View this email in your browser September 1, 2026 …
Category: Education
Flagstaff Public Library celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month in September
This year’s theme, “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes,” celebrates the many ways a library card can connect with multiple resources, experiences, programs, events, materials, and more. Having a library card allows you to access so much more than just physical materials, and the city hopes to connect patrons with their community this month by encouraging visits to participating businesses.
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Plan your Science Adventure with us!
At long last, the schedule for the Best 10 Days of the Year is here!
From learning about our elections center to checking out cool cars,
exploring our amazing Earth to marveling at the vastness of outer space,
creating science-inspired art to racing robots—
there’s something for everyone to discover!
Tynkertopia — September Classes start soon
September classes will be held for 4 weeks, from September 1st to September 25th. Keep scrolling to see TynkerSpace workshops.
Choose Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center
Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Choose Your Next Creative Adventure
Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.
Discover Flagstaff — 15th Annual Hopi Arts & Cultural Festival Flagstaff Mall (Aug. 29-30) and more events
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the rich heritage and creativity of the Hopi community. Sat 10 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. Free.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Thank you, Dolly
On Tuesday, we experienced a moment of collective heartbreak with the passing of Dolly Parton.
In addition to losing a talented singer, songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, we also are in mourning for the woman who seemed to transcend an increasingly divided world. Several years ago, The New York Times famously captured her near universal appeal in a story headlined “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”
United Way of Northern Arizona is proud to be a partner in one of her most impactful philanthropic efforts – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Guest contribution — Overdose prevention starts with awareness, support and access
On Aug. 31, communities around the world recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to overdose and drawing attention to the importance of prevention. This year marks 25 years since the day was first observed in 2001, a reminder of the ongoing work to reduce overdose deaths, break down stigma and connect people with support.
For many people, the impact of substance use goes beyond their health. It also affects those around them, including family, co-workers and their communities. And when we see someone struggling, it is not always easy to know what to say or where to turn.
That is why prevention often starts with something simple: paying attention, talking openly and making sure people know that help is available.
Homolovi State Park in Winslow hosting first Arizona Family Campout Sept. 5-6
ARIZONA — Registration is now open for the inaugural Arizona Family Campout to be on Sept.5-6 at Homolovi State Park, Winslow.
Arizona Family Campout weekends are designed for families with kids that have little or no experience camping. We welcome campers six (6) years of age and older. We will introduce you to fun experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors from one of our campgrounds! You will learn how to set up a tent and an introduction to cooking outside, plus you will get to try some fun activities you can do while camping! No pets allowed.
Join us on a family campout to learn the ropes of camping and experience all the fun of being outdoors!
Coconino County Superintendent seeks applicants for school governing board vacancies
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is inviting community members to apply for appointment to local school governing boards. Applications are now being accepted to fill five vacant governing board seats that remain unfilled following the 2026 election cycle. Appointments to these positions will serve terms ending December 31, 2028.
The following school districts have one vacant seat available:
Grand Canyon Unified School District #4
Chevelon Butte School District #5
Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District #6
Tuba City Unified School District #15
NATIVE (Tuba City)
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Plan your Science Adventure with us!
The Wait is Over!
At long last,
the schedule for
the Best 10 Days of the Year is here!
From learning about our elections center to checking out cool cars,
exploring our amazing Earth to marveling at the vastness of outer space,
creating science-inspired art to racing robots—
there’s something for everyone to discover!
Start planning your very own science adventure by
exploring the schedule for the
2026 Flagstaff Festival of Science
or downloading our app.
Sedona Arts Center — Celebrating our volunteers & an extraordinary year at Sedona Arts Center
September is almost upon us—can you believe it? This summer has flown by. While our Gallery Shop has been unusually slow this summer due to the impact of the Pocket Fire, the rest of Sedona Arts Center has been anything but quiet!
Have You Seen Beyond the Frame?
Unregulated food vendors can pose health threat
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illness. Consuming food from an unlicensed food vendor…
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Building careers at home, building ties abroad
I was honored to be part of a panel discussion at the recent League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference, which focused on whether Arizona’s workforce development pipeline was robust enough to support the phenomenal growth the state has experienced.
Representing a rural region, my perspective was slightly different.
Northern Arizona already produces a tremendous amount of highly educated talent; nearly 56% of Flagstaff residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The challenge is keeping that talent here.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Fall events for families right around the corner. See remaining back-to-school events here
COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events in Coconino County — including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals — will soon conclude, but local organizations are already planning for a variety of youth events this upcoming Fall.
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.
The NAU Review — Welcome back, Jacks!
Campus came alive with excitement, nerves and new beginnings last week as students moved into their residence halls, said goodbye to their loved ones and made new friends. See photos from move-in, the Welcome Week Festival, the Part-Time Job Fair and of course, NAU’s iconic Letters.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Newsletter 8/24/2026: Check It Out!
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 17-21, 2026
Grand Canyon Music Festival 43rd Season Starts this Weekend
The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.
All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20.
Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Call for Donations: Bedtime Stories needs your help!
he Flagstaff Festival of Science is raising funds for our Bedtime Stories project, now entering its fourth year! This special program brings science, storytelling, and local voices together to create meaningful learning experiences for young children and their families.
Each year, we work with local and regional authors to film them reading their science-themed children’s books. These read-alouds are then made freely available on YouTube, giving families an opportunity to tune in for a science-filled bedtime story from the comfort of home.
City of Flagstaff announces upcoming sustainability events
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites community members to join three events this Fall: Fix-It Clinic August 22, Drop-Off Day October 24 and Fix-It Clinic November 7.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect community with help through variety of resource guides
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/Fall 2026 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.
Do you have a new or updated resource guide you would like to add to our posting?
Do you have updated information for our Page and Tuba City/Navajo Nation Resource Guides?
Please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
READ MORE
The NAU Review — One student’s journey from NAU to HBO
Grace Johnson hoped to get a job in the skilled trades after NAU. The recent construction management grad had no idea she’d also get on TV. We asked Johnson a few quick Qs about her recent appearance on the HBO Max docuseries “Building Back America’s Trades.”
Sedona Arts Center — Shape, Throw & Create: New ceramics workshops & classes
Workshops & Classes
The Ceramics Department
at Sedona Arts Center
Whether you’re discovering clay for the first time or returning to the wheel, Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics program offers a welcoming place to learn, create, and grow. Explore handbuilding, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing with guidance from Studio Manager Ben Roti, instructors Lolo Howe and John Post, and visiting guest artists. Join us and discover where clay can take you.
City of Flagstaff opens applications for sustainability grants
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission announce the opening of applications for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants Program. The annual funding opportunity, will accept applications from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, 2026. The competitive grant program provides funding up to $7,500 for sustainability projects that strengthen community partnerships and environmental stewardship within Flagstaff city limits. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with projects that address key sustainability priorities. Priority focus areas include energy, community health and climate resilience, food, transportation, and waste reduction.
Sedona Arts Center — You’re Invited: Beyond the Frame Opens Friday, Aug. 21
Celebrate Sedona!
Friday, August 21, 2026
4 – 6 pm
at Sedona Arts Center in Uptown Sedona
Join us for the opening reception of
Beyond the Frame
August 21 — September 27, 2026
Step beyond the expected with Beyond the Frame, a special exhibition featuring 40 artists who challenge traditional artistic boundaries through innovative techniques, unconventional materials, and fresh creative perspectives. Discover thought-provoking work that celebrates experimentation and the evolving possibilities of contemporary art.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Newsletter 8/17/2026: Check It Out!
Coconino County — Switch Together solar co-op deadline is Sept. 18
COCONINO COUNTY — As part of our sustainability initiative, Coconino County is a partner in Switch Together, a group buying program for solar installations. Switch Together uses a group buying model to help residents save money on home solar installations.
The most recent auction secured a discount of 17 percent, which translates to an average discount of $5,200. The program is supported in partnership with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. Switch Together makes rooftop solar installations more affordable, while also offering solar education through online resources and in-person events.
Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves more than $2.5 million for local schools
“Education funding in Arizona is at a crisis point,” Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Coconino County has made strategic decisions over the last two years to leverage additional federal resources for education while continuing to advocate at both the state and federal levels for the funding our schools need. Increasing funding to schools and establishing the Special Needs Allocation Program will help protect educational opportunities for our children and communities.”
CCC Community Education — Now open for registration: Professional Development Series, Foraging, Stained Glass, Comet Talk
Elevate: Leadership, Teams, and Professional Growth
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 30, Oct. 14, 28
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Develop skills and gain knowledge to support your organizations, advance in your career, and make connections. Sign up for all four, or choose individual sessions.
Elevate – Learn more and register!
Discover Flagstaff — Mother Road Classic car show on Aug. 15, more events
Saturday, Aug. 15
The Mother Road Classic
City Hall Parking Lot
A car show held in downtown Flagstaff that celebrates Route 66, Flagstaff, amazing vehicles and the people behind them. Presented by Flagstaff Route 66 Car Club. 8 a.m. Free.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 10-14, 2026
The Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail has been fully repaired. Water utility crews successfully began pumping water to the South Rim late August 11, and South Rim tanks are now slowly filling.
Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our August 2026 Newsletter
The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair is Coming September 4-7!
Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend! A clear bag policy is new this year, and volunteer sign-ups are open now.
New clear bag policy in effect for 2026; see details below
Get your tickets online at coconinocountyfair.com and skip the line on fair day!
Early bird carnival wristbands are still available. Get yours today!
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Downtown Keynote Recordings & JW Powell Blvd Public Meeting
I’m pleased to let you know that video recordings of the three keynote presentations from the July “Downtown Matters” Conference are now available on YouTube.
Many thanks to Hunter Hebert and the Downtown Business Alliance for making these available to the Flagstaff community!
Neither bright sunshine nor pouring rain deterred community from celebrating 11th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 1. See new photos from Arizona Daily Sun
FLAGSTAFF — Typical Flagstaff Summer weather — bright and hot sunshine mixed with sudden downpours of Monsoon rains — failed to deter a large crowd of local residents and visitors from attending the 11th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” presented on Aug. 1 by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
The annual event, designed to celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, drew over 400 people to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The event kicked off with the music of Ruben Hernandez, followed by a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the all-female Mariachi Rubor. The ever-popular New Destiny closed out the event with a spirited performance that had the crowd dancing until dusk.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of 2026 Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Are you a member of a nonprofit or governmental agency seeking to share information with other service providers to help improve the lives and well-being of children and youth in Northern Arizona?
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains a listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona, including the upcoming Tuba City Community Resource Zoom meeting on Aug. 12 and the Page Community Resource Meeting on Aug. 13.
These meetings offer monthly in-person and virtual community resource opportunities to share information between a variety of nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.
READ MORE
Coconino County Attorney’s Office and Navajo Nation launch historic Peacemaking Diversion Program
The Peacemaking Diversion Program offers eligible individuals an opportunity to resolve criminal cases through a restorative process that brings together participants, victims, family members and community members to repair harm, promote accountability and strengthen relationships. Successful completion of the program may result in eligible charges being dismissed while providing victims with a meaningful voice in the justice process.
Action Alert: Provide Input on Parks Master Plan
F3 encourages you to provide specific FEEDBACK and input on your PRIORITIES for Parks and Open Space, add to an interactive MAP, and complete the SURVEY as the City of Flagstaff starts the process of completing the PROSE Master Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events).
The PROSE Master Plan is a long-range plan (10+ years) that will provide a roadmap and guide the City’s project priorities and funding. This Plan will create a vision for the future and will include both short-term and long-term goals for achievement.
Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center
Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.
Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Newsletter 8/10/2026: Check It Out!
Discover Flagstaff — Family Fridays Arizona Snowbowl, more events
Enjoy unlimited Scenic Gondola rides and summer activities at discounted pricing, with options for all ages including summer tubing, bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall and treasure panning. 10 a.m.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 3-7, 2026
Transcanyon Waterline Repair Continues; Water Restrictions Remain in Effect
Water utility crews continue making progress on repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. As of today, crews are back on site fitting replacement pipe as work advances toward restoring water service.
Upcoming Community Meeting on Aug. 18 for the JW Powell Extension Project
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff, Peak Engineering and Banicki Construction invite you to attend a Community Meeting for the upcoming JW Powell Extension Project. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, between 5 and 6:30 p.m., at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth Street). This meeting will allow community members to learn more about the project, including the plan for the area and how it fits into the City’s transportation system. This meeting is an open house format with no formal presentation; join us anytime throughout the meeting. Project team members and City staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. Meeting displays and information will be available on our Project Webpage after the meeting for those who cannot attend.
Coconino County School Superintendent seeks public input on potential appointment to PUSD
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Bob Jensen to fill the current vacancy on the Page Unified School District Governing Board.
The vacancy was created following the resignation of a Governing Board member effective June 17, 2026. The appointment would fill the remainder of the current term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2026.
Coconino County School Superintendent seeks public input on potential appointment to CAVIAT Fredonia
FREDONIA — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Corrine Olson to fill the current vacancy on the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) Fredonia District Governing Board.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins partners at grand opening of Peaks Youth Center in Flagstaff
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — It was a packed meeting room when local non-profit leaders, elected officials, youth and other community supporters joined officials from the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) for welcoming remarks video clip 1, 2, 3,) and the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the CCHHS Peaks Youth Center on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The Peaks Youth Center, at 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, is part of the renovation of the remodeled CCHHS Southern Region Office. Visitors to the front lobby will see a creative children’s play space featuring a hand-painted mural celebrating the unique diversity of Coconino County.
The Center is the result of work that began more than 6 years ago as pandemic-related disruptions and anxieties, social media pressures and increasing stressors for young people showed the need for essential support services, county officials stated in a media release.
READ MORE
The NAU Review — Expanding your worldview in Puerto Rico + bad news for water in the West
¡Saludos desde Puerto Rico!
At NAU, a journey beyond the continental United States is more than a class; it’s a life-changing adventure. This summer, through the Global Citizens Project Scholars program, Lumberjacks explored cultures, met new people and experienced the world through fresh perspectives, all while discovering that understanding others is the first step toward understanding their own place in the world. ¡Vámonos!
United Way of Northern Arizona — A Fun Way to Roll into Kindergarten
Now in its 21st year, KinderCamp™ has just wrapped up another successful session. You can see the impact it had in the happy faces of the kiddos who participated. (Scroll down to see what I mean).
But it’s what parents, caregivers, and teachers are telling us that really captures how this month-long program is changing the way these children step into school.
KinderCamp is open to 4- or 5-year-olds with limited preschool experience, giving kids who might otherwise begin kindergarten feeling behind a real head start – academically, socially, and emotionally. It is provided at no cost to families.
Coconino Center for the Arts — Arts & Science Grants announcement
We are proud to announce that, this year, Creative Flagstaff has awarded General Operating Support grants to 43 Flagstaff nonprofit organizations totaling $505,000, and Project Grants to 16 organizations and individuals totaling $125,000.
Project Grants are designed to build capacity or expand a program, whereas General Operating Support Grants help sustain organizations. Both grants are intended to engage and enrich the Flagstaff community through arts, science, and culture. Additional BBB funding was allocated to ARTx 2026 Art + Ideas Experience for 23 projects totaling $125,000
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Join “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Director on Aug. 5
Join the monthly “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Executive Director thisWednesday, August 5th from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan Winds
(2144 N. 4th St.). We had a great conversation last month!
Learn what F3 is working on, share your thoughts about Flagstaff issues, get updates on ongoing issues, and meet other citizens and members who are or want to be engaged with issues in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Newsletter 8/3/2026: Check It Out!
Find your next creative adventure at Sedona Arts Center
Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.
Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.
Active Shooter Preparedness Exercise scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The Northern Arizona University Police Department and NAU Emergency Management, in collaboration with the Flagstaff Police Department and City Emergency Management, will conduct an active shooter preparedness exercise on the NAU campus on Friday, Aug. 7.
Flagstaff Communiversity — Upcoming programs
Downtown Flagstaff — 11th Annual Summertime Tardeada (Aug. 1), 2026 Flagstaff International Film Festival (Aug. 1-2), Flagstaff Chili Festival Thorpe Park (Aug. 1-2), more events
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.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 27-31, 2026
Inner Canyon Waterline Repairs Complete
Water has been fully restored to Manzanita Rest Area, Cottonwood Campground, and Phantom Ranch following the successful repair of a break in the Transcanyon Waterline. The pipeline was repressurized, water quality samples were cleared, and the water is once again safe to drink. Pumps at Havasupai Gardens are also operating and delivering water to the South Rim.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiles growing listing of back to school events
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — From Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon to Leupp, Page, Tuba City and other locations, school officials throughout Coconino County continue to prepare for a variety of back to school events in the region.
The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County. …
If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
The NAU Review — An out-of-this-world family portrait + science in the great outdoors
Two camera systems designed and built by faculty and students at NAU on board NASA’s Mars-bound ESCAPADE captured unique photos of Earth and the Moon in visible and thermal infrared light. Learn more about this mission and what the camera will capture once it reaches the red planet.
Discover Your Creative Potential at Sedona Arts Center
Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, stained glass, photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Newsletter 7/27/2026: Check It Out!
Discover Flagstaff — Shrek Swamp Search & Movie (July 25) and more events
Join us for our Swamp Search, a family-friendly scavenger hunt, featuring themed riddles, interactive activities, and whimsical surprises around every corner of downtown! 3 p.m.
Learn More