By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
Nominate Your Favorite NOW
STEMMY Nominations Close This Friday
These annual awards are given to students, teachers, and organizations who are STEM Leaders in our community. Plus winning student and teacher also receive $500!!
Teens ages 15-18 are invited to apply to Sedona Arts Center’s Gallery 928 program, a unique summer art apprenticeship that partners students with a master artist to create a work of public art. Applications are due April 19, 2024. The program begins June 3 and runs through July 3 and will be held Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sedona Arts Center, located at 15 Art Barn Road.
“We are excited for year three of Gallery 928,” says Julie Richard, CEO of Sedona Arts Center. “This summer, apprentices will create a public art mural for our Center all the while learning about the public art process—from conception to completion to celebration.”
Who snores more, you or your partner? Who is the better driver? Who does more dishes? For Valentine’s Day, we asked three NAU couples, made up of faculty and staff, all these questions and more. Find out how often they agree, how often they don’t and whose victory dance we get to see at the end. Let the game begin!
Message from Mary –
I often consider February a month of transition, when winter shows a mighty beauty, but we long to see what spring will bring. Now is an ideal time to enjoy the warmth of the museum and explore Selling the Southwest. MNA’s newest exhibit unveils idyllic portrayals of unspoiled landscapes – artworks commissioned to lure visitors to enchanting, unfamiliar lands. It tells a story of transition, one that would bolster early tourism, impact southwestern culture and art for generations, and influence the lives of Indigenous peoples. The exhibit showcases works by Thomas Moran, William Robinson Leigh, Louis Akin, Arthur W. Best, and Gunnar Widforss, as well as pottery, jewelry, and textiles by Native artisans from that period.
Vision and Sound Symposium
RACE, ARTS, & UNDERSTANDING
February 25–26, 2024
Sedona Arts Center – 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
The Symposium will feature keynote speakers, performances, receptions, and reflections. This year’s symposium includes a two-part interactive Critical Response Process workshop led by world-renowned choreographer and 2023 Guggenheim Fellow Liz Lerman that will showcase ASU faculty member Edson “House” Magana and his film “Outcast.”
Conversations with the artists, facilitated by Sedona Arts Center CEO Julie Richard and CSRD Director Lois Brown, PhD will complement the Symposium workshops and keynote address.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Click here for more information and to register
O’ahu, Hawaii, is rife with lush landscapes, expansive ocean views, and increasingly, invasive rodents. Non-native mice and rats have contributed to ecological destruction in the island’s forests, and forest managers are struggling to manage the damage. Ph.D. student Sara Gabrielson hopes she can help: She recently published an article that describes these rodents’ diets and shows how they disperse seeds throughout forest lands. Gabrielson’s research could help forest managers get to the root of the problem and identify ways to minimize future environmental harm.
Follow the Chocolate Walk Passport around Downtown Flagstaff businesses and enjoy some chocolate! 11 a.m.
Learn More
Mark your calendars!
February 14: Intermittent road closures on Center and South Entrance Roads
On Wednesday, February 14, there will be intermittent closures of South Entrance and Center Roads. These closures are necessary to facilitate the transport of two large transformers and a crane being delivered for the APS Substation Project west of Clinic Road.
COCONINO COUNTY — At the February 6, 2024 meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board unanimously approved an official proclamation designating February 2024 as Black History Month in Coconino County …
… joining in the nationwide celebration and recognition of the history of the African Diaspora and African Americans who continue to be contributors to the achievements of the United States.
In designating February as Black History Month, the Board is committed to remember the courage, resilience, and teachings of those who helped build our nation and for those who continue to strive to fight for freedoms, stand against prejudice, advance the cause of civil rights, and strengthen families and communities.
“We appreciate the opportunity to recognize the great contributions from African Americans not only to American society, but also to the county’s local history like those who relocated here for jobs in the lumber industry and helped develop towns like Flagstaff into modern communities,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “It is extremely important that we take this time to acknowledge our county’s diversity and continue to learn about all parts of our history.”
he Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth provides a variety of free online training programs for parents, caregivers and all community members.
Our free Thriving Families webinar is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to the 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.
Color Clinic
with Gretchen Lopez
February 17-18 : Saturday–Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm
Learn how to achieve harmony and continuity in your paintings by mixing color from a limited palette. Have fun as we explore and discover how to use simple methods of mixing paint to gain confidence and a better understanding of how color works. Get ready to apply what we learn to a still life, abstract, and landscape! Instructor demonstrations and individual attention provided.
When Ian McLeod isn’t mountain biking or teaching at NAU’s Phoenix Bioscience Core, he’s working with some of the biggest names in extreme sports. Since 2011, the athletic trainer and physician assistant has served as an on-course medical responder at the Winter X Games, where famed athletes converge from across the globe to compete in extreme skiing, snowboarding and more. Working at the X Games has enriched McLeod’s teaching: He often uses those real-world experiences as case studies in the classroom.
These annual awards are given to students, teachers, and organizations who are STEM Leaders in our community. Winners will be announced at the STEMMY Awards Ceremony March 7th at the Coconino Center for the Arts.
Nomination Forms:
Student of the Year
Teacher of the Year
Community Partner of the Year
Business of the Year
Deadline for nominations is February 16th.
Message from Jeronimo
TOP 10 Accomplishments and Events for 2023
Welcome to New District 3 Supervisor Adam Hess
Holiday Celebrations
Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis
Flood Mitigation Activities
Fire Management
Transportation News
Coconino County Legislative News
County Supervisors Association (CSA) Board Meetings
Board of Supervisors Proclamations
Coconino County Diversity Council Activities
Re-entry Program in Coconino County
New Coconino County Youth Mental Health Hub
Supervisor Vasquez Conferences
Coconino County and Community Events
District 2 Neighborhood Meetings
Welcome to Mary Knight – Coconino County’s New Rural Broadband Manager
Supervisor Vasquez Remembers Benally Klee
Coconino County Job Opportunities
Coconino County Services and Programs
What’s going on with the Transcanyon Waterline Project?
Since initial construction activities began on the South Rim nearly a year ago, the focus was on developing the construction sites and various South Rim facilities. Currently, the two new raw water tanks, laydown and staging areas, Staging Road, and contractor support facilities are nearly completed. Construction for the South Rim water treatment plant and Helibase infrastructure are well underway. New helicopter landing pads are completed and much of the concrete foundations and conduit lines are installed for the facilities at both of those construction areas.
Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 5 p.m.
An immersive arts experience, Vision & Sound broadens the understanding and appreciation of African American art and music for multigenerational and multicultural audiences. The educational event, which features an exhibition, lectures, artist demonstrations, musical performances and a symposium, builds supportive relationships to encourage cultural equity throughout Arizona and beyond, recognizing that professional American artists of African descent are too often overlooked.
The Board of Directors of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has voted to support a proposed House of Representatives bill that would expand Child Tax Credit refunds for parents.
The bill, which has received broad bipartisan support, passed the House Ways and Means Committee last week by a 40 to 3 vote. is sponsored by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.).
“Sixteen million kids from low-income families will be better off as a result of this plan, and given today’s miserable political climate, it’s a big deal to have this opportunity to pass pro-family policy that helps so many kids get ahead,” Wyden stated on Jan. 16 in a U.S. Senate Committee of Finance media release. …
January Contreras, chief executive office and president of the Children’s Action Alliance, made a presentation on the bill to the board during its monthly meeting on Jan. 22.
United Way of Northern Arizona is pleased to announce that Tempy Wessel, a native of Joseph City and former member of W.L. Gore & Associates, has accepted the position of Northeast Arizona Representative for UWNA.
Wessel’s family’s history in Northeast Arizona has gone back for generations, with her family originally coming to Joseph City as ranchers. They soon became involved in local, county, and state government, and Tempy’s great grandfather was a federal magistrate in Holbrook for many years.
After retiring from W.L. Gore, she and her husband, David, moved back to Joseph City, where they manage a community center that serves as a meeting place for local clubs and the Chamber of Commerce.
“This region is the place that most feels like home to me,” she said. “Being the Northeast Representative isn’t just a job; it’s my heart.”
In this edition
• Happy 2024 New Year
• Important Information about AHCCCS
• Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Summit for Parents and Professionals. • • • Scholarships available
• Spotlight : Alissa Jones – Community Connector
• Learning Through Play – Educational Experts Video
• Upcoming Training Opportunities for Parents
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Resources
Painting the Southwest Desert
with Gretchen Lopez
February 3 : Saturday, 10am to 4:30pm
Not only is life abundant in our great Southwest Desert, but as an artist, I can see wonderful textures, nuances in color and the way light influences the way we see it in the morning and in the late afternoon!
Working from photo references, learn to capture the drama and beauty of our great Southwest. Find out how your brush strokes can create marvelous areas of interesting texture, along with experimenting with color and composition!
Previous drawing skills are a must!
Find out in the Grand Canyon Semester, one of the longest-running honors semesters in the country. Available to all undergraduate students, the unique course touches on the Grand Canyon’s geology, the environmental concerns that threaten it and the Indigenous people who have called it home for centuries. Uniquely, class discussions often take place on the trail, on the Colorado River or over the campfire. Professor Ted Martinez wants students to learn how to think critically and solve problems in less-than-ideal circumstances. But mostly, he wants them to leave having learned to trust themselves.
Hello District 1 Residents,
It’s a new year, filled with hope and promise. It’s a good time to
reflect on where we’ve been and look forward to where the new
year will take us. I hope you enjoy this look back at some of the
highlights for District 1. Hopefully, you have had an opportunity
to reflect on your own highlights for 2023.
As we move into 2024, I look forward to working together to
create a Coconino County that serves our large and diverse
District. Wishing you a year of renewal, resilience, optimism,
strength, grace, and peace in 2024.
Onward together.
Patrice
FLAGSTAFF — This special event celebrating local artists will take place just before Valentine’s Day, on Saturday, February 10th from 11am-3pm, and will feature over 15 local artists and artisans displaying and selling their art and artisan crafts. Culture Connection AZ is proud to host a diverse group of artists, including Indigenous and Native American artists, artists from the LGBTQ+ community, Hispanic artists, and more.
During the event, Culture Connection AZ will also be a participant in downtown Flagstaff’s Annual Chocolate Walk and will host a free Valentine-making table for attendees to create their own special Valentine for a loved one. Those new to Flagstaff and those born outside the US are especially encouraged to attend and gain meaningful connections to our community.
Start the year off with a charming, heartwarming comedy. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m, Sun. 2 p.m.
Learn More
Does American AI understand Korean slang?
If I posted that a movie was “fire,” most American English speakers would understand the meaning—I liked the movie. But what if a bot, untrained on the intricacies of slang, read it? Would the AI assume the movie was on fire? Or was about fire? Or that the movie theater was on fire? Can an AI tool, trained in one language, accurately interpret the cultural and linguistic nuances of other languages? That’s an important consideration for the U.S. Department of Defense, which is funding linguistics professor Scott Jarvis’ research into the practical use of AI in information-gathering.
This week, the National Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate (NRSS) published a scientific report on historical and future climate change effects for Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding landscape. This report has been a long time in the making and we are thankful to the staff within our Science and Resource Management Division who greatly assisted in this research.
If you don’t have time to read the entire report, here are some key takeaways on observed changes attributed to climate change for the Grand Canyon region:
The Arizona Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA) hosted its 8th annual Day at the Capitol for parents, advocates, and legislators to raise awareness of the importance of a child’s earliest years. Children’s Action Alliance is a member of the alliance. This year’s event focus was centered around the Governor’s budget proposal of $100 million in child care assistance to stave off a looming funding cliff facing child care providers and parents in Arizona.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health & Human Services Healthy Families Program is hiring a Family Support Specialist.
Our ideal candidate(s) enjoy family support work, are highly relational, and are bilingual (Spanish/English).
Starting pay is $45,560.
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
The CCC&Y Prevention Council has its roots in our long history of child abuse prevention, our most recent work with substance misuse prevention and our overall commitment to understanding the protective factors, resiliency research and assets our community needs to thrive.
Some examples include:
• Planning for previous Child Abuse Prevention Conferences
• Engaging in multiple projects with International Child Welfare expert, Kevin Campbell
• Developing a library of recorded webinars
• Initiating the PAWS community arts and education project
FLAGSTAFF — The annual Point in Time Count (PIT) willtake place starting Jan. 24 throughout the City of Flagstaff.This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and isconducted across the country.
Local data collected during the annual PIT Count measuresprogress at local and national levels related to preventingand ending homelessness. Information gathered from thesurveys can help raise awareness about the challengesfaced by people who are experiencing homeless in thecommunity. Data is also shared at the local, state andnational level to determine funding for homeless servicesthroughout Coconino County. This count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. 7:30 p.m.
I recently had the honor of being a guest on the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce’s radio show Bizz Buzz to talk about the United Way of Northern Arizona and our efforts to step up for our youth.
UWNA has been a proud Chamber member for many years. It was wonderful talking with Chamber President & CEO Julie Pastrick and sharing with her audience how we are expanding our efforts in positive youth development.
Did you catch the pink glow the morning of January 17?
Hello, atmospheric optics! The sun emits white light, however, as the sunlight passes through the atmosphere during sunrise or sunset times, long-wavelength (red) light is scattered less than short-wavelength (blue) light. Therefore, red-ish colored light reaches the observer’s eyes and clouds aid to the pink color that could be observed.
CCC&Y, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff continue to make progress meeting the goals of “The Reimagine Community Project,” a mental model change program ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at the City and County levels and enacted as policy change.
CCC&Y was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected in April 2023 for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant. The goal of the project is to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, health outcomes and provider and staff wellness.
During a Zoom presentation in December 2023, CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie presented a draft webinar presentation for city leaders to receive feedback.
The webinar included an overview of “The 10 ACES,” (Adverse Childhood Experiences),” and how the effects of childhood trauma adversely affects individuals in their adult lives. Those 10 ACES include — physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, mental illness, divorce, substance abuse, violence against mother, having a relative who has been sent to jail or prison.
By understanding how both ACES and ongoing stress affect individuals, including oneself, the training is expected to improve customer service for community members and self-care and support to County and City employees.
This summer, Sedona Arts Center will offer its third year of Gallery 928, a unique art apprenticeship program for teens ages 15 to 18. Based on Chicago’s Gallery 37 summer public art program started in the 1980s, students will be hired to apprentice with a master artist to create a public art mural for the Sedona Arts Center.
This job opportunity is open to up to 12 artistic teens interested in expanding their skills and knowledge in the public art field as well as learning other art mediums and techniques. In partnership with Yavapai College, the students chosen to participate in the program will receive 3 free college credits. Students will also be paid a stipend of $500from Sedona Arts Center for their participation.
View this email in your browser January 15th, 2024 Connect with your community Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown Library)…
There are many reasons why you can trust that your investment in the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) will further our mission of creating lasting, positive changes in our region.
In addition to our exhaustive process of evaluating programs, so that your donations go where they can do the most good, we work every day to be good stewards of your funds.
UWNA recently received a “clean” audit report from Fester & Chapman PLLC of our 2023 financials, meaning our financial reporting was accurately stated and in compliance with general accounting principals.
