Category: Local

NAU News — NAU pathogen scientist collaborating on vaccine that could prevent, treat COVID-19

NAU pathogen scientist collaborating on vaccine that could prevent, treat COVID-19
C. Todd French, assistant professor of biology and leader of NAU’s COVID-19 Testing Service Center, is studying a vault-based coronavirus vaccine that could represent a step toward blocking the outbreak of a similar virus in the future

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino Volunteer & Decorated Vietnam War Vet Billy Weldon Wins America’s Favorite Crossing Guard

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
America’s Favorite Crossing Guard
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

This Week’s Virtual Highlights
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.

ECoNA —Highgate Senior Living Poised to Hire 80+ Workers

As our region tentatively enters into its economic recovery, it is encouraging to know a new enterprise is coming to Flagstaff and planning to hire more than 80 workers.

Highgate Senior Living, a new assisted living facility under construction on 3.3 acres of McMillan Mesa, is starting to fill positions in advance of its grand opening next spring.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Resiliency/mindfulness training helps during these challenging times

It is not easy to write this message.  I, just like many of you, have found myself filled with many emotions ranging from deep sadness to raw anger.  Many of us around the Nation are trying to find our voice, our place- ideas for how we can make a positive impact.  CCC&Y has a long history of advocating for and working toward justice and equity for our community.

I was scheduled to present the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) / resiliency training live this week for a school district.  I was re-struck, while speaking with these educators, by how relevant the work of CCC&Y is- even during current times.  I felt gratitude for this connection and all of you who further this work.

If you have not done so already, I would invite you to visit our webinar on ACES.  It will help you to gain personal insight into what happens to people, what we do to people and how society can choose to make trauma worse or better for folks.  That insight then becomes sharable.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Replacement Sandbags are Coming to Your Neighborhood

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Replacement Sandbags are Coming to Your Neighborhood
Fourth County COVID-19 Testing Blitz collects 341 tests
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Banjo picking for CCC scholarships for underserved Native Americans

It started off as a project to meet the requests of fans of his performances on the train.

It ended up as a labor of love to help underserved Native Americans attend college.

Banjo Billy Smith, a regular performer on the Grand Canyon Railway before the COVID-19 outbreak, has started the Banjo Billy Scholarship for Underserved Native Americans at Coconino Community College.

Museum of Northern Arizona — June at the Museum

As I pass the one year mark as Director here at MNA, I look back on a memorable and sometimes challenging year. From the Museum Fire last year to a Pandemic in 2020, our staff, volunteers and members have demonstrated resilience, imagination, flexibility and their passion for MNA. After many weeks working from home, some of the museum staff are now gradually and gratefully returning to their offices, after undergoing training to further enhance their safety while at work. From increased cleaning and socially distanced meetings to wearing masks when together, we are adjusting to new ways of working safely. We will be equally cautious reopening to the public. We are currently planning so that you can come and experience the museum in a safe and enjoyable way. To see some of the changes we are putting in place, I invite you to join the virtual tour of the museum on June 18, as we continue to bring the museum to you, until you can come to us. I look forward to that day. It is the people of MNA, all of you included, who make this museum the remarkable place it is. Thank you for being a part of MNA, and for helping to make my first year here such an enjoyable and rewarding time.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

Governor Doug Ducey issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, including putting in place a curfew starting at 8:00 p.m. May 31, 2020. The curfew is in effect from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and shall expire on Monday, June 8, at 5:00 a.m. unless further extended. The text of the order is available here.

CCC’s Myers lives passion for getting students into construction trades

Hammer. Saw. Drill. Tape Measure. Level.

His teaching tools are a bit different from a typical community college faculty member, but his skill at using those tools and his passion for sharing that knowledge helps students quickly enter the workforce and find meaningful careers.

As a result, Ken Myers, Construction Technology Management faculty at Coconino Community College, is being recognized as Arizona’s Career and Technical Education Post-Secondary Educator of the Year.

