Category: News

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Provides Membership Update and Holiday Giving

We are so excited to be continuing all of the good cheer and celebration that came with honoring our 50th anniversary this year.  As a part of that we welcomed many new sponsors and members- please see here.

Receiving feedback from many of our members, understanding the current economic uncertainties, and demonstrating a strong desire to partner w, trust and support our members- the board approved some creative edits and price adjustments to our group memberships.  Please see here for more information.

Lastly, as the Holiday Season is among us, we thought of a creative way for you to share CCC&Y with loved ones.  This will not only support our Giving Tuesday and Year-End giving….it will strengthen the reach and interconnectedness of the coalition in preparation for our next 50 Years!!!  

You can go to our membership page to purchase individual, family and organization memberships as a gift….just make sure to click the “this membership is a gift” box.

With Gratitude for all of you!!

Remember, CCC&Y is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status-so your contributions are tax deductible eligible. Please consult your tax professional.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — omorrow’s Open House POSTPONED

Illness has struck at ECoNA and, as a result, we must regretfully postpone our Open House and Holiday Celebration, which had been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at the ECoNA office.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

As soon as these flu-like symptoms pass, our party will be rescheduled so we can celebrate the season and this year’s accomplishments with you.

Stay Tuned

and Thank You for your patience.

Board of Supervisors Now Accepting Applications to Fill Vacant Office of Justice of the Peace

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will begin accepting applications from interested parties to fill the vacant office of Justice of the Peace in Page, Ariz.

The sudden passing of Page Justice of the Peace Donald G. Roberts before the November 8 election caused a vacancy of his judicial position. Although there were official write-in candidates in the election, a majority of voters in Page precincts re-elected Roberts posthumously to recognize his many years of service and dedication to the Page community. Per the laws of the State of Arizona, when a deceased candidate receives the highest number of votes the election is deemed not valid. 

Sedona Arts Center — Special screening with artist George Anthony Morton this Friday

An HBO documentary Film, “Master of Light”, will be coming to Sedona for a special impact screening with artist George Anthony Morton at the Mary D. Fisher Theater on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.
 
The screening is free of charge and presented by the Sedona International Film Festival, Sedona Arts Center, and Northern Arizona Restorative Justice.
 
“Master of Light” follows George Anthony Morton, a classical painter who spent 10 years in federal prison for dealing drugs. While incarcerated, he nurtured his craft and unique artistic ability. Since his release, he is doing everything he can to defy society’s unlevel playing field and tackle the white-dominant art world. Now, back in his hometown of Kansas City, he’s on a journey to break cycles of intergenerational trauma and incarceration, too.

The NAU Review — A grad says no to the familiar, the effect of grazing on drylands and the anthropology of Star Trek

Valerie Pietrczak, who graduates in December, has kept busy during her time at NAU. She’s had three internships, including a six-month stint at Audi HQ in Germany; she is in the NAU Wind Symphony, which went to the national championship this year; and she’s a member of the Honors College. As for what’s next, well, figuring that out is part of the fun.

City of Flagstaff — Applications due by 4 p.m. Dec. 19 for American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to support housing assistance programs

The City of Flagstaff Housing Section (the “City”) is pleased to announce the availability of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“Local Recovery Funds”) to support Housing Assistance projects, programs, and services (“Projects”).

Applications Due: December 19, 2022 by 4:00pm

The City is seeking partners for eligible projects for the purpose of providing housing assistance to City of Flagstaff residents. The purpose of the Projects must be to respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by helping households recover from economic impacts, particularly disproportionately impacted low-income workers and people of color.

Support Friends of Flagstaff’s Future on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29)!

Join the Giving Tuesday global movement and support your local nonprofits!

Please consider supporting the work of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future as we educate & advocate for policies and decisions that will lead Flagstaff towards a more sustainable, resilient, and just community.

Help us reach our year-end fundraising goal of $5,000.
 

Your donation and/or membership will go directly towards:

Ensuring that City Council and officials hear the voices of the Flagstaff Community in 2023 about these important issues:

United Way of Northern Arizona and Giving Tuesday — 3 Reasons to Step Up

The countdown has begun!

#GivingTuesday is the world’s largest day of giving when millions will be making a difference by donating to their favorite nonprofits.

We hope that you’ll join us and support United Way of Northern Arizona. Every donation, big or small, makes a huge difference. Together we can Step Up for Our Community by:

Supporting early childhood development and programs like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Promoting positive youth development by providing our youth with the mentorships and initiative that help them fulfill their potential.
Providing safety and security, including assistance during times of emergency.

Thank you for considering UWNA for your #GivingTuesday contribution on Nov. 29.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday!

Buy a gift for yourself on Cyber Monday, but don’t forget to share the love with others tomorrow, on Giving Tuesday! 
 
Exciting news! Your gift to the Link Up music education program has the chance to be DOUBLED thanks to a generous donor who has committed to match the first $2,500 raised. 

So what’s all this again? 

Tomorrow, as people around the world support important causes, donate to the FSO Link Up program and help give children across the Northern Arizona Region access to the music education they deserve. 

We’ll be in touch again soon to ring in Giving Tuesday. Get ready, it’s going to be one inspiring day of giving! 

Coconino County Board of Supervisors to Canvass Election Results in Special Session, at 10 a.m. Nov. 28

All ballots in Coconino County have been counted and unofficial results have been posted on the Elections Office website at www.coconino.az.gov. The next step in the election process is for the Board of Supervisors to canvass and certify the results and transmit them to the State. 

“The canvass is a culmination of all the data generated during an election cycle,” according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. “The canvass process aggregates and confirms every valid ballot cast and counted, including mail, uniformed and overseas citizen, early voting, Election Day, and provisional ballots.

Cultural Demonstrator Series transitions to Grand Canyon Visitor Center for winter season starting Dec. 2

Starting on Dec. 2, 2022, through Feb. 26, 2023, the Cultural Demonstrator Series will transition to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC) on the South Rim. Every Friday through Sunday, artists from traditionally associated tribes of Grand Canyon will be in the lobby from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Moving demonstrations from the Desert View Watchtower to the GCVC will increase interactions with artists and the public during months of slower visitation. After Feb. 26, 2023, the Cultural Demonstrator Series will transition back to the Desert View Watchtower.

Coconino County Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

All Coconino County Administrative Offices and the County Attorney’s Office will be closed Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be closed on Thursday and open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, with limited staffing. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial (928) 774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y thankful to friends, community partners and organizations dedicated to helping children and youth in Coconino County

As we prepare to celebrate the upcoming holiday weekend, there are many reasons for us to be thankful here at the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. At the top of that list are the many friends, community partners and organizations who have supported us over the past year in our mission to “… ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.”

Our recent 50th anniversary celebrationemphasized the love and support this organization has received over the years as we seek to support the children and youth throughout Coconino County in the face of a variety of economic, health and social pressures facing local families.

For the more than a half-dozen years I have been with the Coalition, I’m thankful for the joy of being with a non-profit organization where each day I get to work in concert with people from all walks of life who are dedicated to serving children and families in the region. They include talented volunteer board members and executive directors and representatives from a variety of organizations who share their time and information during a number of monthly video remote, conference calls and in-person resource meetings, community health and information fairs and back-to-school events.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 21-25, 2022

As of November 17, Coconino County is now in Medium CDC Community Level. This change is not unexpected. We have seen COVID spikes in the fall for the last two years, and unfortunately, this year this has happened a little earlier than in past years. As a reminder, the CDC and World Health Organization still considers us to be in a pandemic, and that it does not look to be ending anytime soon.

The DOI has set specific guidelines for us to follow based on the CDC Community Level. The primary change for Medium Community Level is to communicate the concerns of spreading COVID and areas where people gather. Therefore, we will post new signs on all building entrances that state that we are in Medium CDC Community Level, and we encourage individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to practice physical distancing from others in indoor common areas. Additionally, all building entrances should have signs stating that masks are optional and to practice physical distancing.

Finally, the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones is to be vaccinated and boosted. If you have not received the newly developed and distributed COVID bivalent vaccine, we encourage you to do so. These vaccines have been scientifically proven to be safe and to help prevent COVID illness—and, for those that do become sick, the bivalent vaccine helps protect from serious or long-term COVID illness.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Happy Thanksgiving from ECoNA

As we prepare to spend time with family and friends, sharing love and thoughts of gratitude, we wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and let you know how grateful we are for all of you.

We also are looking forward to seeing you next week at our Holiday Open House from 3 – 5 pm on Thursday, December 1. If you haven’t had a chance to RSVP yet, click here for more information and to register.

