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Enjoying the Ride

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Soledaddy Longboards owner handcrafts his unique skateboards at the Grand Canyon.

Thinking about surfing in Northern Arizona may sound a bit unusual, but according to outdoor recreationist Nicolas Sutherland, riding his Soledaddy Longboard here “is the closest you can get to riding the ocean waves.”

“I heard about Soledaddy Longboards at Aspen Sports,” said Sutherland. “The board is handmade, beautiful and rides like a dream, and I love the retro look, so I knew I had to give them a try. It’s so much fun carving down hills with its flexible deck and extra-long shape. I’ll probably buy another one soon.”

Crafted in his garage at the South Rim Grand Canyon Village, Soledaddy Longboards owner Scott Rommel, who works for Grand Canyon National Park in water utilities, has sold more than 50 boards since last August. His tagline is “Everybody wants one.”

“Aspen Sports has been invaluable to my business,” said Rommel. “The response from customers has been incredible. Last August, they sold out in a couple weeks. I had to resupply the store to keep up with the demand.”

“The Soledaddy Longboards are selling extremely well,” said Aspen Sports Skateboarding Manager Jorge Doniz, who has been skating for more than 15 years. “People like them because of their unique Southwest features and amazing ride. It’s hard to get a flex on a board but with Soledaddys, you can go high speeds and maintain control. It helps the rider enjoy the board more. I just bought a new board and I’m real excited about it.”

Born and raised in San Diego, Rommel moved to the Grand Canyon 17 years ago. His dad was a surfer and carpenter and built Rommel a skateboard when he was 7 years old. “In the 1990s, I started constructing skateboards and sold them in a couple shops in San Diego as well as the swap meet for a few years. I believe I am the first skateboard designer to build skateboards with a what I call a ‘double swallowtail.’”

Rommel says his inspiration for the look and style of his boards come from his love for old cars. “I love classic cars from the 1950s and 1960s – it’s such a great American art form. The detail and quality they show through their work is inspiring. Classic car designs have subliminally seeped into my designs.”

The initial restart of Soledaddy Longboards began last year when Rommel went back home to San Diego to visit his parents. “I found a couple old planks in the garage and my son saw them and said I should start making them again. So, I picked up a hobby from 25 years ago,” said Rommel.

Using birch laminate that he purchases from Spellman Hardwoods in Flagstaff, the Soledaddy Longboards are a half-inch thick and up to 60 inches long, inlaid with alder hardwood. “Birch laminate has more flex and gives great suspension, like a luxury car,” explained Rommel. A recent longboard features Monument Valley-themed artwork.

Owner of The Pizza Guy, Mike Williams, who collects skateboards, has a Soledaddy original that Rommel made for him. “It is a really cool board with red inlay with my logo.”

Eventaually, Rommel says he hopes to have a small workshop and a couple of employees. “That would be so cool, but right now it’s just me, my garage and backyard, and that’s fine because I’m having fun. I love what I to do and it’s very satisfying work.”

My superpower is:

Focus. I can latch on to an idea or vision and go for it until I finish it. This helps a lot in board making. I’m also good at planning, taking into consideration many things and putting them all together to formulate a course of action.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

The best business advice I’ve gotten is from my multimedia consultant, graphic artist and somewhat of a silent partner, Elise Burnette, who tells me to “stay the course” and “stick to your guns.”

A skill I’d like to learn:

Computer graphic design. It would be great to create digital artwork that I could turn into decals for my boards. Right now, I use all of my time to actually produce the boards.

My role model is:

I admire those people who stick to their beliefs no matter what. That takes a lot of courage. It could be Malala Yousafzai or Greta Thunberg, or it could be characters in films like those played by John Wayne or Clint Eastwood’s character in “Unforgiven.”

My favorite travel destination is:

The eastern Sierra Mountains, up in the high country, the John Muir Wilderness. It’s so beautiful – crystal clear creeks, streams and lakes full of wild trout. That always draws me back. That’s what I think heaven would look like to me. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

For more information about Soledaddy Longboards, visit soledaddylongboards.com or call 928-640-0607.

Alexa Scholl: Prescott’s Rising Star

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Smiling broadly, which she does often, 23-year-old Alexa Scholl recalls how a local radio talk show host acknowledged that she shares the name “Alexa” with the Amazon electronic application that answers questions and performs communications tasks. It was suggested that the name recognition may have helped her win a seat on the Prescott City Council (PCC) when she was 20 years old.

“I’d like to think it was a bit more than just ‘name recognition,’” she said. “I consider myself a Prescott native and have family roots here since the 1950s. I attended local schools and graduated from Prescott High School in 2015.”

In high school, Alexa committed herself to representing her fellow students as what she called a “servant leader,” someone who wants to help the community make a sustainable difference in its quality of life. “Being involved in such programs cemented my interest in public service. I was inspired by other students who shared similar values. We really did support each other to make the world a better place,” said Scholl.

