
With the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the people who make this holiday possible. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and other staples of our Thanksgiving feasts are harvested by immigrant farm workers.

We’re excited to share a great opportunity for community members to get involved with Flagstaff’s public art scene! The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program is looking for passionate individuals to serve as panelists for upcoming public art projects. We’d really appreciate it if you could help spread the word to your constituents, staff, volunteers, or anyone in your community who might be interested in participating.
We’re looking for people from all backgrounds—art experience isn’t required! Panelists will evaluate artists, artist proposals, or engage in discussions about projects. The time commitment varies, depending on the project, but participation is virtual making it easy to take part from anywhere.

Saturday, November 23
The Brothers Reed, Coconino Center for the Arts
With their comedic brotherly banter, impeccable harmonic expression, and widely varying influences, a Brothers Reed performance will have you reflecting on lost lives and lovers, laughing hysterically and leaving completely entertained. 7:30 p.m.

FLAGSTAFF — Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the 17th Annual Viola Awards on April 26, 2025, at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff. Honoring a legacy of excellence in arts, science and culture in Flagstaff, we are reveling in 17 years with Dancing Queens! Look forward to a spectacular evening of dazzling performance to celebrate artistic excellence in our community.
The Viola Awards celebrate achievements in the arts, science, and culture akin to the Oscars of Flagstaff. Each year, the community gathers to applaud the achievements of our local creative community, with over hundreds in attendance. The event was founded in 2009 to honor Viola Babbitt and her dedication as a founding member of Flagstaff’s creative community. The Viola Awards event is sponsored annually by the Babbitt Brothers Foundation and other institutions that value arts and culture.

Key Updates to the 2024 Superintendent’s Compendium for Grand Canyon National Park
What is the Compendium?
The Superintendent’s Compendium is a vital document that outlines the specific regulations and policies governing Grand Canyon National Park. It serves as a supplement to federal regulations, allowing park management to address unique local conditions and issues. The Compendium is updated every year to ensure the park’s rules remain current and effective.
Key Updates for 2024:

2025 Chile, Tierra de Contrastes calendars are ready!
Chile is indeed a land of contrasts, offering a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. From the driest desert in the world, the Atacama, to the lush rainforests of Patagonia, and from the towering Andes mountains to the scenic coastline along the Pacific Ocean, Chile’s geography is truly remarkable. Chile’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse as well, shaped by indigenous, Spanish, Italian, and German influences.

As the year draws to a close, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve experienced. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported FLYRS, helping us serve more youth than ever before. It’s been a year of learning, growth, and, above all, the pure joy of cycling outdoors.
Time and again, we’ve seen the profound impact this sport has on young riders. From conquering challenges to instilling a love for nature, our youth riders are developing essential life skills like teamwork, resilience, and determination.
Here’s some testimonials from FLYRS parents:

FLAGSTAFF— Per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requirements, the City has been conducting an inventory of the location and material type of all city water service lines. City customers with service lines of unknown material received a mailed notice this week from the City of Flagstaff with steps to help determine the material in the water service line. A map hosted by ADEQ detailing the material of known service lines is now also available to view on 120wateraudit.com

Pastels: A Crash Course
with Nori Thorne
November 22: Friday
Are you drawn to the beauty and versatility of pastel but don’t know where to start? This crash course is for you. We will have pastel demonstrations, exercises, and plenty of at-easel encouragement in Pastels: A Crash Course. Learn how to block in a design, underpaint using a wet wash, experiment with a variety of pastel surfaces and materials. With an emphasis on achieving correct values, colors, and shapes you will create an exciting floral still life and leave the workshop with skills to begin your pastel journey.

Hunchback Enrollment
Coming up in December
Theatrikids Educational Theatre Program:
The Stage Buddies program, now in its tenth year, brings the classic Hunchback of Notre Dame to the Theatrikos stage for six performances in February. In this abilities-inclusive program, actors with disabilities age 15-18 are paired with experienced middle and high school actors to share a role in the play.

As we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day today, we are reminded of the incredible strides women have made in business and entrepreneurship – and of the significant challenges that remain.
According to Wells Fargo’s inaugural Impact of Women-Owned Businesses, which was released earlier this year, women own more than 14 million businesses in the United States (about 39% of all companies), employing more than 12.2 million people and generating $2.7 trillion in annual revenue. In non-employer businesses, Arizona has a higher share of women-owned businesses than the United States as a whole.

COCONINO COUNTY — While the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s virtual “System Change Symposium” presentation on Oct. 22, 23 benefitted the more than 200 attendees in Northern Arizona and statewide, one attendee has been using lessons learned from the Symposium, and about CCC&Y’s free webinars in general, to share with a coalition of service provider agencies and others in Alaska.
“I was so excited.” to learn about the Symposium on Facebook,” said Rikki McKay, community coordinator, for the Alaska Department of Health | Division of Public Health, Healthy & Equitable Communities. “It’s so relevant to the work I’m doing.”
McKay said she has shared the information she learned at the Symposium with fellow students in her “Introduction to Social Work” class as well as with the 15 or so members of a coalition of service providers in Alaska. “A lot of people” are learning about the Symposium and the Coalition,” she said. “It has gained appreciation far and wide.”

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Solid Waste Section is excited to announce the launch of a new customer notification platform aimed at enhancing service transparency and ensuring residents have timely email updates on trash and recycle collection services. Through this user-friendly platform, residents can expect improved communication regarding service delays, collection schedules, holiday pickup changes, and holiday closures.
Residents interested in receiving these email updates are encouraged to subscribe to receive the most up-to-date information directly to their inbox, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout the year. Visit www.bit.ly/trashandrecycling to sign up.

The federal government currently lacks the resources to fulfill Trump’s pledge of mass deportations in the first months of his presidency, but ICE?can and will act?quickly to target immigrants for arrests. However, before that begins, President Biden has two months left in office to take decisive action to protect people at risk under Trump’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement plans.

FLAGSTAFF — Spanish language and English learning students at Coconino High School celebrated el Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with their third annual shoebox ofrenda competition. The winners were selected this week with students and others voting throughout the month.
“The Dead of the Dead Mini altar contest is a competition where students create beautiful and meaningful altars using a shoe box,” said said teacher Francy Solarte. “They can pay tribute to a family member, pet, or person who has contributed to society. They also write an altar dedication in Spanish and their home language. This is an interdisciplinary project between Spanish classes and English Language Learners classes.

FLAGSTAFF — The beauty and magic of el Día de los Muertos through folkloric dances from the regions of El Estado de México- Concheros (Aztec dances), Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco and Veracruz was presented at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 by Flagstaff’s own award-winning Ballet Folklórico de Colores during its “¡Mueve el Esqueleto¡” celebration.
The fundraiser also included an authentic altar/ofrenda presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to remember our loved ones who have passed on.
Traditional Mexican food for El Día de los Muertos was also available for purchase.

COCONINO COUNTY — The City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and Mountain Line are once again partnering for a Stuff the Bus event on Sunday, November 17 to benefit the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC).
This year’s event will be at the Safeway store located at 1201 S. Plaza Way in Flagstaff from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The public is invited to bring non-perishable food donations for a Thanksgiving meal, and FFFC staff and volunteers will be on-hand to accept monetary donations. Additionally, the partners set a goal to stuff the bus with 300 turkeys to help our neighbors in need.

Winter Preparedness: Best Practices for Power Outages
Winter in Grand Canyon Village brings its own set of challenges, including the possibility of power outages due to inclement weather. It’s important to be prepared for a variety of winter-related situations to ensure the safety and well-being of you, your family, and your neighbors.
What to Do During a Power Outage

Coconino County Deputy Manager Lucinda Andreani, a long-time member of the Summit Society of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), embodies the spirit of giving and community involvement.
Born in California, she has been active in community affairs throughout her life, whether it was helping launch a local chapter of the National Organization for Women or participating in environmental cleanups.
Her journey with United Way began when she was working for the California utility company PG&E, which promoted workplace giving to their local United Ways and provided matching grants for donations. Lucinda was always in the top tier of donors.

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for frontcountry camping fees. This increase would begin April 1, 2025.
Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) collects campground fees from visitors for overnight stays. GRCA is seeking public comment on proposed fee increases for standard tent and RV sites at Mather, Desert View and North Rim campgrounds. The current camping fees have remained unchanged for the past 20 years.

COCONINO COUNTY — As the hectic holiday season rapidly approaches, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website to help parents and families at home during the upcoming holiday school vacations.
Our growing library of on-demand webinars is 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, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.
Click on the image above to get a quick look at the various free programs we offer, or get more details below:
READ MORE

APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 25, 2024
Ceramics and ceramics education has been a cornerstone of the Sedona Arts Center since it was founded over 65 years ago. As part of our Elements series this season, we invite all ceramic artists to submit work for consideration for Earth and Fire.
The exhibit will be held in the Special Exhibitions Gallery at Sedona Arts Center from January 3-31, 2025.
Deadline to submit: November 25, 2024
Notification to Artists: December 6, 2024
Opening Reception: January 3, 2025, 4-6pm

FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University administrators, colleagues, former students, local political and nonprofit organization leaders, family and friends gathered to present a “Celebration of Life” in honor of Michael L. ‘Miguel’ Vasquez PhD on Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Dubois Center at Northern Arizona University.
The celebration, with an audience number well over 125 individuals, was the first of two events honor Vasquez, who died on Oct. 6.
During the two-hour event at NAU, speakers honored the life of Vasquez, remembering him an associate professor joining the small NAU ethnic faculty, going on to becoming a full professor and teaching a minimum of 12,000 students over 32 years at the university.

(On Nov. 8), the leadership of this 130 year old institution will transfer from Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Hall to Dr. Amanda Bosh, currently the observatory’s chief operating officer. The following weekend, Lowell will celebrate the grand opening of its $53 million Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC).

Monday, November 11: Free Admission to National Parks
In honor of Veterans Day, Grand Canyon National Park and all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on Monday, November 11. Please note that this fee-free designation does not apply to camping, reservations, tours, or lodging.
Thanks to all our veterans in the park and in our community for your service to the nation!

Last year, United Way of Northern Arizona was a partner in a project to help teens in Navajo County survey their peers about current mental health issues facing youth in northeast Arizona.
One of the items to emerge from that survey was that teens in the area were eager for a space to call their own – a teen center.
Now Grow Arizona Workforce Network is pursuing a plan that would establish a facility to not only provide a safe and supportive environment for teens, but to develop the region’s future workforce.

FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest plan to burn piles of slash along Snowbowl Road tomorrow to reduce hazardous forest fuels.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects Inciweb page, which is updated any time new information is available

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY —
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. 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 guest speaker for this week is Jason D. Gillette, CEO of the Guild Health Group
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.
READ MORE

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces this week offered a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported and attended the 21th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27.
Celebraciones cultural performances included Mariachi Rubor, a celebrated all-female ensemble, Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff, local favorite Alena Chavez and NAU Banda Latino de Caribe. Children and families participated in hands-on activities such as decorating sugar skulls and face painting. Arts and crafts vendors featured art, handmade goods and cultural treasures.

ARIZONA — Immerse yourself in the large-scale installations and vignettes throughout Tlaquepaque to commemorate Mexico’s Dia De Los Muertos.
Remember loved ones and celebrate their lives with altars showcasing Mexican culture and heritage. A two day event with special performances on November 2, 2024.
Check back to find a detailed schedule of events including decorating sugar skulls, musical entertainment and dance performances.

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest will begin selling a limited number of Christmas tree permits online starting Nov. 14 at 8 a.m., and permit owners will be allowed to begin cutting Nov. 15 through Dec. 31.
A total of 1,300 permits will be available for purchase on the Coconino NF Christmas tree permit site online through Recreation.gov, which also lists details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates, and types of trees that may be cut.

Dear Museum Friends,
As we enter November, I’m filled with gratitude for our community – MNA members, donors, partners, volunteers, board members, and staff whose dedication and passion fuel our mission. Together, we’re able to shine a light on the remarkable treasures of the Colorado Plateau, ensuring they remain accessible to all.

Voting on November 5th
The 2024 Arizona elections will take place on Tuesday, November 5, coinciding with the nationwide general election. As we’ve seen in previous elections, every vote matters, and we strongly encourage all employees and community members to exercise their right to vote.
For those working in the park, you can cast your ballot at the Shrine of the Ages, precinct #59, on Election Day. Voters registered in Coconino County have the option to vote at their designated precinct polling place or at any Vote Center available on Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and if you are in line at 7 p.m., you will still be allowed to vote.
For up-to-date information on polling locations and additional details, please visit the Coconino County Elections website at www.coconino.az.gov/elections or call 928-679-7860.

COCONINO COUNTY — With more than 200 virtual attendees, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth celebrated its inaugural “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation on Oct. 22 and 23.
“This type of work overwhelmingly moves people to action. It inspires them toward love and care of others as we pause to view differing perspectives and to understand issues in multi-dimensional ways,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y.
CCC&Y curated an array of speakers and topics to help our community understand what system change is, why we need it and some tools and support to improve how things are done. See information on speakers below.
“It has been such a joy to see the positive interaction with the speakers and the material. Occasionally, it can kick up some feelings that express themselves in a wide variety of ways and some push back can be seen,” Watahomigie said. “We are committed to continuing this work and moving these initiatives forward. At the risk of sounding like a soundbite, and paraphrasing, I remember that Maya Angelou encouraged us to do better when we know better. The trick can sometimes be the willingness to know better.”
READ MORE

Co-coordinators Robin Ayers, HR Manager, and Michelle Brown, Senior HR Coordinator, led Nestle Purina’s campaign this year with a mission of engaging employees and inspiring community support.
“When we can step up and make a difference, it is recognizable to others, which can encourage other agencies and individuals to do the same,” said Michelle. “We’re proud of our employees who are involved in community outreach.”
Nestle Purina introduced their workplace campaign during quarterly business meetings, combining informational presentations on the work of UWNA with opportunities to donate. Raffles were held for anyone completing a pledge form with additional prize opportunities for staff members who met specified donation goals.

Honoring Heritage: Reflections on the Healing Power of Land and Community at Indigenous Peoples’ Day
“Remember these places that we are enjoying; now that they are more than just tourist destinations, more than recreational playgrounds, more than places where mining companies or helicopter companies are out there to make a buck. When you’re out on that trail and maybe take a moment think about this place as medicine and how it’s probably providing you some healing. When you look at that breathtaking view that is medicine right there…the reason why that the land can do that for us, is because that power is real, and that is all what a scared place is, recognizing that the land has power.” -David Martínez

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — This is the last chance to register for the Coconino Coalition of Children & Youth’s “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23.
More than 125 individuals signed up for the Oct. 22 event.
The symposium provides details on What is System Change? Why Do We Need It? How Do We Make It Happen?
“The speakers today had very relevant information. I appreciated the focus on intergenerational trauma and how systemic systems contribute to people’s trauma – this feels so relevant to Northern Arizona living on and near tribal lands and being a border state where children have been separated from parents for an extended length of time,” said Dylan Wilder of TransIntimate Online Courses. “Learning more about Vitalyst Spark Grants and the different pillars of systemic change was a critical and helpful lens for me.”
The symposium also provides information on How do we come together for true change? How do we address root cause issues and create positive outcomes, health and thriving for all?
“…The Symposium provided information which was helpful – on a macro level to educate the audience about the broad concepts surrounding Systems Change as well as on a personal level as we learned more about how we as humans experience and react to the world around us affects the way we function,” said Sandra Diehl of the Coconino County Public Defender’s Office.
The event is hosted by CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie, who will speak about the Coalition’s Reimagine Community Project — A Trauma-Informed System Change program the Coalition is partnering with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. CCC&Y was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant
The event is free for those who live or work in Coconino County, $20 full day for all others. Register HERE for the Oct. 23 event.
READ MORE

FLAGSTAFF — A prescribed burn will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department southwest of the Lynwood and Cheshire neighborhoods on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The burn will target approximately 36 acres within the Jesse Gregg RX Units. Resources on scene will include the City of Flagstaff Wildland Fire Management Module and representatives from the NAU School of Forestry.

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to conduct two prescribed burn projects this week, beginning tomorrow.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects Inciweb page, which is updated any time new information is available.

From a print making demonstration by Southern California artists visiting Flagstaff, to an Ofrenda 101 cultural education session for county employees and an information display at a local library, the community found a number of ways to celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month in Coconino County.
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The HeArt Box gallery in downtown Flagstaff presented “Sendero Gráfico: Southwest Route” with Los Angeles artists Daniel González and Pável Acevedo on Oct. 15.
The artists displayed and sold a variety of their print work during the event, many which touched on Day of the Dead and the Mexican graphic art tradition. They also demonstrated their ink screen making talents, with patrons purchasing an array of clothing featuring their artwork.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — With less than a week to go, the time to register is NOW! for the Coconino Coalition of Children & Youth’s “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation. Participants can choose Oct. 22 or Oct. 23 to attend the Virtual Community Experience.
The event will provide details on What is System Change? Why Do We Need It? How Do We Make It Happen?
It will also provide information on How do we come together for true change? How do we address root cause issues and create positive outcomes, health and thriving for all?
The System Change Symposium includes such presenters as:
• Kevin Campbell, an American Child Protection, Health Care Innovator and co-founder of Pale Blue with Elizabeth Wendel, MSW, LSW, will help viewers understand the human toll and outcomes of current systems and give us practical ideas for making change now.
• David Martinez III of Vitalist Health Foundation, who will talk about “What is Systems Change and Why They Fund It”
• Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historical Trauma, who will provide examples of policy, systems and inequity
• Andrea Meronuck of Northland Family Health Center and Pearl Santillan of First Things First, who will provide information on mindfulness, self compassion and/or mental health models
• Dr. Sandra Solano, founder of Integro, who will talk about HeartMath, trauma and use for systems change work
• and a message from Flagstaff Mayor, Becky Daggett
READ MORE

Grand Canyon Hosts Successful Indigenous People’s Day Events
On Indigenous People’s Day hundreds of people watched dance performances at two locations. On the canyon rim, in front of Hopi house Crown Dancers from the White Mountain Apache, danced as the clouds cast mood lighting on them. Participants watched as the boys performed dances intended for blessing and healing. Their crowns represented four mountains that are sacred to the Apache and each dancer called “angelic beings”, spirits who lived on the mountains, to come into the crowd.

Saturday, October 19, 10am – Noon
Main Street Paint Out
Stroll up and down Uptown Sedona on 89A, from Sedona Arts enter to the Pink Jeep Café, and watch artists paint their surroundings in real time. This event will be
judged by artist Bruce Aiken, an acclaimed Grand Canyon and American Southwest painter. Awards and artworks sale begin at 12:30 p.m. at Sedona Arts Center.

Into the Night: A Nocturne Plein Air Workshop
with Krystal W. Brown
October 28–30: Monday – Wednesday
Painting nocturnes is one of Krystal’s favorite things to paint and so is giving you the tools and techniques to create successfully…no matter the time of day. You will learn from Krystal how to choose the best sight, set up, and process to paint nocturnes from life which will help you carry the last rays of the day into the night in your work. You will effectively learn how to remove the “Fear Factor” from any nighttime scene in a way that fits in with your unique creativity and skill set.

SEDONA — After input from the public, community leaders, and user groups, the Red Rock Ranger District is releasing the Red Rock Trails Access Plan Phase II for additional public comments, from Oct. 16 to Nov. 14.
The plan proposes trail enhancements, including adding approximately 31 miles of new non-motorized trails and re-routing and naturalizing other trails, within the Turkey Creek area of the Coconino National Forest. This area is located in the Village of Oak Creek in Yavapai County.
Members of the public can view the recent Scoping Letter and associated maps on the project webpage at https://tinyurl.com/RedRockAccessPhaseII.

Sedona Arts Center presents the 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival Nation’s top plein air painters featured in week-long event starting October 18, 2024.
More than 20 renowned plein air artists from across the country will capture Sedona’s extraordinary landscapes during Sedona Arts Center’s 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival October 18-26, 2024. The week-long event features artist demonstrations, paint outs, juried art competitions and more.

As the holiday season approaches, St. Mary’s Food Bank is preparing for our annual **Holiday Food Distributions** across several locations, and we need your help to make these events a success! Your support will ensure that families in our community receive the nourishment they need during this special time of year.