City of Flagstaff declares a Housing Emergency

The Flagstaff City Council declared a Housing Emergency at their meeting on Dec. 2, 2020 with the passage of Resolution 2020-66. The declaration recognizes the need to make housing a leading priority within city operations and the community. Mayor Coral Evans said, “Flagstaff has simply become used to living with this housing crisis and because of that, our community does not recognize how dire the current the conditions are for our community members.”  

CCC begins automotive program this spring

The conversation is the same among auto dealerships locally and across the country: Where do we find trained technicians?

“There’s a ridiculous shortage of technicians,” said Mimi Vessey, parts and service director for Findlay Honda of Flagstaff.

Jacob Lundie, general manager for Findlay Honda, added, “We’re in meetings often, and we talk about, ‘where are we finding technicians?’”

In order to meet a gap in trained automotive technicians locally and throughout the nation, Coconino Community College has partnered with Findlay Honda of Flagstaff to create an Automotive Technician program, and it’s scheduled to begin this spring semester.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Tonight’s the Night!

We are looking forward to this evening’s premier of The Library That Dolly Built, a documentary about how the Dolly Parton Imagination Library started as an effort to honor her father and grew into one of the largest non-governmental literacy programs in the world.

The film, being streamed on Facebook, will be followed by a live Q&A session with Dolly Parton. (We hear she might even sing a song.)

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Governor Ducey Order & Grants Promoting More Outdoor Dining

Governor Ducey has announced an executive order designed to allow restaurants to more easily expand outdoor dining facilities as leaders look for ways to help an industry hit hard by COVID-19.

The move, which reduces regulatory hurdles, has been paired with $1 million in grants to help eateries purchase barriers, heaters and outdoor furniture to convert open areas into dining spaces. The spaces do not have to be physically connected to the restaurant, but must be within 60 feet of the dining establishment.

The state began accepting applications for the grants yesterday. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and will undergo a peer review process to ensure all documentation is submitted and verified. The deadline for applications is January 8, 2021.

Sedona Arts Center — Free Art Event and New Online Workshops

“Thru an Artist’s Eyes”
Join us for the John Henry Waddell Virtual Tour
December 16 at 5:00pm MST

Come join us for a rare opportunity to explore several works by artist John Henry Waddell through the lens of his partner in life and art, artist Ruth Holland Waddell.  We each have our own ways of looking at the world and at art, Ruth will provide us with tools to deepen our experience when looking at a work of art. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Virtual Recognition Celebration for Supervisor Art Babbott and Supervisor Jim Parks

Join the virtual Board of Supervisors Meeting on December 8 at 5:00 PM for a special celebration honoring Supervisor Art Babbott and Supervisor Jim Parks. We will thank them for their contributions to the County and wish them well as they continue their journey of service to the community.

10 Flagstaff Winter Awareness Tips: Know Before You Go

Designated as Arizona’s winter wonderland, Flagstaff accumulates an average of 100 inches of snow annually to partake in a multitude of winter activities. Please stay, play, social distance, and mask while visiting and adhere to required CDC healthcare travel guidelines, business recommendations and varied hours.  

Travel safely and know before you go to Flagstaff with these top ten winter awareness tips:  

Flagstaff seeks community input on Dec. 9 in search for new Police Chief

The community is invited to participate in the selection of the Flagstaff Police Department’s next Police Chief at an upcoming meet and greet. The public meet and greet is scheduled for Dec. 9, 2020 at 5 p.m. and will held via Microsoft Teams.

The meet and greet will begin with each of the three candidates providing an introduction about themselves including their previous education and experience and how it relates to the Police Chief position. After all introductions have been completed, participants in the meeting will have an opportunity to submit questions for the Police Chief candidates to answer. 

Apprenticeship leads to college credits at CCC

Once Corbin Felsted returned home to Flagstaff after a church mission, he knew he wanted to work with his hands.

“I thought electrician would be great, but nobody would hire me because I didn’t have experience,” Felsted said.