Her parents are both highly visible educators. Her father, John Scholl, is superintendent of Chino Valley Schools and her mother, Marti Read, is assistant superintendent of Prescott Unified School District (PUSD).

Alexa graduated from PHS with distinction. She was an award-winning varsity athlete and student leader. She later was named a Tillman Scholar and Truman Scholar – both prestigious honors awarded to exceptional students at Arizona State University (ASU). While there, she enrolled in the Barrett Honors College, where she completed a political science degree with a minor in Spanish in 2019. Currently, she is enrolled in an ASU master’s program in global security.

It seems no matter what she does, she is setting new standards or breaking records.

For instance, while yet an undergraduate at ASU, she ran for and was elected to a four-year term in 2017 to the seven-member Prescott City Council. She did so with the highest number of votes cast for any candidate and became the youngest city council person elected in Arizona history.

“It’s funny. I was not old enough to drink alcoholic beverages, and yet I was voting in council meetings to approve liquor licenses.”

Committed to Public Service

Last month, Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli shared with fellow council members that Alexa had accepted that role as mayor pro tem for the Prescott City Council.

“Having Alexa as our mayor pro tem is something I am very pleased about,” said Mayor Mengarelli. Her continuous thoughtful insight, dedication and knowledge about the greater Prescott community and unique perspectives on various issues the council faces make her truly invaluable in this role. I look forward to working with Ms. Scholl in her new capacity. I am excited to see how her leadership will impact PCC and the city as a whole.”

City Councilmember Billie Orr, who has served as mayor pro tem for the past several years, calls Alexa studious and perceptive. “Alexa is a talented young lady. I have enjoyed working alongside her on the council.”

“Alexa is one of the best examples of why I love being an educator in Prescott,” said PUSD School Superintendent Joe Howard. “She grew up here, represented academically the top levels of our schools in the county and state, and then returned to her community to contribute in the highest manner. We are so proud of this young woman. What’s gratifying is that she accepted a position with PUSD to be our health and safety coordinator in dealing with some of the most threatening situations in our history. She is leading us through this pandemic with incredible skill. I am reminded daily of how important and full circle our efforts are in education.”

Early in her service on the council, she was instrumental in creating the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), which is designed to help area students be aware of local government policies and issues that affect youth.

Scholl also dedicates time to serving on the board of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Partnerships. She is a member of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States. She also has worked and volunteered for Yavapai Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

In her spare time, Scholl says she listens to podcasts about political, criminal and social issues. She also enjoys a good comedy.

What makes me laugh

I laugh hardest when I spend time with my family. We tend to be sarcastic, so we enjoy poking fun at each other.

My favorite meal

I really love my dad’s chicken curry over rice. But we have some good restaurants in town.

My favorite place to travel

San Felipe, Mexico. We’ve been going there since I was a little kid. It’s like a second home. But I also love, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, where I can study U.S. history. I owe that to Kelly Cordes, my seventh grade social studies teacher.

Prescott is unique

I think our wonderful climate and natural beauty, combined with the history of the region, are major draws. Of course, there’s no place like Prescott during the holidays. Totally spectacular and welcoming.

If I had an unlimited bank account

It would go for non-profits and foundations. These are close to my heart. They have been impacted by the pandemic. They need financial support. QCBN

By Ray Newton

Meeting Student, Workforce Needs

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Closing in on her second anniversary as Yavapai College (YC) president in February, Lisa Rhine shared the major philosophical shift the college is taking.

“We have a new view of how post-secondary education should be structured to meet personal and societal needs,” she said. “We’re putting that vision into place at Yavapai College. Classes and curricula now fit students’ needs instead of making students fit academic policies based on centuries-old tradition.”

YC’s mission is providing students with an education they want and need to enter the job market and find a meaningful career.

“When I first came on campus two years ago, I did a listening tour for the first six to nine months. I tried to meet every person on campus – employees and student groups. I spent time listening and trying to figure out what themes emerged. What I discovered is that we are an institution that serves students, but we weren’t as strong as we should be in relationships that support one another. I knew if we didn’t get those relationships right, we weren’t going to reach the goals we needed to reach to be successful.”

Rhine says she and her administrative team adopted the concept of the “YC Way: relationship excellence, learning excellence and service excellence.”

One change she put into place is a comprehensive management framework to grow enrollment. That involved dividing the student affairs division into student affairs and enrollment management – an infrastructure similar to what exists at many universities. It focuses on identifying prospective students, walking them through the application process, and then supporting them throughout their enrollment.

It paid off. Despite the impact of COVID-19, summer student headcount was up 30%. YC was the only community college in Arizona that experienced an increase in enrollment.

A second major change was the introduction of new academic offerings, including trades programs, transfer degrees and lifelong learning courses. Those include new partnerships with Northern Arizona University (NAU) in education programs and a collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in cyber-tech programs.

