Quick Reads for April 2

Greyhills hosts fundraising basketball tournament

Greyhills Academy High School's senior class is hosting two fundraising basketball tournaments.

The Spring Bash open women's basketball tournament will be held Friday through Sunday. The Spring Bash open men's tournament will be held April 11-13. The entry fee is $150. Awards will be presentes to the top four teams, MVP and All Tourney team.

For more information, contact senior class sponsor Patrick Boone at (928) 283-6271, ext. 432 or 141 or at (928) 225-9261.

Recruiting youth for jobs April 7

The Sawmill Chapter is hosting an employment recruitment for youth ages 14-21 for the summer. The Navajo Nation Workforce Development will be interviewing youth for summer employment April 7 at the Sawmill Chapter house. Youth can pick up summer youth employment applications at the Workforce Development Office in Fort Defiance, located behind the old Fort Defiance Chapter House.

Youth should bring the following documents on April 7: employment application, Social Security card, CIB for everyone in the household, parent(s) most recent check stub and unemployment information. If parents are receiving public assistance, food stamps or TANF, bring in all documents.

For more information contact Lucinda Nelson at (928) 729-4423/4015.

Sawmill Chapter promotes health

A health awareness promotion will be held at the Sawmill Chapter 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 8.

Enjoy a fun run and walk. Health screening will be offered in addition to nutrition and diabetes education along with a foot care presentation. Physical activities and education will be provided.

For more information, contact William Greeson at (928) 729-4490.

Drug awareness presentation April 11

The Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety will offer a drug awareness presentation at 10 a.m. April 11 at the Sawmill Chapter.

The program will be presented by Charlotte James and Captain Ronnie Wauneka and will address meth and drug paraphernalia for parents, grandparents, guardians, officials and educators.

For more information, contact Lorraine Lee at (928) 729-4432/4433 or e-mail her at lorraine_lee3341@yahoo.com.

Navajo Children and Family Services Program adoption seminar

The Navajo Children and Family Services Program Adoption Unit is hosting the First Annual Navajo Nation Adoption Seminar on Friday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock.

The seminar is intended to promote effective ways to apply the Navajo Nation Children's Code and the Navajo Fundamental Law, as well as maintain compliance with the federally mandated placement preference in adoption of our Navajo children. Additional topics include bonding and attachment, traditional perspectives on adoption, placement preference and adoptee perspectives on adoption. The seminar hopes to provide information to adoptive/foster parents, tribal court personnel, attorneys, advocates, prosecutors, state and tribal officials and social workers.

Registration for the seminar is free, but space is limited.

For more information, call (928) 871-6806 for more information, or contact Gloria Benally at (928) 871-6725 or Lucy Laughter-Begay at (928) 871-6803.

Navajo Nation Justice Day 2008

The Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is pleased to announce that the Navajo Nation Courts celebrated their 49th birthday on April 1. The Navajo Nation assumed full control of is judicial system in 1959. Navajo Nation Justice Day give the public an opportunity to visit the courts and learn more about how our justice system works.

Everyone is invited to visit their respective courthouse in their vicinity on the following dates:

• April 2 - Window Rock Judicial District, Window Rock; call (928) 871-6626 for more information;

• April 2 -To'hajiilee Court, To'hajiilee, N.M.; call (505) 836-1642 for more information;

• April 4 - Shiprock Judicial District, Shiprock, N.M.; call (505) 368-1270 for more information;

• April 4 - Ramah Judicial District, Ramah, N.M.; call (505) 775-3218 for more information;

• April 4 - Dilkon Judicial District, Dilkon; call (928) 657-8140 for more information;

• April 11 - Tuba City Judicial District, Tuba City; call (928) 283-3140 for more information;

• April 11 - Chinle Judicial District; call (928) 674-2070 for more information;

April 18 - Crownpoint Judicial District, Crownpoint, N.M.; call (505) 786-2072 for more information;

• May 2 - Aneth Judicial District, Aneth, Utah; call (435) 651-3545 for more information; and,

• May 2 - Kayenta Judicial District, Kayenta; call (928) 697-5541 for more information.

