Catalina Foothills premiere issue
JULY 2015
CatalinaFoothillsLifestyle.com
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MEET A HUMBLE HERO OUR NEIGHBOR, LES ACTON OFF THE BEATEN PATH: HIKING THE FOOTHILLS SISTER ACT TWO LOCAL WOMEN PURSUE DREAM
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In business since 1989
HAVING A PARTY? In addition to serving you in our restaurant, we can also cater to any event you are having, from a business lunch to a dinner party!
Need a little help?
Need somewhere to host your party?
Need a lot of help?
Ask about renting out our patio Monday - Saturday or the entire building on Sundays.
Tables, chairs, and fine china can be custom ordered.
We can have your food placed in take-out containers, ready to go!
Call today to schedule your catered event.
Check out our website for weekly dining-in specials.
(520) 297-1264
ElSaguarito.com
Happy Hour Every Day! Every Day 3-6pm, 8pm-Close 1763 E. Prince Road, Tucson, AZ Monday-Wednesday 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m. | Thursday-Saturday 9:00a.m–10:00p.m. | Closed Sunday
Publisher’s Letter
Hello, Neighbors!
JULY 2015
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publisher
elcome to the premier issue of Catalina Foothills Lifestyle!
Renaissance Publishing, LLC
We are excited that our magazine will be coming to your home every month. This magazine is created for and about the people in the Catalina Foothills area. Our goal is simple and straight-forward – we hope to play a key role in helping our area flourish by producing each month a resource that is filled with interesting stories about people, businesses, organizations in the Foothills and report on special events that have taken place throughout the month and give you a “heads up” on upcoming events. Each month we will introduce you to local people, families, business and organizations. No doubt some of them will be better known than others – but all will be interesting and a blessing to meet and get to know something about. If you know someone we should meet, please let us know. We are always on the lookout for exceptional students, interesting businesses and organizations, and hometown heroes to feature. We would like to sincerely thank our advertisers for coming on board with us and for their enthusiastic support of our magazine and we would like to thank you in advance for taking some time to spend with us every month. We will work hard each and every month to be a good steward of the time you spend with us.
editorial coordinator Lisa Harrison contributing writers James Jansen , Kendra Mathewson, Rebecca Muphy, Tom Strongman
contributing photographers Tom Strongman
corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Chelsi Hornbaker layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson
Wishing each of you all the best.
executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide
CatalinaFoothils@LifestylePubs.com
by Community ™
CatalinaFoothillsLifestyle.com ON THE COVER We are inspired by the
beautiful Catalina Foothills community.
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Catalina Foothills Lifestyle | July 2015
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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Catalina Foothills Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Catalina Foothills’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Catalina Foothills Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
90% of of brain brain growth growth happens happens by by age age 5. 5. Access Access to to 90% books and and early early reading reading experiences experiences give give young young books children the the chance chance to to develop develop skills skills that that help help them them children enter kindergarten kindergarten ready ready to to read read and and succeed. succeed. enter
Give Joy. Give Hope. Give Books. Make Way Way for for Books Books is is an an early early literacy literacy nonprofit nonprofit organization organization that that gives gives children children in in southern southern Arizona Arizona the the Make opportunity to to discover discover the the joy joy of of books books while while developing developing skills skills that that will will help help them them succeed succeed in in school school and and opportunity in life. You can can help make a tremendous difference in the life of a child: in life. You can can help make a tremendous difference in the life of a child:
Make a a donation, donation, become become a a volunteer volunteer reader, reader, or or give give books! books! Make Visit makewayforbooks.org or email ally@makewayforbooks.org to get involved. Visit makewayforbooks.org or email ally@makewayforbooks.org to get involved.
We have moved to 700 N. Stone. Make Way for Books is an Angel Charity for Children Beneficiary. Call us to buy your Angel Charity We haveticket moved to 700 N. Stone. Way for supporting Books is an children Angel Charity Children Beneficiary. Call us to buy your Angel Charity chance today for your chanceMake to win while in ourfor community! chance ticket today for your chance to win while supporting children in our community!
