Category: Family

United Way of Northern Arizona — Imagine What’s Possible

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2021 • Comments Off

With the recent kickoff of our Annual Community Fundraising campaign, we’re imagining what’s possible when we ensure that our children are ready to learn. That’s the purpose of programs like KinderCamp™ – making sure our students are ready academically, emotionally and socially for that all important first day of school.

Don’t take our word for it. We think Riley and her Mom do a great job explaining what KinderCamp has meant to them in the video above.

Thanks to generous people like you, United Way of Northern Arizona and our partners can provide KinderCamp and other early education program at no cost to families.

Will you join us as a supporter of this year’s campaign, and Step Up for Our Community with a donation today?

Every donation makes a huge difference in our community and we sincerely THANK YOU for your support.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘Storybook Path Unveiled at Sawmill County Park’ and more news

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino County Parks & Recreation and The Literacy Center are pleased to unveil the Storybook Path at Sawmill County Park.

The path features the book Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match by local author Monica Brown. The book’s pages are displayed on pedestals at intervals along the path for visitors of all ages to read and enjoy in both English and Spanish.

Visitors also have the option to listen to the audio book in both languages by scanning a QR code on their smartphone.

United Way of Northern Arizona — In Case You Missed It: Our Campaign Kickoff Video

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for the virtual launch of the 2021-2022 United Way of Northern Arizona Annual Campaign.

A big thank you as well to all the people who participated in our video, sharing their stories about how programs funded by UWNA have impacted their lives.

In case you missed it, you can view the video here:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — September 27-October 1, 2021

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

A COVID and flu shot vaccination event will be held next Monday, October 4th from 3-5 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Rec Center Ramada. If there is inclement weather, the event will be held inside the Rec Center in the Piano Room. Please bring your vaccination card if you are seeking a second or third dose of the COVID vaccine. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer.

A follow-up vaccination event will be held on Monday, November 1, for those individuals getting their first shot at the October vaccination event who need a second shot for full vaccination. The November 1 vaccination event will also take place from 3-5 p.m. at the Rec Center.

There are no updates on a North Rim vaccination event at this time.

Several Skunks in the Flagstaff Area Test Positive for Rabies

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials have confirmed several skunks found in the Greenlaw and Coconino Estates areas of Flagstaff have tested positive for rabies. One human exposure has been reported and the individual is receiving Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment.

CCHHS and City of Flagstaff Animal Control urge individuals to use caution to protect against rabies exposure when hiking, camping or in situation where wildlife may be present. The following precautions are recommended to protect against rabies:

Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.

City of Flagstaff — 30-day public comment period opens for draft 10-Year Housing Plan

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff Housing Section is asking for public input on its draft 10-Year Housing Plan. Flagstaff residents can read the draft 10-Year Housing Plan online and can provide feedback by taking the Policy Initiative and Strategy Prioritization Survey. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and feedback will be used to help City staff prioritize housing initiatives and strategies. The public comment period ends on November 5, 2021.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2021 Festival of Science’s ‘The Science of Childhood Trauma and Why We Should Care’ presentation by CCC&Y’s now available online

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2021 • Comments Off

The 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science’s “The Science of Childhood Trauma and Why We Should Care” presentation by

CCC&Y is now available online.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a large and costly impact on society. Fortunately, with all that we know about trauma and resilience, including the 50-year longitudinal study in Kauai and the groundbreaking ACEs study, we know there is much we can all do. Community awareness and knowledge are important to begin healing.

Join us for this Flagstaff Festival of Science event sponsored by the Coalition for Children & Youth.

Trainer: Virginia Watahomigie, M.ADM Executive Director of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Click here to view the presentation.

The Flagstaff Oktoberfest is this Saturday, Oct. 2

by Community Contributor • September 27, 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!

Proceeds from the Flagstaff Marathon on Oct. 2 will benefit Coconino Community College Cross Country Team

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2021 • Comments Off

Get ready to run the Flagstaff Marathon! We’re just a few weeks away. Proceeds benefit the Coconino Community College Cross Country Team. Go, Comets!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up for Sept. 20-24 — National Public Lands Day and more news

by Community Contributor • September 23, 2021 • Comments Off

This Saturday, September 25 will mark the 26th annual Condor Release at the Vermilion Cliffs as part of National Public Lands Day.

