Category: Health

New Final Flood Maps Issued for Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino County

On September 21, 2022, Coconino County announced that updated digital flood hazard maps for the portion of Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino County would become effective March 21, 2023.

The flood maps are known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). They show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in Coconino County’s portion of Oak Creek Canyon are at risk for flooding. These flood maps are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements. They replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old. Note that the flood maps for the portion of Oak Creek Canyon in Yavapai County are still being finalized.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 13-17, 2023

Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 17, 18, and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by and meet Zuni fine art painter, Anthony Gchachu. He will discuss how he conceptualizes and executes his paintings.

Watch him work and learn how Zuni culture and art have influenced his unique painting style that uses layered acrylic paints to create texture, depth and movement to generate emotions.

This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy. 

Board of Supervisors Approves Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan

At their February 6, 2023 special session, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan.

In the fall of 2022, the public was able to provide comment on the draft of the Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan, which were factored into the final draft. The plan’s table of contents include the natural environment of the park, cultural resources and history, public use and facilities, and long-range planning. These topics address issues as varied as dark skies, weed control, emergency use, water conservation, preserving open spaces from damage, and preserving historic structures. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides variety of free online training including ‘Thriving Families’

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth provides a variety of free online training programs for parents, caregivers and all community members.

Our free Thriving Families webinar is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to the topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness.  It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.

With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals.  Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.

Coconino County delegation presents long-term plans for flood mitigation and forest restoration to several of Arizona’s representatives in Congress and their staff

COCONINO COUNTY — A Coconino County delegation this week presented long-term plans for flood mitigation and forest restoration to several of Arizona’s representatives in Congress and their staff.

“Our delegation to Washington D.C. had a very productive day of meetings. Supervisors Begay and Vasquez and County Flood Control District management presented Coconino County’s immediate and long-term plans for flood mitigation and forest restoration to several of Arizona’s representatives in Congress and their staff,” county officials reported.

The NAU Review — How NAU brought coding classes to Tuba City, how to Valentine’s Day the Lumberjack way and National Safer Internet Day

‘Something you can use in the real world’

Maliya Peyketewa, a freshman at Greyhills Academy High School in Tuba City, wants to become an app and web developer when she gets older. A virtual after-school coding course offered to STEM students at her school and taught by NAU volunteers is helping her learn one of the computer languages she can use to get there. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — An opportunity to learn more about CCC&Y

COCONINO COUNTY —
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is focused on root causes and systemic solutions, proactively and boldly taking on challenges with an innovative and inclusive mindset.

We do this by bringing together informed and energized community members to solve problems, impact policy and create solutions that allow every person to realize their full potential.

Click here or on image above to see the full video and learn more about us.

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United Way of Northern Arizona Administering Flagstaff ARPA Grants

United Way of Northern Arizona will be administering $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on behalf of the City of Flagstaff to benefit nonprofits recovering from challenges due to Covid-19.

The funds are intended to assist organizations working in Flagstaff that had an increased demand for services or suffered declines in fees or donations due to the pandemic.

There are three different categories that make up the funds:

Grant opportunities available for projects that enhance, revitalize public spaces

The City of Flagstaff invites artists, individuals, community groups, schools and local businesses to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. Applications will be accepted through March 15 at 5 p.m. Up to $4,500 is available per project.

Specific projects that beautify and revitalize the urban environment can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals, mosaics and more. Priority will be given to community-driven efforts that provide a lasting benefit, such as building neighborhood relationships, fostering a sense of ownership and pride, inspiring playfulness, and greening the environment.  

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023

This week, the National Park Service (NPS) released details on 2023 investments that will improve access and facilities across the country, enhance climate and fire resilience, and further connect people with their national parks. 

In the coming years, NPS and federal partners will make investments that will support Grand Canyon’s Shuttle Bus Maintenance Facility, Bus Fleet Replacement and Charging Infrastructure project.

The project aligns with the sustainability and climate change goals of converting the federal fleet to zero emission vehicles. It consists of acquiring 10 new battery electric buses (BEB) and 20 new near-zero emission compressed natural gas buses (CNG) to replace the aging fleet; installing charging infrastructure to support the electric buses, including a solar parking canopy; and replacing an obsolete and undersized vehicle maintenance facility.

