Join us on Facebook Friday, June 19th at 4:00pm for a free Studio Tour with Stuart Shils. He’ll be interviewed by Chuck Spence, Vice President of our Board of Directors. We will be looking at how Stuart’s work has evolved from the past into the present and discussing the unique content that he brings to his popular workshops. Stuart will be teaching a virtual workshop “Re-framing the Ordinary” July 17th and 18th. Watch for more information coming soon here and on our website.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Dear friends of Flagstaff’s future,
The work of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is directed toward achieving a
“sustainable, just, and thriving community.” But until people of color, indigenous
people, and undocumented people in our community know they are safe,
protected, and valued, we will fall short of this goal.
The death of George Floyd makes it clear that it is not enough to condemn
racism. And it is not enough to condemn police violence and the many crushing
forms that discrimination takes. We must hold ourselves accountable for what
happens to people of color, native peoples, and undocumented people in our
community. And we must pay attention to all the ways in which discrimination has
taken hold and all the ways it plays out in the life of our community.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future commits itself to participating in meaningful change
to dismantle racism in our community. As we monitor issues related to
development, planning, land and resource use, and the local economy, we will
listen closely to the guidance given by people of color, native peoples, and
members of our immigrant community. Now, more than ever, we will ensure that
justice and equity—and the dismantling of the legacy of racism and white
supremacy—is an orienting principle of our organization.
Racism is a pandemic. Each of us can be an antidote, counteracting the poison
of racism. True sustainability and community vitality depend on it.
Let’s create the change we want to be and push for better conditions for all!
The Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Coconino County Fair modified due to COVID-19
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Coconino County Parks and Recreation is modifying the 71st Coconino County Fair due to COVID-19 concerns.
This decision was reached after months of deliberation, research and consultation with local health officials and the Board of Supervisors. Several county fairs in Arizona have cancelled their events this year due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
During the June 2 meeting, the Board of Supervisors supported a modified event that will incorporate measures to focus on 4-H youth member exhibits, the livestock auction, and online or virtual ways to engage the community in lieu of an in-person event at Fort Tuthill County Park. The safety and health of attendees, exhibitors and staff are very important to the County, as is continued support to area youth with their 4-H and livestock projects.
For many of us, COVID-19 has intensely altered and distorted our lives in contrast to our usual safety net of how we view and live in this world. Besides the terrible impact of this illness on friends and loved ones, the loss of income and constant worry about today, tomorrow, and the future keeps many people frozen in time. Without the emotional and financial support to move forward and make decisions about life, this fear of the unknown is causing anxiety to a level never before experienced by many people.
And yet, as I watch the civil unrest continuing to grow throughout our nation, I am sadly reminded once again of how many of our friends and neighbors (close by, throughout the nation, and throughout the world) have always lived with and continue to live with fear of the unknown. Now, more than ever, that sense of community that is at the heart of the community college mission is important for students, co-workers, friends and neighbors throughout our great country. It is through community that we listen, learn, and seek to understand. It is through community that we demonstrate our support and care for others. And it is through community that we can overcome those fears and accomplish our dreams for a vibrant future.
The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and the City of Flagstaff are helping Museum Flood area residents prepare for the 2020 monsoon season by placing pallets of new sandbags throughout the neighborhoods, which residents can use to repair their sandbag walls.The sandbag placement will run through June 17, 2020.
From NAU students and others protesting around Flagstaff, to statements from officials condemning the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and the nationwide/worldwide protests this past week.
The Northern Arizona community has also come out to make their voices heard.
Send an email to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com to make your voice heard.
The mission of LAUNCH Flagstaff is to advance equitable access to world-class education for every child in Flagstaff. By definition, equity is the state of being just and fair and it is the context through which the partners of LAUNCH Flagstaff take their collaborative action. This is easier said than done, because achieving equity often requires the non-equal distribution of resources
The truth is that to be successful in achieving equity in education, we will have to make significant progress in undoing the historical injustices and ongoing inequities imposed on Indigenous, Black, and Latino peoples by White people through the colonization of this land.
Current events have once again brought America’s history of racism and state-sanctioned violence against people of color to the surface. We have an opportunity to collectively examine our personal and institutional beliefs, practices and policies, questioning their origin and their validity.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
We are glad to announce that AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection will be adding several virtual offerings in the form of FB live-s in the next week or two, making it a total of four (this, of course, in addition to other posts and shares).
The Sedona Arts Center has reopened its Fine Art Gallery and live in-person classes to the public with a Covid-19 protocol of: ongoing sanitation, social distancing, following government guidelines, and wearing face masks in our indoor public spaces. New gallery hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The Administrative offices will remain closed to the public at this time, please call 928-282-3809 for assistance or call the gallery at 928-282-3865.
