Category: Education

NAU News — NAU launches MASKUP campaign to promote a safe campus

What weighs just a few ounces and can help protect our Lumberjack community? You guessed it—a mask. Masks should be worn for safety reasons, but that doesn’t mean we can’t turn them into a fashion statement. Show off your mask and let us know how you are keeping our community safe with our #maskupjacks challenge.

Zoom Academic Advising For Coconino Community College Students

Coconino Community College students can receive Zoom Academic Advising 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday, starting Monday, August 3 through the first day of fall remote instruction on Monday, August 24, 2020.

No Appointment Needed – first available time-slots are based on thirty-minute sessions for continuing CCC students and sixty-minute sessions for new CCC students.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Search on for new Executive Director

Our search for a new Executive Director is underway! We are very excited to be hiring the next F3 leader to represent and advocate for the goals of F3. 
 
We’re looking for someone who is familiar with the challenges facing communities like Flagstaff and who has a strong track record in community organizing and advocacy work, fundraising, and effective communication. 
 
The full job ad can be found on our website: https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/now-hiring-executive-director/.

Salina Bookshelf will match each donation to the Books for Dine Bikeyah GoFundMe campaign up to its $50,000 campaign goal.

With the ongoing pandemic many children are not able to leave their homes/communities due to evening and weekend curfews and a stay at home order. Books for Diné Bikéyah is raising money to support Diné authors and children by buying Diné children’s books and sending them out to children for free through local COVID-19 Relief packages for families in Navajo Nation. These books will be a huge support to young Navajo children during these tough times by bringing light to their traditional stories of resilience. 

Museum of Northern Arizona — Art & adaptation

When the world turned upside down this year, we learned to do somersaults, working from our home offices. The specialist work of caring for our extensive collections is an important part of our mission and continues despite the pandemic, as does our archaeological and ecological fieldwork and the preservation of MNA’s buildings, gardens and landscape. We are finding new and imaginative ways to bring the art, science, and culture of the region to your homes, including a re-imagining of The Annual Gala.

NACA to present weekly virtual Talking Circle beginning July 27

NACA’s Community Development and Behavioral Health Departments are announcing a weekly virtual Talking Circle, beginning 7/27/2020 from 5:30-6:30 PM MST. The Talking Circle is open to anyone who wants/needs to connect with others during these stressful times. The Talking Circle will be hosted and managed by NACA’s Social Support Coordinator, and a Community Elder, resources may be available dependent on the need. Participants must abide by confidentiality standards to continue participating.

ECoNA — COVID-19 and the Arts

While everyone has been hard hit by COVID-19, it has been particularly difficult for the arts sector, where finding social-distancing workarounds can be challenging. Coronavirus has temporarily put an end to First Friday Artwalks, crowded summer festivals, and attending concerts and theater productions.

Not to say that the arts in our region have come to a full stop. The Museum of Northern Arizona reopened recently on a limited basis, with patrons having to purchase tickets and schedule their visit in advance so the museum can spread out visitors. Masks are required and multiple other measures have been taken to prevent COVID-19 spread.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y receives capacity building grant from Vitalyst Health Foundation to help CCC&Y promote its impact, mission and vision

CCC&Y has received a capacity building grant from Vitalyst Health Foundation to help CCC&Y to increase its capacity and effectiveness by telling its unique and authentic story.

“The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) is a nonprofit organization that ignited collective action to cultivate, honor and empower resilient, thriving communities,”Vitalyst Health Foundation reported. “The vision of a holistic community where all children of Coconino County are increasingly free from the trauma experience and all have equitable opportunities that build resiliency aligns with the mission of Vitalyst in Access to Care and coordinated systems of care and Social & Cultural Cohesion and support services for mental health needs.” 

Read more

Sedona Arts Center — Submit Your Work for Consideration

ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS
Join Our Fine Art Gallery!

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. In addition, membership to the Sedona Arts Center provides an additional 10% off all gallery purchases as well as other benefits.

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

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

CCC students learn to fight wildfires

Dressed in yellow, green and tan, they form a line and work up the hill. Hot sun beats down on them while they heft Pulaskis and fire rakes. Their work kicks up dust as they make a fire line up the hillside.

“Keep it moving,” yells out one of the students.

Making a fire line was one of several exercises that 19 students in Coconino Community College’s Wildland Firefighter class participated in this summer. The week-long class gets students certified to help them get an entry-level job in wildland fire suppression. The next class at CCC begins Sept. 15.

Museum Flood Preparedness & Mitigation Guide is Available in Spanish

The Museum Flood Preparedness & Mitigation Guide is now available in Spanish on the Museum Flood area web page at www.coconino.az.gov/MuseumFire/FloodArea web page or directly via www.coconino.az.gov/GuiaDeInundaciones2020.

The Guide offers flood preparation guidelines and resources to help keep you and your family aware, informed and safe during monsoon season. In addition, the Guide has information regarding emergency notification, sandbag maintenance preparation, what to do after a flood and flood preparation activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff.

Coconino Community College — The Comet

We take the word “community” seriously. It’s a part of our name, and being involved in communities across Coconino County is integral to our philosophy as a college.

That’s why those of us at the college were so excited when nearly 60 people and agencies from all over the county took the time to expertly craft and submit floats to the virtual Coconino County Community Shoebox Parade hosted by CCC. For a list of the winning floats and to get a look at the parade, see the story below.

As this pandemic unfolds around us, many people shared with me that they found it comforting to enjoy the creativity and the passion displayed in the shoebox parade, and my hope is that others did as well.

CCC offers Remote Delivery courses this fall

In the interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the wider community, Coconino Community College has made the difficult decision to limit in-person contact for the fall semester.

We are excited to provide options designed to give a quality learning experience. The College will offer Remote Delivery courses, with only a few exceptions for in-person interaction. Students will have a choice among Videoconferencing (Zoom only), Online and Hybrid (Canvas/Zoom, plus in-person labs). The good news is that every method of delivery will include regular and meaningful interaction with faculty, but it will be through different means.

Fire Science students master lifesaving tools at CCC

Coconino Community College student Krista Kramer first thought about being a firefighter when she was 13 years old.

“I liked how you’re doing something different every day,” Kramer said. “And I like helping people.”

Kramer was one of a full roster of students who spent the day earlier this summer getting needed training on the use of “extrication tools,” or tools used to help remove victims from damaged vehicles at accident scenes.

“I’m trying to get all my cert(ification)s, so I can get hired on at a station,” Kramer said, adding that in addition to Firefighter 1 and 2, she is also seeking at CCC certifications in Hazardous Materials, Emergency Medical Technician and Wildland Firefighter.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Announcing the Mask Responsibly Art Contest!

The Flagstaff Arts Council is excited to announce the Please Stay, Play Distance & Mask Responsibly Art Contest in collaboration with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. This contest promotes creativity while social distancing, reflection on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and drives awareness of important public health guidelines. 

CCC begins new Cybersecurity program this fall

Cyberstalking. Denial-of-service attacks. Fraud. Malware. Industrial Espionage.

Every day, the news is filled with reports of computer hackers finding their way into databases to steal sensitive information. 

Companies – and people – now more than ever, need skilled, well-trained Information Technology Services staff to keep personal, sensitive data safe from cybercriminals. It’s a rapidly growing field. At Coconino Community College, the new Cybersecurity program is scheduled to begin this fall.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Pepsi presents: Kid’s Virtual Summer Camp

Join us for the Nackard Pepsi presents: Kid’s Virtual Summer Camp every Monday at 6:30pm through August 10. The camp will stream from The Orpheum Theater’s YouTube channel and features seven local organizations including Little Music Makers of Flagstaff, Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), Momentum Aerial, Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, Lowell Observatory, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, and The Arboretum of Flagstaff. With content for all ages, the camp will take viewers on virtual tours of The Force is With Our People exhibit at MNA, the mushroom garden of The Arboretum, and the night sky through a telescope at Lowell Observatory. Kids will learn how to sing traditional African songs, write a haiku, juggle, and even build their own at-home worm composting bin.

