From the base camp of Mt. Everest to the floor of the Grand Canyon, Helen Ranney is doing everything she can to have fun working, traveling and spending time with her husband, world-renowned geologist and author Wayne Ranney. In addition to her many roles as wife, mother of three adult children, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother, Helen has worked for Arizona Highways as sales manager and the Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) as director of marketing and associate director of philanthropy. … [Read more...] about A Passion for the Outdoors, Adventure, Travel
Announcing a New Choice in Hearing Protection
One of the first questions I ask a new patient is whether they have a history of loud noise exposure. Some say no, some mention hunting, while most brush it off as listening to loud music in their youth. But the truth is that, especially in our modern world, everyone is exposed to unsafe levels of noise at some point in their lives. While noise pollution is a major concern, most people don’t consider it in their daily lives. However, protecting your ears from loud noise is one of the best ways … [Read more...] about Announcing a New Choice in Hearing Protection
Bring Your Vision into Focus for the New Year
Many of us consider the stroke of midnight into the new year to be some sort of magical reset button that comes with snow flurries and a kiss. I happen to be one of them. However, turning that magical moment into everyday life usually takes a little more than fairy dust, like a bold decision, courage, perseverance and a pathologically unshakeable belief that what you want is not only possible, it is inevitable, and it is already here. Clean Up That Lens It’s hard to have great vision when your … [Read more...] about Bring Your Vision into Focus for the New Year
Five Myths About Homeownership
Buying a home can be one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. Homeownership is a great accomplishment – something to be proud of. Unfortunately, misinformation can spread like wildfire and cause unnecessary doubt and fear, especially for first-time homebuyers. Here are five common myths and why you shouldn’t buy into them. Myth #1: Renting is Cheaper than Buying Renting may seem like the better option at first glance, but when you look at the bigger picture, owning is the clear … [Read more...] about Five Myths About Homeownership
Galleries Galore
As a well-known Americana Route 66 photographer, there is no doubt that Efren Lopez has had his share of attention in books, magazines, postcards and gift shops, but his affinity for showcasing other artists is what is in his viewfinder. Working with the Verde Valley Cultural Collective, of which he is a founding member, Lopez has opened the 369 Gallery in Camp Verde, where he will be showcasing local Verde Valley artists. Adjacent to the 369 Gallery is The Little Gallery, a restored retro … [Read more...] about Galleries Galore
Keeping Others on Their Toes
With a smile as vibrant as her energy, Michelle Elton, the owner of Camp Verde Dance and Fitness, is not only a ballet master but also an instructor who teaches a wide range of popular fitness and dance classes to people of all ages. “My whole life is dance,” said Elton. “It’s my life and my passion. I get the biggest enjoyment from teaching kids, teenagers and seniors. I teach them in the same manner I was raised.” Many little girls want to be ballerinas, but Elton’s wish came true. She … [Read more...] about Keeping Others on Their Toes
Building Connections, Creating Stability, Forging a Steady Path Forward
When it comes to running the Town of Camp Verde, Miranda Fisher doesn’t kid around. The dynamic 36-year-old stepped into the position of Camp Verde town manager just six months ago and has devised a tactical action plan to work from the inside out. “I’m taking a steady path forward focusing internally and getting our staff performing at the best capacity they can so we can have stabilization amongst the team. Every department is getting a deep dive action comprehensive efficiency plan for … [Read more...] about Building Connections, Creating Stability, Forging a Steady Path Forward
Keeping Your Spirit Young
When Ronda Beaman, Ph.D., learned about the science of neoteny – the phenomenon where an organism retains juvenile characteristics into adulthood – she was inspired to write the book, “You Only Live Young Twice” and create the TEDx Talk, “Die Young as Late as Possible,” suggesting that most of us age ourselves from the inside out. Dr. Beaman is the creative force behind much of PEAK Learning, an international research and consulting firm based in San Luis Obispo, California. She also is a … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Spirit Young
New Polara Clinic Provides Mental Health, Primary Care
Polara Health has opened its new Integrated Care Clinic on Gail Gardener Way in Prescott, designed to provide comprehensive services that address medical, mental and social needs. We provide life-changing power with the services that we provide,” said Marketing Director Deanna Eder. “Our commitment to the whole person means that we focus on restoring health, promoting resilience and preventing disease by addressing physical, behavioral, emotional and social aspects of well-being. Polara … [Read more...] about New Polara Clinic Provides Mental Health, Primary Care
Drop Those Holiday Pounds: YRMC’s Tips for a Healthy Kickoff to the New Year
Regardless of how we celebrate the holiday season, most of us are thrown off our usual routine in one way or another. For many of us, travel, big meals, parties and readily available treats mean putting our sensible eating habits on hold. But there’s nothing wrong with indulging a little during the holidays. In fact, the social aspect of sharing the season with loved ones helps keep us healthy. Once the holidays are over, however, resolutions to lose that holiday weight abound. Here are a few … [Read more...] about Drop Those Holiday Pounds: YRMC’s Tips for a Healthy Kickoff to the New Year