City of Flagstaff — Volunteers needed for Point in Time Count starting Jan. 24

FLAGSTAFF — The annual Point in Time Count (PIT) willtake place starting Jan. 24 throughout the City of Flagstaff.This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and isconducted across the country.

Local data collected during the annual PIT Count measuresprogress at local and national levels related to preventingand ending homelessness. Information gathered from thesurveys can help raise awareness about the challengesfaced by people who are experiencing homeless in thecommunity. Data is also shared at the local, state andnational level to determine funding for homeless servicesthroughout Coconino County. This count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Chamber Radio Program Features UWNA

I recently had the honor of being a guest on the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce’s radio show Bizz Buzz to talk about the United Way of Northern Arizona and our efforts to step up for our youth.

UWNA has been a proud Chamber member for many years. It was wonderful talking with Chamber President & CEO Julie Pastrick and sharing with her audience how we are expanding our efforts in positive youth development.

The NAU Review — Documenting conflict in the Balkans, favorite Flagstaff walks, new master’s degree in nursing

As a young person, Bill Carter went to the Balkans with $200 in his pocket and a yearning to do good. Decades later, that youthful impulse is still paying dividends: The NAU professor of practice recently collaborated with Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and the band U2 on the documentary film “Kiss the Future,” about the bloody Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s and U2’s efforts to raise awareness of the conflict. A free, public pre-screening and discussion of the film will take place on campus on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 15-19, 2024

Did you catch the pink glow the morning of January 17?

Hello, atmospheric optics! The sun emits white light, however, as the sunlight passes through the atmosphere during sunrise or sunset times, long-wavelength (red) light is scattered less than short-wavelength (blue) light. Therefore, red-ish colored light reaches the observer’s eyes and clouds aid to the pink color that could be observed.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth update for Jan. 17, 2024 — CCC&Y works with officials to meet goals of ‘The Reimagine Community Project’

CCC&Y, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff continue to make progress meeting the goals of “The Reimagine Community Project,” a mental model change program ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at the City and County levels and enacted as policy change.

CCC&Y was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected in April 2023 for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant. The goal of the project is to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, health outcomes and provider and staff wellness.

During a Zoom presentation in December 2023, CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie presented a draft webinar presentation for city leaders to receive feedback.

The webinar included an overview of “The 10 ACES,” (Adverse Childhood Experiences),” and how the effects of childhood trauma adversely affects individuals in their adult lives. Those 10 ACES include — physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, mental illness, divorce, substance abuse, violence against mother, having a relative who has been sent to jail or prison.

By understanding how both ACES and ongoing stress affect individuals, including oneself, the training is expected to improve customer service for community members and self-care and support to County and City employees.​​​​​​​

Sedona Arts Center — Gallery 928 – Attention: High School Students

This summer, Sedona Arts Center will offer its third year of Gallery 928, a unique art apprenticeship program for teens ages 15 to 18. Based on Chicago’s Gallery 37 summer public art program started in the 1980s, students will be hired to apprentice with a master artist to create a public art mural for the Sedona Arts Center.

This job opportunity is open to up to 12 artistic teens interested in expanding their skills and knowledge in the public art field as well as learning other art mediums and techniques. In partnership with Yavapai College, the students chosen to participate in the program will receive 3 free college credits. Students will also be paid a stipend of $500from Sedona Arts Center for their participation.

The Literacy Center — Save the Date (April 19) for our 27th Annual Mountain Spelling Bee

Join us for the Literacy Center’s 27th Annual Mountain Spelling Bee and watch or join a fun competition in spelling! This year, we will hold the bee at CCC’s Lone Tree campus.

Help us support our mission by joining us for our largest annual fundraiser which includes dinner, games, auctions, raffles and more! Want to offer support by joining s spelling team? Contact director@thinkliteracy.com for more information.

The NAU Review — The benefit of hands-on science learning, see photos from MLK Day and learn how design students are partnering with nonprofits

How do you get students excited about geosciences? You get them into the geosciences. As enrollment in water-related programs has dropped in recent years, professor Abe Springer combined an international lecture tour with a series of workshops that assessed the health of local springs, giving students hands-on experience in the field and increasing enthusiasm about this important work. 

Flagstaff City — Coconino County Public Library — Happening at your library week of Jan. 15, 2024

View this email in your browser January 15th, 2024 Connect with your community Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown Library)…

Sedona Arts Center — Sign up for a new art class today!

