Category: Local

FREE GED Prep Program at Coconino Community College on Sept. 15, 17

Would you or someone you know like to earn a GED?
If so, please join Coconino Community College for FREE GED Prep classes in the CCC Adult Education Program.

New Student Orientation

Virtual Meetings Via Zoom

1 – 5 p.m.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

and

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Flu Vaccinations offered at Coconino County Health and Human Services

Seasonal influenza vaccine is being offered at the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff.

Seasonal influenza vaccine is being offered at the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff.  Drive-up and Walk-up Flu Vaccination Clinics will be held every Friday beginning September 11 and every other Saturday beginning September 12 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. No appointment is needed.  Masks or face coverings are required.

CCC begins process for student housing in Page

FLAGSTAFF —  In an effort to meet a growing need, Coconino Community College has begun the process to develop student and workforce housing at the college’s center in Page. The CCC District Governing Board, during a meeting on Monday, Aug. 31,…

Parks & Recreation receives state grant to enhance Harrenburg Wash

Coconino County Parks and Recreation was awarded an Arizona Water Protection Fund grant from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to conduct the Harrenburg Wash Enhancement Project.

 Coconino County Parks and Recreation was awarded an Arizona Water Protection Fund grant from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to conduct the Harrenburg Wash Enhancement Project. This project will enhance the riparian habitat at Harrenburg Wash which is part of Pumphouse County Natural Area, located approximately ten miles south of Flagstaff in the community of Kachina Village. The grant award is $129,190. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join the Movement!

The premise of self-healing communities is individuals within communities hold the wisdom to transform our most pressing community challenges. When the community at large asks their neighbors and community what would be most supportive, listens to their perspectives, and supports a collective response, we begin the process of healing.

Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) is leading an effort to facilitate a self-healing county! With such a vast county, where do we start? First, acknowledge YOU are a leader!

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — September is Suicide Prevention Month

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month. Coconino County pledges to continue supporting suicide prevention efforts across the County, in partnership with @StrongerAsOneNAZ and our other community partners.

For free services, text the 24/7 Crisis Line at 741-741, call the Northern Arizona Crisis Line at 1-877-756-4090, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Weekend closure of Fourth Street bridge over Interstate 40 in Flagstaff begins Sept. 18

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for a weekend closure of the Fourth Street bridge over Interstate 40 from 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, as work continues on the bridge replacement project.

Pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles will have access across Fourth Street during the closure. Drivers can use Huntington Drive or Soliere Avenue as an alternate route.

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while construction is underway.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — City Council Candidate Questionnaire

Six stouthearted citizens are running for a seat on Flagstaff’s City Council (in addition to two mayoral candidates). Three will be seated, with the top vote-getter becoming vice-mayor. 
 
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future asked candidates 10 questions, focused on affordable housing, reclaimed water, climate action, policing, building heights, undocumented residents, and the minimum wage. 
 
To read their answers go to https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/2020-council-candidate-questionnaire/ Click on each candidate or, to compare candidate answers, click on each questio

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

The fullness of Fall at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Thanks to all of you who supported us through the Gala To Go this year. It was a very different event from previous years, but a joyful and fun day. We were delighted to welcome supporters and some of our volunteers back to the museum to share in the special program. In a normal year, the funds raised at MNA’s Gala are crucial to our success.

UPDATED! NEW Online Art Classes through Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center’s Online Classes and Workshops are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but are unable to travel. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.

Our classes are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Visit us online to learn more about all of our online classes!

Bilingual commentary — A September to Remember that Democracy is in Your Hands

Never has a September been more important to American democracy than this year with the deadline approaching (Sept. 30) to fill out U.S. Census forms and to do everything possible to make sure your VOTE COUNTS in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election

During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County offices closed in honor of Labor Day

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Coconino County offices closed in honor of Labor Day
Saliva-based COVID-19 Testing Available
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
UPDATED COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.

COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

Coconino County Health and Humans Services recommends taking extra precautions when participating in Labor Day activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 safety recommendations include:
Avoid close contact with others, avoid large groups.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
Wash hands frequently.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Practice physical distancing while at social events.
Skip the celebratory events, if sick over the holiday

NAU News — NAU researchers launch first large-scale study of tooth decay among minority preschoolers

With funding through the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative, Northern Arizona University researchers are partnering with the University of Hawai’i to investigate biological, socioeconomic factors driving early childhood caries.

First Friday at Sedona Arts Center

The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

Coconino Community College Labor Day Closure

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, Coconino Community College will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020.

Instruction will resume on its regular schedule Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Have a healthy and safe Labor Day holiday weekend.

United Way of Northern Arizona COVID-19 Fund Reaching the Overlooked & Underserved

When we started the COVID-19 Fund back in March, our goal was to quickly turn your donations into support for local organizations meeting the basic needs of our residents during this unprecedented time. Our expertise means we can cut down on the ‘red tape’ and rapidly get money to agencies that are highly skilled at meeting this moment.

Your generosity has allowed us to distribute almost $400,000 to local nonprofits including food banks, child care providers and homeless shelters. Often, your gifts have helped communities and populations that are overlooked or underserved.

Coconino County offices closed in honor of Labor Day

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.

COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Labor Day, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For nonemergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

ECoNA — County Fair & SciFest at a Screen Near You

As we head into this holiday weekend, I want to congratulate the organizers of two of the biggest events on the Flagstaff calendar for their ingenuity in bringing us virtual versions of these annual celebrations.

For fans of the Coconino County Fair, it’s not easy to capture the sounds, smells and thrills of the Fair, but the folks at Coconino County Parks & Recreation have done their best to bring the experience into your home.

Would you like to see the 4-H Livestock Show? How about 7-plus hours of steers, pigs, goats and lambs right here. (They’ll also be hosting the auction over these next three days online).

Daytime lane restrictions planned next week on US 89 near Flagstaff

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the following daytime lane restrictions on north- and southbound US 89 between Flagstaff (milepost 435) and Gray Mountain (milepost 442) for pavement maintenance:

Southbound US 89 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. 

Northbound US 89 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Tashina Williams named CCC&Y Community Ambassador for Page

PAGE — Tashina Williams, director of student support services for the Page Unified School District, has been named CCC&Y’s Community Ambassador for Page.

The new position will strategically extend CCC&Y’s capacity and reach into communities in Coconino County.

“I have been with the school district for three and a half years,” Williams said. “Before that I was a dedicated case manager with Encompass Health Services for about nine years. I ran the matrix, intensive out-patient treatment program for adolescents. I also worked with high need children ages 5-18 on their treatment plan.

Saliva-based COVID-19 Testing Available

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is pleased to partner with Arizona State University, Arizona Department of Health Services and Northern Arizona University (NAU) to offer free saliva-based diagnostic COVID-19 testing. Testing will be available beginning Wednesday, September 2 at the NAU Fieldhouse and beginning September 8 at Fort Tuthill County Park.   

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Flagstaff seeks applications for Community Stakeholder Committee on reclaimed water

The city of Flagstaff Water Services Division is assembling a volunteer committee on reclaimed water. Only one-third of all reclaimed water generated each year is committed for our current customers. The Water Services Division is faced with about seven options for the remaining, uncommitted supply; input from the community is needed to narrow the options down to three.

Nominations for the 13th Annual Viola Awards are now open!

2020 has been a year of uncertainty. Flagstaff’s creative sector met the challenges of this year and demonstrated incredible resilience while doing so. The 13th Annual Viola Awards, set to take place on Saturday, March 27, 2021, will recognize artists, educators, organizations and leaders who make positive contributions to the arts, sciences, and culture in Flagstaff. Nominations are being accepted until December 31, 2020.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Colorado River Days Flagstaff Goes Virtual for 2020

The annual Colorado River Days Flagstaff festival is just around the corner and will take place virtually September 1-14. This year’s theme is Generations: Past, Present & Future. Events include: family activities, film screenings, discussions of the Colorado, Gila, San Juan, and Little Colorado Rivers, an art exhibition, live music, and a variety of presentations from diverse voices. These events weave together the importance of history, the implications of prolonged drought, and the uncertain future of the Colorado River.

