Category: Health

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.

The NAU Review — Creating a home away from home, the Regents’ Cup and a ‘fun’ fact about Oak Creek

Ora Marek-Martinez understands the need for Indigenous students to find community in order for them to reach their full potential in college. Marek-Martinez, who is of the Diné, Nez Perce and Hopi tribes, felt lost more than once while a student at NAU. As executive director of the Native American Cultural Center, her role is to create a place where the students who come after her will find the support, academic resources and familial and spiritual services needed to be successful at NAU and beyond. 

U.S. Forest Service Chief Pledges $3.5 Million To Museum Fire Watershed Restoration

The U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore (on Nov. 10) pledged to provide $3.5 million toward Coconino County Flood Control District’s request for federal funding for on-forest watershed restoration measures in the Museum Flood Area. The funds will be used to design and construct watershed restoration measures on Forest Service land between the Museum Fire burn scar and the City of Flagstaff. Watershed restoration measures include restoration and stabilization of alluvial fans and stabilization of channels, which are done to reduce the level of sediment leaving the burn area and impacting the Mt. Elden Estates area and the Paradise, Grandview, and Sunnyside neighborhoods in Flagstaff. Reducing the level of sediment is a prerequisite for more effective existing and future flood mitigation within the City of Flagstaff.

“Coconino County is extremely grateful for the Chief’s commitment to partner with the Flood Control District to reduce the impacts of the post-wildfire flooding from the Museum Fire on our communities” stated Supervisor Patrice Horstman.

Patrice Horstman — Coconino County District 1 Newsletter: November 2021

In This Issue

11 November 2021

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
U.S. Forest Service Chief Visits Coconino County
Four Forest Restoration Initiative Investment
Western Interstate Region Annual Conference
Coconino County Redistricting Process
State Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Process
Meeting with NAU President Cruz Rivera
Ft. Tuthill Restroom Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Stuff the Bus
FDA Approved COVID-19 Boosters
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines
COVID Information Line and Testing Site
Contact Us

Coconino County Applauds Forest Service for New 4FRI Strategy

Coconino County participated in a meeting yesterday convened by U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema with support from Senator Kelly and Congressman Tom O’Halleran regarding the future of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).

With the cancellation of the Phase 2 of the 4FRI process by the Forest Service about two months ago, the Senator invited the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Randy Moore to address the future of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) and other forest restoration projects impacting Coconino County. The County Board of Supervisors have identified wildfires and post-wildfire flooding as the greatest public safety threats in the County. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 8-12, 2021

Honoring Our Veterans

On Veterans Day, we take a moment to salute the men and women who serve, and have served in our nation’s military. Many people have repeated Colonel Walter Hitchcock’s famous words, ‘Freedom is not free’ because it succinctly captures the essence of military service.  

We want to express our great appreciation for every GRCA employee and resident who has served in the armed forces. We especially want to thank all of those who sacrificed and shared in the sacrifices of military service members. The nation owes a debt of gratitude for service members and their families and their sacrifices.  

Thank you, Veterans!

Work continues on Butler Avenue to implement the separated bike lanes pilot project

Work continues to implement a pilot project installing separated bike lanes on Beaver Street and Butler Avenue. The contractor has completed the installation of a concrete curb and delineators to physically separate bicyclists from vehicles on Beaver Street.

Work to install similar barriers on Butler Avenue will begin on Monday, November 15, 2021 and end on November 26, 2021.  The project limits are Butler Avenue, from Milton Road to Sawmill Road.    

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coconino County community invited to comment at Nov. 10 satellite hearing on draft Arizona legislative and congressional district maps

CCC&Y’s Action and Outreach Committee would like to make sure that individuals are aware that redistricting conversation, maps, and comments are taking place now.  These decisions determine what district voters will vote in and how representation will take place.  The results of redistricting last for 10 years and ultimately impact policy decisions.  Please make sure you are informed and that your voice is heard. 

The 30-day comment period ends on Nov. 20. The Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission will then take the feedback, make final change before they are approved in December, the Arizona Daily Sun reported this week.

 The final maps will use to elect candidates for the next 10 years.

The satellite location of the next public hearing to be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the High County Conference Center, 201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff. Click here for the agenda or here for future meeting information.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Tonight (Nov. 8)! Join F3’s Public Forum: Hospital Move

Please join F3 TONIGHT (November 8th) 6:30-8:00 pm for a virtual public forum to learn more about the proposed Flagstaff hospital move.

Do you want to know more or have questions about the proposed move of the hospital to the southern edge of town, just to the north of Fort Tuthill County Park?

Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) has been presenting information to neighborhood and community groups and answering their questions since this summer. F3 is now bringing this opportunity to you with this public forum and community discussion.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 1-5, 2021

Throughout November, the NPS and Grand Canyon will be celebrating Native American Heritage Month. We gratefully acknowledge the Native peoples on whose ancestral homelands we gather, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities who make their home here today.

Recently, the affiliated tribes of Grand Canyon have been helping the park holistically address our history while we work collaboratively on the Desert View Inter-Tribal Cultural Heritage site.

Prescribed burns at Observatory Mesa planned Friday Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 7

The Flagstaff Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) plans to conduct prescribed burns on Observatory Mesa from Friday November 5 through Sunday, November 7, 2021. Burns each day will be less than 100 acres and will be dependent on weather conditions.

