His name might not sound familiar, but you can bet Matt Tantau has had an impact on thousands of lives. For more than two decades, he’s been quietly championing for access, equity and student success in higher education while working at Northern Arizona University. Tantau first came to NAU around 2000 to attend college. He fell in love with the campus and the community and never looked back. Originally from Exeter, California, a small town south of Fresno in the Central Valley, you can see why … [Read more...] about Matt Tantau Continues his Steady Influence on Northern Arizona Education
FBN Spotlight
A Real ‘Gneiss’ Guy
Northern Arizona holds epic opportunity for outdoor adventure – hiking, biking, camping, rafting, skiing and more – it’s all possible here and all impossibly good. Born and raised in Flagstaff, Santo Manone spends his share of time out there. From family exploits to his current summer gig as a river guide for Grand Canyon Youth, Manone is usually either on or planning the next adventure. Yet, something else is on his mind, too. “I always had some sort of bag I used to carry all of my things,” … [Read more...] about A Real ‘Gneiss’ Guy
Sean Openshaw Lives Life in Focus
Some might say the photography and cinematography of Sean Openshaw is an extension of his winsome personality. “My family is my inspiration,” he said. In his 35 years of professional photography, Openshaw’s resume reads like a novel of accomplishments. It’s an exhaustive list of serving in the military and working for newspapers and magazines – beginning as chief photographer for The State Press (Arizona State University newspaper) and moving on to chief staff photographer for Arizona Daily … [Read more...] about Sean Openshaw Lives Life in Focus
Lauren Hall Builds Stable Foundations for Children and Young Adults
What began as a vision for a unique therapy experience has grown into one of Northern Arizona’s most specialized pediatric therapy clinics. Dr. Lauren Hall, OTD, OTR/L, a Flagstaff-based occupational therapist, is the founder and owner of Stable Foundations Therapy, a business that merges her clinical training with her lifelong love of animals – especially horses. Established in 2020, SFT offers occupational and speech therapy services in East Flagstaff, operating with a distinct approach: the … [Read more...] about Lauren Hall Builds Stable Foundations for Children and Young Adults
From Corner to Comeback: Mayor Birdie is Preparing Winslow for Economic Growth and Generational Opportunity
Winslow Mayor Roberta “Birdie” Wilcox Cano is on a mission to grow the economy in the town and clear any obstacles out in the way. Mayor Wilcox Cano, who is starting her third term, said Winslow is wide open for business. One challenge, however, is that the town needs more electric power to support major employers. To resolve this, she and others are working with APS. “We’ll figure this out because we have everything else in place. We have the land and we have the water, thanks to having one … [Read more...] about From Corner to Comeback: Mayor Birdie is Preparing Winslow for Economic Growth and Generational Opportunity
Legacy of Fierce Apache Warrior Lives On
When Jerry “Geronimo” Martin speaks about his famous ancestor, he’s not sharing folklore – his goal is to set the record straight. The great-great grandson of the legendary Apache warrior and medicine man Geronimo, Martin has made it his life’s mission to tell the true story behind the man often misunderstood by history books. “What makes my grandfather the greatest warrior is that he was the last to stand for what he believed,” said Martin. “There are so many newspaper stories about Geronimo … [Read more...] about Legacy of Fierce Apache Warrior Lives On
Clay and Courage: Officer Emerson Ami Finds Peace in Pottery
Working in law enforcement can be stressful, so each officer must find a way to relieve stress. For Emerson Ami, creating his Hopi Tewa pottery has long been a stress reliever. Now, the pottery has turned into his passion and side business. Ami served as a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officer for 25 years. He retired from that position, but now works as a probation officer for the Hopi Courts. “I create an array of Hopi Tewa pottery. The process takes a day or two and it’s … [Read more...] about Clay and Courage: Officer Emerson Ami Finds Peace in Pottery
Bringing History to Life
An iconic and heart-wrenching photograph by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal entitled “Raising the Flag over Iwo Jima,” circa 1945, has been recreated as a mural on the east wall of the American Legion #25 in Cottonwood by famed Sedona artist and muralist Claudio Valdez. The portrayal is so realistic and lifelike that a local veteran told Valdez, “The only thing missing is the smell.” “It was a powerful experience painting this mural,” said Valdez. “Not only because I am an … [Read more...] about Bringing History to Life
Hopi Councilmember Cliff Balenquah Sees Economic Potential, Pushes for Smart Growth
Hopi Tribal Councilmember Cliff Balenquah says the Hopi Tribe has a lot of potential for economic development, but it has to overcome obstacles to reach that goal. Balenquah, who has served on the council on and off for the past 12 years, said the recent purchase of a hotel in Clarkdale was a positive step forward. He said other economic development opportunities include developing land between Flagstaff and Winslow just off I-40, which the tribe owns, and maybe purchasing Hank’s Trading Post, … [Read more...] about Hopi Councilmember Cliff Balenquah Sees Economic Potential, Pushes for Smart Growth
From Sleep Struggles to Superfoods: Nutrition Coach Helps Sedona Thrive
If you are wondering if chocolate eaten late in the day is keeping you up at night or looking for a supplement to support healthy sleep, Sedona Natural Grocers Nutrition Health Coach Nicolette “Nickie” Severa is your resource. Severa loves to educate customers about nutrition, and she takes her job seriously. “I’m motivated to learn all I can about the different foods and supplements that we sell so I can be a nutrition resource for our customers.” Severa says she can’t promise that any diet … [Read more...] about From Sleep Struggles to Superfoods: Nutrition Coach Helps Sedona Thrive
