Category: Commentary

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:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Sept. 26-30, 2022

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The Weekly Wrap Up is getting a new look!

Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform called GovDelivery. This transition is necessary for us to meet the Department of Interior’s new policies for email distribution.

The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — F3’s Council Candidate Forum, the Housing Bond, and more!

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2022 • Comments Off

In This Issue:
F3’s City Council Candidate Forum October 1
Request for Volunteers to Assist at F3’s Candidate Forum
City & County Regional Plan Visioning Workshops
F3 Supports City Bond Proposition 442: Housing Bond
City Operations will be Powered with 100% Renewable Energy
Introducing Fossil Free Arizona

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 1-5, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Native American Heritage Days take place this weekend on North Rim

The 27th Annual North Rim, Native American Heritage Days will take place on the grounds of Grand Canyon Lodge, this Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7.

Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon region. Starting around 9:30 a.m. each day, special programs will be presented by tribal members on a variety of subjects, including, astronomy, cultural connections, and Native American music and dance performances. A variety of cultural artisan demonstrations will also be taking place, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

Some of this year’s demonstrators will include:

Richard Graymountain from Southern Paiute – Basket Weaving
Jessica Lomatewama – Hopi – Katsina Carving and Basket Weaving
Henry Nez Dine (Navajo) – Silversmith Jewelry making
Duane Maktima – Hopi/Laguna Pueblo – Silver Jewelry/metalsmithing
Leann & Tavavee Shearer “Kaivavich” Kaibab Paiute – traditional clothing creation
Lyle Harvey Dine Navajo – Loom Construction/Weaving

A full flyer of all the Heritage Days Demonstrators is available here.

Heritage Days began in 1993 as “Paiute Days” which celebrated the Paiute, the tribe most associated with Grand Canyon’s North Rim. In 1997, the event was expanded to include all 11 of Grand Canyon’s Associated Tribes with cultural ties to the canyon.

The schedule for each day is available on the Park’s website and mobile app, by clicking on the “calendar” button. A full flyer on the event is also available here.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Providing an Alternative Route to Homeownership

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Becoming a homeowner in Flagstaff has never been easy, but this year the barriers have been particularly high, with the median average price of a single-family home well above $700,000 by this summer.

Combine that with hikes in mortgage rates and overall inflation pressures, and it was a triple whammy that dashed the dream of homeownership for many who live and work in northern Arizona.

Public, nonprofit, and private entities are working together to give some relief by producing starter homes through Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona (HFHNA) that are small-scale, affordable, and meant to create equity quickly for homeowners.

The group is currently building the first of these homes in Flagstaff’s South Side, but it is likely the effort will grow exponentially in the next five years under a plan to build at least 40 of the units at the new Timber Sky development on West Route 66.

“The escalation of home prices has closed the window for a huge amount of middle-class people,” said Eric Wolverton, Executive Director of HFHNA. “This isn’t about serving the poorest of the poor. We are looking to create workforce housing.”

Creative Flagstaff — Join us for First Friday ArtWalk (on Aug. 5)

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Stories & News

Meetings & Events

About Creative Flagstaff

Our Programs

Resources

Support

Discover Flagstaff — Enjoy Soccer, big name musicians and taste some amazing Chili this weekend with Flagstaff 365!

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Saturday-Sunday, August 6-7
Flagstaff Chili Festival, Thorpe Park. Come out for two days of chili cook-off competitions, chili tastings, and live music. Sat. 11 a.m., Sun. 10 a.m.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Why Pacesetters Are So Important

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

If United Way of Northern Arizona’s annual fundraising campaign is the “big game,” then the Pacesetters host the tailgate party.

Technically, Pacesetters are those organizations and businesses that hold their workplace fundraising efforts on behalf of UWNA in the month prior to the official start of the annual campaign. Collectively, they give the campaign a head start, set the tone, and are pivotal to its ultimate success.

But their importance goes beyond the money they raise. Much like the tailgaters who gather in the parking lot before a game or concert, Pacesetters build up energy for the big event. They are the superfans who get everyone excited about what’s coming up.

We are so grateful to our Pacesetter partners, the businesses and organizations that value the role of UWNA as a convener driving real, measurable results in improving our community. They lead the effort to Step Up for Our Community so together we can expand early childhood education, ensure that our youth are more resilient, and help our friends and neighbors with basic needs in times of crisis.

