In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Surge Testing: Get Tested!
Grant Opportunities
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!
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.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge.
The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows:
Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ
Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ
Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m
Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot)
Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m.
Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, will reopen on Monday, August 31. Services will be offered Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Appointments are required and are available by calling 928-679-7222.
Health and wellness services, including wellness exams, sports physicals, STI testing and treatment, pap testing, pregnancy testing, birth control and IUD/Nexplanon insertion and removal, will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 5 pm by appointment only.
Vaccinations required for Arizona school entry and vaccinations recommended for children and adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Burridge’s popular “Loosen Up!” workshop nurtures individual success and personal enrichment with a big emphasis on daily painting projects at your own pace. It is stress-free, but be warned; you could end up with too much enthusiasm for painting. This Burridge flagship workshop offers a variety of painting subjects for everyone. Designed for the professional painter who is stuck in a style as well as for the novice who wants to conquer their fear of painting.
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.
Many of you have been in touch with me to say how much you enjoy the information you get in these newsletters. Thanks for those messages – the staff and I always appreciate hearing from you. We are all now focused on our fundraising Gala To Go on August 29th. We’ve had to completely reimagine this event and it’s shaping up to be an amazing experience. Going online means all aspects of MNA will be represented in the program, showcasing the wonderful range of art, science, and culture of our region. Ticket holders will be able to enjoy this program online from anywhere and will also be able to bid on an array of fun experiences and fine art, including a Gunnar Widforss watercolor, a print by Gustave Baumann, and an intricate rug by Jackson Dean. In addition to a great showcase, this is an important fundraiser for MNA. I encourage you to support MNA by purchasing a ticket to the Gala To Go, and inviting family and friends to join you from wherever they are. We’ve all missed so much this year.
You don’t want to miss this!
Regional Geography (GEO 133) general education course at Coconino Community College.
Have you ever wanted to understand…
what exists on the other side of the world?
what things are there to see and places to visit?
what people live there?
If so, then you may be interested in World Regional Geography (GEO 133) at CCC.
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.
The online gallery represents a full spectrum of the diversity of artists represented by the arts center. Visit us today!
The Gallery is currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.
Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!
Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am please to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.
The 17th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona has been postponed until 2021. Originally scheduled for Oct. 24-25, 2020, the Day of the Dead festival was rescheduled for the health and safety of all of our artists, visitors and staff.
Rooted in community, this weekend-long event has been presented at the museum in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. It features fine art and unique crafts, music and dancing, colorful and elaborate ofrendas (altars), insightful heritage programs and Day of the Dead inspired crafts for the kids.
Members of Nuestras Raices and the Museum of Northern Arizona are currently working on virtual Celebraciones de la Gente programming for this year. Details to come shortly.
Heating. Ventilation. Air Conditioning. Refrigeration. Oh, my!
Coconino Community College will now be offering a certification in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) this fall thanks to a generous grant from the Del E. Webb Foundation. The program includes training in Plumbing, Blueprint Reading and Estimating, Basic Electrical Theory, House Wiring, Building Methods. International Residence Code and HVACR.
CCC&Y Vision — “We envision a holistic community where all children of Coconino County are increasingly free from trauma experience and all have equitable opportunities that build resiliency.”
“Trauma, equitable and resiliency, those are words that excite me and I hope you will learn more about the Coalition, learn a little bit more about those words mean and what your role can be to support that countywide,” said Rene RedDay in the opening of a Vlog released this week by the organization.
It’s already August (!!) which means that we are getting closer to the due date for the 2020 Census. The due date for the 2020 Census has now been changed to September 30, 2020. This means that if you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, now is the time to do so!
Currently only 41.9% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census.This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more!
Sedona Arts Center’s Online Classes and 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 classes 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!
The Coconino Community College TRIO Student Support Services program received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The grant, which will be distributed over a five-year period, is the third such grant CCC has received since 2010.
“This is a big deal because our priority is first-generation students, students with disabilities and low-income students,” said Jessica Laessig, TRIO project coordinator at CCC. “This grant is important to be able to help these students who need it the most on our campus.”
Ceramics For All Levels
with Dennis Ott
Beginning August 24, 2020
The Sedona Arts Center’s ceramic department operates free from the constraints of grades and benefits from the talents of its ceramic faculty and assistants as well as nationally recognized guest instructors. This combination allows our department to offer flexible and diverse programming in both traditional and contemporary techniques.
If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!
In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.
By filling out the 2020 Census, you’re helping to make sure that our community continues to receive federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid and support for the health centers we rely on to serve our people. Billions of dollars in federal aid come into our state each year for these programs, and completing your Census ensures that we continue to receive our share.
It also ensures that you are represented in government at the local, state and federal levels, and that the data collected helps your elected representatives to make informed decisions.
Make sure your voice is heard and your community is supported for the next decade. Respond today at www.2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.
I count. You count. Together we can make a difference for Coconino County.
The patient beds are made. Medical supplies are at the ready. The mannequins are prepped for receiving care, and the instructor is ready to teach.
Now, what’s left is the students.
After a seven-year hiatus, the Certified Nursing Assistant program is returning to Coconino Community College in Page.
“This program is important for CCC to support the Page community,” said Kay Leum, executive director of Extended Learning at CCC. “The opportunity to go through the course here in Page, whether students want to go straight into the workforce in the area or to continue studies for a nursing degree, offers so many benefits.”
On Saturday, August 1, the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) held a dedication for the Babbitt Ranch Segment, Passage 35. The small, private event was not open to the public due to COVID-19. Coconino County Board of Supervisor Art Babbott (District 1) and Coconino County Parks and Recreation staff attended the event.
The U.S. Census Bureau continues to evaluate its operational plans to collect and process 2020 Census data. We are announcing updates to our plan that will include enumerator awards and the hiring of more employees to accelerate the completion of data collection and apportionment counts by our statutory deadline of December 31, 2020, as required by law and directed by the Secretary of Commerce. The Census Bureau’s new plan reflects our continued commitment to conduct a complete count, provide accurate apportionment data, and protect the health and safety of the public and our workforce.
Veterans who have served their country return to civilian life and often want to begin a college career.
They’ve lived a little life after high school. They have common experiences from being in the military. And they, typically, have very specific goals when it comes to what they want from their education.
To that end, faculty at Coconino Community College, with input from colleagues at Northern Arizona University, created an English composition course at CCC this fall that will allow veterans, in class among other veterans, to complete the requirements of the year-long course in a single semester.
Barely getting by at a dead-end job, April Sandoval left an abusive husband and decided to try her hand at college.
Sitting in the parking lot of Coconino Community College in 2002, she forced herself to go inside and attend her first class. She thrived and quickly received her associate degree. She then went on to get two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree.
Now, Sandoval, Assistant to the President and the District Governing Board at CCC, can add another feather in her cap on her road to success. She was chosen this week to receive the Pacific Region Professional Board Staff Member Award for 2020 from the Association of Community College Trustees.
A little later in the year than usual, Indie Week XXL will bring you a whole month to attract new customers through an extra-long special edition of Independents Week! Stay tuned for details on a new #IndieWeekAZ consumer action card (bingo style), Shop Arizona marketplace, and as always, a rallying call for support of independent Arizona businesses.
Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41.6% for the 2020 Census.
If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!
In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.
By filling out the 2020 Census, you’re helping to make sure that our community continues to receive federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid and support for the health centers we rely on to serve our people. Billions of dollars in federal aid come into our state each year for these programs, and completing your Census ensures that we continue to receive our share.
It also ensures that you are represented in government at the local, state and federal levels, and that the data collected helps your elected representatives to make informed decisions.
Make sure your voice is heard and your community is supported for the next decade. Respond today at www.2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.
I count. You count. Together we can make a difference for Coconino County.
Community healing is not something someone (the savior) does to another (the needy). Community healing is what happens when we internalize that we are all one, that the choices of the past mingle with the experiences of the present and none of us are free from the consequences of our actions -both individual and collective.
Sadly, some non-profits are reporting lost donors because they decided to address social justice and equity issues (or in some cases just comment) due to the current events transpiring in our nation. Quite frankly, this has angered me and further exemplifies how ingrained inequity is in each facet of our society. More than equity- it shows how voice, control and power work throughout systems and perpetuate problems year after year. I am pleased to report that the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) has not experienced this situation. Through all of this, our membership has steadily increased.
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.
Coconino Community College has finished converting Fall 2020 courses to remote delivery. With modifications complete, students may register (https://www.coconino.edu/registration) right away for the best class selection.
These changes to the course schedule and delivery options were necessary to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff during COVID-19.
Calling all volunteers!
Flagstaff Family Food Centers needs your help this week! They need 20-25 volunteers per day from Wednesday through Sunday to help at their Kitchen and Food Bank. You can find more information and sign up for a shift at www.hotfood.volunteerhub.com.
*They have policies and procedures in place to keep their volunteers and community safe, including mask wearing, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing.* Please share widely!
Sedona Arts Center’s Online Classes and 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 classes 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!
Sophia Weinzinger, a Flagstaff resident currently studying Business Management at Arizona State University, listens intently in her Physics class at Coconino Community College.
She and two other students are conducting hands-on experiments on the different types of energy. They all wear face coverings, including instructor Chad Davies. They all are at seats at least six feet apart. They are supposed to clean their stations when they are done with the lab.
