A 3 day music festival in the cool pines of Flagstaff, AZ! Voted “BEST FLAGSTAFF FESTIVAL” for the last 5 years by readers of the Arizona Daily Sun. 10 a.m.
September programs…starting soon!
Comet Talk: Adventures of a 1901 Toledo Steam Car
Monday, Sept. 18
6 to 7 p.m.
Learn More
Reading and Composing Poetry
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Learn More
A Jungian Journey to the Creative Self
Wednesday, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25
5 to 7:30 p.m.
Learn More
String Art Workshop at CCC’s Page Center
Wednesday, Sept. 27
6 to 8:30 p.m.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families with local representatives from the Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) program, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and link to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s created Page/Fredonia and Tuba City resource guides and the recently updated Williams Area Community Resource Guide.
Do you have a new or updated resource guide you would like to add to our listing posting? Please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
Read More
FLAGSTAFF — The minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.40 and $15.90 for tipped workers beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.
In 2016 the voters of Flagstaff wrote and passed The Minimum Wage Act (“the Act”) as a citizens’ initiative (Proposition 414). The Act, which is codified in Title 15 of the Flagstaff City Code, prescribes that beginning in 2023, the Flagstaff minimum wage shall be increased annually by the increase in the cost of living. Pursuant to the Act, “[t]he increase in the cost of living shall be measured by the percentage increase as of August of the immediately preceding year over the level as of August of the previous year of the consumer price index (all urban consumers, U.S. city average for all items)” (15-01-001-0003(B)). The increase shall be rounded to the nearest $0.05.
Coconino County Public Works’ Fall online surplus property auction is now underway. The auction is open to the public and features items such as used trucks, heavy equipment, and other surplus County property that has met replacement guidelines.
The auction consists of three separate periods, each of which includes approximately 15 available vehicles/equipment.
ntroducing the Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science
The Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (CBIKS)—a five-year, $30 million international Science and Technology Center funded by the National Science Foundation— will focus on connecting Indigenous knowledges with “western” sciences to address some of the more pressing issues affecting people worldwide. The center will work on complex, evolving challenges brought on by climate change, including dire impacts affecting land, water and plant and animal life; the danger posed to irreplaceable archaeological sites, sacred places and cultural heritage; and the challenges of changing food systems, all of which disproportionately affect Indigenous communities.
FLAGSTAFF — Prescribed burns will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department on City-owned parcels within City limits this fall. While exact dates of the prescribed burns are weather-specific and cannot be established far in advance, these prescribed burns are generally anticipated to take place from mid-September to mid-November. More information on locations and dates will be shared on flagstaff.az.gov as dates become available.
Residents and visitors can expect smoke to be present in the area of prescribed burns. Fire managers will coordinate with neighboring national forests, national parks, fire districts, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to monitor smoke impacts.
The moment you’ve been waiting for! All events requiring reservations now have reservation links live. It is so easy to book your spot, but don’t delay! Many events have limited spaces.
Just go to the App or the website calendar, locate the event you’d like to attend, see if reservations are required and follow the link or instructions to secure your spot.
Remember, free tickets to the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation with Dr. Beth Shapiro are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make your booking online.
Looking forward to seeing you this year for the 34th year of the Flagstaff Festival of Science!
Message from Mary –
The Museum of Northern Arizona turned 95 last week, but we’re not stopping to reminisce about the past. There is too much to look forward to this month, with a new exhibition opening, a harvest festival and market in the garden, the launching of a new series of talks on cultural appropriation, and a free day at the museum as part of the Festival of Science.
So many of the events this month reflect MNA’s many community collaborations. For the exhibition Seeing People Through Trees: A Human History of the Forest we worked with Coconino National Forest, NAU School of Forestry, Fort Valley Experimental Forest, and Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. For a third year, Flagstaff Foodlink organized the Harvest Festival and Indigenous Farmers Market at the Colton Garden. We’re partnering closely with the Sedona Arts Center to put together the series of panels on appropriation. And of course Flagstaff Festival of Science is a longstanding community event.
When MNA opened 95 years ago, many of those other organizations didn’t exist. It’s wonderful to be part of an institution that has been a foundation of the cultural life of Flagstaff for so long, and continues to be integral to the community.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.
Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is working to remove invasive species and protect native species of fish in the Colorado River with $258,000 from the Inflation Reduction Act. This project is part of a nationwide effort to restore natural habitats and address climate change impacts.