Our month-long Pacesetter effort starts Monday, August 15, and we are looking for additional businesses and organizations that would like to be part of this endeavor as we launch our annual campaign.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Alert: Petition Signatures Needed to Stop School Voucher Expansion

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

The Arizona Legislature voted this June to pass universal ESA vouchers. This impacts public education in the state by diverting over $1 billion away from public schools. The Legislature defied the will of 1.5 million Arizona voters who overwhelmingly rejected this dangerous voucher expansion in 2018 through Prop 305.

Arizona voters have one chance to stop this bill from going into effect – a referendum of HB2853 (Universal ESA Voucher Expansion): “Stop Voucher Expansion.” The Arizona Constitution allows voters the right to determine whether a law can go into effect via a referendum.

In order to stop the Voucher Expansion, 118,823 valid signatures must be collected before September 24, 2022. This will put the law on hold until the November 2024 election, when AZ voters will be able to eject these destructive universal ESA vouchers.

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 14th Edition

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Message from Jeronimo
Flood and Fire Resources
District 2 Highlights
Service Positions Open in District 2
Services and Programs
And more!

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

by Community Contributor • July 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Music can transform thinking and arouse innovation. It can bring people together, heal relationships, spike enthusiasm, and encourage originality. Music can do all these things on a personal level, but it can also do them on a larger scale: it can assist and be a part in the transformation and revitalization process of entire communities.

Such is the case of the town of Winslow, in the state of Arizona, United States, with a population of about 10,000 people according to the 2010 census. This town became ruthlessly impacted in 1979 when construction of Interstate 40 cut it off, making unnecessary the use of U.S. Route 66 -and Winslow’s downtown- to travel East or West. Homes and establishments were deserted, and Winslow became a city lacking opportunities and safety for those who stayed behind.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Mayoral Forum Recording, City Bonds, JW Powell and more!

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2022 • Comments Off

It’s been a packed couple of months and there’s a lot of information in this newsletter. This newsletter contains important updates and multiple opportunities for community input into important city projects. I encourage you to take time to read it!

In This Issue:
F3 Mayoral Candidate Forum Recording Available
Pipeline Fire Flooding Updates
City Bonds on November Ballot
Update: JW Powell Blvd Extension
Update: Pilot Bike Lanes Program, Beaver and Butler Avenues
Lone Tree Overpass Design Public Meetings in July
Apply for Flagstaff’s Climate Equity Advisory Committee
Community Input Sought
Featured Nonprofit: Townsite Community Land Trust

The ECoNA Q&A: NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2022 • Comments Off

José Luis Cruz Rivera recently completed his first year as the 17th President of Northern Arizona University (NAU). To mark this anniversary, we asked him about key initiatives during his first year, NAU’s niche in the higher ed marketplace, what local restaurants he’s discovered, and his upcoming formal installation in September. You can see the full interview here.

Q: What do you feel your biggest success has been this first year?
A: Well, that’s an easy answer. The fact that I survived the Running of the Freshman at the first home football game!

In all seriousness, while there have been many success stories, I think my biggest success has been learning about and connecting with the people and organizations who live and work at NAU, in Flagstaff and throughout northern Arizona. It has been important to me from day one to understand the values here. Time will be the judge of my success leading and supporting the efforts of our awesome university community, but I have truly enjoyed listening and learning and still feel it is a privilege to serve as the President of NAU and live is this amazing and beautiful community.

Voto Latino — Latinos in Battleground States support gun control & abortion rights

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Also see:

NBC News — Poll: Majority of Latinos in battleground states support abortion rights, gun reform

By Voto Latino

Latinos are the second largest voting bloc in the country and disproportionately reside in critical battleground states where they are also the fastest growing voting bloc. Candidates hoping to win in November and beyond will need to appeal to Latinos and the issues that matter to them. In order to understand how Latinos feel about two of the most salient issues in the country – abortion rights and mass shootings – Change Research surveyed 1,033 registered Hispanic and Latino voters in the seven key battleground states of Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania from June 2-7, 2022 on behalf of Voto Latino.1

A strong majority of Latinos are concerned about their personal safety from gun violence and believe weak gun laws are a major reason why perpetrators are capable of inflicting such carnage. Overwhelming majorities support many common sense gun safety laws Democrats have proposed and believe there would be fewer mass shootings if they were to be enacted. Latinos are also ready to reward leaders who take action on gun laws: an overwhelming 69% are more likely to support candidates who support the gun laws tested in this poll, including roughly half of Republican Latinos.

