Water Literacy for Kindergarteners

Mountain View Preparatory Academy Collaborates

on Water Literacy for Kindergarteners Class

Mountain View Preparatory Academy kindergarteners wrapped up the school year with a brand new program entitled Water Literacy for Kindergarteners. Community volunteerism was at its highest level with the first successful completion of the new program, a partnership of the City of Cottonwood and Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District. Mayor Diane Joens and COCSD Superintendent Barbara U’Ren did not hesitate to understand and appreciate the significance of the program after the ‘Water is Life’ presentation by educator, community volunteer, and creator of the program, Linda Heidenreich, who also has a degree in geology from Northern Arizona University.

Superintendent U’Ren saw the program as a base for water education during the elementary school years and placed Heidenreich—known as Ms. H2O to the children—with kindergarten teacher Kevin Dix.  Mayor Joens and City Manager Doug Bartosh saw an opportunity to have Cottonwood Municipal Utilities involved in the educational process of the youngest in the community. The program was presented to the Cottonwood City Council who also supported it. Development Services General Manager Dan Lueder worked with staff to implement the program.

The topic of water demanded rigorous attention, and the 38 students began the program with an in-class presentation by Ms. H20, who also recognized Earth Day. Field trips began the following week with almost two miles of walking per field trip before students rode in the air-conditioned comfort of the Cottonwood Area Transit bus, and a final return to campus on Mr. Dix’s little white school bus. Heidenreich felt it was important to add the use of public transit to the curriculum.

The first week, April 30-May 3, ten students each day walked the Verde River Jail Trail, accompanied by instructor Ms. H2O, volunteer aide Sarah O’Donnal and several parent aides. They engaged in plant and tree observation. Students collected samples, discussed animals and birds in a riparian zone, observed and discussed floodplain deposits, the groundwater-surface water interface, and water conservation, with the important question, “How does a river dry up?”

The second week, May 7-10, students accompanied by Ms. H2O, volunteer aides Sarah O'Donnal and Maggie Sloniger, and several parent aides, met Cottonwood Utilities Administrative Manager Roger Biggs at the Well Site #5 Water Storage Tank. He discussed water distribution from city wells to homes and businesses. The kindergarteners experienced all hands on the giant water tank.  Biggs said, “In this day of billions, trillions and gazillions, I wanted to demonstrate that a million of something—gallons—was still a pretty big deal.  So, putting their hands on the tank was sort of like holding a million gallons of water.”

After more leg power and then a nice, cool CAT bus ride, students concluded with a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant by Cottonwood Wastewater Superintendent Debbie Breitkreutz and Operator Gary Simgen. Kindergarteners learned how dirty water—water that is flushed—is processed into reclaimed water clean enough to be used in the community for plant life. Reclaimed water is a future renewable water supply for communities in the arid, drought-intensive Southwest.

“The program was a total success,” said Heidenreich. “I knew the program would work but Mr. Dix's kindergarten class surpassed all my expectations.” 

Upon completion of the rigorous water literacy program, each student was issued a certificate signed by Mayor Joens and Ms. H20 entitled Water Ambassadors for Water Conservation. The students kept the water bottles with shoulder straps and the City of Cottonwood Utilities logo for future use in the field as they continue to explore water within their community, along with family and friends.

For now they are Water Ambassadors for Water Conservation, a big title and an even bigger accomplishment by the youngest members of our community. Mayor Joens said, “This is the first annual Water Literacy for Kindergarteners class, and we can’t wait to do the program again next year.  It was a joy working with Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Superintendent U’Ren and her professional staff. Of course, without community volunteers like Ms. H20 Heidenreich, none of this would have happened. It was a great partnership all the way around.”

The Water Literacy for Kindergarteners program is an addition to the COCSD water education curriculum. Fourth grade students participate in Project WET and seventh graders learn conservation through school water audits.

Project CENTRL Class XVI-- UA News about Mayor Diane Joens

Just want to share this link with you today.

http://uanews.org/node/45939

It's an article in the UA News about my leadership journey starting with Project CENTRL. I graduated in 2003. http://centrl.org/

Tracy Candelaria, Heather Talabesky, Diane Joens

at the Federal Reserve Bank in Washington D.C., May 2003

Project CENTRL Class XVI at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Project CENTRL Class XVI with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

Mayor Diane Joens Honors Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

Mayor Diane Joens Honors Teachers

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Mayor Diane Joens visited two middle school teachers Friday to read a statement of recognition for the job that teachers do and thank them for the difference they make in the lives of their students. She said the role of a classroom teacher cannot be overemphasized—teachers are the single most influential factor in a child’s educational experience. She provided a $50 gift certificate to help with classroom supplies. Mrs. Jacki Dunsmore and Mrs. Cherie Heath were honored because they sponsor the annual sixth grade megabucks campout. Teachers and students enjoy a BBQ, field games and a bonfire with s’mores and storytelling. From left, Cottonwood Middle School Principal Denise Kennedy, Mrs. Dunsmore and Mrs. Heath were honored by Mayor Joens. The mayor read a card she had made for them, highlighting information from a mayoral proclamation read at the May 3 city council meeting. The sixth grade students were proud of their teachers for being recognized—there were smiles all around.