One unique new program involves the 3D printing and construction of homes. The college purchased two different commercial printers. A small machine, used for training, will print smaller houses of about 900 square feet. The big printer is capable of printing homes up to 2,000 square feet. “What’s remarkable is that the printer can do a complete home in about a month, as opposed to traditional construction, which can take several months,” said Rhine. “In this area, that size home can cost from $400,000 to $600,000 and more. We can do it for between $90,000 and $120,000. We’re the first community college in the nation to have that program. I can’t wait until we get a demo house set up.”

Other curricular changes involve bringing a skilled trades center to the Verde Valley campus, which will provide certificate programs for electricians, plumbers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians, and others.

These changes are the result of the meetings Rhine and her team conducted in the community to understand the greatest needs for residents and employers.

Meanwhile, Rhine says the college worked hard to work keep costs down. As a result, YC has the lowest tuition in Arizona for community colleges and the lowest taxpayer cost per student. “We didn’t want to increase taxes. We didn’t want to increase our budget.”

“We are so fortunate to have Lisa as president,” said YC Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland. “Her commitment to student success is evident.”

Yavapai College has two main campuses – one in Prescott and one in the Verde Valley – and four centers: Career and Technical Center, Chino Valley Center, Prescott Valley Center and Sedona Center.

Rhine, a Brooklyn, New York native, spent most of her younger life in Ohio. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1988 from Wright State University and her master’s in 1991 from the University of Dayton. She met her husband of 24 years, James “Jim” Rhine when they were working at Sinclair Community College. They married in 1996. With degrees in mathematics, he is currently teaching at Prescott High School.

Rhine earned her doctorate in education administration in 2004 at Capella University in Minneapolis.

The Rhines have two adult sons. Alex, 23, is completing an associate degree at YC and planning to transfer to NAU. Ben, 21, is a junior at Virginia Tech where he’s majoring in building construction.

I am grateful for

I couldn’t have been more blessed. This college has so many intelligent and talented faculty, staff and students.

Something new learned since moving to Arizona

I was nominated to dance in the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser last year. Jim and I signed up for dance lessons. We now do Latin dances – the bachata and salsa – and love it.

What I do in my spare time

I make time for family. For 24 years, I have made it a practice to prepare dinner at home six nights a week. Family is important.

My favorite Christmas tradition

I prepare a large dinner on Christmas Eve and then we attend midnight mass. We share gratitude for the year gone by and our hope for the year to come.

Making the move to Prescott after living in major urban centers

I want Prescott to be my forever home. I hope it’s my last stop on the higher ed train. I’m trying to develop relationships I know are going to be long-term because I don’t plan to go anywhere. I’ve been given an exceptional opportunity. You know, we are genuinely grateful to be here. We’re in awe of the beauty and friendliness of the community. There’s no place I’d rather be. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

New HUSD Superintendent Facing Unparalleled Challenges

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Acknowledging that his biggest challenge will be finding ways to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on the educational environment throughout the Humboldt Unified School District, John Pothast says he is “beyond excited” to be working in Prescott Valley.

Pothast is beginning his job as superintendent of the largest school district in Yavapai County. He succeeds Dan Streeter, who accepted the superintendency position with the Marana School Unified District in northwest Tucson.

“During my earlier research about schools in Prescott Valley and then during my interviews, I was genuinely impressed with the intense professional commitment of the district’s faculty and staff,” Pothast said.

Though coming to HUSD from a prior four-year administrative position as director of innovation and strategic planning in Soldotna, Alaska, Pothast is not unfamiliar with Arizona. He and his wife, Sheilah-Margaret, were teachers for several years at Cibola High School in Yuma. He taught English and she taught social studies. Also, Pothast earned a master of educational leadership degree in 1999 from Northern Arizona University (NAU). Years earlier, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and humanities from the University of Minnesota’s Duluth campus.

Sheilah-Margaret is originally from Camp Verde. They have two adult children: a daughter, who just graduated from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and a son who will be a junior at NAU.

The five-member HUSD school board was unanimous in offering Pothast a two-year contract .

Becoming the head administrator for HUSD begins Pothast’s 32nd year in education. He’ll be responsible for administering a multi-million dollar budget, which in 2019-2020 was $35,292,511 in maintenance and operations, and $3,302,243 in capital investments. New budget figures will be announced at the beginning of the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

He will also be responsible for a workforce of approximately 615 employees: 283 faculty members; 310 classified personnel and 22 administrators. All these people keep 10 schools operational – a high school, two middle schools, one traditional school, five elementary schools, and one preschool. They also serve an estimated 5,400 students, an enrollment which generally has been stable the past few years.