Latinos also fear for their reproductive freedoms as the conservative majority on the Supreme Court indicates it is prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade. Over two-thirds of Latinos support the right to an abortion in all or most cases.

Sedona Arts Center — The Big Workshop Email

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2022 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser Painting For All Levels with Gretchen Lopez June 24, 2022 Friday, June 24, 2022 | 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (Arizona Time) From the beginning to the experienced student, this one-day class in oil…

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Change is Coming

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2022 • Comments Off

A Message from Carol Dykes

It is with mixed emotions that I send you this message, because change – even when it’s welcome – often isn’t easy.

Earlier this week, I let the Board of Directors of United Way of Northern Arizona and the amazing staff of this organization know that I plan to retire by the end of this year.

The exact timing isn’t set – I plan to offer what assistance I can as the Board searches for my replacement, and will continue for however long is needed to ensure a smooth transition for my successor.

Even though it’s still several months off and even though I’m truly looking forward to the next chapter, I have to admit it’s hard to imagine my life after UWNA. I’ve been a proud member of this organization for 24 years. (I met my husband through a workplace campaign, for goodness sake.) It has been a profound pleasure to work alongside you as together we have improved community conditions, responded to emergencies, and made the future a brighter place for so many in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties.

Coconino Chronicle (June 3, 2022)

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Welcome to the Coconino Chronicle, keeping you informed on the latest news from Coconino County. Published monthly, typically on the first Friday, the Chronicle makes sure you are in-the-know about recent happenings, upcoming events and services available to you as a resident of the County.

Questions? Comments? Please email us at chronicle@coconino.az.gov.

United Way of Northern Arizona — From Fire Recovery to KinderCamp™ – We Need Volunteers

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

On the surface, you wouldn’t think the post-Tunnel Fire recovery efforts and the KinderCamp™ program have much to do with each other. One is about cleaning up the debris so families can rebuild after a devastating fire; the other is about making sure children entering kindergarten are ready for their first day of school.

The common thread? Both require volunteer support, and we’re hoping you can spare a few hours in the coming days and weeks to help.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Pride Month, studying blood sugar and new conservation scholars

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2022 • Comments Off

What does Pride Month really mean?

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ didn’t always mean rainbows and parades. Prior to the 1969 Stonewall Riots, where this community took a stand and fought back against prolonged harassment and oppressive laws, there wasn’t much celebrating at all. Even now, despite June being declared Pride Month, people in this community suffer—2021 was the worst year on record for transgender deaths. So, Assistant Director for LGBTQIA+ Student Services M. Lee Griffin poses the question: How can we make pride a reality for the LGBTQIA+ community? Read more in this Views from NAU.

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 12th Edition

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Sup. Vasquez volunteering at the Tunnel Fire recovery events hosted by United Way of Northern Arizona. Thank you to all that have spent time and energy to give back to the community during this difficult time.

In this edition…

Message from Jeronimo
Tunnel Fire
Event Highlights
Service Positions Open in District 2
Services and Programs
And more!

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

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

As we remember those who gave their all for our freedom, we wish you a safe holiday weekend. Our offices will be closed on May 30th.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 16-20, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Desert View Groundbreaking Ceremony and Inter-tribal Working Group meeting

On Tuesday, May 17, we held a ceremony at Desert View to celebrate the near completion of the initial phases of work being done at Desert View to turn it into the park Inter-tribal cultural heritage site.

Members of the Inter-tribal Working Group, Grand Canyon Conservancy, park staff and other partners attended a short celebration of the accomplishments to date. James Uqualla from the Havasupai Tribe, offered a blessing for the work and the efforts for all who have been involved.

In addition to Superintendent Keable, Theresa McMullan from GCC offered words of support, along with individual Working Group members. The Working Group will continue its efforts to develop the exhibit plan for the Desert View Welcome Center and has begun work on the next strategic plan.

United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) Community Celebrates Elevate PreK

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Last weekend, proponents of early education gathered to celebrate the first year of Elevate PreK, a pilot program that offers high-quality, full-day, year-round preschool experience at no cost to families.

The program is geared toward 4-year-olds living in households with income between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level who are not currently enrolled in preschool.

United Way of Northern Arizona is one of the program’s supporters and co-hosted the event.

