The NAU Review — Recognize NAU’s Class of 2023 and more of its exceptional members in this commencement edition

NAU will celebrate more than 5,200 graduates in four ceremonies May 12-13. The honorary doctorate recipients and commencement speakers are Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Arturo A. Massol-Deyá, executive director of Casa Pueblo; Ty White, the 2023 Arizona Education Foundation Teacher of the Year; and David P. Franke, a principal at Franke & Company. Check out the NAU Commencement website for information about traffic and parking, the clear bag policy and the new bot who can answer your questions this weekend.

CCC&Y provides a variety of options to help families, community members

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues to connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

Flood Control District and Coconino National Forest to Begin Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration

The Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest will begin the first phase of watershed restoration project in Schultz Creek this spring.

This watershed restoration project is an effort to respond to post-fire flooding caused by the 2022 Pipeline Fire, which damaged the Schultz Creek watershed, dramatically increasing levels of flow and erosion in Schultz Creek, which overwhelmed downstream stormwater infrastructure in the City of Flagstaff. The Coconino County Flood Control District (the District) will begin the project the week of May 22, and the first phase of construction is expected to run through June.

Flagstaff Festival of Science Local Science Spotlight: Paleoclimatologist Nick McKay

Northern Arizona University Professor Nick McKay, a climate scientist studying the past global climate, aims to change the way we interpret and gather data. As an associate professor within the School of Earth and Sustainability at NAU, Nick’s teaching and research focus on communicating complex scientific concepts to his students and conducting paleoclimatology research to better understand past climate changes.

The NAU Review — Grad becomes advocacy leader, scouts cook at NAU, a circuitous journey to graduation, extraterrestrial geology, Grad excited for medical school and elevating excellence

Jessica Muniz was inspired by her upbringing to pursue a career allowing her to help others. From immigrating to the U.S. at the age of five to organizing awareness fairs for the LGBTQ+ community, Muniz learned that having access to all types of resources can make a significant impact on someone’s life. Now, Muniz is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work and pursue a master’s at Arizona State University.

Grand Canyon National Park – Failure to Meet Treatment Requirements

Our water system recently violated a drinking water requirement. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation.

We are required to chlorinate our drinking water source located at the Roaring Springs cave. On the morning of May 8, 2023, we did not meet one or our treatment requirements to provide sufficient levels of disinfectant due to high levels of turbidity in the drinking water system. Although chlorine residual levels are above the minimum requirement at Phantom Ranch along the Trans-Canyon Pipeline, the levels on the South Rim are below that requirement.

Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park wins Arizona Forward Environmental Achievement Awards

The Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff has won both the Crescordia Award for Environmental Education and Communication and the Award of Distinction for Art in Public Places at the Arizona Forward Gala on April 29th.

The Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park provides gardens, watchable wildlife, education, and multicultural art to the Sawmill neighborhood community and beyond. Elizabeth Archuleta was instrumental in creating the park to honor the community and the sawmill worker heritage in the area. Ms. Archuleta was the first Latina elected to the Board of Supervisors and served as District 2 Supervisor for 25 years. The site was officially dedicated as a Coconino County Park on June 20, 2003, originally as Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park. Coconino County Parks and Recreation honored Archuleta’s commitment to our community by renaming the former Sawmill County Park in her honor in August of 2022. 

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport to temporarily close runway for maintenance

The Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) runway will be closed for maintenance from midnight on July 9 until midnight on July 15, 2023. During this time, commercial passenger service and fixed-wing aircraft operations will be unavailable. However, helicopter operations will continue uninterrupted. Pavement maintenance work will be completed in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Airport Pavement Management System program.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Time of Transition and Looking to the Future

Many thanks to everyone who has been so warm and supportive during my first month as the new CEO and President of United Way of Northern Arizona. I’ve always been proud of this organization and the work it does.

”Improving lives by mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions” has always resonated with me. I have been involved with UWNA for over 25 years serving on the Board of Directors, the Community Investment Committee and chairing multiple UWNA campaigns.

My life’s work has been dedicated to building community, promoting equity, and improving lives locally, statewide and nationally. I will continue to bring those values and passion for community to my work at UWNA. As a native of Flagstaff with five generations of my family living in Flagstaff, it is an honor to serve my community through UWNA.

During this time of transition, I want to recognize what has come before me.

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez April – May Newsletter

I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather as the sun begins to shine
more often. As the weather warms, it is important to keep in mind how the
changing weather will also affect the landscape of our district. It is
important to keep in mind what preventative measures we can take as a
community to protect ourselves and our community. April is coming to a
close and I would like to recognize the proclamations we have created as
the Board of Supervisors and county. I would like to honor that April is
Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and
Earth Month. As we continue with our year, it is important to keep into
consideration the discussion and actions we have taken as both a county
and community to continue the dialogue of the issues we are facing
holistically. That said, I would like to highlight all county employees for
continuing to create discussion and honoring the topics that affect our
community.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 1-5, 2023

Tusayan’s first annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will take place on Friday, May 5 at the Squire Resort. The fiesta takes place from 3 to 7 p.m., is family-friendly, free, and open to the community. 

There will also be lawn games, piñatas, a Mariachi band and a variety of authentic Mexican foods for guests to enjoy. The drive-in movie, Coco, will be begin at 5:30 p.m. 

The Cinco de Mayo event is new this year and reflects the town’s goal of offering more activities and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. A full flyer with more details on the event is available here. 

Conference at CCC focuses on sharing ideas among math faculty statewide

Coconino Community College student Horizon Gillson is working his way toward a degree in astrophysics.

So, he jumped at the chance to attend the Arizona Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges conference in Flagstaff on April 7 because the featured speaker was Dr. Gerard van Belle, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory.

“I went to get a grasp on the vast opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics,” Gillson said. “I’m trying to burrow down deeper into what I want to do. That’s why I’m here. It’s a reminder of what’s to come, what’s expected and what I can do. It’s been eye-opening.”

Gillson, currently in a Calculus I class, was notified by his professor of the conference, and he joined dozens of math instructors from community colleges across the state to listen to Dr. van Belle and attend breakout sessions throughout the day.

Prescribed Fire Planned for South Rim of Grand Canyon beginning May 10

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers—working with personnel and resources from Saguaro, Rocky Mountain National Park as well as Dinosaur National Monument, anticipate initiating prescribed fire treatments from May 10-12, on the South Rim, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow.

On Wednesday, May 10, ignitions will occur on the Grapevine segment, approximately 0.5 miles south of the Duck on a Rock Overlook along Highway 64 (Desert View Drive). The Grapevine project area totals an area of 865 acres and is bound by the Kaibab National Forest’s boundary to the south and the E4/Long Jim Canyon Road to the north. Following completion of the Grapevine project, crews will initiate ignitions on the Lonetree project area, totaling an area of approximately 926 acres. Ignitions may be complete as early as Friday, May 12, but may be extended based on favorable weather conditions.

Check out the Galleries at Sedona Arts Center

NOW FEATURING:
Nancy Bihler, Patricia Bohannon, Khrystyna Kozyuk, & Susan Moody

Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

Our Uptown Gallery is open 10am–5pm, Monday – Saturday and 12–5pm, Sundays. We look forward to seeing you at Sedona Arts Center’s Gallery! Call 928-282-3865 for additional information. Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.

Our online gallery represents a full spectrum of the diversity of artists represented by the arts center. Visit us today!

CCC Community Education — Community Education: Mountain Bike Repair | DIY-Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry | Comet Walks | Hot Weather Survival | Cake Pops…& More!

DIY – Mountain Bike Repair

Friday, June 2 and
Saturday, June 3
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn essential mountain bike repair skills and what tools you should carry for trail-side repairs.

Mountain Bike – Learn more and register!

Discover Flagstaff — Find spring events this week with Flagstaff 365

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

Flagstaff Recycling Update – Residential recycling collection to resume May 8, City takes control of Materials Recovery Facility

The collection of residential recycling carts will resume on Monday, May 8. Residents who normally receive recycling services on Monday should place their carts at the curb by 6 a.m. The City has secured a hauling service to transport the City’s recyclables to a Materials Recovery Facility in the Phoenix area so that collected materials can be properly recycled. This arrangement will be utilized by the City in the short term (several weeks) to allow recycling services to resume on May 8. Future updates will be provided as they become available on a long-term plan for recycling services.

Exhibits Sought for 74th Annual Coconino County Fair

Coconino County will celebrate the 74th Annual Coconino County Fair on Labor Day weekend, September 1 – 4, 2023, at the Fairgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Ariz. County residents are invited to join the fun and tradition by entering a public exhibit. Every year the fair showcases the best recipes, artwork, crafts, collections, livestock, home grown vegetables, flowers, and more to the over 40,000 visitors who attend the fair every year.

The Fair features exhibits from all ages and skill levels and many departments give out special awards and prizes, including ribbons and gift cards for exemplary exhibits. Cash prizes are available in many areas thanks to sponsorship from the Friends of Coconino County Parks. Public, private, charter, magnet, and home schoolteachers are encouraged to save student portfolios to exhibit in the schools building. Any participant who submits five entries or more in one department will receive a complimentary fair admission ticket.

The NAU Review — Grad becomes sustainability star, FUSD middle schoolers visit NAU, an epic journey to graduation and NAU’s first In Memoriam

Sophia Swainson was working as a server when she got a text message that changed her life—a job posting for a student worker position at NAU’s Office of Sustainability. It was a big change, but she took it and never looked back. As she prepares to graduate, she’s looking at jobs in the sustainability nonprofit sector, confident that the perseverance that got her through the challenges of college will help her as she takes on conservation.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Youth experience variety of STEM-related activities during 2023 STEM Celebration

COCONINO COUNTY —
Hundreds of visitors experienced a variety of STEM-related activities and exhibits during 2023 STEM Celebration held Saturday, April 29 at Fort Tuthill.

Presented by Flagstaff STEM City, the 10th annual event featured more 70 indoor and outdoor exhibits offering a variety hand-on activities and demonstrations including robotics, mini rocket launches, a trebuchet catapult launcher, helicopter and heavy equipment displays.

Sponsors included Tgen, APS, Coconino Community College, Coconino County, KSC and the Flagstaff Unified School District.

Some of the exhibitors included Coconino High School and its CocoNuts Robotics Team, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, W.L. Gore & Associates, Northern Arizona University, Tynkertopia Inc., the Flagstaff Police Dept. Bomb Squad, Grand Canyon Youth, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, the U.S. Geological Services Geology and Biology departments, City of Flagstaff Open Spaces, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory, Guardian Air, Mountain Line, the Phoenix Truck Driving School, the Flagstaff Fire Dept., City of Flagstaff Public Works and the KAFF Radio Remote.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation May 2023 Update

FREE Event AWWE Presents: A Bird Walk

Join wildlife experts in this season’s first bird walk! We will meet at Rogers Lake County Natural Area (7 miles SW of Flagstaff on Woody Mountain Road / Forest Road 231, at the first Rogers Lake entrance sign as you arrive at the County Natural Area). Bring your binoculars, sturdy shoes, a sunhat, a notebook and pencil, and perhaps your camera! This event is free, but registration will be required.

Notes: We will hike up to 3 miles. Bring whatever you want for hiking, and dress appropriately for the weather. Bring binoculars and bird guide if you have them – we will have some binoculars for those that don’t.

Coconino County is Offering Paid Summer Internships for Local Teens Interested in Work Experience

Coconino County Health and Human Services and the Coconino County Workforce Development Board are offering Youthworks, a 2023 summer work experience program for teens.

This program provides a unique opportunity for teens aged 15 to 18 to explore career pathways, make connections, and earn a wage.

Youthworks internships run from May 30 to August 1, 2023. The internship is designed to help teens discover what they might want to do in their future career. Participants will earn a wage of $16.80 per hour and work up to 40 hours per week.

Board of Supervisors Approves Updates to Coconino County Fair Fees

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve fee changes for the Coconino County Fair, effective starting with the 2023 fair.

The Coconino County Fair ticket prices have not increased since 2008, and the changes reflect growth, increasing costs, and staffing needs. 

The NAU Review — How dog fostering affected one grad’s future, a system that tracks tree stress and a graduate prepares for a career in inclusion

Senior Trevor Geiger is a passionate animal lover who has fostered four dogs through High Country Humane Society. Despite challenges, he persevered with patience and empathy, successfully helping dogs find furever homes while pursuing his studies in biology and chemistry. He finds joy in seeing the progress and transformation of dogs in his care, and his heartwarming experiences with fostering have brought him happiness even when it meant later nights and earlier mornings. For National Pet Foster Care Month, learn more about Geiger’s dedication to animals and his future strengthening the human-animal bond as a veterinarian.

City of Flagstaff Recycling Update – Residential recycling collection services remain paused

The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and public recycling drop-off located at 1800 E Butler Ave remains closed, and while the City of Flagstaff continues to evaluate recycling alternatives, the pause on the collection of residential recycling carts will continue until further notice. Residents are asked to not put their recycling carts on the curb as they will not be collected. In the interim, alternative public recycling drop-off locations can be viewed in Google Maps here. However, the City encourages the public to hold their recyclables until further notice.

Theatrikos May Newsletter: Powerful and Poignant Dance Nation Opens May 19

In Dance Nation, an army of competitive dancers navigates ambition, friendship and desire as they plot to take over the world. Our pre-teen heroines, played by a multi-generational cast of women, know that every plié is a step toward finding themselves and unleashing their power. This show, by Clare Barron, was a 2019 Pulitzer Prize Finalist.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 24-28, 2023 — Town of Tusayan Cinco de Mayo event on May 5 and more news, events

Tusayan’s first annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will take place on Friday, May 5 at the Squire Resort. The fiesta takes place from 3 to 7 p.m., is family-friendly, free, and open to the community. 

There will also be lawn games, piñatas, a Mariachi band and a variety of authentic Mexican foods for guests to enjoy. The drive-in movie, Coco, will be begin at 5:30 p.m. 

The Cinco de Mayo event is new this year and reflects the town’s goal of offering more activities and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. A full flyer with more details on the event is available here. 

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes visited with County Board of Supervisors and Election Officials

Arizona Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, visited Flagstaff on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 to meet with members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), County Recorder Patty Hansen, and County Elections staff.

Secretary Fontes has visited or plans to visit all 15 Arizona counties to hear directly from local officials about their present and future needs to prepare for the 2024 election cycle and beyond.

Among the topics covered during the Secretary’s discussion with the Board members and staff were election staff safety, election integrity, and expanding voter access especially to rural and minority communities in Coconino County.

“Elections are bottom-up here in Arizona, counties run our elections,” Secretary Fontes said during his visit. “My office has built a team that reflects that ethos.”

