Author: AmigosNAZ.com

AmigosNAZ. Providing information for and about the vibrant Latino community in Northern Arizona — Bringing Cultures together by Sharing Information. Frank X. Moraga, editor / publisher of AmigosNAZ, a division of Shooting Star Communications LLC in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Finance / Finanzas: Medicare in Three Parts — Part A

By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Medicare coverage consists of hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B) and prescription drug insurance (Part D). This article will address Part A coverage, including hospital care, skilled nursing facility care,…

Point-in-Time Count homeless survey held in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Representatives from area social service agencies were out in force recently to conduct the annual “National Street & Shelter Point-in-Time Count” from Jan. 28 through 30 of those who are homeless in Coconino County. The goal of…

Coconino Community College to discuss future of education courses on Jan. 27

FLAGSTAFF —The District Governing Board of Coconino Community College will discuss the future of education courses at its next meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Lone Tree Campus, Flagstaff, supporters of the institution’s education program stated in…

Migrant experience to be subject of NAU art continuing through April 30

FLAGSTAFF — A new exhibit that highlights the experiences of migrants who have tried to cross the Mexico border will be on display on NAU’s campus through April 30, the university reported this week in a media release. “Culpable,” a site-specific installation,…

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…

Coconino Community College ranks as top 15 fastest growing colleges in nation for colleges with enrollment between 2,500 and 4,999 students

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College (CCC) was recently ranked as one of the fastest growing community colleges in the country by Community College Week, CCC reported in a media release. The college was ranked No. 15 on the magazine’s top 50…

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…

Spring 2015 Immigration Awareness Series begins on Jan. 22 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — The Spring 2015 Immigration Awareness Series will begin with a prevention by Daniel A. Rodriguez at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 at Northern Arizona University, Liberal Arts Building, Room 120. Rodriguez is a grantee of Deferred Action for Childhood…

Bilingual commentary: Holiday Blessings Food Drive was a success!!

By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. Our goal of feeding 10 Flagstaff Families has become a reality thanks to our incredible neighbors and neighborhood businesses! What a wonderful and unexpected treat this has been; to meet so many wonderful people with…

Health: Phone down, buckle up

By Shawn Thomas / Coconino County Public Health Services District Policy Analyst Have you ever run late for work? Perhaps to make up time, you began eating your bagel, applied last minute touches to your hair or makeup, fiddled with your…

Finance / Finanzas: Medicare — Introduction

By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona This article offers an introduction to Medicare and is the first in a series of articles on this subject. What is Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for persons who are…

Funeral set for Friday, Jan. 2 for fallen Flagstaff Police Officer Tyler Jacob Stewart

  FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff reported that a donation account has been set up for the family of fallen Police Officer Tyler Jacob Stewart. City officials also thanked the hundreds who attended the candlelight vigil for the officer. Officer…

City of Flagstaff selects Chief Treadway as the ‘Mary Jo Jenkins Outstanding Director of the Year’

FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff Police Chief Kevin Treadway has been selected as the “Mary Jo Jenkins Outstanding Director of the Year.” Treadway has provided exemplary leadership this year as he tackled numerous high profile and challenging law enforcement and community…

Bilingual report: Market on the Move returns to Flagstaff on Dec. 17

AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Market on the Move, a farmer’s market-style program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, will return to Flagstaff on Wednesday, Dec. 17, Chris Nez, Health Promotion…

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…

Bilingual report: Arizona Dreamers in Action to hold forum on President Obama’s executive action on immigration on Dec. 13

FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Dreamers in Action will hold a forum on President Obama’s executive action on immigration from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Coconino High School, 2801 Isabel St., Flagstaff. “We invite the community to attend, inform and…

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.…

Commentary: Turning a dream into reality

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Wanted: Individuals wanting to turn their hobbies or dream into a thriving business. Requirements: Willing to take part in weekly small-business training sessions and willing to give time and effort to help other would-be…

Local News

The second reading of ordinances for the proposed Aspen Heights student housing development in west Flagstaff have been pulled from the Dec. 2 City Council agenda after opponents were able to secure needed signatures from nearby residents to force a…