July 2015
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Departments 8
Good Times
9
Around Town
12
Locally Owned
14
Your Neighbor
24
Parent’s Corner
25
Home Matters
28
Driver’s Notebook
32
Lifestyle Calendar
34
Parting Thoughts
14 Our Neighbor, Les Acton
Meet this man who is part of the Greatest Generation.
18 Hiking the Foothills
Discover a lesser-known gem and be inspired to find more.
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Good Times
Wealth Management Partners Client Open House Our friends at Wealth Management Partners recently hosted a client open house for friends and associates. ARTe gallery and Reforma helped make the event possible.
To include your event photos in our Good Times pages, email MWing@LifestylePubs.com for details.
! F L T K
THIN L LOCAT F I RS
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When you support local businesses in Catalina Foothills Lifestyle, you get to: ~ Shop Businesses Conveniently Located Near You ~ Enjoy Special Offers Only Available to Our Readers ~ Support Our Local Economy
For a complete listing of our current advertisers, check out the Business Directory beginning on page 29.
Tell ‘em Catalina Foothills Lifestyle sent you!
Around Town an engagement or wedding to announce, please send standard announcement text and a high resolution photo to MWing@LifestylePubs.com so we can include it in our Wedding Bells section. There is no charge for this service.
JOIN THE GREAT AMERICAN CAMPOUT
COOL OFF AT THE MUSEUM'S MOBILE POOL EXHIBIT If you haven't heard about the coolest exhibit ever, be sure to take advantage of the Macro Sea Mobile Pools exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art this summer! The three dumpster-derived, repurposed mobile pools traveled from New York, where they originated as part of some innovative thinking about how to reuse them. The Great Hall has been transformed into a swim party, complete with AstroTurf, lounge chairs and entertainment. The public can access the pools this summer for the low cost of a MOCA membership, $2.50 a month for students and $4 for regular membership. The Mobile Pools will be available for use by MOCA members during the museum’s open hours until September 26. For information regarding pool and other museum private party rentals, contact the Museum at sec@moca-tucson.org. Certified lifeguards will be present to ensure your safety and no children under the age of 18 will be allowed to swim without being accompanied by an adult guardian. When Tucson is finished with the pools, they will be auctioned off and on to other places that will appreciate the unique idea. Visit MOCA’s website for more information about their summer programs and the dumpster pools.
LET US SHARE YOUR BIG NEWS! The team at Catalina Foothills Lifestyle looks forward to sharing the good news of our neighbors each and every month. If you have
Camp for a cause and help wildlife stay wild. The National Wildlife Federation’s widely popular nationwide Great American Campout is celebrating its 10th year of connecting people with the great outdoors so that they will form a deeper desire to protect wildlife and wild places. Nick Offerman, star of NBC’s Parks & Recreation series, serves as official celebrity spokesperson in promotional online and print ads for the cause which kicked off at the end of June and runs through Labor Day. “Of course it’s great,” says Offerman. “It’s camping, and it’s American.” To participate, National Wildlife Federation asks people of all ages to make an online pledge to camp anywhere—from a forest to their own backyards—at least once this summer and provides all the information needed, including a directory of hosted Great American Campout locations,
tips on what to bring, lists of campout activities and recipes and more. Campers are encouraged to take #Campies (camping selfies) and submit them to NWF’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to share their experiences and create an extended community of participants year-round. For more information, and to register, please go to NWF.org/Campout.
NIGHT WINGS AT PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Another way to cool off with the kids this summer is to enjoy an evening program filled with fun aviation activities for kids. Night Wings occurs on the 4th Saturday in July and August, and the museum stays open till 9 p.m. Adults only pay $10. Kids 12 & under are free. The fun begins at 5 p.m. Each Night Wings evening features one “main attraction,” which in the past have included radio-controlled jets, LEGO® Robotics, and a fan favorite, the Physics Factory. Refer to their website’s online event calendar for the special attractions of upcoming Night Wings events close to the event. There are also 12 to 15 different aviation-related activity stations that will engage children as they learn about flight. The Flight Grill restaurant is open until 8:30 p.m. offering dinner specials, such as burgers, salads, pizza and ice cream. This is a great opportunity to see some of the museum’s fantastic planes against a sunset backdrop. It’s a majestic sight that provides unique photo opportunities. For only $4 more you can ride the tram and breeze around the 150 outdoor planes.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At Catalina Foothills Lifestyle our goal is to share the best that our community has to offer as well as news about our neighbors. Do you have wedding or engagement news to share? Do you know an outstanding educator or student we should spotlight? Is there a great new restaurant in town that everyone needs to know about? Please let us know so we can share it with our neighbors in an upcoming issue. You can reach our team at MWing@LifestylePubs.com.
July 2015 | Catalina Foothills Lifestyle
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3768 N. Sabino Ridge Place 5 Bed, 3 Bath | $384,900 Step in the front door and be greeted by cathedral ceilings plus a bright and light interior. The kitchen boasts granite counters, breakfast bar seating and French door leading to patio, the perfect place to BBQ. All bathrooms have been remodeled and this home is freshly painted inside and out. Great location with an updated interior, this home is in move-in condition! For a Private Showing Call: Sue West, Executive Sales Associate 520-237-1691
Let A Tucson Native Be Your Realtor In your next real estate transaction do you want experience, knowledge and personal service?
We Bring To You: • 30 years of residential & commercial real estate sales in Tucson • Previews Property Specialist, Luxury Homes • Retired State Certified Real Estate Appraiser • State Certified Real Estate instructor/trainer • Former Branch Manager for Coldwell Banker • Tucson Native, U of A Alum – “Wildcat for Life!”
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Luxury Living in Sin Vacas $1,499,999 Located on a ridge top behind the gates of Sin Vacas, this exquisite one of a kind estate showcases some of the rarest finishes available with unsurpassed views of the nearby canyons and mountains. The 4600 sqft Estate encompasses a Theater room, Wine cellar, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, butlers pantry, spacious kitchen open to great room, 3 car garage and a resort like backyard with a 20’ cascading waterfall. For More Information Call Troy Goodwin: 520-955-3634
©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC.
Whether buying or selling, locally or around the world, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage can help you with all your real estate needs.
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Oro Valley | $295,000
Sun City Vistoso | $285,000
La Reserve | $279,000
This 1,999sf home has a backyard paradise w/ pool, patio, lawn & view. No HOA!
Renovated 2BR/2BA 2,039sf. Den, craft room/
Open-concept 3BR/1.5BA. GR w/beehive gas FP. Oak cabs. Lg private back patio & more.
Clarita Burke 520.990.1038
Stephen Hood 520.302.8674
Karen Green 520.906.2441
Jim & Shannon Strong Heritage Highlands | $249,999
Mesaland Annex | $245,000
The Bluffs | $244,900
La Cholla Hills | $235,000
2BR/2BA in 50+ cmmty. Lg lot w/mtn & city
3BR/3BA on .86 acre. Pool. Mtn views. LR & den w/FP’s. Remod kit. Patio. 3 garages.
3BR/2.5BA 2-story backs to acreage. Bkyd w/ pool. Remod granite kitchen. Laundry closet.
Below recent appraisal. Old-World charm, 2BR/den, 1,650sf in La Cholla Hills.
Karin Radzewicz 520.572.8180
Mylene Hickok 520.780.3030
Nelson Dorfman 520.490.6621
Roxie Bancroft 520.912.3142
North | $390,000 Tastefully updated home on a ridge-top lot. Large, open kitchen w/new cabinets & counters. You can see the city lights from the living, dining & kitchen. Attached guest quarters w/fireplace & sep entrance. Open & bright family room off kitchen. North-facing patio w/views across a sparkling pool to the Catalina Mtns. Updated master bath & half bath. South windows are Low-E. Large extra room could be used for studio, storage, fitness room or guest casita.
