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Category: Education
Coconino Community College — A quick word from the President, more news
I am proud that I have never missed a commencement in my 41 years of working for community college students. I was so disappointed that during the height of the pandemic we had to hold two of our ceremonies in a virtual format, and I am thrilled that we are all planning to be together in person for commencement 2022!
Commencement is such a wonderful time to celebrate the achievements of our students with their families and friends, and with our colleagues all across the College. I know how important it is for our students—you can see it in their eyes as they cross the stage. And that is what makes it important to me. So, it is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge this will be my last community college commencement ceremony before I retire from serving our students. Yet, my heart is full of joy knowing that I get to finish out my career at Coconino Community College- somehow I must have saved the best for last!
Local Business Owner Teaches CCC Students Apartment Maintenance Skills
The Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) program at Coconino Community College prepares students by teaching them about performing maintenance tasks, locksmithing, OSHA 10, product repair, customer service and safety in the workplace.
The CAMT program helps students refine their apartment maintenance skills and gets them ready for their future career. Not only do the CAMT program instructors teach students from textbooks but also from personal experience and real-life scenarios in the newly renovated shop at the Fourth street campus. They can teach the students wiring, plumbing, construction, and HVAC by reproducing scenarios in the lab.
Coconino School Superintendent Cheryl Mango-Paget Announces Nominations for 2023 Teacher of the Year
The Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA) is proud to announce a request for nominations for the 10th Annual Teacher of the Year, 5th Annual Rookie Teacher of the Year, and 2nd Annual Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards are a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor, and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Even the simple act of nominating a teacher can mean the world to them. Nominating a teacher recognizes them for their hard-work and efforts throughout the academic year.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 18-22, 2022
Sign up now—Coconino County Emergency Notifications
When emergencies happen, be the first to know.
The Coconino County Emergency Notification System uses Alerts powered by Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart911 to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions you may need to take to keep you and your family safe.
This service allows you to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials. More information on this program can be found on the county’s website and a link to sign up can be found here.
Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: somos semillitas of the Earth
This week, we are joining communities around the country and across the world to celebrate día de la Tierra.
The environmental movement has grown, evolved, and become more diverse since the first Earth Day over fifty years ago, and people everywhere are growing to better understand our intimate relationship with our beautiful planet. Somos semillitas and the earth can nourish us in awe-inspiring ways if we honor that relationship. These are hopeful signs and reasons to continue working towards a healthier, more sustainable, and balanced environment for ourselves, for our children, and for our children’s children.
Starting this weekend, join us in celebrating youth and familias outdoors, the spirit of conservation, and the promise of the future us.
Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 11th Edition
In this edition…
Message from Jeronimo
Redistricting Supervisor Districts
Museum Fire Flood Project
Event Highlights
Service Positions Open in District 2
Services and Programs
And more!
CCC to present ‘Through the Years’ 30th anniversary celebration on May 9
Join Coconino Community College staff, faculty, alums, students and supporters as we celebrate the college through the years during our 30th year serving communities of Coconino County.
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 9, CCC Lone Tree Campus Commons, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff.
Listen to stories from faculty, alums, students, staff and supporters on how the college came to be, how it grew over the years and what’s in store for the future. Proclamations celebrating CCC from Coconino County and the cities of Flagstaff and Page will be shared. Food and refreshments will be available.
Flagstaff Regional Plan – What does our region’s future hold for us?
Flagstaff and Coconino County adopted the Flagstaff Regional Plan in 2014 and it’s time to start the conversation about what is in store for our community between 2025 and 2045. The Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 Update process is just getting started. Visit the project website athttp://www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045 to watch a snapshot video or to learn more about the process. You can participate right now by taking a survey on your vision for the Flagstaff Region on the Flagstaff Community Forum or by visiting our booth at the Earth Day Celebration this Saturday at Bushmaster Park from 11 am to 2 pm.
