When we think about getting kids ready for kindergarten, we talk about brain development and early literacy, but did you know that early oral health impacts early learning too? First Things First reminds communities that February is National Children’s Dental…
Category: Youth
Nominations sought for the 2015 Caring for Children Award
Deadline is Feb. 13 From AmigosNAZ staff reports Outstanding individuals who work directly to make Coconino County a better place for the region’s youngest residents will be recognized at the annual Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon Fundraiser on March 26 in…
Free movie screening of ‘Underwater Dreams’ to be held at Coconino High School on March 5
From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The free movie screening of “Underwater Dreams” will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at the Coconino High School Main Auditorium, 2801 Izabel St., Flagstaff. Written and directed by Mary Mazzio, and narrated…
Commentary: Latino youth doing better in education, but are we?
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The news can be disconcerting for many of us who have been involved in one way or another in encouraging Latinos, and all young people, to succeed in education and life — high dropout rates in…
Health: Protect yourself, others from the flu
By Michelle McKay, RN, BSN / Coconino County Public Health Services District Immunization Program Manager Now that winter break has passed and students and parents are settling back into the normal routine, the Coconino County Public Health Services District is reminding the…
NAU President Cheng makes statement on governor’s budget proposal
FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University recognizes the current fiscal condition of Arizona and understands that Gov. Ducey and the Legislature face difficult decisions in balancing the budget of our state, NAU President Rita Cheng reported in a media release on…
Commentary: Educating the community
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ For as long as I can remember, I have always been involved in educational outreach efforts as I progressed through my career in journalism. As a young reporter I took part in panel presentations…
Guest commentary: Share holiday blessings with a Flagstaff family in need
By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. My name is Egle Rucci, Realtor ® at Village Land Shoppe Inc, and together with Teresa Bolen at Prime Source Lending, we are pledging to sponsor families in need in our community this year…
Bilingual commentary: Helping young kids beat the holiday blues
December is crowded with activity and excitement, which can all be fun for young children, but may also have some unintended consequences: behavior changes. Toddlers and preschoolers can experience a myriad of emotions, including: anticipation of special activities and events;…
Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe to be celebrated with procession, luminaries, Mariachi Mass, community potluck on Dec. 11 & 12
FLAGSTAFF — The Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe to be celebrated with a procession, luminaries, a Mariachi Mass and community potluck on Dec. 11 & 12 in Flagstaff. The Guadalupanas, with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and San Francisco de Assis…
December cover story: Caregivers, children get an early start in education
Variety of programs available in Northern Arizona to help youth succeed in school, life By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ At first glance it seemed a bit out of place — a group of caregivers, parents and grandparents gaining parenting…
Guest commentary: Babysitter or an educator?
A tour of the Kith and Kin Project in Flagstaff By Cynthia Pardo / First Things First “Hay muchas cosas que devemos a aprender, como, escuchar a nuestros hijos, involucrarlos en todo para que aprendan a desenvolverse major,” said Ms.…
Guest commentary: Like all skills, gratitude is best learned young
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is the perfect time to teach young children a very important life lesson: gratitude. Barbara Lewis, author of What Do You Stand For? For Kids, teaches us children as young as 2 are aware that other…
‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ beginning art class to be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on Dec. 5
CLICK HERE TO RSVP, MAKE PAYMENT FOR DEC. 5, 2014 ART CLASS FLAGSTAFF — The next ‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ beginning art class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday,…
Todo Mundo to perform at the Center for Indigenous Music and Culture on Nov. 21
FLAGSTAFF — The Center for Indigenious Music and Culture will present Todo Mundo in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21 at 213 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff. Todo Mundo (“All the World”), whose “Organic Fire” was voted “Best World Music…
NAU profile: T. Mark Montoya — Mutual Inspiration
As the first person in his family to go to college, T. Mark Montoya — an Ethnic Studies lecturer at Northern Arizona University as well as an alumnus — knows the challenges of navigating university life, the university reported in…
November cover story: Season of giving begins in Northern Arizona
While donations, volunteers are welcomed during the holidays, officials say need must be met throughout the entire year By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Right after Halloween thoughts start turning toward Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays. You can’t escape it…
Analysis: NAU helps fight student hunger
By Tony Salazar / AmigosNAZ intern Every year in America the price of higher education continues to rise at astronomical rates. This year alone for an incoming freshman at Northern Arizona University one can expect to pay about $25,000 as…
Snowdrift Art Space in Winslow celebrates Día de los Muertos
From AmigosNAZ staff reports While a strong breeze prevented the traditional procession and burning of the offerings to the dearly departed, it was not enough to dampen the spirits at the Snowdrift Art Space which presented its annual Día de…
