On Thursday, October 9, the Flagstaff City Council voted to adopt the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 with a list of Conditions of Approval and an Errata document.
The Conditions of Approval and Errata direct staff to make several edits to the plan. City Council discussed and modified the recommendations by the Planning & Zoning Commission, which first reviewed and refined these lists. Click the links below to access these documents.
Give back at Sharon’s Attic
Looking to use some of your NAU volunteer hours this fall? Check out Sharon’s Attic Thrift Store, a nonprofit whose proceeds support transitional housing for people and families experiencing homelessness. Whether you’d like to exercise your creative muscles setting up a display or channel your inner Marie Kondo by helping to organize the store, your Axe of Service are appreciated at Sharon’s Attic.
Workshops fill quickly. Get your reservations in now!
FLAGSTAFF — Join us for Sugar Skull Decorating during Celebraciones de la Gente (Oct. 25-26) and take part in a cherished Día de los Muertos tradition. Sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) are colorful, whimsical confections that celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. Made from sugar and decorated with bright designs, they symbolize the sweetness of life and are often placed on ofrendas (altars) or shared as gifts. Far from somber, these joyful creations bring warmth, memory, and celebration to the season.
Master decorators will be on hand to help you adorn your own sugar skull to take home. The Sugar Skull Decorating workshops are perfect for kids and adults. You must purchase a $10 ticket in advance for each participant.
Admission to Celebraciones de la Gente is an additional fee.
FLAGSTAFF — Dive into the rich and diverse stories of the Latino communities — Mexican, Basque, Spanish, Chicano — that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Flagstaff. This interactive course offers a dynamic introduction to the people, traditions, industries, and historic sites that have played a vital role in the city’s development.
This course meets on four Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30. $40 registration fee.
The Kaibab National Forest of the USDA Forest Service is hiring! We are looking for dedicated individuals to support fire operations. These positions are vital to wildfire preparedness and disaster response across federal and state agencies.
Jobs include dispatchers, equipment operators, fire engine operators, fire prevention specialists, forestry aids and technicians, handcrew members, helitack crew members, hotshot crew members, prescribed fire and fuels specialists, smokejumpers, and more.
F3 is happy to report that on October 9 City Council unanimously chose to reject two Conditions of Approval that would have had negative impacts on the Core Priorities of the Regional Plan and render the Plan out of compliance with Flagstaff’s 2021 Carbon Neutrality Plan.
Your action in response to F3’s October 5th Action Alert resulted in the City receiving 80 letters of concern from the public about these two issues! Many thanks to NAZCCA and Dara Marks Marino for sending alerts to their contacts as well.
From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more — our upcoming classes and workshops offer something for every artist. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to expand your skills, join us in the studio or online and be part of Sedona’s creative community.
How to think about ink
From ritual to rebellion, tattooing has been used across cultures and centuries to mark identity, tell stories and challenge norms. An anthropology class at NAU uses social science to think through what tattoos say about us and the worlds we come from.
FLAGSTAFF — With the arrival of 2025 Tax Notices, the Coconino County Treasurer’s Office is warning residents about the potential for fraudulent websites that falsely claim to accept property tax payments.
Residents should be on the alert for sites that don’t end in .gov, require unusual forms of payment like gift cards or wire transfers or that charge additional processing fees.
“We want to ensure that taxpayers know the only safe and secure way to pay their property taxes is directly through the County’s official channels,” said, Sarah Benatar, Coconino County Treasurer. “Using these channels can prevent financial loss and identity theft.”
FLAGSTAFF — At last week’s Council meeting, Mayor Becky Daggett proclaimed September 15 to October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Flagstaff. This month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx communities, integral to Flagstaff’s past, present, and future.
The partial reopening will include Highway 67 to the W1 road, (approximately at mile marker 11), and the Cape Royal Road, providing access to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Additionally, Fire Point and Swamp Ridge will reopen. These areas will be open daily from official sunrise to official sunset. No overnight use is permitted on the North Rim with the exception of Swamp Point and Fire Point. Open areas will remain accessible through Nov. 30, 2025, or until the first major snowfall, whichever occurs first.
