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 — 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.
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.
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…
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:
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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 Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment for the Williams Unified School District governing board that will expire December 31, 2026.
Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district. A first review of applications will commence 30 days following the posting on December 26, 2024. Please turn in your applications by the end of the business day. Applications can be downloaded at this address: https://coconino.az.gov/2855/Governing-Board
The Downtown and East Flagstaff Community Libraries will close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 for Thanksgiving. they will OPEN Saturday, Nov. 30.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We have reached the halfway point of the 60-day public review for the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045. Don’t miss your opportunity to weigh in on the draft! Please submit your comments by Thursday, December 19th at 5pm.
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:
As the year draws to a close, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve experienced. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported FLYRS, helping us serve more youth than ever before. It’s been a year of learning, growth, and, above all, the pure joy of cycling outdoors.
Time and again, we’ve seen the profound impact this sport has on young riders. From conquering challenges to instilling a love for nature, our youth riders are developing essential life skills like teamwork, resilience, and determination.
Here’s some testimonials from FLYRS parents:
Greetings STEM Fans,
The CocoNuts Robotics Team from Coconino High School, the 2024 HALL OF FAME TEAM from the FIRST World Championships, needs your help to recruit judges for our upcoming FIRST Robotics Tournaments.
Every year, the CocoNuts run, sponsor and support over 15 robotics tournaments for thousands of students across the state. Additionally, the CocoNuts were named the 2024 STEM City Community Partner of the Year because of our tireless efforts to bring STEM to Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, including the RezBotics initiative, which has resulted in over 20 new robotics teams on the Navajo Nation!
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.
Hunchback Enrollment
Coming up in December
Theatrikids Educational Theatre Program:
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 with disabilities age 15-18 are paired with experienced middle and high school actors to share a role in the play.
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.”
COCONINO COUNTY — St. Mary’s Food Bank has announced 2024 Holiday Food Distributions.
Click on flyer about times, locations of holiday food distributions, volunteer opportunities.
Have you wondered what it is like to plan the Festival of Science ensuring science is accessible to all? Would you be interested in contributing to the success of a thriving non-profit organization? Do you have skills or experience in event management, fundraising, governance, marketing or finance?
We are looking for individuals like YOU to share your passion of STEAM and science education. The Festival of Science is an established organization dedicated to community engagement and learning. Consider joining our team for a 2-year term and make an impact in your community!
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.
FLAGSTAFF — Spanish language and English learning students at Coconino High School celebrated el Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with their third annual shoebox ofrenda competition. The winners were selected this week with students and others voting throughout the month.
“The Dead of the Dead Mini altar contest is a competition where students create beautiful and meaningful altars using a shoe box,” said said teacher Francy Solarte. “They can pay tribute to a family member, pet, or person who has contributed to society. They also write an altar dedication in Spanish and their home language. This is an interdisciplinary project between Spanish classes and English Language Learners classes.
FLAGSTAFF — The beauty and magic of el Día de los Muertos through folkloric dances from the regions of El Estado de México- Concheros (Aztec dances), Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco and Veracruz was presented at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 by Flagstaff’s own award-winning Ballet Folklórico de Colores during its “¡Mueve el Esqueleto¡” celebration.
The fundraiser also included an authentic altar/ofrenda presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to remember our loved ones who have passed on.
Traditional Mexican food for El Día de los Muertos was also available for purchase.
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.
We know that many members of our community are feeling a sense of fear and even despair at what the future holds with the shift in administration. It is critical that we support one another and not lose focus of the work at hand to dismantle the systems that have been in place regardless of the current political administration, and that our ancestors have fought and resisted for generations before us. As part of the national Ethnic Studies collective, XITO will continue the critical on-the-ground organizing we’ve been engaged in for years and applying the lessons learned from the past.
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, 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.
COCONINO COUNTY — As the hectic holiday season rapidly approaches, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website to help parents and families at home during the upcoming holiday school vacations.
Our growing library of on-demand webinars is designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.
Click on the image above to get a quick look at the various free programs we offer, or get more details below:
READ MORE
The annual recognition from the U.S. State Department acknowledges the university’s strong engagement with the Fulbright Program. It is NAU’s third year in a row to be named to this list.
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.
(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).
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!
Last year, United Way of Northern Arizona was a partner in a project to help teens in Navajo County survey their peers about current mental health issues facing youth in northeast Arizona.
One of the items to emerge from that survey was that teens in the area were eager for a space to call their own – a teen center.
Now Grow Arizona Workforce Network is pursuing a plan that would establish a facility to not only provide a safe and supportive environment for teens, but to develop the region’s future workforce.
