The city of Flagstaff will return to Stage 2 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan on Nov. 30. This move is due to the upward trajectory in the number of new cases, hospitalizations and COVID related deaths in Flagstaff over four weeks or more.
Under Phase 2, the city will re-close the following city facilities and amenities:
As state and local guidelines around COVID-19 evolve, we can all be a part of making the outdoors a safe place to be. Following the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines will keep everyone safe as we enjoy our parks, waters, trails, and forests. Learn more about recreating responsibly by activity.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
The patented sanitizing system from Clean Light Laboratories will be placed in strategic locations throughout campus to help faculty, staff and students fight the spread of the coronavirus.
On June 5, 2020, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan for County Operations. The plan provides guidance to protect customer and employee health and safety.
Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks. Based on this increase, and in alignment with the County’s Re-Entry Plan, effective Monday, November 23 Coconino County will return to more restrictive Phase I operations, summarized below.
Coconino County resident Susie Garretson has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at Coconino Community College.
“Coconino Community College relies heavily on the community to support students, vision and mission of the College,” said CCC District Governing Board Chair Patricia Garcia. “With the word ‘Community’ in its name, CCC always strives to invite the greater community to be a part of our work. An individual who took us up on that invitation is Susie Garretson.”
Proposition 413 (Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park) was passed by Flagstaff voters in 2016. This proposition restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation. The land affected by Proposition 413 is currently zoned as Public Facilities and Rural Residential. The City Council directed staff to amend the Zoning Code to reflect the outcomes of Proposition 413. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment in 2018, the next step is to amend the existing zoning of the area Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space.
The CCA Holiday Store Is Now Open!
Thursday-Saturday, 1-6 pm through December 22nd
(Closed 11/26, and 11/28-29)
Featured Artists:
Cathi Borthwick, Robin Cadigan, Darcy Falk, Katherine Farr, Carli Giese, Chandra Hemminger, Jonah Hill, Julie Jones, Don Nord, Sharon Richards, Ryanne Sebern, Heather Spontak
Hernandez, who works as a business analyst in Academic Affairs, transferred from Coconino Community College. Besides doing the normal student activities, he found ways to put his work experience to use in the classroom and what he learned in the classroom to use in his job.
NACA’s Native Connections are hosting three upcoming Youth Focus Groups via Zoom at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing of youth in our community. Youth who participate are helping inform our work to support them during this difficult time, and will receive a gift card to either Dutch Bros or Sprouts!
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is presenting a weekly Family Connection Zoom Meeting at 2:30 p.m. Mondays.
The meeting is open to parents, caregivers, professionals — All individuals in our community.
Now is the time to connect, be supportive and receive support in a safe and caring environment via zoom or by telephone.
This is an open time to connect with others, share joys, vent some concerns, ask for support, or offer others your support.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
iPhoneography
An Online Workshop with Kelli Klymenko
November 21, 2020
In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day workshops for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment to five school districts which include:
Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology (CAVIAT) in Fredonia (1 open seat)
Coconino Community College District #3 (1 open seat to be filled in January 2021- apply now)
Fredonia-Moccasin USD #6 (2 open seats)
Maine Consolidated USD #10 (3 open seats)
N.A.T.I.V.E., Tuba City (1 open seat)
During a recent trip to the central region of Colombia I ran into a very complete, well organized jewel of a museum: the Archeological Museum of Zipaquirá (MAZ). The building encompasses three large rooms permanently exhibiting more than 3500 original archaeological pieces representing nineteen pre-Hispanic cultures that had settlements in different parts of Colombia before the Colonization.
Community colleges like CCC can be nimble and quickly respond to industry needs.
As you’ll read below, the Arizona Commerce Authority announced an initiative with Amazon Web Services Inc. with a goal of training and certifying 5,000 students in the state for entry-level cloud computing careers in the next two years. CCC is joining that effort, and our Computer Information Systems (CIS) faculty are preparing coursework that will help students in Coconino County work toward multiple certifications that will give them opportunities at high-paying technology careers. We plan to have the first course offerings this Spring semester.
I ended my first email by saying that with your help we can make a difference in the educational outcomes for every child in Flagstaff. So, I’ll start this final email by focusing on you.
I mentioned that LAUNCH Flagstaff is foremost an idea that leverages existing community organizations, businesses, policy makers, and citizens that produces systemic changes through collaborative action.
The changes we seek happen in the hearts and minds of each person and each organization in Flagstaff. I thank you for your current level of engagement in this important work and I invite you to consider additional ways you can help improve outcomes for our kids.
Here are some ideas:
Artwork from the 16th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival is available The exhibition is available online online only through November 30th!
The event took place October 24-31, 2020, a first of its kind—all woman, and Virtual Plein Air Festival! We experienced live demonstrations, short videos created by our festival artists all across the country, and an online gallery of new works updated daily. Scroll down to see select Festival work and links to different aspects of the event.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present “Bullying and Cyberbullying Training” on Zoom at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Based on training provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services to school districts across the state, this webinar examines the latest bullying statistics; unpacks the relationship between bullying, cyberbullying, ACES, trauma and substance use; and provides tips and techniques for intervention and prevention.
Presented by Brad Snyder, executive director of Dion Initiative for Child Well-Being and Bullying Prevention and chair of the Arizona Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium.
“Each year, Coconino County honors those who have sacrificed to serve the country. We express special gratitude to the National Guard. Coconino County has benefited from a National Guard Team, who has supported our COVID-19 response. This group of dedicated individuals has been away from their family and friends during an especially challenging time to assist us with testing operations to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This year and every year, thank you to those who serve,” said County Manager, James Jayne.
25% of a student’s educational success relies on the quality of the educational leadership of the school administrator. This means that the school principal is the second most important school influence on student success, after high quality teaching.
Great school leaders create a culture of excellence, drive school performance, teacher retention and student outcomes. The partners of LAUNCH Flagstaff recognize the critical need for executive leadership developmentcoupled with the building of collaborative, collegial relationships among educational leaders across the community.
This is why LAUNCH Flagstaff partnered with the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) in 2017 to bring their educational executive leadership training to Flagstaff.
Sedona Arts Center’s Online Workshops are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but are unable to travel. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Visit us online to learn more about all of our online classes!
Thank you all very much for participating in our democracy by casting your ballot during the Nov. 3, 2020, general election.
No matter who you have voted for, you have set national records in participation this year — all during a time of one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history.
Now, the hard part begins. Patience.
As we write this, various news agencies are reporting that former Vice President Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania to put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th U.S. President.
Those news services include:
Associated Press — Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US
CNBC — Election 2020 live results: Biden projected to defeat Trump, claims national mandate
CNN — Election results live: Joe Biden wins presidency
Fox News — Fox News projects Biden to defeat Trump, become 46th president after winning Nevada, Pennsylvania
NBC News — Biden defeats Trump to win White House, NBC News projects
New York Times — Joe Biden Wins 2020 President Election
NPR — Biden Wins Presidency, According To AP, Edging Trump In Turbulent Race
Washington Post — Biden Defeats Trump
However, thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. We owe it to election workers to complete their jobs and count every single ballot.
According to the Association for Supportive Child Care, almost 1 in 3 young children in Arizona live in poverty. More than half of low-income children are not prepared for kindergarten. That is not only a tragedy for the present; it means their, and our, future is at risk too.
Because the majority of children who start behind, stay behind. They are less likely to be ready for kindergarten or to read at grade level during elementary school; they have more behavioral issues; they have higher high school dropout rates; and without their diploma, their economic prospects are dimmed.
NOW FEATURING:
Patti Barker, Marianne Leahy, Lyn and Ken Mikells, Karen Puckett, Isabel Simmer,
and Janet Weaver
The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
To her, math is the language of the universe and helps her to be a better person.
