
It’s a hard knock life—but this beloved family classic will fill your heart with love and joy. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m
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GRAND CANYON, Ariz — Heritage Days will return to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Friday, August 2 through Sunday August 4th. Each day, Heritage Days programs and demonstrations will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. throughout the North Rim developed area. A special celebratory kick-off event will occur at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 at the North Rim Lodge. Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon area.

Registration is still open for the upcoming year of Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds.
The program, developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona, is in its fourth year and will be housed at Evergreen Academy Preschool in Flagstaff.
Designed to provide equitable access to high-quality early education, Elevate PreK is open to 4-year-old children in households that have incomes between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level.

The Fair supports exhibits in agriculture and horticulture, fine arts, home economics, hobbies and collectibles, floriculture, schools, open youth categories, club work, gems and minerals, livestock and small stock. Exhibits are free or low cost to enter, supporting the talents and work of community members and providing opportunities to win prizes. The livestock auction also provides important funding for local farmers, especially young people, including education funding.

Last month, more than 150 four- and five-year-olds in Flagstaff, Williams, and Pinetop-Lakeside received a preview of what school life will be like by attending KinderCamp™.
The targeted intervention program, provided free to families, is a signature early education initiative coordinated by United Way of Northern Arizona with local school districts. It provides students who have limited preschool experience with the academic and social skills they’ll need to successfully transition into kindergarten.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Area school district officials and health care providers have been busy planning for a variety of Back to School events, including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals.
Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org (Updated July 16, 2024)

In 1996, John Paul Roccaforte and his colleagues at NAU’s Ecological Research Institute embarked on an ambitious mission to study restoration across more than 5,000 acres of dense ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona. After two decades of hands-on investigation, they successfully decreased the area’s tree density and vulnerability to wildfire—unlocking the key to revitalizing and protecting our beloved local ecosystem in an era when fires in the West burn hotter and bigger than ever.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families to food and shelter resources, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and links to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s own recently updated Summer 2024 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.

Dear Friend of Flagstaff,
A thriving democracy needs organized people and organized funding. When you become a member of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3), you can contribute to both. The F3 Board of Directors invites you to join our local grassroots nonprofit.
We are a multi-issue organization whose mission is to achieve a sustainable, just, and thriving Flagstaff through community education, engagement, and advocacy.

As the warmth of summer settles in, there’s no better time to step into the cool and captivating spaces of the Museum of Northern Arizona. July brings a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in our latest exhibits. Explore the fascinating connection between Indigenous people and horses in Horse and Rider: A Southwest Story. And journey through the layers of the Grand Canyon’s alluring geology in the Grand Canyon Dragon Map exhibition. There’s so much to experience!

Through demonstration and one-on-one instruction, students will learn to throw a variety of forms on the potter’s wheel or techniques to create hand-built works. Slab roller, extruder and forms are also available to create functional and decorative pieces. Class sessions are 6-weeks long and meet once/week.
Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics instructors are all highly skilled artists and experienced teachers!

COCONINO COUNTY — Thousands of visitors crowded into downtown Flagstaff during a warm summer day to celebrate the 2024 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined the Coconino County parade entry as part of the 100-plus float event.
Also see:
• Arizona Daily Sun — Thousands turn out for Independence Day parade through downtown Flagstaff

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
With Summer here, parents can still get information on ongoing Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.
Also, check on our new Back to School events resource listing to get your child prepared of the upcoming school year.
Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org.
Thank you. (Updated July 2, 2024).

FLAGSTAFF — On Tuesday, July 2, the Flagstaff City Council passed a resolution to approve the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024. This historic agreement ends years of costly and protracted litigation over surface water and groundwater rights claims by the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and the United States. The parties to the Settlement Agreement confirm certain water rights of the City of Flagstaff and other towns and communities, the Salt River Project, the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Arizona Public Service, various irrigation districts, ranching operations and other parties.

As we come together to celebrate the birth of our nation, it’s a perfect time to reflect and remember the values that unite us: freedom, equality, and the unwavering spirit of community.
Independence Day honors not only those who founded our country, but also each person committed to a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbor, volunteering in our communities, or supporting those in need, every act of kindness makes a difference. Thank you, as always, for Living United. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

It’s been a busy spring and beginning of summer here at F3! Below are short updates on some of the issues on which we have been working.
The city’s proposal to allow housing on lands zoned “Public Facility”
F3 did a deep dive into the city’s proposal to allow housing on lands zoned “Public Facility.” After many conversations with city staff and careful consideration over nearly two months, F3 decided to support the zoning code amendment because the city included the requirement for any development proposal to go through the Conditional Use Permit process. Read our final letter to Council on March 14 for more information.

