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…
Category: Education
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
Guest commentary: At Halloween, protect kids’ teeth. Prevent school absences
Did you know that tooth decay is among the most common health issues affecting young children, and that dental disease is one of the leading causes of school absence? The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates that almost half of…
Experienced heart problem that you needed help for? We want to hear your story
“Have you experienced a heart problem that you needed help for? We want to hear your story! “Please contact Jeronimo Vasquez at (928) 214-3904 if you are interested. Gracias”
Guest commentary: Full Circle Trade & Thrift is doing wonderful work in our community
By Roxana Cardiel De Niz / NAIC Interim Organizer In October, Full Circle Trade & Thrift’s proceeds will help support Flagstaff’s immigrant families. Northern Arizona Interfaith Council is part of a coalition of nonprofit organizations (Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Northern Arizona…
City of Flagstaff to hold Telephone Town Hall on road repair, safety at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 27
FLAGSTAFF — On Monday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. nearly 10,000 registered Flagstaff voters will receive a call inviting them to participate in a live telephone town hall meeting with Flagstaff City Manager Kevin Burke and NAIPTA General Manager Jeff Meilbeck,…
11th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct 25-26. Members reception to be held Oct. 24
Museum member’s reception on Oct. 24 FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona will present the 11th annual Celebracíones de la Gente on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26 at the museum. Scheduled entertainment includes Mariachi Sol…
NAU Latin American Studies to present No More Deaths — No Más Muertes training on Oct. 26
FLAGSTAFF — NAU Latin American Studies will present “No More Deaths — No Más Muertes” training from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at Liberal Arts 120. This educational workshop will include an overview of border history and the…
Guest commentary: Tips for taking the fear out of Halloween for young kids
Halloween can be a fun time of year, but for infants, toddlers and preschoolers – who often can’t distinguish between fantasy and reality – scary experiences can ruin the holiday and create long-term fears. Below are tips for minimizing anxiety…
October cover story / Portada: Día de los Muertos events come alive in region
Celebraciones de la Gente in Flagstaff, Día de los Muertos events in Sedona, Winslow part of growing movement By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Soon the aroma of marigolds and copal incense will waft through the air, beckoning spirits to…
Commentary / Comentario: Full Circle to aid Dreamers
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Since its founding in 2013, Full Circle Trade and Thrift has awarded more than $150,000 to help creative, collaborative and results-oriented nonprofits in Flagstaff. Located at the corner of South Beaver Street and Phoenix…
Local / Locales
The Flagstaff City Council Candidate Forum will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at Little America, 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff. This is an opportunity to hear from the mayoral candidates and the city council candidates as to…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security — Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Another important benefit offered by Social Security is Supplemental Security Income, commonly known as “SSI”. SSI, though administered by the Social Security Administration, is not funded by Social Security taxes…
City of Flagstaff to host open houses through 29 on Prop. 406
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an open house to provide information about Proposition 406, a proposed sales tax increase to address city road repairs and street safety, on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff. Residents…
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to present an ‘Art Class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center’ on Oct. 3
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present an “Art Class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center” from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Artist Vangie Rodriguez will lead you in painting sugar…
Screening of ‘Fruitvale Station’ to be held Sept. 23 at NAU
FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present the screening of “Fruitvale Station” from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Franke College of Business, Gardner Auditorium. “Fruitvale…
‘Which Way Home’ screening on NAU campus on Sept. 10
FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University’s Latin American Studies will present a free screening of Which Way Home at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the Liberal Arts building, room 120. The 2009 film, directed by Rebecca Cammisa, follows several unaccompanied child migrants as…
Commentary / Comentario: The season of nutritional health
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ While this is the season for cultural events, it is also the time to start thinking about proper nutrition as students return to school and we prepare for the dreaded sweet and fat-laden holiday season. The…
Local / Locales
The Hispanic / Latino population of Northern Arizona University grew by 10 percent during the fall of 2014 compared to a year ago, university officials reported in a media release. According to unofficial enrollment figures released during the last week of…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Survivors benefits
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Many people might not know that Social Security offers Survivors Benefits. These benefits, which function as a kind of life insurance, can provide family income after the breadwinner dies as…
Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014 to be held through Sept. 7
FLAGSTAFF — The Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014, featuring workshops and dance competitions, will be held Sept. 4-7 in Flagstaff. The event seeks to facilitate education, awareness, and mutual sharing and bring together dance talents from the local, national and…
August cover story / Portada: Another challenging year for education
Officials seek to balance state budget cuts with creative options to improve education to meet state college, career and life-readiness standards By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ On what promised to be another toasty summer day in Flagstaff, children and…
Local / Locales
