Category: women

Pumphouse Wash forest restoration work beginning south of Flagstaff

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 Board of Supervisors Rezones Twelve Parcels to Preserve Thousands of Acres of Open Space

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. 

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Arts: A Cornerstone of Northern Arizona’s Economic Growth

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 Coalition for Children & Youth — Time to gather details on your hopes, goals, resolutions for 2025

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 to present Post-election Community Get-together on Dec. 11

 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:

The NAU Review — Cheers to the Class of ’24! Meet the grads, plan your commencement journey + leave a ‘congrats’ for the Lumberjack in your life!

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

Museum of Northern Arizona — Make Your Year-End Gift to MNA Today!

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.

Art Works and classes at the Sedona Arts Center

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 City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 12/9/24

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 Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 2-6, 2024

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:

Sedona Arts Center — Check Out Our Winter Art Workshops Lineup!

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 Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Dec. 5 to share your story

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.

Coconino County Health and Human Services Receives Grant to Help Prevent Housing Insecurity

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 Regional Plan – Happening This Week!

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! 

December at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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

United Way of Northern Arizona — Help Us Reach Our Campaign Goal on Giving Tuesday!

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?

Bilingual report — Northern Arizona Interfaith Council to present ‘Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration’ on Dec. 4

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.

Discover Flagstaff — Elf: The Musical, Theatrikos Playhouse, Thanksgiving Brunch, more events

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 25-29, 2024

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.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving

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

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these Art Classes in Sedona!

Ceramics – Hand Building
with Ben Roti
November 26 – January 7, 2025: Tuesdays, 1–4pm

This fun and creative class is for beginning and experienced ceramicists.  Tap into your creative self and experience various hand-building techniques. Make bowls, vases, mugs, serving platters, and boxes, using slabs, molds, and textures. The possibilities are endless.  Each class will include a demonstration and individual instruction that will help you achieve your goals.

The Sedona Arts Center’s ceramic department operates free from the constraints of grades and benefits from the talents of its ceramic faculty and assistants as well as nationally recognized guest instructors. This combination allows our department to offer flexible and diverse programming in both traditional and contemporary techniques.

Pottery Tools – There are 9-piece tool kits available for purchase in the Ceramics Studio for $15 per kit. Purchase of the tool kit is not required to take the class.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Thanksgiving Week, Let’s Honor Immigrant Farmworkers

With the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the people who make this holiday possible. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and other staples of our Thanksgiving feasts are harvested by immigrant farm workers.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences — Exciting Opportunity to Serve on a Public Art Panel!

We’re excited to share a great opportunity for community members to get involved with Flagstaff’s public art scene! The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program is looking for passionate individuals to serve as panelists for upcoming public art projects. We’d really appreciate it if you could help spread the word to your constituents, staff, volunteers, or anyone in your community who might be interested in participating.

We’re looking for people from all backgrounds—art experience isn’t required! Panelists will evaluate artists, artist proposals, or engage in discussions about projects. The time commitment varies, depending on the project, but participation is virtual making it easy to take part from anywhere.

Discover Flagstaff — Fall Events and More with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Saturday, November 23
The Brothers Reed, Coconino Center for the Arts

With their comedic brotherly banter, impeccable harmonic expression, and widely varying influences, a Brothers Reed performance will have you reflecting on lost lives and lovers, laughing hysterically and leaving completely entertained. 7:30 p.m.

Creative Flagstaff Announces the 17th Annual Viola Awards (April 26, 2025)

FLAGSTAFF — Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the 17th Annual Viola Awards on April 26, 2025, at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff. Honoring a legacy of excellence in arts, science and culture in Flagstaff, we are reveling in 17 years with Dancing Queens! Look forward to a spectacular evening of dazzling performance to celebrate artistic excellence in our community.

The Viola Awards celebrate achievements in the arts, science, and culture akin to the Oscars of Flagstaff. Each year, the community gathers to applaud the achievements of our local creative community, with over hundreds in attendance. The event was founded in 2009 to honor Viola Babbitt and her dedication as a founding member of Flagstaff’s creative community. The Viola Awards event is sponsored annually by the Babbitt Brothers Foundation and other institutions that value arts and culture.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 18-22, 2024

Key Updates to the 2024 Superintendent’s Compendium for Grand Canyon National Park

What is the Compendium?
The Superintendent’s Compendium is a vital document that outlines the specific regulations and policies governing Grand Canyon National Park. It serves as a supplement to federal regulations, allowing park management to address unique local conditions and issues. The Compendium is updated every year to ensure the park’s rules remain current and effective.

Key Updates for 2024:

Sedona Arts Center — Discover New Art Classes in Sedona

Pastels: A Crash Course
with Nori Thorne
November 22: Friday

Are you drawn to the beauty and versatility of pastel but don’t know where to start?  This crash course is for you. We will have pastel demonstrations, exercises, and plenty of at-easel encouragement in Pastels:  A Crash Course.  Learn how to block in a design, underpaint using a wet wash, experiment with a variety of pastel surfaces and materials.  With an emphasis on achieving correct values, colors, and shapes you will create an exciting floral still life and leave the workshop with skills to begin your pastel journey.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Happy Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (Nov. 20)

As we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day today, we are reminded of the incredible strides women have made in business and entrepreneurship – and of the significant challenges that remain.

According to Wells Fargo’s inaugural Impact of Women-Owned Businesses, which was released earlier this year, women own more than 14 million businesses in the United States (about 39% of all companies), employing more than 12.2 million people and generating $2.7 trillion in annual revenue. In non-employer businesses, Arizona has a higher share of women-owned businesses than the United States as a whole.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y System Change Symposium, free webinars having impact far and wide

COCONINO COUNTY —  While the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s virtual “System Change Symposium” presentation on Oct. 22, 23 benefitted the more than 200 attendees in Northern Arizona and statewide, one attendee has been using lessons learned from the Symposium, and about CCC&Y’s free webinars in general, to share with a coalition of service provider agencies and others in Alaska.

“I was so excited.” to learn about the Symposium on Facebook,” said Rikki McKay, community coordinator, for the Alaska Department of Health | Division of Public Health, Healthy & Equitable Communities. “It’s so relevant to the work I’m doing.”

McKay said she has shared the information she learned at the Symposium with fellow students in her “Introduction to Social Work” class as well as with the 15 or so members of a coalition of service providers in Alaska. “A lot of people” are learning about the Symposium and the Coalition,” she said. “It has gained appreciation far and wide.”

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council: Biden has 64 days left in office to protect vulnerable immigrants

The federal government currently lacks the resources to fulfill Trump’s pledge of mass deportations in the first months of his presidency, but ICE?can and will act?quickly to target immigrants for arrests. However, before that begins, President Biden has two months left in office to take decisive action to protect people at risk under Trump’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement plans.

Local partners gearing up to Stuff the Bus to benefit Flagstaff Family Food Center

COCONINO COUNTY — The City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and Mountain Line are once again partnering for a Stuff the Bus event on Sunday, November 17 to benefit the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC). 

This year’s event will be at the Safeway store located at 1201 S. Plaza Way in Flagstaff from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The public is invited to bring non-perishable food donations for a Thanksgiving meal, and FFFC staff and volunteers will be on-hand to accept monetary donations. Additionally, the partners set a goal to stuff the bus with 300 turkeys to help our neighbors in need. 

United Way of Northern Arizona — Summit Society Profile: Lucinda Andreani

Coconino County Deputy Manager Lucinda Andreani, a long-time member of the Summit Society of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), embodies the spirit of giving and community involvement.

Born in California, she has been active in community affairs throughout her life, whether it was helping launch a local chapter of the National Organization for Women or participating in environmental cleanups.

Her journey with United Way began when she was working for the California utility company PG&E, which promoted workplace giving to their local United Ways and provided matching grants for donations. Lucinda was always in the top tier of donors.

Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Campground Fee Increase

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for frontcountry camping fees. This increase would begin April 1, 2025.

Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) collects campground fees from visitors for overnight stays. GRCA is seeking public comment on proposed fee increases for standard tent and RV sites at Mather, Desert View and North Rim campgrounds. The current camping fees have remained unchanged for the past 20 years.

United for Progress: LULAC Vision for a Stronger Latino Future

As the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the nation, LULAC stands firmly committed to uplifting and empowering the Latino community across America—working to strengthen economic and educational opportunities and to protect our civil rights.

For nearly a century, LULAC has been here, side by side with the communities we serve, tirelessly working toward a future that fulfills the dreams of our families and honors the sacrifices of those who came before us. Now, as we look to the horizon, we welcome the opportunity to work with President Donald J. Trump, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, all of last night’s elected officials, and the incoming Administration. Together, we are called to build a future that holds space for all our stories, our voices, and our dreams.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — A Time of Change and Expansion at Lowell Observatory

(On Nov. 8), the leadership of this 130 year old institution will transfer from Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Hall to Dr. Amanda Bosh, currently the observatory’s chief operating officer. The following weekend, Lowell will celebrate the grand opening of its $53 million Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC).

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 4-8, 2024

Monday, November 11: Free Admission to National Parks

In honor of Veterans Day, Grand Canyon National Park and all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on Monday, November 11. Please note that this fee-free designation does not apply to camping, reservations, tours, or lodging.

Thanks to all our veterans in the park and in our community for your service to the nation!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Nov. 7 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, Nov. 7. 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 is Jason D. Gillette, CEO of the Guild Health Group

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.

READ MORE

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces says ‘Thank You’ to everyone who supported and attended the 21st Annual Anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente on Oct. 26-27, 2024 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces this week offered a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported and attended the 21th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27.

Celebraciones cultural performances included Mariachi Rubor, a celebrated all-female ensemble, Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff, local favorite Alena Chavez and NAU Banda Latino de Caribe. Children and families participated in hands-on activities such as decorating sugar skulls and face painting. Arts and crafts vendors featured art, handmade goods and cultural treasures.

Discover Flagstaff — Stories of Place: Wupatki NM Centennial Commemoration, Wupatki National Monument on Nov. 3 and more events

Join the National Park Service as it highlights the significance of the people, cultures, plants, animals, rocks, fossils, and historic buildings within the monument reflecting on the past 100 years as a national monument. 12 p.m.

Learn More

November at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

As we enter November, I’m filled with gratitude for our community – MNA members, donors, partners, volunteers, board members, and staff whose dedication and passion fuel our mission. Together, we’re able to shine a light on the remarkable treasures of the Colorado Plateau, ensuring they remain accessible to all.

Supervisor Patrice Horstman — District 1 September / October 2024!

IN THIS ISSUE

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Community Meetings on Post Wildfire Flood Risks and Upper Rio Forest Restoration
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Homer Wilkes Returns to Discuss Forest Restoration and Celebrate RFOR’s Sawmill
Governor and Attorney General Join the County in Calling For Review of EIS For Pinyon Plain Mine
Capitol Hill Hears From Coconino County
NRCS Chief and Senior Advisor Tom O’Halleran Tour Flood Mitigation Projects Funded by NRCS
Happy First Anniversary to Baaj Nwaavjo I’Tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of The Grand Canyon National Monument
Honoring Former Supervisor Ryan with Matt Ryan County Natural Area
Wildland Fire Leadership Council Meet in Flagstaff
Babbitt Ranch Energy Center Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Mike Scott Retires and Flagstaff Family Food Center Acquires Grand Canyon Food Pantry
Supervisor Horstman Sworn In at the Governor’s Office for the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Board
Regent Liz Archuleta Honored
Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition Star Party Delivers!
Camp Colton Breaks Ground on New Lodge
In Remembrance of Dr. Miguel Vasquez
Fall Events
Community Resources

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y celebrates successful System Change Symposium

COCONINO COUNTY — With more than 200 virtual attendees, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth celebrated its inaugural “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation on Oct. 22 and 23.

“This type of work overwhelmingly moves people to action. It inspires them toward love and care of others as we pause to view differing perspectives and to understand issues in multi-dimensional ways,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y.

CCC&Y curated an array of speakers and topics to help our community understand what system change is, why we need it and some tools and support to improve how things are done. See information on speakers below.

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“It has been such a joy to see the positive interaction with the speakers and the material. Occasionally, it can kick up some feelings that express themselves in a wide variety of ways and some push back can be seen,” Watahomigie said. “We are committed to continuing this work and moving these initiatives forward.  At the risk of sounding like a soundbite, and paraphrasing, I remember that Maya Angelou encouraged us to do better when we know better. The trick can sometimes be the willingness to know better.”

READ MORE

Sedona Arts Center — Don’t miss these Art Workshops!

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!

21st annual Celebraciones de la Gente honors vibrant tradition Oct. 26-27 at Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — The 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente (Celebrations of the People) takes place Oct. 26 and 27 at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Held in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the community event honors a vibrant tradition with a weekend of remembrances, joy and cultural immersion.

In the spirit of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Celebraciones invites people to experience the magic of colorful ofrendas (altars), unique tributes to loved ones passed, in the museum’s Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard. As the sun sets on Saturday, the courtyard transforms into a candlelit scene for Courtyard After Dark. Visitors can take in glowing ofrendas under the night sky while enjoying Mexican sweets and hot chocolate.

Discover Flagstaff — Celebraciones de la Gente, Museum of Northern Arizona (Oct. 26-27) and more upcoming events

Join us for a weekend filled with color, culture, and celebration. Presented in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, Celebraciones honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos with heartfelt remembrances and joyful festivities. 10 a.m.

Learn More

United Way of Northern Arizona — Nestle Purina and Joy Cone Lead the Way for United Way

Co-coordinators Robin Ayers, HR Manager, and Michelle Brown, Senior HR Coordinator, led Nestle Purina’s campaign this year with a mission of engaging employees and inspiring community support.

“When we can step up and make a difference, it is recognizable to others, which can encourage other agencies and individuals to do the same,” said Michelle. “We’re proud of our employees who are involved in community outreach.”

Nestle Purina introduced their workplace campaign during quarterly business meetings, combining informational presentations on the work of UWNA with opportunities to donate. Raffles were held for anyone completing a pledge form with additional prize opportunities for staff members who met specified donation goals.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 21-25, 2024

Honoring Heritage: Reflections on the Healing Power of Land and Community at Indigenous Peoples’ Day

“Remember these places that we are enjoying; now that they are more than just tourist destinations, more than recreational playgrounds, more than places where mining companies or helicopter companies are out there to make a buck. When you’re out on that trail and maybe take a moment think about this place as medicine and how it’s probably providing you some healing. When you look at that breathtaking view that is medicine right there…the reason why that the land can do that for us, is because that power is real, and that is all what a scared place is, recognizing that the land has power.” -David Martínez

Culture Connection AZ Events Coming Up!

Help us give our international students, workers, and residents an authentic American Halloween experience! We’ll have pumpkin carving, candy for trick-or-treaters, and costumes to dress up!
Free to participate! Join us from 4pm to 7pm at The Ice House

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Families gather information at Flagstaff Mall’s 2024 Health and Wellness Fair

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — This is the last chance to register for the Coconino Coalition of Children & Youth’s “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23.

More than 125 individuals signed up for the Oct. 22 event.

The symposium provides details on What is System Change? Why Do We Need It? How Do We Make It Happen?

“The speakers today had very relevant information. I appreciated the focus on intergenerational trauma and how systemic systems contribute to people’s trauma – this feels so relevant to Northern Arizona living on and near tribal lands and being a border state where children have been separated from parents for an extended length of time,” said Dylan Wilder of TransIntimate Online Courses. “Learning more about Vitalyst Spark Grants and the different pillars of systemic change was a critical and helpful lens for me.”

The symposium also provides information on How do we come together for true change? How do we address root cause issues and create positive outcomes, health and thriving for all?

“…The Symposium provided information which was helpful – on a macro level to educate the audience about the broad concepts surrounding Systems Change as well as on a personal level as we learned more about how we as humans experience and react to the world around us affects the way we function,” said Sandra Diehl of the Coconino County Public Defender’s Office.

The event is hosted by CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie, who will speak about the Coalition’s Reimagine Community Project — A Trauma-Informed System Change program the Coalition is partnering with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. CCC&Y was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant

The event is free for those who live or work in Coconino County, $20 full day for all others. Register HERE for the Oct. 23 event.

READ MORE

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Register NOW! for CCC&Y’s System Change Symposium, a virtual community experience on Oct. 22 or 23

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — With less than a week to go, the time to register is NOW! for the Coconino Coalition of Children & Youth’s “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation. Participants can choose Oct. 22 or Oct. 23 to attend the Virtual Community Experience.

The event will provide details on What is System Change? Why Do We Need It? How Do We Make It Happen?

It will also provide information on How do we come together for true change? How do we address root cause issues and create positive outcomes, health and thriving for all?

The System Change Symposium includes such presenters as:

• Kevin Campbell, an American Child Protection, Health Care Innovator and co-founder of Pale Blue with Elizabeth Wendel, MSW, LSW, will help viewers understand the human toll and outcomes of current systems and give us practical ideas for making change now.

• David Martinez III of Vitalist Health Foundation, who will talk about “What is Systems Change and Why They Fund It”

• Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historical Trauma, who will provide examples of policy, systems and inequity

• Andrea Meronuck of Northland Family Health Center and Pearl Santillan of First Things First, who will provide information on mindfulness, self compassion and/or mental health models

• Dr. Sandra Solano, founder of Integro, who will talk about HeartMath, trauma and use for systems change work

• and a message from Flagstaff Mayor, Becky Daggett

READ MORE​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 14-18, 2024

Grand Canyon Hosts Successful Indigenous People’s Day Events
On Indigenous People’s Day hundreds of people watched dance performances at two locations. On the canyon rim, in front of Hopi house Crown Dancers from the White Mountain Apache, danced as the clouds cast mood lighting on them. Participants watched as the boys performed dances intended for blessing and healing. Their crowns represented four mountains that are sacred to the Apache and each dancer called “angelic beings”, spirits who lived on the mountains, to come into the crowd.

Sedona Arts Center — Don’t miss these Sedona Plein Air Festival Events!

Saturday, October 19, 10am – Noon
Main Street Paint Out
Stroll up and down Uptown Sedona on 89A, from Sedona Arts enter to the Pink Jeep Café, and watch artists paint their surroundings in real time. This event will be
judged by artist Bruce Aiken, an acclaimed Grand Canyon and American Southwest painter. Awards and artworks sale begin at 12:30 p.m. at Sedona Arts Center.

City of Flagstaff — 60-Day Public Review – Regional Plan 2045

The 60-Day Public Review for the DRAFT Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan is here, and we need your help! Your feedback on the proposed content is crucial to bringing our community’s vision to life. Your comments will directly shape the final plan and what appears on next year’s ballot. All comments from the public review period are due on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 5 pm. 

Coconino National Forest accepting applicants for Women in Wildland Fire program

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.

Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.