August 2023

INSIDE THE AUGUST 2023 ISSUE:

River Running Brings Millions to Region p. 3

Babbitt Ranch Energy Center

Viewed as National Model p. 4

SRP to Receive More Renewable Energy from CO Bar Solar

One of the largest solar projects in the U.S. to operate in 2025

Salt River Project (SRP) and Clēnera, an Enlight Company, have announced a power purchase agreement for an additional 394 megawatts (MW) of clean energy at CO Bar Solar outside of Flagstaff. This is the second agreement executed between Clēnera and SRP at the CO Bar Solar complex, and with both

agreements, SRP has now procured nearly 1,000 MW, or 1 gigawatt (GW), of power from the project. Once operational in 2025, CO Bar Solar will offset more than 4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

“This is not only the largest solar plant in Arizona and one of the largest in the United States, but it will also be

the most significant solar resource in SRP’s energy portfolio,” said Jim Pratt, CEO of SRP. “SRP will be quadrupling the amount of utility-scale solar on our power system in just the next two years, with CO Bar Solar as a key part of this. Nearly half of all energy delivered to SRP customers will come from carbon-free resources by the end of 2025.”

CO Bar Solar is a 1.2 GW landmark solar and storage complex being developed by Clēnera, a subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy. The project, which is expected to be one of the largest in the United States, will occupy up to 2,400 acres on Babbitt Ranches private land in Coconino County. Construction on CO Bar Solar is set to begin in

Jeenah Park Helps Students Apply to College p. 10 Williams Judge Embracing Serenity on Honey Creek Farm p. 14

From Cop to Coach, Julie Jones to Speak at Prescott ATHENA Awards p. 18

BE FIRE AWARE

1. Check for campfire restrictions before you go.

2. Properly dispose of cigarettes.

3. Don’t let chains drag.

Entrepreneurial Spirits Rise with Moonshot Events

Drinking Horn Meadery receives Shoemaker Award

The post-COVID future of economic prosperity in rural Arizona is strong, poised and ready for lift-off, says Moonshot President and CEO Scott Hathcock.

August 2023 | Issue 8 Volume 16

Evan and Kelly Anderson, founders of startup Drinking Horn Meadery, received the 2023 Shoemaker Award at Moonshot’s annual entrepreneurial awards banquet. The 3rd Annual Shoemaker Awards and 4th Annual AZ Pioneer Pitch Tour Finals shared the stage at Little America Hotel on the evening of July 28 in Flagstaff, both produced by Moonshot, Arizona’s statewide rural entrepreneurial development program.

The Shoemaker Award was created to honor entrepreneurs who have graduated from the Moonshot program, specifically the NACET campus, and established businesses in the greater Flagstaff area that hire local employees. Past Shoemaker recipients include Dan Kaspryzk, founder of POBA Medical and Robert Kellar, Ph.D., founder

of Axolotl Biologix.

“This is the first time a beverage manufacturer has won the Shoemaker Award, which speaks to the variety of start-ups Moonshot’s program serves,” said Hathcock.

In their acceptance speech, Evan and Kelly Anderson said that not only did the Moonshot entrepreneur classes feed into their business success but also the network of other startup founder peers they have come to know. In the introductory video presentation, Anderson said, “There’s always a component of luck in any business being successful. We found that the harder we work, the better we treat our people, the luckier we get. I love our product. I love the ingredients that go into it. I love all of our staff. Our staff really enjoy it. Our staff are even buying houses right now, even in these crazy times. So, it makes you feel good that we are actually providing jobs that

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Drinking Horn Meadery founders Evan and Kelly Anderson received the 2023 Shoemaker Award at Moonshot’s annual entrepreneurial awards banquet. They credit their success to Moonshot’s entrepreneur classes and the network of support they’ve received through the non-profit organization. Photo courtesy of Morgan Boatman

Canyon River Outfitters Impacting Local Economy

Whitewater trips generate $46 million in revenue

By Peter Corbett, FBN

It’s a niche Flagstaff industry that does much of its work navigating the Colorado River rapids of Grand Canyon.

The outdoor-adventure outfitters who guide 20,000 passengers annually through the canyon’s whitewater turbulence also generate hundreds of jobs and tens of millions of dollars for Flagstaff’s economy.

Discover Flagstaff Director Trace Ward says Grand Canyon is the number one driver of visitors to Northern Arizona. “With this comes a tapestry of services and activities surrounding the ‘Grand Canyon Bucket List,’ with none more quintessential than the river outfitters,” he said.

Grand Canyon National Park has authorized 16 outfitters to carry passengers down the Colorado. Ten of them have warehouses and/ or offices in Flagstaff, said John Dillon, Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association executive director.

In June, the National Park Service extended the 16 outfitters’ contracts for a decade through 2033.

Despite concerns about reduced water releases from Glen Canyon Dam and drought-stricken Lake Powell, demand for rafting trips through the Grand Canyon remains high, Dillon said. Trips are typically booked 12 to 18 months in advance.

“It is always a very fluid - no pun intended - process in this business where conditions are tough, uncontrollable and in constant change,” he said. “For nearly 90 years, the Grand Canyon guided-river outfitting industry has evolved and adapted to all types of conditions in the industry we helped invent.”

Grand Canyon river trips have a reputation of being among the world’s premier wilderness river experiences. That has spawned a river-outfitters industry centered in Flagstaff that has a significant impact on the local economy. Private river trips also contribute to the area economy.

Commercial river trips cost roughly $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the number of days

and boat types. They generate $46 million in gross revenue for the outfitters, according to the National Park Service.

A 2003 Northern Arizona University study of the commercial river outfitters estimated the industry created 357 jobs and had a total economic impact on the region of $21 million. Adjusted for inflation, that figure today would be more than $36 million.

“Some of the numbers we’ve seen about the total economic impact of our industry appear to be grossly outdated and understated,” said Dillon, adding that a new study would be helpful.

Under the new contracts, outfitters are required to pay a 3% minimum franchise fee to the National Park Service on gross receipts of up to $800,000. That fee would be $24,000 for $800,000 in gross receipts. The fee percentage increases to 22% on gross receipts of $2.8 million or more.

The outfitters association reports there are 1,100 certified river guides and about 150 fulltime employees who work year-round for the 16 outfitters.

In addition to jobs, payroll and taxes, the outfitters have expenditures for rafts, boating equipment, outboard motors, maintenance and gas for their vehicles, camping equipment, food, ice, propane, insurance and laundry services.

It’s a daunting logistical challenge to feed and shepherd rafters safely down the Colorado River for up to 280 miles.

But many outfitters have a long history of river rafting through the Grand Canyon. Canyoneers has roots that go back to 1938 and one of the first commercial trips through the canyon guided by Norm Nevills.

Hatch River Expeditions, with an office in Flagstaff, was started by Bus Hatch, who led his first Grand Canyon trip in 1934, according to Hatch’s website.

Flagstaff-based Arizona Raft Adventures, also known as AzRA, got its start in 1965. It has a roster of 130 river guides, boatmen and boatwomen, for about 75 trips per year from April to October. The company employs 15 full-time workers year-

Arizona Raft Adventures takes visitors through the Colorado River’s white water on about 75 trips per year from April to October. Courtesy photo

Babbitt Ranch Energy Center Praised as National Model in Collaboration

Wind turbines to be installed this month

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Calling the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center a national model for how successful collaboration can lead to results on the ground, Coconino County officials hosted Congressional staff members, White House representatives and National Association of Counties (NACo) members on a field trip to the site where NextEra Energy Resources is preparing to install wind turbines on Babbitt Ranches north of Flagstaff.

“Babbitt Ranches is one of the most innovative land companies in the United States. It is what innovative land management looks like,” said County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman to a group of about 50 NACo and federal government representatives on Thursday, June 29. “With its pioneering history, economic impact and vision for the future, Babbitt Ranches has demonstrated creative ways to keep rangelands as open space, keep them intact and keep them profitable.”

Featuring 50 turbines, NextEra’s Babbitt Ranch Project is expected to generate up to 161 megawatts of wind energy. It is estimated that the project will create enough low-cost, homegrown energy to power nearly 40,000 homes and provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Coconino County throughout the life of the project. The wind farm is scheduled to be delivering clean energy to SRP customers in early 2024.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Congressional staffers to see what a project like this looks like,” said NextEra Senior Project Manager Clinton Spencer. “We do what the community wants and what’s the best fit for the land with the most positive benefits and minimum impact. We are thankful to have the county out here supporting the project.”

County Community Development

Assistant Director and Planning Manager Jess McNeely told the group Coconino County is in a perfect location for wind and solar projects. “The county’s Renewable Energy Ordinance

promotes utility-scale clean energy projects and we are seeing more renewable energy interest as coal-fired energy generation is shutting down,” he said. “Babbitt Ranches is a wonderful partner in working toward the county’s bigger-picture interests.”

Supervisor Horstman spoke about how values important to Coconino County, such as wildlife conserva-

Trusted Relationships

tion, dark skies protection, viewsheds and recreation, are considered in the planning process. “What’s happening in Coconino County for sustainability is benefiting the future for all of us,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Babbitt Ranches Community, Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco shared core principles

that drive the 137-year-old family business and align with the county.

“These values we have for protecting wildlife, dark skies, endangered species, cultural resources, recreational experiences and viewsheds, they come from inside of all of us. They are real and they matter. Renewable energy allows Babbitt Ranches to embrace

Continued on page 35

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Coconino County hosted representatives from the National Association of Counties (NACo), along with White House and Congressional staff members, on a field trip to the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center north of Flagstaff where wind turbines will be operating soon. Photo courtesy Stephen Pelligrini and Coconino County

E-Bikes Gaining Traction

By Diane Hope, FBN

Flagstaff has an average of 1.9 bicycles per household and now, e-bikes are becoming an increasing part of the cycling scene.

When the State of Arizona passed a law in early 2019 to define classifications of e-bikes, municipalities were allowed to adjust their codes.

“After a public process and conversations with City of Flagstaff’s Bike and Pedestrian Committee, city codes were amended to allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on all bike paths,” explained City of Flagstaff Senior Transportation Planner Martin Ince. “The only exceptions are Buffalo Park’s Nate Avery Trail and the Arizona Trail through town. Class 3 e-bikes (the fastest category) are allowed on all roadway bike lanes but not on FUTS trails.”

Absolute Bikes Manager Kyle McKendree says growth in the popularity of e-bikes has been clearly visible in their rental and especially their sales figures. “Five years ago, our annual e-bike sales totalled $60,000. Last year, it was over $750,000,” said McKendree. “Traditional mountain bikes still account for most (75%) of our sales, but now there’s a 35/65 split between e-mountain bikes and traditional

models. For our commuter and cruiser bike sales, e-bikes now outsell traditional bikes.”

There’s no typical customer for an e-bike, according to McKendree. “In the early days, people tended to buy e-bikes as an ‘equalizer’ for dealing with an injury – or trying to keep up with a faster riding partner.

Now, a wide range of folks ride them.

Recently, we’ve been seeing quite a few customers crossing over from motor

sports.”

Absolute Bikes carries cargo e-bikes, too. “Getting more folks out on cargo bikes for the school run or shopping trips is a great way of reducing traffic congestion – we’ve got models that can carry one or two kids, as well as four to six days’ worth of groceries,” he said.

Ince says city officials are working on getting bike paths better connected and installing bike trail signage that

takes the guesswork out of finding routes between popular locations.

