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Hands-On Hand Building
with Ben Roti
July 28-September 1, 2025 – Mondays 12-3pm
In this fun and creative class, suitable for both beginners and experienced ceramicists, you’ll learn a variety of hand-building techniques and explore your personal artistic vision in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
What You’ll Experience:
Foundational Techniques: Learn essential hand-building methods such as slab construction, coil building, and pinch pots, to create functional and decorative pieces.
Creative Projects: Each class includes demonstrations and hands-on practice in crafting items like bowls, mugs, vases, platters, and lidded boxes, plus optional advanced projects for experienced students.
Surface Design and Glazing: Explore texturing, stamping, slip decoration, and glazing techniques to finish your creations.

By Indivisible
In one week, on July 17, people all across the country will gather together in honor of the late Rep. John Lewis to participate in the Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action.
With MAGA Republicans continuing their ghoulish campaigns to terrorize communities, crush dissent, and tear families apart, it’s more important than ever that we stand up, speak out, and make some good trouble.
What’s good trouble?
Coined by civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, “good trouble” means coming together to take non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. That could look like a candlelight vigil, a community event, a rally, or any other creative way you can think of to stand up and remind the world that we will continue to fight back against this authoritarian regime.

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review and highlights the ongoing efforts of the CHIP Action Teams focused on Transportation, Housing, Behavioral Health, and Food and Nutritional Security.
The updated plan is attached and available online at https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/68572

Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim
The Dragon Bravo Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, continues to show moderate fire activity as it burns in a remote area south of the Basin near the W1 Road. Sparked by lightning on July 4, the fire has grown steadily over the past few days and is currently estimated at approximately 120 acres.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) (July 10) celebrates a landmark decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of New Hampshire, who issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s executive order seeking to strip automatic birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. This decision marks a crucial victory for members of LULAC, the first organization to file a lawsuit challenging the administration’s attempt to undermine one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
“This ruling is a powerful affirmation that the rights granted under the 14th Amendment are not up for debate or political manipulation,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “From the very beginning, LULAC has been the voice standing between injustice and the rights of those born on American soil. We will never allow the constitutional promise of citizenship to be erased or rewritten.”

Half of U.S. adults say people born in the United States to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. By contrast, nearly all say people born in the country to U.S.-born parents (95%) or to parents who immigrated legally (94%) should be citizens.
Related: Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship draws more disapproval than approval

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.
The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.
If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
READ MORE

Robotic exoskeletons are the future of helping people with certain disabilities perform daily tasks, but they can be prohibitively difficult and expensive to develop. Mechanical engineering associate professor Zach Lerner, whose research has focused on developing this technology, led a team that created OpenExo, an open-source exoskeleton framework, which will open doors for researchers globally to help speed up life-changing robotic discoveries. Want to see the exoskeletons at work? Check out this video from NAU-TV.
Read the story

Ceramics: Independent Study*
with Ben Roti
July 28-September 1, 2025 – Mondays 3:30-6:30pm
*Designed for experienced ceramicists
This class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Town of Tusayan Hosts July 4th Events on Friday
Employees, friends, and families are invited to join the Town of Tusayan for an Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, from 4–10:30 p.m. This free community event, themed “A Community of Unity,” kicks off with a parade at 4 p.m. and highlights Tusayan’s partnerships with Grand Canyon National Park and other local agencies.
Enjoy an evening filled with food, drinks, bike decorating, kids’ games, live music, a cornhole tournament, a Native dance performance, and great auction items. The night will close with a pet-friendly drone light show at dusk.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Latest news updates for June 2025
• Republicans Block Gallego Amendment to Stop Budget Bill from Gutting Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Gallego Statement on War Powers Vote
• Gallego Fights for Tax Equality for Married Couples
• ICYMI: Senators Gallego and Kelly Facilitate the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East
• Gallego Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape in Border Agent Hiring Process
• Senators Gallego and Kelly Announce the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East
• Amid Rising Antisemitic Attacks in the U.S., Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Hate and Strengthen Holocaust Education
• What They Are Saying: Congressional Republicans Plan to Make it Harder to Put Food on the Table
• On Dobbs 3rd Anniversary, Gallego Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Reproductive Freedom
• Gallego Backs Bipartisan Bill to Help Homeowners Conserve Water, Save Money
• Gallego, Scott Introduce Checkpoint Act to Strengthen Border Patrol Operations and Combat Fentanyl Trafficking
• Gallego Releases Statement on Bombing of Iranian Nuclear Sites
• MORE…