Northern Arizona University has been awarded a three-year research grant to promote academic success among young Spanish-speaking English learners, university officials reported in a media release. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Educational Sciences, will…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Retirement benefits – Part 2
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona In this article I will continue our conversation regarding retirement benefits, describing retiring at full retirement age and delaying retirement to a later age. We have stated that full retirement age ranges…
Guest commentary: Summer ideal time to prepare for Kindergarten success
By First Things First / Guest contributor While most students think of summer as a break from learning, for young kids entering kindergarten, summer is the ideal time to instill the skills that will make the transition to school smoother.…
‘Meet the Flagstaff City Council Candidates Forum’ draws upwards of 150 on July 24
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Someone said it was like speed-dating for candidates, with potential office holders rushing from one circle of chairs to another to spend about 10 minutes and meet with…
Participants brave long lines to gather school supplies, information at ‘Back to School Fair’ on July 19
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Long lines didn’t deter children and their parents who were already lined up for nearly a block in the alley between Second and Third streets as they awaited the…
Bilingual report: Friends of Flagstaff’s Future to present 2014 City Council Campaign Forum on July 24
FLAGSTAFF — Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) will present a forum for City Council and Mayoral Candidates at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Flagstaff High School, 400 W. Elm Ave., Flagstaff. The forum will give voters an opportunity to get to know…
Bilingual report: Flagstaff Back to School Fair to be held July 19 at Flagstaff Family Food Center
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Back to School Health and Safety Fair will be FROM 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, 1903 N. Second St., Flagstaff. Organizers report the event features: No cost backpacks, school…
July cover story / Portada: Education top issue for Hispanics
Higher tuition at NAU, CCC, cuts in programs at community college level pose challenges for first-generation students By Star Hunter / AmigosNAZ Immigration reform may lead in the headlines, but it’s not the top issue for Hispanics. According to Pew Research…
Commentary / Comentario: Bringing excellence to education
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The ideas were almost bouncing off the walls, courtesy of giant Post-it notes and magic markers. • Convincing parents of the value of education from the minute their children make their first appearance in…
Health / Salud: Public Health and you – Picnics, barbecues and food safety tips
Editor’s note: The following commentary is provided by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. By Marlene Gaither / Coconino County Environmental Health Program manager Summer is the season for picnics and cookouts, but these outdoor activities can present food…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Retirement benefits – Part 1
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Social Security provides several benefits, including retirement, disability and survivor benefits, among others. Regarding beneficiaries, some relatives of the eligible person (spouses, former spouses, children and even parents) could also…
Inaugural ‘Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show’ on June 28 draws larger than expected crowds
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Organizers of the inaugural “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show” on June 28 were hoping all their hard advance work would pay off and bring in…
Literacy fair at Killip Elementary School helps youth, parents get right start on education
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Community leaders read to young people, parents and others spoke about the value of education, while youth took part in a variety of activities including exercise programs and…
Mercado de Sueños celebrates its grand opening on June 20. Next event is July 18
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Music, food and plenty of arts and crafts could be found at the inaugural Mercado de Sueños / Dream Marketplace, which celebrated its grand opening on June 20…
Beloved NAU music alumnus dies tragically
FLAGSTAFF — Germán Andrés Aguilar, an exceptionally talented and much-loved music graduate of Northern Arizona University, collapsed and died on June 7, 2014, while performing in Florence, Italy, with California State University, Long Beach’s Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir under the…
Local author publishes ‘Spiritual Walking Guide: León to Santiago’
FLAGSTAFF — People setting out on The Way of St. James, or El Camino de Santiago in northern Spain made famous by the Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez movie “The Way,” now have a book, which guides them along the pathways…
Bilingual report: No Dream Deferred Action application drive to be held June 14
FLAGSTAFF — The No Dream Deferred Action application drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff, organizers reported in a media release. Required documents include: Birth certificate…
Local / Locales
The City of Flagstaff has entered Stage 2 of Fire Restrictions, officials reported in a media release. As a result: No permits are issued for open burning within the City of Flagstaff; use of charcoal barbecue grills is prohibited throughout…
Health / Salud: Vaccinations: An important way to protect children
Editor’s note: The following commentary is provided by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. By Michelle McKay, RN, BSN / Coconino County Public Health Services District Immunization Program manager Through advances in medicine and vaccinations, potentially deadly illnesses and…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: What is it?
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona The United States has two main retirement-related programs, namely Medicare and Social Security. The first provides access to medical care, while the second provides an economic benefit. This article will…
NAU students celebrate with 2014 Hispanic Convocation / Graduación Hispana
Hover over each image to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Hundreds of students participated in the annual Hispanic Convocation / Graduación Hispana held on May 8, 2014 at Northern Arizona University. The event featured opening remarks by Mistress of Ceremony…