Amanda “Mandy” Guay is committed to improving public health. As director of community health at North Country HealthCare, Guay is recognized as the organization’s lead public health champion who protects vulnerable populations by securing resources for Northern Arizonans. In her role, she oversees and develops community health and behavioral health programming for specific target populations. Those who work with her say she has attracted millions of dollars in grants to the region and brought … [Read more...] about Public Health Champion Receives the Flagstaff ATHENA Award
Community Profile
Protecting, Recovering Dark Skies with The Flagstaff Solution
WATCH NOW! Dark starry nights, away from light pollution, open a wondrous window into the universe. Clearly, astronomers need dark skies for space exploration and discovery, but science tells us we need dark skies for our health. Animals do, too. And communities way up North rely on dark skies for their winter economy, as tourists seek captivating views of the aurora borealis. Meet some of our dark skies champions who are sharing The Flagstaff Solution and leading the world to a darker future on … [Read more...] about Protecting, Recovering Dark Skies with The Flagstaff Solution
Promoting Camp Verde’s Economic Development, Recreation, Smart Growth
The simple, childlike words of Dr. Seuss have become a powerful modus operandi for the Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Director, Steve Ayers. Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better…it’s not… - The Lorax “That has been my motto since I accepted this position in 2013,” said Ayers. “This job wasn’t what I aspired to do, but when the previous economic director resigned, she approached me and suggested I apply. She felt I would be a good … [Read more...] about Promoting Camp Verde’s Economic Development, Recreation, Smart Growth
Gabriela’s Taco Shop Serves Travelers, Locals Authentic Mexican Food
With culinary generational ties originating from her hometown of Chihuahua, Mexico, Gabriela’s Taco Shop owner Gabriela Goodman learned early in life that hard work is the key to success. As a single mother of six, Gabriela’s business began with selling burritos door-to-door in her Camp Verde neighborhood on Hollamon Street. “As sales grew, we then opened a tiny restaurant in our home and my mom, my sister, some friends and all six of my children helped with the business,” said Goldman, who … [Read more...] about Gabriela’s Taco Shop Serves Travelers, Locals Authentic Mexican Food
Flower Business in Full Bloom
Those ordering flowers for their loved ones for Valentine’s Day likely are asking for colors rather than specific flowers this year because, like many businesses, flower shops are having trouble getting products and supplies. Rakini Chinery, owner of Allan’s Flowers in Prescott, says flowers are more limited now than in the past and suggests customers look at the website before ordering to see what’s available. For sweethearts planning for Valentine’s Day gifts, the rule is to order flowers … [Read more...] about Flower Business in Full Bloom
Busy as a Beekeeper
Buzzing from one side of Flagstaff to another, including parts of Sedona, Bellemont, Winslow and even Payson, Sweet Sting Honey Owner Adam Arp is one busy beekeeper. Growing up and working alongside his father’s accomplished 30-plus-year business, Mountain Top Honey, Arp’s beehives are transported from one site to another depending on several factors. “I start the hives in lower elevations and move to higher altitudes to follow different blooms,” said Arp. “It’s all contingent on the time … [Read more...] about Busy as a Beekeeper
Bashas’ Employee Nears Half a Century with the Grocer
For Bashas’ Supermarket Store Director Wayne Jones, “treating people the way they want to be treated” can create a long and rewarding career. Jones has been in the grocery business for 47 years. “That’s my platinum rule and whatever I do, I do to the best of my ability.” Moving to Flagstaff in December 1970, Jones was born in inner city Los Angeles and started his career in the grocery business at A.J. Bayless on North Humphreys in 1973. “My family would come here every year for the July … [Read more...] about Bashas’ Employee Nears Half a Century with the Grocer
Chris Shields Leads the Team at Sonesta ES Suites
Chris Shields is in love with Flagstaff and also his career. He has spent a dozen years in this mountain town and more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, including working with Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt. Today, he oversees the operations of Flagstaff’s Sonesta Extended Stay Suites as the property’s general manager. “I’ve been here at Sonesta for four months and I love the company,” he said. “The Sonesta motto is based on the culture of caring, so we take good care of our team and … [Read more...] about Chris Shields Leads the Team at Sonesta ES Suites
American Cowboy Keeps Northern Arizona’s Thirsty Rangeland Watered
If Jack Rodgers’ life had a theme, it would be all about water. On the night this fourth generation cowboy was born, Sept. 23, 1955, the rains came: 17 inches in the little city of Rotan, Texas, near Sweetwater, marking the end of a devastating drought. “I remember my dad talking about the bad drought in Texas that happened in the early ‘50s. It was so bad, they would take propane burners and burn the needles off prickly pear so the cattle could eat the cactus for moisture,” said … [Read more...] about American Cowboy Keeps Northern Arizona’s Thirsty Rangeland Watered
Enjoying the Ride
Thinking about surfing in Northern Arizona may sound a bit unusual, but according to outdoor recreationist Nicolas Sutherland, riding his Soledaddy Longboard here “is the closest you can get to riding the ocean waves.” “I heard about Soledaddy Longboards at Aspen Sports,” said Sutherland. “The board is handmade, beautiful and rides like a dream, and I love the retro look, so I knew I had to give them a try. It’s so much fun carving down hills with its flexible deck and extra-long shape. I’ll … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Ride