Category: Health

New changes coming Jan. 28 to the Flagstaff Mall COVID-19 vaccination site

New changes are coming Jan. 28 to the Flagstaff Mall COVID-19 vaccination site.

Adults 18+ and Children 5-17: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. -5 p.m.

Please note a change in ages beginning on Friday’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Flagstaff Mall. Both adults and children may be vaccinated beginning at 11 am. If you have a vaccine card please bring it with you.

No appointment is needed. A guardian must accompany a child receiving the vaccine. Masks are required at the vaccine site. Pfizer Booster doses are available for all eligible individuals 12 years and older. Moderna and J&J Booster doses are available for 18+.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 24-28, 2022 — ‘Safer Federal Workforce Update’ and more news

We’ve gotten new guidance this week from the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce pertaining to vaccinations for federal employees. This information is the result of legal challenges related to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

The new guidance instructs us to take no action to enforce or implement the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. All the other guidance on protocols related to masking, distancing, travel, testing, and quarantine—remains in effect.

Did you ever wonder who makes up the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce? This group is led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Task Force members include: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Protective Service (FPS), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the United States Secret Service (USSS). For more information, visit: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/.

Flagstaff City Council meetings to continue to be held virtually

During the Jan 25 Flagstaff City Council meeting, the Council decided that council meetings will remain fully virtual for the time being due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases in the community. The City Council will continue to reevaluate the format of council meetings during regularly scheduled COVID-19 updates at future council meetings.

Members of the public can stream Council meetings at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1461/Streaming-City-Council-Meetings.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 17-21, 2022

NPS Mask Policy reminders

The current National Park Service mask policy, which follows the CDC recommendation is that everyone wear a mask that is over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status in the following settings:
In all NPS buildings and in congregate office settings; the only exception is when you are alone in a private, walled and closed door space;
Crowded outdoor spaces identified in the Grand Canyon Superintendent’s Compendium (pages 5-6), and
In all forms of enclosed public transportation, which includes Grand Canyon shuttle buses, and all government vehicles and aircraft.

What qualifies as a mask according to the NPS and CDC are masks that have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, completely cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps, and have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. For the latest information on types of masks and respirators, please visit the CDC’s website here.

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter 7th Edition — Happy New Year and best wishes for a great 2022!

In this edition…

Message from Sup. Vasquez
Siren Instillation in Museum Flood Area
Museum Flood Area Crisis Response Funding
Sheriff’s Office Tour
Redistricting Update
Services and Programs
And more!
Message from Supervisor Vasquez

CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission

Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.   

As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:  

CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission

Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.   

As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:  

Delay – 2022 Annual Point in Time Count

Due to the current surge in COVID-19, the annual Point in Time (PIT) Count has been moved to Feb 23-25 throughout the City of Flagstaff from its original date of Jan 25. This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and is conducted across the country.

Trained city of Flagstaff and Coconino County employees, social service agencies and volunteers will join mobile outreach teams that will locate individuals, families and youth experiencing homelessness as well as staff booths to conduct surveys at libraries and various locations.

The success of this count is dependent on community volunteers. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eH9qA295buyFeQZ3gDF0Xk3kWP8SrFU_mnUUOqW6mE0/edit?usp=sharing

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — January 10-14, 2022

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, South Rim fire managers were successful in treating 10 acres of woody debris piles near the South Entrance station. This pile burning will continue over the next several months, as conditions allow, and will take place between the South Entrance Station and Desert View Drive Junction (mile markers 238-240).

Prescribed fire plays a vital role in decreasing wildfire risks to life, resources and property by reducing available hazardous fuels. Fire staff carefully plan prescribed fires, initiating them only under environmental conditions that are favorable to assuring firefighter and visitor safety and to achieving desired objectives.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y members to receive discount for Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training on March 1, 2

Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 1 (MST) and 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 (MST).

Members of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will receive 20 percent off both trainings. For members to receive the promo code, contact CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at virginia@coconinokids.org

The sessions are presented by Iya Affo, a Culturalist and Historical Trauma Specialist. 

Discounts are also available for those CCC&Y members who have not taken Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 1, that focuses on intergenerational trauma and the impact of Epigenetics, cultural dispossession, segregation & displacement of BIPOC.

Site specific adjustments and mask recommendations at City facilities in response to COVID-19 surge

During the January 11 Council meeting, the City Council approved the City of Flagstaff’s Re-entry Team recommendation to remain in Phase 3 of the City’s Re-entry Plan, with site-specific adjustments made to the Aquaplex pool, City libraries and the Jay Lively Activity Center/ Ice Arena. The Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center will be closed temporarily. All other City operations remain unchanged.

Site-specific immediate adjustments include:

CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission

Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.   

As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:  

The NAU Review — New year, new telescope, elephant neighbors and mapping redwood genomes

On Christmas Day, astronomers and planetary scientists around the world watched as a telescope 20 years in the making was launched into space. NASA called the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope one of the most exciting developments in astronomy in the 21st century. For the astronomers, planetary scientists and students at NAU, the launch of this massive observatory, and the information it will transmit back to Earth, is an important step in advancing our understanding of the solar system.

Voto Latino Reflects on January 6th Insurrection One Year Later and Urges Senate to Pass Voting Rights Legislation

On the one year commemoration of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Voto Latino President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar, issued the following statement:

“Today marks one year since insurrectionists stormed the Capitol in an effort to overthrow the results of a verified, fair and free 2020 presidential election, generating unprecedented chaos and resulting in the deaths of five people. They tried to stymie a peaceful transfer of power. The attempted coup at the Capitol was the most anti-democratic visible display in a larger effort to subvert American elections and partisan attempts to stop eligible voters from casting their ballots. 

“The events of January 6th and the profoundly irresponsible actions espoused by twice impeached Donald Trump and his supporters continues to poison faith in American democratic processes and institutions. In the coming days, Congress has an opportunity to safeguard our most precious right to guarantee the thriving American experiment: – equal access to the voting booth for every eligible citizen regardless of color or creed. 

Residents invited to join Climate Advisory Groups to bring community voices into local climate action

The Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites Flagstaff residents to join a Climate Advisory Group to guide the implementation of the City’s Carbon Neutrality Plan and bring community voices into local climate action.

Climate Advisory Groups will bring youth, businesses, and equity leaders together to drive climate solutions. Members of the Climate Advisory Groups will provide advice and recommendations:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 3-7, 2022

Realizing the demand for vaccines is still high in the community, Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team is planning two separate events over two days this week. The County event will have all types of vaccines (first, second, third, and boosters for J&J, Moderna, Pfizer) and will have the pediatric Pfizer doses (first and second) for children ages 5-11-years-old.

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

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

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

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

Winter Pile Burns Begin on South Rim this Week

Beginning Thursday, January 6, National Park Service (NPS) fire managers will begin pile burning along the Hwy. 64 corridor on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Hand piles composed of woody debris will be burned along the Hwy. 64 corridor, north of the South Entrance Station from mile marker 238-240. Fire managers plan to continue igniting piles over the next several months when weather conditions are suitable.

Smoke will be visible within the area and traffic signs will be posted along the roadway advising visitors of the operations. If traveling along Hwy. 64, visitors are asked to be prepared for slower traffic and minor delays within the area of the pile burns.

Cancer Support Community AZ, northern Arizona seeking Development and Event Director

Cancer Support Arizona in Flagstaff is seeking to fill a position.

Candidates sought must:

Demonstrated results in designing, launching, expanding, and improving development programs with wide range of support from the community.

Track record of being resourceful to obtain financial and human support.

Able to learn quickly and proficiently to use multiple technology applications to manage projects,

City of Flagstaff to provide public comment opportunities for final 10-year Housing Plan on Jan. 27, Feb. 15, 2022

The City of Flagstaff will provide public comment opportunities for final 10-year Housing Plan on Jan. 27 at the City Housing Commission Meeting and Feb. 15, 2022 at the City Council Meeting.

The Draft 10-Year Housing Plan’s public comment period has officially closed. The community forum garnered 327 responses. Coupling these with the comments received through the presentations and community outreach, there are more than 600 written comments. Housing and Comprehensive Planners are working to review and categorize the comments.

