The report addresses core questions about how well existing programs serve the community, offering key insights into their successes, areas for improvement and the broader aspirations of residents. It highlights successful initiatives while identifying strategic opportunities with insights from peer cities. Additionally, the study emphasizes Flagstaff’s strong commitment to fostering a thriving arts and culture scene.
View this email in your browser March 10th, 2025 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites Southside residents, past and present, as well as those with strong ties to the neighborhood to contribute their memories and reflections for an upcoming public art installation. The sculpture, titled “Rustle,” will be placed at the newly named Cleo Murdoch Park, adjacent to the Murdoch Community Center at 203 E. Brannen Avenue.
The 8-foot-high weathering steel sculpture, designed by artist Beth Nybeck, will incorporate words and phrases contributed by the community into its leaf-like form. Symbolizing both nature and the interconnected stories that define the area, the piece will celebrate the Southside, its history and its people.
At the Museum of Northern Arizona, we are constantly evolving—just like the world around us. Our latest exhibit, Collecting in a Changing World, showcases more recent MNA acquisitions that reflect the dynamic intersection of art, culture, and science across the Colorado Plateau. From powerful works by Indigenous artists to pandemic-era artifacts, creations inspired by popular culture, and specimens from the natural world, this exhibition reveals how change, creativity, and resilience shape communities.
We invite you to explore these incredible additions and see how MNA’s collections continue to grow with the times.
And for families looking for learning and fun this Spring Break, join us March 10–14 for hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and exploration. Whether engaging with science, art, or the wonders of nature, there’s something for every young mind to discover at the Museum!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Museum this month.
San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe to hold Spring into Health’ — health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 7 at the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, 67 NW Mable St., Tuba City, AZ.
An epic evening of musical adventure showcasing the clash of iconic heroes and villains. Featuring scores from battles like Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader, Batman vs. the Joker, and Superman vs. Lex Luthor, this program brings the essence of timeless conflicts to life, igniting your imagination.
Families: Take advantage of the Family Discount the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra has for you! Receive one free junior (12 & under) ticket for each adult ticket.
Do You Know About Our Scholarships Program?
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
Stay Informed with NPS Everbridge Alerts
Grand Canyon NPS Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations. This free service ensures that you will stay informed when it matters most.
You can decide how you would like to receive notifications, whether this is through text, email, or by phone call. Sign up by following this link.
Get ready for a weekend packed with live music, high-energy DJs, and non-stop fun across multiple lodges, each offering a unique sound and experience. 9 a.m.
Learn More
FLAGSTAFF — Vroom! The bookmobile is back! The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Bookmobile is a mobile library that travels throughout Coconino County. County residents may remember the 40-foot blue-and-purple bus from its service from 2006 through 2019. Thanks to the work of staff at the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library and City of Flagstaff Fleet Services, the bus is back on the road and headed to a stop near you!
The new schedule of stops can be found at http://bit.ly/4139wa2 or by scanning the QR code.
Over 2,000 comments were submitted during the 60-day public review, which occurred from October 20, 2024 to December 19, 2024. It was wonderful to see how many people dedicated their time to reading the plan and providing feedback. We have read every comment and we are working on revisions to the draft.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile — March 14 – 30
Theatrikos is pleased to present Picasso at the Lapin Agile. This historical fiction comedy, written by actor and comedian Steve Martin, is set in Paris in the early twentieth century. The play centers around Picasso and Einstein who meet in a bar in 1904 and discuss art, science and the future of the world. Throughout the play they meet a host of other characters including a man from the future, “the visitor.”
We are pleased to share the latest information from the Navajo Nation Broadband Office about the upcoming Navajo Nation Broadband Deployment and Implementation Meeting. This meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Tse Bonito, NM. In-person and virtual attendance options will be available to ensure full accessibility for all participants.
We at the Museum of Northern Arizona care deeply about creating a meaningful experience for you, our community, and our visitors.
But we need your help. We want to better understand our visitors’ different needs and values so we can best serve you. Museums (like ours!) strive to encourage and expand learning while also addressing the challenges facing our society, and we need to hear your thoughts.
To do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey provides data from our visitors and visitors to museums nationwide, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.
NAU presentation “Guantanamo Bay Camps ‚ Specters and Futures” on March 5; Disappeared Opening Reception on March 7 — Click here to see more information
Coming Up in April
• Conscious Aging
Pysanky — Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshop
Stained Glass Workshop
Wisdom Cards Mixed Media Workshop
Comet Talk: Hunting for a Healthy Food Source
…and More
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAGE!
Welcome to a special edition of Page Happenings. This month we are celebrating a major milestone — Page’s 50th anniversary! For half a century, our city has been a gateway to breathtaking landscapes, a hub for adventure seekers, and a vibrant community that continues to grow and thrive. This month we’ll take a look back at Page’s history, highlight upcoming anniversary events, and showcase the people and places that make our city unique. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.
