Category: Family

Grand Canyon National Park ALERT: Roaring Springs System Failure to Meet Water Treatment Requirements

GRAND CANYON, AZ — During the early morning on Thursday November 9, 2023, our water system did not provide adequate levels of chlorine in the water being used from Roaring Springs.

As a result, our water was not disinfected as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requires. Therefore, our water system violated a treatment technique standard for maintaining adequate disinfection for water delivered to customers from Roaring Springs. As our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation. After this problem was identified, Operators immediately notified the State Drinking Water division and Grand Canyon started the process to identify the source of the failure. The source was identified, and adequate chlorination was restored on Friday morning, November 10, 2023.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 6-10, 2023

Rock Your Mocs Week November 12-18

As part of Native American Heritage Month, next week is Rock Your Mocs Week, when Indigenous people across the country show their cultural pride by wearing traditional moccasins.

Moccasins are not always worn in public by Indigenous people. They hold special significance and are most often worn for ceremonies and other cultural events. During Rock Your Mocs Week, the National Park Service encourages Indigenous employees to take pride in their heritage by wearing moccasins. A flyer for this week can be found here.

Grand Canyon National Park is proud to celebrate Native cultures and traditions by helping to share their rich histories and ongoing contributions to our park and our country.

So rock those mocs!

Flagstaff Family Food Center seeking volunteers for ‘Stuff the Bus!’ on Nov. 11-12

We are looking to fill about 45 more volunteer positions for our Stuff The Bus food drive on Saturday and Sunday, November 11th and 12th. If you are interested, click this link to sign up today!

https://hotfood.volunteerhub.com/vv2/…

The shifts we have available are:

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y partners urged to start planning for GivingTuesday (Nov. 28)

COCONINO COUNTY — CCC&Y partners have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and programs throughout Northern Arizona by taking part in the annual GivingTuesday movement on Nov. 28, 2023.

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to support your effort by providing links to your organization and donation pages in our upcoming weekly e-newsletters.

We believe GivingTuesday is a perfect fit for our mission: “We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.”

Individuals and for-profit organizations throughout Northern Arizona are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families in the region and as stated by the founders of GivingTuesday: “Generosity is uplifting, generative, equalizing, and connecting.”

So if you are a member partner of CCC&Y, please send your information, donation links, stories and photos to Frank X. Moraga, outreach coordinator, at frank@coconinokids.org

We would love to include you in our growing list of GivingTuesday participants this year.

New Podcast Series Highlights Tribal Connections to Grand Canyon

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – In celebration of Native American Heritage month, Grand Canyon National Park is proud to announce the release of a new podcast series focused on Indigenous perspectives and the people who have called the canyon home since time immemorial. On November 3, 2023, the park released seven episodes of “Grand Canyon Speaks.”

During the summer of 2023, park staff created an interpretive program called “Grand Canyon Speaks,” which features live in-person conversations between park rangers and members from the 11 traditionally associated tribes of Grand Canyon. The program is one of many parkwide efforts to include Tribal members, voices, and culture in public outreach and education. Over 1,500 park visitors from all over the world attended the live events.

November at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Message from Mary –

November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to spread awareness of Indigenous history and contemporary Native issues. At the Museum of Northern Arizona we share and celebrate the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau year-round, both in our exhibitions and through special programs. This month we have a panel discussion about Indigenous foods with a Diné chef and a performance by a group of young Native dancers who have earned international recognition. Both programs are rooted in tradition while being contemporary and relevant – an appropriate reflection of Indigenous peoples and culture today.

A visit to the Museum is always a good way to learn about Native American Heritage, this month and year-round.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation November 2023 Update

Culinary Class: Holiday Side Dishes

The holiday season is quickly approaching! Time to spend time with friends and family, start thinking about defrosting the turkey, and cracking out the side dish recipes. This special holiday focused culinary class will teach you how to make a variety of classic Thanksgiving side dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and grilled brussels sprouts.