Tucson | $360,000
Continental Ranch | $229,900
Casas Adobes Terrace | $228,500
Maravilla | $224,900
Rancho Marana | $194,500
4BR/2BA/3CG, high ceil, bay windows, ceil fans, appliances, maple kit. Covered patio.
4BR/2.5BA/3CG on .25 acre. Vaulted LR & DR. Gas range. Mtn views. Pool/patio.
Updated 3BR/2.5BA backs to greenbelt, no homes behind. Appl. Mtn views. Patio.
features. Large lot with no neighbors behind.
Janet Buntrock 520.591.7412
Debbie Evenchik 520.531.9677
Desiree Mooney 520.465.5665
Debbie Valdes 520.481.8148
Gladden Farms | $189,900
Sun City Vistoso | $187,000
Great location, condition & views. Meticulously maintained, minutes from Ventana Canyon Resort & surrounded by million-dollar Open & bright floorFront porch w/mtn 3BR/2BA, great room, cherry cabs/granite, homes. Freshly painted 2BR/2BA. plan, high ceilings, lots of windows & gas fireplace. Plantation shutters. Private wrap-aroundsplit covered patio w/views of the Catalina Mtns. Natural area BR. Large private backyard. views. Backyard kit, behind covered patio. provides a bird sanctuary & additional privacy. Community pool. Close to shopping, restaurants, health clubs & Ventana Canyon/Sabino Canyon hiking trails. Judy Petersen 520.289.5436 Diane Campbell 520.577.7433
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May 2015
Jim & Shannon Strong 520.271.1035 james.strong@azmoves.com jamesstrong.cbintouch.com Tucson-Foothills
Cover Represented by Troy Goodwin I Page 26 Tucson, Arizona Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Sun City Vistoso | $259,900
Gerry Costa-Guerra 520.975.0895
Arizona’s Leading Real Estate Magazine
Vistoso Resort | $174,800 Nice 2BR/2BA w/Catalina Mtn views. Open
Kathleen Starr 520.907.9077
Karen Green 520.906.2441
Greater Tucson Properties By Area
view all listings at AZmoves.com
pg 55 to 62 tucson gvalley 16 up.indd 2
view all listings at AZmoves.com
pg 53 strong.indd 1
The Bluffs | $184,995 3BR/2BA, lg kit w/mtn views, vaulted ceiling, gar & laundry room. Lg lot, covered patio.
5/28/2015 12:37:16 PM
Greater Tucson Properties By Area
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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is an integral part of the Foothills community. Our sales associates are familiar with the Foothills you are interested in making a complete lifestyle change, our global
520.577.7433
©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC.
©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC.
