Category: Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb .27-March 3, 2023

Grand Canyon National Park experienced its eighth busiest year ever in 2022 with 4,732,101 visits. Last year’s visitation was more than 200,000 above the previous year at a 4.5% increase. Grand Canyon also went from the fourth most visited national park to the second most visited. (#1-Great Smoky Mountains National Park).  

Visitation to Grand Canyon reached its highest level ever with approximately 6.4 million visits in 2018. Although 2022’s reduced visitation lessens the stress on the park’s resources, park operations still rely on the revenue from all income sources. Fewer visitors translates to reduced revenue for park programs. Federal Lands Recreational Enhancement Funds (aka FLREA), transportation fees, and concession franchise fees are still reduced compared to pre-pandemic years. Funds from these sources support many programs across the park and park managers continue to work on programming costs with these smaller revenue projections in mind for this fiscal year. 

The NAU Review — DART=success!, Hip Hop National Champions, expanding nursing and celebrating Women’s History Month

Remember DART, NASA’s attempt to redirect an asteroid? Results are in. It worked.
After ramming a spacecraft into a small asteroid last fall, researchers knew almost immediately that the mission had worked—that the impact changed the asteroid’s orbit. A new study authored by Cristina Thomas found that the orbit changed by a whopping 33 minutes, suggesting that the momentum of the ejected material was a significant contributor to the change. The study is published in Nature alongside three other articles detailing findings from this groundbreaking NASA mission.

City of Flagstaff — Temporary suspension of residential trash and recycling collection service

Due to poor road conditions and limited accessibility related to recent snowfall, the City of Flagstaff’s Solid Waste section has temporarily suspended residential trash and recycling collection services for Thursday, March 2. At this time, commercial trash and recycling containers continue to be serviced, where accessible.

The Solid Waste section will attempt to collect trash and recycling from both Thursday and Friday residential customers on Friday; however, some services may be postponed until Saturday. Service may be delayed for the next two to three days.

Residents are asked to wait to place their carts out for service until 6 a.m. the morning of service to allow for more efficient snow clearing operations. Please place residential carts in front of snow piles, on the curb, or at the end of cleared driveways to facilitate access. Carts placed on or behind snow piles will not be serviced due to accessibility issues.

Flood Control District Board Approves Two Essential Funding Sources for County Flood Mitigation

At this week’s special session of the Flood Control District Board of Directors they approved acceptance of two new Federal grants that will enable the District to immediately proceed with the first phase of long-term flood mitigation projects.

The Schultz-Pipeline Flood Area is defined as the neighborhoods downstream of nine major watersheds damaged by the Schultz Wildfire in 2010 and the Pipeline Wildfire this past year. The District, along with several engineering partners, have determined that without extensive on-forest and neighborhood mitigation measures, the risk of life-threatening floods affecting our communities will only increase. 

“The priority of local government is the health and safety of our citizens, and our citizens’ lives and homes were severely impacted this past monsoon season by the nine watersheds compromised by two major wildfires,” said Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman. “We want to thank Senators Kelly and Sinema and former Congressman Tom O’Halleran for their strong support with securing this unprecedented funding. Without it, the District and County would have likely had to cut other services to provide flood mitigation.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — We All Need Someone to Lean On

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y), sees you! We see all the ways you support folks in your neighborhood and our community! You are helping to “bring back the village,” and you’re doing great! 

Let’s face it, life can be challenging, and too often, we are collectively stressed. Stress is normalized. We can acknowledge that some stress is good for us, keeping us thinking and maybe even providing us a boost to take necessary action. However, maintaining health requires that we offer ourselves opportunities to decompress. CCC&Y hopes you gift yourself with time to reconnect with yourself and those closest to you. 

During this winter season, CCC&Y invites you to cozy up with some tea and a warm blanket and take a few mindful moments to recognize and honor your inner self and notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. (“Mindfulness for Parents and Professionals”). If our opportunity for Mindfulness feels supportive to you, we invite you to share it with others. 

