By Linda Kor The Holbrook Chamber of Commerce met last week and discussed activities taking place in the community. The one fast approaching is the Holbrook Community Clean Up Day to be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, starting at the historic courthouse on Arizona Street. When participants show up they will be assigned a location and can pick up supplies and refreshments. Everyone will need to bring their own rakes, brooms, gloves, or other tools. “I can’t believe how much excitement is being generated by so many different people with this,” stated Chamber Director Cindy Tafoya. She noted that volunteers have come forward including the Holbrook High School football team and local youth groups. Tafoya was also contacted by a property owner who does not live in Holbrook but donated $75 for supplies for the day. Holbrook Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich reached out and the event has been added to the district’s Healthy Holbrook outreach. “This is going to be a Healthy Holbrook activity. So this will go out to all the groups and organizations within the schools. That way the (the district) can help with sponsorship for refreshments,” stated Tafoya, adding that Safeway also donated a gift card for refreshments, Route 66 Storage is going to provide water and H&R Block will also be participating and donating water. In addition, Waste Management and Larson Waste are providing 40-yard roll-offs for trash collection. Arizona Public Service will provide trash bags and the City of Holbrook is looking to see what supplies are on hand. For those who would like to take part but not gather in a group, text (928) 241-1850 to be assigned a location. Tafoya stated that the Holbrook Foundation has organized a business owner roundtable discussion regarding the matter of the proposed business license to be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 4 at the Mesa. All local business owners are invited to attend but it will be limited to business owners. Tafoya also noted that Preserve Arizona will be hosting its next meeting at 2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 27, at the historic courthouse, with a clean-up set earlier that day at 10:30 a.m. at the Bucket of Blood Saloon. The group is in need of a treasurer for that organization to complete the board in order to file for non-profit status. Janet Dean with Arizona Public Service provided information on Take Charge Arizona, which is an APS pilot program providing up to four electric vehicle charging stations that it will own, operate and maintain for five years, after which the business may keep them. The cost for the business would be the electricity used by the charging station, which may be passed to the user. For more information visit aps.com and search Take Charge Arizona. Businesses, municipalities, government agencies, non-profits and multi-family housing units may apply. Tafoya also informed the board regarding a group that will be making its way through Holbrook in the coming year. “Tour of Honor is a group of men and women from different groups. Some are veterans, some are retired law enforcement or first responders.” She explained that members range in ages from 50 to 65 and chose Holbrook’s veterans’ memorial at the historic courthouse as one of their stopping points between the months of April through October this year. “They don’t all show up at once. They have up to 1,000 members who participate throughout that time frame. They ask if the communities that they are coming into can help with different things. Some do a ‘Welcome Tour of Honor’ banner near the memorials to make them feel welcome, some have the local media put articles or stories (in the paper) so the community knows about the riders and the veterans that are coming through. They do raise money for three different charities, Fisher House Foundation, Gold Star Family Memorials and the police and fire Fallen Heroes,” explained Tafoya, adding that she will be sending out information to local businesses. Tafoya also updated the board on the Holbrook Revitalization Grant, saying that eight business owners attended and are working their way through the application process to obtain grants in the amount of up to $1,000 in order to meet COVID requirements for their businesses and general revitalization. The deadline to complete an application is March 5. It was announced that long-time chamber member Yvonne Larson has resigned from the board. Tafoya stated that Larson noted a busy schedule as a reason for resigning but that she will remain committed to being actively involved as a member of the chamber. On community updates, Colleen Marsh with the Friends of Holbrook Animal Shelter informed the board that fencing for the Holbrook Animal Shelter will be installed by Frontier Fence Co. soon. This will create six sub-yards at the back of the facility so multiple dogs, volunteers and potential adopters can be out at once. This has been a partnership between the Friends, the animal control officer, and the city. The city put out the request for bids on behalf of the Friends of the Holbrook Animal Shelter and is installing water lines and secure mesh connected to the bottom of the fencing and buried underground to prevent dogs from digging and getting out. The funds for the fence were all private donations from the community and business partners. On March 27, in conjunction with the Healthy Holbrook Community Clean-Up Day, people can sign up for spay and neuter vouchers in person, with more details on how to obtain these vouchers available shortly. These vouchers are provided by the Arizona Pet Plates fund, which provided $7,500 for a community pet spay/neuter voucher program and $3,500 for a feral cat spay/neuter program this year. These vouchers are available to Holbrook and the surrounding communities. The voucher is a $10 copay and covers the cost of the surgery. Rabies vaccinations are required. Other vaccination requirements are at the discretion of the veterinarian and vet clinic. However, the Friends also received a $1,500 grant from Athletes for Animals (A4A) that covers these shot costs. So whoever signs up first will have the cost of the rabies shots covered as well. This year, Arizona Gives Day is on April 6, with even early giving happening from March 16 up to April 6. “We are really hoping folks can help us out this year with our play yard project,” stated Marsh. Outside of the fencing itself, the Friends are making a huge effort to fundraise for the rest of what’s needed, which includes outdoor picnic tables and benches, shade structures, water troughs, agility equipment and dog playground structures — all heavy and durable enough to withstand years of hot summers, icy winters and high winds. Marsh also noted that a shot clinic will be hosted from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 23, at the shelter. Noted Marsh, “This is the best way to come get low-cost vaccinations and city licenses for cats and dogs.”
