Category: Seniors

Sponsorships still available for 11th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 11th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. Sponsorships are still available and most appreciated.

Entertainment for this year includes a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the popular all-female Mariachi Rubor, with closing dance music by New Destiny.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 20-24, 2026

Community Library celebrates Summer Reading Challenge and looks to future
-Caroline Grass, Scientist in Park Intern

As the Grand Canyon Community Library continues to serve residents and visitors and as engagement in their programs increases, plans to better utilize their space in the Old Chase Bank building are underway.

Coconino County responds to call for assistance after flooding in Moenkopi Wash

COCONINO COUNTY — On July 22, Emergency Declarations were issued by Hopi Tribal Leaders for the Moenkopi Wash area following a monsoon storm. The heavy rains and flooding damaged homes, schools, businesses, roads, fields and washes. Several homes were evacuated.

The declaration for Upper Moenkopi Village asked for assistance from several local, state and federal agencies, including Coconino County. The County deployed assistance from Emergency Management, Public Works and the Flood Control District to clear roads and provide 5,000 sandbags to residents.

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘Kelly, Raskin, Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Protect U.S. Elections, Crack Down on Corrupt Influence of Foreign Money’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Files Lawsuit Challenging Unlawful Conditions on Federal Counterterrorism Funding’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) — July – August 2026 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.

Grand Canyon National Park eases South Rim water restrictions

The South Rim will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require that all campfires be contained in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. Inner canyon users may continue to use gas cook stoves. River users should follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Visitors are urged to take the following precautions:

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: July 13-17, 2026

Monsoon Season Returns to Grand Canyon

Monsoon season has returned, bringing the potential for thunderstorms, lightning, flash flooding, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions through September. Park staff are actively monitoring weather conditions and remain prepared to adjust operations, closures, and visitor access as needed to protect visitors, employees, and park resources.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — News & Opportunities

Call to Artists: Temporary 3D Artworks

The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2027/2028 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 6-10, 2026

Cliff Spring Fire Update

The Cliff Spring Fire on the North Rim remains at 171 acres with no new growth, no visible smoke, and currently at 40% containment. Fire activity remains minimal, and firefighters continue full suppression efforts while tracking small pockets of interior heat identified during a recent infrared flight.

There are currently no closures associated with the fire. The Cape Royal and Walhalla Plateau backcountry areas have reopened to permit holders.

City of Flagstaff — ICE confirms office space in Flagstaff; Provides contact information for questions

FLAGSTAFF — On July 3, 2026, the City of Flagstaff received confirmation from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/ Enforcement and Removal Operations that the agency has secured office space in Flagstaff. ICE stated that the purpose of the Flagstaff Sub-Office is to expand enforcement efforts in the state of Arizona. No additional details on the timing or scope of planned operations were shared by ICE.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our July 2026 Newsletter

• Stage 2 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 Summer Camp weeks! Fun at the Fort has been enjoying fun themes each week, and we have room for new recruits for weeks 6 and 7. Register to join the adventures.
• Great Programs and Clinics for the summer! Culinary classes, archery, disc golf clinics, and more are coming your way. Visit our calendar to find new adventures.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Discover the Joy of Creating

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

Coconino County — Which 4th of July Parade are you attending?

COCONINO COUNTY — Saturday, July 4 will be a busy day of celebration in Coconino County! There are five Independence Day parades taking place in Flagstaff, Page, Munds Park, Parks and Williams.

Click here for more information from Coconino County

Click here for more information on the Page 4th of July Parade from the City of Page

Coconino Center for the Arts — First Friday ArtWalk!

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life.

Join us for the next First Friday on July 3, starting at 5 pm, for a western-themed ArtWalk and a celebration of Flagstaff’s local artists!

The 2026 ArtWalk season is generously underwritten by Dapper Dre, supporting Car-Free First Fridays with traffic closures on Aspen St. for art and performance activations.

City of Flagstaff announces 4th of July closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Friday, July 3 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Monday, July 6 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on July 3 include: 

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.) 
Downtown Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N Izabel Street)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) (1800 E Butler Ave.)
Citizens Cemetery (1300 S San Francisco St.)

Independence Day closures for Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s Administrative Center, County Manager’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Coconino County Superior Court and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) office and clinic will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.  

Sedona Arts Center — Celebrate Sedona This Friday: Freedom!

Join us for the opening reception of

FREEDOM

Celebrate the opening of Freedom, Sedona Arts Center’s newest exhibition,
with an evening of art, conversation, and community.

Inspired by the themes of America 250—Independence, Inclusivity, and Innovation—Freedom explores the many meanings of liberty through painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber, mixed media, and more. Each artist offers a unique perspective on one of humanity’s most enduring ideas.

County areas in and around Coconino National Forest move to Stage 2 fire restrictions

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions effective Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest remains in Stage 2 and all other areas of the County will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions.

This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, applies to all private property within, and adjacent to, the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest.

Community attends in-person, online briefing of Pocket Fire (Update — Coconino County has activated a Call Center for the Pocket Fire)

Coconino County has activated a Call Center for the Pocket Fire. If you have questions about the fire, shelters or evacuation stages please call 928-679-8525.

