Quad Cities Business News

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt

You are here: Home / Archives for community

community

Mental Health Community Featuring  Documentary to Spread Hope, Fight Suicide

By Leave a Comment

That’s 20 young people dying every day in the U.S. alone.

A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the United States.

“My Ascension” is a feature-length documentary that chronicles Emma’s inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.

A group of community partners, including Polara Health, MATFORCE, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yavapai County, Community Counts AZ and Yavapai College are working together to increase awareness and talk about suicide prevention during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

As part of the effort, the community is invited to a free showing of My Ascension at 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. The 90-minute film will be followed by a virtual question and answer session with Emma and the filmmaker, Greg Dicharry.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health’s most current data from 2018,  approximately 7,600 young people under the age of 25 died by suicide that year. That’s 20 young people dying every day in the U.S. alone.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line – HELLO to 741741. QCBN

By Deanna Eder

Deanna Eder is the director of marketing and development for Polara Health. She can be reached at d.eder@polarahealth.com

Touchmark Gives Back to Community

By Leave a Comment

When Touchmark at the Ranch Executive Vice President Tom Biel initiated construction of the senior retirement community project in Prescott, he made a pledge to the greater community.

“We pledge to all the people who live in this area that Touchmark will become a strong contributing and supportive member of all aspects of the Quad Cities Area. We want to be known as a good neighbor and friend to all who live here, not just our future residents.”

Biel and his Touchmark colleagues are demonstrating that pledge had merit.

Musicians in the Prescott POPS Symphony Orchestra “Music Memories” program are benefiting from the Touchmark Foundation’s philanthropy, and so are students in the Yavapai College Nursing Program.

Support For Music Memory Musicians

More than 2,200 elementary students from throughout Yavapai County – two groups of 1,100 each – were treated to concert performances featuring contemporary and classical symphonic music. Approximately 50 Prescott POPS orchestra musicians, led by director Joe Place, played for their young audience in the Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College on Thursday morning, Feb. 23.

When Touchmark executives learned the musicians – many of whom are students and others of whom have jobs – had volunteered their talent for more than five hours, Biel and his colleagues decided to reward the musicians by providing them with food and beverages throughout the morning.

“This is the first time in 22 years that a local business has acknowledged the talent and time of the musicians with such a generous gesture,” said Music Memory organizer Fran Willes.

 

Yavapai Nursing Program Get Foundation Support

Consistent with its stated mission, “To enhance the needs of seniors,” the Touchmark Foundation has made a second contribution to the nursing program at Yavapai College.

Biel said of that donation, “The YC nursing program has an important role today, especially with the graying of America. Providing more careers in long-term care will be critical to our county to serve the Boomer generation and beyond.”

Biel noted that Arizona was among the 10 Western states and one Canadian province where Touchmark senior communities are located. Those states receive support from the Touchmark Foundation, primarily to provide scholarships to students pursuing geriatric nursing degrees. Founded in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) corporation by Touchmark Chairman and CEO Werner G. Nistler and his wife, Golva, the foundation is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. Nistler has said the foundation chose to provide funding for nurses in 2015, because nearly 100,000 nursing candidates were turned away at schools that didn’t have resources.

When YC Nursing Program Director Mary Brown accepted the latest check from Biel, who represented the Touchmark Foundation, she said, “We’re proud at YC that we were selected for this donation. We have 15 dedicated faculty and staff, all dedicated to providing our rigorously selected students with rigorous schooling that prepares them for their degrees and certificates as associates of applied science-nursing.”

On the faculty at YC for the past four years, Brown said she anticipates significant growth in the nursing program.

Biel said he is confident that as Touchmark at the Ranch attracts more and more residents, support for educational and health related programs will continue to grow.

We all benefit from living in a vibrant community that offers its residents so many positive benefits which we all can enjoy,” he said. QCBN

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo by Ray Newton            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Resident’s Influence Has Benefitted Thousands in Arizona

By Leave a Comment

walllRetired Prescott Valley resident Doug Wall can legitimately be called a candidate for one of the most honored people living in the Quad Cities area.

Recently, he was recognized by Northern Arizona University President Rita Cheng for “many years of service to NAU and later, as a member of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) for his unwavering support of and contributions to higher education.”

Wall served on ABOR from 1988 to 1996.

The NAU accolade took the form of branding the new 120,000-square-foot aquatic center and tennis complex as the Douglas J. Wall Aquatic Center, which formally opened on Feb. 22.

