Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D., believes it’s extremely important to support women in their professional interests and career choices, especially in male-dominated fields. “This support demonstrates to our society that there are options for women that both women and men may have never considered possible until they see women succeeding in these areas. We need to tell these stories so that we continue to change the narrative around how people view gender and the world in which we live.” Smith, … [Read more...] about Honoring the Power of ATHENA
FBN Spotlight
Val’s Workshop Creating Atmosphere, Affordability
His hands reach for scissors and comb as naturally as an artist reaches for brush and pigments. His canvas for creativity is the hair on a client’s head. Meet Val – Senor Alberto Valenzuela, who is called “Val” by almost everyone. His studio is Val’s Workshop on South San Francisco Street, a cozy, private, single-chair barbershop for men and women. The barber’s menu of services is concise: Haircuts, hair straightening, and beard, bang and neck trims. Services are billed as “Quality … [Read more...] about Val’s Workshop Creating Atmosphere, Affordability
Channeling the Force
The costume is very familiar and was fashioned from $12 worth of golden fabric and fitted with its iconic belt. Meet C-3PO, the life-sized droid hero, noted for his perfect etiquette and protocol, who has been featured in almost every Star Wars film since the franchise first screened in May 1977. It took Geri Hongeva, a Navajo woman from Flagstaff, two days to sew the costume in 2018, with the help of her son, who is more experienced in cosplay, the practice of dressing up as a character … [Read more...] about Channeling the Force
Grand Canyon Saddle Maker Enjoying the Ride
Across from the Xanterra South Rim is a mule barn sitting on an inconspicuous lot at the Grand Canyon Village. The historic building was a blacksmith’s shop. Inside, the old wooden floors show their age, while the aroma of worked leather and mules give away its purpose. This is Joe Marshall’s territory: the Saddle Maker’s shop. Neatly arranged are leather straps and scraps, saddles, tools, machinery, a bottle of soda and a bag of chips. Like a Western Santa in his workshop, Marshall … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Saddle Maker Enjoying the Ride
PJ Connolly Scouts the Southwest for Picture Perfect Scenery
It is always fun when you know someone who “knows someone,” and PJ Connolly has known and worked for a lot of famous someones in Flagstaff and the Four Corners region. That is because it is the nature of the entertainment industry and his business, Locations Southwest and Production Services (LSW). Whether it is a commercial for Ford Motor Company, a feature film like Guardians of the Galaxy, or special projects like Will Smith celebrating his 50th birthday by bungee jumping out of a … [Read more...] about PJ Connolly Scouts the Southwest for Picture Perfect Scenery
Former Trial Lawyer Shares Gentle Side in ‘Birding Arizona’
Charles Babbitt grew up in Flagstaff. “It was a very different city then,” he recalled, “about 15,000 people. We had a father who was interested in the outdoors, and he encouraged us to take a deeper look at the natural world. We spent a lot of time driving, hiking and exploring Northern Arizona.” That deep appreciation and love for the natural world, scenic beauty and science have always been important to Charles as well. The grandson of C.J. Babbitt, one of the original Babbitt brothers who … [Read more...] about Former Trial Lawyer Shares Gentle Side in ‘Birding Arizona’
Sharing Flagstaff through Tours, Souvenirs
After hearing and taking to heart what tourists like to buy, Blake Nabours, owner of AZ Segway and Pedal Tours, is on a roll to open the Grand Circle Outpost, an exclusive emporium featuring souvenirs all manufactured on site. Encompassing what Nabours refers to as the “grand” circle, Flagstaff, Sedona, Route 66, Grand Canyon, Page and Las Vegas, his novelties will feature the genre of these bordering neighbors on t-shirts, prints, key chains, magnets and other items. Nabours says his new … [Read more...] about Sharing Flagstaff through Tours, Souvenirs
Training the Next
The searing flash of flames, the ground-shaking vibration, the deafening roar of engines – witnessing a space shuttle launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, is not something easily forgotten by most, but for Lauren Edgar, it was life altering. The then-second grader, who came to visit her grandmother in Florida, left her vacation with more than warmth in her heart. Little Lauren’s imagination was on fire. “That moment was pretty significant for me – the realization that there were people on … [Read more...] about Training the Next
Flying High
Leonardo Da Vinci was quoted as saying, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skywards.” Holding one of the highest pilot certifications, Craig Sanderson spread his wings upward to serve as director of operations for Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines and mayor of the small but bustling town of Tusayan. Sanderson acquired the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification at 28 years old. It is one of the most advanced certifications a pilot can obtain and … [Read more...] about Flying High
Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
A sign posted on the wall of the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop states, “Expect movement on any tracks from any direction…at any time.” Though a good reminder for engineers and mechanics working on the trains, the advice spells out sage wisdom for Bob Baker’s position as general manager of train operations as well. With responsibilities ranging from maintenance of the trains to ticketing, Baker has a lot of motion in his job. “I oversee the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel maintenance, … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion