On any given day, they could be fixing a broken faucet, or a heater that has gone out. Or, they could be repairing a broken window, or fixing a dishwasher on the fritz.
Maintenance Technicians for apartments, hotels and other commercial properties are continually in demand in northern Arizona, and Coconino Community College is offering a course, beginning Jan. 25, in Certified Maintenance Technician to help get people quickly into the workforce.
Greetings!
I am so thankful to serve Coconino County District 5 for another 4 years. My work for all citizens has been the greatest honor and joy in my life. Thank you to all District 5 citizens for re-electing me to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. I am so excited for new opportunities and possibilities of the next 4 years. In this season of change and transition, I ask you to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Please stay vigilant and safe this holiday season.
Lena
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
Dear Friends of F3,
As executive Director of F3, I plan to use these Communications to keep you informed of trending issues of importance to our membership. Sometimes decisions that affect us have been made years ago. My goal is to get us engaged in the important conversations before decisions are made, and in this way, ensure that F3 can have a proactive presence in the community.
The Coconino County Health and Human Services has issued a new weekly report entitled COVID-19 Coconino County Weekly Update.
The report is updated weekly on FRIDAY and includes a COVID-19 situation summary, key takeaways, demographic and geographic information, hospitalizations and testing data related to Coconino County residents.
At Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, we’re working towards a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community. We’ll make that vision a reality by igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
Many in our community face staggering injustices. Mental, physical, and spiritual trauma are facts of everyday life, made worse by historical oppression and generational poverty. The systems that should provide relief are often ineffectual and overwhelmed; at their worst, they’re racist and demeaning. And in our largely rural community, issues like food inequity, education access, and healthcare provision are exacerbated by structures of power that often look past folks outside metro areas.
We have the power to reverse these injustices, and we are doing so right here in Coconino County. When we approach challenges with a holistic mindset and consider the impact of systemic, generational trauma, we can work with communities at the source of the issue, not just at the symptom.
The Flagstaff City Council declared a Housing Emergency at their meeting on Dec. 2, 2020 with the passage of Resolution 2020-66. The declaration recognizes the need to make housing a leading priority within city operations and the community. Mayor Coral Evans said, “Flagstaff has simply become used to living with this housing crisis and because of that, our community does not recognize how dire the current the conditions are for our community members.”
The conversation is the same among auto dealerships locally and across the country: Where do we find trained technicians?
“There’s a ridiculous shortage of technicians,” said Mimi Vessey, parts and service director for Findlay Honda of Flagstaff.
Jacob Lundie, general manager for Findlay Honda, added, “We’re in meetings often, and we talk about, ‘where are we finding technicians?’”
In order to meet a gap in trained automotive technicians locally and throughout the nation, Coconino Community College has partnered with Findlay Honda of Flagstaff to create an Automotive Technician program, and it’s scheduled to begin this spring semester.
We are looking forward to this evening’s premier of The Library That Dolly Built, a documentary about how the Dolly Parton Imagination Library started as an effort to honor her father and grew into one of the largest non-governmental literacy programs in the world.
The film, being streamed on Facebook, will be followed by a live Q&A session with Dolly Parton. (We hear she might even sing a song.)
Governor Ducey has announced an executive order designed to allow restaurants to more easily expand outdoor dining facilities as leaders look for ways to help an industry hit hard by COVID-19.
The move, which reduces regulatory hurdles, has been paired with $1 million in grants to help eateries purchase barriers, heaters and outdoor furniture to convert open areas into dining spaces. The spaces do not have to be physically connected to the restaurant, but must be within 60 feet of the dining establishment.
The state began accepting applications for the grants yesterday. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and will undergo a peer review process to ensure all documentation is submitted and verified. The deadline for applications is January 8, 2021.
“Thru an Artist’s Eyes”
Join us for the John Henry Waddell Virtual Tour
December 16 at 5:00pm MST
Come join us for a rare opportunity to explore several works by artist John Henry Waddell through the lens of his partner in life and art, artist Ruth Holland Waddell. We each have our own ways of looking at the world and at art, Ruth will provide us with tools to deepen our experience when looking at a work of art.
Join the virtual Board of Supervisors Meeting on December 8 at 5:00 PM for a special celebration honoring Supervisor Art Babbott and Supervisor Jim Parks. We will thank them for their contributions to the County and wish them well as they continue their journey of service to the community.