Challenges Are Without Precedent

Pothast admits the challenges facing schools and communities in the state and throughout the nation are without precedent. “If we have to continue dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ll need to find ways to provide quality education to students in remote learning environments. If we start getting back to ‘normal,’ we’ll be dealing with residual – and possibly ongoing – issues created during the past few months.”

He adds that budget and funding issues will be significant across the nation. “It’s too early to tell what or when the beginning of school will be like. Certainly, the governor has announced he wants schools opened in a normal fashion. HUSD already has a working group put together to look at what our options might include.”

Noting that the dramatic changes occurring in schools, society, culture and industry are influencing education in ways previously unimagined, Pothast said he wants to be visionary in moving education forward to give children some ownership in the learning process. He feels that education is not confined to classrooms, or school days or even particular locations. He believes a positive educational journey requires collaboration and open communications from among all sectors of society.

“I want to be clear,” he said. “The health and safety of everyone is paramount, no matter where we find ourselves in the fall.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“My mom told me, ‘This too shall pass,’ and she was right. Life is full of ups and downs. The past several months of school are among those challenging times. But it shall pass, and we’ll find our new normal and continue.”

 

What’s your favorite recent memory?

“Having both our kids home with us again. When their campuses shut down in March, the circumstances that caused that were unfortunate. But having them home, with all the fun and laughter we have together, was a blessing.”

 

What do you and your family do for entertainment or recreation?

“Hiking in the mountains, biking on trails, boating on the water, skiing in the winter – anything outdoors.”

 

What led you to a career in education?

“I had many inspirational teachers over the years. Mrs. Terri Tiech, my middle school English teacher, personalized learning long before anyone else thought about it. Her impact on my later life helped me move in that same direction.”

 

What’s your favorite
holiday and why?  

“Christmas. That’s a time that reminds us of what should be important in life – helping and giving to others. It’s a time to believe.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Nurturing the Community with Goods from the Garden

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From business meetings and award ceremonies to weddings and similar personal festivities, Prescott’s Goods from the Garden caters to the culinary tastes of area businesses and families.

Named Best of Business-Catering in 2019 by QCBN readers, the firm boasts 24 professionals with collectively more than 188 years of culinary experience and “amazing” serving skills, according to co-owner Debbie Maranville.

Championing “the pillars of healthy living and eating,” Maranville and her husband, Richard, began their current ventures in Prescott nine years ago as co-owners of The Natural Healing Garden Massage and Wellness Center. Between that center and VaYa Botanicals, they employ six massage therapists plus associated front desk personnel.

“We love sharing healthy food options with a large variety of health-centered choices that focus on utilizing fresh produce and delicious food,” Maranville said. “Our team is dynamic and passionate.”

A Chicago-native who inherited her grandmother’s Italian, Classic American and baking magic, Maranville affirms that food preparation is in her genes. She parlayed working for McDonald’s as a teenager into stints in operations, training, marketing and risk management. Having earned a Certificate in Human Resource Management through the University of Phoenix in 2003-2004, she also holds a degree in Hamburgerology.

Maranville’s first gig dates to age nine, when she catered a pretend neighborhood wedding, spawning a 40-year career in food service. Her expertise has been rewarded with the loyalty of area businesses.

Northern AZ Social, LLC owner Donna Werking and Realty One Group Mountain Desert real estate agent Cindi LaSalle-Shanks have long supported Maranville in her entrepreneurial dreams.

“I’ve known Deb since she first began her healing center,” Werking said. “When she extended her service line into catering, she quickly became my No. 1 choice for clients. She’s warm, friendly, hardworking and listens to clients’ needs.”

LaSalle-Shanks met Maranville through the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, where both are ambassadors.

“Deb is a kind, generous and hardworking lady,” said LaSalle-Shanks. “She always has a smile and greeting for everyone she meets. She takes great pride in providing awesome service with a warm and heartfelt smile.”

Maranville credits her husband as an inspiration for her entrepreneurship and community involvement. She supports many charities, including Prescott Area Women Who Care (PAWWC), which recently chose Goods from the Garden for its quarterly meetings.

“We are proud to partner with Goods from the Garden,” said PAWWC Founder Nicole Kennedy. “Debbie and Richard clearly are stewards of our community, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of goodness as a result of their community participation.”

Maranville and many of her staff also serve three meals a day to men and women in recovery or treatment for behavioral challenges. “It is so rewarding to feed healthy food to people in need,” she explained. “We assist with their wellness one bite at a time.”

She acknowledges flexibility and creating her own schedule as “huge rewards” in her business. Although catering is hard on the body and requires long hours and dedication, she said it also helps her “be a Grammy” to her grandsons.

Her biggest business challenges stem from rapid growth during the past year, she noted, along with food and operational costs, obtaining quality ingredients, attracting and retaining the right staff, and setting up her own self-care routines and downtime.

Her next dream is to “offer culinary services to clients with cancer and other autoimmune diseases, and ensure that no child or person goes hungry. We will have prepared packaged foods to feed the community, along with culinary and dietary workshops.”

