Coconino County’s next Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development Zoom-based training will run 6-9pm, Tuesdays for 9-week running March 29th and go through May 24th. If you are eligible, our Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grant opportunity is also available. This email has information, below and attached, on the benefits of each program and how to sign-up.
The Coconino County Diversity Team will present Pride Month presentations through May 31.
Happy Pride Month! Coconino County is committed to inclusion and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community and we celebrate the contributions and impact made to our community every day.
Stay tune for the latest upcoming events.
Arizona’s largest blues festival, Flagstaff Blues and Brews, announces their impressive lineup for the June 2022 event. The festival starts Friday afternoon, June 10th and runs through Saturday night, June 11th. Named as one of the top 10 most beautiful blues festivals, the Flagstaff Blues & Brews festival has helped launch the careers of many blues artists, including; Karen Lovely, MonkeyJunk, Harlis Sweetwater and Jeremy Bar-Illan.
Also see Juneteenth Concert on June 19 at Fort Tuthill
Come celebrate Juneteenth with music performances, food, games and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, 203 E. Brannen Ave., Flagstaff.
Hosted by the Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project, and the Southside Community Association (SCA).
The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
Join us in supporting literacy at the Drinking Horn Meadery on June 21st @ 6 PM! This fundraiser will involve a fun individual spelling bee competition, a raffle, and mead of course!
Come spell (or watch), drink mead, buy some raffle tickets, and participate in fundraising for the Literacy Center! Proceeds from the raffle and a portion of mead sales will be donated to the Literacy Center.
The winner of this competition will get a sponsored seat on the Drinking Horn Spelling Bee team at the Literacy Center’s 26th Annual Adult Mountain Spelling Bee in April 2023!
There is no cost to participate in this fun spelling bee kickoff event. Just show up at the Meadery June 21st! Must be 21 to attend.
Northern Arizona University and the City of Flagstaff are teaming up for the 5th Annual Community Welcome walk. On Wednesday, September 7, between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a small team of volunteers will be visiting homes in neighborhoods near the NAU campus. During the door-to-door “knock and talks” volunteers meet with local and student residents, share tips for safe and respectful living, and encourage neighbors to get to know one another. Community Welcome aims to improve relations between local and student residents renting rooms and homes in the historic La Plaza Vieja and Southside Neighborhoods.
Dr. Maiah Jaskoski, Professor of Political Science at NAU, will present her new book, The Politics of Extraction: Territorial Rights, Participatory Institutions, and Conflict in Latin America” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Northern Arizona University, Room LA-120.
Presented by NAU Latin American Studies.
Coconino Community College will present the Free Comet Talk “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” Jim Thorpe, Dwight Eisenhower, and the Battle for the Soul of America, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at CCC Fourth Street Campus, 3000 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff.
Buildings are pieces of history, and each has a story to tell. That is the theme for this year’s Coconino County Sustainable Building Tour: The Stories Buildings Tell. The public is invited to join this year’s 18th annual Sustainable Building Tour, to be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, this year’s tour will be held completely in person, the first time in three years, and showcases ten properties throughout the community. The property owners and homeowners who have been certified through the county’s Sustainable Building Program will share their stories; stories about the landscape, anecdotes on the process of building their home, and tales of living in and maintaining their unique properties.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) invite the community to celebrate the opening of the Pathways to Community Program at an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, October 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. at 951 E Sawmill Road, Flagstaff, AZ.
The Pathways to Community Program is a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and CCHHS, in collaboration with many community partners. This new program brings community and legal resources together in one physical space to support those being released from incarceration as they return to the community.
The Coconino Community College District Governing Board is pleased to announce that they have selected three finalists for the presidency of the College. Public forums with each of the finalists are scheduled for the week of Oct., 3, 2022.
“We would like to thank all of the communities served by the College for your continued interest and support in the process to identify our next President,” said Dr. Nathaniel White, Board Chair. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Board Presidential Search Committee for their exceptional work and effort.”
Join Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) at our Annual Meeting and Potluck.
Sunday, October 16th, 3:00-5:00 pm
Outside at Riordan Mansion’s Veranda
409 W Riordan Rd.
Parking is available at Riordan State Park. Backup parking is available in the adjacent NAU parking garage for a fee.
