On a September morning, George Averbeck is in his Fire on the Mountain studio carefully crafting a glass-blown vase, inspired by the Milky Way and Flagstaff’s famous starry skies. His wife, business partner and glass-blowing assistant that day, Holly, joins him to create a deeply meaningful original art piece that will bring awareness to the town’s clear view into deep space and the conservation efforts of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. On this morning, he announces how the sale of this … [Read more...] about Glass Blower George Averbeck Shows How High Heat and Time Create Beauty in the Universe
Sedona
Eaglet Success on Babbitt Ranches Provides Evidence that Conservation Measures Work
Following unprecedented measures taken by Babbitt Ranches to protect a golden eagle nest, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reports double success. A pair of eagles that had not been highly successful in producing babies in the last 10 years, delivered twins in late spring. “This is very exciting,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, raptor management coordinator for the AZGFD. “Seeing that they produced two eaglets, after the Babbitt Ranches Landsward Foundation had just implemented a handful of … [Read more...] about Eaglet Success on Babbitt Ranches Provides Evidence that Conservation Measures Work
Flagstaff Star Party, Celebration of the Night Explore Archeoastronomy
With more than 20 telescopes and hosts from across the region, the free annual Flagstaff Star Party is offering three nights of stargazing into Northern Arizona’s starry autumn nights, along with rich presentations tapping into the global cultural wealth of our night sky heritage. The world’s most accessible star party in the first International Dark Sky City is scheduled for 6-10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 22-24, at Buffalo Park, occurring during Celebration of the Night – a … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Star Party, Celebration of the Night Explore Archeoastronomy
Boutique Hotel Makes a Splash
Inspired by Flagstaff’s natural beauty, four seasons and mountain charm, High Country Motor Lodge (H.C.M.L.) has created a boutique hotel complete with a Nordic Spa Experience. Phoenix-based Classic Hotels & Resorts acquired the property in January 2020 and has undertaken a $13 million renovation project to transform the former Days Inn into a stylish northland retreat. “Our Plunge Pool is part of the Nordic Spa experience,” said H.C.M.L. General Manager Tara Lehr. “Hydrotherapy, the … [Read more...] about Boutique Hotel Makes a Splash
Weddings in the Woods
If wedding bells were still being used in ceremonies, the ringing would be nearly constant at Arizona Nordic Village. Despite a brief forest closure in June because of wildfire risk, the rustic lodge is hosting at least 35 weddings this season, a dozen more than ever before, as large gatherings have returned and outdoor settings are providing comfort for pandemic-weary bridal parties and guests. Sarah and Felipe Puente of Phoenix got married in May. “We had a pretty big mix of people coming … [Read more...] about Weddings in the Woods
Building on Tradition
Cave Creek business owner Ty Nuessle came to the Annual Hashknife Colt Sale just to learn. “I left my checkbook at home on purpose,” he said. But just like hundreds of others in the stands, a palomino filly caught his attention. “My wife, Luisa, leaned over and said, ‘Just think how pretty I’ll look on her.’” That’s when Ty knew they were in the game, joining other bidders in the time-honored auction held the second Saturday of July at Spider Web Camp, about a 30 minute drive north of … [Read more...] about Building on Tradition
NAH Announces Desert Financial as Inaugural Scholarship, Awards Sponsor
Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) has announced Desert Financial Credit Union as its title sponsor for the inaugural Northern Arizona Healthcare Scholarship and Awards Celebration. As the title sponsor, Desert Financial committed to funding $93,000 in endowment and expendable scholarships for which any employee of NAH may apply. The recipients for this inaugural year will be announced at a celebration on Aug. 18. “We are honored to continue our partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union,” … [Read more...] about NAH Announces Desert Financial as Inaugural Scholarship, Awards Sponsor
Solar Co-Op Accepting New Members in July
The Northern Arizona Solar Co-op has selected Icon Power to install solar panels for the 163-member group. Co-op members selected Icon Power through a competitive bidding process. “To be selected for this co-op in Northern Arizona is a real honor because we know how thoroughly they reviewed each bid,” said Jordan Bastian at Icon Power. “We are eager to help more people go solar by providing quality panels at a good price and great customer service.” Solar United Neighbors expands access to … [Read more...] about Solar Co-Op Accepting New Members in July
Insuring Against No Rain
With the long-term drought hitting Arizona ranchers and growers hard, you might be surprised to learn that it is possible to take out insurance against getting no rain. Arnie Schlittenhart has been involved in Arizona agriculture all of his life. In 2002, he was hired by AMS Insurance and managed a cotton gin at Stanfield, in Pinal County. When the cotton gin was sold in 2006, he initially went to work for the Farm Service Agency. But when his former employer, AMS, approached him to come back … [Read more...] about Insuring Against No Rain
Friends Offer Up Something Borrowed for Brides
In the last two years, Rachel Duncan was a bridesmaid at five weddings and Laura Hicks had her own wedding. While considering the age-old problem of what to do with post-wedding decorations, the two best friends created Something Borrowed: Wedding and Event Rentals. “Laura had purchased a lot of items for her ceremony and many of our friends stated they had no idea with to do with all the leftover wedding items,” said Duncan. The two also noticed wedding rental companies were … [Read more...] about Friends Offer Up Something Borrowed for Brides