The big summer musical Annie comes to the Flagstaff stage. It’s a hard knock life—but this beloved family classic will fill your heart with love and joy. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“The audience will love the energy and the laughs as well as the talented cast,” said Teri Gochanour who plays Mrs Gear. “It’s a feel-good show that will have everyone humming and singing along long after the show.”

Town of Tusayan Fourth of July Celebration
Join community members from the Town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village for the annual Fourth of July celebration from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Kid’s bike decorating begins at 3:30 p.m., parade line-up starts at 3:45, and the parade will begin at 4:30. Additional events and activities include: live music from local bands, food, auction items, Native American dancers, kid’s games, and a drone show after dark.
For more information on this event and to register to be in the parade, visit the town’s website here.

FLAGSTAFF — Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds, is seeking students for the upcoming academic year.
The program was developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona. After completing a three-year pilot program through Candelen, Elevate PreK will continue its fourth year through UWNA.

It’s no secret that 4th of July events can be an economic driver, with parades, festivals, and fireworks prompting tourists to visit communities large and small. In northern Arizona we are fortunate to have a wide range of Independence Day events for visitors – and locals – to enjoy.
The celebrations start early in Flagstaff where hundreds of runners will compete in the Downtown Mile, a series of races held prior to the annual 4th of July Parade. There are races for all levels of runners, including elite races for cash prizes and one just for children. The first race starts at 6:30 am.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Yes, Summer has just begun but area school districts and health care providers are already planning for a variety of Back to School events.
Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you. (Updated June 25, 2024)
Also, see our:
Register now for 2024 Summer Camps. See our listing
Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs in Coconino County listing

Conservation ecologist Jut Wynne is spending a month aboard a tall ship that’s retracing much of Charles Darwin’s famous HMS Beagle voyage 200 years ago. While on board, Wynne will study insects unique to eastern Polynesia in hopes of confirming that some of these animals were brought there by ancient Polynesians via voyaging canoe.

Looking to escape the Arizona heat or ignite your creativity this summer? Sedona Arts Center has you covered! — Three exciting instructors are joining our lineup for a variety of workshops starting in July:
Mimi Damrauer
Specializing in gel plate printing and collage paper creation, Mimi’s vibrant textiles impressed us at Hidden in the Hills in Cave Creek last November. She’ll be offering workshops on both techniques starting July 20th.
Mike Hernandez (SquatchGouache)
Fresh off his feature at the Plein Air Painters of America event, Mike brings his gouache expertise to Sedona. Learn to add gouache to your artistic arsenal with his “Painting Sedona in Gouache” workshop on August 3rd-4th.
Elder Jones
This traveling artist, biologist, and gardener brings his unique wet-carved concrete workshop to Sedona from August 13th to 15th.
Sedona Arts Center is dedicated to offering a diverse range of mediums, so sign up today and explore your creativity!

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Want to stay informed of the latest legislative news affecting children, youth and families in Arizona?
Send an email to virginia@coconinokids.org to receive timely emails from Julianne E. Hartzell, a local educator who received CCC&Y’s special “Caring for Children Lifetime Achievement Award” during the Coalition’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2022.
Julianne is a past board president but continues to volunteer her time for CCCY to share information from our partners to help keep our community informed.
Julianne has recently provided past updates from such organizations as:
Arizona Education Association — Legislative Weekly Update
Center for the Future of Arizona — “Majority of Arizona Voters Agree On Key Issues Ahead of Elections”
Education Forward Arizona Advocacy Alert — “Cuts and Lack of Investment in Education not Aligned with Voters’ Expectations or State’s Attainment Needs”
Save Our Schools Arizona — “Vouchers Blast Massive Hole in AZ Budget”
STAND for Children Arizona — “Tell your legislator to vote NO on HCR 20260” immigration enforcement measure
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Junk Journal Deconstruction
with Nicole Austin
July 17 – 18 : Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 4pm
Some call us monsters for ripping up and altering books – I think of us more as creatives who can see potential in anything! Let’s gather together with kindred spirits and rip and alter to our hearts’ content! We’ll take an ordinary vintage book and turn it into something extraordinary using paint, embellishments, and reconstructive techniques. You bring the book, (BYOB!) and I’ll supply the rest!