Sedona Arts Center Reopens June 5

The Sedona Arts Center will be re-opening its Fine Art Gallery and live in-person classes to the public in early June with a Covid-19 protocol of: ongoing sanitation, social distancing, following government guidelines, and wearing face masks in our indoor public spaces. June 5th is the opening day for our Fine Art Gallery come see the exhibition from 10am – 5pm!

CCC advisors get job done ‘virtually’

Charlotte Willin appeared on the computer screen via a Zoom video conference with her Coconino Community College advisor Mitch Driebe.

Willin, a student at Northern Arizona University, wants to knock out Physiology & Anatomy 2 during the summer while she is at home in Long Beach, Calif. Her goal is to become an Occupational Therapist.

“I didn’t want to forget anything,” Willin said to Driebe.

Her reason for taking the five-week session at Coconino Community College: It ‘s very affordable.

Willin joins hundreds of other students filling out their class rosters for summer and fall “virtually” with advisors at CCC. The college began offering the service following the campus closures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Local First Arizona Announces Additional $425,000 in Donations for Small Business Relief Fund From Rural Partners and Local Banks

Small businesses across Arizona have lost federal dollars to larger companies in urban areas — that is no secret. Lack of access to SBA-partnered community banks limited opportunities for many. Local First Arizona is proud to join forces these three partners to distribute grants — not loans — to businesses across the state.

Coconino County Statement on Statewide Curfew Order

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Sup. Liz Archuleta issued the following statement after the announcement of statewide curfew.

“Gov. Ducey has announced a statewide curfew for all of Arizona every night this week. The curfew begins at 8pm and will lift each morning at 5am. Coconino County encourages all persons to comply with the Governor’s order and limit any travel during curfew to essential needs for work or public health or safety.”   

Fourth County COVID-19 Testing Blitz collects 341 tests

Coconino County collected 341 tests for COVID-19 at the fourth Testing Blitz event held Saturday, May 30 at the Coconino Health and Human Services location in Flagstaff. Coupled with the first three testing blitz events, the County has collected 1,439 tests.

Coconino Volunteer & Decorated Vietnam War Vet Billy Weldon Wins America’s Favorite Crossing Guard

Safe Kids Coconino County, led by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), and Safe Kids Worldwide are proud to recognize Billy Weldon as the winner of the 2020 America’s Favorite Crossing Guard contest.

After tens of thousands of votes from appreciative supporters that earned him a spot as one of the top five finalists, Weldon was named the winner by a panel of judges because of his exceptional impact on his community and his commitment to the safety of the students. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — CCHHS offers businesses reopening plan review and guidance 

Facilities across Arizona have reopened or are in the process of making reopening plans following the expiration of the Arizona stay-at-home order. The State of Arizona announced that criteria for entering Phase 1 of the phased reopening approach outlined in the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again have been met. The guidelines, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state that a downward trajectory of documented COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period is one criterion for entering Phase I.

Bilingual report — Conversations with Arizona Families about the Impact of Distance Learning on Students with Disabilities and other Vulnerable Populations on June 4, 25, July 2

Conversations with Arizona Families about the Impact of Distance Learning on Students with Disabilities and other Vulnerable Populations

Helping CCC art students fearlessly explore

Color. Form. Aesthetics.

To him, art is a conversation between the artist and the world – an assertion he repeats to his students. And they appreciate him for it.

Art Faculty Jeff Roth has been selected as the 2020-21 Coconino Community College Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Roth, who has been with CCC for three years, teaches Art Appreciation, Drawing 1, Life Drawing 1, Life Drawing 2, Digital Photography 1 and Mural Painting.

NAU News — NAU, Coconino County collaborate to measure business sentiment during COVID-19 pandemic

The Economic Policy Institute is administering a survey that is designed to measure business sentiment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of local and state government pandemic restrictions on local businesses. It is the first survey to provide rolling data specific to northern Arizona.

CCC CARES Act grants available for fall

Did you know that you might qualify for money to go to college this fall?

But you will have to apply quickly for federal financial aid.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the federal government has approved funds through the CARES Act to help U.S. citizens attend college.

Coconino Community College has received a share of this money and will distribute it for the Fall semester to students and prospective students who qualify.

KNAU eNews: The Stone Cabin, The Beach and more

Scientists use different models to try to forecast the spread of the coronavirus disease. The models can inform public health decisions like when to reopen businesses, but—just like weather forecasting—they’re not perfect at predicting the future. Learn more at KNAU.org.

Bilingual report — Coconino County schedules fourth COVID-19 Testing Blitz on May 30

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is participating in the Arizona COVID-19 Testing Blitz on Saturday, May 30.

This is the fourth Testing Blitz hosted by CCHHS as part of the statewide initiative which aims to test up to 60,000 Arizonans for COVID-19.

Testing will be held at Coconino County Health and Human Services, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Drive through testing and walk up testing will be available.

CCC’s Friedman shares big ideas in the world of the small

Doug Friedman’s passion for the subject gives him the ability to make the world of microscopic organisms accessible – and fascinating – to his students.

As one of his students stated, “Doug showed me this passion for Microbiology I did not know I had. It’s a fascinating subject. I never had an instructor who made me think outside the box so frequently. He is exactly what college professors should be doing.”

Friedman was selected by students and colleagues as the 2020-21 Full-Time Faculty of the Year at Coconino Community College.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — FUSD High Schools Graduation Procession is May 29, 2020

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
FUSD High School Graduation TOMORROW
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

FUSD High Schools to hold graduation procession on May 29

Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) high schools, Coconino High School, Flagstaff High School, and Summit High School, will hold graduation processions on Fourth Street in Flagstaff, Arizona on Friday, May 29, 2020.  The event will include an opportunity for graduates to be recognized while still ensuring necessary social distancing measures. 

“We are very proud of the accomplishments and efforts of FUSD’s senior students over many years.” said Superintendent Michael Penca. “They are graduating under extraordinary circumstances in which they have demonstrated persistence, patience, and compassion for others.  While we all wish we could hold our traditional ceremony, we know this event will be a special celebration for our seniors, their families, and our entire community.”

United Way of Northern Arizona COVID-19 Fund Assists Essential Workers with Child Care

Throughout this crisis, we have celebrated essential workers – those brave souls who have faced the threat of coronavirus on an almost daily basis so that everyone else could safely stay at home practicing social distancing to stem the pandemic.

But what happens to essential workers with small children? Who is there to take care of their sons or daughters while they were busy taking care of the rest of us.

Due to COVID-19, more than 80 percent of licensed child care centers in Flagstaff were forced to close. Those that remained open had to operate far below capacity, collecting less revenue while simultaneously facing greater operational expenses.

That is why the United Way of Northern Arizona recently provided grants through its COVID-19 Fund to both the Flagstaff Family YMCA and the Association for Supportive Child Care (ASCC).

ECoNA COVID-19 Bulletin #9: Rapid Employment Training Grants

As we gradually move from crisis response to economic recovery, our region’s businesses are poised to reopen and a variety of entities are working to make sure that shift is both safe and successful.

To that end, here are some of the resources you may wish to consult during this time of transition.

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   This Week’s Virtual Highlights 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,…

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Face coverings required in Coconino County Court buildings/Revestimientos faciales requeridos en los edificios del Tribunal del Condado de Coconino

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Face Coverings Required in Coconino County Court Buildings
ACDL: The Impact of COVID-19 and Special Education
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Watch free webinar — Strengthening Families Protective Factors

CCC&Y hosted this 1.5 hour webinar to ensure we look through a strength-based framework that is evidence-based, supports families and is prevention focused. This is for the community, as well as, professionals. Trainer: Claire Louge, Prevention Child Abuse Arizona

According to one participant: “I was so surprised that I could use the information in a lot of work that I do and not just with youth and families. It is truly amazing how it related to just every day life. It was great!!” “The reminders to look for strengths in everyone, even yourself.”

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Health and Human Services launches Healthy Habits Emergency Saving

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Healthy Habits Emergency Saving  Matching Program
Memorial Day Precautions
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

CASA of Coconino County Shows Appreciation to Those Who Served

Monday is Memorial Day and CASA of Coconino County would like to show appreciation to our U.S. Armed Forces. Those who have served and continue to serve their country are an inspiration.

We cannot forget the reason for the Memorial Day holiday – honoring those who have lost their lives while selflessly serving our country. CASA of Coconino County pays their respect to these heroes.

A Note from Supervisor Archuleta

As we head into the long Memorial Day weekend, I want to honor all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and who have sacrificed their lives for our rights, freedoms, and liberties. Their sacrifice is not forgotten, and we are endlessly grateful for their service.

I encourage you to take this weekend to enjoy our beautiful spring weather (within safety limits). I want to thank you all for continuing to practice COVID-19 safety practices. I know this has not been an easy feat, but your commitment to our community during this time is crucial in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the health and safety of all of our residents.

Bilingual report — Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD), City of Flagstaff, helping Museum Flood area residents prepare for the 2020 monsoon season

The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and the City of Flagstaff, helping Museum Flood are residents prepare for the 2020 monsoon season.

Bilingual report — Coconino County Health and Human Services launches Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching Program

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is launching a program that matches people’s savings while helping them improve their financial habits.

The Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching program provides free financial education/coaching and matches participants’ saving over nine months. The longer participants save, the larger the matching ratio becomes – giving participants the opportunity to triple their savings from $225 to $675.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Communications Issue #1 — Local Efforts, Good Information to Have and to Share

Dear Friends,

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is entering a new phase in its 24 years of promoting the value of open spaces, participating in city planning, and supporting locally owned businesses.

This is the first of a bi-weekly communication containing information about Local Efforts and just plain good information to have and share about our community. Each communication will also contain quotes and references to Educational articles and New Ideas followed by a Thought for the Day.

If you have ideas to share, send them to us.
If you want more information about Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, take a look at our website: https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/ or our Facebook page.

Let’s create the change we want to be! Stay healthy!

~Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future

Mini-grants for small businesses from Local First Arizona

Local First Arizona has created a Small Business Relief Fund to provide mini-grants (typically ranging from $1000 – $2500) to locally-owned small businesses. Local First Arizona is attempting to serve as many individuals and families in need as possible. The application process is simple and can be completed quickly. Please review the criteria before applying:
 

Bilingual report: Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Memorial Day

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2020 in honor of Memorial Day.

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

Public health officials recommend Memorial Day precaution

Memorial Day, observed on Monday, May 25, is a day to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

This year, Coconino County Health and Human Services recommends taking extra precautions when participating in Memorial Day activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

KNAU eNews — Martian Home-Away-From-Home, Poetry for the Class of 2020 and more

More than fifteen hundred clinical trials are underway worldwide related to the coronavirus disease. Many of these experiments are focused on developing new drugs and therapies to treat patients. Along with public health measures, those are an important line of defense against COVID-19 until a vaccine is created. Learn more at KNAU.org.

CCC faculty receive Emeritus Professor honor

Two retiring faculty members at Coconino Community College, with more than four decades of service to the college between them, have received the honor of Professor Emeritus.

David Rudakewich and Kim Sonier were honored during the April 30 meeting of the CCC District Governing Board. The board members voted unanimously to bestow the honor on them both.

NAU News — NAU grad creates Native American Cultural Competency program to help others feel supported, encouraged in higher ed

Kalvina Lee Belin, a graduate of the master of public health program with an emphasis on Indigenous health, created the online training to offer strategies and tools to help faculty and staff create spaces where Native American students feel they belong and are motivated in the learning process.

City of Flagstaff announces Memorial Day closures

City of Flagstaff administrative functions will be closed Monday, May 25, 2020 in honor of Memorial Day. The administrative functions of the city will re-open Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

The East Flagstaff Community Library and the downtown Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will resume Curbside Hold Pickup and phone reference services on May 26, 2020. Other city facilities will remain closed to the public due to the COVID-19.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County currently has a response rate of 34.6% for the 2020 Census.

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

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

This Week’s Virtual Highlights
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.

