Patrice Horstman — Coconino County District 1 Newsletter: November 2021

In This Issue

11 November 2021

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
U.S. Forest Service Chief Visits Coconino County
Four Forest Restoration Initiative Investment
Western Interstate Region Annual Conference
Coconino County Redistricting Process
State Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Process
Meeting with NAU President Cruz Rivera
Ft. Tuthill Restroom Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Stuff the Bus
FDA Approved COVID-19 Boosters
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines
COVID Information Line and Testing Site
Contact Us

Coconino County Applauds Forest Service for New 4FRI Strategy

Coconino County participated in a meeting yesterday convened by U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema with support from Senator Kelly and Congressman Tom O’Halleran regarding the future of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).

With the cancellation of the Phase 2 of the 4FRI process by the Forest Service about two months ago, the Senator invited the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Randy Moore to address the future of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) and other forest restoration projects impacting Coconino County. The County Board of Supervisors have identified wildfires and post-wildfire flooding as the greatest public safety threats in the County. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 8-12, 2021

Honoring Our Veterans

On Veterans Day, we take a moment to salute the men and women who serve, and have served in our nation’s military. Many people have repeated Colonel Walter Hitchcock’s famous words, ‘Freedom is not free’ because it succinctly captures the essence of military service.  

We want to express our great appreciation for every GRCA employee and resident who has served in the armed forces. We especially want to thank all of those who sacrificed and shared in the sacrifices of military service members. The nation owes a debt of gratitude for service members and their families and their sacrifices.  

Thank you, Veterans!

Work continues on Butler Avenue to implement the separated bike lanes pilot project

Work continues to implement a pilot project installing separated bike lanes on Beaver Street and Butler Avenue. The contractor has completed the installation of a concrete curb and delineators to physically separate bicyclists from vehicles on Beaver Street.

Work to install similar barriers on Butler Avenue will begin on Monday, November 15, 2021 and end on November 26, 2021.  The project limits are Butler Avenue, from Milton Road to Sawmill Road.    

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coconino County community invited to comment at Nov. 10 satellite hearing on draft Arizona legislative and congressional district maps

CCC&Y’s Action and Outreach Committee would like to make sure that individuals are aware that redistricting conversation, maps, and comments are taking place now.  These decisions determine what district voters will vote in and how representation will take place.  The results of redistricting last for 10 years and ultimately impact policy decisions.  Please make sure you are informed and that your voice is heard. 

The 30-day comment period ends on Nov. 20. The Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission will then take the feedback, make final change before they are approved in December, the Arizona Daily Sun reported this week.

 The final maps will use to elect candidates for the next 10 years.

The satellite location of the next public hearing to be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the High County Conference Center, 201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff. Click here for the agenda or here for future meeting information.

Shop CCC Scarves for Scholarships at the Annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 13

Visit the CCC Foundation booth for festive holiday gifts at the St. Mary’s/San Francisco de Asis Annual Christmas Bazaar.

CCC Scarves for Scholarships is a fundraiser in support of Nursing Student Scholarships at CCC.
Why not stay warm and cozy this year while helping to support a good cause all at the same time?

This in-person, family-friendly event will feature crafters and venders from Flagstaff and the surrounding area. There will be a lot of home-made gifts, arts and crafts, pre-packaged baked goods and food items for sale.
There will also be a raffle with lots of really great prizes.

Open to the public – $0.50 per person entrance fee.

The NAU Review — On Veterans Day, honoring sacrifice without glorifying it

Zach Hamilton enlisted in the Marine Corps, “caught up in the romantic dream of dress blues and honor.” During his service, which included a stint in Afghanistan, and since leaving the Marines in 2013, he has reflected often on words his father, a veteran of Desert Storm, told him: The military provides experience he wouldn’t get anywhere else, but someday, he might look back at that experience through a different lens. In honor of Veterans Day, he reflects on that counsel in this Views from NAU. 

Coconino County offices closed for Veterans Day

All Coconino County offices will be closed Thursday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Coconino County honors and celebrates America’s veterans with gratitude.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will conduct business as usual. Records will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.  

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Tonight (Nov. 8)! Join F3’s Public Forum: Hospital Move

Please join F3 TONIGHT (November 8th) 6:30-8:00 pm for a virtual public forum to learn more about the proposed Flagstaff hospital move.

Do you want to know more or have questions about the proposed move of the hospital to the southern edge of town, just to the north of Fort Tuthill County Park?

Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) has been presenting information to neighborhood and community groups and answering their questions since this summer. F3 is now bringing this opportunity to you with this public forum and community discussion.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – November 2021

LAST CALL!!!

Our studio will be closed from December 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022. This is the last call for calendar orders if you want them delivered  in time for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, Winter Solstice, Human Solidarity Day, and/or whatever day you celebrate/commemorate. For more details click on the image to your right!

