If not for the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center (FEC) at Yavapai College’s Prescott campus in Prescott, two local women said it would be impossible for them to hold jobs, attend college and have their children in an early childhood education program. Sarah Martin of Chino Valley and Karely Rodriguez-Mata of Prescott are among dozens of parents who benefit from the FEC program as they balance work, college and parenthood. The program, now in its 15th year, provides a full week of early … [Read more...] about Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center Providing Opportunities
Chino Valley
Gentle Giants Transforming Lives in Chino Valley
The girl with the pink leggings and brown cowboy boots pats the tri-colored pony on the neck, sits up straight in the saddle, and with reins confidently in hand, commands “Walk on.” As Majesty responds with a gentle stride, Lizzie smiles. And for Dani Mackin of Prescott, this is what a miracle looks like. Dani is Lizzie’s mom. She describes her 9-year-old’s serious social anxiety as paralyzing. “She wouldn’t talk to people. She would do what we call ‘a possum,’ and just freeze, or run away … [Read more...] about Gentle Giants Transforming Lives in Chino Valley
Change is in the Air for Chino Valley
As we embark on fall 2020, there will be some changes in the Town of Chino Valley. For starters, the town will have a new mayor beginning Dec. 8. Jack Miller, a long-time community member and the town’s current vice-mayor, will assume the role of mayor for Chino Valley. Tom Armstrong, who has been on the Planning and Zoning Commission, will become a Chino Valley council member, duly elected during the town’s primary election. The General Election scheduled for Nov. 3 will determine the last … [Read more...] about Change is in the Air for Chino Valley
Chino Council Focusing on Water, Roads
As we welcome in the New Year, let’s look for great optimism in our country and the world. There is so much more that unites us than separates us, and the same is true for our communities. The recent groundbreaking at the airport for the new terminal and runway demonstrates progress that benefits our region. We always appreciate citizens’ input. In fact, it is necessary for any elected official to receive input from our citizens if we want to be successful at what we are elected to do. As I … [Read more...] about Chino Council Focusing on Water, Roads
Getting Involved in the Community
Recently, in another publication, an individual wrote that citizens need to communicate more with their elected officials. I could not agree more, and I invite all of you to get involved in some way: Come to town council meetings; Get involved in a town committee; Attend a citizens academy; Meet with or e-mail your local council members; Volunteer in some capacity. There are a plethora of ways you can get involved in our local community, and it is encouraged. We appreciate the … [Read more...] about Getting Involved in the Community
Enjoying Summer Activities in Chino Valley
Happy summer to everyone! The summer months bring a lot of activity and a lot of opportunities in our area. From a recreation standpoint, the town is gearing up for its Fourth of July celebration. It is being held at the town’s community center from 4-8 p.m. There will be rides and activities for the children, along with free swimming at the Aquatics Center. We will have a live band, a beer garden and, currently, we are scheduled to have fireworks at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). The last couple … [Read more...] about Enjoying Summer Activities in Chino Valley
Planning for Growth in Chino Valley
Happy spring to all. Most municipalities are working on budgets right now and endeavoring to be as responsive to their citizens as possible in their fiscal year. The Chino Valley Town Council met recently in a retreat to discuss our priorities in the next year as well as for the next several years. The challenges we face with our infrastructure have been much discussed – the town has five different water companies within our corporate boundaries, and our wastewater treatment plant was just … [Read more...] about Planning for Growth in Chino Valley
Keeping Chino Valley Clean
In the last couple of years, I have worked diligently to reach out to citizens and hear their concerns for our community, Chino Valley. I have heard from people one-on-one, sometimes in group meetings, sometimes at a committee level, often at council meetings, and sometimes in targeted community outreach where I make myself available and have no topic or agenda, just schedule time to listen to what people have to say. One of the items that continues to come up is cleaning up the town. With 64 … [Read more...] about Keeping Chino Valley Clean
Voters Deciding Whether Chino Valley Can Buy a Water Company
As I mentioned in my last column, the Town of Chino Valley will be focusing on several initiatives in 2019 and we are excited about what some of these initiatives will mean for our community. Two of these initiatives will be voted on by our citizens in a May mail-in ballot. Last month, I wrote about the Road Maintenance Program the Town is proposing, which would be funded by a property tax. This month, I will speak about the second ballot item, the ability to purchase water utility companies … [Read more...] about Voters Deciding Whether Chino Valley Can Buy a Water Company
Paying for Chino Valley Road Maintenance
Happy New Year! I wish all in our community a prosperous and healthy year. The Town of Chino Valley has several initiatives it will be focusing on in 2019, and in today’s column, I’ll share one that I believe to be critical to economic development, property values and public safety. When I was elected as mayor more than two years ago, I participated in open community outreach sessions with Town Manager Cecilia Grittman. When we talked with our citizens about their concerns for our community, … [Read more...] about Paying for Chino Valley Road Maintenance