Our 2024 Catalog of Classes and Workshops has arrived!
Our 2024 Spring Catalog of Art Workshops and Classes has arrived! Stop by and pick one up in our Uptown Gallery. And remember, you can always view it online at SedonaArtsCenter.org

You can also browse all our classes and workshops online:
Click here to see all of our classes and

United Way of Northern Arizona — Earning Your Trust

There are many reasons why you can trust that your investment in the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) will further our mission of creating lasting, positive changes in our region.

In addition to our exhaustive process of evaluating programs, so that your donations go where they can do the most good, we work every day to be good stewards of your funds.

UWNA recently received a “clean” audit report from Fester & Chapman PLLC of our 2023 financials, meaning our financial reporting was accurately stated and in compliance with general accounting principals.

As UWNA Board Chairman Mike Kelly said after reviewing the auditors’ report, “It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be part of UWNA, because I can feel really good about how our monies are managed.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 8-12, 2024

Grand Canyon Dispatch reminds all residents, locals, and visitors that road information can always be found at 928-638-7496. This recorded line is updated with real-time information directly from units opening and closing the roads.

For State Route closures and other road closures within the state of Arizona, call Arizona DOT at 888-411-7623, visit them at AZ511.gov, and download the app.

Residents and employees are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge notifications in order to receive up to date inclement weather and roads information as they occur. To sign up, residents can follow this link.

Board of Supervisors Appoints Adam Hess to Represent District 3 in 2024

COCONINO COUNTY — In their first official action at their first meeting of 2024, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors appointed Adam Hess of Bellemont to represent District 3 through the rest of 2024.

Hess, a 27-year-veteran of the United States Army and long-time resident of Coconino County, was appointed by the Board after an extensive recruitment process that began with the announcement of Supervisor Matt Ryan’s retirement in October 2023. 

The NAU Review — Our most read stories of 2023, a grant to address autism disparities and Sudipta Mallik’s love of math

What happened at NAU in 2023? From exciting grants and university announcements to Homecoming photos and inspirational student stories, relive some of the highlights you may have missed last year in The NAU Review with this list of most read stories (and a few of our other favorites)!

First Things First report details challenges facing Arizona’s youngest children

As we begin 2024, I’m looking forward to working with our state’s early childhood stakeholders – including parents and caregivers, child care and health providers, state and non-profit agencies, educators, businesses, philanthropists, faith organizations, policymakers and elected leaders – as partners in addressing children’s school readiness.

To help with those efforts, I am pleased to announce that First Things First has published the latest edition of Building Bright Futures – our biennial assessment on the status of Arizona’s youngest children. You can read more about the report on our latest blog.

The new report provides insight into the challenges facing young children in Arizona and details the need for continued work to ensure the future stability of child care in our state’s post-pandemic landscape.

Volunteers needed for annual Point in Time homelessness count on Jan. 24-28

FLAGSTAFF — The Point in Time is right around the corner and we need volunteers! 

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

City of Flagstaff 2023 Neighborhood Sustainability Grant recipients announced

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are pleased to announce this year’s Neighborhood Sustainability Grant recipients. The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant program is an annual grant opportunity for Flagstaff individuals, organizations, and businesses to continue or implement new community sustainability projects. This year, 13 of an impressive 31 applicants received grant funding in amounts ranging from $2,150 to $7,500.

Pile burns planned around Coconino National Forest this week as winter weather continues

FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers on the Coconino National Forest plan to take advantage of winter weather conditions by conducting pile burns on both the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) and Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD) this week.

The FRD has multiple pile burn projects planned between Monday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 12.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 1-5, 2024

Want to stay up to date with park information, including road closures?

Sign up for Everbridge notifications!

The Everbridge platform sends real-time texts, emails, and/or calls to park employees, residents, and community members.

NPS Everbridge notifications are distributed for incidents impacting public safety, means of travel, work conditions, utility interruptions, and significant park-wide incidents. 

Below are examples of incidents that may require notifications:

Children’s Acton Alliance — CAA heard at Legislative Hearing on Department of Child Safety

Yesterday, lawmakers from the Senate and House’s Health and Human Services Committees debated whether and for how long the Department of Child Safety should be allowed to continue, as part of the agency’s sunset review. While authorized to recommend continuation for up to 10 years, the Committee voted yesterday to endorse continuation for just 4 years, with two members voting against the continuing of DCS at all.  

Children’s Action Alliance provided public comment in support of continuation, noting the progress the agency has made since its inception 10 years ago in clearing a significant backlog of investigations, increasing supports for kinship foster parents, and strengthening services for young people as they transition from foster care to independence. CAA also acknowledged that there is much work to be done.

Coconino County Plows & Facilities Respond to First Snowstorms of 2024

Coconino County is ready for the inaugural snowstorms of 2024, the first of which hit northern Arizona late Wednesday and is forecast to continue through Thursday.

Public Works crews have been working through the night to keep County roads open and passable during the storm and the Facilities Management team is preparing County buildings for cold and icy conditions. 

According to the National Weather Service a second, stronger snowstorm with higher snowfall accumulations is forecast for the region starting early Sunday.

This storm has already created hazardous travel conditions due to slick, snow covered roads and periods of reduced visibility. Mountain travel delays are expected, and motorists are advised to plan trips accordingly or delay travel if necessary. Very cold and potentially dangerous temperatures are forecast following this storm. 

For up-to-date regional weather information please visit www.weather.gov/fgz/WinterWeather. For updates on highway conditions please visit www.az511.gov. 

City of Flagstaff — Be a Snow Hero this winter!

FLAGSTAFF — As winter embraces Flagstaff, the City is introducing its new Snow Hero Program to increase safety and accessibility to our neighborhoods. The program assists Flagstaff community members in need of help clearing their sidewalks of snow and ice by matching them with a Snow Hero Participant. The City is looking for community members to serve as Snow Heroes this winter.

The Snow Hero Program is a community-driven effort to support sidewalk snow and ice clearing throughout Flagstaff. As a Snow Hero, you will be matched with a nearby neighbor who has registered for assistance. Your role will be to clear snow and ice from the sidewalk(s) adjacent to their property within 48 hours following a snow event.

Crews begin winter pile burning on the Kaibab NF

WILLIAMS — Fire managers will be conducting prescribed pile burns throughout the winter season as conditions safely allow. Winter is often the ideal time for crews to burn piles of slash and woody debris left over from forest thinning projects because colder temperatures and snow help moderate fire behavior and keep it from spreading beyond the piles. Approximately 5,000 acres of piles on the Tusayan and Williams ranger districts and 2,500 acres of piles on the North Kaibab Ranger District are slated for burning this season.

Providing Accessible Training and Home Support (PATHS) seeking parents to join Advisory Board

Are you a parent with an intellectual disability?

Join our Advisory Board

We are looking for parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) to make this project even better by joining the Advisory Board. We will meet twice before July 2024 for about an hour. You will be given $150 for each meeting you attend.

We are working to improve access to high-quality parenting support for parents with Intellectual Disabilities (ID).

Education Forward Arizona — Reflecting on a year of impact and influence

Building Bright Futures: One Student at a Time

Every student who walks across the stage, diploma in hand, is a testament to our important work and inspires us to keep moving forward. These students are the future of Arizona – and with each degree, we are closer to reaching our state’s Achieve60AZ attainment goal.

Here are just a few of the ways our work has made an impact on students’ lives this year:  

Flagstaff STEM City — Board Member Introduction: Tom Safranek

To me, the excitement around STEM is the potential for discovery, new fields of study and applications that make people’s lives better – both in the day-to-day and in the grander scheme of human exploration and endeavor.

Inspired by my fascination with STEM, I earned my degree in agriculture and plant science from the University of Arizona. I later went on to start my education career and taught 7th grade biology in Yuma and I’ve been working in education for the past 20 years.

FLagstaff Youth RiderS (FLYRS) — Cheers to 2023

2023 is almost over, and it’s time to reflect on what an exciting year it has been. We are so happy to have you all a part of FLYRS as we reached greater heights than ever before. With nearly 1000 youth served this year, we have worked further toward our mission of developing resilient, caring, and growth oriented youth through cycling. Thanks to your support, we have been able to strengthen our community by providing an ecosystem of bike-centric programs, events, and opportunities.

Check out this short reel of some fun moments from 2023.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Wishing you a very Happy New Year and thank you from CCC&Y

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

We want to wish you all a very Happy 2024.

We are so thankful for the support you have shown CCC&Y over the years.  We are looking forward to continuation of our Trauma-Informed systems work with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County under the “Reimagine Community” program and we are excited to expand our webinar offerings in the coming year.  We will be having guest presenters, new outreach, more prevention and more healing!