Until then, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Gail Jackson

President & CEO

ECoNA

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29)

After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the back-to-back days of deals, join us in kicking off the holiday giving season on Giving Tuesday (November 29th)! 

On this global day of giving, we’re raising $5,000 to give 3500+ children the life-changing gift of participating in Link Up, an interactive and educational program with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. With busing transportation provided, kids can participate in the culmination of what they’ve been learning all year from the Carnegie Hall classroom activities! 

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Breaking! Match gift on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29) doubles your impact!!

The Flagstaff Festival of Science needs your help to give kids the opportunity to find their moment of inspiration! That inspiration could be a pathway to their future career and the Festival is making those connections happen — but we need your help to reach our funding goal!

In our program connecting science professionals with classrooms, students are exposed to a plethora of topics including geology, engineering, biology, archaeology and more! Throughout the fall semester, we match scientists with classrooms in northern Arizona and kids get the chance to learn about STEM careers.

The NAU Review — XC champions, tips for hosting Thanksgiving and the importance of shopping small this holiday season

After stellar performances by runners Nico Young and Drew Bosley (who placed second and third, respectively), the men’s cross country team defended their title as national champions, winning for the third consecutive year. The women placed sixth—the team’s best finish since 2007. This is only the fourth time in program history that both teams have placed in the top 10 and the first time that both teams have placed in the top six.

Announcement Regarding the Rural County Alternative Prosecution and Diversion Grant Program

The Coconino County Attorney’s Office, in partnership with Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), is pleased to announce the awarding of $2.1 million by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission as part of the Rural County Alternative Prosecution and Diversion Grant Program. This funding will be used to support Phase I of a data-driven intervention project which will focus on reducing the occurrence of criminal behavior while also combatting recidivism in our community.

As part of Phase I, our partnership will begin collecting and processing data to identify social determinates of criminogenic behavior across several communities within Coconino County, with a focus on Health as a determining factor.

Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown Flagstaff, Arizona’s Winter Wonderland

The Holidays are here and Downtown Flagstaff is ready to celebrate and create lasting memories! ‘Tis the season to celebrate with friends and family, shop local, support small businesses, give back and have some FUN!!! Downtown Flagstaff is the place to be this Holiday season, be sure to mark your calendars for the following events!

Grand Canyon National Park seeks public comments on Wetland Statement of Findings

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment on a Wetland Statement of Findings for the Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline project. Public comments on the proposed action will be accepted Nov. 21 until midnight, Dec. 23, 2022.

The proposed Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline project is designed to relocate the potable water intake in the park, which supplies the South Rim and Cross Canyon Corridor, from Roaring Springs to an area at Bright Angel Creek near Phantom Ranch. Additionally, the project will replace the water distribution pipeline between Phantom Ranch and Havasupai Gardens (formerly known as Indian Garden), abandon or remove over time 7.5 miles of pipeline from Phantom Ranch to Cottonwood Campground, and reuse 1.5 miles of pipeline for slip-lining a smaller waterline from Cottonwood Campground to Roaring Springs.

City of Flagstaff Thanksgiving closures

City administrative offices will be closed Nov. 24 and 25, 2022 for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen on Nov. 28, 2022. Operating hours for other City of Flagstaff facilities are listed below.

Indian Garden Now Officially Called Havasupai Gardens

The U.S. Board of Geographic Names voted unanimously (19-0) earlier this month in favor of the formal request submitted by the National Park Service on behalf of the Havasupai Tribe to change the name of Indian Garden (FID #6209) to Havasupai Gardens.

Earlier this year, the Havasupai Tribe passed Resolution 29-21 which provided a formal request to the National Park Service to change the name. Havasupai Gardens is along the Bright Angel Trail and is a frequent stop for day hikers and backpackers exploring the backcountry of Grand Canyon.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors to Appoint Page Justice of the Peace

Many voters in Page are aware that former Page Justice of the Peace Donald G. Roberts passed away suddenly prior to the November 8 election. Due to the timing of his death, his name had already been printed on the election ballots. 

Although there were other write-in candidates that applied and were approved to run in the election, the preliminary election results indicate that a majority of voters in Page precincts voted for Judge Roberts posthumously to recognize his many years of service and commitment to the Page community. 