“I’d like to see more separated bike paths; they’re less expensive to build on new roads or where there’s a significant rebuild, but they’re very expensive to retrofit on existing roads,” said Ince. “For example, the

city just put in for a federal grant to rebuild Butler Ave. from Milton Road to Sawmill Road. In the grant, we propose a bike lane that’s elevated to the level of the sidewalk. If we get that grant, it’ll cost $12 million for just under a mile of new construction. The

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Absolute Bikes Sales Associate Austin Woloszyn showcases one of the e-cargo bikes at Absolute Bikes, which can carry panniers on the front and rear. Courtesy photo

This graphic shows how Butler Ave. could look if the City of Flagstaff receives a $12 million federal grant to revamp the street from Milton to Sawmill roads with a separated pedestrian and cycle path.  Courtesy photo

NAU Adds Sports, Adventure Media Certificate

University becomes second in the nation to offer an outdoor media program

By Ava Nichols, FBN

Northern Arizona University is capitalizing on the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding natural beauty, including the Grand Canyon and Sedona, to grow its sports media program. Starting this fall semester, NAU is offering a Sports and Adventure Media undergraduate certificate in the School of Communication.

“How can we be different? What will set us apart and make us unique?” School of Communication Associate Professor of Practice Rory Faust asked himself as he thought of ways to expand the university’s sports media program.

Like many other businesses in the region, the answer was in the geography.

“There are a total of two national parks and six national monuments within a two-hour drive or less. The outdoor activities are the number one motivator for people to visit Flagstaff,” said Discover Flagstaff Marketing and

Media Relations Manager Lori Pappas, noting that Smart Asset ranked Flagstaff in its top 10 fitness friendly places in 2021.

Although NAU already had the tools for students to pursue sports media, the outdoor adventure element will allow students to report beyond traditional sports such as football, basketball and volleyball, and include mountain biking, climbing, hiking and other outdoor recreational sports. This, says Faust, promotes the uniqueness of NAU’s backyard and will separate it from other in-state sports media programs.

“No one else is where we are,” said Faust. “We have the market cornered by our location. For us to be able to be here and have all of these natural resources available to us, no one else can match that.”

Members of NAU’s sports media program currently report on high school sports across the region and provide coverage of NAU’s Division I athletics. However, this certificate will allow students to further immerse into the community by working with local outdoor recreation businesses.

“As we start this program, and students learn about the different opportunities we have within the community, I really feel like this has the potential to

take off,” said Faust. “The possibilities are endless as far as the opportunities for students to get involved in the community and with different businesses.”

Faust was offered a job at West Virginia University to oversee their Sports and Adventure Media undergraduate degree program. Instead of accepting the position, he chose to stay at NAU, where he has been working to model his own curriculum at his alma mater. Thus, NAU’s Sports and Adventure Media undergraduate certificate makes the School of Communication unique within Arizona and also makes NAU the second university in the nation to incorporate the outdoor media element into its journalism program.

Faust has led the program to great success already, even without the marketing advantage of a formal certificate program. In 2022, NAU was ranked 13th in sports programs by the Broadcast Education Association. In addition, the SportsCasters Talent Agency of America ranked NAU in the top 20 sports broadcasting schools last year.

Nathan Ecker, sports section student manager of the campus newspaper, The Lumberjack, is one of many students who may benefit from the new certificate. “I think it will allow us to appreciate the Flagstaff commu-

nity more,” he said. “We are getting a deeper appreciation and we’re making deeper connections.”

Students within Ecker’s program have had opportunities to report from some of the largest sports stages in the country, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Final Four, the College Football Playoff, MLB Spring Training and NASCAR.

With full support from the School of Communication to the Office of the Provost, Faust said he is confident the program will flourish.

“We are just really excited about the future. Hopefully, as we look ahead, this will be a destination for not only students in Arizona, but for prospective students around the country.”

NAU students Michael Manny, Ava Nichols, Lindsey Ridgway and Brenden Martin, shown here during opening night, reported on Super Bowl LVII in Glendale last February. Courtesy photo by Rory Faust

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Woman Business

of the Month

Jeenah Park Gets College-Bound Students Noticed

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

This fall, Elizabeth Cervantes Roman will be studying political science on a full-ride scholarship to Dartmouth College. It’s an achievement she claims would not have been possible without the services of Jeenah Park of Evergreen Educational Consulting.

“I was so nervous about the college application process, as it’s really stressful, but having someone who is by your side and supporting you is extremely helpful. I know it’s a dramatic thing to say, but Jeenah changed my life,” said Roman, a recent graduated of Flagstaff High School. “Sometimes we need a little bit of help to make us shine and that’s what she did for me. I didn’t think it would be possible for me to be in this blessed situation. I never dreamed that I would be attending an Ivy League college.”

Approaching her fourth season as an independent educational consultant and second season with her business, Evergreen Educational Consulting, Park’s services begin by determining the client’s needs. “I like to schedule a meeting with the student and parent so they can get to know me,” she said. “I then get to know the student as a person, be-

cause there’s more to a student than what transcripts show.”

Her job, she says, is to help students understand who they are so they can figure out what they want to share about themselves to the admissions officers. “I want to know what matters to the students and why, so I ask a lot of questions.”

Though Park helps with essays, she does not write them. “I help them brainstorm ideas for their essays by encouraging them to reflect on their experiences and share something meaningful.”

“It is really helpful to have somebody assist you with figuring out how to describe yourself in a way that colleges will be receptive to you,” said Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA) graduate Otis Koller. “Jeenah gave me a lot of helpful insight into the process of applying for college efficiently, along with a lot of helpful tips on deadlines, the admissions process, and making sure I did everything right and submitted the applications on time.”

Koller will be attending University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this fall and studying instrumental performance.

Park believes part of her success in helping students comes from her visits to the colleges they want to attend. “By personally visiting the college, I get a taste of the intangible things – like the atmosphere, safety, weather and political climate – things that students may not experience by exploring the website or reading published reports. I do a campus tour, speak to the admissions office and even talk to current students about their experience.”

Park was born in Korea and raised in Los Angeles. Her first job was teaching biology to underprivileged students at a South Los Angeles high school. She was 22. “My students weren’t much younger than me. It was the first time I realized how much disparity exists in our world. There was a daycare center across the street from the school. It wasn’t for teachers and staff, but for the teen moms.”

Leaving Los Angeles in 2009, Park set out to obtain her doctoral degree

at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. “I wanted to pursue my education, so I headed to the East Coast to study human genetics.”

She met her husband, Eben, the first year in graduate school. “He was a medical student and today is a doctor at the Whiteriver Indian Hospital.”

Her bachelor’s degree is in molecular, cell and developmental biology. Her master’s is in education.

“I think it’s wonderful to live a life where you get to choose where you live, work and do the things you enjoy while having financial stability,” said Park. “My work at Evergreen Educational Consulting helps students understand that the ultimate goal isn’t just acceptance into college, but success in college and beyond.”

“Jeenah advised us on affordable

colleges that provide merit-based scholarships and a school that offers a Japanese program,” said Allison White of Camp Verde, who has home-schooled her children. “I think she is a gem for Northern Arizona, as finding someone with her expertise can be difficult. Plus, she is very kind and thoughtful.”

When she’s not helping students and parents, Park is gardening, watching her three children enjoy strawberries and raspberries from their backyard, and traveling. “We love discovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants, independent ice cream shops and French bakeries.” FBN

For more about Evergreen Educational Consulting, visit  evergreeneducationalconsulting. com or contact Park at jeenah.evergreen@ gmail.com.

Evergreen Educational Consulting founder Jeenah Park helps students demonstrate who they are beyond their transcripts.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Park meets with Flagstaff High School graduate Elizabeth Cervantes Roman and Flagstaff Arts and Leadership graduate Otis Koller. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Roll the Bones

Artist brings color to a Flagstaff icon

By Billy Miller, FBN

If, as the saying goes, “Behind every successful man is a woman,” what’s behind a successful woman? Another woman, it turns out – maybe even whole generations of uplifting matriarchal energy. In 2001, as the new owner of MartAnne’s Breakfast Palace, Anne Ozmun remembers that when she saw Emma Gardner, inspiration struck, and preparation met opportunity.

“I was walking by Joe’s Place, the doors were open, and Emma was shooting pool,” Ozmun recalled. “We all waitressed and she’d done a mural inside La Bellavia. She was happy, smiling – very charismatic. Little did I know I’d cook and she’d be the waitress. I didn’t have a budget but we’re both decorators, so I bought paint, she painted, and we’d brainstorm over cocktails.”

For her part, Gardner was a

kindergarten,” she says with her disarmingly wide smile. “I always thought of myself as a maker, not a painter. And I really appreciated the friendly, casual atmosphere. People lived authentic lives. I wanted to stay.”

To do so, she waitressed, where she met Ozmun. “Working in a restaurant, I appreciated Hispanic Catholic art. It coincided with my Italian-Catholic identity. That’s how I started my painting career in my 30s,” Gardner said. Specifically, she painted murals in a style Ozmun knew would be perfect for the downtown classic Mexican food joint. “I always knew I wanted to be an artist, I didn’t know how,” she said. MartAnne’s provided the route.

Soon, walls had color and the room had glittery, mismatched chairs. “I kept the bare bones of the food and made it spicier, cheesier. We became each other’s muse,” Ozmun added. And more importantly, “we did it because it was fun.”

When Gardner suggested they open for First Friday Art Walks, the idea hit. Gardner displayed paintings and even

ture skeleton paintings. “I don’t do sugar skulls,” she’s quick to note. “I draw from Mexican culture inspired by culturally relevant artists’ work like Jose Posada and Jesus Helguerra. I think that’s why my work is taken more seriously.”

Her skeletons are also bright and playful, incorporating river runners and pinup poses. “Sex sells and skinny is in,” Gardner said with a laugh. “It wasn’t about flesh, their attitude made them sexy.” And it seriously sells.

her own unique way. Ozmun sold the restaurant to her daughter, Tina, who tapped Gardner to curate their first Valley expansion – MartAnne’s in

Gardner said. “Anne wanted her food to be beautiful, so the rest of the place ought to be, too. If it’s one-third food, one-third service, one-third environ-

Painter Emma Gardner, top left, adorns MartAnne’s Breakfast Palace with her signature skeleton paintings, influenced by Hispanic, Catholic art. Courtesy photos

Computer Scammers Continue to Rob Users

Local computer tech explains how to avoid being a victim

By Stan Bindell, FBN

Computer scams continue to cause chaos and cost money. Idea Karma owner Robert Moses says he has seen a large influx of computer virus scams over the last few months. The most prevalent is a computer advertisement swindle, costing Chino Valley residents more than $60,000 in a two-week period.

In this scam, computer users won’t know it’s an advertisement because it takes over their entire screen, stating: “Warning, Warning, Warning.” The advertisement tells the computer user that the computer has been infected and they need to a call a certain number to have their system cleaned out.

Then, they are rerouted to a call center where someone tells them they need remote access to the computer. Once they gain access, they put Ransomware on the computer, making all the files unusable. Then, they ask the computer user to pay $1,000 so they can use the files. After the computer owner pays, the thieves ask for more money.

Some of these computer scammers tell computer users that they need to pay $500 per year, but once they get their credit card, they start charging them $499 per month until the customer cuts them off.

Once a scammer gains computer access, they can obtain the computer user’s Social Security Number to steal their identity or get into their banking accounts if they are online.

Moses said he has been contacted by at least 10 people a month for several months who have suffered from these scams.

“The key to all this is: do not call the number on the computer,” he said. “Go to a trusted advisor or go to a local computer professional where you can take your computer in.”

Moses said there is nothing banks can do if the customer willingly gave out their bank account number to the scammer. However, if the transaction was done through a credit card, the banks have some recourse through their fraud department.

“If you know it’s a scam, take your computer to a professional to have it cleaned,” he said, adding that Chase Bank is recommending that customers

take their computers to computer professionals to have them cleaned before they use them again if they have been scammed.

“That’s a good practice because once you’ve been compromised, they will just get access to do it again until the computers have been cleaned.”

