Category: Cultural

Discover Flagstaff — Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 17-26) and more events

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Festival of Science
Friday 17 Plein Air Demonstration at Buffalo Park. 4 p.m.; free.
Friday 17 Stories in Stone with Dr Awe, Ardrey Auditorium. 7 p.m.; free.
Saturday 18 Plein Air Demonstration at Wheeler Park. 10 a.m.; free.
Saturday 18 Snook’s Science in the Park, Wheeler Park. 10 a.m.; free.
Sunday 19 Cultural Cooking Workshop. 1 p.m.; free.
Sunday 19 The State of the Climate. Virtual event. 3 p.m.; free.
Monday-Wednesday 20-22 Bedtime Stories. Virtual event. 7 p.m.; free.
Tuesday 21 Cloud Walk in Buffalo Park. 2 p.m.; free.
Tuesday 21 Intersectional Struggles and Maya Identity Among Western Honduras Indigenous Communities. 5 p.m.; free.

Learn More

The NAU Review — Celebrating Hispanic and Latina/o/x Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2021 • Comments Off

“The overall goal I have for celebrating Hispanic, Latina/o/x Heritage Month on campus is for students who identify that way to know they have a community of support here at NAU,” Vidal Mendoza, assistant director of Hispanic, Latina/o/x Initiatives, said. “Cultural representation is something I valued as an NAU student, and I am sure many students today still feel the same.” Image courtesy of the National Archives.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Coconino County Presents ‘ESPERANZA’ with virtual events on Sept. 15, 16 and 17

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Diversity Team, Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and partners recognize Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of programs designed to educate, share and create awareness.

Please join us, and share with your departments, social media networks, family and friends, as we come together to Engage, Celebrate, Reflect,Embrace, our Cultural Differences while Empowering each other.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Transportation, Trees and Our Local Economy

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The recent ECoNA Advisory Council meeting was proof positive that many of our community’s efforts to make our environment cleaner and safer also serve the needs of our local economy.

The Council heard from representatives of the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Transportation Authority (NAIPTA), which operates the Mountain Line bus system; the regional MetroPlan organization and a professor with the Ecology Restoration Institute (ERI), an independent research branch of Northern Arizona University.

Voters have always been supportive of NAIPTA and its environmental goals. Back in 2008, NAIPTA received voter approval to begin transitioning from diesel to hybrid buses and now the entire fleet of 29 fixed route buses are hybrid. In 2016, voters renewed extending the transit tax that helps support NAIPTA with an impressive 71% voting in favor of the measure.

Climate change-themed artwork installed on Mountain Line buses

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Through a collaboration between the City of Flagstaff’s Beautification and Public Art Commission and the Sustainability Commission, Mountain Line recently installed artwork reflecting the theme of climate change and hope on five of its buses. The project accomplishes several goals, including spreading hopeful climate change messaging, beautifying the city’s streetscape and providing opportunity for artists in the Flagstaff community.

Designs by Dana Kamberg, Beau Arenas Ortiz, Kayley Quick, Luke Giles, and Nate Nise were selected by community members and the artists will be recognized at the September 21 Flagstaff City Council meeting. Photos of the designs, along with brief biographies of the artists, can be found at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/4673/Climate-Change-and-Hope-Bus-Artwork.

Reservations Required for Keynote Presentation September 17th

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science will explore “Stories in Stone” on September 17-26 in Flagstaff, Arizona. The W.L. Gore & Associates Flagstaff Festival of Science Keynote presentation with Jaime Awe, Ph.D. is FREE and will be held at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium on September 17, 2021. There is limited seating, and advanced reservation is required. Due to social distancing, the auditorium will be at a quarter of the capacity. The Keynote can also be live-streamed from the comfort of your own home!

Doors open at 6:00 pm. Beginning at 6:30 pm, the Festival presents a ballet dance from the NAU Community Music & Dance Academy. The in-person keynote talk as well as the live stream will begin at 7:00 pm.

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter 4th Edition

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2021 • Comments Off

In this edition…
Message from Sup. Vasquez
Museum Fire Flood Area Information
Doney Park, Timberline Fernwood Area Plan
Community Events
And more!

Coconino County proclaims Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2021 • Comments Off

Today, September 7, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors signed the Coconino County Proclamation designating Sept 15-Oct 15, 2021 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 6-10, 2021

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2021 • Comments Off

National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off next week

September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present. More information can be found here:
Hispanic Heritage Month – NPS Celebrates! (U.S. National Park Service)

Discover Flagstaff — Reel Rock 15 Film Festival, The Orpheum Theater and more events

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2021 • Comments Off

An inspiring collection of four new films, including the already iconic Black Ice. 6:30 a.m.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – September 2021

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2021 • Comments Off

The state of Baja California Sur in Mexico has a territory of almost 74,000 square kilometers, with 2,220 kilometers of beaches divided between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. It enjoys pollutant-free waters which translates into higher quality and better flavor of its fish products. About 3% of the total population of the state is dedicated to fishing, with a fleet of almost 4,000 small boats and approximately 9,700 fishermen using practically the same fishing gear and techniques that were used 70 years ago.

