Healthcare officials across Arizona high-fived, cheered, elbow-bumped and even shed tears of gratitude as the first doses of the Moderna vaccine were administered on Tuesday, Dec. 22. “This is a great way to end the year,” said Dr. Kristina Kezar, M.D., from Verde Valley Medical Center. “What a Christmas gift for me and the safety of my family and the community. I’m ecstatic. I’m honored.” Moments earlier, Flagstaff Medical Center Critical Care Nurse Stacey Payne, R.N. received the vaccine in … [Read more...] about The Shot Felt Round the World
Real Estate Market Maintaining Momentum in the New Year
Staying strong since last June, the housing market on the local, state and national level has risen to a 14-year high, despite the pandemic, economic uncertainty and a difficult presidential election. Even during historically slow periods, like the holiday season, homebuyers are quickly purchasing the few homes listed for sale. The shortage of housing inventory and extremely low interest rates have driven the hyperactive real estate market, says long-time realtor Gary Nelson, who heads the … [Read more...] about Real Estate Market Maintaining Momentum in the New Year
Elevation Coffee Brewing in Dewey
Jim Dykstra is a coffee connoisseur. His zest for coffee led him to open his own café, Elevation Coffee, which debuted in Dewey on Dec. 15. But that desire for the perfect cup of joe didn’t happen overnight. In 2015, he started roasting with some green coffee beans and a popcorn popper. That experimental process eventually helped him cut back on his regular coffee expenses. “I did it just for myself,” Dykstra said. “I was spending way too much money on coffee, buying from all these … [Read more...] about Elevation Coffee Brewing in Dewey
Office Space Momentum Anticipated in the New Year
There is no doubt, COVID-19 has had a colossal impact on how and where we do business. Now, as we usher in the new year with a massive rollout of vaccines, Americans are optimistic about an end to our “new normal,” healing for an exhausted healthcare industry and recovery for an ailing economy. However, economists and business owners predict the pandemic’s after-effects will linger on. Some of those impacts may affect lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, realtors, stockbrokers and other … [Read more...] about Office Space Momentum Anticipated in the New Year
Marjorie Todd Believes in Holistic Care for Senior Living
Sometimes the desires of our hearts and early life ventures can lead the way to a successful and fulfilling career. For Highgate Senior Living CEO Marjorie Todd, stepping into a hospital as a candy striper at age 14 ushered her on to a position as activity assistant at a senior living home just a few years later. “I fell in love with working with seniors and found my calling,” she said. “I worked with people who had late- to mid-state cognitive impairment and dementia.” Todd says working … [Read more...] about Marjorie Todd Believes in Holistic Care for Senior Living
Childhood Inequities, Neglect, Abuse Hidden in Pandemic
Virginia Watahomigie is worried about our families. As the executive director for the Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y), she knows that isolation, depression and anxiety – all conditions mental health experts say have been made worse by the pandemic – are increasingly having a negative effect on children in Arizona, particularly in rural areas where resources are less available than in larger cities and distances to travel for support are far greater. Watahomigie also is … [Read more...] about Childhood Inequities, Neglect, Abuse Hidden in Pandemic
ERAU Closes Out 2020 with Vigor
Despite a year of detours along the academic pathway, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) President Barry Butler and Chancellor Anette Karlsson say 2020 ended with noteworthy achievements. Hundreds Graduate in Virtual Commencement Recognizing students by name, degree and academic honors, Chancellor Karlsson and other academic leaders granted degrees to 621 undergraduate and graduate students during virtual ceremonies Dec. 12. In addition, 50 students received military commissions – … [Read more...] about ERAU Closes Out 2020 with Vigor
Governor Ducey Provides Additional Funding To Support Local Restaurants
Governor Doug Ducey today announced an additional $2 million to further help local restaurants and other dining establishments expand outdoor dining, protect patrons and staff, and limit the spread of COVID-19. “Arizona restaurant owners and their employees have worked diligently to serve patrons and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “Many restaurants have utilized outdoor dining to welcome more customers while maintaining safety, and we want to make sure our local … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Provides Additional Funding To Support Local Restaurants
YEI Constructing Two Group Homes in Prescott Valley
For more than 45 years, Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI) has served hundreds of Yavapai County developmentally impaired adults. YEI provides a network of jobs and career opportunities and also, for those who qualify, group homes with an emphasis on independent living. Currently, two group homes are under construction. YEI Executive Director Brad Newman says both will be within walking distance of the YEI Antelope Point Industries plant, located at Eastridge in Prescott Valley, where many … [Read more...] about YEI Constructing Two Group Homes in Prescott Valley
Alexa Scholl: Prescott’s Rising Star
Smiling broadly, which she does often, 23-year-old Alexa Scholl recalls how a local radio talk show host acknowledged that she shares the name “Alexa” with the Amazon electronic application that answers questions and performs communications tasks. It was suggested that the name recognition may have helped her win a seat on the Prescott City Council (PCC) when she was 20 years old. “I’d like to think it was a bit more than just ‘name recognition,’” she said. “I consider myself a Prescott … [Read more...] about Alexa Scholl: Prescott’s Rising Star