City of Flagstaff facilities closed on Veteran’s Day 2021

 Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Nov. 11, 2021 in observance of Veterans Day. City Hall will reopen Nov. 12 with the hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on November 11 include

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Special Alert — Coconino County community invited to comment on draft Arizona legislative and congressional district maps

CCC&Y’s Action and Outreach Committee would like to make sure that individuals are aware that redistricting conversation, maps, and comments are taking place now.  These decisions determine what district voters will vote in and how representation will take place.  The results of redistricting last for 10 years and ultimately impact policy decisions.  Please make sure you are informed and that your voice is heard. 

The 30-day comment period ends on Nov. 20. The Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission will then take the feedback, make final change before they are approved in December, the Arizona Daily Sun reported this week.

 The final maps will use to elect candidates for the next 10 years.

​​​​​​​The first public hearing will be a virtual town hall at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6.

City of Flagstaff’s Free Home Energy Efficiency Workshops Get Underway

The City of Flagstaff will host an in-person Home Energy Efficiency Workshop next week. This workshop will kick-off the Home Energy Efficiency Workshop Series, which will last through the winter. This workshop series is held each winter season to help both renters and homeowners save money, reduce energy use, and make their homes more comfortable during cold weather.

At the free workshop, a licensed contractor from CozyHome will demonstrate simple do-it-yourself energy efficiency upgrades, showing individuals how to weatherize homes and save money on utility bills.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 1-5, 2021

Throughout November, the NPS and Grand Canyon will be celebrating Native American Heritage Month. We gratefully acknowledge the Native peoples on whose ancestral homelands we gather, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities who make their home here today.

Recently, the affiliated tribes of Grand Canyon have been helping the park holistically address our history while we work collaboratively on the Desert View Inter-Tribal Cultural Heritage site.

The NAU Review — The secret of young volcanoes, body positivity and Notes from the President

A cancelled flight didn’t slow down President Cruz Rivera’s week, which included meetings with leaders from campus, local government, the Navajo Nation and higher education; a meaningful conversation about diversity, inclusion and justice with Black/African American faculty and staff; and attending the naming ceremony for the Clara M. Lovett Art Museum.

Prescribed burns at Observatory Mesa planned Friday Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 7

The Flagstaff Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) plans to conduct prescribed burns on Observatory Mesa from Friday November 5 through Sunday, November 7, 2021. Burns each day will be less than 100 acres and will be dependent on weather conditions.

With light southwest winds forecasted, smoke may impact central Flagstaff during the day and settle overnight into the Cheshire, Coconino Estates, downtown, Southside, Railroad Springs and Northern Arizona University campus areas. For more information on smoke and air quality, please visit http://www.azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast or https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Alert: Your Comments Needed on AZ Draft Restricting Maps on Nov. 6

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) “finalized” draft maps for Legislative and Congressional Districts last Thursday after conducting a “listening tour” around the state.

The IRC is now required to receive public input for 30 days on the draft maps.

F3 is concerned that these maps to not respect Flagstaff and its surrounding areas as a “community of interest.”

The first public hearing will be a virtual town hall on Saturday, November 6 starting at 10:00 am. Click here to register to speak in advance (note: you must pre-register by 9 am on Nov. 6). Your comments will be limited to 3 minutes.

You may also choose to provide written comments to the IRC. Comments can be submitted here.

United Way of Northern Arizona — You Can Help Provide A Safe Haven

Part of Stepping Up for Our Community is ensuring the safety and security of our residents in times of crisis.

This is why, in partnership with Northland Family Help Center, United Way is working to ensure that a safe haven is available when individuals are dealing with domestic violence or children are in need of foster care.

UWNA’s support – fueled by your donations- is vital for this program, which serves more than 150 individuals each year, including a significant number of children who stay in its youth shelter. This facility is designed to feel more like a home than a shelter, with people cooking together, watching movies and even gardening while they stay there.

CDC Authorizes COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5 – 11

On Tuesday evening, November 2, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in approval of the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine for children ages 5 – 11 years old, at a lower dosage.

“Although COVID-19 may impact children less severely than adults, it is a serious illness and can lead to significant long-term effects on people of all ages,” said Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Director Kim Musselman. “The approval of vaccinations for this younger age group is a critical step toward ending the pandemic.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents ‘Mindfulness for Professionals and Parents,’ ‘Self-Healing Communities,’ and other no cost webinars; more news

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has created a series of no cost webinars for professionals, parents and youth, to provide them skills that are needed now more than ever.

Mindfulness for Professionals and Parents, an hour-long webinar that highlights the importance mindfulness holds for both individuals and for those we are working with.