Sawmill Chapter meets April 10

The Sawmill Chapter will hold their regular chapter meeting on Thursday, April 10 at the chapter house. For more information, call (928) 729-4433 or 4432, or fax (928) 729-4435.

Bodaway/Gap Chapter meets April 7

The Bodaway/Gap Chapter would like to announce their upcoming meetings for the month of April. A C.L.U.P. Committee meeting will be held Monday, April 7 at 6 p.m., a chapter planning meeting will be held Sunday, April 13 at 1 p.m. and a regular chapter meeting will be held Sunday, April 20 at 1 p.m. All meetings will be held at the chapter house. For more information, call (928) 283-8843.

Benefit Song and Dance in Tuba City

The Foster Grandparent Program, part of the Navajo Area Agency on Aging in Tuba City will be sponsoring a benefit song and dance at the Tuba City Community Center on Friday, April 4. Registration will begin at 1 p.m. with the grand entry at 3 p.m. There will be door prizes, raffles, cake walk and a food/bake sale. All proceeds will be awarded to group singers and dancers. For more information, contact Nora Tallman at (928) 283-3353 or Lita Bitsoie at (928) 283-3350.

Benefit volleyball tournament for domestic violence victims

The Navajo Nation Office of the First Lady will sponsor a benefit Round Robin/double-elimination volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 5 at the Chinle High School gymnasium. The fee is $120 per team due before the first game (cash or money order only). All proceeds will benefit victims of domestic violence. For more information, or for registration and payment information, contact the Office of the First Lady at (928) 871-7919 or (928) 637-3001.

District 3 Farm Board meeting

There will be a District 3 Farm Board meeting held Saturday, April 5 at 1 p.m. at the Van Zee Farms, located seven miles west of the Tuba City Trading Post. Meeting attendees can sign up for free fencing, plowing and drip irrigation hoses.

For more information, contact Al Johnson at (928) 679-2043.

Navajo Nation MADD shootout

The Navajo Nation Office of the President, Vice-President and First Lady present the "Navajo Nation MADD Shootout" All-Indian Men's double-elimination basketball tournament April 10-13 at the Chinle High School gymnasium. There is a $300 entry fee per team (cash or money order only) due before the first game with all proceeds to benefit victims of drunk driving incidents as well as funding prevention efforts. For more information, contact the Office of the First Lady at (928) 637-3001 at (505) 863-6369.

Monument Valley High School AIMS testing

Students and parents: the Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) testing for Spring 2008 for Monument Valley High School will resume Tuesday, April 8 (Mathematics) and April 9 (Science) for juniors and seniors who have not yet passed this section of the AIMS test. All students must pass all three sections of the AIMS in order to graduate. For more information, contact Monument Valley High School at (928) 697-2228.

UNITY Powwow at Navajo Village Heritage Center

Everyone is invited to attend the UNITY powwow at the Navajo Village Heritage Center in Page on April 11-12.

Head staff includes Master of Ceremonies, Kenny Scabbyrobe; Arena Director, Randall Paskemin; Host Drums, Buffalo Horse Singers and Southern Express; Head Gourd Dancer, Johnny P. Hollister; Head Man Dancer, Jude Cruz and Head Lady Dancer, Tiffany Paskemin. The sound system will be provided by David Begaye.

Call (928) 640-3137 or visit www.myspace.com/pageazunitypowwow for more information.

Background checks limited

The Information Management Section-Toyei Office will accept only 25 walk in requests for background checks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Requests will not be accepted after the limit of 25 walk ins has been reached.

For more information, call (928) 871-7621.

Kayenta American Youth Soccer Organization runs now through June

American Youth Soccer Orgnization (AYSO), a non-profit organization, will have a soccer league for all community kids ages 5-18 on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. at the KIS Field. The fee is $25 for new players (who get to keep complete uniform and shin guards) and $15 for returning players with equipment. Volunteers are also needed. Knowledge of soccer is not necessary.

For more information, contact Esther Peaches at KPS, David Hawley at KIS, James Crittenden at KMS, or Taralyn Goh/Betty Hawley at MVHS for registration times at Basha's or 1st day at KIS Field. Get your kids exercising.

St. Michaels Chapter announcement

The St. Michaels Chapter would like to inform those people who worked for the chapter in 2007 to stop by the chapter house and pick up their W-2s. There are still many W-2s that have not yet been picked up. The chapter house will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have any questions, call (928) 871-7842/7844.

Hopi High Journalism Club fundraising for trip

The Hopi High School Journalism Club is raising money so they can attend the National Journalism Education Association Conference in Anaheim, Calif., April 17-20. The club is attempting to raise $6,000 so they can send 10 students and two chaperones to attend the conference.

The trip will cost approximately $600 per person for hotel, food, registration and other amenities. Hopi High School will match any money that the club raises.

Those donating $50 or more will be recognized in Hopi High's newspaper, The Bruin Times.

The students attending the national journalism conference benefit by meeting students from other newspaper clubs throughout the country and learning more about other newspaper techniques.

Checks should be made out to the Hopi High Journalism Club and mailed to P.O. Box 337, Keams Canyon, AZ 86034.

For more information, call journalism teacher Stan Bindell at (928) 738-5111, ext. 241.

Go fly a kite April 26

Go fly a kite with the city of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Department on April 26. The Sixth Annual Soar into Spring Kite and Activity Festival 11 a.m.0 4 p.m. at Foxglenn Park, 4200 E. Butler Ave. Entry is free.

The day includes kite flying, a DARE Kite contest, arts and crafts vendors, carnival games and rides, live entertainment, a bounce house carnival, a non-profit fair including the Coconino County Activity Expo, pony rides, a petting zoo, bicycle rodeo, crafts for kids, the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, fire truck, Department of Public Safety helicopter, food, climbing wall and much more. Enjoy fun prizes and giveaways. Some cost is associated with vendors.

For more information contact the Parks and Recreation office at (928) 779-7690 or visit www.flagstaff.az.gov or www.flagstaffparksandrec.com.

Preventing Adult Cavities Study at TCRHCC

The Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) is offering dental services to adults with 20 natural teeth and two cavities. The program is open to adults 18 years old and over. Patients are compensated for their time if they qualify. We are currently making appointments for March and April. For more information, contact the Preventing Adult Cavities Study (PACS) at (928) 283-2003/1444 or stop by the TCRHCC Dental Department.

NAU accepting applications for new interdisciplinary course

Northern Arizona University in Fort Defiance is currently accepting applications for the new 90/30 BS and BA degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies (Public Management emphasis) to begin in August. Up to 90 community college credits can be transferred. Information regarding program of study, financial assistance, admission and registration can be obtained from the Distance Learning Web site at www.distance.nau.edu or calling (800) 426-8315, or by calling Dawn Begay at (928) 729-2317 or e-mail Dawn.Begay@nau.edu.

NAU Engineering Camp for young men July 21-25

The Engineering Camp for Young Men at Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a week of exploration in engineering while living on the Flagstaff Mountain Campus. Students from throughout the nation will learn about the engineering design process through exciting activities and teamwork. Campers have the chance to visit with professional engineers from a variety of disciplines and conduct engineering projects first-hand. The camp will also feature adventure and hiking in the Flagstaff area.

We welcome all young men who will be entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grades in fall 2008 (must be a U.S. citizen) and have an interest in math, science or engineering. We especially encourage young men from minority populations and those would be the first in their families to go to college.

The camp cost is $150. This fee includes room, board, and activities. Scholarships are available and applications are due by May 9.

More information and applications are available at: www.nau.edu/mep, or e-mail Fonda.Swimmer@nau.edu or Danielle.Varnes@nau.edu, or call (928) 523-2110 or (928) 523-8163.

STEP UP Engineering Camp for young women July 6-12

STEP UP Engineering Camp is a one-week residential summer camp dedicated to introducing young women in high school to engineering. Campers are immersed in a variety of hands-on engineering activities with other young women from across the country. Campers learn from NAU engineering faculty, students and professional engineers from a range of engineering and science disciplines. The week culminates in a showcase of innovative team designs that tackle the week long design challenge.

We welcome all young women who will be entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grades in fall 2008 (must be a U.S. citizen) and have an interest in math, science or engineering

We especially encourage young women from minority populations and those would be the first in their families to go to college.

The camp cost is $200. This fee includes room, board, and activities. Scholarships are available and applications are due by May 9.

More information and application available at: www.nau.edu/stepup, or e-mail STEPUP@nau.edu or Fonda.Swimmer@nau.edu, or call (928) 523-2110 or 523-2087.

CANYON COUNTRY COMMUNITY LECTURE SERIES

The Long Walk of the Navajo People, 1864 -1868

Dr. Evangeline Parsons Yazzie, associate professor of Navajo at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and author of "Little Woman Warrior Who Came Home: A Story of the Navajo Long Walk," will be giving a lecture on the Long Walk, also known as Hweeldi on Wednesday, April 2 at the NAU Cline Library from 7 - 8 p.m. Parsons is Diné originally from the community of Hardrock on the Navajo Reservation. As a means of acknowledging and honoring her deceased parents for their gift of language, culture-knowledge, and Navajo teachings, Parsons teaches and writes on the behalf of elders, and encourages others to honor their elders.

Canyon Country Community Lectures are sponsored by Grand Canyon Association, NAU Cline Library, Coconino Community College Colorado Plateau Studies, Glendale Public Library, Grand Canyon National Park, and Sharlot Hall Museum.

For more information on this series or the Grand Canyon Association contact Helen Thompson at (928) 638-7033, fax (928) 638-2484 or e-mail hthompson@grandcanyon.org.

Ten Star All-Star basketball camp

Applications are now being evaluated for the Ten Star All-Star summer basketball camp. The camp is by invitation only. Boys and girls age 10-19 are eligible to apply. Past participants include Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Jerry Stackhouse and Grant Hill. Scholarships are possible for players selected to the All-American Team. Camp locations include Prescott, Ariz. Thousand Oaks, Calif., Gainsville, Ga., Commerce, Texas and other locations. There is also a camp for boys and girls age 6-18. For a free brochure, call (704) 373-0873 or visit www.tenstarcamp.com.

Coconino County ITAC seeking new membership

The Coconino County Inter-Tribal Advisory Council (ITAC) is currently recruiting interested citizens to serve on the ITAC.

Established in 2001 by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the ITAC is an official liaison and communication link between Native American communities and Coconino County governmental agencies. It is composed of up to 15 members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Members must reside in Coconino County and have an interest in and knowledge of issues and concerns of importance to Native Americans residing in Coconino County.

The ITAC reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning existing and proposed city, county, state, federal and tribal legislation affecting Native Americans. They also examine and assist in planning policies for employment, education, housing, health services, community services, the justice system, recreation and land development as they affect or relate to Native American tribal members.

The ITAC also promotes cultural and historical activities and events related to Native Americans and recommends and reports findings from studies regarding the current needs of Native Americans to the Board of Supervisors. Additionally, they host community forums to educate the community about Native American issues and concerns.

The ITAC meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the Coconino County Administrative Center located at 219 East Cherry Ave. in downtown Flagstaff. The meeting will be in the second floor meeting room. Public participation is encouraged.

Citizens who are interested in becoming a member of the ITAC are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications can be downloaded from the ITAC Web site at www.coconino.az.gov/itac. Completed applications should be submitted to: Coconino County Board Of Supervisors, 219 East Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

For more information about the ITAC, or if you should have questions regarding membership, call (928) 779-6644 or toll free (800) 559-9289, or e-mail Elaine Beyal at ebeyal@coconino.az.gov.

