I recently had the honor of being a guest on the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce’s radio show Bizz Buzz to talk about the United Way of Northern Arizona and our efforts to step up for our youth.
UWNA has been a proud Chamber member for many years. It was wonderful talking with Chamber President & CEO Julie Pastrick and sharing with her audience how we are expanding our efforts in positive youth development.
Did you catch the pink glow the morning of January 17?
Hello, atmospheric optics! The sun emits white light, however, as the sunlight passes through the atmosphere during sunrise or sunset times, long-wavelength (red) light is scattered less than short-wavelength (blue) light. Therefore, red-ish colored light reaches the observer’s eyes and clouds aid to the pink color that could be observed.
CCC&Y, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff continue to make progress meeting the goals of “The Reimagine Community Project,” a mental model change program ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at the City and County levels and enacted as policy change.
CCC&Y was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected in April 2023 for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant. The goal of the project is to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, health outcomes and provider and staff wellness.
During a Zoom presentation in December 2023, CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie presented a draft webinar presentation for city leaders to receive feedback.
The webinar included an overview of “The 10 ACES,” (Adverse Childhood Experiences),” and how the effects of childhood trauma adversely affects individuals in their adult lives. Those 10 ACES include — physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, mental illness, divorce, substance abuse, violence against mother, having a relative who has been sent to jail or prison.
By understanding how both ACES and ongoing stress affect individuals, including oneself, the training is expected to improve customer service for community members and self-care and support to County and City employees.
This summer, Sedona Arts Center will offer its third year of Gallery 928, a unique art apprenticeship program for teens ages 15 to 18. Based on Chicago’s Gallery 37 summer public art program started in the 1980s, students will be hired to apprentice with a master artist to create a public art mural for the Sedona Arts Center.
This job opportunity is open to up to 12 artistic teens interested in expanding their skills and knowledge in the public art field as well as learning other art mediums and techniques. In partnership with Yavapai College, the students chosen to participate in the program will receive 3 free college credits. Students will also be paid a stipend of $500from Sedona Arts Center for their participation.
View this email in your browser January 15th, 2024 Connect with your community Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown Library)…
Our 2024 Catalog of Classes and Workshops has arrived!
Our 2024 Spring Catalog of Art Workshops and Classes has arrived! Stop by and pick one up in our Uptown Gallery. And remember, you can always view it online at SedonaArtsCenter.org
You can also browse all our classes and workshops online:
Click here to see all of our classes and
There are many reasons why you can trust that your investment in the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) will further our mission of creating lasting, positive changes in our region.
In addition to our exhaustive process of evaluating programs, so that your donations go where they can do the most good, we work every day to be good stewards of your funds.
UWNA recently received a “clean” audit report from Fester & Chapman PLLC of our 2023 financials, meaning our financial reporting was accurately stated and in compliance with general accounting principals.
As UWNA Board Chairman Mike Kelly said after reviewing the auditors’ report, “It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be part of UWNA, because I can feel really good about how our monies are managed.”
“This’ll be fun. We’ll stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning… I’m making waffles!” – Donkey. 9 p.m.
Observing the Winter Night Sky
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 23, 30, and Feb. 6
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Locate and identify the sparkling gems of the winter night sky & learn how different telescopes work and how to use them.
Winter Sky – Learn more and register!
SEE MORE HERE
As we begin 2024, I’m looking forward to working with our state’s early childhood stakeholders – including parents and caregivers, child care and health providers, state and non-profit agencies, educators, businesses, philanthropists, faith organizations, policymakers and elected leaders – as partners in addressing children’s school readiness.
To help with those efforts, I am pleased to announce that First Things First has published the latest edition of Building Bright Futures – our biennial assessment on the status of Arizona’s youngest children. You can read more about the report on our latest blog.
The new report provides insight into the challenges facing young children in Arizona and details the need for continued work to ensure the future stability of child care in our state’s post-pandemic landscape.
Our 2024 Spring Catalog has been printed and is getting ready to ship – so check your mailbox next week! Until then – you can preview it online at SedonaArtsCenter.org
FLAGSTAFF — The Point in Time is right around the corner and we need volunteers!
