Category: Commentary

The NAU Review — Celebrating Native American Heritage Month, honoring our veterans and predicting the future of water based on the past

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Celebrating ancestry, traditions and impact

NAU, which sits on lands sacred to Native American tribes, will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a plethora of culture-oriented events which will run through Nov. 30. Events include Stew Fest, a basketball game against SAGU Indian College, meetings with NAU’s Indigenous elders and more. “We are honored to share about our legacy and ways of being with our communities,” said Ann Marie Chischilly, vice president of Native American Initiatives.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Native American Heritage Month, honoring our veterans and predicting the future of water based on the past

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

November at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Message from Mary –

November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to spread awareness of Indigenous history and contemporary Native issues. At the Museum of Northern Arizona we share and celebrate the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau year-round, both in our exhibitions and through special programs. This month we have a panel discussion about Indigenous foods with a Diné chef and a performance by a group of young Native dancers who have earned international recognition. Both programs are rooted in tradition while being contemporary and relevant – an appropriate reflection of Indigenous peoples and culture today.

A visit to the Museum is always a good way to learn about Native American Heritage, this month and year-round.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

We commemorate and celebrate Native American Heritage Month throughout the month of November to recognize the important contributions Indigenous people have made and continue to make to the country and to the Grand Canyon. This year’s theme is Celebrating Tribal and Indigenous Sovereignty and Identity. Tribal sovereignty ensures that any decisions about Tribes about their property and citizens are made with their participation and consent. The federal trust responsibility is a legal obligation under which the United States “has charged itself with moral obligations of the highest responsibility and trust” toward Indian Tribes.

Grand Canyon National Park is built on Native lands, and although we cannot change the past, we can change the present and ultimately the future by strengthening our relationships with the associated tribes and the land we all share.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation November 2023 Update

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Culinary Class: Holiday Side Dishes

The holiday season is quickly approaching! Time to spend time with friends and family, start thinking about defrosting the turkey, and cracking out the side dish recipes. This special holiday focused culinary class will teach you how to make a variety of classic Thanksgiving side dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and grilled brussels sprouts.

This cooking class will be held on November 19, noon-3:00 p.m., at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall in Flagstaff, AZ. It will be taught by our incredible culinary instructor, Willa McAuliffe.

The cost for this program is $25* for Adults (18 and older) and $15* for Youth (8 – 17 years old).

Pre-register here.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography — Images of the Month – November 2023

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2023 • Comments Off

Since the early Middle Ages, Europeans feared that phantasms, ghouls, and spirits somehow found their way back to earth and do harm to people, animals, and crops during Halloween. Igniting protective fires and torches and tolling the town’s church bells were especially important on this night to whisk off the mischievous entities.

William Shakespeare brilliantly depicts the Christian beliefs about witches during those times: the three nameless witches in Macbeth embody wickedness, obscurity, madness, struggle, and have a twisted sense of scruples. Using this curse, they warn Macbeth of his upcoming troubles:

AmigosNAZ taking Fall break Nov. 1 through 6

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2023 • Comments Off

AmigosNAZ.com will be taking a short Fall break starting Wednesday, Nov. 1, back Monday, Nov. 6. Wishing you all a wonderful, safe and memorable Dia de Los Muertos celebration this week.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 23-27, 2023

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2023 • Comments Off

Halloween Carnival at Grand Canyon School October 28

Grand Canyon School and the High School Student Council will be hosting the All Hallows Halloween Carnival on October 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will be a haunted house, activity booths, and games for all ages. Be sure to wear your costume!

If you are interested in having a booth there, you can contact rrobertson@grandcanyonschool.org.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) Holds Manufacturing Tours for High School Students

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2023 • Comments Off

As part of our celebration of Manufacturing Month, the ECoNA Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) team recently organized a tour of three local manufacturers for 17 juniors and seniors from Flagstaff and Coconino high schools to show the rewarding work – and excellent pay – available in this sector.

The Arizona Office of Economic Security projects that between 2022 and 2024, there will be an 8.2% increase in manufacturing jobs in Coconino, Navajo, and Yavapai counties. This equates to more than 100 new jobs.

“Our intent is to have more of these educational tours throughout the northern Arizona region,” said Cynthia Hudspeth, the newly named Director of Operations at ECoNA who attended the tours with the students. “The message is to show students the possible careers right here in their backyard and that they can work, live and stay in northern Arizona.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Alert: It’s Time to Vote & How You Can Help

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2023 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser ACTION ALERT! Help F3: Contact 10 of Your Friends & Return Your Ballot We could really use your help in the next few days. NAH is outspending the No on 480 campaign by hundreds…

United Way of Northern Arizona — Recommitting to Positive Youth Development

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

focus to Stepping Up for Our Youth and Communities, we have successfully rallied around early childhood development with programs like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

This year with our annual campaign theme of United in Purpose – 365 Days a Year, we are recommitting to the goal of also supporting programs and initiatives that promote positive youth development and refocusing our efforts on a comprehensive approach that encompasses our youth from birth through early adulthood.

From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO

At our annual campaign kickoff last week, I had a chance to provide a detailed vision of how United Way of Northern Arizona can support our community and partners to foster opportunities for our youth at all ages. I envision it as a circle where we as a community wrap ourselves around our youth and can step in at any point of a youth’s development and make a difference.

The NAU Review — NAU students plant a flag in Belize, Notes from the President and Camp Chit-Chat

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2023 • Comments Off

This summer, a dozen NAU students went to Belize to do research. It’s called Jungle Boot Camp, and Jut Wynne takes a group down every summer. But this group was special. A well-worn flag joined the group—it’s the flag of the Explorers Club, which has gone to the top and bottom of the world, into space and all over, marking expeditions that contribute to our knowledge of the world in which we live. Learn more about the research Wynne and his students conducted in this tiny Central American country that is rich in biodiversity.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Coalition for Energy Retrofits & Remembering Jack Welch

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2023 • Comments Off

The City Sustainability Office will soon be launching the Flagstaff Home Energy Retrofit Program with a substantial grant award. The program provides home energy retrofits to low income residents, helping them reduce energy costs, increase the comfort of their homes, strengthen community participation towards greater climate resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to our community’s Carbon Neutrality Plan.

Grand Canyon National Park — Weekly Wrap-Up Week of Aug. 7, 2023

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2023 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, President Biden visited the park after announcing the designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon as a National Monument. Baaj nwaavjo means “where Indigenous peoples roam” in the Havasupai language, and i’tah kukvenimeans “our ancestral footprints” in the Hopi language. The new monument encompasses about 917,618 acres of the Kaibab National Forest (both north and south of the park) and portions of the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District (BLM), lands already part of the 2012 mineral withdrawal Environmental Impact Statement. These lands will continue to be managed by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service, and Tribal Nations will be included in decisions about managing the areas. The national monument only includes federal lands and does not include State and private lands within the boundary.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Vote No on Prop. 480 Campaign Kick-off This Saturday

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Community First will hold their No on Prop. 480 campaign kick-off on Saturday at Bushmaster Park’s Community Ramada.

Flagstaff Community First is the political action committee composed of local organizations, including F3, and individuals that spearheaded the collection and delivery of more than 5,000 voter signatures to the City Clerk in July. That effort has ensured that the citizens of Flagstaff have a voice in determining if the City Council’s approval to rezone 98 acres of land just north of Ft Tuthill will stand.

This citizens’ referendum will be included on the November 7, 2023 mail-in ballot as Proposition 480. A “NO” vote on Prop. 480 will overturn Council’s decision allowing the rezoning of the 98 acres (Phase I) of the Northern Arizona Healthcare Corporation (NAH) proposed new hospital and ambulatory care center. Phase I is the first step in NAH’s proposed two phased medical and commercial complex.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-Up Week of July 31

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2023 • Comments Off

A welcome break from the summer heat

After our recent rainfall, Grand Canyon is no longer in an excessive heat warning, but Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions are still in effect for the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.

Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.

The NAU Review — ‘Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2023 • Comments Off

To combat pathogens like Zika, Ebola or the virus that causes COVID-19, we have to know how they work. One of the most effective ways of figuring that out is genomic sequencing, which allows scientists to break down the pathogen’s DNA or RNA. During the pandemic, use of this tool increased exponentially, with it playing a critical role in everything from tracking the virus’ movement to developing effective vaccines. In an essay published this week, biologists Jason Ladner and Jason Sahl argue that scientists, public health officials and policymakers worldwide must build on this momentum so society is better prepared for the next pandemic.

Please Join Friends of Flagstaff’s Future Thursday, July 6, at 12:30 on the Steps of City Hall

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Community First, a broad coalition of organizations (including F3) and individuals advocating for accessible, quality health care in Flagstaff and the region, will deliver of over 4,800 signatures to the City Clerk (on July 6) to place a referendum on the ballot.

The referendum will allow the public to weigh in on City Council’s June 6 rezoning decision that gave Northern Arizona Healthcare the go-ahead to move the hospital from the center of town. Flagstaff Community First launched the petition drive in order to refer the zoning decision to a vote of the public.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing You a Happy Independence Day

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2023 • Comments Off

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate not only the anniversary of American independence, but the values that make our country great. One of those values is the importance of Living United.

Living United means coming together to solve problems and build a better future for our neighbors. It’s the sincere belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance. It’s knowing that when we include all members of society in shaping the solutions, our community will always be stronger for it.

Thank you for Living United this holiday – and every day.

Our offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Have a safe and wonderful Independence Day.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing You a Safe Memorial Day Weekend

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2023 • Comments Off

We wish you a safe holiday weekend as we continue the tradition of honoring those who gave all so we could live in freedom.

Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 29th.

The Literacy Center — Thank you to all who donated, participated, and attended the 26th Annual Mountain Spelling Bee!

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2023 • Comments Off

The Spelling Bee was a success

We could not have had such a successful event without all of you who participated! Congratulations to The Nerdettes: The Cat in the Hat Comes Back for their win! And congratulations to the Mead Hall Marauders for winning the spirit award!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Communications Issue #29: Quality Healthcare that Fits the Community’s Needs

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

The concerns that F3 continues to raise with regards to the NAH proposal to relocate the hospital relate directly to providing quality health care that benefits Flagstaff residents as well as the Region.

NAH continues to state that a new greenfield hospital is what’s best for Flagstaff and that a new hospital is needed in order to recruit and retain good doctors. These are questionable statements. While every doctor would like to work in a shiny new building, there are many hundreds of thousands who do not. In fact, many of these doctors work at the highest-rated hospitals in the US that are located in dense cities, such as Johns Hopkins and Mass General. Older hospitals in dense cities cannot always be moved miles away and rebuilt. Instead they are renovated or rebuilt in the same place.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Time of Transition and Looking to the Future

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Many thanks to everyone who has been so warm and supportive during my first month as the new CEO and President of United Way of Northern Arizona. I’ve always been proud of this organization and the work it does.

”Improving lives by mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions” has always resonated with me. I have been involved with UWNA for over 25 years serving on the Board of Directors, the Community Investment Committee and chairing multiple UWNA campaigns.

My life’s work has been dedicated to building community, promoting equity, and improving lives locally, statewide and nationally. I will continue to bring those values and passion for community to my work at UWNA. As a native of Flagstaff with five generations of my family living in Flagstaff, it is an honor to serve my community through UWNA.

During this time of transition, I want to recognize what has come before me.