Latest news updates for June 2025
• WATCH: On Senate Floor, Kelly Opposes Republican Budget to Cut Medicaid and Food Assistance to Fund Billionaire Tax Breaks
• Kelly Statement on Supporting War Powers Resolution to Prevent Unauthorized War with Iran
• Kelly, Shaheen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Development of Sustainable Wood Products and Support Forest Products Industry
• Por si te lo perdiste: En “Despierta América”, Kelly destaca cómo las decisiones de Trump en el conflicto en Irán están poniendo al país en peligro
• ICYMI: On ‘Despierta América,’ Kelly Spotlights How Trump’s Decision-Making on Iran is Making Americans Less Safe
• Kelly Leads Resolution Recognizing June 30 as National Asteroid Day
• Kelly, Gallego Announce the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East
• Kelly, Hawley, Hassan Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Rural Hospital Cybersecurity
• Kelly, Stanton: Arizona Teachers, Firefighters, Police Officers & Other Middle-Class Workers Will See Higher Costs Under Trump’s Tax and Tariff Plans
• Kelly Backs Legislation to Protect Children on Social Media, Hold Tech Companies Accountable
• Kelly Statement on US Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites
• ICYMI: In Tucson, Kelly Visits Rincon High School to Highlight How Republican SNAP Cuts Would Harm Arizona Kids and Families
• More …

COCONINO COUNTY — Yes, we know. Summer has just begun and 4th of July events have yet to kick off. At the Coalition we are still updating our parent-friendly Summer Camps, Summer Food and Summer Reading listings.
However, some eager folks out there are already getting ready for Back-to-School events and so have decided to get a head start and start listing and promoting upcoming activities.
Please check with individual programs to confirm times, dates, other information.
If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

It’s been a couple of months since I’ve been able to hold a Coffee Conversation so we have a lot we can talk about on Thursday! Barring illness, these will resume monthly again starting tomorrow.
Here’s your chance to come and engage with F3’s Executive Director at F3’s monthly Coffee Conversation. Share your concerns, questions, and ideas about Flagstaff issues while meeting others who want to get involved with issues in Flagstaff.
The July Coffee Conversation will take place on Thursday, July 3 at Mayan Winds Cafe from 9:00-10:00 am. Mayan Winds is an awesome locally-owned cafe located at 2144 N Fourth St. in Flagstaff.

As July heats up, I invite you to visit our newest exhibition, Shifting Life Zones. This thought-provoking show explores how rising temperatures impact plant life across northern Arizona, the birthplace of the life zone concept. Through indoor and outdoor displays, an interactive map, and insights from MNA scientists, you’ll discover how climate change is reshaping landscapes.
Summer is such a busy and lively time at the Museum. There’s something for everyone with Thirsty Thursdays, garden tours, Easton Collection Center tours, and our 2025 exhibitions alongside our galleries of perennial visitor favorites. In addition, we are welcoming kids to Discovery Camps this month. These popular day camps bring energy, creativity, and learning to MNA’s campus.
Last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to the artists, performers, and guests who made our June Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture so special. This annual celebration of Indigenous cultures uplifts our community year after year.
Stay cool! I look forward to seeing you, your friends, and your family at the Museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2026/2027 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)
Image: Artist Isaac Caruso pictured with his sculpture Wings of Ancestors. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Call to Artists: The Face of Time
An Exhibition at Sedona Arts Center
Exhibit Dates: August 1 – September 12, 2025
Opening Reception: August 1, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Deadline to Apply: July 1, 2025
Since 2022, Sedona Arts Center has embraced a unifying annual theme to inspire our exhibitions and programs. For the 2025–2026 season, our guiding theme is FACE—a word rich with meaning as both noun and verb. From the human visage to the surface of mountains, from emotional expressions to bold acts of confrontation, FACE invites endless interpretations.

Help us raise $8,000 from our 30th Anniversary Online Auction. Place your bid online before the auction closes!
Starting bids are set at 50% of the Value of the Item. There are some great deals here!
This auction contains diverse,and unique items including: special experiences such as music concerts, guided tours, and interior design consultation; gift baskets for gardening and more; and gift certificates for personal training and doggy day care. Also jewelry, food, and wine.
Find all auction items at: bit.ly/F3Auction4mSJD7c

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Temperatures approaching the ’90s didn’t keep families away during the annual Tuba City Family Fun Day resource fair held on June 18, 2025 at Louise Yellowman County Park, Tuba City.
Presented by Coconino County Health and Human Services — (AZ Health Zone), the event featured a number of information booths for parents, activities for children and plenty of healthy food alternatives for everyone who attended the annual event.
Some of the organizations taking part in the event included
Arizona Complete Health, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) — (AZ Health Zone), (CCHHS) Health Start, (CCHHS) Tobacco Use Prevention, (CCHHS) Opioid Overdose Prevention, Navajo Nation Behavioral & Mental Health Services, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Health Department, Tuba City Navajo Nation Health Education Program, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.’s Pandemic Public Health and Patient Benefit Cooperative programs, and the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.’s Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP)

Art History Talk–Framing the Self:
A Cultural History of Portraiture
with Brandelyn Andres
August 2, 2025 – 11am-12pm
Through an examination of both self-portraits and depictions of others, this lecture charts the art historical evolution of the genre of portraiture. By examining artists’ intentions, social contexts, and visual choices, we will consider how images of people not only reflect concepts of self but also shape collective understandings of identity, status, and humanity. We can learn much about ourselves as we look into the eyes of others.
Brandelyn Andres is a professor of art history at Yavapai College located in Prescott, Arizona where she teaches courses on art history, art appreciation, two-dimensional design, and popular culture.

The Flagstaff Water Group (FWG), composed of five local scientists deeply concerned about removing hazardous contaminants from Flagstaff’s reclaimed wastewater, is presenting information about how biochar can be used to remove chemical contaminants.
This presentation and discussion will take place this Wednesday June 25, at 7:00 pm at the Market of Dreams (2136 N. 4th Street). This event is free and open to the public.

COCONINO COUNTY — At their meeting on June 10, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially recognized Juneteenth with a proclamation.
It reads, in part: “The Coconino County Board of Supervisors joins residents and local governments across the country in celebrating June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth, a day of empowerment and resilience of Black Americans who have endured generations of oppression in the journey toward equal rights and opportunities in America … “

Editor’s note — Story / photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org
See more photos at www.MosaicNAZ.org:
• Protesters crowd downtown Flagstaff as part of nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ rally
• ‘No Kings Day’ — Signs of the Time
FLAGSTAFF — With some local media reporting a crowd topping 3,000, Flagstaff residents and Northern Arizona visitors alike turned out in mass for one of the largest rallies in the city in recent memory during the “No Kings Day” mass protest held Saturday, June 14 in front of Flagstaff City Hall.
The large crowd came in spite of near mid-summer temperatures approaching 90 degrees, and added personal safety vigilance as a result of deadly political violence earlier in the day in Minnesota. The protest nationwide was organized by the 50501 movement with the local effort hosted by Indivisible Northern AZ.
Opponents of the Trump administration crowded the sidewalks from starting at Wheeler Park and Humphreys Street along Route 66 around the curve to Milton Road, filling the grassy area up to the Flagstaff City Hall sign. A sizable crowd of protestors also filled the opposite side of the street up to the Flagstaff Train Depot. When they were’t waiving signs, soliciting supportive horns from passing vehicles, the protesters joined in drum performances, chants and listened to speeches from local political leaders.
“No Kings Day is one of the largest days of protest in American history,” Indivisible Project national leaders stated in a media release. “From deep red small towns to our largest cities, millions of people turned out to make clear that the American people will not bow to fascism.

As I step down from my role at The Literacy Center, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support. It has been a true honor to serve this incredible organization and community, and I have cherished every moment of working alongside such dedicated learners, volunteers, staff, and supporters.
While I am excited for what’s ahead, I’m also deeply sad to be leaving The Literacy Center. This organization—and the people who make it what it is—will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I’m thrilled, however, to introduce Kim Khatibi as the new Executive Director. Kim brings a wealth of experience in education, community leadership, and advocacy. Her background includes classroom teaching in Special Education and ESL, serving as reading faculty at the college level, and leading student-centered programs that uplift and empower learners of all ages. Kim is a passionate advocate for public education and equity, and I have every confidence that she will lead The Literacy Center with vision, compassion, and strength.

… In 2024, Coconino County and the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) was awarded a $1,500,000 grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Program to benefit the counties of Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai as well as all their cities and towns including Flagstaff, Prescott, Camp Verde, Kingman, Show Low, and Winslow. The grant’s primary purpose is to aid the transformation of local properties from liabilities into community assets.

COCONINO COUNTY — Dozen of families received a variety of information from a number of organizations (including the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth) during a Community Health and Wellness Fair held on June 11, 2025 at the Bodaway-Gap Chapter House.
The event, presented by the Coconino County Health and Human Services, featured Rec on Wheels activities, NARCAN training and distribution, tobacco cessation resources, rental and utility assistance, car seat safety checks and services provide by Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) Mobile Medical Unit.

June brings with it a spirit of celebration – around the globe, across the country, and right here in northern Arizona.
From today’s Juneteenth observance to international Pride Month, we are reminded of the power of visibility, freedom, and community. Closer to home, we just celebrated a major milestone in Holbrook with the funding of a new teen center that very soon will offer support and opportunity for young people.

Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

Join us for the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture June 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff.
This vibrant celebration features 100 Native American artists offering a stunning selection of handmade jewelry, textiles, fine art, pottery, and more. In addition to a unique shopping experience, enjoy traditional dances, live music, cultural talks, food, and activities for kids.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE & TICKETS

Greetings from District 2! These past few months
have been uncertain and difficult for the County and
District 2. As we are approaching the end of FY2025,
I have been working alongside my fellow colleagues
from the Board of Supervisors to advance key
initiatives, support our communities, and ensure a
strong foundation for the year ahead. The Board of
Supervisors and I are looking forward to the start of
the next FY as we will continue to act upon our
community’s best interests. Thank you for reading
this new edition of the Official District 2 Newsletter
and for allowing me to serve as your District
Supervisor!
Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez

Children’s Action Alliance envisions Arizona as a state where all children and families thrive. When children live in fear, we are failing our children.
As federal immigration enforcement operations deploy tactics that raise legal, constitutional, and moral concerns, Children’s Action Alliance encourages partners to be informed and resourced to support the well-being and safety of immigrant, citizen, and mixed-status children and families in Arizona.
In preparation and response to federal actions, families and allies can seek and share valuable resources, including the following:

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is proud to announce it has received a $150,000 grant from Wellpoint, a leading healthcare company, to support the transformation of a former retail space in Holbrook into a teen center.
The center is being developed by Grow Arizona Workforce Network, a local nonprofit focused on workforce readiness and youth empowerment.
UWNA has been working to help secure funding for close to a year and is thrilled by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the Wellpoint team in supporting this new service.

Welcome to your go-to source for everything Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect: Parks & Recreation has specific guidelines outlining what is allowed and prohibited during this time. Click here to review the details before your next visit.
Spots still open for Week 3 of Summer Camp! Fun at the Fort is blasting off with a Space Explorers theme next week, and we have room for new recruits. Sign up here to join the adventure.
New Programs Launching Soon! Archery clinics, culinary classes, Festival of Science activities, and more are coming your way. Stay tuned – our updated catalog will be live soon on our website.

FLAGSTAFF — The 9,145-acre Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, is 54% contained following several days of firing operations and securing.
Fire crews spent Wednesday finishing smaller firing operations on the interior of the fire. Several resources began the demobilization process Wednesday night as the fire winds down. Firefighters will continue patrolling the fire’s perimeter (on Thursday).
“We’re pleased with the results of the Basin Fire on the landscape,” said District Ranger Matt McGrath. “This kind of fire works to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire and post fire-flooding to our surrounding communities and resources.”

Lost & Found: Crafting with Nature for Ages 8-12
with Jillian Sander
June 30, 2025 – Monday, 9am-12pm — $35
In this half-day camp class, kids will hand build animals using found branches, twigs, pinecones, and rocks. Bring home a slow pinecone turtle, a speedy stick horse, or a funny little twig caterpillar! The options are endless! Found-object sculpture is a great way to get those creative gears turning; kids will learn all about artistic improvisation and problem solving as they discover new, fun ways to use what’s around them.
All supplies provided.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.
The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.
If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD) identified four confirmed cases of measles in Navajo County.
These individuals are unvaccinated and linked to the same exposure associated with international travel. NCPHSD is working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Coconino County.

Scholarships Available
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

“We are very concerned over the inflammatory language that the Trump administration is using to describe the environment in Los Angeles, which its actions have ignited,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “Sending national guard troops into Southern California, without regard for the authority or knowledge of local or state officials, is a deliberate tactic that is only ramping up the anger,” he adds.

This event gives Page residents and nearby areas access to services without needing to travel to Flagstaff.
The Coconino County Attorney’s Office (CAO), Legal Defender’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Elections Department, Recorder’s Office, and Health and Human Services (CCHHS) along with The Guidance Center (TGC), Encompass, DNA-People’s Legal Services, and Victim Witness Services of Northern Arizona (VWS) are participating.