If you need information about the APS Public Safety Power Shutoff, call 800-253-9405. — Coconino County

***

06-29-26 Latest update on Pocket Fire: Highlights: Despite Red Flag conditions, firefighters held fire growth to a minimum. Ground crews and aircraft were employed to expand and reinforce contingency lines at strategic locations around the fire — USDA

(Also check:

Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcof-pocket-fire
Watch Duty: https://app.watchduty.org/

Discover Flagstaff — Flagstaff Piano Festival (June 20-24), Heritage Festival of the Arts at MNA (June 27-28), more

Flagstaff Piano Festival is an immersive experience bringing together young pianists, educators, celebrated artists, and music lovers in the inspiring setting of Flagstaff on the campus of Northern Arizona University. Various Times.

Learn More

Grand Canyon National Park implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions June 26, 2026

GRAND CANYON, AZ: Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for the South Rim and Inner Canyon beginning June 26, 12:00 PM due to forecasted critical fire weather conditions.

The North Rim remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions that took effect on May 15, 2026, at the start of the summer operating season following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire. Those restrictions remain unchanged.

With this action, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be in effect throughout Grand Canyon National Park.

County areas in and around Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest move to Stage 2 fire restrictions

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions effective Friday, June 26, 2026, at 8 a.m. All other areas of the County will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions.

Coconino County launches ‘Coconino Forward’ dashboard

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has a new public-facing performance dashboard designed to provide residents with transparent, real-time insight into the County’s progress toward achieving the Board of Supervisors’ strategic plan, entitled Coconino Forward: Where Vision Meets Action.

In March 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved an updated mission, vision, values and a five-year strategic plan following an extensive strategic planning process. The plan established priorities in six key areas: Public Lands/Cultural and Natural Resources; Organizational/Fiscal Health; Economic Development/Vitality; Community Vitality/Arts/Culture; Public Safety/Emergency Preparedness; and Health and Human Services/Public Health.

Grand Canyon National Park to lift summer trail closures for Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will
lift trail closures related to the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project at 7 a.m. Friday, June 26, five days ahead of
schedule.

The closures are being lifted following the completion of reconstruction work on the River Trail, which was damaged by a rockfall during work associated with the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project. The rockfall required additional geologic hazard assessments, new design features and engineering work before the trail could be rebuilt and this portion of the project could be completed.

Denova — Thank you for celebrating with us!

We had an amazing turnout at the grand opening of our 9th clinic in AZ! We want to thank the Peoria Chamber of Commerce for a warm welcome, as well as everyone who attended the festivities. We look forward to building strong partnerships in the community and continuing to expand access to integrated care across the state.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts Sciences — Call to Artists: Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition

AmigosNAZ.com Editor’s Note: Also see our story, visit this year’s new exhibit

View this email in your browser

The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2027/2028 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.

Note: Applications will be accepted exclusively through OpenGov. Artists must register on OpenGov before submitting an application.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026, 5 pm (Arizona Time)

Image: Eniadé: She is Crowned by Anjola Ayodele

Discover Flagstaff — Happs-y Pride! Your Weekend Events are Here! Also, Flagstaff Piano Festival and Juneteenth Street Festival

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

City of Flagstaff announces Juneteenth National Independence Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Friday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Monday, June 22 at 8 a.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Juneteenth include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.) 
Downtown Flagstaff Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.) 
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Recycling Center (1800 E Butler Ave.)

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 8-12, 2026

As part of Grand Canyon National Park’s Conservation K-9 Pilot Project, wildlife staff are asking employees and residents to report any elk observed within designated wildlife exclusion zones.

The five designated exclusion zones are:
El Tovar Complex
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Maswik Lodge
Mather Campground Services Area
Grand Canyon School

National Park Service (NPS) — 2025 Grand Canyon Drinking Water Quality Report now available

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also called the annual drinking water quality report, is a document that community water systems are required to deliver to their customers each year under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It summarizes the quality of the water delivered over the previous calendar year, including the source of the water, the levels of any detected contaminants compared to federal standards, and any violations that occurred.

The report gives consumers clear, accessible information about what is in their tap water and how it measures up to EPA safety standards, so you can make informed decisions and understand any potential risks. It also holds water systems accountable by putting monitoring results and compliance status in front of the people they serve.

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Celebrate Culture, Community, and Local Theatre with Us This Month!

Festival season has officially arrived in Flagstaff! There is nothing quite like this time of year, when warm, sunny days are paired with a perfect cool mountain breeze and the refreshing, unmistakable scent of pine trees fills the air. The city is buzzing with energy, and Theatrikos is absolutely thrilled to be part of the celebration.

As you head out to enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere, we invite you to come say hello! Catch up with us, experience a taste of local theatre, and see what we have in store at two fantastic upcoming festivals.

