Category: Youth

‘We Are Listening Tour’ comes to Northern Arizona

[slideshow_deploy id=’6416′] Click on photo above for a larger image Arizona Superintendent of Education Diane Douglas and other officials had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities facing education in Northern Arizona when the “We Are Listening…

Guest commentary: First Things First’s Top 10 Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten

Summertime is a great opportunity to help kids prepare for their first day of kindergarten. Today’s schools expect 5-year-olds to arrive with basic academic and social skills so they are prepared on day one to start learning to read, write…

June cover story: Stopping the summer brain drain for students

  While Hispanic students have been making gains in classrooms during the year, summer becomes a crucial time to maintain those educational achievements By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Summer vacation time is upon us. K-through-12 schools are busy completing their traditional…

Volunteers needed to help plan for 2015 ‘Grad Night’ on May 29

FLAGSTAFF — Calling all parents, family, guardians and friends of this year’s Flagstaff area high school grads! Be part of creating a FREE, safe and fun event called Grad Night, for our high school grads (FUSD, charter schools and homeschoolers)…

Fiesta de Mayo returns May 16-17 to Sunnyside, Flagstaff

Carnival opens Thursday, May 14 FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff Inc. will present its 20th annual Fiesta de Mayo on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 at the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center, 2160 N. 4th St., Flagstaff.…

Community health, information events set for May 16

FLAGSTAFF — “Ahoy to Summer — Anchors Aweigh to Health,” a Children’s Health & Wellness Fair, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at the Flagstaff Aquaplex. Explore all of the fun summer activities and…

Arizona Board of Regents approve in-state tuition for some DREAMers

PHOENIX — The Associated Press, ABC15 and other media organizations are reporting that the Arizona Board of Regents voted Thursday to grant in-state tuition to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students. The decision comes one day after a Maricopa County judge ruled…

Mercado de los Sueños getting ready for Mother’s Day

FLAGSTAFF — Children are invited to bring their piggy banks to the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños to buy a unique gift for mom, organizers reported in a media release. “There are many possible gifts at a variety…

Next ‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ to be held May 1 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center

FLAGSTAFF — The next ‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ will be held at 6:15 p.m. Friday, May 1 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Artist Vangie Rodriguez will lead you…

Rally in support of tuition equality for DACA qualified students to be held April 30 at Flagstaff City Hall

FLAGSTAFF — A peaceful rally in support of tuition equality for DACA  (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) qualified students will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, organizers reported in a…

Northland Family Help Center to present ‘YouthFest’ and ‘Clothesline Project’ at Heritage Square on April 24

FLAGSTAFF — Northland Family Help Center will present “YouthFest,” the NFHC Runaway/Homeless Youth Awareness performance event from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 24 at Heritage Square, downtown Flagstaff. The event is designed to raise awareness about “Runaway/Homeless Youth & Child…

NAU Immigration Awareness Series to present ‘An Evening with Margaret Regan’ on April 2

FLAGSTAFF — The NAU Immigration Awareness Series will present “An Evening with Margaret Regan” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in Liberal Arts 120, Building 18. Regan will read from her new book, Detained and Deported: Stories of Immigrant Families under…

‘Cesar Chavez, a Servant Leader — An evening with Roberto Garcia’ to be held at NAU on March 27

FLAGSTAFF — MEChA and Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will celebrating Cesar Chavez with special guest speaker, Roberto Garcia, at 7 p.m. Friday March 27 in the University Union, Kaibab Room, organizers reported in a media release. Garcia…

CHAC to present inaugural ‘César E. Chávez Community Recognition Breakfast’ on March 27

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will present its inaugural “César E. Chávez Community Recognition Breakfast” from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 27 at Tacos Los Altos Westside, 2500 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., Flagstaff. The event will honor Hispanic…

Supporters of in-state tuition for DREAMers to attend Associated Students of Northern Arizona University Senate meeting on March 26

FLAGSTAFF — The Associated Students of Northern Arizona University (ASNAU) Senate will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26 to discuss and vote on a resolution in support of in-state tuition for DREAMers with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). The…

Efforts to support in-state tuition for DREAMers set for March 10 at Flagstaff City Hall, March 11 at the Arizona Board of Regents meeting in Flagstaff