This cooking class will be held on November 19, noon-3:00 p.m., at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall in Flagstaff, AZ. It will be taught by our incredible culinary instructor, Willa McAuliffe.

The cost for this program is $25* for Adults (18 and older) and $15* for Youth (8 – 17 years old).

Pre-register here.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — USGS Open House Rescheduled to Nov. 5

The USGS Open House is now re-scheduled for Sunday Nov. 5 from 1-4 pm! Explore interactive displays and activities related to geography, biology, hydrology, planetary science and mapping! Free to the public!

Located at the USGS Flagstaff Science Campus: 2255 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

City of Flagstaff announces Winter parking restrictions begin Nov. 1

FLAGSTAFF — Winter parking restrictions will begin on Nov. 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.Winter parking restrictions allow 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.

Coconino NF prescribed fire outlook: Week of Oct. 30

When: Oct. 31 or Nov. 1
Where: Along Fort Valley Road 1 mile west of Basecamp at Snowbowl
Why: As part of a Northern Arizona University project to burn a small piece of land on a five-year rotation to further study prescribed fire. This area was last burned in the fall of 2018.
Size: 3 acres
Method/ type of burn: Broadcast and maintenance
Duration: 1 day
Smoke impacts: Light smoke impacts may be felt on Highway 180.
Closures/ restrictions: None

Sedona Arts Center — This is the big night!

Friday, October 27, 5–7pm
Awards Night Celebration
& Reception
Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Rd

This is the big night!  Join us as we celebrate an amazing week of the 19th annual Plein Air Festival.  Best of Show and final awards will be presented by our special judge, Tim Newton. Tim is the publisher of Western Art & Architecture magazine and is also Chairman Emeritus of the famed Salmagundi Club.
Patron’s Circle members can arrive at 4pm for a preview and chance to purchase before the reception opens to the public.  VIP parking included. To become a Patrons Circle Member click here: https://sedonaartscenter.org/donate/

United Way of Northern Arizona Working WITH Youth FOR Youth in NE Arizona

Students from Holbrook High School and Joseph City High School are helping our communities better understand the needs of youth in Navajo County.

The two students are participating in an internship that was created through a partnership between United Way of Northern Arizona, the Center for the Future of Arizona, and the Work-Based Learning Alliance.

The six-week program is asking the students to conduct an analysis of current issues facing youth in northeast Arizona.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 23-27, 2023

Halloween Carnival at Grand Canyon School October 28

Grand Canyon School and the High School Student Council will be hosting the All Hallows Halloween Carnival on October 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will be a haunted house, activity booths, and games for all ages. Be sure to wear your costume!

If you are interested in having a booth there, you can contact rrobertson@grandcanyonschool.org.

The NAU Review — Living and teaching with a disability, the effects of warmer oceans on fish and Notes from the President

Justice Armfield is a guest presenter in Introduction to Disability Studies. From the front of the classroom and in small-group discussions, he talks about living with a disability and how it affects his life—and how it doesn’t. Armfield has Down syndrome, he loves Pink and the Smashing Pumpkins, he enjoys travel and public speaking and he brings a valuable experience to the classroom: “I teach people about what it is like to live with Down syndrome. I want to help people see that a disability is a difference, but not a limitation to living a happy, healthy life with a purpose.” 

Flagstaff Regional Resilience Project receives $1 million grant for community-based Climate Resilience Hubs

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Regional Resilience Project (FRRP), a coalition of community-based organizations, local government agencies, and regional partners, has received notice of $1 million in grant funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

This funding will support three resilience hub pilots in Flagstaff. A resilience hub is a community-serving facility that supports residents, distributes resources, and reduces carbon pollution while enhancing the quality of life every day and in times of crisis. Each resilience hub will be managed by a separate community organization, serving a distinct part of the community. The FRRP will launch three pilot resilience hubs with the Flagstaff community:

Willard Springs Green Waste Site to Close for Winter on Oct.28

COCONINO COUNTY — The last day of 2023 operations for the Willard Springs Green Waste Site will be this Saturday, Oct. 28.

Willard Springs will be closed throughout the upcoming Winter season, which runs each year between November 1 and March 31, so that Coconino County can reopen the station for green waste-only disposal on Friday, April 5, 2024. It will then be open for the summer season on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. until Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Our Weekly Update will be a taking a short break next week. We will return on Nov. 8

COCONINO COUNTY — Our Weekly Update will be a taking a short break next week. We will return on Nov. 8.

Until then, please explore our website to view a variety training opportunities and resources that we have available: 

We provide educational resources so that community members are informed, energized, and ready to come together to solve problems, impact policy, and create solutions that allow every person to realize their full potential. Learn more here
CCC&Y board members, coalition members and community volunteers attend our committee meetings. These are opportunities to share information, learn about community partners, support mission efforts and become involved. Learn more here. 
Attend our monthly Coconino Prevention Council Zoom meetings (10 a.m. the first Thursday of the month). Share information about your local organization. Send an email to virginia@coconinokids.org to receive an invitation.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 16-20, 2023

North Rim Atoko Point prescribed fire

If you were near the rim or in the canyon this week, you probably noticed smoke on the North Rim and below the rim.

This is a prescribed burn in the Atoko Point unit, which is on the eastern edge of the Walhalla Plateau. Park fire staff are working with the Kaibab National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management to treat this unit and others, for a total of about 1,700 acres. They plan to continue burning through October 31.

Smoke impacts are anticipated along Cape Royal Road, the North Rim developed area, and the inner canyon from Bright Angel Point to Clear Creek. Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the land, and prescribed burns are carefully planned and only initiated under very specific conditions.

The NAU Review — NAU’s logging sports, your guide to Homecoming 2023 and a special edition of Notes from the President

The saw must go on 

NAU Logging Sports athletic captain Adeline Jones had been preparing with her teammates for the Choptober competition in Colorado for months. She was set to compete in five events—the pole climb, obstacle pole, single buck, Jack-and-Jill and horizontal chop—against athletes from throughout the western U.S. Then, just two weeks before the competition, she had a bouldering accident that left her with the temporary inability to use one of her arms. With nothing to lose, she decided to compete in the single buck event, sawing a wood cookie off a large log with a 5.5-foot saw, one-handed.  

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y offers families a variety of free webinars

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website to help parents and families during the upcoming back to school season.

Our growing library of on-demand webinars is designed to help the public gain the tools they need to provide trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.

Prescribed fire projects continuing on Coconino NF throughout week

FLAGSTAFF — Prescribed fire projects will continue on all three districts of the Coconino National Forest throughout the rest of the week.

Prescribed fire projects are an important part of landscape restoration work being conducted in accordance with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to improve forest resiliency and reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire in northern Arizona.

Prescribed fire projects are conditional and subject to change if wind and weather conditions are not met.

The NAU Review — Increasing Indigenous teachers, getting to know the Lumberjack behind Louie and photos from family weekend!

How NAU is tackling the teacher shortage in Indigenous communities

In an effort to increase the number of qualified teachers statewide and help Indigenous educators remain in their communities, NAU started Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools—a program that offers a pathway to a bachelor’s or master’s degree to educators who are already in the classroom but are not certified teachers. The program, which recently won a grant from the Office of the Governor, is already seeing success—the first cohort of participants, which graduates in a year, are making connections, getting leadership and teaching experience among Indigenous students and putting to use the culturally responsive content they’re learning.

Sedona Arts Center — Festival Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers needed for the
19th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival!

Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! The Sedona Plein Air Festival is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 20 through 29, 2023!

Sedona Arts Center needs volunteers for multiple positions during the festival: Canvas Stampers, Exhibit Installation assistants, Catering Support, Parking Lot Attendants, Certified Bartenders, Setup and Break Down Crew, Main Street Artist Support Crew, Gallery Attendants, Airport Artist Support, Community Paint Out Volunteers

United Way of Northern Arizona — Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

For the past month, we as a nation have celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, a time of recognition for the many contributions made by the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States.

Because of my own background and family roots, this annual appreciation has particular meaning for me, but it should also resonate with all northern Arizonans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts statistics for 2022, 15% of Coconino County residents are of Latino or Hispanic descent. In Navajo County, it’s 12.3% and 7.2% in Apache County.

Celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month confirm our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, which is important to our youth, so that they can develop a strong sense of self-worth and belonging.

We hope you enjoy learning more about Hispanic Heritage Month below.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 9-13, 2023

Annular Eclipse October 14

This coming Saturday, October 14, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the annular solar eclipse somewhere between 8 and 11 in the morning, with peak visibility at 9:30.

This will be a very rare type of eclipse referred to as a “ring of fire” eclipse, in which the moon aligns directly with the sun so that only the outer edges of the sun are visible, creating the appearance of a ring of fire in the sky. It won’t be a total eclipse in Grand Canyon, but pretty close – about 86 percent.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT SUN-VIEWING GLASSES. PERMANENT EYE-DAMAGE WOULD RESULT.

You can stop by the South Rim Visitor Center Saturday morning and grab some free Sun-viewing glasses to see it. Solar telescopes modified to protect your eyes from the sun will also be set up at Mather Point.

NAU Review — A metaphorical hike through a national monument, celebrating I Love Yarn day with a craft and Fit it in a Minute with Laura Umphrey

In 2009, NAU created the Southwest Virtual Museum, which put artifact exhibits, virtual tours and 3D imaging of the iconic prehistoric sites of northern Arizona online to allow anyone, anywhere to explore the art, history and lifestyles of the many Indigenous cultures of the U.S. Southwest. A grant from the National Park Service is funding the creation of a 3D model and virtual tour of one of the crown jewels of that prehistory—the Island Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument, including the 9-Room Site, the largest and most intact site open to the public.

Fall Community Education: Metalsmithing | Brave the Wild River | Star Party | Utah War of 1857 | Brain Health | Bakhmut | Scientific View of World

Metalsmithing for Jewelry

Saturday, Oct. 14, 21, 28
12 to 2:45 p.m.

Learn how to work with metal including torching, polishing, stamping, and soldering. Only 2 openings left!

Metalsmithing – Learn more and register!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents free webinars on understanding how emotions impact adult and child relationships

COCONINO COUNTY —  

CCC&Y shares this free online opportunity to ease some of the daily stress during this busy time of year.

Motivated by a long wait list for behavioral health services, and aware of challenging adult and child emotions causing behavior difficulties, Bethany Camp put this two part training together for CCC&Y to help meeting a wide-spread community need.

First we learn to understand our emotions and then we can understand and respond to the big emotional responses of children.

Watch Webinar – Managing Adult Emotional Responses, Part One

Watch Webinar –  Helping Children Manage Their Emotions, Part Two

These videos are meant to help support our community.  Having the tools to take care of ourselves and respond to children, is a great resource.

City of Flagstaff Water Conservation program wins 2023 WaterSense® Excellence Award

FLAGSTAFF — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored the City of Flagstaff with a WaterSense Excellence Award for the City’s work promoting WaterSense and water efficiency in 2022.  WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products, programs, and homes and a resource for helping consumers learn about ways to save water.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Join Us (Oct. 11) for a Webinar on Prop 480

You are cordially invited to join us tomorrow for a special webinar on Prop. 480, the citizens of Flagstaff’s referendum on the re-zoning of the proposed Northern Arizona Hospital site. The re-zoning of the site was approved by the Flagstaff City Council earlier this year.

This Arizona Civic Exchange (CivEx) event, which will be held from 2 – 3 p.m. (MST), is being sponsored by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, a part of the Flinn Foundation. The webinar is being presented in conjunction with the Northern Arizona Leadership Alliance Community Civility Project.

Coconino County Supervisor Matt Ryan Announces Retirement

Coconino County Supervisor Matt Ryan, who has represented District 3 for 27 years, has submitted a formal letter to his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors (Board) indicating his intention to retire from the Board effective Dec. 31, 2023.

District 3 includes the Town of Williams, portions of Flagstaff and Sedona along with Kachina Village, Mountainaire, Munds Park and other unincorporated communities in southwestern Coconino County.

Sedona Arts Center — Upcoming Art Workshops/Classes in Sedona!

UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.

Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website. 
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

Community members learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, customs during ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ presentations at the Flagstaff Public Library

FLAGSTAFF — Library patrons had the opportunity to learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, the meaning behind items on a family altar and other cultural customs honoring the dearly departed during a session presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5.

In preparation for its 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 21-22, Flagstaff Nuestras Raices has been presenting a series of information lectures for Coconino County employees and patrons at the Camp Verde Public Library.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raices President Lydia Anaya and treasurer Becca DeLapp presented the “Ofrenda 101” session, creating a temporary ofrenda in the library’s Community Room.
They presented information about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Recommitting to Positive Youth Development

focus to Stepping Up for Our Youth and Communities, we have successfully rallied around early childhood development with programs like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

This year with our annual campaign theme of United in Purpose – 365 Days a Year, we are recommitting to the goal of also supporting programs and initiatives that promote positive youth development and refocusing our efforts on a comprehensive approach that encompasses our youth from birth through early adulthood.

From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO

At our annual campaign kickoff last week, I had a chance to provide a detailed vision of how United Way of Northern Arizona can support our community and partners to foster opportunities for our youth at all ages. I envision it as a circle where we as a community wrap ourselves around our youth and can step in at any point of a youth’s development and make a difference.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 2-6, 2023

We’re getting a new look!

Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform. The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov. 

Cecil Fire containment at 67%; area closure removed

FLAGSTAFF — Containment on the 2,180-acre lightning-caused Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, is at 67% following yesterday’s containment and suppression repair efforts.

The Coconino National Forest has removed the emergency area closure for the Cecil Fire.

The Type 3 Incident Management Team that has been managing this fire since Sept. 28 will return the fire back to the Coconino NF this evening.

Forty-two personnel remain assigned to the Cecil Fire, including one 20-person crew, three engines and miscellaneous overhead.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s VOTER GUIDE to Flagstaff Propositions: November 2023 Special Election

Flagstaff’s Special Election is November 7, 2023. This is a Ballot-by-Mail Election and there will be no polling places on Election Day. All registered voters in the City of Flagstaff will automatically receive a ballot in the mail approximately three weeks prior to election day. You are able to check your voting status here.

F3 has thoroughly reviewed the 20 propositions that will be on the ballot and we have created a Voter Guide to this year’s election. The summary of the Voter Guide is available in graphic form below. A description of the propositions, accompanied by F3’s reasoning for our voting recommendations, are provided on our website.

Nineteen of the propositions on the ballot are proposed amendments to the City of Flagstaff Charter. The City Charter is the basic law of a city as established by a majority of voters. The Charter defines the powers and functions of the city and serves as the foundation of government for the city.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation October 2023 Update

Autumn in Coconino County

Autumn is a special time in Coconino County. From sunflowers to golden aspens, the landscape changes colors and welcomes many migratory animals. Coconino County parks and natural areas are great for autumn enthusiasts!

From wildlife watching to enjoying autumn gardens, Coconino County parks and natural areas have options for everyone.