Designated as Arizona’s winter wonderland, Flagstaff accumulates an average of 100 inches of snow annually to partake in a multitude of winter activities. Please stay, play, social distance, and mask while visiting and adhere to required CDC healthcare travel guidelines, business recommendations and varied hours.
Travel safely and know before you go to Flagstaff with these top ten winter awareness tips:
The community is invited to participate in the selection of the Flagstaff Police Department’s next Police Chief at an upcoming meet and greet. The public meet and greet is scheduled for Dec. 9, 2020 at 5 p.m. and will held via Microsoft Teams.
The meet and greet will begin with each of the three candidates providing an introduction about themselves including their previous education and experience and how it relates to the Police Chief position. After all introductions have been completed, participants in the meeting will have an opportunity to submit questions for the Police Chief candidates to answer.
Once Corbin Felsted returned home to Flagstaff after a church mission, he knew he wanted to work with his hands.
“I thought electrician would be great, but nobody would hire me because I didn’t have experience,” Felsted said.
Finally, a local electrical company put him through an apprenticeship program – a grueling process of trade school, homework every night and working 40 hours a week. He finished a four-year program in two years, and he set his sights on college.
Each year, the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office holds a Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year and Ambassadors for Excellence Awards Event, but due to COVID-19, the 2020-2021 event will not be held. The School Superintendent’s Office hopes to continue the annual tradition in the future.
For two decades, NAU has led Arizona GEAR UP—a statewide program aimed at preparing K-12 students for college and a career after graduation with hopes to increase the percentage of adults who hold a postsecondary education credential or degree.
This holiday season looks different for everyone.
This is a friendly reminder to take care of yourself this holiday season.
The Flagstaff City Council adopted the High Occupancy Housing (HOH) Zoning Code Text Amendment at their meeting on Nov. 17, 2020. Effective on March 1, 2021, the adopted amendment is the first Zoning Code Text Amendment to implement the HOH Specific Plan. This amendment impacts most residential and mixed-use (residential and non-residential) developments by regulating the number of bedrooms and the number of dwelling units that are allowed with and without obtaining separate approval (a Conditional Use Permit) from the city. Developments that are required to obtain Conditional Use Permit will be considered a HOH Development or Mixed-use HOH Development.
Moonshot at NACET, the entrepreneurship program based in northern Arizona, is celebrating the spirit of startups during its inaugural Makers & Shakers Week, a series of online workshops, presentations and live Q&A’s with entrepreneurs.
The free week-long virtual event honors current businesses and showcases Moonshot innovators, mentors and instructors. The goal is to educate and inspire viewers who might be considering starting their own businesses, according to Moonshot President & CEO Scott Hathcock.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
Dolly Parton, simply put, is a legend. An icon. A cultural touchstone. She’s had phenomenal commercial and critical success. She’s earned an “EGOT,” winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. Her career spans a half century and she’s still going strong. Not bad for a kid born in a one-room cabin in the mountains of east Tennessee.
But before he passed away, her father told her that probably the most important thing she’s ever done was to start her “Imagination Library.”
This pandemic is challenging for all of us. CCC&Y has a weekly virtual meeting for parents and caregivers to connect and share resources. We are also launching “Creativity Calling,” specifically for youth! This monthly virtual opportunity will provide youth a chance to share their thoughts and feelings through the arts. Any youth interested in sharing their music, visual art, poetry, dance, or theater can text Hunter RedDay at 928.221.3688 to register. Each month four youth will have a 10-minute spotlight. Special thank you to our partner Stronger As One for providing a gift card to a local business. We will enter each month’s performers in a raffle for the gift card!
Coconino County Health and Human Services assists many home bound seniors. Please help to make their holidays brighter by providing these households with holiday gifts such as grocery stores and gas gift cards, electric throws, slipper socks and various other items personalized to the senior.
A gift tree is available at the Tourist Home All Day Café at 52 S. San Francisco, Flagstaff from November 30 through December 18. This holiday tree has information cards on it for the taking with information regarding the seniors in need. Take a ticket or contact CCHHS at mbentzen@coconino.az.gov to receive a virtual “senior gift tag.”
After receiving your tag, print it out and attach it to the unwrapped gift(s). Drop off your gifts at Tourist Home or contact mbentzen@coconino.az.gov or robegay@coconino.az.gov to coordinate a gift drop off.