Maranville asserts that she has “the most rewarding job. God has been great to us. I am truly blessed. Creating culinary experiences is such an honor. I love, love, love working with our clients, staff and community.” QCBN

By Sue Marceau, QCBN

Former Green Beret Tackling Jail Issues

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The coming weeks and months will be demanding and intense, says Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chair Craig Brown. Requests continue to come in for more services and facilities. That, he says, coupled with what looks to be an aggressive political year, will heat up the governmental landscape.

“The major issue we supervisors will face in the next month is looking toward the estimated $70 million bond issue to pay for a new jail in Prescott. Some have said we need to spend more, but I am insistent that amount will cover the costs.”

The board has been preparing for the construction of a 144-bed jail just south of the Prescott Lakes Parkway near the Yavapai County Juvenile Detention Center.

“We desperately need that jail to take the pressure off the existing jail in the Verde Valley near Camp Verde. That jail has about 550 people a day in it. What’s worse, about 65 percent of those prisoners are in trials in Prescott, so we – the county – have to transport them back and forth at a cost of about a million dollars a month. Think of the money we can save if we have them in a prison in the city where they are going to be tried,” he explained.  “We’ll be making some final decisions this coming month.”

If approved by voters, a bond to cover the cost of the new jail will be paid off through a combination of property taxes, jail sales tax revenue and the general fund.

Another major issue the board will be addressing is the matter of water shortages, not just in Yavapai County but throughout Arizona. “What most people don’t realize is that we really don’t have much say about water allocations, especially with private owners,” he said. “What is needed is for state legislators, in cooperation with federal authorities, to face up to reality and develop new water management plans and strategies. We have too many independent straws in the ground sucking water, but we at the county level cannot control that.”

Annexation is another matter Brown discussed. “Somewhat like the water issue, how land is annexed from the county into a city or town is not something we have absolute authority over. The reality is, the county cannot say no to annexation. Legal cause has to be demonstrated before it can be denied.”

With county growth, Brown says public safety and improved roads will get a lot of the board’s attention this year, too.

Brown is serving his second term as a county supervisor. He was first elected in 2012 and served as board chair in 2016. Already, he has declared he will run for a third term in 2020.

A resident of Yavapai County since 2005, Brown and his wife, Sandi, live In Williamson Valley’s Inscription Canyon, northwest of Prescott. That makes him the elected supervisor for District 4, which stretches to the county border north and west.

The Browns’ adult children – two sons and a daughter – and their families live in California and Texas.

Brown began his career with the Santa Monica Police Department. He was a detective for seven of his 15 years there, and rose to rank of sergeant. During the same period, he attended Redlands University where he earned degrees in administration of justice and public administration. Injuries forced him to retire in 1985.

Almost immediately, Brown was hired by the Superior Court system of Los Angeles and then, later, by the Los Angeles County Probation Department as a director. He used his organizational and administrative skills to manage a $300 million annual budget and oversee some 6,500 employees.

Before working in law enforcement, Brown was in the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam with the Green Berets along the Cambodian border and earned several citations for his service before he was honorably discharged.

What is your favorite holiday?        

“No doubt about that, the Fourth of July. I love everything that day stands for.”

What is your favorite meal? 

“The same thing I’d eat on the Fourth of July – fried chicken and mashed potatoes.”

What’s your favorite kind of entertainment?         

“I love slapstick comedy – Laurel and Hardy and stuff like that. But I also like good Western movies or historic dramas and books. I’m kind of a history nut.”

If you had unlimited money to contribute, where would you direct it? 

“Locally. Sharlot Hall Museum would get a chunk of it because of all the great preservation of our local Western history. I’d also give a bunch to veteran’s causes, for they have served our country. And certainly, I’d give to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. What it does for terminally ill children is remarkable.”

What music would we find on your playlist?  

“You’ll laugh, but probably elevator music. Or, maybe rhythm and blues.”

 

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo by Ray Newton

PJ Connolly Scouts the Southwest for Picture Perfect Scenery

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It is always fun when you know someone who “knows someone,” and PJ Connolly has known and worked for a lot of famous someones in Flagstaff and the Four Corners region. That is because it is the nature of the entertainment industry and his business, Locations Southwest and Production Services (LSW).

Whether it is a commercial for Ford Motor Company, a feature film like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” or special projects like Will Smith celebrating his 50th birthday by bungee jumping out of a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, Connolly is Northern Arizona’s liaison for location scouting, production management and film equipment rental.

“A part of what we do is help with logistics, planning, procuring permits and line production – making sure a film project runs smoothly and under budget,” said Connolly, who has been a location scout for 20 years. “Some projects require setting up an infrastructure such as building a road for big film crews then returning the land to its natural state.”

