Nine Navajo filmmakers showcased their stories and talent at the first Navajo Nation Film Festival, Sept. 5 and 6, during the Navajo Nation Fair. Hosted at the Navajo Nation Museum and RGR Theatre, the festival ran from 3-7 p.m., offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience Navajo storytelling through the power of film – most of it presented in the Navajo language. One of the films from the festival was “Are You Serious,” a 23-minute narrative directed, written and produced by Navajo … [Read more...] about Navajo Filmmakers in the Spotlight at Navajo Nation Film Festival
Business
Former Veterinarian Turned Accidental Professor: Mark Muchna is YC Employee of the Year
Yavapai College student Tyler Briner knew something was different – something was special – about his anatomy and physiology professor (A&P) when, while struggling with a concept, that professor invited him to a Saturday study session. The session lasted four hours and by the end, Briner was no longer in the dark about synapses – the small spaces between neurons where they communicate with each other. “It was life-changing that somebody actually believed in me,” Briner said of the study … [Read more...] about Former Veterinarian Turned Accidental Professor: Mark Muchna is YC Employee of the Year
Lighting Up the Night with Holiday Joy
Prescott Valley’s Valley of Lights is entering its 24th year, and the holiday attraction has become a holiday favorite for locals and visitors alike. Businesses and residents got behind the Valley of Lights concept in a big way, and the mile-long lighted display opened on Thanksgiving evening in 2000. Valley of Lights has grown each year, both in displays and number of visitors, which run in the thousands each season. It is open each evening from Thanksgiving through the end of December. … [Read more...] about Lighting Up the Night with Holiday Joy
Flagstaff Family Food Center Acquires Grand Canyon Food Pantry
Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC), which has for more than three decades run a food bank and kitchen serving Northern Arizona, has assumed operations of the Grand Canyon Food Pantry Inc. (GCFPI), ensuring its continued service to those who live and work in and around Grand Canyon National Park. “We’re proud to carry on the important work that President Mike Scott started seven years ago,” said FFFC President and CEO Ethan Amos. “We expect a seamless transition, ensuring that everyone who … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Family Food Center Acquires Grand Canyon Food Pantry
Findlay Toyota Hosting Toy, Coat Drive
Findlay Toyota Prescott is hosting the Findlay Toyota Toy + Coat Drive, Friday, Nov. 1 through Tuesday, Dec. 17. Those who donate during the drive will be entered into a raffle for a pair of tickets to an upcoming event or concert of their choice in 2025 (some restrictions may apply). Findlay Toyota representatives say donations will go to those in need in the Quad Cities. On Thursday, Dec. 12, Findlay Toyota Prescott also will make a $1,000 check donation to Real Hope Inc., CASA for Kids and … [Read more...] about Findlay Toyota Hosting Toy, Coat Drive
From Rescue to Footcare, Barefoot Trimmer Helps Donkeys Take the Next Step
Juliana Ladenburg never expected to become known as the “Barefoot Trimmer.” What started as a mission to rescue wild burros has turned into a lifelong passion, leading her to Prescott’s Hope, The Wild Burro Place, where she earned her unique title and reputation for helping donkeys find their footing – literally and figuratively. Her family, who lived in Orange County, spent summer vacations at Sprucedale Guest Ranch near Alpine. “When I was young, our family would go there. When I got old … [Read more...] about From Rescue to Footcare, Barefoot Trimmer Helps Donkeys Take the Next Step
Chino Valley Bargain Hunters Celebrate Ribbon Cutting at Open Hands
Not every bargain store sells reptile food and worms, but owners Robert and Monica Lawson raise reptiles and fishing is their favorite pastime, so it is natural for them to sell these products. “A lot of our customers already buy mice and rats from me,” said Robert. The Lawsons and about 50 customers of Open Hands Bargain Store, on Butterfield Road in Chino Valley, braved the cold weather to celebrate its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Oct. 18. Open Hands Bargain Store … [Read more...] about Chino Valley Bargain Hunters Celebrate Ribbon Cutting at Open Hands
Prescott Doctor Marks His One Hundredth Surgery Using a Robot
The future of medicine has a solid foundation in Prescott. Surgeon Shane Monnett has used a three-armed robot to successfully complete his 100th robotic surgery at Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott. The robotic surgery method, known as the da Vinci Robotics System, makes the surgery more precise and the recovery faster. Dr. Monnett said completing 100 surgeries of this type would not have been a big deal if only half of them were successful, but so far, he’s had a 100% success … [Read more...] about Prescott Doctor Marks His One Hundredth Surgery Using a Robot
ATHENA Leadership Glistens in the Quad Cities
Legendary anchorwoman Mary Jo West, known as “Arizona’s First Lady of TV News in Phoenix,” proclaimed, “There is something in the water in the QUAD CITIES! I want to drink it!” she said, as she addressed the more than 150 attendees as the keynote speaker during the Fifth Annual Prescott-Area ATHENA Leadership Awards, Friday, Sept. 20, at Starting Point in the Pine Ridge Marketplace. “This part of Arizona produces so many strong, bright and resilient women! The nominees at the ATHENA Awards were … [Read more...] about ATHENA Leadership Glistens in the Quad Cities
Prescott-Area ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Marnie Uhl Wants to Make a Difference
Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Marnie Uhl’s life philosophy can be summed up in four points: try new things, become excellent at them, have fun, and don’t look back. Uhl is coming to the end of her 19-year position leading the Prescott Valley Chamber, announcing her retirement for early 2025 to allow the Chamber board to find her successor. Her father was in the Navy when Uhl was born at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. He then joined the Los Angeles … [Read more...] about Prescott-Area ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Marnie Uhl Wants to Make a Difference