In 2024, 4.9 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park spent an estimated $905 million in local gateway regions while visiting the park. These expenditures supported a total of 8,780 jobs, $393 million in labor income, $698 million in value added, and $1.1 billion in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.
Just a snapshot of Thurs, September 25th:
Check out this presentation offered both in person and online! ” Following the Sun and Moon on a Petroglyph Calendar Panel” explores a unique site where shadow lines and light daggers interacting with certain petroglyph elements mark significant cultural events in the Hopi calendar. Attend in person at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Attendee favorite, “The Flagstaff Star Party” returns for 3 nights, starting today! Enjoy twilight talks–short, engaging presentations by astronomers who share fascinating facts about the night sky and look through powerful telescopes! 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at Buffalo Park.
Earlier this month, R. Glenn Williamson, founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council (CABC), spoke to the ECoNA Advisory Council about the unique relationship between Arizona and Canada and the pressures it is currently facing.
For northern Arizona, the relationship is significant. Canadian companies employ more than 300 people in Coconino, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, with another 2,600 jobs impacted by exports to Canada.
Statewide, Canada remains Arizona’s largest foreign direct investor. Additionally, an estimated 1 million Canadians visit the state each year, while about 100,000 Canadian “snowbirds” live in Arizona for part of the year. Combined, they contribute $2.4 billion to the local economy.
That impact is impressive – but not without pressure
September 26, marks the first notes of a new season for Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra—and we’d love to see you there! Fanfares & Fireworks opens a year of music that celebrates beauty, bold journeys, and thrilling triumphs. Tomorrow night’s concert begins at 7:30 PM in Ardrey Memorial Auditorium.
Reserve your seats today, and share the excitement of Season 76’s opening night with us. We can’t wait to see you there!
parking an interest in quantum science
Gravity makes sense: You drop a pencil, it falls. Quantum is harder to grasp: When you’re looking at the smallest particles in the universe, the same rules just don’t apply and what you find is … confusing. But quantum technologies are the future, and the U.S. workforce is woefully underprepared to fill that need. The SparCQS team, housed within ¡MIRA!, is working to change that in fun ways.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — From geology to rocket science and everything in between, young people had a wide variety of hand-on activities to enjoy and learn from at the 2025 Snook Science in the Park presented on Sept. 20 by the Flagstaff Festival of Science.
More than 50 exhibitor booths crowded Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff as children had a wide variety of activities to choose from.
Some of them ranged from Arizona Science Center, Arizona State Parks and Trails, CCC&Y, Coconino Community College, the Coconino Astronomical Society, Coconino High School’s CocoNuts Robotics, Flagstaff Fire Dept., Flagstaff Model Railroad Club, Momentum Aerial, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Tynkertopia, to the U.S. Geological Survey.
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When voters in Flagstaff resoundingly rejected Proposition 480, they did more than simply block a development plan. They issued a clear, community-wide statement: we want our hospital to stay where it is. The Northern Arizona Healthcare(NAH) proposal to abandon the long-established Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) campus and build an entirely new facility on the outskirts of town was not what this community wanted. And it still isn’t.
“The life of one of our community members tragically ended last Saturday and my heart goes out to everyone this individual personally touched. Several members of city and police leadership and I met with family and friends to express our heartfelt sorrow and share our condolences. I was touched by their expressions of love for this individual. I know I speak for the entire city council as I convey our sympathies for this tragic loss.” – Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett
Discover the joy of working with clay at Sedona Arts Center!
Our ceramics program welcomes all levels to explore, experiment, and create in a supportive community. With guidance from studio manager Ben Roti, instructors Lolo Howe and John Post, plus visiting guest artists, you’ll gain hands-on experience in both traditional and contemporary techniques. Join us for a class or workshop and see where your creativity takes you!
FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff and FANN Contracting are proud to announce the completion of the Fourth-Lockett Roundabout Project. With the project finished, the roundabout is now open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic! Please be patient as you and your fellow motorists and pedestrians get used to the new roundabout, and follow the marked signage and striping to get to your destination. Please remain alert as crews install final fencing and perform clean-up operations over the next few weeks.
WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this October, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the fall season as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Prescribed fires planned for the area include:
Blue Stem Project-Tusayan RD- 7,030 acres of broadcast burning.
Kendrick Project- Williams RD- 6,653 acres of broadcast burning.
Marteen Project- Williams RD- 504 acres of broadcast burning.
Pine Flat Project- Williams RD- 4,302 acres of broadcast burning.
Moonset Pit-Williams RD- 1 acre- Parks area natural debris pit pile burn.
Building bikes for local children, a fun-filled block party and casino night and a record-making football game that included a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the first half—Lumberjacks know how to do Family Weekend right! NAU Social was out over the weekend to capture all the fun.
Our 2025 Virtual Auction to benefit the Museum of Northern Arizona is now open! This year’s auction includes exclusive experiences with MNA experts and beautiful, authentic jewelry and accessories.
View the auction online here! All bidding for this auction will take place online. If you are in need help or have any questions, please contact us at development@musnaz.org or call 928-774-5211 x 285. This auction will be open until Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 12:00 pm.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
at SAC
✨ Spark your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.
FLAGSTAFF — From the festive performances of folklorico dancers to the moving traditional El Grito de Dolores read by the Mexican Consul from Phoenix, Flagstaff joined cities across the nation in celebrating Mexican Independence Day when the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association presented its 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration at a new venue, the Flagstaff Mall on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
Officials attending the event included Jorge Mendoza Yescas, Cónsul General de Mexico, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, and Coral Evans representing the office U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly. Other officials in attended included Flagstaff City Councilmember Anthony Garcia.
Serving as presenters and organizers were Alejandra Esparza Marin and Kimberly Robinson.
Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff presented their always inspiring dance performance.
The event also featured, about a dozen arts and crafts and informational vendors, concluding with the traditional smashing of the candy-filled of the piñata for children.
Also see, celebration of Mexican Independence Day nationwide
FLAGSTAFF — In what has become an annual festive celebration to mark the start of Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month, the Northern Arizona University community gathered for an evening of fun, food and information during the 2025 Celebración De NAU held on Sept. 16, 2025 at the spacious DuBois Ballroom in south campus.
Presented by the Office of Inclusion, C3, Campus Living and the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, organizers said the event allowed students to have some fun and also gain information and contacts from a variety of campus and community groups such as Chicanos Por La CAUSA, the Hispanic/Latine Leadership Program, Kappa Delta Chi, the Latine Student Union, the NAU Dept. of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, NAU Counseling Services, the NAU Society of Professional Engineers and the NAU Spanish Club.
FLAGSTAFF — NAU’s Latine Student Union is seeking participants for ‘Noche de Nuestra Cultura’ in November.
We are trying to create the first annual culture night at NAU that will promote our culture through dance and musical performances…WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Each year, the Festival features 10-days of engaging events and programs, all free, for the community to enjoy and celebrate the wonders of science! This year’s theme is “Harvesting Knowledge”! Various Times.
Learn More
On Saturday, Sept. 20th, join the Festival of Science at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff and engage with over 50 booths with interactive learning for the whole family! Some of the activities you will get to do include:
Practice using prehistoric technologies
Meet live birds of prey
Safely view sun spots through a solar telescope
Build a wildlife crossing prototype
On Friday, September 12, Grand Canyon National Park hosted a naturalization ceremony at Mather Amphitheater, where 29 individuals from 13 countries officially became U.S. citizens. New citizens hailed from Brazil, Canada, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
The ceremony featured a presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard from Northern Arizona University, the National Anthem performed by Audrey Stone, and music by the A-Train Sound. U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles presided, with U.S. District Court Deputy Clerk Christina Davison administering the Oath of Allegiance.
