Telling the stories that shape our community.
‘You Have Potential’
The Coalition for Compassion and Justice’s (CCJ) latest project, Paloma Village, is “one of a kind,” according to Executive Director Allison Lenocker. And, it’s in perfect alignment with what the organization does: build hope and provide opportunities for forward movement.
The roads and sidewalks are in at Paloma Village, a 25-unit manufactured home community on four acres in Chino Valley, and now, Allison said during a recent interview, “We’re focused on buying our first house.”
This project will feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom options with rent less than market rate and resources to help residents create forward movement in terms of saving and earning potential, qualifying for traditional mortgages, and more. An onsite advocate will help residents problem solve in real time.
“My vision is to have resources right on hand, while all the while promoting self-sufficiency.”
Cooking Up Connections
There’s something magical about a kitchen—the aroma of fresh coffee, the warmth of a home-cooked meal, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. The kitchen isn’t just where food is made; it’s where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and connections are built. In Prescott Valley, that same sense of warmth, quality, and connection can be found at Rafter Eleven, a local gem that brings people together just like a family kitchen does.
Nestled in the heart of town, Rafter Eleven is more than just a coffee and wine bar—it’s a place where the community gathers to savor life’s little pleasures. Whether it’s sipping on a velvety European-style cappuccino in the morning, enjoying a glass of fine wine in the evening, or indulging in a homemade bowl of soup made fresh each week, every visit feels like coming home.
But what truly makes Rafter Eleven special? It’s the way this charming spot turns everyday moments into meaningful experiences. Friday nights come alive with music, where locals unwind, toast to the weekend, and soak in the welcoming atmosphere. Spectacular cooking classes offer a hands-on experience for food lovers eager to refine their skills and create something delicious from scratch. And, of course, cozy lunches bring friends and family together over comfort food that warms both the heart and soul.
Sparking Curiosity, Building Confidence: The YES! Explorers Challenge 2026
Through programs led by Yavapai Exploration and Science (YES), students are being introduced to innovation, exploration, and creative problem-solving in ways that are both engaging and transformational. One of the most exciting expressions of that mission is the YES! Explorers Challenge 2026.
Wildfire Prep for You and Your Pets
If you had to evacuate, where would you take your animals? Yavapai County is proactive in disaster preparedness with volunteer groups providing necessary resources for your animal family. Animal Disaster Services (ADS) will shelter your household pets and Large Animal Shelters & Emergency Readiness (LASER) provides a safe haven for your barn animals, all at no cost to you.
Sherry Rossman – 2021
Before Sherry Rossman found the awesomeness of writing in the YA realm she dabbled in children’s stories. Her first YA novel became an Amazon bestseller shortly before her publisher closed its doors. But she forged on, exploring fantastical ideas and discovering that our world is more magical than we give it credit for. In her experience working with young adults and, more recently, the elderly, she has learned that our individual lives are beautiful stories forged from adversity and perseverance.
Leading from the Heart of the Community
For Casey Van Haren, libraries are not quiet buildings lined with books — they are living, breathing community hubs.
As Library Director for the Town of Prescott Valley, Casey serves at the intersection of information, equity, and connection. A fifth-generation Arizonan and Prescott native, her return home was intentional. She wanted to invest her experience, leadership, and vision into a community that shaped her.
Under her direction, the Prescott Valley Public Library has secured more than $400,000 in Library Services and Technology Act grants, expanding digital access, educational programming, and critical support services. The creation of a Community Resource Specialist position ensures seniors, veterans, and individuals navigating difficult life transitions have compassionate guidance. The library also operates a free food pantry — reinforcing the belief that access to knowledge must be paired with meeting basic needs.
Taking our Cues from Squirrels
As the calendar makes steady progress toward springtime, we naturally seek opportunities to be in nature and to embrace the warm sunlight of the lengthening days. Are you looking forward to finding ways to connect with nature, to feeling your hands in the dirt, and to getting some spring planting underway? Are you starting to notice different birds at your backyard feeders and getting curious about neighboring species of plants and animals? As life wakes up around us, these final days of winter have a way of making us feel a little “squirrely” and craving the fresh air of the outdoors.
At the Highlands Center for Natural History, a nature center on Prescott National Forest near Lynx Lake, our joy and calling is to facilitate opportunities for people to meaningfully engage with nature. As environmental educators, we often use the term “sense of place” to describe the ways in which people connect with their home, in the outdoors. Perhaps you are familiar with the term “Central Highlands,” the swath of land that extends like a sash across Arizona, northwest to the edge of the Mojave Desert and southeast into New Mexico. This patch of terrain comprises Prescott and describes our home.
Juneteenth!
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, the day this country’s last Confederate slaves were freed in Texas. The Emancipation Proclamation declared that slaves in Confederate states were free on Jan. 1, 1863. The Confederacy surrendered on April 9, 1865. But in practice, unless slaves escaped north, their freedom remained elusive until Union troops arrived to enforce it.
A Magical Outdoor Space
As wedding season approaches, many couples in Prescott and the surrounding areas dream of saying their vows surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of northern Arizona. Whether you’re planning an intimate backyard ceremony or an elegant outdoor celebration, your landscaping can set the stage for unforgettable moments. At Yavapai Landscaping, we specialize in creating stunning outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with nature and make your special day truly extraordinary.
Outdoor weddings provide a natural, serene, and often cost-effective alternative to traditional indoor venues. However, transforming an outdoor space into the perfect wedding setting requires careful planning and design. From lush greenery to colorful blooms, the right landscaping elements can enhance the atmosphere, create visual interest, and provide functional areas for dining, dancing, and mingling.
At Yavapai Landscaping, we work closely with clients to bring their wedding vision to life.
Tuning the Brain’s Orchestra
When educator and therapist Jen Beyst co-founded the Cognitive Function Development Institute, she was responding to both personal and professional callings. As a mother of three neurodivergent children and the granddaughter of a man who lost himself to Alzheimer’s Disease, Jen searched for answers where traditional methods fell short. This mission led her to neuroscience and the creation of Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT).
“CFDT is like physical therapy for the brain,” Jen explained. “We identify weak functions through objective assessments and target them with engaging, structured activities. It’s like fine-tuning an orchestra; every part of the brain needs to play in sync for optimal performance.”
Prescott Has it All
Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Karen Weisser, Massage Envy’s Director of Operations for Northern Arizona, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it offers.
Building On a Family Tradition
Haley Construction has established a deep foundation in Prescott, and that foundation only continues to build with the third generation of owners.
Jim and Frances Haley brought their construction business to Prescott in 1960, which likely makes Haley Construction the oldest continually running general contractor in Yavapai County. Jim and Fran passed the business on to their sons Tom and Bill in the 1970s. Then Tom’s daughter Gillian and stepson Allan Crary bought the business in 2014.



















