Category: Cultural

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 21-25, 2024

Honoring Heritage: Reflections on the Healing Power of Land and Community at Indigenous Peoples’ Day

“Remember these places that we are enjoying; now that they are more than just tourist destinations, more than recreational playgrounds, more than places where mining companies or helicopter companies are out there to make a buck. When you’re out on that trail and maybe take a moment think about this place as medicine and how it’s probably providing you some healing. When you look at that breathtaking view that is medicine right there…the reason why that the land can do that for us, is because that power is real, and that is all what a scared place is, recognizing that the land has power.” -David Martínez

Culture Connection AZ Events Coming Up!

Help us give our international students, workers, and residents an authentic American Halloween experience! We’ll have pumpkin carving, candy for trick-or-treaters, and costumes to dress up!
Free to participate! Join us from 4pm to 7pm at The Ice House

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Families gather information at Flagstaff Mall’s 2024 Health and Wellness Fair

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — This is the last chance to register for the Coconino Coalition of Children & Youth’s “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23.

More than 125 individuals signed up for the Oct. 22 event.

The symposium provides details on What is System Change? Why Do We Need It? How Do We Make It Happen?

“The speakers today had very relevant information. I appreciated the focus on intergenerational trauma and how systemic systems contribute to people’s trauma – this feels so relevant to Northern Arizona living on and near tribal lands and being a border state where children have been separated from parents for an extended length of time,” said Dylan Wilder of TransIntimate Online Courses. “Learning more about Vitalyst Spark Grants and the different pillars of systemic change was a critical and helpful lens for me.”

The symposium also provides information on How do we come together for true change? How do we address root cause issues and create positive outcomes, health and thriving for all?

“…The Symposium provided information which was helpful – on a macro level to educate the audience about the broad concepts surrounding Systems Change as well as on a personal level as we learned more about how we as humans experience and react to the world around us affects the way we function,” said Sandra Diehl of the Coconino County Public Defender’s Office.

The event is hosted by CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie, who will speak about the Coalition’s Reimagine Community Project — A Trauma-Informed System Change program the Coalition is partnering with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. CCC&Y was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant

The event is free for those who live or work in Coconino County, $20 full day for all others. Register HERE for the Oct. 23 event.

READ MORE

The NAU Review — Announcing the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering! Plus, relive highlights from Homecoming and check out a democracy-themed exhibition at Cline Library

NAU is renaming the College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, thanks to a generous $10 million cash gift—the largest of its kind in university history—from Maria and Steve Sanghi. The gift comes at a pivotal time: Arizona has made a major commitment to growth in the semiconductor industry, and NAU is uniquely positioned to contribute, with more than 70% of grads staying in Arizona for work. Sanghi said the gift “will help ensure engineering students can participate in the workforce of the future and ultimately strengthen Arizona’s economy and communities.”

Sedona Arts Center — Sign up for these Art Workshops!

Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years!

Coconino County approves proclamation ‘Celebrating and Honoring the Life of Dr. Miguel Vasquez’

Celebration of Life for Professor Emeritus Miguel Vasquez to be held on Nov. 3 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially approved a proclamation on Oct. 15, 2024 “Celebrating and Honoring the Life of Dr. Miguel Vasquez,” who passed away on Sunday, Oct. 6.

“WHEREAS, Coconino County and the communities within lost a cultural leader, mentor, and teacher on October 6, 2024 with the passing of Dr. Miguel Vasquez …” according to the opening of the proclamation read by the brother of Miguel Vasquez, David Vasquez.

Community concludes 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month with variety of events

From a print making demonstration by Southern California artists visiting Flagstaff, to an Ofrenda 101 cultural education session for county employees and an information display at a local library, the community found a number of ways to celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month in Coconino County.

***

The HeArt Box gallery in downtown Flagstaff presented “Sendero Gráfico: Southwest Route” with Los Angeles artists Daniel González and Pável Acevedo on Oct. 15.

