Before Robert Lewis was a behavioral health technician at Back2Basics helping others in recovery and before he was a glass artist working with Flagstaff’s premier glass artist, he was in his mother’s house with one last chance to quit heroin, a substance-use disorder he had had since he was a teenager. “I had been through multiple rehab programs and when my mom found Back2Basics; we both knew this was my last chance to get sober,” said Lewis. “My mom gave me a backpack with my stuff and sent … [Read more...] about Back2Basics Voices of Recovery: A Passion for Glass Art, a Center for Recovery
Make Your Garden Firewise
One of the benefits of living in the greater Flagstaff area is being surrounded by gorgeous forests. Acre upon acre of ponderosa pines and aspens provides us with rich scenery, phenomenal hiking and biking, and an extraordinary opportunity to be close to nature. There is a downside to this arboreal splendor, however, and it comes in the form of wildfires. Our forests are densely packed, there have been historic droughts and every year, temperatures have been rising. According to the National … [Read more...] about Make Your Garden Firewise
Are You Hydrated Enough?
The summer heat can be intense in Arizona this time of year. It is easy to get overheated or dehydrated in the warm and dry summer months. A general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day. Water alone may not be enough to hydrate you, and the need to be hydrated may increase if you sweat a lot or work outside all day. Dehydration can hit suddenly if you are not consistent about drinking water and replacing electrolytes that are released during sweating or exercising in … [Read more...] about Are You Hydrated Enough?
You are Part of the Problem, But You Can Change
Human behavior is one of the most fascinating things I’ve been able to observe in my 15 years of home lending in Flagstaff. We are blindsided on all fronts with lifestyle, advertising and, for better or worse, we all wear the proud badge of “consumer” all too easily. This can stand at odds with larger financial goals and financial freedom. When I sit down with first-time buyers, I often try to lighten up the learning curve by joking “they don’t teach this in school,” but that’s the unfortunate … [Read more...] about You are Part of the Problem, But You Can Change
Advancing Flagstaff’s Economic Diversity for a Prosperous Future
In the last eight months, the City of Flagstaff has completed a new Economic Development Strategic Plan, approved a new Workforce Development Analysis and Strategic Plan and reorganized its Economic Development Program. This new set of data-based strategies, implemented with the new program structure, will help advance Flagstaff’s economic diversity and prosperity into the future. To begin, the city’s economic development efforts are often accomplished working with partners such as the … [Read more...] about Advancing Flagstaff’s Economic Diversity for a Prosperous Future
The Three Cs of Mortgages: Credit, Capacity, Collateral
When applying for a mortgage, lenders evaluate three critical factors known as the three Cs: Credit, Capacity and Collateral. These elements play a pivotal role in determining your mortgage terms, including the interest rate. A strong standing in each of these areas not only increases your chances of approval but can also significantly lower your interest rate. Even a 1% reduction in interest can enhance your borrowing power by 10%. Here’s a closer look at how each of these factors … [Read more...] about The Three Cs of Mortgages: Credit, Capacity, Collateral
Galleries, Artists Share their Night Visions, Promote Flagstaff’s Dark Skies
As Arizona Handmade Gallery prepares for “Dark Skies Downtown” in the First Friday Art Walk on Sept. 6, co-owner Holly Averbeck says every artist she has talked to about the event wants to participate. “We’ve got five potters, three glassblowers and then most of our wall artists want to create a dark skies piece, too!” “We have supported celebrations of the dark skies for a long time,” said Arizona Handmade owner and glassblower George Averbeck. “Why? Because Flagstaff is home of the Dark … [Read more...] about Galleries, Artists Share their Night Visions, Promote Flagstaff’s Dark Skies
Considering Firearms Accessories
While purchasing a firearm is both a big decision and a significant investment, there are plenty of accessories that you should consider because they will contribute to the safe and responsible use of it. Let’s start with a way to store it. You are responsible for the safe storage of your firearm. For many first-time firearms owners, a firearms safe is likely not necessary, but a secure steel handgun vault is. Handgun vaults come in a variety of sizes and shapes that are designed to provide … [Read more...] about Considering Firearms Accessories
Corporate Philanthropy: Businesses Giving Back to Society
In today’s dynamic business environment, corporate philanthropy stands as a cornerstone of how companies engage with and support their communities. By actively participating in charitable initiatives, businesses not only contribute to societal well-being but also bolster their own performance and enhance their brand reputation. Corporate philanthropy includes a wide range of activities aimed at positively impacting society. These include charitable funds, employee giving programs, competitive … [Read more...] about Corporate Philanthropy: Businesses Giving Back to Society
Celebrating Dark Skies Downtown
Telescope viewing, music, dancing, jewelry, paintings, glasswork, beer and more will be part of “Dark Skies Downtown” as the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and Downtown Business Alliance join forces to invite locals and visitors to the heart of the city in celebration of Flagstaff’s famous night sky on First Friday Art Walk, Sept. 6. “Our dark skies are indeed part of the deeply valued natural wonders that have come to define Northern Arizona and the people who live here,” said Flagstaff Dark … [Read more...] about Celebrating Dark Skies Downtown