
The DLR Group will be holding a virtual meeting to collect information from the community regarding the design & building of our new Killip Elementary School and Community Learning Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18
At the United Way of Northern Arizona, we Step Up for Our Youth because we believe in the power and potential they have. Recent events, however, have shown how far we need to go to create a world in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, enjoys a level playing field, and receives equal justice under the law.
A mix of racism, prejudice and privilege threatens future generations unless it is dealt with now. In this, as in so many things, children will learn from what we choose to do – or the actions we fail to take. To Live United, we need to act on the values we hold dear by helping our youth understand what racism is and how to combat it. In this way, we ensure a better and more equal future for our community and our children.
We are getting closer to launching our Saturday morning conversation via FB live. The title will be: Let’s Talk Salud, Dinero y Amor, and we will test a bilingual approach. As of now, this talk will start at 7 am, and will feature community members, leaders, and experts. The graphic for this offering is not ready; do find attached those being used for the other three virtual offerings. Very much looking forward to this conversation. Participants will be able to engage by providing comments and questions. We are working on preparing a phone number for those who want to join by phone.
Our radio show this week addressed Seguro Social: Jubilación Temprana (1). Don’t miss our new weekly series on nutrition and wellness.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Coconino County enacts Stage Two Fire Restrictions
Take precautions to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
CCC to Host “Virtual” Fourth of July Parade
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
New COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
COVID-19 Testing Information
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted today to enact Stage Two Fire Restrictions effective immediately.
The ordinance applies to private lands in unincorporated areas, which are private lands outside of cities and towns.
The Board enacted a campfire ban in late April to protect the health and safety of firefighters during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the impact of poor air quality on those suffering from or at risk of COVID-19.
Evacuations in the Jacob Lake area due to Mangum Fire burning on the Grand Canyon North Rim.
Evacuations in the Jacob Lake area began due to the Mangum Fire Burning on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office along with the United States Forest Service Personnel began evacuations of the Jacob Lake Area, to include the Jacob Lake Inn and Campgrounds to the north and south of the Inn at the Junction of Hwy 89a and Hwy 67, after Forest Service officials deemed the Mangum Fire had reached a point where it became a threat to residents and Visitor safety.
Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke from the Mangum Fire.
The fire is burning approximately 9 miles southwest of Jacob Lake and 16 miles north of the boundary with the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Smoke is visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, Fredonia, Kanab and Page.
Dear Supporter of Art, Science, and Culture,
As you may know, funding for the arts in Arizona is in jeopardy. Without action, the Arizona Commission on the Arts will lose the majority of its funding this year. We are asking Governor Doug Ducey to allocate funding from the State’s CARES Act funding. The artists of Arizona are changemakers and the Commission has been doing amazing work over the past several years to advance cultural equity and to ensure that the voices of artists of color are supported.
Our executive director sent the this letter to Governor Ducey in response to the defunding of Arizona Commission on the Arts and in support of Arizona Citizens for the Arts’ request to allocate money from the State’s CARES Act funding.
We are also asking our supporters to take action to let Governor Ducey know Arizonans believe funding for the arts in Arizona is vital to our states well being.
Historical trauma impacts so many of our community members and it is a topic that is not always openly discussed and well understood in mainstream society. Further, it is often not considered when designing helping programs, systems or overall prevention programming and worse when placing judgements against groups of people.
Each culture, each individual has their own story to tell, their own traditions, spiritual and cultural practices and so many have had those life components disrupted due to historical events and ongoing injustices.
During a webinar presentation held on June 9, 2020, culturalist and historic trauma specialist Iya Affo provided web viewers a brief overview of historic trauma to help inform community members, professionals and leaders about the creation and impacts of these traumas.
Affo is the founder of Heal Historic Trauma and with Phoenix Rising in Residence (AZ).
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.
Join us on Facebook Friday, June 19th at 4:00pm for a free Studio Tour with Stuart Shils. He’ll be interviewed by Chuck Spence, Vice President of our Board of Directors. We will be looking at how Stuart’s work has evolved from the past into the present and discussing the unique content that he brings to his popular workshops. Stuart will be teaching a virtual workshop “Re-framing the Ordinary” July 17th and 18th. Watch for more information coming soon here and on our website.
Dear friends of Flagstaff’s future,
The work of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is directed toward achieving a
“sustainable, just, and thriving community.” But until people of color, indigenous
people, and undocumented people in our community know they are safe,
protected, and valued, we will fall short of this goal.