The Point in Time or PIT count is a HUD requirement for COC’s nationally. The count provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness at a single point in time. It is an opportunity to collect some basic data used to measure homelessness on a national, state and local level. Data is used for system and program planning and to measure progress in ending homelessness.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are pleased to announce this year’s Neighborhood Sustainability Grant recipients. The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant program is an annual grant opportunity for Flagstaff individuals, organizations, and businesses to continue or implement new community sustainability projects. This year, 13 of an impressive 31 applicants received grant funding in amounts ranging from $2,150 to $7,500.
Want to stay up to date with park information, including road closures?
Sign up for Everbridge notifications!
The Everbridge platform sends real-time texts, emails, and/or calls to park employees, residents, and community members.
NPS Everbridge notifications are distributed for incidents impacting public safety, means of travel, work conditions, utility interruptions, and significant park-wide incidents.
Below are examples of incidents that may require notifications:
Calendar of Events for Youth at the Downtown and East Flagstaff Community Libraries, Arizona Author Series Watch Party on Jan 18.
Yesterday, lawmakers from the Senate and House’s Health and Human Services Committees debated whether and for how long the Department of Child Safety should be allowed to continue, as part of the agency’s sunset review. While authorized to recommend continuation for up to 10 years, the Committee voted yesterday to endorse continuation for just 4 years, with two members voting against the continuing of DCS at all.
Children’s Action Alliance provided public comment in support of continuation, noting the progress the agency has made since its inception 10 years ago in clearing a significant backlog of investigations, increasing supports for kinship foster parents, and strengthening services for young people as they transition from foster care to independence. CAA also acknowledged that there is much work to be done.
Are you a parent with an intellectual disability?
Join our Advisory Board
We are looking for parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) to make this project even better by joining the Advisory Board. We will meet twice before July 2024 for about an hour. You will be given $150 for each meeting you attend.
We are working to improve access to high-quality parenting support for parents with Intellectual Disabilities (ID).
View this email in your browser With the end of the year in sight, it’s so fun to reflect on the amazing journey we’ve had. We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported FLYRS in…
To me, the excitement around STEM is the potential for discovery, new fields of study and applications that make people’s lives better – both in the day-to-day and in the grander scheme of human exploration and endeavor.
Inspired by my fascination with STEM, I earned my degree in agriculture and plant science from the University of Arizona. I later went on to start my education career and taught 7th grade biology in Yuma and I’ve been working in education for the past 20 years.
We are looking for home visitors to share their knowledge and experiences by interviewing with us for an hour.
We are working to improve access to high-quality parenting support for parents with intellectual disabilities (ID).
2023 is almost over, and it’s time to reflect on what an exciting year it has been. We are so happy to have you all a part of FLYRS as we reached greater heights than ever before. With nearly 1000 youth served this year, we have worked further toward our mission of developing resilient, caring, and growth oriented youth through cycling. Thanks to your support, we have been able to strengthen our community by providing an ecosystem of bike-centric programs, events, and opportunities.
Check out this short reel of some fun moments from 2023.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
We want to wish you all a very Happy 2024.
We are so thankful for the support you have shown CCC&Y over the years. We are looking forward to continuation of our Trauma-Informed systems work with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County under the “Reimagine Community” program and we are excited to expand our webinar offerings in the coming year. We will be having guest presenters, new outreach, more prevention and more healing!
We are hoping to count on you for support!
If you need to renew a membership, would like to make a donation, would like to give the gift of membership during the holiday season etc….please visit https://coconinokids.org/contribute/
P.S.,
Change is coming in 2024 for our popular News website and our weekly e-newsletter. Our News website is currently under construction and will eventually merge with our main website this year.
As part of that move, our regular weekly e-newsletter is also transitioning to a fresh look for 2024.
And we want your help!
Please CLICK HERE to submit your suggestions to help us better design a weekly e-newsletter that better meets your needs in 2024.
Thank you to everyone who has already provided some great suggestions for our newsletter. Very much appreciated.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Solid Waste Section has published the 2024 schedule for bulky waste collection, which is provided to all single-family households within Flagstaff city limits. Bulky waste collection will continue to be performed in five geographic sections throughout the City once every five weeks per the map and schedule that can be downloaded at flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/77841.
— Kindergarten readiness tips: developing independence
— Find free early childhood programs across Arizona
— Physical activity helps babies get more sleep
Message from Mary –
As we all enter a new year and recover from the holidays, remember that a visit to the museum is a warm and welcome escape from winter. Come on a blustery day to enjoy the lush beauty of Tony Foster: Watercolour Diaries from the Green River. Visit alone when you need some calm and quiet or come with a friend for a social outing that prompts thoughtful discussion. No matter when you come or whom you visit with, museums are proven to be good for you, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and connecting you to the wonders of the world. A visit to MNA is a great way to start the new year!
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is excited to announce an upcoming Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.).
Fix-It Clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join us for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff.
Exhibit includes 20 panels showcasing inspiring and impactful local women throughout Flagstaff’s history including past and present Hispanic residents Delia Ceballos Muñoz, Procure Vergara Martinez, Noemi A., Jessie Jimenez Alonzo, Bonn Baudelaire
FLAGSTAFF — Culture Connection AZ and the Martin-Springer Institute are presenting the historical exhibit Resilience: Women in Flagstaff’s Past and Present at the Historic Ice House in downtown Flagstaff. The exhibit will be on display for the full month of March, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm.
The stories of women presented in the Resilience exhibit cover each decade from the 1880s to 2020s in the former pioneer and mountain town of Flagstaff in northern Arizona. Women have been part of Flagstaff’s social fabric from its very beginnings in the 1880s. Throughout the decades, women have shaped the town’s development as public figures and caretakers. Through their stories, we can trace societal changes in a small town of America’s Southwest.
The “Places of Flagstaff” event promises an unforgettable afternoon that will ignite your senses and foster a vibrant sense of community spirit. Renowned Flagstaff artist Eric Kruse will take center stage, unveiling his extraordinary wood art creations. These hand-carved portraits, landscapes, and logos pay homage to the iconic businesses that define our beloved city, encapsulating Flagstaff’s cultural heritage.
Fix-it clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join volunteers for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff.
The Northern Arizona Anti-Hunger Summit (NAAHS) will explore human-food relationships and how northern Arizona’s systems impact this connection. The summit will explore the diversity in food system histories, challenges, diets, cultures, and food justice solutions.
¡Que Hermoso!
– A Celebration of Latinx Artists
June 5-28, 2024
Sedona Arts Center is delighted to announce the return of ¡Qué Hermoso! June 5-28, 2024, an exhibition that explores and celebrates Latinx cultural identity and traditions. The exhibition opens with an artists’ reception Wednesday, June 5, from 4-6 p.m., held in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon features artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music by the Andrés Martínez Trío. Both events are free and open to the public.
¡Qué Hermoso! showcases a variety of artistic mediums and styles and celebrates cultural identity and traditions by Arizona artists including Tato Caraveo, Emily Costello, Charissa Cota, Zarco Guerrero, Lucinda Hinojos, Annie Lopez and Gretchen Lopez. More than 35 artworks will highlight histories, familism, forgotten stories and rich personal and collective experiences.
Monday, September 16, 2024, 6 PM – 9 PM
Topic: Full draft review of the Regional Plan 2045. This is the last scheduled meeting of the Regional Plan Committee.
Microsoft Teams Link
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Stormwater section is hosting two community seminars by Floodproofing.com on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 4 – 6 p.m. at the Murdoch Center (203 E Brannen Ave). Both workshops are free to attend.
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Mall to hold its annual Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.
The event includes:
Over 50 Community Partners!
FREE resources!
FREE information!
Prizes and giveaways!
In the Entertainment area by JCPenney
This year has been one of change and progress for United Way of Northern Arizona.
Before we take a look at some of the biggest events that defined this year, I wanted to thank you not only for your support of UWNA, but also for the kindness you have shown me during my first year as the President & CEO of this superb nonprofit.
When I joined UWNA, I was thrilled to help lead a nonprofit known for its ability to address the big issues and be an agent for change. The Board of Directors and staff of UWNA are committed to amplifying UWNA’s role as a community convener in 2024 and beyond.