Cheng introduced Wall, a former Flagstaff resident, to the crowd of hundreds at the grand opening.

Born in Denver, Colorado, but growing up in Iola, Kansas, Wall moved to Arizona in 1955. He became a lead attorney for Magnum, Wall, Stoops and Warden PLLC in the late 1950s until his retirement. He also served as the attorney and an associate professor for NAU from 1963 until 1993.

Former NAU President Eugene M. Hughes, now retired and living in Flagstaff, praised Wall. “Doug is one of the brightest lawyers I’ve ever known. As a member of ABOR, he was a friend of students as he championed the Arizona Constitution and its provision of keeping higher education tuition ‘as nearly free as possible.’”

“More important, personally, he is the best friend a person could have. He has been like a brother to me for over 45 years.”

Another NAU retired professor-administrator, Augustus Cotera, who now lives in Spotsylvania, Virginia, said of Wall, “When NAU was negotiating to establish the NAU-Yuma campus in cooperation with Arizona Western College, Doug was instrumental at ABOR and the legislature to ensure us of major financial support. Generous with his time and money in helping people, Wall had a strong personal influence in the business and legislative community. He opened doors that otherwise were shut.”

 

A Major Influence for Prescott College, ERAU

Had it not been for Wall’s legal negotiations and salesmanship, it is not likely that two higher education institutions the Prescott community hosts would exist.

In the mid-1960s, one of Wall’s Flagstaff clients, Dick Wilson, became interested in helping the founders of Prescott College create a liberal arts institution on 200 acres on the northwest edge of the community. Wilson came from a wealthy Texas oil family. He loaned the college money to acquire and build the campus. But in 1974, the college went bankrupt.

Wilson put Wall to work again, with the admonition, “Sell the property, but only to a legitimate educational institution.”

Wall traveled the country, talking to prospective clients. The winning buyer was Jack Hunt, then president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Wall negotiated the contract with ERAU trustees. In fall 1978, ERAU-Prescott opened its doors to 264 students. This fall, the western campus will have an enrollment approaching 2,400 and a continuing reputation as the nation’s leading aviation and aeronautical university.

Wall served on the ERAU board of trustees for several years.

 

Wall Exerted Statewide Educational and Economic Impact

Testimony to the value of Wall’s influence is best illustrated by citing a few of the major statewide directorships and boards on which he served.

  • Arizona Interstate Stream Commission (now the Arizona Water Commission)
  • Bank of Northern Arizona (now National Bank of Arizona)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS)
  • Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (SunCor Development Corp)
  • Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation
  • Yavapai College Foundation
  • Yavapai County Education Foundation
  • University of Arizona Medical Center Foundation (UMC)

Worth citing, in 2006, the University of Arizona dedicated the Staff Pavilion in the Cancer Center to Wall because of his “dedicated service to U of A UMC.”

Scottsdale psychologist Jamie Manovich, acknowledged as one of the premier practioners in Arizona, served the UMC board with Wall. “He has one of the most incisive minds I’ve seen. Better yet, he’s a lot of fun.”

 

Living the Good Life as a Retiree

Wall and his wife, Marilyn, are fully retired and live in a thriving Stoneridge golf course community. Though he has had some health issues lately – “Hell, I’ll be 89 on April 1,” he says – the Walls often see their six children from a blended family. Many of their 10 grandchildren visit.

Sitting on their patio overlooking the No. 8 fairway at the golf course, Wall, coached by Marilyn, thoughtfully shared some of his observations.

 

What character traits do you value in professional or business associates?

“Honesty and integrity. Though it’s sometimes painful, a person must be sincere and straightforward.”

 

What’s the best advice you ever received?

“A long answer, but true. After I was discharged from the Navy, I enrolled and later graduated from Kansas University in 1950. I went to work in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, for the Phillips Petroleum company. While there, I took over as the swimming coach for the Phillips-sponsored team. One late afternoon, in the locker room after practice, a guy who had become a good friend told me to sit down. He wanted to talk to me. I won’t forget him – Ernie, the custodian. He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Mr. Wall, I don’t wanna hurt your feelings, but why don’t you quit this job and go make something out of yourself?’

“Know what? I did quit. I returned to Kansas University in 1953 and enrolled in law school. Know what else? I was the swimming coach at KU while in law school.”

 

Who do you admire and why?

