For 14 years, Miriam Haubrich, executive director of the Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity (PAHH), has been adamant: “There are no free houses.” Yet, in her distinguished career with PAHH, Haubrich has made possible the construction of homes for qualified individuals and families who meet the stringent criteria for access to affordable housing. She views that as a way of breaking the cycle of poverty and strengthening the economic, social and cultural environment. Come December, that career … [Read more...] about Honoring Retiring Habitat for Humanity Leader
Becoming a Pilot Requires Aptitude and Attitude
Are you interested in flying as a career or hobby? What does it take for a person to learn to pilot an aircraft? The answer is aptitude and attitude, plus decent health. Aptitude describes the skills and knowledge you need to master in order to proficiently pilot an airplane. Pilots are constantly learning until the day they stop flying. Why? Regulations change. There have been several very significant changes in just the past year or so, including a significant overhaul of medical … [Read more...] about Becoming a Pilot Requires Aptitude and Attitude
Understanding Recent IRS Guidance on Meals, Entertainment Expenses
Just a couple of weeks ago, the IRS released new guidance concerning business deductions for meals and entertainment expenses, which takes into account the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax reform law passed by Congress and signed by President Trump last December. The bill eliminated the deductions for all the entertainment expenses: things like concert tickets, cruises, golf passes or any other sporting event. As a result, there has been some confusion out there about the matter. Some … [Read more...] about Understanding Recent IRS Guidance on Meals, Entertainment Expenses
Displaying Historic Cottonwood Homes, Buildings
The City of Cottonwood and the Cottonwood Historic Preservation Commission are hosting the 5th Annual Cottonwood Historic Home & Building Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3. The tour will showcase a number of homes and buildings from Cottonwood’s early days as a mining and agricultural community. Volunteers will provide detailed information on each structure and building. Shuttle transportation is provided between the newly remodeled Cottonwood Community Club House to the homes … [Read more...] about Displaying Historic Cottonwood Homes, Buildings
The Secret Garden: Using Plants as a Natural Screen
As the autumn colors drop the last of their leaves, the gardens can feel naked. Without strategically placed evergreens in the yard, it easily feels like prying eyes look right through your home. Not only does your privacy seem to disappear, but that neighbor’s debris pile can be witnessed through winter. The solution to both of these unwanted invasions of privacy is not rocket science. November is an ideal time to plant a wall of living trees to block the messy view and to create the privacy … [Read more...] about The Secret Garden: Using Plants as a Natural Screen
Is it Time to Schedule a Retirement Checkup?
When was the last time you reviewed your financial life? In the same way that it’s important to go to the doctor for a physical, comprehensive retirement check-ups are crucial to your financial success down the road. In today’s technology-driven world, it’s easy to put your finances on autopilot. From automatic deposits, online statements and automatic 401(k) contributions, it can be easy to leave your retirement plan unsupervised. But, how do you go about starting the retirement check-up … [Read more...] about Is it Time to Schedule a Retirement Checkup?
Healer Practicing Eastern Medicine to Treat Pain, Chronic Illnesses
The pain got so severe in his lower back and leg that Les Fullerton was considering back surgery. A friend suggested he first see Jean Painter of Harmony Integrative Medicine in Prescott. Fullerton is glad he did. After about 12 visits for acupuncture with Painter, he is 100 percent free of back pain. “I had met with a spine surgeon, and was looking into spinal surgery. That option is no longer in the picture. I don’t have back pain anymore,” Fullerton said. Fullerton is not the only one who … [Read more...] about Healer Practicing Eastern Medicine to Treat Pain, Chronic Illnesses
K9 Teams Sniffing Out Explosives, Chasing Bad Guys, Protecting Soldiers
On Veteran’s Day and every day, Samantha Maghamez honors her grandfather, Webb Bisbee, a World War II Army Air Corps parachute soldier, who inspired her to choose a military career in service of her country. Master Sergeant Select Maghamez trains military working dogs at the 341st Training Squadron on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Her students are German shepherds, Belgian malinois, Dutch shepherds, Labrador retrievers and sometimes terriers. “Here at the school house, we work … [Read more...] about K9 Teams Sniffing Out Explosives, Chasing Bad Guys, Protecting Soldiers
Recovering from Illness, Injury with Aquatic Therapy
While many individuals at one time or another have enjoyed floating or swimming in pools for fun, pools can play an important role in rehabilitation through the use of aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy is when physical therapy is provided in a pool under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. At Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, physical therapists provide aquatic therapy to help those recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses or chronic medical … [Read more...] about Recovering from Illness, Injury with Aquatic Therapy
Demystifying Costs Per Square Foot
Welcome to “At Home With Tom & Sandy.” As we always are, Tom and I are happy and enthusiastic and maybe a little wound-up from time to time but always ready to give you the inside scoop, what’s up, what’s down and what’s hot and what’s not and, in some cases, information that is just straightforward and as homeowners you should be aware. Sandy: Here we are again Mr. R., and I know this will shock and surprise you, but I have something I think we need to talk about. Tom: Well that is a … [Read more...] about Demystifying Costs Per Square Foot