Category: Family

Coconino County Parks & Recreation July 2023 Update

Last Month Before the Coconino County Fair!

The Coconino County Fair is only one month away!

Are you exhibiting at the Fair? Don’t miss the deadlines for exhibit entries this month! Visit www.CoconinoCountyFair.com for deadlines, listed in our Fair Book!

Your last chance to get discounted tickets is now!

Online Early Bird admission tickets are SOLD OUT!

Buy Early Bird tickets (cash only) at Bookmans Flagstaff Entertainment Exchange while supplies last!

Discounted carnival wrist bands are still available at Bookmans Flagstaff and www.CoconinoCountyFair.com, while supplies last!

Don’t sleep on these discounts!

Want to save time parking? Buy your parking pass online, to hasten the wait time!

Sedona Arts Center — Upcoming Classes, Workshops & Field Expeditions

UPCOMING Summer/Early Fall Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.

Click here to see all of our classes and workshops

Community partners to host more than 100 exciting free events during the 2023 Festival of Science, Sept. 22-Oct. 1!

FLAGSTAFF — Many of our board members are busy working on the program of events for the 2023 Festival of Science, collaborating with a wide range of community partners and local experts to share discoveries and insights about topics spanning the sciences, technology and the arts.

As announced earlier this year, the theme of the 2023 Festival is “The Mammoth World of Science.” The 10-day adventure will launch with featured keynote speaker Beth Shapiro, PhD, a pioneer and global leader in the high-profile field of ancient DNA, sharing her expertise on the science of de-extinction. The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium.

Heavy rains, flash flooding expected in Northern Arizona starting Sunday, July 30

By Coconino County

Check for a monsoon update from the US National Weather Service Flagstaff Arizona.

It looks like we may be in store for some rain soon! Visit Http://www.ready.gov/plan to learn how to make a plan in case of flooding or other emergency events. Sign up for emergency notifications from Coconino County at http://www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

United Way of Northern Arizona — ‘We’ve Learned A Lot in the First Attempt’

If I asked you to guess who was the driving force behind the founding of what would become the United Way of Northern Arizona more than a half century ago, what would you say?

City government? School officials? Local churches? Nonprofit organizations?

Actually, it was the business community.

Much has changed at UWNA since local businesses spearheaded the founding of the “United Fund” in 1967 (story below).

From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO

One thing has remained true throughout the past 56 years is how both the business community and UWNA benefit from this powerful connection.

I hope you enjoy the articles below about the vital role local businesses played in UWNA’s past and present, as well as the many ways hosting a workplace campaign is good for your business.

Our annual fundraising effort kicks off in about two months. To those businesses already planning to host workplace campaigns, we are very grateful. If you would like to start a workplace campaign at your business, please reach out to us at (928) 773-9813 or email me or Campaign and Operations Manager Christine Pierce. We’d love to help.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options to help families, community members

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues to connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

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The NAU Review — Meet NAU’s Fulbright Scholar, Humans of NAU with Patty Diaz and a new faculty fellowship

Faculty fellowship supports Hispanic community

The Dr. Richard D. Young Hispanic & Emerging Communities Faculty Fellowship will advance NAU’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and support research on the emerging Hispanic community in Arizona.
Read the story

Coconino County can help Income eligible individuals repair/replace utility-related appliances, systems

COCONINO COUNTY — Income eligible individuals can contact Coconino County Health and Human Services for financial assistance to repair or replace broken appliances including:

Water Heaters, Refrigerators, Cooking Stoves
Microwaves, Furnaces, Air Conditioners
Home Telephone (Landline Only), Washers/Dryers
Evaporative Coolers, Electrical Panels

Slayton Ranch Road – Rio de Flag Crossing Reopens

FLAGSTAFF — A new and improved Rio de Flag crossing at Slayton Ranch Road opened to traffic (July 20) less than four months after the old crossing was washed away by heavy snowmelt flows.

The $552,000 Slayton Ranch Road – Rio De Flag Crossing Improvement Project features an upsized drainage structure to better accommodate future flows in the Rio.     The project, which broke ground in early May, includes a cast-in-place concrete arch structure under Slayton Ranch Road along with headwalls and water inlet and outlet protection. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 17-21, 2023

Fire restrictions and heat danger continue through the weekend

Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions remain in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.
Through Monday, July 24, an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for elevations at and below 4,000 feet in the Grand Canyon.
All Xanterra passenger mule rides to Phantom Ranch continue to be cancelled through at least July 24.

United Way of Northern Arizona Distributes $510,000 in Grants

One of the most valuable services provided by United Way of Northern Arizona is ensuring that donations and other sources of funding go where they are needed most.

Recently, the UWNA Board of Directors approved the distribution of more than $510,000 to 37 community programs that are making a difference in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties.

Applications from nonprofit partners were meticulously reviewed by multiple Community Investment teams, who evaluated the work of these organizations, so that proven programs would receive the sustaining funding they need to continue to impact their communities. Their recommendations were forwarded to the Finance Committee and ultimately voted on by the Board.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 7/18/23

View this email in your browser July 18th, 2023 Connect with your community Announcement Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Self-Paced Activities Book Clubs Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown…

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport enhances travel experience with new paid parking system and economy lot

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is pleased to announce the implementation of a new paid parking system, accompanied by the opening of the Economy Lot. The additional parking capacity aims to provide a smoother and more convenient experience for travelers, offering ample parking space and affordable rates. The opening of the additional Economy Lot more than doubles the airport’s parking.

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — June/July 2023 District 1 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE
Accessibility View
Text Cover Lockett Meadow pond and peaks (002)-fotor-2023071492425.jpg
June/July 2023 District 1
Newsletter
In This Issue
Hello From Supervisor Horstman
Short Term Rental Ordinance Public Hearing
Board Adopts Budget For FY 2024
Horstman Travels To DC To Advocate For Grand
Canyon National Monument
NACo Fellowship Program Brings White House
And Congressional Leadership Staff To Coconino
County
County Recognition For COVID-19 Response
Western Interstate Explores Public Lands.
Stage One Fire Restrictions In Effect NOW!
Flood Control District Update
Mount Elden Lookout Road Drainage
Improvement Project is On Schedule.
Snowbowl Rd. Drainage Improvement Project
Westwood Estates Pavement Preservation
Update
Tiny Home Village Zoning Approved In Tusayan
KinderCamp Prepares Our Preschoolers For
Kindergarten
June Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion: Juneteenth
Celebration And Pride Month
July 4th Celebrated In Coconino County Style
Community Events and Resources

Upcoming Classes, Workshops & Field Expeditions at the Sedona Arts Center

UPCOMING Summer/Early Fall Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.

Click here to see all of our classes and workshops

Board of Supervisors to Vote on County Short-Term Rental Ordinance at August 8 Public Hearing

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will hold a third public hearing followed by a vote on the final draft of a County-wide ordinance aimed at regulating the operation of short-term rental properties in unincorporated neighborhoods.

At their upcoming meeting August 8, 2023 the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will hold a third public hearing followed by a vote on the final draft of a County-wide ordinance aimed at regulating the operation of short-term rental properties in unincorporated neighborhoods of Coconino County. If approved by the Board, it will soon be unlawful to rent, or to offer to rent, a vacation or short-term rental property without first complying with the provisions of the ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance will be to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of owners and users of vacation and short-term rental properties in the unincorporated area of the County, and to protect the residential character of neighborhoods and surroundings that are adjacent to vacation and short-term rental use.

United Way of Northern Arizona — ‘My Baby Girl Learned So Much’

Summer always is a special time, and for me one of the biggest highlights of the season is visiting KinderCamp™ classes.

It is always magical watching four- and five-year-olds gaining the confidence and skills they need to make a successful start in kindergarten.

KinderCamp is one of United Way of Northern Arizona’s signature programs to Step Up for Our Youth, and judging from the parents’ comments you’ll see below, it is making a huge impact in the lives of our students.

Many thanks to our partners – and to individual donors like you – who make this program possible.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 10-14, 2023

New Trail Alert QR codes posted at trailheads

This week, in collaboration with the Grand Canyon Office of Communications and the PEP Division, the Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) team launched new QR codes posted to trailhead signs. Visitors can simply scan the Trail Alert barcode using a digital device that will take them to our trails webpage that is updated daily. Information on the webpage will include trail alerts, weather, safety messages, and tips on how visitors can hike smart.

If you interact with the public, feel free to disseminate and use this flyer that contains the QR code. Visit the new webpage here: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/key-messages.htm.

Grand Canyon to move overnight backcountry reservations to Recreation.gov

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park plans to move its overnight backcountry reservation system to Recreation.gov for all calendar year 2024 and later permits. This move will help streamline the backcountry permitting process by allowing around 80% of backcountry permits to be directly reserved and paid for online.

The new system will provide applicants with greater control and add additional transparency. Applicants will no longer need to submit applications by fax and wait up to a month for the thousands of requests to be considered manually by park staff.

“Moving our backcountry permits to Recreation.gov has many important advantages. We are pleased to be able to modernize our permit process while keeping visitor safety and resource preservation our top priority,” said Park Superintendent Ed Keable. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y thanks those who have served our community

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to thank those individuals who have served our organization and our community in supporting our mission — We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.

Special thanks go to outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee President Peter Van Wyck, BA, Regional Director, First Things First; outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee Vice President Jennifer Hernandez, Project Manager, Center for the Future of Arizona and outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee Treasurer Theresa Kulpinski, Program Manager for Coconino County Health & Human Services.

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The NAU Review — Meet NAU’s 2023 Udall Scholar and the Dorrance Scholars cohort and science writer Melissa Sevigny talks about her new book

Rebekah McNiel, a business management and modern languages double major, received the prestigious Udall Scholarship for Native American Initiatives in 2023. McNiel, a member of the Honors College, is passionate about change through education and Native American leadership. With long-term goals to positively impact the Navajo Nation, McNiel is committed to learning from other cultures and studying sustainable business practices. Her remarkable journey, from reconnecting with her Navajo heritage to engaging in community service and pursuing transformative experiences abroad, has shaped her character and perspective. 

Coconino County and City of Flagstaff Successfully Test Siren System Enhancements

COCONINO COUNTY — Recently, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff completed a successful test of the flash flooding siren system along Spruce Wash. This test ensured that critical system enhancements functioned properly prior to the 2023 monsoon season.

Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) closures scheduled near Frances Short Pond to allow for dredging

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) segments near Frances Short Pond will be closed effective Tuesday, July 11 for the safety of the public during dredging work at the pond. The impacted FUTS segments will be reopened after the dredging work is complete, which is anticipated by the beginning of August.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 3-7, 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has announced the award of $27.5 million to the National Park Service for the Grand Canyon National Park Shuttle Bus Fleet Replacement project in Arizona.

The project includes 30 new buses, including 10 new battery electric buses and 20 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, to replace the current aging fleet and the installation of charging infrastructure to support the new electric buses.

“The necessary replacement of the outdated shuttle bus fleet is an opportunity to upgrade to cleaner, quieter electric buses,” said Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable. “This project will address transportation challenges related to maintaining an aging fleet, and the NPS goal to achieve sustainable transportation alternatives.”

A full news release of the announcement can be found at the link here. Photos from the announcement on July 6 at Hopi Point can be found here. 

CHAC, community celebrates 2023 Flagstaff 4th of July Parade

FLAGSTAFF — More than 90 entries took part in the annual Flagstaff 4th of July Parade presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s festivities began in the far northern reaches of Beaver Street, through downtown and up through San Francisco Street.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) once again took part in the annual event, participating with the Coconino County entry.

Please Join Friends of Flagstaff’s Future Thursday, July 6, at 12:30 on the Steps of City Hall

Flagstaff Community First, a broad coalition of organizations (including F3) and individuals advocating for accessible, quality health care in Flagstaff and the region, will deliver of over 4,800 signatures to the City Clerk (on July 6) to place a referendum on the ballot.

The referendum will allow the public to weigh in on City Council’s June 6 rezoning decision that gave Northern Arizona Healthcare the go-ahead to move the hospital from the center of town. Flagstaff Community First launched the petition drive in order to refer the zoning decision to a vote of the public. 

Discover Flagstaff — First Friday ArtWalk, Heritage Square on July 7, other eventsStroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 5 p.m. Free

Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 5 p.m. Free.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Vitalist Spark podcast presents ‘Systems Change Takes Time: Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’

By the Vitalist Spark podcast 

During this episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast, we will be exploring systems change and talking to 2023 Systems Change Grant recipient Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth to talk to us about their Self-Healing Community System and Policy Change in Coconino County initiative.

We will be joined by members of the Coalition, including Virginia Watahomigie, Executive Director; Becky Daggett, Mayor of Flagstaff; and Andrea Meronuck, Clinical Director with Northland Family Help Center.

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District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Newsletter

Dear District 5 Residents,

As we transition into the planting season and celebrate our graduates’ achievements, I am again reminded of the Navajo teachings of T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego, “It is up to you.” Whether preparing for uncertain times ahead or getting ready for a change in season, this teaching rings true – it is up to us to take essential steps to ensure our lives’ safety, security, and structure. In this time of preparation, Coconino County and my office are committed to meeting each of you on those steps.

For those in Coconino County who need assistance in flood preparation or mitigation, looking to sign up for important emergency alerts, browse the various health and assistance programs available from Health and Human Services, or keep up with the Board of Supervisors meetings and even watch us live, please visit our website www.coconino.az.gov. For all County resources, it is a significant first step.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing You a Happy Independence Day

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate not only the anniversary of American independence, but the values that make our country great. One of those values is the importance of Living United.

Living United means coming together to solve problems and build a better future for our neighbors. It’s the sincere belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance. It’s knowing that when we include all members of society in shaping the solutions, our community will always be stronger for it.

Thank you for Living United this holiday – and every day.

Our offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Have a safe and wonderful Independence Day.

CCC July-August Community Education: Watercolor | Caricature Drawing | Awakening Your Creativity | DIY | Comet Walks!

Awakening Your Creative Spirit

Wednesday, July 12, 19, 26
3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Learn to jumpstart your creative process, whether you are just starting out with artistic expression, experiencing art block, or want to rejuvenate your journey of self-development.

Awakening Your Creative Spirit – Learn more and register!

Discover Flagstaff — July 1-3 Flagstaff Art in the Park, Wheeler Park and other 4th of July events

Tuesday, July 4 Flag 4th Fest, Fort Tuthill County Park. Laser Light Show and family activities at Fort Tuthill County Park! Presented by City of Flagstaff. 5 p.m. Free. 928-679-8000 • flagstaff.az.gov
Tuesday, July 4 Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade, Downtown Flagstaff. Show off your red, white, and blue at the parade! 9 a.m. Free. 928-774-4505 • flagstaffchamber.com

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Sneak a Peek at Upcoming Events!

Many of our board members are hard at work planning more than 100 free events for the upcoming Festival, which will take place Sept. 22-Oct. 1. Reaching out across the community, they’ve invited local experts to share discoveries and insights about topics spanning the sciences, technology, and the arts. In addition to perennial favorites like Snook’s Science in the Park, Walk on Mars, open houses, guided hikes, tours, lectures, classroom talks, and hands-on workshops, events currently in the planning stages will enable participants to:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — June 26-30

Fire restrictions go into effect across Northern Arizona; Grand Canyon NP remains in stage 1

Beginning Thursday, June 29, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Tusayan and Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff will also be in fire restrictions on this date. 

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.

Please visit Membership Options

Make an Online Donation 

Remember, CCC&Y is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status-so your contributions are tax deductible eligible. Please consult your tax professional. 

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City of Flagstaff announces Fourth of July closure

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Wednesday, July 5 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on the Fourth of July include:

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

CCC’s Comet Promise helps students Start Small and Go Big

FLAGSTAFF — The scenario is all too common: Some students struggling to make ends meet and who qualify for federal financial aid still don’t quite have the funds to completely cover the cost of their tuition. To those students, such a barrier is hard, if not impossible, to overcome.

Coconino Community College makes those students a promise: The college will cover the difference.

The Comet Promise program helps eligible students pay for their education by covering the cost of tuition when federal grants fall short. The program aims at helping remove economic barriers to offer a pathway for CCC students to complete their certificate or degree.

Bilingual report — Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to Begin Thursday in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will begin Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. in all unincorporated areas of Coconino County.

With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, both the Coconino National Forest and the Kaibab National Forest – Williams Ranger District will begin Stage 1 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) and County Manager’s Office have directed Emergency Management (CCEM) to do likewise in all unincorporated areas of the County.  

United Way of Northern Arizona — Stepping Up with the Summit Society

The job of United Way of Northern Arizona is to bring together our community resources so we can do big and bold things that move the needle and improve life for our friends and neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

It takes the support of a whole community to make it happen. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every bit of advocacy is important.

Our Summit Society members have an outsized impact, however, because of their unique generosity with annual gifts of $500 or more to UWNA.

Here are some of the ways that the Summit Society contributions are making a difference:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 19-23, 2023

Hull Fire grows to 1,102 acres between Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon  

Crews continue to work on the lightning-caused Hull Fire on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest as well as within Grand Canyon.  

The Hull Fire, located near Lower Hull Tank along the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park boundary just northeast of the Grand View Lookout and east of Grandview Point, is currently at 1,102 acres burning in ponderosa pine forest, it is spreading north, and is being co-managed with Grand Canyon National Park (approximately 300 acres are burning within the park). 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y joins other community groups, organizations for return of Tuba City’s Family Fun Day

TUBA CITY — Nearly 200 family members and individuals representing a number of community non-profit organizations took part in the return of the AZ Health Zone’s Family Fun Day held Thursday, June 15 at Louise Yellowman County Park, Tuba City.

The program, which was last held in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, included food demonstrations, a variety off interactive education booths, games, a bouncy house and free summer lunches for children.

Some of the groups providing information at the event included Coconino County Health & Human Services’ AZ Health Zone, the Navajo Nation Indian Community Health Representative, various representatives from the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. and Coconino County’s Rec on Wheels program.

Check out the Galleries at Sedona Arts Center!

NOW FEATURING:
Nancy Bihler, Patricia Bohannon, Khrystyna Kozyuk, & Susan Moody

Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

Summer is a fun time to take art classes!

UPCOMING CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. Ongoing Class instruction is available and donors at the $60 Friend level and above receive a 10% discount on Classes (does not apply to Workshops.)  Click here to see all of our classes and workshops

Come Celebrate Juneteenth in Flagstaff June 16-18

Come celebrate Juneteenth with a variety of events in Flagstaff.

The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

Events begin with the 2nd Annual Southside Community Association’s “Lived Black Experience Project” Juneteenth Community Awards at 5 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 at the Doubletree by Hilton, 1175 W. Route 66, Flagstaff.  Ticket sales have ended.

The annual Celebrate Juneteenth event with music performances, food, games and vendors will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, 203 E. Brannen Ave., Flagstaff.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Your 2023 Volunteer Opportunity Guide

Summer’s here and it’s the perfect time to make a difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors by becoming a volunteer.

Donating your time and work to our local nonprofits helps these organizations fulfill their shared mission of improving our communities.

If you’d like to volunteer but don’t know where to start, we have something that might help. It’s a 2023 Guide to Volunteering in Northern Arizona, featuring dozens of opportunities currently available with our nonprofit partners in Coconino, Yavapai and Apache counties.

Board of Supervisors Officially Recognizes Juneteenth, Promotes Events in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — At their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 13, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) voted unanimously to officially recognize and celebrate Juneteenth in Coconino County.

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery. On this date in 1865, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the upwards of 250,000 Black Americans still enslaved in the state were free by executive decree. Since then, Juneteenth has marked the celebration of Black American freedom and the subsequent achievements within the culture while encouraging continuous opportunities and access to equitable advancement, education, and progress for all.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coconino County Health and Human Services celebrates annual ‘Walk for Wellness’

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) celebrated the completion of Mental Health Month with the annual “Walk for Wellness!” held Saturday, June 10 at Buffalo Park.

Some of the groups presenting information at the event included the AZ Health Zone, the Arizona Dept. of Economic Security — Arizona Early Intervention Program, CCHHS’ Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention Program, First Things First, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Girl Scouts arizona cactus-pine and Native Americans for Community Action (NACA).

The NAU Review — Celebrating Juneteenth, Climb to Conquer Cancer, student’s Carnegie Hall premiere, summer concert series and Notes from the President

Celebrating Juneteenth

Last year, 158 years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all enslaved people, President Joe Biden deemed that day a national holiday, allowing the freedom of all U.S. citizens to officially be celebrated. This weekend, join in on a variety of events that honor the past, present and the hope for a more inclusive future.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Communications Issue #30: F3 Supports a Public Vote on Council’s NAH Decision

In the wake of City Council’s June 6 decision to approve the Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) request for rezoning 98 acres to allow for a new hospital north of Ft. Tuthill, F3 has decided to support the work of the Flagstaff Community First (FCF) PAC to gather signatures for a referendum to allow Flagstaff residents to vote on this decision. A referendum is a way for voters to override a legislative decision at the state or city level and is a critically important part of the democratic process.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 5-9, 2023

Updates from the North Rim

Friday, June 2 kicked off the opening of the 2023 season on the North Rim with water conservation measures in place. With emergency funding assistance, water hauling operations began on June 4 and the North Rim water tanks are slowly refilling to meet visitor and residential demand. Construction contractors arrived on the North Rim this week and have begun the preliminary stages of rebuilding the broken section of pipeline, with work slated to continue through the coming weeks.

Fee staff are anticipating a full campground for the campground’s opening weekend beginning Friday, June 9. Trail crew staff continue to repair sections of the North Kaibab Trail and have cleared areas of major rockfall in the vicinity of Supai Tunnel. Project work continues with the North Kaibab Trail opening for hiker traffic beginning on Friday, June 16. Following this date, trail crew will continue working on the trail and hikers may encounter intermittent trail closures of up to 30 minutes.

Thank you to all staff, contractors, and concessions employees who have and continue to work tirelessly to reopen the North Rim to the public and provide quality visitor services during these extenuating circumstances. 

Arizona acts quickly and awards millions to address homelessness. Flagstaff receives $840,000

The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) on June 7 awarded nearly $20 million in grants to local governments from the newly-created Homeless Shelter and Services (HSS) Fund to provide shelter and other services to people experiencing homelessness. The new budget signed by Governor Hobbs included $60 million for the new fund with $20 million to be allocated immediately before June 30th.

“I’m proud of the immediate relief our bipartisan budget is delivering to the people of Arizona,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “With the Homeless Shelter and Services Fund and the historic $150 million deposit into Arizona’s Housing Trust Fund, we are making real progress toward ensuring affordable housing for every Arizonan.”