United Way of Northern Arizona — Last Day to Register for Annual Campaign Celebration

We’ll be making not one, but two major announcements at next week’s Annual Campaign & Community Impact luncheon, and we hope you will be with us when we share the exciting news about how we will expand efforts to Step Up for Our Youth.

But time is running out to register for this event and be among the first to find out about these ground-breaking developments.

Our Annual Campaign & Community Impact Luncheon will start at 11:30 am on Wednesday, March 27 at Little America Hotel. Tickets are $50 / $375 for a table of 8.

The deadline to register is end of business today, March 21.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 18-22, 2024

The Bright Angel Trail is anticipated to reopen Monday, April 15 following a 4 ½ month closure. 

Contract work is currently on schedule and no delays are anticipated at this time. As a reminder, the trail closure remains in effect for the Plateau Point Trail through March 14, 2025.

More information on the Transcanyon Waterline project can be found on the park website here.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiles listing of Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

A variety of virtual health and welfare resource networking meetings are held each month in Coconino County. The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety of governmental and non-profit organizations the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.

The following is a listing of some of those meetings.

Congratulations to This Year’s STEMMY Award Winners

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s STEMMY Awards Ceremony. The evening was full of celebration, innovation, and dedication to advancing STEM education and awareness within our beloved community. A special thanks to our esteemed keynote speaker, Dr. David Engelthaler for joining us. 

Highlighting excellence across various sectors, the STEMMY Awards showcased individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to STEM education and awareness.

Sedona Arts Center — Don’t miss these art classes and workshops!

Watercolor and Ink for the Traveler
with Casey Cheuvront
March 27 : 11am – 4pm

Watercolor is a popular, flexible medium, and suitable for anyone that travels and would like to capture the beauty of their surroundings. In this workshop we will explore watercolor basics, using a journaling/sketchbook approach. We’ll cover the basics of composition, value, brushwork and color relationships, experiment with color mixing and ink drawing, and finish by working with the living landscape to create sketchbook paintings that can stand on their own or serve as inspirational notes for later studio works. At the end of the workshop, you should have begun a sketchbook of your own that you can carry virtually anywhere, which will allow you to record your travels, and your progress in this medium. Suitable for beginners a

Coconino County testifies on wildfire, post-wildfire flooding

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Deputy Manager and Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani testified to the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs on the federal response to the threat of wildfire and post-wildfire flooding. …

“I can tell you firsthand: The scale of these crises rapidly overwhelms the capacity of local governments,” Andreani said during her opening remarks. “While there are opportunities for federal support, much must be done to improve the accessibility, immediacy, and effectiveness of the federal response to the wildfire crisis.”

The NAU Review — Fighting fire with research, helping Native children develop healthy smiles and Nico Young breaks another record

State leaders recently called upon health sciences researcher Dierdra Bycura to analyze firefighter recruitment and retention across Arizona. Working with experts from the Franke College of Business, Bycura published a report showing that most firefighters in the state are satisfied with the profession, but some say they struggle with mental health and large call volumes. The report’s findings could influence future state policies.

Arizona Senators Kelly, Sinema, secure $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Coconino

“Since 2022, post-wildfire flooding impacts from the Pipeline Fire have severely impacted the interstate travel corridor of Highway 89, the Navajo Nation road system, and surrounding communities. It is imperative that we continue to construct flood mitigation infrastructure in this area to reduce the threats to our community and regional economy” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Coconino County Board and Supervisor for District 2. “Thanks to the Congressionally Directed Spending funds recently secured by Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, we now have more resources to make this much needed infrastructure a reality.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3)’s Position on Proposed Zoning Code Amendment

On Tuesday, March 19th, the Flagstaff City Council will consider a proposed zoning code amendment to allow residential dwellings on lands zoned as “Public Facility.”

We would like to share with you the letter that F3 sent last week to city council members and staff regarding our concerns with the proposed amendment and our support for the addition of a Conditional Use Permit requirement.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Nurturing Talent Through Apprenticeships

It is hard to overstate the importance of apprenticeship programs in today’s economy, where numerous industries have identified a persistent “skills gap” in the workforce.

The State of Arizona’s Office of Economic Opportunity recently announced it is working to expand registered construction and trade apprenticeship programs with grants from its BuildItAZ initiative, but time is running out to apply for these funds.

