Montagne Vue Lavender Farm sells lavender in many forms: soap, lip balm, foot balm, linen and room spray, body butter, body oil and culinary lavender. Montagne Vue, French for Mountain View, is family owned and operated in Chino Valley by Janet and Brett Hall, and their son, Carter. Janet said their family gets help from family and friends when it comes time to plant and harvest. They have 1,500 plants that encompass five varieties of lavender. The farm is at 5,000 feet in altitude and … [Read more...] about The Color Purple
Education
Six ‘Universal Truths’ for Being Happier, Living Peacefully
Salsa Queen (Maharba) Zapata was in the United States illegally, had no education, didn’t speak English and grew up thinking she had no value. As author Michael Glauser tells her story: “After two divorces and seven children, she was in a complete state of despair and could see no way out of it. Then she met a friend named Jim, an incredible mentor to her, who said, ‘Well, what do you like to do? What are you good at?’ She said, ‘I know food. I know salsas.’ So they started making … [Read more...] about Six ‘Universal Truths’ for Being Happier, Living Peacefully
Getting Enough Vitamin D in Winter
You had planned to walk in your backyard garden this afternoon, with the winter sun enveloping you in a warm glow. But then, your plan is shattered by fast-approaching storm clouds. You seek shelter inside, just as rain lashes the windows. So much for your vitamin D exposure for today, you think. It’s true: winter weather often hampers the body’s opportunity for exposure to sunlight, a prime source of essential vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin. The timing of a lack of sun and … [Read more...] about Getting Enough Vitamin D in Winter
Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Destination
The past few months have seen major increases in visitation to unique educational experiences provided by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center (VVAC) in the heart of Camp Verde. Executive Director Monica Buckle attributes much of that increase to the “phenomenal” new location of the center in its new building at 460 W. Finnie Flat Road in the middle of town. “We ran out of space at our past site, so local donors have been exceptionally generous in helping us fund the new museum … [Read more...] about Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Destination
Knowing CPR for Pets
When Kate Klasen’s five-pound dog started choking one day, she knew the Heimlich Maneuver from teaching human CPR but didn’t know exactly how to apply it to her pet. While she was ultimately able to save her, she realized it wasn’t enough just to know the life-saving techniques that are applied to people. She needed to know more. Today, Klasen is an instructor at The Frontline Coalition, an organization that teaches CPR and first aid for pets. She says Pet CPR is similar to what we might … [Read more...] about Knowing CPR for Pets
Healthcare Frontlines Soon to Gain More Than Forty New Nurses
A passing score on a national exam is now the only thing separating 45 new Yavapai College Nursing Program graduates and their dreams of joining the healthcare frontlines. The 45 men and women representing both the YC Prescott and Verde Valley campuses celebrated their successful nursing student journeys with a traditional pinning ceremony Dec. 9 in the YC Performing Arts Center. The pinning of each graduate by one or a bevy of loved ones was a highlight of the ceremony that also featured … [Read more...] about Healthcare Frontlines Soon to Gain More Than Forty New Nurses
Yavapai College Announces Changes in Master Plan, Tuition, Partnerships
Over the past two months, Yavapai College leadership has approved a Campus Master Plan, increases in tuition and fees, and partnerships with several other community colleges, Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Commerce Authority. The Campus Master Plan (CMP) serves as a roadmap to help guide the college in its next several years, and incorporates YC’s Strategic Plan to determine where to invest resources in campuses and facilities. That plan, following several months of review by the … [Read more...] about Yavapai College Announces Changes in Master Plan, Tuition, Partnerships
Overgrown Property Becomes Productive Goat Farm
The age-old problem of eradicating deep-rooted weeds can be a real challenge, and finding solutions aren’t readily discovered via a Google search. When Goat Milk, Etc. owner Nancy Sheffert faced the plight of stubborn weeds on her Cornville property, a neighbor’s uncanny suggestion led to a prosperous venture for the native Californian. “My neighbor’s solution was to get a goat. ‘A goat?’ I asked. I’m a California beach bum. I don’t even know what a goat looks like,” she said. Within days, … [Read more...] about Overgrown Property Becomes Productive Goat Farm
Chino Valley K-9 Cop Team Tracks Lawbreakers
The K-9 cop and his trainer, Chino Valley Police Department Officer Steven Sellers, are doing so well that the department wants another K-9 unit, but that will take more funding and time. “Being a small town, we always need help with donations. We can use anything, whether it’s dog toys or funding for better training,” said Sellers, noting that individuals can simply walk into the police department to drop off donations. As the only K-9 officer in Chino Valley, Sellers is on call around … [Read more...] about Chino Valley K-9 Cop Team Tracks Lawbreakers
Arizona Nordic Village Announces Best Opening of the Season in Decades
All 45 miles of trails are groomed and open for cross- country skiing at Arizona Nordic Village. Longtime skiers are calling this the best season opening in more than 20 years. “Everybody is stoked!” said General Manager Theo Callan. “December snowstorms have kept the ski area blanketed. And cold temperatures, along with the masterful snow-farming skills of our groomers who are out there every evening, mean we are able to keep the snow where we want it!” Meanwhile, the Village’s first … [Read more...] about Arizona Nordic Village Announces Best Opening of the Season in Decades