The NAU Review — What to know about NAU Health, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and getting to know Haida Tafolla

On Friday, President Cruz Rivera announced the creation of NAU Health and its flagship project, a new College of Medicine focused on preparing primary care physicians to serve in rural and underserved regions of the state. Part of the Arizona Board of Regents’ AZ Healthy Tomorrow initiative, NAU’s College of Medicine is in direct response to the critical shortage of healthcare providers throughout the state. NARBHA Institute Vice President of NAU Health Julie Baldwin will lead the work, which also includes the creation of a College of Nursing and elevating health professions education in already established programs in the College of Health and Human Services. We know you have questions. Click the links below to learn more.

Burning operations suspended on Cecil Fire, firefighters working toward containment

FLAGSTAFF — Cecil Fire managers will not resume firing operations on the 2,180-acre lightning-caused fire located southwest of Flagstaff, and have shifted to a strategy that will result in full containment as soon as possible.

The Cecil Fire is currently 0% contained and resources assigned to the Cecil Fire include four 20-person hand crews, 13 engines, a dozer, a water tender and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 147 personnel.

Fire managers for the Cecil Fire set early management objectives that included firing operations aimed at treating as much Coconino National Forest and Arizona State Trust land as possible during safe wind and weather conditions.

Voter Registration Deadline for the Nov. 7, 2023, Special Elections is Oct. 10, 2023

COCONINO COUNTY — The City of Flagstaff, Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District, Ash Fork Joint Unified School District, Grand Canyon Unified School District, Pinewood Sanitary District, Williams Hospital District, and Highlands Fire District are holding Special Elections on November 7, 2023.  The November 7 Special Elections are being conducted as ballot-by-mail elections.  All registered voters in these jurisdictions will automatically be mailed a ballot and there will not be any polling places on Election Day. 

Crews continue Cecil Fire prep work in anticipation of resuming burning operations this week. Public meeting on Oct. 2

FLAGSTAFF — The slight rain that fell on the Cecil Fire yesterday morning helped keep the lightning-caused Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, at 2,180 acres as of Monday morning.

The Cecil Fire is burning on both Coconino National Forest and Arizona State Trust lands, and a closure order has been issued for the fire area.

Resources assigned to the Cecil Fire include one Hotshot crew, two hand crews, 10 engines, a dozer, a water tender and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 112 personnel.

This week’s weather forecast looks favorable to possibly resume firing operations. In addition to holding existing lines, crews plan to spend today prepping lines for potential firing operations north of Black Pass on the north side of the fire, off Woody Ridge toward Forest Road (FR) 532B on the east side of the fire, and from Woody Ridge to just south of Eightynine A Tank.

Sedona Arts Center — FREE TALK (Oct. 3) – Arts Participation for Healthy Aging

Join us for a special talk featuring Heather Mulder, Associate Director Outreach Research at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute/ Banner Sun Health Research Institute.
 
Research shows that participating in the arts may improve health, cognitive function, memory and improve self-esteem and well-being.  Heather will share her expertise and knowledge and how she has seen innovative programming increase the quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care about them. Q and A to follow along with an update from our CEO, Julie Richard, about Sedona Arts Center’s development of a new Creative Aging Program. This talk is free and open to the public.

Sedona Arts Center Workshop Spotlight

Powerful Plein Air with Krystal Brown
Tues – Thurs, Oct 17 – 19

If you want to paint effortlessly – Free from stress and better able to let the magic flow, this is the place to start.    You will come to understand how to create more comfortably, confidently and joyfully while learning all the tips and techniques that have taken me years of cultivation.  No more guessing!  No more uncertainty!  No more fear!  Just SUCCESS. You are invited to paint in oil or water soluble oil if possible!

Krystal W. Brown is a fine art oil painter who captures the places, people and moments that matter most. She is an award winning artist who specializes in fine art oil paintings and commissioned portraits.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up Sept. 25-29, 2023

Superintendent’s Corner: UPDATE-Potential Lapse in Appropriations

The federal government, including the National Park Service, is currently funded through midnight September 30. We remain hopeful that Congress and the President can agree on a budget or continuing resolution that would keep the government open.