Foster grandparent and senior companion volunteers needed

The Senior Volunteer Programs of Northern Arizona's foster grandparent and senior companion programs need elders age 60 and older. By volunteering your time and talent to help children or visit homebound seniors, you can receive a stipend of $2.65/hr tax free, meal and mileage reimbursement, annual physical exam, secondary insurance and formal recognition for the important work you do.

Foster grandparent volunteers can volunteer 15-40 hours weekly to help children who need extra love and attention in a variety of settings including school classrooms, Head Start programs, and children's shelters.

Senior companion volunteers can volunteer 15-40 hours weekly to help homebound seniors who need a helping hand to stay independent.

If you are interested in finding out more about the foster grandparent and senior companion programs, contact Mary Tenakhongva at (928) 734-1290 or Amy Websdale at (928) 523-1082 or toll free at 1-866-856-3017.

Echo Cliffs Veterans Organization monthly meetings

The Echo Cliffs Veterans Organization of the Bodaway-Gap chapter holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Bodaway-Gap Chapter office. We encourage all veterans from Coppermine to Cameron to attend. Upcoming events and topics include the building of the new veterans center, forming an honor guard and ensuring that all veterans receive their benefits. For more information contact the Bodaway-Gap Chapter at (928) 283-8843 or Ray Elshire at (928) 283-0612.

Announcers, announcements sought

KGHR Radio Station in Tuba City is seeking Navajo speakers to make local and community announcements in the Navajo language on the air. Speakers of any age group are needed including youth and elderly. KGHR is also seeking local and community announcements to be aired on the radio to inform and educate the local communities and listeners. Topics should be of an informative and educational nature. Navajo Nation, state, county and chapter service providers, health care facilities, schools and businesses are asked to submit input and announcements to inform local Navajo communities about events taking place. For further information, to volunteer or submit community announcements contact the Greyhills Academy High School Human Resources Office at P.O. Box 160, Tuba City, AZ, 86045; by phone at (928) 283- 6271 ext. 196 or 112; by fax at (928) 283-6604; or by email at kghr@gahs.bia.edu.

Coconino Rural Environment Corps now hiring for 2008 season

Based in Flagstaff, the Coconino Rural Environment Corps is a conservation corps program for young adults who want to make a difference in their world. Projects can include trail work, wildfire prevention and forest restoration, wildlife habitat restoration, native species revegetation, invasive species eradication, wetlands area restoration and GPS surveys.

Corps members must be age 18-25 to be eligible. A living stipend of $580 every two weeks is paid and an educational award is also presented at the end of the term. $2,462 for 900 hours is given and $4,725 for 1,700 hours is provided. Great training opportunities to further personal and professional goals are offered including enhanced understanding of the environment and environmental issues, as well as access to federal land management agencies and staff.

Applications are now being accepted for 6-12 month terms beginning January 2008. Spaces are limited, so apply now.

For more information call Monique at (928) 679-8173 or visit www.crecweb.org.

Navajo County to assist residents in obtaining birth certificates

The Navajo County Public Health Services District can assist area residents with Arizona birth certificates. The Health District can provide to eligible parents, Arizona birth certificates for children born between 1990 to present for a $10 charge. The Health District may also be able to assist with other Arizona birth certificate issues.

The Health District can only process birth certificates from the Holbrook office. In order to further assist area residents, the Vital Records office travels to other locations. If the Health District is able to process the birth certificate, it is mailed to residents from the Holbrook office.

The Vital Records Secretary will be at the Hopi Women's Health Office near the Tribal Administration Office in Kykotsmovi on Thursday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information contact Karen at (928) 524-4750.

AARP Tax-Aide offers volunteer opportunities

AARP Tax-Aide is the largest free, volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service in the country. Each year from Feb. 1 - April 15, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns for middle and low-income taxpayers with special attention given to people 60 and older.