Coconino County Parks & Recreation March 2023 Update

Book Corner

Blustery weather makes for the perfect time to curl up with a good book! 50 Things to do in the Urban Wild by Clare Gogerty is a book to get the creative juices flowing by giving you ideas for how to connect to your local area. Although written in the United Kingdom, the book is applicable to people living anywhere, including the diverse landscapes of Coconino County. Topics include how to create a leaf journal, how to identify trees in winter, cloud spotting, city hiking, and restoring natural habitats. Get inspired to enjoy your local trail system, nature, and wildlife. Maybe you can even learn skills that you can enter in the Coconino County Fair, with topics including growing plants and incorporating nature in art!

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Celebrating Education in Northern Arizona

Workforce development is a topic we often turn to when we talk about the critical needs of northern Arizona businesses, but often that discussion focuses on post-secondary education, internships, and job training.

The fact is that creating tomorrow’s workforce goes back much further, starting in elementary, middle, and high school. Which is why we are so happy that there are several upcoming events that celebrate our local educators.

It starts this Thursday with the annual STEMMY Awards being given out by Flagstaff STEM City to honor students, teachers and organizations who are STEM leaders in the greater Flagstaff community. Last year, Audrey Baird of Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy took top honors for STEM educator.

Thursday’s ceremony will be from 6 to 7 pm at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

CCC Community Education announces March Courses: Finance | Survival | Gardening | First Home | Grant Writing | Crochet | Comet Talks

Financial Literacy

Thursday, March 2, 9, 23. (UPDATED)
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn about setting up your household budget, credit, loans, interest rates, mortgages, and saving for your future goals.

Financial Literacy – Learn more and register! (more events)

Bilingual update — Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives you the chance to pay less for your internet

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives you the chance to pay less for your internet:

Up to $30 per month for broadband services purchased by eligible households and up to $75 per month for households located on Tribal lands.
One-time discount of up to $100 on purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if you contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Applications are now available. Only one monthly internet service discount is allowed per household.

United Way of Northern Arizona — UWNA to Coordinate Emergency Volunteers for City of Flagstaff

United Way of Northern Arizona has signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Flagstaff to provide coordination of volunteers during “emergencies, disasters or special events” as determined by City officials.

The agreement is similar to one that UWNA has had with Coconino County since 2010 in the aftermath of the Schultz Fire.

UWNA will use Volunteer Hub as the management website for volunteers for both the City and County. The website includes the Volunteer Service Agreement that volunteers for the City need to complete before engaging in any volunteer work.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 20-24, 2023

Highway 67…plowed?!

Last week, North and South Rim Road Crew staff successfully plowed 30 miles of Highway 67, from Jacob Lake to the North Rim boundary, for administrative use. A team of three including John Venn, Brandon Alberta, and John Root completed the operation over the course of one week.

The primary objective of road clearing was to provide for a diesel fuel supply for the back-up generators on the North Rim. After a series of powerful snow storms this winter that knocked out power service, this backup fuel source is critical to support the staff and continuity of operations. Additional objectives included the ability to provide emergency ingress/egress to and from the North Rim, as well as improving safety for residents by allowing administrative traffic in motor vehicles instead of snowmobiles.

Thank you to the North Rim staff who continue to weather repeated storms and impressive snow removal operations!

The NAU Review — Super Bowl dreams, Garcia Family Honors Scholars Program impact, A Long Christmas Ride Home and Notes from the President

Super Bowl 2023: For these student reporters, it doesn’t get better than this
When sophomore Ava Nichols enrolled at NAU with a dream of becoming a sports reporter, she knew that in addition to the Final Four and annual spring training, Arizona was set to host the Super Bowl. Just the thought of being in the same state as such major sporting events made her that much more excited to move out west. She never expected, however, that she would be one of five NAZ Today students selected to cover Super Bowl Media Week. And if that wasn’t enough, she was also given a game day media pass, giving her field access to cover the game—something most career reporters can only aspire to.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect community with help through variety of resource guides

COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families with local representatives from the Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) program, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and link to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s created Page/Fredonia and Tuba City resource guides and the recently updated Williams Area Community Resource Guide.