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 16th Edition

In this edition…
• Message from Jeronimo
• Short-Term Flood Mitigation Projects
• District 2 Highlights
• Service Positions Open in District 2
ª Services and Programs
ª And more!

Message from Jeronimo

Photo: Jeronimo Vasquez and father Dr. Miguel Vasquez.

Hello Everyone! Happy November! I wanted to give a special
thank you to everyone who came to the community barbeque
and all those who supported the event. I am glad we were able
to come together and spend time as a community. We have
gone through many obstacles this year and it is important to
unite and recognize all we have been through. We have been
able to overcome and remain resilient. We are a community
and together we are stronger. I am here for you all, so please
remember to email me with any concerns you may have that
we can get working on!

Coconino County Amends Winter Parking Ordinance

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved amendments to the County’s annual Winter Parking Ordinance at their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2022; amendments that will enable the Sheriff’s Office to enhance enforcement during the winter recreation season with the goal of increasing public safety on County roads and rights of way. 

Each year during the Winter season, Coconino County becomes a recreation destination for many visitors from across Arizona, nationwide, and internationally. With numerous natural areas suited for snow play located close to County-maintained roads, rights of way, and private property, Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll believes the added enforcement is necessary to ensure the public’s safety.

City of Flagstaff Snow Play Information

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites you to stay and play responsibility this winter. Please view our winter recreation map here or below for more information.  

Bilingual report — Coconino County Board Approves Federal Grant to Create Family Treatment Court

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved receipt of a Department of Justice grant in the amount of $250,000 to create a Family Treatment Court program in the County. 

This specialized court, operated through the County’s Juvenile Court, is a voluntary court-supervised program for parents with an open dependency case in which the state Department of Child Services (DCS) has removed the children from the household. In Coconino County, it is estimated that 85% of family court cases involve a substance abuse allegation, requiring DCS to intervene. 

This federal pass-through grant enables the County to provide substance abuse treatment support and fill a Peer Recovery Support Specialist position to provide lived-experience consultation to program participants. 

“I want to thank our family court. This is another example of how Coconino County keeps families together for the well-being of the whole community,” said District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 14-18, 2022

ark visitors and residents are invited to attend a special celebration in honor of Native American Heritage Month. The event takes place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium, beginning at 6:30 pm, and promises to be an evening filled with cultural dancing and perspectives.

Four dance groups will perform:

The Dineh’ Tah Navajo Dance Troupe,
The Hopi Sinom Traditional Singers & Corn Dancers,
The Guardians of Grand Canyon – Havasupai Ram Dancers,
and the Dishchii’bikoh – Apache Crown Dancers.
Grand Canyon’s Indigenous employees and community members have presented this annual event for more than 20 years. It is free, open to the public, and is sponsored by Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy, as well as local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

CFProductions LLC announces official selection of ‘Why Do Navajo Men Have Long Hair?’ at LA Skins Fest

CFproductions LLC is proud to announce the premiere screening of “Why Do Navajo Men Have Long Hair?” (working title), a short 8-minute documentary starring Steve Darden, Makaius Marks, Makairyn Marks, Darrell Marks, and directed by Cherylee Francis, at the historic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood on November 19, 2022, 3PM – 5PM.

“Why Do Navajo Men Have Long Hair?” is about MAKAIUS & MAKAIRYN MARKS, two Navajo (Diné) brothers ridiculed for keeping their
long hair as they choose to carry on the Navajo
traditional hairstyle, the Navajo (Diné) bun, called a tsiiyééł. Aware of the treatment of his sons’, DARRELL MARKS (father), travels with his children to visit Navajo (Diné) Cultural Expert, STEVE DARDEN, to gain valuable traditional teachings on why Navajo (Diné) men have the right to have long hair.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Sets Legislative Agendas

Each year, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors directs the establishment of legislative agendas and priorities to advocate with our state and federal legislators and administration partners. 

State and federal action can affect the County’s ability to develop and deliver services and resources needed in communities across Coconino County, in addition to removing obstacles to delivering those services. 

“These legislative agendas and priorities represent a robust County advocacy program at both the state and federal levels with particular focus on securing post-wildfire flood mitigation funding, enhancing the pace and scale of the forest restoration industry, and ensuring adequate resources to assist communities with disaster recovery,” said Board of Supervisors Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) announces Open House on Dec. 1

Join us for an Open House and Holiday Celebration at the ECoNA office in the Historic Ice House in downtown Flagstaff.

