Hello, Northern Arizona. It’s early June as I sit and write this and already it feels like summer has gone on forever. We have moved from stay-at-home orders through an ongoing pandemic to a curfew issued after days of riots. On the same day George Floyd was killed, another young black man, Dion Johnson, was shot by police in Phoenix. People are understandably upset and frustrated with a system that doesn’t seem to be changing. Violence in response to violence is not going to bring … [Read more...] about Working Together, Keeping Our Community Strong
Columnists
Guidance and Support for Reopening Businesses
Businesses are encouraged to develop reopening plans that support best public health practices based on the current guidance and the current local situation. Organizations are invited to submit their reopening plans for a free review by public health officials. Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) recommends following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Arizona Department of Health Services. Reopening guidelines are available at … [Read more...] about Guidance and Support for Reopening Businesses
Dealing with Fear and the Invisible Enemy
Everyone can visualize a spider: hairy or shiny, eight legs, eight eyes, might seem so large up close, still and waiting, or moving so fast – seemingly right toward you – fangs? Or, maybe you can visualize a snake: bright and colorful or dull and dusty, still and coiled or slithering, scaly, beady, unblinking eyes, big fangs, flicking tongue. Perhaps you can visualize sharks: they are down there, below the surface, just waiting to attack; rows and rows of triangle, razor teeth. You may be able … [Read more...] about Dealing with Fear and the Invisible Enemy
Four Ways to Support Local Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Right now, locally owned businesses are facing unique challenges unlike any they’ve encountered before. Even as Arizona gets back to business, many owners are finding that they need to quickly adapt to stay afloat in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep Arizona’s economy strong, it’s more important than ever to support Arizona-run businesses. After all, locally owned businesses recirculate more than 50% of their revenue within the local community. Here are four simple ways to keep … [Read more...] about Four Ways to Support Local Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Hearing Mythbusters
With the internet being ubiquitous, information is easier to access than ever. However, that does not mean that the information is necessarily correct. This sentiment is especially relevant when it comes to health advice. One might read that carrots help improve eyesight; in actuality, this was wartime propaganda to disguise radar technology. Given the daily onslaught of information, it can be difficult to determine what is factual. Cleaning Your Ears Earwax is not innately bad. In fact, … [Read more...] about Hearing Mythbusters
Research, Classes, Community Engagement Going Strong
I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide an NAU update. Our students, faculty and staff – as well as NAU’s surrounding communities – have embraced the current reality and used their strong leadership, creativity and fortitude to make their way through the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges and opportunities it has brought. Many of our students are now navigating online summer classes, recognizing the importance of the long-term picture of pursuing a college education. Making … [Read more...] about Research, Classes, Community Engagement Going Strong
Back2Basics Outdoor Adventures Benefiting Men During Times of Change Part 2
In 2014, TIME magazine named nature No. 1 in a Top 10 list of things to do daily to improve life, citing its many benefits including fitness, spending time with others, physical and mental challenge, as well as feelings of awe and gratitude. Furthermore, moving closer to nature through outdoor adventure enhances mental, emotional and physical well-being in several ways, including: Easing brain fatigue and daily stress; Boosting cognition and creativity; Improving mental health; … [Read more...] about Back2Basics Outdoor Adventures Benefiting Men During Times of Change Part 2
Time to Bring Back the ‘Victory Garden’
Over the past few weeks, we have been told we are on “war footing,” with all the nations of the world battling an invisible enemy called coronavirus. It’s probably the most unconventional war we’ve ever waged; instead of taking up arms and gearing up to fight, we’re asked to stay home, self-isolate and do a lot of handwashing. In the spirit of this, I think we might want to bring back one of the staples of the previous century’s war efforts – the victory garden. If the phrase is new to … [Read more...] about Time to Bring Back the ‘Victory Garden’
First Homes Selling in Kachina Village’s Newest Pocket Neighborhood
AspireFund, a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund (QOF), has celebrated the fourth home sold in newly developed Kachina Pines, the first subdivision built in Kachina Village in more than 15 years. These modestly-priced Craftsman-style homes are the first of nine affordable housing units as part of the much-lauded Opportunity Zone development project spearheaded by AspireFund leader Ryan Scott. “Our intention with Kachina Pines has been to provide flexibility to renters, homeowners and investors,” … [Read more...] about First Homes Selling in Kachina Village’s Newest Pocket Neighborhood
Immune Readiness in the Time of COVID
We are all on a journey unlike any we have experienced before. Now that we have more time and, perhaps, motivation to contemplate life, many questions come to mind about our health, our family, our connection to humankind, the way we spend our time and energy, who and what are most important to us. One particularly useful question is, “How good can we make this time?” Our “success” in facing any challenge relies on our approach to it. Without making light of all the suffering in the world … [Read more...] about Immune Readiness in the Time of COVID