Come learn about F3’s work this year and important issues on which we’ll be focusing in 2023. Meet F3’s Executive Director, F3 Board members, and many community members.
Friday, October 28, 2022
Awards Night Celebration –- SAC Special Exhibition Gallery & Theatre – 5:00-7:00pm
Held at Sedona Arts Center’s Special Exhibition Gallery and Theatre Studio in the Art Barn. Fine wine, fine hors d’oeuvres and beautiful 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 Judges Susan Lynn and John Caggiano, Artist’s Choice Award, Collectors Choice by ballot and Sedona Arts Center Awards.
Coconino County voters have a critical decision to make on their ballot on Election Day, November 8. Proposition 445 asks voters whether to extend the existing half-cent Jail District Sales Tax (JDST) for an additional 25 years. There will be a series of live-streamed virtual town hall meetings in the coming weeks in an effort to inform the public about the importance of the JDST to the operations of County Detention Facilities and the many in-custody and reentry programs the County provides.
How will Flagstaff address our transportation challenges in the next 20-25 years as we implement the Climate Neutrality Plan and predicted population growth?
Join the F3 Board as they discuss Flagstaff’s Stride Upward Plan and strategy with MetroPlan’s Planning Manager on Thursday Nov. 3 @ 6:00 pm via Zoom.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff will host a series of in-person home energy efficiency workshops this winter, with the first workshop scheduled for Wednesday, November 9. Each workshop will provide a quick one-hour demonstration and discussion to help…
Since 2007, over 600 local residents have enrolled in Coconino County’s Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development training. Now we’ve added BBE Support Services Group (BBESSG) presentations, plus new cash assistance and referral incentives each worth up to $500. It’s been said 70% of the U.S. population has dreamed of starting a business but only 10% do, mostly for lack of know-how and capital. BBE training is for those starting and/or expanding a home-based or other micro-business (five or less employees).
Those enrolled for our next BBE training also can participate in noon-hour, Wednesday, June BBESSG presentation via Zoom:
Hi Everyone,
Wishing everyone a safe holiday season! As we approach the end
of the year its a time to reflect on the successes of 2021. District 2
has been very busy this year working on various items outlined
below.
American Rescue Plan Funding Process
Redistricting Process
Museum Flood Area Response and Mitigation
COVID Impacts and programs
County Budget Process
A rare opportunity to tour the historic Riordan Ranch at Twilight. Thur.-Fri., Sun.-Mon. 5 p.m.
Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, was presented with the Marcia Stanton Award on Dec. 16 by the Arizona ACEs Consortium at the 8th annual statewide ACEs summit.
The Arizona ACEs Consortium is a collaboration of more than one hundred individuals, state, county, private organizations and professionals from all walks of life, united by a desire to help Arizona’s children. It promotes a greater understanding of the impacts of toxic stress and trauma, and supports efforts to address and prevent them.
“The Marcia Stanton Award was established in 2018 and pays homage to the original leader of the ACEs movement, Marcia Stanton. It is awarded to an individual who displays a commitment, perseverance and dedication to spread the awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences and someone that leads action in their community to decrease the prevalence and effect of ACEs on both children and adults,” said Angie Burleson, executive director of the consortium. “This Award honors excellence in leadership, collaboration and the advancement of the PACEs movement in AZ.”
Despite lingering concerns due to multiple variants of the coronavirus, supply chain issues, and fears that inflation might dampen the recovery, our region had a fair bit of good economic news this past year.
Consider the fact that in 2021, the number of leads that we fielded for businesses interested in locating in northern Arizona increased by 15% over the last calendar year. At the same time, ECoNA’s Business Retention team reports that few businesses closed in the past 12 months and many are looking to expand.
That’s the macro view on our local economy. Zoom in a bit, however, and you’ll see a lot of exciting developments that made 2021 an excellent year for northern Arizona and indicate that 2022 might be even better.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment to the Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 Governing Board.
Applicants must reside in the school district and be registered to vote in Arizona. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.
For the last two years, Laurel Malm, the first graduate of a joint program between nursing and ROTC, was on the front lines of health care, working in the COVID ward at Flagstaff Medical Center. Now she’ll take that experience with her into the Army, applying the leadership lessons she learned from ROTC and the need for flexibility, collaboration and focus she’s learned in nursing school.
Severe winter weather has returned to the Grand Canyon this week, so it’s time to offer a few reminders on winter preparedness!
If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the Coconino County Emergency Notifications to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials.
When Driving: Slow down! Try to keep a nearly full tank of gas in your personal vehicle throughout the winter. Keep an emergency kit in your personal vehicle. Suggested items are extra blankets, water, extra gloves, warm hat, snow pants, snacks, traction devices, jumper cables, flag, flashlight, first aid kit, plastic sheeting, and phone charger. Be prepared for any type of emergency.
At Home: Keep extra food, water, light sources, and blankets available in case of a power outage.
When Walking: Always have the appropriate gear, clothing, and footwear. The potential for slips, trips, and falls increases dramatically in winter. It is recommended that shoe traction devices be worn while walking in icy conditions.
When the pandemic took hold in northern Arizona in the spring of 2020, there were so many unknowns. How severe would the impact of COVID be? When would lockdowns be lifted? How long before we had a viable vaccine?
One thing we did know: Coconino County nonprofits and agencies were going to be hard-pressed to meet the challenges during an unprecedented crisis.
That’s why the United Way of Northern Arizona and Coconino County launched the Social Safety Net Coalition. Its goal was to help those providing basic needs coordinate their efforts to address an ever-evolving situation. Almost two years later, this group continues its impressive, collaborative work.
The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y), sees you! We see all the ways you support folks in your neighborhood and our community! You are helping to “bring back the village,” and you’re doing great!
Let’s face it, life can be challenging, and too often, we are collectively stressed. Stress is normalized. We can acknowledge that some stress is good for us, keeping us thinking and maybe even providing us a boost to take necessary action. However, maintaining health requires that we offer ourselves opportunities to decompress. CCC&Y hopes you gift yourself with time to reconnect with yourself and those closest to you.
During this season of reflection, CCC&Y invites you to cozy up with some tea and a warm blanket and take a few mindful moments to recognize and honor your inner self and notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. (“Mindfulness for Parents and Professionals”). If our opportunity for Mindfulness feels supportive to you, we invite you to share it with others.
First, youth and young adults were invited to craft creative COVID-19 public health messages. Now, it’s the community’s turn to choose their favorites.
The Arizona Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities set out to inspire Arizona youth and young adults to showcase their artistic talents through the “It’s Our Turn” contest, asking them to add their unique spin on public service COVID-19 messages, especially around masks and vaccines.
Jamie Begay, who earned a master’s in public health, has spent her educational career doing outreach and research on public health in Indigenous communities; finding a program that allowed her to specialize in Indigenous health brought her back to her alma mater for a second degree. At no time did this come together more than when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Navajo Nation particularly hard; she kept busy delivering food, medicine and other necessities to Indigenous communities and checking in with people. The love of community drives Begay. “The value of that experience stems from my appreciation and responsibility I feel for my community. Through that experience, resilience was the foundation of our efforts.”
Souls of Forgotten Objects
Curated by Geoffrey Gorman
Now Showing through December 23, 2021
in the Special Exhibition Gallery at Sedona Arts Center
Open Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm
Exploring the intersection between trash and treasure, Souls of Forgotten Objects brings found or forgotten objects together to create something beautiful. Whether that is an old tree branch, bike tire, cardboard, colorful material, metal or paper, the exhibit takes these found or lost materials and turns them in to magnificent art. Curious, evocative, dynamic or meditative, Sedona Arts Center invited artists to think outside the box, canvas or convention in submitting pieces for this spectacular exhibit.
When Alondra Angelica Alvarez Ortiz was seven years old, her family moved from Mexico to the U.S. She spent every night thereafter crying herself to sleep—she missed her little hometown of Gomez Palacio, visiting her tia’s snack cart after school and dressing up in a long traditional skirt and bright red lipstick to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day. She didn’t understand America, with lines down the middle of the roads and lack of people in the back of pickups. She also didn’t understand the “better life” her mother insisted she would have here, for which she sacrificed so much. How could a society so fixated on working and money be better than her simple and carefree Gomez?
