Chad Brockman was born to surf. He grew up on the beaches of Waikiki and lived in the waves – before school, during school, after school – every chance he got. A significant moment in his life occurred at age six when he met legendary Olympic swimming champion Duke Kahanamoku, a Native Hawaiian who popularized the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. “I distinctly remember Duke’s enormous hands, stout posture and welcoming gestures,” he said. Like Kahanamoku, Brockman is passionate … [Read more...] about Unprecedented Long Ski Season Delaying Water Sports
Feature
Independent Bookshop Owners Embracing the Bright Side
Flagstaff’s only independent book store devoted to new titles, Barefoot Cowgirl Books, now has new owners and a new name. Yet, its identity as a quaint place to peruse books and experience author readings and other community events remains. Tucked between Criollo Latin Kitchen and Puchteca Indian Goods on the east side of North San Francisco Street, the two-year-old business is now called Bright Side Bookshop and is operated by a trio of familiar Flagstaff business people. Lisa Lamberson, who … [Read more...] about Independent Bookshop Owners Embracing the Bright Side
Oak Creek Overlook Desirable for Artisans, Shoppers
The Oak Creek Vista Overlook gives a bird’s-eye view of the canyons below and the surrounding forests. It is the most visited rest area in Coconino County, averaging one million visitors a year. The Overlook is also home to Northern Arizona’s most successful Native American open-air jewelry, art and craft markets. The Native American Art and Jewelry Overlook Market is sponsored by and supports NACA – Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. – and is part of a longstanding partnership with … [Read more...] about Oak Creek Overlook Desirable for Artisans, Shoppers
Charter Air Passenger Service Pending in Prescott
If two Prescott entrepreneurs fulfill their lofty ambition, they will soon be flying high – literally and figuratively – from Ernest A. Love Field in Prescott to destinations in 13 communities in three states. The two – Henry Gellerman, a semi-retired film, TV and financial manager; and Paul Zawadzki, a 737 airline pilot with more than 5,300 hours in aviation – are founding ArizonaHop, an “on demand” charter airline service headquartered in Prescott. The air service is named for the short … [Read more...] about Charter Air Passenger Service Pending in Prescott
Village of Oak Creek Named Arizona’s Most Tax Friendly Place for Retirees
The sleepy Village of Oak Creek boasts one grocer, several restaurants and a small outlet mall. But recently, the hamlet on the southern outskirts of Sedona earned new bragging rights. The Village of Oak Creek was just named Arizona’s No. 1 on SmartAsset’s list of “Most Tax Friendly Places for Retirees.” Of the 10 Arizona communities designated as “tax friendly for retirees,” three other Northern Arizona communities make the list: Williamson (No. 2), Doney Park (No. 9) and New Kingman-Butler … [Read more...] about Village of Oak Creek Named Arizona’s Most Tax Friendly Place for Retirees
Scientists Search for Evidence of Life on Mars in Babbitt Ranches Rock Varnish
As part of its ongoing participation in science research and space exploration, Babbitt Ranches has invited planetary geochemists and microbial ecologists to Black Point Lava Flow. They are studying the relationship between microbes and manganese in a thin layer of rock covering known as “rock varnish” and through this research, are hoping to gain a better understanding of the possibilities of life on Mars. A recent surprising discovering of high concentrations of manganese by the Curiosity … [Read more...] about Scientists Search for Evidence of Life on Mars in Babbitt Ranches Rock Varnish
Painting a Successful Picture for Fine Arts Education
For the last 15 years, the Palette to Palate fundraiser has been dedicated to raising funds for the Coconino Community College Fine Arts Department. In that time, the event has helped fund the purchase of a pugmill, which makes clay smooth and consistent and has helped buy a badly needed new kiln to fire pottery. Also, new track lights and shades grace the art room, and scholarships support student success in the Fine Arts Department. Each year, the event has successfully raised funds and has … [Read more...] about Painting a Successful Picture for Fine Arts Education
Restauranteur Offering French Comfort Food
In the mood for tartine of house-smoked salmon, seafood Boullavaise a la Marseille or slow cooked duck confit cassoulet? If so, it is a good thing that Chef Scott Heinonen is about to open The Cottage, which is being designed to feel and taste like a country French farmhouse where French comfort food will be served. “This nostalgic French Bistro concept derives from the idiom, ‘Everything Old is New Again,’” he said. And, he adds, it comes just in time when other chefs are concentrating on … [Read more...] about Restauranteur Offering French Comfort Food
Benefit Logic Honored While Navigating Health Insurance Changes
When Ed Gussio stood on the precipice of the American Healthcare Act, he could only look back a few years to when he was standing on the precipice of the Affordable Care Act. It has been a bumpy ride for Arizona and it promises to continue for the foreseeable future. “I guess I want to say I feel much more prepared for the uncertainty that lies ahead because we have gone through this. There are a lot of unanswered questions.” Gussio is the owner of Benefit Logic, which finds insurance … [Read more...] about Benefit Logic Honored While Navigating Health Insurance Changes
NAU Reaching New Octaves with Multi-Million Dollar Sound of Music
Envisioning an anticipated $15 million expansion of the Northern Arizona University Performing and Fine Arts Center as a “…cultural front door to the main university campus,” President Rita Cheng announced a new vision for the NAU School of Music. Speaking before almost 200 supporters of music during a special late February event at the renowned Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Cheng told invited guests, “This is an important time in the School of Music's evolution growth. The facility … [Read more...] about NAU Reaching New Octaves with Multi-Million Dollar Sound of Music