Category: Youth

Sedona Arts Center — SAC February News – Celebrate Sedona rescheduled

Due to impending weather, we cancelled Celebrate Sedona originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 2.  BUT we have a new date – Wednesday, February 9 – same time (4-6PM) in our parking lot. 
 
This Celebrate Sedona was programmed to coincide with Vision & Sound: An African American Experience which opened on January 28 and will run until February 25 here in Sedona. An Additional exhibit will run until April 4 in Goodyear.
 
Vision & Sound is unique in a number of ways.  First, we are partnering with the City of Goodyear and the City of Glendale – both of whom will be hosting events and exhibits throughout the month.  Second, Sedona Arts Center is holding several artist talks and demonstrations here that celebrate black artists and culture.  And finally, the work in both exhibits – here and in Goodyear – all tell a story.  It is not art for art’s sake but art that provokes, celebrates and inspires the viewer to think more deeply about the history of our country, its cultures and its people.

Phantom Ranch Wastewater Treatment Plant Repairs Begin

Beginning Feb. 8, 2022, the first phase of short-term repairs and upgrades to the Phantom Ranch Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will begin. Work is anticipated to be completed by December 2022 and includes two phases of hauling equipment via helicopters. The first phase is anticipated to go through March, and the second phase is expected to resume in September.

Inner canyon trail users in the vicinity of Phantom Ranch may experience temporary delays of up to 15 minutes, and noise and dust from equipment and helicopters. The contractor, GSE/Coventina Water, LLC, will have limited use of a heavy-lift helicopter (Chinook) to haul supplies and equipment. Visitors should follow directions from National Park Service (NPS) staff and construction crew workers as needed in the work zones to maintain safety.

Grand Canyon National Park Announces 2023 Noncommercial River Trip Lottery Period

Grand Canyon National Park, located in northern Arizona, encompasses 277 miles (446 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

HECHO January Newsletter — Featured Guest Blog with Coconino County Supervisor for District 2 Jeronimo Vasquez — Building the Community We’d Like to See in Coconino County

In December, Coconino County Supervisor for District 2, Jeronimo Vasquez, shared his story with us about how connections to the outdoors can empower our communities and instill a legacy of stewardship. He writes: “The time I spent outdoors left a profound impact on me, instilling a legacy of stewardship that I hope to pass on to my children, and to my community.”

To read this blog post, click here.

Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: Cascadas y Conchas

LO Portland hiked the Tamanawas Falls on January 2, 2022 to ring in the new year. While hiking the falls, located within Mount Hood National Forest, the group stopped and snapped this picture.

LO Leader Kassy Delgado reflected on the hike afterwards “Enjoying conchas, tamales, and dulces while admiring a wintery waterfall, what a wonderful way of welcoming 2022!”

Conchas y Cascadas for the new year? Que maravillosa!

New changes coming Jan. 28 to the Flagstaff Mall COVID-19 vaccination site

New changes are coming Jan. 28 to the Flagstaff Mall COVID-19 vaccination site.

Adults 18+ and Children 5-17: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. -5 p.m.

Please note a change in ages beginning on Friday’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Flagstaff Mall. Both adults and children may be vaccinated beginning at 11 am. If you have a vaccine card please bring it with you.

No appointment is needed. A guardian must accompany a child receiving the vaccine. Masks are required at the vaccine site. Pfizer Booster doses are available for all eligible individuals 12 years and older. Moderna and J&J Booster doses are available for 18+.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 24-28, 2022 — ‘Safer Federal Workforce Update’ and more news

We’ve gotten new guidance this week from the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce pertaining to vaccinations for federal employees. This information is the result of legal challenges related to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

The new guidance instructs us to take no action to enforce or implement the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. All the other guidance on protocols related to masking, distancing, travel, testing, and quarantine—remains in effect.

Did you ever wonder who makes up the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce? This group is led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Task Force members include: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Protective Service (FPS), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the United States Secret Service (USSS). For more information, visit: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/.

The NAU Review — ‘For the love of STEM’ and more news

Is kindergarten too young for students to get excited about STEM? No way, says assistant professor Morgan Vigil-Hayes, who is partnering with FUSD to develop a curriculum to get K-5 Native American students doing fun learning activities that focus on math and computational thinking.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents ‘Mindful Moments’ for staff, schools and community

Need help in the new year?

CCC&Y has created “Mindful Moments” for staff, schools and community. 

Schedule a facilitated mindful moment before staff meetings, class time, family events or any gathering.

Findlay receives 2021 Distinguished Service Award from CCC

Despite a global pandemic, he and his staff were instrumental in getting Coconino Community College’s Automotive Technician program running.

That’s why Robby Findlay, director of operations for the Findlay Automotive Group, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at CCC.

 “What an unbelievable honor,” he said. “I know how much the college has done for the community, and it’s such an honor CCC is commending me and our auto group.”

Sedona Arts Center — Vision & Sound: An African American Experience

Vision & Sound creates an educational experience and environment that broadens the understanding and appreciation of African American art, music, film, and literary works for multigenerational and multicultural audiences. We strive to build supportive relationships to encourage cultural equity throughout Arizona and beyond – recognizing that professional American artists of African descent are too often overlooked.

CCC student worker sees Law Degree in future

She’s focused on work, school, and family.

Coconino Community College student Nizhoni Nez lives in Page with her family while she works at CCC and takes courses to accomplish her plan of getting her Political Science degree.

“My plans with that degree are to get into the NAU pre-law program and hopefully work towards a degree in law,” Nez said during the interview at the CCC Page Center. “It’s something I’ve always talked about with my father.”

She was worried about coming back to school after a leap year, she said, but due to hard work and the great communication she has with her teachers, she is doing great in her classes.

The NAU Review — How to intern on Easter Island, how trees survive drought and what is beautyism?

NAU is offering a new study abroad program starting this summer—one that will take students out of the classroom and challenge them to interact with the world in new ways. South America NAU will allow students of all majors to do community outreach, interact with different cultures and do hands-on work in climate change, sustainable tourism, anthropology and other big questions of our day. 
 
Students—interested in studying abroad? Find the program that meets your personal, educational and financial needs at Education Abroad.

Coconino County School Superintendent to Host 2022 Spelling Bee

The 2022 Coconino County Spelling Bee, hosted by the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools and Education Service Agency, will take place on Saturday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Mini Auditorium at Coconino High School, 2801 N. Izabel St, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004.

To promote safety, the following practices will be observed throughout the duration of the Spelling Bee: 

-Only two (2) guests per participant will be admitted. 

-All participants and guests will need to maintain a social distance of six (6) feet. Seating will be spaced accordingly. 

NAU News — Planetary astronomer Cristina Thomas named 2022 Emerging Scholar for trailblazing research and mentorship

Assistant professor Cristina Thomas of Northern Arizona University has been named an Emerging Scholar by the leading education magazine Diverse: Issues in Higher Education in its Jan. 20 issue. The publication annually recognizes an interdisciplinary group of early-career minority scholars who represent the best of U.S. academia.

“An accomplished planetary astronomer, Latina scientist and mentor, Dr. Thomas serves as a shining role model for our community. She is blazing the trail for our diverse student population to embrace research and explore the boundless universe,” said NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera.

The NAU Review — Recognizing Cristina Thomas’ leadership, GSG president Rebecca Seeger and a program to find students’ talents

President Cruz Rivera gives a video update on the United Way of Northern Arizona campaign and discusses his week, which included meetings with students and council members, MLK Day celebrations and reflections and his work with the Arizona Senate.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Meet a Local Scientist: Planetary Scientist Lucas McClure🔭🪐

An emerging star in the field of planetary science, Lucas McClure is a graduate student in the Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University, with a Bachelor of Science in Physics with an astronomy concentration from the University of Tennessee.

United Way of Northern Arizona — How Do We Make 2022 Even Better?

When we look at the outcomes, the past year was a powerful reminder of all that we can do when we work together.

Because you Stepped Up for Our Community either as a donor, an advocate or a volunteer, we collectively did more than ever before to advance:

Early childhood education
Positive youth development
Basic services that strengthened our social safety net.

But that leaves us with a very important question:

How can we make 2022 even better?

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 17-21, 2022

NPS Mask Policy reminders

The current National Park Service mask policy, which follows the CDC recommendation is that everyone wear a mask that is over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status in the following settings:
In all NPS buildings and in congregate office settings; the only exception is when you are alone in a private, walled and closed door space;
Crowded outdoor spaces identified in the Grand Canyon Superintendent’s Compendium (pages 5-6), and
In all forms of enclosed public transportation, which includes Grand Canyon shuttle buses, and all government vehicles and aircraft.

What qualifies as a mask according to the NPS and CDC are masks that have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, completely cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps, and have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. For the latest information on types of masks and respirators, please visit the CDC’s website here.

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter 7th Edition — Happy New Year and best wishes for a great 2022!

In this edition…

Message from Sup. Vasquez
Siren Instillation in Museum Flood Area
Museum Flood Area Crisis Response Funding
Sheriff’s Office Tour
Redistricting Update
Services and Programs
And more!
Message from Supervisor Vasquez

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y celebrates 50th anniversary with variety of programs to support families, community members

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary of service in Northern Arizona, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth stands ready in 2022 to help connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, training programs for our partners and members, monthly virtual youth open mic sessions, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission

Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.   

As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:  

School Superintendent to Interview Candidates for Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 Governing Board and Seeks Input

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget has announced the scheduling of interviews for the Governing School Board Member open seats at Grand Canyon Unified School District #4.

An advisory committee will be assembled consisting of a district resident, district teacher, and two current board members to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments.

The Superintendent is also seeking public input regarding the appointment of the Governing Board Member open seats at Grand Canyon Unified School District #4. Please contact the Superintendent with input (comments) at cmango-paget@coconino.az.gov, beginning January 18 – January 28, 2022.

Environment for the Americas (EFTA)’s Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) seeking applicant for Grand Canyon

Environment for the Americas (EFTA)’s Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) seeking an applicant for a biology assistant for the National Park Service at the Grand Canyon.

The application period for the 2022 internship positions is open until January 23, 2022.

Remember, as a Mosaics intern, you will be required to:

Work in the park for a minimum of 11 weeks
Attend a Leadership and Career Workshop in the beginning of August
Attend program webinars
Submit written blogs
Participate enthusiastically in all of the project activities!

The NAU Review — Top 10 moments of Fall 2021, MLK Day and Investing in Indigenous Youth

The fall semester was exciting—it was President Cruz Rivera’s first at NAU and the first in-person semester for our Class of 2025 and Class of 2026, our researchers made groundbreaking discoveries, we expanded our world-class faculty, celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Native American Cultural Center, cheered as NAU Cross Country won its fifth title and NAU Football beat the Arizona Wildcats, and so much more. Phew! President Cruz Rivera talks about his favorite memories of the fall—including the best moment so far at NAU. Can he do it in less than four minutes? 

The NAU Review — ‘A call to action: ‘Awakening from the Dream’ and more news

On Monday, NAU will honor the life and mission of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who dedicated his life to the nonviolent but unending march for civil rights. The day’s events include a celebration, a march and a day of service to support the Flagstaff community. Volunteers can participate in a day “on” with opportunities at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, Hope Cottage, the Sunshine Rescue Mission and the Murdoch Center.

CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission

Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.   

As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:  

CCC student sees ‘big data’ in future

She’s all about “big data” and family.

Coconino Community College student Johanna Hawley moved to Flagstaff from her home on the Navajo Nation in order to get the education she needs to satisfy her goal of getting a Computer Science degree and being a data analyst.

“I want to be able to provide for my parents and family,” Hawley said in between classes at the Lone Tree Campus. “My goal is to have my parents retire and me be the breadwinner.”