For the first time in two years, NAU will celebrate commencement in the Skydome, with almost 2,800 students completing their degrees and President Cruz Rivera officiating his first commencement as president of NAU. With snow in the forecast, people traveling for commencement are encouraged to sign up for text alerts (by texting “NAU” to 237233) and leave extra travel time.
Winter Road Conditions and Reporting Emergencies
With the first major snow of the season arriving, here are a few reminders on park road conditions and reporting emergencies, especially during periods of inclement weather.
When a road closes in the park, Grand Canyon Dispatch, who are staffed 24 hours a day, receive the notification and immediately will update the road conditions outgoing message. This number should be programmed into your phone if it isn’t already; it is: 928-638-7496. Please do not call dispatch for roads updates unless you are reporting an emergency.
This past April, we lost a man whose unique talents, fearless entrepreneurial spirit and insatiable curiosity left both our community and the business sector a better place. Now, thanks to his family, his impressive collection of business books is available to the public through The Lynn Hagen Business Library at ECoNA.
George “Lynn” Hagen was a serial entrepreneur, the named inventor of 29 patents, and the founder or executive of several notable and pioneering companies. You’ll probably recognize many of the businesses he was associated with: Osborne Computer, creator of the first commercially successful portable computer; Upper Deck® trading cards; and Tagworks®, maker of laser-engraved pet identification tags.
In This Issue
9 December 2021
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Perrin Ranch Tour
U.S. Forest Service Commitment
Coconino County Redistricting Process
State Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Process
Downtown Flagstaff Holiday Celebration
Winter Snow Play
Upcoming Winter Events
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing
Contact Us
During this season of giving, we’d like to ask you to consider donating your time (and maybe a few non-perishable items) to the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC), a UWNA partner that has served thousands of our neighbors when they were at their most vulnerable.
The organization, which opened its doors on Christmas Day exactly 30 years ago, has provided meals through its daily hot dinner and sack lunches at its kitchen on North 2nd Street, or through its Food Bank on Huntington Drive.
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.
“Strengthening Families: Protective Factors —” We hosted this 1.5 hour webinar to ensure we look through a strength-based framework that is evidence-based, supports families and is prevention focused. This is for the community, as well as, professionals.
Trainer
Claire Louge, Prevention Child Abuse Arizona
“I was so surprised that I could use the information in a lot of work that I do and not just with youth and families. It is truly amazing how it related to just every day life. It was great!!” according to one participant.
“Appreciated the new perspective on the the protective factors from the trainer. Good examples and activities,” said another participant.
Rachel Stice works as a dispatcher with the National Park Service at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Although she loves her job, she has designs on being a park Ranger. A first step on that journey is to get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. Luckily for her, Coconino Community College’s Page Center offers an Emergency Medical Service course to help her achieve her goal.
“I work a lot behind the scenes, behind the computer with our Rangers for visitor and resource protection,” Stice said. “Along with that, we have a lot of medical calls in our area.”
Graduate Eduardo Moreno’s experience in NAU-Yuma’s nursing program encompassed a breadth of experiences—working in the COVID-19 unit during clinicals, educating the community about the stigma behind mental illness and substance abuse and spending a little time in the hospital as a patient. He did it all with the goal of increasing access to affordable and effective health care.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget announced interviews of candidates for the Governing School Board Member open seat at Page Unified School District #8.
An advisory committee has been assembled consisting of a district resident, district teacher, chapter official, and two current board members. The Committee will conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointment. Candidates seeking appointment are Mr. Michael Mangum and Dr. Terry Maurer
The City of Flagstaff will host an in-person Home Energy Efficiency Workshop on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. This continues the Home Energy Efficiency Workshop Series, with the 1-hour informational and demonstration event scheduled to occur approximately once a month throughout 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.
Explicamos el programa del Seguro Social, sus fondos, sus beneficios y sus beneficiarios.
Medical anthropologist Lisa Hardy says we all need to get comfortable with questions this season: Are you vaccinated? Do you mask appropriately? Will you wear a mask in my house? This kind of communication prioritizes safety and socializing.