City of Flagstaff Snow Play Stewards and Snow Heroes to be held on Feb. 2

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office, in partnership with Coconino National Forest and Coconino County, is hosting a Winter Snow Play Clean Up on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the corner of JW Powell Blvd and S. Lone Tree.

Members of the public are invited to help clean up trash, debris, and broken sled pieces from popular snow play areas with the Winter Snow Play Stewards to help keep our community’s play areas safe and clean.

City of Flagstaff announces Students invited to participate in climate action challenges

Registration for the City of Flagstaff’s Youth Climate Action Challenge is now open! As part of this year’s event, three unique challenges are open to teams of 4th – 12th graders. Students can participate by implementing a climate action project in their community or by designing wind turbines and solar-powered structures to exhibit their knowledge in renewable energy. The challenges are an opportunity to develop leadership experience and illustrate local climate solutions. Now is the time for students to build their team, register, and demonstrate their leadership in climate action.

Board of Supervisors Receives First Presentation of Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance

At the January 24, 2023 special meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board viewed a presentation and provided direction in crafting a new ordinance regulating short-term rental properties in the county.

A new Arizona state law, enacted by the State Legislature in 2022 gives local governments the legal authority to regulate short-term rental properties within their jurisdictions. 

The Board has acknowledged through public input that short-term rental properties have both positive and negative impacts on our communities and requested the County’s Community Development Department and the County Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance specific to Coconino County’s unincorporated communities and neighborhoods.

United Way of Northern Arizona — NE Arizona Report Lays Groundwork for Strategic Plan

A recently completed United Way of Northern Arizona report on building capacity to help UWNA better address critical needs in Navajo and Apache counties has identified substance abuse/mental health issues, affordable childcare and afterschool programs, and creating a skilled workforce as top priorities for the northeast region.

UWNA retained Phoenix Philanthropy Group to create the report, which was based on interviews with nonprofit leaders, elected officials, economic development directors, healthcare and education professionals, as well as current and past members of the UWNA Board of Directors.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 23-27, 2023

Winter safety tips!

South Entrance Station

We have received multiple reports of park employees and/or residents driving through the south entrance station without stopping. As a reminder, when the bypass lane is closed or inaccessible due to snow, all vehicles are required to come to a full and complete stop when driving through any of the lanes of the entrance station. A failure to stop is not only hazardous but could result in a serious accident to employees who routinely move between booths.

Parking – Safety Concern

Please do not park vehicles on roadways.
Vehicles parked inappropriately compound already hazardous conditions and they impede the plowing of roadways.
Please use designated parking areas.

County Board of Supervisors Approve Grant Match Totaling $12 Million to Secure Federal Funding for Schultz/Pipeline Flood Mitigation Projects

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the establishment of a new Flood Control District (District) Grant Match Fund at its meeting on January 24, 2023. 

In late 2022, Congress approved $50 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to engineer and construct flood mitigation measures in the neighborhoods impacted by post-wildfire flooding from the Pipeline Fire. 

Coconino National Forest Representatives Present Proposed Changes to Fire Restrictions to Board

The Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) of the Coconino National Forest is considering fire restriction changes that would limit camping, campfires, and motorized vehicle use in strategic areas during certain times of the year when catastrophic wildfire risk is high to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires.

Proposed changes to fire restrictions would increase the boundaries of the existing year-round camping and campfire ban located adjacent to the City of Flagstaff. They would also forbid the use of motorized vehicles in areas around the San Francisco Peaks, Walnut Canyon, and Pumphouse Wash during Stage 2 fire restrictions. These areas have rough terrain and topography that increase wind speeds, which can limit firefighter ability to suppress wildfire starts. The areas under consideration would still be open for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use during Stage 2 fire restrictions. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options in 2023 to help families, community members

As we enter 2023, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues to connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

The NAU Review — Health care theater, a real-life tooth fairy and what China’s politics mean for the future of our world

Lights, camera, SCALPEL!
When the stage lights and hospital beds meet, greatness happens. Students from NAU’s School of Nursing and the Department of Theatre collaborated to create a simulation lab as part of the Health Care Theater Class, giving students hands-on experience in their respective fields of study.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y fondly remembers the life of founder Florence Mae Karlstrom

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

CCC&Y and community members fondly remember the life of founder Florence Mae Karlstrom who passed away on Jan. 8, 2023 in Amherst, Mass. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 22, 2022.

“Many of us in Flagstaff remember Florence. The community we live in today has roots in her work, founding CCC&Y, serving on the FUSD Board, supporting United Way and the vision of early childhood education and development,” wrote consultant and coach Kerry Blume, former president and CEO of the United Way of Northern Arizona.

“I am so sorry to learn of Florence’s passing. … Florence also championed women’s rights and was instrumental in the budding women in history programs at NAU in the early 1970’s which included a cross department collaboration with Peg Morley and Katherine Nutt. Her commitment for building a better world led to focusing on children and the most vulnerable and resulted in the creation of what is now CCC&Y. She was a strong advocate for early childhood education. I worked on her successful campaign for FUSD school board and her unsuccessful campaign for state senate. A consummate community builder who led with compassion, intellect and kindness. During her 100 years many of us got to experience that warm smile and her grace.  A life well lived. Her memory will always be a blessing,” wrote Coconino County District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman.

“The acknowledgement of all of Florence’s accomplishments in her lifetime is truly amazing. I was never aware of Florence’s beliefs in life. But now being aware of them, they don’t surprise me. If you looked deep you would know that she was always giving of herself in a compassionate, love filled way, no matter what she did. In working with Florence most closely as we worked together on the school board, I found a woman who was strong in her beliefs, not afraid to share them and if necessary challenge others on theirs.  At the same time, her quiet love of all of those she worked with and for came through. There were always those times when she would come to me to be sure all was alright. I knew she truly cared and loved those she worked with, no matter what may be going on. She continually demonstrated her faith of love and hope by the way she lived, whether we were aware of the reason or not.  Children were always a top priority. I now wonder if we were all her children, no matter the age. How proud as a founder of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth she would be today, knowing of their many accomplishments. For us and our children she not only met the challenge of life, but found opportunity for the young and old in all that she did,” wrote Julianne Hartzell, past board president and member of CCC&Y’s Action & Outreach Committee.

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The NAU Review — Read the most popular stories of 2022, NAU’s efforts to protect our water and learn how to get over your resolution hump

2022 was a year of missions to space, inspiring stories of achievement despite the odds, game-changing research, creating new ways to help Arizonans go to college and putting a local spin on global issues. Check out The NAU Review’s top 10 most-read stories of last year, plus a few favorites that we just can’t stop thinking about.

Board of Supervisors Designates January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

At the Jan. 10, 2023 special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation to designate January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Coconino County.

According to the US State Department, Arizona is a hub for illicit activity and a transit point for labor and sex trafficking due to our state’s geographic location and network of Interstate freeways. Locally, in the past five years various law enforcement and victim service agencies have encountered over 600 confirmed victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, numerous sting operations during that time have identified almost 500 individuals suspected of attempting to purchase sex with an underage victim.  

“The exploitation of human beings for sex trafficking is a terrible crime and we must raise awareness and educate ourselves on this matter so that we can take action to end this travesty. This is an issue that affects all of our communities,” commented Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman. 

City of Flagstaff announces two-hour delayed start on Jan. 18

All City of Flagstaff non-essential facilities will operate on a two-hour delayed start on Wednesday, Jan. 18 due to inclement weather and poor road conditions. The City urges all residents to delay travel if possible. For an overview of the opening times of various City facilities, please visit flagstaff.az.gov/4801/Delayed-Start.

Annual ‘Point in Time Count’ to begin Jan. 25

The annual Point in Time Count (PIT) will take place starting Jan. 25 throughout the City of Flagstaff. This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and is conducted across the country.

Local data collected during the annual PIT Count measures progress at local and national levels related to preventing and ending homelessness.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Memories that YOU Made Possible

We hope you are having a wonderful 2023 so far, and wanted to start off this new year right by thanking you.

You make the work of United Way of Northern Arizona possible and we wanted to share some of our favorite memories of the past year that happened because you generously gave through your donations, leadership, or volunteerism.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 9-13, 2023

Winter Weather Returns; National Weather Service issues Travel Risk for impending weekend storm

According to the National Weather Service-Flagstaff, winter weather returns to the area this weekend, with periods of heavy snowfall likely beginning Saturday night across the high country. Snow levels will gradually fall from 6000–7000 feet Saturday evening to 4000–5000 feet Tuesday. One to two feet of snow is possible in the high country by the end of next week.

Prepare for an extended period of poor travel conditions next week!

REMEMBER – PLEASE KEEP ROADWAYS CLEAR OF VEHICLES; PARK IN YOUR DRIVEWAY AND FOR THOSE ON APACHE ST, PARK IN THE ALLEY. ALLEYS AND RESIDENTIAL ROADWAYS WILL BE PLOWED

Awardees selected for the 2023 Neighborhood Sustainability Grant program

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is excited to announce the recipients of the 2023 Neighborhood Sustainability Grant cycle. The initiative is a competitive grant program that funds a range of community projects related to food, waste, climate action, resilience, building energy, public health, and transportation with awards up to $5,000.

Awarded projects selected by the Sustainability Commission this year include:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 2-6, 2023

COVID Updates

Masks Optional
As of January 5, Coconino County has remained in MEDIUM CDC Community Level. Masks are optional in all public buildings. We encourage individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to practice physical distancing from others while in indoor common areas.

Total new COVID cases in Arizona for the week of December 29-January 4 was 6,187 which is an increase from the week before at 4,973. There were three new COVID-19 cases reported in the park this week.

As a reminder, be sure to promptly report any illness, to include possible COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King. Ronan can be reached at: 202-891-8599 or Ronan_King@nps.gov.

City of Flagstaff announces 2023 Bulky Waste Collection Schedule

The City of Flagstaff Solid Waste Section has published the 2023 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 athttps://www.flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/74416/2023-Bulk-Pickup-Schedule–.

Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth update for Jan. 4, 2023

Wishing you a peaceful, prosperous and productive 2023.

As the new year begins, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website to help relieve some of the stress as we wind down from a busy holiday season.

Our growing library of on-demand webinars is designed to help the public gain the tools they need to provide trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.

Feb. 24, 25 — Flagstaff Mall to present ‘Keep the Love Flowing Blood Drive’

We are in desperate need of blood donors for our February 24th and 25th Blood Drive here at Flagstaff Mall!!

Join us for a community blood drive Friday, February 24, from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm & Saturday, February 25, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Located at the Flagstaff Mall Retail Suite A03 by JCPenney Mall Entrance

Advanced appointments are encouraged!

March 27 — City of Flagstaff to host short-term rental license open house

The City of Flagstaff is hosting an open house event to gather feedback from the public on a draft short-term rental (STR) ordiance and license. The open house will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall (211 W. Aspen Ave) or online. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or virtually for an informational presentation and an opportunity to provide feedback to City staff. To participate virtually, visit flagstaff.az.gov/STRL to access the Teams meeting link.

May 19 — Coconino County to present Wildfire and Flood Preparedness Event

 A FREE community wildfire and flood awareness event is being hosted by the Coconino County Flood Control District this Friday, May 19 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, 15 W Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ. Those attending will learn about fire and flood preparedness, connect with local leadership, and learn how to build resilience.

The evening will consist of tabling from local and statewide organizations, a short film on the current state of wildfires in the West, a keynote presentation from Flagstaff author John Vankat on the history of the region’s forest health, and a Q&A with a panel of regional experts from the field of forest management, fire management, emergency response, public health and more.

June 28 — City of Flagstaff hosts informational meeting for Switzer Canyon Waterline – Phase IV project

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff is hosting an informational meeting for the Switzer Canyon Waterline – Phase IV project on Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St). Members of the public are invited to learn about the project, its expected impacts and to ask questions.

Sept. 30 — Coconino County Presents 19th Annual Sustainable Building Tour

Coconino County’s Sustainability Division is pleased to present the 19th Annual Sustainable Building Tour this month as part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science.

The theme for this year’s tour is The Diverse World of Sustainable Building. The free community tour will be held completely in person on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Dec. 7 — Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff hosts informational meeting on water rate study

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a virtual informational meeting about the current drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water rate study on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5:30-7 p.m. The meeting will be accessible both virtually and by telephone. Members of the public are invited to attend to learn more about the rate study and to ask questions. The meeting will consist of an informational presentation, followed by time for questions and answers.

To attend the meeting online, please register at bit.ly/ratestudy. Members of the public may also attend the meeting by phone by calling 888-400-1932 for English or 888-400-9342 for Spanish at the time and date of the meeting. All attendees, whether attending online or by phone, will have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments. Spanish interpretation will be available at the meeting.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: December 26-30, 2022

New Year’s Eve fundraising event for 8th Grade Washington D.C. Field Trip 

Grand Canyon Community Rec Center is hosting a New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Party to support the Grand Canyon Middle School D.C. Trip!

Live band, Juniper Hill, starts at 9:30 p.m. Pre-admission tickets and 50/50 raffle tickets available for purchase at the Grand Canyon Recreation Center. More information on the event can be found in the attached flyer here. 

Winter weather conditions returns to much of Coconino County

Winter weather returns to much of Coconino County Tuesday night! If you must travel, be sure to use extra caution as roads may be slick with ice and fresh snow. Be sure to follow this page, and Coconino County Emergency Management for the latest conditions and alerts.

Recycle your Christmas tree through the City of Flagstaff’s treecycling program

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 the City’s parks and beautification projects throughout the year.

City residents can place their tree on the curb for pick-up by 6 a.m. from Monday, Jan. 2 through Friday, Jan. 6.

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — Happy Holidays December 2022

In This Issue

Greeting From Supervisor Horstman
City of Flagstaff Detention Basin Tour
Board Approve Applications for FEMA Grants for Flood Mitigation Projects
Coconino County Features Emergency Management (Video)
BOS Approves $5 Million of ARPA Funding for Community Projects
United Way of Northern Arizona, Thanks Our Community Volunteers
The Heart of Democracy: County Certifies Elections
Pathways To Communities Offers A Way Forward
Flagstaff Community Stuffed the Bus
Coconino Couty Celebrates the Holidays!
Winter Parking Ordinance
County Employee ” Dex” Honored
Welcome to Michael Jackiewicz Director of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJJC)
Community Events and Resources
Contact Us

Coconino County Flood Control District Approved For $90 Million in Federal Funding

The $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Bill was passed by Congress today, expected to be signed by President Biden tomorrow.

Congress acted today to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which includes funding for federal programs that support post-wildfire watershed restoration and flood mitigation. The legislation includes an overall $925 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP). The Coconino County Flood Control District (District) has two approved projects on the EWPP Project Waitlist totaling $50 million. The projects will provide flood mitigation in six neighborhoods within the Schultz/Pipeline Flood Area. The District will be considering in the near future the acceptance of these grants including ways to allocate the $12.5 million in required local matching funds. 

United Way of Northern Arizona — ‘You Can Give with Confidence’

When you make a donation to a nonprofit, you want to feel confident that your gift is being properly used by an organization that takes its fiscal responsibility seriously.

That’s why we are so pleased to announce that, for the fourth year in a row, Charity Navigator has given United Way of Northern Arizona a 4-star rating, this year with a score of 96%. This means UWNA exceeds or meets best practices and industry standards for nonprofits. Only 13 United Way organizations of our size have achieved this high a rating.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Dec. 12-16, 2022

Volunteer to support the Grand Canyon Community this holiday season! 

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Delaware North will be having a wrapping party to wrap the angel tree gifts from 1-5 p.m. in Yavapai Lodge atrium. All angels on the DNC Angel Tree have been adopted this year and donations should be dropped off before this Friday, Dec. 16 to the General Store. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Delaware North will be making food boxes in the Canyon Village Market Deli starting at 3 p.m.  The food boxes will accompany the angel tree gifts to each family. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here. 

Both events are open to the community and participation is highly encouraged! 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — As CCC&Y’s e-newsletter takes a break, we want to wish you a very happy holiday season

As we conclude 2022, a year in which we celebrated our 50th anniversary, we want to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a very happy 2023.

CCC&Y’s weekly e-newsletter will be taking the rest of the year off, but will return on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

If you need a little help during this hectic holiday season, please be sure to visit our many free online webinars to help ease some of the stress — CCC&Y presents free webinars on understanding how emotions impact adult and child relationships

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 5-9, 2022

Throughout December, Grand Canyon National Park is featured alongside three other national parks in the East Room at none other than the The White House. The East Room décor reflects the communion we find in nature. As part of the fireplace mantel displays, visitors see four iconic National Parks from around our country represented: The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah National Park. 

As the largest room in the White House, the East Room has hosted public receptions, ceremonies, bill signings, and other memorable occasions. More information on 2022 White House decorations can be found here. 

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Approves Recommendations for American Rescue Plan Funding

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved 19 community funding proposals submitted by organizations within the County to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

The funds, totaling approximately $5 million, were specifically set aside by the Board to fund community services and projects outside the scope of the County’s capacity.

