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Planning for Transportation Needs into the Future

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State (ADOT), and the feds use gas taxes as a principal funding source for transportation needs.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” This month, Tom and I thought we would take a “road trip” as we veer away from our normal column. Settle in. This is going to be wonderful!

Sandy: Hi Tom! Happy April! For our detour topic this month, I have invited Mr. Vincent, or, as we all know him to be, Vinny Gallegos, to talk with us this month. Vinny is the executive director of the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization, (CYMPO).

Tom: Excellent, welcome Vinny!

Vinny: Greetings to both of you. Thanks for inviting me.

Sandy: There is a lot to talk about, so diving right in, Vinny, when did CYMPO get started and who is a part of it?

Vinny: Formally, 2003. Based on the 2000 Census, the Feds declared this area a metropolitan area. As such, all the political entities in the area, including Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and this part of Yavapai County, came together to form CYMPO as a mechanism to plan for the growing transportation needs of our area.

Tom: How big of an area are you talking about?

Vinny: The planning area covers approximately 400 square miles, and currently includes Dewey-Humboldt, which was not a separate political entity back then.

Sandy: All the cities, towns and county are represented on the CYMPO boards and committees. That is very important for our readers to know. I bet that has to be kind of like herding cats!

Vinny: LOL, actually since the beginning, all the entities have come together quite well. The purpose is to plan for regional, multimodal transportation. Our system of highways, trails and bike paths touches every community. And it is with that understanding, all the representatives lean toward cooperation to plan for and collectively seek funding from state and federal resources.

Tom: Back in 2000, I recall this organization getting started. I have watched CYMPO become a very successful and effective organization responsible for many of our major road improvements over the past 20 plus years. What are some of the projects and challenges on your plate currently?

Vinny: The main challenge we always face is getting the resources we need to implement the organization’s plans. Revenue sources have not changed much in the last 30 or so years. State (ADOT), and the feds use gas taxes as a principal funding source for transportation needs. As for projects, currently, there are three primary areas we are focusing on. First, creating an active transportation plan for bike and pedestrian infrastructure. This includes bike lanes, sidewalks and trails.

Sandy: That sounds super fantastic. Biking and walking are a huge part of the communities in our area. I love hearing that CYMPO is on board.

Vinny: It is all part of the integrated transportation system in our area.

Vinny:  Another project is the State Route 69 Master Corridor Plan. This addresses both safety and capacity issues along this corridor from Prescott through Dewey-Humboldt. The third major focus is the Sundog Design Concept report and Environmental Overview.

Sandy: This isn’t the first time that a potential route has been discussed. I have been hearing about it for many years.

Tom: It actually started way back in the early ‘90s with the Prescott Strategic plan where we said we did not want L.A.-style superhighways in our area. While on the Prescott City Council at that time, we approved a preliminary plat for Yavapai Hills unit 9 that included a piece of the Sundog Connector in the plat. That was for 1,814 units, a mix of multifamily and single-family living.

Vinny: All your fault, Tom.

Sandy: LOL. I have got something else to blame him for now!

Tom: Yeah yeah, well, it did happen then, but it of course wasn’t all me. The city included a commitment to a portion of the connector as part of the development agreement if I remember correctly.

Vinny: I understand that as well. The General Plan update in 1997-98 precipitated by the Growing Smarter legislation, set the stage for Prescott to develop the Prescott East Area plan. That referenced the need for what was then called the 69 to 89 connector. That is now Prescott Lakes Parkway. It also referenced the Sundog connector.

Tom: That plan was developed including participation by council representatives, Planning and Zoning, and a healthy component of citizens mostly from Yavapai Hills and the Ranch. It was quite inclusive. If I remember correctly, that plan reiterated the desire to have smaller roads rather than making 69 a superhighway.

Sandy: Prescott Valley actually constructed the east end of the route in 2000.

Vinny: In 2007, the City of Prescott approved the preliminary plat for the Storm Ranch subdivision. That was for 227 single family lots. That plat also includes a segment of the Sundog connector.

Sandy: The City of Prescott built the roundabout on Prescott Lakes Parkway as the west end of the connector in 2010.

Tom: Didn’t Prescott do its own Sundog Corridor Study?

Vinny: Yes, that was done in 2013.

Sandy: Having all these plans in place is great. Vinny, tell us a little about how these plans get implemented and the time it takes to realize them.