Sedona Arts Center — Calling All Artists: Two exhibitions now accepting submissions

Application Deadline: July 3, 2026

Exhibit Dates: July 31 – October 10, 2026
Location: Tolleson Art Gallery, located inside Tolleson Public Library, Tolleson, AZ

Deadline to Apply: July 3, 2026

The Tolleson Art Gallery invites Arizona artists of all backgrounds and disciplines to submit work exploring the journey of artistic growth, transformation, and self-discovery.

My Evolution celebrates progression — the shift from where you began to where you stand today as an artist. This exhibition highlights personal development, changing perspectives, breakthroughs, experiments, reinventions, and the moments that shaped your creative voice.

Artists are encouraged to submit work that reflects changes in style, technique, identity, purpose, or pivotal moments in their artistic journey. All mediums are welcome, including painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, textiles, and more.

Selected exhibiting artists will receive a stipend, with additional compensation available for artists presenting a workshop, artist talk, demonstration, or public engagement program.

June at the Museum of Northern Arizona

June at the Museum of Northern Arizona ushers in the start of an engaging season. Summer is truly special here! Our beautiful setting in the ponderosa pines comes alive with events, visitors, and community energy.

I invite you to kick off the summer at MNA’s Party on the Plateau fundraiser on Saturday, June 6. Reserve your tickets now. The accompanying online silent auction is open to all, featuring unique items and experiences to explore.

National Park Service approves plan to modernize water system serving the North Rim and Inner Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. –  The National Park Service (NPS) approved a plan today to upgrade the water system that supplies and delivers water between the North Rim developed area and Cottonwood Campground in Grand Canyon National Park. The current water system is old, often breaks down, and requires frequent repairs in difficult and sometimes hazardous conditions.  

NPS Intermountain Regional Director Bert Frost signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the North Rim and Roaring Springs Water System Improvements project. This work is part of a project to rehabilitate the North Rim and Roaring Springs Utility Systems funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund.

Grand Canyon National Park launches Conservation K-9 pilot project to reduce human-wildlife conflicts

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is welcoming a new, four-legged member to the park’s wildlife management team. “Blue,” a trained Conservation K-9, will work alongside park wildlife staff to help reduce human-wildlife conflicts in busy areas on the South Rim. 

The Conservation K-9 Pilot Project, now in its first year of a 3-year pilot, uses dogs to encourage animals who are habituated to humans, such as Grand Canyon’s elk and bighorn sheep, to avoid developed areas where interactions with visitors can be unsafe to both visitors and wildlife.  

Art for Life: Exploring Creative Aging in Flagstaff on June 11

FLAGSTAFF — Join the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Creative Flagstaff on Tuesday June 11, 2026 from 4-6pm for an interactive session about Creative Aging, an exciting national movement to advance understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging.

Creative engagement through the arts is fundamental to the human experience and deeply linked to enhanced health and well-being. Older adults who engage in the arts experience better overall health, enjoy a higher quality of life, and are more active in their communities. Together we will dive into the why and how of providing high quality creative programming for adults across the aging spectrum

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 25-29, 2026

A planned water outage is scheduled in the inner canyon from June 4–11 to support critical Transcanyon Waterline infrastructure work. Crews will tie in a new section of piping along the River Trail and complete additional work at the Havasupai Gardens pumphouse.

The outage will impact potable water service at Phantom Ranch, the Phantom Ranch Delta Restroom, Bright Angel Campground, Boat Beach, Cottonwood Campgrou`nd, Manzanita Rest Area, and Manzanita Day Use Area. Havasupai Gardens, as well as the 3-Mile and 1.5-Mile resthouses, will continue to have water available during this period.

Discover the Joy of Making at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

Celebration of 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel draws capacity crowd to cherished icon of local Hispanic community

Also see: 

Arizona Daily Sun — Gallery: Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel celebrates 100 years

FLAGSTAFF — In a scene that harkened back to a time when the few local Catholic Churches hosted capacity crowds during multiple Sunday services, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel enjoyed a resurgence during a Mass held in honor of its 100th anniversary on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Parishioners and community members could be seen standing on either side of the chapel’s pews, while others crowded in the back of the chapel and even outside structure’s heavy wooden front doors.

It was an appropriate turnout for a place that has so much meaning for the local Hispanic community.

“Since its dedication on December 5, 1926, and the inaugural Mass on December 12, 1926, this sacred site has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Southside neighborhoods/Barrios. …” according to a portion of the official proclamation that was read at the event by members of the of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on May 16.

Coconino Community College holds public forum on May 21 to discussed a proposed new building

Also see:

Arizona Daily Sun (Nov. 10, 2025) — CCC beginning planning process for construction on Flagstaff campuses following bond election
FLAGSTAFF — Members of the local community gathered on May 21, 2026 for a Coconino Community College public forum to discussed a proposed new building at the Fourth Street Campus.

This session, led by Dr. Eric Heiser, president and CEO of the college, was designed to introduce the project and gather feedback from community members, students, faculty, and staff.

College officials said the input will help inform the design and ensure the space reflects CCC’s mission, values, and long-term goals.

While the main campus today is located on Lone Tree, the college actually got its start on Fourth Street near the Sunnyside Neighborhood of Flagstaff.