Changing lives one plant at a time,” is the heart and goal of Spirit of the Canyon owner Stoney Ward, who has had a vision for hydroponic gardening since moving to Grand Canyon Junction (also known as Valle) four years ago. “I want to show people, especially school children, how to be healthier and how growing healthy foods such as microgreens is tasty, inexpensive and fast,” said Ward. Ward’s vision has mushroomed into teaching 7th, 8th and 9th graders at Grand Canyon School, where … [Read more...] about Stoney Ward Teaches Hydroponic Gardening Through Spirit of the Canyon
Community Profile
Sole Sister
Paula Sedillo Wise’s volunteer work with Tennies for Tots is a labor of love that has sprinted across Central and Northern Arizona. The program brings shoes to 3,000 children at 35 Headstart centers in Yavapai and Coconino counties as well as on the Navajo and Hopi reservations. Some days, she delivers hundreds of pairs and “the kids are thrilled,” she says. Sedillo grew up in Flagstaff, where her parents instilled in her the importance of helping others. That was reinforced in her for the … [Read more...] about Sole Sister
County Board of Supervisors Chair Prioritizes Service to Constituents
Longtime public servant Mary Mallory, currently chair of the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors (BOS), credits her childhood experience for inspiring her to focus on serving others in whatever way she could. Mallory did not have a typical childhood. Her father was in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a Philippine Theater war prisoner at the notorious Bataan Death Camp March when the war ended in 1945. He was released and returned to California. He never regained his health and was … [Read more...] about County Board of Supervisors Chair Prioritizes Service to Constituents
Promoting Camp Verde’s Economic Development, Recreation, Smart Growth
The simple, childlike words of Dr. Seuss have become a powerful modus operandi for the Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Director, Steve Ayers. Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better…it’s not… - The Lorax “That has been my motto since I accepted this position in 2013,” said Ayers. “This job wasn’t what I aspired to do, but when the previous economic director resigned, she approached me and suggested I apply. She felt I would be a good … [Read more...] about Promoting Camp Verde’s Economic Development, Recreation, Smart Growth
Jeff D’Arpa is the Man Behind the Adventure
Going to work in places where he could play is what Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel General Manager Jeff D’Arpa had in mind while growing up, and that’s exactly what happened. With ski resorts, national parks, hotels and now the Polar Express and Grand Canyon Railway in his professional queue, D’Arpa has completed 25 years with the Xanterra Travel Collection. In his new position as Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel General Manager, D’Arpa oversees 280 to 340 employees and said, “The team I … [Read more...] about Jeff D’Arpa is the Man Behind the Adventure
Retiring the Voice of County Health
Some may think only the past couple of years have been truly challenging for those involved in public and community health. Terri Farneti likely will disagree with those folks. She’s been directly involved with public health issues for the past 16 years. It was only two months ago, in fact, that she retired from the intensity of those pressures escalated by the pandemic. Before that, other health concerns kept her constantly reacting. For 16 years, Farneti has been integral in alerting … [Read more...] about Retiring the Voice of County Health
Called to the Stage
Stage actress Robyn Allen has spent more than 30 years in the entertainment industry, but says she had to overcome her shyness to perform. “I was always very shy,” she said, “but if I had written a poem, I would just stand up and recite it in front of my relatives. I think that’s how they tricked me into auditioning for plays in school.” Soon she found her own trick, which was to become completely immersed in the character and stay focused. Allen shared her story with more than 100 … [Read more...] about Called to the Stage
Retired L.A. Detective Stuns with ‘Bombshell’
Delving deep into political intrigue energizes Mike Rothmiller, a former Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detective, who, in 1977 at age 27, had been the youngest person assigned to the department’s Organized Crime Intelligence Division (OCID). The division armed a succession of LA police chiefs with intelligence to peddle influence and intimidate opponents, Rothmiller said. Among about 70 detectives active during Rothmiller’s five-year tenure, he noted, not one arrest was made. “Going … [Read more...] about Retired L.A. Detective Stuns with ‘Bombshell’
ERAU Chancellor Ranks Among ‘Most Influential Women in Arizona’
Anette Karlsson arrived in Prescott on Aug. 1, 2019, as chancellor of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Prescott campus. She pledged a university education that was personal, student-focused and totally immersive. She also emphasized the continuation of rigorous learning experiences that had positive educational and economic impacts on Arizona and the nation. Though barely known in Arizona when she arrived, a year later, she was named one of 2020’s “Most Influential Women in … [Read more...] about ERAU Chancellor Ranks Among ‘Most Influential Women in Arizona’
Enjoying the Ride
Thinking about surfing in Northern Arizona may sound a bit unusual, but according to outdoor recreationist Nicolas Sutherland, riding his Soledaddy Longboard here “is the closest you can get to riding the ocean waves.” “I heard about Soledaddy Longboards at Aspen Sports,” said Sutherland. “The board is handmade, beautiful and rides like a dream, and I love the retro look, so I knew I had to give them a try. It’s so much fun carving down hills with its flexible deck and extra-long shape. I’ll … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Ride