Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 2-6, 2024

Resume Workshop Series at Albright Training Center

Albright Training Center is hosting a series of resume workshops designed to help individuals apply for and compete for jobs with the National Park Service. Led by Paul Ganas and Dalirca Matos, Human Resource Specialists for NPS, these sessions will provide valuable insights into building strong resumes and navigating the federal hiring process.

Each workshop is tailored to a specific audience, so be sure to attend the session that best fits your needs:

• Monday, December 9 (For Current NPS Employees): Learn how to craft a resume that highlights your qualifications for promotions and explore experiences that will enhance your career trajectory.

• Tuesday, December 10 (For Veterans, Military Spouses, and Individuals with Disabilities): Discover the various hiring paths for veterans and military spouses, what documentation is required, and how to tailor your federal resume.

• Wednesday, December 11 (For Community Members): Gain tips on finding job opportunities with NPS, what qualifications are needed, and how to create a federal resume that stands out.

All sessions run from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Albright Training Center (1 Albright Ave, Grand Canyon, AZ). Bring a copy of your resume and supporting documents for feedback.

For more information, email Albright_Campus@nps.gov with “Resume Workshop” in the subject line. A flyer for the workshops can be found here.

This year’s autumn CRMP river mission included staff from all NPS workgroups as well as Hualapai Cultural Resources Director Ka-Voka Jackson. For numerous park staff, this was their first time experiencing the Colorado River in Grand Canyon.

The focus of the river mission was to perform maintenance at campsites, trails, and popular attraction sites along the river corridor. Field work was led by subject matter experts from the Division of Science and Resource Management and the NPS Trails program. Work site locations included South Canyon, Unkar Delta, Granite Camp, Deer Creek.

Huge thanks to Mission Supervisor Kay Tufts; Small Craft Operators Chelsea Arndt, Sean Bothman, Jimmy Fulmer, Trevin Johnson, Nate Jordan, and Nick Mann; and NPS River Operations support staff for making this river mission a success!

Actions to conserve park resources and visitor experience while enhancing river running recreational opportunities on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park are guided by the 2006 Colorado River Management Plan.

New Documentary “Facing the Falls” Celebrates Accessibility and Courage on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

We are excited to announce the release of Facing the Falls, a powerful new documentary about disability rights advocate Cara Elizabeth Yar Khan. This film, directed by Celia Aniskovich and executive produced by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, chronicles Cara’s remarkable 12-day journey through the Grand Canyon despite battling an aggressive, life-threatening disease. Over 10 years in the making, the film is now available for free streaming, starting December 3, to coincide with International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Cara’s expedition showcases the resilience of the human spirit and challenges perceptions of what is possible, especially for individuals with disabilities. With accessible versions including open captions and audio descriptions, Facing the Falls aims to reach a global audience with its empowering message.

Watch the film for free now at FacingTheFalls.com/watch-now.

Meet Pamela Lasiloo, a Zuni silversmith, at Desert View Watchtower on December 10-12, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Pamela will demonstrate her expertise in channel inlay silversmithing, intricately arranging small, hand-cut stones such as turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli into detailed patterns set in sterling silver. Known for her signature pieces that reflect the vibrant colors of nature, Pamela’s creations are celebrated for their exquisite detail and petite elegance.

Grand Canyon Incident Report Now Available

Grand Canyon Law Enforcement has combined significant incidents from all districts including the South Rim, Canyon District, and the North Rim.

Please note, this is NOT a complete list of all incidents within the given timeframe within Grand Canyon National Park. Incidents are selected to highlight the unique nature of cases, operations, resources, and responses of GRCA’s Visitor and Resource Protection Division.

Grand Canyon Incident Report ending December 4, 2024

Employee Spotlight!

Adam Leavy, Deputy Chief (Operations), Facilities and Engineering Division

I began my conservation journey with the Montana Conservation Corps in 2002, based out of Bozeman, MT. I then spent 16 rewarding years (2006–2021) at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on the trail and road crews. Those were some of the best days of my career so far—living, packing, riding, and working deep in the High Sierra from May until September (and plowing snow in the winter). I have vivid memories of watching our strings of mules and horses enjoy a hard-earned meal at Sandy Meadow under the shadow of the crest. Following that, I served as Chief of Facilities at Pinnacles National Park for 3.5 years.

I’ve been a passionate bluegrass guitar player for about 14 years and am eager to connect with fellow pickers on the South Rim to talk/play music. If I had to choose a favorite guitar player at this exact moment it would be Tony Rice, check him out. My wife, Alicia Metz, now works at the clinic here on SR, and we share our adventures with our two young daughters, Rose (3) and Thea (7 months).