One participant said:

“Mindfulness is an important part of daily operations! We need to remember to take time for ourselves. I love the acronyms and will share with my NAU students!!!!” 

City of Flagstaff 30-Day Public Comment Period for Draft 10-Year Housing Plan ends Nov. 5

The City of Flagstaff Housing Section is asking all Flagstaff residents to read the Draft 10-Year Housing Plan and assist with prioritizing the policy initiatives and strategies. The Draft 10-Year Housing Plan can be found here. 

Provide your feedback by participating in the following Policy Initiative and Strategy Prioritization Survey. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes. Your feedback is appreciated.

This public comment period ends November 5, 2021.

Coconino County Celebrates and Recognizes Native American Heritage Month. See upcoming events

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaims November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month.

At its November 2 meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month. As part of the Proclamation, Supervisors recognized Arizona’s 22 tribal nations and their cultures, also specifically recognizing the six tribal nations in Coconino County. The Board also showed special recognition to their two colleagues, Supervisor Judy Begay and Vice Chair Lena Fowler, who belong to the Navajo Nation and currently serve on the Board. 

The Literacy Center — Spelling Bee Attendance Survey

In the face of Covid-19, we are uncertain about whether putting on the 25th Annual Mountain Spelling Bee makes sense. We are planning to host the event on April 23rd, 2022 at the High Country Conference Center.

In order to determine the comfort level from the community about whether the bee would achieve the attendance needed to make the event planning worth it, we have created a short survey designed to gather which measures Covid-19 safety measures we can implement to raise attendance. 

Coconino County Parks & Recreation Unveils New Restrooms at Fort Tuthill County Park

Coconino County Parks & Recreation celebrated the completion of the first permanent, publicly accessible, year-round restroom at Fort Tuthill County Park on Wednesday, October 21, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The restroom is located east of the Fort Tuthill Bike Park, in the north parking lot of Fort Tuthill County Park. County Supervisors and representatives from Kinney Construction Services, Peak Engineering, RJA-Architecture, and Arizona State Parks attended the celebration. 

Sedona Arts Center — Congratulations Sedona Plein Air Festival Award Winners!

And the Winners are…

17th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival
Festival Award Winners

Judge: Michele Usibelli
Best of Show: Gretchen Lopez
First place: Peggy Immel
Second place: Ellie Wilson
Third place: Manon Sander
Artists Choice: Margaret Larlham
Collectors Choice: Michelle Held
Honorable Mention: Bill Cramer, Margaret Larlham, James McGrew, Kari Ganoung Ruiz, Hadley Rampton, Krystal Brown

HECHO October Newsletter

October is a month steeped in the celebration of our ancestral traditions. From closing out Hispanic Heritage Month, to the beginning of Día de Los Muertos, it is a time to reflect on the legacy we carry, and the antepasados that started it all. Some questions to consider exploring as a family to honor this special time could include: 

What legacy would we like to see our family continue? 
What traditions remind us of our time spent with family?
To learn more about Día de Los Muertos, make sure to visit our blog, where our Communications Coordinator, Amy Dominguez wrote about how her family has celebrated Día de Los Muertos. 

The NAU Review — Native American Heritage Month, the XC teams bring home the gold and a new institute focuses on ethics

Every November, the NACC joins with the Office of Indigenous Student Success to celebrate Native American Heritage Month alongside Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nation and Aboriginal students who have found a new home at NAU. Located near the Navajo and Hopi reservations, NAU offers a variety of events to help students, staff and faculty celebrate and foster awareness of Indigenous cultures and contributions during the month of November and throughout the year.

City of Flagstaff — Prescribed burn on Observatory Mesa approved for Tuesday, Nov. 2

The Flagstaff Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) plans to conduct a prescribed burn of approximately 72 acres on Observatory Mesa tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

With light winds from the west forecasted, smoke may impact central Flagstaff during the day and settle overnight into the downtown, Southside, Railroad Springs and Northern Arizona University campus areas. For more information on smoke and air quality, please visit http://www.azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast or https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/.

Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commissioner Recognized as Distinguished Citizen Planner

The Arizona Chapter of the Arizona Planning Association (APA-AZ) held a virtual awards ceremony on September 5 recognizing Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commissioner John F. Ruggles as Distinguished Citizen Planner.

The Association’s awards recognize notable planning pursuits that exemplify planning principles and foster positive impacts on Arizona and its communities. Mr. Ruggles was recognized as the “Distinguished Citizen Planner” following nomination by the Coconino County Community Development Department. 

Upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center!

Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.

Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities

U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran update for Nov. 1 — Medicare Open Enrollment has begun

Open enrollment for Medicare has begun and will run until December 7, 2021!

The Medicare open enrollment period is your opportunity to re-evaluate your current Medicare health and prescription drug plans and make any changes that may better fit your needs for the coming year.

