A great event starts with the perfect venue and a meticulous event planner. Having both at the Weatherford Hotel has resulted in a record number of holiday celebrations booked this season. In Flagstaff’s early years, the historic hotel was the centerpiece of downtown. However, there were decades during in the mid 1900s when the building became rundown, but we’ve been bringing it back to its grandeur since the ‘70s. This year, we are celebrating 20 years since the creation of the Zane Grey … [Read more...] about Making Events their Best
Libraries Tell the Story of a Community
More than just books and computers, the modern library is a place where citizens engage, interact and discover. The library is truly a reflection of the community it serves, and a robust, diverse and bustling library is the sign of a healthy and invested community. For many, libraries are the gateway to the wider world, a source of entertainment and information, a place where connections to the community are formed. In today’s digital age, a huge part of forming connections comes from the … [Read more...] about Libraries Tell the Story of a Community
Remembering Year End Arizona Tax Credits
Arizona has a few non-refundable credits if you choose to make a contribution to qualifying organizations; there are even a few in the Flagstaff area. Around the holidays, we tend to think of organizations that provide meals to the needy, like Flagstaff Family Food Center. Cash (or check or credit card) contributions to organizations like the Food Center qualify for a $400 tax credit for Arizona taxpayers filing as single and $800 for taxpayers filing jointly. In addition to hot meals, those in … [Read more...] about Remembering Year End Arizona Tax Credits
How Family Caregivers Can Care for Themselves
Caring, giving, sharing. The holidays can bring out the best in most of us. But for family caregivers, this is everyday life. Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience. But it also can be very stressful on the caregiver, especially if that individual is trying to manage a career, family and children in addition to the caregiving responsibilities. The most important piece of advice to give family caregivers is to care for themselves first. It’s similar to oxygen masks in … [Read more...] about How Family Caregivers Can Care for Themselves
Spending Changes Can Be a Sign of Memory Loss
I am often asked what signs are common with dementia patients other than the obvious memory loss. A common sign that often goes unnoticed is changes in their spending habits. Here are some warning signs to watch for with elderly family members: Late payments or double payments can be a sign of dementia. Watch for patterns of unopened bills or paying the same bill repeatedly. I am sure we have all done this once or twice but if you are seeing a pattern, it may be an indication of dementia or … [Read more...] about Spending Changes Can Be a Sign of Memory Loss
Reflecting on Traditions
This month holds so many wonderful traditions for families and communities. The drop of the Flagstaff pinecone on New Year’s Eve, the lighting of the Courthouse Square in Prescott, the celebrations that bring neighbors together – our traditions unite us during this festive season. At Northern Arizona University, we understand the power of traditions to create a shared experience and common goal. We carry that throughout every day, because our tradition is not limited to any specific holiday … [Read more...] about Reflecting on Traditions
Reflecting on Reasons to Love Fall in Flagstaff
As 2017 comes to a close, it’s a good time for reflection. Here are my Top 10 reasons to love fall in Flagstaff: Standing in my backyard every morning, shivering, gazing at Agassiz Peak until the sun’s first pink ray finds the summit. Driving into town and seeing the Peaks wrapped in the yellow/gold ribbon of quaking Aspen, like a present waiting to be unwrapped. Mountain biking with friends anywhere, anytime. Helping our girls unpack and try on boots, skis, gloves, poles … [Read more...] about Reflecting on Reasons to Love Fall in Flagstaff
Ending the Year on a Financial High Note
The holiday season is around the corner, and with the busy days ahead, 2018 will be here before you know it. Amidst all the action, we understand how easy it is to wait until the New Year to consider financial changes. But taking a few steps now could help you reduce your tax liabilities – and start January on a stronger financial foot. Consider completing the following tasks before 2017 is over: Make Charitable Donations Giving to non-profits you care about can be a powerful way to … [Read more...] about Ending the Year on a Financial High Note
War2In Transforming High-Tech Training into High-Paying Jobs
Earlier this year, it would have been difficult for Billy Steele and Ross Thomas, two students in the War2In program, to tell you exactly what a non-destructive testing (NDT) technician does. Now, after just a few months of intensive training in NDT methods, the two men have landed positions that will help finance the rest of their schooling in the program. War2In’s program taught Steele and Ross the basics of NDT testing, which uses a wide array of techniques to evaluate the properties of … [Read more...] about War2In Transforming High-Tech Training into High-Paying Jobs
When Should I Fire an Employee?
A couple weeks ago, I had lunch with a local CEO that was going back and forth over firing an employee. She was reluctant for two reasons: the employee was in a key position and she was worried what impact it would have on the organization and senior team. Also, the employee had been loyal. It is a situation where there is no longer a “fit.” Last week, I ran into another local CEO who told me he had hired two university students only to have to fire them because they had violated a number of … [Read more...] about When Should I Fire an Employee?