Colorado River Days Flagstaff launched in 2012 to celebrate and share knowledge about the river. Flowing through the heart of Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is at the core of Flagstaff’s culture and economy; yet, many residents do not experience it firsthand. In response, Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter spearheaded the effort to create a community river festival. Now in its 9th year, the festival is a collaboration between non-profit organizations, scientific researchers, tribal members, artists, businesses, museums, and parks.

Adding to ‘all hands on deck’ to help local businesses

The experience was really like trying to grab a small sip from a firehose at full blast.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down business across the state, organizations like the Coconino Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community College stepped into breach to lend a needed hand.

“When the COVID-19 disaster started, it was just me and Amanda part time,” said Gina Couillard, Director of the Coconino SBDC, adding that Amanda Hyde moved to a full-time business analyst and operations specialist in short order to assist with the demand from local businesses.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Bilingual report — Tips for Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

🏠 Quédate dentro
🙅 Cierra las ventanas
🌬 Usa el aire acondicionado, de ser posible
Los niveles de humo pueden cambiar durante el día, permanece en interiores cuando los índices estén más altos.

⚠ ¡Varios condados de Arizona están en alerta por humo!
🏕 Limita actividades al aire libre
🔄 Usa el aire acondicionado, recircula el aire para que no entre aire externo)
🏘 Quédate dentro, cierra puertas y ventanas
📱 Infórmate de las condiciones del aire en www.airnow.gov

⚠ Hasta en las regiones lejos de los incendios puede haber mala calidad del aire.

Algunas personas tienen más riesgo:
• Niños
• Mujeres embarazadas
• Adultos mayores
• Personas con problemas en el corazón y pulmones

¡Manténgase seguro y reduzca la inhalación de humo!

CCC Comet Talks — ‘Worst Case — Wild Survival in Northern Arizona’ to be held Sept. 1

CCC Comet Talks — “Worst Case — Wild Survival in Northern Arizona” to be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.

CCC Comet Talks are FREE, open to the public and online via Zoom.
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend.
“Worst Case: Wilderness Survival in Northern Arizona”

Presented by CCC Part-Time Instructor and Coconino County Search & Rescue Volunteer Shawn Nittmann

Please be sure to register at this link:
https://coconino.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5Qs6Q5VMTIW9km5VZLAQ9Q

2020 Coconino County Fair to be held virtually

The 2020 Coconino County Fair will move forward this year as an online event with virtual 4-H shows, pictures of entry winners, streaming entertainment, and a virtual vendor marketplace. A “community connections” portion encourages community members to share favorite recipes, gardening tips and tricks, flower growing advice, and to vote for people’s choice awards in fine arts for photography and other art mediums. While the annual Coconino County Fair will look different this year, the public is encouraged to participate and make it a community-wide celebration. 

ECoNA COVID-19 update — Schools & Child Care

School is back in session in northern Arizona, although it looks unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, with most K-12 school systems opting for virtual classes at least for the first quarter of the school year because of coronavirus.

#1 Benchmarks. One of the big statistical indicators for whether a school district is ready to begin in-person sessions has to do with three benchmarks from the Arizona Department of Health Services. They are:

A decline in coronavirus cases or less than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals for two consecutive weeks;
Two consecutive weeks with “percent positivity” below 7%. (This is exactly what it sounds like; that fewer than 7% of the coronavirus tests come back positive. It’s an indicator of transmission rates or that too few people are being tested.)
Two consecutive weeks with hospital visits for COVID-like illnesses in the region below 10%.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Interview with Iya Affo on ‘Historical Trauma’ during a time of Covid-19, Black Lives Matter

Only by understanding the root causes of historical trauma can we fully begin the healing process during this time of Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter, said Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historic Trauma.

