Category: Education

Strengthening Native American student success at CCC

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One in five students at Coconino Community College is Native American.

Often, the Native American students who arrive at CCC are the first in their family to pursue a college education and may also come from challenging economic situations. As a result, they may face barriers in obtaining a college degree.

In an effort to increase Native American student course success, completion rates and a sense of belonging in the college community, CCC has received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Called the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) grant, the funds will be distributed over a five-year period.

“CCC values the sacred land on which we live and serve and the indigenous peoples who have inhabited it for centuries,” said CCC Provost Dr. Nate Southerland. “One in five students at CCC is Native American, and we look forward to providing these students with culturally responsive teaching, enhanced support, and interpersonal connections to help them be successful in their studies.”

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Remembering our progress in 2021 and celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022

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2021 was an exciting growth year for CCC&Y.  We entered the year with a refreshed Mission and Purpose, welcomed a new logo, gained new database software and had our first ever virtual conference. We expanded our work with Building Community and renewed our commitment to building connections and support in the community. Click here to learn more. We provided training, data and voice to community organizations and groups on topics ranging from trauma-informed care to mindfulness.

Our Coconino Prevention Council and Action and Outreach committees were active throughout the year with activities ranging from monthly connection for organizations and prevention services to legislative and policy review.

A very exciting moment in 2021 was when we received the Vitalyst Health Foundation Spark Grant to collect community voice about root causes of Health Concerns in the County. To date we have engaged numerous partners, groups and individuals and have collected information from over 65 individuals through five questions we are asking the community. These have taken place in one-to-one interviews and very small focus groups across the county. This process was designed to be trusting and relationship-based so as to gain accurate and pertinent information about individual experiences.

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Here’s what’s new at Sedona Arts Center!

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Vision & Sound creates an educational experience and environment that broadens the understanding and appreciation of African American art, music, film, and literary works for multigenerational and multicultural audiences. We strive to build supportive relationships to encourage cultural equity throughout Arizona and beyond – recognizing that professional American artists of African descent are too often overlooked.

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CCC Adult Education Program New Student Orientation will be held Jan. 4, 5

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Happy New Year Coconino Community College partners and friends,

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend the two-day, in-person New Student Orientation at Coconino Community College presented by CCC Adult Education.

Adult Basic Education for College & Careers

New Student Orientation

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Seeking Applicants for Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District #6 Governing Board

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Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment to the Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District #6 Governing Board.

Applicants must reside in the school district and be registered to vote in Arizona. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

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Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona announces training classes on Jan. 4-6, 13-14 and 19

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Below is the schedule for all of Goodwill’s classes in January.  As a reminder, Digital Literacy, and now Financial Literacy, can be taken online at your own pace.  For details on signing up, please call 928-556-5096 or come in the Career Center to register.  Select courses and additional career webinars are also offered on My Career Advisor.

I am now taking registration for all classes.  Registration is required beforehand.

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options to help families, community members during 2022

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As 2021 comes to an end, families throughout Coconino County have faced and overcome a variety of challenges during this pandemic age.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth stands ready in 2022 to help connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, monthly virtual youth open mic sessions, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.
in AZ.”

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Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – December 2021

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I have spent quite a bit of time and funds wandering to faraway lands. I have admired infinite oceans of impossible blue and have climbed majestic mountains. Up until now, however, I hadn’t contemplated from my bedroom window those tiny dewdrops on the multi-hued green leaves of my mom’s papaya tree.

Slowly the window became my own inner self and I started pondering about the purpose of my life. I found the answer in the twinkle of those dewdrops dancing on the surface of those leaves, also of an impossible green.

Life is jam-packed with enjoyment and magnificence. Muse on the small, often overlooked details: a gentle wind, a summer downpour, a dewdrop on a green leaf in the morning sun… Touch the wind, smell the rain, feel the joy. Live your life with happiness and delight, for you are very fortunate to be who you are.

Peace and love to all this Holiday Season. Namasté

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Jan. 28 — Indigenous Voices and U.S. Policy in Central America presentation on Zoom

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Join us for our first charla of the semester — “Indigenous Voices and U.S. Policy in Central America,” with Jacob Omar Jerónimo, from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28.

The talk will be presented in Spanish with simultaneous interpretation in English. 

