Category: Education

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

LATEST ANALYSIS Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay Is a Costly, Optics-Driven Shift in Immigration DetentionPresident Trump ordered the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand immigration detention at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba to house up to 30,000 people. Since then, U.S. Immigration & and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has transferred at least two flights of migrants from the United States to its detention facility there.  Breaking Down Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright CitizenshipOn his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for babies of undocumented immigrants and for people with temporary status in the U.S. Executive Order 14156: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship departs from over 125 years of precedent as it sought to abolish the United States’ longstanding policy of unrestricted birthplace-based citizenship.  FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Last week, people in states across the country held protests in support of immigrants. From California to Georgia and Illinois to Texas, thousands rallied to fight back against mass deportation, ICE arrests, and the use of Guantanamo Bay as a detention center. 

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to hold next meeting on March 5. Seeking new members

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March. 5 at the Coconino County Health and Human Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, Ponderosa Conference Room.

The meeting can be attended in person or via Zoom Link Below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85359174121

Meeting ID: 853 5917 4121 Phone: + 1(408) 638-0968

… CHAC, which is current seeking new members, serves as an official liaison and communications link between the Hispanic community and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, so please bring any concerns you may have about equal education opportunities, fair employment, juvenile justice, political representation and other issues.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Impact of Forestry on Our Safety – and Our Economy

Northern Arizona’s rich, dense forests are among the many reasons why people love to live and work in our region. But the beauty and recreational opportunities of these endless acres of green come with a risk in an area that is known for its dry and often windy conditions – the threat of wildfire.

Numerous entities are dedicated to reducing that risk. Northern Arizona University’s School of Forestry specifically offers a BS in Applied Wildland Fire Science; APS has a dedicated Forestry and Wildfire Mitigation team; and the 4FRI project continues to use thinning and prescribed burns to lessen the threat of wildfires – and post-wildfire flooding – to communities throughout northern Arizona.

The work of these entities not only impacts our safety – it also has an economic impact for the region.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 10-14, 2025

Cultural Demonstration 2025 Season Begins Tuesday, February 18

Grand Canyon National Park, in partnership with Grand Canyon Conservancy, is excited to announce the start of the 11th season of the Cultural Demonstration Program, beginning next week. Inaugurated in 2014 by the Grand Canyon Intertribal Working Group, the program began with just four demonstrators and has since expanded to include over 200 participants.

Starting February 18, cultural demonstrators will be returning to the Desert View Watchtower, providing demonstrations in the View Room Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2025 season will be launched by three talented Diné artists: Laverine Greyeyes, Diné weaver; Cristoff Keyonnie, Diné painter; and DeMaudrei Yazzie, Diné seamstress.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Parents gain information on upcoming summer camps

View this email in a browser Feb. 12, 2025 Update ​​​​​​​CCC&Y Spotlight Parents gain information on upcoming summer camps By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth Parents had the opportunity to learn about programs for their children at the Summer 2025 Family Engagement…

The NAU Review — Make some V-Day plans, Humans of NAU: Lenin Salcedo

Honors College student Lenin Salcedo has an unusual capstone project planned. Inspired by his childhood in the Caribbean and his love of physics, the project will take the form of a performance that explores how sounds tether us to each other and to the universe. Salcedo promises you won’t need to know anything about physics or music theory to understand and enjoy it. Read on to find out more about the project, Salcedo’s upbringing and his dreams for the future.

What brought you to NAU?
I was initially attracted to NAU’s strong physics department, but I fell in love with the intimate learning environment and vibrant community. Especially in Honors, the classroom has felt like a dynamic place where I can creatively think and connect with diverse people. Flagstaff has also become a second home, bringing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to explore.

Sedona Arts Center — New art class starts tomorrow

Introduction to Silver Clay 
with Joan Roberts
February 12 – 13: Wednesday–Thursday, 9am-1pm

Joan Roberts has been creating distinct wearable art pieces with metal clay for 2 decades. She will share techniques, methods and a few secrets to successful creation of jewelry pieces. Silver Clay is a mixture of microscopic particles of silver, distilled water and a non-toxic organic binder. When fired the silver sinters into a solid piece of “fine silver.”  Participants do not need past experience in metal work or other clays to be very successful.