In fiscal year 2023, President Biden’s Investing in America, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, will provide $52 million to the National Park Service to fund projects throughout the country related to ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission is pleased to announce that the annual application period for the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program is open from September 1st – 30th. The program inspires projects that enhance sustainability and foster community partnerships.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the Schultz Creek Channel Stabilization Project between Elden Lookout Road and Highway 180. This stream restoration project will stabilize and restore the Schultz Creek channel, which was severely degraded during the 2022 Pipeline Fire and subsequent flooding events.
Channel stabilization restores the stream bank and bed, preventing erosion from moving sediment and debris into the Rio de Flag and Frances Short Pond. Frances Short Pond received over 5,000 cubic yards of ash, sediment, and debris since the Pipeline Fire, requiring a complete dredge and repair this year. The Schultz Creek Channel Stabilization Project will reduce the risk of further repairs at the pond and will also help to keep stormwater infrastructure clear and flowing.
FLAGSTAFF — The community came out to celebrate, educate and inform at the 74th annual Coconino County Fair held at the fairgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park.
Members from the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and other diversity council members — the African Diaspora Advisory Council and the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council — greeted the public near the main gate at the Coconino County information Booth.
Visitors then had an opportunity to enjoy a variety of concerts during the day featuring Sol Over Luna and Grupo Conceptos.
The day was capped off with an overflow crowd attending the Selena Forever Tribute, which was introduced by District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez.
See slideshow here
FLAGSTAFF — The formal investiture ceremony for Coconino Community College President Eric Heiser, Ph.D., will take place at 2 p.m., Friday Sept. 29.
“I’m excited to serve as the sixth president of Coconino Community College and to be a part of CCC’s newest chapter,” Dr. Heiser said. “As Coconino County’s community college, we know the vital role we play in providing an educated and skilled workforce to our community partners, and we take our role seriously.”
Water conservation measures remain in place for South Rim as tanks fill
On Tuesday, September 5, park managers implemented mandatory water conservation for the South Rim due to diminished water supplies in the South Rim holding tanks. This week, crews began to successfully pump water from Roaring Springs to the South Rim to replenish water stores. If tanks continue to fill, the NPS Water Utilities team anticipates being able to lift water conservation measures as early as next week. As a reminder, the following measures are in place for residents and all facilities on the South Rim.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Recorder, Patty Hansen, has been recognized as a 2023 Leader of the Year in Government by the Arizona Capitol Times. This award recognizes her recent achievements in her position as County Recorder.
Hansen has served as the Coconino County Recorder since 2013. She has over 36 years of experience working in election administration. She is a tireless advocate for striking down barriers for voting and expanding the voting franchise to all eligible citizens.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for recent accomplishments,” said Hansen. “My name may be on the award, but it really is a recognition of the hard work of the entire team in the Recorder’s office.”
Marauda, The Orpheum Theater
Hamish Prasad, also known as MARAUDA, is a bass music producer and DJ currently based in Sydney, Australia. MARAUDA creates tearout, deathstep, dubstep, trench and melodic dubstep. 8 p.m.
FLAGSTAFF — Restoration work at Frances Short Pond is ongoing and is scheduled to continue into the fall. This summer, the City removed over 5,000 cubic yards of ash and debris from post-wildfire flooding that had settled into Frances Short Pond. The City also repaired the retaining wall and improved drainage into the pond. This fall, the City is working to install electricity to deliver dissolved oxygen to the pond for fish. A valve will also be added to the pond to connect it with a future channel downstream. After this work is completed, the pond will be refilled and reopened to the public.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Resilience is not something we expect from children it is something we support in children, families, and communities. Making sure every child and family has the opportunity for exposure to science, role models, caring adults and a big world is what makes this so special.
We support the Flagstaff Festival of Science. Our child abuse prevention work underscores the need for these positive experiences in our community!
Visit us @ Science in the Park 9/23/23 and participate in the “Best 10 Days of the Year!!”
Schedule@scifest.org
Festival Calendar
Humans of NAU
with Maria Emilia Machelor
Machelor found ASNAU as a freshman. Now a senior—and president—she talks about how she got involved (and how you can too!), how travel continues to define her life and what she has in common with the blue macaw.
Read the Q&A
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Streets Section will begin the second phase of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program on Sept. 11. This program will address a number of roads in the City that have deteriorated and are in need of repair. In addition to street repairs, damaged multimodal infrastructure, such as sidewalks will also be repaired. The project will begin with the crack sealing, patching, utility lowering and concrete work. Once this initial work is completed, milling and paving operations will begin. The program is anticipated to last eight weeks, depending on weather conditions.
FLAGSTAFF — Motorists are asked to remain cognizant of log trucks, heavy machinery and timber debris as both logging and resurfacing operations continue along Rim Road (Forest Road 300) of the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD).
