Category: Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — July 5-July 9, 2021

Social Gathering Reminders

During the summer, it is common to see social gatherings happening in the park.

Here are a few reminders if you are considering attending a gathering:  
If you are unvaccinated, remember that you must wear a face covering when indoors and maintain physical distance from others. You should use extra caution in all situations if you are not vaccinated. Follow CDC guidance and DOI policy to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.  
Even if you are vaccinated, it may be a good idea to have a mask handy in case you need it. Vaccinated people are welcome to wear masks any time they feel it may be helpful.  

The recent surge in the more transmissible Delta variant in surrounding states and in Arizona has made these prevention strategies all the more important.  

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — County Parks re-opens amenities

As of 6:00 a.m. July 6, Coconino County has moved back to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in coordination with the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

In line with the movement to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, Coconino County Parks and Recreation has reopened trails including Soldiers, Bridge, Two-Spot, Gold Digger, and Pumphouse Nature trails, and allowed access to the Highlands Trail, Flagstaff Loop Trail, and Harrenburg Wash.

Additionally, Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course, Fort Tuthill Bike Park, the stables at Fort Tuthill, the Archery Range at Fort Tuthill, and ramadas are now open.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Registration continues for CCC&Y’s 2021 Annual Conference from Aug. 18 through Sept. 8 and more news

“Finding My Strength; Hope in Connection,” is the theme of the 2021 Annual Conference from Aug. 18 through Sept. 8 presented by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

Deanna Singh, author, TEDx talk Speaker, Justice and Equality Advocate, will launch the conference with her presentation “Hustle with Purpose” from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 MST/AZ.

Sandra Solano, MD, MS, a Public Health Professional and HeartMath Master Trainer, will lead the day two session with her presentation “From a Smart Brain to a Wise Heart — A Scientist’s Journey” from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25.

Other presentations include:

Coconino County Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter

We have been pretty busy this month! I am enjoying meeting more people and connecting with the District 2 community. It has been a month full of board meetings, events and lots of learning. I have walked along the Museum Fire drainages and am happy to report that a lot of work has gone into improving the drainage. Thank you to United Way, the County and the City for the efforts to get the drainages clear and ready for monsoon season. In addition, we had about 80 volunteers between two weekends come out to support the neighborhood volunteer day. Seeing everyone come together to help one another is a rare sighting, but I know District 2 is full of generous, loving people that want to see their community thrive. As the weather warms up I am looking forward to seeing family, spending time with my kids and working on items for the fall. I hope that you reach out to my office whenever you need. You can reach District 2 at 928-679-7162 or email me at jvasquez@coconino.az.gov or contact my District Director, Areina Contreras at acontreras@coconino.az.gov.

County Parks amenities closed in fire restrictions

Coconino County is in Stage Three fire restrictions in the unincorporated areas of the county, including on private lands, in coordination with similar actions by the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests and other agencies in the area. Fire restrictions are effective June 23, 2021 at 8 a.m.

Please be careful with fire and follow current fire restrictions. Read more.
PC: “Indiana Dunes Campsite at Night” by Rob Saker is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 28-July 1, 2021

The Town of Tusayan will be hosting a July Fourth parade starting at 3:30 p.m. with a drone laser show after sunset. No fireworks will be permitted.

A special preview drone showing will be on July 3 after sunset. More information can be found on the Grand Canyon Chamber’s webpage.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Bilingual report — Health Choice Arizona, BlueCross BlueShield Arizona — We want to keep your children healthy!

By Health Choice Arizona, BlueCross BlueShield Arizona 

Taking your child to their provider for a well-child visit is the best way to keep your children healthy and prevent sickness. Well-child visits also give parents and guardians a chance to ask questions or talk with their provider about any concerns they may have about their child’s growth, learning, or health.

A well-child visit is the same as an Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) visit.