Vinny: Our job is to take the direction given to us by elected officials over the years. We use that direction to generate the plans for our transportation systems. Many plans, like the ones mentioned, can take decades to see their implementation.

Sandy: Can you give us an example?

Vinny: Sure. There has been a plan to add a single lane in both directions on Highway 69 from Lowes to the mall, about a mile of road. Planning, engineering and funding for that project has taken 10 years.

Tom: There is no instant gratification in the planning business, is there?

Sandy: I suppose not. Sheesh!

Tom: The Sundog connector has just recently been the target of a few area residents who don’t want this road. I for one, think it somewhat weird that our leaders are often targeted with admonitions of uncontrolled growth. That insinuates a lack of planning. Here we have an example of a plan that has been vetted through the last 25 years and even that gets attacked.

Sandy: In making these plans, our elected officials take so many different issues into account. With another 2,000-plus households coming on line in the future, public safety plays a large part. Response times are critical and our road designs play a large part in how quickly our first responders get to your house or business.

Vinny: Leadership sets plans in motion, plans for the future. CYMPO was given the charge by elected officials to take the steps necessary to implement them. That is what the Sundog Design Concept Report is all about.

Sandy: Vinny, I applaud CYMPO in educating the community and citizens. You have a terrific website,

https://www.cympo.org/sundog-connector/ which has so much information on the Sundog Connector – so readers, take a look at the website, this is a great way to stay informed.

Tom:    I recall Town of Prescott Valley Mayor Palguta talking about the importance of the Sundog Connector as the connector will drastically reduce police and fire response times to the residents on the back side of Yavapai Hills.

Vinny:  Another positive to the many positives for the connector is with the anticipated purchase of Glassford Hill by Prescott Valley, Prescott and Yavapai County. This would prevent any future residential development by any developers along the Sundog route.

Sandy: And let’s not forget the Sundog Connector has been voted on by both Prescott and Prescott Valley’s General Plan for more than 20 years.

In closing – we three give a thumbs-up to the Sundog Connector.

Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.”  You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040.

Vinny Gallegos, CYMPO, 928-442-5730.

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Protecting Our Groundwater and Rivers

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We encourage you to vote for those candidates who understand water issues and promise to work for solutions that help our area.

Our state legislators continue to fail to protect our water in our aquifers and rivers.

In the Prescott Active Management Area, which includes Dewey-Humbolt, Prescott Valley, Prescott, and Chino Valley, groundwater pumping exceeds natural and artificial replenishment  by over 18,000 acre-feet per year (afy) — that is a football field three=-and-a-half miles deep, disappearing from the aquifer every year, depleting our groundwater reserves.

The overdraft relentlessly continues to grow, decimating Del Rio Springs, and drying wells in Williamson Valley, Chino Valley and Coyote Springs. In the last 70 years, the flow from Del Rio Springs, the historical headwaters of the Verde River, has declined 90%. A partial, preliminary survey has identified more than 500 failing wells south and west of Chino Valley, along Williamson Valley Road, and in Coyote Springs. Occasionally, a failing well can be replaced by drilling a new well at great cost, but this is a long-shot gamble, so most afflicted homeowners install a holding tank and have water hauled to them. Their home value is reduced up to 50%.

The latest guidance from the Arizona Department of Water Resources not only fails to address the overdraft, but has already approved more than 10,000 new homes for new water service. And existing state law authorizes water for an additional 100,000 homes! Every new home consumes groundwater and worsens the problem.

Pumping in the Big Chino threatens Paulden domestic wells and the upper Verde River. The river begins perennial flow near Paulden where groundwater from the Big Chino emerges at Verde Springs, the only water source for the upper 25 river miles, which contains the finest riparian habitat in AZ. River flows have been steadily declining since 1996. In late June, we measured all-time record low flows at Perkinsville Bridge. We are witnessing the slow decline of the last surviving perennial river in Arizona.

Arizona water law authorizes groundwater pumping for the Big Chino Water Ranch pipeline, a project intended to support new homes, to dry up the river. It is totally legal for big agriculture to move into the Big Chino, irrigate without limit, and dry up the river. Additional residential growth in the Big Chino also can dry the river.

Meanwhile, our local representatives to the state legislature ignore our local problems – fiddling while our water disappears – and fail to provide solutions. In the last session, legislators from other rural areas introduced several helpful bills addressing rural water needs. Unfortunately, one state representative beholden to agricultural interests prevented any of these bills from being considered on the floor of the legislature. We need forceful action from our state legislators, and that has not happened.

It is true that the legislature recently enacted new state water legislation, spurred by the Colorado River water supply crisis. We do not receive any water – zero – from the Colorado River. The new law ignores the water problems in Northern Arizona. Instead, it authorizes expensive and unrealistic augmentation projects such as multi-billion dollar desalinization plants or importing water from the Missouri River. Prior Arizona water law continues to support drying the Verde River and draining our aquifers in the name of promoting growth.

If we want to have a sustainable water supply and a flowing river, local citizens and government need to step up with solutions. Solutions do exist. For example, a regional water conservation incentive program could reduce water use by rural wells and private water systems and improve existing weak conservation programs in Prescott Valley and Chino Valley. Also, a regional stormwater recovery and recharge program will reduce the overdraft.

First, we need regional cooperation to protect a shared water resource. There has been no regional water planning since the Yavapai County Supervisors discontinued the Water Advisory Committee in 2014. Local governments must begin to meet regularly and plan solutions to protect our groundwater and the Verde River.

Most importantly, it is essential for citizens to learn where candidates for the state house and senate stand on the critical issues facing our regional water supply and the Verde River. We encourage you to vote for those candidates who understand water issues and promise to work for solutions that help our area. QCBN

By Gary Beverly, Ph.D.

Gary Beverly is a retired scientist and business owner working to protect the Verde River.

Joy of Giving Luncheon to Honor County Philanthropic Groups

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“We are so fortunate that Yavapai County supports our competitive grant cycle so generously each year,” said Sahady.

The Joy of Giving luncheon to honor people and organizations in Yavapai County that have been exceptional in their philanthropic efforts has been scheduled for 11 a.m.., Friday, Aug. 19, at the Prescott Resort.

When announcing the event, Lisa Sahady, regional philanthropic advisor for the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County (ACFYC), said it has been two years since the ACF has been able to schedule the luncheon because of the restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Five organizations were cited this year as “Shining Stars,” Sahady said.  She emphasized these five had been selected from among dozens in the county because of the direct and positive impact they have had upon people’s lives in the communities they served. “Peoples’ lives have been changed because of what these special organizations have done,” she said.

Organizations named are:

Firefighter Angel Foundation (FAF), Prescott Valley   

This non-profit foundation is directed by Cody and Tammy Rose, the executive director and project manager. Its purpose is to offer positive impacts for children and families in crisis or severe need. The group provides holiday deliveries to families that have fallen on hard times or are facing a difficult loss. FAF also collects and distributes food boxes and other items during the holiday season.

Natural History Institute (NIH), Prescott   

Administered by Bob Ellis and a four-person staff, NIH combines traditional tools with modern technology and proactive strategies to pursue research questions and the study of sciences, humanities and arts, especially those that represent the biodiversity of the Mogollon Highlands eco-region. Members emphasize a connecting with the natural world.

Old Town Mission (OTM), Cottonwood   

This faith-based organization provides valuable support to Verde Valley residents who have serious personal or family needs. It is praised by the ACF for providing food, clothing, transportation and other resources to those in need for years. It also operates a thrift store and sponsors events to generate funds to cover its expenses and help the community.

Prescott Farmers Market (PFM), Prescott  

Active in the area for 25 years, the Prescott Farmers Market involves more than 30 local vendors who share their products at summer and winter open markets. This non-profit supports local farmers and ranchers in Yavapai County and creates access to affordable locally grown food. PFM also supports collaborative efforts such as Carrots for Kids, Prescott Seed Library and Chef in Action. The ACF views the PFM as a “local incubator” that helps stimulate a healthy community.

United Animal Friends (UAF), Prescott 

This volunteer-based non-profit organization provides rescue programs and services to pets. Governed by an eight-member board, UAF assists with rescuing, spaying and neutering, and finding foster homes for animals. UAF helps hundreds of people and pets through supporting Community Pet Food Bank and emergency medical programs throughout the county.

The ACF recently issued grants totaling $582,841 to diverse organizations, a 16% increase above last year because of a new donor. “We are so fortunate that Yavapai County supports our competitive grant cycle so generously each year,” said Sahady. “We think it is because individuals trust in our review process that we are able to help non-profits through the county in their service to our communities.”

