By L. Parsons Last week, the monthly Good Morning Winslow series returned to the Chamber of Commerce. The series, which features a hosted breakfast and community leaders sharing their goings on took a hiatus at the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for most of 2020. The first host was the Winslow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Bob Hall who addressed the audience of approximately 50 people. “We are so happy to be gathering in person again. The Chamber has a lot of plans this year including bringing back our annual fundraiser “Taste of Winslow.” The event, taking place on Friday, Aug. 6, will be held at the Elks Lodge, located at 315 E. Third St. It is a fundraiser for, as Hall worded it, “Non-tourism related Chamber of Commerce things. For example, the chamber donates to many organizations all year long like Little League and Because We Care. The Taste of Winslow is our big fundraiser to help fund those things.” To purchase tickets to the event or to donate items to be auctioned, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (928) 289-2434. Vice Mayor Samantha Crisp also spoke during Good Morning Winslow. “In October, I am going to restart the Lunch and Learn series, which is a nine-week program that will teach aspiring entrepreneurs how to start a business. We will have workshops on everything from developing your business concept to marketing.” She also explained another upcoming project of hers, the Agricultural Commission. “The purpose of that is to create and or assist with agricultural opportunities in our community,” Crisp said. “The commission will advise city leadership of actual and achievable sustainability and how to create agricultural industry and to increase access to local foods.” The commission will consist of five to seven adult members and two youth members. Applications are available on the City of Winslow website, www.winslowaz.gov. Winslow Unified School District was represented at Good Morning Winslow as well. The newly hired superintendent, Connie Gover introduced herself and said she is excited to get students back into schools in a “somewhat normal” way. She explained that mask wearing will be optional for students and staff when they return to the classroom on July 29. “We are still watching COVID numbers, of course, and if that changes, we will change right along with it. But for now we are going to go with what the CDC is saying, that masks can be optional in schools especially if more people get their vaccines.” The district also posted a letter to parents on its Facebook page written by Winslow Junior High School Principal Deb Lopez stating, “As part of our commitment to keeping everyone safe our cleaning protocols will be in place throughout our buildings to mitigate the spread of COVID.” Both Washington Elementary and Winslow Junior High schools are in the process of upgrading their buildings. The roof is being replaced at Washington and the Junior High gymnasium is also having a new roof installed, as well as various other facility improvements. The projects are being funded by grants from the School Facilities Board and were approved during the last school year. Each project will be completed before the start of school. Red Sands Christian School is also improving their facility by installing a full kitchen according to Director Brian Snyder. He encouraged parents and students to apply for a tuition scholarship to the private school by contacting him at (928) 289-9221 and mentioned the archery program will be returning. Red Sands offers a Christian based elementary level education and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. Darcey McKee of the Navajo County Health Department addressed both school groups to let them know her office is licensed to come into classrooms to teach children the dangers of vaping and tobacco use. She also mentioned an eye exam clinic that will be held on Aug. 2 at the county health office located at 619 E. Third St. Exams will cost $40 and appointments can be made by contacting McKee at (928) 289-6830. The atmosphere at Good Morning Winslow was that of continued progress and pride being taken in Winslow as pandemic restrictions are being loosened. The Winslow City Library, Sweetland Community Garden and several other organizations including Alice’s Place were in attendance and enjoyed a light breakfast provided by the Chamber of Commerce. The next Good Morning Winslow will be at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, in the Hubbell Building, located at 524 W. Second St.