Do you have a new or updated resource guide you would like to add to our listing posting? Please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

Warming Station Opens at Sinagua Middle School as Power Outages Continue in Coconino County

With many Arizona Public Service (APS) customers in Coconino County without power due to high winds and downed trees, the American Red Cross has opened a warming station in Flagstaff at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave in Flagstaff.

People needing to utilize the station may bring a bag or backpack of personal items; pets are allowed only with dog kennels or cat carriers, and owners must provide pet food. 

The NAU Review — A winning big idea, collaborating on water research and the President’s Achievement Awards

Innovative ideas, collaboration take center stage at Jacks Big IDEA 

Students from a variety of disciplines recently participated in the third annual Jacks Big IDEA competition, which challenged them to develop innovative solutions to real-world issues like food waste and water scarcity. Teams had three days to develop a prototype, then present it to a panel of judges comprised of NAU experts. The competition helped the students foster creativity, practice problem-solving skills, network and build teamwork and leadership skills. The winning team, SafeCom, developed a prototype for a nearly indestructible phone case that could help rescue workers find people in the aftermath of natural disasters when Wi-Fi and cellular service are down. The team won the grand prize and will compete against schools worldwide for a grand prize of $5,000.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Nationally Recognized Leader Liz Archuleta Chosen as New President & CEO

Liz Archuleta, highly accomplished and nationally recognized leader, and former Coconino County Supervisor who has been serving as a presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture senior leadership team, has been chosen to be the new President & CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA).

“We are thrilled to have such a highly respected and accomplished leader as Liz join us,” said UWNA Board President Mike Kelly. “Her ties to UWNA and commitment to our program of work go back to 1997. During that time, she’s championed many efforts at UWNA. She’s been a Board chair, led an annual campaign and a capital campaign, been the chair of the Summit Society, and spearheaded a special 50th anniversary drive to support the KinderCamp program.”

2023 County Spelling BEE Winner and Runners-up Announced

Cheryl Mango-Paget, County Superintendent of Schools, would like to announce Coconino County’s 2023 Spelling BEE winner is Calliope Hill from Montessori School of Flagstaff.

Calliope was determined the winner upon spelling the word “trilby” correctly after battling through the last few rounds with runner up Ember Evans from Flagstaff Christian School and third place winner, James Janik from Mount Elden Middle School. Congratulations Calliope Hill on winning the 2023 County Spelling Bee! You should be incredibly proud knowing your efforts and skills paid off and contributed to your recent achievement. Calliope Hill received $250 from the Flagstaff Rotary Club and will move on to compete in the State Spelling Bee on March 18, 2023.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 13-17, 2023

Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 17, 18, and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by and meet Zuni fine art painter, Anthony Gchachu. He will discuss how he conceptualizes and executes his paintings.

Watch him work and learn how Zuni culture and art have influenced his unique painting style that uses layered acrylic paints to create texture, depth and movement to generate emotions.

This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy. 

Board of Supervisors Approves Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan

At their February 6, 2023 special session, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan.

In the fall of 2022, the public was able to provide comment on the draft of the Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan, which were factored into the final draft. The plan’s table of contents include the natural environment of the park, cultural resources and history, public use and facilities, and long-range planning. These topics address issues as varied as dark skies, weed control, emergency use, water conservation, preserving open spaces from damage, and preserving historic structures. 

Public Comment Period for Proposed County Fair Fee Changes is now Open

The public is invited to comment on proposed Coconino County Fair admission fee changes until April 11, 2023.

The proposed recommended fees affect admission prices for adults, seniors, and active-duty military/veterans as well as the parking fee. Youth ticket prices would not change for the 2023 Fair but would change in 2024. Attendees ages 5 years and younger will not be affected by this change The Coconino County Board of Supervisors reviewed the fee changes at the regular meeting on February 6, 2023 and approved a 60-day public input process. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides variety of free online training including ‘Thriving Families’

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth provides a variety of free online training programs for parents, caregivers and all community members.

Our free Thriving Families webinar is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to the 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.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library week of 02/13/23

View this email in your browser February 13th, 2023 Connect with your community Announcement Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Book Clubs Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown Library) or…

Bilingual report — Girl Scouts Center Arizona Cactus-Pine presenting its Daisy Launch Summer Box Program

Girl Scouts Center Arizona Cactus-Pine presenting its Daisy Launch Summer Box Program.

Is the girl in your life entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2023?

If so, we know she probably can’t wait to connect with new friends, try new things, and find new adventures. Although Girl Scouts traditionally starts in kindergarten, you and your girl are invited to start early this summer!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 6-10, 2023

Emergency contact information may be crucial in case of a natural disaster and/or weather closure notification/event, or other crisis situations. The Grand Canyon Public Affairs Office in conjunction with Grand Canyon Dispatch are beginning to implement a solution towards the goal of enhancing information-sharing and keeping our NPS staff, partners, and residents connected and informed. 

The Everbridge platform will help us achieve this goal by sending real-time texts, emails, and/or calls. The Department of Interior approved this platform in 2019 and many NPS units already use it for notifications. 

The NAU Review — How NAU brought coding classes to Tuba City, how to Valentine’s Day the Lumberjack way and National Safer Internet Day

‘Something you can use in the real world’

Maliya Peyketewa, a freshman at Greyhills Academy High School in Tuba City, wants to become an app and web developer when she gets older. A virtual after-school coding course offered to STEM students at her school and taught by NAU volunteers is helping her learn one of the computer languages she can use to get there. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — An opportunity to learn more about CCC&Y

COCONINO COUNTY —
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is focused on root causes and systemic solutions, proactively and boldly taking on challenges with an innovative and inclusive mindset.

We do this by bringing together informed and energized community members to solve problems, impact policy and create solutions that allow every person to realize their full potential.

Click here or on image above to see the full video and learn more about us.

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The NAU Review — Celebrating women in science and MLK Day, Jacks on Track and the joy a card can bring

Want to take on the world’s complex, constantly changing problems? Start with making sure all of the world’s population have the opportunity to engage with the science, technology and engineering that is remaking the world. For International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb. 11, The NAU Review talked to some of the many women on our campus who are tackling questions of climate change, ecological diversity, computing, forest health and semiconductors—everything from the tiniest organisms and microchips to the entire universe. 

Coconino County Parks & Recreation February Update

Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards Finalist

We are excited to share that our project is a finalist for the Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards! Our project, Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park: Fostering Hope, Heritage, and Community Centered Environmental Education, honors the environmental education and communication work that Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park and Willow Bend Environmental Center are doing.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library week of 02/06/23

View this email in your browser February 6th, 2023 Connect with your community Announcement Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Book Clubs Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown Library) or…

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman —January 2023 Newsletter

In This Issue

Hello From Supervisor Horstman
2023 Brings New Leadership
Arizona’s Inaugural Celebration
Omnibus Bill, An Early Christmas Present for Coconino County
Proposed Short Term Rentals Ordinance
Coconino National Forest Proposed Fire Restriction Changes
US Forest Service Announces Biden’s 2 Year Wildfire Crisis Strategy
Coconino National Forest Proposal for Outfitter and Guide Services in Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills
Single Mothers in Coconino County Get a Chance at Free Higher Education With CCC
Welcome Aaron Mayville, Coconino National Forest Supervisor
Community Events

February at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Snow transformed the museum campus last month and each day the sculptural spires of ice hanging from the eaves drip, extend, and even bend in the wind. While nature paints the landscape white, within the museum we have art in a full spectrum of colors, from the rich abstract landscapes of Joella Mahoney to Baje Whitethorne’s rainbow-hued skies and cliffs.

Visiting the museum is a warm respite from the cold outside, and I encourage you to visit us to enjoy our galleries and exhibitions. Winter is my favorite time at the museum because the galleries are often quiet and can be experienced at whatever pace a visitor wishes. I love to spend time in front of favorite works of art or displays to really take them in, and sometimes see them from a new perspective.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023

This week, the National Park Service (NPS) released details on 2023 investments that will improve access and facilities across the country, enhance climate and fire resilience, and further connect people with their national parks. 

In the coming years, NPS and federal partners will make investments that will support Grand Canyon’s Shuttle Bus Maintenance Facility, Bus Fleet Replacement and Charging Infrastructure project.

The project aligns with the sustainability and climate change goals of converting the federal fleet to zero emission vehicles. It consists of acquiring 10 new battery electric buses (BEB) and 20 new near-zero emission compressed natural gas buses (CNG) to replace the aging fleet; installing charging infrastructure to support the electric buses, including a solar parking canopy; and replacing an obsolete and undersized vehicle maintenance facility.

The NAU Review — NAU celebrates Black History Month, a $6.4M grant to train nurses and redwood resilience

Do you know how Black history has shaped the history of Flagstaff and NAU? Through events, panel discussions and guest speakers, NAU commemorates the legacy, heritage and brilliance of our Black community. During Black History Month, learn about the significant contributions of Black Americans to our community and the United States and gain a greater understanding of how that legacy continues to evolve and affect Black and African Americans today.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.

The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.

When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.

CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.

Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.

Please visit Membership Options

Make an Online Donation 

Remember, CCC&Y is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status-so your contributions are tax deductible eligible. Please consult your tax professional. 

City of Flagstaff Snow Play Stewards and Snow Heroes to be held on Feb. 2

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office, in partnership with Coconino National Forest and Coconino County, is hosting a Winter Snow Play Clean Up on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the corner of JW Powell Blvd and S. Lone Tree.

Members of the public are invited to help clean up trash, debris, and broken sled pieces from popular snow play areas with the Winter Snow Play Stewards to help keep our community’s play areas safe and clean.

Grand Canyon National Park Announces 2024 Noncommercial River Trip Lottery Period

 The National Park Service on Feb. 1 will begin accepting applications for noncommercial river trip permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park for specific launch dates within calendar year 2024. A total of 459 permits will be available for 12- to 25-day river trips. Eligible individuals may apply online at the weighted lottery website. Applications will be accepted online through noon Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Each year in February, a main lottery is held to assign launch dates for river trips occurring the next year. Public notifications regarding main lotteries are made by both email and news release. In addition to the annual main lottery, follow-up lotteries are held as needed throughout the remainder of the year to reassign canceled and/or unassigned launch dates. Public notifications for these follow-up lotteries are made through email and Twitter.

The NAU Review — What the ancient Maya landscape can tell us, why NAU’s land acknowledgement matters and Peter Friederici answers our questions

Estevan Ramirez, a master’s student in archaeology, has made good use of his time at NAU—multiple research trips to Belize to study Preclassic Maya archaeology, restarting the Student Association of Graduate Anthropologists and gaining a greater understanding of the border crisis. In his final semester, he’s taking on new challenges as he prepares for graduate school and a career in anthropology.
Read the story

City of Flagstaff announces Students invited to participate in climate action challenges

Registration for the City of Flagstaff’s Youth Climate Action Challenge is now open! As part of this year’s event, three unique challenges are open to teams of 4th – 12th graders. Students can participate by implementing a climate action project in their community or by designing wind turbines and solar-powered structures to exhibit their knowledge in renewable energy. The challenges are an opportunity to develop leadership experience and illustrate local climate solutions. Now is the time for students to build their team, register, and demonstrate their leadership in climate action.

United Way of Northern Arizona — NE Arizona Report Lays Groundwork for Strategic Plan

A recently completed United Way of Northern Arizona report on building capacity to help UWNA better address critical needs in Navajo and Apache counties has identified substance abuse/mental health issues, affordable childcare and afterschool programs, and creating a skilled workforce as top priorities for the northeast region.

UWNA retained Phoenix Philanthropy Group to create the report, which was based on interviews with nonprofit leaders, elected officials, economic development directors, healthcare and education professionals, as well as current and past members of the UWNA Board of Directors.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 23-27, 2023

Winter safety tips!

South Entrance Station

We have received multiple reports of park employees and/or residents driving through the south entrance station without stopping. As a reminder, when the bypass lane is closed or inaccessible due to snow, all vehicles are required to come to a full and complete stop when driving through any of the lanes of the entrance station. A failure to stop is not only hazardous but could result in a serious accident to employees who routinely move between booths.

Parking – Safety Concern

Please do not park vehicles on roadways.
Vehicles parked inappropriately compound already hazardous conditions and they impede the plowing of roadways.
Please use designated parking areas.

Discover Flagstaff — Celebrate National Plan for Vacation/Staycation Day on January 31!

Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jan. 26-Feb. 1 This Week’s Highlights Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and…

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options in 2023 to help families, community members

As we enter 2023, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues to connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

The NAU Review — Health care theater, a real-life tooth fairy and what China’s politics mean for the future of our world

Lights, camera, SCALPEL!
When the stage lights and hospital beds meet, greatness happens. Students from NAU’s School of Nursing and the Department of Theatre collaborated to create a simulation lab as part of the Health Care Theater Class, giving students hands-on experience in their respective fields of study.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y fondly remembers the life of founder Florence Mae Karlstrom

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

CCC&Y and community members fondly remember the life of founder Florence Mae Karlstrom who passed away on Jan. 8, 2023 in Amherst, Mass. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 22, 2022.

“Many of us in Flagstaff remember Florence. The community we live in today has roots in her work, founding CCC&Y, serving on the FUSD Board, supporting United Way and the vision of early childhood education and development,” wrote consultant and coach Kerry Blume, former president and CEO of the United Way of Northern Arizona.

“I am so sorry to learn of Florence’s passing. … Florence also championed women’s rights and was instrumental in the budding women in history programs at NAU in the early 1970’s which included a cross department collaboration with Peg Morley and Katherine Nutt. Her commitment for building a better world led to focusing on children and the most vulnerable and resulted in the creation of what is now CCC&Y. She was a strong advocate for early childhood education. I worked on her successful campaign for FUSD school board and her unsuccessful campaign for state senate. A consummate community builder who led with compassion, intellect and kindness. During her 100 years many of us got to experience that warm smile and her grace.  A life well lived. Her memory will always be a blessing,” wrote Coconino County District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman.

“The acknowledgement of all of Florence’s accomplishments in her lifetime is truly amazing. I was never aware of Florence’s beliefs in life. But now being aware of them, they don’t surprise me. If you looked deep you would know that she was always giving of herself in a compassionate, love filled way, no matter what she did. In working with Florence most closely as we worked together on the school board, I found a woman who was strong in her beliefs, not afraid to share them and if necessary challenge others on theirs.  At the same time, her quiet love of all of those she worked with and for came through. There were always those times when she would come to me to be sure all was alright. I knew she truly cared and loved those she worked with, no matter what may be going on. She continually demonstrated her faith of love and hope by the way she lived, whether we were aware of the reason or not.  Children were always a top priority. I now wonder if we were all her children, no matter the age. How proud as a founder of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth she would be today, knowing of their many accomplishments. For us and our children she not only met the challenge of life, but found opportunity for the young and old in all that she did,” wrote Julianne Hartzell, past board president and member of CCC&Y’s Action & Outreach Committee.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 16-20, 2023

Winter storm recap; additional storm system will move through Thursday evening into Friday

Winter weather has yet again hit us hard on the South Rim, and even more so on the North Rim. As of Tuesday, the North Rim has received more than 72 inches of snow for the winter season. As of Thursday morning, State Route 64/Desert View Drive has reopened; Hermit Road remains closed. Please continue to check the Dispatch Roads Line at 928-638-7496 for the latest road conditions and closure updates.

As we continue to dig ourselves out of the accumulated snow, conditions will improve with another fast-moving storm system Thursday evening into Friday, likely bringing another 3-5 inches of additional accumulation.

This amount of snow removal requires all hands-on deck. Please help us acknowledge the continued hard work of NPS and concessionaire road and trail crews as they remove snow from roads, trails, and sidewalks throughout the park. Additionally, our interpretation and visitor and resource protection staff have assisted in snow removal and aiding stranded and unprepared visitors.

Thank you all for your continued efforts; your work has not gone unnoticed!

African Diaspora Advisory Council Accepting Entries for Black History Month Essay and Art Contest

The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is now accepting entries for its Black History Month Essay and Art Contest. 

The contest is open to all elementary through high school students in Coconino County including homeschooled students. Submissions will center around the theme of “Black Examples of Courage and Resilience” and must be received by February 10. 

“We’ve hosted the Black History Month essay contest at least 11 years, and this is our second year with the addition of the art contest,” said ADAC Chair Khara House. “Last year students really seemed to connect with the ability to express themselves in multiple ways, so we look forward to seeing what they bring to the theme. I’m excited to see and read what the students of Coconino County will offer this year.”

Leupp mom seeks career with CCC help

Coconino Community College student Charmayne Yazzie still remembers walking into the Page Center to take her first class in more than a decade after high school.

“At first, I was a little embarrassed,” Yazzie said. “I was worried I wouldn’t do well.”

From Leupp on the Navajo Nation, Yazzie worked two jobs to help support her partner and their three children. She needed for something to change.

So, she enrolled in CCC’s Summer Bridge courses, which were created with the help of a $2.5 million Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution grant from the U.S. Department of Education. As part of the Strengthening Indigenous Student Success program at CCC, funded by the grant, Native American students are eased into the college experience by taking a foundational English 101A course along with a College Success course.

Single mothers in coconino county get a chance at free higher education

Coconino Community College has been selected by the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) as the nonprofit partner to launch the Pathways for Single Moms Program in the state’s northern region.

This program is designed to eliminate barriers to higher education for single moms by giving them the necessary resources to secure livable wages and forge a career path. Taking a holistic approach, the program helps women navigate life’s challenges by supporting the successful completion of a certificate program in growing fields. The tuition-free certificate prepares these women for careers in growing industries that pay a thriving wage, thus confronting the cycle of poverty in their families.

Pathways for Single Moms was launched in 2020 in Southern Arizona, and, due to its success, has expanded to cover central Arizona and now the northern region of the state. Coconino Community College has a goal of supporting 30 to 40 women in the duration of the program. There will be 11 career tracks, determined to pay living wages for mothers to choose from.

The NAU Review — Read the most popular stories of 2022, NAU’s efforts to protect our water and learn how to get over your resolution hump

2022 was a year of missions to space, inspiring stories of achievement despite the odds, game-changing research, creating new ways to help Arizonans go to college and putting a local spin on global issues. Check out The NAU Review’s top 10 most-read stories of last year, plus a few favorites that we just can’t stop thinking about.

Board of Supervisors Designates January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

At the Jan. 10, 2023 special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation to designate January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Coconino County.

According to the US State Department, Arizona is a hub for illicit activity and a transit point for labor and sex trafficking due to our state’s geographic location and network of Interstate freeways. Locally, in the past five years various law enforcement and victim service agencies have encountered over 600 confirmed victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, numerous sting operations during that time have identified almost 500 individuals suspected of attempting to purchase sex with an underage victim.  

“The exploitation of human beings for sex trafficking is a terrible crime and we must raise awareness and educate ourselves on this matter so that we can take action to end this travesty. This is an issue that affects all of our communities,” commented Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman.