Julie Sullivan Brace is accustomed to wearing many hats. After 46 years as a highly successful art director and graphic designer, including 35 years in Northern Arizona, she is slowly and joyfully easing into retirement from her Shine Creative Industries design and marketing firm, as she builds a new venture, the Musical Meanderings Series, an extension of her Roots and Boots Music Camp (RBMC), started in 2019 and inspired by the bluegrass tradition. This musical move is not a big stretch, as … [Read more...] about Meandering with Music
Education
Watters Garden Center Cultivates the Next Generation
Families often hope that their children are able to make a good living without having to move away from their community. McKenzie Lain is fulfilling that dream as the third generation to dispense plants and local growing advice at Prescott’s Watters Garden Center. In 1962, Harold and Lorna Watters expanded their landscaping company to include a plant nursery on Plaza Drive. As it grew, the garden center at one time included a pet store and flower shop. The couple’s four daughters all pitched in … [Read more...] about Watters Garden Center Cultivates the Next Generation
Wilderness Expert Cody Lundin Offers ‘The Survival Show’
With summer heating up in Arizona, survival instructor Cody Lundin is well aware of how quickly a day hike can turn into an emergency situation. Having taught survival skills to thousands of people – ages 7 to 80 – for more than 30 years from his Prescott-based Aboriginal Living Skills School, Lundin is “deadly serious” about survival. Along with his many courses, he now offers a playful, yet informative, variety show. Like a good daypack, “The Survival Show with Cody Lundin” is neatly packed, … [Read more...] about Wilderness Expert Cody Lundin Offers ‘The Survival Show’
Promoting Space Travel with a Land-Use Ethic
Once again, cows and astronauts shared the high desert landscape of Babbitt Ranches as NASA, assisted by geologists from USGS, tested equipment, conducted moonwalking drills and practiced geology in preparation for Artemis 3, a crewed mission to the dark lunar south pole region, anticipated for 2026. The cattle seemed untroubled by the slow-moving visitors in spacesuits, a recurring event throughout the last half century. “I smile when I think about my grandad, John Babbitt, a quiet, … [Read more...] about Promoting Space Travel with a Land-Use Ethic
Lauren Mitchell Leads the Way in the YC Bachelor’s Degree Program
In January 2023, Yavapai College announced its first Bachelor of Science in Business degree, the first baccalaureate degree offered by a rural community college in Arizona. This spring, Prescott Valley resident Lauren Mitchell made history as the first to graduate with the new degree. In May, Senate Bill 1453 passed into state law allowing community colleges in Arizona to offer baccalaureate degrees. “After years of effort in this state, we are thrilled to receive this authorization. Yavapai … [Read more...] about Lauren Mitchell Leads the Way in the YC Bachelor’s Degree Program
Starting School with a Three-Pronged Plan
Working together, being prepared and focusing on safety are essential cornerstones for the Chino Valley Unified School District for the upcoming school year. New Superintendent Cindy Daniels says the district conducted a strategic planning meeting in May to chart the way forward and face challenges that include a shrinking budget and declining enrollment. Daniels, who has worked in the district for 16 years, most recently as assistant superintendent, says working together means the schools … [Read more...] about Starting School with a Three-Pronged Plan
Future Chefs, Firefighters, Paralegals Training at the Mountain Institute
From construction trades to aviation technology, welding to culinary skills, high school students in Prescott seeking career training classes have 26 programs from which to choose. Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District (MICTED) in Prescott teaches students from seven high schools in western Yavapai County. All of the courses, textbooks and supplies are free and transportation is provided. CTE courses are taught at the institute and the high schools, including Prescott, … [Read more...] about Future Chefs, Firefighters, Paralegals Training at the Mountain Institute
Grand Canyon Conservancy Hears of Grand Adventure
Award-winning photographer, filmmaker and author Pete McBride served as the keynote speaker for the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s (GCC) Grand Gathering 2024. Held at the Shrine of the Ages on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the event attracted members from around the country. They were treated to an informative and entertaining slide show by McBride, followed by a book-signing of his latest book, “The Colorado River: Chasing Water.” “It was an inspiring kick-off to the 2024 Grand Gathering … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Conservancy Hears of Grand Adventure
Free Garden Classes at Watters Garden Center
July 13 @ 9:30 am How to Heal Sick Plants You will have insights on water, disease and bugs that will make a difference in your gardens immediately. Plants are going to love you. July 20 @ 9:30 am - Living Walls & Privacy Barriers We share the fastest growing plants for fast screening. Block unsightly neighbors, enhance your view and cut noise and light pollution. Design experts are on hand for unique situations. July 27 @ 9:30 am – Top 10 Trees for Fresh Fruit The strongest fruit … [Read more...] about Free Garden Classes at Watters Garden Center
‘Missions and Madness’ Team-Building Game Now Available
A new kind of outdoor adventure leadership and team-building game, created by a Flagstaff martial arts trainer, is now available to play at home, at school, on the job or in the park. Missions and Madness is part scavenger hunt, part role-playing game and part boot camp. Morgan Boatman invented it to offer people of all ages and abilities a fun way to get outside, hone leadership skills, build community and get fit. “High-level military and martial arts training is not for everyone, but the … [Read more...] about ‘Missions and Madness’ Team-Building Game Now Available
