Grand Canyon, AZ – Beginning December 1, 2020, visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park this winter season should be prepared for modified changes in operations. Visitors should also plan ahead and anticipate temporary road closures and poor driving conditions whenever winter storms pass through the area.
Would you like to give to a worthy cause? If so, you could donate today to the Coconino Community College Foundation.
Your gift in support of a CCC student scholarship during Giving Tuesday on December 1, 2020 can help a CCC student achieve their educational goals.
Nationally, only 3 in 10 students entering the 4th grade are proficient readers.(1) That’s disheartening enough, but here’s the really scary statistic: children who aren’t reading proficiently by the 4th grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.(2)
Instilling a love of reading is the key to success for our children. It’s the foundation upon which their education is built.
That’s why United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is proud to partner with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) to make sure children in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties discover the world of books in those critical years before they enter school.
This holiday season, Sedona Arts Center offers more ways to collect and share your favorite art with special discounts just in time for the holidays! Get 10% off all Fine Art in our Online Gallery November 26–30, 2020 by using coupon code: THX4ART20 when shopping online. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – nearly a 10% additional savings!
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Many of us were taught or developed a belief that depending on others is a weakness. I believe, as do many others, that interdependence is a strength!
I invite you to take a moment for yourself to breathe a few deep breaths. Then ask yourself, how am I feeling? What do I need? Who can help?
Have you ever helped someone without expecting anything in return? How did it feel? Many of us feel good when we are helping others. Why, then, do we often not allow others the opportunity to feel that goodness by helping us?
In the midst of a difficult year, I’ve found myself frequently thinking how blessed we are at MNA. So many people help out to keep this museum strong — the volunteers who tend our gardens, the docents who provide a welcoming and informative museum experience, the members and donors who support us financially. This has been a hard year for museums and many may not survive, but MNA will, with your help. With Giving Tuesday coming up, and year-end donations to be made, please help MNA reach our fundraising goals. There are many ways to support MNA, including direct donations, upgrading your membership, doing your holiday shopping at the museum shop, or buying tickets to the art raffle.
Thank you for your support of MNA.
As state and local guidelines around COVID-19 evolve, we can all be a part of making the outdoors a safe place to be. Following the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines will keep everyone safe as we enjoy our parks, waters, trails, and forests. Learn more about recreating responsibly by activity.
Here at Sedona Arts Center, we have so much to be thankful for.
More than anything else, we are thankful for our community of artists, instructors, art lovers, patrons, volunteers, staff and supporters who have helped us thrive through these trying times and over the last 62 years. We are truly grateful for you and we look forward to sharing more art, creativity, and inspiration with you in the years to come!
May you have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
This holiday season, Sedona Arts Center offers more ways to collect and share your favorite art with special discounts just in time for the holidays! Get 10% off all Fine Art in our Online Gallery November 26–30, 2020 by using coupon code: THX4ART20 when shopping online. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – nearly a 10% additional savings!
Greetings!
I am so thankful to serve Coconino County District 5 for another 4 years. My work for all citizens has been the greatest honor and joy in my life. Thank you to all District 5 citizens for re-electing me to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. I am so excited for new opportunities and possibilities of the next 4 years. In this season of change and transition, I ask you to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Please stay vigilant and safe this holiday season.
Lena
The patented sanitizing system from Clean Light Laboratories will be placed in strategic locations throughout campus to help faculty, staff and students fight the spread of the coronavirus.
On June 5, 2020, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan for County Operations. The plan provides guidance to protect customer and employee health and safety.
Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks. Based on this increase, and in alignment with the County’s Re-Entry Plan, effective Monday, November 23 Coconino County will return to more restrictive Phase I operations, summarized below.
Coconino County resident Susie Garretson has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at Coconino Community College.
“Coconino Community College relies heavily on the community to support students, vision and mission of the College,” said CCC District Governing Board Chair Patricia Garcia. “With the word ‘Community’ in its name, CCC always strives to invite the greater community to be a part of our work. An individual who took us up on that invitation is Susie Garretson.”
This year’s annual Stuff the Bus community food drive benefitting The Flagstaff Family Food Center will be held virtually November 16 – November 22 continuing the longstanding partnership between Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff and Mountain Line.
The need for donations is greater than ever due to COVID-19. The Flagstaff Family Food Center estimates that since the beginning of the pandemic, the demand for its hunger relief programs have increased by 80%. The Center feeds 2,000 people a day, 365 days a year.
The CCA Holiday Store Is Now Open!
Thursday-Saturday, 1-6 pm through December 22nd
(Closed 11/26, and 11/28-29)
Featured Artists:
Cathi Borthwick, Robin Cadigan, Darcy Falk, Katherine Farr, Carli Giese, Chandra Hemminger, Jonah Hill, Julie Jones, Don Nord, Sharon Richards, Ryanne Sebern, Heather Spontak
Hernandez, who works as a business analyst in Academic Affairs, transferred from Coconino Community College. Besides doing the normal student activities, he found ways to put his work experience to use in the classroom and what he learned in the classroom to use in his job.
NACA’s Native Connections are hosting three upcoming Youth Focus Groups via Zoom at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing of youth in our community. Youth who participate are helping inform our work to support them during this difficult time, and will receive a gift card to either Dutch Bros or Sprouts!
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is presenting a weekly Family Connection Zoom Meeting at 2:30 p.m. Mondays.
The meeting is open to parents, caregivers, professionals — All individuals in our community.
Now is the time to connect, be supportive and receive support in a safe and caring environment via zoom or by telephone.
This is an open time to connect with others, share joys, vent some concerns, ask for support, or offer others your support.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
iPhoneography
An Online Workshop with Kelli Klymenko
November 21, 2020
In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day workshops for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.
Coconino County was honored with the Inclusive Workplace Award recently by the Diversity Leaderships Alliance (DLA).
The DLA works in coordination with the Arizona State affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (AZSHRM) to recognize Arizona individuals, corporations and organizations that lead by example and create an inclusive environment that strengthens the community. Coconino County was recognized with the 2020 Inclusive Workplace Award, selected among other worthy organizations including ADP, Cox Communications, CSAA Insurance Group and the U of A College of Medicine.
During a recent trip to the central region of Colombia I ran into a very complete, well organized jewel of a museum: the Archeological Museum of Zipaquirá (MAZ). The building encompasses three large rooms permanently exhibiting more than 3500 original archaeological pieces representing nineteen pre-Hispanic cultures that had settlements in different parts of Colombia before the Colonization.
Plan ahead. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safety. Stay attentive, reduce speed, and leave plenty of room between vehicles.
The biggest cause of slips and falls when exiting a vehicle is human error and failure to follow the “Three Point Rule”. The Three Point Rule requires three of four points of contact to be maintained with the vehicle at all times – two hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand.
Dear Supporter of Creative Opportunity,
The Flagstaff Arts Council is undergoing the exciting work of evaluating our branding and marketing. In order to do this effectively, we’d like to hear from you! Please fill out this short survey.
I ended my first email by saying that with your help we can make a difference in the educational outcomes for every child in Flagstaff. So, I’ll start this final email by focusing on you.
I mentioned that LAUNCH Flagstaff is foremost an idea that leverages existing community organizations, businesses, policy makers, and citizens that produces systemic changes through collaborative action.
The changes we seek happen in the hearts and minds of each person and each organization in Flagstaff. I thank you for your current level of engagement in this important work and I invite you to consider additional ways you can help improve outcomes for our kids.
Here are some ideas:
Artwork from the 16th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival is available The exhibition is available online online only through November 30th!
The event took place October 24-31, 2020, a first of its kind—all woman, and Virtual Plein Air Festival! We experienced live demonstrations, short videos created by our festival artists all across the country, and an online gallery of new works updated daily. Scroll down to see select Festival work and links to different aspects of the event.
Coconino County has lifted all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest, as well as other agencies in the area.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present “Bullying and Cyberbullying Training” on Zoom at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Based on training provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services to school districts across the state, this webinar examines the latest bullying statistics; unpacks the relationship between bullying, cyberbullying, ACES, trauma and substance use; and provides tips and techniques for intervention and prevention.
Presented by Brad Snyder, executive director of Dion Initiative for Child Well-Being and Bullying Prevention and chair of the Arizona Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium.
“Each year, Coconino County honors those who have sacrificed to serve the country. We express special gratitude to the National Guard. Coconino County has benefited from a National Guard Team, who has supported our COVID-19 response. This group of dedicated individuals has been away from their family and friends during an especially challenging time to assist us with testing operations to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This year and every year, thank you to those who serve,” said County Manager, James Jayne.
25% of a student’s educational success relies on the quality of the educational leadership of the school administrator. This means that the school principal is the second most important school influence on student success, after high quality teaching.
Great school leaders create a culture of excellence, drive school performance, teacher retention and student outcomes. The partners of LAUNCH Flagstaff recognize the critical need for executive leadership developmentcoupled with the building of collaborative, collegial relationships among educational leaders across the community.
This is why LAUNCH Flagstaff partnered with the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) in 2017 to bring their educational executive leadership training to Flagstaff.
Sedona Arts Center’s Online Workshops are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but are unable to travel. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Visit us online to learn more about all of our online classes!
A variety of Native American Heritage Month Celebration events will be held in region in November.
According to the Association for Supportive Child Care, almost 1 in 3 young children in Arizona live in poverty. More than half of low-income children are not prepared for kindergarten. That is not only a tragedy for the present; it means their, and our, future is at risk too.
Because the majority of children who start behind, stay behind. They are less likely to be ready for kindergarten or to read at grade level during elementary school; they have more behavioral issues; they have higher high school dropout rates; and without their diploma, their economic prospects are dimmed.
NOW FEATURING:
Patti Barker, Marianne Leahy, Lyn and Ken Mikells, Karen Puckett, Isabel Simmer,
and Janet Weaver
The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment to the Tuba City School District Governing Board.
One seat will be vacant. This position will be filled prior to December 24, 2020 so the appointee can start their duty on January 1, 2021 as a new board member.
Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.
What do the round-tailed chub and Walnut Canyon have in common?
They were both featured during recent field trips by student clubs at Coconino Community College.
The CCC Students Advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Club and the CCC Anthropology Club, properly socially distanced and with face coverings, met to celebrate the comradery of shared experience and to gather a little knowledge at the same time.
The Flagstaff Arts Council is happy to announce that the 13th Annual Viola Awards will take place on Friday, June 18, 2021. This new date provides the greatest opportunity to host an awards event in-person, likely outdoors. The Viola Awards, historically hosted in March, are a celebration of our creative community. After such a difficult year, it is important to celebrate the resiliency of our community in person, if it is safe to do so. Please mark your calendars!
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors recently proclaimed November to be Native American Heritage Month.
Coconino County embraces 22 Native American tribes in Arizona, and takes pride in the six tribes calling Coconino County home; whose economic contributions, foods, medicines, remedies, art and literature are vital contributions to American life and endeavors.
We are dedicated to preserving and promoting Native American culture in the community, education and workforce.
All children and families bring unique talents, skills and gifts to the educational experience.
Multiple social influences affect a child’s educational success, many of which exist outside our educational systems.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
Museum of Northern Arizona presents recordings of Sugar Skull livestream workshop, “Day of the Dead Decoded: Ofrendas 101” and virtual view of ofrenda / altar in the Colton Community Garden
While we can’t enjoy a traditional Celebraciones de la Gente, members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Museum of Northern Arizona and Coconino County have been busy with a number of virtual Día de los Muertos projects.
Halloween is nearly here! Have fun this holiday, while also being safe. Take a look at recommendations for both Trick or Treaters and Homeowners alike.
More recommendations and tips can be found at https://www.halloween2020.org/
Events include a movie screening of “Gather,” followed by a facilitated conversation; a virtual Stew Fest; a conversation with NAU Elder Lorenzo Max; resources for first-generation students; and more. All of the NAU community is invited to participate in the virtual events.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
Sometimes as adults, we make things too complicated when they really are quite simple. Like why it’s so important to Live United.
That’s why we asked our friend (and United Way “spokes-kid”) Priah to break it all down and show how your donation to our Annual Campaign changes lives and makes our community stronger.
She has props. She has costumes. She thinks she needs a latte, but we’re not so sure we agree.
Take a break and enjoy this video!
Vote early in person: Early voting is available up until Friday, October 30 at these locations: Early Voting Sites. Please note that some locations are closed on Fridays.
NOTE: New Voter ID requirements for voting early in person are now in effect. See ID Required to Vote In Person for list of acceptable ID.
How can I return my voted early ballot?
Return your early ballot in any of the following ways:
Mail your ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Drop your ballot off at one of these Ballot Drop Box Locations or Drive-Up/Drop-Off Locations on the Navajo Nation.
Deliver your ballot to any early voting location in the county prior to Election Day, during the hours the site is open.
Deliver your ballot to any polling place or vote center in the county on Election Day between 6 am to 7 pm (local time).
See also Tips on Returning Your Early Ballot…
It’s hard for some Arizonans to imagine. But there are communities all over the state where families can’t get internet, or even reliable phone service. Most of us can’t picture going through life without that, but for many, it’s a daily reality. Driving to the top of a hill to get cell service; hour-long bus rides to get to school; roads that are virtually unpassable in the winter. And for those on tribal communities the challenges might be even more basic – many households lack running water or electricity, or both.
As you cast your ballot this year, keep them in mind. These are some of our most vulnerable populations and they need the support and resources that both government and nonprofit groups provide.
Whatever your concerns are, they can be reflected in your vote. For rural communities in Arizona, there are resources and support, but at times, the resources available aren’t always reflective of the community’s immediate needs. During the pandemic, as teachers often do, many teachers continue to use their personal devices and other self-purchased tools to make it through this year.
Vote early in person: Early voting is available up until Friday, October 30 at these locations: Early Voting Sites. Please note that some locations are closed on Fridays.
NOTE: New Voter ID requirements for voting early in person are now in effect. See ID Required to Vote In Person for list of acceptable ID.
How can I return my voted early ballot?
Return your early ballot in any of the following ways:
Mail your ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Drop your ballot off at one of these Ballot Drop Box Locations or Drive-Up/Drop-Off Locations on the Navajo Nation.
Deliver your ballot to any early voting location in the county prior to Election Day, during the hours the site is open.
Deliver your ballot to any polling place or vote center in the county on Election Day between 6 am to 7 pm (local time).
See also Tips on Returning Your Early Ballot.
Early ballots must be received no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, November 3, 2020.
Where can I go to vote on Election Day?
You may find your polling location online by searching your residence address or by looking up this list of polling places.
Today, Friday, October 23, 5:00 pm, is the deadline for voters to request an early ballot to be mailed to them. The Elections Office has already sent out almost 70,000 ballots to our registered voters. In the first ten days of early voting, over 30,000 voted ballots have been returned. Our voter registration team is very busy verifying signatures and processing the voted early ballots.
If you want to check to see if your voted early ballot has been processed and accepted, go to: https://my.arizona.vote/PortalList.aspx
Please note that it takes the team a few days to process an early ballot after it arrives.
Last spring, we shared our new mission, to foster creative opportunity, with you. Since then, this mission was tested as we worked to support Flagstaff’s creative sector through one of the most challenging years on record. We know that you support our mission and vision, in order to continue our work, we need your help.
Earlier this month, guests from all over the word attended CCC&Y’s presentation of Kevin Campbell’s “Self-Healing Communities — A Continued Conversation.”
The presentation is now available on CCC&Y’s Prevention webpage at Self-Healing Communities with Kevin Campbell. The free program also includes presentation slides and Self-Healing Communities Data from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“As a testament to Kevin’s international work we had participants from England, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arkansas, and of course, all over Arizona,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y. “This piece is an argument for moving away from treating individuals, community members and families as the “recipient” of services, from medicalizing unlivable lives, from not acknowledging systems of injustice and a move toward the scientifically-based call to action of participation, truth and community healing.”
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
I find it difficult to believe, but we are halfway through the Fall semester here at Coconino Community College.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the way we deliver courses at the college, our students have continued to make progress toward achieving their educational dreams a reality.
Some of our students have also told us, frankly, that as soon as it is safe to do so, they would like to see a return of in-person classes at CCC. We are listening, and we are planning, if it is safe to do so in the Spring semester, to offer a percentage of our courses in-person to help those students who thrive in a face-to-face setting. Social distancing, face coverings and other health measures will continue to protect students and instructors. If all in-person classes that students are interested in fill up, I invite them to take advantage of CCC’s new “waitlist” feature to save a place in line if a seat in an in-person course opens.