Finally, a local electrical company put him through an apprenticeship program – a grueling process of trade school, homework every night and working 40 hours a week. He finished a four-year program in two years, and he set his sights on college.

Canceling the Annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year Awards Event

Each year, the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office holds a Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year and Ambassadors for Excellence Awards Event, but due to COVID-19, the 2020-2021 event will not be held. The School Superintendent’s Office hopes to continue the annual tradition in the future.   

City of Flagstaff Adopts High Occupancy Housing Zoning Code Text Amendment

The Flagstaff City Council adopted the High Occupancy Housing (HOH) Zoning Code Text Amendment at their meeting on Nov. 17, 2020. Effective on March 1, 2021, the adopted amendment is the first Zoning Code Text Amendment to implement the HOH Specific Plan.  This amendment impacts most residential and mixed-use (residential and non-residential) developments by regulating the number of bedrooms and the number of dwelling units that are allowed with and without obtaining separate approval (a Conditional Use Permit) from the city. Developments that are required to obtain Conditional Use Permit will be considered a HOH Development or Mixed-use HOH Development.

ECoNA Moonshot ‘Makers & Shakers’ Celebrates Entrepreneurs

Moonshot at NACET, the entrepreneurship program based in northern Arizona, is celebrating the spirit of startups during its inaugural Makers & Shakers Week, a series of online workshops, presentations and live Q&A’s with entrepreneurs.

The free week-long virtual event honors current businesses and showcases Moonshot innovators, mentors and instructors. The goal is to educate and inspire viewers who might be considering starting their own businesses, according to Moonshot President & CEO Scott Hathcock.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

United Way of Northern Arizona — The Most Important Thing She’s Ever Done

Dolly Parton, simply put, is a legend. An icon. A cultural touchstone. She’s had phenomenal commercial and critical success. She’s earned an “EGOT,” winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. Her career spans a half century and she’s still going strong. Not bad for a kid born in a one-room cabin in the mountains of east Tennessee.

But before he passed away, her father told her that probably the most important thing she’s ever done was to start her “Imagination Library.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Connections Spotlight — Express Yourself!

This pandemic is challenging for all of us. CCC&Y has a weekly virtual meeting for parents and caregivers to connect and share resources. We are also launching “Creativity Calling,” specifically for youth! This monthly virtual opportunity will provide youth a chance to share their thoughts and feelings through the arts. Any youth interested in sharing their music, visual art, poetry, dance, or theater can text Hunter RedDay at 928.221.3688 to register. Each month four youth will have a 10-minute spotlight. Special thank you to our partner Stronger As One for providing a gift card to a local business. We will enter each month’s performers in a raffle for the gift card!

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Adopt a Senior Project

Coconino County Health and Human Services assists many home bound seniors. Please help to make their holidays brighter by providing these households with holiday gifts such as grocery stores and gas gift cards, electric throws, slipper socks and various other items personalized to the senior.

A gift tree is available at the Tourist Home All Day Café at 52 S. San Francisco, Flagstaff from November 30 through December 18. This holiday tree has information cards on it for the taking with information regarding the seniors in need. Take a ticket or contact CCHHS at mbentzen@coconino.az.gov to receive a virtual “senior gift tag.”

After receiving your tag, print it out and attach it to the unwrapped gift(s). Drop off your gifts at Tourist Home or contact mbentzen@coconino.az.gov or robegay@coconino.az.gov to coordinate a gift drop off.

All gifts must be received by December 18, 2020 to ensure time for delivery to our Seniors. All gifts are tax deductible and receipts available.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Flagstaff Arts Council — Holiday Happenings with FAC & CCA!

The Flagstaff Arts Council is excited to announce our Winter Holiday Auction! This auction features artwork from local artists, gifts from local restaurants, post-pandemic travel packages, and more! This is the perfect place to do some holiday shopping while supporting the Flagstaff Arts Council’s mission to foster creativity in Flagstaff. The proceeds from the sale of most of the artwork included in the auction will be shared between the Flagstaff Arts Council and the artist with each party receiving 50% of the proceeds. 