Despite their important contribution to the economy, Mexican artisan fishermen constitute one of the most vulnerable segments of the population. The precariousness of their living conditions is manifested in their huts made of palm, cardboard sheets or planks, and with a dirt floor; and their villages generally lack the most basic public services such as drinking water, electricity, and sewerage. Their work is especially risky due to the conditions in which they do it since they sail in fragile boats with outboard motors and without navigation instruments. In addition, despite the fact that the fishermen’s trade is learned in the water, some of them cannot swim and do not use life-saving equipment.

Dean Regas Named Next Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) and Grand Canyon National Park are proud to announce the selection of the second Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence, renowned educator, author, and astronomy expert, Dean Regas. He will live and work at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park from November 16 to December 8, 2021.

Regas has been the astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory since 2000 and was co-host of the PBS program “Star Gazers” from 2010 to 2019. He is the author of the books “Facts from Space” and “100 things to See in the Night Sky,” and is a contributing editor to Sky and Telescope Magazine and a contributor to Astronomy Magazine, from which he won the 2008 “Out-of-this-World” Award for astronomy education.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Our Neighbors Need Your Help

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Monsoon season returned with a vengeance this year, pounding the Museum Fire burn scar and resulted in extensive damage to our community. Just look at the headlines from the past few weeks:

Historic Arizona flooding damages homes, leaves trail of debris
Flagstaff school closed due to flash flood damage
Ducey issues 2nd emergency declaration for Coconino County

In addition to the estimated $1 million in public infrastructure damage (not to mention the Killip Elementary School building being shuttered), much of the burden of this season has been shouldered by residential areas. Many homes were hard hit by flood waters – not once but multiple times – and now have extensive interior damage.

Please consider helping these neighbors by donating to the Crisis Response Fund.

The NAU Review — When resources are sacred, what happens when they’re gone?

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2021 • Comments Off

As the climate changes and land, air and water are at risk, Native Americans are threatened in two ways. Many tribal members, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous peoples are seeing their water sources dry up or become toxic and their land become infertile or disappear under rising sea levels, putting these rural communities at greater risk from climate change. But there’s a deeper issue. For these peoples, who consider such resources sacred, their way of life and existence are coming under attack from rising global temperatures.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science offers a ‘Passport’ to a variety of adventures for youth from Sept. 17 through 26

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2021 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — From “En Plein Air in Flagstaff’s Open Spaces: Stories in Stone,” at Buffalo Park on Sept. 17, to the return of the “Science in the Park” on Sept. 18 and the “Flagstaff Star Party” at Buffalo Park on Sept. 30, the 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 17-26) provides families with a variety of events to choose from.

Click here to view the entire 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science Passport schedule.

The festival kicks off with the 2021 Keynote presentation — “When Stones Speak: Decoding the Messages Embedded in Ancient Maya Monuments” with Dr. Jaime Awe at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Doors open at 6 p.m.

During the presentation, Dr. Awe will illuminate the Maya culture for audiences at Ardrey Auditorium, Northern Arizona University.

Full program of events to include Science in the Park, presentations, workshops, guided tours all taking place Sept. 17-26. With many programs led by outstanding Flagstaff scientists, Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to learn about other ancient cultures in this year’s archeological-themed festival.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — #WhatsHappeningAtYourLibrary

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — County Fair this weekend — Su Majestad La Brissa to perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2021 • Comments Off

This year’s Coconino County Fair is Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-6
at Fort Tuthill County Park Fairgrounds in Flagstaff, AZ.
Thank you to our sponsors Swire Coca-Cola, Findlay Toyota Flagstaff, Friends of Coconino County Parks, Great Circle Media, and KNAU!

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates 2021 Summertime Tardeada

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored the region’s Hispanic roots by celebrating the return of the sixth annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church south of downtown Flagstaff

The free event drew a record crowd, according to event organizers, with the entertainment stage featuring Mariachi Herencia de Cuco Del Cid and Nueva Vibra, both from Tucson, Ballet Folklorico de Colores and Alena Chavez from Flagstaff.

Coconino Community College — The Comet — Local. Affordable. Quality Education

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2021 • Comments Off

Local. Affordable. Quality Education.

Our marketing and public relations team at Coconino Community College decided on those words to describe the college because they have meaning, and they help paint a picture for every student we serve concerning what they can expect from us.

The NAU Review — Who’s to blame for COVID-19? Depends who you ask and more news

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2021 • Comments Off

It’s safe to assume American politics has played a significant role in the COVID-19 pandemic, and different ideas about contagion, health behaviors and the actions of governing bodies impacted the spread of the virus and its subsequent effect on our lives. This, of course, was just a theory—until now.

Lisa Hardy, associate professor in NAU’s Department of Anthropology and director of the Social Science Community Engagement Lab, is the lead author on a study that looked at sociocultural responses to the virus and identified differences and similarities in anxiety, fear, blame and perceptions of the country across political divides.

Discover Flagstaff — Coconino County Fair and Flagstaff Art in the Park, Wheeler Park

by Community Contributor • September 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino County Fair — Enjoy four days of fun this Labor Day weekend. 10 a.m. Also, Flagstaff Art in the Park at Wheeler Park. Featuring excellent art, food, live music, kids activities, and beer garden. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography — GSP 2022 Calendars are here!

by Community Contributor • September 2, 2021 • Comments Off

GSP is pleased to announce her internationally acclaimed artisan calendars for 2022. The theme for this year is the Maya people of the Yucatan Peninsula in honor of the many wonderful human beings I met there, and in honor of this awesome Mexican state who taught me -and continues to teach me- so much! These high-class calendars are ideal for your home and for your office. The images captured by yours truly will immediately transport you to the mystifying land of the ancient Maya, its beautiful people, its culture and realities, and its epic landscapes.

Consulado de México en Phoenix — Información de interes para la comunidad

by Community Contributor • September 2, 2021 • Comments Off

We are very excited to welcome you to another issue of the Consular Newsletter on Economic and Tourism Affairs. We strive with each issue to provide readers with relevant and useful information related to economic and tourism topics for the business and political community on both sides of the Arizona–Mexico border.

In this issue, the #ChooseMexico section offers valuable information about the mining industry in Mexico. In addition, José Antonio Larios Ponce, the Consul of Mexico in Yuma, explains the collaboration between authorities in San Luis, Arizona, and in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, to organize free cross-border vaccination campaigns.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s Creativity Calling/Youth Open Mic returns Sept. 5

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2021 • Comments Off

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues our monthly youth arts showcase. Do you know a youth that loves music, art, poetry, or any form of self-expression? On the first Sunday of each month (next of Sept. 5) at 4 pm, youth from across Coconino County are welcomed into a virtual circle to EXPRESS THEMSELVES!

We began this opportunity to ensure youth were given a platform to share their thoughts, feelings, and talents while connecting to others.

HECHO August Newsletter

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2021 • Comments Off

As August winds down and we settle into new routines, we’re embracing the cooler mornings and evenings, and celebrating summer’s last long weekend, Labor Day. We hope that you and your family have plans to enjoy some time off, or to spend some time outdoors!

During August, our team took our second summer break to recharge ahead of what we’re expecting to be a busy fall season. We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening in Congress while we continue to advocate for important investments to be part of the final budget reconciliation bill– these are long-term investments that will protect our nation’s public lands and waters for generations to come, create jobs, and advance environmental justice. Learn about the budget reconciliation process in our breakdown blog that will explain them and how you can help make sure your representatives know why this is so important!

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these new Classes and Workshops!

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.

Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities

The NAU Review — Who wants to be an astronomer?

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2021 • Comments Off

Space needs you! The next time you and your date head out to stargaze, volunteer to scan the sky for asteroids. NAU doctoral student Colin Chandler just launched a major project to recruit thousands of volunteers in the search for active asteroids—rare objects that have asteroid-like orbits but look more like comets. Chandler hopes to quadruple the number of known active asteroids and, in the process, answer key questions about where water on Earth came from and where it might exist on other planets, both within and outside our solar system. Ready to join the search? Visit the Active Asteroids project site to get started.

The Flagstaff Oktoberfest celebrates 12 years on Oct. 2 in downtown Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2021 • Comments Off

It’s officially time for one of Flagstaff’s favorite events; the Flagstaff Oktoberfest!

After having to cancel in 2020, The Flagstaff Oktoberfest, will celebrate 12 years on Saturday October 2nd in Wheeler Park, in Downtown Flagstaff.

But the fun doesn’t end with music, food and drinks. As always, we will have all our favorite contests during this event, such as the Hops on Birch Men’s and Women’s Beer Stein Holding Contest, The Frozen T-Shirt Contest, The Vienna Beef Weiner Man Race and Satchmo’s BBQ Brat Eating Contest!

CCC’s TRIO program helps student achieve goals

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2021 • Comments Off

Nicholas Villas-Fletcher sat in the office filling out the paperwork to graduate from Northern Arizona University.

He will be the first generation in his family to complete a college degree, and the journey was made possible with the help of TRIO Student Support Services at Coconino Community College.

“I desperately needed help,” Villas-Fletcher said. “They made a difference. TRIO is a vital service for students who don’t have support like others.”

First AFL-CIO female president, Liz Shuler; Grammy-winning gospel artist Le’Andria Johnson; and Pastor Warren Stewart, Sr. to headline Phx voting rights rally on 58th anniversary of March on Washington

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2021 • Comments Off

Visit the March On for Voting Rights Flagstaff page on Facebook.
Hundreds of thousands to rally across the country to protest a wave of voter suppression laws sweeping the nation. The events also kick off a national online drive to register 2 million voters.
Arizona civil rights leader Pastor Warren Stewart, Sr., who helped create a MLK Holiday in Arizona, slated to appear at Saturday event
Newly appointed AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler to deliver keynote. Shuler made history last week becoming the first female president of one of the nation’s most powerful labor unions.

CCC Student Ambassadors: Reward in helping others

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2021 • Comments Off

Alexis “Lexi” Jishie sits behind the partition at her desk. She’s masked for safety, but she’s ready to be helpful for students.

Jishie is a Student Ambassador for Coconino Community College, and it is her job to help students navigate through the college experience.

“What I enjoy most about it is how involved I can be with students and Student Life activities,” Jishie said. “I like working with the other Student Ambassadors and getting out of my comfort zone and advocating for and helping students.”

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 23-27, 2021

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2021 • Comments Off

Park staff have been busy with Search and Rescues (SARs) recently. Unfortunately, many of these events have been recoveries for apparent suicides. Times continue to be full of turmoil and stress—please, take a moment to check in with loved ones and with yourself. Working in remote areas away from close family and friends can add additional challenges during an already stressful time.

We would like to thank all of the search and rescue personnel and additional searchers from many other work groups who helped with two major SARs in Surprise Valley and Hermit Trail. Luckily, in both instances, all visitors were transported safely to the South Rim. Additional thanks go to Arizona Department of Public Safety for their support during multiple SARs over the last few weeks.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Congratulations 2020/2021 Caring for Children Awardees

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The Coconino Coalition for Children & and Youth extends its congratulations 2020/2021 Caring for Children Awardees. They include Kailey Jensen of AZ127, Marcus Clanton of Victim Witness Services, Mark Cox of the Boys & Girls Club, Kelly Elliot of Big Brothers Big Sisters Flagstaff and Sharon Sifling of Coconino County.

Sedona Arts Center — Call for Artists

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Sedona Arts Center is seeking artists for the Souls of Forgotten Objects exhibit to take place December 3 -23, 2021 in the Special Exhibits Gallery of the Arts Center.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Fun and fundraisers

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

This is a golden time in Flagstaff, with fields of sunflowers blooming and everything lush from the monsoon. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of extended drought, life-giving rains can come to see us through.

As a nonprofit museum, we face a drought in our finances as well. Though we’ve reopened to six days a week, visitor numbers are not rebounding to anywhere near pre-pandemic numbers. Admissions revenue cannot come near to making up for what Covid has cost us. We had planned to hold our annual fundraising Gala dinner this weekend, but Covid has again made it unwise to ask people to gather together for a meal.

Drawing on our experience of navigating unexpected challenges this past year, we have shifted gears and brought the fundraising auction online. With more than 100 items in a range of prices, from vintage baskets to paintings by Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, Merrill Mahaffey, Michelle Condrat, and more. Go to event.gives/MNA to browse the auction and encourage your family and friends to do the same. I am grateful to our gala sponsors and auction donors for their generous support.

If we don’t see you Saturday at the Member Appreciation Day, we do hope to see you here soon.
Thank you for your support of MNA.

Happy 30th Birthday, CCC

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2021 • Comments Off

On Aug. 26, 1991, Coconino Community College opened its doors on Fourth Street in Flagstaff to serve students in Coconino County by offering local, affordable, quality education.

This year, events are planned across the county to celebrate CCC putting students first for the last 30 years.

Where and when?

To kick off a year of fun and celebration, CCC will be having birthday parties at all three locations in the county:

CCC student ready for trucking career

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2021 • Comments Off

Flagstaff resident Lisa Black is a single mother of two children, ages 17 and 11. On the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, she needed a job – a good job.

“I want to do something I love,” she said, “And driving’s something I love.”

So, when she heard about a new program training people to get a commercial driver’s licenses, she was interested. Four weeks later, she’s passed all her tests, and she’s putting in applications to be a commercial truck driver. Prospects are better than good.

72nd annual Coconino County Fair is back Labor Day weekend Sept. 3-6

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2021 • Comments Off

The 72nd annual Coconino County Fair is back this Labor Day weekend, September 3 – 6 at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff!

We return to an in-person Fair this year, complete with live entertainment, community & 4-H exhibits, livestock shows & 4-H auction, fair food, carnival rides, vendors, beer garden, and more!