
Heartwarming Christmas story. Fri & Sun. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m.

Holiday COVID Reminders
This time last year, we saw a spike in COVID cases. As a reminder, please continue to follow these tips from the CDC and all NPS guidance both inside and outside the park so that we can minimize the spread of COVID-19 this holiday season.
Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings.
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
If you are sick or have symptoms, do not host or attend a gathering.
Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

One of our favorite NAU Thanksgiving traditions is winning a national cross-country championship … but we’ll get to that in a minute. 😉 For the rest of us, it means cutting down a Christmas tree, spending days putting together a puzzle, drinking at a local dive bar, crafting with kids, creating a tablecloth full of memories, celebrating Native American heritage and more. Here’s how our Lumberjacks spend the holiday.

Museums are places of connection. They connect us to the past, to place, to culture, and to each other. The Museum of Northern Arizona has provided connections – between art and science, land and culture, people and places, and much more – for 93 years. Although the past 20 months have been the most challenging of MNA’s long history, with your generous support, we have continued to provide connections to our community and beyond. If you believe, as I do, that these connections are vital as we continue to face the challenges of the pandemic, I would be honored if you would support MNA with a year-end gift.
As a way of giving back to the community, we will be offering free entry to the museum during the annual Winter Market on December 11 and 12. I hope you will take the opportunity to visit and connect with us. We have missed you throughout the pandemic!

COCONINO COUNTY —
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has created a series of no cost webinars for professionals, parents and youth, to provide them skills that are needed now more than ever.
Self-Healing Communities with Kevin Campbell 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.
“This presentation is outstanding- thank you!” “Thank you for the space and conversation….this was excellent!”
We’ve also created Igniting Collective Action: Moving Beyond ACEs, an hour-long webinar that explores the roadmap to creating change at the community and system level by using the findings of both leadership research and today’s thought leaders. One participant said:
“This training was truly amazing and can be used no matter your walk in life … I hope that everyone and anyone takes advantage of this presentation. It really can make a difference.”

In This Issue
11 November 2021
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
U.S. Forest Service Chief Visits Coconino County
Four Forest Restoration Initiative Investment
Western Interstate Region Annual Conference
Coconino County Redistricting Process
State Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Process
Meeting with NAU President Cruz Rivera
Ft. Tuthill Restroom Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Stuff the Bus
FDA Approved COVID-19 Boosters
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines
COVID Information Line and Testing Site
Contact Us

Honoring Our Veterans
On Veterans Day, we take a moment to salute the men and women who serve, and have served in our nation’s military. Many people have repeated Colonel Walter Hitchcock’s famous words, ‘Freedom is not free’ because it succinctly captures the essence of military service.
We want to express our great appreciation for every GRCA employee and resident who has served in the armed forces. We especially want to thank all of those who sacrificed and shared in the sacrifices of military service members. The nation owes a debt of gratitude for service members and their families and their sacrifices.
Thank you, Veterans!

Visit the CCC Foundation booth for festive holiday gifts at the St. Mary’s/San Francisco de Asis Annual Christmas Bazaar.
CCC Scarves for Scholarships is a fundraiser in support of Nursing Student Scholarships at CCC.
Why not stay warm and cozy this year while helping to support a good cause all at the same time?
This in-person, family-friendly event will feature crafters and venders from Flagstaff and the surrounding area. There will be a lot of home-made gifts, arts and crafts, pre-packaged baked goods and food items for sale.
There will also be a raffle with lots of really great prizes.
Open to the public – $0.50 per person entrance fee.

LAST CALL!!!
Our studio will be closed from December 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022. This is the last call for calendar orders if you want them delivered in time for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, Winter Solstice, Human Solidarity Day, and/or whatever day you celebrate/commemorate. For more details click on the image to your right!

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaims November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month.
At its November 2 meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month. As part of the Proclamation, Supervisors recognized Arizona’s 22 tribal nations and their cultures, also specifically recognizing the six tribal nations in Coconino County. The Board also showed special recognition to their two colleagues, Supervisor Judy Begay and Vice Chair Lena Fowler, who belong to the Navajo Nation and currently serve on the Board.

And the Winners are…
17th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival
Festival Award Winners
Judge: Michele Usibelli
Best of Show: Gretchen Lopez
First place: Peggy Immel
Second place: Ellie Wilson
Third place: Manon Sander
Artists Choice: Margaret Larlham
Collectors Choice: Michelle Held
Honorable Mention: Bill Cramer, Margaret Larlham, James McGrew, Kari Ganoung Ruiz, Hadley Rampton, Krystal Brown

October is a month steeped in the celebration of our ancestral traditions. From closing out Hispanic Heritage Month, to the beginning of Día de Los Muertos, it is a time to reflect on the legacy we carry, and the antepasados that started it all. Some questions to consider exploring as a family to honor this special time could include:
What legacy would we like to see our family continue?
What traditions remind us of our time spent with family?
To learn more about Día de Los Muertos, make sure to visit our blog, where our Communications Coordinator, Amy Dominguez wrote about how her family has celebrated Día de Los Muertos.

Every November, the NACC joins with the Office of Indigenous Student Success to celebrate Native American Heritage Month alongside Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nation and Aboriginal students who have found a new home at NAU. Located near the Navajo and Hopi reservations, NAU offers a variety of events to help students, staff and faculty celebrate and foster awareness of Indigenous cultures and contributions during the month of November and throughout the year.

Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. 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. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities

Celebraciones de la Gente, the annual Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebration, returned to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 23-24 with an appreciative crowd who strolled around the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard to view family ofrendas / altars, view workshops on creating ofrendas, a presentation honoring the more than 400 people who died due to COVID-19 in Coconino County, dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff and music by Mariachi Tradición de México from Tucson and Los Alambrados Flagstaff.
The 18th annual event, which was hosted by the Museum of Northern Arizona, in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, was presented virtually in 2020 due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton in the West
Oct. 30, 1 pm
Attend in person at MNA, or watch on Facebook
Alan Peterson, MNA’s Fine Art Curator, will discuss Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton’s early life and education in Philadelphia, her first trips to the West as a young artist, how she met Harold Colton, their honeymoon trip, and their subsequent trips to Flagstaff before moving here in 1926.

Friday, October 29
Awards Night and Party! 5-8pm
Held at Sedona Arts Center’s Special Exhibition Gallery and Theatre Studio in the Historic Art Barn. Fine wine, fine hors d’oeuvres and fine art. This is the big event! Artist’s awards are presented throughout the evening recognizing the best work created during the week including Best of Show and merit awards by Festival Judge Michele Usibelli, Artist’s Choice Award, Collectors Choice by ballot and Sedona Arts Center Awards.

On Monday, November 1, Coconino County Health and Human services will be holding two COVID-19 and flu vaccine events in the community. Similar to previous events, no registration is required ahead of time.
Tusayan (behind the IMAX Theater) from 12:00 p.m.-2 p.m. (flyer here)
Grand Canyon Recreation Center Ramada from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (full flyer here)

Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! Sedona is a sublime and stunningly beautiful environment steeped in art history. Sedona Arts Center dates back 63 years to the founding of Sedona’s identity as an ‘art colony.’ Our community’s iconic and wonderfully creative event—Sedona Plein Air Festival—is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 23 through 30!

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates the in-person return of Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead when the 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente is presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24.
Celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.
In partnership with Flagstaff’s Nuestras Raíces, the museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard will be transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arrange ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be honored during the game
Northern Arizona University is excited to celebrate its Hispanic Heritage Game as Lumberjack Football takes on Southern Utah.
When: October 16th, 2021
Game Time: 1 P.M.
Where: Walkup Skydome
During the game, NAU will honor the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) for its 20 years of service to the local community. Stop by the CHAC tent for more information on the organization during the tailgate party from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

As Coconino County Diversity Team continue to celebrate, learn, share, and create awareness during Hispanic Heritage Month, welcome to Week 4!! Please share with your departments, social media networks, family, and friends as we come together to Engage, Celebrate, Reflect, Embrace, our Cultural Differences while Empowering each other.
Events include: CHAC NAU Tailgate Event, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.

As Coconino County Diversity Team continue to celebrate, learn, share, and create awareness during Hispanic Heritage Month, welcome to Week 4!! Please share with your departments, social media networks, family, and friends as we come together to Engage, Celebrate, Reflect, Embrace, our Cultural Differences while Empowering each other.
Events include: “Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos” at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 and “Story Time” at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9.

Indigenous People’s Day, October 11
This year we recognize Indigenous People’s Day on Monday, October 11. At Grand Canyon, park leadership continues to work on the Indian Affairs Strategy with positive feedback coming to us from our NPS colleagues in the Intermountain Region and Washington. The draft strategy is gaining traction to the point where the work we are doing may be shared at the Tribal Nations Summit being planned for the White House in November.
There will be virtual events held in recognition of Indigenous People’s day across the nation, and the city of Flagstaff is hosting an event on Monday, October 11 through a virtual platform. The event, titled Honoring the Four Sacred Elements of Life: Mother Earth, Father Sky, Grandparents Water and Fire, will be available on-line from 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration can be made in advance for this event is free and can be made by following this link. NPS Fire Archaeologist, Jason Nez, will be speaking at this event about Diné cultural relationships to Fire between 3:15-4:30 p.m.

After celebrating virtually last year, the NAU community is invited to come together in person to celebrate the university’s 122 years of academic excellence and show off their Lumberjack pride during this year’s Homecoming week beginning Monday, Oct. 11. Events include Make it Monday, Traditions Day pep rally, bonfire and chili cook-off, a carnival sponsored by ASNAU, the Homecoming Parade and more.

Celebrate Sedona was specifically designed for the Arts Center be more connected locally. We are so excited about bringing more people to our campus – those who would not typically attend one or our events, classes or programs. We want to introduce what we do to our entire community in a casual, engaging way that is all about fun. So local musicians, food, wine and beer, artist demos, and more, will be available. Some of our events will be themed to whatever is going on in the community, our programming, or tied to an upcoming holiday. This event is free and open to everyone – so please come take a look. We would love to have you!

Fabric and stitches. Rough and soft surface. Colors, seen, from muted to vivid – yellow, blue, red, purple and green.
With titles like “Battlefield” and “Suffragist,” the work punches the gut as reminder of women’s experiences. It is beautiful, it is useful, and it is art.
Flagstaff artist Darcy Falk is featured in the Fall Exhibit at the Comet Gallery at Coconino Community College. Her textile art brings to bear a medium of expression that is typically associated with the functional – like clothes or quilts.
But these are not traditional quilts.
“Textiles are really just the medium, but that doesn’t define the work,” Falk said. “It’s like painting, or working with clay. You can make it what you want.”

It’s officially time for one of Flagstaff’s favorite events; the Flagstaff Oktoberfest!
After having to cancel in 2020, The Flagstaff Oktoberfest, will celebrate 12 years on Saturday October 2nd in Wheeler Park, in Downtown Flagstaff.
But the fun doesn’t end with music, food and drinks. As always, we will have all our favorite contests during this event, such as the Hops on Birch Men’s and Women’s Beer Stein Holding Contest, The Frozen T-Shirt Contest, The Vienna Beef Weiner Man Race and Satchmo’s BBQ Brat Eating Contest!

This Saturday, September 25 will mark the 26th annual Condor Release at the Vermilion Cliffs as part of National Public Lands Day.
Due to high Covid-19 transmission levels in counties surrounding the condor release site, and to help prevent further spread of the virus, partners hosting the event are strongly encouraging the public to attend the live stream event online. In 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team took the celebration online with more than 10,000 viewers of the event. Because of that success, the event will be live streamed again this year.
The programming for the live virtual event will begin at 10:30 am (Arizona time). The release pen will be open at 11 a.m. (Arizona time).
The virtual event can be viewed here on the Peregrine Fund’s YouTube Channel.

The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will host 18th annual “Fiesta de Independencia” from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 at the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños, 2532 E. 7th Ave., Flagstaff.
FREE EVENT! Featuring live music from Los Alambrados, Alena Chavez, and DJ Classik! There will be a piñata for the kids. Come and celebrate Independence! There will be food for purchase at the event.
The Mexican Consulate of Phoenix, AZ will perform the historic “El Grito” at 4:30 p.m.
People who have not been vaccinated are asked to wear masks. Masking in general is encouraged and supported. Social distancing encouraged. Please bring your own chair!

You’ve likely seen them soaring high above canyons and perching in tall pine trees, and now, majestic birds of prey like the Harris Hawk, American Kestrel and Ferruginous Hawk will share Wheeler Park with families as the International Raptor and Falcon Center introduces learners of all ages to these predators of the sky.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18, Science in the Park will feature live animals, microscopic organisms and prehistoric cultures.
Join us at Wheeler Park!
Build a Puebloan wall, create pictographs, play catch with a robot and safely view the sun!
Explore life-saving medical devices with innovators and engineers under the W. L. Gore & Associates tents and maybe even be a heart surgeon for the day!
And, don’t miss the talented athletes from Momentum Aerial as they leap and spin above the ground! Watch these artists demonstrate the laws of physics that keep them up in the air and their audiences on their toes!

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and contributions of Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a monthlong celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day marking the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence September 16 and September 18, respectively.

On September 9, President Biden issued new Federal COVID vaccine guidance by Executive Order. While we don’t yet know the specifics of implementation, we do know that all federal employees, contractors and partners will be required to be vaccinated. According to the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, “Federal Executive Branch employees must be fully vaccinated, except in limited circumstances where an employee is legally entitled to a reasonable accommodation. Agencies must work expeditiously so that their employees are fully vaccinated as quickly as possible and by no later than November 22, 2021.” The full document can be viewed here.
The purpose of this and related orders are to protect the American public, since COVID-19 continues to be spread in the US primarily by unvaccinated people, and because unfortunately, not enough people have been vaccinated to generate herd immunity to prevent the virus from mutating into new and more dangerous variants such as the Delta variant.
Specific guidance will be coming out soon on implementation of the vaccination requirement.

It’s officially time for one of Flagstaff’s favorite events; the Flagstaff Oktoberfest!
After having to cancel in 2020, The Flagstaff Oktoberfest, will celebrate 12 years on Saturday October 2nd in Wheeler Park, in Downtown Flagstaff.
But the fun doesn’t end with music, food and drinks. As always, we will have all our favorite contests during this event, such as the Hops on Birch Men’s and Women’s Beer Stein Holding Contest, The Frozen T-Shirt Contest, The Vienna Beef Weiner Man Race and Satchmo’s BBQ Brat Eating Contest!

CCC&Y will present “The Science of Childhood Trauma and Why We Should Care” at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at the 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a large and costly impact on society. Fortunately, with all that we know about trauma and resilience, including the 50-year longitudinal study in Kuai and the groundbreaking ACEs study, we know there is much we can all do. Community awareness and knowledge are important to begin healing.
Join us for this Flagstaff Festival of Science event Sponsored by the Coalition for Children & Youth.
Trainer: Virginia Watahomigie, M.ADM Executive Director of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

Flagstaff Festival of Science
Friday 17 Plein Air Demonstration at Buffalo Park. 4 p.m.; free.
Friday 17 Stories in Stone with Dr Awe, Ardrey Auditorium. 7 p.m.; free.
Saturday 18 Plein Air Demonstration at Wheeler Park. 10 a.m.; free.
Saturday 18 Snook’s Science in the Park, Wheeler Park. 10 a.m.; free.
Sunday 19 Cultural Cooking Workshop. 1 p.m.; free.
Sunday 19 The State of the Climate. Virtual event. 3 p.m.; free.
Monday-Wednesday 20-22 Bedtime Stories. Virtual event. 7 p.m.; free.
Tuesday 21 Cloud Walk in Buffalo Park. 2 p.m.; free.
Tuesday 21 Intersectional Struggles and Maya Identity Among Western Honduras Indigenous Communities. 5 p.m.; free.
Learn More

The Coconino County Diversity Team, Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and partners recognize Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of programs designed to educate, share and create awareness.
Please join us, and share with your departments, social media networks, family and friends, as we come together to Engage, Celebrate, Reflect,Embrace, our Cultural Differences while Empowering each other.

FLAGSTAFF — From “En Plein Air in Flagstaff’s Open Spaces: Stories in Stone,” at Buffalo Park on Sept. 17, to the return of the “Science in the Park” on Sept. 18 and the “Flagstaff Star Party” at Buffalo Park on Sept. 30, the 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 17-26) provides families with a variety of events to choose from.
Click here to view the entire 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science Passport schedule.
The festival kicks off with the 2021 Keynote presentation — “When Stones Speak: Decoding the Messages Embedded in Ancient Maya Monuments” with Dr. Jaime Awe at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Doors open at 6 p.m.
During the presentation, Dr. Awe will illuminate the Maya culture for audiences at Ardrey Auditorium, Northern Arizona University.
Full program of events to include Science in the Park, presentations, workshops, guided tours all taking place Sept. 17-26. With many programs led by outstanding Flagstaff scientists, Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to learn about other ancient cultures in this year’s archeological-themed festival.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored the region’s Hispanic roots by celebrating the return of the sixth annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church south of downtown Flagstaff
The free event drew a record crowd, according to event organizers, with the entertainment stage featuring Mariachi Herencia de Cuco Del Cid and Nueva Vibra, both from Tucson, Ballet Folklorico de Colores and Alena Chavez from Flagstaff.

It’s safe to assume American politics has played a significant role in the COVID-19 pandemic, and different ideas about contagion, health behaviors and the actions of governing bodies impacted the spread of the virus and its subsequent effect on our lives. This, of course, was just a theory—until now.
Lisa Hardy, associate professor in NAU’s Department of Anthropology and director of the Social Science Community Engagement Lab, is the lead author on a study that looked at sociocultural responses to the virus and identified differences and similarities in anxiety, fear, blame and perceptions of the country across political divides.