Connolly said, “You can always find a pretty place to photograph or film, but the question is, can you get permission to bring in a crew of 300 or more? We help with logistics, planning procuring permits and line production, even lodging, supplies, extra crew, traffic control and more.”

Sometimes, Connolly will spend a whole year scouting for a project. He also has one of the largest collections of Southwest location images in the world.

With a strong background in filming in rural remote locations, LSW specializes in feature films, commercials, television, print advertising and IMAX. “I wore several hats for the IMAX project,” said Connolly. “In addition to scouting locations along the Colorado River, we cast young Navajo children for the film.”

Connolly has a long history of working with Native American tribes, particularly the Navajo Nation.

“PJ is a location and film expert in Northern Arizona working with some of the largest production companies that film in and around Flagstaff,” said City of Flagstaff Communications Specialist and Film Commissioner Meg Roederer.

Working as a grip (camera assistant) in his early years, Connolly began his career in Phoenix. A few of his memorable projects are “Forrest Gump” – one of his all-time favorite movies, several mini-series with Richard Chamberlain, “Into the Wild,” and “Natural Born Killers” with Woody Harrelson. “Woody was very pleasant and fun to work with,” he said.

Connolly was also a river guide on and off for 15 years. He speaks fondly of a project that he claims was his favorite. “We were filming a live television program for a public broadcasting station out of Japan. I was on a boat on the Colorado River and we relayed our feed to the top of the rim of the Grand Canyon near Desert View to Japan via satellite.”

“I know PJ well and he’s a great guy,” said Arizona Film and Digital Media Director Matthew Earl Jones.

Gear rental is another part of LSW, from a five-ton grip package to sandbags, film accessories such as silks, flags and filming equipment for smaller projects. “This way, they don’t need to bring all these supplies on a truck or airplane,” explained Connolly.

“Since Flagstaff is the largest city and a regional hub for Northern Arizona, it’s a perfect base for production companies. Filming in Flagstaff provides beautiful and diverse landscapes, panoramic views, a four-season climate and historic areas as well as support services. Film projects highlight our community and contribute to our local economy by utilizing our production resources as well as our accommodations, catering services and much more,” said Roederer. “And PJ always provides excellent service and advice.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and from whom?

“My mom, and it was related to stressing out and taking on more than I can handle. She was a good Christian lady and she would say, ‘Yoke up with the Lord.’ Turn it over. You can’t control everything.”

When was the last time you danced?

“It was at my son’s wedding and recently Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass Festival.”

What hobby or skill would you like to develop?

“Fly fishing. I was out scouting for a commercial at Lake Powell for a couple days and went down to Lees Ferry for one hour. It was awesome and I got two rainbows [trout].”

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

“Maui, but I love going on river trips in the Grand Canyon, Lees Ferry to fish and going to the Rockies, too.”

Of all the actors you’ve met, who impressed you the most?

“John Tesh. After a project we worked on, he came up to me and gave me a big hug and tucked a couple 100 dollar bills in my pocket and said, ‘Go have some beers on me.’” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

A Legacy of Giving Back

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Learning that Jim and Linda Lee had been named the 2019 Philanthropists of the Year by the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County was not a big surprise to those who have lived in the Quad Cities area for any length of time.

For decades, the Lees have been major contributors to a diverse number of groups, organizations and individuals who benefit the greater region and, in some cases, the state.
At the same time, the Lees have never sought honors or recognition for what they do as they quietly provide support to the performing arts, schools, health care and medical organizations, social agencies and many others. This has been their nature ever since they arrived in Prescott in 1977, and began developing real estate and commercial development projects. Among projects were the Ponderosa Mall, the Ranch at Prescott, Prescott Gateway Mall, the Walmart Super Center and Touchmark at the Ranch.
When they were announced as “Philanthropists of the Year” during a formal luncheon at the Prescott Resort, Aug. 9, the crowd responded with a standing ovation.

The 2018 Philanthropist of the Year, Mike Fann, founder-owner of Fann Contracting, introduced the Lees as “lovers of humanity and the community.”

Texas Natives Share Common Interests

Although they grew up only a few miles apart in Texas, Jim and Linda never knew each other until years later when they traveled almost 6,000 miles and were both working in Russia. Linda, who holds degrees in English and history from the University of Texas, was teaching in Russia. Jim, who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy following his service near the end of World War II in China, had returned to Arizona and enrolled in Phoenix College. Later, he accepted a consulting position with People to People in Russia.
What brought them together in that far-away country was opera, classical music and the arts.

“We both love great music,” said Linda. “That’s how we met. We both so enjoyed it that we’ve traveled back to the Bolshoi Ballet many times. We’ve also been to the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg. In fact, we’ve probably been to every great music hall in Western Europe.”
Jim agreed. “And, we love Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Opera. We have this vision that Prescott can equal Santa Fe in being a nationally recognized center for music and the arts. Prescott and this area have so much talent.”