Locally Owned
Twin Sisters are on a Mission to Pursue a Dream ARTICLE JAMES JANSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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n business for just over a year, J Bridal Boutique founders Emily and Katie are thankful for a successful first year and excited about the future. Starting any new business is a daunting and risky proposition – especially one as personal and competitive as bridal gowns sales. “Over the past year we have really confirmed that we have chosen the perfect path for our life passions… every day is an extraordinary day," says Katie, reflecting on the year's successes. "While there have been many challenges throughout the year, each one has been a learning experience.” Emily and Katie did not plan on being entrepreneurs. Each was busy in their own endeavors of work and career building when a series of events compelled them to pursue their dream of opening a bridal boutique. It all started when Emily, Katie and their best friend, Genna, were all out and about shopping for Emily’s wedding dress in 2010 but could not find what she wanted. It turned into a long and laborious search - ultimately culminating in an out-of-town purchase. In the midst of the frustrating exercise, the girls started to brainstorm about how they would like to open a bridal boutique
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in Tucson that catered to brides and offered an unforgettable experience. It did not take long before the girls started discussing the many details of their “dream” boutique and the roles each of them would play. It was exciting and heady stuff. Life events and reality set in with a staggering blow as the twins received word in June 2012 that Genna’s life had unexpectedly and tragically been cut short. The news was not only unexpected but unbearable. With their dear friend’s untimely death, the twins had a choice to either table the dream of the boutique and move on, or marshal the strength and determination to press on through their grief. After much soul searching and contemplation they were determined to honor their friend in a special way and thought honoring Genna by opening the boutique they had all dreamed about would be a great way to memorialize her. That is where the “J” comes from in the name of the boutique. Although Genna’s name did not begin with a J, it was her nickname and she loved being called “J.” Emily and Katie have been blessed in the launching of their new venture with a great mentor. Their mother, Suzan, has an exten-
sive background in fine arts and has been a great resource for nurturing creativity. The three of them have made a great team. The sisters have been pleasantly surprised by the warm response they have received from area brides who are excited about not having to drive to the Phoenix metropolitan area for an exceptional bridal experience. The first year was not without many challenges as they have had to work hard to carve out a niche and establish their brand. That is an ongoing challenge and a process that takes years of providing quality, top-of-theline wedding gowns and exceptional quality service. But they are well on their way. Planning a wedding is such a special time in a girl’s life and Emily and Katie are passionate about providing each bride a wonderful shopping experience. Genna, or “J,” would no doubt be very proud of her friends’ handiwork with J Bridal Boutique in the Catalina Foothills.
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Your Neighbor
Meet Les Acton
OUR NEIGHBOR AND A MEMBER OF THE GREATEST GENERATION ARTICLE JAMES JANSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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heirs has been termed “America’s greatest generation.” A generation that struggled through the Great Depression, fought the formidable foes of the Axis Powers to win World War II, and then came home and created the greatest economic power the world has ever seen. It is a generation with more drive, dedication and courage than the world has seen before or since. Les Acton is a great example of that generation. Born in 1925 on a ranch on the banks of the San Pedro River not far from Mammoth, Arizona, Acton is the eldest of nine children. He grew up in the greater Tucson area, graduating from Tucson High School and enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was called up to duty in May of that year before walking down the aisle for graduation, and he served with distinction until being honorably discharged in 1947. Acton qualified as a pilot at a very young age and flew a P-38 Lightning that was modified for dangerous reconnaissance missions deep into China, Burma, India, Hong Kong and other parts of Indochina. The modifications involved removing all guns and
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other weaponry so the plane would be lighter and be able to fly farther. The only remaining means of defense was an armor plate in the back of the plane. He flew 23 missions from a troop carrier and dozens more from land bases. To listen to this quiet, unassuming man humbly describe his service in the Army Air Corps is better than reading the work of any best-selling novelist. It is riveting to hear him calmly describe a mission in which he was ordered to fly reconnaissance deep into Indochina wherein the target was shrouded in deep fog that he was assured would lift by the time he arrived, only to find thicker fog upon his arrival. Turning back with no visual capability and rudimentary instrumentation, he picked up a radio signal and followed it for guidance – not knowing whether it was Japanese, Chinese or American. After a considerable period of time following the signal and still with little to no visibility, he was out of fuel and had to land not knowing whether he was in enemy territory. He brought the plane down in an open field happy to discover he was in friendly territory but more than 300 miles from his base and
close to enemy lines. He sustained only minor injuries in the “unconventional landing” and with the help of locals set about fixing one of the engines that had been damaged. After a few days and deeming the engine and plane “fit enough to try” he took off again for base. In route, the damaged engine failed again, making the rest of the journey difficult at best. As he finally approached the base, his radio went out rendering it impossible to communicate with the tower to make his intentions
known. He flew over the tower tipping his wings back and forth signaling his plans to land. As he circled the base to land, a light came on indicating the landing gear was faulty and not fully deployed. Upon committing to land, a military transport plane entered the runway at the last moment requiring Acton to make immediate evasive maneuvers on one engine – no easy task with two, let alone one. After circling again, he successfully landed the dilapidated plane to the amazement of those present – one week after he had initially left on his “one day mission.” The next morning he arose early for his next mission on a different plane. That’s the way it was then. In 1946, Acton married Charlotte May Meir in a marriage that lasted 68 years and produced three sons, Robert, Tim and John. In 1947, Acton was honorably discharged and enrolled at the University of Arizona and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mining and engineering in 1951. He immediately accepted work at the mine in San Manuel starting as a mucker and after 25 years rose through the ranks to general manager. He then took a position with Freeport Indonesia for 10 years where he was named vice president and served as a member of the board of directors. His was a very successful business career to complement his distinguished military career.