Please call your provider’s office to schedule an appointment for a well-child visit. Be sure to take your child’s shot record with you. If you are a member of Health Choice Arizona, and having a problem making an appointment or need a ride, please call us at 1-800-322-8670, otherwise contact your AHCCCS health plan.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Celebrating summer with festivals, dancing, and rain

Summer arrived in a cloud of smoke last Monday, though luckily for us at the museum, we are far from the path of the Rafael Fire and the shifting wind clears the air around us. We are grateful that these increasingly frequent summer fires are not endangering the museum and that we can continue to welcome visitors Tuesday through Sundays with a safe and inspiring indoor visit. I know many of you are eager to get out and about after staying at home for so long and we are pleased to welcome you to MNA.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Weekly Update

Our Tuba City office is open but operating remotely, with limited in-person services. When possible, please conduct business by phone or email.

Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday | 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Fridays

If you need assistance, please call: 928-283-4518 or email Miranda at mmorales@coconino.az.gov

CCC tutors help students succeed

Accounting class brought Rhianna Hernandez to Tutoring Services at Coconino Community College.

The first time she took an accounting class, she tried to push through the challenging subject on her own. She ended up dropping the class that first time, but she needed it for her associate degree in Business.

“It was a different language,” Hernandez said. “But my tutor was able to explain it to me where it made sense.”

By the end of the Spring 2021 semester, Hernandez had an “A” in the class, and she said she owes much of that success to the folks in Tutoring Services at CCC. Tutoring Services are available each semester, for free, to all enrolled CCC students.

“All of us at Tutoring Services strive to help students succeed in their courses, whether a student needs one question answered or comes back daily for extra support,” said Kim Shaw, CCC’s Tutoring Coordinator. “Most of our tutors are students as well, so they understand the challenges of the courses they tutor.”

NAU News — Carrying on the Cobell legacy: Cobell Scholars commit to education, progressing health care for their Native communities and more news

Matthew Greyeyes and Beyonce Bahe both have plans for medical school after graduating with long-term goals of improving healthcare for their Native communities, all while carrying on Elouise Cobell’s legacy and challenging societal norms.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Participate in Science in the Park!

We are excited to host Science in the Park again this year at Wheeler Park!

At this fair, the whole community is invited to a free family-friendly event where science, discovery and play are at the center of an incredible day!

Do you have a business that would like to participate? 

At Science in the Park, the whole family gets to experience the joy of science! Register for a booth today at this fun event taking place Sept. 18!

Registration is due in one week, by June 30.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Ready to Live United

If there is anything good that we can take from the pandemic, it is that it reinforced some things that we can all agree on: the importance of taking care of each other and the power of caring communities to step up in times of crisis and create positive change.

Supporters like you raised tens of thousands of dollars to help those impacted this past year. Your United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) funneled those funds to where they would do the most good. Because of you, families were able to stay in their homes, feed their families and keep the lights on.

But our work is not over.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y to present 2021 Annual Conference from Aug. 18 through Sept. 8

A Virtual Community Experience 

“Finding My Strength; Hope in Connection,” is the theme of the 2021 Annual Conference from Aug. 18 through Sept. 8 presented by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Weekly Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

United Way of Northern Arizona — ‘Elevate PreK’ Begins, Expanding Preschool Options

We are so excited to announce that a major initiative from LAUNCH Flagstaff and its partners will begin in a few weeks, and we believe it will be a game changer in filling the gaps that currently exist in high-quality early childhood education.

The program, Elevate PreK, will offer full-day, year-round classes at Kinsey Elementary School, primarily for four-year-olds in lower- and middle-income families currently not accessing preschool services. The classes will be provided at no charge to families under the program.

LAUNCH Flagstaff is partnering with the Association of Supportive Childcare for this effort with support from a wide array of organizations, including the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, the Wharton Foundation, Flagstaff Unified School District and Northern Arizona University.

LAUNCH Flagstaff — A Reflection, A Farewell, and A Look Forward

The summer solstice is upon us, a moment of solar peak in the cycle of Earth’s seasons and a time for annual reflection. 
 