We are hoping to count on you for support!

If you need to renew a membership, would like to make a donation, would like to give the gift of membership during the holiday season etc….please visit https://coconinokids.org/contribute/

P.S., 

Change is coming in 2024 for our popular News website and our weekly e-newsletter. Our News website is currently under construction and will eventually merge with our main website this year.

As part of that move, our regular weekly e-newsletter is also transitioning to a fresh look for 2024.

And we want your help!

Please CLICK HERE to submit your suggestions to help us better design a weekly e-newsletter that better meets your needs in 2024.​​​​​​​

Thank you to everyone who has already provided some great suggestions for our newsletter. Very much appreciated.

City of Flagstaff 2024 Bulky Waste Collection Schedule

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Solid Waste Section has published the 2024 schedule for bulky waste collection, which is provided to all single-family households within Flagstaff city limits. Bulky waste collection will continue to be performed in five geographic sections throughout the City once every five weeks per the map and schedule that can be downloaded at flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/77841.

Sedona Arts Center — Call to Artist — Application Deadline Jan. 26

Sedona Arts Center Artists of all levels, working in all mediums are invited to enter into our Annual Juried Exhibition & Sale. The exhibition will run from March 6-31, 2024

Monetary awards will be given for First Place/Best of Show Award ($500), Second ($250) and Third ($150) place.
Honorable mention awards will be awarded at the discretion of the jurors and no monetary amount attached.
People’s Choice Award is announced at the end of the show. No monetary attached.
DEADLINE for submission: January 26, 2024
How to Apply:

43rd JURIED ART EXHIBITION – Apply Online at Cafe – Click Here.

Pile burns planned this week around Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District plans to conduct pile burns throughout this week in three locations near the City of Flagstaff.

The Horse Park pile burn consists of approximately 2,000 acres of slash piles just north of Munds Park, located 13 miles south of Flagstaff near Forest Road 700. Crews plan to burn Wednesday, Jan. 3 through Friday, Jan. 5.

Crews will burn a small pile located at the Mormon Lake Work Center, 2 miles south of Flagstaff, on Thursday, Jan. 4.

Crews will also burn about 10 acres of hand piles at the Flagstaff Hotshot Ranch site, located roughly 7 miles northwest of the City of Flagstaff, on Friday, Jan. 5.

National Park Service — Wildlife Safety Reminder-Rodenticide Kills Wildlife and Pets

Grand Canyon Residents, Partners, and Community Members,

As a reminder, rodenticides (rodent poisons) are prohibited in Grand Canyon National Park and in all park residences. Recently, a bobcat in the South Rim Village was found deceased as a result of high levels of rodenticide poisoning.

These poisons cause harm to wildlife, pets, and humans and can contaminate the environment. Keeping residences and buildings sanitary, uncluttered, and consistently setting snap traps is the most effective way to control rodents. 

Free rodent clean-up kits are available for check-out that will help you safely address rodents in your home or workplace. 

January 2024 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Message from Mary –

As we all enter a new year and recover from the holidays, remember that a visit to the museum is a warm and welcome escape from winter. Come on a blustery day to enjoy the lush beauty of Tony Foster: Watercolour Diaries from the Green River. Visit alone when you need some calm and quiet or come with a friend for a social outing that prompts thoughtful discussion. No matter when you come or whom you visit with, museums are proven to be good for you, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and connecting you to the wonders of the world. A visit to MNA is a great way to start the new year!

Theatrikos Theatre Co. January Newsletter – Classic American Comedy Harvey Opens Jan. 26

Theatrikos Theatre Company brings Mary Chase’s Harvey to the Flagstaff stage. A lovable and eccentric Pulitzer Prize winning classic American comedy about a perfect gentleman and his very strange best friend—a six foot tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. A charming, delightful and enchanting testimony towards the value of kindness over the importance of conventionality. 

Harvey’s Broadway debut ran for 1,775 performances. It has been revived on Broadway and London’s West End numerous times and has played all over the world. There have been three television adaptations and the famous Academy Award winning movie starring Jimmy Stewart.

Reach a vibrant, prosperous Latino audience. Plan your 2024 advertising with us now

Your advertisement will be seen by a Northern Arizona audience that is approaching 716,000 hits, nearly 30,000 visits and almost 13,000 unique visitors on our website as of Nov. 15, 2023.

Your advertisement will reach an Internet-savvy Latino audience in the 18- to 34-year-old demographic range.

