Category: Family

United Way of Northern Arizona secures funding for Holbrook Teen Center

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is proud to announce it has received a $150,000 grant from Wellpoint, a leading healthcare company, to support the transformation of a former retail space in Holbrook into a teen center.

The center is being developed by Grow Arizona Workforce Network, a local nonprofit focused on workforce readiness and youth empowerment.

UWNA has been working to help secure funding for close to a year and is thrilled by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the Wellpoint team in supporting this new service.

Coconino County Parks and Recreation Pine & Peaks Post for June 12, 2025 — Fire Safety, Free Fun & Fresh Programs. See What’s New!

Welcome to your go-to source for everything Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.


Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect: Parks & Recreation has specific guidelines outlining what is allowed and prohibited during this time. Click here to review the details before your next visit.
Spots still open for Week 3 of Summer Camp! Fun at the Fort is blasting off with a Space Explorers theme next week, and we have room for new recruits. Sign up here to join the adventure.
New Programs Launching Soon! Archery clinics, culinary classes, Festival of Science activities, and more are coming your way. Stay tuned – our updated catalog will be live soon on our website.

Sedona Arts Center — KIDS CAMP! Classes and Workshops for Kids

Lost & Found: Crafting with Nature for Ages 8-12
with Jillian Sander
June 30, 2025 – Monday, 9am-12pm — $35

In this half-day camp class, kids will hand build animals using found branches, twigs, pinecones, and rocks. Bring home a slow pinecone turtle, a speedy stick horse, or a funny little twig caterpillar! The options are endless! Found-object sculpture is a great way to get those creative gears turning; kids will learn all about artistic improvisation and problem solving as they discover new, fun ways to use what’s around them.

All supplies provided.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect families with variety of food security programs countywide

​​​​​​​By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

Measles confirmed in Arizona, no reported cases in Coconino County

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD) identified four confirmed cases of measles in Navajo County.

These individuals are unvaccinated and linked to the same exposure associated with international travel. NCPHSD is working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Coconino County.

Sedona Arts Center — New workshops starting this week!

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.

For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

LULAC urges public calm as National Guard troops ordered by Trump Administration arrive in Southern California

“We are very concerned over the inflammatory language that the Trump administration is using to describe the environment in Los Angeles, which its actions have ignited,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “Sending national guard troops into Southern California, without regard for the authority or knowledge of local or state officials, is a deliberate tactic that is only ramping up the anger,” he adds.

Management of lightning-caused Basin Fire north of Flagstaff (on June 9)

FLAGSTAFF — Active management of the Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, will begin (on June 9).

Fire managers with both the Coconino and Kaibab national forests have spent the last several days preparing for firing operations (Monday) and Tuesday in order to restore ecological processes for about 9,000 acres of forest land through treatment.

Coconino County to provide court, health, and other services in Page on Thursday, June 19

This event gives Page residents and nearby areas access to services without needing to travel to Flagstaff. 

The Coconino County Attorney’s Office (CAO), Legal Defender’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Elections Department, Recorder’s Office, and Health and Human Services (CCHHS) along with The Guidance Center (TGC), Encompass, DNA-People’s Legal Services, and Victim Witness Services of Northern Arizona (VWS) are participating. 

Intersection of Riordan Drive and Riordan Ranch Street in Flagstaff closed starting June 23

FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, June 23, the intersection of Riordan Dr and Riordan Ranch St will be closed for one month. The closure is necessary as part of a larger project in the area that will install a new water meter and underground utilities.

Access to businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the project. Project work will take place on Monday – Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Heavy equipment may be present in the area and there may be noise during work hours.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3)’s 30th Anniversary Auction: Items ready to view

Celebrate F3’s 30th Anniversary by bidding on our online auction!

Help us continue our work by bidding on our exciting, diverse, and unique items including special experiences (from guided tours to personal luxuries), gift baskets (from personal care to gardening) and gift certificates (from design services to doggy day care). Bid on food, wine, jewelry, and more.

Everything is donated by local shops, businesses, restaurants, and individuals who generously contributed to this auction.

Help us kick-off of our next 30 years of community work in Flagstaff!

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of June 2, 2025

Gallego Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Obesity Epidemic ••• Gallego Fights to Protect Key Consumer Protection Agency ••• Gallego, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Prevent Companies from Ripping Healthcare Away from Striking Workers ••• Gallego Fights for Program That Saves Arizonans Hundreds on Their Utility Bills ••• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Keep Communities Safe

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 2-6, 2025

Ongoing Power Outage on North Rim

The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work with the North Rim concessioner to address the power outage affecting the North Rim, which began Sunday evening, June 1, due to an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power remains out at the Grand Canyon Lodge and surrounding concessioner facilities. Overnight reservations have been canceled since June 2.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Communications Issue #39: Flagstaff’s Important Code Analysis Project

The city is hosting a Community Conversation (on June 13) about the Code Analysis Project (CAP). This will be an in-depth conversation and an opportunity to provide input to city staff and discuss concerns related to how the community will address our housing and climate needs. The city is looking for the community’s input and concerns as they consider how to move forward with the CAP and the revision of development codes in a manner that reflects our community’s values.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on June 5 to share your story

​​​​​​​By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — 

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5. 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 or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

READ MORE

June at the Museum of Northern Arizona

June marks the beginning of our busiest time of year with a multitude of events throughout the summer. Our beautiful location is special anytime of the year, but summer is especially wonderful here at the Museum of Northern Arizona. 

This month sees the return of one of MNA’s most cherished traditions—the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture, a celebration of living Indigenous culture and creative expression. We’re proud to welcome around 100 Native American artists from across the Colorado Plateau on June 28 and 29. I encourage you to come explore their exquisite works of jewelry, pottery, basketry, fine art, performances, and more. Our galleries provide an insight into the past and present of the Native communities on the Colorado Plateau, while the festival is a wonderful opportunity to talk with many artists from these communities and learn about their creative processes and influences.

Grand Canyon National Park provides update on North Rim power outage and lodge services

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — The National Park Service (NPS) has identified the cause of a recent power outage affecting the North Rim as an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power has been out at the Grand Canyon Lodge since approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1.

Overnight reservations were cancelled starting the evening of June 2 due to the outage. The National Park Service appreciates visitors’ patience and understanding as we continue working closely with the concessioner to restore lodging and food services to full operations.

Sedona Arts Center — The Big Gay Art Show Opens Friday, June 6

Sedona Arts Center proudly kicks off Pride Month with the return of the beloved Big Gay Art Show, on view June 6–July 25, 2025.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, June 6, from 4–6PM, part of Celebrate Sedona—an afternoon of creativity, community, and connection.

Summer ART Raffle at the Sedona Arts Center! Enter to Win!

Sedona Arts Center Summer Raffle is Here! 🎨
Win Original Artwork by Renowned Artists

Support the arts and take home something beautiful! Now through June 21, 2025, enter our Summer Raffle for a chance to win one of several original works of art created by talented Sedona Arts Center artists.


Featured Artists:
Elizabeth St. Hilaire, Sandra Luehrsen, Mary Helsaple,
Michelle Held, Robert Burridge, and Bruce Gomez

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Shrek The Musical and Much More!

Get ready for a vibrant and unforgettable theatrical experience as Theatrikos proudly presents Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This iconic show promises to dazzle audiences of all ages with its infectious melodies, witty lyrics, and a heartwarming tale of betrayal, forgiveness, and the power of dreams.

Running from July 17th to August 10th, this production brings the timeless biblical story of Joseph to life with a kaleidoscope of musical styles – from rock and roll to calypso, country-western to French ballads. Follow Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, on his incredible journey from the pit of despair to becoming the Pharaoh’s trusted advisor, all while adorned in his magnificent, multicolored coat.

Sedona Arts Center — Sign up for an Art Class or Workshop!

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.

Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on May 30

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.
Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City parks, open spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.

The City cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions. Please help the City keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions.

For more information on City fire restriction stages, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for May 2025

Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers from DHS and ICE After Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court *** Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge HHS and DOJ to Streamline Domestic Violence Victim Services Funding *** Kelly, Gallego, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families *** MORE ***

Understanding the Costs of Living in the Woods: The Wildfire/Insurance Issue – A Growing Crisis work session on June 3

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is at a “very high risk” for wildfire according to researchers at Headwaters Economics.

The risk is higher than 96% of all counties in the country, which is creating a growing issue with securing, retaining and affording insurance within Coconino County and across the western United States. This growing “Wildfire/Insurance Crisis,” is why the Coconino County Flood Control District and County Board of Supervisors are hosting a series of public work sessions to hear from national and state experts about how community preparedness can help address wildfire risk along with insurance premiums and explore what other communities are already doing that is making a difference. 

The first session is scheduled for 1:15-2:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the Coconino County Administrative Building, 219 E. Cherry Avenue in Flagstaff, which can be attended in person or streamed online at youtube.com/coconinocnty. A recording will be posted online at the Coconino County Flood Control District’s website the following week. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 26-30, 2025

Native Artisans Vendor Market Opens on North Rim

This past weekend, Grand Canyon National Park supported the Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Native Artisans Market on the North Rim which included 15 different Indigenous vendors over the course of four days. This was the first time the market was open on the North Rim.

Sedona Arts Center — Sign up for an Art Workshop!

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.

For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

Coconino County road status information now available on AZ511 Website

COCONINO COUNTY — Motorists can now get real-time data about conditions affecting travel on Coconino County roads on AZ511.gov, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Arizona Traveler Information website.

Coconino County can upload real-time data regarding construction work, weather-related closures, special events, and emergency situations to the website using Travel-IQ, which is the Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) that also powers AZ511. The City of Flagstaff also uses Travel-IQ to publish information on AZ511 about city road construction and closures.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents free webinars on understanding how emotions impact adult and child relationships

FLAGSTAFF —  With graduation season coming to an end, and Summer vacation, camps and reading programs beginning, this might be a good time for parents view this free online opportunity to ease some of the stress during this busy time of year.

Motivated by a long wait list for behavioral health services, and aware of challenging adult and child emotions causing behavior difficulties, Bethany Camp put this two part training together for CCC&Y to help meeting a wide-spread community need.

First we learn to understand our emotions and then we can understand and respond to the big emotional responses of children.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joins county representatives at Fiesta de Mayo Celebration at the Flagstaff Mall

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined county representatives at Fiesta de Mayo Celebration at the Flagstaff Mall on May 18.

Presented by the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association , the mall celebration was one of two events held last weekend, which included its “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Volunteer Spotlight: Viviana Reyes

When Viviana Reyes attended UWNA’s Community Impact and Annual Recognition Luncheon a few weeks back, she had no idea she was going to receive an award for her volunteer efforts.

“I saw my name in the program and was completely surprised,” she recalls. “It’s really special to receive an acknowledgement. “For me, volunteering isn’t something formal — it’s just what you do. Growing up in a Latino family, community, and mutual support were at the heart of everything. I didn’t even think of it as ‘volunteering’ – we just showed up for each other.”

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 19, 2025

• Gallego, Kelly, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families

• Gallego Urges Commerce Department to Reconsider Tomato Trade Decision That Threatens Jobs and Raises Prices for Arizonans

• Gallego Pushes for More Federal Resources to Combat Fentanyl Crisis in Arizona

MORE

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 19-23, 2025

Memorial Day 21-gun salute at Pioneer Cemetery

On Monday, May 27, American Legion, John Ivens Post 42, will hold its annual Memorial Day 21-gun salute ceremony at the Pioneer Cemetery, located to the west of the Shrine of the Ages. This special event is open to the public to honor Veterans buried in the cemetery.

The event will begin around 11 a.m. and residents here in the park can expect to hear blank rounds being fired on or around this time.

Museum of Northern Arizona Virtual Auction open for bidding!

We are just two weeks away from MNA’s biggest fundraising night of the year – the Party on the Plateau! If you didn’t snag tickets to this sold-out event, no worries – you can still bid in the silent auction, which is open for online bidding. You do not have to be attending the Party on the Plateau to participate!

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) May-June E-Newsletter

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Sedona Arts Center — May News

You may have heard the news about National Endowment for the Arts grants and grant programs being terminated by DOGE recently.

While Sedona Arts Center has not been directly impacted by the current NEA grant terminations, we would be impacted by the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts through our annual grant from the AZ Commission on the Arts. The entire field of arts and culture would be significantly impacted by this loss – be it research to the field, the millions of lives improved through participation in the arts, or the millions of jobs and the economic impact the arts have on America’s bottom line. The NEA’s funding is critical to us, but they provide our field so much more.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2025 Summer Camps, Summer Reading registration continuing. See our listings

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Register soon before summer camps fill up! See summer reading programs below!

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of upcoming summer camps in Coconino County. Contact individual programs for more information on their 2025 summer camps.

(Updated May 20, 2025).

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED May 20, 2025)

READ MORE​​​​​​​

Sedona Arts Center — Call to Artists: The Face of Time

An Exhibition at Sedona Arts Center
Exhibit Dates: August 1 – September 12, 2025
Opening Reception: August 1, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Deadline to Apply: July 1, 2025

Since 2022, Sedona Arts Center has embraced a unifying annual theme to inspire our exhibitions and programs. For the 2025–2026 season, our guiding theme is FACE—a word rich with meaning as both noun and verb. From the human visage to the surface of mountains, from emotional expressions to bold acts of confrontation, FACE invites endless interpretations.

KIDS CAMP! Classes and Workshops for Kids

Bugs Rock! Ages 6-12
with Jillian Sander
May 27, 2025 – Tuesday, 9am-12pm

In this half-day camp class, kids will learn all about local bug species and paint rocks to look like their favorites! Arizona is home to so many incredible creatures; from dragonflies and butterflies to beetles and ants and many more, we’ll get into what makes these insects so cool and so important to our ecosystem. Campers will use acrylic paint to transform rocks into bugs. Weather-proof and perfect for the garden, kids can take home their new bug friends and create a lasting memory. This is the perfect activity for little artists AND little scientists!

Rocks and painting supplies provided.

Sunnyside Neighborhood Association holding two events this weekend — ‘2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party’ on May 16, ‘Fiesta de Mayo Celebration’ on May 18 at the Flagstaff Mall

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will hold two events this weekend beginning with the “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 16 at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. After extensive renovations, the market has reopened at the site of the old Redwood Bar & Grill

The organization will then hold its traditional Fiesta de Mayo Celebration inside at the Flagstaff Mall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at 4650 N US HWY 89 Flagstaff.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 12, 2025

What Arizonans are Saying, Watching, and Reading About Senator Gallego’s Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan … Senator Gallego, Whip Clark, and Congressional Dads Caucus Chair Rep. Gomez Hold Press Conference on Trump’s Baby Tax … Gallego, Whitehouse, Warren, Booker, DeLauro, Colleagues Demand Action to Prevent Corporations from Using Trump’s Reckless Tariffs as an Excuse to Price Gouge Hardworking Americans … MORE

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 12-16, 2025

North Rim and Bright Angel Trail Reopen Today; Key Closures Continue

As of today, Thursday, May 15, we’re officially kicking off the summer season with the North Rim and Bright Angel Trail open to the public once again. This marks a big step forward following months of heavy construction, planning, and collaboration—thank you to everyone who played a role in getting us here.

At the North Rim, visitor services are now fully operational. The campground, Grand Canyon Lodge, Backcountry Information Center, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore are open, and Rangers will be staffing the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 15. Commercial services will run through mid-October, and the North Rim will remain open for day use until November 30 (or until snowfall closes the roads). The Bright Angel Point Trail will be closed for the season for safety improvements and trail repairs.

Summer in the Ceramics Department at Sedona Arts Center

Ceramics: Independent Study
with Ben Roti
June 9-July 14, 2025 – Mondays, 3:30-6:30pm

*Designed for experienced ceramicists, this class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)

What You’ll Experience:

Theatrikos Theatre Co. to present Shrek The Musical, Dreamcoat, New Summer Camps and Much More!

Get ready for an exciting adventure with TheatriKids! We’re thrilled to present our upcoming production of Shrek The Musical!

Step into a vibrant world where ogres are the heroes, donkeys have the gift of gab, and fairytales get a delightful twist. Join the grumpy but lovable Shrek and his endlessly entertaining sidekick Donkey on their quest to rescue the spirited Princess Fiona.

Reminder! County Comprehensive Plan Open House May 27 in Doney Park

What is the County’s Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is the County’s long-range policy document.  It provides a twenty-year vision and guide for future physical, economic, and social development for the entire county, and contains maps, goals, policies, and implementation actions that guide decisions about the County’s future, in particular with regard to land use decisions.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation May 2025 newsletter

Pine & Peaks Post | Our Brand-New Newsletter!
Welcome to your go-to source for everything Coconino County Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.

We want to hear from you! Take our quick satisfaction survey to let us know what you’d like to see more of!
2025 Coconino County Fair Entries Are Open! Think you’ve got a winner? Enter your exhibit by clicking here!

City to host community discussion on future Montalvo STEM Education Community Center

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host a community meeting on Thursday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. to gather input and feedback from the public on the future Montalvo Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Community Center. The meeting will be held at the Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth St).

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Community gains valuable information during 4th Annual Walk for Wellness

​​​​​​​By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — From hikers to bikers to strollers, a variety of individuals and families enjoyed a beautiful spring day in Flagstaff, and gained some valuable information on physical and mental health, at the 4th annual Walk for Wellness event held on Saturday, May 10 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff. The event is a celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.

Flagstaff City Councilmember Khara House read a proclamation during the event recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Flagstaff.

A total of 140 people signed up for the walk, beating last year’s total, said Theresa Kulpinski of Coconino County Health and Human Services AZ Health Zone/First Things First Quality First, who organized the event with Kathy Farretta of First Things First.

Organizers said event was designed to make taking care of your physical and mental health a habit, raise awareness, reduce the stigma of mental health and enjoy a walk with family and friends.

Those participating in the event as sponsors and supporting organizations included Anderson General Tire, Arizona State Parks & Trails, Coconino Anti-Tobacco Students (CATS), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Health and Human Services AZ Health Zone, Girl Scouts, The Guidance Center, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.

National Park Service — 2025 South Rim Firewise Cleanup Begins!

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2025 Firewise Residential
Cleanup Weekend will occur now through May 25.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will be moving and
hauling debris the week of May 26.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Greater Observatory Mesa Trails Plan at Council This Tuesday

The City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space division is presenting the Greater Observatory Mesa Area Trail Plan to City Council this Tuesday in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation.

According to the Council’s agenda, the meeting will provide the City Council an understanding of the trail plan, and offer the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation by the City via resolution.

Tuesday, May 13 City Council Work Session, starting at 3:00 pm

Join a workshop at Sedona Arts Center today!

Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.

Proposed changes to recreation fees on the Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest to help maintain highly-visited sites and standardize the recreation pass program for all forest visitors. 

Most recreation sites on the forest will not require a fee, with more than 67% of sites on the forest remaining free for general public use and enjoyment. The forest will continue to honor the suite of “America the Beautiful” Interagency Passes and Red Rock Passes at all standard amenity fee sites and provide several fee-free days throughout the year. Also, the Sedona Shuttle program, which provides free transportation from two Park and Ride lots to popular recreation fee sites, will continue to operate.