Community members also urged to sign petition supporting DREAMers AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council has signed a petition asking the Board of Regents to allow DREAMers to pay in-state tuition, the organization reported in a media…

NAU Latin American Studies to present ‘Planting for Future Generations: Enviromental Justice in Guatemala’ on March 10

FLAGSTAFF — NAU Latin American Studies will present “Planting for Future Generations: Enviromental Justice in Guatemala”  at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at SBS Raul H. Castro (Bldg. 65, Room 107 at Northern Arizona University. Presented by Jorge Armando Lopez Pocol, the…

San Diego-based Chican@ comedy troupe Teatro Izcalli to present free performance at NAU on March 10

FLAGSTAFF — Teatro Izcalli, a San Diego-based Chican@ comedy troupe, to present a free performance at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at NAU’s Ashurst Hall, organizers reported in a media release. Teatro Izcalli’s actos (sketches) address issues such as racism, identity,…

Summer job hunting season is almost here

From AmigosNAZ staff reports With March upon us it’s time to start thinking about the St. Patrick Day (March 17), the beginning of spring (March 20) and … the start in earnest of the search by youth for summer jobs.…

Guest commentary: Babies and toddlers need more reading time

A recent national study shows there’s good news and challenges when it comes to families reading daily with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The good news is parents recognize that reading with young children is important in developing language and literacy skills. The challenge…

Tickets available for 2015 Child Abuse Prevention Kickoff Luncheon on March 26

From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) will present the the 2015 Annual Child Abuse Prevention Kickoff Luncheon Fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 26 at Little America, 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, in…

Festival of Dreams shows off new marketplace. Continues Feb. 22

[slideshow_deploy id=’5541′] Hover above for a larger image and description of the photo AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Members of the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños reported a steady stream of visitors and customers during the opening weekend of…

Guest commentary: Poor oral health takes a bite out of learning

When we think about getting kids ready for kindergarten, we talk about brain development and early literacy, but did you know that early oral health impacts early learning too? First Things First reminds communities that February is National Children’s Dental…

Nominations sought for the 2015 Caring for Children Award

Deadline is Feb. 13 From AmigosNAZ staff reports Outstanding individuals who work directly to make Coconino County a better place for the region’s youngest residents will be recognized at the annual Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon Fundraiser on March 26 in…

Free movie screening of ‘Underwater Dreams’ to be held at Coconino High School on March 5

From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The free movie screening of “Underwater Dreams”  will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at the Coconino High School Main Auditorium, 2801 Izabel St., Flagstaff. Written and directed by Mary Mazzio, and narrated…

Health: Protect yourself, others from the flu

By Michelle McKay, RN, BSN  / Coconino County Public Health Services District Immunization Program Manager Now that winter break has passed and students and parents are settling back into the normal routine, the Coconino County Public Health Services District is reminding the…

NAU President Cheng makes statement on governor’s budget proposal

FLAGSTAFF  — Northern Arizona University recognizes the current fiscal condition of Arizona and understands that Gov. Ducey and the Legislature face difficult decisions in balancing the budget of our state, NAU President Rita Cheng reported in a media release on…

Commentary: Educating the community

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ For as long as I can remember, I have always been involved in educational outreach efforts as I progressed through my career in journalism. As a young reporter I took part in panel presentations…

Bilingual commentary: Helping young kids beat the holiday blues

December is crowded with activity and excitement, which can all be fun for young children, but may also have some unintended consequences: behavior changes. Toddlers and preschoolers can experience a myriad of emotions, including: anticipation of special activities and events;…

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe to be celebrated with procession, luminaries, Mariachi Mass, community potluck on Dec. 11 & 12

FLAGSTAFF — The Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe to be celebrated with a procession, luminaries, a Mariachi Mass and community potluck on Dec. 11 & 12 in Flagstaff. The Guadalupanas, with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and San Francisco de Assis…

Guest commentary: Babysitter or an educator?