The artists displayed and sold a variety of their print work during the event, many which touched on Day of the Dead and the Mexican graphic art tradition. They also demonstrated their ink screen making talents, with patrons purchasing an array of clothing featuring their artwork.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 14-18, 2024

Grand Canyon Hosts Successful Indigenous People’s Day Events
On Indigenous People’s Day hundreds of people watched dance performances at two locations. On the canyon rim, in front of Hopi house Crown Dancers from the White Mountain Apache, danced as the clouds cast mood lighting on them. Participants watched as the boys performed dances intended for blessing and healing. Their crowns represented four mountains that are sacred to the Apache and each dancer called “angelic beings”, spirits who lived on the mountains, to come into the crowd.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — View Art in Person this Sunday! F3’s Native American Art Auction

This Sunday Oct. 20th is your chance to view the auction items for sale in F3’s Native American Art Auction. Many beautiful Native American rugs, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and paintings have been donated to F3 by Martha Blue and Oliver (Ollie) W. Johnson. This is an important fundraiser for F3.

All the art items can be viewed in person from 2:00-5:00 pm at Restoration Bodyworks, 222 E. Birch Ave, Suite 2, Flagstaff.

Sedona Arts Center — Don’t miss these Sedona Plein Air Festival Events!

Saturday, October 19, 10am – Noon
Main Street Paint Out
Stroll up and down Uptown Sedona on 89A, from Sedona Arts enter to the Pink Jeep Café, and watch artists paint their surroundings in real time. This event will be
judged by artist Bruce Aiken, an acclaimed Grand Canyon and American Southwest painter. Awards and artworks sale begin at 12:30 p.m. at Sedona Arts Center.

City of Flagstaff — 60-Day Public Review – Regional Plan 2045

The 60-Day Public Review for the DRAFT Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan is here, and we need your help! Your feedback on the proposed content is crucial to bringing our community’s vision to life. Your comments will directly shape the final plan and what appears on next year’s ballot. All comments from the public review period are due on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 5 pm. 

Sedona Arts Center — The BIG School Email!

Into the Night: A Nocturne Plein Air Workshop
with Krystal W. Brown
October 28–30: Monday – Wednesday

Painting nocturnes is one of Krystal’s favorite things to paint and so is giving you the tools and techniques to create successfully…no matter the time of day. You will learn from Krystal how to choose the best sight, set up, and process to paint nocturnes from life which will help you carry the last rays of the day into the night in your work. You will effectively learn how to remove the “Fear Factor” from any nighttime scene in a way that fits in with your unique creativity and skill set.

Coconino National Forest accepting applicants for Women in Wildland Fire program

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.

Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.

Sedona Arts Center — THIS FRIDAY! 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival

Sedona Arts Center presents the 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival Nation’s top plein air painters featured in week-long event starting October 18, 2024.
 
More than 20 renowned plein air artists from across the country will capture Sedona’s extraordinary landscapes during Sedona Arts Center’s 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival October 18-26, 2024. The week-long event features artist demonstrations, paint outs, juried art competitions and more.

The NAU Review —Timber. Check out Flagstaff’s logging history, photos of NAU through the decades and our progress to carbon neutrality

‘¡Presente!’ One person’s Hispanic heritage story

Assistant professor Marco Cabrera Geserick believes Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month is a time to remember that “we are here, we have been here, we will be here.”

Sedona Arts Center announces passing of Dennis Ott

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dennis Ott. Dennis passed away peacefully at home on Saturday evening. To say that he will be missed is an understatement.

A beloved, award-winning instructor and head of our Ceramics Department for 30+ years, Dennis served on the board and was Chair two separate times. He felt so strongly about the future direction of the Arts Center that he recently rejoined the board to help as much as he could.

Dennis has been a leading and valuable contributor to the greater Sedona community, taking on Loving Bowls which provided funds to several organizations for 15 years. Dennis has touched countless lives over the years, including all of ours. Dennis has been Sedona Arts Center’s biggest cheerleader and most committed advocate. He was always there to provide a hug or words of encouragement when times were overwhelming or tough. He had a way of always making everything better.

