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…
Category: Family
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…
Vive Selena performance to be held Aug. 31 at Coconino County Fair
FLAGSTAFF — Vive Selena will perform at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31 at the Coconino County Fair. The tribute to the music of Selena Quintanilla will feature such hits as Baila Esta Cumbia, Amor Prohibido, Techno Cumbia, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,…
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.…
Capoeira Amizade Flagstaff to perform July 25 at Heritage Square, Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — Summer Nights on the Square presents Downtown Friday Nights featuring performances by Capoeira Amizade Flagstaff and Jimmy DeBlois from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 25 at Heritage Square, downtown Flagstaff. Capoeira Amizade Flagstaff is a local group of people…
Bilingual report: Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace to be held on July 18
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU will present the Mercado de los Sueños/Dream Marketplace with local artists, live music, local vendors and diverse multi-cultural artisans and crafters from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 18. Mercado de los Sueños is a…
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…
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…
Mariachi Mass brings community together at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — With heavenly mariachi music coming from above, more than 150 people took part in a special Mariachi Mass held on Sunday, June 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe…
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…
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…
First Friday Art Walk returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center
AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — From ceramic cups, bowls and crosses, to colorful watercolor works featuring horses, visitors had a chance to experience a variety of art during the second Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk celebration held at Our Lady…
Bilingual report: Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace to hold grand opening on June 20
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU announce the grand opening of the Mercado de los Sueños/Dream Marketplace with local artists, live music, local vendors and diverse multi-cultural artisans and crafters from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 20 Mercado de los…
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…
June cover story / Portada: Artistic, cultural events coming to region
First Friday Art Walk, Spanish guitar, flamenco concerts and Tardeada celebrations filling out the calendar schedule By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The threat of frost is rapidly dwindling, the weather is warming up and everyone seems ready to enjoy…
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…
Sunnyside celebrates 19th annual Fiesta de Mayo
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff Inc. celebrated its 19th annual Fiesta de Mayo on May 17 and 18, 2014 in Flagstaff, AZ. The celebration this year was relocated from Ponderosa Park to the in the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center…
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…
Market on the Move makes successful stop in Flagstaff
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Market on the Move, a farmer’s market-style program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, made a successful return…
Bilingual report: First Friday Art Walk comes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on May 2
FLAGSTAFF — First Friday Art Walk comes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2 at 224 So. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Visit the basement to see works by local artists…
Bilingual report: ‘Southside Celebration of History and Culture’ to be held May 2 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The “Southside Celebration of History and Culture” will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2 at the South Beaver School Gym, 506 So. Beaver St. A collaboration of Northern Arizona University’s College of Social & Behavioral…
Tickets now on sale for 7th annual ‘Dancing Across Borders’ fundraiser on April 26
FLAGSTAFF — Advance purchase tickets ($15) for the 7th annual “Dancing Across Borders” fundraiser are now available at www.latindancecollective.com Tickets are $20 at the door. The event benefits No More Deaths / No Más Muertes, which provides families and individuals crossing the perilous…
March cover story / Portada: Health-care enrollment deadline nears
March 31 is the deadline for signing up under the Affordable Care Act By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The days are counting down until the end of the open enrollment period on March 31 for the Health Insurance Marketplace…
Vacations / Vacaciones: How to have a safe spring break experience
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Each spring millions of students from high school and college embark on a pilgrimage to a vacation locale of their choice and proceed to kick up their heels and relax. For some students, the vacation…
February cover story / Portada: A romantic time of year
February is a perfect time to think about romance, finalizing wedding plans Editor’s note: Time is running short to finalize both your plans for a romantic Valentine’s Day and be more creative as you finalize plans for your wedding. Here…
Health / Salud: WIC: Celebrating 40 years of strengthening families
Editor’s note: The following commentary is provided by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. By Lorraine Ornelas / Coconino County Public Health Services District WIC program manager The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) has helped millions of the nation’s…
Family / Familia: Overnight accommodations for wedding guests
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) When your parents or grandparents got married, there was a good chance that their closest relatives and friends lived nearby – in the neighborhood. Attending the wedding was easy, and everyone headed home afterward. This…
Home / Casa: Make your home safer for children
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) According to the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home injuries, half of the children who die before their first birthday die from choking or suffocation. Many times such tragedies can be…
Fashion / Moda: Expert tips for special-occasion hair styles
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Special occasions and parties crop up over the course of a typical year. Be it weddings, birthday parties or anniversary galas, friends and families often gather to celebrate especially momentous events. Part of the excitement…
Family / Familia: Help your child transition from a crib to a bed
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Much of a young child’s life revolves around adapting to new situations. Even when a routine is established, things can change and new skills must be learned. From moving from bottle to cup, to giving…
Family / Familia: Kids can make resolutions, too
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) New Year’s resolutions are made so adults can improve their lives in the year to come. But nowhere does it say resolutions are exclusive to adults. In fact, kids can make New Year’s resolutions and…