She also applauded volunteers who serve on review committees to screen grant applications each spring. “These dozens of people, who must remain anonymous, volunteer an unimaginable amount of personal time scrutinizing the multi-page grant applications. For nearly three months, these panels examine funding requests ranging from $1,000 up to $20,000. I can’t praise them enough for their time and critical thinking.”

Tickets for the Joy of Giving program are available at the ACF office, 300 E. Willis, Suite B, in Prescott. For more information, call 928-583-7815. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Rosa’s Pizzeria Opens New Location in Prescott Valley

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Marks first market expansion by Vivili Hospitality Group.

Rosa’s Pizzeria, one of Prescott’s most celebrated restaurants, has opened its second location in Prescott Valley – marking the first market expansion by the area’s largest restaurant group, Vivili Hospitality Group.

The highly anticipated expansion by Vivili follows recent exponential growth by the company, with Rosa’s Pizzeria Prescott Valley being its third new restaurant to open in less than one year – all during the pandemic. Succeeding original Vivili concepts, The County Seat and La Planchada, Rosa’s Pizzeria joins its sister restaurants to elevate the area’s culinary options.

“Vivili has experienced incredible traction recently. We’ve had our strongest years, with business soaring during an unexpected time,” said Skyler Reeves, proprietor of Vivili Hospitality Group. “Rosa’s has a special place in my heart, it has a long legacy in Prescott, so it feels right to have this much-loved restaurant be our first to launch in a new market and now bring its iconic food to patrons in Prescott Valley.”

Reeves has attracted national recognition for thriving during the pandemic, most notably by spearheading a first-of-its-kind free college tuition program to combat the industry-wide hiring challenges facing the hospitality sector across the country. This latest venture signifies the beginning of a new era for the restaurateur as the company continues to bring its mission of good times, good food and great hospitality to an entirely new audience.

Rosa’s Pizzeria Prescott Valley features the same beloved menu with a fresh look and feel, including red-and-white-tiled, family-style high-top tables, booths with buffalo plaid designs, an elevated private dining area and an indoor/outdoor bar. The 5,500-square-foot location also includes front and back patios, totaling an additional 1,500 square feet.

The restaurant is located at 2992 Park Ave, Suite B in Prescott Valley and is currently open Wednesday-Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Hours will expand to include lunch service next month. The grand opening party, featuring a live band, food/drink specials and a raffle to win free pasta for a year, is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7. Follow Rosa’s Pizzeria on social media as more details are announced regarding the grand opening celebration. QCBN

To learn more about Rosa’s Pizzeria, visit RosasPizzeria.com. For more about Vivili Hospitality Group or to discover employment opportunities with competitive pay and benefits, including college tuition reimbursement, visit ViviliGroup.com.

SCORE Helping Businesses Succeed for Decades

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Lifelong learning both for our volunteers and clients is an ongoing process at SCORE.

I moved to Prescott in 2018 after 41 years in the commercial audiovisual industry in Southern California. We opened and ran a successful manufacturers’ rep company for 33 of those years, serving a five-state region. I had several terrific mentors, but I wish I had known of SCORE in those days. I like to say, “I could have had a V8.” SCORE is a non-profit, volunteer-staffed, free business mentoring service.

SCORE is America’s premier source of free, confidential small business advice, and was founded in 1964 as a non-profit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Because SCORE receives government funding, and thanks to our more than 10,000 dedicated volunteers, we are able to deliver most of our offerings at no cost.

During and after the pandemic, SCORE personnel were the go-to people for education on loans, grants and stimulus funds. We continue to fill that role, and our parent organization, the SBA, feeds us inquiries at a high rate.

SCORE volunteers go through a training curriculum before working with our staff of Certified Mentors. We are trained to listen and suspend judgement on clients and their ideas until we fully “get” what they’re saying. Although SCORE mentors do not actually perform physical tasks for the client startup companies, we lead, guide and recommend. Most SCORE mentors assign homework for their clients – including creating a business plan or doing a SWOT analysis (Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threat).

The SCORE mentor/client journey can take as long as the client needs. Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor were Prescott, Prescott Valley, Cottonwood, Sedona, Flagstaff or Kingman. Some clients see their SCORE mentor for years every month; others take a few meetings then go on their way.