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — February/March Newsletter 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

• HELLO FROM SUPERVISOR HORSTMAN
• WILDFIRE CRISIS REPORT: PRIORITIZING THE
UPPER RIO
• BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESOLUTION
REAFFIRMS OPPOSITION TO URANIUM MINING
NEAR THE GRAND CANYON
• PARKWAY SEDIMENT BASIN/MUSEUM FIRE
• FLOOD MITIGATION COMPLETED!
• PRIMARY DATE MOVES TO JULY 30th
• ELECTIONS WAREHOUSE RIBBON-CUTTING
• URGING VOTER APPROVAL OF THE
EXPENDITURE LIMIT INCREASE FOR
COCONINO COUNTY
• SUPERVISORS ATTEND NACo LEGISLATIVE
CONFERENCE IN D.C. AND ADVOCATE FOR
COCONINO COUNTY FEDERAL PRIORITIES
• SUPERVISOR HORSTMAN ATTENDS FIRST
MEETING OF 2024 BLM/RAC
• GRAND CANYON FOOD PANTRY: HELPING
COMMUNITY, WITH ONE BAG OF GROCERIES
AT A TIME
• COCONINO COUNTY BEGINS CONSTRUCTION
ON YOUTH BEHAVIORAL RESOURCE CENTER
• PUBLIC MEMORIALS IN COUNTY PARKS
• TUSAYAN AWARDED SMART GRANT FROM
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Upcoming Linda Vista Road Closure and Grandview Roadway Construction

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the Spruce Wash Improvements Projects, a full road closure will be required on E Linda Vista Drive between N Paradise Road and N Adrianne Way for the Linda Vista Crossing Project. Access will be maintained through the closure for emergency vehicles, bikes, pedestrians. This closure will be in effect from March 2024 into spring 2025 and will allow for crews to remove and replace the existing culverts that cross E Linda Vista Drive. The City will also be removing and replacing sections of water and sewer mains and installing new storm drains within the roadway.

NAU Dept. of Comparative Cultural Studies to present ‘Disrupting mining in Honduras’ at 6 p.m. March 21

FLAGSTAFF — NAU Dept. of Comparative Cultural Studies will present “Disrupting mining in Honduras: Hegemony, territorial struggles, and contradictions of the neoliberal mafia-state” with Nate Edenhofe at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21 at Liberal Arts 136.

Anti-mining movements have put extractivism on the defensive in Honduras.

Why did mining production fail to expand in Honduras despite some of—if not the— most aggressive pro-extractive reforms on the continent?

Both existing theories of extractivism and social movements have difficulty explaining this outcome.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to present 6th annual César E. Chávez Community Breakfast on Friday, March 22, 2024

FLAGSTAFF — The public is invited to attend the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council’s (CHAC) sixth annual César E. Chávez Community Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at American Legion Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff. Doors open at 6:45 a.m.

Cesar L. Chavez, grandson of the civil rights and farm labor leader and son of Anthony Chavez, Cesar’s youngest son, Cesar was born and grew up in the farm worker movement. He accompanied his grandfather to picket lines and demonstrations in the Central Valley plus cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego. They went on hikes together in the mountains surrounding UFW headquarters at La Paz.
Cesar presently oversees network functions such as musical and educational programming, and traffic (commercials and public service announcements) for the Cesar Chavez Foundation’s extensive English- and Spanish-language communications network.

“We look forward to this opportunity to gather with the community after our long hiatus,’” said CHAC Chair Patricia Garcia. “At this year’s breakfast, we will kick off a year-long project to collect and preserve information about the experiences and contributions of the Hispanic community of Coconino County during the pandemic.”

Coconino County announces Emergency Early Voting Sites for March 19 Presidential Preference Election

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County voters that will be unable to go to their polling location on Election Day, March 19 may vote at an emergency early voting location on Saturday, March 16; Sunday, March 17; or Monday, March 18.

Voters taking advantage of emergency early voting will be required to complete a form stating that they have an emergency and need to vote an emergency early ballot.  They do not need to disclose the specifics of their emergency.

Voters with non-health related emergencies, such as having to be out of town on Election Day, may also cast an emergency early ballot.

The emergency early voting locations are: 

• Coconino County Recorder’s office, 110 E Cherry Ave, Flagstaff
• Coconino County Voter Services office, Flagstaff Mall, Between JCPenney & Planet Fitness, 4650 N US Highway 89, Flagstaff
• Alta Edison Native American Outreach Center, 78 Main Street, Tuba City

Terminal Maintenance Begins at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport

“We are dedicated to enhancing the travel experience for all visitors to FLG. This project has been carefully planned to minimize inconvenience to travelers. By scheduling the bulk of the work at night, we aim to ensure smooth operations without impacting departures or arrivals. Moreover, the terminal sprinkler project underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers for years to come. Additionally, travelers can anticipate a refreshed terminal interior with newly painted walls, updated wayfinding signage, new lighting and more,” stated Airport Director Brian Gall.

Stoneman Lake Road closed as of noon March 14 due to snowstorms

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Public Works Department, in conjunction with Yavapai County, closed Stoneman Lake Road between I-17 and Lake Mary Road on noon, March 14 due to a multi-day winter storm that is forecast to impact the region starting tonight.

This closure is necessary for public safety due to the possibility of whiteout conditions from drifting heavy snow. When drifting occurs, visibility becomes limited and there is an increased difficulty for County snowplow operators to keep the road clear of snow. Stoneman Lake Road will remain closed until weather conditions allow for the County to safely reopen it.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 11-15, 2024

Latest ‘Behind the Scenery’ Podcast available

On Sunday, the latest episode of the Behind the Scenery podcast aired on Apple podcasts and the park’s website.

In this episode, Canyon Interpretation staff interview Gerald Lomaventema, an award-winning silversmith, a mentor to young Hopi artists, and a runner. He’s also the great grandson of Olympic medalist Louis Tewanima. Louis won silver in the 10,000 meters in the 1912 Olympics and set an American record that stood for decades. He was also a spiritual leader in his community.

In this episode of the Behind the Scenery podcast, Gerald talks about his art, his cultural connections to Grand Canyon, and running and Louis’s legacy in the Hopi community. This episode is available on Apple podcasts and the park website.

Celebrating Women at the United Way of Northern Arizona

This year Women’s History Month has particular resonance for United Way of Northern Arizona both because of the makeup of our small and mighty staff and because of this year’s theme: Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Worldwide, three out of four United Ways are led by women, but UWNA’s staff is entirely female.

I am honored to lead a team that includes Christine Pierce, our Campaign and Operations Manager; Elaine Hebestreit, our Administrative Assistant; and Tempy Wessel, who recently joined us as our Northeast Representative.

Additionally Carol Dykes and Sybil Smith continue to assist us with community engagement, managing volunteer efforts and crisis response.

Sedona Arts Center — Check out our Gallery Shop Today!

NOW FEATURING:
Nancy Foo,
Lili Anne Laurin,
and Amy Light

Our 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.

Measles Cases Reported in Coconino County

One confirmed and one probable case of measles has been reported in Coconino County. Coconino County Health and Human Services is actively conducting disease surveillance and identified five public locations where people may have been exposed to measles.

Individuals who were at the following locations at the listed dates and times may have been exposed and should monitor for measles symptoms and contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms:

Flagstaff STEM City — Congratulations to This Year’s STEMMY Award Winners

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s STEMMY Awards Ceremony. The evening was full of celebration, innovation, and dedication to advancing STEM education and awareness within our beloved community. A special thanks to our esteemed keynote speaker, Dr. David Engelthaler for joining us.

Highlighting excellence across various sectors, the STEMMY Awards showcased individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to STEM education and awareness.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Outreach Coordinator plays vital role in promoting collective action to benefit children and families

Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of profiles of board members and staff of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — As per Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Mission statement, “We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.”

For CCC&Y, it takes a variety of individuals to build that inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities — volunteer board members, organizational and individual members, supporters and partners, and staff members.

To promote the work of CCC&Y, the Coalition has been assisted for nearly a decade by Outreach Coordinator Frank X. Moraga. Frank has worked at the Coalition since December 2014, staffing a variety of outreach events and community resource meetings from Flagstaff to Leupp, Williams, Tusayan, the Grand Canyon, Tuba City, Page and Fredonia. He currently facilitates the monthly Tuba City Community Resource meeting. He also produces the Coalition’s weekly e-newsletter.

Coconino County celebrates 20 years of the Sustainable Building Program

Community members are invited to celebrate 20 years of the Sustainable Building Program. The community inspired program, which began in 2003, came out of a desire from county residents for an easier path to building sustainably.

They also saw a need for more community education and awareness about sustainable building practices, methods, technology, and innovations. The program evolved into a free certification program allowing homeowners and builders to participate in a third-party certification based on points achieved for building sustainably. The benefits of participating include: 

Sedona Arts Center — Sign up for an Art Workshop Today!

Distilling the Landscape in Sedona
with Ben Hamburger
March 16 : Saturday, 9am – 3pm

Simplifying what you see is a necessary component of observational painting. But it can also be used as a liberating constraint to explore design, composition, and color. During this class, you will focus on distilling your surroundings into compositions that convey both the essence of the landscape around us and our individual artistic voices. We will begin by focusing on selection and composition exercises before moving on to full color paintings. Discussions on theory and demonstrations will be followed by painting time with guidance by the instructor and group critique. Beginner and experienced plein air painters are welcome, however, this class is a class for people with some substantial painting experience. While demos will be provided in oil paint, both oils and acrylic painters are welcome.