United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) A message from NAU President Cruz Rivera

There’s no doubt that Northern Arizona University plays a huge role in our community. In addition to being Flagstaff’s largest employer, it is the home of thousands of students who live, work and study here.

NAU is also a major player in local philanthropic efforts, including its annual workplace campaign to support United Way of Northern Arizona.

This year, NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera successfully challenged the university’s community to boost its contributions to UWNA, increasing their campaign goal from $25,000 to $35,000.

“NAU stepped up for community and for that I’m grateful,” he said.

Because NAU met the new goal, President Cruz Rivera authorized another $10,000 donation from the Office of the President, making NAU’s total contribution this year $45,000.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y members to receive discount for Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training on March 1, 2

Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 1 (MST) and 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 (MST).

Members of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will receive 20 percent off both trainings. For members to receive the promo code, contact CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at virginia@coconinokids.org

The sessions are presented by Iya Affo, a Culturalist and Historical Trauma Specialist. 

Discounts are also available for those CCC&Y members who have not taken Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 1, that focuses on intergenerational trauma and the impact of Epigenetics, cultural dispossession, segregation & displacement of BIPOC.

Site specific adjustments and mask recommendations at City facilities in response to COVID-19 surge

During the January 11 Council meeting, the City Council approved the City of Flagstaff’s Re-entry Team recommendation to remain in Phase 3 of the City’s Re-entry Plan, with site-specific adjustments made to the Aquaplex pool, City libraries and the Jay Lively Activity Center/ Ice Arena. The Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center will be closed temporarily. All other City operations remain unchanged.

Site-specific immediate adjustments include:

The NAU Review — The 10 most read stories of Fall 2021

The Fall 2021 semester was a big one for NAU—it brought new leadership, a return to fully in-person activities, another national championship and a new look to the university newsletter. Reread some of our most popular stories from the semester and share your news with us to help us start the new year strong.

CCC District Governing Board votes for tax-reset election in May 2022

The Coconino Community College District Governing Board voted to move forward with an election to reset the primary property tax rate for the community college district.

The issue was voted on by the board members during the board’s Dec. 8 meeting.

The special election is scheduled for May 17, 2022. The election was made possible by the Arizona Legislature in 2018 with the amended Arizona Revised Statute 42-17056 to permit CCC to resubmit a proposed property tax levy for approval by the voters in an amount less than or equal to two times the otherwise authorized levy amount.

Patrice Horstman — Coconino County District 1 Newsletter — 2021: A Retrospective

On January 4, 2021, I was sworn in as your Coconino County District 1 Supervisor. I took my oath of office amid a worldwide pandemic that resulted in the closing of businesses and government offices, creating virtual classrooms to educate our kids, and masking and social distancing. The economic outlook was bleak, and we were all trying to adjust and cope with this new reality.

There was a bright light on the horizon as modern science, with lightning speed, developed a vaccine to fight this virus. In fact, on the day of my swearing-in, Coconino County Health and Human Services (HHS) administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in our County.

CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission

Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.   

As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:  

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — New Recreation Programs and Trends

We will begin offering Culinary Classes in early January through the month of April. There are currently three classes scheduled and available for registration. Each class will cover a different cooking skill including tortillas and tamales, pastries, and candy making.

In the first class on Saturday, January 8th, 2022, you can learn the basics of making both tortillas and tamales. More specifically, participants will learn a brief history of tortillas and tamales, what tools you need, and how to make them! You will see the process unfold, then make some yourself.

The next class to be held on January 29th, 2022, will focus on making pastries at home! Pastries are defined as a dough created with water, flour, and fats (such as butter). This class will teach you the basics of pastry making and provide you with specific instruction as to how to make a few fan favorites. 

The NAU Review — New year, new telescope, elephant neighbors and mapping redwood genomes

On Christmas Day, astronomers and planetary scientists around the world watched as a telescope 20 years in the making was launched into space. NASA called the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope one of the most exciting developments in astronomy in the 21st century. For the astronomers, planetary scientists and students at NAU, the launch of this massive observatory, and the information it will transmit back to Earth, is an important step in advancing our understanding of the solar system.