2024 Flagstaff Festival of Science presents The Festival Fête — Ticket sale closes Oct. 21

Ticket sales will close for The Festival Fête on October 21. Please reserve your tickets today to be a part of this dynamic celebration that includes a costume party, science experience stations, auction, raffle, DJ, guest speaker, catered dinner, Photo Booth and more!

The Festival Fête takes place on the evening of Saturday, October 26th at the Coconino Center for the Arts. This benefit celebration honors 35 years of the Flagstaff Festival of Science!

This is your LAST CHANCE to purchase tickets! Don’t delay!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Bidding Begins Today for F3’s Native American Art Auction

F3’s Native American Art Auction begins online today! This is an important fundraiser for F3. Now is the time to bid on the many beautiful Native American rugs, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and paintings donated to F3 by Martha Blue and Oliver (Ollie) W. Johnson. Access the auction here: https://onlinefundraiser.events/F3NativeAmericanArtAuction.

F3 would appreciate if you would forward this email to your friends and neighbors. Thank you!

Discover Flagstaff — Sendero Gráfico: Southwest Route with Daniel González and Pável Acevedo, The HeArt Box on Oct. 15

Tuesday, October 15
Sendero Gráfico: Southwest Route with Daniel González and Pável Acevedo, The HeArt Box.

Sendero Gráfico is a one day only event with Southern California printmakers, Daniel González and Pável Acevedo. Come shop artwork from 4-7pm, followed by a special presentation on Day of the Dead and the Mexican graphic art tradition.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Important Voting Information and F3’s Guide

F3 believes strongly in civic engagement and we hold the vision that community members should participate fully at every level of decision-making. F3’s strives to provide voters with information to assist in making decisions regarding our local elections by providing our Candidate Questionnaires for City Council and, new this year, the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) School Board.

F3 has also produced our election year “Voter’s Guide to State and Local Propositions 2024.” This Guide will assist voters in understanding the three city and county propositions on the ballot, as well as the 13 state propositions.

City of Flagstaff hosts Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event on Oct. 14

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. The event, titled “Reflecting | Honoring | Resilience: Voices for Land and Community”, will take place from 9a.m. to 2p.m. and will feature presentations and cultural shares through songs and dances. Lunch will be served to attendees. The event will be held at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St.) A schedule of the event will be posted on the City’s website.

Sedona Arts Center — CALL TO ARTISTS (Updated Dates)

Application Deadline: October 11, 2024

This two-day Holiday Artist Market held December 7-8, 2024 will feature approximately 25 artists from Sedona and the surrounding towns and cities.
Who should apply: Artists and makers, 18 years and older, who create beautiful and functional works are welcome to apply, however space is limited and preference will be given to Sedona Arts Center Artist Members first to fill the limited slots.

Community invited to take part in online conversation on Oct. 11 to support health and wellbeing of Latina mothers in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — The Center for Health Equity Research (CHER) at Northern Arizona University is inviting Flagstaff community members who are either Latina mothers or are individuals who have a strong connection with the Latina mother community in Flagstaff to a special conversation event.

CHER is hosting a small group discussion that will occur online through Zoom that will focus on how NAU researchers and community members can work together to better support the health and wellbeing of Latina mothers in Flagstaff. (See attached flyer.) We have reserved online space for up to 6 participants for this event.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 10/7/24

View this email in your browser October 7th, 2024 Connect with your community Upcoming Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability,…

Theatrikos Theatre Co. October Newsletter ~ 2025 Season Recently Announced!

The Book of Will —October 4 – 20

Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Macbeth, Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost nearly all of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, The Book of Willfinds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know. “As I was preparing for the character, what really struck me was the amount of loss he had experienced in his life. He had nine children with his wife and only three made it to adulthood. I imagine the words of Shakespeare helped him process, understand and survive all of that grief. He couldn’t allow the words that had meant so much to him to be lost to time and it drove him to preserve the words which immeasurably influenced the world in which we live more than 400 years later.” Said Kyle Cawood who plays Henry Condell.

