Comet Walk: Ecology
Saturday, Aug. 3
9 – 11 a.m.
Come learn about the ecology of the forests and canyons of northern Arizona on this short walk with CCC’s Julia Hull. FREE.
Ecology – Learn more and register!
As the warmth of summer settles in, there’s no better time to step into the cool and captivating spaces of the Museum of Northern Arizona. July brings a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in our latest exhibits. Explore the fascinating connection between Indigenous people and horses in Horse and Rider: A Southwest Story. And journey through the layers of the Grand Canyon’s alluring geology in the Grand Canyon Dragon Map exhibition. There’s so much to experience!
Through demonstration and one-on-one instruction, students will learn to throw a variety of forms on the potter’s wheel or techniques to create hand-built works. Slab roller, extruder and forms are also available to create functional and decorative pieces. Class sessions are 6-weeks long and meet once/week.
Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics instructors are all highly skilled artists and experienced teachers!
We’ll be taking a break from the Weekly Wrap Up for the next three weeks. Look for our next issue on Thursday, August 1. In the meantime, operational updates can be found on our park website here.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
With Summer here, parents can still get information on ongoing Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.
Also, check on our new Back to School events resource listing to get your child prepared of the upcoming school year.
Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org.
Thank you. (Updated July 2, 2024).
Wishing everyone a very happy 4th of July! Administrative offices will be closed for the holiday, but parks and natural areas are open. Remember to recreate safely and responsibly!
FLAGSTAFF — Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds, is seeking students for the upcoming academic year.
The program was developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona. After completing a three-year pilot program through Candelen, Elevate PreK will continue its fourth year through UWNA.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Yes, Summer has just begun but area school districts and health care providers are already planning for a variety of Back to School events.
Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you. (Updated June 25, 2024)
Also, see our:
Register now for 2024 Summer Camps. See our listing
Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs in Coconino County listing
Conservation ecologist Jut Wynne is spending a month aboard a tall ship that’s retracing much of Charles Darwin’s famous HMS Beagle voyage 200 years ago. While on board, Wynne will study insects unique to eastern Polynesia in hopes of confirming that some of these animals were brought there by ancient Polynesians via voyaging canoe.
Impressionistic Painting
with Gretchen Lopez
July 12 : Friday 10am – 4:30pm
I love the “Impressionists”! They had an incredible way with color and light. In this class, we will explore the color mixtures and brush work the Impressionists used, and work from the still life and the landscape! Let’s plan to learn more about the light, and discuss Artists such as Monet, Sorolla and Renoir!
“UWNA knows that early childhood development lays the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health,” said UWNA President & CEO Liz Archuleta. “The experience children have in their first five will have a profound impact on their ability to succeed in school, work, and life.
The preschool class, which has a maximum enrollment of 18 students, is housed at Evergreen Academy Preschool in Flagstaff.
Designed to provide equitable access to high-quality early education, Elevate PreK is open to 4-year-old children in households that have incomes between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level.
Looking to escape the Arizona heat or ignite your creativity this summer? Sedona Arts Center has you covered! — Three exciting instructors are joining our lineup for a variety of workshops starting in July:
Mimi Damrauer
Specializing in gel plate printing and collage paper creation, Mimi’s vibrant textiles impressed us at Hidden in the Hills in Cave Creek last November. She’ll be offering workshops on both techniques starting July 20th.
Mike Hernandez (SquatchGouache)
Fresh off his feature at the Plein Air Painters of America event, Mike brings his gouache expertise to Sedona. Learn to add gouache to your artistic arsenal with his “Painting Sedona in Gouache” workshop on August 3rd-4th.
Elder Jones
This traveling artist, biologist, and gardener brings his unique wet-carved concrete workshop to Sedona from August 13th to 15th.
Sedona Arts Center is dedicated to offering a diverse range of mediums, so sign up today and explore your creativity!
Northern Arizona transitions to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this Friday, June 21
Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions 2 beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 21. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire of any kind is prohibited as well as smoking outdoors.
Winslow is taking a two-prong approach to creating more workforce housing to address current needs and also prepare for future development in the city of about 10,000 residents.
According to the Strategic Plan that ECoNA released last year, Winslow has a deficit of about 750 workforce housing units between the current gap and projected growth over the next five years. The current number of dwelling units is about 2,900, with another 180 in the pipeline, said Jack Fitchett, the city’s Economic Development Director.
“We have some pretty large plans for development,” he added, including a large industrial park. “That’s going to require pretty significant labor, and that’s not going to happen if those people don’t have a place to live.”
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Want to stay informed of the latest legislative news affecting children, youth and families in Arizona?
Send an email to virginia@coconinokids.org to receive timely emails from Julianne E. Hartzell, a local educator who received CCC&Y’s special “Caring for Children Lifetime Achievement Award” during the Coalition’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2022.
Julianne is a past board president but continues to volunteer her time for CCCY to share information from our partners to help keep our community informed.
Julianne has recently provided past updates from such organizations as:
Arizona Education Association — Legislative Weekly Update
Center for the Future of Arizona — “Majority of Arizona Voters Agree On Key Issues Ahead of Elections”
Education Forward Arizona Advocacy Alert — “Cuts and Lack of Investment in Education not Aligned with Voters’ Expectations or State’s Attainment Needs”
Save Our Schools Arizona — “Vouchers Blast Massive Hole in AZ Budget”
STAND for Children Arizona — “Tell your legislator to vote NO on HCR 20260” immigration enforcement measure
READ MORE
Junk Journal Deconstruction
with Nicole Austin
July 17 – 18 : Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 4pm
Some call us monsters for ripping up and altering books – I think of us more as creatives who can see potential in anything! Let’s gather together with kindred spirits and rip and alter to our hearts’ content! We’ll take an ordinary vintage book and turn it into something extraordinary using paint, embellishments, and reconstructive techniques. You bring the book, (BYOB!) and I’ll supply the rest!
Flagstaff Beer Festival is a fundraising event for non-profit organizations in Northern Arizona. This year’s proceeds support Flagstaff STEM City.
Juneteenth with a weekend of events at the Murdoch Community Center, including a gala, outdoor festival, and community talk highlighting the history of the building, Southside neighborhood, and the mural. Various Times.
Last Call! Firewise Cleanup ends this Friday
We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! Now through this Friday, June 14, the Firewise Cleanup is being held throughout the South Rim residential areas.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Clear dead woody debris from around your residence, up to 30 ft.
Rake pine needles and leaves (please minimize collection of dirt and rocks-this will inhibit effective pile burning in the future)
Move firewood away from contact with structures (more than 10 ft. is recommended)
Please do not collect industrial lumber; this material will be left.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
As Summer rapidly approaches, it’s time for parents to start collecting resources for upcoming Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.
Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you. (Updated June 11, 2024).
READ MORE
The first look at the latest budget proposal that could be passed by the Legislature is showing ZERO FUNDING for the Arizona Commission on the Arts.
Your legislators and Governor Hobbs NEED to hear from you TODAY. Click the link below.
Tell them why eliminating funding for the Commission is devastating. If you are connected to an arts organization or you are an artist, the most powerful message you can send will communicate the SPECIFIC impact this would have on your art, on your programs, on your community. If you would have to lay off staff, tell them. If you would need to cancel a program, give them the specifics. Legislators need to understand that these dollars are supporting THEIR communities, THEIR constituents, and zero funding is NOT acceptable.
Deadline extended to submit your event during the Flagstaff Festival of Science! Do you have an idea for a presentation, guided hike, hands-on workshop or more?
Northern Arizona, we are looking for you! Calling all science presenters, educators, demonstrators, and guides!
Submit your idea today before the June 24th final deadline!
Impressionistic Painting
with Gretchen Lopez
July 12 : Friday 10am – 4:30pm
I love the “Impressionists”! They had an incredible way with color and light. In this class, we will explore the color mixtures and brush work the Impressionists used, and work from the still life and the landscape! Let’s plan to learn more about the light, and discuss Artists such as Monet, Sorolla and Renoir!
Dear Museum Friends,
I am thrilled to invite you, your family, and friends to our highlight event of the year – the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture – June 22 & 23 at the Museum. The festival promises an immersive experience, connecting you with the rich and diverse traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau. Dozens of Native American artists will showcase their work, interspersed with dancers, musicians, demonstrators, and cultural experts sharing their knowledge and insights. My favorite part of this MNA annual festival is the opportunity to talk with artists directly and purchase unique handmade pieces reflecting the beauty and spirit of the Plateau. The painting above by Venaya Yazzie (Diné) gives you an idea of the talented artists who will be on hand. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including activities for children, energizing music from Tha ‘Yoties, and tasty regional foods like frybread from Sacred Hogan.
The anticipation for summer is building! I can’t wait to see you at the Museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
As we welcome the warmth of summer, I am pleased to reconnect with you. It’s always a remarkable time of the year when we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, welcome all the lambs, and feel accomplished with the completion of shearing the sheep. Within this dynamic, we find ourselves poised at an intersection of tradition and innovation, resilience and progress.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College (CCC) is thrilled to announce the addition of 13 talented recruits to the cross country team for the upcoming fall 2024 season. These new athletes, hailing from diverse backgrounds and bringing a wealth of experience, are poised to strengthen CCC’s already formidable cross country program.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome these outstanding runners to our team,” said Head Coach Craig Hunt. “Each of these athletes brings unique strengths and a dedication to excellence that will help us continue to build a competitive and cohesive team.”
Dear Museum Friends,
The silent auction for this year’s Party on the Plateau will close tomorrow, June 8th at 7:00 pm! You do not have to be attending the Party on the Plateau to participate and bid on items in the silent auction. Bidding is heating up! With items ranging from artworks to experiences, there is something for everyone and all the proceeds benefit the museum.
You can bid online by clicking here. Note that if you view the auction on your desktop browser, keep your cursor in the middle of the screen as you scroll to ensure you see all auction items. Some of our great items are showcased below!
The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will conclude for the season on Saturday, June 8. South Rim events include a nightly slide show from a special guest speaker at 8 p.m. in the plaza of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
The list of speakers can be found on the Grand Canyon Star Party webpage and also in the NPS Mobile App. The talks are followed by free telescope viewing behind the building. Green-laser constellation tours will be offered nightly at 9, 9:30, and 10 p.m.
North Rim events include telescopes set up on the terrace of the Grand Canyon Lodge every evening along with astronomers with green lasers to pointing out constellations. By day, look for solar telescopes on the terrace and surrounding the Grand Canyon Lodge. A flyer for the evening events on the North Rim can be found here.
Flagstaff Pro Rodeo, Fort Tuthill County Park
Get ready for thrilling rodeo action, live entertainment, and fun for the whole family in the cool pines of Flagstaff! 5 p.m.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
“We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.”
That is the Mission Statement of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. And with a county as large as Coconino (second largest in the nation); with an individual, non-profit and for-profit membership approaching 100; and a diverse, dedicated and talented board of directors — it takes a special individual to bring all these moving parts together to benefit families throughout Northern Arizona.
Virginia Watahomigie joined CCC&Y as executive director in September 2016. In a CCC&Y news posting at the time, she said: “The opportunity to work with CCC&Y is rewarding and very exciting as the work and reputation of the Coalition is impeccable. I have found the members to be genuinely dedicated to children’s issues. I feel privileged to further this mission, as well as, continue building relationships with the community” …
READ MORE
For the first time, the School of Communication hosted a free two-day seminar for Hispanic and Latine high school students looking to explore film and visual communication.
“The right to vote and run for office is an American birthright and despite the efforts of the past to stifle the Native American voice, we are here, and our voice is strong,” said Lena Fowler, Coconino County District 5 Supervisor. “Every election is important, and I encourage all residents to register to vote, learn about candidates, research ballot questions and vote in the primary election on July 30 and presidential election on November 5.”
Coffee With F3’s Director, Wednesday, June 5th 9:00-10:00 am at Campus Coffee Bean, 1800 S. Milton #24
F3 wants to engage with you one-on-one. We want to hear your concerns, questions, and ideas about Flagstaff issues that are important to you.
Do you want to know more about the proposed increases in our water and wastewater rates and the upcoming public hearing on June 18? Or what’s going on with the revision process for Flagstaff’s Regional Plan? What has the Community Engagement Coalition for Energy Retrofits been up to this year? We can talk about anything and everything in which F3 is involved!
Junk Journal Deconstruction
with Nicole Austin
July 17 – 18 : Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 4pm
Some call us monsters for ripping up and altering books – I think of us more as creatives who can see potential in anything! Let’s gather together with kindred spirits and rip and alter to our hearts’ content! We’ll take an ordinary vintage book and turn it into something extraordinary using paint, embellishments, and reconstructive techniques. You bring the book, (BYOB!) and I’ll supply the rest!
• Hello From Supervisor Horstman
• Andy Bertelsen Appointed Next County
Manager
• 4FRI and Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Update
• Flood Control District Receives $19.3 Federal
• PROTECT Grant for HWY 89
• Pinyon Uranium Mine Continues to Extract Ore
• County Designates Lake Mary Road as Recreation Corridor: Where the World Comes To Train
• Valle Arizona: An Innovative Community
ª Cheshire Community Gets Creative about Improving Street Safety
• BLM/AZ RAC Meeting on Proposed Recreation Fees at Arizona BLM Sites
• Western Interstate Conference in Yosemite Highlights Partnership and Responsible Land Management
• Northern Arizona Tradition Continues … Next generation of Moon-Bound Astronauts Train at Babbitt Ranches.
• Mount Elden Trailhead Re-Opens
Frontiere Draft Concept Master Plan
Thank you to everyone who participated in our May Values and Vision workshop. Join us on June 13th, 10:00 a.m. to noon, at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall, to review the Draft Concept Master Plan. Share your insights and comments regarding this beautiful property and its continued use! For more information, click here.
Are you a science professional that works as a researcher, in medicine, engineering, environmental sustainability, any scientific field, or for a science institution? Bring your scientific concepts to a classroom right here in Flagstaff and make a difference in the lives of students.
When you present to students, they see and hear about novel scientific fields that aren’t covered in their textbooks and they learn directly from you, a specialist in the industry. This makes science more exciting, more real, and more accessible and interesting to students. When you demonstrate your enthusiasm and employ engaging displays you capture students’ attention and keep them actively involved in the learning process.
As we bid farewell to the bustling Memorial Day weekend, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated frontline staff. Your unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of visitors during this busy time does not go unnoticed. Thank you!
Learn, feel, and take home the magic of wool and fiber at Arizona’s largest fiber arts festival, only in Flagstaff. 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 1, 2
Learn More
Summer Youth Clay Camp!
with Dennis Ott
Ages 8–12
June 24 – 28
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am – 12pm / Friday 1 – 4pm
Come Play in the Clay!
Come spend the week playing in the “mud” with two ceramicists who love sharing their clay talents with young folks. Each student will have the opportunity to learn throwing skills on the potter’s wheel as well as create several hand-built projects. You will also learn how your clay projects will be fired and glazed.
No experience is necessary – just your willingness to come and have fun creating in clay.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 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.
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.
The CCC&Y Prevention Council has its roots in our long history of child abuse prevention, our most recent work with substance misuse prevention and our overall commitment to understanding the protective factors, resiliency research and assets our community needs to thrive.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College’s nursing program recently celebrated the achievements of two of its graduates, Jennifer Swomley and Joseph McIntire. Each brings a unique background and a personal story of dedication to the nursing field, reflecting both the diversity and the challenges of modern healthcare education.
Jennifer Swomley, 27, moved from Colorado to Flagstaff in 2021, drawn not only by personal relationships but also by the strong reputation of Coconino’s nursing program. Initially interested in becoming a firefighter, influenced by her friends in the emergency services, Swomley’s career path took a pivotal turn after her experiences on an ambulance crew. These experiences exposed her to the realities and complexities of medical care, sparking a new passion for nursing. “I was drawn to the depth of patient interaction and the broader scope of care I could provide as a nurse,” Swomley explained.
Intermediate Watercolor
Monday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 9
12:15 – 5:30 p.m.
This class is for intermediate watercolorists. Learn techniques through demonstrations and guidance to help you plan and create successful compositions.
Watercolor – Learn more and register!
This weekend we will mark a somber tradition that dates back to 1868, just three years after the end of the Civil War. Known then as Decoration Day, it was a time to honor those who perished in the conflict by adorning their graves with flowers. In 1971 the last Monday in May was established as Memorial Day.
We wish you a safe holiday weekend as we continue the tradition of honoring those who gave all so we could live in freedom.
Erika Acosta of Ash Fork Middle School has been named a 2024 “Esperanza” Latino Teacher Award winner by Chicano For La Causa (CPLC).
“(May 6), we honored four outstanding teachers at the 2024 Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards,” CPLC stated on its Facebook page.
Congratulations to our honorees from across Arizona: Erika Acosta, Margaret Gallego, Gabriel Robles, and Lilian Williams
You are not just teachers— you are mentors, role models, and an inspiration to all. Your passion and hard work shapes the future of our community
As we celebrate your well-deserved recognition today, we also celebrate the countless lives you have touched
Gracias to our sponsors: Salt River Project, Cox, Amazon Fire TV, Southwest Airlines, and HUB International”
FLAGSTAFF — Upon conclusion of a national search with 60 applicants, Coconino Community College today announced the selection of Dr. Sandra Hinski as the next Provost & Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Hinski will oversee the college’s academic programs, faculty and academic support staff. She will join the college on July 1, 2024.
Dr. Hinski has over 14 years of experience in higher education and over 25 years in various roles in the health professions. Dr. Hinski most recently served as the interim Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), where she provided support and leadership to both instructional and occupational programs, as well as instructional support service areas.
ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience Arizona is a 10-day event, with art-centric activations across the city. May 23-26
Grand Canyon Unified School District high schoolers spent last week on a four-day whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River. Facilitated in partnership with Grand Canyon Youth (GCY), 20 students participated in the Diamond Down Expedition that covers the last 50 miles of the river through Grand Canyon National Park into Lake Mead Recreational Area. This is their third year the school has provided this experience for students. Grand Canyon National Park rangers Monique Navarro and Catrina Whitton were able to attend the trip which was coordinated by high school science teacher Forrest Radarian.
NAU wins national hydropower competition
An interdisciplinary team of senior engineering students entered the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower Collegiate Competition to fulfill their capstone requirements—and won. The team, made up of three electrical engineering students and three mechanical engineering students, took first place in all three of the competition’s challenges—siting, design and community connections—earning first overall for the competition.
Summer Youth Clay Camp!
with Dennis Ott
Ages 8–12
June 24 – 28
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am – 12pm / Friday 1 – 4pm
Come Play in the Clay!
Come spend the week playing in the “mud” with two ceramicists who love sharing their clay talents with young folks. Each student will have the opportunity to learn throwing skills on the potter’s wheel as well as create several hand-built projects. You will also learn how your clay projects will be fired and glazed.
No experience is necessary – just your willingness to come and have fun creating in clay.
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP! STARTS TOMORROW!
Creating the Abstract Landscape
with Amanda Hawkins
May 22 – 24 : Wednesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm Daily
There is a sweet spot of overlap between the traditions of abstraction and contemporary landscape painting where mark-making and the implications of planar structure combine with color and light to create a magical realm of newly discovered space.
This workshop will help you transform Sedona’s beautiful scenery into loose and expressive abstract landscape paintings.
FLAGSTAFF — Nearly 80 students were recognized at the 2024 Hispanic Convocation held at Flagstaff High School on May 8, 2024.
The event included the introduction by Principal Libby Miller, the welcoming address by Ruby Sanchez Ramirez and the keynote address by Daniela Tirado Barva.
The Presentation of Students ceremony included Miller, Assistant Principal Frank Alvillar, Assistant Principal Matt Barquin and Athletic Director Jeannine Brandel.
A survey of parents indicated that children’s KinderCamp experience improved their knowledge of letters and sounds of the alphabet, made them better able to socialize with other children, and increased their ability to communicate with adults.
If you are interested in learning more about KinderCamp in Flagstaff or registering, please click here.
