Flagstaff seeks applications for Community Stakeholder Committee on reclaimed water

The city of Flagstaff Water Services Division is assembling a volunteer committee on reclaimed water. Only one-third of all reclaimed water generated each year is committed for our current customers. The Water Services Division is faced with about seven options for the remaining, uncommitted supply; input from the community is needed to narrow the options down to three.

Nominations for the 13th Annual Viola Awards are now open!

2020 has been a year of uncertainty. Flagstaff’s creative sector met the challenges of this year and demonstrated incredible resilience while doing so. The 13th Annual Viola Awards, set to take place on Saturday, March 27, 2021, will recognize artists, educators, organizations and leaders who make positive contributions to the arts, sciences, and culture in Flagstaff. Nominations are being accepted until December 31, 2020.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Colorado River Days Flagstaff Goes Virtual for 2020

The annual Colorado River Days Flagstaff festival is just around the corner and will take place virtually September 1-14. This year’s theme is Generations: Past, Present & Future. Events include: family activities, film screenings, discussions of the Colorado, Gila, San Juan, and Little Colorado Rivers, an art exhibition, live music, and a variety of presentations from diverse voices. These events weave together the importance of history, the implications of prolonged drought, and the uncertain future of the Colorado River.

Colorado River Days Flagstaff launched in 2012 to celebrate and share knowledge about the river. Flowing through the heart of Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is at the core of Flagstaff’s culture and economy; yet, many residents do not experience it firsthand. In response, Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter spearheaded the effort to create a community river festival. Now in its 9th year, the festival is a collaboration between non-profit organizations, scientific researchers, tribal members, artists, businesses, museums, and parks.

Adding to ‘all hands on deck’ to help local businesses

The experience was really like trying to grab a small sip from a firehose at full blast.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down business across the state, organizations like the Coconino Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community College stepped into breach to lend a needed hand.

“When the COVID-19 disaster started, it was just me and Amanda part time,” said Gina Couillard, Director of the Coconino SBDC, adding that Amanda Hyde moved to a full-time business analyst and operations specialist in short order to assist with the demand from local businesses.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Bilingual report — Tips for Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

🏠 Quédate dentro
🙅 Cierra las ventanas
🌬 Usa el aire acondicionado, de ser posible
Los niveles de humo pueden cambiar durante el día, permanece en interiores cuando los índices estén más altos.

⚠ ¡Varios condados de Arizona están en alerta por humo!
🏕 Limita actividades al aire libre
🔄 Usa el aire acondicionado, recircula el aire para que no entre aire externo)
🏘 Quédate dentro, cierra puertas y ventanas
📱 Infórmate de las condiciones del aire en www.airnow.gov

⚠ Hasta en las regiones lejos de los incendios puede haber mala calidad del aire.

Algunas personas tienen más riesgo:
• Niños
• Mujeres embarazadas
• Adultos mayores
• Personas con problemas en el corazón y pulmones

¡Manténgase seguro y reduzca la inhalación de humo!

CCC Comet Talks — ‘Worst Case — Wild Survival in Northern Arizona’ to be held Sept. 1

CCC Comet Talks — “Worst Case — Wild Survival in Northern Arizona” to be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.

CCC Comet Talks are FREE, open to the public and online via Zoom.
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend.
“Worst Case: Wilderness Survival in Northern Arizona”

Presented by CCC Part-Time Instructor and Coconino County Search & Rescue Volunteer Shawn Nittmann

Please be sure to register at this link:
https://coconino.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5Qs6Q5VMTIW9km5VZLAQ9Q

2020 Coconino County Fair to be held virtually

The 2020 Coconino County Fair will move forward this year as an online event with virtual 4-H shows, pictures of entry winners, streaming entertainment, and a virtual vendor marketplace. A “community connections” portion encourages community members to share favorite recipes, gardening tips and tricks, flower growing advice, and to vote for people’s choice awards in fine arts for photography and other art mediums. While the annual Coconino County Fair will look different this year, the public is encouraged to participate and make it a community-wide celebration. 

ECoNA COVID-19 update — Schools & Child Care

School is back in session in northern Arizona, although it looks unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, with most K-12 school systems opting for virtual classes at least for the first quarter of the school year because of coronavirus.

#1 Benchmarks. One of the big statistical indicators for whether a school district is ready to begin in-person sessions has to do with three benchmarks from the Arizona Department of Health Services. They are:

A decline in coronavirus cases or less than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals for two consecutive weeks;
Two consecutive weeks with “percent positivity” below 7%. (This is exactly what it sounds like; that fewer than 7% of the coronavirus tests come back positive. It’s an indicator of transmission rates or that too few people are being tested.)
Two consecutive weeks with hospital visits for COVID-like illnesses in the region below 10%.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Interview with Iya Affo on ‘Historical Trauma’ during a time of Covid-19, Black Lives Matter

Only by understanding the root causes of historical trauma can we fully begin the healing process during this time of Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter, said Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historic Trauma.

Affo, a culturalist and historic trauma specialist, addressed the impact of historical trauma during her first level of “Historical Trauma Special Certification” training held via Zoom on Aug. 20 and 24.

The training was presented to a total of 110 individuals, many of whom, represented staff, board members and supporters of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. The attendees represented a variety of child welfare, behavioral health and other community agencies.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

Yá’át’ééh! 

Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!

Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am pleased to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

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

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — COVID-19 Surge Testing Extended!

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge.

The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows: 
Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ 
Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m. 
University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 
Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m
Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot)
Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m. 