NAU pathogen scientist collaborating on vaccine that could prevent, treat COVID-19
C. Todd French, assistant professor of biology and leader of NAU’s COVID-19 Testing Service Center, is studying a vault-based coronavirus vaccine that could represent a step toward blocking the outbreak of a similar virus in the future
The Flagstaff Family Food Center is providing a Summer Reading Enrichment Program from noon through 1:30 p.m. through July 3 at the Flagstaff Family Food Center Kitchen, 1903 N. 2nd St.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
America’s Favorite Crossing Guard
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
This Week’s Virtual Highlights
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.
As our region tentatively enters into its economic recovery, it is encouraging to know a new enterprise is coming to Flagstaff and planning to hire more than 80 workers.
Highgate Senior Living, a new assisted living facility under construction on 3.3 acres of McMillan Mesa, is starting to fill positions in advance of its grand opening next spring.
What a season! Up high, the Peaks are cleared of snow welcoming the coming summer sun; down below, the fruit trees are blossom-filled and mountain irises are quietly opening their wings. Nature’s breath, thank goodness, is as close and intimate as ever.
Still, social isolation is hard. There’s just no good substitute for gathering in a coffee shop or sharing a meal with friends. The need to be in a common space with one another is so strong that it feels like a magnetic force.
But physical distancing doesn’t have to mean social distancing! Below are some links to local projects of mutual aid and solidarity in action, as well as ideas from other communities.
Let’s create the change we want to be! Stay healthy!
The Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
It is not easy to write this message. I, just like many of you, have found myself filled with many emotions ranging from deep sadness to raw anger. Many of us around the Nation are trying to find our voice, our place- ideas for how we can make a positive impact. CCC&Y has a long history of advocating for and working toward justice and equity for our community.
I was scheduled to present the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) / resiliency training live this week for a school district. I was re-struck, while speaking with these educators, by how relevant the work of CCC&Y is- even during current times. I felt gratitude for this connection and all of you who further this work.
If you have not done so already, I would invite you to visit our webinar on ACES. It will help you to gain personal insight into what happens to people, what we do to people and how society can choose to make trauma worse or better for folks. That insight then becomes sharable.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Replacement Sandbags are Coming to Your Neighborhood
Fourth County COVID-19 Testing Blitz collects 341 tests
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
It started off as a project to meet the requests of fans of his performances on the train.
It ended up as a labor of love to help underserved Native Americans attend college.
Banjo Billy Smith, a regular performer on the Grand Canyon Railway before the COVID-19 outbreak, has started the Banjo Billy Scholarship for Underserved Native Americans at Coconino Community College.
As I pass the one year mark as Director here at MNA, I look back on a memorable and sometimes challenging year. From the Museum Fire last year to a Pandemic in 2020, our staff, volunteers and members have demonstrated resilience, imagination, flexibility and their passion for MNA. After many weeks working from home, some of the museum staff are now gradually and gratefully returning to their offices, after undergoing training to further enhance their safety while at work. From increased cleaning and socially distanced meetings to wearing masks when together, we are adjusting to new ways of working safely. We will be equally cautious reopening to the public. We are currently planning so that you can come and experience the museum in a safe and enjoyable way. To see some of the changes we are putting in place, I invite you to join the virtual tour of the museum on June 18, as we continue to bring the museum to you, until you can come to us. I look forward to that day. It is the people of MNA, all of you included, who make this museum the remarkable place it is. Thank you for being a part of MNA, and for helping to make my first year here such an enjoyable and rewarding time.
Governor Doug Ducey issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, including putting in place a curfew starting at 8:00 p.m. May 31, 2020. The curfew is in effect from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and shall expire on Monday, June 8, at 5:00 a.m. unless further extended. The text of the order is available here.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Hammer. Saw. Drill. Tape Measure. Level.
His teaching tools are a bit different from a typical community college faculty member, but his skill at using those tools and his passion for sharing that knowledge helps students quickly enter the workforce and find meaningful careers.
As a result, Ken Myers, Construction Technology Management faculty at Coconino Community College, is being recognized as Arizona’s Career and Technical Education Post-Secondary Educator of the Year.
The Sedona Arts Center will be re-opening its Fine Art Gallery and live in-person classes to the public in early June with a Covid-19 protocol of: ongoing sanitation, social distancing, following government guidelines, and wearing face masks in our indoor public spaces. June 5th is the opening day for our Fine Art Gallery come see the exhibition from 10am – 5pm!
Charlotte Willin appeared on the computer screen via a Zoom video conference with her Coconino Community College advisor Mitch Driebe.
Willin, a student at Northern Arizona University, wants to knock out Physiology & Anatomy 2 during the summer while she is at home in Long Beach, Calif. Her goal is to become an Occupational Therapist.
“I didn’t want to forget anything,” Willin said to Driebe.
Her reason for taking the five-week session at Coconino Community College: It ‘s very affordable.
Willin joins hundreds of other students filling out their class rosters for summer and fall “virtually” with advisors at CCC. The college began offering the service following the campus closures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Small businesses across Arizona have lost federal dollars to larger companies in urban areas — that is no secret. Lack of access to SBA-partnered community banks limited opportunities for many. Local First Arizona is proud to join forces these three partners to distribute grants — not loans — to businesses across the state.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
County Statement on Statewide Curfew Order
Free Online Legal Talk Series
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Sup. Liz Archuleta issued the following statement after the announcement of statewide curfew.
“Gov. Ducey has announced a statewide curfew for all of Arizona every night this week. The curfew begins at 8pm and will lift each morning at 5am. Coconino County encourages all persons to comply with the Governor’s order and limit any travel during curfew to essential needs for work or public health or safety.”
Coconino County collected 341 tests for COVID-19 at the fourth Testing Blitz event held Saturday, May 30 at the Coconino Health and Human Services location in Flagstaff. Coupled with the first three testing blitz events, the County has collected 1,439 tests.
Safe Kids Coconino County, led by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), and Safe Kids Worldwide are proud to recognize Billy Weldon as the winner of the 2020 America’s Favorite Crossing Guard contest.
After tens of thousands of votes from appreciative supporters that earned him a spot as one of the top five finalists, Weldon was named the winner by a panel of judges because of his exceptional impact on his community and his commitment to the safety of the students.
Facilities across Arizona have reopened or are in the process of making reopening plans following the expiration of the Arizona stay-at-home order. The State of Arizona announced that criteria for entering Phase 1 of the phased reopening approach outlined in the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again have been met. The guidelines, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state that a downward trajectory of documented COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period is one criterion for entering Phase I.
Conversations with Arizona Families about the Impact of Distance Learning on Students with Disabilities and other Vulnerable Populations
Color. Form. Aesthetics.
To him, art is a conversation between the artist and the world – an assertion he repeats to his students. And they appreciate him for it.
Art Faculty Jeff Roth has been selected as the 2020-21 Coconino Community College Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Roth, who has been with CCC for three years, teaches Art Appreciation, Drawing 1, Life Drawing 1, Life Drawing 2, Digital Photography 1 and Mural Painting.
The Economic Policy Institute is administering a survey that is designed to measure business sentiment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of local and state government pandemic restrictions on local businesses. It is the first survey to provide rolling data specific to northern Arizona.
Did you know that you might qualify for money to go to college this fall?
But you will have to apply quickly for federal financial aid.
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the federal government has approved funds through the CARES Act to help U.S. citizens attend college.
Coconino Community College has received a share of this money and will distribute it for the Fall semester to students and prospective students who qualify.
Scientists use different models to try to forecast the spread of the coronavirus disease. The models can inform public health decisions like when to reopen businesses, but—just like weather forecasting—they’re not perfect at predicting the future. Learn more at KNAU.org.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is participating in the Arizona COVID-19 Testing Blitz on Saturday, May 30.
This is the fourth Testing Blitz hosted by CCHHS as part of the statewide initiative which aims to test up to 60,000 Arizonans for COVID-19.
Testing will be held at Coconino County Health and Human Services, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Drive through testing and walk up testing will be available.
Doug Friedman’s passion for the subject gives him the ability to make the world of microscopic organisms accessible – and fascinating – to his students.
As one of his students stated, “Doug showed me this passion for Microbiology I did not know I had. It’s a fascinating subject. I never had an instructor who made me think outside the box so frequently. He is exactly what college professors should be doing.”
Friedman was selected by students and colleagues as the 2020-21 Full-Time Faculty of the Year at Coconino Community College.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
FUSD High School Graduation TOMORROW
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) high schools, Coconino High School, Flagstaff High School, and Summit High School, will hold graduation processions on Fourth Street in Flagstaff, Arizona on Friday, May 29, 2020. The event will include an opportunity for graduates to be recognized while still ensuring necessary social distancing measures.
“We are very proud of the accomplishments and efforts of FUSD’s senior students over many years.” said Superintendent Michael Penca. “They are graduating under extraordinary circumstances in which they have demonstrated persistence, patience, and compassion for others. While we all wish we could hold our traditional ceremony, we know this event will be a special celebration for our seniors, their families, and our entire community.”
Throughout this crisis, we have celebrated essential workers – those brave souls who have faced the threat of coronavirus on an almost daily basis so that everyone else could safely stay at home practicing social distancing to stem the pandemic.
But what happens to essential workers with small children? Who is there to take care of their sons or daughters while they were busy taking care of the rest of us.
Due to COVID-19, more than 80 percent of licensed child care centers in Flagstaff were forced to close. Those that remained open had to operate far below capacity, collecting less revenue while simultaneously facing greater operational expenses.
That is why the United Way of Northern Arizona recently provided grants through its COVID-19 Fund to both the Flagstaff Family YMCA and the Association for Supportive Child Care (ASCC).
As we gradually move from crisis response to economic recovery, our region’s businesses are poised to reopen and a variety of entities are working to make sure that shift is both safe and successful.
To that end, here are some of the resources you may wish to consult during this time of transition.
Click here for the entire e-newsletter This Week’s Virtual Highlights 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,…
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Face Coverings Required in Coconino County Court Buildings
ACDL: The Impact of COVID-19 and Special Education
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
CCC&Y hosted this 1.5 hour webinar to ensure we look through a strength-based framework that is evidence-based, supports families and is prevention focused. This is for the community, as well as, professionals. Trainer: Claire Louge, Prevention Child Abuse Arizona
According to one participant: “I was so surprised that I could use the information in a lot of work that I do and not just with youth and families. It is truly amazing how it related to just every day life. It was great!!” “The reminders to look for strengths in everyone, even yourself.”
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching Program
Memorial Day Precautions
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Monday is Memorial Day and CASA of Coconino County would like to show appreciation to our U.S. Armed Forces. Those who have served and continue to serve their country are an inspiration.
We cannot forget the reason for the Memorial Day holiday – honoring those who have lost their lives while selflessly serving our country. CASA of Coconino County pays their respect to these heroes.
As we head into the long Memorial Day weekend, I want to honor all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and who have sacrificed their lives for our rights, freedoms, and liberties. Their sacrifice is not forgotten, and we are endlessly grateful for their service.
I encourage you to take this weekend to enjoy our beautiful spring weather (within safety limits). I want to thank you all for continuing to practice COVID-19 safety practices. I know this has not been an easy feat, but your commitment to our community during this time is crucial in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the health and safety of all of our residents.
The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and the City of Flagstaff, helping Museum Flood are residents prepare for the 2020 monsoon season.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is launching a program that matches people’s savings while helping them improve their financial habits.
The Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching program provides free financial education/coaching and matches participants’ saving over nine months. The longer participants save, the larger the matching ratio becomes – giving participants the opportunity to triple their savings from $225 to $675.
Dear Friends,
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is entering a new phase in its 24 years of promoting the value of open spaces, participating in city planning, and supporting locally owned businesses.
This is the first of a bi-weekly communication containing information about Local Efforts and just plain good information to have and share about our community. Each communication will also contain quotes and references to Educational articles and New Ideas followed by a Thought for the Day.
If you have ideas to share, send them to us.
If you want more information about Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, take a look at our website: https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/ or our Facebook page.
Let’s create the change we want to be! Stay healthy!
~Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
Local First Arizona has created a Small Business Relief Fund to provide mini-grants (typically ranging from $1000 – $2500) to locally-owned small businesses. Local First Arizona is attempting to serve as many individuals and families in need as possible. The application process is simple and can be completed quickly. Please review the criteria before applying:
Today, the #2020Census reminds you to remember the fallen who have served our country. #MemorialDay honors over one million men and women who sacrificed everything in military service since the Civil War. #AmericaCounts
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2020 in honor of Memorial Day.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Memorial Day, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. 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.
Memorial Day, observed on Monday, May 25, is a day to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
This year, Coconino County Health and Human Services recommends taking extra precautions when participating in Memorial Day activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than fifteen hundred clinical trials are underway worldwide related to the coronavirus disease. Many of these experiments are focused on developing new drugs and therapies to treat patients. Along with public health measures, those are an important line of defense against COVID-19 until a vaccine is created. Learn more at KNAU.org.
Two retiring faculty members at Coconino Community College, with more than four decades of service to the college between them, have received the honor of Professor Emeritus.
David Rudakewich and Kim Sonier were honored during the April 30 meeting of the CCC District Governing Board. The board members voted unanimously to bestow the honor on them both.
Kalvina Lee Belin, a graduate of the master of public health program with an emphasis on Indigenous health, created the online training to offer strategies and tools to help faculty and staff create spaces where Native American students feel they belong and are motivated in the learning process.