Resurfacing work is expected to last through mid-October.
Logging operations will run throughout the next decade as part of a long-term project aimed at restoration of the C.C. Cragin watershed.
FLAGSTAFF — Free firewood is available on a new area of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District for valid permit holders.
The free use area is located roughly 1.5 miles down Little Elden Springs Road (Forest Road 556). Directions are included in the attached map.
Collection areas are clearly marked. Free use permits are needed to collect wood and can be obtained by calling or visiting the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger Station located at 5057 N. Highway 89 during business hours.
The Flagstaff Ranger Station is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays.
Due to limited staffing, permit seekers are advised to call the Flagstaff Ranger Station at 928-526-0866 before arrival to ensure permits can be processed that day.
View this email in your browser FREE EVENT Celebrate Sedona! Wednesday, September 6, 2023 4–6pm at Sedona Arts CenterSponsored by: City of Sedona Music by Traveler Artist Demonstrations, Free Food, Beer and Wine for Sale SAC Ceramics Department Demos &…
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. This is due to diminished water supplies. Crews continue to investigate challenges with water treatment and cannot pump water from Roaring Springs to the South Rim to replenish water stores. They are working to reestablish water treatment and ensure drinking water is safe for the public.
Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
Message from Jeronimo
Visit the Coconino County Fair
District 2 Highlights
Preparation, Prevention, and Information
Service Positions & Job Listings
Services and Programs
And more!
Book Corner
After a long weekend at the Fair, relax with a good book!
Were you inspired by the animals at the Fair and also want a cozy book for the transition to autumn? All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot is the classic, heartfelt story of a Yorkshire veterinarian.
Children may like the timeless tale of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, whose story of being yourself rings just as true today as in the 1920s.
Teens and tweens may enjoy Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, the story of a farm pig’s unlikely friendship with a talented spider.
These and other great autumn reads can be found at your local library!
FLAGSTAFF — Sol Over Luna, Grupo Conceptos and Selena Forever Tribute to be presented on Sunday, Sept. 3 on the Main Stage of the Coconino County Fair. (Facebook | YouTube | Instagram)
Grupo Conceptos will perform at 6:15 p.m.
The Selena Forever Tribute will be held at 8 p.m. (Facebook | Instagram | Website)
Buy tickets to the fair HERE
September is library card sign-up month!
Visit the library to sign-up for a library card or get a free replacement card! One is never too young or too old for a library card. Check out all the fun for the entire family and spread the word to your friends and neighbors.
Look at the special events and activities we have going on throughout the month including ones commemorating our new front entrance!
LIBRARY CARDS & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
FLAGSTAFF — On Tuesday, Sept. 5 the City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, will begin the utility installation phase of the Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project as part of the Spruce Wash Flood Mitigation suite of projects. Starting on Tuesday, crews will begin setting up traffic control and mobilizing equipment into the work zone along Main Street, just south of Cedar Avenue. Crews will also begin removing the existing asphalt pavement in preparation for sewer infrastructure installation.
Construction will begin on Main Street, just south of Cedar Avenue. Lane shifts on Cedar Avenue will occur during the construction of the sewer main on Main Street south of Cedar but both east and west bound traffic on Cedar will be maintained at all times.
Coconino County’s Administrative Offices at 219 E. Cherry Ave. and the County Attorney’s Office at 110 E. Cherry Ave. will be closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday Monday, September 4, 2023.
Offices will return to regular operation on Tuesday.
The County Health and Human Services offices at 2625 King St. will also be closed. Animal Management will have an officer available 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.
Coconino County announced today that updated, digital flood hazard maps for the Munds Park area are available for public review and comment.
The flood maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in the Munds Park area are at risk of flooding. These flood maps are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements. They replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old.
Residents and business owners can use the maps to obtain reliable information about their current flood risk on a property-by-property basis. The maps also provide flood zone and elevation data. These help community planners, engineers, builders, and others decide where and how new structures, developments, and remodeling projects should be built. Information about the mapping project and how to view the final maps can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/3141/Munds-Park. A Flood Risk Open House meeting is also being held.
This summer, a dozen NAU students went to Belize to do research. It’s called Jungle Boot Camp, and Jut Wynne takes a group down every summer. But this group was special. A well-worn flag joined the group—it’s the flag of the Explorers Club, which has gone to the top and bottom of the world, into space and all over, marking expeditions that contribute to our knowledge of the world in which we live. Learn more about the research Wynne and his students conducted in this tiny Central American country that is rich in biodiversity.
