Category: Youth

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez September-October Newsletter

Editor’s Note — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and www.AmigosNAZ.com wishes to thank District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vazquez and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors for their support of the 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente, held Oct. 21, 22 at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Attending the closing ceremony, above, was Supervisor Jeronimo Vazquez and family. Your continued support was very much appreciated.The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente was also supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and APS. Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Also — Message from Jeronimo
Board Opens Application Portal to Fill District 3 Supervisor Vacancy when Supervisor Matt Ryan Retires
District 2 Highlights
Coconino County Services and Programs
Community Events & Resources
And more!

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

Rock Your Mocs Week November 12-18

As part of Native American Heritage Month, next week is Rock Your Mocs Week, when Indigenous people across the country show their cultural pride by wearing traditional moccasins.

Moccasins are not always worn in public by Indigenous people. They hold special significance and are most often worn for ceremonies and other cultural events. During Rock Your Mocs Week, the National Park Service encourages Indigenous employees to take pride in their heritage by wearing moccasins. A flyer for this week can be found here.

Grand Canyon National Park is proud to celebrate Native cultures and traditions by helping to share their rich histories and ongoing contributions to our park and our country.

So rock those mocs!

Flagstaff Family Food Center seeking volunteers for ‘Stuff the Bus!’ on Nov. 11-12

We are looking to fill about 45 more volunteer positions for our Stuff The Bus food drive on Saturday and Sunday, November 11th and 12th. If you are interested, click this link to sign up today!

https://hotfood.volunteerhub.com/vv2/…

The shifts we have available are:

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y partners urged to start planning for GivingTuesday (Nov. 28)

COCONINO COUNTY — CCC&Y partners have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and programs throughout Northern Arizona by taking part in the annual GivingTuesday movement on Nov. 28, 2023.

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to support your effort by providing links to your organization and donation pages in our upcoming weekly e-newsletters.

We believe GivingTuesday is a perfect fit for our mission: “We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.”

Individuals and for-profit organizations throughout Northern Arizona are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families in the region and as stated by the founders of GivingTuesday: “Generosity is uplifting, generative, equalizing, and connecting.”

So if you are a member partner of CCC&Y, please send your information, donation links, stories and photos to Frank X. Moraga, outreach coordinator, at frank@coconinokids.org

We would love to include you in our growing list of GivingTuesday participants this year.

The NAU Review — A new microscope, STEM art and November’s Inclusive Insights

A whole new world
Most microscopes, common in labs, are limited to magnifications of about 1,500 times. NAU’s newly acquired transmission electron microscope can easily achieve magnifications of up to two million times, giving students and researchers the ability to study samples like never before, opening up their eyes to a world previously unknown.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Native American Heritage Month, honoring our veterans and predicting the future of water based on the past

Celebrating ancestry, traditions and impact

NAU, which sits on lands sacred to Native American tribes, will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a plethora of culture-oriented events which will run through Nov. 30. Events include Stew Fest, a basketball game against SAGU Indian College, meetings with NAU’s Indigenous elders and more. “We are honored to share about our legacy and ways of being with our communities,” said Ann Marie Chischilly, vice president of Native American Initiatives. 

New Podcast Series Highlights Tribal Connections to Grand Canyon

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – In celebration of Native American Heritage month, Grand Canyon National Park is proud to announce the release of a new podcast series focused on Indigenous perspectives and the people who have called the canyon home since time immemorial. On November 3, 2023, the park released seven episodes of “Grand Canyon Speaks.”

During the summer of 2023, park staff created an interpretive program called “Grand Canyon Speaks,” which features live in-person conversations between park rangers and members from the 11 traditionally associated tribes of Grand Canyon. The program is one of many parkwide efforts to include Tribal members, voices, and culture in public outreach and education. Over 1,500 park visitors from all over the world attended the live events.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Native American Heritage Month, honoring our veterans and predicting the future of water based on the past

NAU, which sits on lands sacred to Native American tribes, will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a plethora of culture-oriented events which will run through Nov. 30. Events include Stew Fest, a basketball game against SAGU Indian College, meetings with NAU’s Indigenous elders and more. “We are honored to share about our legacy and ways of being with our communities,” said Ann Marie Chischilly, vice president of Native American Initiatives.

November at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Message from Mary –

November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to spread awareness of Indigenous history and contemporary Native issues. At the Museum of Northern Arizona we share and celebrate the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau year-round, both in our exhibitions and through special programs. This month we have a panel discussion about Indigenous foods with a Diné chef and a performance by a group of young Native dancers who have earned international recognition. Both programs are rooted in tradition while being contemporary and relevant – an appropriate reflection of Indigenous peoples and culture today.

A visit to the Museum is always a good way to learn about Native American Heritage, this month and year-round.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023

We commemorate and celebrate Native American Heritage Month throughout the month of November to recognize the important contributions Indigenous people have made and continue to make to the country and to the Grand Canyon. This year’s theme is Celebrating Tribal and Indigenous Sovereignty and Identity. Tribal sovereignty ensures that any decisions about Tribes about their property and citizens are made with their participation and consent. The federal trust responsibility is a legal obligation under which the United States “has charged itself with moral obligations of the highest responsibility and trust” toward Indian Tribes.  

Grand Canyon National Park is built on Native lands, and although we cannot change the past, we can change the present and ultimately the future by strengthening our relationships with the associated tribes and the land we all share.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation November 2023 Update

Culinary Class: Holiday Side Dishes

The holiday season is quickly approaching! Time to spend time with friends and family, start thinking about defrosting the turkey, and cracking out the side dish recipes. This special holiday focused culinary class will teach you how to make a variety of classic Thanksgiving side dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and grilled brussels sprouts.

This cooking class will be held on November 19, noon-3:00 p.m., at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall in Flagstaff, AZ. It will be taught by our incredible culinary instructor, Willa McAuliffe.

The cost for this program is $25* for Adults (18 and older) and $15* for Youth (8 – 17 years old).

Pre-register here.

Variety of Día de Los Muertos continuing this week including — ‘Coco with Cocoa’ on Nov. 1 and other NAU events through Nov. 3, Dia de Los Muertos Celebration in Camp Verde on Nov. 5

FLAGSTAFF — In celebration of Dia De Los Muertos, we will be watching the movie Coco, decorating sugar cookies, and drinking hot cocoa.

Date: 11/01/2023

Time: 05:30 pm- 08:00 pm

Location: IMQ Center

Free to all

The NAU Review — Homecoming LumberSNAPS and Diamondbacks, spooky creatures and cross country champs!

Lumberjacks of all ages from near and far enjoyed a week full of Homecoming events. From the dedicatee luncheon and the student carnival to the Homecoming parade and football game, take a look back at these Lumberjack memories.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. November Newsletter – Christmas Show and 2024 Season

A Christmas Carol: A Twisted Musical Comedy Opens November 24, the day after Thanksgiving.
“This is not your Grandmother’s A Christmas Carol,” said show director and Theatrikos Executive Director Chris Verrill. “Theatrikos’ A Christmas Carol: A Twisted Musical Comedy is inspired by the most popular form of theatre in the UK. And we’re bringing it to Arizona. Our version of this holiday classic is interactive. It’s a crazy comedy. It’s a musical; with songs that are parodies of popular music. It’s hilarious. You’ll have a fun Christmas time and you’ll leave clap happy in the end!”

Flagstaff Festival of Science — USGS Open House Rescheduled to Nov. 5

The USGS Open House is now re-scheduled for Sunday Nov. 5 from 1-4 pm! Explore interactive displays and activities related to geography, biology, hydrology, planetary science and mapping! Free to the public!

Located at the USGS Flagstaff Science Campus: 2255 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces says ‘Thank You’ to everyone who supported and attended the 20th Annual Anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente on Oct. 21-22, 2023 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces this week offered a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported and attended the 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22.

This year’s event featured the return of the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff performing on both days of the festival in the Branigar/Chase Discovery Center, along with daily performances in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard by El Charro Bohemia.

The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente was supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Premier Sponsors include Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and APS. Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The event celebrated 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.

Sedona Arts Center — This is the big night!