Book of Will runs through October 20.

October at the Museum of Northern Arizona — Please join us for the 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente

Dear Museum Friends,

As the vibrant colors of autumn arrive, we invite you to the Museum of Northern Arizona for a month of colorful events and cultural experiences.

Please join us for the 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente held with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces on October 26 and 27. The weekend festival honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos with remembrances, Latino art, mariachis, food, and a gathering of community. You’ll especially enjoy a meander through the Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard on Saturday evening to experience the traditional ofrendas (altars) glowing against the night sky.

Voter registration deadline for the General Election is Monday, Oct. 7th

COCONINO COUNTY — The voter registration deadline for the General Election is Monday, Oct. 7th. That is the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration! Register to vote online at servicearizona.com

Also, visit the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC)’s 2024 Elections Available for the Community webpage for information in English and español.

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) to launch Literacy Fairs

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is in the planning stages of a new effort to increase the reading skills of young children through Literacy Fairs that target children who are below proficient reading levels.

The two fairs, the first of which will be held prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, are being made possible by a grant from Read On Arizona, the state’s early literacy initiative. One fair will be for second graders, while the other will focus on preschoolers.

UWNA is partnering with key local organizations to identify and reach out to students who may benefit from these fairs. The events will not only provide access to community resources, but also offer interactive workshops aimed at equipping families with practical literacy strategies.

“The workshops will focus on making literacy development fun and accessible, showcasing activities that can easily be integrated into everyday life—whether at home, in the park, or even in the car,” said UWNA President & CEO Liz Archuleta.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 30-Oct. 4, 2024

Beginning October 8, fire managers from the National Park Service and US Forest Service will initiate prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. These operations, part of the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, will continue into December, depending on weather and fuel conditions.

Targeted areas for burning include Highway 67 near Jacob Lake, the Telephone Hills area, Demotte, and portions southwest of Forest Road 22 on the North Kaibab Ranger District, as well as areas near the North Rim Developed area and Cape Royal in the park.

Residents and visitors may notice smoke during ignition operations, especially along Highways 89A and 67. The Cape Royal Road will be closed from sunset on Oct. 13 through Oct. 18 while the road to Point Imperial will remain open.

A total of 25,371 acres on the North Kaibab Ranger District and 4,347 acres on the North Rim will be treated to reduce hazardous fuels and maintain the ecosystem’s natural fire processes. Fire managers will coordinate with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to mitigate potential smoke impacts.

Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim to Begin Day-Use Operations on Oct. 16, 2024

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim will begin day-use operations on October 16, 2024. Grand Canyon Lodge will close, and no overnight accommodations, including camping, will be available to visitors. Those exploring the North Rim on or after October 16 should plan to be self-sufficient, bringing enough food and water for the day.

Available services will include a self-serve gas station that accepts only credit and debit cards for as long as State Route 67 remains open. After October 31, water will be available only at the North Rim Administration Building. The entrance gate on State Route 67 will close at sunset on November 30, 2024, or after the first major snowstorm, whichever comes first.

Coconino National Forest Fall 2024 Partnership Newsletter

… In my short time on the Coconino National Forest, the extreme diversity of what our forest has to offer has been amazing to experience. From low deserts and our world-renowned Red Rock Country to the remnants of an ancient volcano that stands as Arizona’s tallest peak to the Mogollon Rim that runs for hundreds of miles across central Arizona, the Coconino is an amazingly diverse forest unlike any that I have worked on.

Sedona Arts Center — NEW Online Crash Course just added!

iPhoneography ONLINE Crash Course
with Kelli Klymenko
October 11: Friday, 9am–2pm Arizona Time

In this workshop you will learn the basic concepts of Nature Journaling and overview and practice of illustration and watercolor.  Ed and Julie are both experienced hikers and began Nature Journaling many years ago while living in Phoenix. They have honed their process, focus and skills over the years and will share with their students a fun way to enhance their outdoor and hiking experience while creating a journal documenting their travels.