If you’re happy with your coverage, you don’t need to take any action; your existing plan will continue uninterrupted in 2022.

Winter Parking Ordinance Begins Monday, Nov. 1

Coconino County’s annual Winter Parking Ordinance will go into effect Monday, November 1, 2021. The ordinance requires parking restrictions on County-maintained roads during snow season.

Between November 1 and April 1 of each year, motor vehicles must be kept clear of County-maintained highways and roads. Any vehicle parked in prohibited areas reserve the right to be cited or towed at the owner’s expense (not less than $200.00) due to the possibility of threatening the health or welfare of County residents. Penalties are applicable where violations take place and where signed. 

Willard Springs Green Waste Station Closed For Winter Season

The last day of 2021 operations for the Willard Springs Green Waste Station was Saturday, October 30.

The station will be closed throughout the upcoming winter season, which runs each year from November 1 to March 31. Coconino County can reopen Willard Springs for green waste-only disposal on Friday, April 1, 2022. It will then be open for the summer season on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. until Saturday, October 29, 2022.

Community celebrates in-person return of Celebraciones de la Gente

Celebraciones de la Gente, the annual Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebration, returned to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 23-24 with an appreciative crowd who strolled around the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard to view family ofrendas / altars, view workshops on creating ofrendas, a presentation honoring the more than 400 people who died due to COVID-19 in Coconino County, dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff and music by Mariachi Tradición de México from Tucson and Los Alambrados Flagstaff.

The 18th annual event, which was hosted by the Museum of Northern Arizona, in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, was presented virtually in 2020 due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Work delayed on Beaver Street and Butler Avenue

Work to implement a pilot project installing separated bike lanes on Beaver Street and Butler Avenue originally scheduled to begin next week has been postponed one week due to a delay in the delivery of essential hardware.

Work on Beaver Street will now begin on Monday, November 8, 2021 and end on Friday, November 19, 2021. The project limits are Beaver Street, from Forest Avenue to Butler Avenue. 

Williams Unified School District #2 Special Election — Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021

The Coconino County Elections Office would like to remind voters residing in the Williams Unified School District #2 that they have until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day —Tuesday, November 2 — to return their voted ballots.  As of Thursday, October 28, the Elections Office had received 1,003 voted ballots.  A total of 4,069 ballots mailed were mail to district voters.

Voters are reminded that this election is a ballot-by-mail election and there will be no polling places on Election Day.  If a voter believes they are eligible to vote in this election and did not receive a ballot in the mail, the voter should call the Elections Office at (928) 679-7860 or toll free (800) 793-6181. 

Fall Happenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton in the West
Oct. 30, 1 pm
Attend in person at MNA, or watch on Facebook
Alan Peterson, MNA’s Fine Art Curator, will discuss Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton’s early life and education in Philadelphia, her first trips to the West as a young artist, how she met Harold Colton, their honeymoon trip, and their subsequent trips to Flagstaff before moving here in 1926.

Sedona Arts Center — And the Award Winners are… being chosen (Oct. 29)

Friday, October 29
Awards Night and Party! 5-8pm
Held at Sedona Arts Center’s Special Exhibition Gallery and Theatre Studio in the Historic Art Barn. Fine wine, fine hors d’oeuvres and fine art. This is the big event! Artist’s awards are presented throughout the evening recognizing the best work created during the week including Best of Show and merit awards by Festival Judge Michele Usibelli, Artist’s Choice Award, Collectors Choice by ballot and Sedona Arts Center Awards.

Prescribed burns planned for the week of Nov. 1

As part of the Flagstaff Prescribed Fire Training Exchange, prescribed burns are tentatively planned for the week of November 1, depending on weather conditions.

Prescribed burns help to restore forests to healthier conditions and improve the safety of the communities around them. Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated smaller fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. 

The NAU Review — Día de los Muertos, vegan recipes, DOE grants, Halloween and Notes from the President

In this Views from NAU, Karen Schairer, associate professor in the Department of Global Languages and Culture, writes about how Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is first and foremost a celebration and a reminder that life and death are both part of the same experience. Neither is to be feared and both are to be celebrated with joy and laughter, music and dancing and a heartfelt appreciation of family and all who came before us.

American Red Cross seeking Disaster Services Supervisor in Flagstaff

As one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. We depend on the many generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support our lifesaving services and programs. 

At the Red Cross, there is no such thing as a small disaster. In every single case it is the Red Cross’ mission to help people affected by disaster meet their emergency needs that include shelter, food, clothing, and health and mental health services. As a paid staff member, you will support our loyal Red Cross disaster volunteers who serve selflessly to provide a bridge of assistance until individuals and families can resume a normal life. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Oct. 25-29, 2021 — Vaccine Events in Tusayan and Grand Canyon on Nov. 1

On Monday, November 1, Coconino County Health and Human services will be holding two COVID-19 and flu vaccine events in the community. Similar to previous events, no registration is required ahead of time.