Your advertisement will reach a targeted audience of key local Latino community and political leaders and nonprofit organizations who receive our weekly e-newsletter.

Let www.AmigosNAZ.com help your business or nonprofit organization have a successful 2024. Contact Frank X. Moraga at fmoraga@amigosnaz.com

Jan. 21 — Drawing Cultural Inspiration free talk at the Sedona Arts Center

This series, focused on Cultural Appropriation, has been a long time coming. This has been an issue here at Sedona Arts Center for many years but has never been addressed. When I began researching what other arts centers or museums had regarding policies on this topic, I came up short­­ – even at the national level. It was clear that this was a topic that needed further exploration. I contacted the Museum of Northern AZ to see if they might be interested in partnering with us on a lecture series to put this issue in context and inform a potential joint policy or working agreement and they jumped at the chance. We are extremely excited to offer this series of lectures in partnership with MNA and look forward to what we discover together.”

Jan. 27 — ‘Humor Healing,’ featuring James Junes and Talibah Begay, to be held at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — “Humor Healing,” featuring James Junes and Talibah Begay, will be held at at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Ardrey Auditorium at Northern Arizona University.

Event is free, no tickets needed, and parking is in P13 lot behind Ardrey. The cost for parking is $3/hour and attendee may purchase the permit at the drive-up kiosk upon entering campus via the Riordan Road off Milton Road.

Jan. 31 — Flagstaff area developers and contractors invited to capacity fee drop-in events

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting two drop-in events on proposed changes to growth-related water and sewer capacity fees. Flagstaff area developers and contractors are invited to attend to learn more about the proposed fee changes, as well as the City’s Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Rate Study. City staff will be available to take feedback and answer questions.

Feb. 1 — City of Flagstaff hosts open house events on Engineering Design Standards

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host two open house events to discuss proposed updates to the City’s Engineering Design Standards and Specifications. Members of the public are invited to attend to review the proposed updates and share feedback.

A virtual open house will also be held via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The meeting can be accessed here.

Feb. 10 — Flagstaff hosts Fix-It Clinic

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is excited to announce an upcoming Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.).

Fix-It Clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join us for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff.

Feb. 18 — Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra announces Benefit Auction “My Favorite Things” website is now open

This is your chance to win beautiful pre-wrapped gift baskets, elegant jewelry, original pieces by local artists, tickets to area attractions, exciting vacation opportunities, and much more.

Here are just a few of the enticing items we’re highlighting of the 60 available. Click on the image to be taken there directly there:

Feb. 21 — Regional Plan Committee to review chapters of Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County invite residents to attend meetings of the Regional Plan Committee as the Committee begins reviewing draft chapters of the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045. The first chapter to be reviewed focuses on natural resources, and the Committee will discuss the chapter on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at the City of Flagstaff Public Works Building (3200 W Route 66).  

Feb. 25 — Sedona Arts Center — Celebrate Sedona this Sunday, more events

FOOD, WINE, BEER, ARTIST DEMOS, SPECIAL EXHIBITION

Celebrate Sedona engages the local community while celebrating and
featuring local and regional arts, food and drink! Held at Sedona Arts Center,
Celebrate Sedona is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of our
community’s music, food, drink, and artistry.

March 1, 2 — NAU Department of Theatre is producing ‘Voices in America’

A modern retelling of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.  The play is set in LA, and imagines that Oedipus is a young man in prison who is about to be released. He encounters Laius (his father) on the streets, they fight, and he kills Laius.  He then goes to the family compound of his friend from prison, Creon, asking to stay for a few days up to a week.  There he meets Jocasta, his mother and they have an instant connection.   

March 2 — Opening reception for Coconino Center for the Arts ‘Youth Arts 2024: Color Outside the Lines’

The annual Youth Arts exhibition showcases local youth artists in Coconino County and the regional community, exhibiting their recent artwork at Coconino Center for the Arts. The exhibition is open to and inclusive of all artwork submissions by youth artists (pre-K to 12th grade, living in Coconino or Navajo counties) that reflect the theme Color Outside the Lines. Our objective is to engage youth audiences throughout Northern Arizona and support a wide range of art disciplines. This exhibition is non-juried and all submissions were accepted.