Mayor Diane Joens - BIO

 Diane Joens is Mayor of Cottonwood. In the past she worked as a news reporter, in the field of banking, and determined HUD and Rural Development housing program eligibility for the elderly and disabled. She worked for the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors. She served as a Cottonwood City Council Member four years, and was elected Mayor of Cottonwood in March of 2007 and again in 2011.

Diane was raised in Sierra Vista, Ariz. When she was 15 her parents moved to Iowa where she finished high school and then married. Diane and husband Paul farmed for 15 years, raising corn, soybeans and hogs. They sold their farming operation and moved to Cottonwood 26 years ago.  

Preservation of the Verde River is one of Diane's primary interests. Diane is one of the founders of Stewards of Public Lands, a group that organizes volunteers, government agencies and businesses to clean up and maintain the Verde Valley’s beautiful public lands. Stewards work in creative ways to encourage collaboration of governmental entities at the federal, state and local level, working across jurisdictional lines and pooling resources. www.verdestewards.org

She is co-chair of the Yavapai County Water Advisory Committee and chairman of the  Greater Arizona Mayors’ Association. Diane was publisher of a community project, the Verde River Almanac, as her Project CENTRL internship. Diane especially enjoys working with youth and participated in Cottonwood Middle School’s Water Audit in 2009 and 2010. The 7^th graders subsequently won the Governor’s Rural Economic Development Award. Currently she is collaborating on a program, Water Literacy for Kindergarteners, a partnership between Cottonwood Municipal Utilities and Cottonwood –Oak Creek School District.

Dedicated to the many volunteers who make a community strong, Diane has authored a column, Spotlight on Volunteers, for the Verde Independent, and hosts a television show, Inside Cottonwood, on  Cottonwood's Government Channel on CableOne TV. 

Serving as Cottonwood’s Mayor is both a privilege and responsibility. The people of Cottonwood and the upper Verde Valley provide Diane’s inspiration for leadership.

 

Web site: www.cottonwoodaz.gov

Web site: www.dianejoens.com

Mayor's Facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/6yq3b3  

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mayordianejoens

Blog: http://everythingcottonwood.blogspot.com/

The City of Cottonwood is on Facebook! Be sure to "Like" our page. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfCottonwoodAZ

Project CENTRL: http://www.centrl.org/

Happy Easter to my Secret Friend

I got this message from a "secret friend." Let me tell you, he or she made my day, my week, my year!  Wishing my "secret friend" and everyone a blessed Easter.



‘FOR OUR CITY’ LAUNCHES LOOKING GOOD COTTONWOOD CITYWIDE NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP CAMPAIGN

Distressed neighborhoods may soon take on a new look, thanks to Looking Good Cottonwood, a new neighborhood revitalization and For Our City Cottonwood initiative. For Our City Cottonwood is a recently formed group of faith based and nonprofit volunteers who desire to make a positive difference in the community. The initiative provides a framework to bring together the talents and creative energies of diverse civic and volunteer groups including faith and nonprofit organizations committed to transforming neighborhoods into neighborhoods of opportunity.

For Our City Cottonwood plans a citywide cleanup on Saturday, April 14 from 8 a.m. until noon. Volunteers will comb Cottonwood and Verde Village Streets picking up litter to spruce up the city. In Cottonwood, volunteers will meet at Evangel Worship Center, 1380 East Mingus Ave., at 8 a.m. for coffee and donuts. The city of Cottonwood will furnish garbage bags for volunteers who will spread out into assigned districts throughout the city. Margaret Paddock, president of the Verde Village Property Owners’ Association, will be asking Verde Village volunteers to work in Units 1 and 3. At noon, volunteers will take their garbage bags to Evangel Worship Center where two dump trucks donated by Brent Deal will be available to haul them to the Cottonwood Transfer Station. Evangel Worship Center will furnish lunch to the volunteers.

Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens asks, “Will you be caught cleaning up your yard?” Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission members, Mingus Union High School Student Council members and MUHS Interact Club members will be looking to catch community residents cleaning up their yards. They will be handing out free meal tickets to some of Cottonwood’s favorite restaurants.

Cottonwood businesses and residents are encouraged to clean up their properties to make the entire city sparkle. For Our City Cottonwood’s motto is, “Bringing the community together through volunteerism.” Their first project is to engage and promote strong vibrant neighborhoods through the Looking Good Cottonwood program.

Residents and businesses will be encouraged to take pride in community by getting out and raking and mowing their lawns, planting flowers and enthusiastically cleaning up their yards. Volunteers will help others who are not able. A clean and beautiful city promotes the health of residents and neighborhoods, encourages thriving economic development and enhances tourism.

The city of Cottonwood will provide free dumping to city of Cottonwood residents from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dumpsters will be located behind the CAT bus facilities. Follow the signs from 89A turning onto West Mingus Ave. toward the Cottonwood Airport. Pass the airport and turn at the next right on Happy Jack, just before the Fire Training Center. Follow the road to the dumpsters. No commercial loads, liquids, tires or cement can be accepted. City of Cottonwood residents may dispose household trash and yard trimmings.

In Verde Village, businesses and residents are also encouraged to clean up their properties in this collaborative Cottonwood-Verde Village cleanup. Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis will furnish dumpsters for Verde Village residents at the Club House on 4855 East Broken Saddle Drive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 14. No yard waste will be accepted, but Verde Village residents can take their slash and yard waste to the Camp Verde transfer station. The transfer station is seven miles east of I-17 on Hwy. 260. Take General Crook Trail to Hwy 260 going toward Payson. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A separate household hazardous waste event will be held Saturday, April 14. Yavapai County is sponsoring a free household hazardous waste recycling event from 8 a.m. until noon. Verde Valley residents are encouraged to recycle paints, auto batteries and other batteries, motor oil and fluids, aerosol cans, pesticides, fluorescent lights, acids, household cleaners and lawn and garden products. Please limit loads to 15 gallons or 125 pounds. Residents with questions about the household hazardous waste event may call Yavapai County Public Works at 928-639-8100 extension 3183.

Residents of both Cottonwood and Verde Village—as well as all Verde Valley residents—may participate in the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors 2012 Free slash drop off program at the Camp Verde transfer station. Now through June 1, 2012, the free slash drop off program will assist residents in developing necessary defensible space around their homes and other structures that could fuel fires. Supervisor Chip Davis says, “Keeping fuels managed is absolutely necessary to help avoid uncontrolled fires that can become extremely damaging.” He encourages residents to take advantage of the free slash drop-off program and clean up around their properties. Only the following items will be accepted: brush, branches, grass and leaves and yard trimmings. All slash must be removed from plastic bags. The county cannot accept lumber, stumps, roots, cactus, metal or garbage. For additional information about the slash program, call 928-639-8100, extension 3183.

Part of the neighborhood cleanup plan is to assist elderly people who are unable to do their own yard work or clean up their properties. For Our City Cottonwood volunteers want to help. Volunteers are being recruited now. Experience in the building trades is a plus, but not a requirement. There is a particular need for team leaders who can help supervise and train teams of volunteers.  If you would like to help beautify Cottonwood, clean up or work on home repair, please call Mayor Diane Joens at 634-4112 or email her at mayor@dianejoens.com.  Eligible elderly households who need assistance may call 634-4254, extension 54175 and leave a message.  A For Our City Cottonwood volunteer will return calls as soon as possible.

 “Neighborhoods are the fabric of a community—the threads that tie both geographic and social systems together,” says Mayor Joens. Mayor Joens believes that strengthening and promoting existing neighborhoods can stabilize the housing stock and contribute towards community ties. These ties produce a stronger community that can effectively react to problems such as crime, litter or deterioration. Dealing with these threats in a proactive and tenacious manner can ensure the vitality and property values of a community. Focusing on neighborhoods protects the health, safety and welfare of the people who live within the community. Communities want to address deterioration issues before they become a widespread problem within the community.

For Our City Cottonwood Coordinator Mike Worden asks, “What would Cottonwood look like if hundreds of volunteers worked together, contributing thousands of hours collectively to serve our city? Think of how we could address problems, alleviate suffering and transform our community! Together we will work with public servants, community, business, nonprofit and faith leaders in all areas of society—facilitating relationships and effecting positive change.” Other ideas For Our City Cottonwood has discussed include a teacher appreciation week, homeless program unification, a youth cultural activity center, volunteer fair, and other community projects.

Businesses or residents with questions may email Mayor Joens at mayor@dianejoens.com or check the Web site www.dianejoens.com for .pdf files of the images below.

