In Gods of Comedy, a young woman calls on the gods of Ancient Greece to save her love life—but it’s not the gods of love who show up to help. Theatrikos favorite playwright Ken Ludwig (Lend Me A Tenor) is back with a hilariously divine farce filled with screwball deities, carnal complexity, conspicuous consumption, madcap mayhem, a touch of romance, and lots of laughs.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY —
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 7. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
The CCC&Y Prevention Council has its roots in our long history of child abuse prevention, our most recent work with substance misuse prevention and our overall commitment to understanding the protective factors, resiliency research and assets our community needs to thrive.
Some examples include:
Planning for previous Child Abuse Prevention Conferences
Engaging in multiple projects with International Child Welfare expert, Kevin Campbell
Developing a library of recorded webinars
Initiating the PAWS community arts and education project
COCONINO COUNTY — Two recent pre-wildfire studies from the Coconino County FCD confirm there is a significant wildfire and post-wildfire flood threat in the Upper Rio De Flag Watershed above Flagstaff, with potential to cause substantial economic impacts to the region.
We asked faculty and staff: Which Black musicians inspire you? What prominent Black figure, living or dead, would you want to have dinner with? What’s your advice for future generations? Read and watch their thoughtful answers to these and more questions in this multimedia story, part of a university-wide celebration of Black History Month.
The Board of ECoNA had a robust, wide-ranging conversation with Senator Mark Kelly recently that covered infrastructure improvements in northern Arizona, possible strategies for addressing our chronic housing shortage here, and the senator’s profound disappointment that the border security bill that was negotiated in Congress did not garner enough support to pass.
Earlier in the day, Senator Kelly had presided over a field hearing of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee at City Hall, which focused on a progress report from local officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Rio de Flag Flood Control project.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raices & the Museum of Northern Arizona: 20th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente has been selected as a 2024 Viola Awards Finalists for the Excellence in Collaboration category by Creative Flagstaff.
The winners of the category will be announced on March 23, 2024 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Flagstaff.
The 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival was held Oct. 21, 22 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
The event, a partnership between Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona, featured the return of the the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers, Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, El Charro Bohemia, sugar skull and other workshops, and the display of nearly two dozen ofrendas/altars in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard.
As an All of Us scholar, NAU junior Cecilia Perez pursued a research project on the understudied topic of endometriosis in women of color. The disease that causes severe pelvic pain and menstrual bleeding is widely believed to affect mostly white women—but Perez’s research shows it touches the lives of racial and ethnic minorities at similar rates.
Read the story
FLAGSTAFF — Two Coconino Community College students, Grace McCullough and Carly Miller, have been nominated for the All-Arizona Academic Team as part of the All-USA Scholarship competition sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa.
Each year, the Arizona Board of Regents provides tuition scholarships to exceptional Arizona resident community college transfer students, based on outstanding academic performance and community service.
Students are nominated by their community college and submit their applications directly to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary organization. Scholarships cover resident tuition at any Arizona state university.
The Train Depot Bridge project is nearing completion and will officially reopen to the public on Friday, February 23. This project was a collaborative effort between the Grand Canyon National Park Special Projects Crew and the Trail Crew. Both crews worked together as a team, successfully rehabilitating this old bridge in the historic district of the South Rim Village. This bridge will serve visitors in accessing greenways, bus stops, and the train depot for many years to come.
Celebrate craft beer at any of Flagstaff’s 8 breweries, with discounts, events, and more! Various times.
When school started last year, the EdWeek Research Center (part of the publication Education Week) conducted a survey, asking high school students the following question: In the past year, what, if anything, has had a negative impact on your mental health?
Here was the statistic that pulled me up short: only 16% of the respondents said “Nothing.”
That means 84% had experienced enough stress and anxiety – about everything from school to the future of our planet – that it had a detrimental effect on their mental health.
“The creation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument forever protects almost a million acres of land around Grand Canyon from future uranium mining. However, existing mining permits remain in effect,” District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman said. “The Pinyon Plain mine is extracting ore and threatens the very existence of the Havasupai people and their homeland.”
COCONINO COUNTY — The 2023 Controller of the Year Awards recently recognized Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar as the winner of Controller of the Year for the Government Category.
Benatar has served as Treasurer of Coconino County since being appointed in 2014, winning reelection in 2016 and 2020, and was the youngest County Treasurer in Arizona. She serves the County as an officer of the Arizona County Treasurer’s Association and as past President of the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo). She is a voice for rural communities, advocating for her constituents by serving on the board and as Treasurer of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), and as president of the National Association of Hispanic County Elected Officials (NAHCO).
COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families with local representatives from the Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) program, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and link to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s created Page/Fredonia and Tuba City resource guides and the recently updated Williams Area Community Resource Guide.
Spring registration has opened for some groups.
The spring schedule is posted on our website. The registration date is listed next to each group on the schedule so please double check your correct registration date. The spring season registration will be on February 21 and 22. We will be staggering the registration to reduce the congestion of many people logging in at once. Registration for the Upper Level groups (Middle and High School), push bike, 4-5 years, and 5-6 year old groups will be at 6:00am on February 21. The registration for 1st-5th grade groups will be on February 22 at 6:00am. Registration on February 21st will be locked for all groups with a registration date of February 22nd so please only log in on the date of your group.
The spring waitlist will be posted on the registration page at 6:30am on February 22.
— Gina Santi is a freelance photographer born and raised in Venezuela and currently based in Tempe, Arizona. She earned her master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from Northern Arizona University and has participated in various events in Northern Arizona, including the annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Visit http://www.ginasantiphotography.com for more information.
Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke every year, and most end up with some level of permanent motor disability. Reza Sharif Razavian, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is using grant funds from NAU and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to develop a device that could help healthcare providers personalize care for stroke survivors—and improve their chances of full recovery.
There is no better way to document your visit to the Grand Canyon than through art, photography and journaling.
This two-day workshop will provide an overview and practice of basic illustration as well as the elements and practice of nature and art journaling. Participants will spend time in the classroom learning and practicing key concepts and ideas. We will then spend a significant amount of time outside exploring the rim of the Grand Canyon hiking and documenting our visit.
Participants must be able to walk at least two miles. We will not be exploring below the rim.
A hilariously divine farce filled with screwball deities, carnal complexity, conspicuous consumption, madcap mayhem, a touch of romance, and lots of laughs.
While at NAU, Andrea Lopez dedicated herself to bridging the gap between international and domestic students: She took part in countless clubs and organizations and spent two semesters in Spain and Costa Rica. Now, thanks to a Fulbright scholarship, the recent graduate is back in Spain—and this time, she’s at the head of the classroom.
We all agree that children are our future, and we need to invest in their development.
KinderCamp™, a signature program of United Way of Northern Arizona, is part of our efforts to Step Up for Our Youth. For almost two decades, it’s gotten positive reviews from teachers, parents, and most importantly, the four- and five-year-olds who participate each summer.
Learn more about how we are gearing up for KinderCamp 2024, and how you can play a role in helping the next generation get ready to take on the world.
Friday, February 16: Intermittent road closures on Center and South Entrance Roads
On Friday, Feb. 16, there will be intermittent closures of South Entrance and Center Roads. These closures are necessary to facilitate the transport of two large transformers and a crane being delivered for the APS Substation Project west of Clinic Road.
Friday, February 16 Details:
7 a.m.- 12 p.m.: A single lane closure will be in effect ¼ mile south of the South Entrance station along Hwy. 64. Traffic flaggers will be present and traffic delays are expected in this area.
9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Three separate closures will be in effect for up to 30 minutes each. The closure area will be both lanes from the South Entrance Station to the Clinic/Center Road junction. No vehicles will be able to enter/exit the park via the South Entrance during the closure periods (this includes the employee bypass lane).
4:30-6:30 p.m.: Three separate closures will be in effect for up to 30 minutes each. The closure area will be both lanes from the South Entrance Station to the Clinic/Center Road junction. No vehicles will be able to enter/exit the park via the South Entrance during the closure periods (this includes the employee bypass lane).
This is the 11th year STEM City and its partners have worked to create this unique opportunity for all of Flagstaff to engage with the STEM community (K-12 schools, college and university educational institutions, businesses, government agencies, non-profit agencies and others).
Hands-on activities, demonstrations and conversations excite participants, expose the community to STEM educational and career opportunities in Flagstaff and celebrate Flagstaff’s designation as “America’s First STEM Community.”
FLAGSTAFF — If you have not registered to vote and are interested in voting in the upcoming March 19, 2024 Presidential Preference Election (PPE), you have until midnight on Tuesday, February 20 to register to vote.
The PPE is not a primary election. This means Arizona’s open primary law does not apply to the PPE. Therefore, only voters of a participating party may vote on that party’s ballot. Since the Democratic and Republican Parties are the only parties participating in the PPE, only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in the PPE.
FLAGSTAFF — Register today for Flagstaff Police Dept.’s Citizen Police Academy Spring 2024 which begins Wednesday, Feb. 21.
Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece comes to life in a special one-of-a-kind performance featuring actors from the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, set to Felix Mendelssohn’s music written for the play performed by the FSO! 7:30 p.m.
Learn More
The Artist’s Professional Toolkit:
A Writing Class for Your Portfolio
with Camille LeFevre
April 2-23 : Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3pm
What’s the difference between an artist statement and artist bio? How do you write a compelling proposal? Learn how to exquisitely craft and then repurpose all three of these artist tools when applying for exhibitions, workshops, residencies, funding, and more.
Your Financial Education
Tuesday, March 5, 19, 26, April 2, 9
5:30 to 7 p.m.
This five-week financial workshop will cover income taxes, estate planning, retirement, investing, and insurance.
Finance – Learn more and register!
MORE!!!
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
Nominate Your Favorite NOW
STEMMY Nominations Close This Friday
These annual awards are given to students, teachers, and organizations who are STEM Leaders in our community. Plus winning student and teacher also receive $500!!
FLAGSTAFF — City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Presidents’ Day include:
Teens ages 15-18 are invited to apply to Sedona Arts Center’s Gallery 928 program, a unique summer art apprenticeship that partners students with a master artist to create a work of public art. Applications are due April 19, 2024. The program begins June 3 and runs through July 3 and will be held Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sedona Arts Center, located at 15 Art Barn Road.
“We are excited for year three of Gallery 928,” says Julie Richard, CEO of Sedona Arts Center. “This summer, apprentices will create a public art mural for our Center all the while learning about the public art process—from conception to completion to celebration.”
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s office has mailed a 2024 Voter Guide to all registered voters in the county. The guide contains important voting information about the upcoming elections that will be held this year.
2024 is going to be a very busy election year with three countywide elections. The guide describes the differences between the March 19 Presidential Preference, July 30 Primary and November 5 General Elections.
Who snores more, you or your partner? Who is the better driver? Who does more dishes? For Valentine’s Day, we asked three NAU couples, made up of faculty and staff, all these questions and more. Find out how often they agree, how often they don’t and whose victory dance we get to see at the end. Let the game begin!
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) is pleased to release its Justice Statistics dashboard. The dashboard is designed to provide Coconino County residents with a high-level overview of criminal justice system activity.
It was created through a collaborative effort between multiple Coconino County and City of Flagstaff agencies and will provide residents with important information on community safety, diversion programming, and the overall operation of their criminal justice system. Residents will be able to view current data as well as long term trends in areas such as arrests, diversion program completion, Superior Court caseload, and successful probation completions, among others.
Message from Mary –
I often consider February a month of transition, when winter shows a mighty beauty, but we long to see what spring will bring. Now is an ideal time to enjoy the warmth of the museum and explore Selling the Southwest. MNA’s newest exhibit unveils idyllic portrayals of unspoiled landscapes – artworks commissioned to lure visitors to enchanting, unfamiliar lands. It tells a story of transition, one that would bolster early tourism, impact southwestern culture and art for generations, and influence the lives of Indigenous peoples. The exhibit showcases works by Thomas Moran, William Robinson Leigh, Louis Akin, Arthur W. Best, and Gunnar Widforss, as well as pottery, jewelry, and textiles by Native artisans from that period.
Vision and Sound Symposium
RACE, ARTS, & UNDERSTANDING
February 25–26, 2024
Sedona Arts Center – 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
The Symposium will feature keynote speakers, performances, receptions, and reflections. This year’s symposium includes a two-part interactive Critical Response Process workshop led by world-renowned choreographer and 2023 Guggenheim Fellow Liz Lerman that will showcase ASU faculty member Edson “House” Magana and his film “Outcast.”
Conversations with the artists, facilitated by Sedona Arts Center CEO Julie Richard and CSRD Director Lois Brown, PhD will complement the Symposium workshops and keynote address.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Click here for more information and to register
O’ahu, Hawaii, is rife with lush landscapes, expansive ocean views, and increasingly, invasive rodents. Non-native mice and rats have contributed to ecological destruction in the island’s forests, and forest managers are struggling to manage the damage. Ph.D. student Sara Gabrielson hopes she can help: She recently published an article that describes these rodents’ diets and shows how they disperse seeds throughout forest lands. Gabrielson’s research could help forest managers get to the root of the problem and identify ways to minimize future environmental harm.
Follow the Chocolate Walk Passport around Downtown Flagstaff businesses and enjoy some chocolate! 11 a.m.
Learn More
Mark your calendars!
February 14: Intermittent road closures on Center and South Entrance Roads
On Wednesday, February 14, there will be intermittent closures of South Entrance and Center Roads. These closures are necessary to facilitate the transport of two large transformers and a crane being delivered for the APS Substation Project west of Clinic Road.
COCONINO COUNTY — At the February 6, 2024 meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board unanimously approved an official proclamation designating February 2024 as Black History Month in Coconino County …
… joining in the nationwide celebration and recognition of the history of the African Diaspora and African Americans who continue to be contributors to the achievements of the United States.
In designating February as Black History Month, the Board is committed to remember the courage, resilience, and teachings of those who helped build our nation and for those who continue to strive to fight for freedoms, stand against prejudice, advance the cause of civil rights, and strengthen families and communities.
“We appreciate the opportunity to recognize the great contributions from African Americans not only to American society, but also to the county’s local history like those who relocated here for jobs in the lumber industry and helped develop towns like Flagstaff into modern communities,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “It is extremely important that we take this time to acknowledge our county’s diversity and continue to learn about all parts of our history.”
GRAND CANYON — The National Park Service (NPS) is beginning a public review of a programmatic agreement to remove and replace the Grand Canyon Railway wooden ballast bridge at the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from Feb. 7 until midnight, March 7, 2024.
The wooden ballast bridge, constructed in 1925-26, is in poor condition resulting in safety concerns. The bridge crosses over Bright Angel Wash, north of the historic Powerhouse building and Village Loop Bypass Road, in Grand Canyon Village. Trains cross daily over this bridge as they travel between Williams, Arizona, and Grand Canyon Village, providing the only train access into a United States national park.
he Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth provides a variety of free online training programs for parents, caregivers and all community members.
Our free Thriving Families webinar is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to the topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness. It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.
With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.
Color Clinic
with Gretchen Lopez
February 17-18 : Saturday–Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm
Learn how to achieve harmony and continuity in your paintings by mixing color from a limited palette. Have fun as we explore and discover how to use simple methods of mixing paint to gain confidence and a better understanding of how color works. Get ready to apply what we learn to a still life, abstract, and landscape! Instructor demonstrations and individual attention provided.
When Ian McLeod isn’t mountain biking or teaching at NAU’s Phoenix Bioscience Core, he’s working with some of the biggest names in extreme sports. Since 2011, the athletic trainer and physician assistant has served as an on-course medical responder at the Winter X Games, where famed athletes converge from across the globe to compete in extreme skiing, snowboarding and more. Working at the X Games has enriched McLeod’s teaching: He often uses those real-world experiences as case studies in the classroom.
FLAGSTAFF — The Lockett-Fourth Street Roundabout project construction schedule has been delayed and construction is now expected to be completed in 2025. The full intersection closure of Lockett Road, Cedar Avenue and Fourth Street required to construct the project will now take place during the summer of 2025. The delay was caused by complexities related to utility relocations, right-of-way acquisitions, finalizing the project design, and amendments to the Intergovernmental Agreement.
FOOD, WINE, BEER, ARTIST DEMOS, SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Celebrate Sedona engages the local community while celebrating and
featuring local and regional arts, food and drink! Held at Sedona Arts Center,
Celebrate Sedona is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of our
community’s music, food, drink, and artistry.
These annual awards are given to students, teachers, and organizations who are STEM Leaders in our community. Winners will be announced at the STEMMY Awards Ceremony March 7th at the Coconino Center for the Arts.
Nomination Forms:
Student of the Year
Teacher of the Year
Community Partner of the Year
Business of the Year
Deadline for nominations is February 16th.
Message from Jeronimo
TOP 10 Accomplishments and Events for 2023
Welcome to New District 3 Supervisor Adam Hess
Holiday Celebrations
Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis
Flood Mitigation Activities
Fire Management
Transportation News
Coconino County Legislative News
County Supervisors Association (CSA) Board Meetings
Board of Supervisors Proclamations
Coconino County Diversity Council Activities
Re-entry Program in Coconino County
New Coconino County Youth Mental Health Hub
Supervisor Vasquez Conferences
Coconino County and Community Events
District 2 Neighborhood Meetings
Welcome to Mary Knight – Coconino County’s New Rural Broadband Manager
Supervisor Vasquez Remembers Benally Klee
Coconino County Job Opportunities
Coconino County Services and Programs
What’s going on with the Transcanyon Waterline Project?
Since initial construction activities began on the South Rim nearly a year ago, the focus was on developing the construction sites and various South Rim facilities. Currently, the two new raw water tanks, laydown and staging areas, Staging Road, and contractor support facilities are nearly completed. Construction for the South Rim water treatment plant and Helibase infrastructure are well underway. New helicopter landing pads are completed and much of the concrete foundations and conduit lines are installed for the facilities at both of those construction areas.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Elections Department announced (this week) the opening of the new Elections Center in Flagstaff. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, and was attended by local dignitaries, including Arizona SOS Adrian Fontes.
The new Elections Center, spanning 9,000-square-feet, provides space for the entire Elections Department staff to work on-site, consolidating operations under one roof.
Celebrate Black heritage and excellence
Black History Month signifies a time for celebration and remembrance of the contributions that the Black and African American communities have made to American history and the world. Remembering these contributions all year long is crucial for everyone to understand that this vibrant community is deeply rooted in the history of the country, Arizona and NAU.
An immersive arts experience, Vision & Sound broadens the understanding and appreciation of African American art and music for multigenerational and multicultural audiences. The educational event, which features an exhibition, lectures, artist demonstrations, musical performances and a symposium, builds supportive relationships to encourage cultural equity throughout Arizona and beyond, recognizing that professional American artists of African descent are too often overlooked.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Flood Control District has delivered another substantial element of post-wildfire flood mitigation to Flagstaff’s Spruce Avenue Wash Flood Corridor/Museum Flood Area … with completion of the second and final phase of the Park Way Sediment Basins Project.
GRAND CANYON — On Feb. 1, 2024, the National Park Service will begin accepting applications for noncommercial river trip permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park for specific launch dates within calendar year 2025.
A total of 482 permits will be available for 12- to 25-day river trips. Eligible individuals may apply online at the weighted lottery website: https://grcariverpermits.nps.gov. Applications will be accepted online through noon Mountain Standard Time on Monday, February 26, 2024.
The Board of Directors of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has voted to support a proposed House of Representatives bill that would expand Child Tax Credit refunds for parents.
The bill, which has received broad bipartisan support, passed the House Ways and Means Committee last week by a 40 to 3 vote. is sponsored by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.).
“Sixteen million kids from low-income families will be better off as a result of this plan, and given today’s miserable political climate, it’s a big deal to have this opportunity to pass pro-family policy that helps so many kids get ahead,” Wyden stated on Jan. 16 in a U.S. Senate Committee of Finance media release. …
January Contreras, chief executive office and president of the Children’s Action Alliance, made a presentation on the bill to the board during its monthly meeting on Jan. 22.
