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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.

Echoes of Excellence
Ellen Parish is the President of the Diablo Trust, a nonprofit in northern Arizona that provides a forum for active community participation in collaborative land stewardship (see the harmonic highlights article below for more information on the Diablo Trust.)
Ellen grew up near Porterville, California in a family that ranched and worked in the animal health industry. She moved to Arizona to go to school at NAU and, like so many of us do, fell in love with northern Arizona. Ellen’s strong connection to conservation was enhanced through studies in biology and physiology. While at NAU she fell in love with the ceramics department, and to this day makes ceramics as creative outlet during our winter months.

Phantom Ranch Closure and Upcoming TCWL Shutoff
All Phantom Ranch operations are closed from January 2 to March 30, 2025, for the installation of new water and electric lines for the Transcanyon Waterline Project. Hikers can still access the North Kaibab Trail, however, the bypass route around Phantom Ranch may change. Please follow all closure signs and be aware that water will only be available at Boat Beach (near the Black Bridge) during this closure period.
Additionally, from 8 a.m. on January 15 to 5 p.m. on January 19, the Transcanyon Waterline will be shut off for necessary construction work on a temporary water bypass along the River Trail. During this period, water will not be available at Boat Beach or Manzanita Rest Area. More information on water availability in the inner canyon can be found on park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.
Water for the South Rim will be supplied from the existing storage tanks, and park management will closely monitor tank levels. Water conservation measures may be implemented until pumping is resumed to the South Rim.

Happy New Year!
One of United Way of Northern Arizona main focuses has been efforts to empower our children and teens so they can become resilient, successful youth.
As we step into 2025, it’s a wonderful time to help the children and teens in our lives set positive goals for this year.
Engaging young people in conversations about New Year’s resolutions can provide a great opportunity to foster growth and well-being. Here are 5 simple ways you can help support them:

President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan will target thousands of people who richly contribute to their families, communities, and our local economies often for decades. While Trump and his advisors claim they will start with “criminal immigrants,” their plans will include millions of people who pose no public safety risk at all—just as we saw during his first administration.
H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns
By issuing a final rule, the Biden administration has made it more difficult for the Trump administration to reverse some agency practices with which it disagrees.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — As the new year begins, it is time to connect with other individuals and organizations involved in assisting families and youth throughout Northern Arizona.
To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has compiled this listing of virtual and in-person health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County. The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety of governmental and non-profit organizations the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.
Individuals who attended these resource meetings in 2024 have said they offer a great opportunity to share information about the program and services offered by their organizations.
“As we head into the New Year, we at Senior Services continue to support our older adults here in Coconino County!,” said Beth Almquist, community aide with Coconino County Health & Human Services. She most recently attended the monthly Williams Community Resource Meeting. “We are blessed to deliver home care as well as moral support to all the older adults who are on our program in Flagstaff and Williams Arizona. Along with each New Year come challenges, change and new goals. I am truly thankful for one more ‘New Year’ with Senior Services of Coconino County. Let us rise to the occasion.”
Yemisi Agbebi, founder/director of Synergy Creatives Inc. in Page who has previously attended the monthly Page Community Resource Meeting, recently wrote “… To our community partners, your collaboration has expanded our reach and strengthened our efforts. You have helped us build meaningful connections and create lasting change by including Synergy Creatives Inc. in your events and initiatives. We treasure these partnerships and look forward to continuing this important work together … As we celebrate 2024’s achievements, we acknowledge that none of them would have been possible without your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Your generosity and shared vision have driven the positive impact we’ve been able to create together. Looking ahead to 2025, we wish you a year filled with hope, love, unity, and strength. May it bring happiness, prosperity, and success in all your endeavors. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the chance to continue making a difference with your support.”
The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org
READ MORE

Bridging gaps for first-generation families
Sending a child to college is stressful for any family. Navigating cultural and language barriers can make it even harder. That’s why NAU’s Family Access, Communication, Transition and Support team developed Team College Bound, a five-lesson curriculum designed to deliver resources and a sense of community to prospective NAU families. There are four programs—one online, one in English, one in Spanish and one first-of-its-kind Indigenous course created in partnership with Indigenous Lumberjacks. The aim? To increase the number of first-generation, rural and underserved students enrolled at NAU.

Welcome 2025! As MNA marks its 97th year celebrating the Colorado Plateau, I’m excited to share a bit about our upcoming exhibits—a mix of art, science, and cultural phenomena.
February: Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor features vivid new works by Flagstaff artist Debra Edgerton that explore the links between biological and human social structures.
March: Collecting in a Changing World showcases recent MNA acquisitions with insights into why the museum collects what it collects.
May: Shifting Life Zones looks at climate-driven ecological shifts in northern Arizona and MNA research that reveals how plants are adapting.
November: Wagon Road to Mother Road marks the Route 66 Centennial with a journey through the rich history of the iconic highway. The exhibit will debut captivating stories about the road’s wild side, unveiled by MNA archaeological research in Petrified Forest National Park.