March 4 — NAU to present ‘The Silver Women: How Black Women’s Labor Made the Panama Canal’

Flores-Villalobos argues that Black West Indian women fed, housed, and cared for the segregated Black West Indian labor force, subsidizing the construction effort. They did not hold contracts, had little access to official services and wages, and received pay in both silver and gold even though most other black workers were paid only in silver, while white workers were paid only in gold. West Indian women developed important strategies that helped them navigate the U.S. empire and nurtured further West Indian migrations, linking Panama to Harlem and Cuba.

Through March 29 — Sedona Arts Center — 43rd Annual Juried Members Exhibition Now Showing!

The Annual Juried Members Art Exhibition & Sale, our community’s largest and longest-running exhibition, showcases both 2D and 3D artwork in a range of mediums and styles by emerging and established artists. From drawing, painting and photography to jewelry, wood and fiber art, more than 80 artworks by 75 SAC member artists from across the country will be displayed.

“The members’ show features imaginative artworks by artists of all ages and experience levels, from nationally and internationally known professionals to first-time exhibitors,” says Julie Richard, CEO of Sedona Arts Center.

Through March — ‘Resilience: Women in Flagstaff’s Past and Present’ exhibit on display at Historic Ice House in downtown Flagstaff

Exhibit includes 20 panels showcasing inspiring and impactful local women throughout Flagstaff’s history including past and present Hispanic residents Delia Ceballos Muñoz, Procure Vergara Martinez, Noemi A., Jessie Jimenez Alonzo, Bonn Baudelaire

FLAGSTAFF — Culture Connection AZ and the Martin-Springer Institute are presenting the historical exhibit Resilience: Women in Flagstaff’s Past and Present at the Historic Ice House in downtown Flagstaff. The exhibit will be on display for the full month of March, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm.

The stories of women presented in the Resilience exhibit cover each decade from the 1880s to 2020s in the former pioneer and mountain town of Flagstaff in northern Arizona. Women have been part of Flagstaff’s social fabric from its very beginnings in the 1880s. Throughout the decades, women have shaped the town’s development as public figures and caretakers. Through their stories, we can trace societal changes in a small town of America’s Southwest.

April 1 — City of Flagstaff to host Spruce Wash Community Meeting

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites residents impacted by post-wildfire flooding in the Spruce Wash/ Museum Flood Area to a community meeting on Monday, April 1 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall (211 W Aspen Ave). During the meeting, City staff will discuss ongoing infrastructure projects, preparations for monsoon season and answer questions from residents.  

April 4 — City of Flagstaff to hold public meeting for Lone Tree Improvements

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will hold a public meeting for Lone Tree Improvements from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Flagstaff City Hall at 211 W. Aspen Ave. A presentation will be given at 5:45 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to share project designs, describe construction phasing and traffic impacts, and introduce the contractor.

Improvements to the Lone Tree corridor include the construction of a new overpass that will extend Lone Tree Road between Butler Avenue to the south and Route 66 to the north. Other improvements include a new intersection at Lone Tree Road and Route 66, bicycle lanes, trails, landscaping and modifications to existing intersections.

April 6 — AZ Cultural Connection to present ‘Places of Flagstaff’

The “Places of Flagstaff” event promises an unforgettable afternoon that will ignite your senses and foster a vibrant sense of community spirit. Renowned Flagstaff artist Eric Kruse will take center stage, unveiling his extraordinary wood art creations. These hand-carved portraits, landscapes, and logos pay homage to the iconic businesses that define our beloved city, encapsulating Flagstaff’s cultural heritage.

April 8 — City of Flagstaff hosts informational meeting on water rate study

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting an informational meeting about the current drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water rate study on Monday, April 8 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N Fourth St). The meeting will be a drop-in style event where attendees can learn more about the rate study and see how proposed rate changes will affect their water bill. Attendees can also ask questions of City staff and provide feedback. 

April 11 — NAU will present ‘Electrifying Mexico — Technology and Transformation of a Modern City’

Montaño explores the role of electricity in Mexico’s economic and political evolution. She outlines the ways that the coal-deficient country pioneered large-scale hydroelectricity and sought to face the world as a scientifically enlightened “empire of peace.” Montaño documents inventions and adaptations that served local needs while fostering new ideas of time and space, body and self, the national and the foreign. Complicating historical discourses in which Latin Americans merely use technologies developed elsewhere, here Montaño emphasizes a particular national culture of scientific progress and its contributions to a uniquely Mexican modernist political subjectivity.