“Two people, really. One was George Sauer, the Jayhawk football coach who taught me to play ‘til the end of the game, no matter what the score. The other? My mother’s brother, Ross Jones, who had moved to Arizona and became attorney general. After I got my law degree, Ross urged me to move to Arizona. I did. I learned from him how important it was to be absolutely honest, no matter what the consequences.”

 

What book would you recommend to others?

“No doubt there – “The Greatest Generation,” by Tom Brokaw. He wrote eloquently about those who survived the poverty of The Depression, suffered through World War II, and went on to build America into the greatest nation in the world. That’s my generation, and I’m proud of it.”

 

Where is your favorite place to travel?

“The mountain country of the San Juans in Colorado – no place like it. For more than 11 years, Marilyn and I have spent our summers at an RV resort called Priest’s Gulch on the Dolores River. The stream, the fishing, the climate and most of all the friends we have there – unforgettable.”

By Ray Newton

Retirement Communities Expand Possibilities

By Leave a Comment

Christy VanderMolenSurveys reveal most adults 55 and older place a very high value on remaining independent and spending more time pursuing their passions and interests. Yet, many continue to live in the large home they purchased 30 or 40 years earlier to raise a family. That home – once perfect for a growing family – is often too big for two people and now a burden on their time, financial resources and personal freedom.

But retirement doesn’t have to mean becoming a slave to repetitive chores and home maintenance. Retirement communities provide an array of home options, programs and activities that offer more choices, greater independence and increased health and happiness. Indeed, after moving into a retirement community, most individuals say they wished they had moved sooner.

 

A Large Selection of Homes

Within each retirement community, there is usually a wide selection of home sizes and styles from which to choose. All homes allow people to enjoy their privacy while being part of a stimulating community with interesting neighbors.

Whether it’s a single-family home or well-appointed apartment, homes in retirement communities are designed to support active lifestyles including entertaining and exploring favorite and new pastimes.

For those who love to travel, one of the most appreciated benefits of a retirement community is the knowledge that their home will be cared for while they are away. Whatever the season requires, the yard will be maintained, mail and packages will be retrieved and indoor plants will be watered.

 

Freedom from Mundane Chores

Many of the services offered in retirement communities help free up time so people can enjoy other pursuits. Offerings usually include:

  • Home and yard maintenance to take care of little annoyances (like changing a light bulb) as well as the big jobs (cleaning gutters, painting).
  • Dining services that provide the option to enjoy delicious meals without having to worry about preparing them or cleaning up afterwards.
  • Housekeeping services that keep floors, bathrooms, kitchen and more clean.
  • Transportation services that offer more choices for those no longer driving or those who would prefer to let someone else do the driving.
  • 24-hour staffing to provide a secure environment.

 

Friendships and Fun

Perhaps the biggest benefits of living in a retirement community come from being around others and the availability of enriching programs. Social interaction is critical to our well-being. In fact, research has shown social engagement can lead to better health and longevity while social isolation and loneliness lead to poorer health and a shorter life.

Social connections also have been shown to improve brainpower and play a role in preventing memory problems. Plus, the brain loves variety, and all the activities, events and outings offered by retirement communities help improve cognition.

Recognizing the value of sharing meals and activities with others, more boomers and older adults are choosing to move into retirement communities at an earlier age.

 

Planning for the Future

Statistically, once people sell their longtime family home, they move 2.7 more times on average. Initially, those moves are for lifestyle. Later, though, people are seeking higher levels of care. Each move becomes more challenging for the couple (or the family), and too often, friends or family are left behind. It is also easy to forget that a husband and wife are rarely on an identical health track.

A much more enjoyable and successful alternative is to select an attractive retirement community with a continuum of services and care. It is important to understand that future needs often entail care well beyond home care or occasional home health support. Today, there are great options that bridge active-adult living through multiple levels of licensed care, while supporting all residents to their highest level of independence.

 

Healthier and Happier

Today, it’s well understood that maintaining health and wellness throughout our lives includes staying physically active, eating right, having a strong social support system, reducing stress and anxiety, getting enough sleep, continuing to learn and serving others.

Studies have shown people’s health improves after moving into a retirement community. Researchers attribute this to eating meals that are more nutritious, getting more exercise, socializing with others, worrying less and participating in life-enriching programs. And the healthier people are, the more independence they have and the more control they have over their future.

 

Living in a retirement community does expand the possibilities for increasing personal wellness and enjoyment during the last third of our lives. QCBN

By Christy VanderMolen

 

Christy VanderMolen is a retirement counselor with Touchmark at The Ranch. Her 25-year career includes experience in active-adult living and long-term care, including owning and operating an assisted living center as well as working with CRSA and Robson retirement communities.