So, it’s only fitting that Coconino Community College student Niousha Toroghi would be offered the prestigious American Mathematical Association for Two-Year Colleges Wanda Garner Presidential Student Scholarship.
“This scholarship is a blessing for me,” Niousha said. “It means I have achieved my goals so far. I have higher goals to achieve, and I look forward to striving for them.”
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment to the Tuba City School District Governing Board.
One seat will be vacant. This position will be filled prior to December 24, 2020 so the appointee can start their duty on January 1, 2021 as a new board member.
Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.
What do the round-tailed chub and Walnut Canyon have in common?
They were both featured during recent field trips by student clubs at Coconino Community College.
The CCC Students Advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Club and the CCC Anthropology Club, properly socially distanced and with face coverings, met to celebrate the comradery of shared experience and to gather a little knowledge at the same time.
The Flagstaff Arts Council is happy to announce that the 13th Annual Viola Awards will take place on Friday, June 18, 2021. This new date provides the greatest opportunity to host an awards event in-person, likely outdoors. The Viola Awards, historically hosted in March, are a celebration of our creative community. After such a difficult year, it is important to celebrate the resiliency of our community in person, if it is safe to do so. Please mark your calendars!
“I do it myself”
This common toddler phrase often makes adults sigh. We want to honor our child’s autonomy, but we also realize some things are more manageable with a little help. The same is true in adulthood. As a family, we autonomously choose our traditions, routines, and meals. However, raising children and managing family life is complex. Although some family challenges may be unique, many families share common challenges. And, it is certain…we all deserve support! …
To support families in making new connections, CCCY partners with Building Community to host a virtual, bilingual Family Connection for families via Zoom.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors recently proclaimed November to be Native American Heritage Month.
Coconino County embraces 22 Native American tribes in Arizona, and takes pride in the six tribes calling Coconino County home; whose economic contributions, foods, medicines, remedies, art and literature are vital contributions to American life and endeavors.
We are dedicated to preserving and promoting Native American culture in the community, education and workforce.
All children and families bring unique talents, skills and gifts to the educational experience.
Multiple social influences affect a child’s educational success, many of which exist outside our educational systems.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen released the following helpful information for the November 3 General Election.
Who is eligible to vote: All registered voters
Deadline to return voted early ballot: November 3, 7:00 pm
Locations to drop off voted early ballots:
Given the news reports out there that the many have not turned in their mail-in ballots, it’s time to remind them about the election of 2016.
YES, EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!, whether you live in Miami or Flagstaff, Detroit or Page, Scranton or Williams.
Nov. 3 is creeping up fast. If you have a ballot, fill them out ASAP and drop them off at OFFICIAL BALLOT BOXES. It’s too late to use the U.S. Post Office.
Otherwise, plan to take advantage of in-person early voting on Friday, Oct. 30.
Coconino County voters who may have health concerns or worry about contracting the COVID 19 coronavirus may participate in emergency early voting at several locations across the county on Saturday, October 31 and Monday, November 2.
Museum of Northern Arizona presents recordings of Sugar Skull livestream workshop, “Day of the Dead Decoded: Ofrendas 101” and virtual view of ofrenda / altar in the Colton Community Garden
While we can’t enjoy a traditional Celebraciones de la Gente, members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Museum of Northern Arizona and Coconino County have been busy with a number of virtual Día de los Muertos projects.
Leaders in the technology industry say that cloud-based computing is not only the future, but it is already here.
Coconino Community College has joined other colleges across Arizona in a statewide effort to increase access to cloud computing education in schools. On Thursday, the Arizona Commerce Authority announced the initiative, with the support of Amazon Web Services, Inc., which has a goal to train and certify 5,000 students in the state for entry-level cloud computing careers by June 2022.
Events include a movie screening of “Gather,” followed by a facilitated conversation; a virtual Stew Fest; a conversation with NAU Elder Lorenzo Max; resources for first-generation students; and more. All of the NAU community is invited to participate in the virtual events.
Coconino Community College Nursing student Wes Grove put a bandage on Pauline’s arm after he gave her a flu shot.
“I didn’t feel a thing,” she said in a Brooklyn accent. Although her face was mostly hidden by a mask, her eyes squinted and suggested a smile.
Pauline was one of a line of people waiting in their cars for their annual flu shots available during a number of clinics through the Coconino County Department of Health and Human Services. CCC Nursing students will be helping out every other Saturday.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
Sometimes as adults, we make things too complicated when they really are quite simple. Like why it’s so important to Live United.
That’s why we asked our friend (and United Way “spokes-kid”) Priah to break it all down and show how your donation to our Annual Campaign changes lives and makes our community stronger.
She has props. She has costumes. She thinks she needs a latte, but we’re not so sure we agree.
Take a break and enjoy this video!
Vote early in person: Early voting is available up until Friday, October 30 at these locations: Early Voting Sites. Please note that some locations are closed on Fridays.
NOTE: New Voter ID requirements for voting early in person are now in effect. See ID Required to Vote In Person for list of acceptable ID.
How can I return my voted early ballot?
Return your early ballot in any of the following ways:
Mail your ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Drop your ballot off at one of these Ballot Drop Box Locations or Drive-Up/Drop-Off Locations on the Navajo Nation.
Deliver your ballot to any early voting location in the county prior to Election Day, during the hours the site is open.
Deliver your ballot to any polling place or vote center in the county on Election Day between 6 am to 7 pm (local time).
See also Tips on Returning Your Early Ballot…
It’s hard for some Arizonans to imagine. But there are communities all over the state where families can’t get internet, or even reliable phone service. Most of us can’t picture going through life without that, but for many, it’s a daily reality. Driving to the top of a hill to get cell service; hour-long bus rides to get to school; roads that are virtually unpassable in the winter. And for those on tribal communities the challenges might be even more basic – many households lack running water or electricity, or both.
As you cast your ballot this year, keep them in mind. These are some of our most vulnerable populations and they need the support and resources that both government and nonprofit groups provide.
Whatever your concerns are, they can be reflected in your vote. For rural communities in Arizona, there are resources and support, but at times, the resources available aren’t always reflective of the community’s immediate needs. During the pandemic, as teachers often do, many teachers continue to use their personal devices and other self-purchased tools to make it through this year.
Message from Mary –
Fall is in the air and the oak and aspen trees around the museum are turning gorgeous colors. This is the time of year when we would normally be preparing for Celebraciones, but of course we are not able to have such a large gathering this year. Instead, we’re celebrating Dia de los Muertos with two beautiful community ofrendas. One is in the museum building courtesy of Flagstaff Nuestras Raices and the other in our Colton Community Garden. I hope you’ll come see them.
As the colder weather and shorter days bring us inside, the museum offers many experiences to enjoy indoors, whether by signing up for the Docent Training program, embarking on a virtual trip through the Grand Canyon with geologist Wayne Ranney, or coming to visit the museum. The staff and I look forward to seeing you at MNA, online or in person.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
We’ve hired a new Executive Director! Michele James has lived and worked in Flagstaff for over twenty years and brings her knowledge of Flagstaff and love of the community to her new leadership position.
With a background in both science and art, including a master’s degree in Sustainable Communities (NAU) and a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology & Technical Journalism (Colorado State University), Michele has spent two decades doing advocacy work on northern Arizona ecosystems.
Michele has been a wildlife biologist with Grand Canyon National Park and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a research coordinator for NAU’s Fossil Creek restoration, a species conservation program manager with the Grand Canyon Trust, and a stakeholder with the Flagstaff Forest Partnership. Most recently, she has been on the NAU faculty, teaching interdisciplinary courses related to sustainability, climate change, art as an advocacy tool, and civic engagement.