Faculty behind the lens
What do NAU’s photography faculty do when they’re not teaching? Make art, of course! The new exhibit “Here, Together” showcases these Lumberjacks’ visual storytelling skills, with a wide array of captivating photojournalism, portraiture, landscapes and adventure shots. The exhibit is open to the public through Sept. 30.
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, lane closures are scheduled on N Highway 89 between N Country Club Dr and old Rte 66 for overlay removal and pavement marking. The work is schedule to take place from Monday, Sept. 29 – Wednesday, Oct. 1 between the hours of 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drivers in the area should expect delays.
The Flagstaff Festival of Science brings our community together each year to explore and celebrate discovery. This year, Coconino Center for the Arts is proud to host three events highlighting the connections between science, art, and storytelling.
On Thursday, September 25, join us for an afternoon and evening of hands-on learning, conversations, and performances. From building your own pinhole camera to exploring women’s contributions in STEAM and the Grand Canyon, there’s something for all ages and interests.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — With a setting that gazed toward the stars, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth successfully presented its 2025 CCC&Y Conference on Sept. 9, 2025 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Guest speaker Iyo Affo launched the conference with a morning presentation with her discussion on “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” combining storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to promote transformation within organizations and communities.
Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, draws on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.
Attendees had powerful responses to the speakers and the event.
“I loved Iya’s ability to tell stories, share data, and engage with the audience. I appreciate her sharing things about her personal journey and how she connected with the audience. She was inspiring!” said one attendee.
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FLAGSTAFF — The City Council of Flagstaff voted unanimously on Sept. 16, 2025 to authorize the City Attorney to take all actions necessary to ensure that the City’s regional water resource at Red Gap Ranch is not impaired by helium exploration operations, including if necessary the filing of a new suit. The City is unaware of active helium exploration near Red Gap Ranch at this time and the City will continue to protect its vital resources if needed.
Celebrate the creativity of Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics students in Out of the Fire, a dynamic exhibition and sale featuring dozens of original works. Produced during classes, workshops, and open studios, the show highlights the incredible range of talent emerging from SAC’s ceramics department — from striking sculptural forms to elegant dinnerware and functional pieces.
Join us for a special artist reception on Friday, September 19, 4–6 p.m., held in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon will include music, artist demonstrations, food, wine, and beer. Both the exhibition and reception are free and open to the public, with complimentary parking available behind the Art Barn.
FORE! returns to Coconino Center for the Arts in January 2026, and we’re inviting artists and community organizations to design sculptural art greens for this miniature golf installation and benefit supporting CCA exhibitions and programming.
Selected participants receive a $500 honorarium, turf, and a hole cup to create a safe, durable, and imaginative par 3–4 green (3–9 yards from tee to cup) that can be easily assembled in the gallery. Designs should be creative and functional.
You are cordially invited to celebrate the opening of Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s 76th Season with our first concert, Fanfares and Fireworks, on Friday, September 26 at 7:30 PM in Ardrey Memorial Auditorium. FSO launches the season with a program brimming with excitement, featuring music of breathtaking power and dazzling virtuosity.
Purchase tickets here or by clicking the button below.
At Theatrikos Theatre Company, we believe theatre is more than performance; it’s a catalyst for creativity, confidence, and community. And now, we’re one step away from building something extraordinary for Flagstaff.
This year, we launched a $30,000 capital campaign to transform a commercial building into a state-of-the-art rehearsal and education studio; a vibrant, dedicated space for year-round theatre education. We’ve raised $22,000 so far, and now we have thrilling news:
An anonymous donor has stepped forward to MATCH every dollar donated; up to our final $8,000!
NAU is celebrating Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month through Oct. 15 with games, discussions, a dance party and more, and all Lumberjacks are welcome! Browse a full calendar of events created by the Office of Inclusion.
park your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.
View this email in your browser September 15th – 20th, 2025 Special Events Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Book Clubs Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2330 (Downtown Library) or 928-213-2348…
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez for his long support of local Hispanic community during a ceremony held on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium.