This one-day workshop will involve an up to 2.5 mile hike at a location in Sedona to be determined. 

Public surveys begin on the Kaibab National Forest

The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey is conducted every five years and provides an estimate of how many people recreate on the forest, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit. Economic impact to the local economy is also captured in the survey. This information is useful for forest planning as well as local community tourism planning.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Oct. 3 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3. 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 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.
​​​​​​​
READ MORE​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The NAU Review — Celebrate OUTober and Disability Pride and Heritage Month + peruse pics from Family Weekend

Join the NAU community in a series of celebrations and conversations this month that shine a spotlight on the diversity and vibrancy of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and other queer members of the Lumberjack community.

“What stands out about NAU’s LGBTQIA2S+ community is its incredible resiliency, determination and ability to occupy spaces that were never originally meant for us,” said Souksavanh Keovorabouth, a Diné who identifies as Two-Spirit and an assistant professor of women and gender studies and applied Indigenous studies. “It is vital for NAU to celebrate and recognize this community because we represent a diverse array of experiences and identities that enrich the university culture.”

CCC Community Education — November classes: Conscious Aging; Your Financial Plan; High Altitude Baking; Comet Talk

Conscious Aging

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11

1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

We’ll focus on the philosophy, skills, and practice needed to become a wise elder, with lecture, readings, guided meditations, group activities and discussions.

Conscious – Learn more and register!

Sedona Arts Center — Don’t miss these Sedona Plein Air Festival Events!

Into the Night:
A Nocturne Plein Air Workshop
with Krystal Brown
October 28 – 30, 2024
Painting nocturnes is one of Krystal’s favorite things to paint and so is giving you the tools and techniques to create successfully…no matter the time of day. You will learn from Krystal how to choose the best sight, set up, and process to paint nocturnes from life which will help you carry the last rays of the day into the night in your work. You will effectively learn how to remove the “Fear Factor” from any nighttime scene in a way that fits in with your unique creativity and skill set.

The first evening you will participate in an interactive demo of a sunset scene followed by the transition into a nocturne. Take notes and paint along as you like. There will be no one-on-one instruction during the demo time.

The next evening we will follow the same pattern Krystal shared the night before and a return to the same scene. This time you will be painting and Krystal will be right beside you, helping you along.

NAU welcomed in Hispanic Heritage Month with its second annual Celebracíon de NAU

FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University welcomed in Hispanic Heritage Month with its second annual Celebracíon de NAU held on Sept. 20 at the Health Center Gymnasium.

More than a dozen NAU school organizations set up information booths for students attending the event including the NAU First Generation Program, NAU Campus Health Services — Counseling Services, NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, NAU Hermanas United for Change, NAU Education Abroad, NAU Peer, Jobs, Mentoring and NAU LaFe-Latino Christian Fellowship of InterVarsity Christian.

Community organizations that participated included the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and Sun Entertainment.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 23-27, 2024

Naturalization Ceremony at the Grand Canyon

On September 20, the Grand Canyon served as a breathtaking backdrop for the naturalization of 30 new American citizens from 11 diverse countries, including Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam. This ceremony, the first since 2019, celebrated unity and hope as it brought together individuals and families embarking on their new journeys as U.S. citizens. Held at Mather Amphitheater, the event was part of US Citizenship and Immigration Services annual celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, emphasizing the importance of citizenship in American democracy.

The ceremony featured a welcome from Havasupai spiritual leader James Uqualla, grounding the event in cultural heritage and respect for the land. U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles presided over the proceedings, which included the Oath of Allegiance administered by U.S. District Court Deputy Clerk Christina Davison. New citizens were reminded of the principles of freedom and diversity as they took their oaths. Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, Audrey Stone of the band, Juniper Hill, beautifully performed the National Anthem.

The event also included a presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard from Northern Arizona University and a musical performance by the A-Train Sound. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of citizenship certificates, emotional cheers from friends and family, and a Pledge of Allegiance led by Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Ramon Melocarela. This meaningful celebration not only recognized a significant milestone for the new citizens but also underscored the lasting spirit of diversity that enhances American society.