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez February — March Newsletter

by Community Contributor • April 7, 2023 • Comments Off

In this Edition…
Message from Jeronimo
Preparation, Prevention, and Information: Our Surrounding
Environment
District 2 Highlights
Special Spotlight: Areina Contreras
Service Positions & Job Listings
Services and Programs
Community Events & Resources
And more!

The NAU Review — NAU’s new recycling program, Notes from the President and a look at the People’s Art Project

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Introducing the 4 Rs of recycling: Recycle right, reap rewards

NAU is revamping its sustainability efforts with a new recycling program intended to increase recycling rates while decreasing landfill waste. The bin system is getting an upgrade, making it easier for everyone to know where to put which materials. Funding from the Green Fund, including new waste sensors, will allow the team to track how much waste is generated on campus to analyze and ensure effectiveness. The team hopes to encourage everyone to recycle correctly and reduce our environmental footprint. This program will enable us to do our part and be recycling superheroes!

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — February/March 2023 District 1 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2023 • Comments Off

In This Issue
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Short Term Rentals
Hearing on Coconino County Fair Fees
BOS Adopts New Fort Tuthill Management Plan
Upper Rio de Flag Watershed Forest Restoration
County Receives $10.9 Million State Funding for
Flood Mitigation
County Comprehensive Plan and Flagstaff
Regional Plan Explained
Community Meeting on Proposed Forest
Restriction Plans and Emergency Preparedness
NACo Legislative Conference
Fort Valley Gets Its Sign!
Fort Valley Community Meeting on Rain and
Snow Melt
Valle It Is!
County Parks and Recreation Receives Arizona
Forward Environmental Excellence Award
Congratulations to Jim Driscoll, Western States
Sheriff of the Year!
Community Events

United Way of Northern Arizona — Nationally Recognized Leader Liz Archuleta Chosen as New President & CEO

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Liz Archuleta, highly accomplished and nationally recognized leader, and former Coconino County Supervisor who has been serving as a presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture senior leadership team, has been chosen to be the new President & CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA).

“We are thrilled to have such a highly respected and accomplished leader as Liz join us,” said UWNA Board President Mike Kelly. “Her ties to UWNA and commitment to our program of work go back to 1997. During that time, she’s championed many efforts at UWNA. She’s been a Board chair, led an annual campaign and a capital campaign, been the chair of the Summit Society, and spearheaded a special 50th anniversary drive to support the KinderCamp program.”

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 13-17, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 17, 18, and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by and meet Zuni fine art painter, Anthony Gchachu. He will discuss how he conceptualizes and executes his paintings.

Watch him work and learn how Zuni culture and art have influenced his unique painting style that uses layered acrylic paints to create texture, depth and movement to generate emotions.

This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA)

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2023 • Comments Off

While northern Arizona is home to many festivals throughout the year, the month of February tends to be a little slower, with much of the region’s tourism dollars coming from out-of-towners looking to ski and play in the snow.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, however.

The NAU Review — NAU celebrates Black History Month, a $6.4M grant to train nurses and redwood resilience

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Do you know how Black history has shaped the history of Flagstaff and NAU? Through events, panel discussions and guest speakers, NAU commemorates the legacy, heritage and brilliance of our Black community. During Black History Month, learn about the significant contributions of Black Americans to our community and the United States and gain a greater understanding of how that legacy continues to evolve and affect Black and African Americans today.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — 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.

CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.

Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.

Please visit Membership Options

Make an Online Donation

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

Coconino Community College — The Comet — ‘Adult Education learners at CCC take free English course’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Ana Roman met and became best friends with Montserrat “Montse” Rodriguez when they worked together at a Flagstaff restaurant. Rodriguez needed help studying for her United States citizenship exam that she was preparing for, and Roman was happy to help.

After Rodriguez passed her citizenship test with flying colors, the two young women continued taking English Language Acquisition for Adults courses in the Adult Education program at Coconino Community College. Successful in their studies, they were awarded a grant that allowed them to take a course at the college free of charge.

They chose ENG 101A, and they both passed their first official college course, and now the two are considering continuing down the college path.

“I was so scared,” Rodriguez said. “We were with students so young, so bright, who spoke English their whole lives. This class has taken me out of my comfort zone. This is a first step.”

The NAU Review — Health care theater, a real-life tooth fairy and what China’s politics mean for the future of our world

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Lights, camera, SCALPEL!
When the stage lights and hospital beds meet, greatness happens. Students from NAU’s School of Nursing and the Department of Theatre collaborated to create a simulation lab as part of the Health Care Theater Class, giving students hands-on experience in their respective fields of study.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y fondly remembers the life of founder Florence Mae Karlstrom

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2023 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

CCC&Y and community members fondly remember the life of founder Florence Mae Karlstrom who passed away on Jan. 8, 2023 in Amherst, Mass. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 22, 2022.

“Many of us in Flagstaff remember Florence. The community we live in today has roots in her work, founding CCC&Y, serving on the FUSD Board, supporting United Way and the vision of early childhood education and development,” wrote consultant and coach Kerry Blume, former president and CEO of the United Way of Northern Arizona.

“I am so sorry to learn of Florence’s passing. … Florence also championed women’s rights and was instrumental in the budding women in history programs at NAU in the early 1970’s which included a cross department collaboration with Peg Morley and Katherine Nutt. Her commitment for building a better world led to focusing on children and the most vulnerable and resulted in the creation of what is now CCC&Y. She was a strong advocate for early childhood education. I worked on her successful campaign for FUSD school board and her unsuccessful campaign for state senate. A consummate community builder who led with compassion, intellect and kindness. During her 100 years many of us got to experience that warm smile and her grace. A life well lived. Her memory will always be a blessing,” wrote Coconino County District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman.

“The acknowledgement of all of Florence’s accomplishments in her lifetime is truly amazing. I was never aware of Florence’s beliefs in life. But now being aware of them, they don’t surprise me. If you looked deep you would know that she was always giving of herself in a compassionate, love filled way, no matter what she did. In working with Florence most closely as we worked together on the school board, I found a woman who was strong in her beliefs, not afraid to share them and if necessary challenge others on theirs. At the same time, her quiet love of all of those she worked with and for came through. There were always those times when she would come to me to be sure all was alright. I knew she truly cared and loved those she worked with, no matter what may be going on. She continually demonstrated her faith of love and hope by the way she lived, whether we were aware of the reason or not. Children were always a top priority. I now wonder if we were all her children, no matter the age. How proud as a founder of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth she would be today, knowing of their many accomplishments. For us and our children she not only met the challenge of life, but found opportunity for the young and old in all that she did,” wrote Julianne Hartzell, past board president and member of CCC&Y’s Action & Outreach Committee.

Board of Supervisors Designates January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

At the Jan. 10, 2023 special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation to designate January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Coconino County.

According to the US State Department, Arizona is a hub for illicit activity and a transit point for labor and sex trafficking due to our state’s geographic location and network of Interstate freeways. Locally, in the past five years various law enforcement and victim service agencies have encountered over 600 confirmed victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, numerous sting operations during that time have identified almost 500 individuals suspected of attempting to purchase sex with an underage victim.

“The exploitation of human beings for sex trafficking is a terrible crime and we must raise awareness and educate ourselves on this matter so that we can take action to end this travesty. This is an issue that affects all of our communities,” commented Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – January 2023

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Cartagena de Indias, Cultural Heritage of Humanity, was founded in 1533 and still has a certain sumptuousness from that time: old houses of Spanish architecture with splendid central patios and bewitching balconies full of flowers. The city is all magical realism: it can be, at the same time, pearly, crimson, pink, bluish, brown, orange, purple, or emerald. In its narrow cobbled streets one can breathe legend, melancholy, gallantry, revelry, and natural beauty.

In the late afternoon, around 5:00 p.m. these colors of Cartagena become magical under the light of the tropical sunset, and the entire city becomes a colorful cacophony. The windows, the doors, the facades and walls of vibrant colors, all filled me with joy, enchanted me, and I felt like Florentino Ariza, that character of Gabriel García Márquez who thought he was dying of love. As the Colombian Nobel Prize for Literature would say in his autobiography Vivir para Contarla, “It was enough for me to take a step back inside the wall to see [Cartagena] in all its grandeur, in the light of 6 o’clock in the afternoon, and I could not repress the feeling of having been born again”

United Way of Northern Arizona — Memories that YOU Made Possible

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2023 • Comments Off

We hope you are having a wonderful 2023 so far, and wanted to start off this new year right by thanking you.

You make the work of United Way of Northern Arizona possible and we wanted to share some of our favorite memories of the past year that happened because you generously gave through your donations, leadership, or volunteerism.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 2-6, 2023

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2023 • Comments Off

COVID Updates

Masks Optional
As of January 5, Coconino County has remained in MEDIUM CDC Community Level. Masks are optional in all public buildings. We encourage individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to practice physical distancing from others while in indoor common areas.

Total new COVID cases in Arizona for the week of December 29-January 4 was 6,187 which is an increase from the week before at 4,973. There were three new COVID-19 cases reported in the park this week.

As a reminder, be sure to promptly report any illness, to include possible COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King. Ronan can be reached at: 202-891-8599 or Ronan_King@nps.gov.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Celebrating a Community (and UWNA) Champion

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

It was with tremendous sadness that we heard last week of the passing of Dr. Bert McKinnon, who epitomized the commitment to community and volunteer service that makes northern Arizona such a remarkable place.

Bert and his family came to Flagstaff in the early 1980s and he is perhaps best known as one of the co-founders of Flagstaff Bone & Joint.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — [Video] Looking Back on 2022

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The past year had its challenges for businesses locally and nationwide – from inflation to labor shortages to continued supply chain disruptions. Yet we still saw progress in northern Arizona, from the opening of businesses and facilities to plans for future growth in Flagstaff, Camp Verde, Sedona, and Winslow.

Among the highlights this year were:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: December 26-30, 2022

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

New Year’s Eve fundraising event for 8th Grade Washington D.C. Field Trip

Grand Canyon Community Rec Center is hosting a New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Party to support the Grand Canyon Middle School D.C. Trip!

Live band, Juniper Hill, starts at 9:30 p.m. Pre-admission tickets and 50/50 raffle tickets available for purchase at the Grand Canyon Recreation Center. More information on the event can be found in the attached flyer here.

January 2023 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Message from Mary –
I hope you are enjoying the holiday season and are keeping safe and warm in the beautiful winter snow here in Flagstaff. As the new year approaches, I am filled with anticipation for what 2023 will bring and am hopeful it will offer energizing and inspiring times for us all.

Here at MNA we’re excited to be heading into the new year with a wonderful new exhibition – Vast Lands, Inner Visions: The Art of Joella Jean Mahoney – and lots of great ideas for 2023. We worked hard in 2022 to complete a new plan for MNA, and we will begin implementing it in earnest is 2023. You can find more information about that here: https://musnaz.org/about/strategic-plan/

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — Happy Holidays December 2022

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2022 • Comments Off

In This Issue

Greeting From Supervisor Horstman
City of Flagstaff Detention Basin Tour
Board Approve Applications for FEMA Grants for Flood Mitigation Projects
Coconino County Features Emergency Management (Video)
BOS Approves $5 Million of ARPA Funding for Community Projects
United Way of Northern Arizona, Thanks Our Community Volunteers
The Heart of Democracy: County Certifies Elections
Pathways To Communities Offers A Way Forward
Flagstaff Community Stuffed the Bus
Coconino Couty Celebrates the Holidays!
Winter Parking Ordinance
County Employee ” Dex” Honored
Welcome to Michael Jackiewicz Director of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJJC)
Community Events and Resources
Contact Us

F3’s 2022 Accomplishments — Thanks for Your Support!

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2022 • Comments Off

F3 continues to be a powerful force in the decision-making processes in our community. This year we have worked closely with city staff, council members, and community organizations to advocate for decisions and policies that align with F3’s eight Focus Areas. F3 grew in size to over 500 members and we grew in financial stability as well. We are thankful to our members for their support and for their devotion to making Flagstaff a place of community and heart.

In This Issue:
Accomplishments 2022
Looking Ahead to 2023: The Year of Regional Plan Planning!
Join F3’s Council Watch Climate Action Team!
Consider a Year-end Donation

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 17th Edition

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2022 • Comments Off

In this edition…
Message from Jeronimo
Short-Term Flood Mitigation Projects
Snow Preparation
District 2 Highlights & Special Spotlights
Year in Review
Service Positions Open in District 2
Services and Programs
And more!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Dec. 12-16, 2022

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Volunteer to support the Grand Canyon Community this holiday season!

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Delaware North will be having a wrapping party to wrap the angel tree gifts from 1-5 p.m. in Yavapai Lodge atrium. All angels on the DNC Angel Tree have been adopted this year and donations should be dropped off before this Friday, Dec. 16 to the General Store. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Delaware North will be making food boxes in the Canyon Village Market Deli starting at 3 p.m. The food boxes will accompany the angel tree gifts to each family. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

Both events are open to the community and participation is highly encouraged!

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – December 2022

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2022 • Comments Off

The hogan is the fundamental, traditional dwelling of the Navajo people of Arizona and New Mexico. It is a single-room roughly circular abode, with an east-facing access that encloses a central fireplace or wood stove set below a central smoke ventilation hole. It is built usually of logs and mud, with a domed roof. Historically, it has been not only a place to live but also a place of considerable spiritual significance. The hogan can be male (cone-shaped) or female (round or six-sided, as in the image).

In Navajo culture, every new Hogan must be ritually consecrated after it is built. This consecration is done by first touching the four main posts of the hogan, which symbolize the four cardinal points, and then scattering cornmeal or corn pollen all around the inside in a clockwise direction. This blessing is meant to make the hogan strong enough to safeguard the family from physical or spiritual injure. Other ceremonies, including healing ones, are also held in hogans. For these reasons, even if a Navajo family doesn’t live in a hogan, they would make sure there was at least one nearby.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation December Update

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2022 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Snow Park
Winter is coming and we know that means winter recreation! Coconino County Parks and Recreation supports safe and fun winter snow play.
For information about the Flagstaff Snow Park, visit www.flagstaffsnowpark.com. Reservations are required and tickets may be purchased on their website.

Theatrikos December Newsletter — Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street opens to sold out standing ovation

by Community Contributor • November 30, 2022 • Comments Off

Theatrikos’ opening night of Miracle on 34th Street, last Friday, was sold out and got a standing ovation.

Miracle on 34th Street is a Christmas favorite of American audiences. Crew member Lisa Coe commented that, “I always love being part of the Christmas shows at Theatrikos! There’s a positive, warm, and fun magical atmosphere of work and fellowship among cast and crew because of the holiday season.”

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

by Community Contributor • November 23, 2022 • Comments Off

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

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

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

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 16th Edition

by Community Contributor • November 18, 2022 • Comments Off

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

Message from Jeronimo

Photo: Jeronimo Vasquez and father Dr. Miguel Vasquez.

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

United Way of Northern Arizona — UWNA Means Community Impact

by Community Contributor • November 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Here’s the power of Community Impact:

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

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2022 • Comments Off

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

Supervisor Patrice Horstman — October / November 2022 District One Newsletter

by Community Contributor • November 9, 2022 • Comments Off

In This Issue

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

November at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • November 7, 2022 • Comments Off

November is Native American Heritage Month — a time to learn about, honor, and celebrate the people who have lived here since time immemorial. A great way to do that is with a visit to MNA, where the ten tribes of the Colorado Plateau have shared their cultures and art in their own words. We are proud to help tell their story not just for a day or a month, but all year round. This November we have the honor to welcome the Pueblo of Acoma Enchantment Dancers for a special presentation on November 26. They will share their buffalo dance and talk about aspects of their culture.

Consulado de México en Phoenix — 13th edition of the Consular Newsletter on Economic and Tourism Affairs

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2022 • Comments Off

As I write this letter, we have just recently finished celebrating another Hispanic Heritage Month

Of course, in our world, we celebrate and promote Hispanic culture every month of the year––and this issue of the Consular Newsletter will give you many reasons to celebrate.

One big reason to celebrate is the announcement that Mónica S. Villalobos, president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will receive the prestigious Ohtli Award at the Ambassadors‘ Ball on Nov. 19 in Phoenix (p.8).

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — What CHIPS Could Mean for Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Earlier this month, ECoNA’s Advisory Council heard a presentation from Joe Russell, Legislative Assistant to Senator Mark Kelly, about the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed into law this past August.

For more than a year, Sen. Kelly had championed the underlying pieces of legislation that formed the act, and served as the Arizona representative on the conference committee to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the bill.

The Act includes a $52 billion plan to boost domestic microchip manufacturing; a four-year, 25% investment tax credit to provide long-term incentives for semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers to construct or expand facilities in the United States; and $13.2 billion for research and development and workforce development.

HECHO October Newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 21, 2022 • Comments Off

It has been an incredible month for HECHO, celebrating public lands policy wins and elevating the voices and visibility of Hispanic leaders in public lands decision-making and advocacy. Our Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC) members continue to grow and make a difference in their communities.

On September 28th through 30th, HECHO brought Hispanic leaders from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah to Washington D.C. to advocate on conservation issues, including protecting the Grand Canyon watershed from uranium mining, saving Oak Flat from a copper mine, the resilience of the Colorado River, and making communities whole after the devastating Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire. They met with members of Congress and federal agencies. Read a recap of HECHO’s first advocacy trip.

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 15th Edition

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2022 • Comments Off

Thank you for your patience as well as the community residents who have
been engaged within the efforts of Coconino County during this past
summer. We have, as a county, experienced historical amounts of floods—
totaling 45 floods. The pipeline fire as well as the tunnel fire have resulted
in the increase and impact of floods during our monsoon season. It has
been taxing for everyone in our community, especially those who have
been directly impacted by the fires and floods through property, emotional,
and physical damage. I want to acknowledge our resilience as a
community as well as the collective efforts that have taken place across
the board. I want to thank our first-responders, county staff, community
volunteers, vendors, and the nonprofit organizations who all came together
to help our community in our time of need.
The county moving forward wants to address two key issues: long-term
mitigation and government funding. We have made strides towards trying
to secure federal funding to best direct our actions towards re-building.
We want to focus on three components: forest restoration, channels, and
highway improvements. We are working very closely together during this
time with our community, and overall county. Please email me your
concerns with as much detail as possible.
Email: jvasquez@coconino.az.gov

HECHO September Newsletter

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2022 • Comments Off

This is an important time for HECHO – Hispanic Heritage Month. During the month, which spans September 15-October 15, we are celebrating and reflecting upon the longstanding Hispanic leadership and stewardship of our land and water. We are lifting up a way of life that puts relationships with nature and each other as a central part of the culture, and we are asking you to join our cause to work toward ensuring that these practices are reflected in future public land and water management policy and decision-making. To learn more, I hope you’ll read my blog post elaborating on HECHO’s vision of strong, culturally-rich communities connected to nature and each other. We also have some very exciting news to share with you:

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