A tour of the Kith and Kin Project in Flagstaff By Cynthia Pardo / First Things First “Hay muchas cosas que devemos a aprender, como, escuchar a nuestros hijos, involucrarlos en todo para que aprendan a desenvolverse major,” said Ms.…

‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ beginning art class to be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on Dec. 5

CLICK HERE TO RSVP, MAKE PAYMENT FOR DEC. 5, 2014 ART CLASS FLAGSTAFF —  The next ‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ beginning art class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday,…

NAU profile: T. Mark Montoya — Mutual Inspiration

As the first person in his family to go to college, T. Mark Montoya — an Ethnic Studies lecturer at Northern Arizona University as well as an alumnus — knows the challenges of navigating university life, the university reported in…

November cover story: Season of giving begins in Northern Arizona

While donations, volunteers are welcomed during the holidays, officials say need must be met throughout the entire year By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Right after Halloween thoughts start turning toward Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays. You can’t escape it…

Analysis: NAU helps fight student hunger

By Tony Salazar / AmigosNAZ intern Every year in America the price of higher education continues to rise at astronomical rates. This year alone for an incoming freshman at Northern Arizona University one can expect to pay about $25,000 as…

Snowdrift Art Space in Winslow celebrates Día de los Muertos

[slideshow_deploy id=’4745′] From AmigosNAZ staff reports While a strong breeze prevented the traditional procession and burning of the offerings to the dearly departed, it was not enough to dampen the spirits at the Snowdrift Art Space which presented its annual…

Region welcomes 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona

It was a weekend filled with music, entertainment, and, most importantly, reverence for those who have gone before us as Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona partnered for the 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the museum held from Oct. 24 through 26, 2014 The event included the return of the In Tlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers, Mariachi Sol Azteca de Tucson, Ballet Folklórico de Colores de Flagstaff, an artists mercado, lectures, food and activities for young people.

Guest commentary: Full Circle Trade & Thrift is doing wonderful work in our community

By Roxana Cardiel De Niz / NAIC Interim Organizer In October, Full Circle Trade & Thrift’s proceeds will help support Flagstaff’s immigrant families. Northern Arizona Interfaith Council is part of a coalition of nonprofit organizations (Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Northern Arizona…

11th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct 25-26. Members reception to be held Oct. 24

Museum member’s reception on Oct. 24 FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona will present the 11th annual Celebracíones de la Gente on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26 at the museum. Scheduled entertainment includes Mariachi Sol…

Commentary / Comentario: Full Circle to aid Dreamers

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Since its founding in 2013, Full Circle Trade and Thrift has awarded more than $150,000 to help creative, collaborative and results-oriented nonprofits in Flagstaff. Located at the corner of South Beaver Street and Phoenix…

‘Baila Conmigo – Dance with Me’ to be held Sept. 27 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present “Baila Conmigo – Dance with Me” from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Ashurst Hall, Bldg. 11, NAU. “Come…

Screening of ‘Fruitvale Station’ to be held Sept. 23 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present the screening of “Fruitvale Station” from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Franke College of Business, Gardner Auditorium. “Fruitvale…

September cover story / Portada: Hispanic Heritage Month coming fast

Events include salsa festival, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces First Friday Art Walk, and Hispanic independence celebrations in Sedona, Flagstaff By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It’s last-minute planning time for upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events in Northern Arizona. While the month is officially celebrated…

Commentary / Comentario: The season of nutritional health

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ While this is the season for cultural events, it is also the time to start thinking about proper nutrition as students return to school and we prepare for the dreaded sweet and fat-laden holiday season. The…

Local / Locales

The Hispanic / Latino population of Northern Arizona University grew by 10 percent during the fall of 2014 compared to a year ago, university officials reported in a media release. According to unofficial enrollment figures released during the last week of…

Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014 to be held through Sept. 7

FLAGSTAFF — The Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014, featuring workshops and dance competitions, will be held Sept. 4-7 in Flagstaff. The event seeks to facilitate education, awareness, and mutual sharing and bring together dance talents from the local, national and…

Commentary / Comentario: Poore Clinic opens in Sunnyside

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Even with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, obtaining quality health care continues to be a challenge for many people. Whether it’s transportation issues due to a shortage of accessible neighborhood clinics, problems…

Participants brave long lines to gather school supplies, information at ‘Back to School Fair’ on July 19

[slideshow_deploy id=’3920′] Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Long lines didn’t deter children and their parents who were already lined up for nearly a block in the alley between Second and Third streets as they…

Bilingual report: Flagstaff Back to School Fair to be held July 19 at Flagstaff Family Food Center

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Back to School Health and Safety Fair will be FROM 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, 1903 N. Second St., Flagstaff. Organizers report the event features: No cost backpacks, school…