The couple cites the Prescott POPS Symphony Orchestra as just one talented homegrown organization. They especially praise the Prescott POPS for its sponsorship of the annual Music Memory project that brings third through fifth graders from throughout the county to hear classical music at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center.
They also are involved in supporting Dennis Houser, who directs the Prescott Chorale; they contribute to the Yavapai Symphony Association; they help the public schools and their music programs; they are longtime advocates for Prescott Friends of Arizona Opera; and the various musical and artistic programs offered through Yavapai College have their support.

Jim explained, “When we moved here in the late 1970s, we knew Prescott would be our home. We also knew it would grow and become a major cultural influence in Central Arizona. We made a conscious decision to support such aesthetic programs.”

Linda agreed. “It’s mind-boggling, the amount of talent that we enjoy. We want to encourage it as much as we can.”

Beyond the arts, they are vocal advocates for quality educational experiences as well, such as the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium atop the STEM Building on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) campus. They wanted to create awareness about ERAU throughout the rural areas of Central and Northern Arizona, so they proposed the construction of the 47-foot diameter domed planetarium.

“Planetarium enthusiasts often have young children. We wanted these youngsters in our part of the state to be able to experience a unique learning experience,” Jim said.

“In just the 20 months since the planetarium opened in January 2018, almost 35,000 people have participated in their programs. That’s not just local people,” said Linda. “Data show that visitors are from throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries.”

They both agree that Prescott has become a desirable cultural, artistic and educational hub that well deserves the reputation as one of the most livable communities in the United States.

What is your favorite pastime?

Jim: “Anything involving classical music and opera.”
Linda: “Especially if it is something by Verdi.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Jim: “I can’t recall who told me this many years ago, but it was, ‘Do not think too small.’ That’s my advice to people in this area. Prescott is in a period of transition and we cannot think too small.”

What makes you smile?

Linda: “Seeing these children from rural areas enjoy musical and artistic experiences like those provided by the Music Memory Program, which the Prescott POPS sponsors every February.”

You endowed a program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine several years ago. What was the reason behind that decision?

Linda: “We believe in quality healthcare programs, so we established the Jim and Linda Lee Memorial Endowment for Cardiovascular Disease there.”

Jim: “The Sarver Heart Center founded at the UofA Medical Center is now recognized as one of the world’s leading cardiovascular research institutions.”

Why did you choose Prescott as your home?

Jim: “When we first moved here from the Valley more than 40 years ago, we left evaporative coolers and oppressive heat. We told people we were moving to Prescott, for that’s where heaven was.”

Linda: “It still is.”

QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Flying High

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Leonardo Da Vinci was quoted as saying, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skywards.” Holding one of the highest pilot certifications, Craig Sanderson spread his wings upward to serve as director of operations for Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines and mayor of the small but bustling town of Tusayan.

Sanderson acquired the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification at 28 years old. It is one of the most advanced certifications a pilot can obtain and necessary for any pilot wanting to fly commercial airliners, which was Sanderson’s intention. However, he had a change of plans.

“I learned early on that flying commercial airlines was not my cup of tea,” said Sanderson, who flew commercial airline flights for more than a year. “I’d rather fly over beautiful areas such as Lake Powell, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.” So, that is what he did. “My first job was flying scenic flights for Skywest Airlines based out of Page. The sights are so amazing and I loved sharing that view with people.”

Sanderson spent the first three years of his life in Page, and that is where he met his wife, Sheila, and raised their three children. They currently have five grandchildren. They made their move to Tusayan in 2002 where he began working for Grand Canyon Airlines.

“Craig has a passion for the Grand Canyon and does an outstanding job,” said GCSA President Jake Tomlin. “We’re so pleased to have him on our team, since tourism and hospitality runs in his family.”

Indeed, Sanderson’s love for sharing beautiful sights was inherited from his father, Bill Sanderson, who, along with his brothers, started one of the first river running companies in Page, Sanderson River Expeditions.

“The Bureau of Reclamation was looking to build three dams on the Colorado River and they asked my uncles to take them down the river. After the river trip, the Bureau of Reclamation gave a couple of Army surplus rafts to the family and the river running business started from there.” The company was sold in the 70s and is currently owned by Aramark, running as Wilderness River Expeditions.

“I never wanted to get into politics, never saw myself as a politician, but about six years ago, there was a recall election and the mayor at the time approached me and said, ‘Hey, you need to run for council.’ I said, ‘No way, you’re crazy, that’s not me.’ So, he told me about the town and why we need housing here and how people struggle.”

Sanderson served as council member, vice-mayor and, finally, mayor.

In 2016, Sanderson was Tusayan’s first directly elected mayor. His primary goal is to improve the quality of life for the people who live in Tusayan and to enhance the experience of the more than six million visitors who pass through the community to the Grand Canyon.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mayor Craig Sanderson to advance and improve the Town Court in Tusayan,” said Judge Rob Krombeem, Justice of the Peace, Williams Justice Court. “Mayor Sanderson brings the type of forward-thinking, collaborative leadership that more communities need, particularly in these times of fiscal and other community challenges. He leads by example with a servant’s heart and I appreciate how he puts faith and family at the forefront of his priorities.”

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

“Peacemaker: having the personality to diffuse volatile situations and to help others reach a middle-ground compromise.”

What’s your favorite thing to do when not working?

“Our family loves boating and swimming, especially at Lake Powell. At my job, I can’t call it work when I get to fly and experience the beauty and awesomeness of this amazing place I have the privilege to call home.”

Where do you like to travel?

Lake Powell and Grand Canyon are my top two.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines?

“Over my long career, I’ve contributed to the success of about a thousand pilots who began their careers working with and for me. Most of these pilots are now flying with a major airline.”

What is the prettiest sight you’ve seen from an airplane? 

“Wow! With over 20,000 flight hours, mostly over the national parks, I see beautiful sights every day. The most incredible are the ones that only last a few minutes. Grand Canyon and Lake Powell are beautiful on any day, but the right combination of sunlight, thundershowers and/or clouds can turn incredible into unbelievable. FBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion

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A sign posted on the wall of the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop states, “Expect movement on any tracks from any direction…at any time.”

Though a good reminder for engineers and mechanics working on the trains, the advice spells out sage wisdom for Bob Baker’s position as general manager of train operations as well.

With responsibilities ranging from maintenance of the trains to ticketing, Baker has a lot of motion in his job. “I oversee the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel maintenance, safety, security and sustainability and I’m responsible for all aspects of the trains,” he explained in his gentle, polished English accent.

Born in London, Baker has lived in the United States since December 24, 1989, and became a U.S. citizen in 2005. “I was a service brat and every time my dad was relocated, so was the family. I attended 11 schools growing up.”

His career in transportation began with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P & O Lines). He then graduated from college in the northeast of England in 1977 and headed out to the “wild blue yonder.” He has a son, Kieran, who works in New York City and a daughter, Kinzi, who serves as an animal handler at Bearizona.

“I started working for Fred Harvey Company [later, Amfac, and now, Xanterra] in 1991 as director of engineering at the Grand Canyon. During my time there, I managed three renovations of El Tovar, built the day care, recreation center and a number of employee apartments.”

In 2007, Baker transferred to run the Grand Canyon Railway train operations in Williams and later, became general manager.

A highlight of his life was during a hike from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim. “My wife, Sherry, was a mule wrangler and had taken a group to Phantom Ranch. It turned out she needed a water heater on her trailer, so I installed one for her. We were married at Yaki Point in 2002.” Sherry kept her “dream job” as a wrangler for 10 years.

“Bob and I have worked closely for 11 years developing a close friendship and dynamic business relationship,” said General Manager of Resort Operations Jeff D’Arpa. “We have collaborated on countless construction projects, business initiatives and the daily operation of running the hotel and train operations at Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. I couldn’t have asked for a better business partner and person to take on the last decade of challenges and opportunities. “

According to Baker, in 2018, approximately 184,357 passengers rode the train to the Grand Canyon from Williams. This equates to 72,000 fewer cars on Highway 64, which can get busy during peak seasons.

The apex of the year for the Grand Canyon Railway is the Polar Express Train Ride where families arrive in matching pajamas with “smiling faces.”

“You cannot put a price on seeing the joy of the children and parents’ faces when they see the North Pole and Santa Claus,” said Baker. “Approximately 96,000 rode the Polar Express Train in 2018, which runs from November to early January.

May 10 marked the 30th anniversary of the re-inauguration of the Grand Canyon Railway. The day was commemorated with a double header using both steam engines (the other steam locomotive is #2960, built in 1923).  

What are the character qualities you appreciate most in business associates? 

“Honesty and integrity, what they do when no one is looking.  I will go to great lengths to help if you tell me the truth, but I cannot help you if I do not know what really happened.”

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Learn to type. My father gave me a software program called SageSoft and with that program I learned to type. This was back in the 1980s when I was still at sea and got teased about being a secretary! This was invaluable advice as I moved from manual work to office work.”

What is your favorite dish? 

“I love Thai food, but I’m particularly partial to a good curry!”

What hobby would you like to pursue? 

“I love fixing things. I have rebuilt a number of cars – older British sports cars – over the years and enjoy that. I have a 1950 Chevy pickup in need of rebuilding. Hopefully, I will get to work on that one day.”

When the movie is made about your life, who will play you?

“Pretty sure no one would be silly enough to make a movie about me, but I would like to play me. God has brought me on an amazing journey, matched me to the most amazing woman in my wife, Sherry, and given me two great children, now 30 and 26 years old, and even carried me through some tough medical times, including cancer in 2013.” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN