Category: Youth

First-year student finds his path at CCC

He wants to apply himself to something bigger.

Horizon Gillson, a freshman at Coconino Community College, plans to get his associates at CCC and then transfer to Northern Arizona University. He hopes to get his bachelor’s degree in Physics and is considering a minor in Disability Studies. 

Gillson finished high school in Gallup, New Mexico, and decided to give CCC a shot to “see if I was cut out for this,” Gillson said, adding that everything is going well with classes and that CCC has helped him figure out where “I want to go and where I want to be.”

Gillson chose CCC to continue his education because of the affordability, how close it is to home, and CCC’s relationship with NAU. He plans to join the CCC2NAU program next semester, which helps students save money while reaching their educational goals both at CCC and NAU. 

Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: somos semillitas of the Earth

This week, we are joining communities around the country and across the world to celebrate día de la Tierra.

The environmental movement has grown, evolved, and become more diverse since the first Earth Day over fifty years ago, and people everywhere are growing to better understand our intimate relationship with our beautiful planet. Somos semillitas and the earth can nourish us in awe-inspiring ways if we honor that relationship. These are hopeful signs and reasons to continue working towards a healthier, more sustainable, and balanced environment for ourselves, for our children, and for our children’s children.

Starting this weekend, join us in celebrating youth and familias outdoors, the spirit of conservation, and the promise of the future us.

United Way of Northern Arizona — TUNNEL FIRE: ‘A Time for Neighbors to Help Neighbors’

During last night’s informative community meeting on the Tunnel Fire, it was the words of Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman that stood out to us:

“This is a time for neighbors to help neighbors.”

United Way of Northern Arizona is currently raising money to help those impacted by the Tunnel Fire through the UWNA Crisis Response Fund. You can donate to the fund by texting UWNAZresponse to 41444. Donations can also be processed on our website here.

CCC to present ‘Through the Years’ 30th anniversary celebration on May 9

Join Coconino Community College staff, faculty, alums, students and supporters as we celebrate the college through the years during our 30th year serving communities of Coconino County.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 9, CCC Lone Tree Campus Commons, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff.

Listen to stories from faculty, alums, students, staff and supporters on how the college came to be, how it grew over the years and what’s in store for the future. Proclamations celebrating CCC from Coconino County and the cities of Flagstaff and Page will be shared. Food and refreshments will be available.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Earth Day, Notes from the President and an NAU grad

10 ways to celebrate Mother Earth

Taking care of this planet means potentially reducing the impacts of climate change, including catastrophic wildfires like the one outside Flagstaff today. Earth Day is tomorrow, and one of the best ways to make sure you are celebrating all year long is by adopting small, consistent changes that can become a part of your everyday life. From learning the ins and outs of recycling and how to conserve energy, here is a list of small, easy ways to give back to the world that gives us so much.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Still time to register for CCC&Y’s ‘Mindful Positioning’ workshop

There is still time to register for CCC&Y’s “Mindful Positioning — Seeking Change & Healing” virtual workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.

International child welfare expert Kevin Campbell will host the event. Register here.

More than ever- we need to unite with diverse community members in a process designed to gain answers and input. A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.

With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils

For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org

Read More

NEW Art workshops at Sedona Arts Center

From the beginning to the experienced student, this one-day class in oil or acrylic will guide and teach students how to approach the painting process with confidence, while exploring the basics of value-pattern, composition and color. Students may work from life and/or photos. Instructor demonstrations and lots of individual attention provided.

Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS) — FLYRS Summer Camps 2022

We just kicked off our biggest season yet with kids hitting the trails for the spring session. We still have some open spots in these groups: High School, Middle School girls, and 3-5th grade advanced skills. This is the last week to register before it closes for the season.

Click here to register

City of Flagstaff hosts Earth Day celebration on April 23

The City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office invites community members to a celebration of Earth Day 2022. The festivities are scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista Dr). 

This year’s Earth Day event will be one to remember, featuring informational booths, food vendors, live bands, do it yourself activities, a sustainability scavenger hunt and free workshops on home electrification, rainwater harvesting and composting in Flagstaff. For detailed event information please visit https://flagstaff.az.gov/1439/Earth-Day.  

Flagstaff Leadership Program submissions extended to April 30

The Flagstaff Leadership Program Board of Directors has extended the applications for new class members to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30.

The Class of 2022-23 will be chosen soon after that deadline, so the FLP board is asking you to let your people know!

If you have friends, family, co-workers, bosses, employees, neighbors, or anybody else whom you think would be an asset to FLP and would get value from participation in the program, NOW is the time to alert them.

Earth Day 2022: Invest in Your Planet, Invest in Your Community

On Friday, April 22nd, communities around the world will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Invest In Our Planet.” Coconino County, in partnership with Friends of Coconino County Parks, the City of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, and the U.S. Forest Service are partnering to facilitate three cleanup events throughout the community.

CCC2NAU student sees a future in the Grand Canyon and in academia

He wants to focus on his education while still being a river guide. 

Coconino Community College student David Cassidy has worked as a river guide in the Grand Canyon for the last 13 years. He originally grew up in Yuma, Ariz., but fell in love with the Grand Canyon when he was 17 while visiting with his friends. 

“I was pretty blown away by it and determined to come back,” Cassidy said, adding, “I just thought there is so much to see, even if I come back once a year, I’ll never see as much as I want to.”

Cassidy moved to Grand Canyon Village at the age of 19 and started working odd jobs in the town to be close to the canyon. One day while on a hike, he met someone on the trail who was there for both work and to see the beautiful sights the Grand Canyon had to offer. Cassidy decided that was the career for him. 

Patrice Horstman — April 2022 District One Newsletter

We certainly are hoping for April showers to bring May flowers and provide much needed moisture to Coconino County. April is also the month we celebrate Earth Day. Since 1970, April 22nd marks the day that is referred to as the birth of the modern environmental movement. This year’s theme is “Invest in our Planet” and in keeping with that theme and the importance of us all working together to build a healthier and more sustainable planet, Coconino County has a number of “Earth Month” events including litter cleanups, climate action and renewable energy programs. Go to http://www.coconino.az.gov/2884/Earth-Day-Schedule for more information.

Applications open for 2022 Andy Harvey Indigenous Youth Media Workshop

Applications are currently open for Northern Arizona University’s 10th annual Andy Harvey Indigenous Youth Media Workshop to all students currently in grades 8 – 12, with preference given to Native American high-school juniors and seniors.

This year’s workshop will be held June 19-25. Students will live on the NAU campus and learn how to tell stories using the creative skills of digital filmmaking, photography, audio production, and broadcast journalism. The workshop concludes with a live student produced newscast in NAU’s 3-camera high definition TV studio.

CCC student sees future at Phoenix Children’s Hospital

She wants to help others with the same experience

Coconino Community College student Anna Gottschling has lived in Flagstaff all of her life. At the age of two, she suffered from an injury known as a subdural hematoma, which is a bleed in your brain. She was saved by Dr. Nathan Avery in Flagstaff and then transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for additional surgeries, physical therapy, and her recovery.   

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Celebrate Earth Day and more news

Earth Day is next week and there’s no better way to celebrate than participating in a local event. Join Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, Friends of Coconino County Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service for a volunteer cleanup and an activity afterwards in honor of Earth Day 2022. All cleanups start at 10 a.m. and include a fun outdoor activity. Register at the Sign-Up Genius Links below.

Can’t make it? Invest in yourself and your community by getting outside and making a difference on your own. Tag a picture with #NAZEarthDay22 to be a part of the celebration.

Wed., April 20 cleanup at Highway 180 (Peak View) https://tinyurl.com/et7jdajj
Thurs., April 21 cleanup at Fort Tuthill County Park https://tinyurl.com/yc7t6ykn
Fri., April 22 cleanup at Ashurst Lake
https://tinyurl.com/2s4pmk5v

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 11-15, 2022

Grand Canyon and Tusayan April vaccine events  

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccination team will hold its next mobile vaccination event for Grand Canyon and Tusayan on Monday, April 25. The Grand Canyon event will be held at the Rec Center from 9-11 a.m. (see full flyer here) and the Tusayan event will be held at the Tusayan Fire Station from 1-3 p.m (see full flyer here).

As a reminder, the FDA and CDC have approved a second booster dose for individuals who are age 50 or older. They recommend the booster be given 4 months after your first booster.

NPS employees are authorized to take administrative leave up to 4 hours (and 8 hours if traveling) for COVID vaccines, including vaccine booster doses. You may also use this leave to support family members receiving COVID vaccines or booster doses. 

