The Stage Buddies program, now in its tenth year, brings the classic Hunchback of Notre Dame to the Theatrikos stage for six performances in February. In this abilities-inclusive program, actors age 15-18 are paired to share a role in the play.
“Coconino County Elections Department remains committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and collaboration in election administration.” said, Eslir Musta, Coconino Elections Director and Assistant County Manager, “This award affirms our county board of supervisors’ vision for free, fair, and accessible elections. We are glad to share our experience advancing the professionalism of the elections field.”
COCONINO COUNTY — As 2024 comes to a close, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to recognize a very busy but productive year for the organization.
Virtual System Change Symposium
The Coalition presented its first “System Change Symposium”virtual presentation on Oct. 22, 23 that benefitted the more than 200 attendees in Northern Arizona and statewide. In addition, the individual workshops reported a total recorded audience of 69 views to date. Participants were impressed with the diversity and the quality of the information provided.
“I am thinking currently about how I can use a systems change lens to address unemployment and poverty in the organization that I work for, instead of just providing direct career development service to my clients,” said Dylan Wilder of TransIntimate Online Courses.
Give the gift of membership this holiday season!
Looking for a last-minute holiday gift? Consider giving the gift of membership to the Museum of Northern Arizona! By giving the gift of membership you are providing essential support for our exhibitions and educational programs. The recipient of your gift membership will become part of a community that is inspiring a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty, diversity, and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau. Click here to learn more about gift membership.
SEDONA — The Coconino National Forest and partners will discontinue the sale of the Grand Annual Pass on Dec. 31, 2024, to simplify pass requirements across the forest, but existing Grand Annual Passes sold through the end of 2024 will be honored at all fee sites through 2025.
ExplorUS, in coordination with the Coconino National Forest, is excited to announce the launch of the new annual Sedona Pass. The annual pass will be sold for $50 starting in January 2025, and will provide visitor access for one vehicle and up to five people per pass to the following day-use sites on the Coconino National Forest.
Death and Dessert
Wednesday, Jan. 22
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Join us as we sweeten the topic of death by providing a safe and open space to discuss end-of-life questions, concerns, and experiences. And yes, there will be dessert!
D.D. – Learn more and register!
FLAGSTAFF — We are excited to share that the Light the World Giving Machines are back this year at Heritage Square! They will operate every day starting tomorrow, Dec 18th – Jan 1st. The local charities in the machines this year are Flagstaff Shelter Services, Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club, Flagstaff Family Food Center. The statewide charities are Gathering Humanity and Child Help. The Global charities are iDE and Days for Girls International.
This is the third year we have had the opportunity to bring the Giving Machines to Flagstaff, the last two years we have raised about $150,000 just in Flagstaff. Please know that 100% of the donations go directly to the charities, each charity picked their own needed items that will be showcased in the machines.
The 60-day public review of the draft Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is ending on December 19! That means you have THREE DAYS to read, ask questions, and share your feedback on the draft contents. Visit bit.ly/RPpublicreview to learn more about the 60-day public review.
FLAGSTAFF — Even before dawn on a chilly but clear morning, the faithful gathered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Dec. 12, 2024 in Flagstaff.
As has been traditional in recent years, more than 100 luminarias lit the way for those who attended the event, which featured spiritual music and prayers.
The Rosary was led by Las Guadalupanas, followed by the Mañanitas Serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the bilingual Mass.
The luminarias surrounding the chapel were placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, who will also present the breakfast in the church’s basement following the Mass.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has confirmed that H5 avian influenza has been detected in wastewater sampling. The specimens were collected at the Rio De Flag Water Reclamation Plant and the Wildcat Hill Water Reclamation Plant.
The source of the virus is suspected to be from chickens and wild birds, however other sources cannot be ruled out. There are no reports of human or animal H5 cases in Coconino County.
It has been an extraordinary year for the United Way of Northern Arizona and, more importantly, for the communities we serve. We saw dramatic increases in some programs, added benefits to others, and witnessed the amazing ability of our communities to pull together and collectively improve conditions for all in our region.
Here are our Top 10 highlights of the year:
Friends and family are invited to join us in sharing stories and celebrating the life of this remarkable man. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sedona Arts Center in Dennis’s name.
Saturday, December 14
2024 Holiday Parade of Lights, Downtown Flagstaff.
With parade floats lighting up Historic Downtown Flagstaff, you won’t want to miss out on the fun and festivities that have become a holiday tradition in Flagstaff. Free. 6 p.m.
Learn More
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Discover unique, handmade goods from local artists and artisans, enjoy live music from The Pocket Limes, sip on warm coffee and cocoa, and explore a variety of crafts and more! Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or simply enjoying the holiday spirit, there’s something for everyone!
Don’t miss out on this festive celebration — bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer!
Stay Informed!
Keeping residents updated and informed about the County’s Comprehensive Plan – Envision 2045 – is a priority for the County. We have been busy at work on the update and have news to share with you! For all the latest information about Envision 2045 visit the project website: https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045.
As we approach this giving season, we want to take a moment to share the incredible impact your support has had over the past year. …
FLAGSTAFF — We want your designs! The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is seeking design proposals for detached Accessory Dwelling Units to be turned into pre-approved model plans. ADUs are important to the City’s adopted carbon neutrality and housing goals because they are generally smaller housing units that have the potential to offer lower rent and monthly utility costs, and could increase available housing stock.
FLAGSTAFF — Both the Coconino National Forest and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are beginning a project aimed at restoring forest lands in the Pumphouse Wash area near Flagstaff’s Kachina Village community this week.
Crews are preparing for timber sales on a 2,500-acre parcel of land located near Kachina Village and Forest Highlands as part of the Pumphouse Community Protection Project.
Timber crews have started delineating project boundaries and designating trees to be removed as part of the thinning project.
COCONINO COUNTY — At the Tuesday, Dec. 10, special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board voted unanimously to rezone twelve undeveloped parcels, preserving over 2,400 acres of land as open space.
The rezoning decision is the culmination of over a year of research by the County’s Community Development staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project north of Flagstaff next week.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available
The arts are more than a source of inspiration – they are a vital economic driver for northern Arizona.
We know from data collected by the national Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the latest economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, that the arts account for more than $85 million in direct economic activity in Flagstaff annually, and another $13.5 million in Sedona.
The arts are one of the top 10 sectors in the region based on employment and our 5-year Strategic Plan calls for community leaders to support the expansion and enhancement of arts and cultural venues and offerings within our communities.
COCONINO COUNTY — As 2024 comes to a close, we want to find out what hopes, dreams, goals or (if you are willing to share) resolutions you may have for the coming year.
Maybe it’s setting a personal physical or mental health goal? Maybe it’s achieving a family or professional goal? Maybe more vacation travel, carving out more personal time or spending more time with friends and loved ones?
Imagining a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community starts with all of us and your dreams and goals feed back into the collective.
We want to know so we can include your thoughts when our newsletter returns on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, following our two-week newsletter break starting Dec. 25. And please let us know if you want us to share your comments anonymously with all our newsletter subscribers.
Maybe it’s too early to think about setting goals for the coming year. Instead, you can tell us what you are most proud of that you have done in 2024, be it a personal or professional accomplishment.
Flagstaff College/Communiversity, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, and Catch Fire, are hosting a post-election community get-together! Please join us and share your energy, concerns, and your persistent hope that we can make our communities places of kindness, resilience, health, and equity.
We’ve invited local organizations to talk to us about their concerns, needs, and strategies–and how we might support them in their efforts to navigate the coming months.
If you want to know how you can take local action around important issues including immigration, climate change, health care, human rights, regional land use, and economic systems, join us on:
Get ready to celebrate our incredible graduates at NAU’s Fall 2024 commencement! Over 2,400 outstanding new Lumberjacks are set to make their mark on the world—but first, they’ll mark this milestone with their loved ones and mentors in two unforgettable ceremonies at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Friday, Dec. 13. Whether you’re a student, family member or NAU employee, we’ve got all the info you need to make the most of this special day, from getting there to parking and navigating campus.
Read our commencement guide
Why support MNA today?
Because in a world that’s increasingly filled with replicas, virtual experiences, and even artificially created images and videos, museums matter more than ever.
Because nothing can replicate the experience of this place. The bubbling fountain in the Golightly Courtyard surrounded by the life zones of the Colorado Plateau.
The anticipation of walking into a new exhibition, or the quiet communion of sitting with an artwork or object in one of MNA’s intimate galleries. The exhilaration of watching a traditional Indigenous dance performance – not on your phone, but live and in person.
Intuitive Abstract Painting
with Casey Cheuvront
December 15: Sunday, 11am–4pm
This workshop focuses on intuitive, instinctive mark-making and painting, allowing student painters to work without preconceived plan or design, and permitting intuitive elements to occur naturally through the creative process.
We will begin with a brief review of basic art principles, a brief demo, and move into materials management and hands-on painting.
FLAGSTAFF — Lane shifts are set to begin along Cedar Avenue. The City of Flagstaff and contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, are beginning work on the Cedar Avenue Crossing Project. The project involves replacing the box culvert underneath Cedar Avenue, between Grandview Drive and Monte Vista Drive.
GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park are preparing to conduct a prescribed burn operation on the North Rim this week, which will begin on Tuesday, December 10. These operations will help reduce hazardous fuel loads, improve forest health, and restore natural fire regimes. The burns are expected to occur over several days and will coincide with prescribed burns planned on the North Kaibab Ranger District.
Burn Operations Schedule:
FREDONIA — Fire managers are expecting to conduct a prescribed fire operation on the North Kaibab Ranger District this week. The Telephone Hill Unit is located approximately 14 miles south of Jacob Lake adjacent to State Route 67, which has closed for the winter season. Fire Managers are focusing ignition around the Pleasant Valley Cabin area of the unit to reduce hazardous fuel loads around the cabin and State Route 67 corridor, the operation is expected to affect about 700 acres in that vicinity. Operations could begin as early as Tuesday, December 10, and are expected to be completed in 2-3 days, coinciding with prescribed fires planned on Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim.
View this email in your browser December 9th, 2024 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…
Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
FLAGSTAFF — Luminarias will once again light way for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Flagstaff.
The Celebration begins on Wednesday, Dec. 11 when participants meet at 5 p.m. at San Francisco de Asis Church, 1600 E. Rt. 66 (Rt. 66 & Ponderosa Parkway), to ride a busy to the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the procession. Participants can also meet at the chapel at 224 S Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The procession will begin from the chapel to San Francisco de Asis Church at 5:30 p.m.
The procession will take a brief stop at the Flagstaff Fire Dept. Station 2, 1701 E. Ponderosa Parkway, for coffee and other drinks and sweets, and to watch a dance by Los Matachines de San Francisco de Asis before proceeding up to the church for another performance at 7 p.m. by Los Matachines, an Apparition Reenactment and the Consecration to the Virgin Mary. (There will be no Mass on the 11th).
A Mass will be held at 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe, where participants will be greeted by the glow of more than 100 luminaries surrounding the chapel placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, who will also present the breakfast in the church’s basement following the Mass.
See more photos here.
United Way of Northern Arizona recently convened a meeting of more than 50 business and community leaders, elected officials, and early childhood education experts to discuss how strategic investment in early childhood programs can help support our local workforce and the economic health of our region.
Among the items discussed was the benefit of programs like Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds.
Resume Workshop Series at Albright Training Center
Albright Training Center is hosting a series of resume workshops designed to help individuals apply for and compete for jobs with the National Park Service. Led by Paul Ganas and Dalirca Matos, Human Resource Specialists for NPS, these sessions will provide valuable insights into building strong resumes and navigating the federal hiring process.
Each workshop is tailored to a specific audience, so be sure to attend the session that best fits your needs:
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Elections Department has officially concluded the court-ordered recount process for two races in the City of Page. The Recount results confirmed, without discrepancy, the originally certified election results.