Voto Latino Reflects on January 6th Insurrection One Year Later and Urges Senate to Pass Voting Rights Legislation

On the one year commemoration of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Voto Latino President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar, issued the following statement:

“Today marks one year since insurrectionists stormed the Capitol in an effort to overthrow the results of a verified, fair and free 2020 presidential election, generating unprecedented chaos and resulting in the deaths of five people. They tried to stymie a peaceful transfer of power. The attempted coup at the Capitol was the most anti-democratic visible display in a larger effort to subvert American elections and partisan attempts to stop eligible voters from casting their ballots. 

“The events of January 6th and the profoundly irresponsible actions espoused by twice impeached Donald Trump and his supporters continues to poison faith in American democratic processes and institutions. In the coming days, Congress has an opportunity to safeguard our most precious right to guarantee the thriving American experiment: – equal access to the voting booth for every eligible citizen regardless of color or creed. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 3-7, 2022

Realizing the demand for vaccines is still high in the community, Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team is planning two separate events over two days this week. The County event will have all types of vaccines (first, second, third, and boosters for J&J, Moderna, Pfizer) and will have the pediatric Pfizer doses (first and second) for children ages 5-11-years-old.

Coconino Community College Page Center seeking Strengthening Indigenous Student Success (SISS) Retention Advisor

The Strengthening Indigenous Student Success (SISS) Retention Advisor assists the Program Coordinator in the management of the grant-funded Strengthening Indigenous Student Success project. This position will be located on the Page Center in beautiful Page, AZ.   This position is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible position. 

Strengthening Native American student success at CCC

One in five students at Coconino Community College is Native American.

Often, the Native American students who arrive at CCC are the first in their family to pursue a college education and may also come from challenging economic situations. As a result, they may face barriers in obtaining a college degree.

In an effort to increase Native American student course success, completion rates and a sense of belonging in the college community, CCC has received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Called the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) grant, the funds will be distributed over a five-year period.

“CCC values the sacred land on which we live and serve and the indigenous peoples who have inhabited it for centuries,” said CCC Provost Dr. Nate Southerland. “One in five students at CCC is Native American, and we look forward to providing these students with culturally responsive teaching, enhanced support, and interpersonal connections to help them be successful in their studies.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Remembering our progress in 2021 and celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022

2021 was an exciting growth year for CCC&Y.  We entered the year with a refreshed Mission and Purpose, welcomed a new logo, gained new database software and had our first ever virtual conference. We expanded our work with Building Community and renewed our commitment to building connections and support in the community. Click here to learn more. We provided training, data and voice to community organizations and groups on topics ranging from trauma-informed care to mindfulness.

Our Coconino Prevention Council and Action and Outreach committees were active throughout the year with activities ranging from monthly connection for organizations and prevention services to legislative and policy review.

A very exciting moment in 2021 was when we received the Vitalyst Health Foundation Spark Grant to collect community voice about root causes of Health Concerns in the County. To date we have engaged numerous partners, groups and individuals and have collected information from over 65 individuals through five questions we are asking the community. These have taken place in one-to-one interviews and very small focus groups across the county. This process was designed to be trusting and relationship-based so as to gain accurate and pertinent information about individual experiences.

CCC Adult Education Program New Student Orientation will be held Jan. 4, 5

Happy New Year Coconino Community College partners and friends,

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend the two-day, in-person New Student Orientation at Coconino Community College presented by CCC Adult Education.

Adult Basic Education for College & Careers

New Student Orientation

Seeking Applicants for Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District #6 Governing Board

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment to the Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District #6 Governing Board.

Applicants must reside in the school district and be registered to vote in Arizona. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options to help families, community members during 2022

As 2021 comes to an end, families throughout Coconino County have faced and overcome a variety of challenges during this pandemic age.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth stands ready in 2022 to help connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, monthly virtual youth open mic sessions, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.
in AZ.”