Category: Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona Leading the Way with Annual Campaign Kickoff

We are so excited to announce that United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) has officially launched its 2024-2025 Annual Campaign!

Our kickoff was last week at a high-energy event with our campaign co-chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and Dr. Rima Brusi, a professor at the university’s Honor College.

Below you’ll find details about the event, including the outstanding work of our Pacesetters in jump starting this year’s campaign. Thanks to everyone who attended and we hope you will join us in “Leading the Way” by supporting UWNA.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 16-20, 2024

Important Update: Phantom Ranch Closure Added to Inner Canyon Trail Closures

The National Park Service (NPS) is providing an important update regarding inner canyon trail closures to support the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction project.

In addition to previously announced closures, please note that Phantom Ranch will be closed from January 2, 2025, to March 30, 2025, as the construction contractor, Stronghold Engineering, will be performing extensive excavation work in this area.

As a reminder, the other current inner canyon closure dates are:

Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge: Oct 21, 2024 – May 14, 2025
Bright Angel Campground: Nov 4, 2024 – May 14, 2025
Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point: Oct. 12, 2023 – May 14, 2025

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Flagstaff Festival of Science’s ‘Science in the Park’ among a number of upcoming youth and family events

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — With Fall officially beginning Sunday, Sept. 22, local families are having no shortage of outdoor events for their children this month.

Rapidly approaching is the Flagstaff Festival of Science which begins Friday, Sept. 20 with the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation with Jana Eggers at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium. Eggers will focus on the latest developments in the field of AI, potential threats posed by AI—both perceived and real—and the promise AI holds for the future, festival organizers report.

Free Keynote tickets are still available by clicking HERE.

The festival, which features more than 100 events, continues Snook’s annual Science in the Park, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.

“The fun is endless at our popular family science fair, where YOU are the scientist for the day! An ideal event for families, all booths will have hands-on activities for youth of all ages,” festival organizers report. “Discover something new and interact with over 50 vendors (including the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth) from a variety of Flagstaff scientific institutions!”

The NAU Review — Celebrate scientific innovation in Flagstaff, bolstering knowledge of AI + check out this Zoom TED Talk series!

Stargazing, day hikes, build-a-bot workshops and a search for *checks notes* Bigfoot? Sign us up! For 34 years running, the Flagstaff Festival of Science, presented in partnership with NAU, has delighted, amused and educated through free conversations, workshops, hikes and other unique explorations. Check out this year’s lineup of events and find out why festival leaders from NAU think you shouldn’t miss this annual celebration.

Grand Canyon National Park seeks public comment on proposed backcountry fee increase

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for backcountry permit fees. The proposed change would begin May 1, 2025.

The existing $10 per application fee would remain the same and the nightly per-person fees would increase: the below-rim fee would go from $15 to $24 per person per night, and the above-rim fee would go from $4 to $6 per person per night.

Interested parties can provide feedback on the proposal online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_Backcountry_Fee_Increase through October 12, 2024. Written comments should be submitted through this website.

The NAU Review — Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! + an exciting new degree program and research that changes what we know about brains

Did you know Sept. 15 isn’t just the start of this annual celebration? It also marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days during this month at well. At NAU, it’s an important time of year.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural contributions and vibrant histories of the Hispanic/Latine community. By highlighting these events, we not only honor the diversity that strengthens our society, but also create space for dialogue, understanding and unity,” said Claudia Rodas, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and HSI advisor to the provost. “It is through recognizing and embracing our shared heritage that we foster a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

The Office of Inclusion and other campus partners are holding a number of events to celebrate this month, starting with a cooking demonstration sponsored by Louie’s Cupboard on Friday. The entire NAU community is invited to find opportunities to participate.
See the list of events

CCC Community Education — Check out our October schedule!

Cultivating Happiness: Practices for a Positive Mindset

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9, 23, 30

5:15 to 7:45 p.m.

Explore and expand your authentic path to a richer, happier life. Dive into happiness science and learn practical methods to boost your well-being.

Happiness – Learn more and register!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 9-13, 2024

In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are excited to share a new promotional video featuring Joshua Stegemeyer, Arizona Department of Health Services Suicide Prevention Program Manager.