LAUNCH Flagstaff began in 2014 as an ad-hoc gathering of interested stakeholders seeking to improve educational outcomes for our community’s children.  With the leadership of the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools and the backbone of the United Way of Northern Arizona funding was secured in 2016 from the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff to initially fund a staff position for the then fledging idea that is now LAUNCH Flagstaff.
 
I am honored to have been chosen to serve our community in that role and am proud of the work that LAUNCH Flagstaff has accomplished over the past five years.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y will present ‘Pride Paint Night,’ a LGBTQIAP+ Youth (12-24) only event on June 26

CCC&Y will present “Pride Paint Night,” a LGBTQIAP+ Youth (12-24) only event at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 26.

By Teens, For Teens

A live paint hour filled with conversation.

Paint kits available for pickup at both Flagstaff Library locations during curbside hours. 

For more information, call 928-213-2348.

Governing School Board Candidates will be appointed to the Governing School Board Member open seats

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget would like to announce the appointments of two Governing School Board Members at Maine Consolidated School District #10. The selected candidates are Raena Woods and Kaitlin Cloud.

An advisory committee was assembled consisting of a district resident, district teacher, and two board members to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments. The Superintendent would like to thank the advisory committee for participating in this very important process.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Weekly Update

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held recently at 583 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ 86040 as the Coconino Juvenile Court moves into a renovated wing at Tse Yaato High School.

Juvenile Court and Adult Probation have shared an office space in Page for decades. Over the last few years, Adult and Juvenile have planned around each other’s events, programming, court, and conferences to accommodate the limited space. This meant a reduction in the services they were both able to offer their clients. The new location has five offices, which is two more than the current space. This gives the Juvenile Court room to expand the CASA program and outreach. The facility is also only for juvenile court youth and their families and has been constructed in a deliberately softer way in order to be trauma-informed. By being located down the hall from the Alternative School they can also offer support to youth more readily.

The Literacy Center — A Hello from TLC’s new Executive Director, Amanda Black

I would like to formally introduce myself to all of the wonderful supporters of The Literacy Center. My name is Amanda Black, and I have been fortunate enough to have been chosen as the new Executive Director of TLC! I am delighted for the opportunity to lead TLC into a post Covid-19 era and look forward to getting to know each and every one of you.

Bilingual report — Elevate PreK @ Kinsey ENROLLING NOW!

Elevate PreK @ Kinsey is now enrolling. The program features:

Full day, year-round
Highly qualified staff
Play-based curriculum
Tuition-free
Serving families not currently accessing preschool services
Click here to see what preschool and child care services you qualify for, including Elevate PreK.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — June 7-11, 2021

On Thursday, June 17 there will be a pop up event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Tusayan IMAX (no registration needed). More information and the flyer for this event can be found here.

On Friday, June 18 the Grand Canyon Clinic will host a COVID-19 vaccine event. Registration is required ahead of time and the full flyer for the event can be found here. To schedule an appointment for the event or at any other time, call the clinic directly at 928-638-2551.   

Museum of Northern Arizona — New art and new ways to enjoy the collections

I have a new favorite stop on my morning walks across the museum campus to my office – the studio space where young artists are working with master artists Dan and Arlo Namingha as part of our Namingha Institute. MNA has a long history with the Namingha family of artists, and a strong collection of work by Dan, Arlo, and Michael Namingha, which you can now view online.

The ability to browse MNA’s collections online is one of my favorite features of our newly rebuilt website. The address is the same as before – musnaz.org – but the website has many other new features, including easy links to buy ticketsto visit the museum now that we are open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, or to sign your kids up for Discovery Summer Camps, which begin June 14.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘Bilingual report — Elevate PreK @ Kinsey ENROLLING NOW!’ and more news

Elevate PreK @ Kinsey is now enrolling. The program features:

• Full day, year-round

• Highly qualified staff

• Play-based curriculum

Tuition-free

• Serving families not currently accessing preschool services

Click here to see what preschool and child care services you qualify for, including Elevate PreK.

Viola Awards — Limited Tickets Available!

After selling out in just 3 days, we worked with Coconino County Parks & Recreation and Health & Human Services to safely add more tickets to the 13th Annual Viola Awards on Friday, June 18th at the Pepsi Amphitheater. 

Tickets for spots on the lawn are now being sold in pods. Each pod can have a maximum of 6 guests. You can purchase tickets now for a pod of 2-6 guests. There are currently a handful of pod tickets available. 

Additionally, we have a limited number of sponsorship tables available. All tickets for lawn pods and sponsorships can be purchased here. 

Don’t wait – purchase your tickets for the 13th Annual Viola Awards today! 

If you have any questions about tickets or the Viola Awards, please email Sarah Downing or call 928-779-7159. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 31-June 4, 2021

VRP Operations: Memorial Day Weekend Report

Rangers were busy this past Memorial Day Weekend with a high volume of calls for Search and Rescue (SAR), Emergency Medical Services, and Law Enforcement incidents.

Many thanks to those who assisted in responding to these calls for service! Photo right: EMS, SAR, and LE personnel use a Sked Stretcher to lift a patient who fell near Mather Point over the weekend. A Sked Stretcher is used in areas that require high angle and/or technical rescue.

Grand Canyon Kicks off Virtual Star Party June 5

The 31st annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held virtually June 5-12, 2021. The park will bring the wonders of the night sky into the virtual realm through a series of live video premieres on Grand Canyon’s official Facebook page.

Each evening from June 5-12, Grand Canyon National Park will premiere two videos at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. PDT. The weeklong Star Party Speaker Series will feature nine special guest speakers. This year, the event will spotlight on the cultural astronomy of the Grand Canyon region-with speakers who represent some of the 11 traditionally associated tribes of Grand Canyon. Viewers will learn cultural astronomical perspectives from representatives of the Paiute Indian Tribes of Utah, Diné(Navajo Nation), Hopi Tribe, and the Pueblo of Zuni. Additional presentations will focus on the archaeo-astronomy of the ancestral Puebloan peoples of the Grand Canyon region.

Coconino County Fair to be Held In-Person Labor Day Weekend

With guidance from Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and consideration of the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on outdoor activities and large events, Coconino County Parks & Recreation will produce the 72nd annual Coconino County Fair as an in-person event this Labor Day weekend, September 3 – September 6, 2021. Last year’s Fair was modified to an all-virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Boy Scouts of America Grand Canyon Council Camp Cards for a Cause Supports Arizona Educators and Local Businesses

The Boy Scouts of America’s Grand Canyon Council (GCC), an independent nonprofit organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in Ariz., has launched their annual Scouting fundraiser Camp Cards for a Cause. This year, the fundraiser is benefiting Arizona educators.

“Our educators faced an incredible challenge this year, transitioning to distance teaching and learning new technologies all while helping support their students through the pandemic,” said Andy Price, chief executive officer of GCC. “We wanted to show our appreciation.”

Discover Flagstaff — ‘Printing and Painting with Natural Dyes, Threaded Together & Flag Wool and Fiber’ on June 5-6 and more eventsLearn about the use of natural dyes for screen printing or painting fabric. Virtual event. 3 p.m.

Learn about the use of natural dyes for screen printing or painting fabric. Virtual event. 3 p.m.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘Hope and Resiliency’ and more news

Hope is our motivator. Hope fuels our striving for a good life for ourselves and all others. We have to visualize it. What do you hope for yourself, family, neighbors, and community? For me, it is simply feeling connected. Having at least one go-to person that I can know without a doubt, we share genuine and reciprocal care for each other.