This outcome reaffirms the integrity and accuracy of the electoral process conducted in Coconino County.
Intuitive Abstract Painting
with Casey Cheuvront
December 15: Sunday, 11am–4pm
This workshop focuses on intuitive, instinctive mark-making and painting, allowing student painters to work without preconceived plan or design, and permitting intuitive elements to occur naturally through the creative process.
We will begin with a brief review of basic art principles, a brief demo, and move into materials management and hands-on painting.
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. 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 guest speaker for this week Jennifer Hernandez, project manager, College & Career Pathways — Northern Arizona for the Center for the Future of Arizona. She is presenting information on the center’s youth internship program.
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 or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
The goal of the Preventing Housing Insecurity Flexible Funds grant is to further the reach of existing prevention efforts by providing flexible funding that helps expand the effectiveness of current housing stability and homelessness prevention approaches.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to open the new Beulah Boulevard extension and roundabout that accesses University Avenue, Yale Street and Beulah Boulevard on Friday, December 6. The opening of the roundabout will also include access to the new shared-use paths, crosswalks and bus-only lanes. The bus-only lanes along a small section of Beulah Boulevard are to be used exclusively by Mountain Line buses. Please note, the pedestrian crosswalk along Beulah Boulevard will remain closed for the time being while we wait for final components. Please utilize the crosswalks at the roundabout to cross Beulah Boulevard.
We have $1,000 left to raise towards our goal! With supporters like you, we are confident that we can make this happen!
Will you make a contribution before it is too late and help us unlock our generous 1:1 match of $5,000?
In 2023, our In School Speaker Series, where we connect STEM professionals with classrooms, reached 6,000 students in N. Arizona! These presentations are so meaningful because students get to meet real scientists one on one. Connections like this can change the course of a young person’s life.
The 60-day public review of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 began October 20th and concludes December 19th. As we enter the final weeks of the review period, there are still multiple opportunities to learn about the draft plan, talk to staff, and provide feedback. Join City and County staff this week for anonline webinar and Friday office hours!
As the year winds down and the holiday season is in full swing, I invite you to find inspiration and calm at the Museum of Northern Arizona. A great place to start is in our new Poetry Maps exhibition, offering unique perspectives on the landscapes we hold dear.
This coming weekend, we’re hosting our annual Winter Market and Open House, a beloved tradition highlighting Indigenous artistry and craftsmanship. It’s a perfect opportunity to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting Indigenous talent. If you’re still searching for something truly unique, take advantage of our Museum Shop. It’s a delightful space where you’ll discover regional handcrafted treasures, surrounded by the quiet charm of the Museum.
Amid the holiday hustle, a visit to the Museum can bring moments of peace and reflection. Whether you’re exploring exhibits or just taking in the season’s beauty, we hope to see you here soon.
Warm wishes for a joyful December,
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
Development Program (SEAD)
March 8-9, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 3, 2025
The Sedona Artist Entrepreneurial Development Program (SEAD) is a 2-day intensive opportunity that empowers visual artists to see their creative practice through an entrepreneurial lens. The SEAD curriculum explores tools to organize, plan, and sustain a creative career, with the goal of developing an individualized business plan to prepare each artist to take their creative endeavors to the next level.
Participants will learn about topics including strategic planning, creating your artist statement, resume and bio, marketing, accounting and more. Participants who successfully complete the program and create their strategic plan within a year will each be eligible to apply for a $500 grant for implementation. This program is conducted in partnership with USDA Rural Development.
Incoming first-year students for the 2025-26 school year can apply for the scholarship by submitting a 250-word essay describing the impact their college degree will have on both their personal trajectory and the Hispanic community at large.
Giving Tuesday is a global annual celebration of generosity that takes place each year.
By making a gift to Friends of Flagstaff’s Future today, you will help us to achieve a sustainable, just, and thriving Flagstaff.
Every contribution, no matter the size, has a tangible impact on our work. You can make a donation today at https://www.rfr.bz/f525c1d
We appreciate your support!