This video emphasizes the crucial role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support for those experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts. Residents of Grand Canyon, AZ, can call or text “9-8-8” to connect with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate, compassionate help at no cost. For those who prefer, support is also available via chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.

For our community living at Grand Canyon, this information is particularly relevant as it ensures that help is always accessible, regardless of time or location. The 988 Lifeline offers specialized support for a wide range of individuals, including those in remote areas like ours. By promoting awareness of this vital service, we can help ensure that everyone in our community knows they have a valuable resource available whenever they need it.

For more details about what happens when you contact 988, please visit azhealth.gov/988.

Discover Flagstaff — Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, Pepsi Amphitheater Sept. 13-15

Join us for Pickin’ in the Pines, voted “Flagstaff’s Best Festival” for the last 6 years! Live music, camping, jamming, music workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and amazing memories made in the pines! Fri-Sat 10 a.m., Sun 9 a.m

Learn More

Grand Canyon National Park Eases Water Restrictions

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.

Operational changes include:

South Rim:

Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Fire restrictions throughout the South Rim will be lifted. However, the park will remain under Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require campfires to be contained within designated fire rings in maintained campgrounds. In the inner canyon, only gas cook stoves are permitted; campfires and other open fires are not allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permits regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Upcoming virtual System Change Symposium (Oct. 22 or 23) part of trauma-informed and resilience training program with Flagstaff, Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth invite you to register for a groundbreaking System’s Change Symposium with national and global speakers on Oct. 22 or 23, 2024.

The virtual community event is free to individuals who work or live in Coconino County, with a small charge to people outside the County.

The Symposium is part of the Coalition’s Reimagine Community — Trauma-Informed System Change grant program focusing on developing a mental model change ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County levels and enacted as policy change.

The goal of the project is to create awareness of the impacts of trauma and stress on individuals, to recognize how this is impacting team members, the wider community and the system as a whole, and to create a trauma responsive environment that supports staff members, teams and the community.

The Coalition was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected in 2023 for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant, which is supporting the Reimagine Community program.

Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $768 million to local economy in 2023

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.” 

“We’re excited to see how the Grand Canyon continues to drive economic growth in our local communities,” said Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable. “The spending by our visitors not only underscores the park’s allure but also highlights its vital role in supporting jobs and boosting the regional economy.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 2-6, 2024

Water Updates and Transition into Stage 3 Water Restrictions

As many of you may have heard, the park has transitioned to Stage 3 water restrictions as of September 5. This is a significant milestone and a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our community, staff, and partners.

Beginning today, September 5, we will resume overnight accommodations at our park lodges on the South Rim. Reservations are now open, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to these lodges. Your cooperation and commitment to conservation have been instrumental in our progress. Simple actions like limiting showers, turning off faucets, selectively flushing toilets, washing laundry with full loads, and reporting leaks have all significantly contributed to our success in managing water resources.

September at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

As we welcome September at the Museum of Northern Arizona, we find ourselves in a season of celebration.

This month, we proudly mark the Museum’s 96th anniversary! Since opening its doors on September 6, 1928, in a modest two-room space at the Flagstaff Woman’s Club, MNA has blossomed into a leading educational and research institution. For nearly a century, we’ve been dedicated to highlighting the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau, sharing life-enriching knowledge and experiences with visitors from around the world.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Families celebrate variety of educational programs in Coconino County

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From a student art exhibit to an after school carnival and a host of science workshops and activities, families have the opportunity to take part in a variety of educational programs in September.

As the month opened, families were able to view the 2024 Student Art Exhibit at the 2024 Coconino County Fair

Students from dozens of local public elementary, middle and high schools; charter schools and home-school students submitted a variety of entries, which were displayed at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds’ Schools exhibit building. Please see photos below.

Upcoming events include the annual FACTS Lights On! Carnival at Bushmaster Park (Sept. 14) and the annual Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 20-29), which includes Science in the Park (Sept. 21) at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.

The NAU Review — Big news for the marching band + new ways researchers are tackling issues like homelessness and quantum computing

What are you doing on Thanksgiving Day 2025? The Lumberjack Marching Band just found out their plans: performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! The band got the good news during halftime at Saturday’s football game against Lincoln University. There aren’t enough words to express how excited they are, so we got it on video.
Watch the video

United Way of Northern Arizona — Deadline to Register Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast is 3 pm TODAY

Welcome back from the holiday weekend!