All gifts must be received by December 18, 2020 to ensure time for delivery to our Seniors. All gifts are tax deductible and receipts available.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
The Flagstaff Arts Council is excited to announce our Winter Holiday Auction! This auction features artwork from local artists, gifts from local restaurants, post-pandemic travel packages, and more! This is the perfect place to do some holiday shopping while supporting the Flagstaff Arts Council’s mission to foster creativity in Flagstaff. The proceeds from the sale of most of the artwork included in the auction will be shared between the Flagstaff Arts Council and the artist with each party receiving 50% of the proceeds.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on December 1, 2020 and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back during one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced.
Grand Canyon, AZ – Beginning December 1, 2020, visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park this winter season should be prepared for modified changes in operations. Visitors should also plan ahead and anticipate temporary road closures and poor driving conditions whenever winter storms pass through the area.
Would you like to give to a worthy cause? If so, you could donate today to the Coconino Community College Foundation.
Your gift in support of a CCC student scholarship during Giving Tuesday on December 1, 2020 can help a CCC student achieve their educational goals.
Nationally, only 3 in 10 students entering the 4th grade are proficient readers.(1) That’s disheartening enough, but here’s the really scary statistic: children who aren’t reading proficiently by the 4th grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.(2)
Instilling a love of reading is the key to success for our children. It’s the foundation upon which their education is built.
That’s why United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is proud to partner with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) to make sure children in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties discover the world of books in those critical years before they enter school.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the upcoming closure of Interstate 40 and the Meteor Crater Bridge – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work begins on the bridge rehabilitation project.
ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place:
He was a bright spirit, lively, adventuresome and extraordinarily kind.
Sean McMullin, a Northern Arizona University graduate, loved the potential of solar energy and hoped to pursue alternative energies as a business.
He passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 12, 2020, and his parents, dedicated to keeping his legacy alive, have started the Sean Roarke McMullin Memorial Scholarship through the Coconino Community College Foundation.
This holiday season, Sedona Arts Center offers more ways to collect and share your favorite art with special discounts just in time for the holidays! Get 10% off all Fine Art in our Online Gallery November 26–30, 2020 by using coupon code: THX4ART20 when shopping online. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – nearly a 10% additional savings!
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Many of us were taught or developed a belief that depending on others is a weakness. I believe, as do many others, that interdependence is a strength!
I invite you to take a moment for yourself to breathe a few deep breaths. Then ask yourself, how am I feeling? What do I need? Who can help?
Have you ever helped someone without expecting anything in return? How did it feel? Many of us feel good when we are helping others. Why, then, do we often not allow others the opportunity to feel that goodness by helping us?
In the midst of a difficult year, I’ve found myself frequently thinking how blessed we are at MNA. So many people help out to keep this museum strong — the volunteers who tend our gardens, the docents who provide a welcoming and informative museum experience, the members and donors who support us financially. This has been a hard year for museums and many may not survive, but MNA will, with your help. With Giving Tuesday coming up, and year-end donations to be made, please help MNA reach our fundraising goals. There are many ways to support MNA, including direct donations, upgrading your membership, doing your holiday shopping at the museum shop, or buying tickets to the art raffle.
Thank you for your support of MNA.
The city of Flagstaff will return to Stage 2 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan on Nov. 30. This move is due to the upward trajectory in the number of new cases, hospitalizations and COVID related deaths in Flagstaff over four weeks or more.
Under Phase 2, the city will re-close the following city facilities and amenities:
As state and local guidelines around COVID-19 evolve, we can all be a part of making the outdoors a safe place to be. Following the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines will keep everyone safe as we enjoy our parks, waters, trails, and forests. Learn more about recreating responsibly by activity.
Here at Sedona Arts Center, we have so much to be thankful for.
More than anything else, we are thankful for our community of artists, instructors, art lovers, patrons, volunteers, staff and supporters who have helped us thrive through these trying times and over the last 62 years. We are truly grateful for you and we look forward to sharing more art, creativity, and inspiration with you in the years to come!
May you have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
This holiday season, Sedona Arts Center offers more ways to collect and share your favorite art with special discounts just in time for the holidays! Get 10% off all Fine Art in our Online Gallery November 26–30, 2020 by using coupon code: THX4ART20 when shopping online. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – nearly a 10% additional savings!
Greetings!
I am so thankful to serve Coconino County District 5 for another 4 years. My work for all citizens has been the greatest honor and joy in my life. Thank you to all District 5 citizens for re-electing me to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. I am so excited for new opportunities and possibilities of the next 4 years. In this season of change and transition, I ask you to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Please stay vigilant and safe this holiday season.