This class is divided into two mornings so pieces can be finished and loaded into a kiln at the end of the first day and finished and polished on the second. Participants will be provided with enough clay to create up to two pairs of earrings or a pendant.

February at the Museum of Northern Arizona

As February unfolds, I invite you to experience two extraordinary exhibitions at the Museum of Northern Arizona that showcase the power of art to connect us to place, time, and identity.

Poetry Maps reveals how art and words intertwine to create new perspectives. This unique project began with paintings of the Colorado Plateau from our fine art collection. We then invited members of our community to respond with poetry, layering personal voices onto these visual journeys. Visit before February 28, when the exhibit goes dark for the installation of new gallery lighting. The exhibit will return on March 28.

Get information on upcoming summer camps, programs at the ‘Summer 2025 Family Engagement Fair’ in Flagstaff on Feb. 8

Mark your calendars for the Summer 2025 Family Engagement Fair! Join us for a fun and informative event hosted by the Coconino County Education Service Agency and Flagstaff Unified School District from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at  the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Building, 2384 N. Steves Blvd., Flagstaff

Meet and connect with community organizations, including: Coconino County Education Service Agency, Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD), the Boys and Girls Club of Flagstaff, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, the Coconino Parks & Recreation, Threaded Together, The Literacy Center, Chicanos Por La Causa, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), Flagstaff Girls Softball, Flagstaff Little League, Flagstaff Flyers, Camp Colton, Flagstaff Public Library.

This is your one-stop shop to discover summer programs, resources, and opportunities for your family! Questions? Contact Josie Hammond at johammond@coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-8052.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 3-7, 2025

Early Fire Season Outlook for Grand Canyon National Park Employees and Partners

The National Weather Service has issued early fire season outlooks due to an especially dry winter season. The combination of a below-average monsoon season in 2024 and a historically dry winter has led to worsening drought conditions across northern Arizona, including at Grand Canyon National Park.

So far, Flagstaff has recorded only 5.9 inches of snow this winter, marking the fourth driest start to the season since records began in 1899. Many areas, including the Grand Canyon Village, are experiencing near-record low snowpack levels for this time of year.

Looking ahead, the temperature and precipitation forecasts for February through April predict drier and warmer than normal conditions across Arizona, extending into the spring and fire season (April-June). If these dry conditions persist, we can expect an extended and potentially significant wildfire season in northern Arizona.

For more details on the current outlook, please see the attached presentation from the National Weather Service Flagstaff Office.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — What happens to U.S. citizen children when an undocumented parent must leave?

Across the country, deportation is often discussed as an absolute end. What seems to be missing in the conversation is that for the deported people and their families, it’s the beginning of a new set of legal obstacles that often require advocates on both sides of the border to resolve. It is also the beginning of a new and often hard life chapter. 

NAU to present the Zoom discussion ‘Supporting Undocumented Students & Families in Precarious Times’ on Feb. 18

FLAGSTAFF — NAU’s Department of Educational Leadership and the Arizona Schools Association are hosting a zoom panel and discussion on “Supporting Undocumented Students & Families in Precarious Times” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Join NAU’s Department of Educational Leadership & the Arizona School Administrators for this Inclusive Excellence Week event which will feature a zoom panel for educators, educational leaders, and students.

The Literacy Center — Join Us for the “For the Love of Reading” early childhood Literacy Fair on Feb. 22

We are thrilled to invite you to a special event celebrating the joy of reading and early literacy! In partnership with Read On Arizona and United Way, we are hosting our very first “For the Love of Reading” Literacy Fair on Saturday, February 22nd, at Killip Elementary Schoolfrom 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This event is designed to promote early literacy skills for children from birth to age 8, and we would love for you to join us for a day full of fun, learning, and community connection!

At the Literacy Fair, we will have a variety of engaging activities for families and children to enjoy. You’ll be able to participate in literacy workshops that provide simple and fun ways to support your child’s reading development with easy tips and activities that can be done at home.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Family and children service providers share local, state impact of any potential freeze on federal grants, loans

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb.. 6. 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.