Due to high Covid-19 transmission levels in counties surrounding the condor release site, and to help prevent further spread of the virus, partners hosting the event are strongly encouraging the public to attend the live stream event online. In 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team took the celebration online with more than 10,000 viewers of the event. Because of that success, the event will be live streamed again this year.

The programming for the live virtual event will begin at 10:30 am (Arizona time). The release pen will be open at 11 a.m. (Arizona time).

The virtual event can be viewed here on the Peregrine Fund’s YouTube Channel.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Flagstaff Festival of Science returns with Science in the Park. More events scheduled this week and more news

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2021 • Comments Off

The 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science kicked off this past Friday with the W. L. Gore Keynote Presentation: “When Stones Speak: Decoding the Messages Embedded in Ancient Maya Monuments” with Dr. Jaime Awe of Northern Arizona University.

That event was followed Snook’s Science in the Park, which featured local science and technology organizations with science experiments and demonstrations at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff. The festival continues through Sunday, Sept. 26.

During the park event, youth had the opportunity to explore life-saving medical devices with innovators and engineers under the W. L. Gore & Associates tents, view the talented athletes from Momentum Aerial as they leap and spin above the ground, with young people exploring the world of magnets at the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth tent.

The 10-day festival features a mix of in-person activities, live streamed webinars and pre-recorded videos. A full listing of events is available by going to scifest.org and clicking on the 2021 digital passport. Events that require a reservation are denoted on the passport. Tickets for most of the events requiring a reservation can be found at flgscifest.eventbrite.com. The EventBrite page also provides a means to register for the live webinars.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Don’t Miss This Year’s Outdoor Fair: Science in the Park! on Sept. 18

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2021 • Comments Off

You’ve likely seen them soaring high above canyons and perching in tall pine trees, and now, majestic birds of prey like the Harris Hawk, American Kestrel and Ferruginous Hawk will share Wheeler Park with families as the International Raptor and Falcon Center introduces learners of all ages to these predators of the sky.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18, Science in the Park will feature live animals, microscopic organisms and prehistoric cultures.

Join us at Wheeler Park!

Build a Puebloan wall, create pictographs, play catch with a robot and safely view the sun!

Explore life-saving medical devices with innovators and engineers under the W. L. Gore & Associates tents and maybe even be a heart surgeon for the day!

And, don’t miss the talented athletes from Momentum Aerial as they leap and spin above the ground! Watch these artists demonstrate the laws of physics that keep them up in the air and their audiences on their toes!

United Way of Northern Arizona — Meet the 2021 Annual Campaign Leaders

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2021 • Comments Off

We are excited to announce that long-time United Way supporters Andy Bertelsen and Susan Hilgart will be leading this year’s United Way of Northern Arizona Annual Campaign, which officially kicks off with a virtual event later this month.

Both Andy and Susan are long-time civil servants with impressive resumes in the public sector.

Andy, who recently became the Interim Water Services Director for the City of Flagstaff after five years as Public Works Director, will be the campaign’s spokesman for Coconino County. Andy is a Summit Society member has been involved with UWNA for 15 years, including several years as Treasurer on the Board of Directors before becoming Vice Chair and eventually Chairman of the Board.

Meanwhile, Susan, the Deputy Director of Human Services and Public Health Improvement for Navajo County, will represent Apache and Navajo counties. Although she only came to northern Arizona from Minnesota a few years ago, she has been involved with United Way organizations for more than three decades.

City of Flagstaff announces Karen Cooper Flagstaff Urban Trail detour

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2021 • Comments Off

As part of the Coconino Estates Improvements Phase II Project, the Karen Cooper portion of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) will be temporarily closed between Crescent Drive and Lantern Lane while crews install a new sewer main from Crescent into the Rio de Flag sewer main.

A detour will be posted and FUTS traffic will be re-routed down Lantern Lane, near the Ditch Pool, to either the Fort Valley FUTS or along Crescent/Talkington. Re-routed traffic will then link back up with the Karen Cooper FUTS at the Crescent intersection. Please follow the marked signage to get to your destination.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Sept. 13-17, 2021

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2021 • Comments Off

On September 9, President Biden issued new Federal COVID vaccine guidance by Executive Order. While we don’t yet know the specifics of implementation, we do know that all federal employees, contractors and partners will be required to be vaccinated. According to the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, “Federal Executive Branch employees must be fully vaccinated, except in limited circumstances where an employee is legally entitled to a reasonable accommodation. Agencies must work expeditiously so that their employees are fully vaccinated as quickly as possible and by no later than November 22, 2021.” The full document can be viewed here.

The purpose of this and related orders are to protect the American public, since COVID-19 continues to be spread in the US primarily by unvaccinated people, and because unfortunately, not enough people have been vaccinated to generate herd immunity to prevent the virus from mutating into new and more dangerous variants such as the Delta variant.

Specific guidance will be coming out soon on implementation of the vaccination requirement.

The NAU Review — Breaking borders, gearing up for success and online learning day

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2021 • Comments Off

Carlos Zavala, a student veteran majoring in finance, joined the army as a way to help him achieve his educational goals. “I came to NAU because of the Veteran Success Center. They were really helpful when I was trying to set up my benefits and made me feel really comfortable. That is the environment I wanted to be in,” he said. Through the VSC, Zavala was able to enroll in a class in which other veterans shared their stories of success, inspiring him to dream bigger than he thought possible.

The Flagstaff Oktoberfest (Oct. 2) is almost here!

by Community Contributor • September 16, 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.

Federal Major Disaster Declaration impact on Coconino County

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2021 • Comments Off

The Federal Major Disaster Declaration announced (Sept 14) by the Biden Administration applies to Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties related to emergency events from July 22-24.

This declaration is a mechanism for the state to recover funds from the federal government for their response efforts. It will have an indirect impact on Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff with a potential for some funding to address flood impacts only to public infrastructure that occurred within this timeframe.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y to present ‘The Science of Childhood Trauma and Why We Should Care’ on Sept. 24 at the 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2021 • Comments Off

CCC&Y will present “The Science of Childhood Trauma and Why We Should Care” at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at the 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a large and costly impact on society. Fortunately, with all that we know about trauma and resilience, including the 50-year longitudinal study in Kuai and the groundbreaking ACEs study, we know there is much we can all do. Community awareness and knowledge are important to begin healing.
Join us for this Flagstaff Festival of Science event Sponsored by the Coalition for Children & Youth.
Trainer: Virginia Watahomigie, M.ADM Executive Director of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

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

New Preliminary Flood Maps Issued for Oak Creek Area; Updated Maps Show Flood Risks Have Changed

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino County announced this week that updated, digital flood hazard maps for the Coconino County, Yavapai County, and City of Sedona sections of Oak Creek are available for public review and comment.

These maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in Oak Creek and its tributaries are at risk for flooding. This covers the area from Sterling Canyon in Coconino County, through the City of Sedona down to Cornville. Used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements, the new flood maps replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old.

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!

NAU takes part in Hispanic Serving Institutions Week ‘Librito Drive-Bilingual Book Drive’

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2021 • Comments Off

… In celebration of Northern Arizona University’s first year of being able to partake in the 2021 National Hispanic Serving Institutes Week, we would like to kick off our 1st annual Librito (Little Book) Drive. Donate a bilingual book (all ages) for the Flagstaff Community…

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.

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.

City of Flagstaff Neighborhood Sustainability Grant and Water Conservation Research Grant

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2021 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff’s Neighborhood Sustainability Grant and Water Conservation Research Grant are now open for applications through September 30, 2021.

Neighborhood Sustainability Grants can help launch or continue community sustainability projects related to food, waste, resilience, transportation, building energy, public health, or climate action.

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2021

by Community Contributor • September 2, 2021 • Comments Off

GCC Celebration of Art Kicks off in September

The 13th annual Celebration of Art kicks off this month at Grand Canyon. Beginning September 11th, artists will be coming to the South Rim to paint outside on location for one week. During this time, the public will be able to view the artists as they paint, capturing the ever-changing light and shadows of the canyon.

This year’s event will be a hybrid of on-site and online programming to welcome a wide variety of art enthusiasts. Here is the current schedule of events.

Now through September 18: Interested people can view the online catalog and preview studio paintings. Studio painting intent-to-purchase request forms are available to submit online, and are linked from each painting in the catalog.
September 3-18: There will be an online silent auction featuring specially selected original pieces from each participating artist.
September 11-17: Artists will be painting “en plein air” (or, outside on location) throughout the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
September 17: A featured artist will paint outside near Verkamp’s Visitor Center from 3 – 6 p.m.

Construction work at Flagstaff Downtown Library

by Community Contributor • September 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Construction work will take place at the downtown location of the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library on Friday, September 3, 2021. The work will include the drilling of borings and will impact some of the walkways and the parking lot around the library.

Safety cones and barriers will be placed around affected areas during the evening of Thursday, September 2 and construction work will begin at approximately 9 a.m. on Friday, September 3. Library services and hours will not be impacted. The work will be completed within the same day, ending on Friday, September 3.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Tickets and Registrations Now Open for 2021 Events!

by Community Contributor • September 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Visit our website to sign up for programs that include: A) advance registrations for webinars and B) ticketed in-person programs that have a maximum number of guests!

By pre-registering for the webinars, you ensure you get a spot and can add the program to your calendar! You can also interact with the presenter and ask questions when you’ve pre-registered.

Several in-person programs have limited capacity and will require advance registration. Check the digital passport for programs that require reservations.

Please Note: The capacity for our keynote event has been reduced to allow for social distancing. Pre-registration is required for this event.

Revised timeline for Flagstaff Urban Trail System closure along Fort Valley Road/ Hwy 180

by Community Contributor • September 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Due to inclement weather, paving operations along Beal Road have been rescheduled for next week.

The Fort Valley Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) pathway and the southbound bike lane along the west side of Fort Valley Road/HWY 180 will be closed between Deanna Way and Forest Avenue from Tuesday, September 7 to Thursday, September 9. Detour signage will be posted to direct the Fort Valley FUTS traffic to the Karen Cooper FUTS.

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!

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.

Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff Held Engineering Summit & Report-Out

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and the City of Flagstaff hosted a one-and-a-half-day Engineering Summit in the continued effort to identify long-term flood mitigation for the Museum Flood Area.

Representatives participated from the US Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Flagstaff Unified School District, Arizona Department of Water Resources, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Arizona Geological Survey, Arizona Department of Transportation, and ten civil engineers from six private engineering consulting firms, as well as staff from both the County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Urban Trail System closure along Fort Valley Road/ Hwy 180

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2021 • Comments Off

The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) pathway and the southbound bike lane along the west side of Fort Valley Road/Hwy 180 will be closed between Deanna Way and Forest Avenue from Wednesday, September 1 to Friday, September 3. This closure will be in place from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Detour signage will be posted to direct Fort Valley Road/Hwy 180 FUTS traffic to the Rio de Flag FUTS Trail.

This closure is required as construction crews will be paving Beal Road and the west edge of the Beal/Fort Valley Road intersection as part of the Coconino Estates Improvements Phase I Project.

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.

Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff Staff Present at Joint Work Session on Aug. 24

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Last night, staff members from the Coconino County Flood Control District and the City of Flagstaff presented to the Board of Supervisors and the City Council in a joint work session on the Museum Flood Area.

The meeting provided an historic look at the mitigation efforts taken during and immediately after the Museum Fire, as well as additional mitigation measures since that time. The City and County Flood Control District deployed sandbags and barriers to the neighborhood, and warned of the high-risk for flooding. J.E. Fuller Hydrology, the leading experts in post-wildfire hydrology, were immediately engaged to conduct a flood hazard analysis. The analysis results were used by the Flood Control District to develop and implement the flood mitigation plan. The analysis showed severe flooding would impact 400 homes and 35 businesses.

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!