Moses said local, state and federal law enforcement officers have been having trouble with the scams because a high number of them cross international lines. He still encourages those scammed to report it to the FBI because it gives the government important data.

“But in a lot of these countries [where scammer call centers exist], the governments are corrupt,” he said.

Moses said the FBI will be starting a new department to address computer scams. Some scammers are local and even the ones from overseas can have their infrastructure damaged once the FBI knows about it.

“I know a couple seniors on fixed incomes who lost their retirement,” he said.

Sometimes, he adds, the scams happen for months or a year because the computer users don’t realize what is going on. The scammers at first will treat people well, but once the customer starts saying no, they start screaming at the customer and make them nervous to the point that they cave in. The scammers will even threaten to prosecute the customers if they stop paying. Of course, they cannot do that.

Moses recommends these steps that computer users should take:

ƒ First, do not keep important documents on the computer.

ƒ Second, do not use password managers on the computer. Instead, write them down. He said one computer manager was compromised three times in the past four months. Thousands of people’s passwords were at stake.

ƒ Third, use safe browsing habits by adding an advertisement blocker. He said this filters out 95% of advertisement scams. Some of these services are free.

He adds that computer users should have anti-virus programs on their computers. “Even safe sites can sometimes have these advertisement scams. I feel bad for the people who have been scammed.” FBN

Idea Karma owner Robert Moses says the latest scam fools computer users with a warning that the computer has been infected. The notice provides a phone number to call. “Do not call the number,” he says. Photo by Stan Bindell

BY V. RONNIE TIERNEY, FBN

Williams Judge Takes a Break from Courtroom on Honey Creek Farm

Feeling as comfortable on the bench as he does officiating a wedding at the edge of the Grand Canyon, Williams Justice Court Judge Rob Krombeen says he is living the sweet life, literally, tending to Honey Creek Farm.

school in Western Michigan before heading to Prescott to study and work at Yavapai College. He then joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany and Italy, where two of his three children were born. “My son was born in Italy and

Since 2006

Judge Rob Krombeen believes working on his Honey Creek Farm is good for him. “I deal with a lot of conflict at the court and I embrace it, but I love seeing and working with my animals and our farm because it’s good for my mental health and physical

FHS Girls Score with Flag Football as Sanctioned Sport

By Ava Nichols, FBN

With financial support from the National Football League, Flagstaff High School will have the chance to compete for a state title in Girls Flag Football this fall.

On Dec. 12, 2022, Arizona became the sixth state to sanction Girls Flag Football as an official sport.

It was on a bus in the middle of winter when FHS Athletic Director Jeannine Brandel brought up the possibility of girls flag football.

“We were coming back from one of those soccer games we had to play at Mingus because our field was all snowy,” Brandel said. “I just kind of casually mentioned to the girls that we were looking at doing flag football this year, and they just totally went wild.”

The NFL donated $100,000 to the Arizona Interscholastic Association once flag football was voted to become an official sport. The NFL paid for a grant to allow Nike to supply uniforms, equipment and anything else new teams needed to start playing.

Flagstaff High School already had a field, down markers and other equipment. Brandel said receiving jerseys and footballs from the NFL was the

biggest factor in taking on the sport.

Flagstaff High School is home to the Eagles’ varsity, junior varsity and freshmen tackle football teams. Brandel said that sharing time on the field would be the most difficult challenge to figure out for flag football this fall. However, the announcement has gained a lot of internal and community support.

“It is going to be a challenge, but the exciting part is that our football coach is really excited about it and I think all the players think it’s a good thing,” Brandel said. “We’ve got good buy-in and people are really supportive of each other.”

Although FHS is one of the first schools in Northern Arizona to add flag football, various schools in the Valley started club flag football in the spring last year, which generated more interest in the sport.

Arizona Interscholastic Association President and Perry High School Athletic Director Jennifer Burks was a leader in the movement. She said the AIA has been considering adding the sport for about 15 years. Burks attended the 2023 NFL annual meeting and spoke to the head coaches and owners there. She explained how flag football started in Arizona and how the Arizona Cardinals organization is

helping to support the sport’s growth within the state.

“The Cardinals have had coaching and player development clinics,” Burks said. “They have a section on their website dedicated to youth flag football. During their halftime at one of their games, they had small field games where all the girls were playing to showcase them.”

Burks served as the AIA vice president last year. Before that, she chaired the organization’s Women’s Equity Committee. Chandler Unified School District was one of the first to host a girl’s flag football tournament.

“I expect we [Arizona] will be hosting flag football tournaments,” Burks said. “I can envision tons of people coming to watch. It will be a regular sport. It will feel like volleyball or basketball does now in a year or two – I’m sure it’s going to happen that quickly.”

This is not the first time Arizona has been eager to lead the way for other states to try new sports. Arizona made history in 2012 for being the first to add sand volleyball in high schools. Flag football is another opportunity for Arizona to give girls more opportunities to compete.

Meanwhile, Brandel has high hopes and big dreams for this new FHS team. “I don’t know if I am

going to be able to pull this off, but I want to play one of my flag football games as the first part of a double-header at the NAU Skydome

and follow it with our football team,” Brandel said. “I am not sure if it will happen, but you’ve got to dream

AIA President Jennifer Burks stands in front of a screen in a presentation to NFL coaches and owners about the Arizona Cardinals organization’s support of girls flag football within the state. Courtesy photo

BY BONNIE STEVENS, FBN

Authenticity is Like Matzo Ball Soup for Your Business

In the heart of the business district of downtown Buffalo, New York, Risa Paonessa serves up all the comfort of her Italian Jewish heritage to professionals and tourists who are lucky enough to find her generously prepared signature corned beef sandwiches stacked between Jewish rye and nestled into the first floor of a modern mid-rise office building that houses bankers and engineers.

Risa’s Deli, Restaurant & Catering has served classic New York deli food for nearly four decades. She carries on the tradition started by her dad, Anthony Gengo. “Stumpy,” as he was known by his loyal customers in his neighborhood restaurant, fed New Yorkers for more than half a century.

Risa’s family recipes include matzo ball soup – a memorable, hearty and delicious chicken soup featuring a large, amazing dumpling – and other Jewish deli favorites that make you feel like you are stopping in to visit your favorite great aunt, who insists you look pale and why don’t you sit down already and have a little something instead of being in such a hurry all the time?

On her feet and in the kitchen five days a week, with all the care and concern of a Jewish grandmother –which she is, by the way – Risa pours love into every Kosher beef salami sandwich, every knish and every matzo ball she serves, which is a lot of love. And you can taste it!

Risa also is likely to come out to check on you with comments like, “You haven’t finished your food!” And it’s all that steaming hot authenticity right in front of you that makes you believe without a doubt that you are going to love your soup, the same way that New Yorkers love this deli.

Author Mark Silver serves a healthy portion of authenticity advice in his new book, “Heart Centered Business: Healing from Toxic Business Culture so Your Small Business Can Thrive.”

His core belief is that “Every act of business can be an act of love.” He suggests that businesspeople reflect on how they are expressing love and care through their business.

“We can find the nourishment for our businesses and ourselves where we are, right now,” he writes. “We

can find the marketing and business practices that feel beautiful and feel nourishing in and of themselves… so we don’t feel we have to sell our soul or do something that feels wrong to deliver a product or service or teaching or content that is quite beautiful

DELIVERING PERSONALIZED CARE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

and comes from inspiration.”

Silver teaches that serving up authenticity leaves a good taste in the mouths of our customers. Risa demonstrates that serving people, rather than selling people, is

the matzo ball of a heart-centered business. FBN

Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@ gmail.com.

Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancer, Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona (CBSA) provides compassionate, personalized care customized for each patient. For over 20 years, the physicians of CBSA have been providing a full range of exceptional oncology and hematology services, delivering care that is of the highest quality and customized for the needs of each individual patient.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CANCER AND BLOOD SPECIALISTS OF ARIZONA

During your initial office visit you will have the opportunity for an open conversation with your physician. You will learn about your diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects, and how the CBSA team will guide and support you throughout your cancer journey.

Peter Mathern, MD Sarah Conlon, MD

OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE – AND OUR PASSION

To provide the most advanced cancer treatment in a setting close to home, where patients can be surrounded and supported by family and friends, so they can achieve the best possible outcome. In addition to providing a comfortable, more personalized environment, community oncology practices provide high quality, state-of-the-art care at a lower cost to patients and payers.

Risa Paonessa is the face, heart and soul of her New York deli, where customers can feel the authenticity behind her small business and taste the love she pours into their soup bowls. Photo by Bonnie Stevens

Teen Equestrians See Their Future Riding on Hashknife Horses

Young bidders win big at Hashknife Colt Sale auction

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

At 16 years old, Grace Copeland of Flagstaff knows what she wants. A year ago, she started to ride horses and fell in love with everything equestrian, from running barrels to cleaning stalls. Her goal is to have the whole experience of raising and training a horse. So, with $5,000 she earned from jobs like babysitting and dog walking, she arrived at the Babbitt Ranches Annual Hashknife Colt Sale with focused intention.

On that warm second Saturday morning in July at Spider Web Camp north of Flagstaff, the event began with Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco welcoming the crowd, interacting about celebrations of the last year and honoring the passing of friends and relatives using the ranch symbol of the “Yellow Rose.”

Then, Ranch Manager Clay Rodgers and Auctioneer Reed Flake stepped

into the corral with a Western yin and yang of sorts. Rodgers, with all the methodical pace and thoughtfulness of a lifelong cowboy, informed a bleacher full of working ranchers, rodeo champions and knowledgeable spectators about the colts and their bloodlines

as they each appeared with the mare. Flake, with all the excitement, humor and panache of a seasoned rodeo announcer, started the bidding and raised the energy in the stands.

In no time, spirited bidders were vying for new colts.

“I saw that filly and said, ‘That’s the one!’” said Grace, a high school girl with fiery determination.

Fearlessly, she entered the bidding battle with experienced horse buyers for a bay filly. She showed the crowd that she meant business and today, that

young horse has a name, Cinnamon, as it gallops toward its new life with Grace.

“I came to Babbitt Ranches because I wanted a good all-around horse for riding trails, roping and barrels. This is definitely my dream,” she said. Continued on page 33

Grace Copeland, 16, saved her money from odd jobs to purchase her first horse at the Babbitt Ranches Annual Hashknife Colt Sale in July. Photo by Kay Lyons

At age 19, Taylor Girvin is a seasoned rodeo competitor. She successfully bid on two colts that will grow up with the other horses on her family’s cattle ranch. Photo by Kay Lyons

Ex-Cop Urges All to Act Now on the Life They Want

Julie Jones will share motivational message at ATHENA Awards

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

After years of serving as a sheriff’s deputy, police patrol officer and SWAT team member, Julie Jones has given a lot of thought to lives that ended early, dreams that never got started and destinies left unfulfilled. “It was really heartbreaking to deliver death notifications to the loved ones of the deceased,” she told a packed conference room of businesspeople in Phoenix last April. “There are no guarantees in life. There is no promise of tomorrow.”

Despite witnessing life’s tragedies, Jones loved being a cop. Fit, blonde and 6 feet tall, she has a presence that commands attention. In her law enforcement career, she used her athleticism to outrun suspects and her compassion to gain respect. Today, as a productivity and breakthrough coach and award-winning motivational speaker, her toolbelt is loaded with fun, enthusiasm and outrageousness instead of weapons, pepper spray and handcuffs. “I like to bring joy and energy to the room,” she said.

Jones made the career change from cop to coach after the deaths of her mother and grandmother. “I knew I wanted to help people in a different way. My mom died at 59 years old. Thirty days later, my grandmother was gone. Life can change quickly. I don’t want to live with regrets and I don’t want others to do that either. I teach clients how to break through their fears, live a life without regret and have the courage to be who they are meant to be. My message is: ‘It’s your life, you create it for yourself.’”

Clients and businesses come to Jones for many reasons: to live a more adventurous life, to get out of their own way, to launch a business, level up their skills or streamline their productivity. “I help them figure out where their genius lies, where their frustration lies and why they are struggling to get things done.”

On stage, she empowers those in the audience “to get off the hamster wheel of life.” She often hears people complain about being pulled in too many directions and reminds them that “No,” is a complete sentence. “Most people have a hard time setting boundaries. I train people to use the ‘Do not disturb’ feature on their phones and stay focused on what they are doing.”

She believes in balance and counterbalance. “Work hard and play hard.

And when you’re not working, digitally detox and focus on the people around you.”

As a coach for the last 15 years, Jones says her clients appreciate her creativity and innovative spirit. “I always have a million solutions for any given item and a different way of looking at challenges. I will present solutions, ask my clients to pick one or two and then hold them accountable to their goals.”

The number one reason that prevents people from taking action to change their lives to the ones they want is fear, she says. “Fear paralyzes a lot of people. I think sometimes they are so paralyzed because they don’t want to make a mistake. I don’t know where we got this idea. I tell clients that done is better than perfect. Perfectionism is self-sabotaging. It keeps you safe by never putting yourself out there, but it also keeps you stuck.”

What she loves most is witnessing the growth and excitement in people who make bold moves to change their lives. “One guy was 28 years into a job that he absolutely hated. He read my book, ‘Stop Waiting Start Living,’ while he was recovering from surgery. He told me it inspired him to start his own business. After reading the book a second time, his ‘aha moment’ was

Award-winning speaker, international best-selling author and productivity and breakthrough coach Julie Jones teaches clients how to break through their fears, live a life without regret and have the courage to be who they are meant to be. Courtesy photo

Flagstaff Centenarian Advises Others to ‘Eat Right’

Survivor of typhoid fever, the Great Depression, World War II celebrates 108th birthday

By Bonnie Stevens and Frances Bryant, FBN

“I never smoked. I didn’t drink. I eat right,” said Helen Boswell, who enjoyed her 108th birthday in a celebration that included four generations of family members at The Peaks, A Senior Living Community in Flagstaff on Thursday, July 6.

“It was delightful because she enjoyed it so much,” said her daughter, Susan Rieck, who joined the party with her daughter, Allison, and granddaughter, Jaden. “She loved it and that’s the biggest thing for me. She is friendly and sociable, but she’s quiet. People drove up from Prescott, friends from the church were there, along with residents of The Peaks, who are lovely. Everyone is so kind and patient.”

Boswell was born in 1915, in East Lansing, Michigan, and grew up in Adrian. As a child, she contracted typhoid fever before antibiotics had been discovered and she fought for her life. The doctors told her that they didn’t think she would make it. “You really surprised us,” she recalls her doctor saying when she beat the odds and was cured.

At age 15, the country was thrust into the Great Depression, and she learned to cope with scarcity.

She recalls having a lot of friends, being fun-loving and athletic. She played volleyball and did cartwheels and handstands at a time when girls’ and women’s athletics were not encouraged. She has always loved swimming.

As a young woman, she went to beauty college and became a “beauty operator.” She did shampoos and sets, permanents and manicures and worked until she married. She had at least two marriage proposals, but she chose the “handsome” engineer. At that time, she quit her job to take care of her home, her husband, and eventually, her children.

She married in 1940. “I was very lucky. I had a

very good husband. He never cheated on me and I never cheated on him,” she said.

Not long after the wedding, her husband joined the U.S. Army to support the country in World War II.

When her first child was about to be born, Boswell had another brush with death. The doctor told her husband that he might be able to save either his wife or the baby, but not both and maybe neither. However, both Boswell and her baby survived, although her baby was three months early and weighed only three pounds. Boswell rode the streetcar to the hospital every day for many weeks to nurse her baby. Today, that child is a tall, healthy man who recently returned from a mission trip to Africa.

Two years later, she had a baby girl. After the war, the family settled in Ohio. Boswell says her happiest days were at home with her husband and children. She took great pride in creating a happy home that was always neat and clean. She also grew flowers and vegetables.

After the children went away to college and started their own lives, Boswell worked as a cashier at the high school, where she was one of the students’ favorite cafeteria workers.

“Miss Helen has always kept busy, and I admire her,” said The Peaks Life Enrichment Director Frances Bryant.

Family members and friends say she knitted beautiful sweaters, quilted bedspreads, painted watercolor and acrylic pictures and did many other crafts, such as decoupage. She also attended women’s groups at her church, played bridge and met with friends to do ceramics.

“I love the water,” said Boswell, noting that some of her favorite memories are from time spent at Burt Lake in Michigan.

Boswell and her husband moved to Arizona when he retired. He died in 2004, after 64 years of marriage, and she lived on her own until she was 103 years old. “She did her own grocery shopping and cooking and even made a pie every week to take to the neighborhood potluck,” said Bryant.

At age 103, she moved to The Peaks, where her favorite activities are the church service on

Continued on page 30

Helen Boswell marked her 108th birthday at The Peaks in a celebration that included four generations, including her daughter, Susan Rieck, her granddaughter, Allison Rieck, and her great-granddaughter, Jaden Rieck, who graduated first in her class at Flagstaff High School. Courtesy photo

Why Anterior Total Hip Replacement is Gaining Popularity Above the Posterior Approach

By Liam Bosch, M.D.

Apopular trend in the world of total joint arthroplasty is the anterior hip replacement. With this technique, the surgical approach works between anterior muscular and nervous planes without dividing or detaching them. In contrast, the posterior approach, long the workhorse approach for total hip replacement in America, requires splitting of the gluteus maximus muscle and detachment of muscles and tendons known as the “short external rotators” of the hip. The anterior approach requires specialized training and most anterior surgeons use a unique operating table designed to help with the approach. Proponents of the anterior approach cite evidence of improved postoperative recovery and mobility, decreased postoperative pain, improved positioning of implants and decreased rates of hip dislocation as improvements over the posterior approach.

The anterior approach is rapidly gaining popularity in America, with utilization increasing from 12% to 45% between 2009 and 2020 among

surgeons in the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Although utilization spiked only over the past two decades, it is not a new approach. Described in a German surgical textbook in 1881 by Dr. Carl Hueter, it was first used for total hip replacement by the Judet brothers in Paris in the 1940s. After further development in Europe, it was brought to America in 1997 by Dr. Joel Matta, who further popularized it throughout the 2000s.

Studies comparing outcomes of total hip replacement tend to show improved early rehabilitation with the anterior approach. In one randomized trial, patients who had an anterior approach were able to walk further on the first two days after surgery. By week six, significantly more patients were able to walk unlimited distances and use stairs normally. Patient-reported functional outcome scores were also better among anterior hip patients at six weeks. A systematic review and meta-analysis showed anterior hip patients had lower pain severity and lower narcotic usage. However, these benefits tend to even out around three months, with posterior and anterior

patients achieving similar levels of function and pain relief. There does not appear to be a long-term difference in survival of the hip replacement based on choice of approach.

One of the main benefits of anterior hip replacement may be reduced dislocation rate. Hip dislocations are a problematic complication, causing significant pain and disability for patients. They require at minimum a visit to the emergency department, and sometimes even additional surgery. Most studies show the risk of dislocation after posterior approach to be between 1% and 2%, with the risk of dislocation after anterior approach at less than 1%.

This may be because of better preservation of the soft tissue structures around the hip with the anterior approach, leading to improved stability. Many anterior surgeons do not even place restrictions on hip motion postoperatively. Conversely, most posterior surgeons recommend avoiding excessive hip flexion and internal rotation for the lifetime of the implant to avoid positions that may risk dislocation.

Another factor may be routine use of fluoroscopy during anterior hip surgery to check the position of the acetabular component (the cup) on x-ray. The cup position is an important factor in determining risk of dislocation. As a result of fluoroscopy, surgeons are more accurate and have less outliers in cup position through an anterior approach.

Still, the superiority of one approach over the other is hotly debated among orthopaedic surgeons. Data can be found to support either argument and must be interpreted carefully. Many factors impact outcomes and specific surgical techniques vary from surgeon to surgeon. High-quality studies also exist showing no difference between the two approaches for outcomes including dislocation rate. There are risks specific to the anterior approach, including increased wound complications, higher intra-op erative blood loss, lateral thigh numbness and risk of femur fracture during surgery. Importantly, each approach is safe and successful when performed

properly. Each surgeon selects an approach which, through training and experience, provides the best results in their hands. As always, decisions are best made through discussion and shared decision making between the surgeon and patient. FBN

Flagstaff Bone and Joint is delighted to announce the addition of fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Liam Bosch, to their practice. Dr. Bosch brings his expertise in hip and knee replacement for patients suffering from arthritis. Additionally, he specializes in conducting revision surgeries for knee and hip implants, addressing any complications that may arise. With a dedication to utilizing cutting-edge techniques, Dr. Bosch offers advanced procedures, such as anterior total hip arthroplasty and robotic total knee arthroplasty. His commitment to providing exceptional care and innovative treatments makes him a valuable asset to Northern and Central Arizona.

For further information, please visit: www.flagstaffboneandjoint.com.

‘Bee’ Kind to Our Pollinators

By Misti Warner-Andersen

The past two decades have not been kind to pollinators – the birds, bees and butterflies that are key to our gardens and essential to much of our food supply.

In the early 2000s, there were a plethora of headlines that talked about things like bee colony collapse disorder and butterflies that were disappearing at an alarming rate.

Besides the loss to our ecosystems, the disappearance of pollinators could also have a devastating impact on our food supply; up to 75% of the food we eat relies in part on pollinators, from almonds to watermelons.

The news is somewhat better today. Honeybees have made a remarkable comeback, and while some species of butterflies (specifically the iconic monarchs that migrate between Mexico and Canada) were formally put on the endangered species list last year, other butterflies are stable and even thriving.

Yet, the danger isn’t over. One of the biggest concerns is climate change, which is impacting pollinators’ food sources. Flowering plants are blooming earlier or later than they used to, putting them out of sync with when pollinators are active. Extreme weather events like droughts, heat waves and

flooding are also endangering pollinators.

Together, we can help alleviate the challenges faced by pollinators, either by creating more gardens or making some changes in existing gardens so they are more friendly to birds, bees and butterflies.

You can expand pollinators’ garden habitats by planting at least three different pollinator-friendly plants that bloom in three different seasons (spring, summer and fall) to help ensure a consistent food supply.

Toward the end of summer and beginning of fall, your best pollinator attractors include: Rudbeckia, Gaillardia, Catmint, Coreopsis, Agastache, Monarda, Lavender, Penstemon, Yarrow, Echinacea, Summer Phlox, Trumpet Vine, Russian Sage and, of course, Butterfly bushes.

Adopting some other strategic choices in your garden will help pollinators thrive as well. You can:

ƒ Create habitats for pollinators by supplying necessary water, food, shelter and places to raise their young. A great example is a “bee condo,” which you can make or purchase.

ƒ Plant in clumps, as clustering plants together makes them easier

to find and shortens the need for travel, reserving the energy of backyard pollinators.

ƒ Choose a variety of colors and shapes, as different pollinators are attracted to different types of flowers (for example, flat petal flowers for butterflies, who “taste” with their feet; funnel-like flowers for hummingbirds; yellow and blue flowers for bees, who have difficulty

seeing red).

ƒ Use pollinator-safe pesticides and follow the directions for use carefully.

Warner’s locally grown native plant selection, as well as all the other quality plants from our nursery, provide multiple food sources for pollinators. Not

only will they keep your local pollinators well fed, they’ll also keep your garden and yard looking lovely, too.

