Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Coconino County School Superintendent to Host 2022 Spelling Bee

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The 2022 Coconino County Spelling Bee, hosted by the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools and Education Service Agency, will take place on Saturday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Mini Auditorium at Coconino High School, 2801 N. Izabel St, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004.

To promote safety, the following practices will be observed throughout the duration of the Spelling Bee: 

-Only two (2) guests per participant will be admitted. 

-All participants and guests will need to maintain a social distance of six (6) feet. Seating will be spaced accordingly. 

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

NAU News — Planetary astronomer Cristina Thomas named 2022 Emerging Scholar for trailblazing research and mentorship

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Assistant professor Cristina Thomas of Northern Arizona University has been named an Emerging Scholar by the leading education magazine Diverse: Issues in Higher Education in its Jan. 20 issue. The publication annually recognizes an interdisciplinary group of early-career minority scholars who represent the best of U.S. academia.

“An accomplished planetary astronomer, Latina scientist and mentor, Dr. Thomas serves as a shining role model for our community. She is blazing the trail for our diverse student population to embrace research and explore the boundless universe,” said NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — Recognizing Cristina Thomas’ leadership, GSG president Rebecca Seeger and a program to find students’ talents

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President Cruz Rivera gives a video update on the United Way of Northern Arizona campaign and discusses his week, which included meetings with students and council members, MLK Day celebrations and reflections and his work with the Arizona Senate.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona — How Do We Make 2022 Even Better?

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When we look at the outcomes, the past year was a powerful reminder of all that we can do when we work together.

Because you Stepped Up for Our Community either as a donor, an advocate or a volunteer, we collectively did more than ever before to advance:

Early childhood education
Positive youth development
Basic services that strengthened our social safety net.

But that leaves us with a very important question:

How can we make 2022 even better?

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 17-21, 2022

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NPS Mask Policy reminders

The current National Park Service mask policy, which follows the CDC recommendation is that everyone wear a mask that is over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status in the following settings:
In all NPS buildings and in congregate office settings; the only exception is when you are alone in a private, walled and closed door space;
Crowded outdoor spaces identified in the Grand Canyon Superintendent’s Compendium (pages 5-6), and
In all forms of enclosed public transportation, which includes Grand Canyon shuttle buses, and all government vehicles and aircraft.

What qualifies as a mask according to the NPS and CDC are masks that have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, completely cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps, and have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. For the latest information on types of masks and respirators, please visit the CDC’s website here.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Finance, Food, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter 7th Edition — Happy New Year and best wishes for a great 2022!

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In this edition…

Message from Sup. Vasquez
Siren Instillation in Museum Flood Area
Museum Flood Area Crisis Response Funding
Sheriff’s Office Tour
Redistricting Update
Services and Programs
And more!
Message from Supervisor Vasquez

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

SBDC at CCC helps business find stride to thrive

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They all arrive as if they are arriving for work – on time. They are all smiles as they meet Jen Green-Vance, president and CEO of Strides 2 Thrive and Elevated Shredding.

“With these guys and girls, it’s amazing,” Green-Vance said, after hugging or talking with each one of her clients. “And our job is to help them grow and thrive and achieve their best life possible.”

Green-Vance and her husband Joe Vance specialize in offering services to people with disabilities in the Flagstaff area. From assisted-living and day services to job training and skills acquisition, they offer opportunity to people with a range of disabilities.

And with the help of the Coconino Small Business Development Center, Green-Vance secured the funding to build facilities for their growing businesses – Strides 2 Thrive and Elevated Shredding.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y celebrates 50th anniversary with variety of programs to support families, community members

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As we celebrate our 50th anniversary of service in Northern Arizona, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth stands ready in 2022 to help connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, training programs for our partners and members, monthly virtual youth open mic sessions, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission

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Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.   

As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:  

Read more →

Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

School Superintendent to Interview Candidates for Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 Governing Board and Seeks Input

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Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget has announced the scheduling of interviews for the Governing School Board Member open seats at Grand Canyon Unified School District #4.

An advisory committee will be assembled consisting of a district resident, district teacher, and two current board members to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments.

The Superintendent is also seeking public input regarding the appointment of the Governing Board Member open seats at Grand Canyon Unified School District #4. Please contact the Superintendent with input (comments) at cmango-paget@coconino.az.gov, beginning January 18 – January 28, 2022.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News, Youth

Environment for the Americas (EFTA)’s Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) seeking applicant for Grand Canyon

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Environment for the Americas (EFTA)’s Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) seeking an applicant for a biology assistant for the National Park Service at the Grand Canyon.

The application period for the 2022 internship positions is open until January 23, 2022.

Remember, as a Mosaics intern, you will be required to:

Work in the park for a minimum of 11 weeks
Attend a Leadership and Career Workshop in the beginning of August
Attend program webinars
Submit written blogs
Participate enthusiastically in all of the project activities!

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Finding Your Workforce in 2022

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Whether you call it the Great Resignation, the Big Quit, or the American Job Reshuffle, the challenge is real for companies trying to attract and retain employees. The tumultuous changes due to Covid resulted in a restless workforce that is redefining what they are looking for in their place of employment.

And if they don’t find it – either in their current job or when they apply for a new position – they will move on to the next opportunity.

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Business, Comentario, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Local, News

A brave new year at (Museum of Northern Arizona) MNA

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Winter provides a welcome lull in the year, when we all can take a moment after the busy holidays to reflect on the past and prepare for the future. At MNA the exhibit building has moved to a reduced schedule for the winter, but there’s no reduction in the activity behind the scenes as staff prepare for new exhibitions to open in the spring and a return of favorite summer programs. We are also in the midst of a Strategic Plan that will define MNA’s priorities for the coming years.

