One of the benefits of living in the greater Flagstaff area is being surrounded by gorgeous forests. Acre upon acre of ponderosa pines and aspens provides us with rich scenery, phenomenal hiking and biking, and an extraordinary opportunity to be close to nature. There is a downside to this arboreal splendor, however, and it comes in the form of wildfires. Our forests are densely packed, there have been historic droughts and every year, temperatures have been rising. According to the National … [Read more...] about Make Your Garden Firewise
Columnists
Are You Hydrated Enough?
The summer heat can be intense in Arizona this time of year. It is easy to get overheated or dehydrated in the warm and dry summer months. A general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day. Water alone may not be enough to hydrate you, and the need to be hydrated may increase if you sweat a lot or work outside all day. Dehydration can hit suddenly if you are not consistent about drinking water and replacing electrolytes that are released during sweating or exercising in … [Read more...] about Are You Hydrated Enough?
You are Part of the Problem, But You Can Change
Human behavior is one of the most fascinating things I’ve been able to observe in my 15 years of home lending in Flagstaff. We are blindsided on all fronts with lifestyle, advertising and, for better or worse, we all wear the proud badge of “consumer” all too easily. This can stand at odds with larger financial goals and financial freedom. When I sit down with first-time buyers, I often try to lighten up the learning curve by joking “they don’t teach this in school,” but that’s the unfortunate … [Read more...] about You are Part of the Problem, But You Can Change
Advancing Flagstaff’s Economic Diversity for a Prosperous Future
In the last eight months, the City of Flagstaff has completed a new Economic Development Strategic Plan, approved a new Workforce Development Analysis and Strategic Plan and reorganized its Economic Development Program. This new set of data-based strategies, implemented with the new program structure, will help advance Flagstaff’s economic diversity and prosperity into the future. To begin, the city’s economic development efforts are often accomplished working with partners such as the … [Read more...] about Advancing Flagstaff’s Economic Diversity for a Prosperous Future
The Three Cs of Mortgages: Credit, Capacity, Collateral
When applying for a mortgage, lenders evaluate three critical factors known as the three Cs: Credit, Capacity and Collateral. These elements play a pivotal role in determining your mortgage terms, including the interest rate. A strong standing in each of these areas not only increases your chances of approval but can also significantly lower your interest rate. Even a 1% reduction in interest can enhance your borrowing power by 10%. Here’s a closer look at how each of these factors … [Read more...] about The Three Cs of Mortgages: Credit, Capacity, Collateral
Considering Firearms Accessories
While purchasing a firearm is both a big decision and a significant investment, there are plenty of accessories that you should consider because they will contribute to the safe and responsible use of it. Let’s start with a way to store it. You are responsible for the safe storage of your firearm. For many first-time firearms owners, a firearms safe is likely not necessary, but a secure steel handgun vault is. Handgun vaults come in a variety of sizes and shapes that are designed to provide … [Read more...] about Considering Firearms Accessories
Corporate Philanthropy: Businesses Giving Back to Society
In today’s dynamic business environment, corporate philanthropy stands as a cornerstone of how companies engage with and support their communities. By actively participating in charitable initiatives, businesses not only contribute to societal well-being but also bolster their own performance and enhance their brand reputation. Corporate philanthropy includes a wide range of activities aimed at positively impacting society. These include charitable funds, employee giving programs, competitive … [Read more...] about Corporate Philanthropy: Businesses Giving Back to Society
Retiring Police Chief Thanks Flagstaff ‘for the Journey’
After more than three decades of wearing a law enforcement uniform, the time has come for me to retire. I came to Flagstaff as a Northern Arizona University student and decided I never wanted to leave this beautiful place. Upon graduation, I served in the Army Reserve and then began my career with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. After learning the ropes for a few years, I decided I looked better in blue than brown, so I applied to and was hired by the City of … [Read more...] about Retiring Police Chief Thanks Flagstaff ‘for the Journey’
Summer is Festival Season in Flagstaff
It’s time to break out the paper calendar, the chalkboard hanging on a cupboard door, the digital planner on a smartphone, or whatever tool you use to track special dates, because from now through October, there’s a special event or festival almost every week in Flagstaff. Festival season, as summer is often called here in the high-elevation mountain town, is a special time of year when visitors from the scorching-hot parts of the state flock to the cool, pine-scented shade of Flagstaff. And … [Read more...] about Summer is Festival Season in Flagstaff
Navigating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition that affects millions worldwide, characterized by numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and arm. The syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves to the hand, is compressed or squeezed as it travels through the wrist. Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome The anatomy of the wrist’s carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist, plays a pivotal role. This tunnel houses tendons and the median nerve. … [Read more...] about Navigating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome