United Way

#WhyNotWinslow

“Improving lives by mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions.” Do you know who this ethos belongs to? United Way of Northern Arizona! When communities face emergencies like pandemics and floods as well as a variety of other cataclysmic challenges to the economic vitality of northern Arizona – UWNA is poised to support community members in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache Counties. One of the only nonprofit organizations nationwide, which places 100% of your donations to those affected by crisis.

You, the Reader, may be scratching your head and saying to yourself, “Gosh, I don’t recall ever seeing United Way here in _____________ (Winslow, Holbrook, Springerville,…)” and the organization, recognizes this fact. In the past, there have simply been funding challenges; lack of interest with municipalities to participate with annual campaigns, lack of any sizeable employers, to name a few.

We are currently however, in the midst of a major crisis, the shutting down of both the Cholla Power Plant and the Coronado Generating Station, both set for phasing out production over the next few years – creating a cascade of economic discourse. Employees earning 50 to 100k per year, are now either transferring to other offered jobs in The Valley, simply moving for other workforce opportunities, or staying with the hopes of finding something new, in a historically impoverished region.

A small group of dedicated leaders in the area, are working with UWNA and Phoenix Philanthropy Group, to develop a strategic plan for overcoming these challenges. This taskforce and research could not happen without generous funding by both APS and SRP, who own these power plants. Our working group has determined 4 leading priorities: Childcare & Afterschool Support, Reliable Broadband, Substance & Mental Health Facilities, Sustainable Infrastructure for Not for Profits. This planning process will include community input sessions as well as hire individuals in communities in a part time capacity, to be boots on the ground to convey and relay information coming out of this taskforce. Be sure to stay tuned on how you can provide insight into the discussion of action items to create economic vitality throughout the region.

- Una,

Una@WhyNotWinslow.com

Local History

#WhyNotWinslow

The history of our region could entertain and educate, if so inclined, for a lifetime. From harrowing tales of survival to the inception of flight, locally raised celebrities, and centuries of culture. The West has been coined around the globe as being rough around the edges, filled with those who tend to be adventurous and take the path less traveled. These are of course quite obtuse statements, but carry the overall sentiment of vast spaces, open ranges, and staggering scenery.

If you are so inclined to learn more about our regional history, the Old Trails Museum (OTM)is a great opportunity to expand on your local knowledge. Additionally, the Winslow Historic Society (WHS), who oversees the museum, is an exceptional opportunity to volunteer and share your enthusiasm for the region. In fact, this coming November 13th, WHS will hold their annual meeting from 2 to 4pm at the Winslow Visitor Center / Hubbell Trading Post (523 West Second Street, Winslow). This event is FREE, all are encouraged to attend. This year’s OTM historical calendar theme is “Winslow in the 1950’s”, so by all means, dress up for the festivities, partake in some light refreshments, perhaps win a door prize, renew your WHS membership {if applicable}, and share your love of history with OTM volunteers. You may in fact decide to donate some or your own time to this group, who over the year offer professional skills, host visitors, and help organize collections while being ambassadors for our community.

Old Trails Museum is a nonprofit organization; with the help of the City of Winslow, volunteers, membership dues, and donations, it is open from 10 to 3pm Tuesday through Saturday. Located less than a block north of the famous Standin on the Corner Park, it is in the heart of Winslow’s historic downtown, where parking is always free. The museum receives, preserves, and interprets information and artifacts representing the history and culture of the region and hopes to engage and enlighten visitors and locals with exhibits and programs throughout the year. For more information, peruse the website at www.OldTrailsMuseum.org or visit their Facebook Page, with the same name.

- Una,

Una@WhyNotWinslow.com

Halloween

All Hallows Eve, or Halloween as we know it, originated some 2,000 years ago, when Celtic people in Europe celebrated the end of the harvest and the start of a new year in a festival called Samhain (pronounced "sow-win"). People dressed up in costumes, lighting bonfires and going door-to-door to ward off spirits, which is the origin of Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating. It was believed that on that day, the souls of the dead returned to their homes. Halloween is considered one of the oldest holidays in the world and is celebrated across many cultures to this day. Because of the proximity to harvest season and traditional associated festivals, over time, the jack – o – lantern was born, as an extension of warding off the confused spirits.

Here in Winslow, we have several spooky ways you can partake in learning more about spirits of the region. Did you know there is a little girl who died in the late 1800’s near the train tracks downtown, when her brothers where attempting to flatten pennies on the rail. One of those copper coins ended up not getting smashed but instead shot out under the weight of the train, and hit her in the head, killing her instantly. It is said today, you can still see her wandering along the desert flowers near the train tracks, laughing and giggling in her dress and bonnet. More recently in 1992 there was an explosion in downtown Winslow, caused from an old gas line. This exposed an old still and porcelain bathtub, the remnants of a lucrative prohibition set up from the 1920’s, where 104 proof whiskey was regularly purchased by locals and others traveling through the area. It also explains the sometimes seen, staggering, overall clad figure, shuffling down the sidewalk or occasionally hear clinking glassware when visiting the area.

There are a number of other haunted areas of town, sixteen total, which you can experience yourself on the Fictional Ghost Tour, developed collaboratively with the Winslow Library and Old Trails Museum. You can pick up a map from the Winslow Public Library and use the QR codes you will find at each location to learn more. Additionally, you can download the future history app and follow the tour with images and audio HERE: https://www.future-history.eu/de/content/future-history-my-app

- Una,

Una@WhyNotWinslow.com