The death of George Floyd makes it clear that it is not enough to condemn
racism. And it is not enough to condemn police violence and the many crushing
forms that discrimination takes. We must hold ourselves accountable for what
happens to people of color, native peoples, and undocumented people in our
community. And we must pay attention to all the ways in which discrimination has
taken hold and all the ways it plays out in the life of our community.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future commits itself to participating in meaningful change
to dismantle racism in our community. As we monitor issues related to
development, planning, land and resource use, and the local economy, we will
listen closely to the guidance given by people of color, native peoples, and
members of our immigrant community. Now, more than ever, we will ensure that
justice and equity—and the dismantling of the legacy of racism and white
supremacy—is an orienting principle of our organization.
Racism is a pandemic. Each of us can be an antidote, counteracting the poison
of racism. True sustainability and community vitality depend on it.
Let’s create the change we want to be and push for better conditions for all!
The Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
Coconino County Parks and Recreation is modifying the 71st Coconino County Fair due to COVID-19 concerns.
This decision was reached after months of deliberation, research and consultation with local health officials and the Board of Supervisors. Several county fairs in Arizona have cancelled their events this year due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
During the June 2 meeting, the Board of Supervisors supported a modified event that will incorporate measures to focus on 4-H youth member exhibits, the livestock auction, and online or virtual ways to engage the community in lieu of an in-person event at Fort Tuthill County Park. The safety and health of attendees, exhibitors and staff are very important to the County, as is continued support to area youth with their 4-H and livestock projects.
For many of us, COVID-19 has intensely altered and distorted our lives in contrast to our usual safety net of how we view and live in this world. Besides the terrible impact of this illness on friends and loved ones, the loss of income and constant worry about today, tomorrow, and the future keeps many people frozen in time. Without the emotional and financial support to move forward and make decisions about life, this fear of the unknown is causing anxiety to a level never before experienced by many people.
And yet, as I watch the civil unrest continuing to grow throughout our nation, I am sadly reminded once again of how many of our friends and neighbors (close by, throughout the nation, and throughout the world) have always lived with and continue to live with fear of the unknown. Now, more than ever, that sense of community that is at the heart of the community college mission is important for students, co-workers, friends and neighbors throughout our great country. It is through community that we listen, learn, and seek to understand. It is through community that we demonstrate our support and care for others. And it is through community that we can overcome those fears and accomplish our dreams for a vibrant future.
The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and the City of Flagstaff are helping Museum Flood area residents prepare for the 2020 monsoon season by placing pallets of new sandbags throughout the neighborhoods, which residents can use to repair their sandbag walls.The sandbag placement will run through June 17, 2020.
From NAU students and others protesting around Flagstaff, to statements from officials condemning the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and the nationwide/worldwide protests this past week.
The Northern Arizona community has also come out to make their voices heard.
Send an email to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com to make your voice heard.
The mission of LAUNCH Flagstaff is to advance equitable access to world-class education for every child in Flagstaff. By definition, equity is the state of being just and fair and it is the context through which the partners of LAUNCH Flagstaff take their collaborative action. This is easier said than done, because achieving equity often requires the non-equal distribution of resources
The truth is that to be successful in achieving equity in education, we will have to make significant progress in undoing the historical injustices and ongoing inequities imposed on Indigenous, Black, and Latino peoples by White people through the colonization of this land.
Current events have once again brought America’s history of racism and state-sanctioned violence against people of color to the surface. We have an opportunity to collectively examine our personal and institutional beliefs, practices and policies, questioning their origin and their validity.
The Sedona Arts Center has reopened its Fine Art Gallery and live in-person classes to the public with a Covid-19 protocol of: ongoing sanitation, social distancing, following government guidelines, and wearing face masks in our indoor public spaces. New gallery hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The Administrative offices will remain closed to the public at this time, please call 928-282-3809 for assistance or call the gallery at 928-282-3865.
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
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.
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.
What a season! Up high, the Peaks are cleared of snow welcoming the coming summer sun; down below, the fruit trees are blossom-filled and mountain irises are quietly opening their wings. Nature’s breath, thank goodness, is as close and intimate as ever.
Still, social isolation is hard. There’s just no good substitute for gathering in a coffee shop or sharing a meal with friends. The need to be in a common space with one another is so strong that it feels like a magnetic force.
But physical distancing doesn’t have to mean social distancing! Below are some links to local projects of mutual aid and solidarity in action, as well as ideas from other communities.
Let’s create the change we want to be! Stay healthy!
The Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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).
The city of Flagstaff began the Coconino Estates Improvements Phase I Project on May 26, 2020. The entire Project is anticipated to be complete in the Fall of 2022. Typical work hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday with occasional work on Fridays. The work will start on the Navajo Road portion of the project from Fort Valley Road to the east side of the Hopi Drive intersection. Improvements include replacing the existing water, sewer, and roadway infrastructure. Additionally, sidewalks will be installed within city right-of-way along both sides of Navajo Road.
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.”