 Honorees at Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona 1st Community IMPACT Awards

By Leave a Comment

GoodwillCoconino County, Xanterra and retired Assistant City Manager Jim Wine were among the honorees at the inaugural Community IMPACT Awards Luncheon held by Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona (GINA) to celebrate its partners and team members who forward the group’s workforce development mission.

Each of the seven recipients were congratulated by Jim Gibbons, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries International, who came to Flagstaff from Goodwill’s headquarters in Maryland to kick off this new annual event.

 

“This is a world model across the Goodwill network,” Gibbons said, praising GINA President & CEO David Hirsch and his team of 255 employees. “Often when I speak to Goodwill groups, my challenge to them is to ‘think differently’ so they can advance in their mission. When you think about your work in terms of impact, you are leading the charge.

You should be extraordinarily proud.”

 

Among this year’s recipients was Coconino County, which was given the Collective Community Impact Award for the vital role it plays in both economic and workforce development; and Xanterra Parks & Resorts, which has partnered with Goodwill on several job hiring events.

 

Jim Wine, named Ambassador of the Year, was celebrated for his volunteer work both as a Board member (he has been chair twice in the past 20 years) and a teacher of workforce readiness and financial literacy at the Arizona@Work career center located in the Flagstaff Goodwill.

 

Wine called on others to also be Ambassadors for Goodwill and all of the 200-plus attendees at the event received a Goodwill Ambassador sticker at the end of the event to help spread the word about the good work Goodwill does in Northern Arizona.

 

Also receiving awards at the event were the following Goodwill team members or graduates: Alan Reed (Achiever of the Year); Tyler Lovejoy (Team Member of the Year); Tamara Byington (Graduate Team Member Award) and Alain Carerra (Graduate of the Year).

 

For details and videos on each of the recipients and photos from the event, please go to goodwillna.org.

Goodwill thanks Title Sponsor Findlay Toyota, Event Partners Northern Arizona Healthcare and CS&L; and the numerous supporting sponsors who made this event possible.

 

Veteran Views Mayoral Position as Commitment to Community

By Leave a Comment

MayorBarely two months into his role, Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg is quite open in describing and defining challenges, issues and opportunities that he and the six-member City Council and city staff face.

After taking office Nov. 24, Oberg said he is committed to do whatever it takes to create solutions.

A priority is resolving of the accumulating debt problem in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), he noted.

“One of the first needs we have in Prescott and various communities throughout the state is to reform the retirement system. I already am in discussion with local legislators and with high level state officials about how we can bring about change,” he said.

He explained that currently, the city owes $72 million. That amount could increase, depending upon results from two pending public personnel court cases.

The mayor explained that Arizona legislators are negotiating with police and fire unions to create some adjustments in the existing system and to develop a new retirement plan for the future. He noted that if everything proceeds as expected, a ballot measure may be brought before voters this coming spring.

Oberg said he will continue working to seek reform to safeguard public safety retirement benefits while at the same time to provide relief for Prescott taxpayers.

Jim Lamerson, an experienced 12-year councilman reelected in August and mayor pro-tem, agreed with Oberg. “We are, in my judgment, obligated to do all we can to initiate reform in the PSPRS.”

 

Defining Other Economic Challenges

During his campaign, Oberg had three objectives he wanted to meet if elected, which he

said are still priorities.

  • Expansion of commercial air services and businesses at the Prescott Regional Airport.

“I’ve had several conversations with our Congressmen. They are totally supportive of our expanding the airport and its facilities. In fact, we have visions of beginning a commercial air transport system here, one that will bring big business opportunities to Prescott. Of course, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a valuable partner in such efforts.”

Lamerson concurred. “We must do everything we can in working the state and federal officials to improve and expand our airport and its services.”

  • Establish a forest product industry such as a biomass power plant.

Oberg said Congressman Paul Gosar is helping create an entry to working with the federal government to get contracts for forest fuel reduction and to use that biomass for energy creation.

  • Build a downtown convention-conference center and hotel.

Oberg explained, “I think it will further appeal to downtown visitors and organizations to have facilities here that can accommodate conferences and conventions. We also want to further our image as a town where genuine western heritage and culture are yet alive. We’ve had some inquiries from the Cowboy Hall of Fame, too, because of our ‘True West’ environment.”

“I think the city can help the community’s economy by making Prescott even more of destination where people want to spend more time. Complacency will be the death of downtown Prescott,” Lamerson added.