Discover Flagstaff — Flagstaff Festival of Science, Various Locations Sept. 26 through 29

Flagstaff Festival of Science, Various Locations.

The Flagstaff Festival of Science is a free, 10-day event celebrating science in Northern Arizona, established in 1990 and known as the longest continuously running, free science festival in the world. Various Times.

Learn More

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Youth enjoy day of hands-on STEM activities at Flagstaff Festival of Science’s ‘Science in the Park’

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — From peering through telescopes to driving robotic vehicles and launching toy air rockets, hundreds of young people had the opportunity to learn about a variety of STEM activities at the annual Science in the Park event presented during the Flagstaff Festival of Science.

The event, which featured more than 50 vendor booths, was held Sept. 21, 2024 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff. Some of the organizations offering hands-on activities included the Coconino Astronomical Society, which presented a variety of telescopes and astronomy information; Coconino High School’s CocoNuts, which allowed young people to drive their robotic creations; and the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, which offered youth the opportunity to launch stomp air rockets and learn about the space program. See more photos here.

Visitor surveys to be conducted on Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF — Beginning October 2, the public will encounter contract employees working on the Coconino National Forest in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along forest service roads as they conduct surveys to help inform future forest management.

The National Visitor Use Monitoring survey is conducted every five years on national forests, which provides forest managers with an estimate of how many people recreate on the national forest, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit.

Sedona Arts Center — SAVE THE DATE! — 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival Oct. 18–26, 2024

More than 20 renowned plein air artists from across the country will capture Sedona’s extraordinary landscapes during Sedona Arts Center’s 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival October 18-26, 2024. The week-long event features artist demonstrations, paint outs, juried art competitions and more.

The 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival kicks off with an Artists Meet & Greet Reception on Friday, Oct. 18 and concludes with a Final Sale & Artist Games on Saturday, Oct. 26 where artists will showcase their creativity and ingenuity through lively and entertaining activities.

The NAU Review — Take a gamble at Casino Night, learn about your Homecoming dedicatee and get outside on National Public Lands Day

What’s the hottest ticket during Family Weekend? Bet your bottom dollar it’s Casino Night, an annual family-fun event hosted by NAU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. From dealing poker to managing refreshments to decorating the du Bois Center, HRM students run the whole show. Bringing in an average of 1,000 visitors every year and nearly $1 million for scholarships and experiential learning since 1993, Casino Night doubles as an important fundraiser and the ultimate high-stakes midterm.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Coconino County!

In recognition of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” the County acknowledges how Latinos and Latinas are pioneers of change who are shaping the future, with the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Hispanic experience.

United Way of Northern Arizona Leading the Way with Annual Campaign Kickoff

We are so excited to announce that United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) has officially launched its 2024-2025 Annual Campaign!

Our kickoff was last week at a high-energy event with our campaign co-chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and Dr. Rima Brusi, a professor at the university’s Honor College.

Below you’ll find details about the event, including the outstanding work of our Pacesetters in jump starting this year’s campaign. Thanks to everyone who attended and we hope you will join us in “Leading the Way” by supporting UWNA.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 16-20, 2024

Important Update: Phantom Ranch Closure Added to Inner Canyon Trail Closures

The National Park Service (NPS) is providing an important update regarding inner canyon trail closures to support the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction project.

In addition to previously announced closures, please note that Phantom Ranch will be closed from January 2, 2025, to March 30, 2025, as the construction contractor, Stronghold Engineering, will be performing extensive excavation work in this area.

As a reminder, the other current inner canyon closure dates are:

Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge: Oct 21, 2024 – May 14, 2025
Bright Angel Campground: Nov 4, 2024 – May 14, 2025
Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point: Oct. 12, 2023 – May 14, 2025

Bilingual report — The Literacy Center announces Fall Schedule of Classes

FLAGSTAFF — The Literacy Center at 2500 N. Rose, Flagstaff has released its Fall schedule of classes, including beginner and intermediate ESL, pronunciation, conversation and a program for folks who want to practice Spanish.