Our new catalog of classes and workshops is now available!
(You can also check it out online by clicking here)
See what’s new and explore a new class or workshop today!
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years!

SEDONA — The Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District will begin improving the Turkey Creek area trail system later this year.
Phase 2 of the Red Rock Trails Access Plan was signed last week following an environmental analysis, a lengthy project scoping process and multiple rounds of public comment that concluded in November.
As part of the plan, the district will construct new trails, enhance existing trails, rehabilitate several unauthorized trails and improve trailheads in the Turkey Creek area, which is located near the Village of Oak Creek.
“We’re excited to get started on this work, which we think will greatly improve the recreation experience for Turkey Creek visitors,” said District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “We’re grateful to our public for providing us with valuable insight during this process and our partners for committing to undertake this work alongside us.”

The Point in Time or PIT Count is a HUD requirement for COC’s nationally. The count provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness at a single point in time. It is an opportunity to collect basic data that is used to measure homelessness on a national, state, and local level. This data is used for system and program planning and to measure progress in ending homelessness.

Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is the hilarious adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to investigate a mysterious, deadly hound haunting the desolate Devonshire moors. The Baskerville estate has named a new heir who is the potential next victim. The play features rapid-fire character changes with only four actors playing forty roles, creating a whirlwind of disguises and witty twists as the intrepid duo try to unravel the truth behind the murderous curse.

Join us this Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm for Celebrate Sedona and the opening of “Earth and Fire,” a ceramics exhibition and sale January 3-31, 2025. The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of ceramic pieces and kicks off with an opening reception Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm, programmed in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon features artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music. Both events are free and open to the public.
“Earth and Fire” features a variety of artworks that celebrate and reflect ceramics contribution to the arts in Arizona as well as the artists who’ve graced Sedona Arts Center’s halls over the years. Event attendees will find everything, including decorative and functional pieces.

This Saturday, August 30, FSO’s Sippin’ with the Symphony returns at Wiseman Aviation. An evening of music, fine wine & craft beer, culinary delights, and live and silent auctions await. Tickets are selling fast—secure your seat today for this intimate soirée.
Purchase tickets here or by clicking the button below.

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will hold its 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at Flagstaff Mall. Free event.
Featuring a live band, folklorico dancers, and a piñata for the kids. Come celebrate Independence! There will be food and other items for purchase at the event.
The Mexican Consulate of Phoenix, AZ will perform the historic “El Grito” Ceremony at approximately 3:45 PM.

Coconino Center for the Arts invites the community to hit the open road—without leaving town—for Route 66 Diner Theater, a one-night-only benefit for CCA’s exhibitions and programs. This dynamic evening blends the tastes, sounds, and stories of America’s most iconic highway into an unforgettable experience.
The ticket price includes appetizers and dinner by Sosta, (2) drink tickets, theatrical performance, and three unique musical experiences, weaving together a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling within Coconino Center for the Arts’ current exhibition.

Please join the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP), Coconino County and your local fire departments/districts at five distinct community meetings in support of the development of a countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
The dates and locations of each unique community meeting are listed below.

FLAGSTAFF — Dive into the rich and diverse stories of the Latino communities — Mexican, Basque, Spanish, Chicano — that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Flagstaff. This interactive course offers a dynamic introduction to the people, traditions, industries, and historic sites that have played a vital role in the city’s development.
This course meets on four Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30. $40 registration fee.
From prominent families and community celebrations to hidden histories and cultural legacies, you’ll uncover the often-overlooked contributions that continue to define the beauty, strength, and spirit of Flagstaff. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, this journey through local heritage will deepen your connection to the city and its multicultural roots.

Coconino County is pleased to announce that the public hearings for Envision 2045, the County’s updated Comprehensive Plan have been scheduled.
The updated Plan was developed over the past two and a half years with input from communities across the County, numerous outreach events, surveys, open houses, collaboration with local, State and Federal partners and with guidance by a citizen advisory group.
The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document that sets out a 20-year vision, based on public input that guides the county’s future physical, economic and social development. Its text, maps, goals, policies and implementation actions guide decisions about the County’s future, in particular land use decisions, and serves as a resource document reflecting information about the county at the time it was updated.

Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible milestones Culture Connection AZ has reached this year. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to connect our community, celebrate local culture, and amplify voices that have long been overlooked. Our events this year have brought together hundreds of attendees, and we are excited to share with you some of the highlights and successes from the past year.

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA). Your generosity reminds us that one person can make a difference – and together, we can drive lasting change in our region.
This year, thanks to donors like you, we’ve celebrated major milestones: tuition-free education for KinderCamp™ graduates at Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University, a significant boost in children enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and efforts to expand Elevate PreK to serve more working families.
Your contributions have also supported nearly 40 other programs throughout northern Arizona, fueling hope and opportunity for thousands.

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed fee increase for non-commercial river trips. The proposed change would begin March 1, 2025.
The existing $25 lottery application cost fee would remain the same and the flat rate per-person cost would increase from $90 to $310 for Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek and $0 to $55 for Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry.
Interested parties can submit feedback online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_River_Trip_Cost_Increase through January 30, 2025. Written comments may also be sent to the following address by January 30, 2025:

Organizers plan a follow-up forum in early 2025.
Editor’s note — The first in a series of articles on local immigration rights and information sharing efforts in Coconino County. We encourage community members to provide information on upcoming events, issues and programs by sending an email to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com
By AmigosNAZ.com
While local law enforcement officials stated they do not work for the incoming presidential administration’s immigration program, community members and local immigration officials called for more local law enforcement information on how to protect themselves from potential federal immigration sweeps.
In what promises to be the first of a number immigration information programs in reaction to the potential new federal immigration policies starting on Jan. 20, 2025, members of the Flagstaff community gathered at Killip Elementary School for the “Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration” forum on Dec. 3, 2024.
The event, presented by the Northern Arizona Interfaith Council (NAIC), drew more than 150 individuals to the school’s gymnasium, who listened to live presentations by Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly, incoming Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, staff from the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix, plus a virtual presentation from the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.

Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible
***
President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.
Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.
Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration

FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff Councilmember Khara House has been named among the inaugural recipients of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Centennial Under 40 Impact Award. The award recognizes and celebrates the achievements of elected officials under the age of 40 from NLC member cities, towns and villages.
The winners were chosen from a competitive pool of nominees and are recognized for their outstanding contributions to public service, governance, and community development. These dynamic leaders are shaping the future of local governance, demonstrating excellence through impactful initiatives, and fostering positive change in their communities.

Mini Masterpieces: Palette Knife and Cold Wax Basics
with Casey Cheuvront
January 4, 2025: Saturday, 11am–4pm
Good things come in small packages! Add some dimension to your painting with cold wax and learn the basics of palette knife painting in this one-day workshop. All materials provided. Leave with your own mini masterpiece!
Gallery depth mini panel, palette knife, paint, and cold wax included in the materials fee (paid to the instructor)
Reserve early; limited seating – All levels welcome!

The Hope Receiving Center, developed by the Coconino County Juvenile Court, with participation from 12 community partners, was awarded a Summit Award in the Court Administration & Management category at the AACo Annual Conference last week. The project drew praise for its foresight in creating a space where at-risk youth as well as their parents and guardians can access services including formal deflection, truancy response, therapy dogs, and educational programming all designed to keep youth in school and stem the tide of juveniles entering the justice system.

COCONINO COUNTY — As 2024 comes to a close, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to recognize a very busy but productive year for the organization.
Virtual System Change Symposium
The Coalition presented its first “System Change Symposium”virtual presentation on Oct. 22, 23 that benefitted the more than 200 attendees in Northern Arizona and statewide. In addition, the individual workshops reported a total recorded audience of 69 views to date. Participants were impressed with the diversity and the quality of the information provided.
“I am thinking currently about how I can use a systems change lens to address unemployment and poverty in the organization that I work for, instead of just providing direct career development service to my clients,” said Dylan Wilder of TransIntimate Online Courses.

Give the gift of membership this holiday season!
Looking for a last-minute holiday gift? Consider giving the gift of membership to the Museum of Northern Arizona! By giving the gift of membership you are providing essential support for our exhibitions and educational programs. The recipient of your gift membership will become part of a community that is inspiring a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty, diversity, and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau. Click here to learn more about gift membership.

SEDONA — The Coconino National Forest and partners will discontinue the sale of the Grand Annual Pass on Dec. 31, 2024, to simplify pass requirements across the forest, but existing Grand Annual Passes sold through the end of 2024 will be honored at all fee sites through 2025.
ExplorUS, in coordination with the Coconino National Forest, is excited to announce the launch of the new annual Sedona Pass. The annual pass will be sold for $50 starting in January 2025, and will provide visitor access for one vehicle and up to five people per pass to the following day-use sites on the Coconino National Forest.

FLAGSTAFF — We are excited to share that the Light the World Giving Machines are back this year at Heritage Square! They will operate every day starting tomorrow, Dec 18th – Jan 1st. The local charities in the machines this year are Flagstaff Shelter Services, Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club, Flagstaff Family Food Center. The statewide charities are Gathering Humanity and Child Help. The Global charities are iDE and Days for Girls International.
This is the third year we have had the opportunity to bring the Giving Machines to Flagstaff, the last two years we have raised about $150,000 just in Flagstaff. Please know that 100% of the donations go directly to the charities, each charity picked their own needed items that will be showcased in the machines.

FLAGSTAFF — Even before dawn on a chilly but clear morning, the faithful gathered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Dec. 12, 2024 in Flagstaff.
As has been traditional in recent years, more than 100 luminarias lit the way for those who attended the event, which featured spiritual music and prayers.
The Rosary was led by Las Guadalupanas, followed by the Mañanitas Serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the bilingual Mass.
The luminarias surrounding the chapel were placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, who will also present the breakfast in the church’s basement following the Mass.

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has confirmed that H5 avian influenza has been detected in wastewater sampling. The specimens were collected at the Rio De Flag Water Reclamation Plant and the Wildcat Hill Water Reclamation Plant.
The source of the virus is suspected to be from chickens and wild birds, however other sources cannot be ruled out. There are no reports of human or animal H5 cases in Coconino County.

It has been an extraordinary year for the United Way of Northern Arizona and, more importantly, for the communities we serve. We saw dramatic increases in some programs, added benefits to others, and witnessed the amazing ability of our communities to pull together and collectively improve conditions for all in our region.
Here are our Top 10 highlights of the year:

We want to hear from you!
Please take a few moments to complete this short survey and share your thoughts on the Weekly Wrap Up newsletter. Your feedback will help improve the content, format, and relevance of future editions, ensuring our office continues to provide the most useful and engaging information. Thank you for your input!
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Discover unique, handmade goods from local artists and artisans, enjoy live music from The Pocket Limes, sip on warm coffee and cocoa, and explore a variety of crafts and more! Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or simply enjoying the holiday spirit, there’s something for everyone!
Don’t miss out on this festive celebration — bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer!

Stay Informed!
Keeping residents updated and informed about the County’s Comprehensive Plan – Envision 2045 – is a priority for the County. We have been busy at work on the update and have news to share with you! For all the latest information about Envision 2045 visit the project website: https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045.

FLAGSTAFF — Both the Coconino National Forest and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are beginning a project aimed at restoring forest lands in the Pumphouse Wash area near Flagstaff’s Kachina Village community this week.
Crews are preparing for timber sales on a 2,500-acre parcel of land located near Kachina Village and Forest Highlands as part of the Pumphouse Community Protection Project.
Timber crews have started delineating project boundaries and designating trees to be removed as part of the thinning project.

COCONINO COUNTY — At the Tuesday, Dec. 10, special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board voted unanimously to rezone twelve undeveloped parcels, preserving over 2,400 acres of land as open space.
The rezoning decision is the culmination of over a year of research by the County’s Community Development staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The arts are more than a source of inspiration – they are a vital economic driver for northern Arizona.
We know from data collected by the national Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the latest economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, that the arts account for more than $85 million in direct economic activity in Flagstaff annually, and another $13.5 million in Sedona.
The arts are one of the top 10 sectors in the region based on employment and our 5-year Strategic Plan calls for community leaders to support the expansion and enhancement of arts and cultural venues and offerings within our communities.

COCONINO COUNTY — As 2024 comes to a close, we want to find out what hopes, dreams, goals or (if you are willing to share) resolutions you may have for the coming year.
Maybe it’s setting a personal physical or mental health goal? Maybe it’s achieving a family or professional goal? Maybe more vacation travel, carving out more personal time or spending more time with friends and loved ones?
Imagining a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community starts with all of us and your dreams and goals feed back into the collective.
We want to know so we can include your thoughts when our newsletter returns on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, following our two-week newsletter break starting Dec. 25. And please let us know if you want us to share your comments anonymously with all our newsletter subscribers.
Maybe it’s too early to think about setting goals for the coming year. Instead, you can tell us what you are most proud of that you have done in 2024, be it a personal or professional accomplishment.

Flagstaff College/Communiversity, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, and Catch Fire, are hosting a post-election community get-together! Please join us and share your energy, concerns, and your persistent hope that we can make our communities places of kindness, resilience, health, and equity.
We’ve invited local organizations to talk to us about their concerns, needs, and strategies–and how we might support them in their efforts to navigate the coming months.
If you want to know how you can take local action around important issues including immigration, climate change, health care, human rights, regional land use, and economic systems, join us on:

Get ready to celebrate our incredible graduates at NAU’s Fall 2024 commencement! Over 2,400 outstanding new Lumberjacks are set to make their mark on the world—but first, they’ll mark this milestone with their loved ones and mentors in two unforgettable ceremonies at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Friday, Dec. 13. Whether you’re a student, family member or NAU employee, we’ve got all the info you need to make the most of this special day, from getting there to parking and navigating campus.
Read our commencement guide