Having recently turned 90, he shows no signs of slowing down. He is the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. One granddaughter, Adrienne, played for one of Mike Candrea’s University of Arizona national championship teams and is married to J.J. Hardy, Gold Glove shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles. Still mobile and sharp, he is often seen out and about helping family and friends. He is a great man from a great generation. And we are blessed to have him as a Catalina Foothills neighbor.
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Enjoying Spectacular Hiking Venues in
Our Own Bac ARTICLE JAMES JANSEN
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ckyard
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he Tucson area in general and the Catalina Foothills area in particular, have many outstanding trails to hike. Certainly topping the list of many hikers of all skill levels is Sabino Canyon. Given its many hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty and duration, combined with water flowing at various times of the year, it is a beautiful treasure of the area and well deserving of its top billing. CONTINUED >
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ENJOYING SPECTACULAR HIKING (CONTINUED)
The great popularity of Sabino Canyon often overshadows some of the dozens of other great hiking trails in our area. These lesser-known paths are jewels in their own right. One of these gems is the Wasson Peak Trail located in Saguaro National Park. The park is one of 58 national parks in the United States. It consists of two separate districts: the Rincon Mountain District is located to the east of Tucson, and the Tucson Mountain District is located to the west of the city. Once in the park, your first stop should be the Red Hills Visitor Center. The park staff is very helpful and informative and can provide you with detailed information on the hiking trails in the park and can help you pick the best trail given the time you have available and your physical capabilities and condition. The Visitor Center also offers exhibits of wilderness artifacts. The Wasson Peak Trail is an excellent trail of 7.7 miles with an expected duration of a half-day at a normal pace. The trail follows the Sendero Esperanza Trail until the Hugh Norris Trail where you then head east to the summit of Wasson peak (4,687 feet). The total climb from the trailhead is about 1,500 feet, but the climb is very gradual on a trail that is relatively wide and unimpeded by obstacles. The final climb is over many long winding switchbacks which serve to minimize the relative severity of the ascent. There is a great reward at the end as upon reaching the summit of the peak, Tucson can be seen on the horizon as well as an outline of the Santa Catalina and Tucson Mountain ranges. The scenery is impressive and very unique. It is a very pleasant and enjoyable hike. The next time you are hosting out of town friends or relatives, consider sharing this jewel in the landscape that is our Catalina Foothills.
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SAFE HIKING TIPS: • Always let someone know where you are going to be. • Take an abundance of drinking water. • Get a map of the trail and study it in advance. • Know your limits – what you can and can’t do. What you should and shouldn’t do. • Wear comfortable already broken in boots/shoes. • Dress appropriately for the climate. • Plan wisely in advance – taking into account the heat, weather forecast, length of hike, etc. • Take regular breaks and stay hydrated. • Take a fully charged cellphone. • Take a compass.