The Board’s decision is the culmination of a process that began in July when the County published a request for proposals (RFP) from organizations that need additional funding to benefit the Coconino County community.

The NAU Review — Non-traditional grad finds passion in special ed, exploring the icy surface of Europa and Santa rides the bus

Lorie Lee never imagined she’d make it to university; she is now graduating with two degrees, having won the prestigious President’s Prize. A mother of three and non-traditional student, her inspiring tale begins earlier than her first day at NAU. As a child, Lee experienced poverty, a mother with substance abuse issues and a father unwilling to care for her. Through the support of her friends and teachers, Lee found a love and passion for education and excelled academically. Married and raising three children with special needs, Lee enrolled at NAU’s North Valley campus and is earning a bachelor’s degree in both elementary education and special education.

Bilingual report — Coconino County Signs Letter to Congress to Pass Behavioral and Mental Health Policies

Led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), a bipartisan group of nearly 150 county elected officials urged congressional leaders to pass key behavioral and mental health policies before the end of the year.

In a letter to congressional leaders, the county officials wrote, “As a key intergovernmental partner, we urge you to work towards the passage of a bipartisan behavioral health package that enhances our ability to provide comprehensive behavioral health services in all settings, strengthens the behavioral health workforce and increases resident access to services.”

“In alliance with counties across the United States, this letter to our nation’s leadership details our shared goals of ensuring resources are provided to address the behavioral and mental health needs of residents,” stated Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman. “I encourage everyone to read the letter sent to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, to learn more about the national policies we support.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents free webinars on understanding how emotions impact adult and child relationships

With the hectic holiday season in full swing, CCC&Y shares this free online opportunity to ease some of the daily stress during this busy time of year.
Motivated by a long wait list for behavioral health services, and aware of challenging adult and child emotions causing behavior difficulties, Bethany Camp put this two part training together for CCC&Y to help meeting a wide-spread community need.

First we learn to understand our emotions and then we can understand and respond to the big emotional responses of children.

Watch Webinar – Managing Adult Emotional Responses, Part One

Watch Webinar – Helping Children Manage Their Emotions, Part Two

These videos are meant to help support our community. Having the tools to take care of ourselves and respond to children, is a great resource.

The NAU Review — Engineering an escape, soil microbes—friend or foe?, how alumni are helping current Lumberjacks thrive

Figuring out how to get out of an escape room can be stressful. Now imagine your challenge isn’t to get out of the escape room—it’s to build one, troubleshoot it and then make fixes on the fly when things break as people move through them. That’s what mechanical engineering student Valentin Gamez did alongside his compatriots in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. It was a great opportunity to put their engineering skills to good use as well as let the community have a good time. It also provided a rare opportunity for Gamez’s family to come from California and experience the work he did. Gamez graduates next week and starts his new job at Gore in 2023.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation December Update

Flagstaff Snow Park
Winter is coming and we know that means winter recreation! Coconino County Parks and Recreation supports safe and fun winter snow play.
For information about the Flagstaff Snow Park, visit www.flagstaffsnowpark.com. Reservations are required and tickets may be purchased on their website.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2022

Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center   

Beginning December 2 and lasting through the end of February 2023, cultural demonstrations will be held in Grand Canyon Village in the lobby of the South Rim Visitor Center. Demonstrations during the winter months will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

This weekend, the Cultural Demonstration Program presents renown musician and flute maker, Aaron White. He is of two Nations, the Dine of Northern Arizona (Blacksheep Clan) and The Northern Ute tribe Whiteriver band. Award winning Artist/Singer/Songwriter, Grammy nominated musician, and recent recipient of the Native American Music Award, Aaron has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years.

Aaron will demonstrate the ancient art of reed flute making at the South Rim Visitor Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 2 through 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and watch Aaron work and learn how reed flutes have deep ties to the history and culture of the Southwest.

NAU to present ‘Human Rights Across the Americas!’ in-person, Zoom presentation on Dec. 5

On Monday Dec 5 from 11am-12:15pm in the Blome Conference Room (and on Zoom) we are hosting a roundtable discussion with a Human Rights Across the Americas group through the State Department’s international visitor leadership program.  This is a unique opportunity, especially in Flagstaff, to hear from a diverse group of Latin American Human Rights activists! All students, staff, and faculty are welcome and translation will be provided.