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Author: Community Contributor
Flagstaff STEM City — 2022 STEM Celebration to be held at Ft. Tuthill on April 30
The 9th Annual Community STEM Celebration is an opportunity for the greater Flagstaff region
to engage with the STEM community– K-12, college and university educational institutions, businesses, government agencies, non-profits, 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”
Tunnel Fire Evacuation Status Downgrade from ‘SET’ to ‘READY’
The communities along the Highway 89 corridor, north of Flagstaff, from Campbell Avenue to the north entrance of Forest Service Road 545 (Wupatki National Monument) will be downgraded from “SET” (Pre-evacuation) to “READY” status.
“READY” status means- you are aware of and monitoring fire activity in your area. You should have basic plans in place for yourselves, important documents, medications, pets and livestock in the event that a “GO” message is received.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 25-29, 2022
A burst of fushia in the inner canyon this week (NPS Photo/D. Yurcik)
This year’s fire season is off and running in the Southwest with four Type 1 Incident Teams already deployed for fires in the region. Earlier this week our wildland fire seasonal staff arrived and began fire training and annual pack tests continued through this week (see photo above).
In the coming weeks, park managers will be coordinating with the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests to assess fire restrictions and determine if the park will need to transition to fire restrictions in the near future. As of Thursday, 4/28, the Tunnel Fire north of Flagstaff, was at approximately 19.075 acres with 43% containment. More information on the Tunnel Fire can be found by visiting the Tunnel Fire Inciweb site here.
Friday, May 6 is the Last Day to Request An Early Ballot by Mail for the May 17 CCC Special Election
The Coconino County Elections Office reminds registered voters that the last day to request an early ballot to be mailed to you for the May 17 Coconino Community College (CCC) Special Election is Friday, May 6. Voters on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) should have already received their early ballot by mail. If not, you should call the Elections Office.
If you are not on the AEVL, but would like to get a Special Election early ballot by mail, you have until Friday, May 6, at 5:00 pm to make that request.
To request a ballot be mailed to you, voters may call the Elections Office at 928-679-7860 or toll-free 800-793-6181. Voters may also request an early ballot online at www.coconino.az.gov/elections and by clicking on “Early Ballot Request for May 17, 2022 Special Election.”
The NAU Review — Introducing Access2Excellence, a new cybersecurity partnership and a career in wildlife ecology for Nicaraguan grad
President José Luis Cruz Rivera announced today that, starting in Fall 2023, NAU will provide tuition-free college education for Arizona residents with household incomes at or below $65,000. This new Access2Excellence initiative reflects the urgent need to broaden participation and increase educational attainment in Arizona, helping students gain the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the state’s booming economy.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Sustainability on the Ground and in the Skies
With Earth Day just behind us and Arbor Day tomorrow, it seemed like a good time to discuss the myriad of sustainability initiatives in northern Arizona, which are both on the ground and in the skies.
In Flagstaff, many of these green efforts are centered around Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
Both commercial airlines that operate at the airport – American and United – are working towards reducing their carbon footprint through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has the potential of providing the power of traditional jet fuel but without being refined from petroleum.
NEW workshops at Sedona Arts Center!
Painting For All Levels: ONLINE!
with Gretchen Lopez
May 6, 2022
From the beginning to the experienced student, this one-day class in oil or acrylic will guide and teach students how to approach the painting process with confidence, while exploring the basics of value-pattern, composition and color. Students may work from life and/or photos. Instructor demonstrations and lots of individual attention provided.
Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Thursday April 28, 2022
Current Situation: Containment on the Tunnel Fire increased to 43% on Wednesday evening due to firefighters’ continued hard work to mop up and secure the fire’s perimeter in the Sunset Crater National Monument and Black Mountain areas.
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Local Science Spotlight: Digging up Earth’s Evolutionary Past with Dr. David Gillette
In a world defined by cities reaching for the sky, Dr. David Gillette has dedicated his life to looking below the surface at the world that once was. Dave is many things: a paleontologist, a geologist, and a biologist, who studies the history of the Earth through the lens of evolution.
Although Dave is retired, he is still active within the research and outreach community. With his trusty rock hammer, Dave explores the life that once existed on Earth millions of years ago, taking opportunities as they come to him to explore new areas and find new fossils, as well as to share his work with the public.
Discover Flagstaff — The NAU 2022 Film Festival on April 29 and more events
The Orpheum Theater.NAU’s student-led UTV Studios presents the NAU 2022 Film Festival LIVE at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff. 5 p.m.