Last Call! Firewise Cleanup ends this Friday
We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! Now through this Friday, June 14, the Firewise Cleanup is being held throughout the South Rim residential areas.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Clear dead woody debris from around your residence, up to 30 ft.
Rake pine needles and leaves (please minimize collection of dirt and rocks-this will inhibit effective pile burning in the future)
Move firewood away from contact with structures (more than 10 ft. is recommended)
Please do not collect industrial lumber; this material will be left.

GRAND CANYON — Beginning Friday, June 21, the Bright Angel Point Trail on the North Rim leading to Bright Angel Point will be closed for construction. This closure is necessary for the protection of staff and visiting public during an extensive repair effort to the Bright Angel Point Trail.
The trail will be closed to all pedestrian traffic as National Park Service (NPS) personnel replace asphalt, move large rocks, and operate equipment in these areas. The NPS emphasizes the importance of always staying on designated trails, and visitors should never attempt to go over or around a closure.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
As Summer rapidly approaches, it’s time for parents to start collecting resources for upcoming Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.
Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you. (Updated June 11, 2024).
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The first look at the latest budget proposal that could be passed by the Legislature is showing ZERO FUNDING for the Arizona Commission on the Arts.
Your legislators and Governor Hobbs NEED to hear from you TODAY. Click the link below.
Tell them why eliminating funding for the Commission is devastating. If you are connected to an arts organization or you are an artist, the most powerful message you can send will communicate the SPECIFIC impact this would have on your art, on your programs, on your community. If you would have to lay off staff, tell them. If you would need to cancel a program, give them the specifics. Legislators need to understand that these dollars are supporting THEIR communities, THEIR constituents, and zero funding is NOT acceptable.

Impressionistic Painting
with Gretchen Lopez
July 12 : Friday 10am – 4:30pm
I love the “Impressionists”! They had an incredible way with color and light. In this class, we will explore the color mixtures and brush work the Impressionists used, and work from the still life and the landscape! Let’s plan to learn more about the light, and discuss Artists such as Monet, Sorolla and Renoir!

Dear Museum Friends,
I am thrilled to invite you, your family, and friends to our highlight event of the year – the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture – June 22 & 23 at the Museum. The festival promises an immersive experience, connecting you with the rich and diverse traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau. Dozens of Native American artists will showcase their work, interspersed with dancers, musicians, demonstrators, and cultural experts sharing their knowledge and insights. My favorite part of this MNA annual festival is the opportunity to talk with artists directly and purchase unique handmade pieces reflecting the beauty and spirit of the Plateau. The painting above by Venaya Yazzie (Diné) gives you an idea of the talented artists who will be on hand. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including activities for children, energizing music from Tha ‘Yoties, and tasty regional foods like frybread from Sacred Hogan.
The anticipation for summer is building! I can’t wait to see you at the Museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

As we welcome the warmth of summer, I am pleased to reconnect with you. It’s always a remarkable time of the year when we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, welcome all the lambs, and feel accomplished with the completion of shearing the sheep. Within this dynamic, we find ourselves poised at an intersection of tradition and innovation, resilience and progress.

With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions were enacted today (June 6) in the City of Flagstaff, unincorporated parts of Coconino County, and the Coconino National Forest.
The precaution is to lessen the chance of a devastating wildfire like the ones we’ve had over the years, most recently the Tunnel and Pipeline Fires of 2022 and the Museum Fire in 2019.
United Way of Northern Arizona coordinates crisis response volunteers for both Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff during emergencies and disasters.
The best time to plan for an emergency is before one happens, which is why we’d like to ask you to consider adding your name to the list of volunteers we can call on if an emergency occurs.

Dear Museum Friends,
The silent auction for this year’s Party on the Plateau will close tomorrow, June 8th at 7:00 pm! You do not have to be attending the Party on the Plateau to participate and bid on items in the silent auction. Bidding is heating up! With items ranging from artworks to experiences, there is something for everyone and all the proceeds benefit the museum.
You can bid online by clicking here. Note that if you view the auction on your desktop browser, keep your cursor in the middle of the screen as you scroll to ensure you see all auction items. Some of our great items are showcased below!

The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will conclude for the season on Saturday, June 8. South Rim events include a nightly slide show from a special guest speaker at 8 p.m. in the plaza of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
The list of speakers can be found on the Grand Canyon Star Party webpage and also in the NPS Mobile App. The talks are followed by free telescope viewing behind the building. Green-laser constellation tours will be offered nightly at 9, 9:30, and 10 p.m.
North Rim events include telescopes set up on the terrace of the Grand Canyon Lodge every evening along with astronomers with green lasers to pointing out constellations. By day, look for solar telescopes on the terrace and surrounding the Grand Canyon Lodge. A flyer for the evening events on the North Rim can be found here.

GRAND CANYON — The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of Grand Canyon National Park. The warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Thursday, June 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 7 for areas below 4,000 feet in the canyon including Phantom Ranch and Havasupai Gardens. Forecast temperatures in the shade range between 105 F/41 C and 111 F/44 C. Hotter than normal temperatures will also hit the rims, with highs of 92 F/33 C on the South Rim and 85 F/30 C on the North Rim.

COCONINO COUNTY — At their regular meeting on Tuesday June 4, 2024, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) elected District 4 Supervisor Judy Begay to serve as Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman to serve as Vice-Chair through the end of 2024.
This will be each Supervisor’s first time serving in each of these leadership positions. Chair Begay has served as Vice-Chair since August 2023, Vice-Chair Horstman previously served as Chair from February 2022 until August 2023.
Chair Begay was first elected to the Board in 2020, after serving over 14 years as a public-school Board Member in Tuba City, as well as several other non-profit organizations. She also has experience in management and supervision of health programs, school administration, facilities management, roads and infrastructure, and public housing.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
“We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.”
That is the Mission Statement of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. And with a county as large as Coconino (second largest in the nation); with an individual, non-profit and for-profit membership approaching 100; and a diverse, dedicated and talented board of directors — it takes a special individual to bring all these moving parts together to benefit families throughout Northern Arizona.
Virginia Watahomigie joined CCC&Y as executive director in September 2016. In a CCC&Y news posting at the time, she said: “The opportunity to work with CCC&Y is rewarding and very exciting as the work and reputation of the Coalition is impeccable. I have found the members to be genuinely dedicated to children’s issues. I feel privileged to further this mission, as well as, continue building relationships with the community” …
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“The right to vote and run for office is an American birthright and despite the efforts of the past to stifle the Native American voice, we are here, and our voice is strong,” said Lena Fowler, Coconino County District 5 Supervisor. “Every election is important, and I encourage all residents to register to vote, learn about candidates, research ballot questions and vote in the primary election on July 30 and presidential election on November 5.”

Junk Journal Deconstruction
with Nicole Austin
July 17 – 18 : Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 4pm
Some call us monsters for ripping up and altering books – I think of us more as creatives who can see potential in anything! Let’s gather together with kindred spirits and rip and alter to our hearts’ content! We’ll take an ordinary vintage book and turn it into something extraordinary using paint, embellishments, and reconstructive techniques. You bring the book, (BYOB!) and I’ll supply the rest!

• Hello From Supervisor Horstman
• Andy Bertelsen Appointed Next County
Manager
• 4FRI and Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Update
• Flood Control District Receives $19.3 Federal
• PROTECT Grant for HWY 89
• Pinyon Uranium Mine Continues to Extract Ore
• County Designates Lake Mary Road as Recreation Corridor: Where the World Comes To Train
• Valle Arizona: An Innovative Community
ª Cheshire Community Gets Creative about Improving Street Safety
• BLM/AZ RAC Meeting on Proposed Recreation Fees at Arizona BLM Sites
• Western Interstate Conference in Yosemite Highlights Partnership and Responsible Land Management
• Northern Arizona Tradition Continues … Next generation of Moon-Bound Astronauts Train at Babbitt Ranches.
• Mount Elden Trailhead Re-Opens

Frontiere Draft Concept Master Plan
Thank you to everyone who participated in our May Values and Vision workshop. Join us on June 13th, 10:00 a.m. to noon, at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall, to review the Draft Concept Master Plan. Share your insights and comments regarding this beautiful property and its continued use! For more information, click here.