Register for camp sessions here by clicking the ‘FREE’ button to have the stream link and downloadable activity materials delivered to your inbox:

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Special Edition: Mayoral Questionnaire

Dear Friends,
 
Election season has begun! On the ballot for the August 4th primary are three candidates for Mayor. 
 
Because we could not hold our usual Candidate Forum, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future asked candidates for written responses to 12 questions. 
 
Find out what the candidates have to say about development, spending priorities, cost of living, climate action, policing, and responding to the challenges of Covid-19!
 

Flagstaff Arts Council — $68,350 in Relief Funding Awarded to 22 Flagstaff Nonprofits

Twenty-two Flagstaff nonprofits were awarded a total of $68,350 through the COVID-19 Art & Science Nonprofit Relief Fund. The fund was initially established on March 18, 2020, shortly after the pandemic took hold.

15 grantees received awards in an earlier round, announced April 30, 2020. Each first-round recipient received additional funding in the 2nd round. This round, seven additional organizations received awards. New grants range from $750 to $7,500 each. Total combined awards for both rounds range from $1,000 to $7,500 each.

ECONA — What Does ‘Back to School’ Look Like?

It’s been an interesting week for educators nationwide as they look for the safest ways to implement back to school plans for their students.

That planning has been complicated by a daily tug-of-war between the White House administration, which is pushing for “fully” opened schools, and local health and education officials who are mostly pursuing hybrid plans that blend in-person with remote or digital learning. 

CCHHS offering COVID Aware Enhanced Food Handler’s Certification

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) have partnered to create a new COVID Aware Enhanced Food Handler’s Certification for the local food-service industry.

The CCHHS Enhanced Food Handler’s Certification represents the most current health guidance directly related to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in a food-service establishment.

Early Voting For State Primary Election Has Begun

Early voting for the August 4, 2020 Primary Election started Wednesday, July 8.  The Coconino County Elections office mailed out over 44,600 early ballots to voters on the permanent early voting list (PEVL) and those who have requested a single election early ballot for the Primary Election.    

Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen urges all Coconino County registered voters to request an early ballot be mailed to them, or to vote early in person at one of the early voting locations.

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

‌ ‌ ‌ July 9-15, 2020 This Week’s Virtual Highlights 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…

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s Webinar Part B Historical Trauma now available

CCC&Y’s Webinar Part B Historical Trauma now available by clicking here.

In Part B, culturalist and historic trauma specialist Iya Affo takes us deeper into the impact historical trauma has on so many of our community members. A topic that is not always openly discussed and well understood in mainstream society, historic trauma is often not considered when designing helping programs, systems or overall prevention programming and worse when placing judgements against groups of people. 

Sedona Arts Center — Vince Fazio to leave Sedona Arts Center

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces the departure of Vince Fazio as Executive Director of the Sedona Arts Center. We have been fortunate to have a leader with passion, creative vision and strong business acumen to be at the helm of our organization the past three years. Under his leadership we have experienced growth across the full spectrum of the Arts Center’s many dimensions, including the Fine Art Gallery, School and Special Events. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Parks and Recreation Opens Registration for Summer Camps

Coconino County Parks & Recreation is now accepting registrations for the Outdoor Adventure Summer Day Camp. Activities for this year’s camp include archery, group games, hiking, arts and crafts, and a field trip to Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course.
Due to COVID-19, staff made some changes to camp this year, including:
· Camp will operate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
· Camp will not operate with fewer than 10 participants and no more than 15.
· There will be fewer field trips this year, with most activities occurring at Fort Tuthill
County Park.
Check out CocoRec for a complete list of camp COVID-19 policies and to register by July 10

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future: Communications Issue #3 — Correction

We are adding two small corrections to the links for the Southside Plan and related public hearings.

Southside Plan

After several years of community participation, the Southside Community Plan, which will define how the Southside will develop for years to come, is almost ready for adoption. Go to www.flagstaff.az.gov/southsideplan [updated] to read. 

