Love of this community inspires Marla E. Jirak, Ph.D., to spend evenings at her sewing machine stitching colorful facemasks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Her labor of love so far has produced more than 300 masks and generated more than $1,000 for the Yavapai Community Food Bank. She also supplied free masks through a special donor to staff at Prescott’s Arizona Pioneers’ Home. “There’s not a thing I have not sewn,” said Jirak, an expert seamstress and former sewing methods engineer … [Read more...] about Behind the Mask
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Country Doctor Celebrates a Lifetime of Memories in Northern Arizona
For decades, retired physician and cattle rancher George Yard and his wife, Sharon, a nurse, have impacted the medical, educational and agricultural fields of both Yavapai and Coconino Counties, directly and indirectly. Though both had their primary careers in hospital medicine in Coconino County, they nevertheless owned and operated a large cattle ranch Yavapai County, just east of Paulden and west of Perkinsville. For 25 years, beginning in 1991, the Yards managed the Y Bar D Ranch and … [Read more...] about Country Doctor Celebrates a Lifetime of Memories in Northern Arizona
Medical Entrepreneur Opens Aesthetics and Wellness Business
Entrepreneur Phil Schafer, an experienced Prescott acute care and family nurse practitioner, recently opened his own business called Tri-City Aesthetics and Wellness, located at 212 S. Montezuma St, Suite 1. The medically trained, certified owner said, “Demand is beyond expectations for Botox and dermal fillers.” He adds his firm will specialize in helping people feel better about themselves. Schafer said, “We do this by providing top-notch, client-focused aesthetic services in a … [Read more...] about Medical Entrepreneur Opens Aesthetics and Wellness Business
Former Green Beret Tackling Jail Issues
The coming weeks and months will be demanding and intense, says Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chair Craig Brown. Requests continue to come in for more services and facilities. That, he says, coupled with what looks to be an aggressive political year, will heat up the governmental landscape. “The major issue we supervisors will face in the next month is looking toward the estimated $70 million bond issue to pay for a new jail in Prescott. Some have said we need to spend more, but I am … [Read more...] about Former Green Beret Tackling Jail Issues
Grand Canyon Saddle Maker Enjoying the Ride
Across from the Xanterra South Rim is a mule barn sitting on an inconspicuous lot at the Grand Canyon Village. The historic building was a blacksmith’s shop. Inside, the old wooden floors show their age, while the aroma of worked leather and mules give away its purpose. This is Joe Marshall’s territory: the Saddle Maker’s shop. Neatly arranged are leather straps and scraps, saddles, tools, machinery, a bottle of soda and a bag of chips. Like a Western Santa in his workshop, Marshall … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Saddle Maker Enjoying the Ride
PJ Connolly Scouts the Southwest for Picture Perfect Scenery
It is always fun when you know someone who “knows someone,” and PJ Connolly has known and worked for a lot of famous someones in Flagstaff and the Four Corners region. That is because it is the nature of the entertainment industry and his business, Locations Southwest and Production Services (LSW). Whether it is a commercial for Ford Motor Company, a feature film like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” or special projects like Will Smith celebrating his 50th birthday by bungee jumping out of a … [Read more...] about PJ Connolly Scouts the Southwest for Picture Perfect Scenery
A Legacy of Giving Back
Learning that Jim and Linda Lee had been named the 2019 Philanthropists of the Year by the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County was not a big surprise to those who have lived in the Quad Cities area for any length of time. For decades, the Lees have been major contributors to a diverse number of groups, organizations and individuals who benefit the greater region and, in some cases, the state. At the same time, the Lees have never sought honors or recognition for what they do as … [Read more...] about A Legacy of Giving Back
Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
A sign posted on the wall of the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop states, “Expect movement on any tracks from any direction…at any time.” Though a good reminder for engineers and mechanics working on the trains, the advice spells out sage wisdom for Bob Baker’s position as general manager of train operations as well. With responsibilities ranging from maintenance of the trains to ticketing, Baker has a lot of motion in his job. “I oversee the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel maintenance, safety, … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
Hospitality from Kabul to the Grand Canyon
Traveling almost 8,000 miles to fill his new position as food and beverage director for Xanterra at the Grand Canyon South Rim Lodges was an “easy” decision, says Todd Rodemyer, who left Kabul, Afghanistan, for the Grand Canyon. “It was the best move I’ve made yet and I really like it here.” While in Kabul, Rodemyer worked as a government contractor for the U.S. Embassy, managing the food service for the entire state department operation, which includes six dining facilities and catering … [Read more...] about Hospitality from Kabul to the Grand Canyon
Women Wranglers Managing Mules, Rugged Terrain, Treacherous Weather
The bravado of the women wranglers at the Grand Canyon is a fascinating account of courage, strength and travails, sometimes under severe climatic conditions that can develop in the famous canyon. Chelsea Plumb and Kricket Scheerer are two of the eight female wranglers employed by Xanterra Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Operations. “We get up around 3 a.m., head to the barn, clock in, load up the mules with panniers [bags] and pack supplies for Phantom Ranch,” said Plumb, who has worked at the … [Read more...] about Women Wranglers Managing Mules, Rugged Terrain, Treacherous Weather