Vasquez was presented with an award signifying all the “Barrios de Flagstaff.” The award was created by long-time Nuestras Raíces Armando Gonzales.
Pickin’ in the Pines
Pepsi Amphitheater
Join us for 3 days of music, jamming, camping, workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and more in the cool pines of Flagstaff, AZ. 9 a.m.
FLAGSTAFF — This year, our animal welfare partner High Country Humane has seen three times the number of cruelty and neglect cases at their shelter compared to all of last year. These animals arrive broken, hungry, traumatized and in need.
The underlying belief embodied by the supporters of United Way of Northern Arizona is that strong communities are built when we come together to learn, share, and act.
We had a chance to do just that recently at the kickoff breakfast for our Annual Campaign to raise $1.2 million.
Donations to the Annual Campaign will help ensure all who live in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties can thrive.
Significant progress continues on the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is now 86% contained at 145,504 acres with 617 personnel assigned.
Today at 6 a.m., the Kaibab National Forest reopened approximately 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District. This step was made possible thanks to extensive suppression repair work, including hazard tree removal and safety improvements along roads and trails. While more areas are now accessible, several roads remain closed. For the latest road status, maps, and closure information, visit the Kaibab National Forest Alerts page.
FLAGSTAFF — On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $18.35 for all workers. There will no longer be a lower minimum wage for tipped employees.
COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) will temporarily close the railroad crossing at Angell Road from next Tuesday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 17 for maintenance work to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.
The crossing is located approximately six miles east of Winona.
The two-day closure will be in effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
During the closure period, drivers north of the tracks should plan to detour west along Forest Road 415 for approximately four miles to reach the Porter Ranch Road railroad crossing.
Latest news updates for September 2025
Gallego, Cantwell & Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Extend Public Comment Period for Roadless Rule Repeal …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Protect Striking Workers …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …
Gallego Statement on Charlie Kirk’s Passing …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …
Gallego: “Ashli Babbitt was a traitor …
Gallego, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Wrongful Targeting of Dreamers in Illegal Immigration Scheme …
Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner …
Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
ICYMI: Gallego Questions Trump Nominees on Energy Costs, Reliability …
MORE …
Latest news updates for September 2025
Kelly Joins Kaine, Colleagues in Pressing for Answers from Trump Administration on Strike in Caribbean …
Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs …
Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Kelly, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Amendment to Raise Annual Pay Cap for Wildland Firefighters …
Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner ..
MORE …
Latest news updates for September 2025
Attorney General Mayes Announces Town Halls on Health Insurance Denials
Attorney General Mayes Files Brief in Support of Federal Employees’ Right to Collective Bargaining and Free Speech
Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs
MORE…
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — An amazing setting complemented two fantastic speakers when the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth presented its CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory.
Guest speaker Iyo Affo kicked off the morning presentation with her talk “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” skillfully weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to promote transformation within organizations and communities.
She was followed with an afternoon presentation by Dr. Sandra Solano, who combined science with human emotions and taking care of oneself during her presentation “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.”
This is just a preview of the photos and the information on the conference that will be posted next week on our website and newsletter. Until then, thank you to all our speakers, our sponsors and all those who planned for, presented and attended our CCC&Y 2025 Conference. Very much appreciated.
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The science behind every bite
The 36th Flagstaff Festival of Science promises to be a tasty treat. This year’s theme is Harvesting Knowledge, with talks, workshops, tours and other experiences uncovering traditional food science and its relevance to the environment, community health and culture. Here’s a list of some of the events at NAU.
There’s still time to be part of the Coconino Center for the Arts’ Theater Seating Fundraiser! Each seat sponsorship includes a personalized plaque on the seat of your choice — a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or show your love for the arts in Flagstaff.
Your gift goes further right now: thanks to a generous matching donation from a former Creative Flagstaff board member and their spouse, every contribution is doubled to help us reach our goal!
Special thank you to All Awards, Flagstaff’s local awards shop, for generously donating the plaques in-kind.