The NAU Review — Honoring the Gold Axe, President’s Prize and Distinguished Seniors, a statewide attack on Valley fever and how NAU promotes volunteerism

President Cruz Rivera honored 48 Gold Axe winners, five President’s Prize recipients and nine Distinguished Seniors for their hard work and commitment to their educations and their careers at NAU. “These students have shown incredible resilience and determination to arrive at this point in their academic and personal journeys, and they all have achieved a tremendous amount to excel in their studies and give back in such meaningful ways,” he told the crowd on Tuesday night. The recipients of the President’s Prize, which is the highest award for undergraduates at NAU, are Maylee Acosta, Matthew Billings, Clarreese Greene, Ariana Kelley and Rachell Krell.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — It’s not too late to make a difference! Help us reach our goal!

This is your opportunity to make a difference with the Flagstaff Festival of Science! Your ongoing support as a meaningful friend to the Festival has helped us develop compelling and powerful events each year! This year, our keynote speaker will bring the fascinating world of pharaohs and Egyptian gods, right here to our mountain town! 

Dr. Zahi Hawass, world renowned Egyptologist and presenter, typically charges $50- $150 for ticketed events, but here in Flagstaff audiences can attend for FREE as we promise to make science accessible to all! But we need the help of our donors today, to make a difference in science education!

The Festival has a goal to raise $3,000 in this campaign!

(We are one third of the way there with one day to go!)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y providing free training as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has unveiled a free training webinar for parents, caregivers and all community members as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

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

With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.
A very special thank you to all of our partners who help get this information out to our community!

Comments from those who have already seen the training.

“loved the acknowledgment that we can all recognize stressors are high right now”
“realized this was my first mindful breath of the day”
“feels supportive and a great jump off point to learn more”

For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org

Bilingual report — Registration now open for Ballet Folklórico de Colores Summer Camp

Registration for Ballet Folklórico de Colores’ super fun Latin American Culture and Dance Camp is open!! This year, we will be learning about México, Perú, Chile, Panamá and Nicaragua. Register here: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTQ2NDIx

A limited number of partial scholarships are available at

https://www.balletfolkloricoflagstaff.org/summer-camp.html

City of Flagstaff enters Phase 4 of COVID-19 Reentry Plan

The City of Flagstaff will move to Phase 4 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan on April 11. This move is due to the downward trajectory in the number of new cases, hospitalizations and COVID-related deaths in Flagstaff. The City will continue to monitor conditions and take steps it deems necessary to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread within City facilities.

CCC2NAU student to become a health psychologist

Coconino Community College student Kayla Witzig moved to Flagstaff from Scottsdale to continue her education and achieve her goal of getting her associate degree in psychology. She chose CCC because of the beautiful weather in Flagstaff and because she was not sure what she wanted to do after high school graduation. She wanted to start slow at a community college.

Witzig is a CCC2NAU student, and she said that “I have my own CCC2NAU advisor,” adding that they help her figure out the courses she needs to complete at CCC to receive her associate degree and transfer to NAU. 

The CCC2NAU program helps students save money and accomplish their educational goals both at CCC and NAU. The program offers a seamless transition process that will help transferring students. 

Community engagement sought during survey in April for the Thorpe Park Annex

Southwest Decision Resources, the City of Flagstaff (Parks Recreation Open Space and Events Division), and Wheat Design Group have announced it is conducting a survey through April for the Thorpe Park Annex.

The community survey will continue generating great ideas and continue problem solving. 

Click here to take part in the survey.

AZMOM NORTH (Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy) is calling for volunteers for its Summer 2022 Patient Dental Clinic on June 17-18, 2022 at Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff

AZMOM NORTH (Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy) is calling for volunteers for its Summer 2022 Patient Dental Clinic on June 17-18, 2022 at Fort Tuthill Commercial Building, Flagstaff.

Join us this summer with hundreds of other volunteers helping treat patients in under-served populations that need our help in providing dental care.

This is your chance to participate in the largest dental charity in Arizona.

Creative Flagstaff — Early Access to Viola Tickets ends tomorrow!

We had an issue with the member discount codes earlier this week, but it should all be sorted now. Use code VA22 to unlock tickets AND receive a 10% discount on your tickets! Tickets will go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday, April 7th. Your 10% discount will still apply after tomorrow. If you have any issues purchasing tickets, please call Sarah at 928-779-7159.

This year’s Viola Awards are recognizing 41 finalists across 10 categories. See the full list of finalists on our website. Winners will be announced during the main ceremony on April 30th.

Purchasing a ticket to the main ceremony includes admission to the afterparty which will feature our four Excellence in Music finalists: iiwaa, Tré Orona & Tsoh Tso, WinterHaven, & Tha ‘Yoties.

Grand Canyon National Park — Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 4-8, 2022

Grand Canyon Visitor Center changes in operations 

Due to low staffing levels, there will be modified operations to Grand Canyon Visitor Center information desk hours this spring. 

From April 8-23, the outdoor GCVC Information Desk will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday to Monday. Please note, the building is still closed to the public and the GCVC Theater is under construction. Ranger programs will continue at 11 a.m. at the Yavapai Geology Museum Amphitheater, Thursday to Monday through April 23

The NAU Review — Strokes, Alzheimer’s disease and NAU’s student service day

A new study, co-authored by Pamela Bosch, Indrakshi Roy and Amit Kumar, found that people with lower socioeconomic status and people from ethnic minority populations have a greater likelihood of severe stroke than white Americans or those of a higher socioeconomic status. But it’s not just that—those groups also are more likely to have a more severe stroke incident at the time they are admitted to the hospital.

FUSD Foundation, Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival New Charitable Partner, Benefits School Music Programs

The Flagstaff Blues and Brews event-organizers/owner announced on April 6 a community partnership with the Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation (FUSDF). Through a portion of the festivals proceeds, it will benefit the music programs in the Flagstaff Public School District (FUSD) and inspire kids through music.

FUSDF enhances the educational experience of students in the district, with the help and support of alumni and community resources and funding.  Since 2016, the FUSD Foundation has raised over $74,000, to directly help FUSD and impacting the lives of thousands of students. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Child Abuse Prevention Month Planning Meeting on April 7— Hope you can attend!

April is child abuse prevention month.  The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, along with the help of many partners will be unveiling our coordinated prevention plan at our April 7th meeting at 10 a.m. (zoom)

​​​​​​​If you are already a part of the Coconino Prevention Council- just attend the meeting as usual.  If you would like to be added to the calendar invite to hear about this project, the planned rollout and how you can easily help spread awareness- please let us know so we can add you to the invite.  

We will also screen our brand new 30 min ACES/Mindfulness/ Protective Factors training that is meant to feed community members into all of our other work. 

Please join us in support of Prevention efforts in Coconino County- your help and support is needed!

For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org

Creative Flagstaff — Join the Board

Creative Flagstaff, formerly Flagstaff Arts Council, the City’s nonprofit art, science, and culture agency seeks applicants to serve as board members. Applicants will fill seats previously filled by long-time board members that have terms ending June 30, 2022.

Diversifying stakeholders, community groups, experience, and expertise represented by the Board of Directors is an important part of Creative Flagstaff’s strategic plan adopted in June 2021.

Over the coming couple of years, the Board anticipates recruiting members that provide leadership experience in nonprofit governance, philanthropy, arts, education, sciences, public policy, and programming from diverse lived experiences including BIPOC and creative professionals.

Sedona Arts Center — Only a few hours left to give!

Arizona Gives Day is an annual giving movement uniting nonprofits, big and small, new and established, to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving. The event helps raise awareness about the critical role Arizona nonprofits play in our communities and inspires people to give generously creating a thriving and stronger Arizona for all.Pledge an Arizona Gives Day gift now at

www.azgives.org/sedonaartscenter

The NAU Review — Celebrating AAPI month, increasing cybersecurity preparedness and graduate research in three minutes

This April, join the NAU community in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. IMQ and other organizations will host a variety of events to celebrate and recognize these cultures on campus. With the increase in violence toward Asian and Pacific Islander people, it is especially important to honor and celebrate these countries and cultures.

United Way of Northern Arizona — AZ Gives Starts Today

We hope that you’ll join us for Arizona Gives Day, a 24-hour, statewide celebration of charitable organizations that starts at noon today. It’s a special time that unites supporters of big and small nonprofits to increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving.

Many thanks to those of you who have already donated to United Way of Northern Arizona as part of this year’s #AZGIves campaign. If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, you can do so by clicking HERE.

CCC student sees future working in IT or programming

He loves to learn, especially about computers. 

Coconino Community College student Cameron Jones started taking classes at CCC when he was in high school as a student enrolled in the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology program, better known as CAVIAT. CAVIAT helps high school students get college credit and hands-on knowledge about job skills required for certain careers, preparing their path after they graduate from high school. 

“The CAVIAT program was a taste of the real thing,” Jones said, adding that he is now a part of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at CCC. Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that has more than 1200 different chapters, including CCC’s chapter, Beta Gamma Chi.

Latino Outdoors — Semillitas Outdoors: Para Los Niños

Did you know? Providing Latinx youth with increased opportunities to connect with the outdoors and access to leadership spaces can help them develop their own leadership abilities. This year, we are introducing a new initiative called Semillitas Outdoors, a weeklong celebration of Latinx children in the outdoors

From April 23 through May 1, Latino Outdoors will offer virtual and in-person activities that center the experience of Latinx children and their families.

Join us as we support and celebrate children’s access to the outdoors and leadership spaces, and build positive connections to the process of getting outside!

The NAU Review — 10 ways NAU attacks wildfires, the next phase of quantum computing and HAPA’s annual lu’au

In 2020, federal fire agencies spent a whopping $2.2 billion—that’s billion with a “B”—fighting fires. That number has increased tenfold in the last few decades. For Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week, take a look at NAU’s diverse efforts to increase forest health, improve firefighting capabilities, help communities become more resilient and rebuild after a fire and better understand fire behavior. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 28-April 1, 2022

Tuweep day-use civic engagement period ends April 6

Last week the park initiated civic engagement to solicit comments on implementation of a proposed day-use reservation system at Tuweep, including all park areas within Toroweap Valley and the Kanab Plateau. A $2 ticket fee per vehicle is proposed and would be available through recreation.gov.  

On busy, high visitation days, especially during the weekends, up to 50+ vehicles often travel into Tuweep around the same time of day, causing road congestion, long waits to access the Toroweap overlook, overcrowding in popular locations, impacts to property, and excessive noise. As a result, the overall visitor experience has deteriorated, and sensitive natural and cultural resources have been damaged. 

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Very Successful Workplace Campaign

Emphasizing how local programs supported by United Way of Northern Arizona dovetail with their work as educators, the team at Flagstaff Unified School District doubled the number of participants and donations to this year’s workplace campaign.

Almost 60 school district employees raised $10,572 in the most recent workplace drive for UWNA, compared to $5,259 the prior year and well in excess of the stated goal of $6,600.

The two-week campaign was largely accomplished through emails and posters urging FUSD employees to “Step Up for Our Community,” said Kurt F. Steele, Executive Assistant to Superintendent Mike Penca.

Make tax time more meaningful with Flagstaff Festival of Science!

Preparing to file your taxes is stressful for us all but it’s also when we’re most aware of our yearly giving. As a loyal follower of the Flagstaff Festival of Science you understand the value of bringing the excitement of STEAM and joy of discovery to Northern Arizona. Why not plan ahead to help both the 2022 Festival and your taxes? (If you’ve recently made a donation to the Festival’s Spring Campaign, THANK YOU!)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Variety of groups, including CCC&Y, sign on to oppose SB1399

Dear Arizona House of Representatives Members,

As organizations and individuals that support and advocate for the wellbeing of children and families in Arizona and nationally, we write to oppose SB1399. If passed, this bill will be harmful to children and families involved with Arizona’s child welfare system.

Arizona is experiencing a shortage of licensed foster homes for children in foster care. Limiting who can become a foster parent by permitting taxpayer-funded foster care licensing agencies to discriminate is not in the best interest of Arizona children. “There are currently 3,255 homes, an 11% drop compared with this time last year and down 33% from the recent high-water mark of 4,875 homes in 2017.” Arizona does not have a shortage of nonprofit agencies, it has a shortage of families seeking to foster. A law that permits agencies to turn qualified and willing families away for reasons that have nothing to do with their ability to parent does not encourage or support efforts to recruit and license more families.

Discover Flagstaff — Jazz performances, Gallery Art and Stage Comedians! Flagstaff has it all. Make your plans this weekend with Flagstaff 365

First Friday ArtWalk, Downtown Flagstaff. One of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events in historic downtown Flagstaff. 6 p.m.

Creative Flagstaff — Make a difference in Flagstaff’s Creative Community

Creative Flagstaff is seeking volunteers to serve on the grantmaking panels for our upcoming General Operating Support grant program. This is an important and highly valued volunteer opportunity. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn more about the grantmaking process and to have a high impact of Flagstaff’s creative community. Volunteers can sign up for either short-term or long-term commitments.

Creative Flagstaff — Don’t Miss April’s ArtWalk!

Join us for ArtWalk this Friday, April 1st! We are kicking off the month with several exciting activities.

Stop by Heritage Square from 5-8 pm to pick up your ArtWalk map from our info booth. While you’re there you can vote in the Through My Eyes: Diversity in My Community Art Contest, pick up some delicious food from Shift FLG who will be serving a special menu in honor of their 6 year anniversary, and listen to NPA’s Advanced Jazz Band, the winners of the CCA Youth Arts Battle of Bands.

We hope to see you there!

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Local Science Spotlight: Audrey Martin

In the pursuit of understanding the unknown, Audrey Martin, Corrosion Metallurgical Engineer at W. L. Gore & Associates, chronicles the story of taking opportunities, and the tough questions needing answers along the way. Audrey’s work spans both engineering and science, where she works in research and development (R&D) and supports product development for medical implants used to save and improve lives in patients. Audrey’s work is to ensure that these products are corrosion-resistant and safe for patients to use for long amounts of time. Corrosion, the gradual destruction of materials through interaction with the environment, is all around us and affects our lives every day from the products we use to the cars we drive.

Sedona Arts Center — Application Deadline is April 15 for Tailgate Paint Out 2022

The Tailgate Paint Out is a first-of-its-kind event and is supported by a group of very experienced and enthusiastic staff and volunteers. Sedona is a sublime environment with stunning beauty, and the Sedona Arts Center has roots going back 60+ years to the founding of Sedona. If you have never been to, or painted in Sedona, this is a great opportunity to get to know our incredible scenery, sell work and be eligible for great prize money!  We are focusing this event on artists that have never been to one of our events in the past or are emerging artists. Tailgate Paint Out is supported by a grant from the AZ Office of Tourism.

CHAC partnering with @nauflagstaff during Cesar Chavez weeklong celebration

COCONINO COUNTY — Cesar Chavez Day was declared a federal holiday by President Obama on March 31, 2014 to honor Cesar Chavez, a Latino American leader in civil rights and the labor movement.

This year, the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) is partnering with @nauflagstaff to commemorate his legacy through community service.

Upcoming events include:

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 27 — NAU Tennis Match & Food Drive
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 28 — COVID-19 Latina/o Research Team Panel
• 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 — Feature Film: Cesar Chavez (2014)
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 — Guest Speaker: Dr. Mike Amezcua – “Making Mexican Chicago: From Postwar Settlement to the Age of Gentrification”
• 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31 — Documentaty Film: Dolores (2018).

2022 Northern Arizona Book Festival  to be April 1-10

The Northern Arizona Book Festival is excited to announce its return in conventional fashion with virtual components for a world still gripped by uncertainty.  The festival will run Friday, April 1st through Sunday, April 10th with live, in-person events and dual modality sessions via Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook Live. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 21-25, 2022

Arizona and Grand Canyon Community Statistics    

As of March 17, Coconino County community transmission remains moderate, and the community level is low. In Arizona, 13 of the 15 counties have low community levels.  

Total cases for the week of March 10-16 is 5,153, which is an average of 736 cases per day for the seven-day rolling average for the week. No new cases have been reported this week within Grand Canyon National Park or in the 86023 zip code. 

Coconino County reports the Grand Canyon community is 73.1% fully vaccinated as of March 18.

March Updates from Coconino Center for the Arts

See Youth Arts: Progress & Potential before is closes on April 2nd!

Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday; 11 am – 5 pm

Coconino Center for the Arts’ 2022 Youth Art Exhibition celebrates the outstanding progress and unbounded potential of local youth artists in Flagstaff and the regional community. This year, the exhibition is open to and inclusive of all artwork submissions by youth artists (Pre-K to 12th grade, living in Coconino or Navajo counties) that reflect significant progress in the students’ artistic learning; risk-taking, trying new materials and techniques; and strong potential for continued artmaking.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Getting Your Donations Where They Are Needed Most

At the heart of the United Way of Northern Arizona’s grant process is the Community Investment (CI) Fund, a volunteer-driven process that invests your donations into the proven programs, partnerships and initiatives that are changing lives in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties every day.

There are currently 37 community volunteers participating in one of seven Community Investment Teams spread throughout northern Arizona.

This year, their review process is a little different.

Typically, UWNA disburses one-year grants to our partners, but in 2021, we chose to make two-year commitments to each of the the 42 programs supported through your donations, with an initial grant given last year and a “renewal” grant awarded this year.

That change gave our partners a little more stability and the opportunity to plan out beyond one year.