The NAU Review — Celebrating Earth Day, Notes from the President and an NAU grad
10 ways to celebrate Mother Earth
Taking care of this planet means potentially reducing the impacts of climate change, including catastrophic wildfires like the one outside Flagstaff today. Earth Day is tomorrow, and one of the best ways to make sure you are celebrating all year long is by adopting small, consistent changes that can become a part of your everyday life. From learning the ins and outs of recycling and how to conserve energy, here is a list of small, easy ways to give back to the world that gives us so much.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Still time to register for CCC&Y’s ‘Mindful Positioning’ workshop
There is still time to register for CCC&Y’s “Mindful Positioning — Seeking Change & Healing” virtual workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.
International child welfare expert Kevin Campbell will host the event. Register here.
More than ever- we need to unite with diverse community members in a process designed to gain answers and input. A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.
With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
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Discover Flagstaff — Earth Day Celebration 2022, Bushmaster Park on April 23 and more events
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Prop. 438, Local Elections, Thorpe Park Annex, and More!
In This Issue:
F3 Supports Prop 438: Special Election May 17
Mayor and Council Elections
Join F3’s Election Committee
Coconino County Redistricting
Become an Election Poll Worker
Thorpe Park Annex Design Meeting
Earth Day: April 23rd
NEW Art workshops at Sedona Arts Center
From the beginning to the experienced student, this one-day class in oil or acrylic will guide and teach students how to approach the painting process with confidence, while exploring the basics of value-pattern, composition and color. Students may work from life and/or photos. Instructor demonstrations and lots of individual attention provided.
Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS) — FLYRS Summer Camps 2022
We just kicked off our biggest season yet with kids hitting the trails for the spring session. We still have some open spots in these groups: High School, Middle School girls, and 3-5th grade advanced skills. This is the last week to register before it closes for the season.
Click here to register
City of Flagstaff hosts Earth Day celebration on April 23
The City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office invites community members to a celebration of Earth Day 2022. The festivities are scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista Dr).
This year’s Earth Day event will be one to remember, featuring informational booths, food vendors, live bands, do it yourself activities, a sustainability scavenger hunt and free workshops on home electrification, rainwater harvesting and composting in Flagstaff. For detailed event information please visit https://flagstaff.az.gov/1439/Earth-Day.
The NAU Review — Who wants to be a park ranger? What’s weird about quantum computing? Who appreciates bats?
NAU’s soon-to-be Ranger James
James Jensen received a bachelor’s in political science, then quickly got a sales job that left him feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. After spending a week last summer backpacking through Glacier National Park, he decided it was time for a change; he wanted to pursue something he truly enjoyed—the outdoors. Northern Arizona University’s accelerated Park Ranger Training Program is one of only six in the country. In just 16 short weeks, students earn a certificate that opens the metaphorical door to working in state and national parks throughout the U.S. This week, Jensen and his cohort will graduate. Thanks to this program, he will soon get to work his dream job in his favorite place on Earth.
Flagstaff Leadership Program submissions extended to April 30
The Flagstaff Leadership Program Board of Directors has extended the applications for new class members to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30.
The Class of 2022-23 will be chosen soon after that deadline, so the FLP board is asking you to let your people know!
If you have friends, family, co-workers, bosses, employees, neighbors, or anybody else whom you think would be an asset to FLP and would get value from participation in the program, NOW is the time to alert them.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of April 18, 2022
Earth Day 2022: Invest in Your Planet, Invest in Your Community
On Friday, April 22nd, communities around the world will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Invest In Our Planet.” Coconino County, in partnership with Friends of Coconino County Parks, the City of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, and the U.S. Forest Service are partnering to facilitate three cleanup events throughout the community.
CCC2NAU student sees a future in the Grand Canyon and in academia
He wants to focus on his education while still being a river guide.
Coconino Community College student David Cassidy has worked as a river guide in the Grand Canyon for the last 13 years. He originally grew up in Yuma, Ariz., but fell in love with the Grand Canyon when he was 17 while visiting with his friends.
“I was pretty blown away by it and determined to come back,” Cassidy said, adding, “I just thought there is so much to see, even if I come back once a year, I’ll never see as much as I want to.”
Cassidy moved to Grand Canyon Village at the age of 19 and started working odd jobs in the town to be close to the canyon. One day while on a hike, he met someone on the trail who was there for both work and to see the beautiful sights the Grand Canyon had to offer. Cassidy decided that was the career for him.
Patrice Horstman — April 2022 District One Newsletter
We certainly are hoping for April showers to bring May flowers and provide much needed moisture to Coconino County. April is also the month we celebrate Earth Day. Since 1970, April 22nd marks the day that is referred to as the birth of the modern environmental movement. This year’s theme is “Invest in our Planet” and in keeping with that theme and the importance of us all working together to build a healthier and more sustainable planet, Coconino County has a number of “Earth Month” events including litter cleanups, climate action and renewable energy programs. Go to http://www.coconino.az.gov/2884/Earth-Day-Schedule for more information.
Applications open for 2022 Andy Harvey Indigenous Youth Media Workshop
Applications are currently open for Northern Arizona University’s 10th annual Andy Harvey Indigenous Youth Media Workshop to all students currently in grades 8 – 12, with preference given to Native American high-school juniors and seniors.
This year’s workshop will be held June 19-25. Students will live on the NAU campus and learn how to tell stories using the creative skills of digital filmmaking, photography, audio production, and broadcast journalism. The workshop concludes with a live student produced newscast in NAU’s 3-camera high definition TV studio.
April Updates from Creative Flagstaff — Get your tickets for the 14th Annual Viola Awards before they sell out!
Tickets for the 14th Annual Viola Awards are now on sale & moving fast. Don’t miss this celebration of art, science, & culture in our community. This year’s ceremony will honor 41 finalists. Learn more about this year’s finalists on our website.
Get your tickets here
CCC student sees future at Phoenix Children’s Hospital
She wants to help others with the same experience
Coconino Community College student Anna Gottschling has lived in Flagstaff all of her life. At the age of two, she suffered from an injury known as a subdural hematoma, which is a bleed in your brain. She was saved by Dr. Nathan Avery in Flagstaff and then transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for additional surgeries, physical therapy, and her recovery.
Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Celebrate Earth Day and more news
Earth Day is next week and there’s no better way to celebrate than participating in a local event. Join Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, Friends of Coconino County Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service for a volunteer cleanup and an activity afterwards in honor of Earth Day 2022. All cleanups start at 10 a.m. and include a fun outdoor activity. Register at the Sign-Up Genius Links below.
Can’t make it? Invest in yourself and your community by getting outside and making a difference on your own. Tag a picture with #NAZEarthDay22 to be a part of the celebration.
Wed., April 20 cleanup at Highway 180 (Peak View) https://tinyurl.com/et7jdajj
Thurs., April 21 cleanup at Fort Tuthill County Park https://tinyurl.com/yc7t6ykn
Fri., April 22 cleanup at Ashurst Lake
https://tinyurl.com/2s4pmk5v
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 11-15, 2022
Grand Canyon and Tusayan April vaccine events
The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccination team will hold its next mobile vaccination event for Grand Canyon and Tusayan on Monday, April 25. The Grand Canyon event will be held at the Rec Center from 9-11 a.m. (see full flyer here) and the Tusayan event will be held at the Tusayan Fire Station from 1-3 p.m (see full flyer here).
As a reminder, the FDA and CDC have approved a second booster dose for individuals who are age 50 or older. They recommend the booster be given 4 months after your first booster.
NPS employees are authorized to take administrative leave up to 4 hours (and 8 hours if traveling) for COVID vaccines, including vaccine booster doses. You may also use this leave to support family members receiving COVID vaccines or booster doses.
The NAU Review — Honoring the Gold Axe, President’s Prize and Distinguished Seniors, a statewide attack on Valley fever and how NAU promotes volunteerism
President Cruz Rivera honored 48 Gold Axe winners, five President’s Prize recipients and nine Distinguished Seniors for their hard work and commitment to their educations and their careers at NAU. “These students have shown incredible resilience and determination to arrive at this point in their academic and personal journeys, and they all have achieved a tremendous amount to excel in their studies and give back in such meaningful ways,” he told the crowd on Tuesday night. The recipients of the President’s Prize, which is the highest award for undergraduates at NAU, are Maylee Acosta, Matthew Billings, Clarreese Greene, Ariana Kelley and Rachell Krell.
Flagstaff Festival of Science — It’s not too late to make a difference! Help us reach our goal!
This is your opportunity to make a difference with the Flagstaff Festival of Science! Your ongoing support as a meaningful friend to the Festival has helped us develop compelling and powerful events each year! This year, our keynote speaker will bring the fascinating world of pharaohs and Egyptian gods, right here to our mountain town!
Dr. Zahi Hawass, world renowned Egyptologist and presenter, typically charges $50- $150 for ticketed events, but here in Flagstaff audiences can attend for FREE as we promise to make science accessible to all! But we need the help of our donors today, to make a difference in science education!
The Festival has a goal to raise $3,000 in this campaign!
(We are one third of the way there with one day to go!)
United Way 0f Northern Arizona — Ventura Land Trust Presents April Environmental Speaker Series: Women in Conservation
In 2001, Alice’s Place in Winslow opened, providing services for those facing domestic and sexual violence. It was founded by the late Dr. Kenneth Mackey Ogilvie, a local OB/GYN, who named it to honor his grandmother, Alice Hurley Mackey, a Choctaw woman who escaped domestic violence. She went on to become a writer and enjoyed a circle of friends that included prominent historians and artists.
“Her story exemplifies what we want to do,” said Theresa Warren, executive director of the shelter. “First, get people out of a crisis. But that’s not enough; that just stabilizes the situation. Where do you go from there? Our job is to empower the individuals we work with.”
Discover Flagstaff — Enjoy what the art scene has to offer this weekend with Flagstaff 365
Earth Day Celebration, Ardrey Auditorium. A unique concert focused on the importance of everyone’s role in protecting our environment. 7:30 p.m.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y providing free training as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has unveiled a free training webinar for parents, caregivers and all community members as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
This quick overview video is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness. It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.
With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.
A very special thank you to all of our partners who help get this information out to our community!
Comments from those who have already seen the training.
“loved the acknowledgment that we can all recognize stressors are high right now”
“realized this was my first mindful breath of the day”
“feels supportive and a great jump off point to learn more”
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
The NAU Review — Giving Day, volunteers needed to minimize food waste and the Undergraduate Expo
Support what you love on NAU Giving Day
Give, show your pride and share your love for NAU alongside Lumberjacks throughout the world on Giving Day, our annual celebration of everything that makes NAU great. On Wednesday, wherever you are, don your True Blue and Gold, break out your LJs and donate to your favorite fund. Unsure of where to give? Take the NAU Giving Day online quiz and find the perfect fund to make an impact.
Sedona Arts Center — SAC HOMESHOW: Birdy Style! Gala this THURSDAY!
The Sedona Arts Center has donated artwork on display for this special fundraiser including birdhouses, bird-themed sculpture, jewelry, paintings and more in our Special Exhibition Gallery for previewing and bidding on Silent Auction items.
