A vital town is like a living organism – shedding old skins and growing new ones. Case in point: the closing of old drinking establishments and restaurants and the birth of innovative taverns for both wine and beer downtown. The popularity of Flagstaff as a destination for visitors and as a happy hometown for residents has created an evolving market for a variety of venues for entertainment and social interaction, including first-class restaurants, coffee and tea houses, bars, galleries, … [Read more...] about Welcoming Spirited Downtown Libations
Internet Scammers Stinging Northern Arizona
Internet scammers steal millions of dollars from victims nationwide each year, and they are not ignoring rural Arizona. Last month, Sara Bowyer of Munds Park received a phone call from her father. “He told me that he was on his computer, he clicked on something, and his screen went black. Then an urgent message appeared – something like, ‘Alert! Do not turn off your computer, call this phone number immediately.’ I said, ‘Dad, please tell me you didn’t call the phone number.’ “Well, he had … [Read more...] about Internet Scammers Stinging Northern Arizona
NAU’s Grad Programs Recognized by ‘US News & World Report’
U.S. News & World Report has recognized several programs in Northern Arizona University’s Graduate College. NAU’s physical therapy program ranked 40th in the country in the Best Grad Schools for 2017 publication. Other programs on the list of rankings include NAU’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Biological Sciences, the College of Education and the School of Nursing. “I am delighted, though not at all surprised, that our graduate programs are receiving … [Read more...] about NAU’s Grad Programs Recognized by ‘US News & World Report’
Retirement Communities Expand Possibilities
Surveys reveal most adults 55 and older place a very high value on remaining independent and spending more time pursuing their passions and interests. Yet, many continue to live in the large home they purchased 30 or 40 years earlier to raise a family. That home – once perfect for a growing family – is often too big for two people and now a burden on their time, financial resources and personal freedom. But retirement doesn’t have to mean becoming a slave to repetitive chores and home … [Read more...] about Retirement Communities Expand Possibilities
What Should Landlords Collect for a Security Deposit?
In most circumstances, it is a given that landlords want to collect the largest security deposit possible in order to offset their risk. Landlords can use security deposits to compensate for monetary losses such as unpaid rent and/or damage to their property by the tenant. Did you know in the state of Arizona landlords are limited in the amount of security deposit that they can legally demand? Per the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Article 2 – Landlord Obligations 33-1321. … [Read more...] about What Should Landlords Collect for a Security Deposit?
Helping Small Businesses at the State Legislature
Working on a bill in the state legislature has been an interesting experience. First, let me tell you about the problem I am trying to solve, then I will get to the legislative process. If you are a small business that needs some retail or office space, you will know the problem. A landlord shows you some rental space that has a front door, four walls and a restroom. You need to build some partition walls, move a few lights, add a sink, and you will be ready to do business. You go to the city … [Read more...] about Helping Small Businesses at the State Legislature
What Should I Do With My Money?
January is supposed to be the month of positivity and renewal, but 2016 began with one of the worst months the stock market has ever experienced. While everyone is hoping the market finds a bottom and recovers soon, uncertain investors are asking, "What should I do with my money?" Before we start exploring answers to that question, remember all markets are cyclical and asset cycles don’t tend to mirror each other. As one asset class peaks, there is usually another one crashing, one starting … [Read more...] about What Should I Do With My Money?
Wag More, Bark Less
My very-dirty-this-time-of-year Subaru has a bumper sticker that says “Wag more, bark less.” As anyone who knows me even slightly, I love our two dogs, Maggie and Dallas. Both are good pups … mostly. I bought the bumper sticker because it was funny and dog related, but the more I thought about it, the deeper the simple message became to me. (Of course, I may be completely overthinking this; it wouldn’t be the first time.) The simple message is spend more time being happy and less being angry … [Read more...] about Wag More, Bark Less
Market Corrections, Volatility During Retirement
Market corrections and volatility during retirement can be unnerving, but they are part and parcel of being a stock investor in today’s markets. In the long term, research shows that the stock market has delivered positive returns. However, in the short term, markets can fluctuate dramatically because of many factors. For instance, in the 20-year period between 1995 and 2014, the S&P 500 returned 9.9 percent, but during that same period, the S&P 500 suffered multiple years of negative … [Read more...] about Market Corrections, Volatility During Retirement
Heads Up! A Brain Injury Can Occur Anytime, Anywhere with Anyone
Brain injuries result from bumps, blows or jolts to the head. The symptoms of brain injuries can range from a brief change in mental state to an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia. Regardless of the severity of the injury, all brain injuries are serious. In the United States, brain injuries are a grim public health threat. Every year, there are 1.7 million people who suffer from brain injuries. The most common cause of brain injury is falls, which tend to happen more with children … [Read more...] about Heads Up! A Brain Injury Can Occur Anytime, Anywhere with Anyone