Check out the new conference room, warm up at the hot cocoa bar, and celebrate the accomplishments of 2022!

Plus, update your headshot for the New Year. We’ll have a photographer on site taking photos on a first come, first serve basis, so wear your business best.

Coconino County Center for the Arts presenting NAU’s Robert Neustadt’s talk ‘Re-weaving the Social Fabric: Artisans Beyond Borders’ in-person, via Zoom on Nov. 17

Robert Neustadt, of NAU’s Latin American Studies, will present the in-person and virtual Zoom talk: “Re-weaving the Social Fabric: Artisans Beyond Borders” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 as part of the Coconino County Center for the Arts’ exhibit “25 Million Stitches: One Stitch, One Refugee.”

Neustadt will tie together instances of art about textiles and refugees, including Valarie James’ ‘Artisans Beyond Borders’ and Jennifer Kim Sohn’s ‘25 Million Stitches.’

The NAU Review — Planetary space exploration, honoring Gold Axe winners and other graduating seniors and the politics around the World Cup

Space exploration goes underground

For millennia, caves have served as shelters for prehistoric humans. Caves have also intrigued scholars from early Chinese naturalists to Charles Darwin. Cave ecologist Jut Wynne has been in and out of these subterranean ecosystems, examining the unique life forms—and unique living conditions—that exist in Earth’s many caves. But what does that suggest about caves on other planetary bodies? In two connected studies, Wynne, along with dozens of co-authors including engineers, astrophysicists, astrobiologists and astronauts, lay out the research that needs to be done to get us closer to answering the age-old question about life beyond Earth.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport holiday travel tips

Ahead of the upcoming holiday season, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport reminds travelers to arrive 90 minutes before departure to ensure a seamless experience during this busy travel period. New airline regulations do not allow passengers to check in or check bags less than 45 minutes before domestic departures or one hour for international travelers.

“New regulations require strict cut off times for checked baggage to run required reports regarding aircraft weight prior to take off,” said Barney Helmick, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Director. “Flying out of Flagstaff is a seamless option for your holiday travel and we thank folks for flying Flagstaff.”

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Shows Support for United Way Annual Giving Campaign

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously enacted a proclamation on November 15, 2022, officially recognizing the United Way of Northern Arizona as an essential non-profit partner and lending the County’s support to the organization’s annual Fall Giving Campaign. 

The United Way of Northern Arizona has been a long-time non-profit partner with Coconino County, coordinating volunteer efforts during and after emergencies, as well as providing financial and other assistance to members of the community in need.

United Way of Northern Arizona — UWNA Means Community Impact

Here’s the power of Community Impact:

A woman in Flagstaff is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, devastating her teenage daughters. Because of you, the family is able to access free support groups and classes to help them cope during treatment and beyond. Ultimately, the daughters help form a support group specifically for children of cancer patients, paying it forward by helping other teens.

A homeless man, wheelchair bound and in bad health, arrives at a shelter in Holbrook. Because of you, the shelter places him in a housing unit for veterans close to a grocery store and gets him connected with community and medical services nearby. There he begins to rebuild his life.

A second-grader at Thomas Elementary School proudly places a sticker in his lesson chart, showing that he has finished reading another book. He eagerly chooses his next book adventure. Because of you, we are able to support the “raising readers” program to foster a love of learning.

More Than $8 Million Awarded to Coconino County Education Service Agency to Fund Six Projects

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is pleased to announce that the Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA) in partnership with Yavapai County Education Service Agency (YCESA), was awarded six grants totaling more than $8.3 million from the Arizona Department of Education. 

The six grants awarded in Coconino and Yavapai counties support elementary and secondary schools’ programs and services benefiting children, families, and the teaching community in Coconino County. The grant funding will enhance K-5 literacy programs; early childhood STEM education and literacy development; mental wellness in K-12 schools; retention of educators through the development of mentorship programs; and further development of the “Grow Your Own Pathways” program to support non-certified staff and high school students in their pursuit of careers in education.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y committed to using, sharing evidenced based and informed prevention strategies

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has a long history of utilizing evidenced based and informed prevention strategies. From the 50 year longitudinal study in Kauai that informed resilience research to what is known about the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), CCC&Y has been committed to understanding and sharing this information with the community.