Everything has been made especially for this fundraising event that is replacing Loving Bowls for this year.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library April 11, 2022
Bilingual report — Registration now open for Ballet Folklórico de Colores Summer Camp
Registration for Ballet Folklórico de Colores’ super fun Latin American Culture and Dance Camp is open!! This year, we will be learning about México, Perú, Chile, Panamá and Nicaragua. Register here: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTQ2NDIx
A limited number of partial scholarships are available at
https://www.balletfolkloricoflagstaff.org/summer-camp.html
CCC2NAU student to become a health psychologist
Coconino Community College student Kayla Witzig moved to Flagstaff from Scottsdale to continue her education and achieve her goal of getting her associate degree in psychology. She chose CCC because of the beautiful weather in Flagstaff and because she was not sure what she wanted to do after high school graduation. She wanted to start slow at a community college.
Witzig is a CCC2NAU student, and she said that “I have my own CCC2NAU advisor,” adding that they help her figure out the courses she needs to complete at CCC to receive her associate degree and transfer to NAU.
The CCC2NAU program helps students save money and accomplish their educational goals both at CCC and NAU. The program offers a seamless transition process that will help transferring students.
Community engagement sought during survey in April for the Thorpe Park Annex
Southwest Decision Resources, the City of Flagstaff (Parks Recreation Open Space and Events Division), and Wheat Design Group have announced it is conducting a survey through April for the Thorpe Park Annex.
The community survey will continue generating great ideas and continue problem solving.
Click here to take part in the survey.
AZMOM NORTH (Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy) is calling for volunteers for its Summer 2022 Patient Dental Clinic on June 17-18, 2022 at Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff
AZMOM NORTH (Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy) is calling for volunteers for its Summer 2022 Patient Dental Clinic on June 17-18, 2022 at Fort Tuthill Commercial Building, Flagstaff.
Join us this summer with hundreds of other volunteers helping treat patients in under-served populations that need our help in providing dental care.
This is your chance to participate in the largest dental charity in Arizona.
Creative Flagstaff — Early Access to Viola Tickets ends tomorrow!
We had an issue with the member discount codes earlier this week, but it should all be sorted now. Use code VA22 to unlock tickets AND receive a 10% discount on your tickets! Tickets will go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday, April 7th. Your 10% discount will still apply after tomorrow. If you have any issues purchasing tickets, please call Sarah at 928-779-7159.
This year’s Viola Awards are recognizing 41 finalists across 10 categories. See the full list of finalists on our website. Winners will be announced during the main ceremony on April 30th.
Purchasing a ticket to the main ceremony includes admission to the afterparty which will feature our four Excellence in Music finalists: iiwaa, Tré Orona & Tsoh Tso, WinterHaven, & Tha ‘Yoties.
Grand Canyon National Park — Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 4-8, 2022
Grand Canyon Visitor Center changes in operations
Due to low staffing levels, there will be modified operations to Grand Canyon Visitor Center information desk hours this spring.
From April 8-23, the outdoor GCVC Information Desk will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday to Monday. Please note, the building is still closed to the public and the GCVC Theater is under construction. Ranger programs will continue at 11 a.m. at the Yavapai Geology Museum Amphitheater, Thursday to Monday through April 23
The NAU Review — Strokes, Alzheimer’s disease and NAU’s student service day
A new study, co-authored by Pamela Bosch, Indrakshi Roy and Amit Kumar, found that people with lower socioeconomic status and people from ethnic minority populations have a greater likelihood of severe stroke than white Americans or those of a higher socioeconomic status. But it’s not just that—those groups also are more likely to have a more severe stroke incident at the time they are admitted to the hospital.
FUSD Foundation, Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival New Charitable Partner, Benefits School Music Programs
The Flagstaff Blues and Brews event-organizers/owner announced on April 6 a community partnership with the Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation (FUSDF). Through a portion of the festivals proceeds, it will benefit the music programs in the Flagstaff Public School District (FUSD) and inspire kids through music.
FUSDF enhances the educational experience of students in the district, with the help and support of alumni and community resources and funding. Since 2016, the FUSD Foundation has raised over $74,000, to directly help FUSD and impacting the lives of thousands of students.