Region welcomes 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona
From AmigosNAZ staff reports It was a weekend filled with music, entertainment, and, most importantly, reverence for those who have gone before us as Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona partnered for the 11th annual Celebraciones de…
Commentary: Join Unafraid Educators during National Educators Coming Out Day on Nov. 12
Hello, My name is Laura Longoria I am a student wanting to go to back to school, I am undocumented and unafraid. I want to thank all of you for all your support. With your support it gives me power…
Guest commentary: Full Circle Trade & Thrift is doing wonderful work in our community
By Roxana Cardiel De Niz / NAIC Interim Organizer In October, Full Circle Trade & Thrift’s proceeds will help support Flagstaff’s immigrant families. Northern Arizona Interfaith Council is part of a coalition of nonprofit organizations (Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Northern Arizona…
11th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct 25-26. Members reception to be held Oct. 24
Museum member’s reception on Oct. 24 FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona will present the 11th annual Celebracíones de la Gente on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26 at the museum. Scheduled entertainment includes Mariachi Sol…
Guest commentary: Tips for taking the fear out of Halloween for young kids
Halloween can be a fun time of year, but for infants, toddlers and preschoolers – who often can’t distinguish between fantasy and reality – scary experiences can ruin the holiday and create long-term fears. Below are tips for minimizing anxiety…
October cover story / Portada: Día de los Muertos events come alive in region
Celebraciones de la Gente in Flagstaff, Día de los Muertos events in Sedona, Winslow part of growing movement By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Soon the aroma of marigolds and copal incense will waft through the air, beckoning spirits to…
Commentary / Comentario: Full Circle to aid Dreamers
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Since its founding in 2013, Full Circle Trade and Thrift has awarded more than $150,000 to help creative, collaborative and results-oriented nonprofits in Flagstaff. Located at the corner of South Beaver Street and Phoenix…
‘Baila Conmigo – Dance with Me’ to be held Sept. 27 at NAU
FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present “Baila Conmigo – Dance with Me” from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Ashurst Hall, Bldg. 11, NAU. “Come…
Mercado de Sueños / Dream Market to be held on Sept. 19 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU will present the Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at 2532 E. Seventh, near the corner of Fourth and 7th streets. Mercado de los…
Screening of ‘Fruitvale Station’ to be held Sept. 23 at NAU
FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present the screening of “Fruitvale Station” from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Franke College of Business, Gardner Auditorium. “Fruitvale…
September cover story / Portada: Hispanic Heritage Month coming fast
Events include salsa festival, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces First Friday Art Walk, and Hispanic independence celebrations in Sedona, Flagstaff By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It’s last-minute planning time for upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events in Northern Arizona. While the month is officially celebrated…
Commentary / Comentario: The season of nutritional health
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ While this is the season for cultural events, it is also the time to start thinking about proper nutrition as students return to school and we prepare for the dreaded sweet and fat-laden holiday season. The…
Local / Locales
The Hispanic / Latino population of Northern Arizona University grew by 10 percent during the fall of 2014 compared to a year ago, university officials reported in a media release. According to unofficial enrollment figures released during the last week of…
Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014 to be held through Sept. 7
FLAGSTAFF — The Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014, featuring workshops and dance competitions, will be held Sept. 4-7 in Flagstaff. The event seeks to facilitate education, awareness, and mutual sharing and bring together dance talents from the local, national and…
Commentary / Comentario: Poore Clinic opens in Sunnyside
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Even with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, obtaining quality health care continues to be a challenge for many people. Whether it’s transportation issues due to a shortage of accessible neighborhood clinics, problems…
Participants brave long lines to gather school supplies, information at ‘Back to School Fair’ on July 19
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Long lines didn’t deter children and their parents who were already lined up for nearly a block in the alley between Second and Third streets as they awaited the…
Bilingual report: Flagstaff Back to School Fair to be held July 19 at Flagstaff Family Food Center
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Back to School Health and Safety Fair will be FROM 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, 1903 N. Second St., Flagstaff. Organizers report the event features: No cost backpacks, school…
July cover story / Portada: Education top issue for Hispanics
Higher tuition at NAU, CCC, cuts in programs at community college level pose challenges for first-generation students By Star Hunter / AmigosNAZ Immigration reform may lead in the headlines, but it’s not the top issue for Hispanics. According to Pew Research…
Inaugural ‘Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show’ on June 28 draws larger than expected crowds
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Organizers of the inaugural “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show” on June 28 were hoping all their hard advance work would pay off and bring in…
Literacy fair at Killip Elementary School helps youth, parents get right start on education
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Community leaders read to young people, parents and others spoke about the value of education, while youth took part in a variety of activities including exercise programs and…
NAU students celebrate with 2014 Hispanic Convocation / Graduación Hispana
Hover over each image to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Hundreds of students participated in the annual Hispanic Convocation / Graduación Hispana held on May 8, 2014 at Northern Arizona University. The event featured opening remarks by Mistress of Ceremony…
‘Market on the Move’ comes to Flagstaff on May 7
FLAGSTAFF — Market on the Move, a farmer’s market-style program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, is coming to Flagstaff from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 at Killip…
May cover story / Portada: Teens get ready for tough job market
Classes on filling out job applications, interview techniques prepare youth for competitive summer job season By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It looked like a typical classroom with adult speakers talking in front of a group of teens. But…
Local / Locales
Market on the Move, a program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, is coming to Flagstaff on Wednesday, May 7 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff. Community…
Bilingual report: ‘Southside Celebration of History and Culture’ to be held May 2 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The “Southside Celebration of History and Culture” will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2 at the South Beaver School Gym, 506 So. Beaver St. A collaboration of Northern Arizona University’s College of Social & Behavioral…
NAU concludes final week of Immigration Awareness Month
Hover over each image above to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University concluded “Immigration Awareness Month” with a discussion on national security at the border, a court case against a journalist reporting on refugee migration from Central America and…
Bilingual report: ‘8 Latin American One-Act Plays in Spanish!’ to be performed April 25, 26 at Coconino High School
FLAGSTAFF — ‘8 Latin American One-Act Plays in Spanish!’ will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at Coconino High School, 2801 No. Izabel St., Flagstaff, in the mini Auditorium. The plays are presented by students of…
NAU, students and community celebrate César Chávez Day of Service
Hover over each image above to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — A record of more than 100 people took part in the annual César Chávez March and Day of Service held on March 29, 2014 in Flagstaff, AZ. Activities began on…
Local / Locales
The City of Flagstaff reports that the Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $1.6 million for the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project. “We have worked tirelessly to secure funding for the Rio de Flag flood control project. Part of…
Vacations / Vacaciones: How to have a safe spring break experience
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Each spring millions of students from high school and college embark on a pilgrimage to a vacation locale of their choice and proceed to kick up their heels and relax. For some students, the vacation…
Winslow gets into the spirit with Día de los Muertos celebration
From AmigosNAZ staff reports WINSLOW — Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) returned to Winslow on Nov. 2 , 2013 when Snowdrift Art Space, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Winslow Chamber of Commerce presented the lively celebration of remembering the departed…
Commentary / Comentario: Making the case for ethnic studies
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ As he surveyed the room, Sean Arce hit the play button and the video kicked in on the screen. Students, high school students, could be seen on the video rushing to sit and chain…
October Cover Story / Portada: A celebration of culture, families
Celebraciones de la Gente returns to Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 26-27 By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ As Armando Gonzalez and Theresa Thomas tell it, about a dozen years ago Flagstaff’s Latino community seemed on the verge of…
Local / Locales
The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is helping young adults and teens to quit using tobacco products by utilizing “The CIGNAL,” Arizona’s latest effort to curb tobacco use, county officials reported in a media release. Modeled after the…
Sunnyside celebrates 10th annual Fiesta de Independencia
Click on the image to see a slideshow from the 2013 Fiesta de Independencia. Pause on photo to see a caption. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Sprinkers going off in the early afternoon almost watering the public address system and…
Area residents enjoy the outdoors with return of Camp Moreno
Click on the image to see a slideshow from Camp Moreno at Sunset Crater. Pause on photo to see a caption. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — A brief rain and hail storm hit the O’Leary Group campground at Sunset Crater…
Cover Story / Portada: Sunnyside continues to build a strong community
Organizers say much work remains to keep area heading in right direction By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Maybe it’s a case that success breeds complacency — that the hard work has already been done and there is no urgency…
AmigosNAZ’s cover story featured on Latina Lista
Latina Lista — The Smart News Source, has featured AmigosNAZ on its website. The June cover story, “Latinos to play important role in Arizona’s future,” was highlighted on Latina Lista’s website on June 17. Latina Lista is published by Marisa Treviño, president…
Bilingual report: Region to hear diverse voices, views about immigration
Immigration Awareness Week comes to Northern Arizona By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Comprehensive immigration reform is currently the hot topic in Washington D.C. Republicans realize they need to approve a deal in order to win back the Latino support…