All of the proceeds raised at the Wing Ding fund the programs and services offered by the Whale Foundation to support the wellbeing of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. 4 p.m.
Did you know that since 2010, Grand Canyon National Park’s fisheries program has been collaborating with tribes to repurpose invasive fish for uses like human consumption, animal feeding, and fertilizer?This initiative has become a vital part of fisheries operations, with regular fish donations made to the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and Hualapai Tribes.
Transgender individuals are more visible than ever, yet they continue to face significant challenges, from discrimination to barriers in healthcare, employment, and housing. This training provides an essential foundation for understanding what it means to be transgender, debunking common misconceptions, and equipping participants with the tools to be strong advocates for transgender communities.
The Element of Sport
April 4-27, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
THIS FRIDAY – February 28, 2025
Celebrate the world of sports at Sedona Arts Center. The Element of Sport exhibit will run from April 4-27, 2025, and highlight the intersection of art and sport, welcoming diverse interpretations of sport and sport-inspired pieces across artistic styles.
FLAGSTAFF — More than 500 people took part in a National Day of Protest event at the Flagstaff City Hall on Feb. 17. The protests were part of a nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration and its ongoing efforts to close federal agencies and fire thousands of federal workers.
The event in Flagstaff also included a rally to Support Federal Works and Public Lands.
See more photos and related stories.
Join FlagShakes at our new Beaver Street Theatre in downtown Flagstaff this February for Shakespeare on Pluto, an uproarious sequel that will knock your socks off! Fri. 7p.m., Sat. 26p.m., Sun 2 p.m.
Learn More
Expect Longer Wait Times at Entrance Stations: Spring Operational Changes Take Effect March 1
As spring break approaches, visitors and park residents should be prepared for long lines and full parking lots. Traffic congestion is expected at all entrance stations, with the heaviest delays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center will begin to fill by noon. The South Entrance webcam (updated every five minutes) is a great way to monitor park traffic. To help reduce congestion, we encourage visitors to purchase entrance passes in advance, use lane 1 at the South Entrance, explore alternative transportation options, and arrive early or visit later in the day.
We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the entrance station staff for their continued hard work and dedication. We recognize long lines and heavy traffic can be challenging and your professionalism and commitment make an incredible difference in providing visitors with a positive experience. Thank you!
Creative Aging, Drawing II, Pastels Crash Course, Glazes I and II, Big Effects Pastels & Mixed Media, Canyon Color for the Painter, Painting Luminous Watercolors, iPhoneography, Repousse Metal Working, and Jewelry Casting!
LATEST ANALYSIS Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay Is a Costly, Optics-Driven Shift in Immigration DetentionPresident Trump ordered the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand immigration detention at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba to house up to 30,000 people. Since then, U.S. Immigration & and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has transferred at least two flights of migrants from the United States to its detention facility there. Breaking Down Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright CitizenshipOn his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for babies of undocumented immigrants and for people with temporary status in the U.S. Executive Order 14156: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship departs from over 125 years of precedent as it sought to abolish the United States’ longstanding policy of unrestricted birthplace-based citizenship. FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Last week, people in states across the country held protests in support of immigrants. From California to Georgia and Illinois to Texas, thousands rallied to fight back against mass deportation, ICE arrests, and the use of Guantanamo Bay as a detention center.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March. 5 at the Coconino County Health and Human Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, Ponderosa Conference Room.
The meeting can be attended in person or via Zoom Link Below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85359174121
Meeting ID: 853 5917 4121 Phone: + 1(408) 638-0968
… CHAC, which is current seeking new members, serves as an official liaison and communications link between the Hispanic community and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, so please bring any concerns you may have about equal education opportunities, fair employment, juvenile justice, political representation and other issues.
Cultural Demonstration 2025 Season Begins Tuesday, February 18
Grand Canyon National Park, in partnership with Grand Canyon Conservancy, is excited to announce the start of the 11th season of the Cultural Demonstration Program, beginning next week. Inaugurated in 2014 by the Grand Canyon Intertribal Working Group, the program began with just four demonstrators and has since expanded to include over 200 participants.
Starting February 18, cultural demonstrators will be returning to the Desert View Watchtower, providing demonstrations in the View Room Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2025 season will be launched by three talented Diné artists: Laverine Greyeyes, Diné weaver; Cristoff Keyonnie, Diné painter; and DeMaudrei Yazzie, Diné seamstress.
As February unfolds, I invite you to experience two extraordinary exhibitions at the Museum of Northern Arizona that showcase the power of art to connect us to place, time, and identity.
Poetry Maps reveals how art and words intertwine to create new perspectives. This unique project began with paintings of the Colorado Plateau from our fine art collection. We then invited members of our community to respond with poetry, layering personal voices onto these visual journeys. Visit before February 28, when the exhibit goes dark for the installation of new gallery lighting. The exhibit will return on March 28.
FLAGSTAFF — More than 200 immigration rights supporters took to the streets to protest against the Trump Administration’s mass deportation effort as part of a growing nationwide resistance movement.
Shouting “USA” and carrying American and Mexican flags along with a variety of protest signs, the march began after a short rally at a Fourth Street shopping center, moving west along Route 66 before gathering at the Flagstaff City Hall.
FLAGSTAFF — Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff (CATs) will hold its Spring Pop Up Care Village for the region’s unsheltered community on April 27.
Service providers and agencies that would like to connect and engage with unsheltered community members are invited to table at the event. At our PUCV event in October we had 160 people in need who attended the event, over 30 volunteers working the event and almost 20 other agencies/NGOs/businesses providing services.
Early Fire Season Outlook for Grand Canyon National Park Employees and Partners
The National Weather Service has issued early fire season outlooks due to an especially dry winter season. The combination of a below-average monsoon season in 2024 and a historically dry winter has led to worsening drought conditions across northern Arizona, including at Grand Canyon National Park.
So far, Flagstaff has recorded only 5.9 inches of snow this winter, marking the fourth driest start to the season since records began in 1899. Many areas, including the Grand Canyon Village, are experiencing near-record low snowpack levels for this time of year.
Looking ahead, the temperature and precipitation forecasts for February through April predict drier and warmer than normal conditions across Arizona, extending into the spring and fire season (April-June). If these dry conditions persist, we can expect an extended and potentially significant wildfire season in northern Arizona.
For more details on the current outlook, please see the attached presentation from the National Weather Service Flagstaff Office.
The City of Flagstaff, through its Beautification and Public Art Commission, seeks Beautification in Action grant applications up to $7,500 for streetscape art and beautification projects that enliven Flagstaff’s public spaces. Projects must be publicly visible and publicly accessible and can take the form of community gardens, murals, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures and more. Artists, community members/ groups, schools, local businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply.
Spring Deadline: March 15, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)
Gaining a Perspective: Sharpening Your Drawing Skillset ONLINE
with Jude Valentine
February 5–26, 2025
Wednesdays, 12–2pm AZ Time
Learn the ins and outs of how to draw convincing buildings, landscapes, interiors and round objects with the use of linear and empirical perspective. We’ll be understanding this drawing concept through demonstrations, hands on drawing exercises, individualized instruction and looking at examples of some of the accomplished Renaissance and modern masters. Learn how to use perspective to your advantage to make great drawings!
February is often thought of as the month of love, and love takes many forms. It’s the joy of shared moments with family and friends, the appreciation of beauty in the world around us, and the care we extend to ourselves. And, it’s the deep, abiding love of music—the way it moves us, connects us, and enriches our lives.
This month, we invite you to celebrate this love with us, whether through a night of beautiful music shared with FSO on February 14, a special memory made with a loved one, or simply taking time to experience something that brings you joy.
However you choose to celebrate, we’re grateful to have you as part of our Symphony family. Read on for this month’s details, including the February 14 concert and FSO’s annual My Favorite Things auction. We look forward to celebrating with you.
Mayor Becky Daggett said “while we’re relieved that it appears the federal funding freeze has been temporarily halted, I’d like to stress the critical importance this funding has in our community. It’s not an overstatement to say that the freeze would have a catastrophic impact on Flagstaff. Many of the city’s flood mitigation, transportation, and public safety projects are dependent upon this funding from our federal partners. Additionally, this funding freeze impacts local non-profit organizations we rely upon to provide basic services and our partners such as Coconino County and Northern Arizona University.”
Basic Conversation Sign Language
Tuesday, March 4, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join us to learn basic sign language as well as communication tips when interacting with Deaf and hard of hearing people.
Sign – Learn more and register!
The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly. This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.
Winter Arrives to the Canyon (Finally!)
This week, Northern Arizona finally got the memo that it’s winter—bringing much-needed precipitation across the region, including several inches of snow on the South Rim and a hearty 8 inches on the North Rim.
As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road on the South Rim have REOPENED following several days of closure. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Roads Line at 928-638-7496.
For those who like to be ahead of the curve, Everbridge alerts are a great way to stay informed in real-time about road closures, power outages, weather events, and any other emergency situations that might pop up. This free service helps ensure you’re never caught off guard when the weather gets unpredictable.
Sign up today by following this link.
Come cheer on your NAU Lumberjacks for Women in Sports night as they take on the Weber State Wildcats. 6 p.m
On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy changes introduced through these actions are framed as directives to federal departments and agencies. However, their language also aims to stoke fear as a means of testing the boundaries of executive authority.
F3 has paid close attention to the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 because it will greatly impact the way Flagstaff will develop in the next twenty years. The plan is a policy guide for land use and development decisions and should be the vision for the shape and character of the community.
This newsletter summarizes our concerns. Here is a quick overview:
We are concerned that the plan is almost singularly focused on an increase in housing density. While we see the need to address the housing crisis, density alone is not enough. It must be paired with the values that make a community a community such as open space, public space, and community character.
Message from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Rising fears of ICE raids have caused significant anxiety among Diné citizens in Albuquerque, Phoenix, and other border areas.
Although my office has only received a few unconfirmed reports, we have diligently followed up on those leads. We are designating the “Operation Rainbow Bridge” tip line to field calls for my office on this issue.
COCONINO COUNTY — The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has ignited the annual green waste burn at the Willard Springs Green Waste Site, which is located about 15 miles south of Flagstaff at Exit 326 on the west side of I-17.
The burn is necessary to reduce the existing stockpile of pine needles, tree trimmings, and other green waste at Willard Springs before the start of the 2025 fire season.
The Willard Springs green waste burn is expected to produce smoke during its ignition period. Based on wind and weather conditions, this smoke may be heavy at times and visible to motorists on I-17. The Coconino National Forest plans to post signage on I-17 as necessary to notify motorists about smoke from the burn and to drive with caution.
ART & NATION
Vision and Sound Symposium
February 8, 2025
Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
Featuring keynote speaker and renowned dancer, choreographer and scholar LaTasha Barnes as well as panel discussions, performances, receptions and reflections.
We are thrilled to announce our exciting partnership with National Theatre Live, bringing world-class British theatre performances directly to Flagstaff audiences. Starting this season, theatre lovers can experience the magic of London’s finest productions, captured live in stunning high definition and screened at our state-of-the-art facility through this innovative collaboration. Our season includes four performances starting in March.
Applications are now open for the ARTx Art + Ideas Experience 2025 grant cycle. Submit your innovative idea and bring it to life through one of four exciting categories:
ARTx @ ArtWalk
ARTx @ The Arb
ARTx @ Coconino Center for the Arts
ARTx @ Free Range
ARTx is an annual, accessible community opportunity to engage with the arts in an immersive and interactive way. Visit Creative Flagstaff’s website to learn more and help shape Flagstaff’s artistic future.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Image: Envision by Bryan David Griffith.
Friday-Saturday, Wednesday, January 24-25, 29
SUNGYUN KIM: THE EVOLVING MACHINE, Coconino Center for the Arts.
In The Evolving Machine, Sungyun Kim brings together an array of video works and kinetic sculptures that highlight this evolving relationship between machines, media environments, and human intervention. 11 a.m.
President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants.
In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.
Read the Analysis
In the face of a nationwide housing crisis, the 2025 MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship will explore what it means to house our communities, introducing mayors and their staff to planning and design frameworks – beyond housing supply and demand – that maximize all city resources to support the broad range of housing needs faced by a broad range of city populations.
Smallmouth Bass: Not a Small Threat to the Grand Canyon
A recent article in Intermountain Park Science magazine highlights the growing concern over smallmouth bass and their potential impact on the Colorado River ecosystem in Grand Canyon National Park. Researchers from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have collaborated to address this emerging threat to the park’s delicate ecological balance.
The Day of Love and Friendship Artist Market celebrates all things love with an event featuring several local artists and creators sharing their work and the stories behind it. Come and get to know your local artist community and shop local for the upcoming Valentine’s holiday. Artists across a variety of mediums, cultures, and backgrounds will be on site.
Plus a Valentine card-making station and chocolates!
We are a stop on the Flagstaff Visitors Center’s Chocolate Walk, so come downtown to check out all the art and chocolate!
Vendors currently being accepted. Email info@cultureconnectionaz.org if interested.
Sedona Arts Center presents Out of the Fire: Student Ceramics Show January 25-26, 2025. The annual exhibition and sale features artworks by students and faculty from Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics department and is free and open to the public. The event will be held in the Art Barn Theatre Studio and kicks off with a special opening reception Friday, January 24, from 4-6pm.
iPhoneography Crash Course
LIVE in-person at Sedona Arts Center and ONLINE
with Kelli Klymenko
January 31: Friday, 9am–2pm Arizona Time
In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day class for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.
Co-ops come in all sizes and many forms.
Did you know that the Associated Press is a co-op?
And so is our local credit union.
There are worker co-ops, housing co-ops, purchasing co-ops, and production co-ops. Any business—including child care, house cleaning, grocery store, or cafe–can be run as a co-op.
Cooperatives can play an important role in building more equitable, just, and humane communities.
We’ve invited 6 experts from across the western U.S. to talk with us about what it takes to build a successful co-op business. Learn what it takes to found and run a coop from people with firsthand experience.
This is a great chance to get your questions answered and meet others who are interested in this alternative business model.
You can join us in person or on zoom.
