Category: Local

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Invitation to the Community

CCC&Y 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.” 

“Trauma, equitable and resiliency, those are words that excite me and I hope you will learn more about the Coalition, learn a little bit more about those words mean and what your role can be to support that countywide,” said Rene RedDay in the opening of a Vlog released this week by the organization. 

Coconino County Reinstates Fire Restrictions

Coconino County will reinstate Stage One fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests and other agencies in the area. Fire restrictions are effective Friday, August 14 at 8:00 AM.  

The reinstatement comes after an extended period without significant rainfall and in consultation with Federal, State, Tribal, and local Fire District officials, as well as the National Weather Service (NWS).

City of Flagstaff will enter Stage One fire restrictions

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage One fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on August 14, 2020 in an effort to reduce the potential for unintentional human-caused wildfires within the city limits and to lower the impacts of emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Everyone Counts!

It’s already August (!!) which means that we are getting closer to the due date for the 2020 Census. The due date for the 2020 Census has now been changed to September 30, 2020. This means that if you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, now is the time to do so!

Currently only 41.9% 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! 

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

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 resources. We are in this together.

National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation August 1 – 31

Flagstaff’s Mayor Coral Evans is joining mayors across the country in challenging their residents to conserve water, energy and other natural resources on behalf of their city through a series of informative, easy-to-use pledges online by taking part in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Residents are encouraged to pledge online at mywaterpledge.com.

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!

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s 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.

CCC’s TRIO program receives $1.3 million grant

The Coconino Community College TRIO Student Support Services program received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant, which will be distributed over a five-year period, is the third such grant CCC has received since 2010.

“This is a big deal because our priority is first-generation students, students with disabilities and low-income students,” said Jessica Laessig, TRIO project coordinator at CCC. “This grant is important to be able to help these students who need it the most on our campus.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — How high should we go?

How high should we go? That’s the question raised by The Hub and other new and proposed 60-plus foot buildings. For over a year, the City Development Department has been working to develop a new zone—Neighborhood Community Commercial (NCC)—that would reduce height limits on new construction from 60 feet to 45 feet in areas north and west of Downtown, Southside, and Sunnyside. 

This is an important and complex issue, involving the effort to balance neighborhood integrity, city character, and high density. Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is following the discussion closely and will make recommendations. 

Sedona Arts Center — In-Person Classes at Sedona Arts Center

Ceramics For All Levels
with Dennis Ott
Beginning August 24, 2020
The Sedona Arts Center’s ceramic department operates free from the constraints of grades and benefits from the talents of its ceramic faculty and assistants as well as nationally recognized guest instructors. This combination allows our department to offer flexible and diverse programming in both traditional and contemporary techniques.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41.8% for the 2020 Census

If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!

In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.

By filling out the 2020 Census, you’re helping to make sure that our community continues to receive federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid and support for the health centers we rely on to serve our people. Billions of dollars in federal aid come into our state each year for these programs, and completing your Census ensures that we continue to receive our share.

It also ensures that you are represented in government at the local, state and federal levels, and that the data collected helps your elected representatives to make informed decisions.

Make sure your voice is heard and your community is supported for the next decade. Respond today at www.2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.

I count. You count. Together we can make a difference for Coconino County.

Certified Nursing Assistant program returns to CCC in Page

The patient beds are made. Medical supplies are at the ready. The mannequins are prepped for receiving care, and the instructor is ready to teach. 

Now, what’s left is the students.

After a seven-year hiatus, the Certified Nursing Assistant program is returning to Coconino Community College in Page.

“This program is important for CCC to support the Page community,” said Kay Leum, executive director of Extended Learning at CCC. “The opportunity to go through the course here in Page, whether students want to go straight into the workforce in the area or to continue studies for a nursing degree, offers so many benefits.”

LULAC Says Shortening Census Period Hurts Latinos

Sindy Benavides, National Chief Executive Officer of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement about the Administration’s decision to end the self-reporting window and door knocking operations one-month earlier for the 2020 Census.

“It is simply inconceivable that we can achieve a full and accurate count by these actions at the time we need it most during a pandemic that is disproportionately impacting Latinos. This is yet another tactic from the Trump Administration to make our community invisible with an incomplete enumeration, which impacts critical funding, representation, and redistricting. Instead of ramping up its work, the Census Bureau cites the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for deciding to cut short the two most critical aspects of the census. First, there is the self-reporting phase and that is followed by community outreach to contact individuals and families who for one reason or another have not done so.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — County Fair update, AZT Babbitt Ranch trail segment dedication, and more

On Saturday, August 1, the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) held a dedication for the Babbitt Ranch Segment, Passage 35. The small, private event was not open to the public due to COVID-19. Coconino County Board of Supervisor Art Babbott (District 1) and Coconino County Parks and Recreation staff attended the event.

Statement from U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham — Delivering a Complete and Accurate 2020 Census Count

The U.S. Census Bureau continues to evaluate its operational plans to collect and process 2020 Census data. We are announcing updates to our plan that will include enumerator awards and the hiring of more employees to accelerate the completion of data collection and apportionment counts by our statutory deadline of December 31, 2020, as required by law and directed by the Secretary of Commerce. The Census Bureau’s new plan reflects our continued commitment to conduct a complete count, provide accurate apportionment data, and protect the health and safety of the public and our workforce. 

CCC double-times English for veterans

Veterans who have served their country return to civilian life and often want to begin a college career.

They’ve lived a little life after high school. They have common experiences from being in the military. And they, typically, have very specific goals when it comes to what they want from their education.

To that end, faculty at Coconino Community College, with input from colleagues at Northern Arizona University, created an English composition course at CCC this fall that will allow veterans, in class among other veterans, to complete the requirements of the year-long course in a single semester.

Award-winning CCC alum encourages educational path

Barely getting by at a dead-end job, April Sandoval left an abusive husband and decided to try her hand at college. 

Sitting in the parking lot of Coconino Community College in 2002, she forced herself to go inside and attend her first class. She thrived and quickly received her associate degree. She then went on to get two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree.

Now, Sandoval, Assistant to the President and the District Governing Board at CCC, can add another feather in her cap on her road to success. She was chosen this week to receive the Pacific Region Professional Board Staff Member Award for 2020 from the Association of Community College Trustees.

Local First ARIZONA — Independents Week 2020 Sept. 1-30, 2020

A little later in the year than usual, Indie Week XXL will bring you a whole month to attract new customers through an extra-long special edition of Independents Week! Stay tuned for details on a new #IndieWeekAZ consumer action card (bingo style), Shop Arizona marketplace, and as always, a rallying call for support of independent Arizona businesses.

Upcoming overnight closures on Interstate 40 at Winona bridge east of Flagstaff Aug. 11-12

The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for overnight closures on Interstate 40 – about 16 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Winona bridge rehabilitation project. 

ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and observe posted speed limits and other construction signs while the following restrictions are in place:

ECoNA Flagstaff Welcomes New Retail & Service Businesses

Even before the coronavirus, brick-and-mortar retailers and service providers faced challenges. E-commerce has put pressure on the sector for years. The pandemic, along with its related economic fallout, just accelerated the issue for many traditional stores. The result is that many have gone into Chapter 11 and may not be coming back. 

Which is why it’s been rewarding to see a series of new businesses opening their doors this summer in Flagstaff. Their arrival here is the result of concerted recruitment efforts, sometimes over a period of several years, by the City of Flagstaff’s Economic Vitality team and the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona.

Bilingual report — Downtown Flagstaff conducting Vision & Action Plan Survey

This survey is part of the Downtown Vision planning process being led by the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA), in partnership with the City, County, and Mountain Line. The Vision & Action Plan will identify priorities and initiatives to guide improvements in Downtown over the next three to ten years.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Residents Count: Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!

Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41.6% for the 2020 Census.

If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!

In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.

By filling out the 2020 Census, you’re helping to make sure that our community continues to receive federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid and support for the health centers we rely on to serve our people. Billions of dollars in federal aid come into our state each year for these programs, and completing your Census ensures that we continue to receive our share.

It also ensures that you are represented in government at the local, state and federal levels, and that the data collected helps your elected representatives to make informed decisions.

Make sure your voice is heard and your community is supported for the next decade. Respond today at www.2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.