In addition to offering an evidenced-based curriculum, the program also offers wrap-around services for families so that parents and caregivers get the support they need.

The celebration included a review of Elevate PreK’s progress in its first year conducted by Dr. Caroline Black, an assistant professor of early childhood education at Northern Arizona University. Her study showed that outcomes of the program included growth in students’ social skills, self-control, engagement and vocabulary in the first year.

Patrice Horstman — May 2022 District One Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Tunnel Fire
Tunnel Fire Follow-Up
Stage One Fire Restrictions
Be Prepared for Wildfire
Community Wildfire Defense Program–A Proactive Vison
Museum Fire Flood Mitigation/Sediment Reduction Update
County Supervisors Association Elects Western Interstate Region
Representatives
Havasupai Visit
Flagstaff Shelter Services Housewarming
Community Events: Ms. Cleo’s Tea Party
Congratulations Graduates!
SMILE
Contact Us

Supporters for a Thriving CCC — Proposition 438 supports Coconino Community College on Tuesday, May 17 ballot!

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Only one more day untilwe know if CCC’s Proposition 438 passed, and so we’re doing ONE LAST PUSH!

Donating to the campaign: It’s not too late to donate for the first time, or even the second time. We have to raise more to give it everything we’ve got in these last days. You can donate on our website www.yesforcoconino.com or send a check made out to Supporters for a Thriving CCC, and send to Supporters for a Thriving CCC, 1600 W University Ave, Suite 206, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

Voting Yes: If you haven’t already sent in your early ballot, please dig it out of that pile that you made for later consideration, and take it to a ballot drop box, or take it to the polls on May 17. Or vote early at one of the Early Voting locations. Or go to the polls on May 17 and vote in person.

To learn the location of the Ballot Drop Box locations, Early Voting locations, Polling Place locations and other useful information here are some things you can click on:

Informational Pamphlet Early Voting Locations
Check the Status of your Early Ballot Ballot Drop Box Locations
Polling Place Locations Navajo Nation Ballot Drop Off Locations
Live Ballot Counting Video Stream
We greatly appreciate everything many of you have already done by donating, endorsing, phone banking, going door to door, tabling, advising us, or helping in other ways!

This is crucial for our county!

United Way of Northern Arizona — Social Peak Collective Streamlining Access to Basic Needs›

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2022 • Comments Off

‘Social Peak Collective’ Launches Pop-Ups

There’s no doubt that the greater Flagstaff area is rich in resources to help people with basic needs. Between government services and non-profits, there are scores of programs that can assist families with everything from food insecurity to health screenings to utility expenses

The NAU Review — Another for NAU Golf, what to know about inflation and a future Yuma social worker

by Community Contributor • April 26, 2022 • Comments Off

It’s been seven years since NAU Golf’s last Big Sky Conference championship, but the team put that history behind them last week at Talking Stick Golf Club with a decisive win against Sacramento State, taking the championship and advancing to the NCAA Regionals. The Lumberjacks captured their conference-leading ninth all-time Big Sky title after what coach Brad Bedortha called “a very good year and good semester.” The NCAA Regional will be held May 9-11, and the Lumberjacks will learn their fate at 1 p.m. April 27 on the NCAA Women’s Golf Selection Show on the Golf Channel.

Creative Flagstaff — Don’t Miss Out – Get Your Tickets for the Viola Awards NOW

by Community Contributor • April 25, 2022 • Comments Off

The 14th Annual Viola Awards are happening THIS Saturday, April 30th! This year’s event will be one to remember. A limited number of tickets for the event are still available. Don’t wait — get yours today!

This year’s Viola Awards are recognizing 41 finalists across 10 categories. See the full list of finalists on our website. Winners will be announced during the main ceremony on April 30th.

Purchasing a ticket to the main ceremony includes admission to the afterparty which will feature our four Excellence in Music finalists: iiwaa, Tré Orona & Tsoh Tso, WinterHaven, & Tha ‘Yoties.

Coconino Community College — A quick word from the President, more news

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2022 • Comments Off

I am proud that I have never missed a commencement in my 41 years of working for community college students. I was so disappointed that during the height of the pandemic we had to hold two of our ceremonies in a virtual format, and I am thrilled that we are all planning to be together in person for commencement 2022!

