Why must associations permit some residents to have dogs where none are permitted by the association’s governing documents? Or large dogs where only small dogs are permitted? The answer is that the Fair Housing Acts (both state and federal) require “reasonable accommodations” in policies and procedures for the benefit of handicapped residents who request them, so they have an equal opportunity to enjoy use of the dwelling. Residents may claim that the dog is an “assistive” animal, or a … [Read more...] about Determining Service Animal Accommodations
Need to Sell Your Stuff? Try an Auction
“How many dollars to bid?” People in the crowd stand around eyeing one another. They want the kit and caboodle, but they don’t want to show their hand too early. The man with the gavel stands poised. “How ‘bout a 20 dolla bill? Yup, 20 on her now, 30 there it is, I’m ‘a bid 30 now 40 dolla, 40 dolla, 40 dolla, where now, who ‘a bid that 40 dolla?” The cadenced voice is unmistakable to just about everybody. That voice signals that the auction and excitement has begun. “People often … [Read more...] about Need to Sell Your Stuff? Try an Auction
Enjoy Autumn Gardens
As the summer draws to a close, many of us tend to think that the gardening season is over and turn to indoor chores. Don’t do it, my friends! There is no need to retreat indoors while the weather is this pleasant. Fall is an excellent time to plant, and there are many other tasks to complete in the garden before winter comes. Following are a few of the most important (and my favorite) fall gardening activities. Plant spring blooming bulbs. Bulbs are, without a doubt, the least expensive and … [Read more...] about Enjoy Autumn Gardens
Painting 101: Tips, Tricks and Need-to-Know Basics
You walk into a room. What do you notice? Your walls are the focal point of any space and there is no better way to freshen up a space than with a new, fresh coat of paint. The right paint can work wonders for your décor. On the contrary, the wrong paint can ruin an entire room. Before you embark on your painting adventure, you need to understand the basics. First, you need to understand what type of paint you need to use. The gloss level will alter the appearance as well as maintenance. From … [Read more...] about Painting 101: Tips, Tricks and Need-to-Know Basics
CVB Marketing Campaign Receives Awards
The Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau’s reimaged marketing campaign and redesigned website, which was launched in June 2013, has received multiple tourism and marketing industry awards this year. Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona Office of Tourism honored statewide tourism leaders at the 2014 Governor's Tourism Awards Gala in July. The Flagstaff CVB reimaging and marketing campaign was honored with a best practice award in the "Innovative Promotion – Rural" category. The Innovative … [Read more...] about CVB Marketing Campaign Receives Awards
Terms and Documents for Planning Your Estate
Fences make good neighbors. They keep the peace and promote harmony. They clearly delineate the boundary and give each side a clear indication of their property rights. No, this isn’t an article about real property boundaries (important, but for another day). Instead, this is an article about planning your estate. Similar to a fence, a clearly articulated estate plan is designed to keep the peace, promote harmony and give family members, creditors and other interested parties a clear statement … [Read more...] about Terms and Documents for Planning Your Estate
Buying Hearing Aids
Choosing a hearing aid and the person to fit and adjust the hearing aids can be a difficult decision. In the state of Arizona, there are two licensed professionals who can sell and fit hearing aids: a hearing aid dispenser and a dispensing audiologist. A hearing aid dispenser will often say that an audiologist's education concentrates on the diagnostic procedures, whereas the dispenser is a hearing instrument specialist. That may have been true many decades ago but in addition to diagnostics, … [Read more...] about Buying Hearing Aids
Green Building Makeovers
When others recommended framing over vintage plaster ceilings, Jay Reitz chose to save and restore them. When 24-inch crown molding was discovered after removing timeworn drop ceilings, the contractor suggested to the owner that the charming architectural features be implemented into the design of the new space. When locally-made, turn-of-the-century red brick was needed to repair a rustic fireplace in a Flagstaff home, Reitz found a match in a demolished Williams, Arizona, … [Read more...] about Green Building Makeovers
Gear Walking Through the Door
The tiny items are lined up neatly on mini-clothes hangers: A turquoise snowsuit and a ballerina-pink parka with twinkly purple stars, both sized for 18-months, and a pair of black MacGear shorts with nifty net side pockets, as well as a flesh-colored leotard, both child’s size 6. Welcome to the world of the Flagstaff Sports Exchange on West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff’s premier location for the recycling of gently-used sporting clothing and equipment at reasonable prices. The Sports Exchange … [Read more...] about Gear Walking Through the Door
Failure IS an option
I teach a first-year seminar on self-leadership. One of my favorite topics is dealing with failure. My main message is that failure is an event, not a permanent condition. I illustrate this point with a C.S. Lewis quote, “Failures are finger-posts on the road to achievement.” Many of us take the wrong view of failure. We view failure as an entirely bad thing. Failure is, in fact, often only a waypoint to ultimate success. Our view of and reaction to failure determines how failure impacts you … [Read more...] about Failure IS an option