Today (September 3rd) is the last day to register for our Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast at High Country Conference Center. We need to hear from you by 3 pm to make sure we save your seat!

Two of our honored guests at the kickoff will be this year’s Annual Campaign Co-Chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and his wife, Dr. Rima Brusi, and we hope you enjoy learning more about them in the profile below.

But before you read it, if you haven’t already registered to join us for the Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast on September 13, please do it now!

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 9/02/24

View this email in your browser September 2nd, 2024 Connect with your community Library Closures 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…

Discover Flagstaff — Coconino County Fair (Aug. 30-Sept. 2), Flagstaff Art in the Park (Aug. 31-Sept. 1) highlight weekend events

Coconino County Fair, Fort Tuthill County Park — Celebrate 75 years of the Coconino County Fair. 10 a.m.
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Flagstaff Art in the Park, Wheeler Park — Flagstaff Art in the Park features fabulous art shown by artists, live music, awesome food, kids activities, beer garden and more! 9:30 a.m. Free.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Time is Running Out to RSVP for Sept. 13 Kickoff Breakfast!

Time is running out to save your seat for our Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast at High Country Conference Center. We are bringing northern Arizonans together so that we can continue Leading the Way in making our communities stronger, more resilient, and a place where our youth can thrive.

The deadline to register for our event is Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Grand Canyon Seeks Public Review and Comment on Park Section 106 Programmatic Agreement

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — The National Park Service (NPS) is beginning public review of a programmatic agreement to establish a more efficient process to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from August 29 – September 28, 2024.

Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects that are carried out, assisted, funded, permitted, or licensed by the federal government on historic properties. If a federal or federally assisted project has the potential to affect historic properties, a Section 106 review takes place.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation September 2024 Update

Join us to celebrate 75 years of the Coconino County Fair! Get excited for fun rides, delicious fair food, awesome exhibits, animals, entertainment, fun, and memories!

Join us Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2, at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds!

Entertainment Headliners Friday, 8:00: The Outlaw Mariachi Saturday, 8:00: RaeLynn
Sunday, 8:00: La Brazza Norteña Monday, 2:00: Sonoran Dogs

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Reserve your keynote tickets!

Reserve your FREE keynote tickets today. The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation with Jana Eggers takes place Friday, September 20 at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium.

Doors open at 6 p.m. followed by an exciting AI-inspired ballet performance at 6:30 p.m. with NAU Community Music and Dance Academy. The performance explores how artificial intelligence can enhance the creative process, and highlights the fusion of human artistry and technological innovation.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Get details on upcoming youth and family events including the 2024 Coconino County Fair Student Art Exhibit

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — While Summer vacation is over for many families in Coconino County, there are still plenty educational and fun activities available for youth in the region, including the 2024 Coconino County Fair Student Art Exhibit (Aug. 30 through Sept. 2).

Students from dozens of local public elementary, middle and high schools; charter schools and home-school students have submitted a variety of entries, which will be displayed in the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds’ Schools exhibit building.

See more upcoming community and back-to-school events below. Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates of back-to-school information listed below.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.

(Updated Aug. 27, 2024)

The NAU Review — Welcome back, Lumberjacks! Highlights from move-in, meet the new ASNAU president and don’t miss the welcome back BBQ

LumberSNAPS: Return of the Jacks

The new academic year is already off to an axe-citing start! Last week, the Flagstaff mountain campus buzzed with fresh energy as new students moved into residence halls, gathered at welcome events like Lumberjack Launch and donned matching T-shirts for the annual NAU letters portrait. More beginning-of-the-year fun is ahead this week, including the start of classes, the first football game of the season and the Running of the Freshmen, a beloved Lumberjack tradition.

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these Art Classes & Workshops!

ART CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
in Sedona, Arizona
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!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — See our Back-to-School, upcoming youth and family event listing here

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events are winding down, but there are still plenty of upcoming activities for families and youth in Coconino County including Family Field Day at Page Sports Complex (Aug. 28), the FACTS Lights On! Carnival in Flagstaff (Sept. 14), the Flagstaff Festival of Science — Science in the Park (Sept. 21) and NACA’s Reach Ur Life Community Cultural event for youth and families (Sept. 27).

See more upcoming events below and please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other back-to-school information below.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.