Based on my time in Washington, I know that a lot of people in the Administration and in Congress are working to fund the government. However, if we are not funded by Sunday and there is a resulting lapse of appropriations, we will begin to significantly reduce operations of the federal government. We have experience in implementing an orderly shutdown, most recently in 2018-19.

If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, you will be able to stay in your assigned housing in the event of a lapse. Family and friends will be able to visit you, and you will be able to come and go from the park as you normally would. For those of you concerned about your personal finances if you do not get paid during a shutdown, Congress passed a law in 2019 requiring backpay for federal employees after a shutdown. You will get paid.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Slight drizzle didn’t dampen excitement for families at Snook’s Science in the Park. More Festival of Science events to come

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

A slight drizzle on the first day of Fall didn’t dampen the fun when families came out to the annual Snook’s Science in the Park on Sept. 23, 2023 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.

Part of the annual Flagstaff Festival of Science, which continues through Oct. 1, the park event featured a number of hand-on activities for young people.

Youth had the opportunity to explore life-saving medical devices with innovators and engineers under the W. L. Gore & Associates tents, view the talented athletes from Momentum Aerial as they leap and spin above the ground, with young people launching their own mini rockets and learning about the science behind rocket propulsion at the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth exhibit.

The 10-day festival features a mix of in-person activities, live streamed webinars and pre-recorded videos. A full listing of events is available by going to scifest.organd clicking on the 2023 digital passport. Events that require a reservation are denoted on the passport. 

All Festival events are FREE.

Coconino NF begins management of two lightning-caused beneficial wildfires on Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim ranger districts

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is responding to two separate lightning-caused wildfires: the Cecil Fire, located on the Flagstaff Ranger District, and the Still Fire, located on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

The Coconino NF often strategically manages lightning-caused wildfires to benefit the overall health of the fire-adapted forest and plans to use the natural ignitions of both the Cecil and Still fires in this manner.

Wildfires are a natural part of the Coconino NF’s ecosystem, and when managed diligently and properly following the requisite planning process, improve the landscape long-term in several ways.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — cience Bedtime Stories are now on demand for the family to enjoy!

Bring the family together and view this year’s on demand Science Bedtime Stories. In 2023, the Festival is proud to present the following four authors and their science books for kids!

Nancy Marshall reads her action-packed book A Rattler’s Tale: When Wild Animals Encounter Humans. Captivatingly illustrated by a fisheries biologist, discover what happens when a skunk meets Mom in the shed and when the mountain lion lands on the family car.

Monica Brown reads her coming of age story, Sharuko: el arqueólogo Peruano/Peruvian Archaeologist. Growing up in the late 1800’s, Julio Tello spent time exploring in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means “brave” in Quechua.

Rodo Safranac reads his illustrated story, The Red Tail Tale on the Arizona Trail.. In his book, Rowen, a young, red-headed explorer, and Rojo, a clever, red-tailed hawk meet, bond, and experience a wonderful adventure on the fascinating Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Don Lago reads All About the Grand Canyon. With rich storytelling about this natural wonder, our youngest science enthusiasts will also enjoy beautiful illustrations as they wind down to sleep.

Tune in and enjoy these special stories. Bedtime Stories is sponsored by Bright Side Bookshop. Bedtime Stories are filmed in Flagstaff by filmmaker Morgan Boatman of Winter Productions.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Newsletter

Dear District 5 Residents,

As the morning air becomes cooler and more refreshing, it signals that autumn has arrived. Use this opportunity to enjoy a bountiful harvest with your loved ones. Next month is the Navajo New Year -Gháájí, which means ‘The joining of season.’ It is a time for harvesting and getting ready for the upcoming season. This year, preparing for inclement weather during the colder seasons is crucial. It’s critical for our communities to take essential measures to ensure safety, security, and structure. Before traveling, please seek weather advisories. Start preparing your homes for the cold by weatherizing them for safety and comfort.