Discover Flagstaff — Baje Whitethorne, Sr. – ‘Rainbow Light’ Exhibition, Museum of Northern Arizona April 7-10 and more events
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Child Abuse Prevention Month Planning Meeting on April 7— Hope you can attend!
April is child abuse prevention month. The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, along with the help of many partners will be unveiling our coordinated prevention plan at our April 7th meeting at 10 a.m. (zoom)
If you are already a part of the Coconino Prevention Council- just attend the meeting as usual. If you would like to be added to the calendar invite to hear about this project, the planned rollout and how you can easily help spread awareness- please let us know so we can add you to the invite.
We will also screen our brand new 30 min ACES/Mindfulness/ Protective Factors training that is meant to feed community members into all of our other work.
Please join us in support of Prevention efforts in Coconino County- your help and support is needed!
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
Creative Flagstaff — Join the Board
Creative Flagstaff, formerly Flagstaff Arts Council, the City’s nonprofit art, science, and culture agency seeks applicants to serve as board members. Applicants will fill seats previously filled by long-time board members that have terms ending June 30, 2022.
Diversifying stakeholders, community groups, experience, and expertise represented by the Board of Directors is an important part of Creative Flagstaff’s strategic plan adopted in June 2021.
Over the coming couple of years, the Board anticipates recruiting members that provide leadership experience in nonprofit governance, philanthropy, arts, education, sciences, public policy, and programming from diverse lived experiences including BIPOC and creative professionals.
Sedona Arts Center — Only a few hours left to give!
Arizona Gives Day is an annual giving movement uniting nonprofits, big and small, new and established, to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving. The event helps raise awareness about the critical role Arizona nonprofits play in our communities and inspires people to give generously creating a thriving and stronger Arizona for all.Pledge an Arizona Gives Day gift now at
www.azgives.org/sedonaartscenter
The NAU Review — Celebrating AAPI month, increasing cybersecurity preparedness and graduate research in three minutes
This April, join the NAU community in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. IMQ and other organizations will host a variety of events to celebrate and recognize these cultures on campus. With the increase in violence toward Asian and Pacific Islander people, it is especially important to honor and celebrate these countries and cultures.
United Way of Northern Arizona — AZ Gives Starts Today
We hope that you’ll join us for Arizona Gives Day, a 24-hour, statewide celebration of charitable organizations that starts at noon today. It’s a special time that unites supporters of big and small nonprofits to increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving.
Many thanks to those of you who have already donated to United Way of Northern Arizona as part of this year’s #AZGIves campaign. If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, you can do so by clicking HERE.
Join us for Celebrate Sedona, Wednesday April 6!
“Our April Celebrate Sedona is upon us and we are thrilled to have Secret Handshake performing for us this month! In addition, we will also be celebrating the people of Ukraine and will be taking donations to support humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people. Our Marketing Director, Kelli and one of our Gallery artists both have family in Ukraine and we felt this was a way we could pay tribute and stand with them as they support their families.” – Julie Richard, CEO
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 4/4/22
Imma Barrera Named Next Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) and Grand Canyon National Park are proud to announce the selection of the next Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence, biologist, landscape and nature photographer, and conservationist Imma Barrera. She will live and work at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, with visits to the North Rim and Tuweep, from April 28 to May 23, 2022.
Barrera’s current project, “Under the Night Sky,” involves raising awareness about the importance of protecting the night sky by presenting different features of select National Parks in the format of a published book, combining photography and nature education and illustrating the efforts these parks have undertaken as part of their mission to preserve the environment. Barrera’s goal is to capture those inspiring landscapes under the night sky.
CCC student sees future working in IT or programming
He loves to learn, especially about computers.
Coconino Community College student Cameron Jones started taking classes at CCC when he was in high school as a student enrolled in the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology program, better known as CAVIAT. CAVIAT helps high school students get college credit and hands-on knowledge about job skills required for certain careers, preparing their path after they graduate from high school.
“The CAVIAT program was a taste of the real thing,” Jones said, adding that he is now a part of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at CCC. Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that has more than 1200 different chapters, including CCC’s chapter, Beta Gamma Chi.
Latino Outdoors — Semillitas Outdoors: Para Los Niños
Did you know? Providing Latinx youth with increased opportunities to connect with the outdoors and access to leadership spaces can help them develop their own leadership abilities. This year, we are introducing a new initiative called Semillitas Outdoors, a weeklong celebration of Latinx children in the outdoors
From April 23 through May 1, Latino Outdoors will offer virtual and in-person activities that center the experience of Latinx children and their families.
Join us as we support and celebrate children’s access to the outdoors and leadership spaces, and build positive connections to the process of getting outside!
The NAU Review — 10 ways NAU attacks wildfires, the next phase of quantum computing and HAPA’s annual lu’au
In 2020, federal fire agencies spent a whopping $2.2 billion—that’s billion with a “B”—fighting fires. That number has increased tenfold in the last few decades. For Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week, take a look at NAU’s diverse efforts to increase forest health, improve firefighting capabilities, help communities become more resilient and rebuild after a fire and better understand fire behavior.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 28-April 1, 2022
Tuweep day-use civic engagement period ends April 6
Last week the park initiated civic engagement to solicit comments on implementation of a proposed day-use reservation system at Tuweep, including all park areas within Toroweap Valley and the Kanab Plateau. A $2 ticket fee per vehicle is proposed and would be available through recreation.gov.
On busy, high visitation days, especially during the weekends, up to 50+ vehicles often travel into Tuweep around the same time of day, causing road congestion, long waits to access the Toroweap overlook, overcrowding in popular locations, impacts to property, and excessive noise. As a result, the overall visitor experience has deteriorated, and sensitive natural and cultural resources have been damaged.
United Way of Northern Arizona — A Very Successful Workplace Campaign
Emphasizing how local programs supported by United Way of Northern Arizona dovetail with their work as educators, the team at Flagstaff Unified School District doubled the number of participants and donations to this year’s workplace campaign.
Almost 60 school district employees raised $10,572 in the most recent workplace drive for UWNA, compared to $5,259 the prior year and well in excess of the stated goal of $6,600.
The two-week campaign was largely accomplished through emails and posters urging FUSD employees to “Step Up for Our Community,” said Kurt F. Steele, Executive Assistant to Superintendent Mike Penca.
HECHO March Newsletter
Spring is here and the HECHO team is blooming! We hope that you and your family take the time to enjoy the sounds of songbirds, the woodpeckers drumming, the flowers budding, and that unforgettable smell of Spring.
We couldn’t be more excited for the progress we’ve made so far this year, and we are excited to share what we’ve been working on with you in this month’s newsletter.
In late March, Interior Secretary Haaland visited the border community of El Paso, where she met with community members and Monumental SHIFT coalition members to discuss the designation of Castner Range as a National Monument, an effort that HECHO has supported that will conserve wildlife and provide access to public lands to a majority Hispanic community.
Coconino County Issues a Request for Information (RFI) to Help Inform ARPA Allocations
Coconino County has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to community partners to gather information on services and projects needed as the Board of Supervisors allocates American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address COVID-19 pandemic impacts.
Please note that this is a Request for Information, NOT a Request for Proposals. Click here to access and download the Request for Information (RFI).
Make tax time more meaningful with Flagstaff Festival of Science!
Preparing to file your taxes is stressful for us all but it’s also when we’re most aware of our yearly giving. As a loyal follower of the Flagstaff Festival of Science you understand the value of bringing the excitement of STEAM and joy of discovery to Northern Arizona. Why not plan ahead to help both the 2022 Festival and your taxes? (If you’ve recently made a donation to the Festival’s Spring Campaign, THANK YOU!)