(Updated Aug. 21, 2024)

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates 9th annual Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 10 and Mariachi Mass on Aug. 11

FLAGSTAFF — Threatening skies didn’t keep the crowd away when Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated its 9th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” on Aug. 10 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Nearly 400 visitors had the opportunity to enjoy the celebration with performances by the all-female Mariachi Rubor Femenil from Phoenix, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff, with dance music by Soul Persuasion from Phoenix.

Mariachi Rubor Femenil will be performing again in Flagstaff during the upcoming Celebraciones de la Gente Oct. 26, 27 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The Tardeada concluded promptly at 7 p.m. with a nearby lighting strike at the end of the Soul Persuasion performance. The Tardeada also included the annual Veterans recognition, games for adults and children, food and the return a classic car show.

This year’s Premier Sponsors were the Cococnino County Board of Supervisors,  the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC). and San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, with the support of a number of community groups.

United Way of Northern Arizona — How Pacesetters Are ‘Leading the Way’ – and How You Can Join Them

The impact of our Pacesetters – the companies and organizations that fundraise for our annual campaign in the month ahead of our official launch – is truly invaluable.

Their efforts not only lead the way by providing a head start in our fundraising efforts, but they also infuse the campaign with their enthusiasm. Their work generates buzz and builds up anticipation as they rally the community around United Way of Northern Arizona and promote our mission of stepping up for our youth and our community.

If you’ve attended one of our UWNA campaign kickoff events, you know that a big highlight is when the Pacesetters proudly present what they raised, often with oversized novelty checks or other creative displays.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 12-16, 2024

Water conservation measures reimplemented for South Rim

As of August 13, the South Rim has returned to water restrictions. This is in response to a new pipeline break identified between Cottonwood Campground and Manzanita rest area along the North Kaibab Trail. Water conservation measures require all park residents to conserve and reduce water usage whenever possible.

Discover Flagstaff — Mother Road Classic Car Show, City Hall Parking Lot on Saturday, Aug. 17

The Mother Road Classic is a show for cars, trucks and (new this year) motorcycles. Located in downtown Flagstaff, it celebrates Route 66, and classic, vintage, and performance vehicles. It is a charity event, raising money for Flagstaff charities. 8 a.m.

Learn More

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Back-to-School events concluding, but see upcoming Fall events. See our resource listing

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY —  Back-to-School events in Coconino County — including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals — will soon conclude, but local organizations are already planning for a variety of youth events this upcoming Fall.

One of the most recent back-to-school events occurred on Aug. 6 with the ‘Meet the Teacher’ event at Killip Elementary School in Flagstaff.

Student received back-to-school supplies kits with parents receiving family support information from a variety of organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Child & Family Support Services in Flagstaff, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y), Coconino County Health and Human Services, the Killip Parent Teacher Organization, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) and North Country HealthCare, just to name a few,

Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.

The NAU Review — Sharing all your pun-tastic jokes! Plus, meet the new SAC president + relive NAU Day at the Diamondbacks

Are bird feeders bad?

It’s complicated. A new study authored by NAU alumnus Andrew Abraham and professor of ecology Chris Doughty found that bird feeders are changing the chemistry of local ecosystems and introducing a potentially harmful amount of phosphorus into the environment. Does this mean putting out bird feeders is always bad? Not necessarily, the researchers say—but it does mean we need a better understanding of how different factors interact to change the

SIGN UP for Art Classes & Workshops at the Sedona Arts Center

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!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 5-9, 2024

Grand Canyon records second driest, second hottest July on record 

The National Weather Service reports July temperatures at Grand Canyon averaged +3.8° warmer than normal, and the precipitation total for the month was only 0.65 inches – that’s a full inch below normal! The period June 1-July 31, 2024 was the hottest on record for most locations across northern Arizona (including Grand Canyon).

During this period of high fire danger, it is important to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure the safety of ourselves and our community. 

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to present 9th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 10

Mariachi Rubor Femenil, Soul Persuasion and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff to headline FREE event. Veterans are encouraged to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present its FREE 9th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival, from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event was launched in 2014 to pay homage to past traditional tardeada and jamaica celebrations in the neighborhood and at the historic church, which was constructed by the local Hispanic community in 1926.

Premier sponsors for 2024 include Cococnino County Board of Supervisors, the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, with additional sponsors to date including AmigosNAZ, APS, Barbara Arnold, Dale Crick Purple Hear Chapter No. 793, Duran Family, Flagstaff Findlay Toyota, Guadalupanas, Lozano’s Flagstaff Mortuary, Mama B’s, Mike and Ronda’s The Place, Nackard Pepsi and Nestlé Purina.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Back to School events continuing. See our resource listing

COCONINO COUNTY — Area school district officials and health care providers have been busy planning for a variety of Back to School events in Coconino County, including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals.

One of the most recent events occurred on Aug. 1 when the Native American Education Support Program Indian Education Committee presented its “School Supply Distribution & Health Fair” at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff.

Organizers reported that more than 200 back-to-school supplies kits were handed out to students during the event, which featured a variety of information booths staffed by such organizations as the Arizona Dept. of Economic Security, the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y), the Coconino High School CocoNuts Robotics team, Grand Canyon Youth, Lowell Observatory, the Native American Disability Law Center, the Office of Gov. Katie Hobbs — Northern Arizona Constituent Engagement Dept. and North Country HealthCare, just to name a few.

Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
(Updated Aug. 6, 2024)

August at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

Welcome August! At the Museum this month, we’re warming up for some end-of-summer fun and an awe-inspiring open house. Please join us this week as we rock to the tunes of Black Lemon for our final Thirsty Thursday of the year. Then, take time for our free Easton Collection Center Open House on August 24. The center is an architectural marvel where the Museum cares for and preserves its vast collection of pottery, weavings, paintings, carvings, jewelry, photographs, and much more. Seeing the Journey murals by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie and Delbridge Honanie (detail shown above) is a delightful experience in itself. The annual open house is an opportunity for all to tour the center, engage with our collections staff and curators, and ask questions about the collections.

Whether a first-time visitor or a regular guest to the Museum of Northern Arizona, you’ll be amazed to see and learn something new about the Colorado Plateau. I hope to see you soon.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

Museum of Northern Arizona — Your gift today opens minds!

“This is the best field trip I’ve ever been on!” exclaimed a third grader who recently visited MNA as she admired the towering Therizinosaur in the museum’s lobby.

Did you know that in 2023, over 2,000 K-12 students visited MNA for free, thanks to generous philanthropic support like yours? A visit to the museum changes your perspective, regardless of your age. Recent visitor surveys tell us that 96% of visitors surveyed report gaining new insights and understandings from their MNA experience!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 29-Aug. 2, 2024

North Rim Native American Heritage Days kicks off this weekend

Heritage Days will take place this Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4. Throughout the weekend a variety of programs will be presented by members of Grand Canyon’s Associated Tribes, including music and dance performances, film screenings, discussions about cultural connections to Grand Canyon, and a variety of demonstrations by renowned Indigenous artists.   

Activities will take place daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in and around Grand Canyon Lodge. For more information and the schedule of activities, visit the park’s Heritage Days webpage or see the full event flyer attached here.

The Ceramics Department at Sedona Arts Center

Greetings Potters, Artists, and Friends,

Neil Kennedy is moving!

His last day will be on September 6 at our Celebrate Sedona event from 4 to 6pm at Sedona Arts Center in Uptown Sedona. As many of you know, Neil joined our Sedona Arts Center ceramic department almost 7 years ago. During Neil’s tenure with us, he developed the Tuesday afternoon’s Hand Building and Saturday morning’s Pottery Wheel for Beginners classes. With Neil’s years of ceramic experience and his natural talent as an artist, he has helped build the ceramic department’s programming to what it is today—one of the most active and popular clay schools in northern Arizona.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Aug. 1 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. 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.

The CCC&Y Prevention Council has its roots in our long history of child abuse prevention, our most recent work with substance misuse prevention and our overall commitment to understanding the protective factors, resiliency research and assets our community needs to thrive.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. August Newsletter — Big summer family musical Annie now playing!

Flagstaff’s big summer family musical Annie, which opened last Friday to a standing ovation, is already selling out some performances. The heartwarming classic, winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, is lighting up the Flagstaff stage.

“Annie is a wonderful musical for families. It’s such a feel-good story, gives a little taste of Christmas mid-summer, and lets everyone escape into history and song for a couple hours,”said chorus member Kim Hensley Owens.