Sedona Arts Center — GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that encourages philanthropy and celebrates generosity worldwide

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on December 1, 2020 and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back during one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Grand Canyon National Park Transitions to Winter Operations

Grand Canyon, AZ – Beginning December 1, 2020, visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park this winter season should be prepared for modified changes in operations. Visitors should also plan ahead and anticipate temporary road closures and poor driving conditions whenever winter storms pass through the area.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Raising A Generation of Readers

Nationally, only 3 in 10 students entering the 4th grade are proficient readers.(1) That’s disheartening enough, but here’s the really scary statistic: children who aren’t reading proficiently by the 4th grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.(2)

Instilling a love of reading is the key to success for our children. It’s the foundation upon which their education is built.

That’s why United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is proud to partner with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) to make sure children in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties discover the world of books in those critical years before they enter school.

I-40 and Meteor Crater Bridge closed between Flagstaff and Winslow Nov. 30 – Dec. 5

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the upcoming closure of Interstate 40 and the Meteor Crater Bridge – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work begins on the bridge rehabilitation project.

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place:

Scholarship offers legacy for son’s love of solar energy

He was a bright spirit, lively, adventuresome and extraordinarily kind.

Sean McMullin, a Northern Arizona University graduate, loved the potential of solar energy and hoped to pursue alternative energies as a business.

He passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 12, 2020, and his parents, dedicated to keeping his legacy alive, have started the Sean Roarke McMullin Memorial Scholarship through the Coconino Community College Foundation.

Sedona Art Center — Our Black Friday Weekend Sale Starts NOW!

This holiday season, Sedona Arts Center offers more ways to collect and share your favorite art with special discounts just in time for the holidays! Get 10% off all Fine Art in our Online Gallery November 26–30, 2020 by using coupon code: THX4ART20 when shopping online. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – nearly a 10% additional savings!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Connections Spotlight — Interdependence

Many of us were taught or developed a belief that depending on others is a weakness. I believe, as do many others, that interdependence is a strength!

I invite you to take a moment for yourself to breathe a few deep breaths. Then ask yourself, how am I feeling? What do I need? Who can help?

Have you ever helped someone without expecting anything in return? How did it feel? Many of us feel good when we are helping others. Why, then, do we often not allow others the opportunity to feel that goodness by helping us?

Museum of Northern Arizona — Grateful for what we have at MNA

In the midst of a difficult year, I’ve found myself frequently thinking how blessed we are at MNA. So many people help out to keep this museum strong — the volunteers who tend our gardens, the docents who provide a welcoming and informative museum experience, the members and donors who support us financially. This has been a hard year for museums and many may not survive, but MNA will, with your help. With Giving Tuesday coming up, and year-end donations to be made, please help MNA reach our fundraising goals. There are many ways to support MNA, including direct donations, upgrading your membership, doing your holiday shopping at the museum shop, or buying tickets to the art raffle.

Thank you for your support of MNA.

Flagstaff returns to Phase 2 of COVID-19 Reentry Plan

The city of Flagstaff will return to Stage 2 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan on Nov. 30. This move is due to the upward trajectory in the number of new cases, hospitalizations and COVID related deaths in Flagstaff over four weeks or more.

Under Phase 2, the city will re-close the following city facilities and amenities:

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Water management plan, trail updates and community thanks

As state and local guidelines around COVID-19 evolve, we can all be a part of making the outdoors a safe place to be. Following the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines will keep everyone safe as we enjoy our parks, waters, trails, and forests. Learn more about recreating responsibly by activity.

Sedona Arts Center — Happy Thanksgiving, from all your friends at Sedona Arts Center

Here at Sedona Arts Center, we have so much to be thankful for.

More than anything else, we are thankful for our community of artists, instructors, art lovers, patrons, volunteers, staff and supporters who have helped us thrive through these trying times and over the last 62 years. We are truly grateful for you and we look forward to sharing more art, creativity, and inspiration with you in the years to come!

May you have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Sedona Arts Center — Online Gallery Black Friday Weekend Sale!