Read More

Coconino Community College — ‘A quick word from the President’ and more news

Here at Coconino Community College, we have celebrated our 512 recent graduates with a Commencement Ceremony held virtually in order to keep everybody healthy and safe during the pandemic. It is our hope of hopes that vaccinations are doing their job, and we can all, once again, celebrate our graduates’ achievements in person next year.

As the vaccination effort progresses, and as numbers of COVID-19 infections decline, CCC has begun the process, with health and safety of our students, faculty and staff as priority, of scheduling more in-person course offerings this summer. This fall, if all trends continue, CCC will welcome back students with an increase of in-person courses to help our students find instructional delivery that fits their needs as they get busy recovering from the effects of this global pandemic.

CCC grad takes MyPath2ASU

Travis Barnes has experienced a number of hardships and false starts in his life.

“My parents gave me ‘the talk,” Barnes said, smiling. “They said, ‘School is the best investment you can make in yourself.’”

So, Barnes, a Flagstaff native who graduated from Sinagua High School when it was still a high school, decided to consider a career instead of jobs with little to no upward mobility. He opted for Coconino Community College.

Flagstaff Library to begin limited reopening on June 1

The city of Flagstaff entered Phase 3 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan on May 17. Under Phase 3, the city will begin a limited reopening of city facilities and amenities. Face coverings are required in city facilities. 

The Flagstaff Downtown Library will begin a limited reopening for patron access on June 1, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The East Flagstaff Community Library will begin a limited reopening for patron access on June 2, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Monday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up for May 24-28, 2021

Navajo Nation Information

Wearing a mask in public is mandatory.
All Navajo Nation Tribal Parks remain closed to visitors. This includes: Antelope Canyon – Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Marble Canyon, Coal Mine Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Four Corners Monument, and Little Colorado River Gorge.
The Navajo Nation is currently in a Shelter in Place order, which includes daily curfew hours from 11:00 P.M. MDT to 5:00 A.M. MDT. 
Specific guidance for the Navajo Nation can be found on the Navajo Nation website.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Flagstaff Art Scene Making a Comeback

After a very long pandemic year, the arts scene in Flagstaff is re-emerging, bringing music, performance and visual arts back to eager northern Arizona audiences.

Go to the calendar page of the historic Orpheum Theater and you’ll see there’s already half a dozen shows booked for next month, including two comedians, a mini blues festival (seven hours, five featured performers) and a Pride Party.

Meanwhile, June 4 will mark the formal return of the First Friday ArtWalk (now called ArtWalk FLG). The Viola Awards – Flagstaff’s answer to the Oscars for the arts and sciences community – will hold its ceremony on June 18. Then in July, Theatrikos will be back with an outdoor show at The Arboretum.

Viola Awards — More Tickets Available NOW

xAfter selling out in just 3 days, we have worked with Coconino County Parks & Recreation and Health & Human Services to safely add more tickets to the 13th Annual Viola Awards on Friday, June 18th at the Pepsi Amphitheater. 

Tickets for spots on the lawn are now being sold in pods. Each pod can have a maximum of 6 guests. You can purchase tickets now for a pod of 2-6 guests. 

Additionally, we have a limited number of fixed seat tickets and sponsorship tables available. All tickets for lawn pods, fixed seats, and sponsorships can be purchased here. 

If you have any questions about tickets or the Viola Awards, please email Sarah Downing or call 928-779-7159. 

Detention Academy at CCC graduates 10 new officers

Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll had the cadets raise their right hands and repeat after him.

“I do solemnly swear that I will uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and the State of Arizona. I will perform faithfully and honorably the duties of the Detention Officer and will accept, without reservation, the responsibility and trust placed in me by the citizens of Coconino County and my fellow law enforcement professionals.”

Ten new detention officers will be working for the Sheriff’s Office after having graduated from Basic Detention Academy. They were honored with a ceremony on May 14 at the Pepsi Amphitheater at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds.

