight inflation and to ensure healthy food consumption. His expertise and insights were enjoyed by all.

I was honored that Prescott City Councilman Steve Sischka attended as a sponsor with Olsen’s for Healthy Pets, as well as Dan Olsen, who offered a beautiful blessing before dinner. I am proud that my wife, Lisa, was a sponsor with Silver Sands Recovery. Special thanks to Quad Cities Business News, Toby Ebarb with Legacy Roofing, Mark Womack with Womack Construction and Brian Wirick of Sterling North Homes for their sponsorships. Vickie Johnston from H20 Health not only sponsored the event, but contributed a whole house water filtration system for our live auction. I have gratitude for the Barley Hound and the Vivili Group for donating a private culinary experience for eight at the Barley Hound, with a personalized chef’s dinner.

I want to thank many local individuals and businesses for donating items, experiences and art for our silent auction and raffle items. We truly live in a giving and supportive community. All told, we raised close to $30,000 and netted close to $20,000. This provides the needed resources to grow and expand our efforts.

The evening started with a soulful musical performance by the very talented Kenny James. The food, prepared by Chef Matt at The Club at Prescott Lakes, was delicious. They also donated a private chef’s dinner for six and a round of golf.

I was proud to present the 2nd Annual “Arline’s Angel Award” (in memory of my mom), which is presented to someone who reflects the giving nature my mom had. We awarded Stephane Leon, a local schoolteacher and the designer of our logos, website and the evening’s program guide, as this year’s recipient. Most importantly, she is the director of the Gardeners Of Destiny training program, which just completed the eight-week winter greenhouse growing course and was well received.

In that regard, we are offering a Summer Growing course starting Sat., April 29 for eight weeks. If you would like to participate, we have a few spots left. For more information, please visit prescottfoodforest.com. To apply for a full scholarship, you need to commit to a minimum of 10 hours of volunteering at B Organic Farm. Everyone seems to love this win/win deal.

Finally, I am thankful for our team of volunteers that worked tirelessly to help plan and execute the outcome we achieved. Specifically, I want to thank Ann Herrington, Susan Rubio, Rhonda Clark, Debra Ott, LeRoy Miller, Wendy Lancy, and Betty and Bob Knudson for their time, effort and heart to make this event a Big Victory to continue our education and growing food programs.

There has never been a more important time than now to learn or expand your ability to grow food. You are welcome to join us as a volunteer, student or donor for our scholarship drive. Together, we are making a difference and positively impacting our community by teaching gardening skills and building new friendships with like-minded people. Yes, this is a place for people to grow together, so let’s get growing! QCBN

By John Murphy

John Murphy is a realtor and founder of Make 100 Healthy. He can be reached at 928-899-1341.