Health: Food preparation safety key to successful holiday meals

By the Coconino County Public Health Services District As the holidays approach and families across the county make plans for gatherings, the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is stressing the importance of making food safety part of the…

Home / Casa: Attending open houses in Flagstaff

By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. When you visit open houses in Flagstaff, you get a chance to see a home at your own pace. Viewing a home with your agent is helpful because you can ask questions…

Finance / Finanzas: 7 tips for keeping holiday budgets (and your holiday spirit) intact

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) “No one is so poor that he can’t give a smile, nor so rich that he doesn’t need it.” — Anonymous Holidays are exciting — family visits and special once-a-year meals, celebrating traditions together with…

Food / Cocina: Host a merry, memorable holiday party

Editor’s note: A timely article first published in the December 2013 edition of AmigosNAZ. By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The holidays are the most festive time of the year, and no holiday season is complete without a party or two…

‘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,…

City of Flagstaff to honor La Plaza Vieja neighborhood for ‘Safe Sidewalks’ program on Nov. 18

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours will present a proclamation of “Recognition for Plaza Vieja Safe Sidewalks” during the next Flagstaff City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. The proclamation and recognition portion of the…

Sunnyside Neighborhood Association to present Dream Marketplace / Mercado de Sueños new member informational meeting on Nov. 21

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff Inc. will hold a Dream Marketplace / Mercado de Sueños new-member meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21 at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. Visit…

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…

Commentary: La Plaza Vieja begins to define itself

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ When a developer proposed to build a multistory student housing project in the heart of Flagstaff’s La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood, local residents were a bit perturbed. How would the project affect the character of…

Local News

Armondo Escalanti, Alejandro Estrella-Lopez and Priscilla Rivera were among the dozens of graduating seniors who recently received golden honors during a reception where they were recognized for their contributions to Northern Arizona University, the university reported in a media release.…

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…

Cuisine / Cocina: Figuring the turkey-to-person ratio

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Thanksgiving holds different meanings for different people. Some feel it is a day for being generous or giving thanks through unselfish deeds. Others feel it is a time to sit around with family sharing stories…

‘Border Angels, Border Realities and Immigration Today’ presentation to be held Nov. 13 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — Enrique Morones, founder and executive director of Border Angels, will present the discussion “Border Angels, Border Realities, and Immigration Today” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at Northern Arizona University, Liberal Arts, Room 120, Building No. 18.  Morones founded Border…

Día de los Muertos events continue in Winslow through Nov. 2

Other events scheduled from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 WINSLOW — Snowdrift Art Space, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Winslow Arts Trust and the Winslow Chamber of Commerce will present a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday,…

Día de los Muertos celebration at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village continues in Sedona through Nov. 2

SEDONA — The third annual Marigold Mural Project for Día de los Muertos will be held from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona. The public mural at Calle Independencia allows visitors…

La Plaza Vieja celebrates success, safe sidewalks

Event previews ‘Make a Difference’ Day on Oct. 25 FLAGSTAFF — Neighbors beat back overhanging bushes and trees, weeded, swept and picked up trash throughout La Plaza Vieja on Saturday, Oct. 18, the City of Flagstaff reported in a media release.…

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…

City of Flagstaff to hold Telephone Town Hall on road repair, safety at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 27

FLAGSTAFF — On Monday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. nearly 10,000 registered Flagstaff voters will receive a call inviting them to participate in a live telephone town hall meeting with Flagstaff City Manager Kevin Burke and NAIPTA General Manager Jeff Meilbeck,…

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…

Tickets available for annual Celebraciones de la Gente raffle

Tickets ($10 each) are now available for the annual Celebraciones de la Gente raffle presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. The raffle will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 during the 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente / Día de los Muertos…

NAU Latin American Studies to present No More Deaths — No Más Muertes training on Oct. 26

FLAGSTAFF —  NAU Latin American Studies will present “No More Deaths — No Más Muertes” training from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at Liberal Arts 120. This educational workshop will include an overview of border history and the…