
View this email in your browser With the end of the year in sight, it’s so fun to reflect on the amazing journey we’ve had. We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported FLYRS in…

Building Bright Futures: One Student at a Time
Every student who walks across the stage, diploma in hand, is a testament to our important work and inspires us to keep moving forward. These students are the future of Arizona – and with each degree, we are closer to reaching our state’s Achieve60AZ attainment goal.
Here are just a few of the ways our work has made an impact on students’ lives this year:

To me, the excitement around STEM is the potential for discovery, new fields of study and applications that make people’s lives better – both in the day-to-day and in the grander scheme of human exploration and endeavor.
Inspired by my fascination with STEM, I earned my degree in agriculture and plant science from the University of Arizona. I later went on to start my education career and taught 7th grade biology in Yuma and I’ve been working in education for the past 20 years.

2023 is almost over, and it’s time to reflect on what an exciting year it has been. We are so happy to have you all a part of FLYRS as we reached greater heights than ever before. With nearly 1000 youth served this year, we have worked further toward our mission of developing resilient, caring, and growth oriented youth through cycling. Thanks to your support, we have been able to strengthen our community by providing an ecosystem of bike-centric programs, events, and opportunities.
Check out this short reel of some fun moments from 2023.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
We want to wish you all a very Happy 2024.
We are so thankful for the support you have shown CCC&Y over the years. We are looking forward to continuation of our Trauma-Informed systems work with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County under the “Reimagine Community” program and we are excited to expand our webinar offerings in the coming year. We will be having guest presenters, new outreach, more prevention and more healing!
We are hoping to count on you for support!
If you need to renew a membership, would like to make a donation, would like to give the gift of membership during the holiday season etc….please visit https://coconinokids.org/contribute/
P.S.,
Change is coming in 2024 for our popular News website and our weekly e-newsletter. Our News website is currently under construction and will eventually merge with our main website this year.
As part of that move, our regular weekly e-newsletter is also transitioning to a fresh look for 2024.
And we want your help!
Please CLICK HERE to submit your suggestions to help us better design a weekly e-newsletter that better meets your needs in 2024.
Thank you to everyone who has already provided some great suggestions for our newsletter. Very much appreciated.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Solid Waste Section has published the 2024 schedule for bulky waste collection, which is provided to all single-family households within Flagstaff city limits. Bulky waste collection will continue to be performed in five geographic sections throughout the City once every five weeks per the map and schedule that can be downloaded at flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/77841.

Sedona Arts Center Artists of all levels, working in all mediums are invited to enter into our Annual Juried Exhibition & Sale. The exhibition will run from March 6-31, 2024
Monetary awards will be given for First Place/Best of Show Award ($500), Second ($250) and Third ($150) place.
Honorable mention awards will be awarded at the discretion of the jurors and no monetary amount attached.
People’s Choice Award is announced at the end of the show. No monetary attached.
DEADLINE for submission: January 26, 2024
How to Apply:
43rd JURIED ART EXHIBITION – Apply Online at Cafe – Click Here.

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District plans to conduct pile burns throughout this week in three locations near the City of Flagstaff.
The Horse Park pile burn consists of approximately 2,000 acres of slash piles just north of Munds Park, located 13 miles south of Flagstaff near Forest Road 700. Crews plan to burn Wednesday, Jan. 3 through Friday, Jan. 5.
Crews will burn a small pile located at the Mormon Lake Work Center, 2 miles south of Flagstaff, on Thursday, Jan. 4.
Crews will also burn about 10 acres of hand piles at the Flagstaff Hotshot Ranch site, located roughly 7 miles northwest of the City of Flagstaff, on Friday, Jan. 5.

Grand Canyon Residents, Partners, and Community Members,
As a reminder, rodenticides (rodent poisons) are prohibited in Grand Canyon National Park and in all park residences. Recently, a bobcat in the South Rim Village was found deceased as a result of high levels of rodenticide poisoning.
These poisons cause harm to wildlife, pets, and humans and can contaminate the environment. Keeping residences and buildings sanitary, uncluttered, and consistently setting snap traps is the most effective way to control rodents.
Free rodent clean-up kits are available for check-out that will help you safely address rodents in your home or workplace.

Message from Mary –
As we all enter a new year and recover from the holidays, remember that a visit to the museum is a warm and welcome escape from winter. Come on a blustery day to enjoy the lush beauty of Tony Foster: Watercolour Diaries from the Green River. Visit alone when you need some calm and quiet or come with a friend for a social outing that prompts thoughtful discussion. No matter when you come or whom you visit with, museums are proven to be good for you, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and connecting you to the wonders of the world. A visit to MNA is a great way to start the new year!

Theatrikos Theatre Company brings Mary Chase’s Harvey to the Flagstaff stage. A lovable and eccentric Pulitzer Prize winning classic American comedy about a perfect gentleman and his very strange best friend—a six foot tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. A charming, delightful and enchanting testimony towards the value of kindness over the importance of conventionality.
Harvey’s Broadway debut ran for 1,775 performances. It has been revived on Broadway and London’s West End numerous times and has played all over the world. There have been three television adaptations and the famous Academy Award winning movie starring Jimmy Stewart.

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2024) is here and this is the perfect time to celebrate your business.
You can reach a Northern Arizona audience that is approaching 639,000 hits, nearly 80,000 visits and almost 25,000 unique visitors on our website as of Aug. 15, 2024.
Contact Frank at fmoraga@amigosnaz.com

This series, focused on Cultural Appropriation, has been a long time coming. This has been an issue here at Sedona Arts Center for many years but has never been addressed. When I began researching what other arts centers or museums had regarding policies on this topic, I came up short – even at the national level. It was clear that this was a topic that needed further exploration. I contacted the Museum of Northern AZ to see if they might be interested in partnering with us on a lecture series to put this issue in context and inform a potential joint policy or working agreement and they jumped at the chance. We are extremely excited to offer this series of lectures in partnership with MNA and look forward to what we discover together.”

FLAGSTAFF — “Humor Healing,” featuring James Junes and Talibah Begay, will be held at at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Ardrey Auditorium at Northern Arizona University.
Event is free, no tickets needed, and parking is in P13 lot behind Ardrey. The cost for parking is $3/hour and attendee may purchase the permit at the drive-up kiosk upon entering campus via the Riordan Road off Milton Road.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting two drop-in events on proposed changes to growth-related water and sewer capacity fees. Flagstaff area developers and contractors are invited to attend to learn more about the proposed fee changes, as well as the City’s Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Rate Study. City staff will be available to take feedback and answer questions.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host two open house events to discuss proposed updates to the City’s Engineering Design Standards and Specifications. Members of the public are invited to attend to review the proposed updates and share feedback.
A virtual open house will also be held via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The meeting can be accessed here.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is excited to announce an upcoming Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.).
Fix-It Clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join us for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County invite residents to attend meetings of the Regional Plan Committee as the Committee begins reviewing draft chapters of the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045. The first chapter to be reviewed focuses on natural resources, and the Committee will discuss the chapter on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at the City of Flagstaff Public Works Building (3200 W Route 66).

A modern retelling of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. The play is set in LA, and imagines that Oedipus is a young man in prison who is about to be released. He encounters Laius (his father) on the streets, they fight, and he kills Laius. He then goes to the family compound of his friend from prison, Creon, asking to stay for a few days up to a week. There he meets Jocasta, his mother and they have an instant connection.

Flores-Villalobos argues that Black West Indian women fed, housed, and cared for the segregated Black West Indian labor force, subsidizing the construction effort. They did not hold contracts, had little access to official services and wages, and received pay in both silver and gold even though most other black workers were paid only in silver, while white workers were paid only in gold. West Indian women developed important strategies that helped them navigate the U.S. empire and nurtured further West Indian migrations, linking Panama to Harlem and Cuba.

The Annual Juried Members Art Exhibition & Sale, our community’s largest and longest-running exhibition, showcases both 2D and 3D artwork in a range of mediums and styles by emerging and established artists. From drawing, painting and photography to jewelry, wood and fiber art, more than 80 artworks by 75 SAC member artists from across the country will be displayed.
“The members’ show features imaginative artworks by artists of all ages and experience levels, from nationally and internationally known professionals to first-time exhibitors,” says Julie Richard, CEO of Sedona Arts Center.

Exhibit includes 20 panels showcasing inspiring and impactful local women throughout Flagstaff’s history including past and present Hispanic residents Delia Ceballos Muñoz, Procure Vergara Martinez, Noemi A., Jessie Jimenez Alonzo, Bonn Baudelaire
FLAGSTAFF — Culture Connection AZ and the Martin-Springer Institute are presenting the historical exhibit Resilience: Women in Flagstaff’s Past and Present at the Historic Ice House in downtown Flagstaff. The exhibit will be on display for the full month of March, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm.
The stories of women presented in the Resilience exhibit cover each decade from the 1880s to 2020s in the former pioneer and mountain town of Flagstaff in northern Arizona. Women have been part of Flagstaff’s social fabric from its very beginnings in the 1880s. Throughout the decades, women have shaped the town’s development as public figures and caretakers. Through their stories, we can trace societal changes in a small town of America’s Southwest.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites residents impacted by post-wildfire flooding in the Spruce Wash/ Museum Flood Area to a community meeting on Monday, April 1 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall (211 W Aspen Ave). During the meeting, City staff will discuss ongoing infrastructure projects, preparations for monsoon season and answer questions from residents.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will hold a public meeting for Lone Tree Improvements from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Flagstaff City Hall at 211 W. Aspen Ave. A presentation will be given at 5:45 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to share project designs, describe construction phasing and traffic impacts, and introduce the contractor.
Improvements to the Lone Tree corridor include the construction of a new overpass that will extend Lone Tree Road between Butler Avenue to the south and Route 66 to the north. Other improvements include a new intersection at Lone Tree Road and Route 66, bicycle lanes, trails, landscaping and modifications to existing intersections.

The “Places of Flagstaff” event promises an unforgettable afternoon that will ignite your senses and foster a vibrant sense of community spirit. Renowned Flagstaff artist Eric Kruse will take center stage, unveiling his extraordinary wood art creations. These hand-carved portraits, landscapes, and logos pay homage to the iconic businesses that define our beloved city, encapsulating Flagstaff’s cultural heritage.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting an informational meeting about the current drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water rate study on Monday, April 8 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N Fourth St). The meeting will be a drop-in style event where attendees can learn more about the rate study and see how proposed rate changes will affect their water bill. Attendees can also ask questions of City staff and provide feedback.

Montaño explores the role of electricity in Mexico’s economic and political evolution. She outlines the ways that the coal-deficient country pioneered large-scale hydroelectricity and sought to face the world as a scientifically enlightened “empire of peace.” Montaño documents inventions and adaptations that served local needs while fostering new ideas of time and space, body and self, the national and the foreign. Complicating historical discourses in which Latin Americans merely use technologies developed elsewhere, here Montaño emphasizes a particular national culture of scientific progress and its contributions to a uniquely Mexican modernist political subjectivity.

FLAGSTAFF — Join us for our thrid annual one-day Nonprofit Leadership Conference on April 18th at the Double Tree by Hilton Flagstaff. Get tips and mentorship from industry experts in nonprofit governance, accounting, grant-writing, market strategies, technology, social media, collaborations, and more!

Come celebrate with us and support access to literacy for all members of our community. There will be dinner, drinks, games, raffles, auctions, and of course, the bee competition!
This year the bee will be held at CCC’s Lone Tree campus and will be catered by Fat Olives with an assortment of delicious Italian pizzas, salads, appetizers, and desserts!

Kick off the day by joining a community litter clean-up led by Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC), which will take place from 9-10 a.m. before the community celebration. Volunteers should arrive at the meeting location by 8:45 a.m. A light breakfast will be available for volunteers. For more information and to register for the event, visit Flagstaff.az.gov/EarthDay.

Luis Alberto Urrea, a Guggenheim Fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist, is the author of 19 books including Devils Highway and House of Broken Angels. Join him for an evening in Cline Library Assembly Hall as he tells his story of growing up with the arts and humanities as a crucial lifeline to the world beyond his modest home.

The City of Flagstaff has been working to relocate Arizona Materials (the concrete plant at 633 E. Brannen Ave) to allow for the construction of the Lone Tree Overpass Project and the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project. Arizona Materials is seeking City support to move to 840 E Butler Ave across from Whole Foods Market, which is located in the “Live/Make Center” as designated in the Southside Community Specific Plan.

The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding recommended Zoning Ordinance amendments at their April 24, 2024 regular meeting.
These amendments are intended to improve flexibility in the County’s Comprehensive Plan update process and overall flexibility and efficiency in serving the community.

FLAGSTAFF — Join the Comprehensive Plan Update Open House! Drop-in, Get Involved, Stay Informed from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 at the Thomas Auditorium, 2500 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff.
Review what we’ve heard from county communities and the results of our community engagement efforts, provide feedback, enjoy refreshments, enter a raffle drawing!

Taking place on May 4th, the Scavenger Hunt includes 20 participating destinations, an exclusive event tee-shirt, refreshments at the culminating event, volunteer support, a convenient bus pass for the day, and, an abundance of joy and inspiration! At the post-event celebration, everyone is a winner with prizes for top teams and attendee-voted superlatives, along with a slideshow of your terrific selfies, and snacks. Register today for an adventure-packed day with the Festival of Science!

Fix-it clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join volunteers for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff.

Are you a rural-based business in Arizona looking to drive new customers and clients, grow your presence online, and maximize your time? Local First Arizona has crafted a network of the best rural-based marketing and business development companies to deliver education, trainings and exclusive services for you.
Businesses in Rural Arizona deserve resources and business opportunities that are built specifically for them. Join an upcoming free workshop to access the best advice in a variety of areas including:
Business Development Strategies
Telling Your Story and Why it Matters
Social Media Marketing
Getting Your Business Found Online

GRAND CANYON — The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from through Saturday, June 8, 2024, on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. National Parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States.
Dozens of telescopes will offer views of planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!

¡Que Hermoso!
– A Celebration of Latinx Artists
June 5-28, 2024
Sedona Arts Center is delighted to announce the return of ¡Qué Hermoso! June 5-28, 2024, an exhibition that explores and celebrates Latinx cultural identity and traditions. The exhibition opens with an artists’ reception Wednesday, June 5, from 4-6 p.m., held in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon features artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music by the Andrés Martínez Trío. Both events are free and open to the public.
¡Qué Hermoso! showcases a variety of artistic mediums and styles and celebrates cultural identity and traditions by Arizona artists including Tato Caraveo, Emily Costello, Charissa Cota, Zarco Guerrero, Lucinda Hinojos, Annie Lopez and Gretchen Lopez. More than 35 artworks will highlight histories, familism, forgotten stories and rich personal and collective experiences.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is excited to announce an upcoming Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Fix-It Clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join volunteers for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Indigenous Code Talkers with an event on Monday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aquaplex Community Room (1702 N. Fourth St). Members of the public are welcome to attend.
The event will feature a posting of the colors, singing of the Marines Hymn, an official proclamation, and recognition of all Indigenous Code Talkers. A light lunch will be served to attendees.
This event is made possible through the collaboration of members of the Indigenous Commission, local nonprofit organizations, and other volunteers who have donated their time and efforts.

The Bushmaster Park Community Fruit Orchard will improve community food access, biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency and is a result of two City of Flagstaff grants awarded to local resident Alexi Kimiatek last fall—a $4,500 Beautification in Action grant from the Beautification & Public Art Commission and a $7,500 Neighborhood Sustainability grant from the Sustainability Commission. Grant funds enabled Kimiatek to purchase 30 fruit trees, tools and equipment, as well as hire skilled labor to complete site preparation including irrigation.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a community meeting for upcoming water rate changes at the Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N Izabel Street) on Friday, Aug. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pizza will be provided, and adults and children are welcome.
In July, the City Council adopted a resolution and ordinance to increase potable water, sewer, and reclaimed water rates and fees. Rates will increase over a five-year period to adequately fund water infrastructure projects, operations, maintenance, and debt repayment contained in the five-year capital improvement program for Flagstaff Water Services.

FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council (NAIC) will present the 2024 Candidate Accountability Session on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, 3600 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff.
Featuring Flagstaff City Council and School District Governing Board candidates, doors open at 5:10 p.m.

Culture Connection AZ’s Executive Director, Audra Travelbee, said “We are so excited to be partnering with NAU’s CIE and The Literacy Center to once again welcome international newcomers to Flagstaff. At last year’s event we welcomed over 150 international students, workers, and residents, and we expect to exceed that number this year. At a time when there is a lot of negative talk about immigrants, we believe it’s important to let them know that they are an extremely valuable part of what makes our community special, and we want them here.”

F3’s election-year in-person Candidate Forums play an important role in informing Flagstaff voters by providing an opportunity to directly ask questions of, and evaluate, the candidates.
On Monday, September 23, it’s your chance to get to know and ask questions directly to the six candidates for Flagstaff City Council whose names will appear on the November General Election ballot. There are three open seats to be filled on council this year. (Mayor Daggett is running unopposed in the mayoral race.)

FLAGSTAFF — NAU’s Latin American Studies and the Martin-Springer Institute will present the “ABRAZOS TOUR — Borderlands / The Line Within,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at NAU’s Liberal Arts Building, Room 136.
This free film screening is for a very powerful new film, with a Q&A at the end with the filmmakers!
From the website (link in comments)
The United States border is not just a geographic location. The border is everywhere. It lies within every undocumented immigrant family with the threat that at any moment they can be captured, incarcerated, deported; their lives destroyed. BORDERLAND | The Line Within not only exposes the profitable business of immigration and its human cost, but weaves together the stories of immigrant heroines and heroes resisting and showing a way forward, intent on building a movement in the shadow of the border industrial complex, recognizing the human rights of all.