The risk of isolation, unfortunately, increases as we age. The social interactions we once took for granted can become challenging due to situations such as becoming a caregiver, the death of a loved one, financial struggles, discrimination, physical issues and transportation. Isolation and seniors can be a dangerous combination during the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states nearly one-fourth of adults ages 65 and older are socially isolated and are at a … [Read more...] about Aging Without Isolating: Living Your Best Life
Columnists
Valuing Staff Wellness
Seventy-five percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated.My first year in management, I learned the power of a happy and productive staff. We are only as good as our “weakest link.” Thirty years later, after managing hundreds of individuals, operational projects, productivity, budgets, marketing and sales strategies, the No. 1 priority is who we are for the teams that work with us. People want to be a part of something that matters, something that is greater than themselves and matches … [Read more...] about Valuing Staff Wellness
Volunteer Companions Needed for Isolated Seniors
You might be surprised to learn that the U.S. Census Bureau’s July 2022 population estimate reports that 53% of Yavapai County’s population is concentrated in the Quad Cities area. Nearly 34% of our 122,370 Quad Cities neighbors are age 65 or older. That’s 41,606 seniors, 3,328 of whom live in poverty. Our county’s 65+ population is nearly 32% of 232,400 residents, while state-wide, it’s 18%. 18,600 (8%) of seniors are widowed. Why is this data important? Prescott became a retirement … [Read more...] about Volunteer Companions Needed for Isolated Seniors
YCCA Providing Learning Opportunities, Construction Updates
Welcome to another edition of At Home with Tom and Sandy. We are here to give you the inside scoop on real estate, the construction industry, what’s up, what’s down, what’s hot and what’s not. We will share real estate stats, home prices, building permit numbers, construction pointers and give you hints on renovations that will give you a return on your investment. We will talk about products, how to take care of your home and so much more. Sandy: Fall is here Tom. Schools are back in … [Read more...] about YCCA Providing Learning Opportunities, Construction Updates
Getting Educated About Financial Planning
As we continue building our financial plan, we will now discuss a very important aspect for you to become successful. Education; yes, education. We will step out for you some things for you to consider. I always laugh when I hear someone say, “I can’t wait to get out of school.” Really? If you are not always learning, then you will not meet any of your goals let alone your financial goals. Learning is a lifetime journey. Whatever the method, whatever the experience. A wide variety of … [Read more...] about Getting Educated About Financial Planning
Celebrate Celery
While growing up, my best memories of celery were spread with cream cheese on a veggie platter. Peanut butter and raisins on top of celery was always a fun treat. That would be called “Ants on a Log.” My mother would also attach the food grinder to the table and begin placing multiple stalks of celery into the unit grinder for our Thanksgiving stuffing. I loved helping her with this project. As an adult and culinary specialist, I include celery in many of our recipes. I especially like … [Read more...] about Celebrate Celery
Eleven Fall Tips for Better Gardens
Autumn gardening is a great time to look back on garden successes and disappointments. There’s still plenty of time to do some garden maintenance. Fall gardening takes advantage of cooler temperatures and fewer weeds and insects. Putting the garden to bed is not as hectic as waking it up in the spring. You’ll have time to really see how your plants are doing. Here are some tasks to do now, to make next year’s garden brighter and better. Enrich garden beds with Watters Barnyard Manure. … [Read more...] about Eleven Fall Tips for Better Gardens
Undertaking the Updated General Plan
The City of Prescott is about to undertake the update and adoption of the 2025 General Plan. The General Plan is the public document that guides the future of a city. Per Arizona Revised Statutes, a city’s land development decisions must be consistent withthe adopted General Plan. Cities under a population of 50,000 must have the following elements in their plans: Land Use, Circulation, Open Space, Growth Areas, Environmental Planning, Cost of Development, and Water Resources. General Plans … [Read more...] about Undertaking the Updated General Plan
Going Back to the Workplace
Since the pandemic, we have seen the pendulum swing from the “Great Resignation” to the “Great Retention.” Now we are experiencing the “Great Return!” There are two sides to every coin – the front and the back. The front side of the “inflation coin” is the most obvious side that everyone talks about, such as the high prices at the grocery store and the gas pump. However, the back side doesn’t get as much attention, but it’s just as important – inflation is driving workers back to the … [Read more...] about Going Back to the Workplace
Exploring Arizona Philharmonic’s Community-Centric Vision
To understand Arizona Philharmonic’s vision for the Prescott fine arts community, it is helpful to hear executive director Henry Flurry speak of the orchestra’s culture of kindness. During AZ Phil’s founding, this culture began with respect and hospitality for the musicians. It quickly grew to include the audience, volunteers, staff, board members and the community. Community-Centric Vision Behind the orchestra’s goals of creating beautiful and transformative music is a multi-layered, … [Read more...] about Exploring Arizona Philharmonic’s Community-Centric Vision