Happy gardening! FBN

Misti Warner-Andersen is the manager of Warner’s Nursery & Landscape Co., located at 1101 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff. To contact Warner’s Nursery, call 928-774-1983.

Ten Travel Professional Tips for Planning Your Next Vacation

By Daniela Harrison

The world has changed a lot in the last few years, and the travel industry is no exception. There are so many new rules, exciting new itineraries and spectacular new products, that it can be overwhelming to start planning your next trip. Our travel professionals are here to help, and we’re excited to share our Top 10 tips for smooth vacation planning:

1. Make sure your passport is up to date. For most International trips, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after you return from your vacation. So, if you travel in April, your passport should be valid until at least the end of October of the same year. Passport renewal times are still longer than normal and if you expedite your application for renewal, please expect between six and nine weeks for processing.

2. Vaccination requirements have eased up overall, but there are still some areas and some travel companies that require proof of vaccinations. Some cruise

lines still require all passengers to show proof of at least two COVID-19 vaccinations prior to embarkation – even if the countries you are visiting may not. Make sure you know what requirements are in place and bring proper documentation with you so you can enjoy a smooth vacation experience.

3. Visas and Site Permits have increased in the last five years. While it’s not unusual to require a visa to visit some countries, many popular sites have added site permits to more effectively control crowds and maintain popular tourist attraction sites. Make sure you know the best way to get your visas and site permits issued.

4. If you’re looking to score a deal, book as far out as possible!

Many cruise lines are opening up reservations for 2026 itineraries this month! Many guided vacation experiences are already advertising their spring 2025 dates. And, if you want the opportunity to travel into space via space balloon, we’re current-

ly taking reservations for 2028 and 2029. Early bookings will be rewarded with the lowest rates available. Even if a better deal comes along in the next year, our travel advisors monitor all deposited reservations and will automatically match the rate for you to the better deal.

5. Airlines and their flight schedules can still be difficult to navigate. When booking flights, opt for LONG connection times. Don’t book anything with less than two hours connecting domestically, and four or more hours internationally. If you don’t want to check a bag, consider sending it ahead to your destination so you don’t have to worry about it the day of travel. If you need a special diet meal, order it at least one week prior to your trip and pack snacks in case of flight delays and cancellations. Get travel insurance so you have coverage for delays, cancellations, miss-connects, lost luggage and more.

6. When talking about your next vacation, consider traveling in

off-season for better pricing and smaller crowds. Let’s navigate you off the beaten path. If you want to see Italy, let’s look at Ischia, just 50 minutes outside of Naples, for a more authentic and relaxing visit. In Greece, let’s consider Naxos for the entire family or Paros for an adults-only visit instead of heading into overcrowded Santorini. Consider Istria as an alternative to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Istria has much better beaches and you won’t have to elbow your way through the crowds. Other hot destinations to consider right now: Arctic, Antarctic, Slovenia, Morocco, Romania, Australia, Africa, Greenland, private villas, private yachts and private jets.

7. Exploration travel has evolved a lot in the last five years. Painstaking expeditions are a thing of the past. We now have better access to remote locations, tour companies provide better amenities, better food, more activities to choose from, and there are a lot more family-friendly options. Many itineraries carry

minimum fitness requirements and include special permits. Let’s work on that bucket list!

8. Solo travelers now have more options than ever! The solo traveler is on the rise and most cruise lines and tour companies have specially designed solo traveler accommodations now. Many are at a reduced cost, but some are saying goodbye to solo traveler supplements.

9. WiFi is no longer a luxury – in the travel world, it is now considered a basic human need. We have more than 1,200 preferred hotel partners that will provide free high-speed internet to all our travelers. Many cruise lines have followed this path and now include WiFi free of charge as part of your voyage fare. Even our space capsule includes free WiFi!

10. Create a bucket list to work on loyalty programs and past guest discounts. If you plan on taking multiple cruises through the next few years, let’s find a line that perfectly matches Continued on page 30

Sounds of Summer

By Jeff Lane, Au. D.

As the temperatures increase and the days stretch out, it is clear that summer is upon us. For most, this means spending more time outside, near water or traveling. It also means increased considerations when it comes to caring for hearing aids. Fortunately, hearing aids are built with these considerations in mind.

MOISTURE

Hearing aids are essentially tiny computers. Thus, the internal electrical components are susceptible to damage from moisture. While most hearing aids are not considered to be fully waterproof, they are highly water resistant. In fact, they have an

IP rating of 68. The IP scale refers to an object’s resistance to penetration by solid objects and liquid. The second number refers to liquids, with 8 being the maximum resistance. Thus, most hearing aids are able to hold up well against rain, sweat and humidity. So, for most people, as long as they are being mindful, moisture should not be too much of a concern, even during the summer months.

However, there are special situations. If you live in a humid environment, or in a place where temperatures get especially high (as I experienced growing up in Phoenix), the aids are going to be constantly subjected to moisture in the form of sweat or condensation. Thus, the risk of water sneaking its way inside the casing increases. In these situations,

a dehumidifier is very useful. It wicks out the moisture when the user is not wearing them. Rechargeable hearing aids actually have a dehumidifier built into the charger. You would just need to add the desiccant, which can be found in most stores. For those with regular batteries, a standalone dehumidifier may be purchased. They can be electronic or manual, and are quite affordable.

Now, what about those who want to hit the pool or lake to cool off? Again, most hearing aids are not recommended for these types of activities as they would be submerged. But not being able to hear in these environments isn’t ideal either. Fortunately, for those looking to try hearing aids or upgrade your current set, Phonak has the Audeo Life, which is truly waterproof! You can wear it in all types of moisture, including being submerged up to one and a half feet. Beat the heat while still being connected to the world around you.

TRAVEL

According to estimates, 82% of Americans partook is some form of travel last summer. Hearing aids can help patients enjoy their trip to the fullest. Fortunately, hearing aid

chargers are compact, making for easy transport. Most charger cords are USB cables, meaning they can be plugged into a port if an outlet is not readily available. In some cases, you might not even need to plug in the charger. Phonak, has an external battery, called a power pack, which can be attached to the bottom of the charger case. Oticon has a separate Smart Charger, which is designed specifically for travel. Both of these options allow a patient to charge their hearing aids for a week without the need for an outlet. This can be convenient in situations such as camping, when electricity may not be readily available.

One risk of summer travel is losing a hearing aid. Some manufactures, such as Oticon, have a feature on their app called Find My Hearing Aid. If you were to get home and realize you had misplaced one, you could open the app and it would tell you the general location of where it was left. Note that this is not a universal feature among all manufacturers. Also keep in mind that all hearing aids come with a multiyear warranty. If you lose your hearing aid and are unable to find it, the manufacturer

will replace it one time for a small restocking fee. You will need to contact your audiologist to do so.

FITNESS

Summer is a wonderful time to take evening walks or exercise outdoors. Newer hearing aids are being developed with health and fitness in mind. Some models are able to track step count, while others can even go as far as monitoring your heartrate. Most hearing aids also have Bluetooth built directly into them, allowing you to make calls, or listen to music or podcasts while exercising. And it can all be done in one package, eliminating the need for too many accessories on the body.

As always, your audiologist will be able to guide you toward the model that best suits your needs. FBN

Dr. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net.

If you live in a humid environment, or in a place where temperatures get especially high (as I experienced growing up in Phoenix), the aids are going to be constantly subjected to moisture in the form of sweat or condensation. Thus, the risk of water sneaking its way inside the casing increases.

Growing Your Business with City’s Retention, Expansion Incentive

By John Saltonstall

Thirty thousand dollars are up for grabs to expand your business. The Business Retention and Expansion Incentive competitive grant program is open. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 31. Find the program and the application at ChooseFlagstaff.com, then submit your application to jsaltonstall@ flagstaffaz.gov.

The program is designed to provide businesses with additional fund-

ing that will result in an expansion of the business’s facility, market share, or employment – or all three – and in the enhancement of the workforce pipeline for their industry.

If you, as a business owner, have been socking away funds for a capital expenditure (buying equipment) or to renovate/expand your physical operations, but need more funding, this program is for you.

Applications will be scored and may receive up to 100 points. The saved funds referenced above may serve as a match. Ten points are available for your match. The higher the match, the higher your score in the match category.

Environmental Impact and Wages are two other scored categories, with 25 points available for each. Businesses that demonstrate that they are low water/low energy users, that have recycling programs or an otherwise low carbon footprint, will be awarded more points in the Environmental Impact category. Businesses that demonstrate that they pay their employees above the Coconino County median wage of $18.19/hour will be awarded more points in the Wages

category.

There are 40 points available for the direct community benefit category. This one will require some thought. There are two general ways to score points here: infrastructure or workforce development or both. The infrastructure piece can throw people for a loop; how do I, as a small business, accomplish this? Imagine you need to upgrade your power supply. Depending upon where you are located and the anticipated power needs of your future neighbors, you could be asked to upsize that infrastructure to accommodate future growth. That would be considered a direct community benefit and would be awarded a higher score.

The workforce development element can also throw people for a loop. A business owner may wonder how they may participate in workforce development when they are just trying to run a business! Here are a few ideas to help.

ƒ Internships.

ƒ Apprenticeships.

ƒ Mentor Programs.

ƒ Job Shadowing. All of those types of programs

serve to grow talent in your given industry sector. Depending upon your business, you may have the opportunity to invite youth who are preparing to enter the workforce. High school aged individuals are looking for experience. Develop a job shadowing program to help them to explore career and industry options. Help the workforce of the future understand the ways of work such as pay periods or what to do when there are questions or any number of such “little things” that a first-time worker may not know to consider at all. Consider developing an internship or apprenticeship program. As such programs likely engage a more mature population that includes college-aged people, both give the business the chance to find and shape prospective employees. If you have employees who may benefit from upskilling to get to their next level, consider developing an incumbent worker training program to help them to do so. Such a program could include additional certifications or training or the like.

An added benefit to any of those types of programs may be enhanced

by working directly with the ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County Workforce Development Board and the related ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County Career Services; there is funding for such program. With all of that text about workforce development as a direct community benefit, you may think this Business Retention and Expansion Incentive should be called something that includes Workforce Development in the title. The topics go hand in hand, as do the practices. As you continue to run your business, think of the opportunities to grow your market share, new practices and new business lines, and your workforce. The Business Retention and Expansion Incentive is the invitation to you to do all those things. There is up to $30,000 available to the business that demonstrates that they will invest in their business and in their current and future employees. FBN

If you have any questions about the program, contact John Saltonstall, the Business Retention and Expansion manager for the City of Flagstaff, at jsaltonstall@ flagstaffaz.gov or at 928-606-9430.

If you have employees who may benefit from upskilling to get to their next level, consider developing an incumbent worker training program to help them to do so.

NACA Evolved from ‘Resting Place’ to Healthy Community

By Almalía Berríos-Payton

Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. (NACA) originated in the late 1960s, as a place for Native American individuals to eat, rest, visit and receive various health services. In 1969, the newly established “Indian Center Organization” (now known as NACA) began fundraising and building support in the community.

When NACA first opened in

1971, its purpose was to be a “resting place,” a hospitality center, designed to offer a variety of social and health-related programs. Soon thereafter, the center received its first funding from Indian Health Services (IHS) to provide health-related materials. In 1974, NACA sponsored the Miss Indian Flagstaff pageant, a basketball tournament, a community dinner and began several community programs: Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA)

NACA provides services such as capacity building in Native American communities by assisting future political and community leaders, fighting stereotypes of Native American individuals and organizations, and advocating as a knowledge base on Indigenous issues to governments and other non-Native organizations.

Program, The Youth Education Program, The Adult Education Program, Substance Abuse Prevention Program, Social Services Program, Grandparent Elders Program and The Hozho Youth Program.