This holiday season, Sedona Arts Center offers more ways to collect and share your favorite art with special discounts just in time for the holidays! Get 10% off all Fine Art in our Online Gallery November 26–30, 2020 by using coupon code: THX4ART20 when shopping online. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – nearly a 10% additional savings!

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — COVID cases are increasing dramatically in our communities

Greetings!

I am so thankful to serve Coconino County District 5 for another 4 years. My work for all citizens has been the greatest honor and joy in my life. Thank you to all District 5 citizens for re-electing me to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. I am so excited for new opportunities and possibilities of the next 4 years. In this season of change and transition, I ask you to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Please stay vigilant and safe this holiday season.

Lena

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Returns to more Restrictive Phase I Operations as COVID-19 Cases Rise

On June 5, 2020, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan for County Operations. The plan provides guidance to protect customer and employee health and safety.

Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks. Based on this increase, and in alignment with the County’s Re-Entry Plan, effective Monday, November 23 Coconino County will return to more restrictive Phase I operations, summarized below.

Coconino County Returns to more Restrictive Phase I Operations as COVID-19 Cases Rise

On June 5, 2020, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan for County Operations. The plan provides guidance to protect customer and employee health and safety.

Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks. Based on this increase, and in alignment with the County’s Re-Entry Plan, effective Monday, November 23 Coconino County will return to more restrictive Phase I operations, summarized below. 

Susie Garretson gets CCC Distinguished Service Award nod

Coconino County resident Susie Garretson has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at Coconino Community College.

“Coconino Community College relies heavily on the community to support students, vision and mission of the College,” said CCC District Governing Board Chair Patricia Garcia. “With the word ‘Community’ in its name, CCC always strives to invite the greater community to be a part of our work. An individual who took us up on that invitation is Susie Garretson.”

Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff and Mountain Line Team Up for Stuff the Virtual Bus

This year’s annual Stuff the Bus community food drive benefitting The Flagstaff Family Food Center will be held virtually November 16 – November 22 continuing the longstanding partnership between Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff and Mountain Line.

The need for donations is greater than ever due to COVID-19. The Flagstaff Family Food Center estimates that since the beginning of the pandemic, the demand for its hunger relief programs have increased by 80%. The Center feeds 2,000 people a day, 365 days a year.

City of Flagstaff announces Thanksgiving closures

City administrative offices and operations will be closed Nov. 26 and 27, 2020 for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen on Nov. 30, 2020.

The East Flagstaff Community Library and the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will also be closed on Nov. 26 and 27. and will resume curbside hold pickup, phone reference services, and computer reservations on Nov. 30, 2020.

City of Flagstaff seeks input on McMillan Mesa Natural Area rezone amendment application during meetings of Dec. 14, Jan. 13

Proposition 413 (Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park) was passed by Flagstaff voters in 2016. This proposition restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation. The land affected by Proposition 413 is currently zoned as Public Facilities and Rural Residential. The City Council directed staff to amend the Zoning Code to reflect the outcomes of Proposition 413. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment in 2018, the next step is to amend the existing zoning of the area Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space. 

Current Happenings at the Coconino Center for the Arts

The CCA Holiday Store Is Now Open!
Thursday-Saturday, 1-6 pm through December 22nd
(Closed 11/26, and 11/28-29)

Featured Artists:
Cathi Borthwick, Robin Cadigan, Darcy Falk, Katherine Farr, Carli Giese, Chandra Hemminger, Jonah Hill, Julie Jones, Don Nord, Sharon Richards, Ryanne Sebern, Heather Spontak

NAU News — Graduate Steven Hernandez Jr.: NAU employee-turned-Lumberjack-grad took expertise to the classroom

Hernandez, who works as a business analyst in Academic Affairs, transferred from Coconino Community College. Besides doing the normal student activities, he found ways to put his work experience to use in the classroom and what he learned in the classroom to use in his job.

ECoNA — 4FRI Contractor Acquires Former SCA Facility

Good news on the forest front: NewLife Forest Products has acquired the former SCA Tissue facility in Bellemont, allowing it to scale up operations as the largest contractor in the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, or 4FRI.

The move into the 425,000-square-foot warehouse will allow the company to hire 200 local workers and move forward with its charge to thin roughly 300,000 acres of forest land over the next several years.

Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Focus Group Participants Needed on Nov. 21

NACA’s Native Connections are hosting three upcoming Youth Focus Groups via Zoom at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing of youth in our community. Youth who participate are helping inform our work to support them during this difficult time, and will receive a gift card to either Dutch Bros or Sprouts!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join CCC&Y’S bilingual Family Connection Weekly Zoom Meeting now on Mondays

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is presenting a weekly Family Connection Zoom Meeting at 2:30 p.m. Mondays.

The meeting is open to parents, caregivers, professionals — All individuals in our community.

Now is the time to connect, be supportive and receive support in a safe and caring environment via zoom or by telephone.

This is an open time to connect with others, share joys, vent some concerns, ask for support, or offer others your support.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Sedona Art Center — Art Classes and Workshops through Sedona Arts Center!

iPhoneography
An Online Workshop with Kelli Klymenko
November 21, 2020
In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day workshops for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.

Flagstaff named climate leader

Flagstaff was named one of 88 cities to score top grades on climate action by environmental impact non-profit CDP (the “A list”). CDP’s A List is based on environmental data disclosed by hundreds of cities in 2020. To score an A, a city must disclose publicly and have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target and published a climate action plan. The cities must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have completed a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards now and in the future, among other actions.

Applicants sought from Coconino County for multiple Governing Board Seats for Appointment

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment to five school districts which include:

Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology (CAVIAT) in Fredonia (1 open seat)
Coconino Community College District #3 (1 open seat to be filled in January 2021- apply now)
Fredonia-Moccasin USD #6 (2 open seats) 
Maine Consolidated USD #10 (3 open seats)
N.A.T.I.V.E., Tuba City (1 open seat)

Coconino County Recognized with Inclusive Workplace Award by the Diversity Leadership Alliance

Coconino County was honored with the Inclusive Workplace Award recently by the Diversity Leaderships Alliance (DLA).

The DLA works in coordination with the Arizona State affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (AZSHRM) to recognize Arizona individuals, corporations and organizations that lead by example and create an inclusive environment that strengthens the community. Coconino County was recognized with the 2020 Inclusive Workplace Award, selected among other worthy organizations including ADP, Cox Communications, CSAA Insurance Group and the U of A College of Medicine. 

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – October 2020

During a recent trip to the central region of Colombia I ran into a very complete, well organized jewel of a museum: the Archeological Museum of Zipaquirá (MAZ). The building encompasses three large rooms permanently exhibiting more than 3500 original archaeological pieces representing nineteen pre-Hispanic cultures that had settlements in different parts of Colombia before the Colonization.

Coconino County Seeks Community Input for Disaster Planning

Natural disasters and climate change impacts are increasing in both frequency and impact nationwide. To meet this challenge, Coconino County is updating its Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) – a plan that guides county-wide efforts to reduce the risk of hazards such as fires and floods. However, for this planning effort to be successful, the county needs input from the people who work and live within its boundaries. To start collecting this input, the county has released a Hazard Mitigation Planning Survey on its website, which can be accessed at https://coconino.az.gov/2474/Hazard-Mitigation-Plan.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Safety Tips for Staying Safe in Winter Weather

Plan ahead. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safety. Stay attentive, reduce speed, and leave plenty of room between vehicles.  

The biggest cause of slips and falls when exiting a vehicle is human error and failure to follow the “Three Point Rule”. The Three Point Rule requires three of four points of contact to be maintained with the vehicle at all times – two hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand. 

Coconino Community College — A quick word from the President

Community colleges like CCC can be nimble and quickly respond to industry needs.

As you’ll read below, the Arizona Commerce Authority announced an initiative with Amazon Web Services Inc. with a goal of training and certifying 5,000 students in the state for entry-level cloud computing careers in the next two years. CCC is joining that effort, and our Computer Information Systems (CIS) faculty are preparing coursework that will help students in Coconino County work toward multiple certifications that will give them opportunities at high-paying technology careers. We plan to have the first course offerings this Spring semester.

ECoNA Virtual ‘Open Houses’ on Milton Road and US 180 Next Week

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will be holding two virtual “open houses” next week to discuss the future of two major traffic corridors in Flagstaff that often suffer from congestion, particularly during the summer and winter months when tourists come to escape the heat and play in the snow.

The focus of the two online meetings will be Milton Road and the U.S. 180 corridor, primarily Fort Valley Road and Humphreys Street. Often gridlocked at the best of times, these roadways need improvements to keep up with university, population and visitation growth.

LAUNCH Flagstaff — We’re Counting on You – Thank You!

I ended my first email by saying that with your help we can make a difference in the educational outcomes for every child in Flagstaff.  So, I’ll start this final email by focusing on you.  
 
I mentioned that LAUNCH Flagstaff is foremost an idea that leverages existing community organizations, businesses, policy makers, and citizens that produces systemic changes through collaborative action.  
 
The changes we seek happen in the hearts and minds of each person and each organization in Flagstaff.  I thank you for your current level of engagement in this important work and I invite you to consider additional ways you can help improve outcomes for our kids.
 
Here are some ideas:

Sedona Arts Center — Sedona Plein Air Festival 2020 All-Woman Painting Event

Artwork from the 16th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival is available The exhibition is available online online only through November 30th!

The event took place October 24-31, 2020, a first of its kind—all woman, and  Virtual Plein Air Festival! We experienced live demonstrations, short videos created by our festival artists all across the country, and an online gallery of new works updated daily. Scroll down to see select Festival work and links to different aspects of the event.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Coconino County offices and COVID-19 testing site closures for Veterans Day

All Coconino County offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day, a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

The COVID-19 testing site located at Fort Tuthill County Park will also be closed in recognition of the holiday. Testing will resume on Thursday, November 12. Testing site hours are Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y to present ‘Bullying and Cyberbullying Training’ on Nov. 17

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present “Bullying and Cyberbullying Training” on Zoom at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Based on training provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services to school districts across the state, this webinar examines the latest bullying statistics; unpacks the relationship between bullying, cyberbullying, ACES, trauma and substance use; and provides tips and techniques for intervention and prevention.

Presented by Brad Snyder, executive director of Dion Initiative for Child Well-Being and Bullying Prevention and chair of the Arizona Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Veterans Day With Gratitude Honoring All Who Served

“Each year, Coconino County honors those who have sacrificed to serve the country. We express special gratitude to the National Guard. Coconino County has benefited from a National Guard Team, who has supported our COVID-19 response. This group of dedicated individuals has been away from their family and friends during an especially challenging time to assist us with testing operations to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This year and every year, thank you to those who serve,” said County Manager, James Jayne.

City of Flagstaff Fire restrictions lifted

The city of Flagstaff has lifted all fire restrictions within city limits effective Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. The restrictions were lifted due to the increased moisture received in the greater Flagstaff area. While restrictions are lifted, residents and visitors are asked to use caution while using ignition sources for barbecue, charcoal, and propane stoves. No open burning is allowed in the city of Flagstaff.

LAUNCH Flagstaff — Educational Executive Leadership Development

25% of a student’s educational success relies on the quality of the educational leadership of the school administrator.  This means that the school principal is the second most important school influence on student success, after high quality teaching.

Great school leaders create a culture of excellence, drive school performance, teacher retention and student outcomes.   The partners of LAUNCH Flagstaff recognize the critical need for executive leadership developmentcoupled with the building of collaborative, collegial relationships among educational leaders across the community.

This is why LAUNCH Flagstaff partnered with the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) in 2017 to bring their educational executive leadership training to Flagstaff.   

Sedona Arts Center — We just added NEW Classes and Workshops!

Sedona Arts Center’s Online Workshops are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but are unable to travel. 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. Visit us online to learn more about all of our online classes!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — A Message from the Director

I’m excited to join F3, an organization with a long (25 years!) and positive history of advocacy in Flagstaff. I look forward to revitalizing the organization’s tradition of working closely with the city, county and community to guide Flagstaff’s development in a way that maintains the city’s livability and beauty.

While I grew up in the Midwest, Flagstaff was the first place that felt like home. Over my 25 years here, I have explored the mountains, canyons, rivers and mesas that surround our city. I’ve walked and biked miles of the FUTS trails around the city, tended the gardens at Willow Bend and searched for bargains at the ReStore on 4th Street. I’ve walked around the lakes in Country Club, skied at Buffalo Park, and listened to the spring frogs on McMillan Mesa. I’ve monitored my son during the First Friday Artwalk as he busked on San Francisco Street with his violin on those nights that weren’t too cold. Like you, I want to see all parts of our town stabilize from the economic and social effects of this global pandemic so that we can all once again fully participate in our community.

Commentary — Thanks to all who have voted and are waiting for democracy to do its work

Thank you all very much for participating in our democracy by casting your ballot during the Nov. 3, 2020, general election.

No matter who you have voted for, you have set national records in participation this year — all during a time of one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history.

Now, the hard part begins. Patience.

As we write this, various news agencies are reporting that former Vice President Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania to put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th U.S. President.

Those news services include:

Associated Press — Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US
CNBC — Election 2020 live results: Biden projected to defeat Trump, claims national mandate
CNN — Election results live: Joe Biden wins presidency
Fox News — Fox News projects Biden to defeat Trump, become 46th president after winning Nevada, Pennsylvania
NBC News — Biden defeats Trump to win White House, NBC News projects
New York Times — Joe Biden Wins 2020 President Election
NPR — Biden Wins Presidency, According To AP, Edging Trump In Turbulent Race
Washington Post — Biden Defeats Trump

However, thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. We owe it to election workers to complete their jobs and count every single ballot.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Why Early Childhood Education is the ‘Golden Ticket’

According to the Association for Supportive Child Care, almost 1 in 3 young children in Arizona live in poverty. More than half of low-income children are not prepared for kindergarten. That is not only a tragedy for the present; it means their, and our, future is at risk too.

Because the majority of children who start behind, stay behind. They are less likely to be ready for kindergarten or to read at grade level during elementary school; they have more behavioral issues; they have higher high school dropout rates; and without their diploma, their economic prospects are dimmed.

Sedona Arts Center — New Featured Exhibition at Sedona Arts Center!

NOW FEATURING:
Patti Barker, Marianne Leahy, Lyn and Ken Mikells, Karen Puckett, Isabel Simmer,
and Janet Weaver

The Center’s Fine Art 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.

Math scholarship goes to CCC student

To her, math is the language of the universe and helps her to be a better person.

So, it’s only fitting that Coconino Community College student Niousha Toroghi would be offered the prestigious American Mathematical Association for Two-Year Colleges Wanda Garner Presidential Student Scholarship.

“This scholarship is a blessing for me,” Niousha said. “It means I have achieved my goals so far. I have higher goals to achieve, and I look forward to striving for them.”

Tuba City School District seeking Governing Board Applicants for Appointment

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment to the Tuba City School District Governing Board.

One seat will be vacant. This position will be filled prior to December 24, 2020 so the appointee can start their duty on January 1, 2021 as a new board member.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment.  Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

CCC clubs continue during pandemic

What do the round-tailed chub and Walnut Canyon have in common?

They were both featured during recent field trips by student clubs at Coconino Community College.

The CCC Students Advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Club and the CCC Anthropology Club, properly socially distanced and with face coverings, met to celebrate the comradery of shared experience and to gather a little knowledge at the same time.

ECoNA — APS ‘SizeUp Arizona’ Tool Helping Small Businesses

APS has rolled out a free digital tool that help small and medium businesses fine-tune their business models and be more competitive by connecting them with market research and business intelligence for their sector.

The SizeUp Arizona platform allows businesses to input their specific information, such as annual revenues, number of employees, average salaries and more, and then instantly compare themselves to similar businesses locally, statewide and nationally.

“Access to this information allows smaller companies the competitive intelligence necessary to establish and grow their businesses,” said Kelly Patton, APS Senior Economic Development Consultant for Statewide Programs.

Flagstaff Arts Council — Save the Date for the 13th Annual Viola Awards!

The Flagstaff Arts Council is happy to announce that the 13th Annual Viola Awards will take place on Friday, June 18, 2021. This new date provides the greatest opportunity to host an awards event in-person, likely outdoors. The Viola Awards, historically hosted in March, are a celebration of our creative community. After such a difficult year, it is important to celebrate the resiliency of our community in person, if it is safe to do so. Please mark your calendars!
 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join CCC&Y’s weekly bilingual Family Connection for families via Zoom

“I do it myself”

This common toddler phrase often makes adults sigh. We want to honor our child’s autonomy, but we also realize some things are more manageable with a little help. The same is true in adulthood. As a family, we autonomously choose our traditions, routines, and meals. However, raising children and managing family life is complex. Although some family challenges may be unique, many families share common challenges. And, it is certain…we all deserve support!  …

To support families in making new connections, CCCY partners with Building Community to host a virtual, bilingual Family Connection for families via Zoom.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — November is Native American Heritage Month

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors recently proclaimed November to be Native American Heritage Month.

Coconino County embraces 22 Native American tribes in Arizona, and takes pride in the six tribes calling Coconino County home; whose economic contributions, foods, medicines, remedies, art and literature are vital contributions to American life and endeavors.

We are dedicated to preserving and promoting Native American culture in the community, education and workforce.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Commentary — YES, Every Vote Counts — VOTE!

Given the news reports out there that the many have not turned in their mail-in ballots, it’s time to remind them about the election of 2016.

YES, EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!, whether you live in Miami or Flagstaff, Detroit or Page, Scranton or Williams.

Nov. 3 is creeping up fast. If you have a ballot, fill them out ASAP and drop them off at OFFICIAL BALLOT BOXES. It’s too late to use the U.S. Post Office.

Otherwise, plan to take advantage of in-person early voting on Friday, Oct. 30.

Coconino County voters who may have health concerns or worry about contracting the COVID 19 coronavirus may participate in emergency early voting at several locations across the county on Saturday, October 31 and Monday, November 2.

Museum of Northern Arizona / Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces / Coconino County partner to present variety of virtual Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos events

Museum of Northern Arizona presents recordings of Sugar Skull livestream workshop, “Day of the Dead Decoded: Ofrendas  101” and virtual view of ofrenda / altar in the Colton Community Garden

While we can’t enjoy a traditional Celebraciones de la Gente, members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Museum of Northern Arizona and Coconino County have been busy with a number of virtual Día de los Muertos projects.

Coconino Community College — CCC joins statewide effort to train cloud-based computing

Leaders in the technology industry say that cloud-based computing is not only the future, but it is already here. 

Coconino Community College has joined other colleges across Arizona in a statewide effort to increase access to cloud computing education in schools. On Thursday, the Arizona Commerce Authority announced the initiative, with the support of Amazon Web Services, Inc., which has a goal to train and certify 5,000 students in the state for entry-level cloud computing careers by June 2022.

ECoNA Camp Navajo Moves Closer to Economic Development

As we get ready to close out our celebration of Manufacturing Month, we set our sights on Bellemont, which may soon be primed for significant economic development.

Provisions in both the U.S. House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act 2021 (NDAA) would transfer about 3,000 acres – almost 5 square miles – of land at Camp Navajo to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. That move would allow businesses to more easily locate in and around the military base.

CCC Nursing students help community, gain experience

Coconino Community College Nursing student Wes Grove put a bandage on Pauline’s arm after he gave her a flu shot.

“I didn’t feel a thing,” she said in a Brooklyn accent. Although her face was mostly hidden by a mask, her eyes squinted and suggested a smile.

Pauline was one of a line of people waiting in their cars for their annual flu shots available during a number of clinics through the Coconino County Department of Health and Human Services. CCC Nursing students will be helping out every other Saturday.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.