Coral For Arizona

One of my favorite summer festivities is the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Party on the Plateau and this year’s celebration felt especially meaningful. The event honored 100 years of Route 66 and the museum’s own historic Wagon Road, two threads woven deep into the story of this region.

As someone whose childhood summers were spent wandering the Museum’s halls and grounds as a child in the discovery program where my love for the Colorado Plateau was planted, tended, and allowed to grow wild, it always feels like coming home. A full‑circle moment. A chance to stand among people who feel the same pull toward this land, this history, this place that shapes us.

A century of the Mother Road. A century of the Museum. And a lifetime of gratitude for the Plateau that raised me.

🎶 FREE Northern Arizona Concerts This Weekend

I wanted to make sure our Northern Arizona commUnity knows about these upcoming FREE concerts.

The Master Men’s Choir is heading north this weekend, offering three performances at no cost, a gift of music, harmony, and connection for all of us who call this region home.

If you’re looking for a moment of beauty, reflection, or simply a reason to gather, these concerts are a wonderful opportunity.

Being in downtown Flagstaff in the summer with family means stopping by Old Town Creperie for, as they say, “peace, love, and crepes.” The Old Town Creperie turns 20 this month, and the place still feels like one of those bright, beloved downtown spots that draws you in. I had the opportunity to stop by, give LauraAnne, who owns the Creperie with her wife, former Flagstaff Vice-Mayor Jamie Whelan (she served with me), a hug, and, of course, order a crepe (a savory one) for lunch.

First Friday in downtown Flagstaff this June felt like the perfect way to welcome summer — such a beautiful evening in the high desert and such a special time to be home.

Flagstaff honored as 2026 ‘Trail Town’ by International Mountain Bicycling Association - AZDailySun Article

Flagstaff honored as 2026 ‘Trail Town’ by International Mountain Bicycling Association The new designation is intended to honor communities that support access to robust and well-supported trail networks.

Two reasons I love Flagstaff. Artists George Averbeck & Bruce Aiken.

Friday evening, I attended the opening of the “Echoes of the Open Road” exhibition, hosted by Cline Library Special Collections & Archives on NAU’s campus.

The exhibition was curated by Kaylen Wilson, who graduated from NAU in May with a master’s degree in history and now works for the National Park Service. During her remarks, she shared how important Route 66 is to her community of Tyler, Arizona, and to the surrounding region.

The exhibition was immersive and thoughtfully designed, featuring a recreated hotel lobby filled with period items that guests could touch and use for photo opportunities, along with a historical timeline illustrated with photographs. If you have the chance to see “Echoes of the Open Road,” I highly recommend it!

https://elevate.foundationnau.org/stories-of-impact/academic-excellence/new-nau-exhibition-celebrates-100-years-of-route-66-and-the-arizona-communities-that-shaped-it

Thursday afternoon, I had the honor of meeting with Rev. Dr. Thomas Sr. and Representative Quantá Crews (LD-26). I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to speak with them about the power of community, faith, and representation. Both are extraordinary stewards of the people they serve, leading with compassion, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting their communities.

Reverend Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas Sr. is the Pastor and Senior Minister of Historic Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Phoenix, where he has served since 1991 for more than 33 years. He also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the church’s Administrative Offices and brings expertise in church administration, clinical pastoral counseling, patient visitation, and crisis intervention, and is known for his long-standing commitment to spiritual leadership, compassionate service, and community support.
https://www.tannerchapel.org/clergy/

Quantá Crews serves Arizona’s 26th district in the House of Representatives and brings experience as a minister, real estate appraiser, and former property tax appraiser. Appointed in 2023, she also ministers at Historic Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Phoenix and holds a bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University.
https://repbio.org/quanta-crews/