The pandemic and video conferencing created an opportunity for SCORE. Called One SCORE, now clients can take on a volunteer to suit their needs anywhere in the country. One may shop for a mentor based on their specific experiences and backgrounds at score.org.

With all its years in existence, SCORE has volumes of work in the form of documents, articles, videos, podcasts and workshops on everything from finance to legal, sales, marketing, social media, search engine optimization and much more. Did I say it’s all free? Actually, some workshops do have a nominal fee.

Our Northern Arizona chapter, voted 2020 Most Improved Chapter in our District and 2020 Platinum Chapter, is managed by a six-person Leadership Team, comprised of myself as chair; Dick Milon, past chair and workshop leader; Terry Fearn, incoming chair and client intake director; Bud Heitman, marketing director; Joe Jenkins, finance manager and treasurer; and Mark Bagnall, volunteer input coordinator.

SCORE mentors are a diverse group of professionals who typically have held key positions in corporations or military, or have owned and run businesses themselves. Regardless of our experiences, we relish the chance to serve and to share our working knowledge with clients.

Lifelong learning both for our volunteers and clients is an ongoing process at SCORE. Our volunteers are educated in the latest methods of mentoring by the top thought-leaders. Clients are similarly exposed to a wide variety of subjects, such as Grow With Google – a roadmap for success within that search engine. All learning programs have proven success standards.

By using the methodology of co-mentoring, we are able to employ the knowledge and skills of two SCORE mentors. This has proven to be a very valuable tool for our mentors – two heads are better than one.

A new council has recently been created within our chapter, the Hispanic Business Owners Council (HBOC), which was co-created by our Chapter Leadership Team and Alianza News owner Rosanna Feyerabend. The purpose of HBOC is to foster improved startup practices in the growing Hispanic business community.

SCORE is always seeking volunteers. The gratification of serving others and the community by shooting the arrow forward in success is why we’re here. To be part of SCORE, either as a client or as a volunteer, go to score.org and click on “Find a Mentor” or “Become a Volunteer.” Or, email me directly at logan.enright@scorevolunteer.org. QCBN

By Logan Enright

Logan Enright is the chapter chair and certified mentor for SCORE Northern Arizona.

Sound Check

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Live entertainment venues test demand; some concerts have limited capacity.

Music and dancing has returned to the Quad Cities area and is starting to return to the Flagstaff area, with a lot more planned for May. The scheduling of more live music gives musicians, venue owners and customers hope for the future.

Prescott area venues never totally shut down the music during the pandemic, but solos or duos were playing instead of bands, and there was no dancing on the dance floor, per the safety protocols in place.

Sidekicks Lounge in Prescott Valley and Jersey Lilly on the square in Prescott are just two places where the owners are thrilled to be in the process of bringing music back to normal levels. Other entertainment venues, like the Highlands Center for Natural History, are also bringing back music.

The Northern Arizona Blues Alliance will host the first annual Greater Prescott Valley Blues Festival in the Prescott Valley Amphitheater from 1-9 p.m., Saturday, May 22. The lineup includes national acts such as Kat Riggs and Jimmy Carpenter, as well as local performers Ray DeSylvester, Leon J, Dr. Bob Sellani, Christian Berry, Paul Epoch, Tommy Dukes, Darryl Poras and Sir Harrison.

Mortimer Farms in Dewey has scheduled its Friday Night Barn Dance and dinner from May 7 to Oct. 30.

The Highlands Center for Natural History has scheduled its monthly concert series starting May 28, starting with Art Podell, one of the original musicians with the New Christie Minstrels. The Acoustic Eidolon duo will perform July 2. Prescott folk band Ponderosa Grove will perform July 24. Shakespeare in the Pines is scheduled during the middle two weeks in August and Acoustic Blues is on the calendar for Sept. 24.

Folk Sessions at the Highlands Center for Natural History has its ninth annual Americana Music Fest set for July 22, featuring “Southwestern Americana,” tales of Nancy Elliot, the Robby Robertson Trio and the Valley’s Hambone. Concert host Highlands Center Marketing and Communications Coordinator Tom Agostino said the pandemic impacted the center quite a bit. “We had to cancel our summer series last year,” he said.

This season, they will sell 70 tickets for each show, as compared to 120 for each show before the pandemic.

Laura Lee Morgan, who, with her husband, John, owns Sidekicks Saloon in Prescott Valley, said the community needs live music because people thrive on interaction. “It was depressing not having it,” she said. “It’s great having it back. That’s why we’re in the business.”