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Item permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin

The Flagstaff Water Group published an important editorial in Saturday’s AZDaily Sun on a permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin in areas over the Coconino Aquifer, thereby potentially affecting Red Gap Ranch water, a potential future water source for Flagstaff. 

Although this is very short notice, the issue is extremely important and we urge you to read the editorial statement (below) and send your comments to greenslade.maribeth@azdeq.gov. NO LATER THAN EARLY A.M. AUGUST 26th. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — CCHHS Clinic Set to Reopen

Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, will reopen on Monday, August 31. Services will be offered Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Appointments are required and are available by calling 928-679-7222.

Health and wellness services, including wellness exams, sports physicals, STI testing and treatment, pap testing, pregnancy testing, birth control and IUD/Nexplanon insertion and removal, will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 5 pm by appointment only.

Vaccinations required for Arizona school entry and vaccinations recommended for children and adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

COVID-19 Surge Testing Extended in Flagstaff, Williams

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge. The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows: 

• Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ, Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m.

• University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ, Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m

• Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot), Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m. o August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m.  

Sedona Arts Center — New online art classes

Burridge’s popular “Loosen Up!” workshop nurtures individual success and personal enrichment with a big emphasis on daily painting projects at your own pace. It is stress-free, but be warned; you could end up with too much enthusiasm for painting. This Burridge flagship workshop offers a variety of painting subjects for everyone. Designed for the professional painter who is stuck in a style as well as for the novice who wants to conquer their fear of painting.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — 2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide
Virtual Master Gardening Class for Northern Arizona
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Coconino County COVID-19 Testing Surge registration
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y supports FUSD’s back-to-school professional development efforts with webinar on ‘Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences’

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continued its support of Flagstaff Unified School District’s professional development efforts with a virtual presentation earlier this month.

“Through the support of CCC&Y we were able to provide the opportunity for all staff on our professional development day, August 10th to participate in viewing the webinar: “Understanding Adverse Child Experiences,” district officials reported. FUSD reports 1500 professionals were in attendance.

The hour-long webinar helps participants learn how the effects of childhood trauma play out both personally for individuals, along with having tremendous costs for society. 

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

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

Museum of Northern Arizona — Get in on the action, and the auction

Many of you have been in touch with me to say how much you enjoy the information you get in these newsletters. Thanks for those messages – the staff and I always appreciate hearing from you. We are all now focused on our fundraising Gala To Go on August 29th. We’ve had to completely reimagine this event and it’s shaping up to be an amazing experience. Going online means all aspects of MNA will be represented in the program, showcasing the wonderful range of art, science, and culture of our region. Ticket holders will be able to enjoy this program online from anywhere and will also be able to bid on an array of fun experiences and fine art, including a Gunnar Widforss watercolor, a print by Gustave Baumann, and an intricate rug by Jackson Dean. In addition to a great showcase, this is an important fundraiser for MNA. I encourage you to support MNA by purchasing a ticket to the Gala To Go, and inviting family and friends to join you from wherever they are. We’ve all missed so much this year.
You don’t want to miss this!

Enroll Today — World Regional Geography (GEO 133) General Education Course at Coconino Community College

Regional Geography (GEO 133) general education course at Coconino Community College.

Have you ever wanted to understand…
what exists on the other side of the world?
what things are there to see and places to visit?
what people live there?
If so, then you may be interested in World Regional Geography (GEO 133) at CCC.

Sedona Arts Center — Visit Our Online Gallery Today!

The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

The online gallery represents a full spectrum of the diversity of artists represented by the arts center. Visit us today!

The Gallery is currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.

Coconino Community College — CCC focuses on safety this fall with remote learning

The Fall semester is a week away.

How is it that time seems to move so very quickly and yet so very slowly during a pandemic? I think it is because we so very much miss seeing our students and our communities up close and in person. And yet, Coconino Community College is moving right along.

This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at CCC have chosen Remote Delivery methods for our courses in the interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the community. Our motto for this time is “Be Stellar, Be Safe.” Going to remote delivery was a difficult decision because all of us, especially our faculty, want to have that personal contact with our students, and some of our students would absolutely prefer to learn that way.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update — Vote and Be Counted! Facebook Live Event on Aug. 26

Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!

Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am please to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.

City seeks input for Climate Action and Adaptation Plan revision

The Flagstaff City Council declared a Climate Emergency on June 23, 2020. The declaration commits Flagstaff to update its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030. To respond to this emergency, the city will revise the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to reflect the new goal of carbon neutrality, while supporting a collaborative climate action mobilization that requires full community participation.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Click Here to Fill Out the 2020 Census Online

Currently only 42.1% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census. This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more! 

The Census also determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives. 

Celebraciones de la Gente postponed until 2021

The 17th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona has been postponed until 2021. Originally scheduled for Oct. 24-25, 2020, the Day of the Dead festival was rescheduled for the health and safety of all of our artists, visitors and staff.

Rooted in community, this weekend-long event has been presented at the museum in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. It features fine art and unique crafts, music and dancing, colorful and elaborate ofrendas (altars), insightful heritage programs and Day of the Dead inspired crafts for the kids.

Members of Nuestras Raices and the Museum of Northern Arizona are currently working on virtual Celebraciones de la Gente programming for this year. Details to come shortly.

CCC offers new HVACR program this fall

Heating. Ventilation. Air Conditioning. Refrigeration. Oh, my!

Coconino Community College will now be offering a certification in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) this fall thanks to a generous grant from the Del E. Webb Foundation. The program includes training in Plumbing, Blueprint Reading and Estimating, Basic Electrical Theory, House Wiring, Building Methods. International Residence Code and HVACR.