To participate in the public forum, please visit: 
https://www.opentownhall.com/9105

Museum of Northern Arizona — Museum exhibits reopen

This is a year of constantly evolving changes for all of us, including MNA. After months trying to reimagine the annual summer festivals celebrating Indigenous arts and culture in a way that they could safely continue, we have determined that we must cancel the festivals completely. We make this decision with heavy hearts, recognizing that these festivals are important to the community, and particularly to the artists. We initially hoped that we would be able to reschedule the festivals to a single larger event in September. We now know that it is unlikely we can hold a large gathering in September, even if it was going to be outdoors and dispersed. Sad as we are to make this decision, we will now turn our energy to finding other ways to help the Native artists market themselves and to allow our members to support the Native populations.

NAU News — Ecological Restoration Institute at NAU announces Andrew Sánchez Meador as new executive director

Sánchez Meador, currently a professor in the School of Forestry, is a trusted expert among ecologists, scientists and land managers for his high-impact research in forestry and ecological restoration and innovative approach to science delivery and communication.

[ECONA] COVID-19 Bulletin #10: Hitting the ‘Rewind’ Button

It’s been more than a month since our last bulletin on how coronavirus is affecting the regional economic landscape. Since that time, we’ve gone from cautious reopening to reversals as COVID-19 cases spiked in Arizona. Here’s the latest:

#1. Governor Doug Ducey hits the ‘rewind’ button on reopening with select business closures until at least July 27. Back in early May, the governor accelerated the state’s reopening, citing positive trends in coronavirus infection rates. By mid-May, the statewide stay-at-home order expired and within days of that, cases of COVID-19 began to spike.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y to become a historical trauma certified agency

CCC&Y has agreed to partner with Heal Historical Trauma to become a historical trauma certified agency, which will include providing training to the non-profit organization during a full day level-one certification program.

“The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is one of few organizations ready to declare their commitment to serving communities of color with such vigor and determination. It is with extreme pride and excitement that I welcome our partnership as we work as one to create a world filled with love and equity that honors diversity and embraces all colors, shades, races, ethnicities, levels of ability and gender fluidity,” said Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historic Trauma.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Calls on All to Wear Face Coverings

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Independence Day
Coconino County Calls on All to Wear Face Coverings
Coconino County Emergency Fire Ban includes fireworks
DDD Virtual Town Hall Meeting
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
New COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

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

Board of Supervisors adopts 2021 County budget

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2021 budget during its public meeting on June 23. The budget, effective July 1, focuses on service delivery and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and responsible financial planning in light of declining revenue.    

“The Board of Supervisors spent considerable time over this year weighing priorities and deliberating this year’s budget,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Coconino County is financially strained from a dramatic loss in state and local sales tax as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County has demonstrated great fiscal responsibility in this budget to meet the service needs of our community during these challenging times.”  

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Resilient Arizona Crisis Counseling Program to Provide Free, Confidential Support and Resources for Arizona Residents Impacted by COVID-19

New Bilingual Statewide Program Accessible via 2-1-1 Arizona
In partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and made possible by Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant funding, Crisis Response Network (CRN) announces that the new Resilient Arizona Crisis Counseling Program was launched on June 22, 2020, to provide 100% free and confidential support and connections to resources for Arizona residents impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Accessible via CRN’s existing 2-1-1 statewide information and referral phone number, the Resilient Arizona Crisis Counseling Program is a bilingual (English and Spanish), federally-funded program that will connect callers to crisis counseling providers in their area throughout the state of Arizona.

Sedona Arts Center — New Online Offerings!

FREE INTRO NIGHT
Note: The first meeting is an evening orientation talk with Stuart Shils that will be open to the public: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I NOTICE JACK NICHOLSON?
Thursday, July 23, 4:30 – 6:00 pm (Arizona time)

The workshop itself will be three lively mornings exploring the relationship between drawing and observation, examining how close and clarified observation can hone our visually analytical minds, regardless of what it is we are looking at.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — DES Virtual – Expansion of Community Partner Communication

The Director’s Office of Community Engagement (OCE) at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) continues to successfully engage with our community partners throughout our programmatic divisions. In continuing this effort, this event will provide the most recent updates from DES’ Senior Leadership about the success of the Virtual Office model across the agency. It will also provide an opportunity to bring information to our statewide Community Partners regarding DES’ efforts to serve Arizonans in a Virtual Environment, how it is tracking the staff productivity, and the importance of this model. During this virtual session, our Director will be sharing his vision of consistent dialogue and a call to action.

STEM City honors CCC’s Jeff Jones at STEMmy Awards

Virtual reality, 3-D printers, Raspberry Pis and Micro:bits.

His passion is getting people – young and not so young – interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

Jeff Jones, longtime fixture at Coconino Community College, was awarded the honor of STEM Community Leader of the Year by STEM City during the eighth annual Flagstaff STEMmy Awards, which were held virtually on June 17. He was a co-winner of the award with Samantha Gorney from Lowell Observatory.

Sedona Arts Center — Online Learning and Online Gallery OPEN

Magic and Dreams Online Exhibition & Sale
Through June 30, 2020

This year the Sedona Arts Center is celebrating ‘The Year of the Woman’ by creating special exhibitions for women artists like Magic and Dreams a juried exhibition that features the work of women artists in Arizona.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — COVID-19 testing is free and does not require a Doctor’s order

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
New COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
COVID-19 Testing Information
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Awards Child Abuse Prevention Scholarship

Madison Olson, a senior at Williams High School, received a $500 scholarship from the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.  Our Prevention Council created our annual Child Abuse Prevention Essay contest so that Williams High School Seniors could describe what the community can do to help prevent and respond to child abuse and childhood trauma.

Her winning essay focused on bullying, the lasting impact that bullying can have on individuals throughout their lives and prevention options.

Flagstaff Arts Council — Covid Reopening Pledge from the Creative Sector

Flagstaff art, science, faith, education, and culture organizations sign a pledge affirming their commitment to the health and safety of patrons, staff, visitors, and residents during the coronavirus pandemic. The pledge is a result of a taskforce spearheaded by leaders from Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, City of Flagstaff, Kinney Construction Services, and Flagstaff Arts Council. The pledge, an introductory video, and a list of supporting organizations is available here.

Bilingual report — District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Proclamation Requires Face Mask

Coconino County issued a proclamation last evening on June 19 requiring residents and visitors to wear a face covering when not able to physical distance themselves from other persons. The proclamation, effective on Saturday, June 20 at noon, applies to all private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County. The County proclamation does not affect areas within cities or towns in the County or on federal, state or tribal lands.

“Wearing a face covering when around others is one of the single most effective ways to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Coconino County Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Each of us can help to prevent COVID-19 transmission by wearing a face covering when we cannot physically distance from others. Please do your part and model best practices by putting on your face covering when you are out in public and around other people. This is one thing we can do to take care of ourselves and neighbors.”

Flagstaff holds virtual 65th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration. See new video of past celebrations here

FLAGSTAFF — Nearly 100 people attended the Flagstaff’s historic Black Community’s 65th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration on FACEBOOK LIVE! on Saturday, June 20. The event, hosted by Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans, Bernadine Lewis, Khara House, Ricardo Guthrie and Shawn Johnson, was presented by the Coconino County African American Council, in partnership with Flagstaff’s Southside Community Association.

A 20-minute Juneteenth video featuring highlights from past celebrations is available on the Coconino County YouTube page at https://youtu.be/8YMpOcSEjoo

City of Flagstaff announces new face covering requirements in public

The Flagstaff City Mayor, Coral Evans has updated the Emergency Proclamation issued March 16 to include the requirement to wear face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This proclamation is effective starting June 20, 2020 at 8 p.m. and will continue until further notice, unless repealed or revised by the Mayor or authority is preempted by the Governor of the State of Arizona under paragraph 7 of his Executive Order 2020-40.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Happy Juneteenth!

Join in a virtual Juneteenth 2020 Celebration on Saturday, June 20th at 2pm hosted by the Southside Community Association and the Coconino County African-American Advisory Council. We may be physical distanced, but we are connected for equality, liberty and justice for all!

To learn more about this important holiday, click the video below.

Nine-week Internet-based Summer ’20 BBE business plan training (Session 2) to be held Aug. 4 through Sept. 29

Since 2007 Coconino County has been assisting eligible county residents with itsBasic Business Empowerment (BBE) training (www.coconino.az.gov/bbe) and Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grants (www.coconino.az.gov/ida) opportunity. The 9-week, summer 2020 BBE training (session 2) is scheduled to be held 6-9pm, Tuesdays, Aug. 4th through Sept. 29thonly online via a 9-week Zoom Web-based video conferencing format. Coconino County currently contracts facilitation for its BBE training from the Coconino Small Business Development Center which provides additional resources for our BBE participants.

United Way of Northern Arizona — The ‘Land of Inopportunity’

A recent report from Save the Children further proves how location can profoundly affect a child’s prospects in this country, and why it is vital that we continue to Step Up for Our Youth in northern Arizona.

The report, called “The Land of Inopportunity,” is a part of the nonprofit’s annual evaluation of how children are faring around the globe. This year, however, Save the Children added a powerful tool that allows regions to see how they measure up – an online interactive map ranking U.S. counties by how well they prioritized and protect children.

The ranking is determined by four factors that “end” childhood: poor education, malnutrition, teenage pregnancy and early death due to ill health, accident, murder or suicide.

NAU News — With prestigious NSF fellowship, NAU grad student tackling the question of life on Mars by way of Antarctica

Doctoral student Schuyler Borges is leading a project studying hot springs structures in Antarctica, comparable to features on Mars, that may be evidence for life on the Red Planet since microorganisms facilitate the production of similar hot spring structures on Earth.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — ADEQ Air Quality Meteorologists Launch First State Wildfire Smoke Forecast in the Nation

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today a new wildfire smoke forecast — the first state wildfire smoke forecast of its kind in the country — to provide Arizona communities with early and ongoing information about potential air quality impacts so they can make informed decisions for their health.

Designed to support, and in cooperation with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) wildfire air resource advisors and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (AZDFFM) staff, ADEQ’s air quality meteorologists will provide a wildfire smoke forecast when Arizona wildfires have the potential for extended air quality impacts to communities as determined in coordination with federal and state land managers.

Sedona Arts Center — Studio Tour with Stuart Shils Friday, June 19, 2020

Join us on Facebook Friday, June 19th at 4:00pm for a free Studio Tour with Stuart Shils. He’ll be interviewed by Chuck Spence, Vice President of our Board of Directors. We will be looking at how Stuart’s work has evolved from the past into the present and discussing the unique content that he brings to his popular workshops. Stuart will be teaching a virtual workshop “Re-framing the Ordinary” July 17th and 18th. (see below under Online Classes)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents free web resource — ‘Mindfulness for Professionals and Parents’

CCC&Y has created Mindfulness for Professionals and Parents, an hour-long free webinar that highlights the importance mindfulness holds for both individuals and for those we are working with. Participants said:

“I felt better immediately at the beginning of the training!”

“Mindfulness is an important part of daily operations! We need to remember to take time for ourselves. I love the acronyms and will share with my NAU students!!!!”

“I found the training to be very relevant at this time in our lives.”

CCC&Y has multiple reasons for focusing on mindfulness as a strategy in our community.  We know the benefits it has for overall mental and physical health.  We know that it is a useful strategy to help with both substance abuse prevention and child abuse prevention.  Further, as Ruth King notes,

“When we are unconscious of how we affect each other, we are more likely to cause harm.  However, when nonharming is at the forefront of our awareness, it becomes an anchor, a way of reminding us, moment to moment, to pay attention- to live mindfully.”

In an effort to address how we treat each other and ourselves we invite you to explore more on this topic.  Let’s all work toward healing together!

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

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