Last week the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, as a “Variant of Concern.” This new variant appears to have originated in the southern part of Africa. However, there have been reported cases in Canada, Australia, Israel, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, Hong Kong, and now the United States (California and Minnesota).
President Biden has added some precautionary measures until we know more about the new variant and has restricted air travel from South Africa and seven other nations in the southern region of Africa.
The best protection against Omicron is getting fully vaccinated — and getting a booster shot as soon as you can. The CDC recommends people follow prevention strategies, such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings and congested outdoor settings, washing your hands frequently, and physically distancing from others.
Thank you for attending events at the Coconino Center for the Arts over the past couple of years. Did you know CCA has a membership program? Memberships begin at just $4.17/month.
Benefits include member’s only pricing to Creative Flagstaff and Coconino Center for the Arts events, concerts, and workshops, invitation to special members-only events, and more. See a full list of membership levels and benefits here. Members help keep gallery admission free and underwrite many of our educational programs and events, keeping our programs accessible and affordable.
We recently began in-person events again. I hope you will consider joining us for an upcoming concert or Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival’s A Christmas Carol (vaccine/test required). Upon joining as a member, we will send a promo code to use for discounts for many of our upcoming events.
Coconino Coalition for Children & 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 4 p.m. The next event is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 5.
Shop CCC Scarves for Scholarships at the Annual Fine Craft & Decorative Art Market and in the CCC Lone Tree Campus Commons this Saturday & Sunday; and Monday – Thursday.
Visit the Coconino Community College Foundation booth for festive holiday gifts.
The Scarves for Scholarships fundraiser supports 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?
NAU 4 All club president, Transfer Jack, internship, job and honor society: They’ve all kept psychology major Shaelynn Cauthen busy. Being that involved has allowed her the opportunity to narrow down what she wants to do in the future that’s waiting after commencement on Dec. 10.
#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 November 30 and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.
Beginning December 1, 2021, 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.
The following operational changes will be in effect beginning on December 1, 2021:
Shuttle Bus Operations
Support student success at Coconino Community College by giving to the CCC Foundation on Giving Tuesday – a global, online generosity movement designed to transform communities this Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
For more than 30 years, CCC has been putting “Students First”. This year, your gift on Giving Tuesday will go towards the CCC Foundation Greatest Needs Fund, which supports the immediate financial needs of CCC students.
This year, many of us will be participating in Thanksgiving with family and friends that we have not seen since before the pandemic. After such a long time apart, this is a time to reconnect as a community and to reflect on what we are grateful for. Several research studies have found that a regular practice of gratitude, or an attitude of gratitude, is said to have far ranging emotional, social, and health benefits. In fact, benefits associated with gratitude include better sleep, more exercise, reduced symptoms of physical pain, lower levels of inflammation, and other benefits.
The HECHO team is practicing gratitude during this time of year and we are grateful for the collective push for a sustainable and just future, for our community’s efforts in the movement to conserve public lands, and for our cultural connection with nature.
COCONINO COUNTY — In this season of giving, CCC&Y wishes to celebrate Heather and Art Babbott and their family for their extraordinary contribution toward the CCC&Y Mission.
The Coalition relies on the generous help of our supporters, community partners and members to eliminate childhood trauma and inequity by building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities. Through leadership, education and advocacy, we are reconnecting children and families to the greater community and their own potential.
Our Mission:
Igniting collective action to cultivate, honor & empower resilient, thriving communities.
Our Vision:
We envision a holistic community where all children of Coconino County are increasingly free from trauma experience and all have equitable opportunities that build resiliency.
We could not accomplish our mission without the support our funding partners and our more than 100 members.
The Coalition will also be taking part in Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30 Please consider hosting a fundraiser for CCC&Y on your Facebook page.
Or click here to contribute by donating or becoming a member.
Once again, thank you very much to the community, our partners and members for your generous support. Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season.
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 over the last 63 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!
We wanted to take a moment to send warm wishes to you and yours for a lovely holiday this week. May you have safe travels, fabulous meals with family and friends, and much for which to be grateful.
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Carol, Heidi, Christine, Elaine & Sybil
