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

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

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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.

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Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Prescribed fire planned for North Rim of Grand Canyon beginning Oct. 16

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park fire managers—working with  staff from the Kaibab National Forest and Bureau of Land Management, anticipate initiating prescribed fire treatments from October 16-31, on the North Rim, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. 

On Thursday, Oct. 16, ignitions will occur on the Atoko Point unit, located on the far eastern edge of the Walhalla Plateau. The north and east boundary consist of the canyon rim edges and encompass Roosevelt Point, Atoko Point, and Naji Point. The southern boundary will be ~300ft of handline where the plateau necks down tightly between Cape Royal Rd. and canyon rim edge. The western edge is bound by the Cape Royal Road from Roosevelt Point to the handline segment. This project totals an area of 1,700 acres and is anticipated to conclude on or around Tuesday, Oct. 31.  

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Business, Government, Local, News

Coconino County — Ballots Mailed for the Nov. 7, 2023, Special Election

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FLAGSTAFF — Ballots for the Nov 7, 2023, Special Election have been mailed to all eligible registered voters. This is a ballot-by-mail election so registered voters residing in the City of Flagstaff, Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District, Ash Fork Joint Unified School District, Grand Canyon Unified School District, Pinewood Sanitary District, Williams Hospital District, and Highlands Fire District will be receiving their ballots in the next few days. 

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Local, News, Youth

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

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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.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Local

NAU Review — A metaphorical hike through a national monument, celebrating I Love Yarn day with a craft and Fit it in a Minute with Laura Umphrey

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In 2009, NAU created the Southwest Virtual Museum, which put artifact exhibits, virtual tours and 3D imaging of the iconic prehistoric sites of northern Arizona online to allow anyone, anywhere to explore the art, history and lifestyles of the many Indigenous cultures of the U.S. Southwest. A grant from the National Park Service is funding the creation of a 3D model and virtual tour of one of the crown jewels of that prehistory—the Island Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument, including the 9-Room Site, the largest and most intact site open to the public.

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

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

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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.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

City of Flagstaff Water Conservation program wins 2023 WaterSense® Excellence Award

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FLAGSTAFF — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored the City of Flagstaff with a WaterSense Excellence Award for the City’s work promoting WaterSense and water efficiency in 2022.  WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products, programs, and homes and a resource for helping consumers learn about ways to save water.

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

Firing operations on Still Fire resuming along Highway 87

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HAPPY JACK — Still Fire managers plan to resume firing operations Thursday and Friday along Highway 87 following several days of preparations during scattered showers and higher humidities.

Fire managers plan to use strategic firing operations to increase containment and protect values at risk. The Still Fire is located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD).

Once firing operations resume, local areas – including Highway 87, the Blue Ridge communities and the Little Springs area – will see heavy smoke impact.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Join Us (Oct. 11) for a Webinar on Prop 480

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You are cordially invited to join us tomorrow for a special webinar on Prop. 480, the citizens of Flagstaff’s referendum on the re-zoning of the proposed Northern Arizona Hospital site. The re-zoning of the site was approved by the Flagstaff City Council earlier this year.

This Arizona Civic Exchange (CivEx) event, which will be held from 2 – 3 p.m. (MST), is being sponsored by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, a part of the Flinn Foundation. The webinar is being presented in conjunction with the Northern Arizona Leadership Alliance Community Civility Project.

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Business, Family, Government, Local, News

Coconino County Supervisor Matt Ryan Announces Retirement

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Coconino County Supervisor Matt Ryan, who has represented District 3 for 27 years, has submitted a formal letter to his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors (Board) indicating his intention to retire from the Board effective Dec. 31, 2023.

District 3 includes the Town of Williams, portions of Flagstaff and Sedona along with Kachina Village, Mountainaire, Munds Park and other unincorporated communities in southwestern Coconino County.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

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

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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.

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Business, Government, Local, News

Full closure of Columbus Avenue scheduled for Oct 12 and Oct. 20

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FLAGSTAFF — As part of Phase II of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, a full closure of Columbus Avenue between N Humphreys Street and N San Francisco Street is scheduled on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for asphalt work. Beaver Street south through Columbus Avenue will remain open with flaggers. Early warning message boards and detours will be established, however travelers should expect delays in the area.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Still Fire at 9,101 acres, firing operations on hold

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HAPPY JACK — Fire managers are pausing firing operations on the Still Fire for the next several days due to predicted rain and humidity but are hoping to resume those operations later this week when weather conditions allow.