In 1986, NACA expanded its space to incorporate more services, programs and community resources. In 1991, NACA was designated as the first federal Urban Indian Health Center in Northern Arizona. In just eight months, NACA received more than 3,500 visits. By 2012, the NACA team was staffed by more than 50 individuals, with more than 70% representing Indigenous cultures. Programs at NACA now also included: Economic Development – Oak Creek Overlook Artisan Program, Health Promotions and Wellness Center Programs, Diabetes Intervention, Emergency Social Services and Behavioral Health Services.

In 2014, NACA was awarded with a Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). NACA was also recognized with an “Arizona Outstanding Out-of-School Time” award by

the Arizona Center for After School Excellence. In 2021, NACA celebrated 50 years of service in the Flagstaff and Coconino County communities, providing programs and services that assist clients in increasing their self-worth, empowerment, dignity and self-sufficiency. These services center around identifying clients’ individual strengths, promoting selfpride, awareness and respect, helping the client establish realistic goals and strengthen personal autonomy, and providing tangible assistance that does not create dependence.

The mission of Native Americans for Community Action Inc. is to provide preventive wellness strategies and empower and advocate for Native peoples and others in need, in order to create a healthy community based on harmony, respect and indigenous values.

NACA provides services such as capacity building in Native American communities by assisting future political and community leaders, fighting stereotypes of Native American individuals and organizations, and advo-

cating as a knowledge base on Indigenous issues to governments and other non-Native organizations. NACA’s core program is the Family Health Center, which provides health and medical services to Native Americans and non-Native Americans. NACA also has a Pathways - Afterschool For Youth Program, Social Support Services and an on-site Phoenix Indian Center Workforce Specialist. NACA accepts and provides services to all ethnic groups of all ages, focusing on holistic and family care, and prioritizes the overall well-being of patients by honoring their customs, culture and beliefs. FBN

Almalía Berríos-Payton (Lenca/Pipil de El Salvador) is the marketing and public relations officer at NACA.

NACA’s Family Health Center currently offers the seasonal flu vaccine, the COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer primary vaccines, and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-773-1245.

Destigmatizing Relapse and Addiction

By Roy DuPrez

Substance abuse is the cause of thousands of deaths every year, affecting the lives of the people suffering through addiction and their loved ones. Treatment experts deal with these facts every single day. Treatment for substance use has come a long way, with a variety of options to help people achieve sobriety. However, these treatments don’t reach enough people who deal with substance abuse issues. One of the reasons for this is the stigma around addiction and relapse that still exists. We have to continue to help break this stigma if we want to help more people.

Relapse is a reality for the majority of substance abuse users and relapse is often viewed as a natural part of recovery. Missteps in recovery happen and we need to avoid adding stigma around these missteps. A relapsing person may already feel like they have failed themselves or their loved ones, so it is important that we inform people that they can pick themselves up after a relapse.

A relapse occurs for a variety of reasons and sadly, the public’s perception of relapse is warped. Far too many peo-

ple consider relapse as simply a choice by someone who lacks the desire to get sober. However, it is important to let people know that addiction is a brain disorder that must be treated. Relapse is not a moral failing and does not show a lack of character in a person struggling with addiction. Sadly, this stigma still exists in some healthcare providers who may give patients substandard care because they don’t understand addiction. Providers refusing to work with patients because they think the patient is exhibiting drug-seeking behavior is not an uncommon occurrence. These stigmas cause people with substance abuse issues to internalize this stigma, which can demotivate them to seek treatment.

Ending the stigma around addiction is not an easy task. The stigma is ingrained in society and change takes time. It requires training medical professionals and the family members of people struggling with addiction to take a more compassionate approach. There also needs to be a wider understanding that factors outside of someone’s control influence addiction. Factors such as genetics, environment, and our brain’s reward system all contribute to

a person’s ability to get sober and their likelihood of relapse. It is important to understand that everyone dealing with addiction is different and the path to sobriety for one person may not work for another. Relapse will happen and we have to continue to push a culture of support and continued treatment even in the face of failure. Broader education based on compassion and the importance of treatment is the best way to destigmatize relapse. FBN

Roy DuPrez, M.Ed. is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.

NAH Opens New EntireCare Rehab, Sports Medicine Clinic

Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) has opened a new westside EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine clinic in Flagstaff, at 2000 S. Thompson Street.

At the clinic, experienced therapists treat people of all ages and physical conditions, whether someone is recovering from surgery, has a chronic illness or is a competitive athlete recovering from an injury. EntireCare offers physical, occupational, speech and hand therapies, all of which are all prescribed by a provider for inpatients and outpatients. Therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop individualized treatment plans especially for each patient.

The new clinic is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For an appointment, call 928-773-2425. FBN

EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine also has clinics located in east Flagstaff, 7810 N. Highway 89, Suite 270-280, and at Flagstaff Medical Center, 1215 N. Beaver Street. For more information on locations and services, please visit https://www.nahealth.com/ entirecare-rehab-sports-medicine/.

The Children’s

Two

Two

tgcaz.org

(928)527-1899

BY BECKY DAGGETT

Collaborative Efforts Underway to Keep Flagstaff Safe from Wildfire, Floods

Hot and dry weather renews our concerns about destructive wildland fires. They can start in an instant and our strong winds can quickly cause them to grow, sometimes taking them out of the control of our firefighters.

What’s being done to protect our community and ensure that fire in the surrounding forests is helping to keep them healthy instead of scorching everything in its path and leaving the soil hydrophobic, resulting in flooding? Quite a bit, with more to come.

I want to emphasize the importance of signing up for emergency notifications. By signing up at coconino. az.gov/ready, you’ll make sure that you receive notifications about emergencies affecting you and your neighbors. If you wish, you can give additional information about members of your household (including pets) to assist emergency responders. All information you provide is private and your information isn’t shared outside of emergency response.

The National Weather Service has told us that this summer we can expect to have higher temperatures and delayed and lighter monsoon storms. We all have a part to play in decreasing the risks of wildfire in our neighborhoods and out in the forest. First, ensure that you have made your home and yard as fire resistant as possible. Here are some firewise suggestions: rake and remove all pine needles in your yard; remove pine needles and other debris from your roof and gutters; cut back branches that are too close or that hang over your roof; move firewood away from your house; help your neighbor do the same! More information can be found at firewise.org/usa.

A large part of Flagstaff’s strategy for protection from destructive wildland fire involves many partners engaged in the planning of forest thinning treatments, prescribed fire and wildfire response. Flagstaff Fire Department’s Wildland Fire Management Program and the Coconino National Forest coordinate response

efforts year-round to keep our community as safe as possible. The coalition of those committed to helping keep our community safe also includes Summit Fire and Medical District, Highlands Fire District, Coconino County, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Northern Arizona University and Arizona Public Service.

In 2012, Flagstaff voters gave these efforts a boost when we approved a $10 million bond to create the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP). This investment has attracted more than $40 million from partner organizations and agencies to get significant forest restoration treatment work planned and completed, with more projects in the works. These treatments have focused on critical watersheds to reduce threats including diminished water quality and post-fire flooding. More than 14,000 acres have been restored with ecologically-based, wildfire

risk reduction thinning in FWPP priority areas.

These efforts are paying off. Just a few weeks ago, a fire was spotted on the city’s Observatory Mesa Natural Area during a red flag day. Because of a quick, well-coordinated response of the Flagstaff Fire Department and Coconino National Forest, and FWPP forest restoration treatments, the fire stayed on the ground and was contained at just two-tenths of an acre.

In addition to the Coconino County Emergency Management webpage, other helpful sites are the Southwest Coordination Center, the Coconino National Forest Fire Management, and the city’s Discover Flagstaff and Flagstaff Fire Department social media pages. Here’s to a fun Flagstaff summer and a very firewise population! FBN

A large part of Flagstaff’s strategy for protection from destructive wildland fire involves many partners engaged in the planning of forest thinning treatments, prescribed fire and wildfire response.

Flagstaff Fire Department’s Wildland Fire Management Program and the Coconino National Forest coordinate response efforts year-round to keep our community as safe as possible.

(SEATS 8-10)

Becky Daggett is the mayor of Flagstaff.

Getting to Know Findlay Volkswagen Service Manager Director Chris Allen

Findlay Volkswagen Service Manager/Director Chris Allen has worked in the automotive industry for 17 years, exclusively with Volkswagen. He has been a master Volkswagen technician, service advisor and service director. He says the best part about his job is working alongside an amazing team and being able to help people achieve their goals. The Findlay Volkswagen team sat down with Chris with the following questions to help the community get to know him.

Q: WHAT MAKES WORKING FOR FINDLAY VW THE MOST REWARDING?

The best part about working at Findlay VW in Flagstaff is that the city still has the small mountain town feel and large sense of community, which Findlay is a huge part of. I love that Findlay auto group is run by the Findlay family and the family feel is present in all our stores.

Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT OWNING OR MAINTAINING A VEHICLE BUT PROBABLY SHOULD?

I would say the thing that most people may not know is that changing transmission fluid is equally as important as changing your engine oil.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE VW MODEL AND WHY?

My favorite Volkswagen model hands down is the Golf GTI. It’s a lot of car for your money and comes with launch control.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OR SHOW THAT HAS COOL VEHICLES FEATURED IN IT?

This is a tough one. I would say “Smoky and the Bandit.”

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

My passion is for sure my family – my wife, Courtney, and our two teenage sons, Caynan and Casen. My hobbies are paddleboarding, camping, mountain biking, hiking and ice hockey. I like helping people. Working with the local high schools, Coconino and Flagstaff, in their automotive classes has been amazing and I look forward to the years to come.

Q: IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND SHARE WITH YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE LIFE LESSON, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Life is a team sport!

Q: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN NORTHERN ARIZONA?

I enjoy the entire Flagstaff community, having all four seasons here and being able to drive a couple hours south to get out of the cold in the winter months.

Q: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU IN YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE?

I’m motivated by the infinite support from my family and knowing each day I can be a better me than I was the day before at home and at work.

Q: WHAT DOES A PERFECT WEEKEND LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

A perfect weekend would start with Saturday, waking up early and going on a mountain bike ride and then having a BBQ with my family and friends. On Sunday, I’d be sleeping in and relaxing.

Q: IS THERE ANYTHING WE HAVEN’T ASKED YET THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR FLAGSTAFF COMMUNITY?

I am not from Arizona originally. My wife and I are from Maine and moved out here in 2011 with our two boys and we love it here! FBN

Meet Annabelle Chhun from Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel

By Grand Canyon Railway Staff

Annabelle Chhun is the talent recruiter with Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel and has been with the company for almost three years. If you haven’t met her yet, we hope our conversation below will help you get to know her!

Q: WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love the excitement that people have when you tell them they got the job.

Q: WHAT IS ONE THING YOU THINK MOST PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT WORKING AT GRAND CANYON RAILWAY & HOTEL?

Grand Canyon Railway is huge on sustainability. Our goal is to lower

our water waste. A part of that initiative is collecting rainwater for our steam train. We have also converted our train to run on recycled vegetable oil from local restaurants rather than coal to help with our sustainability initiatives.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME GREAT PERKS AND BENEFITS OF WORKING HERE?

There are so many, it’s hard to say, but I will list a few:

ƒ Free train tickets to the Grand Canyon Railway.

ƒ Free train ride on the Polar Express.

ƒ Free gym and pool access at the hotel.

ƒ Free entry into Bearizona.

ƒ GCR property discounts.

ƒ The list goes on…

Tip of the Month:

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST TIMES OF THE YEAR FOR PEOPLE TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON RAILWAY & HOTEL?

The best time to visit is at the end of May or beginning of June because the weather is best around then and we have the most beautiful sunsets at that time of year. If you have a good car during the holidays, you can see the decorations and lights we put up, not to mention the serenity the snow brings.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I enjoy the outdoors and painting!

