FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present Geoffrey Esposito, government relations analyst with the Arizona School Boards Association during a training session on the legislative process from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the…
Author: AmigosNAZ.com
AmigosNAZ. Providing information for and about the vibrant Latino community in Northern Arizona — Bringing Cultures together by Sharing Information. Frank X. Moraga, editor / publisher of AmigosNAZ, a division of Shooting Star Communications LLC in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Guest commentary: Poor oral health takes a bite out of learning
When we think about getting kids ready for kindergarten, we talk about brain development and early literacy, but did you know that early oral health impacts early learning too? First Things First reminds communities that February is National Children’s Dental…
Nominations sought for the 2015 Caring for Children Award
Deadline is Feb. 13 From AmigosNAZ staff reports Outstanding individuals who work directly to make Coconino County a better place for the region’s youngest residents will be recognized at the annual Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon Fundraiser on March 26 in…
NAU Immigration Awareness Series to present ‘The Second Cooler’ on Feb. 5
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff premiere of “The Second Cooler” (2013) directed by Ellin Jimmerson and narrated by Martin Sheen at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 in Liberal Arts 120 at Northern Arizona University. Part of NAU’s ongoing “Immigration Awareness Series,” The Second…
Free movie screening of ‘Underwater Dreams’ to be held at Coconino High School on March 5
From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The free movie screening of “Underwater Dreams” will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at the Coconino High School Main Auditorium, 2801 Izabel St., Flagstaff. Written and directed by Mary Mazzio, and narrated…
Series of free income tax preparation sessions scheduled for Northern Arizona
By Frank X. Moraga /AmigosNAZ A series of free income tax preparation programs are scheduled for Northern Arizona through April. The sessions are presented by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which generally offers free tax help to people who…
Commentary: Latino youth doing better in education, but are we?
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The news can be disconcerting for many of us who have been involved in one way or another in encouraging Latinos, and all young people, to succeed in education and life — high dropout rates in…
Health: Protect yourself, others from the flu
By Michelle McKay, RN, BSN / Coconino County Public Health Services District Immunization Program Manager Now that winter break has passed and students and parents are settling back into the normal routine, the Coconino County Public Health Services District is reminding the…
Finance / Finanzas: Medicare in Three Parts — Part A
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Medicare coverage consists of hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B) and prescription drug insurance (Part D). This article will address Part A coverage, including hospital care, skilled nursing facility care,…
Point-in-Time Count homeless survey held in Coconino County
COCONINO COUNTY — Representatives from area social service agencies were out in force recently to conduct the annual “National Street & Shelter Point-in-Time Count” from Jan. 28 through 30 of those who are homeless in Coconino County. The goal of…
Coconino Community College to discuss future of education courses on Jan. 27
FLAGSTAFF —The District Governing Board of Coconino Community College will discuss the future of education courses at its next meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Lone Tree Campus, Flagstaff, supporters of the institution’s education program stated in…
Migrant experience to be subject of NAU art continuing through April 30
FLAGSTAFF — A new exhibit that highlights the experiences of migrants who have tried to cross the Mexico border will be on display on NAU’s campus through April 30, the university reported this week in a media release. “Culpable,” a site-specific installation,…
Events, programs for first-generation college-bound students presented at NAU
FLAGSTAFF — A documentary, panel and workshops geared toward high school students interested in learning more about college and Northern Arizona University was held Jan. 24, the university reported this week in a media release. At NAU, programs are in place…
NAU President Cheng makes statement on governor’s budget proposal
FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University recognizes the current fiscal condition of Arizona and understands that Gov. Ducey and the Legislature face difficult decisions in balancing the budget of our state, NAU President Rita Cheng reported in a media release on…
Coconino Community College ranks as top 15 fastest growing colleges in nation for colleges with enrollment between 2,500 and 4,999 students
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College (CCC) was recently ranked as one of the fastest growing community colleges in the country by Community College Week, CCC reported in a media release. The college was ranked No. 15 on the magazine’s top 50…
Commentary: Educating the community
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ For as long as I can remember, I have always been involved in educational outreach efforts as I progressed through my career in journalism. As a young reporter I took part in panel presentations…
La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Plan public meetings to be held Jan. 21, 26, 29
FLAGSTAFF — La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Plan public meetings will continue with a “Land Use and Neighborhood Character Workshop” from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff, the City of Flagstaff…
Spring 2015 Immigration Awareness Series begins on Jan. 22 at NAU
FLAGSTAFF — The Spring 2015 Immigration Awareness Series will begin with a prevention by Daniel A. Rodriguez at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 at Northern Arizona University, Liberal Arts Building, Room 120. Rodriguez is a grantee of Deferred Action for Childhood…
Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños holding new member informational meetings Jan. 23 and 30
FLAGSTAFF — The Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños is holding a series of new member informational meetings Jan. 23 and 30 at 2532 E 7th, on the North-East corner of 4th and 7th streets in the Cal Ranch Stores…
Bilingual commentary: Holiday Blessings Food Drive was a success!!
By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. Our goal of feeding 10 Flagstaff Families has become a reality thanks to our incredible neighbors and neighborhood businesses! What a wonderful and unexpected treat this has been; to meet so many wonderful people with…
Health: Phone down, buckle up
By Shawn Thomas / Coconino County Public Health Services District Policy Analyst Have you ever run late for work? Perhaps to make up time, you began eating your bagel, applied last minute touches to your hair or makeup, fiddled with your…
Finance / Finanzas: Medicare — Introduction
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona This article offers an introduction to Medicare and is the first in a series of articles on this subject. What is Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for persons who are…
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future reminds community of opportunity for year-end donations
“Today is the last day of 2014 and thanks to the support of our members what a year it has been!,” Friends of Flagstaff’s Future reported in a media release. “We compiled a year-end review for you on our Facebook page. Please…
Funeral set for Friday, Jan. 2 for fallen Flagstaff Police Officer Tyler Jacob Stewart
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff reported that a donation account has been set up for the family of fallen Police Officer Tyler Jacob Stewart. City officials also thanked the hundreds who attended the candlelight vigil for the officer. Officer…
City of Flagstaff selects Chief Treadway as the ‘Mary Jo Jenkins Outstanding Director of the Year’
FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff Police Chief Kevin Treadway has been selected as the “Mary Jo Jenkins Outstanding Director of the Year.” Treadway has provided exemplary leadership this year as he tackled numerous high profile and challenging law enforcement and community…
Guest commentary: Share holiday blessings with a Flagstaff family in need
By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. My name is Egle Rucci, Realtor ® at Village Land Shoppe Inc, and together with Teresa Bolen at Prime Source Lending, we are pledging to sponsor families in need in our community this year…
Bilingual report: Market on the Move returns to Flagstaff on Dec. 17
AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Market on the Move, a farmer’s market-style program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, will return to Flagstaff on Wednesday, Dec. 17, Chris Nez, Health Promotion…
Bilingual commentary: Helping young kids beat the holiday blues
December is crowded with activity and excitement, which can all be fun for young children, but may also have some unintended consequences: behavior changes. Toddlers and preschoolers can experience a myriad of emotions, including: anticipation of special activities and events;…
Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe to be celebrated with procession, luminaries, Mariachi Mass, community potluck on Dec. 11 & 12
FLAGSTAFF — The Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe to be celebrated with a procession, luminaries, a Mariachi Mass and community potluck on Dec. 11 & 12 in Flagstaff. The Guadalupanas, with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and San Francisco de Assis…
Bilingual report: Arizona Dreamers in Action to hold forum on President Obama’s executive action on immigration on Dec. 13
FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Dreamers in Action will hold a forum on President Obama’s executive action on immigration from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Coconino High School, 2801 Isabel St., Flagstaff. “We invite the community to attend, inform and…
December cover story: Caregivers, children get an early start in education
Variety of programs available in Northern Arizona to help youth succeed in school, life By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ At first glance it seemed a bit out of place — a group of caregivers, parents and grandparents gaining parenting…
Guest commentary: Babysitter or an educator?
A tour of the Kith and Kin Project in Flagstaff By Cynthia Pardo / First Things First “Hay muchas cosas que devemos a aprender, como, escuchar a nuestros hijos, involucrarlos en todo para que aprendan a desenvolverse major,” said Ms.…
Commentary: Turning a dream into reality
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Wanted: Individuals wanting to turn their hobbies or dream into a thriving business. Requirements: Willing to take part in weekly small-business training sessions and willing to give time and effort to help other would-be…
Local News
The second reading of ordinances for the proposed Aspen Heights student housing development in west Flagstaff have been pulled from the Dec. 2 City Council agenda after opponents were able to secure needed signatures from nearby residents to force a…
Health: Food preparation safety key to successful holiday meals
By the Coconino County Public Health Services District As the holidays approach and families across the county make plans for gatherings, the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is stressing the importance of making food safety part of the…
Home / Casa: Attending open houses in Flagstaff
By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. When you visit open houses in Flagstaff, you get a chance to see a home at your own pace. Viewing a home with your agent is helpful because you can ask questions…
Finance / Finanzas: 7 tips for keeping holiday budgets (and your holiday spirit) intact
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) “No one is so poor that he can’t give a smile, nor so rich that he doesn’t need it.” — Anonymous Holidays are exciting — family visits and special once-a-year meals, celebrating traditions together with…
Food / Cocina: Host a merry, memorable holiday party
Editor’s note: A timely article first published in the December 2013 edition of AmigosNAZ. By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The holidays are the most festive time of the year, and no holiday season is complete without a party or two…
Guest commentary: Like all skills, gratitude is best learned young
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is the perfect time to teach young children a very important life lesson: gratitude. Barbara Lewis, author of What Do You Stand For? For Kids, teaches us children as young as 2 are aware that other…
‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ beginning art class to be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on Dec. 5
CLICK HERE TO RSVP, MAKE PAYMENT FOR DEC. 5, 2014 ART CLASS FLAGSTAFF — The next ‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ beginning art class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday,…
City of Flagstaff provides tips on flying from Flagstaff’s Airport during the holidays
FLAGSTAFF — The holidays often mean travel and air travel could mean longer lines, and crowds. The staff at Flagstaff’s Airport would like to make your travel plans as easy as possible with a few helpful tips, the City of Flagstaff…
Flagstaff City Council to vote on Aspen Heights student housing project on Nov. 18
From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council will consider a vote on a rezoning and annexation request for the proposed 700-student Aspen Heights project during its 6 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 211 W. Aspen…
City of Flagstaff to honor La Plaza Vieja neighborhood for ‘Safe Sidewalks’ program on Nov. 18
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours will present a proclamation of “Recognition for Plaza Vieja Safe Sidewalks” during the next Flagstaff City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. The proclamation and recognition portion of the…
Sunnyside Neighborhood Association to present Dream Marketplace / Mercado de Sueños new member informational meeting on Nov. 21
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff Inc. will hold a Dream Marketplace / Mercado de Sueños new-member meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21 at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. Visit…
Todo Mundo to perform at the Center for Indigenous Music and Culture on Nov. 21
FLAGSTAFF — The Center for Indigenious Music and Culture will present Todo Mundo in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21 at 213 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff. Todo Mundo (“All the World”), whose “Organic Fire” was voted “Best World Music…
NAU profile: T. Mark Montoya — Mutual Inspiration
As the first person in his family to go to college, T. Mark Montoya — an Ethnic Studies lecturer at Northern Arizona University as well as an alumnus — knows the challenges of navigating university life, the university reported in…
November cover story: Season of giving begins in Northern Arizona
While donations, volunteers are welcomed during the holidays, officials say need must be met throughout the entire year By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Right after Halloween thoughts start turning toward Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays. You can’t escape it…
Analysis: NAU helps fight student hunger
By Tony Salazar / AmigosNAZ intern Every year in America the price of higher education continues to rise at astronomical rates. This year alone for an incoming freshman at Northern Arizona University one can expect to pay about $25,000 as…
Commentary: La Plaza Vieja begins to define itself
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ When a developer proposed to build a multistory student housing project in the heart of Flagstaff’s La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood, local residents were a bit perturbed. How would the project affect the character of…
Local News
Armondo Escalanti, Alejandro Estrella-Lopez and Priscilla Rivera were among the dozens of graduating seniors who recently received golden honors during a reception where they were recognized for their contributions to Northern Arizona University, the university reported in a media release.…
Snowdrift Art Space in Winslow celebrates Día de los Muertos
From AmigosNAZ staff reports While a strong breeze prevented the traditional procession and burning of the offerings to the dearly departed, it was not enough to dampen the spirits at the Snowdrift Art Space which presented its annual Día de…
Region welcomes 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona
From AmigosNAZ staff reports It was a weekend filled with music, entertainment, and, most importantly, reverence for those who have gone before us as Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona partnered for the 11th annual Celebraciones de…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Beneficiaries (breadwinner and dependents)
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona In this article I will present a review of Social Security beneficiaries (the breadwinner and dependents) — who is eligible for what benefit, at what age, and the benefit amount.…
Health / Salud: How to use diet to supplement your workout routine
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Men and women who have successfully adopted healthy lifestyles know full well that combining exercise with a healthy diet is the key to getting and staying healthy. Simply visiting the gym won’t work if it’s…
Cuisine / Cocina: Figuring the turkey-to-person ratio
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Thanksgiving holds different meanings for different people. Some feel it is a day for being generous or giving thanks through unselfish deeds. Others feel it is a time to sit around with family sharing stories…
Commentary: Yes, our national nightmare is almost over. Voting Day is here
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The 2014 election season is rapidly coming to a close. Soon the repetitive television attack advertisements will cease and the growing forest of campaign signs on street corners will disappear — at least until…
‘Border Angels, Border Realities and Immigration Today’ presentation to be held Nov. 13 at NAU
FLAGSTAFF — Enrique Morones, founder and executive director of Border Angels, will present the discussion “Border Angels, Border Realities, and Immigration Today” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at Northern Arizona University, Liberal Arts, Room 120, Building No. 18. Morones founded Border…
Commentary: Join Unafraid Educators during National Educators Coming Out Day on Nov. 12
Hello, My name is Laura Longoria I am a student wanting to go to back to school, I am undocumented and unafraid. I want to thank all of you for all your support. With your support it gives me power…
Día de los Muertos events continue in Winslow through Nov. 2
Other events scheduled from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 WINSLOW — Snowdrift Art Space, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Winslow Arts Trust and the Winslow Chamber of Commerce will present a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday,…
Día de los Muertos celebration at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village continues in Sedona through Nov. 2
SEDONA — The third annual Marigold Mural Project for Día de los Muertos will be held from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona. The public mural at Calle Independencia allows visitors…