Sedona Arts Center Reopens June 5

The Sedona Arts Center will be re-opening its Fine Art Gallery and classes to the public in early June with a Covid-19 protocol of: ongoing sanitation, social distancing, following government guidelines, and wearing face masks when social distancing is not possible.

City of Flagstaff announces 2020 street maintenance projects – Road Repair and Street Safety

The 2020 streets maintenance program was approved by Flagstaff City Council on May 19, 2020. This project will address various locations in the community and includes minor concrete repairs, asphalt overlays and chip sealing. The total cost of the project is $5.6 million and is scheduled to begin on May 26, 2020.

The maintenance work will be performed on the following roads:

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Congratulations Graduates

In This Newsletter:

A Note from Supervisor Archuleta
Public health officials recommend Memorial Day precautions
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
Division of Developmental Disabilities Virtual Town Hall Meetings
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join a winning team to help families in Coconino County

As Coconino County and the state of Arizona ease out of the Coronavirus lockdown, many questions remain.

Are we heading for a second wave requiring families in hotspots to once again shelter at home? Will schools reopen this summer or fall? Are parents prepared to meet additional teach-at-home challenges? How have children survived the past few months — are they feeling depressed, isolated, traumatized, both physically and mentally?

So many questions. At the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, we have been busy trying to help families, partner organizations and members navigate this new virtual world. …

Now, more than ever, there is so much to do to help families in Coconino County, and with your help as a supporting member, we can continue to help the community and expand our efforts to meet the ever-changing times. Please visit here for membership options.

Coconino County Fair (Sept. 4-7) is hiring

Coconino County Parks & Recreation is gearing up for another amazing Coconino County Fair, and they need your help! The Parks & Recreation Department is hiring temporary staff for the upcoming Fair, which takes place over Labor Day Weekend at Fort Tuthill County Park.  This four-day event gives staff the opportunity to earn some extra money while having County Fair Fun and helping to make this annual event memorable for the entire community.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Public trashing Coconino National Forest

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Public trashing Coconino National Forest
Coconino NF reopening some recreation sites
Flagstaff Family Food Center COVID-19 Service
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Visit our Website

United Way of Northern Arizona, Coconino County Launch COVID-19 Safety-Net Services Coalition

Coconino County has suffered greatly from the coronavirus pandemic. Our residents only make up about 2% of the state, but we have 6% of the COVID-19 cases and 10% of the fatalities attributed to the disease – the highest death rate in Arizona.

Add to that the economic impact of the disease. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the four industries that have been hardest hit in terms of unemployment during this time are hospitality, retail, education/health care services, and government. Those also are the sectors that make up the bulk of our jobs in northern Arizona.

The demands on our nonprofits are unprecedented. Which is why United Way of Northern Arizona established the COVID-19 Fund two months ago, and why we are teaming up with Coconino County to lead the COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

The CDC has recently announced the expanded the list of wide-range symptoms for COVID-19. The mild to severe symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after initial exposure to the virus. The expanded list of six new symptoms is crucial for individuals who are seeking testing whom must first show symptoms.

Flagstaff Visitor Center set to reopen

The Flagstaff Visitor Center will reopen May 22, 2020, to coincide with the Governor’s opening of the state. The Visitor Center will reopen in an effort to support and serve visitors and the community as businesses and restaurants in historic downtown Flagstaff and other parts of the city reopen.

Third County COVID-19 Testing Blitz collects 398 specimens

Coconino County collected 398 tests for COVID-19 at the third Testing Blitz event held Saturday, May 16 at the Coconino Health and Human Services location in Flagstaff.

Coupled with the first two testing blitz events, the County has collected 1098 number of total tests.

Sinagua Middle School Parent Teacher Organization update — Final Update from Principal Popham – Closing Out the School Year

If you will not have students at Sinagua Middle School next year, we’re guessing you won’t want to receive these emails next year. We don’t want to spam you either! So, don’t forget to unsubscribe from these emails by clicking the button below, or simply reply to this email letting us know you will not have students at SMS after this year.