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Messages and Grand Canyon News
Week of November 11, 2024
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Winter Preparedness: Best Practices for Power Outages
Winter in Grand Canyon Village brings its own set of challenges, including the possibility of power outages due to inclement weather. It’s important to be prepared for a variety of winter-related situations to ensure the safety and well-being of you, your family, and your neighbors.
What to Do During a Power Outage
Report the Outage Immediately
*Please do not call 911 or dispatch unless you are experiencing an emergency.*
In Any Emergency, Stay in Communication
- Keep in contact with your supervisor and neighbors to let them know you’re safe. It’s important to stay informed and share any critical information about the outage.
- Coordinate with your neighbors to identify anyone who may need assistance during the outage, such as elderly residents or those with health issues. Having a plan in place can help ensure no one is left without support.
Stay Informed with Everbridge Alerts
Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations. This free service ensures that you will stay informed when it matters most. You can sign up by following this link:
Sign up for Everbridge alerts. |
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in November—Upcoming Events
Continue celebrating Native American Heritage Month with us by attending the Indigenous Youth Art Show at Desert View!
On display will be pottery, paintings, textiles, and garments hand made by young artists who wish to tell the world about their cultures and their work. More information on this event and more events during Native American Heritage Month can be found on the
This Youth Art Show will be open to the public at the Tribal Welcome Center at Desert View the days of November 14, 15, 18, 20, 21 from 12pm – 4pm. The artists contributing their pieces are all under the age of 25 and represent their communities form the 11Associated tribes of the Canyon.
On display will be pottery, paintings, textiles, and garments hand made by young artists who wish to tell the world about their cultures and their work. More information on this event and more events during Native American Heritage Month can be found on the park’s website here.
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| Grand Canyon’s firefighters and instructors at the NPS firefighter academy. (L to R: Chief Kevin Ross, FF Sawyer Lawson, FF Alonzo Mandanna, FF Aaron Zavesky, Capt. Doug Gillum) |
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Congratulations to Our New Firefighters!
Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Mandanna, stationed at the South Rim, and Firefighters Lawson and Zavesky, stationed at the North Rim, on their graduation from the NPS Firefighter Academy!
This year’s academy included recruits from eight parks across the country, all of whom completed a rigorous 17-week training program. The first 14 weeks were spent in online study and webinar classes, followed by 3 weeks of intensive, hands-on skills training at the Boise Fire Department Training Center.
NPS firefighters serve in a unique role: almost all are collateral duty firefighters, meaning they perform firefighting duties in addition to their regular positions. Whether on duty or off, they are ready to respond to emergency calls 24/7, 365 days a year.
The training culminated in both written and practical exams, and those who passed received internationally accredited certifications in firefighting and hazardous materials response. The academy’s instructor cadre is composed of over a dozen NPS firefighters who are certified fire instructors themselves.
Becoming a firefighter is no small feat—it requires immense physical and mental dedication. Our new firefighters’ commitment to serving the park community is truly commendable.
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Grand Canyon Community Corner
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Community Leader Spotlight-Heather Lapre
Operations Associate, Grand Canyon Food Pantry
Grand Canyon Village has been my home since 2009, when my husband, AJ, got hired for his first job in NPS. I had never lived in such a small community, where folks could casually see one another regularly picking up mail or shopping at a market. The opportunity to become acquainted with such a broad spectrum of people allowed me to thrive. Being surrounded by familiar faces perfectly suits my penchant for conversation and spontaneity.
Volunteer opportunities I’ve enjoyed here include participating in many fundraisers and PTA activities, volunteering with the Canyon Closet through several iterations, and, most importantly, with the Grand Canyon Food Pantry (GCFP).
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, I took my commitment to GCFP to another level. We were all shaken and unsure of what was going on. Connecting with others, outside and distantly, about the fundamental need for food comforted my heart. GCFP President Mike Scott became my friend and mentor in non-profit community outreach. I knew that service would always be essential to my life.
Matt Vandzura and Mike had the dream to start the pantry. Mike wanted to ensure the company continued supporting our neighbors, so he asked Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC) Food Bank and Kitchen to assume operations. Their board agreed to partner with us to ensure continued services to those who work in and around Grand Canyon National Park. As part of that new partnership, they have hired me as the Operations Associate at Grand Canyon Food Pantry.
With broad reach and vast institutional knowledge from running a successful pantry for over 30 years, this partnership with FFFC will allow Grand Canyon Food Pantry to meet our community needs better. There have already been many noticeable changes in the appearance of our interior along with a greater variety of products. Additionally, we now ask neighbors to visit the pantry once weekly due to updated recording procedures using computer software. As we move forward, we will continue to need the support of you and the village community, most notably through volunteering to help with one of our three weekly shifts.
I look forward to working with all of you, old friends and new, as we continue to make the Grand Canyon community a better place to live. |
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PTA Winter Clothing Drive Nov. 14-15
The Grand Canyon School PTA will be hosting a Winter Clothing Drive at the Grand Canyon School for any community member in need of clothing. Times are as follows: November 14, 4-6 p.m. and November 15, 12-4 p.m. Hats, scarves, coats, boots, and more will be available.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here. |
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Burrito Sale Fundraiser for Washington D.C. trip slated for November 15
The 2024 8th grade class will host a burrito fundraiser on Firday, November 15 from 11 a.m. until sold out at the Multi-Purpose Room at the Grand Canyon School. Dine in, take out, and delivery options are available.
This fundraiser supports the 8th grade Grand Canyon School field trip to Washington D.C. More information is available in the attached flyer here. |
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Current Operational Hours
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| *New changes to operations are indicated in red.
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.-7 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 5:30-7:30 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
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
North Rim
- The self-serve gas station, including diesel, will be available for as long as State Route 67 is open. It will only accept credit and debit cards.
- Water at the North Kaibab Trailhead has been shut off. From now until the road closes, water will only be available from the faucet outside the North Rim Administration Building.
Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities. |
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Photo Credits (in order of appearance)
- Golden Cottonwood trees along Pipe Creek drainage (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
- Desert View Watchtower (NPS Photo)
- Grand Canyon’s new firefighters (NPS Photo)
- Heather Lapre, Operations Associate, Grand Canyon Food Pantry (Photo courtesy of H. Lapre)
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| Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—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. |
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