What a difference a year makes. Last spring semester, when classes began at Coconino Community College, students were busily passing through the halls of our campuses on their way to classes. Their attention was on their studies and on achieving their educational goals. Then, just before Spring Break, the world started to take notice of the virus that was making its way across the globe – COVID-19. The world went on lockdown to try to halt the spread of the virus. Safety measures were put … [Read more...] about Valuing People at Coconino Community College
Beginning Anew with Health, Home, Heart
The new year began with a bang. As I write, our country is faced with the highest daily infection and mortality rates of the COVID pandemic and the greatest challenge to our democracy in more than two centuries. The trials and tribulations of 2020 clearly weren’t left at the threshold of 2021. A year from now, the world will look different to us, and most likely, it will look better. Begin afresh each day, focus on the present moment and look for ways to help. Resiliency is our birthright. It … [Read more...] about Beginning Anew with Health, Home, Heart
Short-Term Rental Properties Remain in Demand
Everyone is well aware of the explosion of short-term (vacation) rentals over the last five years, and our cozy mountain town of Flagstaff has been no exception. Despite local controversy over allowing and regulating short-term rentals, Flagstaff Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway properties have continued to expand. In fact, owners have seen consistent occupancy rates following the initial early COVID-19 March/April lull and have expressed surprise at the robust market. A short search of the vacation … [Read more...] about Short-Term Rental Properties Remain in Demand
February: A Time to Focus on Health and Love with a Couple’s Massage
February is a great month to pay some attention to all matters of the heart – physical and emotional. Of course, we all know Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14. But, did you know that February is also National Heart Health Month? It is a reminder to make yourself and your loved one a priority; a time to focus on health and relationships. One of the best ways to do both is with a couple’s massage! A couple’s massage offers an hour or more of time that is centered around you and your loved one. A … [Read more...] about February: A Time to Focus on Health and Love with a Couple’s Massage
Programs Available Offering Financial Assistance
Coconino County businesses want to know what is available to them now, as the news focuses on vaccination rollouts and new executive orders. This article shares some of the most discussed topics. New and second round PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans are being made now, with a portion set aside ($25 billion) for smaller businesses with under 10 employees, or for loans of $250,000 or less. This is good news for Coconino County businesses. An eligibility prerequisite for these loans is … [Read more...] about Programs Available Offering Financial Assistance
Royal Plumbing Owner Chose Flagstaff for Family and Business
Royal Plumbing & Rooter Services owner Gabriel “Gabe” Ontiveros’s career successfully came about when he took over his uncle’s business 19 years ago. “When my family and I visited Flagstaff in 1997, my uncle, Ruben, offered me a job at his plumbing business,” he said. “At the time, I was working at Smith Pipe and Supply as an irrigation warehouse manager in Oxnard, California. My kids were young and I thought Flagstaff would be a good city to raise them in. So, we moved here.” After … [Read more...] about Royal Plumbing Owner Chose Flagstaff for Family and Business
Growing Businesses in Flagstaff
The Flagstaff City Council adopted a few new programs to help the businesses in Flagstaff during the summer of 2020. This is a celebration of two of the programs and the two Flagstaff businesses on their way to growing in Flagstaff, making the world a better place with a little encouragement from two new small business assistance programs from the City of Flagstaff. The programs are the Innovate Waste/Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Challenge and the Business Retention and Expansion … [Read more...] about Growing Businesses in Flagstaff
Hearing Versus Understanding
The most common concern of those with hearing loss is not being able to understand others. “I can hear them,” a patient will say. “I just don’t know what they said.” Considering the fact that verbal communication is how most people interact with others, being able to do so is essential. However, people can often conflate hearing and understanding. While undoubtedly interconnected, they are two distinct functions. Understanding the difference can help to improve outcomes and satisfaction with … [Read more...] about Hearing Versus Understanding
Be Camera Ready, Like James Bond
The thing about Opportunity is she doesn’t necessarily arrive after you’ve lost five pounds, gotten out of your sweatpants, whitened your teeth and brushed your hair. Opportunity is quite stubborn about being on her own schedule. She’s kind of a brat that way. She shows up when she feels like it, whether it’s convenient for you or not. That’s why you have to be sneakier than Opportunity. I’ve found the best way to outwit Opportunity is to make a habit of being Camera Ready. Being Camera Ready … [Read more...] about Be Camera Ready, Like James Bond
Communicating to Discuss Issues, Solve Problems
I am honored and excited to have taken office as Flagstaff’s next mayor. The world looks a bit different now than I expected when announcing my run for office, but the foundation of my campaign is now more important than ever – better communication, accountable government and transparency in decision-making. We have seen mass protests across the country and in Flagstaff, a sign that large swaths of the community feel unheard and that their grievances seemingly are unrecognized by those in … [Read more...] about Communicating to Discuss Issues, Solve Problems