A representative from the Coconino County Health and Human Services will present information on a grant the agency received to prevent housing insecurity, with flexible funding preventing eviction and foreclosures.

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 or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

The NAU Review — NAU receives $150K grant from Direct Relief

Northern Arizona University has received a grant from Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity to confront the critical nursing shortage in rural, underserved areas of Arizona by supporting Native American nursing students in their academic journeys.

The Fund for Health Equity mobilizes financial resources for organizations focused on non-clinical interventions that affect a person’s health. Commonly known as the social determinants of health, these factors include an individual’s physical, social, political, cultural and economic environment.

United Way of Northern Arizona holds Literacy Fair on Feb. 22

February is “I Love to Read Month” and United Way of Northern Arizona is proud to announce that its first Literacy Fair – to help improve reading skills for children in Flagstaff – will take place from 9 am to 12 pm on Saturday, February 22, at Killip Elementary School.

The event, supporting children from preschool through 3rd grade and their families, will feature books, workshops, and representatives from organizations that can provide additional resources to families.

The fair is a vital part of UWNA’s broader mission to foster a culture of literacy in Flagstaff and has been made possible through a grant from Read On Arizona.

Strong reading skills are the foundation for academic success and future opportunities, and this event is a step toward ensuring all children in our community have the tools they need to succeed. While the fair is open to all families, it is strategically located in a Title 1 neighborhood school to provide accessibility to families who may benefit the most.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences latest news & opportunities

The City of Flagstaff, through its Beautification and Public Art Commission, seeks Beautification in Action grant applications up to $7,500 for streetscape art and beautification projects that enliven Flagstaff’s public spaces. Projects must be publicly visible and publicly accessible and can take the form of community gardens, murals, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures and more. Artists, community members/ groups, schools, local businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply.

 
Spring Deadline: March 15, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)

Sedona Arts Center — Discover New Art Classes & Workshops

Gaining a Perspective: Sharpening Your Drawing Skillset ONLINE
with Jude Valentine
February 5–26, 2025
Wednesdays, 12–2pm AZ Time

Learn the ins and outs of how to draw convincing buildings, landscapes, interiors and round objects with the use of linear and empirical perspective. We’ll be understanding this drawing concept through demonstrations, hands on drawing exercises, individualized instruction and looking at examples of some of the accomplished Renaissance and modern masters. Learn how to use perspective to your advantage to make great drawings!

Sedona Arts Center — Vision and Sound : An African American Experience

Sedona Arts Center presents “Vision & Sound: An African American Experience” from February 7-28, 2025. This multi-city event features an array of free public programs that celebrate Arizona’s Black artists.

Exhibitions, artist demonstrations and musical performances are planned for Sedona, Goodyear, Peoria and Tolleson. A symposium in partnership with the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy is scheduled for Feb. 8 in Sedona and will feature keynote speaker and renowned dancer, choreographer and scholar LaTasha Barnes. These events offer opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to explore African American creativity and cultural perspectives.

CCC Community Education — March Classes: Sign Language, Sustainable Landscaping, Backcountry First Aid, Yoga

Basic Conversation Sign Language

Tuesday, March 4, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Join us to learn basic sign language as well as communication tips when interacting with Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Sign – Learn more and register!

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting on Feb. 6

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly.  This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County.  The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 27-31, 2025

Winter Arrives to the Canyon (Finally!)

This week, Northern Arizona finally got the memo that it’s winter—bringing much-needed precipitation across the region, including several inches of snow on the South Rim and a hearty 8 inches on the North Rim.

As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road on the South Rim have REOPENED following several days of closure. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Roads Line at 928-638-7496.

For those who like to be ahead of the curve, Everbridge alerts are a great way to stay informed in real-time about road closures, power outages, weather events, and any other emergency situations that might pop up. This free service helps ensure you’re never caught off guard when the weather gets unpredictable.
Sign up today by following this link.

Sedona Arts Center to present ‘Vision and Sound: An African American Experience — An African America Experience,’ Feb. 7 through 28, other upcoming events

Sedona Arts Center presents “Vision & Sound: An African American Experience” from February 7-28, 2025. This multi-city event features an array of free public programs that celebrate Arizona’s Black artists.

Exhibitions, artist demonstrations and musical performances are planned for Sedona, Goodyear, Peoria and Tolleson. A symposium in partnership with the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy is scheduled for Feb. 8 in Sedona and will feature keynote speaker and renowned dancer, choreographer and scholar LaTasha Barnes. These events offer opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to explore African American creativity and cultural perspectives.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — After Day One: Trump Wants to Redefine America

On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy changes introduced through these actions are framed as directives to federal departments and agencies. However, their language also aims to stoke fear as a means of testing the boundaries of executive authority.

Workshop ‘How to Build a Successful Content Strategy’ to be held on Feb. 4 at Murdoch Community Center, Flagstaff

Presented by Mariah Zavala – Mountain Mojo Group, the workshop includes in depth discussions on:

Mission and Vision Statements

Goal Setting

Key Performance Indicators

Personas, Messaging Tone and Cadence

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Family and children service providers reviewing local, state impact of federal freeze on federal grants, loans

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

State and local organizations that provide services to families and youth are reviewing the ramifications of the Trump administration’s order on Jan. 27 to pause all federal grants and loans. Meanwhile, nearly two dozen attorneys general have announced they will sue to stop the federal funding freeze.

A federal judge issued a stay on the federal freeze until Monday, Feb. 3.

Nationwide, officials say the freeze halts loans and grants to local governments, nonprofit organizations and schools — impacting such programs as Head Start, the Dept. of Agriculture’s tribal food sovereignty program and other federally funded economic assistance programs.

An easy way to take action by contacting your member of Congress is available HERE

The NAU Review — Celebrate Black History month and read more about a 93-year-old volunteer

Honor Black history and culture this February 
 
Every February, the Lumberjack community comes together to celebrate Black History Month with a wide variety of events that recognizes the rich, diverse culture, history and societal contributions of Black Americans and the global African diaspora. Many of the month’s events also raise awareness of the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Black Americans. 

Flagstaff STEM CITY — Make Your Nomination for the STEMMY Awards!

The STEMMY Awards recognize the stellar contributions of STEM leaders and educators publicly at the STEMMY Award Ceremony on Thursday, March 6th!

Presented by STEM City in Flagstaff Arizona, the event awards students, teachers, businesses, and community organizations to honor and celebrate their impact as STEM leaders, educators, and innovators here in Flagstaff.

Seeking nominations by Feb. 14! Do you know of someone who has made a real difference in the STEM sector?

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — January announcement

We are thrilled to announce our exciting partnership with National Theatre Live, bringing world-class British theatre performances directly to Flagstaff audiences. Starting this season, theatre lovers can experience the magic of London’s finest productions, captured live in stunning high definition and screened at our state-of-the-art facility through this innovative collaboration. Our season includes four performances starting in March.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program — News & Opportunities

Applications are now open for the ARTx Art + Ideas Experience 2025 grant cycle. Submit your innovative idea and bring it to life through one of four exciting categories:

ARTx @ ArtWalk
ARTx @ The Arb
ARTx @ Coconino Center for the Arts
ARTx @ Free Range
ARTx is an annual, accessible community opportunity to engage with the arts in an immersive and interactive way. Visit Creative Flagstaff’s website to learn more and help shape Flagstaff’s artistic future.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

Image: Envision by Bryan David Griffith.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Trump’s First Immigration Executive Actions

President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants.

In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.

Read the Analysis

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 20-24, 2025

Smallmouth Bass: Not a Small Threat to the Grand Canyon

A recent article in Intermountain Park Science magazine highlights the growing concern over smallmouth bass and their potential impact on the Colorado River ecosystem in Grand Canyon National Park. Researchers from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have collaborated to address this emerging threat to the park’s delicate ecological balance.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s free webinars offers opportunities to meet the challenges of a new year

COCONINO COUNTY — The start of a new year always brings along a time of new challenges and opportunities — be it personal or professional.
To help parents and families get off to the right start in 2025, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.

Maybe you are looking for an escape from all the negative news of the day? If so, take a moment to take care of yourself with our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar

Maybe your child is having a challenging time getting back into the swing of school life (homework, social media) after the holidays? Then they may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar

Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

Click on the image above to get a quick look at the various free programs we offer, or get more details below.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025.

Sedona Arts Center — ‘Out of the Fire’ Exhibition THIS WEEKEND ONLY!

Sedona Arts Center presents Out of the Fire: Student Ceramics Show January 25-26, 2025. The annual exhibition and sale features artworks by students and faculty from Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics department and is free and open to the public. The event will be held in the Art Barn Theatre Studio and kicks off with a special opening reception Friday, January 24, from 4-6pm.

The NAU Review — It’s time to brag about your coworkers! Plus, relive MLK Day + Diné musician Ravon Chacon comes to campus

Building bridges, celebrating community

Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a United States strengthened by unity, collaboration and inclusivity. On Monday, NAU honored King’s legacy with a campus event focused on all three of those themes. Lumberjacks and Flagstaff residents came together to march in King’s honor, make posters celebrating his inspiring leadership and hear from keynote speaker Tony Ross, a Lumberjack doctoral grad and higher education consultant based in Phoenix. Unity and collaboration was the day’s secret sauce: Multiple NAU offices, student clubs and community organizations came together to make it happen.

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these Art Classes & Workshops!

iPhoneography Crash Course
LIVE in-person at Sedona Arts Center and ONLINE 
with Kelli Klymenko
January 31: Friday, 9am–2pm Arizona Time

In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day class for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.

Flagstaff College presenting ‘How to Build a Cooperative Business!’ on Jan. 30, plus listing of local action organizations

Co-ops come in all sizes and many forms.
Did you know that the Associated Press is a co-op?
And so is our local credit union.
There are worker co-ops, housing co-ops, purchasing co-ops, and production co-ops. Any business—including child care, house cleaning, grocery store, or cafe–can be run as a co-op. 

Cooperatives can play an important role in building more equitable, just, and humane communities.  

We’ve invited 6 experts from across the western U.S. to talk with us about what it takes to build a successful co-op business. Learn what it takes to found and run a coop from people with firsthand experience.

This is a great chance to get your questions answered and meet others who are interested in this alternative business model.

You can join us in person or on zoom.

Flagstaff STEM City — We’ve Got a Brand-New Look!

Here at Flagstaff STEM City, we are dedicated to elevating people and place through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). With this mission in mind, we’ve redesigned our website to better reflect who we are and the collaborative spirit that drives everything we do.

Ready to explore?

MLK message to LULAC Family

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded of the power of his vision. This vision continues to guide us in our work today. Dr. King’s dream of equality, justice, and a “Beloved Community” resonates deeply with our shared mission at LULAC. His strong commitment to nonviolence as a force for change reminds us that unity, courage, and action make progress possible.

This year, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads. The path ahead is uncertain, and challenges are many for the Latino communities we serve across the United States and Puerto Rico. Yet, I want to assure you that our sense of purpose has never been stronger. We are not merely observing the changes around us; we are preparing and taking deliberate action to confront them with clarity and determination.

‘Dreams Without Borders’ art show, panel discussion, fundraiser to be held Jan. 17 at the HeART Box Gallery, Flagstaff

The Dreams Without Borders art show, panel discussion, and fundraiser on Friday, January 17 will help Northern Arizona Immigration Legal Services (NAILS) provide much-needed legal assistance to our immigrant community.
Come to learn what you can do as an ally and immigrant rights advocate, and pick up your Know Your Rights materials to assist the immigrant community facing the threats of mass deportations.
This is a ticketed event, but all people are welcome, and free tickets are available. Your generous donation will make a difference in the lives of people who face the unimaginable fear of losing family, safety, and home.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Who runs the U.S. immigration system?

The Laken Riley Act Would Give States Sweeping Power Over Immigration Policy

Who runs the U.S. immigration system? If the Senate passes the Laken Riley Act this week, the answer might not be Congress?or?the president. The bill, already passed in the House, would hand state attorneys general, like Ken Paxton in Texas, veto power over large swaths of federal immigration policy.

City of Flagstaff seeks community members to serve on public art panels

Panelists will evaluate artists, artist proposals or participate in discussions about projects. The total time commitment ranges from approximately four to 12 hours spread over multiple days, depending on the project. All meetings are held virtually to ensure accessibility and convenience. People from all backgrounds, industries and demographics are encouraged to apply.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly. This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

City of Flagstaff announces Martin Luther King Jr. Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — City Hall administrative offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 21 with regular hours.

Other City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Jan. 20 include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Area (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.

The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.

When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.

CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.

Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.

One of those individuals is Heather Marcy, deputy director at Northland Family Help Center in Flagstaff.

Northland, which provides safe haven, advocacy, counseling and education services to promote and restore healthy relationships, recently took part in the Flagstaff City Council Proclamation ceremony declaring the month of January as Human Trafficking Awareness month. The organization also held its second annual breakfast fundraiser at Little America late last year.

READ MORE

The NAU Review — The extinction risk facing freshwater animals + NAU’s days are back!

The results of a new study, published this week and coauthored by an NAU conservation biologist, are sobering: One-quarter of freshwater animals are at risk of extinction, including fish, shrimps and insects. Learn what this means for these ecosystems, including the unique risks in the Southwest, and what governments and industry leaders can do with these data to protect critical species and ecosystems. 

Sedona Arts Center — SIGN UP for an Art Class or Workshop!

Historical-Contemporary Mashup:
Reimagining Ancient Forms with a Modern Twist
with Ben Roti
January 17-February 21: Fridays, 9am–12pm

In this unique hand-building class, students will explore the fascinating world of historical pottery by reimagining ancient forms and techniques through a contemporary lens. Students will choose an iconic historical pot or ceramic vessel and recreate it using modern materials and personal interpretation. This course blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design, allowing students to learn from the past while creating something entirely their own.

Prerequisite: Completion of a beginner-level ceramics course.

Discover Flagstaff — Discover New Events with Flagstaff Happenings!

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

Coconino National Forest Winter 2024 Partnership Newsletter

Echoes of Excellence

Ellen Parish is the President of the Diablo Trust, a nonprofit in northern Arizona that provides a forum for active community participation in collaborative land stewardship (see the harmonic highlights article below for more information on the Diablo Trust.)

Ellen grew up near Porterville, California in a family that ranched and worked in the animal health industry. She moved to Arizona to go to school at NAU and, like so many of us do, fell in love with northern Arizona. Ellen’s strong connection to conservation was enhanced through studies in biology and physiology. While at NAU she fell in love with the ceramics department, and to this day makes ceramics as creative outlet during our winter months.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 6-10, 2025

Phantom Ranch Closure and Upcoming TCWL Shutoff

All Phantom Ranch operations are closed from January 2 to March 30, 2025, for the installation of new water and electric lines for the Transcanyon Waterline Project. Hikers can still access the North Kaibab Trail, however, the bypass route around Phantom Ranch may change. Please follow all closure signs and be aware that water will only be available at Boat Beach (near the Black Bridge) during this closure period.

Additionally, from 8 a.m. on January 15 to 5 p.m. on January 19, the Transcanyon Waterline will be shut off for necessary construction work on a temporary water bypass along the River Trail. During this period, water will not be available at Boat Beach or Manzanita Rest Area. More information on water availability in the inner canyon can be found on park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.

Water for the South Rim will be supplied from the existing storage tanks, and park management will closely monitor tank levels. Water conservation measures may be implemented until pumping is resumed to the South Rim.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Helping Kids and Teens Start the New Year Strong

Happy New Year!

One of United Way of Northern Arizona main focuses has been efforts to empower our children and teens so they can become resilient, successful youth.

As we step into 2025, it’s a wonderful time to help the children and teens in our lives set positive goals for this year.

Engaging young people in conversations about New Year’s resolutions can provide a great opportunity to foster growth and well-being. Here are 5 simple ways you can help support them: