George Breed is an 82-year-old who spends his time spreading love and wisdom as he walks about Flagstaff. He captures little moments on camera, which develop into big statements about the essence of the town. His warm smile is a joy to come upon, and he seems to be friends with everyone from business executives to river runners, from doctors to artists. But don’t be fooled by this kind, grandfatherly exterior. George Breed knows how to take people apart. Breed has spent a lifetime … [Read more...] about Capturing the Heart of Flagstaff
Community Profile
Mod Mom Furniture Designer Teams Up with Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Going from television sales in Chicago for the A&E network to stay-at-home mom in Los Angeles, Kiersten Hathcock was restless. “In addition to the fact that we needed to make up for my lost income, I realized quickly that I was wired to work and create. In 2006, I set up a garage sale and it looked like the display floor of The Gap. At that point, I knew I needed to do something to foster my creative side while I was home with the kids.” She also knew she needed toy storage for her young … [Read more...] about Mod Mom Furniture Designer Teams Up with Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Honoring the Power of ATHENA
Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D., believes it’s extremely important to support women in their professional interests and career choices, especially in male-dominated fields. “This support demonstrates to our society that there are options for women that both women and men may have never considered possible until they see women succeeding in these areas. We need to tell these stories so that we continue to change the narrative around how people view gender and the world in which we live.” Smith, … [Read more...] about Honoring the Power of ATHENA
Healthy Lifestyle Led Flagstaff Family to Olive Oil Business
They say you cannot buy good health, but for Scott McPeak and his son, Scotty, purchasing Olive the Best was one of the healthiest business decisions they’ve ever made. Diagnosed with weight-related diabetes, Scott McPeak, 57, had to make some crucial changes in his diet if he wanted to keep living. Turning to salads and vast amounts of veggies, he lost 80 pounds in four months. “I never had to do insulin, which was amazing,” he said. Wanting to dress his salads with something healthy, he … [Read more...] about Healthy Lifestyle Led Flagstaff Family to Olive Oil Business
Channeling the Force
The costume is very familiar and was fashioned from $12 worth of golden fabric and fitted with its iconic belt. Meet C-3PO, the life-sized droid hero, noted for his perfect etiquette and protocol, who has been featured in almost every Star Wars film since the franchise first screened in May 1977. It took Geri Hongeva, a Navajo woman from Flagstaff, two days to sew the costume in 2018, with the help of her son, who is more experienced in cosplay, the practice of dressing up as a character … [Read more...] about Channeling the Force
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
Training the Next
The searing flash of flames, the ground-shaking vibration, the deafening roar of engines – witnessing a space shuttle launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, is not something easily forgotten by most, but for Lauren Edgar, it was life altering. The then-second grader, who came to visit her grandmother in Florida, left her vacation with more than warmth in her heart. Little Lauren’s imagination was on fire. “That moment was pretty significant for me – the realization that there were people on … [Read more...] about Training the Next
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. 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 from the … [Read more...] about Hospitality from Kabul to the Grand Canyon
Ski Industry Offering Mountain Living, Outdoor Recreation
In his second season as assistant general manager at Arizona Snowbowl, Rob Linde said he is “living the dream.” “It is a new adventure for me and my family.” Linde’s duties include overseeing the day-to-day operation of the resort, which includes the ski school, food and beverage department, parking, the chairlifts and rental shop. During the busy season, Snowbowl employs 600 people. “It’s like a little city up there,” he said. “We have a lot of great employees. The ski business … [Read more...] about Ski Industry Offering Mountain Living, Outdoor Recreation