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Feb. 3 — NAU History Department presenting virtual program ‘The Sovereign Trickster — Dean and Laughter in the Age of Duterte’

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The NAU History Department will present the virtual program “The Sovereign Trickster — Dean and Laughter in the Age of Duterte” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. 

University of Washington Prof. Vicente Rafael will discuss President Duterte of the Philippines within the context of the global rise in nationalist-populism and authoritarianism. 

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Feb. 9 — Coconino County to Host Utility Scale Renewable Energy Ordinance Open House

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The public is invited to attend a virtual open house on the Utility Scale Renewable Energy Ordinance (REO) Draft on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The draft ordinance will be available for review and comment on the open house site beginning February 9 through February 16, 2022.

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Feb. 17 — NAU Latino American Studies presents ‘José Luis Sotero — Painting across the Border’

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Latin American studies would like to invite you to an extraordinary event!

On Thursday February 17 at 7 pm, Nogales (Sonora)-based artist José Luis Sotero will present “Painting across the Border.”  Sotero was detained in 2015 when trying to cross the border, spent a year in detention, and was then deported to Mexico. He is a self-taught painter who is using his art to paint the stories of migrants who seek to escape violence and poverty in the hope of a decent life. He would not be permitted to cross the border to join us, but through Zoom José Luis will share his experiences as well as his striking art.

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Through March 8 — Registration is now open for Winter Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) Training

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Coconino County’s next Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development Zoom-based training will run 6-9pm, Tuesdays for 9-week running through March 8th. If you are eligible, our Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grant opportunity is also available.  This email has information, below and attached, on the benefits of each program and how to sign-up.

To enroll in BBE please reply attaching a completed application and other documentation.

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March 9 — NAU Latin American Studies to screen ‘Fandango at the Wall! ‘

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On Wednesday March 9 at 4 pm in LA 136 Latin American Studies will screen the film Fandango at the Wall. This beautiful and thought-provoking film features a journey through Mexico to explore a 300 year-old Mexican folk tradition–son jarocho—a binational fandango festival on both sides of the US/Mexico border, the conditions of life in Mexico, and the politics of migration. The ultimate message of the film is the triumph of unity through music over division.

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Feb. 23 — NAU Latin American Studies to present ‘Black Women, Citizenship, and the Making of Modern Cuba’

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NAU Latin American Studies will present Takkara Brunson and her  recently-published book “Black Women, Citizenship, and the Making of Modern Cuba” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 on Zoom.

Brunson traces how women of African descent were essential participants in the political processes that defined Cuba well before the 1959 Revolution.

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April 23 — Join us for the 25th Annual Mountain Spelling Bee!

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Come celebrate our 25th Annual Spelling Bee and support equal access to literacy for all members of our community! We will have raffles, prizes, auctions, games, and more!

Tickets are $55 and cover admission into the event as well as a three-course dinner. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the event.

To sponsor the event or a team, or to participate in the bee competition, email director@thinkliteracy.org

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April 30 — CHAC, Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library present Diversity Book Drive

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Let’s add to the diverse voices at the library! the Coconino County Public Library is looking to expand their Spanish Language Collection.

The Diversity Book Drive, in partnership with the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library. will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 30 at the Flagstaff Public Library Downtown, 300 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

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April 30 — Thorpe Park Annex community design meeting

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The City of Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events Division is partnering with Southwest Decision Resources and Wheat Design Group to collaborate with the Flagstaff community on the future of the 8.5-acre Thorpe Park Annex parcel. On Saturday, April 30, from 12 to 2 p.m., the community is invited to meet with their Flagstaff neighbors and envision the future of the parcel.

From 12 to 12:45 p.m., the community is invited to eat lunch (there will be food trucks on site) and walk around the parcel to learn about initial ideas being generated from the community survey.  Participants will also be invited to think critically about compatibility of current uses and future programming on the site.

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May 7 — Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser returns

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The Kentucky Derby Fundraiser presented by PNC Bank is back, May 7th at High Country Conference Center.

Enjoy some hors d’oeuvres, a mint julep and much more. There will be live music, a silent auction, live auction and of course watching of the Kentucky Derby. Don’t forget we are giving prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat!

So grab your hats and get your tickets today! You don’t want to miss the greatest 2 minutes in sports.  www.bgcflag.org

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May 20 — Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library hosts Lifelong Learning Celebration and Yearbook Day

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The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will be celebrating Flagstaff learners of all ages with its Lifelong Learning Celebration and Yearbook Day on Friday, May 20. This all-day, interactive celebration will take place in the Community Room of the Downtown Library (300 W Aspen Ave) and will feature crafts, activities, and community learning resources.

Yearbook activities

The Library maintains local yearbooks dating back to 1924, including Sinagua High School, now known as Sinagua Middle School. While these yearbooks are usually stored in a locked case, the entire yearbook collection will be available for patron browsing in the Community Room from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patrons of all ages are invited to find themselves, their family members, or well-known Flagstaffians among the old and new pages.

The Library will also be launching a “Library Yearbook” for patrons to fill with remembrances and high school memories spurred by the yearbooks. Patrons are also invited to create one-of-a-kind cards for the graduate in their life with an eclectic selection of card-making materials provided.

In the Library’s Teen Zone from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., 2022 graduates can bring their graduation caps to decorate with provided supplies.

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Through May 24 — Registration is now open for Spring Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) Training

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Coconino County’s next Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development Zoom-based training will run 6-9pm, Tuesdays for 9-week running March 29th and go through May 24th. If you are eligible, our Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grant opportunity is also available.  This email has information, below and attached, on the benefits of each program and how to sign-up.

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June — Coconino County Diversity Team to present ‘Pride Month’ event

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The Coconino County Diversity Team will present Pride Month presentations through May 31.

Happy Pride Month! Coconino County is committed to inclusion and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community and we celebrate the contributions and impact made to our community every day.

Stay tune for the latest upcoming events.

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June 10 through 11 — Award Winning New Orleans Musician, Anders Osborne, Headliner for Arizona’s Largest Blues Festival

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Arizona’s largest blues festival, Flagstaff Blues and Brews, announces their impressive lineup for the June 2022 event.  The festival starts Friday afternoon, June 10th and runs through Saturday night, June 11th.  Named as one of the top 10 most beautiful blues festivals, the Flagstaff Blues & Brews festival has helped launch the careers of many blues artists, including; Karen Lovely, MonkeyJunk, Harlis Sweetwater and Jeremy Bar-Illan.

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June 18 — Celebrate Juneteenth at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, June 19 at Fort Tuthill

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Also see Juneteenth Concert on June 19 at Fort Tuthill

Come celebrate Juneteenth with music performances, food, games and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, 203 E. Brannen Ave., Flagstaff.

Hosted by the Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project, and the Southside Community Association (SCA).

The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. 

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June 21 — Join The Literacy Center for a fundraiser at Drinking Horn Meadery

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Join us in supporting literacy at the Drinking Horn Meadery on June 21st @ 6 PM! This fundraiser will involve a fun individual spelling bee competition, a raffle, and mead of course! 

Come spell (or watch), drink mead, buy some raffle tickets, and participate in fundraising for the Literacy Center! Proceeds from the raffle and a portion of mead sales will be donated to the Literacy Center.

The winner of this competition will get a sponsored seat on the Drinking Horn Spelling Bee team at the Literacy Center’s 26th Annual Adult Mountain Spelling Bee in April 2023!

There is no cost to participate in this fun spelling bee kickoff event. Just show up at the Meadery June 21st! Must be 21 to attend. 

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Sept. 7 — Community Welcome event connects NAU student residents with their Flagstaff neighbors

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Northern Arizona University and the City of Flagstaff are teaming up for the 5th Annual Community Welcome walk. On Wednesday, September 7, between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a small team of volunteers will be visiting homes in neighborhoods near the NAU campus. During the door-to-door “knock and talks” volunteers meet with local and student residents, share tips for safe and respectful living, and encourage neighbors to get to know one another. Community Welcome aims to improve relations between local and student residents renting rooms and homes in the historic La Plaza Vieja and Southside Neighborhoods.

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Sept. 21 — NAU Latin American Studies presenting ‘The Politics of Extraction: Territorial Rights, Participatory Institutions, and Conflict in Latin America’

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Dr. Maiah Jaskoski, Professor of Political Science at NAU, will present her new book, The Politics of Extraction: Territorial Rights, Participatory Institutions, and Conflict in Latin America” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Northern Arizona University, Room LA-120.

Presented by NAU Latin American Studies.

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Sept. 28 — Coconino Community College to present Free Comet Talk ‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’

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Coconino Community College will present the Free Comet Talk “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” Jim Thorpe, Dwight Eisenhower, and the Battle for the Soul of America, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at CCC Fourth Street Campus, 3000 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff.

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Oct. 1 — Coconino County to Hold 18th Annual Sustainable Building Tour

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Buildings are pieces of history, and each has a story to tell. That is the theme for this year’s Coconino County Sustainable Building Tour: The Stories Buildings Tell. The public is invited to join this year’s 18th annual Sustainable Building Tour, to be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, this year’s tour will be held completely in person, the first time in three years, and showcases ten properties throughout the community. The property owners and homeowners who have been certified through the county’s Sustainable Building Program will share their stories; stories about the landscape, anecdotes on the process of building their home, and tales of living in and maintaining their unique properties. 

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Oct. 6 — Community Invited to a Celebration of the Pathways to Community Program

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The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) invite the community to celebrate the opening of the Pathways to Community Program at an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, October 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. at 951 E Sawmill Road, Flagstaff, AZ.

The Pathways to Community Program is a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and CCHHS, in collaboration with many community partners. This new program brings community and legal resources together in one physical space to support those being released from incarceration as they return to the community. 

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Oct. 6 — Public forums for CCC presidential finalists

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The Coconino Community College District Governing Board is pleased to announce that they have selected three finalists for the presidency of the College. Public forums with each of the finalists are scheduled for the week of Oct., 3, 2022.

“We would like to thank all of the communities served by the College for your continued interest and support in the process to identify our next President,” said Dr. Nathaniel White, Board Chair. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Board Presidential Search Committee for their exceptional work and effort.”

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Oct. 16 — You’re Invited to F3’s Annual Meeting

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Join Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) at our Annual Meeting and Potluck.

Sunday, October 16th, 3:00-5:00 pm
Outside at Riordan Mansion’s Veranda
409 W Riordan Rd.

Parking is available at Riordan State Park. Backup parking is available in the adjacent NAU parking garage for a fee.

Come learn about F3’s work this year and important issues on which we’ll be focusing in 2023. Meet F3’s Executive Director, F3 Board members, and many community members.

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Oct. 28-29 — Sedona Arts Center — Don’t miss these Sedona Plein Air Festival Final events!

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Friday, October 28, 2022
Awards Night Celebration –- SAC Special Exhibition Gallery & Theatre – 5:00-7:00pm
Held at Sedona Arts Center’s Special Exhibition Gallery and Theatre Studio in the Art Barn. Fine wine, fine hors d’oeuvres and beautiful art. This is the big event. Artist’s awards are presented throughout the evening recognizing the best work created during the week including Best of Show and merit awards by Festival Judges Susan Lynn and John Caggiano, Artist’s Choice Award, Collectors Choice by ballot and Sedona Arts Center Awards.

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Nov. 2 — Coconino County to Host Virtual Town Hall to Explain Proposition 445 – the Jail District Sales Tax

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Coconino County voters have a critical decision to make on their ballot on Election Day, November 8. Proposition 445 asks voters whether to extend the existing half-cent Jail District Sales Tax (JDST) for an additional 25 years. There will be a series of live-streamed virtual town hall meetings in the coming weeks in an effort to inform the public about the importance of the JDST to the operations of County Detention Facilities and the many in-custody and reentry programs the County provides. 

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Nov. 3 — Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Virtual Q&A Flagstaff’s “Stride Forward” 2045 Transportation Plan

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How will Flagstaff address our transportation challenges in the next 20-25 years as we implement the Climate Neutrality Plan and predicted population growth?

Join the F3 Board as they discuss Flagstaff’s Stride Upward Plan and strategy with MetroPlan’s Planning Manager on Thursday Nov. 3 @ 6:00 pm via  Zoom.

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Through Nov. 15 — Enroll now for Fall Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) Training

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Since 2007, over 600 local residents have enrolled in Coconino County’s Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development training. Now we’ve added BBE Support Services Group (BBESSG) presentations, plus new cash assistance and referral incentives each worth up to $500. It’s been said 70% of the U.S. population has dreamed of starting a business but only 10% do, mostly for lack of know-how and capital. BBE training is for those starting and/or expanding a home-based or other micro-business (five or less employees).

Those enrolled for our next BBE training also can participate in noon-hour, Wednesday, June BBESSG presentation via Zoom:

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District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter 7th Edition — Wishing everyone a safe holiday season!

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Hi Everyone,
Wishing everyone a safe holiday season! As we approach the end
of the year its a time to reflect on the successes of 2021. District 2
has been very busy this year working on various items outlined
below.
American Rescue Plan Funding Process
Redistricting Process
Museum Flood Area Response and Mitigation
COVID Impacts and programs
County Budget Process

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie honored with the Marcia Stanton Award by the Arizona ACEs Consortium

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Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, was presented with the Marcia Stanton Award on Dec. 16 by the Arizona ACEs Consortium at the 8th annual statewide ACEs summit.

The Arizona ACEs Consortium is a collaboration of more than one hundred individuals, state, county, private organizations and professionals from all walks of life, united by a desire to help Arizona’s children. It promotes a greater understanding of the impacts of toxic stress and trauma, and supports efforts to address and prevent them.

“The Marcia Stanton Award was established in 2018 and pays homage to the original leader of the ACEs movement, Marcia Stanton. It is awarded to an individual who displays a commitment, perseverance and dedication to spread the awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences and someone that leads action in their community to decrease the prevalence and effect of ACEs on both children and adults,” said Angie Burleson, executive director of the consortium. “This Award honors excellence in leadership, collaboration and the advancement of the PACEs movement in AZ.”

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — 2021 Economic Highlights

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Despite lingering concerns due to multiple variants of the coronavirus, supply chain issues, and fears that inflation might dampen the recovery, our region had a fair bit of good economic news this past year.

Consider the fact that in 2021, the number of leads that we fielded for businesses interested in locating in northern Arizona increased by 15% over the last calendar year. At the same time, ECoNA’s Business Retention team reports that few businesses closed in the past 12 months and many are looking to expand.

That’s the macro view on our local economy. Zoom in a bit, however, and you’ll see a lot of exciting developments that made 2021 an excellent year for northern Arizona and indicate that 2022 might be even better.

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Seeking Applicants for Grand Canyon Unified School District # 4 Governing Board

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Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment to the Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 Governing Board.

Applicants must reside in the school district and be registered to vote in Arizona. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

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The NAU Review — Getting to know grads, Notes from the President, School of Music gets the Kitts’ name and Diné educators

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For the last two years, Laurel Malm, the first graduate of a joint program between nursing and ROTC, was on the front lines of health care, working in the COVID ward at Flagstaff Medical Center. Now she’ll take that experience with her into the Army, applying the leadership lessons she learned from ROTC and the need for flexibility, collaboration and focus she’s learned in nursing school. 

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Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up — Dec. 13-17, 2021

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Severe winter weather has returned to the Grand Canyon this week, so it’s time to offer a few reminders on winter preparedness!

If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the Coconino County Emergency Notifications to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials.
When Driving: Slow down! Try to keep a nearly full tank of gas in your personal vehicle throughout the winter. Keep an emergency kit in your personal vehicle. Suggested items are extra blankets, water, extra gloves, warm hat, snow pants, snacks, traction devices, jumper cables, flag, flashlight, first aid kit, plastic sheeting, and phone charger. Be prepared for any type of emergency.
At Home: Keep extra food, water, light sources, and blankets available in case of a power outage.
When Walking: Always have the appropriate gear, clothing, and footwear. The potential for slips, trips, and falls increases dramatically in winter. It is recommended that shoe traction devices be worn while walking in icy conditions.

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United Way of Northern Arizona — Update on the Social Safety Net Coalition

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When the pandemic took hold in northern Arizona in the spring of 2020, there were so many unknowns. How severe would the impact of COVID be? When would lockdowns be lifted? How long before we had a viable vaccine? 

One thing we did know: Coconino County nonprofits and agencies were going to be hard-pressed to meet the challenges during an unprecedented crisis. 

That’s why the United Way of Northern Arizona and Coconino County launched the Social Safety Net Coalition. Its goal was to help those providing basic needs coordinate their efforts to address an ever-evolving situation. Almost two years later, this group continues its impressive, collaborative work.

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — We All Need Someone to Lean On

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The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y), sees you! We see all the ways you support folks in your neighborhood and our community! You are helping to “bring back the village,” and you’re doing great!

Let’s face it, life can be challenging, and too often, we are collectively stressed. Stress is normalized. We can acknowledge that some stress is good for us, keeping us thinking and maybe even providing us a boost to take necessary action. However, maintaining health requires that we offer ourselves opportunities to decompress. CCC&Y hopes you gift yourself with time to reconnect with yourself and those closest to you.

During this season of reflection, CCC&Y invites you to cozy up with some tea and a warm blanket and take a few mindful moments to recognize and honor your inner self and notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. (“Mindfulness for Parents and Professionals”). If our opportunity for Mindfulness feels supportive to you, we invite you to share it with others.

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‘It’s Our Turn’ COVID-19 art contest invites community members to vote for 12 youth and young adults to win a $250 prize

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First, youth and young adults were invited to craft creative COVID-19 public health messages. Now, it’s the community’s turn to choose their favorites.

The Arizona Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities set out to inspire Arizona youth and young adults to showcase their artistic talents through the “It’s Our Turn” contest, asking them to add their unique spin on public service COVID-19 messages, especially around masks and vaccines.

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The NAU Review — Getting to know grads, smart bikes and redirecting asteroids

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Jamie Begay, who earned a master’s in public health, has spent her educational career doing outreach and research on public health in Indigenous communities; finding a program that allowed her to specialize in Indigenous health brought her back to her alma mater for a second degree. At no time did this come together more than when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Navajo Nation particularly hard; she kept busy delivering food, medicine and other necessities to Indigenous communities and checking in with people. The love of community drives Begay. “The value of that experience stems from my appreciation and responsibility I feel for my community. Through that experience, resilience was the foundation of our efforts.”

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Sedona Arts Center — Souls of Forgotten Objects Exhibition is open

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Souls of Forgotten Objects
Curated by Geoffrey Gorman
Now Showing through December 23, 2021
in the Special Exhibition Gallery at Sedona Arts Center
Open Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm

Exploring the intersection between trash and treasure, Souls of Forgotten Objects brings found or forgotten objects together to create something beautiful. Whether that is an old tree branch, bike tire, cardboard, colorful material, metal or paper, the exhibit takes these found or lost materials and turns them in to magnificent art.  Curious, evocative, dynamic or meditative, Sedona Arts Center invited artists to think outside the box, canvas or convention in submitting pieces for this spectacular exhibit.

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Graduate Alondra Angelica Alvarez Ortiz: Uprooted, student finds passion for helping others through teaching

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When Alondra Angelica Alvarez Ortiz was seven years old, her family moved from Mexico to the U.S. She spent every night thereafter crying herself to sleep—she missed her little hometown of Gomez Palacio, visiting her tia’s snack cart after school and dressing up in a long traditional skirt and bright red lipstick to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day. She didn’t understand America, with lines down the middle of the roads and lack of people in the back of pickups. She also didn’t understand the “better life” her mother insisted she would have here, for which she sacrificed so much. How could a society so fixated on working and money be better than her simple and carefree Gomez?

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The NAU Review — Getting to know grads, celebrating in-person commencement, water on Mars and Notes from the President

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For the first time in two years, NAU will celebrate commencement in the Skydome, with almost 2,800 students completing their degrees and President Cruz Rivera officiating his first commencement as president of NAU. With snow in the forecast, people traveling for commencement are encouraged to sign up for text alerts (by texting “NAU” to 237233) and leave extra travel time.

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Grand Canyon National Park — Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: December 6-10, 2021

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Winter Road Conditions and Reporting Emergencies

With the first major snow of the season arriving, here are a few reminders on park road conditions and reporting emergencies, especially during periods of inclement weather. 

When a road closes in the park, Grand Canyon Dispatch, who are staffed 24 hours a day, receive the notification and immediately will update the road conditions outgoing message. This number should be programmed into your phone if it isn’t already; it is: 928-638-7496. Please do not call dispatch for roads updates unless you are reporting an emergency.

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