Thank you for your support of UWNA in the past year and for living United in Purpose.
COCONIO COUNTY —The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the implementation phase of the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Youth Behavioral Health Project (YBHP) at their December 12, 2023, regular meeting.
The YBHP, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will offer preemptive behavioral healthcare for youth utilizing a hub and spoke youth-based and youth–led model. YBHP facilities and services will provide emotional, physical, and social support services for youth aged 12-18.
As a result of the Board’s approval, CCHHS will move forward with the final planning and construction of an innovative, youth behavioral resource center facility in Flagstaff, and begin planning for services in outlying communities including Page, Williams, Tusayan, and Fredonia.
December is the time of year for charitable giving. And to become a member of Theatrikos. We hope you’ll become a member today so Theatrikos can keep bringing the best theatre to Northern Arizona.
We’ve only been able to reopen because pandemic relief grants and annual memberships have made it possible. But disaster relief is pretty much over. So annual memberships are all the more important. Your donation will make a difference.
In an effort to protect forest roads from damage, the Coconino National Forest has started closing forest roads in the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) for the winter and will continue closing roads over the course of the coming weeks across the forest in higher elevations.
While the FRD has closed forest roads north of Interstate 40 along U.S. Highway 180 and U.S. Highway 89, many forest roads currently remain open due to low levels of snow and precipitation.
Seasonal road closures on each district of the Coconino NF occur at different times each year and depend on weather forecasts and road conditions.
Forest visitors are encouraged to check forest road statuses prior to any excursion by visiting the Coconino NF’s Forest Roads Status web page.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is proud to provide a treecycling service during the month of January to assist with the proper recycling of Christmas trees. Collected trees will be mulched and used in City landscaping projects or as alternative daily cover at the Cinder Lake landfill.
Curbside pick-up will be provided by the City’s Solid Waste Collections program to single-family households located within City limits that regularly receive bulky waste collection service from Jan. 2 through Jan. 12 (pending weather conditions). Trees must be placed on the curb by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Jan. 1 for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Closures and reopening schedules for other City facilities and services are listed below.
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.
Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.
A recent survey of students from Holbrook and Joseph City High Schools illustrates some of the mental health concerns of teens in Navajo County.
According to the survey, which was administered by two students at the high schools, a majority of the teens interviewed indicated they frequently feel anxious and under pressure in school and work.
About half felt they had someone to talk to about their concerns. Most relied on music, exercise, sleeping, or time alone as ways of coping with the stress they feel.
FLAGSTAFF — More than 100 luminarias surrounded Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel as traditional music could be heard coming from inside during the annual Celebration Our Lady of Guadalupe held Dec. 12, 2023 in Flagstaff.
Participants to the Celebration met the previous evening at the chapel to take part in a procession to San Francisco de Asis Church on Route 66. After a scheduled brief stop at the Flagstaff Fire Dept.Station 2 for coffee and other drinks and sweets, participants walked up to the church watch a dance by Las Matachines de San Francisco de Asis, the Rosary (led by teens), a play and consecration to Mary.
At the celebration on Dec. 12 at the chapel, participants were greeted by the glow luminaries surrounding the chapel. placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
The celebration included a Rosary, lead by Las Guadalupanas, followed by the presentation of Las Mañanitas, the Mass in English, with coffee, Mexican chocolate and pan dulce served in the church’s basement.
FLAGSTAFF — CJ Crowley stands in the CCC Commons posing for his picture – his demeanor is calm, cool and collected. Crowley, a 29-year-old native of Loma Linda, California, is known on CCC’s campus as a man of many lived experiences. In his words, “Everyone has a story maybe mine will resonate with readers. I hope it does. I want others to know that you don’t have to let past mistakes define you.”
Crowley’s journey began with a childhood marked by constant change, as his father, a minister in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, led the family on a journey to various places. Eventually, CJ found himself in Arkansas, where he attended a Christian boarding school. It was there that he was invited to join the gymnastics team.
“I was a ground tumbler, and my favorite move was the full layout,” Crowley recalls, reflecting on his early days in gymnastics. He excelled in the sport, staying active and even playing basketball while gaining skills in gymnastics. His talents on the mat did not go unnoticed, and he was offered a gymnastics scholarship at Southwestern University in Texas. Crowley earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, but he soon realized that the traditional 9-to-5 employment in his chosen career field was not fulfilling.
With a family background steeped in military service, including his father’s service during the Cold War and his brother’s tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was only natural that the military presented itself as a potential path.
Portions of the North Kaibab trail, between Manzanita and Supai Tunnel, will be closed beginning at sunrise on Monday, December 18 and ending at sunset on Sunday, December 24. Closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. to allow for contractors to install seismic survey nodes in Roaring Springs Canyon.
Work crews will be installing survey nodes in highly technical terrain above the trail, which may result in inadvertent and unpredictable rock fall onto the North Kaibab Trail. These survey nodes are small, wireless sensors that will be able to detect and record seismic activity in the area.
For the latest trail updates, please visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wishes you a Happy and Joyful holiday season.
Change is coming in 2024 for our popular News website and our weekly e-newsletter.
Our News website is currently under construction and will merge with our main website next year.
As part of that transition, our regular weekly e-newsletter will also take a break during the next few weeks as we look to give it a fresh look in the coming year.
And we want your help!
Please CLICK HERE to submit your suggestions to help us better design a weekly e-newsletter that better meets your needs in 2024.
Thank you to everyone who has already provided some great suggestions for our newsletter so far. Very much appreciated.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Sedona Arts Center Artists of all levels, working in all mediums are invited to enter into our Annual Juried Exhibition & Sale. The exhibition will run from March 6-31, 2024
Monetary awards will be given for First Place/Best of Show Award ($500), Second ($250) and Third ($150) place.
Honorable mention awards will be awarded at the discretion of the jurors and no monetary amount attached.
People’s Choice Award is announced at the end of the show. No monetary attached.
DEADLINE for submission: January 20, 2024
How to Apply:
43rd JURIED ART EXHIBITION – Apply Online at Cafe – Click Here.
Observing the Winter Night Sky
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 23, 30, and Feb. 6
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Locate and identify the sparkling gems of the winter night sky & learn how different telescopes work and how to use them.
Winter Sky – Learn more and register!
FLAGSTAFF — The traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration will be held Dec. 11, 12, 2023 in Flagstaff.
Participants will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at San Francisco de Asis Church, 1600 E. Rt. 66 (Rt. 66 & Ponderosa Parkway), to ride a busy to the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the procession. Participants can also meet at the chapel at 224 S Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The procession will begin from the chapel to San Francisco de Asis Church at 5:30 p.m.
Artist in Residence ‘Pop Up’ Event, Saturday, December 9
On Saturday, December 9, from 2-4 p.m. a pop-up exhibition will feature the work of GCC Artist in Residence, Annie McCone-Lopez and Grand Canyon Summer School children. The event will be held at the Park Headquarters building with an artist talk at 2:30 p.m.
Annie McCone-Lopez will be exhibiting an eight-foot hand painted Mayan codex that represents her take on the water crisis in the Southwest. During her time in residence over the summer at Grand Canyon, McCone-Lopez also worked with Grand Canyon Summer School to create codices based on the same theme. The student codices will be displayed alongside Annie’s.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.
As 2023 draws to a close, we hope you will
make a donation in support of the work we
have done this year and will continue in 2024.
F3’s Community Impact!
*F3 brought citizens’ questions & concerns about the
hospital move to the City beginning in February. F3
joined the no campaign & is a big reason why Prop 480
was voted down by 72% of the voters!
*F3’s 2023 Voter Guide to the City’s Propositions
played a significant role in educating residents of the
meaning & impact of the 19 Charter amendments.
Theatrikos’ basic membership is $50. You can donate more or less or anything that is right for you. Thank you!
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would love to wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.
During the next few weeks our regular weekly e-newsletter will be taking a break as we look to give it a fresh look in the coming year.
And we want your help!
Please CLICK HERE to submit your suggestions to help us better design a weekly e-newsletter that better meets your needs in 2024.
Read More