Right now, Tax-Aide representatives in Arizona are recruiting volunteers for tax counseling and/or leadership positions with the program. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Membership in AARP is not required to get involved in the program.

"Volunteers with Tax-Aide get a lot of satisfaction from helping people prepare their taxes," said Diane Pearson, AARP Tax-Aide State Coordinator. "We need people with good computer skills to help out with electronic filing and we need people with basic computer skills who will be taught how to use our computer tax program."

AARP Tax-Aide tax volunteers receive comprehensive training in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. Leadership positions coordinate program delivery by volunteers at sites at the local, state or regional level or manage specific program activities such as technology, training, administration or communication. Although tax training and certification is encouraged, it is not required for many leadership positions. Volunteers are reimbursed on a limited basis for qualified program-related expenses. For more information about becoming a local AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, call toll-free 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277) or visit our web site at www.aarp.org/taxaide.

AARP Tax-Aide is administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated 501 (c) (3) nonpartisan charitable organization.

The AARP Foundation administers publicly and privately funded programs, such as AARP Tax-Aide and the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program. The Foundation also carries out national litigation through AARP Foundation Litigation, and the Washington, DC based advocacy programs funded through Legal Counsel for the Elderly. These programs also receive support from AARP.

Holbrook High School class reunion

The Holbrook High School Class of 1974 announces their class reunion set for 2009 in Holbrook. Roadrunners, heads up! If you have any questions, you may e-mail jean_benally@msn.com or muunshado@yahoo.com, or call L.C. Baldwin at (505) 863-7687 (work) or (505) 979-4509 (cell), or mail your question(s) to P.O. Box 3752, Gallup, N.M. 87305.

Black Mesa Trust Seeks New Membership

The Black Mesa Trust is currently seeking new membership for the Black Mesa Trust Organization. According to Vernon Masyesva, Executive Director, the Mission of Black Mesa Trust is "to safeguard, preserve and honor the land, air, and water of Black Mesa. Black Mesa Trust is about harnessing the lessons of traditional knowledge with western science and technology to secure permanently our homeland for generations of children yet to come."

Black Mesa Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductable. You may join Black Mesa Trust in the following membership categories: $1 Pavatya-Tadpole, $10 Paakwa-Frog, $25 Baaqavi-Reed, $50 Paawiya-Duck, $100 Tangaqwunu-Rainbow, $250 Paahutaviyva-Spring Keeper, $500 Yoytaviyta-Rainkeeper, and $1,000 Paahutunatyawtaqa-Water Guardian.

Please send your name, address, phone number or e-mail and tribal affiliation. Send your check or money order to: Black Mesa Trust, P.O. Box 33, Kykotsmovi, Arizona 86039. For more information, go to www.BMT.org or call (928) 734-9255.

Mountain Spinners and Weavers Guild meeting

All interested individuals are invited to the monthly Mountain Spinners and Weavers Guild meeting, which is held at 9 a.m., on the third Saturday of each month at the American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Dr. in Prescott. For more information contact Rowena Tank at (928) 899-3574.

GED distance learning opportunity

Coconino Community College offers free online GED preparation program. Individuals who want to study for a GED but can't attend class regularly, can use GED Online to study and take practice tests anywhere they can access the Internet. In Flagstaff and surrounding areas, call Coconino Community College Adult Education at (928) 226-4317. This program is free to all and is funded by the Arizona Department of Education.

New Frontiers seeks five percent Wednesday candidates

On the third Wednesday of each month New Frontiers donates five percent of that day's sales to a Flagstaff non-profit group that provides for critical human needs such as food, shelter, emergency health care or a safe haven. In the past, monies have also been donated to reading programs, community cleanup campaigns, children's groups, causes and programs that improve the quality of life in Flagstaff. To find out if your group qualifies, call Priya Drews at (928) 774-5747.