Commencement is such a wonderful time to celebrate the achievements of our students with their families and friends, and with our colleagues all across the College. I know how important it is for our students—you can see it in their eyes as they cross the stage. And that is what makes it important to me. So, it is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge this will be my last community college commencement ceremony before I retire from serving our students. Yet, my heart is full of joy knowing that I get to finish out my career at Coconino Community College- somehow I must have saved the best for last!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 18-22, 2022

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2022 • Comments Off

When emergencies happen, be the first to know.

The Coconino County Emergency Notification System uses Alerts powered by Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart911 to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions you may need to take to keep you and your family safe.

This service allows you to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials. More information on this program can be found on the county’s website and a link to sign up can be found here.

Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: somos semillitas of the Earth

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2022 • Comments Off

This week, we are joining communities around the country and across the world to celebrate día de la Tierra.

The environmental movement has grown, evolved, and become more diverse since the first Earth Day over fifty years ago, and people everywhere are growing to better understand our intimate relationship with our beautiful planet. Somos semillitas and the earth can nourish us in awe-inspiring ways if we honor that relationship. These are hopeful signs and reasons to continue working towards a healthier, more sustainable, and balanced environment for ourselves, for our children, and for our children’s children.

Starting this weekend, join us in celebrating youth and familias outdoors, the spirit of conservation, and the promise of the future us.

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 11th Edition

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2022 • Comments Off

In this edition…

Message from Jeronimo
Redistricting Supervisor Districts
Museum Fire Flood Project
Event Highlights
Service Positions Open in District 2
Services and Programs
And more!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Prop. 438, Local Elections, Thorpe Park Annex, and More!

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2022 • Comments Off

In This Issue:
F3 Supports Prop 438: Special Election May 17
Mayor and Council Elections
Join F3’s Election Committee
Coconino County Redistricting
Become an Election Poll Worker
Thorpe Park Annex Design Meeting
Earth Day: April 23rd

Patrice Horstman — April 2022 District One Newsletter

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2022 • Comments Off

We certainly are hoping for April showers to bring May flowers and provide much needed moisture to Coconino County. April is also the month we celebrate Earth Day. Since 1970, April 22nd marks the day that is referred to as the birth of the modern environmental movement. This year’s theme is “Invest in our Planet” and in keeping with that theme and the importance of us all working together to build a healthier and more sustainable planet, Coconino County has a number of “Earth Month” events including litter cleanups, climate action and renewable energy programs. Go to http://www.coconino.az.gov/2884/Earth-Day-Schedule for more information.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Very Successful Workplace Campaign

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Emphasizing how local programs supported by United Way of Northern Arizona dovetail with their work as educators, the team at Flagstaff Unified School District doubled the number of participants and donations to this year’s workplace campaign.

Almost 60 school district employees raised $10,572 in the most recent workplace drive for UWNA, compared to $5,259 the prior year and well in excess of the stated goal of $6,600.

The two-week campaign was largely accomplished through emails and posters urging FUSD employees to “Step Up for Our Community,” said Kurt F. Steele, Executive Assistant to Superintendent Mike Penca.

The NAU Review — The future of stroke treatment, NAUPD in a minute and how you can watch the 3MRP finals

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2022 • Comments Off

Advances in stroke treatment aren’t just coming from medicine—they’re coming from engineering too. Mechanical engineering student Josette Vigil is spending her career at NAU working on stroke research, including material testing of 3D printed polymers and tissues and algorithm development to define the volume and dimensions of an aneurysm. For stroke patients, this work could be life-changing—or even life-saving. Vigil, who works in associate professor Tim Becker’s Bioengineering Devices Lab, is sharing her work publicly this semester at NAU’s Undergraduate Symposium on April 22.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Springing forth with color and activity

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2022 • Comments Off

With warmer weather and bright sunshine, it feels like we are experiencing the Spring season’s promise of renewal. I feel that too when I walk through the museum and see people enjoying the exhibitions. Looking ahead at the new exhibitions opening and the many in-person activities planned, it’s a time of rebirth within the museum as well.

April 2 will be a very exciting day. It’s the first day to see the newest exhibition, Baje Whitethorne Sr.: Náátsʼíilid/Rainbow Light, which celebrates an artist whose importance stretches far beyond the canvas, touching many lives. That Saturday is also Slow Art Day, when MNA joins with museums around the world in inviting people to slow down and look. Neuroscience has confirmed what ancient artists always knew: we see only a tiny fraction of what is around us. To widen the lens and allow more in, we must slow down.

The NAU Review — Doctoral student honored, National Cocktail Day and Oscar predictions

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Throughout her education and career, Melissa Wheeler was used to being the sole Indigenous person in a room, or one of a few. She’d never had a Native American professor. That’s no longer the case for Wheeler, a doctoral student in the counseling/school psychology education program, as she has helped open doors to others by bringing her work to them. In recognition of her commitment to culturally centered work, Wheeler was named to the second cohort of Rising Graduate Scholars from Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. She was one of only 10 students nationwide to receive this honor.

Commentary — Supporters for a Thriving CCC — Coconino Communty College needs our support! Vote YES on May 17 on Prop. 438

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2022 • Comments Off

“Supporters for a Thriving CCC” Political Action Committee are a group of volunteers working to support Coconino Community College and its long-term success for our region. Unfortunately, the college is critically underfunded and needs more revenue to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

The good news: there is a way to fix it. This May 17th, the college will be asking voters in the county for a sustainable, pragmatic, primary property tax rate reset. We recognize and value your community leadership and ask for your help in this effort both financially and verbally.

Passage of the ballot measure will reset the college’s primary property tax rate to a level that will still be the lowest in the state but will provide the necessary dependable revenues to sustain the college well into the future.

Patrice Horstman — March 2022 District One Newsletter

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

In This Issue
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Congratulations Board Chair Horstman and Vice Chair Vasquez
Call for Public Input on Redistricting Maps
Grand Canyon National Park Visit
Museum Flood Mitigation Status Update
Coconino Community College Tax Reset
Pending State Short-Term Rental Legislation
Library Seeking Volunteers
March COVID-19 Update
Contact Us

United Way of Northern Arizona — Page Regional Domestic Violence Services Providing ‘Another Way’ for Those Seeking Help

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Over the years, Page Regional Domestic Violence Services (PRDVS) has evolved in its approach to breaking the cycle of physical and psychological trauma that often is a daily fact of life for American Indian women. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reports that almost 46% of American Indian women are physically abused by an intimate partner during their lifetime, rates significantly higher than for other ethnic groups.

When it opened in 1997, PRDVS was a five-bed shelter in a single-wide mobile home trailer donated by the City of Page. Now, operating under the name Another Way, it has 32 beds in four double-wide mobile homes that have been converted into duplexes.

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 10th Edition

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Springtime is about renewal a time for life to re-emerge and start the cycle of life all over again. It is the calm after the storm, the dawn of light after prolonged darkness. It is a time to fortify ourselves, and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming year. We have lots of work to do moving forward. We must be prepared for the new monsoon season. Make the tough decisions around local county Redistricting. Make the financial decisions for the county budget for FY 2023. There is a midterm election where our citizens have some decisions to make about their elected officials and different bonds to support programs for our county. As the Board of Supervisors, we have the duty to listen to our constituents and lead our county through these trying times. After severing as supervisor for a year, I am honored to now serve the county as Vice Chair. It is my responsibility to provide leadership to our county staff and the citizen of our county. I am committed to growing into my new role and advocating for all Coconino County.

Supporters for a Thriving CCC — Coconino Communty College needs our support!

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2022 • Comments Off

Coconino Community College (CCC) improves the lives of our residents through workforce development and higher education, and the community wants the college to continue preparing our residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow. But if we don’t fix a dire funding situation before it’s too late, CCC won’t be able to provide the programs vital to the success of our region.

Jeronimo Vazquez celebrates one-year anniversary as Coconino County District 2 supervisor

by Community Contributor • February 18, 2022 • Comments Off

By Ruth Eaton

Congratulations! Felicidades! Happy Supervisor Day! — Jeronimo Vasquez, Coconino County Board of Supervisor

Today the community District 2 and Supervisor Jeronimo celebrated the February 12th one year anniversary at Ponderosa Park.

It was only one year ago February 12, 2021 that this outstanding Hispanic Leader came on Board the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.

We, the Hispanic community want to congratulate him for a year of great achievements.

Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: Bajo Los Redwoods

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2022 • Comments Off

In 2021, Latino Outdoors leaders from around the United States gathered along California’s north coast for our annual leadership campout following a year of physical distance. Bajos Los Redwoods provides insight into our experience in community and connection.

United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) The Programs You Support

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2022 • Comments Off

There is so much your donation supports when you Step Up and donate to United Way of Northern Arizona.

Like QCKids, the program featured in the video above. Families who have children with disabilities often have difficulty finding care that will prepare their children for kindergarten. The problem is compounded for low-income families, many of whom have difficulty finding affordable, quality child care at all.

QCKids provides a program for children from infancy to 6 years with a focus on identifying and addressing cognitive, physical, social, intellectual and emotional disabilities in order to support learning at a young age to help them better prepare for their future.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Black History Month, recognizing CEIAS diversity efforts and Team Rubicon

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

NAU is hosting a variety of events to celebrate Black history this month. These are opportunities for all of the NAU community to learn about diverse cultural traditions and honor and celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to society while raising awareness of their struggles of the past and present.
Read the story

African Diaspora Advisory Council Announces Black History Month Essay and Art Contest

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is now accepting entries for the Black History Month Essay and Art Contest.

The contest is open to all students in Coconino County. Submissions will center around the theme of Black Health and Wellness and must be received by February 20, 2022.

“This is our tenth year holding the essay contest, and our first adding the art contest. It’s a joy to see how our young people will engage with the theme. The theme this year is ‘Black Health and Wellness,’ so we are inviting students the option to engage through recognition and celebration of that theme and Black healthcare heroes and heroines. We greatly look forward to seeing what the students of Coconino County have to say in words and art,” said Khara House Chair of ADAC.

CCC — The Comet — ‘A quick word from the President’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Thirty years ago, Coconino Community College was born.

The birth was a two-step process: First, voters had to decide if they wanted to form a community college district; second, they had to decide to fund the district with property taxes.

Both measures passed, and CCC was born to serve the residents of Coconino County.

However, that is not the end of the story – only the beginning. A challenge came about with the formation of the college that has grown as the college has grown over time. The percentage of property taxes to help run the college is, by far, the lowest offered to any community college district in the state of Arizona. Initially, the college was able to overcome that challenge with the assistance of state funding and fees from tuition. In the last 30 years, the state funding has diminished considerably. Members of the governing board and the college communities have met the challenge of that initial underfunding with incredible efforts to do “more with less.”

Before she left office, state Sen. Sylvia Allen, after seeing the amazing stories of success being experienced by CCC students, decided to take forward an amendment to state law in 2018 that would allow community colleges to ask the voters to decide if they would support an increase to their primary property tax rate in order to bring the college somewhat closer to parity with other community colleges in the state. The governing board has decided now is the time to ask (see related story).

In a special election on May 17, voters will consider an increase to their primary property tax rate. If the voters approve, the tax rate will still be below all the other community colleges; however, it will provide an opportunity to meet many of the demands for career and technical programs and short-term training requested by business and industry throughout Coconino County.

Onward! Náás! Adelante!

Colleen Smith, PhD

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — In Memory of Joe Shannon

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Joe Shannon, PhD, a long-time member of F3 and the Flagstaff community, passed away peacefully at home on January 18 after a long illness. He was 64. Joe was a river ecologist, and an accomplished outdoorsman and athlete. For many years he was the Chair of the local Chapter of the Sierra Club. He was a strong supporter of F3 and frequently spoke before the Flagstaff City Council in favor of policies that would make Flagstaff a more environmentally sustainable community.

AARP Hispanic Connection — First update of the year

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2022 • Comments Off

I trust you and yours are doing well! …as well as can be, given the circumstances.

This is our first update of the year. We, as I’m sure many of you, are working on our plans to deliver services and products that benefit our communities, in my particular case, Hispanic/Latinos.

In 2022 we will continue with our radio/FB live shows on Salud, Dinero y Amistad, a show where we address Social Security, Medicare, healthcare in general, finances, fraud and scams, retirement preparation and other current issues. We have done 4 shows so far (all with Finances as the underlying concept); as you know, the videos can be accessed on our FB page at www.facebook.com/aarparizonahispanicconnection.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 24-28, 2022 — ‘Safer Federal Workforce Update’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

We’ve gotten new guidance this week from the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce pertaining to vaccinations for federal employees. This information is the result of legal challenges related to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

The new guidance instructs us to take no action to enforce or implement the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. All the other guidance on protocols related to masking, distancing, travel, testing, and quarantine—remains in effect.

Did you ever wonder who makes up the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce? This group is led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Task Force members include: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Protective Service (FPS), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the United States Secret Service (USSS). For more information, visit: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/.

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