Legendary Flagstaff philanthropist Frances McAllister fell in love with Flagstaff in 1935 while traveling by train from Los Angeles to New York. In the 1990s, when she was making a case to local leaders about the need for Heritage Square, a civic centerpiece that defines the downtown and brings people together, her face lit up as she announced, “Flagstaff is a festival.” Almost every non-profit educational, science and art organization in town has received support in one form or another from … [Read more...] about Festivals Flowing with Music, Discovery, Dark Skies, Fun
Sharing Flagstaff through Tours, Souvenirs
After hearing and taking to heart what tourists like to buy, Blake Nabours, owner of AZ Segway and Pedal Tours, is on a roll to open the Grand Circle Outpost, an exclusive emporium featuring souvenirs all manufactured on site. Encompassing what Nabours refers to as the “grand” circle, Flagstaff, Sedona, Route 66, Grand Canyon, Page and Las Vegas, his novelties will feature the genre of these bordering neighbors on t-shirts, prints, key chains, magnets and other items. Nabours says his new … [Read more...] about Sharing Flagstaff through Tours, Souvenirs
Blues Festival Donates to FALA
The Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival not only doubled the fun this year, it also doubled its generosity. The June weekend event brought in more than 7,000 patrons in two days and raised $20,000 for the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy. Last year, festival organizer Peak Events donated $10,000 from the proceeds to FALA. With an added day this year, the Flagstaff company was able to give twice that amount, which will go toward funding the non-profit charter school’s art and music … [Read more...] about Blues Festival Donates to FALA
Flagstaff Airport Offering Flights to L.A. Again, Keeping up with Growth
Flagstaff had been requesting new air service and destinations, and it happened. In March, United Airlines came to Flagstaff and introduced daily non-stop service to Denver and beyond. Then in April, American Airlines added daily non-stop service to Dallas. American is again testing the market with Saturday-only service to Los Angeles International Airport that began in August and will run through this fall. These additional flights have been a welcome change for our community, as well as for … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Airport Offering Flights to L.A. Again, Keeping up with Growth
Author Becomes a Millionaire While Researching Others
Three years ago, Ann Marie Sabath was teaching a training program for young professionals who had been in their careers for one year. As an international consultant in her business, “At Ease Inc.,” she helps business people climb what she calls “the slippery ladder of success.” On this day, her workshop participants were singled out by their managers as leaders-in-the-making. Sabath asked the group what personal goals they had accomplished since starting work full-time. One said he bought a … [Read more...] about Author Becomes a Millionaire While Researching Others
Rapid Response Credited for Containing Museum Fire
Firefighters poised for action, the rapid response of air support and strategic fire operations were part of the success of firefighting efforts on this summer’s 1,961-acre Museum Fire. Aircraft from around the Southwest filled Flagstaff’s skies, dumping water and retardant on the fire within hours of initial reports. “The arrival of air support was quick – as quick as it could be,” said Coconino National Forest Flagstaff Ranger District Battalion Chief True Brown. “Everyone knew the gravity … [Read more...] about Rapid Response Credited for Containing Museum Fire
Moonshot Mentors Bringing Expertise to Local Startups
One manufactures the next generation of outdoor gear to protect camping and backpacking provisions from being ransacked by rodents, birds and other critters. Another is a band of self-described “renegade recyclers” addressing the problems of plastic waste products. A third is giving the time-honored task of tutoring a facelift with technology. While the products and services provided by these companies are quite different, they have some notable similarities.They are Flagstaff-based … [Read more...] about Moonshot Mentors Bringing Expertise to Local Startups
How the West was Restored
A witty country doctor, cattle ranchers down on their luck and two very savvy Ohio businessmen with “ready money” led the way for the Babbitt Brothers settlement in Flagstaff, starting in 1886. Stepping off the train to a charred Flagstaff that was devastated by fire just weeks before, David Babbitt turned to his brother, William, and said, “don’t unpack your bags.” But minutes later, they followed their instincts and sought the advice of Dr. D.J. Brennan, who convinced them to purchase a … [Read more...] about How the West was Restored
Wild Ability
Men, women and young people of all abilities have been beating the desert heat this summer by exploring favorite high country trails like the two-and-a-half mile loop at Buffalo Park. Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center in Phoenix, with support from organizations such as Daring Adventures, Barrows Neurological Institute and the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association, coordinates outdoor adventures, provides equipment like the rugged Terrain Hopper, and arranges transportation. “Getting … [Read more...] about Wild Ability
World-Standard Astronomy Education Vision Coming into Focus
Observatory has received a $14.5 million grant to build the Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC), a new visitor facility that will accommodate the observatory’s ever-increasing number of guests while offering a state-of-the-art visitor experience. The funding comes on the heels of record visitation to the observatory and Lowell’s celebration of its 125th anniversary. The grant from the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation covers half of the $29 million price tag for the new facility, which is … [Read more...] about World-Standard Astronomy Education Vision Coming into Focus