Collaboration – it’s a word that we often hear used to describe Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff and public agencies in Northern Arizona. When budgets are stretched and resources limited, governments partnering with each other or the private sector can be essential to providing quality services to the community while saving taxpayer dollars. Collaboration in our community is essential to the success of our economy, and to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. This month, … [Read more...] about Coconino County, City of Flagstaff Requesting Project Ideas for Courthouse
April is a Great Month for Trees
The month of April and trees just seem made for each other. Earth Day and Arbor Day – two major celebrations of the goodness trees bring to our lives – are in April. Plus, the early spring is a perfect time to add a tree to your home’s landscape; the ground has warmed up enough to allow planting, and it is less stressful for the tree than planting in the heat of summer. While trees can be a big-ticket landscaping item, they are sure to add value to your life – and your property. There … [Read more...] about April is a Great Month for Trees
Taking Steps Toward Assisted Living
When considering moving a parent into an assisted living community, many family members find themselves struggling with the decision. You are not alone during this journey. I will share my father’s story with you because you may find yourself needing to have a conversation with your loved one about their future care needs. One of the major challenges your loved one may struggle with is the idea that their independence is being taken away and they may express that you are interfering with … [Read more...] about Taking Steps Toward Assisted Living
How Does an Inheritance Change Your Financial Picture?
According to the Center for Retirement Research, two-thirds of baby boomers can expect an inheritance. If you’re lucky enough to inherit money, you might wonder: how will an inheritance change my financial picture? For some, an inheritance could mean a drastic change in their finances. For others, inherited money might be a nice cushion against unexpected events. If you do receive an inheritance, here are some tips to make the most of your loved one’s hard work: Don’t blow it. Think … [Read more...] about How Does an Inheritance Change Your Financial Picture?
Telemedicine: An Employee Benefit Trend
Telemedicine is becoming one of the most popular employee benefits for many reasons. While many major medical plans offer “nurses on call,” telemedicine is very different. Telemedicine uses today’s cutting edge technology to facilitate care between a physician and a patient to evaluate, diagnose and treat conditions that may not require a face-to-face doctor appointment. Think of conditions like colds, flu, allergies and other minor conditions. Certainly, telemedicine will not replace your … [Read more...] about Telemedicine: An Employee Benefit Trend
Hearing in a Noisy Place
Many people say to their audiologist that they are able to hear fine in a quiet room but the minute there is background noise they are not able to hear well. Sometimes it happens while watching a TV program and the background music suddenly gets louder. Difficulty may arise if a conversation is being held in a large room with echo or reverberation. This comment is true for people who hear normally or people with a hearing loss. The Physiology of Hearing All hearing situations are not … [Read more...] about Hearing in a Noisy Place
Painting a Successful Picture for Fine Arts Education
For the last 15 years, the Palette to Palate fundraiser has been dedicated to raising funds for the Coconino Community College Fine Arts Department. In that time, the event has helped fund the purchase of a pugmill, which makes clay smooth and consistent and has helped buy a badly needed new kiln to fire pottery. Also, new track lights and shades grace the art room, and scholarships support student success in the Fine Arts Department. Each year, the event has successfully raised funds and has … [Read more...] about Painting a Successful Picture for Fine Arts Education
Let’s Make Flagstaff a Water Conservation Winner!
Hello Flagstaff! For this month’s column, I would like to talk about one of my favorite issues, water! Growing up in Flagstaff, I learned early on that water is one of our most precious resources. I am thrilled to be able to take my passion for water conservation to the mayor’s office. Becoming a leader in water conservation is one of the goals set out by City Council, and this year, for the first time ever, Flagstaff will take part in the Wyland Foundation’s Annual National Mayor’s Challenge … [Read more...] about Let’s Make Flagstaff a Water Conservation Winner!
Health Benefits of Volunteering
The first time I learned the word “volunteer” was in second grade. We were reading about First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and the selfless work she undertook to enhance the situation of others. At the young age of seven, Mrs. Roosevelt’s inspiring efforts had an impact on me – ultimately instilling a desire to serve. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to build a career around service and engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities that span a spectrum of causes. To be quite honest, the … [Read more...] about Health Benefits of Volunteering
Spring in Flagstaff: Signaling Rejuvenation
Spring in Flagstaff is an adventure. Recently, 60-degree sunshine followed eight inches of snow. Spring Break is followed by the sprint for the finish of the academic year. Grass is growing (kind of), the daffodils, irises and lilies Tracy planted are popping up, and skunks and prairie dogs are waking from their winter slumber. All of this leads me to think about why spring brings about feelings of renewal and hope. While spring signals rejuvenation, we should always be renewing and improving … [Read more...] about Spring in Flagstaff: Signaling Rejuvenation