Of course, bringing in new exhibitions means saying goodbye to some of the existing exhibitions, so now is a wonderful time to come see Journey to Balance and Liberating Landscape. We also have many fascinating online programs coming up that will share aspects of our archives, collections, and recent research.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Government, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — Top 10 moments of Fall 2021, MLK Day and Investing in Indigenous Youth

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The fall semester was exciting—it was President Cruz Rivera’s first at NAU and the first in-person semester for our Class of 2025 and Class of 2026, our researchers made groundbreaking discoveries, we expanded our world-class faculty, celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Native American Cultural Center, cheered as NAU Cross Country won its fifth title and NAU Football beat the Arizona Wildcats, and so much more. Phew! President Cruz Rivera talks about his favorite memories of the fall—including the best moment so far at NAU. Can he do it in less than four minutes? 

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — ‘A call to action: ‘Awakening from the Dream’ and more news

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On Monday, NAU will honor the life and mission of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who dedicated his life to the nonviolent but unending march for civil rights. The day’s events include a celebration, a march and a day of service to support the Flagstaff community. Volunteers can participate in a day “on” with opportunities at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, Hope Cottage, the Sunshine Rescue Mission and the Murdoch Center.

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Cultural, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission

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Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.   

As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:  

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

CCC student sees ‘big data’ in future

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She’s all about “big data” and family.

Coconino Community College student Johanna Hawley moved to Flagstaff from her home on the Navajo Nation in order to get the education she needs to satisfy her goal of getting a Computer Science degree and being a data analyst.

“I want to be able to provide for my parents and family,” Hawley said in between classes at the Lone Tree Campus. “My goal is to have my parents retire and me be the breadwinner.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News

County Offices Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, dispatch, patrol, and detention will be open. Records will be open on Monday, January 17, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. with limited staffing. Please dial 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-1414 to connect with the non-emergency dispatch.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) A message from NAU President Cruz Rivera

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There’s no doubt that Northern Arizona University plays a huge role in our community. In addition to being Flagstaff’s largest employer, it is the home of thousands of students who live, work and study here.

NAU is also a major player in local philanthropic efforts, including its annual workplace campaign to support United Way of Northern Arizona.

This year, NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera successfully challenged the university’s community to boost its contributions to UWNA, increasing their campaign goal from $25,000 to $35,000.

“NAU stepped up for community and for that I’m grateful,” he said.

Because NAU met the new goal, President Cruz Rivera authorized another $10,000 donation from the Office of the President, making NAU’s total contribution this year $45,000.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News

Creative Flagstaff — Last Chance – Be a Viola Awards Panelist!

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This weekend is your last chance to submit a Viola Awards nomination or to apply to be a Viola Awards Panelist! 

Viola Awards Panelists have the important job of determining the finalists & winners of the awards. We encourage past Panelists, Finalists, Winners, Industry Experts, and Enthusiastic Community Members to apply. Get more involved and help shape the Viola Awards. The Panelist Application is easy to fill out and can be found here. 

What did you see, hear, feel, or experience in Flagstaff in 2021? Who do you feel greatly impacted our creative community? Help us recognize excellence in our community by submitting a nomination here. 

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Events, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Delay – 2022 Annual Point in Time Count

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Due to the current surge in COVID-19, the annual Point in Time (PIT) Count has been moved to Feb 23-25 throughout the City of Flagstaff from its original date of Jan 25. This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and is conducted across the country.

Trained city of Flagstaff and Coconino County employees, social service agencies and volunteers will join mobile outreach teams that will locate individuals, families and youth experiencing homelessness as well as staff booths to conduct surveys at libraries and various locations.

The success of this count is dependent on community volunteers. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eH9qA295buyFeQZ3gDF0Xk3kWP8SrFU_mnUUOqW6mE0/edit?usp=sharing

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Business, Commentary, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — January 10-14, 2022

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On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, South Rim fire managers were successful in treating 10 acres of woody debris piles near the South Entrance station. This pile burning will continue over the next several months, as conditions allow, and will take place between the South Entrance Station and Desert View Drive Junction (mile markers 238-240).

Prescribed fire plays a vital role in decreasing wildfire risks to life, resources and property by reducing available hazardous fuels. Fire staff carefully plan prescribed fires, initiating them only under environmental conditions that are favorable to assuring firefighter and visitor safety and to achieving desired objectives.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y members to receive discount for Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training on March 1, 2

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Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 1 (MST) and 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 (MST).

Members of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will receive 20 percent off both trainings. For members to receive the promo code, contact CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at virginia@coconinokids.org

The sessions are presented by Iya Affo, a Culturalist and Historical Trauma Specialist. 

Discounts are also available for those CCC&Y members who have not taken Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 1, that focuses on intergenerational trauma and the impact of Epigenetics, cultural dispossession, segregation & displacement of BIPOC.

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Business, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Site specific adjustments and mask recommendations at City facilities in response to COVID-19 surge

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During the January 11 Council meeting, the City Council approved the City of Flagstaff’s Re-entry Team recommendation to remain in Phase 3 of the City’s Re-entry Plan, with site-specific adjustments made to the Aquaplex pool, City libraries and the Jay Lively Activity Center/ Ice Arena. The Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center will be closed temporarily. All other City operations remain unchanged.

Site-specific immediate adjustments include:

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