April 12 — NAU Dept. of History to present talk on ‘Yerba Mate: The Drink that Shaped a Nation’

FLAGSTAFF — The NAU Dept. of History will present a talk with author Julia Sarreal (ASU, History) on her new book: “Yerba Mate: The Drink that Shaped a Nation,” at 12:30 p.m. April 12 at Liberal Arts Building 136.

Her second book is the first to explore the history of Yerba Mate, an iconic beverage in Argentina, from the precolonial period to the present.

The event is co-sponsored by the NAU Latin American Studies.

April 19 — The Literacy Center — Get your tickets for our 27th Annual Spelling Bee!

Come celebrate with us and support access to literacy for all members of our community. There will be dinner, drinks, games, raffles, auctions, and of course, the bee competition!

This year the bee will be held at CCC’s Lone Tree campus and will be catered by Fat Olives with an assortment of delicious Italian pizzas, salads, appetizers, and desserts!

April 20 — City of Flagstaff hosts Earth Day Celebration

Kick off the day by joining a community litter clean-up led by Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC), which will take place from 9-10 a.m. before the community celebration. Volunteers should arrive at the meeting location by 8:45 a.m. A light breakfast will be available for volunteers. For more information and to register for the event, visit Flagstaff.az.gov/EarthDay. 

April 21 — NAU to present Luis Alberto Urrea — “The Typewriter in My Kitchen: One Writer’s Fable

Luis Alberto Urrea, a Guggenheim Fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist, is the author of 19 books including Devils Highway and House of Broken Angels. Join him for an evening in Cline Library Assembly Hall as he tells his story of growing up with the arts and humanities as a crucial lifeline to the world beyond his modest home.

April 23 — Flagstaff City Council meeting discussion to include potential relocation of concrete plant in Southside

The City of Flagstaff has been working to relocate Arizona Materials (the concrete plant at 633 E. Brannen Ave) to allow for the construction of the Lone Tree Overpass Project and the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project. Arizona Materials is seeking City support to move to 840 E Butler Ave across from Whole Foods Market, which is located in the “Live/Make Center” as designated in the Southside Community Specific Plan.

April 24 — Public Input Sought for Proposed Changes to County Zoning Ordinance

The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding recommended Zoning Ordinance amendments at their April 24, 2024 regular meeting.

These amendments are intended to improve flexibility in the County’s Comprehensive Plan update process and overall flexibility and efficiency in serving the community.

April 30 — Bilingual report — Attend the first Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Open House

FLAGSTAFF — Join the Comprehensive Plan Update Open House! Drop-in, Get Involved, Stay Informed from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 at the Thomas Auditorium, 2500 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff.

Review what we’ve heard from county communities and the results of our community engagement efforts, provide feedback, enjoy refreshments, enter a raffle drawing!

May 4 — Flagstaff Festival of Science to present Scavenger Hunt

Taking place on May 4th, the Scavenger Hunt includes 20 participating destinations, an exclusive event tee-shirt, refreshments at the culminating event, volunteer support, a convenient bus pass for the day, and, an abundance of joy and inspiration! At the post-event celebration, everyone is a winner with prizes for top teams and attendee-voted superlatives, along with a slideshow of your terrific selfies, and snacks. Register today for an adventure-packed day with the Festival of Science!

May 18 — City of Flagstaff hosts drop-in event for residents to learn about upcoming changes to water bills

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a drop-in event for customers to learn about upcoming changes to City water bills. The event will be held at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth St) on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pizza will be provided, and all attendees will receive one free day pass to the Aquaplex facility. Adults and children are welcome.

May 18 — City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office hosts Fix-It Clinic

Fix-it clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join volunteers for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff. 

United Way of Northern Arizona — Looking Back & Planning Ahead

This year has been one of change and progress for United Way of Northern Arizona.

Before we take a look at some of the biggest events that defined this year, I wanted to thank you not only for your support of UWNA, but also for the kindness you have shown me during my first year as the President & CEO of this superb nonprofit.

When I joined UWNA, I was thrilled to help lead a nonprofit known for its ability to address the big issues and be an agent for change. The Board of Directors and staff of UWNA are committed to amplifying UWNA’s role as a community convener in 2024 and beyond.

Thank you for your support of UWNA in the past year and for living United in Purpose.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Approves Youth Behavioral Health Project

COCONIO COUNTY —The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the implementation phase of the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Youth Behavioral Health Project (YBHP) at their December 12, 2023, regular meeting.

The YBHP, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will offer preemptive behavioral healthcare for youth utilizing a hub and spoke youth-based and youth–led model. YBHP facilities and services will provide emotional, physical, and social support services for youth aged 12-18. 

As a result of the Board’s approval, CCHHS will move forward with the final planning and construction of an innovative, youth behavioral resource center facility in Flagstaff, and begin planning for services in outlying communities including Page, Williams, Tusayan, and Fredonia.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — 2023 Recap, Plus Remembering Amanda and Dennis

This year has been pivotal for the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona not only for what was accomplished, but also for the roadmap we are developing for the future.

Our top story for 2023 was the creation of our 5-year Strategic Plan (which you can download here) as we contemplated the most critical issues we must address to ensure continued economic vitality for our region.

One of the important aspects for our economic health is trade, and we were pleased to host the Consul General of Mexico, Jorge Mendoza Yescas, and Glenn Williamson, the founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council in Flagstaff. We opened up our Advisory Council meeting to the entire business community so everyone could benefit from the insights of these two representatives of Arizona’s largest two trading partners.

You can you still make a donation to Theatrikos

December is the time of year for charitable giving. And to become a member of Theatrikos. We hope you’ll become a member today so Theatrikos can keep bringing the best theatre to Northern Arizona.

We’ve only been able to reopen because pandemic relief grants and annual memberships have made it possible. But disaster relief is pretty much over. So annual memberships are all the more important. Your donation will make a difference.

Seasonal road closures beginning on Coconino National Forest

In an effort to protect forest roads from damage, the Coconino National Forest has started closing forest roads in the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) for the winter and will continue closing roads over the course of the coming weeks across the forest in higher elevations.

While the FRD has closed forest roads north of Interstate 40 along U.S. Highway 180 and U.S. Highway 89, many forest roads currently remain open due to low levels of snow and precipitation.

Seasonal road closures on each district of the Coconino NF occur at different times each year and depend on weather forecasts and road conditions.

Forest visitors are encouraged to check forest road statuses prior to any excursion by visiting the Coconino NF’s Forest Roads Status web page.

Recycle your Christmas tree this January through the City’s treecycling program

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is proud to provide a treecycling service during the month of January to assist with the proper recycling of Christmas trees. Collected trees will be mulched and used in City landscaping projects or as alternative daily cover at the Cinder Lake landfill. 

Curbside pick-up will be provided by the City’s Solid Waste Collections program to single-family households located within City limits that regularly receive bulky waste collection service from Jan. 2 through Jan. 12 (pending weather conditions). Trees must be placed on the curb by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

City of Flagstaff awarded $9.6M grant for Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff has been awarded $9.6M from the United States Department of Transportation to implement the Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion. The City will convert 0.9 miles of arterial road in the urban center of Flagstaff to a Complete Street. The project includes installing bike lanes that are grade-separated from motor vehicle traffic; three protected intersections; a new pedestrian crossing; upgrades to an existing pedestrian crossing; and pedestrian comfort features, such as landscape buffers, that also result in reducing speeds through the historic Southside Neighborhood in the core of Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said “Safe streets for all is our goal and this grant will put our pedestrian and bike designs for Butler Avenue into action. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Flagstaff has received $58M to date and residents and visitors alike will get to enjoy transportation and infrastructure projects designed to make moving around town on foot, bike, bus, and car easier and more convenient. Thanks to Arizona’s Senators Kelly and Sinema for their part in making this happen.”

Flagstaff unsheltered community members give back: Community Assistance Teams’ People at Work initiative picks up over 3,500 cubic feet of litter

FLAGSTAFF — In four short months, the Community Assistance Teams’ (CATs) People at Work (P@W) initiative has removed over 3,500 cubic feet of litter from Flagstaff streets, employed dozens of unsheltered community members, and provided nearly 12,000 hours of community service. P@W is partially funded through the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office’s Engage, Empower, Elevate (E3) grant program. E3 was developed in response to a two-fold challenge in Flagstaff; the record high number of persons that are unsheltered or at risk of being unsheltered and the ongoing challenge of keeping Flagstaff litter-free.

Bilingual report — 2024 City of Flagstaff’s Minimum Wage

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour and $15.90 per hour for tipped workers beginning on January 1, 2024.

Per the provisions of the Minimum Wage Act – as passed as a citizen’s initiative in 2016 – the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff shall increase proportional to the increase of the consumer price index as of August of the immediately preceding year over the level as of August of the previous year and shall be rounded to the nearest $0.05.