Lena
The patented sanitizing system from Clean Light Laboratories will be placed in strategic locations throughout campus to help faculty, staff and students fight the spread of the coronavirus.
On June 5, 2020, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan for County Operations. The plan provides guidance to protect customer and employee health and safety.
Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks. Based on this increase, and in alignment with the County’s Re-Entry Plan, effective Monday, November 23 Coconino County will return to more restrictive Phase I operations, summarized below.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open.
On June 5, 2020, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan for County Operations. The plan provides guidance to protect customer and employee health and safety.
Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks. Based on this increase, and in alignment with the County’s Re-Entry Plan, effective Monday, November 23 Coconino County will return to more restrictive Phase I operations, summarized below.
Coconino County resident Susie Garretson has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at Coconino Community College.
“Coconino Community College relies heavily on the community to support students, vision and mission of the College,” said CCC District Governing Board Chair Patricia Garcia. “With the word ‘Community’ in its name, CCC always strives to invite the greater community to be a part of our work. An individual who took us up on that invitation is Susie Garretson.”
This year’s annual Stuff the Bus community food drive benefitting The Flagstaff Family Food Center will be held virtually November 16 – November 22 continuing the longstanding partnership between Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff and Mountain Line.
The need for donations is greater than ever due to COVID-19. The Flagstaff Family Food Center estimates that since the beginning of the pandemic, the demand for its hunger relief programs have increased by 80%. The Center feeds 2,000 people a day, 365 days a year.
City administrative offices and operations will be closed Nov. 26 and 27, 2020 for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen on Nov. 30, 2020.
The East Flagstaff Community Library and the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will also be closed on Nov. 26 and 27. and will resume curbside hold pickup, phone reference services, and computer reservations on Nov. 30, 2020.
Proposition 413 (Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park) was passed by Flagstaff voters in 2016. This proposition restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation. The land affected by Proposition 413 is currently zoned as Public Facilities and Rural Residential. The City Council directed staff to amend the Zoning Code to reflect the outcomes of Proposition 413. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment in 2018, the next step is to amend the existing zoning of the area Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space.
The CCA Holiday Store Is Now Open!
Thursday-Saturday, 1-6 pm through December 22nd
(Closed 11/26, and 11/28-29)
Featured Artists:
Cathi Borthwick, Robin Cadigan, Darcy Falk, Katherine Farr, Carli Giese, Chandra Hemminger, Jonah Hill, Julie Jones, Don Nord, Sharon Richards, Ryanne Sebern, Heather Spontak
Hernandez, who works as a business analyst in Academic Affairs, transferred from Coconino Community College. Besides doing the normal student activities, he found ways to put his work experience to use in the classroom and what he learned in the classroom to use in his job.
Good news on the forest front: NewLife Forest Products has acquired the former SCA Tissue facility in Bellemont, allowing it to scale up operations as the largest contractor in the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, or 4FRI.
The move into the 425,000-square-foot warehouse will allow the company to hire 200 local workers and move forward with its charge to thin roughly 300,000 acres of forest land over the next several years.
NACA’s Native Connections are hosting three upcoming Youth Focus Groups via Zoom at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing of youth in our community. Youth who participate are helping inform our work to support them during this difficult time, and will receive a gift card to either Dutch Bros or Sprouts!
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is presenting a weekly Family Connection Zoom Meeting at 2:30 p.m. Mondays.
The meeting is open to parents, caregivers, professionals — All individuals in our community.
Now is the time to connect, be supportive and receive support in a safe and caring environment via zoom or by telephone.
This is an open time to connect with others, share joys, vent some concerns, ask for support, or offer others your support.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
iPhoneography
An Online Workshop with Kelli Klymenko
November 21, 2020
In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day workshops for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.
Flagstaff was named one of 88 cities to score top grades on climate action by environmental impact non-profit CDP (the “A list”). CDP’s A List is based on environmental data disclosed by hundreds of cities in 2020. To score an A, a city must disclose publicly and have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target and published a climate action plan. The cities must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have completed a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards now and in the future, among other actions.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment to five school districts which include:
Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology (CAVIAT) in Fredonia (1 open seat)
Coconino Community College District #3 (1 open seat to be filled in January 2021- apply now)
Fredonia-Moccasin USD #6 (2 open seats)
Maine Consolidated USD #10 (3 open seats)
N.A.T.I.V.E., Tuba City (1 open seat)