With light southwest winds forecasted, smoke may impact central Flagstaff during the day and settle overnight into the Cheshire, Coconino Estates, downtown, Southside, Railroad Springs and Northern Arizona University campus areas. For more information on smoke and air quality, please visit http://www.azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast or https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/.

United Way of Northern Arizona — You Can Help Provide A Safe Haven

Part of Stepping Up for Our Community is ensuring the safety and security of our residents in times of crisis.

This is why, in partnership with Northland Family Help Center, United Way is working to ensure that a safe haven is available when individuals are dealing with domestic violence or children are in need of foster care.

UWNA’s support – fueled by your donations- is vital for this program, which serves more than 150 individuals each year, including a significant number of children who stay in its youth shelter. This facility is designed to feel more like a home than a shelter, with people cooking together, watching movies and even gardening while they stay there.

CDC Authorizes COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5 – 11

On Tuesday evening, November 2, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in approval of the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine for children ages 5 – 11 years old, at a lower dosage.

“Although COVID-19 may impact children less severely than adults, it is a serious illness and can lead to significant long-term effects on people of all ages,” said Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Director Kim Musselman. “The approval of vaccinations for this younger age group is a critical step toward ending the pandemic.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents ‘Mindfulness for Professionals and Parents,’ ‘Self-Healing Communities,’ and other no cost webinars; 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.

Mindfulness for Professionals and Parents, an hour-long webinar that highlights the importance mindfulness holds for both individuals and for those we are working with.

One participant said:

“Mindfulness is an important part of daily operations! We need to remember to take time for ourselves. I love the acronyms and will share with my NAU students!!!!” 

Coconino County Parks & Recreation Unveils New Restrooms at Fort Tuthill County Park

Coconino County Parks & Recreation celebrated the completion of the first permanent, publicly accessible, year-round restroom at Fort Tuthill County Park on Wednesday, October 21, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The restroom is located east of the Fort Tuthill Bike Park, in the north parking lot of Fort Tuthill County Park. County Supervisors and representatives from Kinney Construction Services, Peak Engineering, RJA-Architecture, and Arizona State Parks attended the celebration. 

Prescribed burn at Rogers Lake Natural Area cancelled

The prescribed burn at the Rogers Lake Natural Area that was previously approved for Wednesday, November 3 has been cancelled.

Additional prescribed burns could take place through the rest of the week, depending on weather conditions. More details will be provided as they become available.

HECHO October Newsletter

October is a month steeped in the celebration of our ancestral traditions. From closing out Hispanic Heritage Month, to the beginning of Día de Los Muertos, it is a time to reflect on the legacy we carry, and the antepasados that started it all. Some questions to consider exploring as a family to honor this special time could include: 

What legacy would we like to see our family continue? 
What traditions remind us of our time spent with family?
To learn more about Día de Los Muertos, make sure to visit our blog, where our Communications Coordinator, Amy Dominguez wrote about how her family has celebrated Día de Los Muertos. 

City of Flagstaff — Prescribed burn on Observatory Mesa approved for Tuesday, Nov. 2

The Flagstaff Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) plans to conduct a prescribed burn of approximately 72 acres on Observatory Mesa tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

With light winds from the west forecasted, smoke may impact central Flagstaff during the day and settle overnight into the downtown, Southside, Railroad Springs and Northern Arizona University campus areas. For more information on smoke and air quality, please visit http://www.azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast or https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/.

U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran update for Nov. 1 — Medicare Open Enrollment has begun

Open enrollment for Medicare has begun and will run until December 7, 2021!

The Medicare open enrollment period is your opportunity to re-evaluate your current Medicare health and prescription drug plans and make any changes that may better fit your needs for the coming year.

If you’re happy with your coverage, you don’t need to take any action; your existing plan will continue uninterrupted in 2022.

Winter Parking Ordinance Begins Monday, Nov. 1

Coconino County’s annual Winter Parking Ordinance will go into effect Monday, November 1, 2021. The ordinance requires parking restrictions on County-maintained roads during snow season.

Between November 1 and April 1 of each year, motor vehicles must be kept clear of County-maintained highways and roads. Any vehicle parked in prohibited areas reserve the right to be cited or towed at the owner’s expense (not less than $200.00) due to the possibility of threatening the health or welfare of County residents. Penalties are applicable where violations take place and where signed. 

Willard Springs Green Waste Station Closed For Winter Season

The last day of 2021 operations for the Willard Springs Green Waste Station was Saturday, October 30.

The station will be closed throughout the upcoming winter season, which runs each year from November 1 to March 31. Coconino County can reopen Willard Springs for green waste-only disposal on Friday, April 1, 2022. It will then be open for the summer season on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. until Saturday, October 29, 2022.

Prescribed burns planned for the week of Nov. 1

As part of the Flagstaff Prescribed Fire Training Exchange, prescribed burns are tentatively planned for the week of November 1, depending on weather conditions.

Prescribed burns help to restore forests to healthier conditions and improve the safety of the communities around them. Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated smaller fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. 

American Red Cross seeking Disaster Services Supervisor in Flagstaff

As one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. We depend on the many generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support our lifesaving services and programs. 

At the Red Cross, there is no such thing as a small disaster. In every single case it is the Red Cross’ mission to help people affected by disaster meet their emergency needs that include shelter, food, clothing, and health and mental health services. As a paid staff member, you will support our loyal Red Cross disaster volunteers who serve selflessly to provide a bridge of assistance until individuals and families can resume a normal life.