Q: IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND SHARE ONE LIFE LESSON WITH YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

All your successes were made from your failures, so learn to be OK with failure, because it made us stronger.

Q: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN NORTHERN ARIZONA?

There are so many hidden gems here, so if you are up for the adventure, go find them because it is always worth the trip.

Q: IS THERE ANYTHING WE HAVEN’T ASKED YET THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR NORTHERN ARIZONA COMMUNITY?

If you are new to Northern Arizona, check out Sedona and go to Grasshopper Point. It is a fun place to swim! FBN

Chris Allen

Annabelle Chhun

Safety is Priority One with Firearms

By Rob Wilson

There are four fundamental safety rules that apply to all firearms, all of the time. Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper developed these rules to keep you and those around you safe. They are:

ƒ Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.

ƒ Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

ƒ Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.

ƒ Know your target and what is beyond it. These rules may seem simple, yet, every day, folks violate them and sometimes, with the worst possible consequences. Let’s look a little deeper at each one.

TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT IS LOADED

This is the first rule for a reason. If you only follow this one rule, the potential for an unexpected consequence is significantly reduced. Every time you handle a firearm, you should first check to see if it is loaded. Even when it is not, treat it as if it is!

KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION

You should never point the muzzle of your firearm at anything you’re not willing to destroy. A safe direction will vary depending on where you are. Out in the woods, a safe direction might be down toward the

ground. On a shooting range, it is always toward the bullet traps. In your home, it will vary depending on things like what is your floor made of, the construction of your home’s walls and other factors. The point of this rule is that should a round leave your firearm when you didn’t intend it to, it won’t cause catastrophic harm.

KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO FIRE

Modern firearms have safety designed into them. They won’t fire unless you depress the trigger. Keeping your finger safely off the trigger and on the frame of the firearm will ensure you don’t inadvertently depress it should you be startled, trip and fall, or any other circumstance. Ready to fire on a shooting range means your sights are on the target. If you don’t have your sights properly aligned on the target, your finger should not be on the trigger.

KNOW YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT

Knowing what you are pointing your firearm at is easy on a shooting range. On the other hand, if you are startled awake in the middle of the night, things may not be so clear. If you have a firearm for home defense, you should also have a quality flashlight stored with it so you can be absolutely sure what you are pointing a firearm at. What is beyond your target is equally

Save the Grapes

important. Even the smallest caliber rounds like .22 Long Rifle will easily pass through a residential wall. You are responsible for every round you fire, regardless of whether it ended up where you intended. Outdoors, that same .22 LR will travel over a mile if unimpeded. Keep that in mind the next time you’re shooting in the forest, and be sure you have a backstop that will prevent your rounds from going places you didn’t intend.

Equally important and more often neglected is safe storage of firearms. Black market firearms are the No. 1 source for criminals. Criminals steal firearms from two primary locations, your home and your vehicle. Make SURE that you don’t contribute to the criminal enterprise by arming a crook. Keep your firearm safely locked up in a safe, vault or other device to prevent its theft. This is ESPECIALLY important if your home/vehicle has children or others that should not have access to firearms.

Ultimately, the most important safety on every firearm is located in the exact same spot. That is between your ears. You are responsible for making sure you follow these rules. FBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

The perplexities of managing a Camp Verde vineyard during a heatwave is challenging, and finding friends to help in sweltering record-breaking 116-degree temperatures can be just as difficult.

With veraison (the turning of grape berries that signals ripening) setting in, winegrower hobbyist Daniel Tierney covered his vines with nets to protect the grapes from thirsty birds.

Flagstaff retired APS lineman Tom McNally and Camp Verde teacher Bob Kuebler came to the vineyard to help. “I was so relieved to have four other hands. It was so hot we needed to drink gallons of cold water throughout the day to stay hydrated.”

“It was good physical exercise and I had a blast,” said Kuebler. “It is the coolest thing in the world because you get to see something that God planted on the earth, like a grape, and how it can turn into so many different things, like wine.”

Alcantera Vineyards and Winery winemaker Rom Brumley says that growing grapes in the desert is a challenge. “We’re a little different from other cooler wine regions in the world. That’s what makes us special. You can only get Verde Valley wine in the Verde Valley.” FBN

Daniel Tierney recruits friends like Tom McNally of Flagstaff to help protect the tender grapes from birds. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Rob Wilson is the owner (with his wife, Elise) of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.

eBIKES continued from page 6

city has a small budget for bike path system improvements, but we need to balance those limited funds between new construction and existing bike path maintenance.”

Adam Shimoni, former vice-major and current Flagstaff Biking Organization board member, has contributed much toward moving Flagstaff to a more bike-friendly place. He promotes “building for 8 to 80,” where all ages can feel safe cycling.

“Having separated bike lanes and a connected system is key for safety and for Flagstaff to achieve its sustainability goal of capping vehicle miles travelled to 2019 levels,” said Shimoni. “In this hilly, high-elevation town, e-bikes are vital because they fill a gap, offering a viable alternative between traditional cycling and driving.”

REI, another store that sells e-bikes in Flagstaff, has been campaigning nationally on social media to get signatures for the National e-bike Act. Aimed at making climate-friendly transportation more affordable for everyone, the bill would offer a tax credit of up to $1,500 to help people replace cars with e-bikes.

Campaigners calculate that if just 15% of today’s carbon-emitting car trips were made by e-bikes instead, America’s carbon emissions would shrink by more than 11%. FBN

BOSWELL continued from page 19

FLAG FOOTBALL continued from page 15 Sundays, Bible studies, and holding the puppies and kittens that sometimes visit from the Coconino Humane Association.

big. What a great chance for those young ladies to play in front of a big crowd in a big stadium.”

The AIA has decided to have two divisions: the 6A and 5A conference, both vying for state championships. The conferences will compete in 12 games total on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The 6A division will consist of schools from Chandler Unified, Tempe Union and Mesa school districts, which already have playing experience. Flagstaff High School will play in the 5A division against other smaller schools and schools that are adding the sport this year. Burks explained that this plan was implemented by the AIA to grant more success to the programs.

“I am super excited for Flagstaff and all of those teams outside of the Phoenix-metro area to add flag football,” Burks said. “It will be another option for girls that is well supported and well attended.”

Thus, the Eagles will make history on Aug. 31 when they face Agua Fria at home. This game will be the first high school flag football game played in Northern Arizona.

“I am just excited. I am excited for the chance to be at the forefront. I think it’s a great opportunity we have,” Brandel said. FBN

“I’ve had a good life,” said Boswell, who sometimes indulges in chocolate ice cream. “I had a wonderful father. I adored him,” she said. “And a stepmother who was OK,” and whom she credits for teaching about having a healthy diet.

Having survived typhoid fever, the Great Depression, World War II and a difficult pregnancy, Boswell credits her positive attitude to reading the Bible every day.

“She brings hope and courage to those who know her,” said Bryant. “She is such an inspiration with her positive energy and just to see her smile and the way she carries herself. Miss Helen is very prim and proper. That’s how she’s always been. She lights up the room and enters like she’s the First Lady. She is beautifully dressed and her hair is always done. At her birthday party, I felt I needed to fix my hair to keep up with her.” FBN

TRAVEL continued from page 22

your needs and ensure you get your multi-booking discounts, loyalty amenities and past guest promotions. In some cases, you can easily triple dip for fantastic savings. Make a plan to re-prioritize your vacation needs. Our advisors would love to help you create your five-year travel plan and help you leverage your past guest benefits.

To learn more about Avenues of the World Travel and our preferred supplier partners, please join us at our 7th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo on Oct. 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff. Meet with world-

renowned cruise lines, tour operators and hoteliers face to face between 5 and 8 p.m. Check the September issue for a list of attending supplier partners and more show details. Our Avenues of the World Travel Advisors will be on site to answer any questions, schedule appointments and assist with live bookings on site. Don’t miss your chance to secure amazing booking specials and enter our door raffle for vacation giveaways and much more!

FBN

Daniela Harrison is a travel advisor and director of marketing at Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff. For questions, please reach out via 928-556-0853 or Daniela@ avenuesoftheworld.com.

Clear Title a ‘Top Company to Work for in Arizona’ Again

Capitol Times, Best Companies Group and Best Companies AZ has announced that Clear Title Agency of Arizona has earned a spot on the list of 2023 Top Companies to Work for in Arizona for the 11th consecutive year.

This list is the result of anonymous and comprehensive employee surveys measuring culture, work environment, leadership and employee pride and satisfaction, combined with rigorous evaluations of workplace practices, policies, perks and demographics.

“This year’s Top Companies were selected based on the results of very high favorable employee survey scores, averaging 90% overall survey results and an impressive 92% overall employee engagement. This level of performance for Arizona companies is about three times the national average when compared to Gallup’s recent reporting of U.S. engagement at about one-third favorable,” said Jaime Zepeda of Best Companies Group. “These winners should be very proud of their Top Companies status, for this presents a powerful opportunity to attract and retain the very best talent.”

“This recognition is a direct result of our culture and our relentless pursuit of excellence in all we do to serve our people and our customers,” said Clear Title Agency of Arizona CEO Bart Patterson. “Our people understand that our reputation in the marketplace is a product of their expertise, and we understand how important it is to take care of our people so they can do what they do best, service the customer.”

The “Top Companies” will be honored at a virtual event on Aug. 22.

ATHENA continued from page 18

about living through the filter of joy and happiness.”

Jones is an international bestselling author of six books, has produced her own TV show, “Stop Waiting Start Living,” on the Zondra network, and is the host of the Get S#*t Done podcast. She is a certified master practitioner of neuro linguistic programming (NLP), and also certified in mental and emotional release as well as hypnosis. As a Working Genius facilitator, Julie’s primary role is to help individuals and teams discover their working geniuses through a structured process. This process involves exploring different aspects such as natural talents, skills, passions and motivations.

Jones is scheduled to deliver the keynote presentation at the 4th Annual Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards, presented by Quad Cities Business News, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall. Nominations are being accepted now for three award categories. In addition to the traditional ATHENA Leadership Award, there will also be the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award as well as the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award. FBN

To submit a nomination and secure tickets to the event, go to www.PrescottAthena.com.

SRP continued from page 1

the fourth quarter of 2023 and is expected to reach commercial operation in phases throughout 2025.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with SRP again on CO Bar Solar and providing them with reliable, clean energy,” said Gilad Yavetz, CEO of Enlight. “CO Bar represents a strategic project in Arizona, serving as a prime example of our approach to greenfield development that capitalizes on sizable interconnection positions.”

Jason Ellsworth, CEO at Clēnera, added: “We are excited to deliver increased access to affordable, clean renewable energy in Arizona. We look forward to a fruitful long-term relationship with SRP, as we continue to develop additional renewable energy projects in the state.”

Over the course of the CO Bar Solar construction timeline, approximately 550 construction jobs will be created, with many being local. Once complete, SRP will receive enough power from this resource to meet the needs of approximately 180,000 average-size homes.

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

Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community for the benefit of future generations.”

SRP officials say the utility has taken significant steps toward decarbonizing its power system while maintaining reliability and affordability. By the end of 2025, SRP expects to have more than 3,000 MW of renewables online. In addition to its renewable resource commitments, SRP has among the largest battery storage investments in the Western U.S., with over 1,100 MW of battery storage projects that will be online by the end of 2024. SRP officials say that with all the utility’s recent strategic resource additions and decisions, SRP is proving to achieve its sustainability goals. More than 75% of SRP’s energy is expected to come from carbon-free resources by the end of 2035. FBN

JUDGE continued from page 14

evicted from their homes.”

