Category: Family

United Way of Northern Arizona — How Pacesetters Are ‘Leading the Way’ – and How You Can Join Them

The impact of our Pacesetters – the companies and organizations that fundraise for our annual campaign in the month ahead of our official launch – is truly invaluable.

Their efforts not only lead the way by providing a head start in our fundraising efforts, but they also infuse the campaign with their enthusiasm. Their work generates buzz and builds up anticipation as they rally the community around United Way of Northern Arizona and promote our mission of stepping up for our youth and our community.

If you’ve attended one of our UWNA campaign kickoff events, you know that a big highlight is when the Pacesetters proudly present what they raised, often with oversized novelty checks or other creative displays.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 12-16, 2024

Water conservation measures reimplemented for South Rim

As of August 13, the South Rim has returned to water restrictions. This is in response to a new pipeline break identified between Cottonwood Campground and Manzanita rest area along the North Kaibab Trail. Water conservation measures require all park residents to conserve and reduce water usage whenever possible.

Discover Flagstaff — Mother Road Classic Car Show, City Hall Parking Lot on Saturday, Aug. 17

The Mother Road Classic is a show for cars, trucks and (new this year) motorcycles. Located in downtown Flagstaff, it celebrates Route 66, and classic, vintage, and performance vehicles. It is a charity event, raising money for Flagstaff charities. 8 a.m.

Learn More

Pipeline Fire closure to lift, allowing motor vehicle access in Schultz Pass area once again

FLAGSTAFF — Several roads located in the Schultz Pass area of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District will reopen to motorized vehicles tomorrow following a roughly two-year closure due to the Pipeline Fire.

The temporary trail and road closure order for the Pipeline Fire, which has been in effect since September of 2022, will be lifted at 8 a.m. Friday (Aug. 16).

Gates, barricades and signage posted in the area will be modified and removed to reflect the removal of the closure order.

The NAU Review — Sharing all your pun-tastic jokes! Plus, meet the new SAC president + relive NAU Day at the Diamondbacks

Are bird feeders bad?

It’s complicated. A new study authored by NAU alumnus Andrew Abraham and professor of ecology Chris Doughty found that bird feeders are changing the chemistry of local ecosystems and introducing a potentially harmful amount of phosphorus into the environment. Does this mean putting out bird feeders is always bad? Not necessarily, the researchers say—but it does mean we need a better understanding of how different factors interact to change the

Grand Canyon National Park Initiates Water Conservation Measures

GRAND CANYON, AZ — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will reimplement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a pipeline break along the North Kaibab Trail.

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds. 

Mandatory water conservation measures include:

SIGN UP for Art Classes & Workshops at the Sedona Arts Center

Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 5-9, 2024

Grand Canyon records second driest, second hottest July on record 

The National Weather Service reports July temperatures at Grand Canyon averaged +3.8° warmer than normal, and the precipitation total for the month was only 0.65 inches – that’s a full inch below normal! The period June 1-July 31, 2024 was the hottest on record for most locations across northern Arizona (including Grand Canyon).

During this period of high fire danger, it is important to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure the safety of ourselves and our community. 

The Ceramics Department at Sedona Arts Center

Greetings Potters, Artists, and Friends,

Neil Kennedy is moving!

His last day will be on September 6 at our Celebrate Sedona event from 4 to 6pm at Sedona Arts Center in Uptown Sedona. As many of you know, Neil joined our Sedona Arts Center ceramic department almost 7 years ago. During Neil’s tenure with us, he developed the Tuesday afternoon’s Hand Building and Saturday morning’s Pottery Wheel for Beginners classes. With Neil’s years of ceramic experience and his natural talent as an artist, he has helped build the ceramic department’s programming to what it is today—one of the most active and popular clay schools in northern Arizona.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Aug. 1 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda.

The CCC&Y Prevention Council has its roots in our long history of child abuse prevention, our most recent work with substance misuse prevention and our overall commitment to understanding the protective factors, resiliency research and assets our community needs to thrive.

Pinyon Plain Mine has begun Hauling Uranium Ore Through Coconino County

Coconino County has been notified by the United States Forest Service that the hauling of uranium ore from Pinyon Plain Mine near Grand Canyon National Park to White Mesa Mill in Utah began this morning.