Tusayan (behind the IMAX Theater) from 12:00 p.m.-2 p.m. (flyer here)
Grand Canyon Recreation Center Ramada from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (full flyer here)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Let’s Hear from Youth! and more news

Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (www.coconinokids.org) is working hard to better understand root causes of trauma and promoting tools for resiliency. We know that social connection is a key protective factor for both youth and families.
During Covid, we began a virtual youth open mic. The purpose is to provide a safe space for youth to express themselves through music, art, poetry, theater, dance, photography, or cultural sharing. The event takes place the first Sunday of each month at 4pm. The next event is scheduled for Sunday November 7th.
We realize many of our community’s youth may be “Zoomed out”. So, we are also looking for youth voice to brainstorm suggestions for community-based youth connection opportunities. We would appreciate you asking the youth you serve, “What youth events would you like to see in your community?” We are also available to speak with your youth group to facilitate that conversation.

CCC — The Comet — CCC receives grant to foster Native American student success and more news

The land of Coconino County is rich in geological stories and steeped in a sacred importance to all of us who live here. Coconino Community College is located in the middle of the land’s magnificence. More than 20 percent of our students at the college are Native American, and because CCC is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment, the perspective of our Native American students is vitally important to our identity. To that end, when students from the college’s Indigenous Student Association developed a Land Acknowledgement Statement, the college community acted universally to make it a part of CCC’s culture.

City of Flagstaff Winter parking restrictions start November 1

Winter parking restrictions will begin on November 1 and will remain in effect until April 1. During this time, parking on city streets and alleyways is prohibited from midnight to 7 a.m.

The parking restriction allows the City to thoroughly plow the streets during snow events and remains in effect even if it is not snowing to aid in street sweeping. This ordinance is enforced by the Flagstaff Police Department. Cars that are parked in violation of the ordinance when it is not snowing will receive a ticket and those parked in violation during inclement weather will receive a ticket and could be towed.

The NAU Review — How to create a less flammable forest and more news

Fires in the West have been getting more severe and threatening more communities in the last 30 years. A team, including ecologists and economists from NAU, received a grant from the National Science Foundation to study how communities can use fuel treatments to keep themselves safe and preserve their relationship to the forests they love.

First Prescribed Fire Training Exchange in the greater Flagstaff area

For the first time, fire managers from nine agencies and partners are gathering in northern Arizona to learn about and train in prescribed fire through a formal training exchange (TREX). Hosted by the Flagstaff Fire Department and Summit Fire and Medical District and sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Fire Learning Network, this Prescribed Fire Training Exchange is a unique opportunity for fire personnel from across the county to learn about prescribed fire, land management, the wildland urban interface, smoke management, and much more.

“This Prescribed Fire Training Exchange is designed to provide experiential training that builds local capacity for fire management while offering professional fire practitioners a more holistic perspective” said Neil Chapman, Wildland Forest Health Supervisor with the Flagstaff Fire Department. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Oct. 18-22, 2021

Vaccine Events in Tusayan and Grand Canyon

On Monday, November 1, Coconino County Health and Human services will be holding two COVID-19 and flu vaccine events in the community. Similar to previous events, no registration is required ahead of time.

Tusayan (behind the IMAX Theater) from 12:00 p.m.-2 p.m.
Grand Canyon Recreation Center Ramada from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Flyers will be distributed on these events once guidance from the CDC on booster doses is finalized (hopefully by early next week).

Court Appointed Special Advocates Needed to Fight Effects of Domestic Violence

The effects of domestic violence are far-reaching; not only for the partners involved but also for the children who have witnessed it. Witnessing violence by seeing, hearing, or observing the aftermath can leave children feeling anxious, fearful or angry. In some cases, when domestic violence occurs in the home and the children are unsafe, the children must be removed from their homes and placed into the foster care system until it is safe to return. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents series of no cost webinars for professionals, parents and youth on ACES, Mindfulness, other topics

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has created a series of no cost webinars for professionals, parents and youth, to provide them skills that are needed now more than ever.

Our hour-long webinar on Igniting Collective Action: Moving Beyond ACEs explores the roadmap to creating change at the community and system level by using the findings of both leadership research and today’s thought leaders. One participant said:

“This training was truly amazing and can be used no matter your walk in life … I hope that everyone and anyone takes advantage of this presentation. It really can make a difference.”

(*Recommended prerequisite for Igniting Collective Action: Moving Beyond ACEs webinar in particular, but also for other trainings, is Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences: Hope in Resiliency)

Put your waste in the right place during Flagstaff Drop-off Day on Oct. 23

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Program invites members of the public to participate in Drop-off Day 2021. The event is free and provides an opportunity to properly dispose of items that should not be thrown away in the regular trash.

This event will take place Saturday, October 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Flagstaff Police Department, located at 911 E. Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Project partners include the Flagstaff Police Department, the Flagstaff Hazardous Products Center, Elevated Shredding, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Ponderosa Medial Waste Services and Electronic Responsible Recyclers (ER2). Attendees are asked to remain inside their vehicle during the event. Masks are required of all attendees.

Sedona Arts Center — 17th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival Oct.23–30, 2021

Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! Sedona is a sublime and stunningly beautiful environment steeped in art history. Sedona Arts Center dates back 63 years to the founding of Sedona’s identity as an ‘art colony.’ Our community’s iconic and wonderfully creative event—Sedona Plein Air Festival—is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 23 through 30!

NAU conducting Anxiety and Self-Esteem research study for female Mexican-American youth 14 to 17 years of age

My name is Katie Mommaerts and I am a licensed clinical social worker and fourth year Interdisciplinary Health doctoral candidate at Northern Arizona University completing my dissertation. I am conducting research to determine the relationship between self-reported symptoms of anxiety and self-esteem from the perspectives of female Mexican-American adolescents (ages 14-17) and mental health therapists.

I am inquire about your interest in participating in this study and/or referring someone who may be interested. I attached the flyers (one for adolescent participants and one for mental health therapist participants) that can be distributed.

Work on Beaver Street to implement separated bike lanes pilot project

Work related to a pilot project installing separated bike lanes on Beaver Street will take place on Wednesday, October 20. The work will be completed on the same day and will take place on Beaver Street, spanning from Cherry Street to Butler Avenue.

Traffic control devices and/or a shadow vehicle will be implemented throughout the day and motorist are encouraged to seek an alternate route or be prepared for slight delays as they travel through the project limits.

8th edition of the Consular Newsletter on Economic and Tourism Affairs

In the 8th edition of our Consular Newsletter on Economic and Tourism Affairs, we celebrate
Mexico’s fight for independence and its exciting future as the 2021 Hispanic
Heritage Month ends on Oct. 15.
In #ChooseMexico, we learn what we
already knew in our hearts: Everyone loves Mexican food. We also see a bright
future, as Hispanic buying power continues to increase and more and more of our
young people are getting college degrees. In addition, we learn that there has been an increase
in the number of both large and small Mexican companies expanding into Arizona, thanks to the welcoming business environment. In this newsletter, you also will meet three successful Mexican citizens working in Arizona––and our Faces of Mexico in Arizona webinar (in Spanish) will introduce you to a few more.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Join the 3.5% Reading Action Groups!

F3 wants to make you aware of the 3.5% Project that has just been launched locally by Flagstaff College. Through a combination of reading a novel that focuses on climate change, in-person and virtual discussions with a small group of fellow participants, and renowned guest presenters, the 3.5% Project goal is to create a “small group of thoughtful, committed individuals” who, working together, make big changes.

What if “the answer to climate change is organizing,” as Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org, recently said? And what if what we need is only 3.5% of the public actively engaged in making a change? Flagstaff College is launching the Flagstaff 3.5% Project because of the belief that both of these things are true.

Was there a 2021 Festival of Science Event you missed? Don’t Worry! We have a YouTube Channel!

With nearly 100 free and exciting events this year in the Festival of Science, it can be hard to make it to all of the ones you want to go to! But, don’t let this stop you from engaging in the Flagstaff science community all year round, and catching up on the events you missed.

The Flagstaff Festival of Science has a YouTube Channel!

In-person 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates the in-person return of Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead when the 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente is presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24.

Celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.

In partnership with Flagstaff’s Nuestras Raíces, the museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard will be transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arrange ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.

NAU Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Hispanic Heritage Game on Oct. 16

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be honored during the game

Northern Arizona University is excited to celebrate its Hispanic Heritage Game as Lumberjack Football takes on Southern Utah.

When: October 16th, 2021

Game Time: 1 P.M.

Where: Walkup Skydome

During the game, NAU will honor the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) for its 20 years of service to the local community. Stop by the CHAC tent for more information on the organization during the tailgate party from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Work on Butler Avenue to implement separated bike lanes pilot project

Work to implement a pilot project installing separated bike lanes on Butler Avenue will begin on Monday, October 18 and will be complete on Friday October 22. The project limits are Butler Avenue, from Milton Road to Sawmill Road.

Traffic control devices and lane restrictions will be implemented throughout the week and motorist are encouraged to seek an alternate route or be prepared for delays as they travel through the project limits.

Prescribed Pile Burns on South Rim of Grand Canyon Start the Week of October 18, 2021

Beginning Monday, October 18, National Park Service (NPS) fire managers will begin pile burning along the Hwy. 64 corridor on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Hand piles composed of woody debris are located along the Hwy. 64 corridor, north of the South Entrance Station and along Desert View Drive. Fire managers plan to continue igniting piles over the next several weeks when conditions are suitable to meet management objectives. Prior to implementing the burns, fire managers will evaluate current conditions and will only begin ignition if the prescribed fire conditions are within allowable environmental parameters.

Final Coconino County Hispanic Heritage Month event on Oct. 16

As Coconino County Diversity Team continue to celebrate, learn, share, and create awareness during Hispanic Heritage Month, welcome to Week 4!! Please share with your departments, social media networks, family, and friends as we come together to Engage, Celebrate, Reflect, Embrace, our Cultural Differences while Empowering each other.

Events include: CHAC NAU Tailgate Event, 10 a.m. Saturday,  Oct. 16.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — October 11-15, 2021

Federal Workforce Vaccination for NPS Employees

As a reminder, November 22 is the deadline for federal employees to be fully vaccinated.
To meet the November 22 deadline, NPS employees must receive their first dose by October 11 if getting the Moderna vaccine or October 18 if getting the Pfizer vaccine
November 8 is the deadline for the second dose of both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and for receiving the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine

By November 22, all federal employees must be fully vaccinated or actively working with their supervisor and HR on a reasonable accommodation request. More information can be found on the vaccine FAQ page on the Safer Federal Workforce website.

Make a Difference Day 2021 (Oct. 16) focuses on assisting residents impacted by Museum post-wildfire flooding

Members of the public are invited to join the City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Section for this year’s Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 16. This year, participants will have the opportunity to assist residents affected by flooding resulting from the Museum Fire in 2019.

Volunteers will be assigned to work crews to remove flood debris from properties. Accordingly, volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection, long pants, and gloves and bring a refillable water bottle, as well as a rake or shovel if they have them.

The NAU Review — Are we alone?

The age-old question of ‘are we alone?’ is a compelling one, and third-year doctoral student Amber Young is committed to finding an answer. She is looking for life on other planets, and now NASA is helping her out. The Department of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences student recently recieved a grant to analyze chemical components and specific biosignatures from exoplanets that could show potential signs of life. As part of the grant, she will work with NASA team members on the LUVOIR Mission  to build computer modeling tools that will allow her to examine which observational scenarios are ideal for detecting and interpreting biosignatures.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Will You Step Up for Our Community?

An ongoing pandemic. Wildfires. Flooding.

In reflecting on the past year, United Way of Northern Arizona President & CEO Carol Dykes probably summed it up best when she said, “Some days it just felt like we couldn’t catch a break.”

But working together, we ensured that our communities rallied. Thanks to generous people like you who donated to the United Way, funds were available to ensure that people were able to stay in their homes, feed their children and keep the lights on.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Flagstaff Revives Sister Cities Program

Flagstaff is reviving its Sister Cities program and looking for input from the community as it determines which municipalities it will reach out to in order to forge these unique international relationships.

The Sister Cities program was created in the 1950s, spurred by President Eisenhower’s White House Conference on Citizen Diplomacy. The goal was simple for the man who had led the Allied Forces during World War II: Create a way to encourage people from different countries to learn about each other as a means of avoiding future wars.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – October 2021

hroughout the centuries, the cultural deterioration of indigenous groups has been extensive; their knowledge has gradually been hidden under the unifying veil of the dominant cultures. It is also unquestionable that modernization has strongly influenced traditions since it is essential to increase production and reduce costs. However, as contexts and circumstances change, people’s actions and knowledge also change without necessarily implying a total breakdown of the cultural system that gives them strength.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — What I Have Learned From Indigenous Wisdom

… Several Native teachings have deeply impacted my life and brought me peace. First, simply knowing we all have a purpose. Our ancestors lived through hardships so we could come to be. Therefore, what we do in this life should honor our ancestors and the next seven generations. Also, to “walk in beauty” by being grounded and intentional with our thoughts, words, and actions. Walking in beauty includes honoring our responsibility to be stewards of the land. And the teaching that most profoundly resonates with my purpose is quite simply we all are connected (people, animals, and plants).  It gives me hope to know we are all  K’e, a community of extended family.  

The NAU Review — National Coming Out Day, one way to protect the climate and where to leaf peep

Monday, Oct. 11, was National Coming Out Day, and IT project manager Grace Huang Ditsworth (they/them) shares what coming out has meant to them. Ditsworth said it is not a singular moment; rather, coming out is a process of wayfinding as they align themself with who they are and directs others to find and recognize them.

Coconino County Invites Public Participation in Redistricting Process

Coconino County has begun its redistricting process and invites the public to provide input. Every ten years, based on US Census data, supervisorial districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population.

In Coconino County, the Board of Supervisors is responsible for drawing these supervisorial districts pursuant to state and federal law. Since the last Census in 2010, the population of Coconino County has grown in some districts, but not in others. District boundaries are revised to ensure redistricting guidelines are met.

Superior Court stops State from assessing costs and withholding state-shared revenues

Earlier Oct. 11 – and after a hearing held on October 4 – Judge James Smith of the Maricopa County Superior Court entered a preliminary injunction (attached) precluding the State of Arizona from collecting a $1.1 million “assessment” that the Arizona Legislature said should be collected from the City of Flagstaff. 

That “assessment” arises out of legislation passed several years ago (HB 2756) in direct response to Proposition 414, under which the City’s voters recognized the needs of the community and adopted a minimum wage higher than that of the State at large. In July of this year, the City filed a lawsuit against the State challenging the constitutionality of a recently passed law that, for the first time, authorized an “assessment” against the City in connection with its minimum wage.

Coconino County presents Hispanic Heritage Month events on Oct. 8, 9

As Coconino County Diversity Team continue to celebrate, learn, share, and create awareness during Hispanic Heritage Month, welcome to Week 4!! Please share with your departments, social media networks, family, and friends as we come together to Engage, Celebrate, Reflect, Embrace, our Cultural Differences while Empowering each other.

Events include: “Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos” at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 and “Story Time” at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9.

Flagstaff City Council approves contract with Terros Health for an alternate response mobile unit

On October 5, the Flagstaff City Council approved a professional services contract for five years with Terros Health for an alternate response mobile unit in the amount of $2,583,300.

There will be one behavioral health professional and one Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician who will work together on the mobile response unit to provide the community with crisis intervention and mental health stabilization services. The mobile response unit will provide proactive outreach to the community and respond to public safety calls, such as public intoxication, substance use, trauma informed, and mental or behavioral health related events. Including a behavioral health professional on the mobile response unit will create a higher level of service for those in need in the Flagstaff community.

USDA Announces Coconino County Superintendent of Schools as a Recipient of Urban Agriculture Grant

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools is pleased to announce that the Coconino County Education Service Agency was selected to receive a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant for $259,128.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, is pleased to announce that the Coconino County Education Service Agency was selected to receive a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant for $259,128 through the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP). 

Storybook Path Unveiled at Sawmill County Park

Coconino County Parks & Recreation and The Literacy Center are pleased to unveil the Storybook Path at Sawmill County Park.

The path features the book Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match by local author Monica Brown. The book’s pages are displayed on pedestals at intervals along the path for visitors of all ages to read and enjoy in both English and Spanish. Visitors also have the option to listen to the audio book in both languages by scanning a QR code on their smartphone. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Oct. 4-8, 2021

Indigenous People’s Day, October 11

This year we recognize Indigenous People’s Day on Monday, October 11. At Grand Canyon, park leadership continues to work on the Indian Affairs Strategy with positive feedback coming to us from our NPS colleagues in the Intermountain Region and Washington. The draft strategy is gaining traction to the point where the work we are doing may be shared at the Tribal Nations Summit being planned for the White House in November.  

There will be virtual events held in recognition of Indigenous People’s day across the nation, and the city of Flagstaff is hosting an event on Monday, October 11 through a virtual platform. The event, titled Honoring the Four Sacred Elements of Life: Mother Earth, Father Sky, Grandparents Water and Fire, will be available on-line from 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration can be made in advance for this event is free and can be made by following this link. NPS Fire Archaeologist, Jason Nez, will be speaking at this event about Diné cultural relationships to Fire between 3:15-4:30 p.m. 

NAU Review — Homecoming, fall crafts and how community is stronger than cancer

After celebrating virtually last year, the NAU community is invited to come together in person to celebrate the university’s 122 years of academic excellence and show off their Lumberjack pride during this year’s Homecoming week beginning Monday, Oct. 11. Events include Make it Monday, Traditions Day pep rally, bonfire and chili cook-off, a carnival sponsored by ASNAU, the Homecoming Parade and more. 

United Way of Northern Arizona — Imagine What’s Possible

With the recent kickoff of our Annual Community Fundraising campaign, we’re imagining what’s possible when we ensure that our children are ready to learn. That’s the purpose of programs like KinderCamp™ – making sure our students are ready academically, emotionally and socially for that all important first day of school.

Don’t take our word for it. We think Riley and her Mom do a great job explaining what KinderCamp has meant to them in the video above.

Thanks to generous people like you, United Way of Northern Arizona and our partners can provide KinderCamp and other early education program at no cost to families.

Will you join us as a supporter of this year’s campaign, and Step Up for Our Community with a donation today?

Every donation makes a huge difference in our community and we sincerely THANK YOU for your support.