“I’ve worked for Judge Krombeen for the past four years,” said Coconino Superior Court Deputy Court Administrator Shelly Bacon. “He was the first person to reach out and welcome me and even offered to help me find a place to live. I admire his thoughtfulness as well as his ability to be a full-time judge, grandfather, farmer and beekeeper.”

Another one of Judge Krombeen’s holistic approaches is utilizing the spent grain from a local brewery. “Honey Creek Farm has partnered with Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery to supplement our animals’ feed with their spent grain. This not only keeps waste out of the landfill but also is a nutritional supplement to the food we provide our livestock.”

In the last 13 years, he has officiated about 200 weddings at the Grand Canyon, the courthouse and other venues. “I kept records until last year. I had to quit because it was too much paperwork.”

Judge Krombeen is a graduate of the Verbal Judo Institute and an instructor with Vistelar, teaching verbal defense and influence skills to staff and members of the judiciary. He also serves as a training faculty member with the Arizona Justice of the Peace Association, Arizona Magistrates Association and National Judges Association. He also is involved with Young Life and the Williams Economic Development

Committee. And, he opens his courtroom to school-aged children from all over the region to learn about the criminal justice system.

The Krombeens have three children and eight grandchildren.

GUILTY PLEASURE

Having something like ice cream and dwelling on the moment and not dwelling on the guilt.

MEMORABLE SUNSET

I pay attention to the sunsets. The last memorable one was two months ago. The sky was on fire and stunning in the most beautiful way. I was in my backyard.

FAVORITE MEAL

Sweet and sour chicken on Jasmine rice.

LAST LATE NIGHT

Sheila and I stayed up late three weeks

ago to binge watch a series that we enjoyed, Clarkston’s Farm. It’s about Jeremy Clarkson, a British personality who bought a farm in Central Southwest England. It’s done with humor but has actual take-always for a startup farmer.

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED

The best advice was from my father, who didn’t tell me but showed me that things that are hidden are still worth doing exceptionally well. People do things to get attention; my dad showed me sometimes the things that never get noticed are the things worth doing well. FBN

Using the Grand Canyon as a glorious backdrop, Williams Justice Court Judge Rob Krombeen often officiates weddings here. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

The judge has officiated more than 200 weddings in the last two years.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

COLT SALE continued from page 17

Elsewhere in the crowded bleachers, another Flagstaff teenager could see her future prancing across the arena. Taylor Girvin, at age 19, is an accomplished competitor with four years on the Arizona High School Rodeo Association circuit. “I do a little bit of everything, but my main events are breakaway and barrels.”

Last year, she took fifth place in breakaway roping at the Junior World Finals in Las Vegas. This fall, she plans to compete in rodeo as a school sport at Central Arizona College. Eventually, she hopes to lasso the “Pro Rodeo Rookie of the Year” award.

Taylor’s journey includes Babbitt Ranches horses from the Driftwood lineage, which Western Horseman magazine has ranked number five on its list of top 10 ranch horse bloodlines. Driftwood, also known as “Speedy” to ropers, was a legendary rodeo horse born in 1932. Registered with the American Quarter Horse Association, he was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 2006. Driftwood sired more top rodeo horses than any other horse of his time. His offspring continue to compete on the professional rodeo circuit. Driftwood’s legacy is carried on through the Babbitt Ranches horse breeding program.

“I love their foundation,” said Taylor. “A lot of horses have lack in the bone and hoof. They are not put together well. But those that come

from foundational bloodlines are built to last. They are not going to fall apart when you start competing. My great grandpa used to raise Driftwoods. I love these horses. My family has always had some.”

Taylor’s grandfather, Pete Mickelson, owns P&M Trailer Sales. The company has worked with Babbitt Ranches through the years and the family is quite familiar with the Babbitts’ Hashknife horses. The Hashknife brand symbolized the days of the Wild West in American history. It originally belonged to the Aztec Land & Cattle Company, which operated in Northern Arizona from 1884 to 1902. It later became the property of the Babbitt family.

Taylor’s family successfully bid on a filly and a colt last year. This summer, she was on her own in the bidding frenzy. By the end of the auction, she was the owner of two colts with Driftwood genes. One is by the sorrel stallion, Frenchmans Bo Jetz. “I really like that one,” she said. The other was sired by the brown stallion, Caballo Drift. “Those are really good barrel horses.”

After a year on Babbitt Ranches, the colts will join the family’s other horses at their MG Ranch in Doney Park. “I was raised on that ranch,” said Taylor. “I probably spend at least five hours a day riding. Horses teach you patience, hard work and responsibility. I would love to train performance horses that are affordable for people.”

With winning bids ranging from 5,000 to $12,500, 23 colts, all AQHA registered, were sold. “The sale was strong,” said Rodgers. “Bidders were mostly people wanting horses for rodeo-type recreation. They appreciate these horses for their disposition and athletic ability.”

For Babbitt Ranches, the Annual Hashknife Colt Sale is a decades-old

tradition that has never been about selling horses. “It’s about community and relationships,” said Cordasco, who, along with the Babbitt Ranches community, offers the event free to the public every year. “We feel so blessed to have family, friends and associates come out to the ranch, participate in this Western tradition, see these beautiful horses and enjoy the day together.”

The Colt Sale is over until the second Saturday of July 2024, but for cowgirls like Grace and Taylor with big dreams and new colts, the ride has just begun. FBN

Bronze Sponsors:

Ranch Manager Clay Rodgers of Babbitt Ranches introduced the horses at the Annual Hashknife Colt Sale in July, offering details about their bloodlines and foundation. Photo by Kay Lyons

people can actually live on.”

The award is named in honor of Flagstaff’s own Carolyn Shoemaker. Shoemaker was a world-renowned astronomer who discovered or co-discovered 377 asteroids and 32 comets, including the co-discovery of the Shoemaker-Levy 9, which broke apart and crashed into Jupiter in 1994.

Moonshot’s Mission Control Award, given to a volunteer who helps to serve Moonshot’s non-profit mission and embodies the energy and passion for entrepreneurialism, went to attorney and Moonshot Board member David Johns. Johns was brought to the stage with an introduction by Whitney Cunningham of Aspey Watkins and Diesel, PLLC, (AWD LAW). Johns currently serves as both in-house intellectual property law counsel to W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., where he leads its global trademark team, and as counsel to the Northern Arizona law firm AWD LAW, where he focuses on the business and intellectual property law needs of startup and growing businesses.

Johns has served for many years on the Moonshot Board of Directors, twice acting as secretary. He also has developed and provided training programs on ways that businesses’ concepts can be legally protected. In addition, he has served as an advisor and mentor for new business ventures and participated as a volunteer coach and judge for Moonshot’s AZ Pioneer Pitch Events

throughout Arizona.

In the 4th Annual AZ Pioneer Pitch Tour Finals, Tim Elinski, founder of Pin Drop Travel Trailers, took home the grand prize of $10,000 after his five-minute business pitch presentation. Pin Drop Travel Trailers is the manufacturer of a fully self-contained, solar powered micro camper.

“We are invested in rural. We selected Miami, Arizona as the headquarters for Pin Drop. One hundred years ago, Miami was a huge economic driver for the state of Arizona,” said Elinski. “While it has lagged behind in the last couple of generations, we see huge potential in the town, the Copper

Corridor and the region.”

Dennis Dueker of Dueker Ranch, an equine therapy non-profit organization, received $5,000 and the “Crowd Favorite” pitch award.

The ceremony kicked off with a networking reception sponsored by APS.

“APS is a longtime partner and proud champion of Moonshot at NACET,” said Mackenzie Fitzgerald, an economic development representative for the utility and Moonshot Board member.

“We at APS believe in small businesses and entrepreneurs. Each year, we enthusiastically support the essential Moonshot programs like the statewide Pioneer Pitch Tour. These workshops

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in rural areas inject energy, education and resources into local communities to grow and expand their job opportunities and economies.”

This year’s Pioneer Pitch Tour included 10 stops in Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Winslow, Sierra Vista, Safford, Globe, Payson, Tucson, Prescott and Yuma. Regional Pioneer Pitch Tour winners from across the state pitched their start-ups during the course of the banquet dinner for the chance to win the grand prize of $10,000 or the “Crowd Favorite” award of $5,000, determined by the audience.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona was the title sponsor of the 2022-23

tour. The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Growth Partners AZ and Community Investment Corporation (CIC) all joined as co-sponsors. Additional Moonshot Awards ceremony sponsors included the City of Flagstaff, PNC Bank, AWD LAW, W. L. Gore & Associates, Genterra Enterprises, Lowell Observatory, SBDC of Arizona, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, Arizona @ Work, Dueker Ranch, David Johns and Jill Harrison Family, Sunwest Bank, Jen Nordstrom Accounting, SBDC Cochise College and Drinking Horn Meadery. FBN

121 E. Birch Avenue, Suite 408 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Phone 928.310.9662 Fax 928.226.0303 Email: Rich@flagstaffbusinessnews.com www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com

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Photography V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses

Photography, Aspen ProMedia, Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau

Contributing Writers

Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau, Patty McCormac, Kevin Schindler, Bonnie Stevens, Veronica Tierney, Stacey Wittig

Flagstaff Business News is a publication of Flagstaff Business News, LLC and is distributed free each month to residents of Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams and Winslow. Reproduction of any portion of the publication is strictly prohibited without expressed permission. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

Left: More than 200 businesspeople, entrepreneurs and supporters cheered on the Pioneer Pitch at Little America. Right: Dennis Dueker of Dueker Ranches won the “Crowd Favorite” award. Dueker accepted a giant check for $5,000, shown here with Moonshot President and CEO Scott Hathcock and Growth Partners AZ CEO Andre Whittington. Photos courtesy of Patrick Ryan

these values and maintain our ability to stay on that land. Renewable energy developers are supporting these values through the Babbitt Ranches Landsward Foundation.”

Cordasco praised the work of the county and federal government and emphasized that renewable energy projects will benefit the next generation, leaving them with options when the projects run their 30- to 40-year lifespan. “What you do matters,” he told the gathering. “You determine how we are going to lead. You are in-

volved in projects that are bigger than yourselves, projects that will benefit generations to come.”

Earlier in the day, county officials showed a video of historic flooding that occurred in Flagstaff during monsoon season 2022, as rain poured over fire scars on the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden and into neighborhoods. The county’s emergency response costs for the damaging flood events totaled more than $9 million.

“Our ability to respond quickly and effectively shows the importance of

government agencies working together on public safety, policy and decision making,” said Supervisor Horstman. “Forest restoration is the key to sustainable landscapes.”

The tour was part of NACo’s new Federal Fellowship Initiative, created to connect county representatives with key legislative officials to promote county-level issues at the federal level and build relationships with federal representatives and their staff. FBN

round and another 15 full-timers seasonally, said Dennis Smoldt, AzRA general manager.

The key to successful river trips is enthusiastic guides, Smoldt said. “We rely on guides who are excited to share their passion for the canyon with their passengers.

“The guiding industry has started a long-awaited turnover where the older guides are starting to age out,” he said. “And it seems like the newer generation that have been coming in over the past few years aren’t lifer guides like there used to be.”

Potential passengers have expressed concerns about the Southwest’s drought conditions, but it has not hurt AzRA’s business, Smoldt said.

The Bureau of Reclamation is “letting higher flows out of Glen Canyon Dam right now than what we’re used to this time of year,” he said, noting that flows have been ranging from 16,000 to 20,000 cubic feet per second, compared to 8,000 to 12,000 cfs last summer. FBN

A WEEKDAY

4.

5. CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN

6. PHOTO BOOTH

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman discussed NextEra’s wind energy project with Prairie Handyside of Blattner Energy, who is overseeing the construction project on Babbitt Ranches north of Flagstaff.

About 20,000 people have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon from a Colorado River trip each year. This rainbow was photographed over Lees Ferry. Courtesy photo

RIVER continued from page 3