The haul route begins south on SR 64 to Williams, heads east on Interstate 40 through Flagstaff, then north on US 89 to Tuba City, and then northeast on US 160. A map with the route indicated by the red and purple lines is attached. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiles listing of Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY —  A variety of virtual health and welfare resource networking meetings are held each month in Coconino County. The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety of governmental and non-profit organizations the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.

The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org

United Way of Northern Arizona — Still Time to Register for Elevate PreK

Registration is still open for the upcoming year of Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds.

The program, developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona, is in its fourth year and will be housed at Evergreen Academy Preschool in Flagstaff.

Designed to provide equitable access to high-quality early education, Elevate PreK is open to 4-year-old children in households that have incomes between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level.

The Grand 75th Annual Coconino County Fair is Fast Approaching

The Fair supports exhibits in agriculture and horticulture, fine arts, home economics, hobbies and collectibles, floriculture, schools, open youth categories, club work, gems and minerals, livestock and small stock. Exhibits are free or low cost to enter, supporting the talents and work of community members and providing opportunities to win prizes. The livestock auction also provides important funding for local farmers, especially young people, including education funding. 

Fall Classes & Workshops at the Sedona Arts Center

Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years!

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) — KinderCamp™ 2024: Space, Safaris, and Success

Last month, more than 150 four- and five-year-olds in Flagstaff, Williams, and Pinetop-Lakeside received a preview of what school life will be like by attending KinderCamp™.

The targeted intervention program, provided free to families, is a signature early education initiative coordinated by United Way of Northern Arizona with local school districts. It provides students who have limited preschool experience with the academic and social skills they’ll need to successfully transition into kindergarten.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Big summer family musical Annie! And two films: 42nd Street and Unconscious

“Annie is the plucky little orphan who captures the hearts of a self-made billionaire and his household staff. In essence, turning them from just waitstaff and their obnoxiously wealthy bachelor boss, into a loving caring family. Which is all Annie has really ever wanted for herself,” said Annie director Joe Maniglia. “Audiences will hear old favorites such as Tomorrow and Hard Knock Life as well as rediscovering new standards in this last of a bygone era of Broadway classic musicals.”

Increase in Hantavirus Activity, Two Deaths Reported in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has seen an increase in hantavirus activity. Three hantavirus cases have been reported in the past 15 months, two of which have died (67% mortality rate). Previously, Coconino County’s last reported hantavirus case occurred in 2016.

Arizona has also been experiencing an increase in hantavirus activity. From January 1 to July 1, 2024, seven human cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) have been confirmed, resulting in three deaths in Arizona.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect community with help through variety of resource guides

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families to food and shelter resources, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and links to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s own recently updated Summer 2024 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.

July at the Museum of Northern Arizona

As the warmth of summer settles in, there’s no better time to step into the cool and captivating spaces of the Museum of Northern Arizona. July brings a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in our latest exhibits. Explore the fascinating connection between Indigenous people and horses in Horse and Rider: A Southwest Story. And journey through the layers of the Grand Canyon’s alluring geology in the Grand Canyon Dragon Map exhibition. There’s so much to experience!

Sedona Arts Center — New Ceramics Classes Starting Next Week!

Through demonstration and one-on-one instruction, students will learn to throw a variety of forms on the potter’s wheel or techniques to create hand-built works. Slab roller, extruder and forms are also available to create functional and decorative pieces. Class sessions are 6-weeks long and meet once/week.

Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics instructors are all highly skilled artists and experienced teachers!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 1-5, 2024 — Employee Spotlight!  Monique Navarro, Branch Lead of Education/ Acting Deputy Lead of Interpretation and Education

We’ll be taking a break from the Weekly Wrap Up for the next three weeks. Look for our next issue on Thursday, August 1. In the meantime, operational updates can be found on our park website here.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs, upcoming Back to School events in Coconino County

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

With Summer here, parents can still get information on ongoing Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.

Also, check on our new Back to School events resource listing to get your child prepared of the upcoming school year.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org.