Friday, October 27, 5–7pm
Awards Night Celebration
& Reception
Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Rd

This is the big night!  Join us as we celebrate an amazing week of the 19th annual Plein Air Festival.  Best of Show and final awards will be presented by our special judge, Tim Newton. Tim is the publisher of Western Art & Architecture magazine and is also Chairman Emeritus of the famed Salmagundi Club.
Patron’s Circle members can arrive at 4pm for a preview and chance to purchase before the reception opens to the public.  VIP parking included. To become a Patrons Circle Member click here: https://sedonaartscenter.org/donate/

United Way of Northern Arizona Working WITH Youth FOR Youth in NE Arizona

Students from Holbrook High School and Joseph City High School are helping our communities better understand the needs of youth in Navajo County.

The two students are participating in an internship that was created through a partnership between United Way of Northern Arizona, the Center for the Future of Arizona, and the Work-Based Learning Alliance.

The six-week program is asking the students to conduct an analysis of current issues facing youth in northeast Arizona.

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

Halloween Carnival at Grand Canyon School October 28

Grand Canyon School and the High School Student Council will be hosting the All Hallows Halloween Carnival on October 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will be a haunted house, activity booths, and games for all ages. Be sure to wear your costume!

If you are interested in having a booth there, you can contact rrobertson@grandcanyonschool.org.

The NAU Review — Living and teaching with a disability, the effects of warmer oceans on fish and Notes from the President

Justice Armfield is a guest presenter in Introduction to Disability Studies. From the front of the classroom and in small-group discussions, he talks about living with a disability and how it affects his life—and how it doesn’t. Armfield has Down syndrome, he loves Pink and the Smashing Pumpkins, he enjoys travel and public speaking and he brings a valuable experience to the classroom: “I teach people about what it is like to live with Down syndrome. I want to help people see that a disability is a difference, but not a limitation to living a happy, healthy life with a purpose.” 

Sedona Arts Center — FREE Artist Demonstrations at Sedona Heritage Museum

Be Bold, Be Fearless! Plein Air Demonstration

with Michele Usibelli

October 28, 2023 | 4:30 – 6:30 pm | Theatre Studio

Registration: Each student must register individually. Click on the “Cancellation Policy” tab above for more information, then the “Add to Cart” button to the right to start registration/payment process. Students enrolled in the 3-day Be Bold, Be Fearless! Plein Air Painting Workshop with Michele Usibelli do not need to register here.
Location: Sedona Arts Center, North Studio

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Our Weekly Update will be a taking a short break next week. We will return on Nov. 8

COCONINO COUNTY — Our Weekly Update will be a taking a short break next week. We will return on Nov. 8.

Until then, please explore our website to view a variety training opportunities and resources that we have available: 

We provide educational resources so that community members are informed, energized, and ready to come together to solve problems, impact policy, and create solutions that allow every person to realize their full potential. Learn more here
CCC&Y board members, coalition members and community volunteers attend our committee meetings. These are opportunities to share information, learn about community partners, support mission efforts and become involved. Learn more here. 
Attend our monthly Coconino Prevention Council Zoom meetings (10 a.m. the first Thursday of the month). Share information about your local organization. Send an email to virginia@coconinokids.org to receive an invitation.

Sugar Skull Workshops online reservations selling out for the 20th Annual Anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente on Oct. 21-22, 2023 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — Sugar Skull Workshops online reservations are now available for the 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22.

Sugar Skull Decorating – reservations required

Decorating sugar skulls is a favorite activity for kids and families during Celebraciones. Nuestras Raices makes the sugar skulls and provides frosting and decorations. Since this is a very popular event that always sells out, we require pre-registration. That way you know your child’s sugar skull is waiting for them and what time to arrive. You will also need to purchase admission tickets for Celebraciones.

Cost – $5

SOLD OUT — Click here to reserve a sugar skull workshop on Saturday at 10:30.

Click here to reserve a sugar skull workshop on Saturday at 12:00. 

Click here to reserve a sugar skull workshop on Sunday at 10:30. 

Click here to reserve a sugar skull workshop on Sunday at 12:00. 

Celebraciones de la Gente is a partnership between Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona, with generous funding of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ programming by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).

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

North Rim Atoko Point prescribed fire

If you were near the rim or in the canyon this week, you probably noticed smoke on the North Rim and below the rim.

