It can be challenging for expectant parents to prepare for a new baby’s arrival. Expectant and new fathers may especially be worried they will do something wrong while caring for their newborn. They may have never have held a newborn or been around infants. Boot Camp for New Dads, an innovative program presented by Flagstaff Medical Center, can help ease these fears. These men-only classes give dads-to-be a more realistic perspective on what to expect and what to do before, and shortly after, … [Read more...] about Boot Camp for New Dads
The Promise of Things to Come
NAU had much to celebrate this commencement season. Our graduating class included more than 5,600 students – students who trained at our programs in Flagstaff, online and around the state. The diversity of their heritage, perspective and experience enhanced the classrooms where they learned and the topics they studied, and we are proud to welcome them to our Lumberjack alumni family. These graduates now enter the next stage of their life armed with confidence in their accomplishments and … [Read more...] about The Promise of Things to Come
Budgeting for County Services
The fiscal year 18 county budget holds taxes steady and focuses on reducing turnover and increasing public safety. The Coconino Board of Supervisors hosted eight days of budget hearings in May. The Board will adopt the tentative budget June 6 and the FY 18 Final Budget after a public hearing on June 27. There are always challenges in developing a budget and focusing priorities. There are limited resources, but many needs. Every year, county management and the board consider and evaluate … [Read more...] about Budgeting for County Services
Backyard Chickens: Eggs, Therapy, Stress Relief, Pest Control
Keeping and raising chickens is becoming more and more popular. There are many benefits of tending chickens, including fresh eggs, pest control, fertilizer, entertainment, stress relieve, therapy and family values. It is great for children to learn where their food comes from. What a great way to learn about the food chain and about respecting the animals that provide us with food. The daily fare of fresh eggs offers numerous health benefits and they taste good, too. A recent study in Mother … [Read more...] about Backyard Chickens: Eggs, Therapy, Stress Relief, Pest Control
Container Gardening: Small Gardens, Big Impact
So here’s a puzzle: what do you do if you want the benefits of a beautiful garden but don’t have the space? Or you have space, but the terrain isn’t particularly conducive to a traditional garden, with challenging soil or steep slopes? Living in an apartment or having a hilly land doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beautiful blooms or healthy home-grown veggies. You can create your own horticultural haven with container gardening. Among its many advantages, container gardening allows people with … [Read more...] about Container Gardening: Small Gardens, Big Impact
Medication Management
As we age, it seems we see more physicians, specialists and get more tests done, which often lead to an increase and frequent changes in prescribed medications. Adults 65 and older use more medicine daily than any other age group in the United States, accounting for 34 percent of all prescription medication, according to the National Council on Patient Information and Education. In addition, the council reports that between 40 and 75 percent of older adults do not take their medications … [Read more...] about Medication Management
The Leadership Paradox: Humility and Confidence
Leaders face an interesting, sometimes confusing, paradox. People want leaders who are humble, but also want leaders who project confidence. Projecting humility can suggest a lack of self-confidence, but projecting self-confidence can suggest arrogance. What’s a leader to do? Let’s untangle this apparent paradox by finding common ground between humility and self-confidence. Before doing so, however, it’s important to distinguish between legitimate self-confidence and defensive … [Read more...] about The Leadership Paradox: Humility and Confidence
Shredding Versus Recycling: Which is Most Secure
Shredding companies affiliated with the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) have access to the shredding industry’s best and most current practices regarding document and data destruction. NAID is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate businesses, government and service providers of the need to securely destroy discarded information. NAID provides a wealth of knowledge in the debate over recycling versus shredding. Industry experts have written articles and … [Read more...] about Shredding Versus Recycling: Which is Most Secure
How is the Market?
How is the market? This is one of the most frequent questions asked of a realtor by their friends, family, neighbors and clients. The easy answer, of course, is, “The market is great!” Interest rates are still low for home financing, new construction opportunities are available in Flagstaff, and with the right presentation, pricing and marketing, properties are selling quickly. On top of that, summer is the time when more homeowners place their homes on the market for sale, and there is normally … [Read more...] about How is the Market?
Breaking Even (Not Bad)
Last month I hinted at not owing taxes at the end of the year. The first way, and this should be obvious, is adjust your withholding amounts to avoid owing in the future. Generally, a mid-year review with your most recent pay stub(s), or most recent earnings and expenses if you are self- employed, will help determine what you should have paid in for the year. You can adjust your withholdings through your HR department or make estimated payments to meet your withholding needs. One really … [Read more...] about Breaking Even (Not Bad)