Moving Forward
Library reimagines summer reading with virtual programs

With an emphasis on virtual programming and grab-and-go activities, the Sierra Vista Public Library will offer residents of all ages the opportunity to participate in its Summer Reading Program starting on Saturday, May 30.

Celebrating the national theme of "Imagine Your Story," library staff members have put their own imaginations to work planning how residents can enjoy programs, activities, and even performances without groups congregating at the library in-person. 

As the City works to gradually reopen its facilities safely, the library currently remains closed aside from its lobby, while patrons can now schedule pickups for materials they place on hold.

The Summer Reading Program will follow a similar model when registration launches on Saturday, May 30. From May 30 through July 25, residents of all ages will be able to participate in a summer reading challenge online by logging their minutes, accruing points, and earning prizes. Participants will also be able to enjoy presentations and programs virtually via videos hosted on the Summer Reading Program website.

The library will offer grab-and-go packs for children, teens, and adults with age-appropriate activities like crafts, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) projects, and much more. Some virtual programs will include take-home supplies so participants can follow along at home.

"The Summer Reading Program helps students keep their brains engaged on educational activities over summer break, while also offering patrons of all ages opportunities to learn and have fun," says Emily Duchon, library manager. This can prevent the so-called "summer slide" sometimes seen in reading test scores following summer vacation. The program is offered with the support of the Friends of the Sierra Vista Public Library and the Little Library Bookstore.

To register, head  to  sierravista.azsummerreading.org  starting Saturday, May 30. For more information, call the library at (520) 458-4225 and follow the  Sierra Vista Public Library Facebook page  for the latest updates.
City Spotlight
Apply for SVPD Citizen Police Academy

Area adults can now apply for the Sierra Vista Police Department's Citizen Police Academy, which is being planned to start in the late summer or early fall.
 
Classes are expected to take place in the SVPD auditorium on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. for 12 consecutive weeks. The academy schedule and activities are subject to change based on the latest state and federal guidance associated with COVID-19 and the status of local cases at that time. There is no cost to participate and light refreshments will be provided.
 
Academy activities typically include tours of the police department and the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center. Participants receive hands-on simulated weapons training, experience evidence processing, and can join an on-duty officer for a ride-along. The academy provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into local law enforcement, including: traffic collision investigations, gang activity, constitutional law, arrest and control techniques, drug investigations, DUI enforcement, the tactical team, K9 officers, and the history of the department.
 
The academy is open to adults 18 years of age or older, who live or work in the greater Sierra Vista area, have no prior felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions involving violence or weapons, and have no arrests within six months prior to application submittal. Exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis. After the submission of the information and application packet, the police department will conduct a limited background investigation. 
 
Application packets are available at the police department reception desk on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on the City's website.  Applications are due by Friday, June 26. Class size is limited to 25 participants and spots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact SVPD Resource Specialist Lilly Perry at (520) 452-7500.
Extraordinary Vigilance
   
As we look forward to the holiday weekend and many residents plan to enjoy the great outdoors by hiking or camping, please remember to recreate responsibly. 

That means sticking to social distancing guidelines and staying home if you're sick to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but that's not all. It's also fire season! Be sure to "know before you go" by checking what fire restrictions are in place on public lands and what facilities are closed either due to the coronavirus or fire danger.  And regardless of any restrictions, it's important to be vigilant before the summer rains come by forgoing activities that could spark a wildfire. 

Here's the latest regarding the Coronado National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. 
Uncommon Community

Residents can commemorate Memorial Day from home on Monday morning.

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services will live stream a virtual Memorial Day ceremony starting at 9 a.m. on Monday. Each of the three state veterans' memorial cemeteries will also share photos of flag placements at the gravesites on their social media pages. To view the photos and Monday's virtual cemetery, head to the Southern Arizona Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery Facebook page
City Announcements

City facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Monday's trash pickup shifts to Tuesday, May 26, and Tuesday's pickup will occur on Wednesday, May 27. No special pickups will be available on Wednesday. 

Sierra Vista Mayor Rick Mueller will be featured in the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Live stream at 4 p.m. today. Tune in on the chamber's page

Expect intermittent delays, lane restrictions on State Route 92 between Bisbee and Sierra Vista in June as ADOT completed pavement work. Learn more

Upcoming Meetings                     

City Council meetings

Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, public access to City buildings remains suspended aside from the lobbies. To comment on an agenda item or Call to the Public, email the City Clerk at [email protected] by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting. Council meetings may be streamed live on YouTube and viewed on Channel 12.
 
Channel 12/Online

Head to our website  to   stream City Council meetings live   or  watch previous meetings .
 
Accommodations

For any special needs or accommodations, please notify Jill Adams 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Reach Ms. Adams at (520) 458-3315 or through the Arizona Relay Service at 7-1-1.
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