Category: Education

Announcing the 13th Annual Viola Awards Finalists & Legacy Award Recipients

The Flagstaff Arts Council is pleased to announce the Finalists and Legacy Award recipients for the 13th Annual Viola Awards. The Viola Awards honor excellence in the arts, sciences, and culture in Flagstaff. 2020 was an unprecedented year, but the finalists of the year’s Viola Awards prove the creativity and resiliency of our community.

This year’s awards will honor 36 finalists across 9 categories with some finalists being recognized in multiple categories. All finalists will be honored at the Viola Awards event on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

For the first time this year, the Flagstaff Arts Council has produced a digital magazine featuring all Finalists and Legacy Award recipients. The 2021 Finalist Magazine can be viewed and downloaded here.

Deadline approaching (May 14) for Future Health Leaders Virtual High School Summer Camp

There are only 9 DAYS LEFT to register for the 2021 Future Health Leaders Virtual Summer Camp! This year will be our second year of virtual summer camp and this year will be BIGGER and BETTER. We will be hosting giveaways, providing completion packages, and engaging in virtual social activities throughout the week. We have lined up some knowledgeable guest speakers in topics such as nursing, pharmacy, and allied health. We know this will be a great healthcare learning experience for all those in attendance.

Bilingual report — Applications open for DES Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, DES Services, and so much more.

The DES Office of Community Engagement would like to share with you information about this program. The EBB program opens on May 12, 2021 for eligible individuals and households to enroll. Below is additional information and the link to the Toolkit.

Family Involvement Center — Parents Wanted for free program that provides 24 college credits

The Family Involvement Center offers an opportunity for anyone who might be interested in becoming a peer parent support partner. Participants will get 24 college credits, a monthly stipend,  a laptop and other supplies and help with job placement.  Applicants will need to complete a short application form. 

The deadline to apply is May 15. 

Flagstaff enters Phase 3 of COVID reopening

The city of Flagstaff will enter Phase 3 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan on May 17. The move to Phase 3 was predicated on the number of new cases, hospitalizations, and COVID related deaths continuing on a downward trajectory for four or more weeks, the increase in the number of residents vaccinated, the demonstrated ability to follow CDC guidelines, ability to care for the seriously ill and providing testing, monitoring and contact tracing. Under Phase 3, the city will begin a limited reopening of city facilities and amenities. Face coverings are required in city facilities.

2021 Nursing Pinning Virtual Ceremony at CCC to be held at 5:30 p.m. May 6

The Coconino Community College Nursing Pinning Virtual Ceremony is scheduled to premiere at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021 on the CCC homepage at www.coconino.edu and on YouTube at https://youtu.be/iF58mQ4-dxg . 

FREE and open to the public.
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend online. 

Coconino County Education Service Agency Creating a Culture of Educator Appreciation

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children. Think of an educator you know who connects with students, helps them experience and understand the world around them, introduces them to subjects in new ways, and inspires them to take agency over their future.   We ask you to take the time to thank these exemplary educators for their work and service to our County’s schools and children.

During Teacher Appreciation Week the Coconino County Education Service Agency would like to congratulate and announce the 2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees. 

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Collaborative Communities Social Hour This Tuesday

You are cordially invited to attend a special virtual celebration and networking event for business leaders, industry specialists and economic development professionals as we mark Economic Development Week on Tuesday, May 11.

The Collaborative Communities: Statewide Social Hour will be held via Zoom from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. The event is being sponsored by several economic development organizations in Arizona, including ECONA.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — KinderCamp™ Returns This Summer and more news

On a recent Saturday morning, a group of about 20 educators from Flagstaff, Williams and Pinetop-Lakeside met in the gymnasium of Kinsey Elementary School for a special orientation and training session.
 
Typically, rising early to sacrifice your day off for mandatory training doesn’t generate a lot of enthusiasm, but in this case the excitement was palpable. Why?
 
Because KinderCamp™ is coming back.
 
“There was just a buzz in the room,” said Sara Owen, the coordinator for the program that helps preschoolers with the foundational, social and academic skills needed to successfully transition into kindergarten. “People are really looking forward to being part of this again – and having it in person.”

North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to Open May 15 for 2021 Season

he gate at the entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on Saturday, May 15 at 6:30 a.m. to mark the official opening of the North Rim for the 2021 season. Grand Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will also commence their 2021 seasonal operations on this date.

Services provided by the National Park Service, including the campground and the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore, will be available starting May 15 at 9 a.m. The Backcountry Information Office will open at 8 a.m. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations, including lodging, groceries, retail, food and beverage services, and the gas station, will also open May 15. There will be no shower or laundry service available this year. The North Rim Hiker Shuttle will also be unavailable.

Annual NAU President’s Diversity Award recipients announced

The Northern Arizona University President’s Diversity Award recipients have been announced for the 2020-21 academic year. These awards are presented by the Center for University Access and Inclusion and the Office of the President.

The annual awards recognize the work of people and organizations who support and further diversity, equity and inclusion at the university. This year’s awards celebration will be postponed to the fall semester to anticipate the possibility of an in-person event.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — APS Helping Small Businesses Go Green

APS has launched a new initiative to help small businesses embrace environmental sustainability and win more customers along the way.

The Going Green and Going Smart program is a free, on-demand certificate program that identifies ways businesses can save money on their electric bills by leveraging industry knowledge and best businesses practices.

Designed with smaller brick-and-mortar locations in mind – such as restaurants, offices, stores or warehouses – it teaches businesses how to conduct an energy audit and develop a sustainability plan. Going beyond that, however, it also shows how businesses can use their new energy efficiency to attract new customers.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 26-30, 2021

Navajo Nation Moves to Code Yellow

Navajo Nation is moving from Code Orange to Yellow. Changes include the following: restaurants with indoor dining can operate at 25% capacity; restaurants with outdoor seating can accommodate 50% capacity. Navajo Nation casinos are allowed to open at 50% of maximum occupancy but only for Navajo Nation residents, citizens and employees (no visitors and tourists). 

We need your input to make Flagstaff more affordable

The City of Flagstaff’s 10 Year Housing Plan is underway and the Housing Section is asking all members of the community to participate by taking the City of Flagstaff Housing Survey.

The goal of the survey is to garner the most responses and to gather statistically valid housing data from a fair sampling of people.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Creativity Takes Courage. Next CCC&Y Youth Expression event on May 2

Adolescence is a complex and emotional transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s a time of establishing an identity and taking new (hopefully healthy) risks to expand your sense of self and capabilities. It’s a time when peers are of utmost importance, and we crave belonging.

Creativity Calling meets all of these critical needs from expression to connection! The arts are an opportunity to express yourself and interact with the world. Art expression allows us the chance to access our deepest and most authentic selves and reflect. The arts help us regulate our emotions. The arts can be a nurturing social experience. Most significantly, the arts can connect us with our sense of purpose.

STEM City will host virtual STEM nights beginning May 3

STEM City will be hosting virtual STEM nights beginning on Monday, May 3rd with community partner organizations via the groups’ Facebook page, FlagstaffSTEMCity.  Participating organizations are creating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematic video presentations highlighting their work in the greater Flagstaff community.  The resources will also be made available to area educators as classroom materials to enhance learning opportunities in area schools.

“Unfortunately, we will not be hosting this event in-person this year,” shared STEM City President Mike Thomas.  “We are excited to continue forward with the spirit of this event in a different format, continuing to celebrate STEM in this community, and offer learning opportunities to all that participate.”

Announcing the 2021 Festival of Science ‘Stories in Stone’ from Sept. 17-26

The 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science will explore “Stories in Stone” on September 17-26 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Dr. Jaime Awe of Northern Arizona University, will kick off the free, 10-day adventure as he shares his passion and important research of the Belize River Valley. Dr. Awe will delight audiences with his vast knowledge of Mesoamerican Cave societies and the collapse of the Maya civilization.

“This year’s Festival of Science, whose theme is Stories in Stone, is a wonderful opportunity for me to share results of my long and ongoing research on Maya civilization, and on the significant information that is encoded in the monuments of the ancient Maya,” says Dr. Awe.  Maya monuments encode important information on how this fascinating civilization viewed their universe, and how they interacted socially, politically, and ritually with their gods and peers. 

Sedona Arts Center’s Online Learning

Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. 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. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities

Maine Consolidated Governing Board Vacancies

Applicants sought for the Maine Consolidated School District #10, by Coconino County, for Governing Board Seats for Appointment

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for Maine Consolidated School District #10.

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.

HECHO April Newsletter

We hope that you’re enjoying the spring weather and the blossom that often follows! From my vantage point, I can finally see our beloved backyard tree regaining its bright green leaves. It serves as a reminder to me that growth is possible with a little bit of sunshine, time, and patience.

At HECHO, we’re excited to share that a (virtual) seed we planted is also in bloom. We’ve worked hard over the past several months to revamp and reorganize our website, and it is LIVE! We hope that you’ll take the time to explore our new pages, and find the stories that inspire you to continue to advocate for the protection of our prized public lands. On our website, you’ll also be able to read about the recognition HECHO received this month in New Mexico and Colorado, honoring the work we do to ensure that Hispanic culture and perspectives are part of the conservation of our lands and waters.

Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: Mapping Migraciones

“Mapping Migraciones” es un proyecto narrativo único de un año de duración de Audubon California con la Sociedad Nacional Audubon y Latino Outdoors que celebra la latinidad, la migración y las historias que nos conectan en las Américas.

Mire nuestro mapa interactivo que utiliza datos de aves migratorias e historias de personas como usted para darnos una imagen completa de cómo las aves y las personas están conectadas a través de la geografía y la cultura. Durante el año, este mapa crecerá para incluir más aves, patrones de migración e historias en todo el continente americano.

Coconino County Teacher of the Year and the Rookie Teacher of the Year Nominations Open

After previously having cancelled, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, is pleased to announce the reinstatement of the 9th Annual Teacher of the Year and the 4th Annual Rookie Teacher of the Year Awards.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented multiple challenges for teachers and students over the last year. We have witnessed the strength and ingenuity of Coconino County teachers through these difficult times and would like to acknowledge those who have been exceptionally outstanding in developing inventive curriculum and strategies for supporting student learning during the 2020/2021 school year.

NAU News for April 23, 2021 — ‘Graduate Yasmine Castro Felix: Real-life experiences prepare for her future’ and more news

Castro Felix is graduating with a bachelor’s of science in nursing from NAU-Yuma. During her undergraduate education, she received 18 scholarships and volunteered at various flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics in her community.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Getting Your Money Where It Needs to Go

At the heart of the United Way of Northern Arizona’s grant process is the Community Investment Fund, a volunteer-driven process that invests your donations into the proven programs, partnerships and initiatives that are changing lives in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties every day.

Volunteers with the committee make a year-long commitment to review grant applications, evaluate programs and perform site visits.

“As a member of the Community Investment Team, I get to see first-hand how UWNA brings together community partners and leverages resources to support our local non-profit agencies,” said Tami Suchowiejko, who is with Coconino County and one of the three newest CI team members.

Also joining our force of almost 40 volunteers are Eve Ford of Eve Ford Consulting and Sue Hilgart of Navajo County. The volunteers are broken up into seven teams, five in Flagstaff and one each in Page and northeast Arizona.

Sedona Arts Center — In-Person Learning this fall at Sedona Arts Center

Workshops at Sedona Arts Center offer an experience that will provide inspiration and information to distill and practice for months and even years afterwards! A wide variety of disciplines and mediums are offered, including studio and plein air landscape painting, mixed media and abstraction, writing, photography, and so much more. Workshops are appropriate for all levels of students and are presented through demonstrations, individual instruction and group presentation. Instructors are experts in their field – experienced teachers with national recognition.

Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 19-22, 2021

Earth Day Celebrations and National Park Week Continue

Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, check out one of our Grand Canyon Moments about Water at
https://youtu.be/OuP7vfsd-mk.

This Grand Canyon Moment features the sights and sounds of water and is a reminder of how essential and precious water is. Both the Earth and the human body are made up of about 70% water!

Everyone plays a role in protecting water, whether you are at Grand Canyon or at home. One way you can protect water is by being water wise! For example, where does your water come from and how much do you use daily? What is one way you use water?

Ground Sloths, Cheetahs and Mountain Goats—Oh My! Thousands of Grand Canyon fossils revealed in largest park-specific paleontological inventory in NPS history

After a multi-year effort, the National Park Service and the Utah Geological Association have published Grand Canyon National Park Centennial Paleontological Resources Inventory: A Century of Fossil Discovery and Research, available for public download on the Utah Geological Association website.
The publication documents more than 1.2 billion years of paleontological history in Grand Canyon. The rich fossil record uncovered during the inventory showcases flora and fauna from ancient Precambrian microbial mats to Pleistocene megafauna–including Shasta ground sloths, Harrington’s mountain goats, and the American cheetah–which lived in Grand Canyon’s limestone caves during the most recent Ice Age.

City of Flagstaff and Flagstaff Unified School District collaborate to bring green spaces to school grounds

Mayor Paul Deasy and Superintendent Michael Penca joined forces to improve the health, well-being and academic achievement of Flagstaff’s children. The two leaders committed to transforming Flagstaff’s school grounds into nature-filled greenspaces where children can connect to the natural world and enjoy healthy, active time outdoors. 

Flagstaff was selected as one of 10 cities (out of 27 applicants) to receive training and technical assistance to add nature play and outdoor learning spaces to schoolyards through Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN), a joint initiative of the National League of Cities and the Children & Nature Network.  Flagstaff joins a national movement of cities working to provide children with equitable access to the benefits of nature.

Fredonia Moccasin Governing Board Vacancy

Applicants sought for the Fredonia Moccasin School District #6, by Coconino County, for Governing Board Seat for Appointment

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for Fredonia Moccasin School District #6.

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.

Grand Canyon Governing Board Vacancy

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for Grand Canyon Unified School District #4.

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.

Coconino Community College — The Comet — A quick word from the President

The wonderful scent – and sneezes – of spring blossoms have arrived in Flagstaff, and Coconino Community College is beginning the crunch to the end of another semester.

The excitement of Commencement, although it will be virtual again this year, fills the air with electricity. Student resilience, determination and sheer willpower to achieve those dreams of an education have borne fruit from the spring blossoms of hope. Let us all celebrate that achievement!

This summer, thanks to COVID relief funding, CCC will be offering free tuition to graduating high school seniors in Coconino County to help them gear up for a successful fall semester. All other students will also benefit from the relief funding.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Getting Involved in Community

A variety of organizations took part in a discussion hosted by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth on the important role community members can play in the development of resilience of youth, caregivers and family by mentoring and supporting connections during a webinar presented by CCC&Y on April 14.

The free webinar, please click here, is designed to help those interested in the variety of mentorship programs in Coconino County. During the webinar, various speakers shared information about their organizations and the need for mentors.

Partners participating in the webinar included Arizona’s Children Association, AZ1.27, Big Brothers Big Sisters Flagstaff, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Coconino County, the Family Involvement Center and Native Americans for Community Action (NACA).

Grant funding was provided by Arizona Department of Child Safety and Health Choice Arizona.

Tutor Time at Coconino Community College

CCC students can receive tutoring support services via Zoom for free with no appointment necessary.

Drop-in tutoring is offered online through the links published in the Canvas course.

Getting started is easy –

Step 1: Log into Canvas with CCC Comet ID and password.

Step 2: Open the course on the dashboard titled “CCC Tutoring-Tutoring 101”.

Step 3: Click the drop-in tutoring Zoom link on the home page.

Additional online tutoring resources are available in Modules.

Pitch Night Arizona: Submit your concept to win a $15,000 grant

Flagstaff Arts Council is happy to announce that we have begun talks with ArtWins Arizona to establish a major arts and cultural festival in Flagstaff to tentatively launch in 2023. FAC is seeking public input on the idea. To learn more and provide feedback, visit: flagartscouncil.org/festival

Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan, International Arts & Ideas Festival in New Haven, Connecticut, Aspen Ideas Festival, and more, the festival is proposed to be anchored by both an art competition and a speaker series. The ArtWins Arizona competition is proposed to award more than $300,000 in prizes and grants including $50,000 grand prizes. Depending on funder interest, prize values could be even higher. The festival will provide a regional and national platform for local artists, creatives, and thinkers as well as attract global participation.

Sedona Arts Center — Inviting you into a special survey about creativity, culture & community during these challenging times

Sedona Arts Center is proud to be part of a major national research study to learn how arts, culture, and creativity fit into people’s lives during this difficult period — and how cultural organizations can become better for you in the future.

We know you get a lot of surveys, and that this one comes at a challenging time for many of us. We’re passing it on to you because it’s genuinely important to our community and our shared future. If you can spare a few minutes to give your views, we’d be very grateful.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Weekly Update

Our Tuba City office is open but operating remotely, with limited in-person services. When possible, please conduct business by phone or email.

Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday | 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Fridays

If you need assistance, please call: 928-283-4518 or email Miranda at mmorales@coconino.az.gov

Sedona Arts Center — FREE Online DEMO, New Workshops Added and More!

Thank you for choosing to attend a GOLDEN Lecture and Demonstration presented by our GOLDEN Working Artists. The GOLDEN Lecture and Demonstration will be presented in Zoom and will cover a variety of topics on acrylics and acrylic mediums. You will need to register in order to attend the Zoom presentation; please use the provided link to complete your registration. You will also need the *Virtual Lecture Demo Event Code provided below.

NAU News for April 16, 2021 — ‘Seven new Regents’ professors (including Miguel José Yacamán) showcase NAU’s research and scholarly excellence’ and more news

Regents’ professor is a recognition afforded to only 3 percent of all faculty and is truly an honor. Each was nominated by their peers for outstanding achievements and international recognition in their fields. The Arizona Board of Regents approved the promotions at their meeting Thursday.

North Kaibab and North Rim Grand Canyon Fire Managers Begin Spring Prescribed Fire Operations

Beginning April 17, National Park Service and USDA Forest Service fire managers, working together as the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, anticipate initiating prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Over the next several weeks fire managers will be assessing weather, fuel moistures, and other conditions for opportunities to conduct burns safely and effectively. 
Units targeted for spring burning are in areas south of Jacob Lake, Crazy Jug/Big Saddle area, and the North Rim Developed area. The North Rim and National Forest areas south of Jacob Lake remained closed until May 15, making this an opportune time to perform burns for infrastructure protection and hazardous fuel reduction as smoke impacts and disruption to visitor experiences would be minimized.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Partner Update: C.U.D.D.L.E. Teaching Life Skills to Teens

In school, in work and in life, teens don’t reach their goals all on their own; in order to move ahead, they need to know there’s a path to get to where they want to go.

C.U.D.D.L.E. Outreach has partnered with United Way of Northern Arizona to help adolescents in Page find that path. Through a program that identifies at-risk teens and provides them with essential life skills, they help ensure that this next generation is prepared for the realities of adulthood and ready to live up to their potential.

C.U.D.D.L.E. – the acronym stands for Children Under Duress Divinely Loved Everywhere – does this through a mix of programs and lessons that cover everything from how to open a savings account to making a grocery list to changing a tire on a car.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 12-16, 2021 — Navajo Nation Re-implements “Safer at Home” Executive Order and more news

Navajo Nation reissued its stay at home order on April 9, 2021. This order has the same direction as previous orders and encourages Navajo Nation residents to stay safe at home. Daily curfews are in place from 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. mountain daylight time.
As always, there are no restrictions upon staff or community members relative to travel to and from the park.
You can read NDOH Public Health Emergency Order 2021-008 here.
Specific guidance for the Navajo Nation can be found on the Navajo Nation website.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Week of the Young Child events continue through April 16

Once again,​ First Things First has partnered with the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) to join the annual nationwide celebration that focuses attention on early learning and the educators who support the positive development of young children.

The Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association, with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 52 Affiliates. 

The purpose of the Week of the Young Child® is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

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

Now Featuring: Bill Cramer, Cliff Finity,
Byron McKeown, Deanne McKeown,
and Lesley Aine McKeown

The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by nearly 100 local and regional 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.

Free Summer Classes at Coconino Community College – Info Sessions

High school seniors in Coconino County (graduating class of 2021) will be able to attend summer classes at Coconino Community College for FREE!

Registration is now open for the summer semester at CCC.

Summer instruction begins Monday, June 7, 2021.

Coconino Community College will be hosting two (2) free virtual information sessions via ZOOM to answer your questions about this excellent opportunity.

Sedona Arts Center — Culture & Community Survey

Sedona Arts Center is proud to be part of a major national research study to learn how arts, culture, and creativity fit into people’s lives during this difficult period — and how cultural organizations can become better for you in the future.

We know you get a lot of surveys, and that this one comes at a challenging time for many of us. We’re passing it on to you because it’s genuinely important to our community and our shared future. If you can spare a few minutes to give your views, we’d be very grateful.

NAU News — Call for nominations: Hispanic/Latinx Convocation Awards and more news

The Hispanic Student Convocation Committee is seeking nominations to recognize three outstanding Latino graduating seniors and one outstanding graduate student.

César Chávez Award: Recognizes students with strong leadership skills, a demonstrated care and concern for fellow students and a history of involvement on behalf of the Hispanic community
Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz Award: Recognizes students with demonstrated leadership abilities, strong attachments to their cultural heritage and demonstrated advocacy regarding women’s rights
Gabriela Mistral Award: Recognizes students with a strong commitment to education and to promoting multicultural understanding
Outstanding Hispanic Graduate Student: Recognizes a graduate student with strong leadership skills who serves as a positive role model for their undergraduate colleagues, demonstrates care and concern for fellow students and possesses a history of involvement on behalf of the Hispanic community

AARP Hispanic Connection — Special invitation! Join our virtual Day at the Capitol on April 12

* Special invitation! Join our virtual Day at the Capitol on Monday, April 12 (see attachment). Registration required: https://aarp.cvent.com/d/mjqdk3/
* SSI applications are considerably down. Our good friend Jack Burns from the Social Security Phoenix office shares the attached letter. Feel free to reach out to Jack with questions: 866-331-4359 / john.p.burns@ssa.gov.  
* Our Long Term Care series has launched. Visit our FB page to watch our first show: Long Term Care in our Healthcare System. This topic will be addressed every other Saturday. Next topic: Acute Care vs Long Term Care (4/17).

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Celebrate Earth Day and practice sustainable recreation

There’s no greater time to explore the outdoors. As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, why not put into practice sustainable recreation and tourism? Did you know there are 7 principles of Leave No Trace? To learn more about how you can
leave no trace when exploring
Arizona’s outdoors, visit
AppreciateAZ.com.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 5-9, 2021

East Entrance at Desert View Re-opens

Beginning April 8, 2021, visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park will be able to enter and exit the park through the East Entrance at Desert View.

Park officials, working with tribal and state officials, stakeholders and community leaders, announced the reopening of the Park’s east entrance gate this week. The east entrance, along Arizona State Highway (Hwy) 64, has been closed since April 1, 2020. The intent of the closure has been to minimize visitor traffic through the Navajo Nation and other communities east of the Park, respecting the health and safety need of park neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Host an event and be a part of the 2021 Festival of Science!

Are you a scientist, educator, or presenter at a scientific institution? Do you or your business want to share your research and programs with the community?

We are calling for submissions to host an event with this year’s Festival!

Workshops, talks, trips, and programs that highlight innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math are all welcome to participate in the 2021 Festival, scheduled to take place in September!

Submissions are due by April 31.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y, community partners puts focus on importance of mentoring with virtual program coming April 14

Are you concerned with the challenges facing our youth and families?

Have you felt called to learn more or maybe even get involved as a mentor?

All are invited to learn a bit about the importance community members can play in the development of resilience through connections with a virtual program from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 2021.

Partners include Arizona’s Children Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters Flagstaff, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Coconino County, the Family Involvement Center and Native Americans for Community Action (NACA).

Grant funding provided by Arizona Department of Child Safety and Health Choice Arizona.

Flagstaff Arts Council — Viola Awards

Over the past 13 years we have gathered annually at the Viola Awards to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of our creative community from the previous year. The Flagstaff Arts Council is asking our community to come together and reflect on 2020, the pandemic, and our community through a Year in Review video. This video will premiere at the Viola Awards on Friday, June 18th. We all know that 2020 was a year filled with lots of challenges, loss, emotion, and moments of resiliency. Please share your reflections on the year 2020 by participating in this project. 

This video will reflect on 2020 and look toward the future. Participants will answer at least 3 of the following questions: 

Grand Canyon National Park Re-Opens East Entrance Gate

Beginning April 8, 2021, visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park will be able to enter the park through the East Entrance at Desert View.

Park officials, working with tribal and state officials, stakeholders and community leaders, announced the reopening of the Park’s east entrance gate this week. The east entrance, along Arizona State Highway (Hwy) 64, has been closed since April 1, 2020. The intent of the closure has been to minimize visitor traffic through the Navajo Nation and other communities east of the Park, respecting the health and safety need of park neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flagstaff STEM Awards now accepting 2021 nominations

STEM City is now accepting nominations for the 2021 STEMmy awards, an annual award given to organizations and individuals who are STEAM leaders in the greater Flagstaff community.  The deadline is April 23, 2021 and nomination forms for each of the categories are available below.

Student Nomination Form
Teacher Nomination Form 
Community Member Nomination Form 

United Way of Ventura County — Tomorrow’s the Day!

We hope that you’ll join us tomorrow for Arizona Gives Day, a 24-hour, statewide celebration of charitable organizations that starts at midnight. It’s a special day that unites supporters of big and small nonprofits to increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving.

Many thanks to those of you who have already donated to United Way of Arizona as part of this year’s #AZGIves campaign. If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, you can do so by clicking HERE.