Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy!” We are here to give you the inside scoop on the construction industry; what’s up, what’s down, what’s hot, and what’s not. We’ll share our thoughts, thinking – and, of course, opinions – on construction, remodeling, home prices, building permit numbers, construction pointers and give you hints on renovations that will give you a return on your investment and, as they say, so much more. There is plenty going on in the housing and construction … [Read more...] about Understanding the Need for Workforce Development in Construction Trades
Columnists
To Give or Not to Give: Here are the Questions to Ask
Charitable giving is frequently mingled with more emotion than information. In fact, we often seek just enough information to validate our emotions and then we give – hoping our contribution will be wisely used. “It’s good to have an emotional tie to the organizations and causes we support,” said Robbie Nicol, MBA, CFRE, executive director of the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Foundation. “However, your financial support should be thoughtfully considered and thoroughly researched. … [Read more...] about To Give or Not to Give: Here are the Questions to Ask
ERAU’s Golden Eagles Flight Team is Inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Golden Eagles Flight Team was inducted into the San Diego International Air & Space Museum’s Hall of Fame on Nov. 9. Since 1963, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 200 of the world’s most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, business leaders, preservationists, designers and space pioneers. The Golden Eagles is the winningest intercollegiate flying team of the last two decades, including 30 consecutive … [Read more...] about ERAU’s Golden Eagles Flight Team is Inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame
Social Media and the Importance of Content in 2018
Our world is changing faster than our ancestors ever imagined. The development of new technologies is accelerating at an exponential rate. Not only are phones getting bigger and faster but applications that most people use every day are changing in the blink of an eye. What used to be occasional and very thoroughly announced software updates are now sometimes no more than a tiny notification on a screen. While it can be difficult to keep track of all the changes, it is important to pay … [Read more...] about Social Media and the Importance of Content in 2018
The Secret Garden: Living Christmas Trees Planted 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 own privacy seemingly 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 … [Read more...] about The Secret Garden: Living Christmas Trees Planted as a Natural Screen
Reflecting on Traditions
This month holds so many wonderful traditions for families and communities. The drop of the Flagstaff pinecone on New Year’s Eve, the lighting of the Courthouse Square in Prescott, the celebrations that bring neighbors together – our traditions unite us during this festive season. At Northern Arizona University, we understand the power of traditions to create a shared experience and common goal. We carry that throughout every day, because our tradition is not limited to any specific holiday … [Read more...] about Reflecting on Traditions
Enjoying Arizona’s Christmas City During the Holiday Season
Nothing symbolizes Prescott more than the holiday activities that occur in our great city at this time of year. The annual Prescott Chamber Christmas Parade, the Christmas Courthouse Lighting, both on the first Saturday of December and the Holiday Light Parade on the last Saturday in November bring thousands of residents and visitors to our historic downtown to embrace the spirit of Christmas. These widely anticipated events kick-off a festive and joyous time in our community. It is almost … [Read more...] about Enjoying Arizona’s Christmas City During the Holiday Season
Deciding on the Right Boat, Barge or Big Ship
There are big ships, small ships, river boats, yachts, barges and sailboats. How do you know which one is best for you? Our goal is to match the right person with the right experience! There are many options out there. A bad vacation is not just a waste of your hard-earned money but a waste of time, which is almost worse, right? There are many river cruise companies out there. They cruise on the same rivers, the vessels are very similar in size but the experiences can be very different. What … [Read more...] about Deciding on the Right Boat, Barge or Big Ship
Enjoying the Holidays
Preparing for the holidays can be so stressful. It is not uncommon to anticipate and love all the holiday happenings and activities and yet feel that it has almost done you in by the time it’s all over. There is even a real condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This condition affects millions of people each year. An article on health.com offers several tips to combat the feelings of stress during the busy season. Here are a couple of interesting ones: Get out and get some … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Holidays
Understanding the Impacts of Tax Reform Legislation
In early November, the House GOP leaders took their biggest step yet in their attempt to overhaul the U.S. tax code by releasing legislation that proposes sweeping changes to the current system. The proposal unveiled a new top tax rate, new tax brackets, a lower corporate rate and a compromise on the state and local tax deduction. The implications of tax changes are widespread. The question that most households are asking is: “How is it going to affect me?” One of the changes in the spotlight … [Read more...] about Understanding the Impacts of Tax Reform Legislation