Giving children the freedom to walk into a toy store and play freely with anything they choose is a good mental picture of what Tynkertopia is. Except, in this innovative setting, they create the toys. With shelves stocked with colorful materials and objects of various sizes and forms, Tynkertopia welcomes children of all ages to come to create inventions. Their parents, grandparents and siblings are also welcome. “Our mission at Tynkertopia is to empower children to cultivate skills, … [Read more...] about Making Space for Creations
Making Memories with Mahomes, Momoa and Murray
The much-anticipated Super Bowl LIV did not disappoint, as more than 100 million viewers watched two American favorites compete. We’re talking, of course, about rapper Lil Nas and actor Sam Elliot staging a dance off in the Old West for all the chips, the Doritos chips. So, was it a surprise that Lil Nas won? Probably not. But it was a surprise that Billy Ray Cyrus witnessed the contest as the guitar-strumming cowboy minding his own business at the Cool Ranch. And that’s why we watch, says … [Read more...] about Making Memories with Mahomes, Momoa and Murray
Pet Sitting Isn’t Just About Dogs and Cats
Pet sitting is not exclusive to just dogs and cats anymore. Horses, pigs, chickens, steers and even snakes have made the non-traditional list of pet sitting, according to Teresa Green, owner of Duke’s Pet Lodge. With a staff of five and a vision to expand to Sedona and Prescott areas in the next two years, Duke’s Pet Lodge was bred out of need. “I’ve had the idea for quite some time,” said Green. “We do not have a facility, so pets get to stay in the comfort of their home. “While working … [Read more...] about Pet Sitting Isn’t Just About Dogs and Cats
Golden Dragon Restaurant Attracting New Attention
It had been at least 12 years since Kevan Hegg dropped into Golden Dragon for lunch, but upon urging from a friend and news that the restaurant had new ownership, he thought he would give it another try. “The place was buzzing with good energy,” said Hegg, of Hensley Beverage Company. “Most tables were taken and the phone was ringing off the hook with orders.” The first thing Hegg noticed was the full-service bar. “They have four taps, Sierra Nevada, Lumberyard Red (local), Blue Moon and … [Read more...] about Golden Dragon Restaurant Attracting New Attention
It’s Only a Test
It’s March and for many students and their families, it is the season of midterms and Spring Break. Test anxiety is in the air. A worried student may say, “I hope I don’t fail this test.” The problem is that the subconscious doesn’t process language well but does work with actions, senses, feelings and images. A classic example is “Don’t think of a white elephant,” and the common result is visualizing a white elephant. The student’s subconscious hears “fail this test” and responds, “we can fail … [Read more...] about It’s Only a Test
Understanding How Positive Community Factors Can Prevent Substance Abuse in Youth
The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) strives to prevent substance abuse and other negative outcomes in adulthood by understanding the effects of childhood traumatic experience and mobilizing community action. Research shows that Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, contribute to the likelihood of addiction. Sadly, however, Arizona ranks higher than the national average for children who have experienced ACEs. These can include childhood traumas such as abuse and neglect. … [Read more...] about Understanding How Positive Community Factors Can Prevent Substance Abuse in Youth
Encouraging Tourism, Supporting Wild Places
Arizona’s travel and tourism industry is currently one of the state’s most lucrative statewide businesses and is the No. 1 economic driver in our community. Flagstaff tourism supports an estimated 8,000 jobs generating $500 million for the local economy. According to the Arizona Office of Tourism Economic Impact Study, tourism provides economic stability to the community with an annual real tax savings of approximately $1,360 per household. The City of Flagstaff destination marketing … [Read more...] about Encouraging Tourism, Supporting Wild Places
Addressing the Verde Valley Housing Crisis
In response to a growing need for affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity opened its doors to the Verde Valley community in 1995. Committed to “building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter,” the organization offers affordable housing to first-time homebuyers who need a little assistance in finding a place to call home. When Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity works with a family in need, they don’t just give them a place to live, they empower them to achieve financial … [Read more...] about Addressing the Verde Valley Housing Crisis
Welcoming Maher to NAU
Northern Arizona University recently welcomed Joshua Maher as the new associate vice president for community relations. An experienced public servant with a strong background in higher education and municipal government, Maher is a great resource for Northern Arizona University and communities across all NAU campuses. Maher joined NAU from the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, where he was assistant director of government and external affairs. In a former position, he worked … [Read more...] about Welcoming Maher to NAU
Seeking Pragmatic Solutions
Hello, Northern Arizona! Spring is upon us and with it, the city and the state legislative session. I have been in municipal government for more than a decade now, and I can tell you I truly enjoy the work that goes into making the city function. I love making sure Flagstaff fixes potholes and makes our libraries accessible. I believe that proposals from governing bodies should be pragmatic solutions that seek to address the challenges before us. Something I have noticed in the last decade of … [Read more...] about Seeking Pragmatic Solutions