Theatrikos Theatre Company — Vaccine requirement (mostly) dropped, summer theatre camps and other theatre news
In April, Broadway League dropped their vaccine mandate for audiences. At their April meeting, Theatrikos’ board of directors decided to follow Broadway’s lead. So, effective with Foreigner, Theatrikos will no longer require vaccination for audience on Friday and Saturday night performances.
All of our cautious safety protocols will remain in effect for Sunday matinees: proof of vaccination requirement, masks, social distancing, closed concessions.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y providing free training as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has unveiled a free training webinar for parents, caregivers and all community members as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
This quick overview video is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to 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.
A very special thank you to all of our partners who help get this information out to our community!
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
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The NAU Review — Another for NAU Golf, what to know about inflation and a future Yuma social worker
It’s been seven years since NAU Golf’s last Big Sky Conference championship, but the team put that history behind them last week at Talking Stick Golf Club with a decisive win against Sacramento State, taking the championship and advancing to the NCAA Regionals. The Lumberjacks captured their conference-leading ninth all-time Big Sky title after what coach Brad Bedortha called “a very good year and good semester.” The NCAA Regional will be held May 9-11, and the Lumberjacks will learn their fate at 1 p.m. April 27 on the NCAA Women’s Golf Selection Show on the Golf Channel.
City of Flagstaff statement on the Tunnel Fire
City of Flagstaff elected officials and staff have been closely following the events surrounding the Tunnel Fire and are deeply saddened by the fire’s impacts on families and neighborhoods in the area.
The City has played a supporting role in addressing this catastrophic event. After receiving a request for assistance, City of Flagstaff Fire Department units, in addition to units from Summit Fire and Medical District, Highlands Fire District and other first responders were on scene to fight the fire and defend values at risk.
Museum of Northern Arizona — Two new exhibitions, many May events
At MNA we look at the land through many lenses. Some are literal lenses – microscopes, binoculars, and telescopes. Many are figurative – mapping data to reveal an otherwise unseen pattern or reconstructing a place in time from remnants that remain.
Art can be another lens to bring the world into focus. The Great Unknown: Artists at Glen Canyon and Lake Powell opens in May, exploring that area through the artistic lens of the photographer. The starting point is Eliot Porter’s striking, nearly abstracted images. Porter’s book The Place No One Knew established the genre of photobooks for environmental causes. Among the other works in the exhibition are the black and white photos by Martin Stupich, where the dam itself dominates the frame, as well as more recent images by Peter Goin that bring attention to what the receding waters of Lake Powell reveal. The Great Unknownhas been drawn from an exhibition of the same name previously on show at the New Mexico Museum of Art, and curated by Katherine Ware, MoA’s Curator of Photography.
Coconino County Board of Supervisors Tunnel Fire Update for April 26
An Emergency Management update for the Board of Supervisors will be held in Special Session this morning at 8 a.m. to provides updates regarding the Tunnel fire and possible action or direction regarding the Tunnel Fire.
The Board of Supervisors’ meeting will be held via webinar technology using Zoom. To join the webinar, please use the following url: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/95955954306
City of Flagstaff hosts Drop-off Day event on April 30
The City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office invites members of the public to participate in Drop-off Day 2022. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flagstaff Police Department (911 E. Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001).
The Sustainability Office is excited to partner with the Flagstaff Police Department, Flagstaff Hazardous Products Center, Coconino County, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Ponderosa Medical Waste Services, and R3Ewaste Computer & Electronics Recycling to put waste in the right place.
Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Monday April 25, 2022
Fire crews’ diligence and hard work have resulted in an increase in containment to 15% on the Tunnel Fire. Yesterday residents were able to re-enter the previously evacuated neighborhoods. US Hwy 89 was re-opened yesterday afternoon.
Cinder Lake Landfill reopens
Cinder Lake Landfill will resume regular operating hours starting Monday, April 25. Regular operating hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday.
The Hazardous Products Center (HPC) will also resume regular operating hours starting Monday, April 25. Regular operating hours for the HPC are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Tunnel Fire Damage Assessments Start Today, April 25
Coconino County Community Development, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Emergency Management will be in the Tunnel Fire burn area to conduct property damage assessments beginning April 25.
This is an important process that is necessary for recovery services and for emergency declaration documentation purposes. If they approach you or your residence, then you can request to receive proper identification and they will explain their activity to you in conducting property damage assessments for official documentation purposes.
Creative Flagstaff — Don’t Miss Out – Get Your Tickets for the Viola Awards NOW
The 14th Annual Viola Awards are happening THIS Saturday, April 30th! This year’s event will be one to remember. A limited number of tickets for the event are still available. Don’t wait — get yours today!
This year’s Viola Awards are recognizing 41 finalists across 10 categories. See the full list of finalists on our website. Winners will be announced during the main ceremony on April 30th.
Purchasing a ticket to the main ceremony includes admission to the afterparty which will feature our four Excellence in Music finalists: iiwaa, Tré Orona & Tsoh Tso, WinterHaven, & Tha ‘Yoties.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of April 25, 2022
Tunnel Fire Community Meeting on Saturday, April 23 at Sinagua Middle School
A Tunnel Fire Community Meeting will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff (parking information below).
This meeting is to provide an update regarding the fire conditions, potential flood risk, and evacuation status.
Representatives from the County, Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Weather Service, and Tunnel Fire Type 1 Incident Management Team will provide information on these topics and be available to answer questions. American Sign Language interpretation will be available at the meeting.
Coconino Community College — A quick word from the President, more news
I am proud that I have never missed a commencement in my 41 years of working for community college students. I was so disappointed that during the height of the pandemic we had to hold two of our ceremonies in a virtual format, and I am thrilled that we are all planning to be together in person for commencement 2022!
Commencement is such a wonderful time to celebrate the achievements of our students with their families and friends, and with our colleagues all across the College. I know how important it is for our students—you can see it in their eyes as they cross the stage. And that is what makes it important to me. So, it is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge this will be my last community college commencement ceremony before I retire from serving our students. Yet, my heart is full of joy knowing that I get to finish out my career at Coconino Community College- somehow I must have saved the best for last!
Early Voting Has Started for May 17 Special Election
The Coconino County Recorder’s office has mailed 65,300 early ballots to registered voters for the upcoming May 17 Special Election. Early voters that are on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) and have not received their ballots by Tuesday, April 26 should call the Elections Office at 928-679-7860 or 800-793-6181 to make sure there is not a problem with their voter registration status or mailing address.
Registered voters that are not on the AEVL may request an early ballot be mailed to them by calling the Elections Office, sending a written request to Coconino County Elections Office, 110 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, or submitting an on-line request at www.coconino.az.gov/elections and clicking on “Early Ballot Request.” The deadline to request an early ballot by mail is Friday, May 6.
Overnight Tunnel Fire Activity
On April 22, 2022 in the early morning hours a spot fire started in the Timberline Community west of Hwy 89 in the “GO” evacuation area.
Deputies and Officers working overnight security in the evacuated areas recontacted the residents who refused to initially evacuate on Tuesday to notify them of the increased danger and remind them of the “GO” evacuation order. This fire was in the area of Wupatki Trails, Lenox Park, Pumpkin Patch, and Brandis Trail neighborhoods. Deputies and Officers went door to door and used sirens and loudspeakers in an attempt to wake residents to warn them of the fire threat.
Local Business Owner Teaches CCC Students Apartment Maintenance Skills
The Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) program at Coconino Community College prepares students by teaching them about performing maintenance tasks, locksmithing, OSHA 10, product repair, customer service and safety in the workplace.
The CAMT program helps students refine their apartment maintenance skills and gets them ready for their future career. Not only do the CAMT program instructors teach students from textbooks but also from personal experience and real-life scenarios in the newly renovated shop at the Fourth street campus. They can teach the students wiring, plumbing, construction, and HVAC by reproducing scenarios in the lab.
Coconino School Superintendent Cheryl Mango-Paget Announces Nominations for 2023 Teacher of the Year
The Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA) is proud to announce a request for nominations for the 10th Annual Teacher of the Year, 5th Annual Rookie Teacher of the Year, and 2nd Annual Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards are a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor, and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Even the simple act of nominating a teacher can mean the world to them. Nominating a teacher recognizes them for their hard-work and efforts throughout the academic year.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 18-22, 2022
Sign up now—Coconino County Emergency Notifications
When emergencies happen, be the first to know.
The Coconino County Emergency Notification System uses Alerts powered by Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart911 to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions you may need to take to keep you and your family safe.
This service allows you to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials. More information on this program can be found on the county’s website and a link to sign up can be found here.
First-year student finds his path at CCC
He wants to apply himself to something bigger.
Horizon Gillson, a freshman at Coconino Community College, plans to get his associates at CCC and then transfer to Northern Arizona University. He hopes to get his bachelor’s degree in Physics and is considering a minor in Disability Studies.
Gillson finished high school in Gallup, New Mexico, and decided to give CCC a shot to “see if I was cut out for this,” Gillson said, adding that everything is going well with classes and that CCC has helped him figure out where “I want to go and where I want to be.”
Gillson chose CCC to continue his education because of the affordability, how close it is to home, and CCC’s relationship with NAU. He plans to join the CCC2NAU program next semester, which helps students save money while reaching their educational goals both at CCC and NAU.
Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: somos semillitas of the Earth
This week, we are joining communities around the country and across the world to celebrate día de la Tierra.
The environmental movement has grown, evolved, and become more diverse since the first Earth Day over fifty years ago, and people everywhere are growing to better understand our intimate relationship with our beautiful planet. Somos semillitas and the earth can nourish us in awe-inspiring ways if we honor that relationship. These are hopeful signs and reasons to continue working towards a healthier, more sustainable, and balanced environment for ourselves, for our children, and for our children’s children.
Starting this weekend, join us in celebrating youth and familias outdoors, the spirit of conservation, and the promise of the future us.
Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 11th Edition
In this edition…
Message from Jeronimo
Redistricting Supervisor Districts
Museum Fire Flood Project
Event Highlights
Service Positions Open in District 2
Services and Programs
And more!
Tunnel Fire Update — Crews continue to focus on key areas to protect structures, keep the fire from moving up steep slopes
April 21, 2022 — Residences, buildings, and watersheds that drain near them are currently the main emphasis for firefighters battling the now 20,511 acre Tunnel Fire 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff.
Overnight crews continued cooling hotspots in the Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trail subdivisions, as well as worked to contain multiple spot fires on the fire’s western flank near Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road). These efforts were instrumental in keeping the fire from burning up steep slopes toward Schultz Peak and may help to minimize post-fire flood impacts.
United Way of Northern Arizona — TUNNEL FIRE: ‘A Time for Neighbors to Help Neighbors’
During last night’s informative community meeting on the Tunnel Fire, it was the words of Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman that stood out to us:
“This is a time for neighbors to help neighbors.”
United Way of Northern Arizona is currently raising money to help those impacted by the Tunnel Fire through the UWNA Crisis Response Fund. You can donate to the fund by texting UWNAZresponse to 41444. Donations can also be processed on our website here.
CCC to present ‘Through the Years’ 30th anniversary celebration on May 9
Join Coconino Community College staff, faculty, alums, students and supporters as we celebrate the college through the years during our 30th year serving communities of Coconino County.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 9, CCC Lone Tree Campus Commons, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff.
Listen to stories from faculty, alums, students, staff and supporters on how the college came to be, how it grew over the years and what’s in store for the future. Proclamations celebrating CCC from Coconino County and the cities of Flagstaff and Page will be shared. Food and refreshments will be available.
Flagstaff Regional Plan – What does our region’s future hold for us?
Flagstaff and Coconino County adopted the Flagstaff Regional Plan in 2014 and it’s time to start the conversation about what is in store for our community between 2025 and 2045. The Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 Update process is just getting started. Visit the project website athttp://www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045 to watch a snapshot video or to learn more about the process. You can participate right now by taking a survey on your vision for the Flagstaff Region on the Flagstaff Community Forum or by visiting our booth at the Earth Day Celebration this Saturday at Bushmaster Park from 11 am to 2 pm.
The NAU Review — Celebrating Earth Day, Notes from the President and an NAU grad
10 ways to celebrate Mother Earth
Taking care of this planet means potentially reducing the impacts of climate change, including catastrophic wildfires like the one outside Flagstaff today. Earth Day is tomorrow, and one of the best ways to make sure you are celebrating all year long is by adopting small, consistent changes that can become a part of your everyday life. From learning the ins and outs of recycling and how to conserve energy, here is a list of small, easy ways to give back to the world that gives us so much.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Still time to register for CCC&Y’s ‘Mindful Positioning’ workshop
There is still time to register for CCC&Y’s “Mindful Positioning — Seeking Change & Healing” virtual workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.
International child welfare expert Kevin Campbell will host the event. Register here.
More than ever- we need to unite with diverse community members in a process designed to gain answers and input. A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.
With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
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Discover Flagstaff — Earth Day Celebration 2022, Bushmaster Park on April 23 and more events
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Prop. 438, Local Elections, Thorpe Park Annex, and More!
