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…
Category: Family
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Beneficiaries (breadwinner and dependents)
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona In this article I will present a review of Social Security beneficiaries (the breadwinner and dependents) — who is eligible for what benefit, at what age, and the benefit amount.…
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…
Guest commentary: At Halloween, protect kids’ teeth. Prevent school absences
Did you know that tooth decay is among the most common health issues affecting young children, and that dental disease is one of the leading causes of school absence? The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates that almost half of…
Experienced heart problem that you needed help for? We want to hear your story
“Have you experienced a heart problem that you needed help for? We want to hear your story! “Please contact Jeronimo Vasquez at (928) 214-3904 if you are interested. Gracias”
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…
Mercado de Sueños / Dream Market to be held on Oct. 17 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, Oct. 17 at 2532 E. Seventh, near the corner of Fourth and 7th streets. Mercado de los…
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…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security — Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Another important benefit offered by Social Security is Supplemental Security Income, commonly known as “SSI”. SSI, though administered by the Social Security Administration, is not funded by Social Security taxes…
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…
11th annual Fiesta de Independencia to be held Sept. 21 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will present its 11th annual Fiesta de Independencia from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace, 2532 E. Seventh, near the corner of Fourth and Seventh…
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…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Survivors benefits
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Many people might not know that Social Security offers Survivors Benefits. These benefits, which function as a kind of life insurance, can provide family income after the breadwinner dies as…
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…
Vive Selena performance to be held Aug. 31 at Coconino County Fair
FLAGSTAFF — Vive Selena will perform at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31 at the Coconino County Fair. The tribute to the music of Selena Quintanilla will feature such hits as Baila Esta Cumbia, Amor Prohibido, Techno Cumbia, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,…
August cover story / Portada: Another challenging year for education
Officials seek to balance state budget cuts with creative options to improve education to meet state college, career and life-readiness standards By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ On what promised to be another toasty summer day in Flagstaff, children and…
Local / Locales
Northern Arizona University has been awarded a three-year research grant to promote academic success among young Spanish-speaking English learners, university officials reported in a media release. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Educational Sciences, will…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Retirement benefits – Part 2
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona In this article I will continue our conversation regarding retirement benefits, describing retiring at full retirement age and delaying retirement to a later age. We have stated that full retirement age ranges…
Guest commentary: Summer ideal time to prepare for Kindergarten success
By First Things First / Guest contributor While most students think of summer as a break from learning, for young kids entering kindergarten, summer is the ideal time to instill the skills that will make the transition to school smoother.…
Capoeira Amizade Flagstaff to perform July 25 at Heritage Square, Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — Summer Nights on the Square presents Downtown Friday Nights featuring performances by Capoeira Amizade Flagstaff and Jimmy DeBlois from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 25 at Heritage Square, downtown Flagstaff. Capoeira Amizade Flagstaff is a local group of people…
Bilingual report: Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace to be held on July 18
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU will present the Mercado de los Sueños/Dream Marketplace with local artists, live music, local vendors and diverse multi-cultural artisans and crafters from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 18. Mercado de los Sueños is a…
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…
Commentary / Comentario: Bringing excellence to education
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The ideas were almost bouncing off the walls, courtesy of giant Post-it notes and magic markers. • Convincing parents of the value of education from the minute their children make their first appearance in…
Health / Salud: Public Health and you – Picnics, barbecues and food safety tips
Editor’s note: The following commentary is provided by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. By Marlene Gaither / Coconino County Environmental Health Program manager Summer is the season for picnics and cookouts, but these outdoor activities can present food…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Retirement benefits – Part 1
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Social Security provides several benefits, including retirement, disability and survivor benefits, among others. Regarding beneficiaries, some relatives of the eligible person (spouses, former spouses, children and even parents) could also…
Mariachi Mass brings community together at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — With heavenly mariachi music coming from above, more than 150 people took part in a special Mariachi Mass held on Sunday, June 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe…
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…
Mercado de Sueños celebrates its grand opening on June 20. Next event is July 18
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Music, food and plenty of arts and crafts could be found at the inaugural Mercado de Sueños / Dream Marketplace, which celebrated its grand opening on June 20…
First Friday Art Walk returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center
AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — From ceramic cups, bowls and crosses, to colorful watercolor works featuring horses, visitors had a chance to experience a variety of art during the second Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk celebration held at Our Lady…
Bilingual report: Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace to hold grand opening on June 20
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU announce the grand opening of the Mercado de los Sueños/Dream Marketplace with local artists, live music, local vendors and diverse multi-cultural artisans and crafters from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 20 Mercado de los…
Bilingual report: No Dream Deferred Action application drive to be held June 14
FLAGSTAFF — The No Dream Deferred Action application drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff, organizers reported in a media release. Required documents include: Birth certificate…
June cover story / Portada: Artistic, cultural events coming to region
First Friday Art Walk, Spanish guitar, flamenco concerts and Tardeada celebrations filling out the calendar schedule By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The threat of frost is rapidly dwindling, the weather is warming up and everyone seems ready to enjoy…
Local / Locales
The City of Flagstaff has entered Stage 2 of Fire Restrictions, officials reported in a media release. As a result: No permits are issued for open burning within the City of Flagstaff; use of charcoal barbecue grills is prohibited throughout…
Health / Salud: Vaccinations: An important way to protect children
Editor’s note: The following commentary is provided by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. By Michelle McKay, RN, BSN / Coconino County Public Health Services District Immunization Program manager Through advances in medicine and vaccinations, potentially deadly illnesses and…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: What is it?
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona The United States has two main retirement-related programs, namely Medicare and Social Security. The first provides access to medical care, while the second provides an economic benefit. This article will…
Sunnyside celebrates 19th annual Fiesta de Mayo
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff Inc. celebrated its 19th annual Fiesta de Mayo on May 17 and 18, 2014 in Flagstaff, AZ. The celebration this year was relocated from Ponderosa Park to the in the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center…
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 makes successful stop in Flagstaff
Hover over each image to see a description. 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, made a successful return…
Bilingual report: First Friday Art Walk comes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on May 2
FLAGSTAFF — First Friday Art Walk comes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2 at 224 So. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Visit the basement to see works by local artists…
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…
Tickets now on sale for 7th annual ‘Dancing Across Borders’ fundraiser on April 26
FLAGSTAFF — Advance purchase tickets ($15) for the 7th annual “Dancing Across Borders” fundraiser are now available at www.latindancecollective.com Tickets are $20 at the door. The event benefits No More Deaths / No Más Muertes, which provides families and individuals crossing the perilous…
March cover story / Portada: Health-care enrollment deadline nears
March 31 is the deadline for signing up under the Affordable Care Act By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The days are counting down until the end of the open enrollment period on March 31 for the Health Insurance Marketplace…