Soroptimist, Flagstaff Family Food Center, Chomsky School of Business, Sedona International Film Festival and Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival hold events this month
Theatrikos’ mission, of course, is to present the best live theatre in Northern Arizona. But when we’re not having shows on the weekends, we like to invite other arts and non-profit organizations and help them with their mission. It’s all part of making our Flagstaff home a better place to be—and continuing to make downtown a vibrant part of the city.
This month we welcome the good folks from Soroptimist of Mountain Morning (9/9/23) and Flagstaff Family Food Center (9/7/23) for their fundraising events. We continue our successful partnership with Sedona International Film Festival (Wednesdays) and Mountain Film Festival (9/2/23). And Chomsky School of Business (9/1/23) once again performs in the new black box.
The public is welcome to all these events. Theatrikos loves supporting other organizations in Northern Arizona. Working together we raise all boats.
Last week, the gateway to the Grand Canyon became the latest community in northern Arizona to be severely impacted by flooding.
After about three inches of rain fell on Tusayan, flooding ensued, causing a temporary closure of State Highway 64 and evacuations. The flood waters have receded, but many residents who live in employer housing in the town are dealing with damages to their dwellings.
United Way of Northern Arizona and its partners, along with the residents’ employers, are assisting during this time with resources so the residents can store their items and replace items that were lost while their homes are being repaired.
Coconino County Fair, Fort Tuthill County Park
Join the fun, excitements, and agricultural traditions of the 74th Coconino County Fair on Labor Day Weekend! 10 a.m.
Learn More
Earlier this week, representatives from Elliott D. Pollack & Co. and IO Inc. presented an overview of their comprehensive 5-year Stategic Plan for economic growth in northern Arizona, including a SWOT analysis, comparisons to similar areas, and six overarching goals needed to sustain and increase the economic vitality of the region.
The strategic plan, commissioned by ECoNA, identified the workforce housing gap, slow population growth in the region, and anti-growth sentiment as the biggest challenges facing our area.
“No economy remains static; it either progresses or regresses,” said Ioanna Morfessis, President and Chief Strategist for IO Inc., who added that strategic plans like the one created for ECoNA were not about “growth for growth sake” but preserving the assets of the region while creating opportunities for the next generations to live and work here.
Volunteer Cleanup Day slated for Tusayan this Saturday
While the recent flooding in Tusayan was short-lived, residents are still cleaning up the aftermath. But Tusayan is not just a town – it’s a community. And members of a community take care of each other. So on Saturday, September 2, the town is planning a Volunteer Day.
If you’re willing and able to help neighbors and residents rebuild and repair their property, come to the Tusayan Sports Complex at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 2. If you need help with a project, contact the Town of Tusayan.
You can also apply for emergency assistance through Coconino County online. Please apply before Friday September 1.
There is still food and clothing available until Tuesday, September 4 at Tusayan Townhall.
Come see what’s new in our Shop!
NOW FEATURING:
Carrie Clayden, Christine Debrosky, and Karen Puckett
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. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
On September 22nd, Dr. Beth Shapiro will share her research on the astonishing and controversial process of de-extinction, from sequencing ancient genomes to anticipating how revived populations might be overseen in the wild. In the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation, How to Clone a Mammoth, Shapiro explores the technical, ethical and ecological challenges of bringing extinct species back to life.
Editor’s note: Laura Rosensweet, Community Impact Manager for Education Forward AZ, is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board for the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth. She appeared in the forum’s “Voices from Community Leaders” video along with Coconino Community College President Eric Heiser and Window Rock Unified School District Superintendent Shannon Goodsell.
By First Things First
First Things First recently gathered community members from northern Arizona to discuss how the child care crisis is impacting their local communities.
The Aug. 15 forum at Twin Arrows conference center outside of Flagstaff was the second of a planned set of quarterly forums to be held throughout the state on Strengthening the Child Care Workforce. The first forum was in Thatcher in eastern Arizona. …
Listen to Laura Rosensweet from Education Forward Arizona talk about brain development and how access to quality, reliable care makes a difference for early childhood learning, as well as its importance for working families.
The City Sustainability Office will soon be launching the Flagstaff Home Energy Retrofit Program with a substantial grant award. The program provides home energy retrofits to low income residents, helping them reduce energy costs, increase the comfort of their homes, strengthen community participation towards greater climate resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to our community’s Carbon Neutrality Plan.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Labor Day include:
East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
President Cruz Rivera welcomed students to campus in his annual first-day-of-class video message yesterday, and although Monday was the first day of school at NAU throughout Arizona and online, the Flagstaff campus has been humming with activity for a week as students moved into residence halls, got to know their classmates at Welcome Week activities, went to their first sporting events and donned blue and gold T-shirts for the Class of 2027’s Letters photo. It’s an especially exciting time at NAU, as the implementation of Access2Excellence has contributed to the most diverse, most accomplished and most Arizonan class NAU has ever welcomed. Take a look at the numbers for this class of Lumberjacks and find yourself and your friends in photos.