Flagstaff STEM Celebration Coming Saturday, April 29

You’re Invited to the 
10th Annual STEM Celebration!  
Saturday, April 29, 2023 
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds 

STEM City and its partners are pleased to sponsor

this community-wide event to

celebrate Flagstaff’s designation as

“America’s First STEM Community.”   

Hands-on activities and demonstrations

engage children and adults in the broad range of

STEM opportunities throughout northern Arizona.   

Coconino Community College Student Spotlight: Tami-Shae Brooks

Tami-Shae Brooks is a student at Coconino Community College who moved from Jamaica to the United States as a teenager. She faces challenges such as immigration issues, financial difficulties, and demanding courses, but she also finds support and community at her school. She works hard to balance her academic and personal life, and enjoys hobbies such as mindfulness exercises, yoga, and hiking. She hopes to achieve her career goal of becoming a software engineer.

Tami-Shae Brooks was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, a place that has and will always be a home to her. But when she turned 15, her family made the difficult decision to move to the United States. It was a big change for her, and she felt culture shock in her new life in California.

“The transition was very exciting because many people outside of America think of it as the land of opportunity” she said, “however, it was still stressful to adjust.”

City of Flagstaff Residential recycling services paused April 28

 The City of Flagstaff has recently been made aware that the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), at 1800 E Butler Ave, has closed. The MRF is operated by Norton Environmental, Inc. under a contract with the City to process the City’s recyclables. Due to the abrupt nature of this closure, the City does not currently have immediate alternatives in place to manage City-collected recyclables and has decided to pause the collection of residential recycling carts on Friday, April 28 while alternative solutions are sought.

United Way of Northern Arizona — The Hardest Part of Retiring is Saying Goodbye

In just a few weeks, I’ll walk out of the offices at 1515 E. Cedar Ave. in Flagstaff for the last time as the President and CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona, my professional home for the past 24 years.

While I’m looking forward to retirement and am excited about the plans I’m making with my husband for this next chapter in our lives, the truth is it’s hard to say goodbye.

Being part of this organization for almost a quarter of a century has been an incredibly meaningful part of my life and walking away from something like that is never easy.

Flagstaff announces Brian Gall as new Airport Director

The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce that Brian Gall has accepted the position of Airport Director for the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Brian has 16 years of experience in municipal government, federal government, and consulting. Brian currently serves as the Airport Programs Manager at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and previously worked for the City of Flagstaff as a Development Engineering Project Manager.

2022 Grand Canyon Drinking Water Quality Report now available

Grand Canyon National Park is required to annually distribute a consumer confidence report for the park’s drinking water. This year Grand Canyon Water Utilities is distributing this report electronically to reduce paper consumption. The purpose is to allow consumers to make educated decisions regarding any potential health risks pertaining to the quality, treatment, and management of your drinking water supply.

The NAU Review — Celebrating professional achievements, Mars mission, Global Advising Week and Devon Randall answers our questions

Did Mars capture an asteroid in its orbit and turn it into a moon? Or does Deimos have a different origin story? Planetary scientist Christopher Edwards is part of an international team examining the two Martian moons as part of the New Emirates Mars Mission; findings announced this week in Vienna, Austria, from the far side of the moon, which previously has not been investigated, tell a new story about Deimos.

Grand Canyon National Park — Annual Turbidity in Drinking Water Notification

Each year in the spring (April – June), Grand Canyon National Park experiences an increase in turbidity in the drinking water. This increased turbidity is caused by the snow melt and by the spring rains recharging the aquifer and the increased water flows through the rock formations to the point of supply for the Grand Canyon National Park Public Water Supply System.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Celebrates April as Child Abuse Prevention Month with final free ‘Thriving Families’ training on April 26 in Page

COCONINO COUNTY —
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth celebrates April as Child Abuse Prevention Month with its final free “Thriving Families” training on April 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 at the Page Unified School District boardroom, 500 S. Navajo Road, Page.

The series “Community Healing Change — Training, Meal & Discussion,” were also presented on April 17 in Fredonia and April 18 at Puente de Hozho in Flagstaff and in partnership with Fredonia Elementary School, Puente de Hozho in Flagstaff and the Page Unified School District.

You can register to attend the live viewing parties where food, discussion and prizes are available.
​​​​​​​
To attend the Page training, register with Penni Case at pcase@pageud.org

Sedona Arts Center — Art Classes and Workshops Coming Up!

Art Classes & Workshops Coming Soon at Sedona Arts Center
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years.  Click here to see all of our classes and workshops

Superintendent of Schools Announces Annual Teacher Award Winners

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is pleased to announce the winner of the 2023 Coconino County Teacher of the Year award is Emily Fisher of Marshall Magnet School.

The winner of the 2023 Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year award is Josie Teegardin of Mount Elden Middle School. The recipient of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement award is Brad Houston of Grand Canyon School.

The winners were announced at the 10th Annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Doubletree by Hilton.