We offer a range of tutoring options to suit your needs. All of our services are available to our learners depending on their literacy levels and their stated needs and goals.

Please take a look at our learner schedule for our weekly class offerings and sign up to become a learner today!

It’s Vecinos Program allows participants to develop your Spanish language skills by partnering with a local community member who wants to develop their English skills. ​​

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Flagstaff Festival of Science’s ‘Science in the Park’ among a number of upcoming youth and family events

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — With Fall officially beginning Sunday, Sept. 22, local families are having no shortage of outdoor events for their children this month.

Rapidly approaching is the Flagstaff Festival of Science which begins Friday, Sept. 20 with the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation with Jana Eggers at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium. Eggers will focus on the latest developments in the field of AI, potential threats posed by AI—both perceived and real—and the promise AI holds for the future, festival organizers report.

Free Keynote tickets are still available by clicking HERE.

The festival, which features more than 100 events, continues Snook’s annual Science in the Park, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.

“The fun is endless at our popular family science fair, where YOU are the scientist for the day! An ideal event for families, all booths will have hands-on activities for youth of all ages,” festival organizers report. “Discover something new and interact with over 50 vendors (including the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth) from a variety of Flagstaff scientific institutions!”

The NAU Review — Celebrate scientific innovation in Flagstaff, bolstering knowledge of AI + check out this Zoom TED Talk series!

Stargazing, day hikes, build-a-bot workshops and a search for *checks notes* Bigfoot? Sign us up! For 34 years running, the Flagstaff Festival of Science, presented in partnership with NAU, has delighted, amused and educated through free conversations, workshops, hikes and other unique explorations. Check out this year’s lineup of events and find out why festival leaders from NAU think you shouldn’t miss this annual celebration.

100 Bison Successfully Relocated from Grand Canyon’s North Rim

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— On Sept. 13, Grand Canyon wildlife managers successfully relocated 100 bison from the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. All bison were transferred to the Intertribal Buffalo Council, which transported them to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.

Grand Canyon National Park seeks public comment on proposed backcountry fee increase

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for backcountry permit fees. The proposed change would begin May 1, 2025.

The existing $10 per application fee would remain the same and the nightly per-person fees would increase: the below-rim fee would go from $15 to $24 per person per night, and the above-rim fee would go from $4 to $6 per person per night.

Interested parties can provide feedback on the proposal online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_Backcountry_Fee_Increase through October 12, 2024. Written comments should be submitted through this website.

The NAU Review — Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! + an exciting new degree program and research that changes what we know about brains

Did you know Sept. 15 isn’t just the start of this annual celebration? It also marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days during this month at well. At NAU, it’s an important time of year.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural contributions and vibrant histories of the Hispanic/Latine community. By highlighting these events, we not only honor the diversity that strengthens our society, but also create space for dialogue, understanding and unity,” said Claudia Rodas, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and HSI advisor to the provost. “It is through recognizing and embracing our shared heritage that we foster a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

The Office of Inclusion and other campus partners are holding a number of events to celebrate this month, starting with a cooking demonstration sponsored by Louie’s Cupboard on Friday. The entire NAU community is invited to find opportunities to participate.
See the list of events

CCC Community Education — Check out our October schedule!

Cultivating Happiness: Practices for a Positive Mindset

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9, 23, 30

5:15 to 7:45 p.m.

Explore and expand your authentic path to a richer, happier life. Dive into happiness science and learn practical methods to boost your well-being.

Happiness – Learn more and register!

Current, former Southside, La Plaza Vieja residents invited to attend community gathering Sept. 17, 18 to share memories for new sculpture

FLAGSTAFF — Share memories! All those with Southside ties are invited to a gathering to share remembrances, both personal and universally important recollections that have shaped the Southside and its people. The community’s words will be incorporated into a large-scale sculpture that will be installed at Cleo Murdoch Park in 2025.