In This Issue:
F3 Supports Prop 438: Special Election May 17
Mayor and Council Elections
Join F3’s Election Committee
Coconino County Redistricting
Become an Election Poll Worker
Thorpe Park Annex Design Meeting
Earth Day: April 23rd
Mask mandate lifted at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
Effective immediately, the City of Flagstaff has lifted the mask mandate at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport following an announcement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA announced that it will no longer be enforcing masking on public transportation due to a recent federal court ruling.
Flying patrons or visitors to the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport will have the choice to wear or not wear a mask.
NEW Art workshops at Sedona Arts Center
From the beginning to the experienced student, this one-day class in oil or acrylic will guide and teach students how to approach the painting process with confidence, while exploring the basics of value-pattern, composition and color. Students may work from life and/or photos. Instructor demonstrations and lots of individual attention provided.
Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS) — FLYRS Summer Camps 2022
We just kicked off our biggest season yet with kids hitting the trails for the spring session. We still have some open spots in these groups: High School, Middle School girls, and 3-5th grade advanced skills. This is the last week to register before it closes for the season.
Click here to register
Cinder Lake Landfill remains closed northeast of Flagstaff due to Tunnel Fire
Cinder Lake Landfill will remain closed to the public until further notice due to its location inside the evacuation zone of the Tunnel Fire. The Hazardous Products Center at the landfill is also closed. Please avoid the area.
All commercial and residential collection services in the City of Flagstaff are running on a normal schedule.
Refer to Inciweb for up-to-date information on the Tunnel Fire by visiting https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8068/
City of Flagstaff hosts Earth Day celebration on April 23
The City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office invites community members to a celebration of Earth Day 2022. The festivities are scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista Dr).
This year’s Earth Day event will be one to remember, featuring informational booths, food vendors, live bands, do it yourself activities, a sustainability scavenger hunt and free workshops on home electrification, rainwater harvesting and composting in Flagstaff. For detailed event information please visit https://flagstaff.az.gov/1439/Earth-Day.
The NAU Review — Who wants to be a park ranger? What’s weird about quantum computing? Who appreciates bats?
NAU’s soon-to-be Ranger James
James Jensen received a bachelor’s in political science, then quickly got a sales job that left him feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. After spending a week last summer backpacking through Glacier National Park, he decided it was time for a change; he wanted to pursue something he truly enjoyed—the outdoors. Northern Arizona University’s accelerated Park Ranger Training Program is one of only six in the country. In just 16 short weeks, students earn a certificate that opens the metaphorical door to working in state and national parks throughout the U.S. This week, Jensen and his cohort will graduate. Thanks to this program, he will soon get to work his dream job in his favorite place on Earth.
Flagstaff Leadership Program submissions extended to April 30
The Flagstaff Leadership Program Board of Directors has extended the applications for new class members to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30.
The Class of 2022-23 will be chosen soon after that deadline, so the FLP board is asking you to let your people know!
If you have friends, family, co-workers, bosses, employees, neighbors, or anybody else whom you think would be an asset to FLP and would get value from participation in the program, NOW is the time to alert them.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of April 18, 2022
Coconino County Board of Supervisors Adopts Final Redistricting Map
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted map Scenario F (April 12) during their regular meeting as part of the Board’s statutory responsibility to reapportion county supervisory districts.
The Board adopted the final map after beginning the redistricting process in Fall 2021.Every ten years, according to A.R.S. § 11-212, county supervisory districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. The Board adopted map Scenario F from five proposed draft maps submitted for public comment in March. The draft maps under consideration by the Board of Supervisors are available at coconino.az.gov/redistricting.
Earth Day 2022: Invest in Your Planet, Invest in Your Community
On Friday, April 22nd, communities around the world will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Invest In Our Planet.” Coconino County, in partnership with Friends of Coconino County Parks, the City of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, and the U.S. Forest Service are partnering to facilitate three cleanup events throughout the community.
CCC2NAU student sees a future in the Grand Canyon and in academia
He wants to focus on his education while still being a river guide.
Coconino Community College student David Cassidy has worked as a river guide in the Grand Canyon for the last 13 years. He originally grew up in Yuma, Ariz., but fell in love with the Grand Canyon when he was 17 while visiting with his friends.
“I was pretty blown away by it and determined to come back,” Cassidy said, adding, “I just thought there is so much to see, even if I come back once a year, I’ll never see as much as I want to.”
Cassidy moved to Grand Canyon Village at the age of 19 and started working odd jobs in the town to be close to the canyon. One day while on a hike, he met someone on the trail who was there for both work and to see the beautiful sights the Grand Canyon had to offer. Cassidy decided that was the career for him.
Patrice Horstman — April 2022 District One Newsletter
We certainly are hoping for April showers to bring May flowers and provide much needed moisture to Coconino County. April is also the month we celebrate Earth Day. Since 1970, April 22nd marks the day that is referred to as the birth of the modern environmental movement. This year’s theme is “Invest in our Planet” and in keeping with that theme and the importance of us all working together to build a healthier and more sustainable planet, Coconino County has a number of “Earth Month” events including litter cleanups, climate action and renewable energy programs. Go to http://www.coconino.az.gov/2884/Earth-Day-Schedule for more information.
Applications open for 2022 Andy Harvey Indigenous Youth Media Workshop
Applications are currently open for Northern Arizona University’s 10th annual Andy Harvey Indigenous Youth Media Workshop to all students currently in grades 8 – 12, with preference given to Native American high-school juniors and seniors.
This year’s workshop will be held June 19-25. Students will live on the NAU campus and learn how to tell stories using the creative skills of digital filmmaking, photography, audio production, and broadcast journalism. The workshop concludes with a live student produced newscast in NAU’s 3-camera high definition TV studio.
Aramark Announces Acquisition of Forever Resorts Properties (including Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim), Rebrands Leisure Division as Aramark Destinations
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a global hospitality, facilities management, and uniforms leader, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire a collection of premier Forever Resorts destination properties providing hospitality services throughout North America, in conjunction with the company’s rebrand of its Leisure division to Aramark Destinations.
The acquisition substantially strengthens the position of the newly branded Aramark Destinations business in North America and supports the company’s strategy to grow its portfolio of destinations and cultural attractions across the country.
April Updates from Creative Flagstaff — Get your tickets for the 14th Annual Viola Awards before they sell out!
Tickets for the 14th Annual Viola Awards are now on sale & moving fast. Don’t miss this celebration of art, science, & culture in our community. This year’s ceremony will honor 41 finalists. Learn more about this year’s finalists on our website.
Get your tickets here
CCC student sees future at Phoenix Children’s Hospital
She wants to help others with the same experience
Coconino Community College student Anna Gottschling has lived in Flagstaff all of her life. At the age of two, she suffered from an injury known as a subdural hematoma, which is a bleed in your brain. She was saved by Dr. Nathan Avery in Flagstaff and then transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for additional surgeries, physical therapy, and her recovery.
Sediment Reduction Project Breaks Ground in Museum Flood Area
A Coconino County Flood Control District project to reduce sediment production and transport on private lands below the Museum Fire burn scar is underway in Lockett Ranches & Mt. Elden Estates.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service and District-funded Emergency Watershed Protection Project will reduce erosion and sediment transport downstream.
Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Celebrate Earth Day and more news
Earth Day is next week and there’s no better way to celebrate than participating in a local event. Join Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, Friends of Coconino County Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service for a volunteer cleanup and an activity afterwards in honor of Earth Day 2022. All cleanups start at 10 a.m. and include a fun outdoor activity. Register at the Sign-Up Genius Links below.
Can’t make it? Invest in yourself and your community by getting outside and making a difference on your own. Tag a picture with #NAZEarthDay22 to be a part of the celebration.
Wed., April 20 cleanup at Highway 180 (Peak View) https://tinyurl.com/et7jdajj
Thurs., April 21 cleanup at Fort Tuthill County Park https://tinyurl.com/yc7t6ykn
Fri., April 22 cleanup at Ashurst Lake
https://tinyurl.com/2s4pmk5v
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 11-15, 2022
Grand Canyon and Tusayan April vaccine events
The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccination team will hold its next mobile vaccination event for Grand Canyon and Tusayan on Monday, April 25. The Grand Canyon event will be held at the Rec Center from 9-11 a.m. (see full flyer here) and the Tusayan event will be held at the Tusayan Fire Station from 1-3 p.m (see full flyer here).
As a reminder, the FDA and CDC have approved a second booster dose for individuals who are age 50 or older. They recommend the booster be given 4 months after your first booster.
NPS employees are authorized to take administrative leave up to 4 hours (and 8 hours if traveling) for COVID vaccines, including vaccine booster doses. You may also use this leave to support family members receiving COVID vaccines or booster doses.