This is a prescribed burn in the Atoko Point unit, which is on the eastern edge of the Walhalla Plateau. Park fire staff are working with the Kaibab National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management to treat this unit and others, for a total of about 1,700 acres. They plan to continue burning through October 31.

Smoke impacts are anticipated along Cape Royal Road, the North Rim developed area, and the inner canyon from Bright Angel Point to Clear Creek. Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the land, and prescribed burns are carefully planned and only initiated under very specific conditions.

The NAU Review — NAU’s logging sports, your guide to Homecoming 2023 and a special edition of Notes from the President

The saw must go on 

NAU Logging Sports athletic captain Adeline Jones had been preparing with her teammates for the Choptober competition in Colorado for months. She was set to compete in five events—the pole climb, obstacle pole, single buck, Jack-and-Jill and horizontal chop—against athletes from throughout the western U.S. Then, just two weeks before the competition, she had a bouldering accident that left her with the temporary inability to use one of her arms. With nothing to lose, she decided to compete in the single buck event, sawing a wood cookie off a large log with a 5.5-foot saw, one-handed.  

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y offers families a variety of free webinars

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website to help parents and families during the upcoming back to school season.

Our growing library of on-demand webinars is designed to help the public gain the tools they need to provide trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.

The NAU Review — Increasing Indigenous teachers, getting to know the Lumberjack behind Louie and photos from family weekend!

How NAU is tackling the teacher shortage in Indigenous communities

In an effort to increase the number of qualified teachers statewide and help Indigenous educators remain in their communities, NAU started Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools—a program that offers a pathway to a bachelor’s or master’s degree to educators who are already in the classroom but are not certified teachers. The program, which recently won a grant from the Office of the Governor, is already seeing success—the first cohort of participants, which graduates in a year, are making connections, getting leadership and teaching experience among Indigenous students and putting to use the culturally responsive content they’re learning.

Sedona Arts Center — Festival Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers needed for the
19th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival!

Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! The Sedona Plein Air Festival is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 20 through 29, 2023!

Sedona Arts Center needs volunteers for multiple positions during the festival: Canvas Stampers, Exhibit Installation assistants, Catering Support, Parking Lot Attendants, Certified Bartenders, Setup and Break Down Crew, Main Street Artist Support Crew, Gallery Attendants, Airport Artist Support, Community Paint Out Volunteers

United Way of Northern Arizona — Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

For the past month, we as a nation have celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, a time of recognition for the many contributions made by the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States.

Because of my own background and family roots, this annual appreciation has particular meaning for me, but it should also resonate with all northern Arizonans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts statistics for 2022, 15% of Coconino County residents are of Latino or Hispanic descent. In Navajo County, it’s 12.3% and 7.2% in Apache County.

Celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month confirm our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, which is important to our youth, so that they can develop a strong sense of self-worth and belonging.

We hope you enjoy learning more about Hispanic Heritage Month below.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 9-13, 2023

Annular Eclipse October 14

This coming Saturday, October 14, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the annular solar eclipse somewhere between 8 and 11 in the morning, with peak visibility at 9:30.

This will be a very rare type of eclipse referred to as a “ring of fire” eclipse, in which the moon aligns directly with the sun so that only the outer edges of the sun are visible, creating the appearance of a ring of fire in the sky. It won’t be a total eclipse in Grand Canyon, but pretty close – about 86 percent.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT SUN-VIEWING GLASSES. PERMANENT EYE-DAMAGE WOULD RESULT.

You can stop by the South Rim Visitor Center Saturday morning and grab some free Sun-viewing glasses to see it. Solar telescopes modified to protect your eyes from the sun will also be set up at Mather Point.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Whirlwind knockabout farce Stage Kiss now playing. 2024 Season unveiled this Saturday, Oct 14.

Romantic comedy Stage Kiss

Now playing

Photos from last Friday’s opening night

Now through October 22, 2023

A kiss is not just a kiss in this whirlwind knockabout farce. When two actors with a history are thrown together as leads in a 1930s romantic comedy, they quickly lose touch with reality.

“Satirical, sassy and over-the-top, Stage Kiss has been one wild ride to read, and I’m sure it will be to watch,” commented actor Lindsey DeStefano (playing “She”). Actor Adam Wintz (playing “He”) noted that the playwright “has created a world that is both realistic and absurd. There are jokes within jokes and layers within layers. People will want to see the show more than once to pick up on all the subtleties.”

Fall Community Education: Metalsmithing | Brave the Wild River | Star Party | Utah War of 1857 | Brain Health | Bakhmut | Scientific View of World

Metalsmithing for Jewelry

Saturday, Oct. 14, 21, 28
12 to 2:45 p.m.

Learn how to work with metal including torching, polishing, stamping, and soldering. Only 2 openings left!

Metalsmithing – Learn more and register!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents free webinars on understanding how emotions impact adult and child relationships

COCONINO COUNTY —  

CCC&Y shares this free online opportunity to ease some of the daily stress during this busy time of year.

Motivated by a long wait list for behavioral health services, and aware of challenging adult and child emotions causing behavior difficulties, Bethany Camp put this two part training together for CCC&Y to help meeting a wide-spread community need.

First we learn to understand our emotions and then we can understand and respond to the big emotional responses of children.

Watch Webinar – Managing Adult Emotional Responses, Part One

Watch Webinar –  Helping Children Manage Their Emotions, Part Two

These videos are meant to help support our community.  Having the tools to take care of ourselves and respond to children, is a great resource.

The NAU Review — A disability advocate living her best life, how NAU brings counseling to students and how to become a student regent

You are valued’

For Allison Stenger, advocacy seems to come naturally—she petitioned her high school to ensure students could use accessible websites, she’s going into psychology to ensure she can help students with disabilities find resources and success, and she even adopted a one-eyed cat. It’s not always easy, though—Stenger is a graduate student living with mental illness who has been the target of discrimination and stigma simply because of who she is. For Disability Pride and Heritage Month, she talks about her advocacy work, how the NAU community has helped in her growth and shares stories of her stubborn, opinionated feline friend.

Sedona Arts Center — Upcoming Art Workshops/Classes in Sedona!

UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.

Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website. 
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

Community members learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, customs during ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ presentations at the Flagstaff Public Library

FLAGSTAFF — Library patrons had the opportunity to learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, the meaning behind items on a family altar and other cultural customs honoring the dearly departed during a session presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5.

In preparation for its 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 21-22, Flagstaff Nuestras Raices has been presenting a series of information lectures for Coconino County employees and patrons at the Camp Verde Public Library.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raices President Lydia Anaya and treasurer Becca DeLapp presented the “Ofrenda 101” session, creating a temporary ofrenda in the library’s Community Room.
They presented information about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Recommitting to Positive Youth Development

focus to Stepping Up for Our Youth and Communities, we have successfully rallied around early childhood development with programs like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

This year with our annual campaign theme of United in Purpose – 365 Days a Year, we are recommitting to the goal of also supporting programs and initiatives that promote positive youth development and refocusing our efforts on a comprehensive approach that encompasses our youth from birth through early adulthood.

From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO

At our annual campaign kickoff last week, I had a chance to provide a detailed vision of how United Way of Northern Arizona can support our community and partners to foster opportunities for our youth at all ages. I envision it as a circle where we as a community wrap ourselves around our youth and can step in at any point of a youth’s development and make a difference.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 2-6, 2023

We’re getting a new look!

Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform. The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov. 

The NAU Review — Our 2023 Homecoming Dedicatee!, Inclusive Insights and NAU’s role in solutions to housing challenges

On a quiet Tuesday morning, something special happened—the Office of Indigenous Student Success staff retreat was abruptly interrupted by a parade of cheering staff, students and media, there to name this year’s Homecoming Dedicatee: Sharon Singer Doctor. The director of Student Life Experience for Indigenous Student Success, Doctor has dedicated more than 29 years to NAU working in various departments on campus. As the Homecoming Dedicatee, she will participate in a number of events throughout the week of Homecoming, starting with a banquet held in her honor.

North Rim Transitions to Day Use Operations Beginning October 16, 2023

GRAND CANYON — Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim will begin day-use operations on October 16, 2023. Grand Canyon Lodge will close and no overnight accommodations, including camping, will be available to visitors to the North Rim. Visitors exploring the North Rim on, or after, October 16 should plan to be self-sufficient and bring enough food and water for the day. 

The following services will be available:  

The self-serve gas station, including diesel, will be available for as long as State Route 67 is open. It will only accept credit and debit cards.  
After October 31, water will only be available at the North Rim Backcountry Information Center.  

Coconino County Parks & Recreation October 2023 Update

Autumn in Coconino County

Autumn is a special time in Coconino County. From sunflowers to golden aspens, the landscape changes colors and welcomes many migratory animals. Coconino County parks and natural areas are great for autumn enthusiasts!

From wildlife watching to enjoying autumn gardens, Coconino County parks and natural areas have options for everyone.

Burning operations suspended on Cecil Fire, firefighters working toward containment

FLAGSTAFF — Cecil Fire managers will not resume firing operations on the 2,180-acre lightning-caused fire located southwest of Flagstaff, and have shifted to a strategy that will result in full containment as soon as possible.

The Cecil Fire is currently 0% contained and resources assigned to the Cecil Fire include four 20-person hand crews, 13 engines, a dozer, a water tender and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 147 personnel.

Fire managers for the Cecil Fire set early management objectives that included firing operations aimed at treating as much Coconino National Forest and Arizona State Trust land as possible during safe wind and weather conditions.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ workshops at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present a “Ofrenda 101” workshop on from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 5 at the Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

Join us for two back-to-back presentations by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices:

OFRENDAS 101

Join us as we learn about the history of creating your own family ofrenda / altar and about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods. The presentation will include the creation of an ofrenda!

HALLOWEEN vs DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Día de los Muertos is celebrated in México and many Latin America countries on November 2nd. Given that Halloween (October 31st), All Saints Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd) tumble into each other, the confusion between the celebrations is understandable. Come hear a brief history of these cultural traditions.

Guest contribution — Intelligent — Financial Aid Guide available for Hispanic and Latino Students

By Kristen Scatton, Reviewed by Dana Marvin Interviews with Dana Marvin Intelligent

No matter who you are, determining how to finance a college education is a complex decision involving many factors. For Hispanic and Latino students, specific considerations may include their citizenship and their parents’ citizenship statuses, their parents’ employment, and whether they’re the first in their family to attend college.

This guide is designed to help Hispanic and Latino students navigate the financial aid process, with a general overview of different types of financial aid, how to apply for federal student loans, and advice from college admissions counselor Dana Marvin.

It also includes information specific to Hispanic and Latino students, including grants and scholarships for different populations within these demographics, including Hispanic/Latina women, children of migrant workers, and first-generation college students.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up Sept. 25-29, 2023

Superintendent’s Corner: UPDATE-Potential Lapse in Appropriations

The federal government, including the National Park Service, is currently funded through midnight September 30. We remain hopeful that Congress and the President can agree on a budget or continuing resolution that would keep the government open.

Based on my time in Washington, I know that a lot of people in the Administration and in Congress are working to fund the government. However, if we are not funded by Sunday and there is a resulting lapse of appropriations, we will begin to significantly reduce operations of the federal government. We have experience in implementing an orderly shutdown, most recently in 2018-19.

If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, you will be able to stay in your assigned housing in the event of a lapse. Family and friends will be able to visit you, and you will be able to come and go from the park as you normally would. For those of you concerned about your personal finances if you do not get paid during a shutdown, Congress passed a law in 2019 requiring backpay for federal employees after a shutdown. You will get paid.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Join us Friday, Sept. 29 for Flagstaff Festival of Science ‘SCI Talks’

Inspired by the proliferation and success of TED’s winning formula for engaging, short talks in an intimate, fun setting, the Flagstaff Festival of Science presents the annual SCI Talks (Science, Communication, Innovation) event at the Coconino Center for the Arts. Since 2015, SCI Talks highlight local scientists and science educators sharing their research and innovative science communication ideas.

Quantum Scientist, Ines Montano, explains how we are on the precipice of a technological revolution. Ecologist, Jut Wynne, will share his experiences with caves from around the globe. Artist, Robert Long, highlights how his artwork gives underrepresented organisms louder voices and visually compelling self-worlds. Terra BIRDS founder, John Taylor, describes how his organization teaches environmental stewardship in schools through gardening.