I count. You count. Together we can make a difference for Coconino County.

Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences provides a pilot project to beautify traffic signal cabinets

Artists, graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers are wanted to create designs for traffic signal cabinets in two locations:

The northeast corner of North San Francisco Street and East Butler Avenue
The northwest corner of East Cedar Avenue and North Gemini Avenue
The idea to beautify the city’s traffic signal cabinets was brought to the city of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program by community member Gaylene Soper, who supported the initiative with funding for a demonstration project.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Does the support stop when difficult conversations arise?

Community healing is not something someone (the savior) does to another (the needy).  Community healing is what happens when we internalize that we are all one, that the choices of the past mingle with the experiences of the present and none of us are free from the consequences of our actions -both individual and collective. 

Sadly, some non-profits are reporting lost donors because they decided to address social justice and equity issues (or in some cases just comment) due to the current events transpiring in our nation.  Quite frankly, this has angered me and further exemplifies how ingrained inequity is in each facet of our society.  More than equity- it shows how voice, control and power work throughout systems and perpetuate problems year after year.  I am pleased to report that the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) has not experienced this situation.  Through all of this, our membership has steadily increased.

Aug. 9 is the deadline to to enter the #MaskResponsibly Art Contest!

The Please Stay, Play Distance & Mask Responsibly Art Contest is hosted by the Flagstaff Arts Council in collaboration with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. This contest promotes creativity while social distancing, reflection on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and drives awareness of important public health guidelines. 

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s 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.

CCC completes remote delivery conversion for fall courses

Coconino Community College has finished converting Fall 2020 courses to remote delivery. With modifications complete, students may register (https://www.coconino.edu/registration) right away for the best class selection.
 
These changes to the course schedule and delivery options were necessary to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff during COVID-19.

Coconino County praises passage of Great American Outdoors Act

Coconino County applauds todays’ enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act which establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address over $507 million deferred maintenance needs in Arizona. This landmark legislation also permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a critical funding tool for Coconino County. 

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – August 2020

During these past few COVID-19 pandemic months I have desperately missed the human side of being a photographer. I miss the huge privilege of having unique insights into the worlds of so many different people. Being quarantined with limited options on travel and work means having to search for new forms of stimulation and creative outlets, in order to spark the fire of my creative and personal energies.

Fortunately, photography in itself is also a therapeutic art form, one that provides many creative outlets in order to stay positive: embracing new skills, sharing experiences and knowledge with a strong and supportive virtual community, or going through boxes of old negatives and slides in order to complete that digitalizing project that has been on the back burner for so long.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Flagstaff Family Food Center Needs Volunteers!

Calling all volunteers!

Flagstaff Family Food Centers needs your help this week! They need 20-25 volunteers per day from Wednesday through Sunday to help at their Kitchen and Food Bank. You can find more information and sign up for a shift at www.hotfood.volunteerhub.com.

*They have policies and procedures in place to keep their volunteers and community safe, including mask wearing, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing.* Please share widely!

Sedona Arts Center — Painting For All Levels Online! with Gretchen Lopez on Aug. 7

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!

Be Stellar, Be Safe at CCC this fall

 Sophia Weinzinger, a Flagstaff resident currently studying Business Management at Arizona State University, listens intently in her Physics class at Coconino Community College. 

She and two other students are conducting hands-on experiments on the different types of energy. They all wear face coverings, including instructor Chad Davies. They all are at seats at least six feet apart. They are supposed to clean their stations when they are done with the lab.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — August 4th is Primary Election Day!

Visit Coconino County’s Election Web Page and find all the information you need to vote. Important dates for the Primary Election are below for easy reference. You can also find information on how you can be a part of the process by becoming an Election Board Worker. Primary Election Day is August 4th! Your vote matters!

Noted Earth Scientist Christa Sadler Taps into ‘Superpowers’ at 2020 Flagstaff Festival of Science, Sept. 18-27

The 2020 Flagstaff Festival of Science will explore “Superpowers of Science,” Sept. 18-27, and earth scientist Christa Sadler will lead off the free, 10-day adventure with the
W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Sadler’s presentation will be streamed via the Festival of Science website along with an online question-and-answer session.

