
Food for Fines 2025
Give back to the library AND clean out your pantry!

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will reopen hotels on the park’s South Rim beginning Wednesday, Dec. 17 and will begin easing some water restrictions.
Park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline last week and resumed pumping water without identifying any new breaks. The park will continue to operate under enhanced water restrictions until the water storage tanks have adequate capacity to return to routine water conservation practices.

Comet Talk – Finding Santiago: Indians, Immigrants, and the Meaning of Birthright Citizenship
Monday, Jan. 26 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Free
Hear the story of the origins and development of the legal doctrine known as birthright citizenship from the perspective of three unique individuals.
Santiago – Learn more and register!

Workplace fundraising is truly the beating heart of our Annual Campaigns, and they simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of Workplace Campaign Coordinators.
These champions inspire their colleagues, organize creative events, and help share the message of what it means to Live United.
From the government and education sector to businesses of all sizes, their leadership ensures that our community continues to come together to support youth opportunity, healthy communities, and meeting the basic needs of our neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

Good news—Phantom Ranch (reopened Dec. 11)! Crews repaired the damaged section of the Transcanyon Waterline and began pumping water again on December 8. South Rim water tanks are slowly refilling, and if that progress continues, we expect to reopen South Rim lodges in the near future.
All existing water and fire restrictions remain in effect. This includes:
• No overnight lodging inside the park
• Dry camping only (no spigot access at Mather Campground)
• No outdoor wood or charcoal fires
• Continued conservation measures for residents and employees

F3 believes that there are too many concerns and questions at this time for the City Council, in good faith, to approve an amended contract with Flock. There is ample evidence around the country of misuse of the data and extremely lax security measures to protect people’s privacy. We will be urging the City Council, as we did prior to the Flock discussion in October, to stand against this type of surveillance, cancel the contract with Flock and remove all cameras leased by the city. Please read our summary of the issue below and consider writing or speaking to the council in opposition.

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect with deep gratitude on the extraordinary community that keeps Theatrikos Theatre Company thriving. This year, your support fueled bold productions, empowered local artists, and ignited creativity in students across Flagstaff. Your generosity has been the heartbeat of our success, fueling our passion and determination. As we prepare for another incredible year, we invite you to join us in shaping a vibrant future for our community.

COCONINO COUNTY — In 2025, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, a local non-profit in service for more than 50 years, was able to be a founding supporter to the Voices Unheard movement because of the support we receive. (Please see elev8voices.info for details.)
We were able to respond when approached by the community for urgent needs when many others were not able. As a membership organization, our members are the first line of support that we receive, and it is crucial for this vital work that we do.
If you were able to attend Voices Unheard, you know how powerful, emotional, healing, educational and impactful that it was- how important it was to honor our community and their stories. And our members really helped us to be a part of this important work.
If you are interested in supporting our work to ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families- Your membership is more than a dollar amount- it lends your name to a mission and a movement.

Two unforgettable creative journeys
— Ireland and Maine await.
There’s something transformative about leaving home and creating art in a place that speaks to you. Our Field Expeditions are built around that experience — pairing extraordinary instructors with landscapes that shape the work itself.
Each journey is fully curated, intentionally timed, and deeply immersive. With expert instruction, supportive staff, and local partners who know their region intimately, these trips aren’t tours — they’re creative retreats rooted in place, meaning, and discovery.

Many of you have already given to MNA’s year-end matching campaign – thank you! Your support is critical to sustaining MNA’s mission, and for that we are very grateful.
If you haven’t yet made a year-end gift to MNA, there’s never been a better time. Your donation before December 31 will be doubled through a matching fund created by a group of generous anonymous donors.
A gift to MNA is an investment in learning and discovery. Your generosity supports our many programs and exhibitions for visitors of all ages, connecting them to the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau region.

South Rim Water Update – December 2, 2025
Grand Canyon National Park continues to address the significant breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL). As announced, additional water restrictions and a temporary suspension of overnight guest lodging on the South Rim will begin Saturday, December 6.
This short-term measure will help conserve limited water supplies while repairs continue. The park remains open for day use, and overnight lodging in Tusayan and other gateway communities is unaffected.

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2026 Point-in-Time Count is almost upon us, and my amazing team of fellow organizers and community partners wanted to pass along a little bit of information regarding what we know so far and what to expect going forward!
If you are unfamiliar with the Point-in-Time Count, it is a survey conducted across the nation that aims to survey people experiencing homelessness and ask them where they were staying on one particular night during the week of the survey (whether that be a shelter, Safe Haven, in a place not meant for habitation, etc.).

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water restrictions on the South Rim starting Saturday, December 6, due to a series of significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since mid-November, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim.
While the park remains open to visitors, the following measures will be enacted for the foreseeable future:

Join Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and NAU’s Community Dance Academy this weekend, December 5 and 6, for The Nutcracker Ballet—a beloved holiday tradition filled with color, wonder, and joy.
With three performances to choose from, there’s a perfect time for every family and every holiday schedule. Let Tchaikovsky’s shimmering score and Clara’s enchanted journey bring delight your weekend.
We’d love to celebrate the season with you. Reserve your seats today.
Yes, I’ll be there!

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
Each week, the Coalition produces a weekly newsletter where we share partner news and events in our blog section and links to community resource meetings.
For families in Northern Arizona, we share information on variety of family-friendly events throughout the county, recent and upcoming information through our stories and photographs to food security, education, health and other programs. We also share links to a variety of resource guides in Northern Arizona.

During this season of togetherness and reflection, we are grateful for you—our friends, members, donors, and visitors who make the Museum of Northern Arizona such a special place. This year brought inspiring moments—from unveiling Collecting in a Changing World and exploring the stories behind Wagon Road to Mother Road, to welcoming curious hands at our Touch Tables and gathering for Twilight Thursdays and our Heritage programs. Your support helps us celebrate the stories, art, and cultures of the Colorado Plateau every day.

We’re excited to launch The Connected Communities Monthly Challenge! This special campaign invites our supporters to build $400 per month in steady, sustaining gifts. And here’s the exciting part: when we reach this goal, an anonymous donor will contribute an additional $5,000 to amplify your impact.

Single Tickets are now available for our 2026 Season! This is your opportunity to select the performances you are most looking forward to and secure the seats you love.
Our upcoming season features a dynamic lineup of productions that celebrate storytelling at its best. From heartfelt dramas to uplifting comedies, each show offers something unique, and we’re thrilled to share these experiences with you.
We look forward to welcoming you into the theatre for another season of memorable moments, inspiring performances, and the shared joy of live arts.

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

Friday, December 5th, 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 6th, 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 7th, 2:30 PM
The Stargazer Winter Cabaret is a joyous blend of showtunes, dancing, live music, and acting to celebrate the holidays and help us reflect on the true meaning of the season, spreading love. This fully produced family friendly show is perfect for all ages and will feature songs from Wicked, Hamilton, Anastasia, White Christmas, Moana, and more!

Every ten years, Coconino County embarks on an update of the Comprehensive Plan, which is the official policy document that guides development in the unincorporated areas of the County.
After a nearly three-year process that included input from County residents engaged through dozens of public meetings, public hearings and event appearances, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted Envision 2045 at their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.
The plan’s core priorities reflect the values, vision, needs and topics identified during public outreach which include:

Coconino County’s Administrative Center, County Manager’s Office, County Attorney’s Office and County Superior Court and Justice Courts will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) offices and clinic will be closed. The CCHHS Animal Management office will be closed Thanksgiving Day but will have an officer working normal hours on Friday from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

As we wrap up the 40th Anniversary of Coconino Center for the Arts, we are reflecting on how this deeply supportive community has shaped our organization over the years. Now, we are building on our historic legacy with responsiveness and flexibility to keep the organization relevant and sustainable for the next 40 years. We are grateful for your prior participation and contributions that have helped lay the foundation for our work today!
We are entering the next chapter with exciting new developments. We want to give you the first opportunity to support these new initiatives through naming and sponsorship where Creative Flagstaff recognizes you, your business, or a loved one as a core part of our legacy. We invite you to consider the ways that your interests align with our needs:

We have exciting news to share! Thanks to an anonymous group of donors, your donation to MNA between now and December 31 will be doubled – doubling your impact as we prepare for big things in 2026.
With your help, MNA is poised to share our mission with more people than ever, expanding our work to create new exhibitions and educational programs, plus increasing access so that more people can visit the museum. The impact of your gift today will be doubled as you support:
Donate
New exhibitions in the coming year, including an expansion of MNA’s katsina doll display, plus three new exhibitions in our rotating galleries.
Programs to encourage more visitors to MNA, such as discounted admission of $10 on Sundays for Northern Arizona residents; subsidies for school field trips; and free admission for local college students.
Longstanding MNA traditions such as the Heritage Festival of Art & Culture, plus new initiatives including Indigenous demonstrations, interactive activities, and tours and talks related to rotating exhibitions.

Together Through the Shutdown
A message from Superintendent Ed Keable
As Grand Canyon National Park resumes normal operations following the lapse of appropriations, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Grand Canyon community—residents, partners, and local organizations—who stood together during an exceptionally difficult time.
This government shutdown placed real strain on families, employees, and businesses here at the Grand Canyon. Yet even in the most challenging moments, the strength of our community was unmistakable.
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) played an extraordinary role throughout the shutdown, offering steady support when it was most needed. Their generosity provided community dinners, essential funding to sustain key park projects, and donations that directly supported local services relied on by many during this period. GCC’s commitment to this community is deeply appreciated, and we thank them for continuing to show up for Grand Canyon residents.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
With a variety of program service changes affecting nonprofit and governmental agencies, it is vital that organizations maintain communications and partner with each other to better serve families and youth at this time of uncertain funding support.
To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains this listing of virtual and in-person health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety groups 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.
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

Theatrikos is delighted to present its upcoming holiday production, the heartwarming true story The Man Who Saved Christmas. Written by Ron Lytle and directed by Joe Maniglia, this captivating, family-friendly production will run from November 26 to December 21, 2025.
This delightful, family-friendly play tells the incredible true story of A.C. Gilbert, the inventor of the beloved Erector Set. The year is 1917, and the U.S. Council of National Defense is calling for a nationwide ban on all Christmas toys to conserve resources for the war effort. While others in the toy industry reluctantly agree, Gilbert stands up for what he believes in. This inspiring tale follows his journey to Washington D.C. to defend Christmas itself, proving that the magic of the holiday is worth fighting for.

The project, located at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista Dr) included the construction of two tennis courts, two basketball courts, and eight pickleball courts, as well as sitework, landscaping improvements and LED lighting. The general contractor for the project was Hope Construction, Inc. Construction for the project began on May 7, 2025, and will closeout in the coming weeks. Final adjustments to the courts will occur over the winter and spring months as needed. The sport courts are now open to the public during regular park hours.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will close the North Rim to all visitor access on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at 5:20 p.m. Sections of the North Rim are tentatively expected to reopen to visitors for the 2026 season on May 15, pending weather, trail conditions, infrastructure readiness, and completion of hazard mitigation efforts.
The North Rim reopened to visitors with limited access to eastern viewpoints this autumn following an extended closure caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire. The area was tentatively scheduled to remain open through November 30. However, forecasts call for winter weather and snowfall beginning this weekend. These conditions are expected to create unsafe travel and work environments in an area still recovering from post-fire hazards.

The Verde Valley Pottery Festival returns this weekend at beautiful D.A. Ranch in Cornville!
Join us Saturday, November 15, from 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, November 16, from 10 am – 3 pm for a weekend celebrating clay, creativity, and community.
Discover the work of 14 exceptional ceramic artists from across the region — each presenting a distinctive collection of handmade pottery available for purchase. Enjoy live demonstrations, fun clay activities for kids, and a welcoming atmosphere surrounded by the scenic vineyard backdrop.

FREDONIA — At the recent Grow Together Fredonia, participants provided the following links to families who may be affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) families in Coconino County will continue to receive benefits without interruption through December 31, 2025, due to the approval of emergency funding by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. …
Food Resources:
DES updates on SNAP benefits https://des.az.gov/na
Additional DES food resources https://des.az.gov/food-assistance
DES emergency food boxes https://des.az.gov/emergency-food
Double up Food Bucks location finder for Farmer’s Markets https://doubleupaz.org/locations/
Food banks https://azfoodbanks.org/get-food/#find

The updated Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is now available! Read the plan at www.flagstaff.az.gov/RegionalPlan2045.
Hard copies of the Regional Plan will be available shortly. Reference copies will be available for review at the City Hall Community Development counter, the Downtown Library Information Desk, and the East Flagstaff Library Information Desk. To request a take-home hard copy of the plan, please email Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.
The Regional Plan was adopted by the Flagstaff City Council on Thursday, October 9th. Council directed staff to revise the draft based on Conditions of Approval and an Errata document. The plan has now been updated to incorporate these revisions. Find more information about the public hearings and adoption at the project website linked above.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, staff and community who make our parks thrive. Your time, energy and passion help create spaces where people can connect, play and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. As we look ahead to the holiday season, we are especially grateful for each of you and the difference you make.

When federal SNAP benefits lapsed this month due to the government shutdown, tens of thousands of northern Arizonans faced uncertainty about how they would feed their families.
While legal challenges may eventually restore those funds, delays mean too many children and families are going hungry today.
Once again, our community is showing its heart. Restaurants are donating food. Businesses and government entities are organizing food drives. And individuals across the region are stepping up in countless ways to make sure families have what they need.

FLAGSTAFF — Visitors to the Market of Dreams were greeted with music, flower-making workshops, games, face painting and a live performance in front of a colorful ofrenda / Altar at the inaugural Día de los Muertos Festival on Nov. 2.
Celebrated appropriately on All Souls Day, the event was presented by Chicanos por la Causa (CPLC).
A variety of other events celebrating Día de los Muertos were held in the region this past week. They included:

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar joined Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Flagstaff Family Food Center Food Bank and Kitchen CEO Ethan Amos to discuss the impacts of the federal government shutdown on SNAP recipients in Coconino County.
“In Coconino County, where 18 percent of residents live in poverty, SNAP-authorized stores redeem more than $500,000 in benefits annually, making the stakes significant for local economies and small businesses,” said Treasurer Benatar.
Flagstaff Family Food Center Food Bank and Kitchen CEO, Ethan Amos, expressed that the situation is unprecedented. Food banks are already stretched and cannot fill the gap left by SNAP’s suspension.

Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

COCONINO COUNTY — At the recent Grow Together Fredonia meeting, participants provided the following links to families who may be affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) families in Coconino County will continue to receive benefits without interruption through December 31, 2025, due to the approval of emergency funding by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. …
Food Resources:
DES updates on SNAP benefits https://des.az.gov/na
Additional DES food resources https://des.az.gov/food-assistance
DES emergency food boxes https://des.az.gov/emergency-food
Double up Food Bucks location finder for Farmer’s Markets https://doubleupaz.org/locations/
Food banks https://azfoodbanks.org/get-food/#find
Also see other local food resources here
READ MORE

We’re delighted to announce that Creative Flagstaff has been awarded the competitiveNational Endowment for the Arts’OurTown Grant to support urban and rural engagement in multidisciplinary arts programming throughout Coconino County, Arizona, which will provide arts access to diverse communities through creative placemaking. This partnership between Coconino Center for the Arts and Coconino County will provide leadership to broaden arts and cultural programming to reach urban and rural communities county-wide, through:

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a food drive at City facilities around town to help provide food and other essential items to community members in need this holiday season. Demand is especially high this year due to the federal government shutdown and disruption of federal food and nutrition benefits.
To participate, drop off non-perishable items from now until Dec. 31 at one of the following locations:

COCONINO COUNTY — Due to the shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will end for more than 8,000 Coconino County families on Nov. 1, 2025. The loss of these benefits will result in families losing access to critical monthly food assistance, leaving food banks and nonprofits to fill the gap.
With household budgets stretched thin, food pantries and community programs are anticipating continued increased demand. To help address these needs, Coconino County is mobilizing resources to sponsor a community food drive. Those with the ability to help are asked to donate.