Local stars in arts and science were shining brightly during the 2020 Viola Awards, Saturday, March 7, at the High Country Conference Center. Nine awards were presented, plus two Legacy Awards, which honored biologist Paul Keim and artist Shonto Begay. “It was a wonderful surprise!” said Keim, Regents Professor of Biology and director of the Pathogen Genomics Division of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). “I love sharing the legacy recognition with Shonto Begay. Where else … [Read more...] about Arts, Science Excellence in Flagstaff’s DNA
Filmmaker Hoping to Attract Native American Actors
Filmmaker Travis Hamilton said he is always keeping his eyes open for ideas for new projects. His latest was conceived while visiting a Los Angeles beach. He said he saw an older woman with her husband as she was being pushed along the pier in a wheelchair. “They looked so happy to be at the ocean. The image just stuck with me,” he said. The image evolved into a movie concept for “Touch the Water,” a film that portrays an 80-year-old woman struggling at this stage in her life. The movie … [Read more...] about Filmmaker Hoping to Attract Native American Actors
Snowbowl Preparing for Arizona’s First Combination Lift
After a 12-month environmental assessment process, Coconino National Forest approved the replacement of Arizona Snowbowl’s Agassiz Chairlift. Approval couldn’t come at a better time. Amid challenges with the Agassiz Lift this season, Arizona Snowbowl announced the authorization and that they would begin construction on the new lift system. The new lift combines detachable chairs interspersed with gondolas. Similar state-of-the-art lift systems are in place in Austria, Italy and … [Read more...] about Snowbowl Preparing for Arizona’s First Combination Lift
Massage 101: Choosing the Right Massage and Add-On Therapies
Massage therapy encompasses many different techniques, styles and personalized options, which can vary from appointment to appointment. Few things allow us to individualize an experience for the moment like massage therapy does. In the winter, deep tissue for aching muscles from snow shoveling may be in order. After taking final exams, a relaxing massage is just what is needed to end the semester. Sometimes it is about bodywork and total-body stretching to help reach sports and physical … [Read more...] about Massage 101: Choosing the Right Massage and Add-On Therapies
Travel ID Deadline Postponed
Air travelers are getting a reprieve from the urgency to obtain their Real ID. The original deadline has been moved from Oct. 1, 2020, to a full year later, Oct. 1, 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) encourages MVD customers to hold off on getting their AZ Travel ID to reduce traffic at MVD locations. All AZ Travel ID appointments have been canceled. Only essential services that must be done in-person are being offered by … [Read more...] about Travel ID Deadline Postponed
President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration For Arizona
Governor Doug Ducey today announced that President Trump in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today approved Arizona’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state. The declaration makes available additional federal assets and resources to aid Arizona’s COVID-19 response efforts. Governor Ducey wrote a letter to President Trump on April 1 requesting the disaster declaration. “I’m grateful to President Trump for approving Arizona’s … [Read more...] about President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration For Arizona
Western Heritage Center Becoming Popular Destination
In less than six months, the Western Heritage Center (WHC) located in downtown historic Whiskey Row has become a popular destination attracting visitors from throughout Arizona, the Southwest and the nation. Most visitors are from the U.S., with many from California. Dennis Gallagher, owner and founder, says Europeans, especially Germans, are intrigued by the WHC and learning about the diverse history and culture of Yavapai County. “I’ve had German visitors tell me they really appreciate … [Read more...] about Western Heritage Center Becoming Popular Destination
McSally Updates Arizonans on Coronavirus Relief Resources
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) spoke with thousands of Arizonans about how to access coronavirus relief resources during her third telephone town hall since the coronavirus outbreak. During the hour-and-fifteen-minute call, McSally described the type of assistance Arizonans could expect to see shortly, including relief checks and 100 percent forgivable small business loans through the Payment Protection Program. The IRS announced earlier this week that Payment Protection Loans … [Read more...] about McSally Updates Arizonans on Coronavirus Relief Resources
Considering Cuomo, Cranberry Juice and COVID-19
Americans are creative and resourceful. Right now, I have no doubt there are novels being written, movies being imagined and start-ups being developed. Many individuals are using this time of uncertainty to re-assess, re-tool and re-invent themselves and their careers. I’ve talked to entrepreneurs who are filling the unexpected time they have now with online courses to improve their skills; some are refreshing their investment properties to make them more attractive for when the market … [Read more...] about Considering Cuomo, Cranberry Juice and COVID-19
Former Smoki Museum Has New Name, Mission
Formerly known as the Smoki Museum, the 99-year old Prescott repository for Native American traditions has undergone a name change and shift in mission. Effective Feb. 10, the museum is now the Museum of Indigenous People (MIP). The new mission is “to instill understanding and respect for the indigenous cultures of the Southwest.” Cindy Gresser, executive director and affiliated with the museum since 2002, said the public should realize the museum represents more than just Arizona Native … [Read more...] about Former Smoki Museum Has New Name, Mission