Stewards of Public Lands and Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission Clean Forest

Stewards of Public Lands and the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission joined forces to clean up the unofficial shooting range in the Prescott National Forest near Cottonwood. Two trailer loads were hauled to the Cottonwood Transfer Station using Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis's voucher grant program. Commissioners participating, from left, were Jordan Westover, Shaylor Dowling, Lacy O'Connell, Mackenzie Mabery, Josh Nance, Brooke Lindsey, Emma Schraner, Parker Kleck, Charles Novak and Robert Valentine. Mayor Diane Joens, co-chair of the Stewards, joined the group. Also present were Stewards Jim Sweitzer, Dave and Judy Miller, and Jess Tyler. The Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission provides a united voice for youth and is a driven, motivated group, whose motto is Dream Big. They want to make sure their  generation has the opportunity to enjoy wide-open spaces.

Stewards of Public Lands and the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission joined forces on Saturday to clean up the shooting range in the Prescott National Forest west of Cottonwood. Stewards clean up illegal dumping on public lands to keep them enjoyable and accessible for the public. The Stewards maintain and monitor areas to keep them clean and support public education to reduce further dumping and littering. Stewards encourage and assist law enforcement to deter littering and dumping on public lands.

By cleaning up the lands, the landscape is restored to its former beauty and encourages enjoyable and safe recreational opportunities. Residents are more likely to enjoy clean forest lands for hiking, running, bird watching, bicycling, hunting and sightseeing. During the cleanup, Commissioner Emma Schraner observed, “We are making a small dent that has a huge impact.”

Signing in and getting ready for the safety talk given by Dave Miller.

There are a lot of bullet shells to pick up.

The Stewards and commissioners gathered up two trailer loads of trash and bullet shells from the shooting area. Dave and Judy Miller of Cornville provided the trailer. Jim Sweitzer of Camp Verde and Stewards co-chairs Jess Tyler and Diane Joens of Cottonwood also assisted.

Dave Miller hauled two trailer loads to the Cottonwood Transfer Station where Stewards can dump

 for free through a grant from Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis.

According to the National Parks Web site, aluminum cans and tabs tossed on forest lands can last 80 to 100 years; even oranges and banana peels can last up to two years. Cigarette butts can last one to five years, and plastic six-pack holders last 100 years. Plastic bags will be there for 10 to 20 years; plastic bottles indefinitely. It’s estimated that a carelessly tossed glass container will be there for a million years if nobody bothers to pick it up and dispose of it correctly.

Mayor Joens says, “The Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission provides a united voice for youth and is a driven, motivated group. We really appreciated their help at our cleanup.” The Youth Commissioners encourage everyone to keep forest lands clean.

Commissioner Brooke Lindsey stated “I can’t believe people just leave trash out here. I want to make sure our generation has the opportunity to enjoy wide-open space.”

On the shooting range, Stewards and Forest Service officials request users to, “Pack it in, pack it out.” Catherine Sampson, Assistant Operations Manager for the Coconino National Forest, advises shooters to place a blanket on the ground, stand in the middle of it while shooting, and all shells will fall on the blanket and can be gathered at once. She also advises that shooters should bring their own wood or cardboard targets and take them home with them. Sampson says, “Do not bring household trash to target practice such as bottles, cans, televisions or old furniture.”

Other rules, Sampson says, include making sure to shoot toward a hill. She says shooters need to know where their bullets go. She also says there is to be no shooting within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area. Shooting is not allowed across or on a Forest development road or an adjacent body or water, or in any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge, or into or within any cave.

Sampson says shooting in the National Forest is otherwise permitted, but littering is not permitted. Shooters are responsible for their targets and shells. She also admonishes, “Do not shoot glass, it is impossible to remove.”

Joens feels that the tenacity and work of the Stewards is paying off. “When we first cleaned this area eight years ago, community volunteers, the City of Cottonwood, Town of Clarkdale, and Forest Service hauled out three large dumpsters of illegally dumped trash, shooting targets, and bullet shells. Today, the lands surrounding our communities are much cleaner. We want to thank the public for their help.”

“In the old days,” Joens remembers, “We had huge monthly forest cleanups with dozens of volunteers. We pulled a 40 yard dumpster of illegally dumped trash out of the forest nearly every month for five years. Now, thanks to the public’s assistance in keeping the lands clean, we are able to keep up with small group cleanups. Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis has provided a voucher grant program so that volunteers can go out and cleanup the forest when they see a small dump site. Then, they can use Supervisor Davis’s voucher program to dump with no charge to them personally.”

The Stewards’ goal is to clean up illegal dumping on public lands

 to keep them enjoyable and accessible for the public.

Anyone wishing to learn more information about the Stewards of Public Lands or the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission can access their Web sites at www.verdestewards.org or http://www.cottonwoodaz.gov/bcyouth.php.