Affo, a culturalist and historic trauma specialist, addressed the impact of historical trauma during her first level of “Historical Trauma Special Certification” training held via Zoom on Aug. 20 and 24.

The training was presented to a total of 110 individuals, many of whom, represented staff, board members and supporters of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. The attendees represented a variety of child welfare, behavioral health and other community agencies.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

Yá’át’ééh! 

Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!

Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am pleased to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — COVID-19 Surge Testing Extended!

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge.

The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows: 
Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ 
Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m. 
University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 
Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m
Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot)
Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m. 

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Item permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin

The Flagstaff Water Group published an important editorial in Saturday’s AZDaily Sun on a permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin in areas over the Coconino Aquifer, thereby potentially affecting Red Gap Ranch water, a potential future water source for Flagstaff. 

Although this is very short notice, the issue is extremely important and we urge you to read the editorial statement (below) and send your comments to greenslade.maribeth@azdeq.gov. NO LATER THAN EARLY A.M. AUGUST 26th. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — CCHHS Clinic Set to Reopen

Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, will reopen on Monday, August 31. Services will be offered Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Appointments are required and are available by calling 928-679-7222.

Health and wellness services, including wellness exams, sports physicals, STI testing and treatment, pap testing, pregnancy testing, birth control and IUD/Nexplanon insertion and removal, will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 5 pm by appointment only.

Vaccinations required for Arizona school entry and vaccinations recommended for children and adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

COVID-19 Surge Testing Extended in Flagstaff, Williams

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge. The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows: 

• Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ, Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m.

• University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ, Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m

• Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot), Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m. o August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m.  

Sedona Arts Center — New online art classes

Burridge’s popular “Loosen Up!” workshop nurtures individual success and personal enrichment with a big emphasis on daily painting projects at your own pace. It is stress-free, but be warned; you could end up with too much enthusiasm for painting. This Burridge flagship workshop offers a variety of painting subjects for everyone. Designed for the professional painter who is stuck in a style as well as for the novice who wants to conquer their fear of painting.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — 2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide
Virtual Master Gardening Class for Northern Arizona
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Coconino County COVID-19 Testing Surge registration
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y supports FUSD’s back-to-school professional development efforts with webinar on ‘Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences’

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continued its support of Flagstaff Unified School District’s professional development efforts with a virtual presentation earlier this month.

“Through the support of CCC&Y we were able to provide the opportunity for all staff on our professional development day, August 10th to participate in viewing the webinar: “Understanding Adverse Child Experiences,” district officials reported. FUSD reports 1500 professionals were in attendance.

The hour-long webinar helps participants learn how the effects of childhood trauma play out both personally for individuals, along with having tremendous costs for society. 

Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Get in on the action, and the auction

Many of you have been in touch with me to say how much you enjoy the information you get in these newsletters. Thanks for those messages – the staff and I always appreciate hearing from you. We are all now focused on our fundraising Gala To Go on August 29th. We’ve had to completely reimagine this event and it’s shaping up to be an amazing experience. Going online means all aspects of MNA will be represented in the program, showcasing the wonderful range of art, science, and culture of our region. Ticket holders will be able to enjoy this program online from anywhere and will also be able to bid on an array of fun experiences and fine art, including a Gunnar Widforss watercolor, a print by Gustave Baumann, and an intricate rug by Jackson Dean. In addition to a great showcase, this is an important fundraiser for MNA. I encourage you to support MNA by purchasing a ticket to the Gala To Go, and inviting family and friends to join you from wherever they are. We’ve all missed so much this year.
You don’t want to miss this!

Enroll Today — World Regional Geography (GEO 133) General Education Course at Coconino Community College

Regional Geography (GEO 133) general education course at Coconino Community College.

