October is Manufacturers Month in Arizona, as declared by Governor Jan Brewer. What a great time to raise awareness around our local manufacturers that make products on which we rely and use a lot. We salute a few, including: W.L. Gore and Associates (medical devices), SCA Tissue (paper products), Joy Cone (ice cream cones), Nestle Purina (pet food), Machine Solutions (medical device machinery), Kahtoola (snowshoes), Novakinetics (aerospace) and Senestech (animal sterilization). Thank you … [Read more...] about October is Arizona Manufacturers Month
Columnists
On Nov. 4, Voters Decide Prop 403
Over the past several months, Coconino County has worked with area stakeholders, businesses, non-profit organizations and residents to outline options and the potentially grim future for the county’s roadway infrastructure. Funding cuts on the federal and state levels, combined with gas tax revenue that has remained stagnant since the mid-1990s, have forced local governments like cities and counties to seek additional funding from voters to continue current levels of road maintenance. This is … [Read more...] about On Nov. 4, Voters Decide Prop 403
FMC’s EntireCare Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Experts
Do you struggle with constant joint or muscle pain from overuse, an injury, or an ongoing condition such as arthritis? Maybe you are getting ready to train for your first 5K or are preparing for a marathon or ski season. Perhaps you suffered a stroke or have a neurological condition that affects your ability to move and function. If you have a need to improve body function – from prevention to repair to conditioning to increased mobility – then call Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Entire Care … [Read more...] about FMC’s EntireCare Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Experts
Katy Wilkens Named Arizona March of Dimes Nurse of the Year
Katy Wilkens, R.N., BSN, MBA, won the 2014 Arizona March of Dimes Nurse of the Year award in the Critical Care category. Wilkens, who works at Northern Arizona Healthcare, is the director of Critical Care Services at Flagstaff Medical Center. She was one of three finalists in this category, and one of seven nurses from Northern Arizona Healthcare to be named a finalist. “I am honored to have been selected for this award and to be part of the distinguished group of nurses who have been … [Read more...] about Katy Wilkens Named Arizona March of Dimes Nurse of the Year
Fall into Winter
Temperatures are slowly dropping. Crisp, golden leaves are floating to the ground. Scarves and boots are replacing tank tops and flip-flops. Arizona Snowbowl is thinking snow. With a projected opening date of Nov. 28, Snowbowl is ramping up for winter. Season pass sales are in full swing! Purchase your pass during the preseason sale – by midnight on Oct. 15 – to get the best deals. Arizona Snowbowl will be selling and printing passes at events in Flagstaff and Phoenix for the next several … [Read more...] about Fall into Winter
How Subsidies Will be Trued Up in 2015
The annual health care reform open enrollment will be upon us, beginning Nov. 15 and continuing through Feb. 15, 2015. While we do not have all the plans and pricing at this time, we are expecting to see some new “players” in the marketplace, which we hope will offer better options. While we are waiting for more information, we thought we would address subsidies this month. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created health insurance subsidies in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing … [Read more...] about How Subsidies Will be Trued Up in 2015
Who Runs the City?
I am often asked to do something at City Hall that I am simply not allowed to do. For example, a citizen may have a complaint about the length of time it is taking for a permit and they want me to hurry it along. Or, the building department may be requiring something that the citizen thinks is unfair and they want me to intervene. Or, a local company thinks they are not getting a fair shake from city purchasing and they want me to intercede. I am happy to work on any such issues but I have to … [Read more...] about Who Runs the City?
Determining Service Animal Accommodations
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