 

Budget Cuts Were Necessary at Many Levels

Oberg said one of the toughest challenges was cutting the city budget.

“The total reduction to the General Fund is approximately $1,040,000 annually. As of Jan. 1, personnel and other cuts approved by the City Council were implemented, totaling $1,008,623. Beyond that, $32,700 in cost recovery to the General Fund from the Streets and Water funds, as identified in Council action, have been implemented,” he said.

He explained that 12 city positions were eliminated or frozen and cannot be filled without further authorization. “At present, we have no money available for anyone.”

Departments affected by budget cuts included Police, Fire, Library, Recreation Services, Economic Initiatives, General Government and Human Resources.

Plans to recover some of those dollars likely will include fee increases for buildings, recreation services fees and library fees for use of meeting rooms and the computer labs. Those library fees become effective July 1.

Also under consideration to enhance revenue is the sale or leasing of city-owned properties. That proposal is still under consideration.

A major concern for the city (and surrounding communities) is that of water resources sufficient to support reasonable growth. Oberg said he has talked to Rep. Gosar and Sen. John McCain to see how they can help. He said he believed the current estimate of $250 million to build a pipeline to the Big Chino aquifer may likely be diminished substantially.

Lamerson affirmed that the city has an obligation to deliver water to residents. He serves as chair for the city’s Water Issues Committee. (See Related Story—Water—on p. X).

 

Oberg’s Lifestyle Has Changed         

Unlike some who serve on the City Council, Oberg has ties to Prescott that go back to growing up and attending school in the community. “I remember 1964, when Prescott celebrated its 100th birthday.”

More than 50 years ago, trains were running through downtown Prescott during Oberg’s youth. The community population was approaching 13,000 (currently, the population is around 41,000).

Oberg graduated from Prescott High School in 1965. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Northern Arizona University in 1968 and later received a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina University.

Following a distinguished military career, in which he served as a helicopter pilot and officer in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971, Oberg held five military command positions and ultimately retired as a colonel in U.S. Army and as a brigadier general in the Iowa National Guard. While in the National Guard, he served in six states: Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, California, Illinois and Iowa.

“All that time, I knew I wanted to return home to Prescott when I retired,” he said.

Why, after such a long and successful career, did he decide to run for mayor – the first time he had run for a public office?

At first thoughtful, with his brow furrowed, he said, “My wife Jeanna wanted me to get out of the house – honest.”

He then grinned. “Seriously, after having up grown here, I wanted to come back to my hometown, which I love so much. So, when some people began asking if I would run for Council, I talked to Jeanna and decided ‘Why not.’ Then others, including just retired mayor Marlin Kuykendall, persuaded me to file for mayor.”

“It may sound hokey, but believe me: during my term as mayor, I pledge to do all I can for a town that has done so much for me.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

 

 