Michele James
Executive Director
Welcome to the biggest single day of philanthropy on the calendar – #GivingTuesday. Can we count on you to help us reach our 2024 Campaign Goal during this international day of giving?
When you donate, you help LEAD THE WAY and support early childhood development programs and help our youth live up to their full potential. You also help fund programs that meet our community’s needs, quickly and efficiently, in times of crisis.
During our campaign kickoff, we announced a goal of $1.2 million. Today we are two-thirds of the way there, but still need $400,000 to reach our goal. Can you help us bridge the gap today?
Give now and amplify your support for the Festival of Science’s In School Speaker program! Getting kids excited about their world and beyond is what we care about. In 2023, the In School Speaker program reached more than 6,000 students in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas! We are steadily growing our impact year after year!
For a limited time, your donation will be matched 1:1, helping us achieve our goal of $10,000 faster.
iving Tuesday, an International Day of Giving.
Please Donate HERE.
Two Tynkertopia parents,
Reba Allen and Renea Atiemo,
have pledged to match all gifts up to $3,111.
If you have been considering a gift to Tynkertopia, we hope
you will use this opportunity to double your impact and contribute to
Tynkertopia, Flagstaff’s STEAM education center!
FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council will present “Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff.
Language interpretation available.
Hear from Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly, incoming Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund and other public officials and legal experts.
Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season.
AmigosNAZ.com will be taking a holiday vacation, off Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 and returning to work Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Friday-Sunday, November 29- December 1
Elf: The Musical, Theatrikos Playhouse.
This candy cane twirling modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Fri-Sat 7:30 p.m, Sun 2 p.m.
The 2024 Fall Astronomy Volunteers. This team put on dark skies programs 4-5 nights per week through the fall season, connecting tens of thousands of visitors to the stars. Thank you for your stellar service to your national parks and to Grand Canyon’s dark skies! Left to right: Bernie Sanden, Robyn Tan, Steve Dimse, Lian Tan, Tyler Cherry, Rader Lane, CC Cogswell, Joey Green.
Today we conclude the radio programming for 2024 We hope to continue in 2025 and, above all, continue to count on your tune. We wish to have served you as you deserve. THANK YOU!
***
Hoy concluimos la programación radial de 2024. Esperamos continuar en 2025 y, sobre todo, seguir contando con su sintonía. Deseamos haberle servido como usted se merece. ¡GRACIAS!
On behalf of the leadership of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the communities we proudly serve.
We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support of our partners – local businesses, government entities, and countless individuals – who have been instrumental in shaping and strengthening our regional economy.
As we celebrate this holiday weekend with family and friends, let us reflect on the many blessings we share here in northern Arizona, from our abundant natural resources to the incredible talent and dedication of those committed to our region’s prosperity.
FLAGSTAFF — Your organization is doing amazing work in the community, but no one organization can do it all. Skilled workers promote stronger communities, and we’re here to help. We have a Job Readiness Workshop happening at the Goodwill Career Center in Flagstaff on Friday, Dec. 6th from 10am – noon.
Your local Goodwill Career Center is excited to offer workshops designed to help individuals enhance their skills for the job market. We specialize in offering no-cost workforce development educational resources to the public so that job seekers can achieve sustainable employment.
The Job Readiness workshop includes:
• Interviewing skills
• Resume building
• Personal branding
We couldn’t do it without you.
At United Way of Northern Arizona, we are committed to Leading the Way, bringing people together to make bold changes to improve communities in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Together with you, we are promoting early childhood education, positive youth development, and the safety and security of our friends and neighbors by working to meet basic needs.
This Thanksgiving we are more grateful than ever for your friendship, partnership and support.
Warm wishes for a wonderful holiday,
Liz and the United Way Team
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved changes to Chapters 1 and 2 of the Coconino County Unified Health Code and the adoption of the Ordinance for the Regulation and Prohibition of Unlicensed Establishments within Coconino County …
… at the November 25, 2024, meeting. These changes, requested by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health, will assist in the regulation of unlicensed food vendors in Coconino County.