The NAU Review — Discover the Undergrad Symposium, learn about the creator of ‘Lost World’ and how climate warming alters forests’ memory

Every year, hundreds of undergraduate students in all disciplines become researchers—either joining a professor’s lab or creating their own research project, including getting their own funding. That work culminates at the Undergrad Symposium, a daylong event in which students present their research to the NAU and Flagstaff communities. Experience the 15th annual symposium on Friday at the High Country Conference Center. All events are free and open to the public.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Appreciating Our Volunteers and Remembering Gene Munger

This is National Volunteer Week, a time to appreciate and celebrate the people who invest their time and talent to better their communities.

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is blessed to have many individuals who work tirelessly to improve early childhood development, promote positive youth development, and assist neighbors in times of crisis.

Their work ranges from leading our Board of Directors, to serving on Community Investment Teams that evaluate grant requests, to filling sandbags before monsoon season.

One of the most remarkable volunteers to ever lend his talents to UWNA and numerous other organizations was Eugene Marvin Munger Jr., who we lost last month at the age of 88.

When he received the Arizona Daily Sun Citizen of the Year Award in 2013, Gene was asked why volunteering was important.

“Volunteering is important because it gives everyone the opportunity to give back,” he replied.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 17-21, 2023

California Condor Update

Free-flying California condors in Arizona continue to be confirmed with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

As of April 17, 2023, 20 condors have died in the Arizona-Utah flock; HPAI has been confirmed for 10 of those condors. Eight birds were captured and brought in for supportive care. Four of those condors died shortly thereafter and are included in the total of 20 deceased birds. Four condors are still receiving supportive care and have shown improvement.

Report bird mortalities to NPS wildlife immediately so that bird die-offs can be investigated and tested for avian influenza. Report dead wild birds to Grand Canyon Dispatch at 928-638-7805 and they will call the on-call wildlife specialist to assist.

CCC Presentation focuses on Preservation of North American Indian Sign Language

 “I didn’t see anyone doing it, so I felt like it needed to happen,” said Colin Denny, who provided a sign language performance at this year’s Superbowl. “We need someone to take the reins to make changes in a positive way and give back to the community.”

Denny is referring to the preservation of North American Indian Sign Language, which was the topic of a presentation at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff on March 24. More than 40 people attended the presentation.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Earth Day and Autism Awareness Month, a mission to Mars’ moons and everything you didn’t know about Eid al Fitr

A resilient forest needs a little less tension 
We know how hard winter was for us. How was it for the trees? How do our forests and their complicated, interconnected, life-giving ecosystems react to the sun, the wind, the drought, the rain, the cold? For Earth Day, creative writing professor Nicole Walker, who authored Sustainability: A Love Story and dozens of articles and essays on nature, reflects on the complicated relationships that exist in a forest ecosystem and how the smallest processes and organisms keep the largest trees—and all the rest of us—alive.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y, school partners, to present ‘Community Healing Change’ training in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

COCONINO COUNTY —
In recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — in partnership with Fredonia Elementary School, Puente de Hozho in Flagstaff and the Page Unified School District — is presenting the series “Community Healing Change — Training, Meal & Discussion” in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

You can register to attend the live viewing parties where food, discussion and prizes are available.

A dozen parents and community members attended the Fredonia training on April 17, with a second training session held on April 18 at Puente de Hozho in Flagstaff.

The Page training will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 at the PUSD boardroom, 500 S. Navajo Drive, Page. Register with Penni Case at pcase@pageud.org

Read More

Grand Canyon National Park Schedules Public Informational Meetings for Construction Activities at the South Rim

 The National Park Service (NPS) has scheduled meetings to provide information to the public and respond to questions about multiple construction activities at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. 

The meetings will include a presentation by NPS staff featuring the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL), Bright Angel Substation and the substation access road projects with a question-and-answer period. These meetings will be an opportunity for community members to learn about construction updates and anticipated impacts to park operations, residents, and visitors. Questions are being accepted in advance at: https://forms.office.com/g/RM8ZVq7X4t. 

Museum of Northern Arizona Virtual Auction Closes Today at 12 pm (MST)

This morning is your last chance to bid on unique experiences through the MNA Virtual Auction. The auction closes today (Wednesday, 4/19) at 12 pm (MST).

We are grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have generously donated their time and services to benefit MNA, and we are grateful to you for your enthusiastic bidding!

The experiences below are just a few of the many items you can bid on before noon. Happy bidding!

The NAU Review — octoral student wins NSF fellowship, International Haiku Day, 10 ways to get involved with sustainability and Janine Schipper answers our questions

Anna Baker has always known she wanted to be a scientist. She came to NAU in 2021 to earn her doctorate in planetary science and dove into new research on Mars’ windblown sand dunes, which may hold clues to the planet’s past and present and help pave the way for more exploration of Earth’s closest neighbor. But it wasn’t just her passion for science that earned her the Graduate Research Fellowship Program award—her commitment to improving inclusivity and accessibility in STEM fields, particularly making field research accessible to people with disabilities, is an important part of her work.

Tickets now available for Coconino Community College Palette To Palate on April 28

FLAGSTAFF — CCC Arts Fundraiser

The public is invited to enjoy an evening of fine art, fine food and entertainment which will feature a culinary style competition with 10 restaurants live art demonstrations, and live and silent art auctions. Time to dress up and enjoy an evening of epicurean delights

Tickets can be purchased through www.coconino.edu/foundation

Location: Coconino Community College, 2800 S Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff

Coconino County announces new evacuation zones….

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Emergency Management announce the creation of evacuation zones in Coconino County.  In an effort to further enhance emergency messaging to the public, the evacuation zones focus on neighborhoods, communities, and residential areas throughout the county.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Arizona Commerce Authority Tours Northern Arizona

It is always a joy showing off all that northern Arizona has to offer – and what new things are on the horizon – to visitors who appreciate the power of economic development in keeping a community vibrant.

So it was with great pleasure that ECoNA recently hosted the business development team from the Arizona Commerce Authority on a whirlwind two-day tour of our region.

We packed a lot into those 48 hours, and our guests could not have been more positive and engaged as they learned more about the strides we are making to improve economic vitality in Flagstaff, Winslow, Sedona, and Camp Verde.

The NAU Review — How a Chinese American student embraces her heritage, a record-breaking Giving Day and getting to know our GSG president

Growing up in a mostly white community, Cate Cameron was almost a teenager before she truly felt curious about her Chinese heritage; not until she was around people with similar backgrounds did she feel comfortable exploring her roots as an adopted Chinese American. That journey continued in Flagstaff; during her four years at NAU, she found a community and learned more about her birth culture. In honor of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which NAU celebrates in April, Cameron talks about how she first explored and then embraced her Chinese heritage through Chinese language classes, the Chinese Culture Club at NAU and spending a year studying abroad in Hong Kong.

Coconino County Officials Endorse New Presidential Designation of Grand Canyon National Monument

On April 11, 2023, Coconino County Chair Patrice Horstman and District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, joined eleven tribal leaders of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, alongside Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), to launch an effort to call on President Joe Biden to use his authorities under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. 

The Monument designation would protect 1,102,501 acres adjacent to the Grand Canyon by making the current 20-year moratorium on mining permanent across the vast landscape of the Grand Canyon region.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — City of Flagstaff proclaims April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention Month

COCONINO COUNTY — The City of Flagstaff proclaimed April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention Month on during an official ceremony attended by members of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth on April 4 at the Flagstaff City Council chambers.

The proclamation was presented by Mayor Becky Daggett to CCC&Y Board members Heather Marcy, Deputy Director, Northland Family Help Center; Laura Rosensweet, M.Ed, Community Impact Manager, Education Forward AZ; Jacelyn Salabye, MSW, Native Americans for Community Action; with CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie attending via Zoom.

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Board of Supervisors Approves Proclamation Designating April 2023 as Earth Month in Coconino County

At their regular meeting on April 11, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved a proclamation designating April 2023 as Earth Month in Coconino County.

“Coconino County affirms that all that inhabit the Earth have a right to a healthy, sustainable environment,” the proclamation reads. “… as humans we are caretakers of the planet, and have an obligation to change human behaviors that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation and work to preserve the Earth’s beauty and its resources.” 

The NAU Review — NAU honors outstanding seniors, ITS supports NASA, new HRM center and CHER awarded $6 million grant

President José Luis Cruz Rivera recognized and honored outstanding students at NAU with the President’s Prize, Gold Axe and Distinguished Senior awards. The ceremony, held on April 10, celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of students selected from a pool of applicants representing different colleges. NAU honored 50 Gold Axe winners, including five President’s Prize winners—the highest honor awarded to undergraduate students. Additionally, nine students were honored as Distinguished Seniors of their colleges.

Update on Lower Schultz Creek and runoff flows

The City of Flagstaff continues to see high spring runoff flows with the recent warm temperatures. The Schultz Creek Detention Basins reached 100 percent capacity last night due to runoff. Water overtopping the basins will flow downstream towards the Rio de Flag, crossing the Schultz Creek culvert at Hwy 180 and potentially impacting the neighborhood of Coconino Estates. Please note that the Schultz Creek Detention Basins are fully functioning and were designed to allow for the safe overtopping of water while allowing for debris and sediment to settle within the basins. Additional mitigation for homes in Coconino Estates beyond what was recommended after the Pipeline Fire is not recommended at this time. 

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Opportunity for Pro-visioning the Future

Starting April 22nd and meeting one Saturday evening a month through August, we invite you to “pro-vision” ways to shape robust community life.

Pro-visioning is the intentional practice of planning for the future, preparing for its challenges and possibilities, and providing for generations to come. It is a practice of care, foresight, and positive action.

In the tradition of salon gatherings where cutting-edge conversations encouraged friendship and creativity, we’ll share a meal and learn how to re-frame our thinking, write our own public narratives, and understand how to leverage our power for social change.

Most of all, we’ll inspire each other to initiate the changes we’ll need in the years ahead.

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez February — March Newsletter

In this Edition…
Message from Jeronimo
Preparation, Prevention, and Information: Our Surrounding
Environment
District 2 Highlights
Special Spotlight: Areina Contreras
Service Positions & Job Listings
Services and Programs
Community Events & Resources
And more!

North Rim to reopen June 2 for 2023 summer season

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on Friday, June 2 at 6 a.m. to mark the official start of the 2023 season. Following a record-setting snow season, this delayed opening is necessary to ensure the safe plowing of State Route 67 and allow staff to reopen visitor facilities on the North Rim.  

“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our neighbors and visitors with this delay as our partners and park staff work to open the North Rim roads, trails, and facilities safely,” said Superintendent Ed Keable. 

Key changes this 2023 season include:

Schultz Creek culvert blocked – potential for flooding

The City has recently learned that the Schultz Creek culvert that runs underneath Highway 180 is damaged and partially blocked. The impact of this blockage is unknown but could lead to higher levels of runoff entering downstream neighborhoods. This culvert is owned by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The City has been in contact with ADOT to make them aware of the blockage and ADOT is formulating a plan to address the issue. Predicted warm temperatures in the coming days will create the potential for rapid snowmelt in the Rio de Flag watershed draining from the San Francisco Peaks, raising the risk of flooding in the Coconino Estates neighborhood. Please note that the Schultz Creek Detention Basins are functioning as designed.

The NAU Review — NAU’s new recycling program, Notes from the President and a look at the People’s Art Project

Introducing the 4 Rs of recycling: Recycle right, reap rewards 

NAU is revamping its sustainability efforts with a new recycling program intended to increase recycling rates while decreasing landfill waste. The bin system is getting an upgrade, making it easier for everyone to know where to put which materials. Funding from the Green Fund, including new waste sensors, will allow the team to track how much waste is generated on campus to analyze and ensure effectiveness. The team hopes to encourage everyone to recycle correctly and reduce our environmental footprint. This program will enable us to do our part and be recycling superheroes!

April at the Museum of Northern Arizona

There needs to be a word to refer to the vibrant cultural community we are part of, in the same way we can refer to an ecosystem. Like organisms in an ecosystem, the many arts organizations in Flagstaff interact and create a stronger, more vibrant place for us all to thrive. That’s why this month’s Museum News includes upcoming events put on by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestraand Theatrikos Theatre Company. We often work together with these and other arts organizations and decided to reach out to our mailing lists together. Strengthening existing partnerships and broadening our engagement with the community is all part of MNA’s Strategic Plan.

Sedona Arts Center — Even More Art Classes and Workshops to Explore!

Art Classes & Workshops at Sedona Arts Center
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years.  Click here to see all of our classes and workshops

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant and more news, events

COCONINO COUNTY —
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected this year for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant.

We will receive $175,000 over three years to develop, in conjunction with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County, a mental model change ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at City and County levels and enacted as policy change. The goal is to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, health outcomes and provider and staff wellness.

Board of Supervisors Designates April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Coconino County

At the April 4, 2023, meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the voting members present unanimously approved a proclamation designating the month of April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Coconino County.

The Fair Housing Law of 1986 and subsequent amendment in 1988, makes it illegal in the United States to discriminate against people because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status, or disability when selling, renting, advertising, or maintaining housing. In adopting the Fair Housing Month proclamation, the Board acknowledges Federal policy and affirms that fair housing is a fundamental human concept and entitlement for all Americans. 

“Affordable housing and fair housing are extremely important as we see the cost of housing in our communities increasing,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Vice-Chair of the Board. “This is making it difficult for families to find a place to live and still have a comfortable life. We need to continue to be advocates so our community does not fragment because people can’t find affordable places to live.” 

April 3 – 9 is Public Health Week in Coconino County

Since 1995, the first full week of April has been recognized as National Public Health Week (NPHW) to champion the health of all Americans.

Locally, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) recognized this observance and proclaimed the week of April 3 – 9 as Public Health Week in Coconino County.

During this week, we celebrate the efforts of public health and social services professionals, their achievements, and the impact they make on the wellbeing of all. Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), whose Mission is: empowering people, confronting inequities, influencing policy, and bettering lives, is at the forefront of this important work.

Board of Supervisors Approves Proclamation Designating April 2023 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

At their regular meeting on April 4, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proclamation designating April 2023 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Coconino County.

April 2023 is the 22nd year that Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been nationally recognized, but its history goes back to the fight against race- and gender-based violence of the mid-20th century. This social activism increased awareness for sexual assault and directed public focus toward supporting survivors. It also culminated in survivor-focused legislation like the Violence Against Women Act, passed in 1993. 

The NAU Review — Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, Living Library inspires empathy, protection from Earth’s microbes and easy DIY

Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander heritage 
Join the NAU community in celebrating API Heritage Month! Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is typically celebrated in May to commemorate the achievements and contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. However, in order to students a chance to participate, NAU celebrates API Heritage Month during the month of April. Learn about different cultures, try new foods and enjoy traditional dances and songs. Join the festivities, gain a cultural understanding and show your support for the vibrant API community!

