A new gift shop in an old town is what Ghost Town Handicrafts owners Valerie Whitcomb and her daughter, Anasthasia Darrah, have brought to the storied city of Jerome. Perched 5,000 feet up on an escarpment overlooking the Verde Valley, Whitcomb loves to step outside her store for the view. “Every evening when the sun starts to set behind Mingus Mountain, a shadow is cast over Verde Valley and for about 10 minutes the red rocks of Sedona brilliantly light up. It is so amazing to see. We also … [Read more...] about Mother-Daughter Team Promotes Crafts Among the Ghosts
Business
Promoting Space Travel with a Land-Use Ethic
Once again, cows and astronauts shared the high desert landscape of Babbitt Ranches as NASA, assisted by geologists from USGS, tested equipment, conducted moonwalking drills and practiced geology in preparation for Artemis 3, a crewed mission to the dark lunar south pole region, anticipated for 2026. The cattle seemed untroubled by the slow-moving visitors in spacesuits, a recurring event throughout the last half century. “I smile when I think about my grandad, John Babbitt, a quiet, … [Read more...] about Promoting Space Travel with a Land-Use Ethic
Five Ways to Make Your Life Louder Than Your Inner Critic
So many of us walk around with a mean girl or guy or disembodied voice in our heads that is so quick to judge us harshly or agree with or at least strongly consider any negative words that come our way. And while it’s probably a healthy trait to have a constant monitor looking over our shoulder to see if what we are doing is actually helpful, noble, caring or our best, it can be crippling, too, if we don’t keep that noise in check. That’s why I’ve started to notice how to live with that inner … [Read more...] about Five Ways to Make Your Life Louder Than Your Inner Critic
Lauren Mitchell Leads the Way in the YC Bachelor’s Degree Program
In January 2023, Yavapai College announced its first Bachelor of Science in Business degree, the first baccalaureate degree offered by a rural community college in Arizona. This spring, Prescott Valley resident Lauren Mitchell made history as the first to graduate with the new degree. In May, Senate Bill 1453 passed into state law allowing community colleges in Arizona to offer baccalaureate degrees. “After years of effort in this state, we are thrilled to receive this authorization. Yavapai … [Read more...] about Lauren Mitchell Leads the Way in the YC Bachelor’s Degree Program
Prescott Film Festival Spurs Thought, Develops Filmmakers
The Prescott Film Festival and the Yavapai College Film and Media Arts Certificate program teach students skills that often get them hired in the film industry, according to college officials. Helen Haxton-Stephenson, who oversees both programs, says editing and post-production courses in particular open doors for students. Currently, there are about 150 students enrolled; however, she says AZ QUEST Grant funding can make the college’s certificate program tuition free for students. “That … [Read more...] about Prescott Film Festival Spurs Thought, Develops Filmmakers
Future Chefs, Firefighters, Paralegals Training at the Mountain Institute
From construction trades to aviation technology, welding to culinary skills, high school students in Prescott seeking career training classes have 26 programs from which to choose. Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District (MICTED) in Prescott teaches students from seven high schools in western Yavapai County. All of the courses, textbooks and supplies are free and transportation is provided. CTE courses are taught at the institute and the high schools, including Prescott, … [Read more...] about Future Chefs, Firefighters, Paralegals Training at the Mountain Institute
Pets and Paintings Unite on Canvas at Blue Plume Studio
Jenny Rose Harlow was about to turn on to a California freeway when she saw a dozen loose peacocks. She decided to follow them. They made their way into the Los Angeles County Arboretum, where they led her to beautiful gardens. She decided this would be the best place to finish her art degree. Today, her Chino Valley art home is named Blue Plume Studio, in honor of those peacocks. Blue Plume Studio offers art and animal adventures to bring out the creative side of people and, in many cases, to … [Read more...] about Pets and Paintings Unite on Canvas at Blue Plume Studio
Grand Canyon Conservancy Hears of Grand Adventure
Award-winning photographer, filmmaker and author Pete McBride served as the keynote speaker for the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s (GCC) Grand Gathering 2024. Held at the Shrine of the Ages on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the event attracted members from around the country. They were treated to an informative and entertaining slide show by McBride, followed by a book-signing of his latest book, “The Colorado River: Chasing Water.” “It was an inspiring kick-off to the 2024 Grand Gathering … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Conservancy Hears of Grand Adventure
Edison Marketplace Offers Local Hangout in SoMo
Edison Marketplace offers a comfortable and welcoming coffee and wine bar in a mid-century modern eclectic setting. Its unique convenience-store look comes from the fact that the building previously housed a Prescott Quick Stop in SoMo (South Montezuma St.). Owner Nick Medina also owns the historic Motor Lodge next door and Edison Marketplace matches the upscale design of the Motor Lodge. “The word is slowly getting out that we’re here. It’s a great place for people to relax or work on their … [Read more...] about Edison Marketplace Offers Local Hangout in SoMo
Winey Cats Opens for Summer Season
Two friends, cats and a vineyard may sound a little out of the ordinary for a business, but for two women with backgrounds in wildlife and animal rescue, it all makes sense. About three years ago, Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden owner Ali Amato switched occupations, from running the Bradshaw Mountain Wildlife Association to managing a vineyard. Her intention was to relocate a cat rescue operation. However, according to her website, “when the community heard that there was a possibility that … [Read more...] about Winey Cats Opens for Summer Season