Our 2020 assessment combines national and local data. It sets the stage for a unique road map for using trauma-informed and adverse childhood experience knowledge as a prevention plan. The research field contains much information about the effects of childhood experience on later outcomes, but this report uniquely uses that knowledge, especially what is known about developing resiliency, and puts it to use in the prevention field.

Click here for more information about the prevention frameworks CCC&Y has used; Strengthening Families Protective Factors, Self-Healing Communities, and the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets 

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Scientists in Classroom Inspire Awe and Wonder

As students file into their 4th grade class at Sechrist Elementary, a photo of molten lava is streaming out of a volcano. “Volcanoes are Awesome!” is written across the top. There is a presenter at the front of the class that the kids aren’t familiar with, but that cool photo with hot lava catches their attention! Today, volcano expert, Greg Vaughan, is speaking to the class today about his work.

“What is a volcano?” he asks. Hands across the room shoot up. “Yes,” says Greg pointing to a student. “A mountain with lava inside;” “A mountain that was formed by tectonic plates and the magma has erupted.” He asks them what comes out of volcanoes and students guess ash, lava, smoke. Greg passes around ashes and a “volcano bomb” and each student can touch and hold items that were once inside of volcanoes!

The NAU Review — Expanding A2E to Arizona’s tribes, what to know about NaNoWriMo and a National Recycling Day quiz

President José Luis Cruz Rivera and Vice President for Native American Initiatives Ann Marie Chischilly announced Monday that NAU’s popular Access2Excellence program, which provides a tuition-free education for Arizona students from households with an annual income of $65,000/year or less, will now be expanded to first-time undergraduate students who are members of Arizona’s federally recognized Native American tribes. The program, which goes into effect in Fall 2023, reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to Native American and Indigenous students.

Coconino County Parks and Recreation Memories

Memories of 2022

Coconino County Parks and Recreation supports the community year-round. Have you enjoyed Coconino County arks and natural areas this year? Did you attend a program, like one of the archery clinics or a standup paddleboard class? Did you enjoy events like Pickin’ in the Pines or the Coconino County Fair? Have you enjoyed hiking, wildlife watching, or other recreational activities? We would love to see your memories! Submit your favorite Coconino County parks and natural areas photos for a chance to be featured in our newsletter and social media! Email your photos to cdonaldson@coconino.az.gov.

Whether you enjoyed the summer sun, captured wildlife sightings, watched the autumn leaves, or attended a program or event, we want to celebrate memories of Coconino County Parks and Recreation!

Coconino High School students celebrate el Día de los Muertos with inaugural shoebox ofrenda competition

Spanish language and English learning students at Coconino High School celebrated el Día de los Muertos with an inaugural shoebox ofrenda competition with the winners selected on Friday, Nov. 4.

The 2022 winners are:

First place: Olivia Hernandez and Ciara Kitterman
Second place: Alexandra Villareal and Abigail Lopez
Third place: Aris Lerma

The students were allowed to pick any family member, celebrity, or notable person for their entry, and were required to write up the information in Spanish or English and their home language. Entries from English learners included Chinese and Ukrainian as well.

The competition, which was displayed at the CHS library, with students using QR codes to vote for the winners, also featured students from the classes of English Learner Teacher Erin Fagan and Spanish Teacher Olaya “Lizett’ Castruita, who has created a full-size ofrenda in her classroom for many years.

19th annual Celebraciones de la Gente receives media coverage

As preparations begin for the 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona in October 2023, local media interviewed and photographed members of partner organization Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, museum officials, performers and participants during the recent celebration held on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29, 30 at the museum. See links to coverage below.

The event was preceded by a “Celebraciones” concert, held on Oct. 28, presented by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, the Museum of Northern Arizona and in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

Coconino County Buildings to be Adorned in Green Lights through Nov. 13 to Honor Nation’s Veterans

By an official, unanimous proclamation of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, 15 buildings and facilities throughout Coconino County will be illuminated with green lights from November 7 through 13 as part of Operation Green Light. The buildings will include the County Courthouse Clock Tower and Administrative buildings in downtown Flagstaff, the Justice Center in Williams, the Public Library in Tuba City, the Justice Court in Fredonia, and many more. 