As UWNA Board Chairman Mike Kelly said after reviewing the auditors’ report, “It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be part of UWNA, because I can feel really good about how our monies are managed.”
Grand Canyon Dispatch reminds all residents, locals, and visitors that road information can always be found at 928-638-7496. This recorded line is updated with real-time information directly from units opening and closing the roads.
For State Route closures and other road closures within the state of Arizona, call Arizona DOT at 888-411-7623, visit them at AZ511.gov, and download the app.
Residents and employees are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge notifications in order to receive up to date inclement weather and roads information as they occur. To sign up, residents can follow this link.
“This’ll be fun. We’ll stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning… I’m making waffles!” – Donkey. 9 p.m.
What happened at NAU in 2023? From exciting grants and university announcements to Homecoming photos and inspirational student stories, relive some of the highlights you may have missed last year in The NAU Review with this list of most read stories (and a few of our other favorites)!
Observing the Winter Night Sky
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 23, 30, and Feb. 6
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Locate and identify the sparkling gems of the winter night sky & learn how different telescopes work and how to use them.
Winter Sky – Learn more and register!
SEE MORE HERE
As we begin 2024, I’m looking forward to working with our state’s early childhood stakeholders – including parents and caregivers, child care and health providers, state and non-profit agencies, educators, businesses, philanthropists, faith organizations, policymakers and elected leaders – as partners in addressing children’s school readiness.
To help with those efforts, I am pleased to announce that First Things First has published the latest edition of Building Bright Futures – our biennial assessment on the status of Arizona’s youngest children. You can read more about the report on our latest blog.
The new report provides insight into the challenges facing young children in Arizona and details the need for continued work to ensure the future stability of child care in our state’s post-pandemic landscape.
Our 2024 Spring Catalog has been printed and is getting ready to ship – so check your mailbox next week! Until then – you can preview it online at SedonaArtsCenter.org
FLAGSTAFF — The Point in Time is right around the corner and we need volunteers!
The Point in Time or PIT count is a HUD requirement for COC’s nationally. The count provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness at a single point in time. It is an opportunity to collect some basic data used to measure homelessness on a national, state and local level. Data is used for system and program planning and to measure progress in ending homelessness.
Cocoon Monthly Dance Party w/Bear Cole, The McMillan
Cocoon – Come Out Of It – Every First Saturday at The McMillan in Historic Downtown. 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6.
Learn More
Want to stay up to date with park information, including road closures?
Sign up for Everbridge notifications!
The Everbridge platform sends real-time texts, emails, and/or calls to park employees, residents, and community members.
NPS Everbridge notifications are distributed for incidents impacting public safety, means of travel, work conditions, utility interruptions, and significant park-wide incidents.
Below are examples of incidents that may require notifications:
Calendar of Events for Youth at the Downtown and East Flagstaff Community Libraries, Arizona Author Series Watch Party on Jan 18.
Yesterday, lawmakers from the Senate and House’s Health and Human Services Committees debated whether and for how long the Department of Child Safety should be allowed to continue, as part of the agency’s sunset review. While authorized to recommend continuation for up to 10 years, the Committee voted yesterday to endorse continuation for just 4 years, with two members voting against the continuing of DCS at all.
Children’s Action Alliance provided public comment in support of continuation, noting the progress the agency has made since its inception 10 years ago in clearing a significant backlog of investigations, increasing supports for kinship foster parents, and strengthening services for young people as they transition from foster care to independence. CAA also acknowledged that there is much work to be done.
Are you a parent with an intellectual disability?
Join our Advisory Board
We are looking for parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) to make this project even better by joining the Advisory Board. We will meet twice before July 2024 for about an hour. You will be given $150 for each meeting you attend.
We are working to improve access to high-quality parenting support for parents with Intellectual Disabilities (ID).
View this email in your browser With the end of the year in sight, it’s so fun to reflect on the amazing journey we’ve had. We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported FLYRS in…
