Emily McKenzie has been giving a voice to matters important to her community since she was in elementary school. As a fifth grader, she collected signatures from her classmates and petitioned the school board to put a salad bar in her school’s cafeteria. The board agreed with her case. From then on, lunchtime became a bounty of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers. As a teen, McKenzie studied Human Rights Watch, a powerful non-government organization that seeks to investigate … [Read more...] about Touching the Future through Scholarships
Organic Chocolatier Sarah Ann Lesslie Offers Healthy Treats
A bite full of chocolate makes the herbs go down, and for Chocolita Founder Sara Ann Lesslie, this was the impetus for her specialty chocolates made from 100% plant-based organic ingredients. In her new East Flagstaff store, Chocolita, Lesslie features a low-glycemic array of botanically crafted vegan delicacies. “I was struggling with health issues, so as a long-standing student of herbalism, instead of painkillers, I took herbs. One day, when I was making chocolate, I thought, ‘Why not … [Read more...] about Organic Chocolatier Sarah Ann Lesslie Offers Healthy Treats
TOPS Encourages Weight-Loss Members
Hoping to see less of you,” may not be the kindest way to bid adieu, but for most of the members of Taking Off Pounds Successfully (TOPS Club, Inc.), it’s the hope and goal of this national non-profit hands-on approach to weight loss program. TOPS has been helping and supporting members for more than 70 years. Recently, Northern Arizona held their annual TOPS Fall Rally in Prescott. “We had members from all our nine chapters,” said TOPS Northern Arizona Advocate Mary L. Sylvester. “Payson, … [Read more...] about TOPS Encourages Weight-Loss Members
Honoring our Values, Living a Life of Thanksgiving
After spending a day in the open spaces of Babbitt Ranches with mission-driven engineers, technicians, geologists, journalists and visionaries from organizations such as NASA, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), the U.S. Geological Survey and Babbitt Ranches, I found myself energized, joyful, inspired and grateful to be in this bubble of positive intelligence focused on propelling the human race forward in cooperation and doing so with a land use ethic. In this pop-up aerospace village … [Read more...] about Honoring our Values, Living a Life of Thanksgiving
New Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Attraction
The past few months have seen major increases in visitation to unique educational experiences provided by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center (VVAC) in the heart of Camp Verde. Executive Director Monica Buckle attributes much of that increase to the “phenomenal” new location of the center in its new building at 460 W. Finnie Flat Road in the middle of town. “We ran out of space at our past site, so local donors have been exceptionally generous in helping us fund the new museum … [Read more...] about New Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Attraction
Blazin’ M Ranch Offering Holiday Hoedown
Crisp fall days and evenings illuminated by bright moons of harvest season make fall holiday celebrations especially memorable in the greater Verde Valley. Adding to the magic of the season is the Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood, where actors are delivering the “Holiday Hoedown” from Nov. 29 through Dec.30. “It will be an unforgettable holiday experience,” said owner Ryan Glass, who promises to have the appealing Western Fronter town in full service, including a saloon, shops, wagon rides, … [Read more...] about Blazin’ M Ranch Offering Holiday Hoedown
Understanding Natural Gas from the Ground Up
Off the top of his head, UniSource Energy Services Director Martin Anaya can easily quote the dates and positions of his 41-year career in gas utilities, which began in 1981. Working literally from the ground up, Anaya’s first position was installing gas lines. As he progressed, his work kept steel pipes from corroding underground. “I started with Southern Union Gas and moved into doing corrosion control, also known as cathodic protection. I stayed in that discipline for many years. It is my … [Read more...] about Understanding Natural Gas from the Ground Up
Boosting Education with a New Kind of Postsecondary Ecosystem
I am thrilled to tell you about NAU’s next step in our efforts to be a preeminent engine of opportunity for the people of Flagstaff, Coconino County and the State of Arizona. Last month, we announced a new, first-of-its-kind partnership with all 10 community college districts across the state and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) to launch the Arizona Attainment Alliance (A++). This unique partnership aims to harness the collective impact of distinct institutions that together serve more … [Read more...] about Boosting Education with a New Kind of Postsecondary Ecosystem
Jail Programs are Working
A county jail is a pivotal component of the criminal justice system. In Coconino County, the jail is not just a place where we put people who break the law. Our jail is a modern facility where people can get the help they need. They can learn how to heal from a difficult past, enroll in programs to find a way out of the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction and get a glimpse of what life away from jail can look like. Our jail offers hope and sets people up for a better future through programs and … [Read more...] about Jail Programs are Working
Asking Voters to Decide
Council salaries are on the table for discussion right now. The proposal would increase councilmember salaries from $25,500 to $63,800 in just two years. Mayor pay would increase from $38,500 to $70,180 in the same timeframe. Personally, I believe an increase of this magnitude should not be decided by Flagstaff City Council. In any regular job, you have to go to your boss to ask for a raise. The people are the boss, and I believe that this should go to the voters for a decision. Thankfully, we … [Read more...] about Asking Voters to Decide