Royal Plumbing & Rooter Services owner Gabriel “Gabe” Ontiveros’s career successfully came about when he took over his uncle’s business 19 years ago. “When my family and I visited Flagstaff in 1997, my uncle, Ruben, offered me a job at his plumbing business,” he said. “At the time, I was working at Smith Pipe and Supply as an irrigation warehouse manager in Oxnard, California. My kids were young and I thought Flagstaff would be a good city to raise them in. So, we moved here.” After … [Read more...] about Royal Plumbing Owner Chose Flagstaff for Family and Business
Spotlight
Former Wrangler Shares Grand Canyon Life Through Art
Although Artist Mary Lois Brown had never traveled more than 20 miles outside of her small town in Pennsylvania, a river trip at the Grand Canyon in the late 1970s swept her miles away to a new home and a new job. Not only did that trip spur a love for the canyon, but also a love for the mules. In 1981, Brown accepted a job as one of only two women wranglers at the Grand Canyon. “I wanted an outdoor job,” she said. “There was one other woman wrangler that year, Shirley Bell, but I was the … [Read more...] about Former Wrangler Shares Grand Canyon Life Through Art
Marlboro Man in Action at the Grand Canyon
Some boys do grow up to be cowboys, and some cowboys even grow up to be Marlboro men. Such was the case for Grand Canyon National Park Service (NPS) Wrangler Ed Forbis. Born on a ranch in Deer Lodge, Montana, from the brim of his hat to his well-worn boots, Forbis is a genuine cowboy. His warm country accent and perfectly-shaped thick cowboy mustache portray the rough cowboy on a bucking horse that he portrayed in Marlboro advertisements. “I grew up living next to Darrell Winfield, who … [Read more...] about Marlboro Man in Action at the Grand Canyon
Making Time Stand Still
Folks living in or wandering through Northern Arizona who want a break from the fast pace of daily life have a unique opportunity with a one-of-a-kind Bed and Breakfast in Prescott known as Foxbriar. Husband and wife owners Sandy Moss and Mike Shepard have literally made time stand still with the ambiance and antique clocks that adorn the space – none are wound or set. “This is our signal to guests to slow down, to savor life – in a setting not of this time or this place,” they say. That … [Read more...] about Making Time Stand Still
Challenges Ahead for Alzheimer’s Association Director
Lesley Jenkins, regional director for the Desert Southwest Chapter - Alzheimer’s Association, has a daunting task ahead. It involves creating more awareness and more support groups for what is becoming the most insidious illness attacking Arizonans – dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the state. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause – 60 to 80% – of all dementia cases. “Arizona leads the nation as the state with the highest growth rate of … [Read more...] about Challenges Ahead for Alzheimer’s Association Director
Tapping into the Superpowers of Science
Let’s get one thing straight. Christa Sadler is not that woman in the room in the suit and heels with perfectly manicured nails. “Just don’t make me wear make-up,” she pleaded upon accepting the request to lead the 2020 Flagstaff Festival of Science in the W. L. Gore & Associate’s Keynote Presentation. Sadler is most at home outdoors and happiest running rivers, guiding kayaking excursions, digging in the desert and hiking in the mountains. In her garage, she stores suitcases of fossils … [Read more...] about Tapping into the Superpowers of Science
Practicing Management by Walking Around
Edward Keable has had a lot of switchbacks he has had to conquer as the new Superintendent of the Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP), but without hesitation, he acknowledges that his new position is a “dream job.” “When I was offered this position, it took me less than a second to say yes,” he said. “I’m adapting quite well taking care of one of the world’s natural wonders. I have a great staff that’s helping me acclimate to the park as well as helping me make decisions. From the moment I got … [Read more...] about Practicing Management by Walking Around
Flagstaff Hails Historic Mead Culture
Originating more than 5,000 years ago, mead belongs at the very beginning of the long history of alcoholic libations enjoyed by humans. Mead is mentioned in history and mythology of the ancient cultures of India, China, Greece and Egypt. Simply put, mead is fermented honey, a honey wine made from just water, honey and yeast. Today, this ancient beverage is being showcased in a Viking-style, yet modern, setting in downtown Flagstaff. The new drinking hall, Drinking Horn Meadery, opened on … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Hails Historic Mead Culture
Capturing the Heart of Flagstaff
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
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