View items and register to bid FSO’s benefit auction is loaded with wonderful gifts, art, experiences, and travel opportunities. You do not have to attend Sippin’ with the Symphony, FSO’s special performance and wine tasting fundraiser, to bid on auction…
UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.
Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.
As we head into the final months of 2023, North Country HealthCare is pleased to provide our 2023 Cultural Competency Report. This report provides insight into our cultural competency, diversity, equity and inclusion-related efforts for the year prior. It gives our employees, patients, and community members a snapshot of where we have been, where we are now, and what we have in store for the future.
COCONINO COUNTY — In their return to regular in-person meetings on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) began by electing a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to lead the Board through the remainder of their current session.
In two unanimous votes, Supervisor Judy Begay from District 4 was elected Vice-Chairwoman and Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez from District 2 was elected to serve as Chairman. This will be each Supervisor’s first term serving in these leadership roles.
COCONINO COUNTY — Chairman Jeronimo Vasquez has authorized an official emergency resolution regarding the flooding in the community of Tusayan that occurred on Tuesday of this week.
In adopting this resolution, the Board is authorizing County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Office to issue further shelter in place or evacuation orders should another significant rainfall event affect this community. It also assists with requests for State and Federal assistance to aid in the clean up and repairs to public infrastructure.
Tuesday’s storm produced an estimated three inches of rainfall in less than one hour, concentrated over a wash east of Tusayan. The wash was soon overwhelmed, flooding the Grand Canyon gateway community with up to three feet of water by 5 p.m. that evening. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and Flood Control District staff arrived soon after to assess the situation and assist the Town of Tusayan in setting up a local incident command center. A temporary order to boil tap water for drinking has been lifted after testing confirmed no bacterial contamination present.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission is pleased to announce that the annual application period for the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program is open from September 1st – 30th. The program inspires projects that enhance sustainability and foster community partnerships.
Grant awards of up to $7,500 are available. Groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with sustainability-related projects within Flagstaff city limits are invited to apply. Specifically, the Sustainability Commission is seeking community-centered projects in the categories of food, waste, climate action, resilience, transportation, building energy, and public health. The Flagstaff Sustainability Commission made up of seven Flagstaff residents, will review and determine awardees.
Are you looking for new or gently used art supplies? Are you wanting to jump start your creative practice and need a refresh on your art supplies? Are you looking for an opportunity to meet fellow artists?
Then the Art Supply Swap Meet is for you!
Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival, Continental Country Club Driving Range
The festival will have a variety of talented Hopi artists, showcasing contemporary and traditional artwork, and don’t forget Hopi social dance groups and soloists performing throughout the two day event! 9 a.m.
Join us at the Sky Bar at Agassiz Lodge on September 9 for Brews & Views, Snowbowl’s 2nd Annual Community Fundraiser to benefit United Way of Northern Arizona.
This full day of fun in the mountains will include delicious craft brews from more than 15 local and nationally known breweries; live music; lots of giveaway prizes; and much more.
Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will be donated to UWNA to help fund programs that promote early childhood development, positive youth development, and safety and security for residents of Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
“Arizona Snowbowl is beyond proud to partner with United Way of Northern Arizona on Brews & Views in order to improve lives and community conditions for people in Northern Arizona,” said Angie Grubb, Marketing Coordinator at Arizona Snowbowl.
On Tuesday, August 22, emergency personnel from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Tusayan Fire Department, and Grand Canyon National Park responded to the town of Tusayan for a report of flooding due to heavy rainfall in the area.
Water levels up to three feet deep prompted officials to close a section of Highway 64 for safety. Over 100 residents and visitors in Tusayan were relocated, and about 70 students from the Grand Canyon Unified School District sheltered in place until it was safe for them to return home. No injuries were reported and crews will continue working to clean up the aftermath.
Reading and Composing Poetry
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10
5 to 6:30 p.m.
This four-part course will immerse you in the world of poetry! We’ll cover select poems from some of the world’s master poets, and work on your own compositions.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth provides a variety of free online training programs for parents, caregivers and all community members.
Our free Thriving Families webinar is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to the topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness. It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.
With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.
In the annual University Convocation, President Cruz Rivera reflected on NAU’s long history of championing student access and success, welcomed new faculty to campus, shared highlights from last year and set some big goals for the future, anchored by a bold challenge to structure and prioritize work across the university to improve retention, persistence and graduation to facilitate students’ academic momentum. Students should also keep an eye on the course catalog for the spring—Cruz Rivera announced that he’d be teaching a class.
TUSAYAN — A significant rainfall event has impacted the Coconino Wash east of the Town of Tusayan, just south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
Due to a reported two to three inches of rainfall in a short amount of time this afternoon, water up to three feet in depth has reached State Route 64 and most of the gateway community.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) sculptures for a temporary outdoor exhibition May-October 2024.
The exhibition will feature five artworks, existing or newly created, that reflect and make visible aspects of Indigenous and other diverse cultural representation, including Black and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives through a myriad of ways and will prompt appreciation, conversation, and interaction.
GRAND CANYON — A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 4.7 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park in 2022 spent an estimated $759 million in gateway regions near the park. This spending supported a total of 9,990 jobs, $346 million in labor income, $576 million in value added, and $1.0 billion in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.
“Grand Canyon National Park continues to be an economic linchpin for local communities and the region surrounding the park,” said Superintendent Ed Keable. “We continue to heavily rely on the support of our neighbors and are proud to be able to help sustain local communities for many years to come.”
FLAGSTAFF — Welcome back NAU students, parents, faculty, and staff!
The City of Flagstaff is currently constructing the Beulah/University Realignment Project. This two-and half-year project began in April 2023 and will continue through fall 2025.
In the current phase of the project, the westbound lane of University Drive is closed, between Knoles Drive and the western driveway entrance to Target, due to extensive underground construction and roadway demolition.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved and adopted the tax rate schedule for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) and Tax Year 2023 for all special taxing jurisdictions for which Coconino County has authority to collect taxes.
Arizona Revised Statues mandate that an ordinance levying taxes for FY 24 be adopted no later than the third Monday in August 2023, and with this administrative action the Board has concluded the 2023-24 budget process.
Special taxing jurisdictions, often referred to as special districts, are created to fill a need and to enable the provision of services in an area that might otherwise be limited from receiving those services for various reasons, including size, location, financial limitations or unavailability of other government support. The formation of a special taxing district creates a funding stream to pay for the desired or necessary services by placing the responsibility on those who benefit from that service.
The Board of Directors of United Way of Northern Arizona and President and CEO Liz Archuleta are excited to announce that Dan and Kim Musselman have been named the 2023-2024 Campaign Chairs for our annual fundraising effort which kicks off on September 27.
FLAGSTAFF — Despite heavy afternoon monsoon rains, visitors continued to come by, dance, enjoy food, chat with vendors and listen to the music of Mariachi de Nuevo Mexico and Soul Persuasion during the 8th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” on Aug. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Dancers from Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff didn’t miss a step during the rainy day performance which drew upwards of 300 visitors.
Coconino County communities might see more precipitation over the weekend and into next week as the result of Tropical Storm Hilary.
The Flood Control District, Public Works, and Coconino County Emergency Management are working closely with NWS Flagstaff to monitor potential rainfall and post-wildfire flooding in our towns and neighborhoods.
Be aware and stay safe, sign up emergency alerts from Coconino County at www.coconino.az.gov/ready
The Route 66 Car Club of Flagstaff is excited to bring The Mother Road Classic back to downtown Flagstaff. 9 a.m. Free.
Kane Fire wrapping up
The Kane Fire, located about 13 miles southeast of Jacob Lake on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, is currently about 2,854 acres and 84 percent contained.
The fire was detected on August 3 after a lightning storm, and fire managers immediately implemented a full suppression strategy. Ensuing precipitation over the next several days curtailed fire activity considerably, and a Type 3 team took over on Tuesday, August 15.
Current and expected fire activity is minimal, and crews are now focused on cleanup and suppression repair.
In the interest of public safety, a portion of the Kaibab Plateau area east of Highway 67 leading to the North Rim will remain closed. Highway 67 is open.
You can visit the Kaibab National Forest website or Facebook page, or InciWeb for more information.
FLAGSTAFF — Snowbowl Road (Forest Road [FR] 516) will close from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday August 19 to accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event.
While Snowbowl Road will remain open before and after the seven-hour closure window, drivers are asked to remain alert and cautious. Event coordinators and sponsors will be using the road to initiate event setup in the days leading up to the event.
Snowbowl staff will provide parking support for event participants at the base of Snowbowl Road (at the intersection of Fort Valley Road) and will work to redirect traffic until the event ends and the road opens.
It’s been a busy summer at northern Arizona’s three local airports, with changes in personnel, new facilities and extensive improvement work to enable these facilities to better serve our region.
At Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Brian Gall became the new Airport Director in late April. He had previously been the airport’s Program Manager and his career has included serving as a Development Engineering Project Manager for the City of Flagstaff and being an engineer for both the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.
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.
CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.
Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
Please visit Membership Options
Make an Online Donation
Remember, CCC&Y is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status-so your contributions are tax deductible eligible. Please consult your tax professional.
NAU gets $5M grant to fund new wildfire initiative
The Arizona Wildfire Initiative is an all-hands-on-deck effort to deal with wildfires through a multipronged approach: more and better trained forest and fire managers; intentional forest management to reduce the risk of destructive wildfires; ensuring people on the ground have the knowledge they need to handle the increasing number and severity of wildfires as the West dries out and heats up; and building fire-resilient communities throughout Arizona. This innovative project is funded by the Office of the Governor.
FLAGSTAFF — As of 8 a.m. (Tuesday, Aug. 15), the Coconino and Kaibab national forests have lifted all fire restrictions. Stage 1 restrictions had been in place across Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest since June 29.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement or rescind fire restrictions. Enough rain has fallen across the forest to increase fuel moisture levels and decrease fire danger. The forecast shows these improved conditions continuing.
LAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current firerestrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Tuesday,August 15 at 8:00 a.m.
Under Stage 0 fire restrictions,
Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are prohibitedin all public places within the City of Flagstaff, includingCity Parks, Open Spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban TrailSystem (FUTS) at all times.
Residents and visitors should not throw cigarettes or matches outof a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of theroad and become a wildfire. All outdoor fires should beextinguished properly by drowning fires with plenty of water andstirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Charcoalshould be dunked in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoalon the ground and leave it.
COCONINO COUNTY — Following completion of their regular business Tuesday night, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors held a final public hearing regarding Ordinance 2023-22 before voting unanimously to adopt the new regulations for Short-Term Rentals in the County.
The ordinance will now take effect after 120 days on November 14, 2023.
The ordinance clearly defines a Short-Term or Vacation Rental as the short-term rental of any dwelling or portion of any dwelling for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. Further, Vacation Rentals are only permitted in habitable dwellings permitted by the County. This means that garages, sheds, tents, temporary travel trailers and recreational vehicles, temporary structures, or other structures that do not meet the standards for a dwelling may not be rented.
FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University is conducting a study to better understand the Greater Flagstaff-area residents’ experiences and opinions of wildfire and/or post-fire flooding information. We are trying to reach as many community members as possible to understand similarities and differences experienced by different neighborhoods, demographics, and home ownerships (e.g., renter, homeowner) to inform future wildfire and flooding information and serve the diversity of people who live in the Flagstaff area.
UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.
Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.
Mariachi de Nuevo Mexico, 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 — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 8th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. This year’s Premier Sponsors are the Cococnino County Board of Supervisors and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).
Time is running out to RSVP for next week’s meeting of the ECoNA Advisory Council, which will feature conversation with the Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix, Jorge Mendoza Yescas, and Glenn Williamson, former Honorary Consul of Canada for Arizona and the founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council.
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, President Biden visited the park after announcing the designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon as a National Monument. Baaj nwaavjo means “where Indigenous peoples roam” in the Havasupai language, and i’tah kukvenimeans “our ancestral footprints” in the Hopi language. The new monument encompasses about 917,618 acres of the Kaibab National Forest (both north and south of the park) and portions of the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District (BLM), lands already part of the 2012 mineral withdrawal Environmental Impact Statement. These lands will continue to be managed by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service, and Tribal Nations will be included in decisions about managing the areas. The national monument only includes federal lands and does not include State and private lands within the boundary.
8th Annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 8th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, Mariachi and Folklórico Festival. 12 p.m. Free.
Flagstaff Community First will hold their No on Prop. 480 campaign kick-off on Saturday at Bushmaster Park’s Community Ramada.
Flagstaff Community First is the political action committee composed of local organizations, including F3, and individuals that spearheaded the collection and delivery of more than 5,000 voter signatures to the City Clerk in July. That effort has ensured that the citizens of Flagstaff have a voice in determining if the City Council’s approval to rezone 98 acres of land just north of Ft Tuthill will stand.
This citizens’ referendum will be included on the November 7, 2023 mail-in ballot as Proposition 480. A “NO” vote on Prop. 480 will overturn Council’s decision allowing the rezoning of the 98 acres (Phase I) of the Northern Arizona Healthcare Corporation (NAH) proposed new hospital and ambulatory care center. Phase I is the first step in NAH’s proposed two phased medical and commercial complex.
FLAGSTAFF — Unisource Energy will be conducting a utilityrelocation project at the intersection of Fourth Street andCedar/Lockett. The northbound lane of Fourth Street will be closedto all traffic at the north leg of the Cedar/Lockett intersection.Traffic accessing MEMS, Puente de Hozho and residencesbetween Linda Vista Drive and the closure must utilize detourroutes to access those locations from Linda Vista Drive. Thesouthbound lane of Fourth Street will remain open throughout theduration of the project allowing traffic to exit the schools andresidences of this area to the south. The project schedule is August10 through September 8.
FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, August 14, UniversityAvenue will be closed to all traffic between Yale Street and theeastern driveway entrance to the Woodlands Village Apartments.Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are asked to follow themarked signage to get to their destination (Map Below and Attached). This closure will allow crews to begin removing theexisting asphalt pavement along the section of University Avenuethat will connect to the future roundabout. Following roadwayexcavation, crews will begin utility installation.
COCONINO COUNTY —
CCC&Y shares this free online opportunity to ease some of the daily stress during this busy time of year.
Motivated by a long wait list for behavioral health services, and aware of challenging adult and child emotions causing behavior difficulties, Bethany Camp put this two part training together for CCC&Y to help meeting a wide-spread community need.
First we learn to understand our emotions and then we can understand and respond to the big emotional responses of children.
Watch Webinar – Managing Adult Emotional Responses, Part One
Watch Webinar – Helping Children Manage Their Emotions, Part Two
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences program invites artists, community members, community groups, schools and local businesses to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. Up to $4,500 is available per project.
Projects that enliven and revitalize the urban environment can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals and more. Priority will be given to community-initiated projects that provide a lasting impact—fostering cultural connections, strengthening neighborhood awareness and identity, and deepening how residents and visitors interact with the built environment. All projects must be publicly and visually accessible.
FLAGSTAFF — In preparation for the construction of the Spruce Wash Improvements flood mitigation projects, during the week of August 14 crews will begin clearing trees and vegetation in a portion of the area known as the “wedge”. The “wedge” is the City-owned, triangle-shaped parcel bound by N West St, E Linda Vista Dr and E Cedar Ave. Crews will only be removing trees in an area within the footprint of the future Wedge Detention Basin project.
FLAGSTAFF — Former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans, tattoo artist Dan Duke and Arizona Daily Sun photographer Jake Bacon were honored at Culture Connection AZ’s “The Faces of Flagstaff” opening art exhibition on July 28 in Flagstaff.
The trio were recognized by the creation of three large wood-cut images created by local artist Eric Kruse. Others honored with smaller images included: Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, Michael Marquess, JoeBob Armstrong, Marian Armstrong, Lee Born, Kayley Quick, Cindy Payne, Gillian Ferris, Brad Dimock, Jessica Van Zijll, Shonto Begay, Cecily Maniaci, Brian Dierker, Joni Pevarnik and Matt Ziegler!
The Faces of Flagstaff will be viewable through the end of August during regular business hours at the Historic Ice House, 201 E. Birch Ave in downtown Flagstaff.
You are cordially invited to the next meeting of the ECoNA Advisory Council, where our featured speakers will be the Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix, Jorge Mendoza Yescas, and Glenn Williamson, former Honorary Consul of Canada for Arizona and the founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council.
We are extending this invitation to the entire business community because of the importance of these two countries to our state and regional economy.
A welcome break from the summer heat
After our recent rainfall, Grand Canyon is no longer in an excessive heat warning, but Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions are still in effect for the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.
Coconino County is pleased to share the exciting news that we have again been recognized as one of the top counties in the United States for deploying digital technology practices for better government …
… in the 2023 National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government.
This is the fourth consecutive year Coconino County has placed in the Top 10 counties in the up to 150,000 population category. The County is being recognized for Aligned Leadership, Cybersecurity, Constituent Centric, Data Driven Government, IT Investments, Resilience, Workforce Planning, Continuous Innovation, Connected Infrastructure, and Business Process Alignment.
ArtWalk at the Ice House tomorrow!
Join us (Aug. 4) from 6-9pm as we host multiple artists across a variety of mediums! Painting, drawing, jewelry, stickers, fiber art, leather, and more!
Space for artists still available! Contact us if you’d like a table.
Nonprofits, like most organizations, are known by the company they keep. When their leaders are passionate about the community, it is a powerful force for positive change.
At United Way of Northern Arizona, we are fortunate to have a highly talented and dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. Periodically, we’ll share their stories with you because their commitment to Living United is the foundation of the work we do.
We’re very pleased to begin this series with a profile of Gabriella “Gabe” Smith of Kinney Construction Services, Inc. We hope you enjoy it!