The Still Fire is a lightning-caused wildfire located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD).

During the pause on firing operations, crews will continue to hold existing line while also preparing the fire area – including areas along Highway 87 – for firing operations.

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

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

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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.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News

City hosts Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event on Oct. 9

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. Titled “•REFLECTING •HONORING •RESILIENCE – Matriarchal Voice and Leadership” the event will feature presentations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as well as cultural shares through songs & dances. The event will take place at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St.) A full schedule of the event will be posted on the City

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

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

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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.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Still Fire at 7,781 acres, smoke impact to continue

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Smoke impact will linger despite a pause on Highway 87-adjacent firing operations on the Still Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction.

Smoke impact will remain noticeable along Highway 87, in the Blue Ridge communities, the Little Springs area, and possibly in the Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Pine, Strawberry and Payson areas.

Smoke will settle into low-lying areas overnight.

Driving conditions in the fire area may remain hazardous, and possible intermittent closures may be implemented along area roads, including Highway 87, for public safety. 

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

United Way of Northern Arizona — Recommitting to Positive Youth Development

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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.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

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

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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. 

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

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

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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.

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

Cecil Fire containment at 67%; area closure removed

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FLAGSTAFF — Containment on the 2,180-acre lightning-caused Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, is at 67% following yesterday’s containment and suppression repair efforts.

The Coconino National Forest has removed the emergency area closure for the Cecil Fire.

The Type 3 Incident Management Team that has been managing this fire since Sept. 28 will return the fire back to the Coconino NF this evening.

Forty-two personnel remain assigned to the Cecil Fire, including one 20-person crew, three engines and miscellaneous overhead.

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Business, Cultural, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

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

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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.  

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s VOTER GUIDE to Flagstaff Propositions: November 2023 Special Election

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Flagstaff’s Special Election is November 7, 2023. This is a Ballot-by-Mail Election and there will be no polling places on Election Day. All registered voters in the City of Flagstaff will automatically receive a ballot in the mail approximately three weeks prior to election day. You are able to check your voting status here.

F3 has thoroughly reviewed the 20 propositions that will be on the ballot and we have created a Voter Guide to this year’s election. The summary of the Voter Guide is available in graphic form below. A description of the propositions, accompanied by F3’s reasoning for our voting recommendations, are provided on our website.

Nineteen of the propositions on the ballot are proposed amendments to the City of Flagstaff Charter. The City Charter is the basic law of a city as established by a majority of voters. The Charter defines the powers and functions of the city and serves as the foundation of government for the city.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Phase 2 of the Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project Begins This Week

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COCONINO COUNTY — The Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project, a $5.4 million joint effort of the Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest, will enter its second and final phase of construction.

The Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project, a $5.4 million joint effort of the Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest, will enter its second and final phase of construction as contractors begin channel stabilization in roughly 4 miles of upper Schultz Creek. 

The Schultz Creek Watershed is one of nine watersheds that were badly burned during the 2022 Pipeline Fire. Post-wildfire flooding and erosion through Schultz Creek contributed to repeated flooding and destructive sediment deposition in downstream Flagstaff neighborhoods. 

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Education

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

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

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

For families:

Resource directories —
Coconino County — COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition
Flagstaff — Flagstaff Resource Hub, Front Door
First Things First Navajo Nation Family Resource Guide — Click here
Grand Canyon Community Resources
Navajo Nation Covid-19 Family Resources — Click here
2022 Fall Page Resource Guide — Click here *
2022 Fall Tuba City — Click here *
2022 Williams Area Community Resource Guide — Click here

* Send email to frank@coconinokids.org to provide updates on these CCC&Y-created resource guides.

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Business, Cultural, Government, Local, News

City of Flagstaff — Update on City Road Repair and Street Safety Phase II

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FLAGSTAFF — Phase II of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program is well underway as crews work to complete the work prior to winter. Crack sealing operations have been completed throughout the project area.

During the week of Oct. 2, work to replace damaged concrete will continue on Columbus Avenue and N Switzer Canyon Drive with lane shifts present. Asphalt work will also take place during the week of Oct. 2 on S Fremont Drive, W Mars Hill Road, S Babbitt Drive and N Switzer Canyon Drive.

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