Jersey Lilly Saloon owner Josh Makrauer says that although the past year has been difficult, as the venue lost about 50% of its business, he is excited to be able to provide some fun music for the patrons.

Sidekicks has live bands every Saturday and karaoke on Friday and Sunday nights. The schedule for Saturdays in May has Parker Jenkins on May 8, Shake of Yesterday on May 15, Hit Squad on May 22 and Honey Girl on May 29.

Jersey Lilly has music almost every night. Sky performs every Tuesday, Little Larry every Thursday and there are jam sessions every Wednesday. Bands perform every weekend, with Hit Squad the first weekend in May, Combo Deluxe the second weekend in May, Little Larry and the Drive the third weekend in May, the Tone Kings the fourth weekend in May and Well Dressed Wolves the last weekend in May. Weekend shows are from 7-10 p.m.; weekday shows 8-10 p.m., and Sunday solos perform from 4-7 p.m. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Northern Arizona Suns Moving to Prescott Valley

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sunsFor basketball fans living in Northern Arizona, catching a professional game used to mean a drive to Phoenix, where the Suns play as members of the NBA. This all changed on a warm spring day in Prescott Valley last month. Appearing with leaders of the local community at an April 12 press conference inside the Prescott Valley Event Center (PVEC), Suns officials announced the relocation of their team’s minor league affiliate from California to Prescott Valley. This move is great news for basketball enthusiasts in the area and, as various dignitaries pointed out, beneficial in a number of ways to both Northern Arizona and the Suns organization.

The PVEC’s new tenant was founded in 2006 and known as the Bakersfield Jam. It became an affiliate of the Suns in 2011 and through the past two years was run as a hybrid organization, with the Suns in charge of basketball operations while the Bakersfield ownership group oversaw the business aspects. Last month, the Suns purchased the team outright, assuming control over 100 percent of the operations.

After looking at a number of possible sites in Arizona to move the team, including Tucson and Phoenix, officials decided the PVEC would be ideal and chose Prescott Valley as the new home. They changed the team name to the Northern Arizona Suns and the team will begin play in November.

Phoenix Suns president Jason Rowley pointed out that one important benefit of moving the team to Prescott Valley is the increase in regional support for the parent team. He said, “The whole idea of naming the team the Northern Arizona Suns is that we are looking to take the Suns brand, which has a strong place in this state already, and project it even further.”

Mike Paredes, executive director of the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation, added, “Having an elite organization like the Suns up here will not only put our town on the map, but the entire region.”

Efforts to develop the parent team’s brand have the added benefit of building local community pride. The new team already has a website (www.nba.com/suns/naz-sun) and a presence on several social media platforms, including Facebook (NAZ Suns), Twitter (@nazsuns) and Instagram (nazsuns). The team logo will be revealed in coming weeks, followed by a uniform unveiling and introduction of a mascot. Citing the close link between sports and community identity, Rowley said the public will be invited to participate in these efforts. Also, in a related attempt to generate interest, the team is holding a contest in which a community member will win a pair of season tickets for life.

Rowley mentioned a further community benefit, saying, “Areas like this, events like this, and places like this that get to experience basketball at a professional level…the youth will start to gravitate toward it, and there’s nothing more positive for youth development than teams sports.”

From a financial angle, the Suns’ arrival in Prescott Valley should make a positive impact. The team will play 24 home dates, plus host a handful of special events such as a scrimmage with the parent team, in the PVEC. For these games alone, a significant amount of income will be generated from ticket sales (the arena seats 5,100 for basketball games), refreshments and souvenirs, plus create jobs to handle these needs.

For the entire Suns organization, the move of the D-League team to Prescott Valley also brings logistical benefits. D-League players often have to travel to their parent affiliate to practice or even fill in for an injured player. Bubba Burrage, general manager of the Northern Arizona Suns, explained, “The proximity of this location and Phoenix is ideal because we can send them to practice with the Suns then we can bring them up here for a game, and then they can immediately go back and be with their home team.”

This convenience, together with the strengthening of home-team pride, brand expansion of the Suns organization across Arizona and positive economic impact, make the Northern Arizona Suns a welcome addition to the Prescott Valley community for many people. For others, the fact that professional basketball can now be seen in Northern Arizona is benefit enough. QCBN

By Kevin Schindler

The Prescott Valley Event Center, formerly Tim’s Toyota Center, will become home to the Northern Arizona Suns, the Phoenix Suns’ minor league team.

 

 

Prescott Valley Planning Healing Field Week Activities

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PV
The brass section of the POPS blasts out some strong notes during rehearsal.

A full week of commemorative activities dedicated to 9/11 victims has been scheduled in Prescott Valley, Sept. 6-11.

Thousands of people are expected during the week, according to Heidi Dahms-Foster, communications relations coordinator for the Town of Prescott Valley. She said they would be not only from the region but also from throughout Arizona and adjacent states.

“Planning for this town-sponsored event began almost a year ago,” she said, ”after the Town Council received so many favorable and praising responses for sponsoring this unique tribute to Americans.”

More than 3,000 American flags will be displayed east and south of Civic Center campus, 7501 E. Civic Circle.

Free Patriotic Concert is Major Innovation

A highlight of the week’s memorial services will be a free patriotic concert featuring the Prescott POPS Symphony Orchestra. The concert will be the first of its kind at the recently constructed outdoor performance stage at the southeast corner of Civic Center offices.

“Our annual Healing Field commemoration is intended to honor the 9/11 victims, firefighters, police, first responders, veterans – all those to whom we are indebted for their service,” said Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog. “We’re pleased to have the POPS Symphony Orchestra join us in honoring those who protect the public from threats, which can impact our lives, our communities and our freedoms.”

The POPS will perform a full concert of mostly patriotic music, said Joe Place, POPS music director and conductor. “The orchestra will play many familiar songs, among them, The Star-Spangled Banner, God Bless America, America the Beautiful and the Armed Forces Salute. And of course, we’ll play the always popular Sousa march, Stars and Stripes Forever.”

One special dedicated piece, Flight of Valor, will commemorate those who lost their lives, he added.

Soloists and possibly a vocal ensemble will perform during the concert. “We’ll want the audience to join in on some of the numbers.”

Place says orchestra members feel honored to be a part of the week of Healing Field events. “They are aware that performing in an outside venue will be a challenge for the orchestra, but our musicians are willing to spend extra hours in rehearsal for this special concert.”

Acknowledging the invitation from the town to the orchestra to perform was Jim Howard, POPS board of directors president. “What a terrific way to bring people from the Quad Cities area together and let them hear a performance by musicians from the greater community.”

He noted that the musicians range in age from the mid-teens to the mid-80s. “For a volunteer orchestra, we think it’s phenomenal that we have so many talented young student musicians representing schools from the Quad Cities area. Contrast that with some of the ‘senior’ musicians, some of whom have been with the orchestra since its founding 23 years ago.”   Howard chuckled, “Some of these young musicians weren’t even born when the person they now sit next to first started playing in the POPS.”

The POPS orchestra was founded by Paul Manz, a Prescott native who taught music in the Prescott School system. Manz served as POPS music director and conductor from 1992 until his retirement in 2015.

Healing Field is Community Supported

The impetus for the Healing Field in Prescott Valley came from Town Council member Mary Mallory three years ago, when she observed a similar event in another community. Since then, the activity has become a signature program for the Town.

Helping organize the event is volunteer Darlene Packard. “I believe the Healing Field becomes hallowed ground from the moment the flags go up on Sept. 5 until they come down on Sept. 12. Having the beautiful music of the POPS symphony playing to the backdrop of more than 3,000 flags will be like sending a prayer to heaven for our heroes and our country.”

Town Council member Lora Lee Nye echoed Packard, “The joyful sounds of the POPS Symphony will lift our hearts and raise our spirits in thanksgiving for the lives we honor with the Healing Field.”

Also involved in planning the commemorative event is Deputy Town Manager Ryan Judy. He, his team and volunteers will spend hours preparing for the week’s event, especially the concert. “This will be, I believe, the first time the symphony has played in Prescott Valley, and we couldn’t be more pleased. The concert is a key element in an expanded week to honor those who bravely rush forth.”

Judy praised the many volunteers who set up and take down the displays. “It is a community-led effort from Day One – to establish this remembrance for those who gave their lives for freedom and those who continue to fight for it.”

Special commemoration services also are planned for Friday, Sept. 11, in memory of the tragedy that occurred 14 years ago. QCBN

Story and photos by Ray Newton, QCBN