Thank you. (Updated July 2, 2024).​​​​​​​

City of Flagstaff Approves Settlement Agreement with Area Indigenous Nations and Tribes Over Regional Water Rights

FLAGSTAFF — On Tuesday, July 2, the Flagstaff City Council passed a resolution to approve the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024. This historic agreement ends years of costly and protracted litigation over surface water and groundwater rights claims by the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and the United States.  The parties to the Settlement Agreement confirm certain water rights of the City of Flagstaff and other towns and communities, the Salt River Project, the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Arizona Public Service, various irrigation districts, ranching operations and other parties.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — An Update on F3’s Spring and Summer Work

It’s been a busy spring and beginning of summer here at F3! Below are short updates on some of the issues on which we have been working.

The city’s proposal to allow housing on lands zoned “Public Facility”
F3 did a deep dive into the city’s proposal to allow housing on lands zoned “Public Facility.” After many conversations with city staff and careful consideration over nearly two months, F3 decided to support the zoning code amendment because the city included the requirement for any development proposal to go through the Conditional Use Permit process. Read our final letter to Council on March 14 for more information.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. July Newsletter — Sing it! The sun’ll come out tomorrow!

The big summer musical Annie comes to the Flagstaff stage. It’s a hard knock life—but this beloved family classic will fill your heart with love and joy. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

“The audience will love the energy and the laughs as well as the talented cast,” said Teri Gochanour who plays Mrs Gear. “It’s a feel-good show that will have everyone humming and singing along long after the show.”

Elevate PreK Seeking Students

FLAGSTAFF — Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds, is seeking students for the upcoming academic year.

The program was developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona. After completing a three-year pilot program through Candelen, Elevate PreK will continue its fourth year through UWNA.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Celebrating the 4th of July in Northern Arizona

It’s no secret that 4th of July events can be an economic driver, with parades, festivals, and fireworks prompting tourists to visit communities large and small. In northern Arizona we are fortunate to have a wide range of Independence Day events for visitors – and locals – to enjoy.

The celebrations start early in Flagstaff where hundreds of runners will compete in the Downtown Mile, a series of races held prior to the annual 4th of July Parade. There are races for all levels of runners, including elite races for cash prizes and one just for children. The first race starts at 6:30 am.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about our Back to School events resource listing

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Yes, Summer has just begun but area school districts and health care providers are already planning for a variety of Back to School events.

Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you. (Updated June 25, 2024)​​​​​​​

Also, see our:

Register now for 2024 Summer Camps. See our listing
Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs in Coconino County listing

Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP) Receives Grant to Develop Community Wildfire Protection Plan in Coconino County

Coconino County recognizes wildfire and post-wildfire flooding as the top public safety threat. Since 2010, the County has endured nine major wildfires, burning over 255,000 acres. Correspondingly, the County has higher wildfire risk to homes than 84.5% of U.S. counties. This CWPP will define locally-specific approaches to wildland fire and watershed management across most of the County. In developing and implementing this CWPP, communities will take the lead in reducing wildfire risk across jurisdictional boundaries. 

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) — Elevate PreK Seeking Students

“UWNA knows that early childhood development lays the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health,” said UWNA President & CEO Liz Archuleta. “The experience children have in their first five will have a profound impact on their ability to succeed in school, work, and life.

The preschool class, which has a maximum enrollment of 18 students, is housed at Evergreen Academy Preschool in Flagstaff.

Designed to provide equitable access to high-quality early education, Elevate PreK is open to 4-year-old children in households that have incomes between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 17-21, 2024

Northern Arizona transitions to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this Friday, June 21

Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions 2 beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 21. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire of any kind is prohibited as well as smoking outdoors.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Keep up with latest legislative news affecting children, youth and families

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Want to stay informed of the latest legislative news affecting children, youth and families in Arizona?

Send an email to virginia@coconinokids.org to receive timely emails from Julianne E. Hartzell, a local educator who received CCC&Y’s special “Caring for Children Lifetime Achievement Award” during the Coalition’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2022.

Julianne is a past board president but continues to volunteer her time for CCCY to share information from our partners to help keep our community informed.

Julianne has recently provided past updates from such organizations as:

Arizona Education Association — Legislative Weekly Update

Center for the Future of Arizona —  “Majority of Arizona Voters Agree On Key Issues Ahead of Elections”

Education Forward Arizona  Advocacy Alert — “Cuts and Lack of Investment in Education not Aligned with Voters’ Expectations or State’s Attainment Needs”

Save Our Schools Arizona —  “Vouchers Blast Massive Hole in AZ Budget”

STAND for Children Arizona —  “Tell your legislator to vote NO on HCR 20260”  immigration enforcement measure

READ MORE

City of Flagstaff announces Juneteenth closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Thursday, June 20 at 8 a.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Juneteenth include:

• East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
• Downtown Flagstaff Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
• Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
• Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)

Large prescribed burn project next to Timberline community planned for this fall

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers will begin preparing this summer for the upcoming Timberline prescribed burn project adjacent to the Timberline community northeast of Flagstaff, which burn will be conducted at later dates between mid-October and mid-November.

Residents will begin to see dozers and personnel working in the forest around the prescribed burn area throughout the summer as they prepare the landscape for a safe and successful burn.

This 1,730-acre project is important as it will remove forest fuels in strategic areas, helping mitigate and protect the Timberline-Fernwood and surrounding communities from future extreme wildfires.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs in Coconino County

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

As Summer rapidly approaches, it’s time for parents to start collecting resources for upcoming Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
​​​​​​​
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you. (Updated June 11, 2024).

READ MORE

The NAU Review — How NAU is revolutionizing stroke care, a quilt that symbolizes belonging and getting to know Zane Jacobs

Is 100% survival after stroke achievable?  

One bioengineer says yes. Tim Becker and a team of NAU students are designing groundbreaking medical devices with the goal of increasing survival rates—currently at 30-60%—for stroke patients. With a focus on reducing racial and gender disparities in health outcomes for stroke patients and creating adaptable, functional medical devices that can go from the lab to the surgical suite, the students are getting hands-on experience that is turning into inventions and job offers.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Deadline Extended! Host an Event in the 2024 Festival of Science!

Deadline extended to submit your event during the Flagstaff Festival of Science! Do you have an idea for a presentation, guided hike, hands-on workshop or more?

Northern Arizona, we are looking for you! Calling all science presenters, educators, demonstrators, and guides!

Submit your idea today before the June 24th final deadline!

June at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

I am thrilled to invite you, your family, and friends to our highlight event of the year – the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture – June 22 & 23 at the Museum. The festival promises an immersive experience, connecting you with the rich and diverse traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau. Dozens of Native American artists will showcase their work, interspersed with dancers, musicians, demonstrators, and cultural experts sharing their knowledge and insights. My favorite part of this MNA annual festival is the opportunity to talk with artists directly and purchase unique handmade pieces reflecting the beauty and spirit of the Plateau. The painting above by Venaya Yazzie (Diné) gives you an idea of the talented artists who will be on hand. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including activities for children, energizing music from Tha ‘Yoties, and tasty regional foods like frybread from Sacred Hogan.

The anticipation for summer is building! I can’t wait to see you at the Museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

United Way of Northern Arizona — Reveal Your Inner Hero: Volunteer to Help in Emergencies

With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions were enacted today (June 6) in the City of Flagstaff, unincorporated parts of Coconino County, and the Coconino National Forest.

The precaution is to lessen the chance of a devastating wildfire like the ones we’ve had over the years, most recently the Tunnel and Pipeline Fires of 2022 and the Museum Fire in 2019.

United Way of Northern Arizona coordinates crisis response volunteers for both Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff during emergencies and disasters.

The best time to plan for an emergency is before one happens, which is why we’d like to ask you to consider adding your name to the list of volunteers we can call on if an emergency occurs.

Summer Safety: Avoid Hiking During Excessive Heat Warnings

GRAND CANYON — The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of Grand Canyon National Park. The warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Thursday, June 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 7 for areas below 4,000 feet in the canyon including Phantom Ranch and Havasupai Gardens. Forecast temperatures in the shade range between 105 F/41 C and 111 F/44 C. Hotter than normal temperatures will also hit the rims, with highs of 92 F/33 C on the South Rim and 85 F/30 C on the North Rim.

City of Flagstaff to receive over $1M for water resource systems modeling and efficiency projects

The four grants awarded to the City by WIFA include $750K to accelerate the replacement of water meters with ultrasonic meters, $136K to improve the tracking of non-revenue water, $60K for the development of a watershed model for the Upper Lake Mary Watershed, and $80K for the development of a computer model that will integrate the City’s existing surface water and groundwater models.