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

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

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

April 30 — Thorpe Park Annex community design meeting

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

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

Through May 31 — Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is all around us, but, what exactly is mental health? Mental health is a person’s general sense of emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being. Everyone has mental health every day, but it’s often ignored unless something is going seriously wrong. The best way to prevent that is to pay attention to your mental health even when you are feeling okay or even good.

Notice how your mental health is always changing. Yesterday might have been a better day than today, and that’s okay. Part of being human is moving with your emotions, and knowing when something isn’t going exactly how you want it to, check in with yourself, and reach out to your friends and family for help when you need to take some time for your mental health or don’t know what to do.

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, please join us for upcoming events!

Aug. 4 — Pipeline West Community Meeting

This community meeting is specifically targeted towards residents who live on the west side of Flagstaff, including the neighborhoods of Cheshire, Valley Crest, Coyote Springs, Ridge Crest, Coconino Estates, and Rock Ridge Estates. This meeting will not provide information on flooding impacts in Doney Park, Timberline, or other areas east of Flagstaff. 

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

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

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

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

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

Oct. 6 — City of Flagstaff announces town hall for Noise Study Results

The City of Flagstaff will be holding a town hall on October 6, 2022 at 5:00p.m. in the City HallChambers to provide the community an opportunity to hear the results and ask questions of the noise study thatwas requested by the city council. Attendees can join in person in the Council Chambers or virtually via theMicrosoft Teams link below.

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

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

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

Oct. 8 — Virtual meetings will Address Flagstaff’s Transportation Future

Flagstaff is ready to find solutions to our biggest problems. That’s why MetroPlan is bringing Greater Flagstaff communities together to build our region’s transportation plan, Stride Forward. Stride Forward will guide transportation investments for the next 20 years, and we are building it with your help.
Join us for our next Virtual Public Meeting:

Saturday, October 8 at 9 a.m.

Through Oct. 27 — Buffalo Park closure scheduled

A full closure of Buffalo Park will take place through Thursday, October 27 to allow for construction activities related to the Arizona State Parks Grant for the Buffalo Park Trail Accessibility project. The full closure will include the closure of the parking lot, ramada, restrooms and all other areas within Buffalo Park. 

Oct. 29 — Properly dispose of batteries, lightbulbs, medications and more at Drop-off Day

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and the Flagstaff Police Department invite you to attend a free community Drop-off Day. Join City staff on Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Flagstaff Police Department, 911 E. Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

The Sustainability Office is excited to partner with the City of Flagstaff Hazardous Products Center, Coconino County, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Ponderosa Medical Waste Services, Elevated Shredding, and Westech Recyclers to put your waste in the right place.

Nov. 10 — Coconino County Facilities Management Department to Host Open House Ahead of EPA Grant Application

The Coconino County Facilities Management Department will host an open house both in-person and virtually on Thursday, November 10 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The topic will be the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean-up grant application for the abatement of hazardous materials from the old county jail. If awarded, the grant would provide clean-up funds to remove and remediate hazardous materials at the facility. Cleaning hazardous materials such as lead-based paint and asbestos is the vital first step to reuse the building and the site.

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

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

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Alert: Lone Tree Overpass Design Flawed

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is concerned that the proposed design for Lone Tree Overpass, currently under consideration by Council, is overbuilt, provides inadequate protection for pedestrians and bicyclists, encourages an increase in automobile traffic, negatively impacts the Southside neighborhood, and is in conflict with the city’s Carbon Neutrality Plan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smoke visible from Willard Springs green waste burn

Coconino County Public Works, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), will ignite the annual green waste burn at the Willard Springs Green Waste Station, located 17 miles south of Flagstaff at Exit 326 on the west side of Interstate 17 (I-17), by Tuesday, December 14, 2021 The Willard Springs green waste burn is expected to produce smoke during the ignition period, which will last approximately three weeks. Based on wind and weather conditions, smoke may be heavy at times and visible to motorists on I-17. The Coconino National Forest will post signage on I-17 to notify motorists about smoke and to drive with caution.