Coconino County Emergency Early Voting Sites for August 4 Primary Election

Coconino County voters that may have health concerns or worry about contracting the COVID 19 coronavirus can participate in emergency early voting at several locations across the county on Saturday, August 1 and Monday, August 3.

Voters taking advantage of emergency early voting will be required to complete a form stating that they have an emergency and need to vote an emergency early ballot.  They do not need to disclose the specifics of their emergency.  “Voters that want to avoid being around large groups of people are considered to have an unforeseen emergency and will be allowed to vote on Saturday and Monday,” said Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen.

NAU News — NAU students, staff team up to make 25,000 care kits for students and employees statewide

The care kits, which include two NAU-branded masks, hand sanitizer and a thermometer, will be distributed to NAU students to help promote a safe campus. Inside the kits, students also will find a hand-written note from one of the dozens of staff members or student workers who assembled the kits.

ECoNA COVID-19 Bulletin #11: Historic GDP & HEALS vs HEROES

This was a week of eye-popping numbers at the federal level, from the release of the Republicans long-awaited stimulus proposal to the data dropped yesterday by the U.S. Commerce Department that showed how coronavirus has impacted gross domestic product (GDP).

#1. Exactly how much did the GDP lose? Let’s take that last one first, because there is some confusion about the numbers released by Commerce. In fact, you might have seen two vastly different headlines – one saying the economy contracted by 9.5% during the past quarter and one saying it was 32.9%.

August 4, 2020 Primary Election Is Next Week

The August 4 Primary Election is next Tuesday.  All registered voters in Coconino County are eligible to vote in the Primary Election.

Sample ballots were mailed to households with registered voters that are not on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) or have not requested an early ballot.  The sample ballot includes the name and address of their polling place for this election. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Back to School Immunization Clinics

Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) is holding Back to School Immunization Clinics, Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the King Street building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. The clinics will be located in the parking lot.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Arizona’s Children Association continues successful FREE Zoom ‘Parenting Workshop!’

CCC&Y Member Profile — Arizona’s Children Association — It’s time for a new FREE parenting workshop presented by Arizona’s Children Association and Parenting Educator Krista Bush believes the new Zoom format has been well received.

“The response has been very positive because parents (say it’s more convenient) to stay at home and attend the webinars instead of going out in person,” she said.

The Arizona’s Children Association is presenting its  “Parenting Workshop! — Early Childhood STEP” through Zoom from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 1 through Sept. 19.

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s 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.

Flagstaff City’s Public Safety Pension Retirement System Certificates of Participation available for investors

On July 23, 2020, the city of Flagstaff put its Public Safety Retirement System (PSPRS) Certificates of Participation (COP) on the market and successfully sold to investors from across the country. The Flagstaff City Council authorized the transaction at the June 23, 2020 meeting.  

Return Your Early Ballot Now, due July 29

The Coconino County Elections Office reminds early voters that voted early ballots must be received no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, August 4.  Early voters should put their voted early ballot in the mail no later than Wednesday, July 29 to ensure that it is received in time to be counted.

Coconino County Lifts Fire Restrictions

Coconino County has lifted all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by the national forests and other agencies in the area, effective July 28 at 6:00 PM.

Coconino County has lifted all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by the national forests and other agencies in the area. The lifting of the fire restrictions is effective July 28 at 6:00 PM.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41% for the 2020 Census

Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41% for the 2020 Census.

If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!

In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.

City of Flagstaff launches electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall

The city of Flagstaff, in partnership with Arizona Public Service (APS), has installed four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 West Aspen Avenue in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. These charging stations will support the City’s transition to EVs for the City fleet and the growing numbers of community members who drive EVs. This project is supported through the APS Take Charge AZ program. The city of Flagstaff is one of the first in the state to install these charging stations as part of Take Charge AZ.

Sinagua Middle School Parent Teacher Organization update — Important Sinagua Middle School Registration Information

Registration Dates and Time:

Note: building will be closed each day from 11:30-12:30 to sanitize for the next time frame. Please follow the alpha schedule by last name
as we are doing our best to followCDC guidelines and social distancing.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — COVID-19 Testing scheduled in Williams

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), in collaboration with North Country HealthCare and other community partners, will offer COVID-19 Testing in Williams, AZ on Thursday, July 30 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The testing site will be located in the Williams Elementary/Middle School parking lot, 601 N. 7th St., Williams AZ. Those attending are asked to enter at the north side of the campus. Testing will occur in the bus loop.

No appointment or healthcare provider order is needed.

Friday, July 24 is the Last Day to Request An Early Ballot by Mail for August 4 Primary Election

The Coconino County Elections Office reminds registered voters that the last day to request an early ballot to be mailed to you for the August 4 Primary Election is Friday, July 24 at 5 pm. Voters can request an early ballot by going to www.coconino.az.gov/elections and select “Early Ballot Request” or they can call the Elections Office at 928-679-7860.

Update: NAU announces in-person classes moved back to Aug. 31. March for Community Health regarding reopening of NAU held this week

A “March for Community Health” will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 23 starting at the Flagstaff City Hall. Please wear a mask and observe physical distancing guidelines.

The University Union of Northern Arizona is concerned about the health of the NAU and Flagstaff community during the coming year.

NAU News — NAU launches MASKUP campaign to promote a safe campus

What weighs just a few ounces and can help protect our Lumberjack community? You guessed it—a mask. Masks should be worn for safety reasons, but that doesn’t mean we can’t turn them into a fashion statement. Show off your mask and let us know how you are keeping our community safe with our #maskupjacks challenge.

Zoom Academic Advising For Coconino Community College Students

Coconino Community College students can receive Zoom Academic Advising 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday, starting Monday, August 3 through the first day of fall remote instruction on Monday, August 24, 2020.

No Appointment Needed – first available time-slots are based on thirty-minute sessions for continuing CCC students and sixty-minute sessions for new CCC students.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Search on for new Executive Director

Our search for a new Executive Director is underway! We are very excited to be hiring the next F3 leader to represent and advocate for the goals of F3. 
 
We’re looking for someone who is familiar with the challenges facing communities like Flagstaff and who has a strong track record in community organizing and advocacy work, fundraising, and effective communication. 
 
The full job ad can be found on our website: https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/now-hiring-executive-director/.

Salina Bookshelf will match each donation to the Books for Dine Bikeyah GoFundMe campaign up to its $50,000 campaign goal.

With the ongoing pandemic many children are not able to leave their homes/communities due to evening and weekend curfews and a stay at home order. Books for Diné Bikéyah is raising money to support Diné authors and children by buying Diné children’s books and sending them out to children for free through local COVID-19 Relief packages for families in Navajo Nation. These books will be a huge support to young Navajo children during these tough times by bringing light to their traditional stories of resilience. 

Museum of Northern Arizona — Art & adaptation

When the world turned upside down this year, we learned to do somersaults, working from our home offices. The specialist work of caring for our extensive collections is an important part of our mission and continues despite the pandemic, as does our archaeological and ecological fieldwork and the preservation of MNA’s buildings, gardens and landscape. We are finding new and imaginative ways to bring the art, science, and culture of the region to your homes, including a re-imagining of The Annual Gala.

NACA to present weekly virtual Talking Circle beginning July 27

NACA’s Community Development and Behavioral Health Departments are announcing a weekly virtual Talking Circle, beginning 7/27/2020 from 5:30-6:30 PM MST. The Talking Circle is open to anyone who wants/needs to connect with others during these stressful times. The Talking Circle will be hosted and managed by NACA’s Social Support Coordinator, and a Community Elder, resources may be available dependent on the need. Participants must abide by confidentiality standards to continue participating.

ECoNA — COVID-19 and the Arts

While everyone has been hard hit by COVID-19, it has been particularly difficult for the arts sector, where finding social-distancing workarounds can be challenging. Coronavirus has temporarily put an end to First Friday Artwalks, crowded summer festivals, and attending concerts and theater productions.

Not to say that the arts in our region have come to a full stop. The Museum of Northern Arizona reopened recently on a limited basis, with patrons having to purchase tickets and schedule their visit in advance so the museum can spread out visitors. Masks are required and multiple other measures have been taken to prevent COVID-19 spread.