Artist Panel Discussion: “The Process of Art”
LIVE, Online Event! Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | 5 pm
In the midst of the festival week each artist will each be discussing one of the paintings they have completed thus far in the festival during a panel discussion by the artists on Wednesday October 28th at 5pm Arizona time. The theme, “The Process of Art ” allows artists to focus attention on any aspect of the process, from the discovery of subject matter to composition, to brushwork and color choices. The public is invited to participate in this live-broadcast meeting which will end with a Q&A session. Links to all streamable content can be found on both the festival and Arts Center’s websites.
Friday, Oct. 23 is the Last Day to Request An Early Ballot by Mail for Nov. 3 General Election
Last spring, we shared our new mission, to foster creative opportunity, with you. Since then, this mission was tested as we worked to support Flagstaff’s creative sector through one of the most challenging years on record. We know that you support our mission and vision, in order to continue our work, we need your help.
What do W. L. Gore & Associates, Wells Fargo, Northern Arizona University, Kinney Construction, Nestle Purina, the City of Flagstaff and Navajo County all have in common?
They are a handful of the companies and organizations that have lent their best and brightest to serve on the United Way of Northern Arizona Board of Directors.
This year we are proud to say that we have 100% participation by our 22-member board in this year’s Annual Campaign.
Earlier this month, guests from all over the word attended CCC&Y’s presentation of Kevin Campbell’s “Self-Healing Communities — A Continued Conversation.”
The presentation is now available on CCC&Y’s Prevention webpage at Self-Healing Communities with Kevin Campbell. The free program also includes presentation slides and Self-Healing Communities Data from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“As a testament to Kevin’s international work we had participants from England, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arkansas, and of course, all over Arizona,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y. “This piece is an argument for moving away from treating individuals, community members and families as the “recipient” of services, from medicalizing unlivable lives, from not acknowledging systems of injustice and a move toward the scientifically-based call to action of participation, truth and community healing.”
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
I find it difficult to believe, but we are halfway through the Fall semester here at Coconino Community College.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the way we deliver courses at the college, our students have continued to make progress toward achieving their educational dreams a reality.
Some of our students have also told us, frankly, that as soon as it is safe to do so, they would like to see a return of in-person classes at CCC. We are listening, and we are planning, if it is safe to do so in the Spring semester, to offer a percentage of our courses in-person to help those students who thrive in a face-to-face setting. Social distancing, face coverings and other health measures will continue to protect students and instructors. If all in-person classes that students are interested in fill up, I invite them to take advantage of CCC’s new “waitlist” feature to save a place in line if a seat in an in-person course opens.
This year the Sedona Arts Center’s most popular annual event, the Sedona Plein Air Festival will be a first of its kind—an all-woman-event—in celebration of the Arts Center’s “Year of the Woman.” The Arts Center has explored a variety of themes in past Plein Air Festivals, from Art and Wine, to Native American Culture, to a Figurative Salon complete with a speakeasy! This year, due to global circumstances, the Arts Center decided to hold the festival entirely online, available to anyone with access to an internet connection.
The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is hosting a free, virtual Democracy in Action Voter Town Hall this Monday, October 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is hosting a free, virtual Democracy in Action Voter Town Hall this Monday, October 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Town Hall will feature Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen presenting on the elections calendar, voting options and procedures, what documents are required to vote and other resources for residents of Coconino County. The event is not a candidate debate but rather an opportunity for residents to learn about safeguards to ensure their right to vote and the voting process is secure.
For the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Victim Witness Services for Coconino County is doing a Campaign for Healthy Relationships throughout Coconino County. While it is important to recognize that domestic violence is a real problem that people deal with daily, we also want to recognize a way to prevent it is by knowing about and striving for healthy relationships.
To continue our video series, the next video has been posted https://youtu.be/UP_UuVrMTWw. We will continue releasing these videos every Monday and Friday of the month.
Why give to the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) during the annual campaign? Because in this extraordinarily challenging year, your help is needed more than ever.
“United Way stepped up for our community as we’ve all dealt with the consequences of COVID-19,” says UWNA Board Chair Janet Dean in the video below. “Now we ‘re asking you to step up and help United Way during our annual campaign.”