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

Winter Road Conditions and Reporting Emergencies

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

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

City of Flagstaff to host a free Home Energy Efficiency Workshop on Dec. 8

The City of Flagstaff will host an in-person Home Energy Efficiency Workshop on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. This continues the Home Energy Efficiency Workshop Series, with the 1-hour informational and demonstration event scheduled to occur approximately once a month throughout the winter. This workshop series is held each winter season to help both renters and homeowners save money, reduce energy use, and make their homes more comfortable during cold weather.

At the free workshop, a licensed contractor from CozyHome will demonstrate simple do-it-yourself energy efficiency upgrades, showing individuals how to weatherize homes and save money on utility bills.

AARP Hispanic Connection — Explicamos las partes de Medicare, sobre todo, las opciones del Medicare Original (llamado también Tradicional) y el Medicare Advantage

Explicamos el programa del Seguro Social, sus fondos, sus beneficios y sus beneficiarios.

The NAU Review — Getting to know grads, normalizing asking, Notes from the President and a holiday craft

Medical anthropologist Lisa Hardy says we all need to get comfortable with questions this season: Are you vaccinated? Do you mask appropriately? Will you wear a mask in my house? This kind of communication prioritizes safety and socializing.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 2021

Last week the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, as a “Variant of Concern.” This new variant appears to have originated in the southern part of Africa. However, there have been reported cases in Canada, Australia, Israel, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, Hong Kong, and now the United States (California and Minnesota).

President Biden has added some precautionary measures until we know more about the new variant and has restricted air travel from South Africa and seven other nations in the southern region of Africa.   

The best protection against Omicron is getting fully vaccinated — and getting a booster shot as soon as you can. The CDC recommends people follow prevention strategies, such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings and congested outdoor settings, washing your hands frequently, and physically distancing from others. 

Beaver Street lane closures scheduled for week of Dec. 6

Three lanes on Beaver Street will be closed on Monday, December 6, Thursday December 9, and Friday December 10 for construction related to the Butler Avenue Condominiums project.

The west three lanes of Beaver Street will be closed at the northwest corner of Butler Avenue and Beaver Street so that a crane may be parked to complete construction work during the week. Staging the crane within the City’s right-of-way is the most feasible option given the site constraints and considering the temporary circulation impacts.

Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) — With Gratitude

This year, many of us will be participating in Thanksgiving with family and friends that we have not seen since before the pandemic. After such a long time apart, this is a time to reconnect as a community and to reflect on what we are grateful for. Several research studies have found that a regular practice of gratitude, or an attitude of gratitude, is said to have far ranging emotional, social, and health benefits. In fact, benefits associated with gratitude include better sleep, more exercise, reduced symptoms of physical pain, lower levels of inflammation, and other benefits.     
 

The HECHO team is practicing gratitude during this time of year and we are grateful for the collective push for a sustainable and just future, for our community’s efforts in the movement to conserve public lands, and for our cultural connection with nature. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Giving thanks to our wonderful supporters, community partners, members

COCONINO COUNTY — In this season of giving, CCC&Y wishes to celebrate Heather and Art Babbott and their family for their extraordinary contribution toward the CCC&Y Mission.

The Coalition relies on the generous help of our supporters, community partners and members to eliminate childhood trauma and inequity by building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities. Through leadership, education and advocacy, we are reconnecting children and families to the greater community and their own potential.

Our Mission:

Igniting collective action to cultivate, honor & empower resilient, thriving communities.  

Our 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.  

We could not accomplish our mission without the support our funding partners and our more than 100 members.

​​​​​​

The Coalition will also be taking part in Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30 Please consider hosting a fundraiser for CCC&Y on your Facebook page.

Or click here to contribute by donating or becoming a member.

Once again, thank you very much to the community, our partners and members for your generous support. Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season.

Air Passengers advised to arrive early for Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact air travel nationwide. Masks are required by federal mandate both in flight and in the terminal. Where possible, customer service counters have added plexiglass screens to protect passengers and employees. Travelers are encouraged to maintain social distancing whenever possible as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Staffing levels for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airlines, and rental car companies have not returned to pre-COVID levels. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least two-hours prior to their departure time. This is especially important during the upcoming holiday season when travel is expected to be heavier than usual. Airline ticket counters close thirty minutes prior to departure to allow staff time to load baggage and prepare the aircraft and passengers for takeoff. Passengers arriving late may miss their flights.

Here are some reminders and tips for travel:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 22-26, 2021

Holiday COVID Reminders

This time last year, we saw a spike in COVID cases. As a reminder, please continue to follow these tips from the CDC and all NPS guidance both inside and outside the park so that we can minimize the spread of COVID-19 this holiday season. 
Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated. 
Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings. 
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. 
If you are sick or have symptoms, do not host or attend a gathering. 
Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19. 

CDC authorizes COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for all adults over the age of 18

Last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in authorizing a single booster dose of the Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines for all adults 18 years and older.

This recent action allows individuals 18 years and older, who have completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series to receive a booster shot at least six months after completing their initial vaccine series. 

The CDC had previously approved booster doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for all adults 18 years and older at least two months after their initial dose. 

The NAU Review — XC national championship, your Thanksgiving traditions and Humans of Flagstaff

One of our favorite NAU Thanksgiving traditions is winning a national cross-country championship … but we’ll get to that in a minute. 😉 For the rest of us, it means cutting down a Christmas tree, spending days putting together a puzzle, drinking at a local dive bar, crafting with kids, creating a tablecloth full of memories, celebrating Native American heritage and more. Here’s how our Lumberjacks spend the holiday.

NRCS Approves $3.5 million for Museum Fire Watershed Restoration on Private Land

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has approved the Coconino County Flood Control District’s request for $3.5 million to construct watershed restoration measures on private lands in the Museum Flood Area.

These watershed restoration measures are being done to reduce flooding impacts to private properties and will reduce the level of sediment entering Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 15-19, 2021

Upcoming Vaccine Event-Monday, December 6

We are pleased to announce that we are once again partnering with Coconino County Health and Human Services and the Grand Canyon Rec Center to host a vaccine event for the Grand Canyon community. This event is scheduled for Monday, December 6 inside the Rec Center in the large community room.

We are still working with the County to finalize specific times as well as what vaccines will be available to what age groups for this event. More information, including a flyer, will be shared in the near future on these details.  

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Recording available: F3 public forum about the hospital move

The video recording of the F3 Virtual Public Forum held November 8th is now available to view at: https://youtu.be/ULHOB9Ishj0
 
In this Public Forum held by Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, we hear a presentation by Northern Arizona Healthcare about their proposed relocation of Flagstaff Medical Center to the area just north of Fort Tuthill on the southern edge of Flagstaff.

The presentation by NAH is packed with interesting information, some of it new, and is followed by questions from the audience and a short community discussion that focuses on identifying community uses for the existing hospital location and other properties owned by NAH.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents ‘Self-Healing Communities,’ ‘Igniting Collective Action: Moving Beyond ACEs,’ and other no cost webinars and more news

COCONINO COUNTY —
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has created a series of no cost webinars for professionals, parents and youth, to provide them skills that are needed now more than ever.
Self-Healing Communities with Kevin Campbell is an argument for moving away from treating individuals, community members and families as the “recipient” of services, from medicalizing unlivable lives, from not acknowledging systems of injustice and a move toward the scientifically-based call to action of participation, truth and community healing.
“This presentation is outstanding- thank you!” “Thank you for the space and conversation….this was excellent!”
We’ve also created Igniting Collective Action: Moving Beyond ACEs, an hour-long webinar that explores the roadmap to creating change at the community and system level by using the findings of both leadership research and today’s thought leaders. One participant said:
“This training was truly amazing and can be used no matter your walk in life … I hope that everyone and anyone takes advantage of this presentation. It really can make a difference.”

Bison Reduction on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Complete for 2021

Bison reduction operations are now complete for 2021 on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. In total, 36 bison were removed through live capture and transfer, and five were removed lethally, reducing the impacts of the herd on the park’s water, vegetation, soils, and culturally significant sites and locations.

In 2021, through a partnership with the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), 13 bison were transferred to the Santee Sioux Nation of Nebraska and 23 were transferred to the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Since the park began transferring bison to Tribal partners in 2019, 124 bison have been relocated to six Tribes in four states through the ITBC.