Cowspiracy Movie & Co-Producer Dr. Sailesh Rao Q&A

By Leave a Comment

cowspiracyIf You Go . . . .
What:  Inspiration of Sedona presents Cowspiracy with Co-Producer Dr. Sailesh Rao Q&A
When:   Thursday, January 28th, 6:30 PM
Where:  The Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive, Sedona (downstairs)
Cost:  Free
On Thursday, January 28th, at 6:30 PM, The Inspiration of Sedona will show Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret. This will be followed by a discussion with co-producer Dr. Sailesh Rao, founder and Executive Director of Climate Healers. (www.climatehealers.org)
At a time when whole regions are in drought, our oceans are dying, and severe weather is becoming the norm, Cowspiracy seeks to find the real reasons why and what we can do about it. Through intense conversations with the nation’s leading environmental advocacy groups this film explores the blind spots that are leading us down a road we won’t be able to drive our electric car out of.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a groundbreaking feature-length environmental documentary following an intrepid filmmaker as he uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why the world’s leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it. As eye-opening as Blackfish and as inspiring as An Inconvenient Truth, this shocking yet humorous documentary reveals the absolutely devastating environmental impact large-scale factory farming has on our planet, and offers a path to global sustainability for a growing population.
Dr. Sailesh Krishna Rao, who will join us for a Q&A session, is an Electrical Engineer with a Ph.D. from Stanford University. He was moved to switch careers and work exclusively on climate related issues ten years ago. He is a systems expert who developed the Gigabit Ethernet on Copper standard in 1999 that remains ubiquitous in the internet infrastructure. He and his wife, Jaishri Rao, co-produced two critically acclaimed documentaries, Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret, and The Human Experiment, both of which highlighted the pressing need for our global transition to a compassionate lifestyle.
The core guiding principle of the NGO, Climate Healers, is that “compassion for all creation is infinitely sustainable.” Through this organization, Dr. Rao proposes a simple, Gandhi-like social movement, in which our food choices can provide a direct solution to climate change, the greatest issue and challenge of our time.
In all of his work, Dr. Rao draws from the ancient Hindu concept of Dharma  or “right action.” In December, he gave a presentation to the EU Parliament, in conjunction with the UN Conference on Climate Change held in Paris, charting a moral course for climate recovery, before Cowspiracy was shown.
Dr. Rao took with him to Europe, a letter of support from the City of Sedona as far as its potential interest in becoming a pilgrimage site as part of the Sacred Lifeline project. The Lifeline project envisions a network of radically inclusive, sustainable, off-grid, zero-waste, local communities, modeling and promoting a compassionate lifestyle. See his presentation to the Sedona City Council here: http://sedonaaz.swagit.com/play/10272015-1231
In October, 2015, members of the Inspiration of Sedona supported Dr. Rao’s proposal presented to the Sedona City Council. Later the group organized and presented the Climate Care Awareness event series, 15 days of local events in conjunction with the UN Conference on Climate Change. The group is honored to host Dr. Rao as part of their Cowspiracy showing.
The Inspiration of Sedona meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. It is an open meeting group, that strives to work together collectively for the betterment of ourselves, our communities, and the world. Its current format involves showing inspiring and personally empowering documentaries about the social and environmental issues we’re collectively facing, followed by interactive discussion.
Please be a part of the inspiration by joining us on January 28th, at 6:30 PM, downstairs at the Church of the Red Rocks, to watch Cowspiracy, meet Dr. Rao, and to discover together ways to live lighter on our planet. For more info:
The Inspiration of Sedona meets in the basement at the Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive, Sedona. (Turn Right into the church parking lot and then turn right again at the first driveway, and park in the small parking lot opposite the double doors to the basement, or in the upper parking lot if full.)

Longtime Community Leader Considered an Inspiration

By Leave a Comment

CommencementWho in Prescott could have imagined in the mid-1970s what was then a deserted 511-acre piece of land on the northern edge of the Prescott city limits would 38 years later be known as the home of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, known internationally as a worldwide leader in aerospace and aviation education?

One man did. He lobbied vigorously to persuade local and state officials to work with the board of trustees from the ERAU home campus in Daytona Beach, Florida,  to buy the land from then bankrupt Prescott College and create a western campus.

John Olsen, now 92 years old but still vigorously committed to ERAU and its mission, received a standing ovation from administrators, faculty, students and a crowd of thousands during commencement ceremonies Dec. 12.

ERAU interim president John Watret, Ph.D., and ERAU chancellor Frank Ayers, Ph.D., of the Prescott campus, introduced Olsen to the crowd, saying, “Because of this man and his vision, persistence and commitment, the western campus of ERAU became a reality.”

It was noted that the university has grown from a handful of faculty and 264 students in 1978 to a prestigious university with more than 350 employees and almost 2,300 students today.

Earlier, just prior to commencement ceremonies, Ambassador Barbara Barrett, who served as a member of the ERAU board for nearly a decade, spotted Olsen in the crowd and rushed up to him with outstretched arms and a warm hug.

Smiling at him, she said, “John, you’re the reason I’m here as the commencement speaker.  Without your vision and leadership, this university would not have happened in Prescott.”

Barrett, who earned three degrees from Arizona State University, is currently the Chairman of the Board for the Aerospace Corporation. She is the former Ambassador to Finland, is an instrument-rated pilot who trained to be an astronaut, and was the first civilian to land an F/A-18 on an aircraft carrier.

Olsen recalled that years ago, he was fortunate to fly her around Yavapai County, especially Sedona, when he was pushing to get ERAU board members to open the Prescott campus.

An Arizona resident for 64 years, Olsen, an honorably discharged Navy veteran during World War II, was convinced that Prescott and Yavapai County were “…ideal for flying and flight training,” he said.

Olsen still remains on the ERAU-Prescott board of visitors.

Before retiring, Olsen and his family were ranchers-farmers in Chino Valley until they founded Olsen’s Grains, which now has grown to a multi-million dollar business with stores in Prescott, Chino Valley, Dewey, Clarkdale and Flagstaff. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN