The perplexities of managing a Camp Verde vineyard during a heatwave is challenging, and finding friends to help in sweltering record-breaking 116-degree temperatures can be just as difficult. With veraison (the turning of grape berries that signals ripening) setting in, winegrower hobbyist Daniel Tierney covered his vines with nets to protect the grapes from thirsty birds. Flagstaff retired APS lineman Tom McNally and Camp Verde teacher Bob Kuebler came to the vineyard to help. “I was so … [Read more...] about Save the Grapes
Sedona
Following the Dream of Travel
Lake Lugano, Switzerland, 1977: Two children, Yves, 6, and Monika, 10, are frolicking in the water, swimming and floating on air mattresses. Their families, all Swiss citizens, are vacationing in adjoining homes for the summer. Forty-six years later, Yves and Monika Leuenberger, married since 1997, are still sharing adventures together, and bringing friends and clients along for the ride. The vehicle for all this fun is their Avenues of the World Travel agency on East Cedar Ave. in … [Read more...] about Following the Dream of Travel
Expanding Your Business by Raising Your Voice
Peggy Woods had the picture-perfect life, the picture-perfect family and the picture-perfect marriage. At least, that’s what others saw. Behind closed doors, the picture wasn’t pretty. Woods was controlled, demeaned and often physically abused by the man she married as a young woman. She began to write poetry to express her feelings. She shared her poems with friends who praised her talent. She wrote a heartfelt poem to her husband, communicating her love, pain and confusion. He responded by … [Read more...] about Expanding Your Business by Raising Your Voice
‘Spontaneous Revolutions’ has Readers Rooting for Unlikely Athletes
If you have ever felt intimidated by a physical challenge you weren’t ready for or a daunting goal that didn’t seem possible, you may be happy to meet and cheer on Liza McQuade and Clark Campbell. These two inexperienced, out-of-shape, middle-aged cyclists prove to be champions anyone can get behind in what may well be this summer’s greatest anything-is-possible-with-a-good-attitude read: “Spontaneous Revolutions: Seeing American One Pedal at a Time.” The likable, … [Read more...] about ‘Spontaneous Revolutions’ has Readers Rooting for Unlikely Athletes
Jewels Livingstone Maintains Plant-Based Focus at Morning Glory Café
Jewels Livingstone’s start as owner of the Morning Glory Café was rough. She had worked there part-time for 15 years with Maria Ruiz, the woman who established the restaurant, known locally for its organic plant-based options. When Ruiz died unexpectedly in 2009, Livingstone found herself with the café and no recipes to go with it. “It was horrible losing her. I had just taken her to the doctor the day before she passed,” said Livingstone. “Maria’s daughter, Angelica, immediately flew in … [Read more...] about Jewels Livingstone Maintains Plant-Based Focus at Morning Glory Café
Be Irresistibly Newsworthy in Story, Soul, Style
While attending a Phoenix-area Chamber of Commerce mixer, I couldn’t help but notice a woman who was speaking so passionately about her business that she had a crowd of about a dozen women completely entranced. In a tiny restaurant where people milled about smiling politely, pretending to be interested in the latest tax law and plumbing fixtures, she was holding court in a big way. As a journalist and public relations consultant who is constantly on the lookout for people who have great … [Read more...] about Be Irresistibly Newsworthy in Story, Soul, Style
Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback
This past winter, while icy roads cut vehicle traffic to Grand Canyon 22% in the first quarter, Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) powered through all the snow with a 5% increase in ridership. Train travelers were treated to a snow-blanketed South Rim and photographers scored images of a century-old steam locomotive puffing smoke into the frigid air. “We’re chugging along and only seeing more and more people coming out to visit,” said Sam Langner, Grand Canyon Railway vice president of sales. … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Train Picks Up Steam After Pandemic Setback
Ooh la la – Summer Travel is Back
If you are dreaming about island hopping in the Aegean Sea or calypso dancing on a Caribbean cruise, industry experts say you’ve probably missed the boat for this year. Cruise lines that struggled to get a meager conga line going during the pandemic are now struggling to find space for your deck lounger. Travel industry experts report the summer vacation is alive and well. Eighty-five percent of Americans plan to travel this summer, according to the “Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2023” … [Read more...] about Ooh la la – Summer Travel is Back
Responsible Visitation Making a Difference with Flagstaff’s Trail System
Flagstaff takes great pride as the “City of Seven Wonders” and in its commitment to protect the environment through ecotourism, promoting responsible visitation, and conservation efforts. Nestled in our backyard are unique natural wonders, beautiful landscapes, unforgettable terrains, spectacular overlooks, historic landmarks, cultural sites and breathtaking views across millions of acres. Our seven wonders include Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater … [Read more...] about Responsible Visitation Making a Difference with Flagstaff’s Trail System
Getting Spacey in Downtown Flagstaff
Flagstaff has long been known as a center for scientific research and education, and now it has its own science-themed store, Planet Science. Launched by Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum, the retail outlet – complete with meteors in the air, NASA gear and a couple of visitors from outer space – opened Friday, May 19 and carries a wide variety of science-themed items, including rocks and fossils, while also hosting interactive exhibits and a place for hands-on activities where people of … [Read more...] about Getting Spacey in Downtown Flagstaff