The 2020 Flagstaff Festival of Science will explore “Superpowers of Science,” Sept. 18-27, and earth scientist Christa Sadler will lead off the free, 10-day adventure with the
W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Sadler’s presentation will be streamed via the Festival of Science website along with an online question-and-answer session.
The care kits, which include two NAU-branded masks, hand sanitizer and a thermometer, will be distributed to NAU students to help promote a safe campus. Inside the kits, students also will find a hand-written note from one of the dozens of staff members or student workers who assembled the kits.
Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) is holding Back to School Immunization Clinics, Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the King Street building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. The clinics will be located in the parking lot.
CCC&Y Member Profile — Arizona’s Children Association — It’s time for a new FREE parenting workshop presented by Arizona’s Children Association and Parenting Educator Krista Bush believes the new Zoom format has been well received.
“The response has been very positive because parents (say it’s more convenient) to stay at home and attend the webinars instead of going out in person,” she said.
The Arizona’s Children Association is presenting its “Parenting Workshop! — Early Childhood STEP” through Zoom from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 1 through Sept. 19.
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.
Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) is holding Back to School Immunization Clinics, Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the King Street building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. The clinics will be located in the parking lot.
Registration Dates and Time:
Note: building will be closed each day from 11:30-12:30 to sanitize for the next time frame. Please follow the alpha schedule by last name
as we are doing our best to followCDC guidelines and social distancing.
A “March for Community Health” will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 23 starting at the Flagstaff City Hall. Please wear a mask and observe physical distancing guidelines.
The University Union of Northern Arizona is concerned about the health of the NAU and Flagstaff community during the coming year.
What weighs just a few ounces and can help protect our Lumberjack community? You guessed it—a mask. Masks should be worn for safety reasons, but that doesn’t mean we can’t turn them into a fashion statement. Show off your mask and let us know how you are keeping our community safe with our #maskupjacks challenge.
Coconino Community College students can receive Zoom Academic Advising 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday, starting Monday, August 3 through the first day of fall remote instruction on Monday, August 24, 2020.
No Appointment Needed – first available time-slots are based on thirty-minute sessions for continuing CCC students and sixty-minute sessions for new CCC students.
Our search for a new Executive Director is underway! We are very excited to be hiring the next F3 leader to represent and advocate for the goals of F3.
We’re looking for someone who is familiar with the challenges facing communities like Flagstaff and who has a strong track record in community organizing and advocacy work, fundraising, and effective communication.
The full job ad can be found on our website: https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/now-hiring-executive-director/.
With the ongoing pandemic many children are not able to leave their homes/communities due to evening and weekend curfews and a stay at home order. Books for Diné Bikéyah is raising money to support Diné authors and children by buying Diné children’s books and sending them out to children for free through local COVID-19 Relief packages for families in Navajo Nation. These books will be a huge support to young Navajo children during these tough times by bringing light to their traditional stories of resilience.
When the world turned upside down this year, we learned to do somersaults, working from our home offices. The specialist work of caring for our extensive collections is an important part of our mission and continues despite the pandemic, as does our archaeological and ecological fieldwork and the preservation of MNA’s buildings, gardens and landscape. We are finding new and imaginative ways to bring the art, science, and culture of the region to your homes, including a re-imagining of The Annual Gala.
NACA’s Community Development and Behavioral Health Departments are announcing a weekly virtual Talking Circle, beginning 7/27/2020 from 5:30-6:30 PM MST. The Talking Circle is open to anyone who wants/needs to connect with others during these stressful times. The Talking Circle will be hosted and managed by NACA’s Social Support Coordinator, and a Community Elder, resources may be available dependent on the need. Participants must abide by confidentiality standards to continue participating.
While everyone has been hard hit by COVID-19, it has been particularly difficult for the arts sector, where finding social-distancing workarounds can be challenging. Coronavirus has temporarily put an end to First Friday Artwalks, crowded summer festivals, and attending concerts and theater productions.
Not to say that the arts in our region have come to a full stop. The Museum of Northern Arizona reopened recently on a limited basis, with patrons having to purchase tickets and schedule their visit in advance so the museum can spread out visitors. Masks are required and multiple other measures have been taken to prevent COVID-19 spread.
CCC&Y has received a capacity building grant from Vitalyst Health Foundation to help CCC&Y to increase its capacity and effectiveness by telling its unique and authentic story.
“The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) is a nonprofit organization that ignited collective action to cultivate, honor and empower resilient, thriving communities,”Vitalyst Health Foundation reported. “The vision of a holistic community where all children of Coconino County are increasingly free from the trauma experience and all have equitable opportunities that build resiliency aligns with the mission of Vitalyst in Access to Care and coordinated systems of care and Social & Cultural Cohesion and support services for mental health needs.”
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ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS
Join Our Fine Art Gallery!
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. In addition, membership to the Sedona Arts Center provides an additional 10% off all gallery purchases as well as other benefits.
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.
Dressed in yellow, green and tan, they form a line and work up the hill. Hot sun beats down on them while they heft Pulaskis and fire rakes. Their work kicks up dust as they make a fire line up the hillside.
“Keep it moving,” yells out one of the students.
Making a fire line was one of several exercises that 19 students in Coconino Community College’s Wildland Firefighter class participated in this summer. The week-long class gets students certified to help them get an entry-level job in wildland fire suppression. The next class at CCC begins Sept. 15.
The Museum Flood Preparedness & Mitigation Guide is now available in Spanish on the Museum Flood area web page at www.coconino.az.gov/MuseumFire/FloodArea web page or directly via www.coconino.az.gov/GuiaDeInundaciones2020.
The Guide offers flood preparation guidelines and resources to help keep you and your family aware, informed and safe during monsoon season. In addition, the Guide has information regarding emergency notification, sandbag maintenance preparation, what to do after a flood and flood preparation activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff.
We take the word “community” seriously. It’s a part of our name, and being involved in communities across Coconino County is integral to our philosophy as a college.
That’s why those of us at the college were so excited when nearly 60 people and agencies from all over the county took the time to expertly craft and submit floats to the virtual Coconino County Community Shoebox Parade hosted by CCC. For a list of the winning floats and to get a look at the parade, see the story below.
As this pandemic unfolds around us, many people shared with me that they found it comforting to enjoy the creativity and the passion displayed in the shoebox parade, and my hope is that others did as well.
In the interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the wider community, Coconino Community College has made the difficult decision to limit in-person contact for the fall semester.
We are excited to provide options designed to give a quality learning experience. The College will offer Remote Delivery courses, with only a few exceptions for in-person interaction. Students will have a choice among Videoconferencing (Zoom only), Online and Hybrid (Canvas/Zoom, plus in-person labs). The good news is that every method of delivery will include regular and meaningful interaction with faculty, but it will be through different means.
Coconino Community College student Krista Kramer first thought about being a firefighter when she was 13 years old.
“I liked how you’re doing something different every day,” Kramer said. “And I like helping people.”
Kramer was one of a full roster of students who spent the day earlier this summer getting needed training on the use of “extrication tools,” or tools used to help remove victims from damaged vehicles at accident scenes.
“I’m trying to get all my cert(ification)s, so I can get hired on at a station,” Kramer said, adding that in addition to Firefighter 1 and 2, she is also seeking at CCC certifications in Hazardous Materials, Emergency Medical Technician and Wildland Firefighter.
The Flagstaff Arts Council is excited to announce the Please Stay, Play Distance & Mask Responsibly Art Contest in collaboration with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. This contest promotes creativity while social distancing, reflection on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and drives awareness of important public health guidelines.
Cyberstalking. Denial-of-service attacks. Fraud. Malware. Industrial Espionage.
Every day, the news is filled with reports of computer hackers finding their way into databases to steal sensitive information.
Companies – and people – now more than ever, need skilled, well-trained Information Technology Services staff to keep personal, sensitive data safe from cybercriminals. It’s a rapidly growing field. At Coconino Community College, the new Cybersecurity program is scheduled to begin this fall.
Join us for the Nackard Pepsi presents: Kid’s Virtual Summer Camp every Monday at 6:30pm through August 10. The camp will stream from The Orpheum Theater’s YouTube channel and features seven local organizations including Little Music Makers of Flagstaff, Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), Momentum Aerial, Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, Lowell Observatory, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, and The Arboretum of Flagstaff. With content for all ages, the camp will take viewers on virtual tours of The Force is With Our People exhibit at MNA, the mushroom garden of The Arboretum, and the night sky through a telescope at Lowell Observatory. Kids will learn how to sing traditional African songs, write a haiku, juggle, and even build their own at-home worm composting bin.
Register for camp sessions here by clicking the ‘FREE’ button to have the stream link and downloadable activity materials delivered to your inbox:
Dear Friends,
Election season has begun! On the ballot for the August 4th primary are three candidates for Mayor.
Because we could not hold our usual Candidate Forum, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future asked candidates for written responses to 12 questions.
Find out what the candidates have to say about development, spending priorities, cost of living, climate action, policing, and responding to the challenges of Covid-19!
The Flagstaff Police Department’s Citizen Liaison Committee recently held a socially-responsible goodbye potluck lunch for Police Chief Kevin Treadway, who retired on June 26 after serving the department for 34 years.