Have you ever wanted to understand…
what exists on the other side of the world?
what things are there to see and places to visit?
what people live there?
If so, then you may be interested in World Regional Geography (GEO 133) at CCC.

Sedona Arts Center — Visit Our Online Gallery Today!

The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

The online gallery represents a full spectrum of the diversity of artists represented by the arts center. Visit us today!

The Gallery is currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.

Coconino Community College — CCC focuses on safety this fall with remote learning

The Fall semester is a week away.

How is it that time seems to move so very quickly and yet so very slowly during a pandemic? I think it is because we so very much miss seeing our students and our communities up close and in person. And yet, Coconino Community College is moving right along.

This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at CCC have chosen Remote Delivery methods for our courses in the interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the community. Our motto for this time is “Be Stellar, Be Safe.” Going to remote delivery was a difficult decision because all of us, especially our faculty, want to have that personal contact with our students, and some of our students would absolutely prefer to learn that way.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update — Vote and Be Counted! Facebook Live Event on Aug. 26

Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!

Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am please to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.

City seeks input for Climate Action and Adaptation Plan revision

The Flagstaff City Council declared a Climate Emergency on June 23, 2020. The declaration commits Flagstaff to update its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030. To respond to this emergency, the city will revise the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to reflect the new goal of carbon neutrality, while supporting a collaborative climate action mobilization that requires full community participation.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Click Here to Fill Out the 2020 Census Online

Currently only 42.1% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census. This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more! 

The Census also determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives. 

Celebraciones de la Gente postponed until 2021

The 17th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona has been postponed until 2021. Originally scheduled for Oct. 24-25, 2020, the Day of the Dead festival was rescheduled for the health and safety of all of our artists, visitors and staff.

Rooted in community, this weekend-long event has been presented at the museum in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. It features fine art and unique crafts, music and dancing, colorful and elaborate ofrendas (altars), insightful heritage programs and Day of the Dead inspired crafts for the kids.

Members of Nuestras Raices and the Museum of Northern Arizona are currently working on virtual Celebraciones de la Gente programming for this year. Details to come shortly.

CCC offers new HVACR program this fall

Heating. Ventilation. Air Conditioning. Refrigeration. Oh, my!

Coconino Community College will now be offering a certification in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) this fall thanks to a generous grant from the Del E. Webb Foundation. The program includes training in Plumbing, Blueprint Reading and Estimating, Basic Electrical Theory, House Wiring, Building Methods. International Residence Code and HVACR.

Coconino County Takes Action to Protect San Francisco Peaks

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution Tuesday endorsing a twenty-year extension of a federal Public Land Order withdrawing the San Francisco Peaks from sale, settlement and mineral extraction. The Board’s resolution supports the Coconino National Forest’s application to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the extension of the withdrawal.  

United Way of Northern Arizona — COVID-19 Fund Providing Some Frozen Help

Shortly after it became clear this spring that coronavirus was going to change life as we know it, the United Way of Northern Arizona created the COVID-19 Fund to help nonprofits as they addressed the pandemic.

Thanks to your generosity, UWNA has distributed more than $379,866 to local groups addressing the economic fallout from COVID-19. Typically these grants are for large, round numbers that help these groups as they deal with increased demand for basic needs.

But today we wanted to talk about a smaller, and very specific, grant that is changing lives in the Grand Canyon area: a check for $4,717.29 to the Grand Canyon Food Pantry.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing scheduled in Tusayan (Aug. 18) and Fredonia (Aug. 20)

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is offering free COVID-19 diagnostic testing in Fredonia and Tusayan, AZ.  

CCHHS, in collaboration with the Tusayan Fire Department, will offer COVID-19 Testing in Tusayan, AZ on Tuesday, August 18 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The testing site will be located at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater, 450 Hwy 64, Tusayan, AZ. 

The Fredonia testing site, located at 100 E. Woodhill Drive (formerly Joy Joyce Road), Fredonia, AZ, will be open on Thursday, August 20 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.