The academy is made possible through a partnership with the sheriff’s office and Coconino Community College.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘Mental Health Resources’ and more news

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Achieve60AZ | College Success Arizona | Expect More Arizona team has compiled a list of mental health and behavioral health resources and programs that can be found around Arizona and utilized by students and parents throughout the K12-postsecondary pipeline. Resources in the region include Health Promotion: Mental Health and the Mental Health Support Squad at Northern Arizona University; and the CARE Program at Coconino Community College.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Providing Child Care in the Grand Canyon

For most of the past year, Kaibab Learning Center has been able to remain open, an amazing feat for the child care provider as it celebrates 20 years of serving the Grand Canyon area.

There was an initial closure when the pandemic first began, but on June 29, 2020, KLC reopened its doors, providing child care, preschool, after-school and summer school programs for dozens of families.

“With the exception of our six holiday days, our center prides itself on being there every single weekday, Monday through Friday,” said KLC Assistant Director Andrea Ramsey.

Governing School Board Candidates to be interviewed for Maine Consolidated School District seat

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget would like to announce interviews are scheduled for Thursday, June 3 for the two Governing School Board Member open seats at Maine Consolidated School District #10. The candidates are Misty Ridenhour, Raena Woods, Peter Asmus, and Kaitlin Cloud.

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

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Lifts Mask Proclamation in Line with CDC Guidance

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors lifted its Face Covering Proclamation effective June 1, 2021.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors lifted its Face Covering Proclamation effective June 1, 2021. The rescission of the Proclamation results in masks no longer being required in indoor and outdoor settings in Coconino County. Private businesses still have the ability to require masks. Masks continue to be recommended for unvaccinated individuals in indoor settings. Although no longer required, Coconino County supports an individual’s decision to mask when already vaccinated based upon their own comfort level and preference. 

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Brings Internet Access to Rural Communities

In partnership with SpaceX, Coconino County is delivering reliable high-speed internet to 45 rural households with the launch of state-of-the-art satellites seen throughout Arizona’s night sky recently.

Coconino County began conversations with SpaceX, an aerospace manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, when Vice-Chair Lena Fowler and Coconino County’s Chief Information Officer Matt Fowler both met with the company in 2019. This resulted in securing accounts for the County to utilize SpaceX beta technology, created to make internet accessible to rural areas of Northern Arizona. Coconino County successfully became an early customer, purchasing and launching Starlink internet in a 45-household trial on May 6, 2021.

NAU’s summer term offers convenient, unique learning opportunities for community members and current students

Northern Arizona University offers summer courses for the whole family—in Flagstaff, Phoenix and online. NAU students can supplement their studies or get ahead, and community members can explore topics of personal or professional interest.

From finding more effective ways to communicate at the workplace, to brewing quality beer or learning about the world of Esports at a youth camp, it is easy to learn something new at NAU this summer.

NAU students, community members and future Lumberjacks can choose from more than 1,400 classes.

“We are excited to engage our students and community members in a wide range of learning opportunities this summer,” said Gayla Stoner, vice provost and dean of Online and Innovative Educational Initiatives. “Students of all ages can benefit from these quality educational experiences.”

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Would you be willing to provide some feedback about the Festival?

It is hard to believe that 7 months have passed since the 2020 Festival and that the 2021 Festival is right around the corner! As we plan this year’s line up of exciting programs, we like to look back as well AND hear from you!

2020 definitely had it’s challenges and we are so proud of the hybrid Festival that was produced! As you reflect with us, can you share what you loved about the 2020 Festival? Was there a specific virtual presentation or a socially-distanced outdoor event that inspired you? Perhaps a topic or theme that you learned about for the first time? And don’t forget to ask your kids what sparked joy for them!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘Say thank you to Arizona child care providers through #ShareTheCareAZ campaign’ and more news

The importance of child care providers to families, to communities and to Arizona’s economy came into clearer view over the past year.

The pandemic caused the abrupt shutdown of many child care and home-based centers. Now, despite drastically reduced enrollment and expensive increased health and safety measures, many centers are determined to serve families who need safe, trusted child care in order to continue working.

While it was challenging for everyone, the resilience and dedication of early educators renewed our deep appreciation for those who provide child care and the essential role it plays. Especially in uncertain times, early care and education providers offer families critical support when they need it most.

Throughout the month of May, First Things First invites Arizonans to show their gratitude for the state’s early care and education providers through the #ShareTheCareAZ campaign. Visit the Share the Care AZ page for simple ways to show support.

City of Flagstaff announces ‘One a day in May’ litter challenge

The city of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Program’s Community Stewards will host a One a Day in May litter challenge. This event runs for the month of May. The top three litter pickers will win great prizes on June 1, 2021.

The Community Steward’s Program is utilizing the phone app Litterati to help participants easily pick up litter as they go about their day. The goal of using Litterati, is to take a photo of the litter through the app, tag it, pick it up and then upload the photo. Litterati will then store the location of the litter, with the type-tag on a map. This will allow Sustainability staff to better identify locations with litter problems and the types of litter out there. 

Learning wildfire suppression at CCC

Cascade Parcell and her instructor Brad Williams study the ponderosa pine. They’re looking for “lean” – the direction the tree wants to fall.

“I’m going to use wedges on this one,” Parcell says, picking up a chainsaw.

She fires up the chainsaw, kneels at the base and starts cutting while Williams carefully watches.

Parcell was one of a handful of students taking the Wildland Fire Chainsaws course in April at Coconino Community College. The course is part of a CCC Wildland Fire Suppression Certificate program.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘CCC&Y heading into Summer with new look, strong focus’ and more news

As the region heads into summer, and the hope that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, this seems an appropriate time to reinvigorate ourselves with the promise of a new beginning.
As part of our effort during this nationwide Spring Cleaning, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth welcomes you to explore our new, revitalized website at www.Coconinokids.org
The website features our new logo and brand colors, more images and easier links to a variety of resources you have come to depend on, including:

Northern Region COVID-19 Vaccination Site at NAU expected to Open to Age 12 and Over on Thursday

The state-run Northern Region COVID-19 Vaccination Site will open to anyone 12 years of age and over on Thursday, May 13, subject to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The site currently administers the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 16 and over. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 -15 on Monday. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC are expected to follow suit on Wednesday with a recommendation to vaccinate those 12 and older. The recommendation applies only to the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for those 18 and older.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Weekly Update

Our Tuba City office is open but operating remotely, with limited in-person services. When possible, please conduct business by phone or email.

Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday | 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Fridays

If you need assistance, please call: 928-283-4518 or email Miranda at mmorales@coconino.az.gov

Announcing the 13th Annual Viola Awards Finalists & Legacy Award Recipients

The Flagstaff Arts Council is pleased to announce the Finalists and Legacy Award recipients for the 13th Annual Viola Awards. The Viola Awards honor excellence in the arts, sciences, and culture in Flagstaff. 2020 was an unprecedented year, but the finalists of the year’s Viola Awards prove the creativity and resiliency of our community.

This year’s awards will honor 36 finalists across 9 categories with some finalists being recognized in multiple categories. All finalists will be honored at the Viola Awards event on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

For the first time this year, the Flagstaff Arts Council has produced a digital magazine featuring all Finalists and Legacy Award recipients. The 2021 Finalist Magazine can be viewed and downloaded here.

Deadline approaching (May 14) for Future Health Leaders Virtual High School Summer Camp

There are only 9 DAYS LEFT to register for the 2021 Future Health Leaders Virtual Summer Camp! This year will be our second year of virtual summer camp and this year will be BIGGER and BETTER. We will be hosting giveaways, providing completion packages, and engaging in virtual social activities throughout the week. We have lined up some knowledgeable guest speakers in topics such as nursing, pharmacy, and allied health. We know this will be a great healthcare learning experience for all those in attendance.