CCC’s Cassidy receives All-USA Academic Scholarship

David Cassidy, a student at Coconino Community College, is one of 20 college students named to the prestigious All-USA Academic Team and will receive a $5,000 scholarship. More than 2,400 students were nominated nationwide for the award.

“It is an honor, a profound honor, and it was very unexpected,” said Cassidy, who also is one of CCC’s two All-Arizona Academic Team scholarship awardees who were honored during a ceremony in Phoenix last month. “It means that I have the opportunity to receive an education and to pursue a career that will enable me to contribute as meaningfully as possible.”

All-USA Academic Team members were selected for their outstanding intellectual achievement, leadership, community and campus engagement, according to information from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which recognizes the academic achievement of students at two-year colleges like CCC.

Sedona Arts Center — Arizona Gives Day is April 4!

“There are so many reasons to support the arts and Sedona Arts Center on AZ Gives Day and every day!  First and foremost, the arts enrich our lives and help define our cultures.  They help us build bridges and open dialog and create understanding.  They contribute to better health and wellness, heal trauma and allow us to age more gracefully.  They alleviate stress and that alone has saved lives.  The arts are an incredible economic driver and contribute billions to our economy nationwide.

CCC first-generation student finds calling in life of the mind

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College student Justin Martinez has family members who have suffered from depression their entire lives.

“I really want to help people,” he said. “Particularly men who don’t normally ask for help.”

So, Martinez, a first-generation college student, decided to study Psychology at CCC, and as a CCC2NAU student, he plans to continue his studies at NAU to become a licensed therapist.

Originally from New Mexico, Martinez moved as a child with his family to the Phoenix area. While he attended Thunderbird High School as a teen, he became interested in the idea of college.

“I wanted to gain skills, so I decided to explore my options with community college,” he said, adding that he really didn’t know what he wanted to do at the time, and because community college was more affordable, he felt it would be a better place for him to begin to explore what he might want to do for a career.

He chose CCC.

‘One Arizona Agreement’ Designates CCHHS as Lead Agency for Opioid Settlement Fund Distribution

COCONINO COUNTY — Ninety Arizona cities and towns and all 15 Arizona counties signed onto a framework in August 2021 called the One Arizona Memorandum of Understanding, now known as the One Arizona Agreement. 

The current settlement involves opioid distributors McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Corporation, and pharmaceutical companies Johnson & Johnson-Janssen, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen, and Janssen. 

CCC student embraces sustainability, explores cultures

FLAGSTAFF — The pandemic dashed her family’s plans for a post-graduation trip to Europe, but she remains undeterred in her desire to travel the world.

Now CCC study abroad trip will give Kat Williams the chance. The trip, organized by faculty member Katie Schwartz, will focus on culture, meaning no language prerequisite is required. Students will have the chance to visit several iconic destinations, including the capital of Mexico, La Ciudad de Mexico or Mexico City, the Teotihuacan Pyramids, the capital of the Aztec Empire Xochimilco, and the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Williams said, “I heard about the study abroad trip to Mexico from my Spanish teacher, Katie Schwartz, and others in the class seemed eager too.”

Willard Springs Green Waste Site Reopens Saturday, April 1 for Free Green Waste-Only Disposal

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Public Works will reopen the Willard Springs Green Waste Site on Saturday, April 1, 2023 for free green waste-only disposal all season long to support residents’ efforts to clean up their properties for wildfire season.

Residents will be allowed to dump acceptable green waste such as pine needles, branches, leaves, and brush free of charge with no load limits on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through the end of the season on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 27-31, 2023

Fundamentals Program returns to Albright Training Center

A redesigned NPS Fundamentals Program has relaunched! The staff of Horace M. Albright Training Center (HOAL), a National Park Service employee development facility located within the park, are excited for the return of NPS’s keystone Learning and Development program: NPS Fundamentals. The NPS Fundamentals Program has been redesigned into a three-part training opportunity for new permanent employees in agency. The program serves as the foundation for all careers in the NPS. The program’s mission is to invest in new employees, deepen their understanding of the NPS mission and operations, and build their commitment to the NPS core values.

Sedona Arts Center — SAVE THE DATE! Jan Sitts: A Retrospective

This unique exhibit features specially chosen works bridging 40 years of Jan’s career as an artist and features a wide-variety of media.

Jan Sitts, a well known artist-painter and teacher has influenced people all over the country with her unique style she created many years ago. After moving to Sedona, Arizona in 1986 she continued her style of layering painting then moving into abstraction. She has an impressive art background, along with studying at the Kansas City Art Institute and B.A, degree at Western Colorado University. She has been teaching art for decades and will be teaching again this May and November at Sedona Art Center. She has authored two books “Its in the Detail* and “Textured, Color, Feeling.”

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Save the Date: BioScience Roadmap Update

As the Bioscience Roadmap enters its third decade, we hope you will join us next month for the annual update on the growth and progress of Arizona’s bioscience sector.

The Flinn Foundation, which originally commissioned this long-term strategic plan more than two decades ago, will be hosting the free Zoom session from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19. You can register to attend HERE.

The event will feature presentations by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero on the capacity of municipalities to drive growth in this sector.