I think we can all agree: 2020 has been a long, stressful year and a year we are ready to put in the books and move forward to 2021. It is both hard to believe how quickly this year has passed and, at the same time, how long this year has been. For many, the thoughts of the approaching holiday season are both welcomed and met with some level of “I just can’t handle any more stress.” We all know the holidays can be filled with the joys of fun, food, family, friends and gifts. Yet, these same … [Read more...] about Ease the Stress of 2020, Make Holiday Gift-Giving Easier
Building Resilience: Five Simple Steps to Thrive
My friends, winter is coming. Between flu season and being in the midst of a global pandemic, it’s really easy to get sucked into the fear narrative, get angry at the behaviors of others, and feel powerless to do anything. Realistically, none of us can control other people’s behavior. We can’t stop people from having big family gatherings, packing bars or attending large events. We can’t control whether or not people practice social distancing or mask wearing, either. But, do you know what … [Read more...] about Building Resilience: Five Simple Steps to Thrive
Flagstaff Airport: Staying Open, Making Changes
We would like to thank all who have flown out of Flagstaff Pulliam Airport this year. When we look back to last year, we hit a record number of patrons who flew in and out of the airport and found ourselves cramped with parking, lobby space and, at times, with ramp space. These were good problems to have, because we can fix these concerns. This year has had a different set of obstacles, as the airline industry, among others, was faced with COVID-19. Not only did the airports come to a … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Airport: Staying Open, Making Changes
Reflecting Back, Looking Ahead, Expressing Gratitude
Hello, Northern Arizona! Well, this is my second-to-last column for you as Flagstaff’s mayor. It has been a joy and an honor to serve my hometown, and I hope to continue to find ways to do so. When I was growing up, this community nurtured my brother and me. This community made sure we had what we needed, and that we had opportunities. Many of you know that I grew up in public housing, the daughter of a single parent on disability. It was this community that made sure I could play hockey and … [Read more...] about Reflecting Back, Looking Ahead, Expressing Gratitude
Going with the Overflow
You’re like Space Mountain at Disneyland!” one customer exclaimed this summer after experiencing the popularity of the Sweet Shoppe Candy Store in downtown Flagstaff. “I am floored,” said Sweet Shoppe owner Jennifer Rolley. “It’s embarrassing. We have lines out the door every weekend!” Lines out the door and tables of patrons into the street are very visible signs that businesses are open and thriving in Flagstaff’s historic district. Shop owners say it has been that way since they … [Read more...] about Going with the Overflow
Making Time Stand Still
Folks living in or wandering through Northern Arizona who want a break from the fast pace of daily life have a unique opportunity with a one-of-a-kind Bed and Breakfast in Prescott known as Foxbriar. Husband and wife owners Sandy Moss and Mike Shepard have literally made time stand still with the ambiance and antique clocks that adorn the space – none are wound or set. “This is our signal to guests to slow down, to savor life – in a setting not of this time or this place,” they say. That … [Read more...] about Making Time Stand Still
How Quality Connections Removes Barriers to the Workplace
When we empower people with disabilities and remove the barriers that keep them from the workforce, everybody wins. For the person with disabilities, it’s a chance to be gainfully employed and therefore more independent. For communities, it means more people contributing their work and taxes to society. But the biggest winners might be the companies hiring these workers. A 2018 study by the business services company Accenture reported that companies that actively seek to employ people with … [Read more...] about How Quality Connections Removes Barriers to the Workplace
Welcome to Hearing Aid Paradise
Advancements occur at a quick pace in the realm of hearing aids. Manufacturers are constantly developing new solutions to patients’ hearing needs, so that each successive model provides an even more natural sound quality. Phonak, one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers, recently released its newest platform: Paradise. Paradise offers multiple innovations aimed at improving patient satisfaction. Sound Quality When surveyed, hearing aid users stated that their biggest concern … [Read more...] about Welcome to Hearing Aid Paradise
Appreciating the Value of Knowing Yourself
There is so much to be said about knowing yourself. What do you care about? What interests you? What are your talents? What makes your heart skip a beat? Knowing and honoring your authentic self sets you up for a lifetime of fulfillment and helps you steer away from pain. John Mellencamp says, “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.” And we should listen to John, even though he smokes and rides a motorcycle without a helmet sometimes, because falling for anything in … [Read more...] about Appreciating the Value of Knowing Yourself
CCC to Teach Cloud-Based Computing
Leaders in the technology industry say that cloud-based computing is not only the future, but it is already here. Coconino Community College has joined other colleges across Arizona in a statewide effort to increase access to cloud computing education in schools. The Arizona Commerce Authority recently announced the initiative, with the support of Amazon Web Services, Inc., which has a goal to train and certify 5,000 students in the state for entry-level cloud computing careers by June … [Read more...] about CCC to Teach Cloud-Based Computing