How long have you worked at GRCA?

My first day at GRCA was November 17, 2024! I’m currently in the firehose stage—please be patient with me! I’m a fast learner.

Can you share a memorable or rewarding experience you’ve had while working with the National Park Service?

I took Pinnacles’ Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (SETP) to heart during my tenure there. As a small-to-medium park, it faced challenges with accessibility—not due to any fault of its own, but as a result of historical design and limited resources over time. We worked closely with regional architects to design and expedite the installation of an accessible shaded picnic area on the park’s west side and accessible restrooms on the east side. Despite a tight three-year timeline, we accomplished a great deal, and I’m proud to say it was a park-wide effort rather than just my own success.

In addition, we made significant strides in wildland fire mitigation and protection efforts, which even caught the attention of the Washington office! I’m looking forward to bringing those ideas to the table here.

What are you most excited to contribute in your new role as Deputy Chief of Operations for FMD?

Employee growth and development are paramount. Investing in field workers and supervisors, guiding them toward their goals, is the only way I got to where I am today. I firmly stand by that practice. Any FMD employee is welcome to talk to me about training opportunities within or outside the division—I’m ready to help. I actively enjoy getting stuff done!

If you could only eat one holiday treat for the entire season, what would it be and why?

I’m not a big sweet eater, so I’d have to say stuffing. I wish it was more often on the menu!

Grand Canyon Rec Center Announces December Calendar of Events

See all the fun events happening at the Grand Canyon Rec Center during the month of December! Craft night, movie nights, and game nights galore!

To see the full calendar, see the attached flyer here.

Residential Holiday Lights Walk -December 6

Residents of Randy Thompson Circle and Bob Mahn Street are announcing the 4th Annual Holiday Lights Walk. The event will occur on Friday, December 6 from 6-8 p.m. and will feature holiday lights, hot cocoa, and more.

All residents are welcome and more information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Christmas Bazaar Vendor Fair at Grand Hotel in Tusayan – December 7

The Grand Canyon Community Church is once again hosting its annual Christmas Bazaar market.

The event will be held at the Grand Hotel in Tusayan from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Arts and crafts will be available for sale from local vendors here in the community. All community members are welcome and proceeds from the event will help benefit community initiatives.

A full flyer for the event can be found here.

Santa Breakfast and Market at GC School-December 7

On Saturday, December 7, join Santa at the Grand Canyon School cafeteria for a Santa Breakfast, sponsored by the Grand Canyon School. Breakfast is $5 per plate and all proceeds will benefit the 8th grade class field trip to Washington D.C.

A vendor market will also be occurring simultaneously as well as holiday crafts, Toys for Tots pickup, and a Canyon Closet clothing popup. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Angel Tree donations now being accepted through Dec. 12

Delaware North is excited to announce the return of the Angel Tree gift donation program for this holiday season. This initiative aims to support local children in need, and DNC invites everyone to participate by dropping off gifts at the Canyon Village Market customer service desk.

Donations will be accepted now through Thursday, December 14.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Town of Tusayan Holiday Festival and Drone Show Dec. 12

Join the Town of Tusayan on Thursday, Dec. 12 for their annual Holiday Festival and Drone Show! Located at the Tusayan Sports Complex, the event will begin at 5 p.m. and feature a drone show, Santa, hot chocolate, and soup. The holiday lights will be on display each evening at the Tusayan Sports Complex from Thanksgiving to New Years.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Cafeteria, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse, Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (food until 9 p.m.)
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services, daily from 7 am to 4 pm.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental & Cafe: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
• Inner Canyon:
• Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens to Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024 to May 14, 2025
• Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024 to May 14, 2025
• Bright Angel Campground, closed Nov 4, 2024 to May 14, 2025
• Phantom Ranch (Lodging and Canteen), closed from Jan 2, 2025, to Mar 30, 2025 (Phantom Ranch currently closed due to waterline break)

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tower access tickets given out at 4 pm.
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours)-pay at pump only

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• Randy’s Rock along the Colorado River during the November CRMP river mission (NPS Photo/T. Watts)
• CRMP river mission participants during a river exchange near Phantom Ranch (NPS Photo)
• Pamela Lasiloo jewelry (Photo courtesy of P. Lasiloo)
• Adam Leavy, Deputy Chief of Operations, FMD (Photo courtesy of A. Leavy)
• North Rim gate closed for the season (NPS Photo/S. Lawson)