Operation Green Light is a new national initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to recognize U.S. military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families. 

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. 

CCC student receives job offer at Findlay Honda

The blue and white building stood tall and impressive. The signature emblem “H” hung over the glass doors. The front entrance was lined with new Honda models; shiny and ready to hit the road. General Manager Jacob Lundie and his newest hire Daniel Rojas a towering young man with the biggest smile stand in the grand foyer of the auto dealership on Flagstaff’s east side.

Lundie and Rojas met on September 7, 2022, at the Coconino Community College Student’s First Celebration. The event, put on by the CCC Foundation, serves as an opportunity for scholarship donors to meet and celebrate scholarship recipients.  Rojas, a student speaker at the event, accepted the Distinguished Service Scholarship, given each year in honor of the Distinguished Service Award recipient, which was awarded to Robby Findlay of the Findlay Automotive Group.

Lundie said, “Daniel gave his speech and I just remember thinking how great it was to see him get out of his comfort zone and deliver a speech to all of his peers and faculty at his new school.” Lundie was so impressed he offered Rojas a job with Findlay.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — In-School Science Talks: Connecting Students to Scientists

Research has shown that people often have stereotypical views of what a scientist looks like and what they do.  For many people, especially young people this view is of a “mad scientist” with wild eyes, white hair sticking up all over their heads, wearing a lab coat, and holding bubbling flasks.  This person is also almost always male.  In recent years projects like “I Am a Scientist” (https://www.iamascientist.info/) have been working to broaden people’s conceptions not only of what scientists look like, but also what they do. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 7-11, 2022

Honoring our NPS Veterans

Through legislation passed 68 years ago on June 1, 1954, November 11 became Veterans Day—a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

At Grand Canyon, we deeply appreciate our veterans for their military service and their continued service as NPS employees. We are thankful for their sense of comradery, mission focus, and can-do attitude, and we are proud to work beside every veteran on our team. Grand Canyon National Park employs 65 veterans with a combined 294 years of creditable military service.

Many of our veterans have seen multiple deployments and have made countless sacrifices throughout their military service.

CCC becomes Bee Campus USA affiliate

Coconino Community College has joined the ranks of becoming an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program. The program helps gather the strengths of educational campuses like CCC for the benefit of pollinators, and the college joins other cities and campuses across the country to improve their landscapes for pollinators.

“CCC’s students, faculty and staff are champions for sustainable environmental practices,” said Dr. Christal Albrecht, Interim President. “Becoming a Bee Campus USA affiliate is a natural fit for our college located in beautiful northern Arizona.”

United Way of Northern Arizona — Why They Joined the Summit Society

The purpose of United Way is to do big and bold things.

Taking on the large issues – early childhood education, positive youth development, eliminating the gaps in our social safety net – requires the support of a whole community. Every donation, every volunteer hour, every bit of advocacy is important.

However, we also want to acknowledge that there are people who have an outsized impact because of their unique generosity. They are the members of our Summit Society – individuals and couples who contribute $500 or more annually.

Why do they make this investment in UWNA? Check out what they have to say in this video:

The NAU Review — A veteran’s journey to NAU, Fit it in a Minute with Pete Yanka and NAU Theatre’s Orlando

Former Marine finds a new calling

Tyler Derzay had a plan for his life. It didn’t involve math classes and final exams, and it definitely never included a graduate degree in engineering. Yet, this former Marine, who will graduate next month as the standard-bearer for the College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences before beginning grad school, found a journey worth taking. As a Lumberjack, he made connections with professors and at the Veterans Success Center, met his wife and found a new life path that honored his family history as much as his military career did.

Supervisor Patrice Horstman — October / November 2022 District One Newsletter

In This Issue

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Forest Restoration Update
West-Side Corridor Meeting – Flood Mitigation
East-Side Flood Mitigation Projects
Winter is Coming! 180 Corridor
Fort Valley Community Meeting
16th Biennial Conference of Science and Management on the Colorado Plateau
2022 Western Interstate Region Business Meeting
Downtown Mile
Board Expands Pumphouse Wetlands Area
Habitat for Humanity Expands Housing
Wood For Life
Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth 50th Anniversary
NAU 123rd Homecoming
Welcome CCC President, Dr. Eric Heiser
Health Services Updates and Resources
Upcoming Events
District 1 Celebrating Halloween
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