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Parent’s Corner
HELP! MY CHILD TURNED 18 AND THE LAW HAS STRIPPED ME OF MY PARENTING RIGHTS! ARTICLE REBECCA MURPHY
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fter spending a lifetime making parenting decisions regarding your child, the law enforces some harsh realities when it comes to influencing your teenager's medical, financial, and educational decisions at the magic age of 18. Accepting that the law will not allow for exceptions just because you are a well meaning parent with your child’s best interest at heart is the first step to researching the viable alternatives to help you represent your young adult child when they might not understand how to navigate their newly acquired responsibilities. What? You can’t keep medical information from me regarding my child because I’m paying the bills and they are a dependent on my medical insurance! Not only will your child’s doctor withhold medical diagnoses, test results and treatment plans from you regarding your 18 year old, you won’t be getting information from the business office to manage insurance claims and pay your child’s bills. Under HIPPA, your child’s privacy rights supersede your entitlements as a parent. Having spoken for your child since birth, parents are often caught off guard regarding their rights when students cross into legal adulthood. In the academic arena, FERPA laws protect the privacy rights of young adults. Although parents may be picking up the tab for costly college tuition, your student will receive the bill and you will not have access to their transcript. Case law made this clear when a college student dropped his dad off at work on the way to a local community college. The dad became ill and called the school requesting his student be contacted and sent back to the office to take him home. When the security guard shared with the parent that his son had dropped out of school two months earlier, the student won a hefty lawsuit. The law will protect the privacy of the student regardless of who is covering the tuition. Our children should understand what happens legally when they age into adulthood. Although this provides liberating privileges, it also exacerbates the consequences levied when held to adult standards. Clearly communicate your expectations within your family. What medical information do you expect to know and where will you respect your student’s privacy? What conditions should be present for insurance premiums and medical costs to be paid? Will your student feel comfortable signing so that you 24
Catalina Foothills Lifestyle | July 2015
can have access to their records or will they want to be coached on how to advocate for themselves? Have frank discussions about how emergencies should be handled on their behalf. Academics provide another area for conversation. At this maturational level, students at the college level should be ready to navigate his or her day-to-day educational experience. When parents contact the school officials it can create the impression that the student isn’t ready for a post secondary academic experience. Let your student know under what conditions you are willing to pay for their college education. To protect your financial investment, you can validate their privacy and still require they provide a planned course of study, verification of enrollment choices, and end of semester transcript grades before you will pay the next semester’s bills. There are three documents every family should consider for legal protection as children transition into adulthood. The first is a HIPPA release that provides designation of named persons to have access to medical records. The second is a Medical Power of Attorney that doesn’t allow for the overriding of personal care decisions but allows decisions to be made if the young adult is incapacitated. The Durable Power of Attorney allows parents to make financial decisions on behalf of their student. This can be particularly necessary if you have invested college funds in their name and social security number. Consult your attorney for comprehensive legal advice but an online search will access these forms. Don’t wait to have these important conversations with your emerging adult and make sure you consider these critical legal protections.
Home Matters
Raised Bed Gardening ARTICLE KENDRA MATHEWSON
C
reating a raised bed can bring out the artist, the chef or the mathematician in us. Now is a great time to create the ideal design and concoct the perfect soil. CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN INSPIRATION
The great thing about designing a raised bed is that you can be as structured or as imaginative as you like. Create beautiful geometric designs with a range of shapes from simple squares and rectangles or more elaborate L-shaped beds, diamonds or octagons. Remember doing dot-to-dot pictures as a kid? Creating a raised bed is like bringing a dot-to-dot picture to life in your garden. Plot it out and then fill it in. If a practical approach is preferred, find a kit at your local do-ityourself center or online. A simple square is easy to construct yourself at any size or height. You can find specific guidelines for size and depth, or you can build to suit your need. An average size is 4’x4’ with a minimum depth of 6” of soil. Cedar wood is best for the walls because of its rot resistant qualities, but kits also come in durable composite and plastic. CREATING THE IDEAL SOIL
The key to successful raised bed gardening is soil preparation. This is where the cook in me gets excited! Here’s my recipe for soil that works great for vegetables and herbs. Like in the kitchen, this recipe can be followed to a “T,” or combined with your own experience and finessed.
Topsoil – Topsoil is the staple, like flour in a cake. Whatever you do, don’t scrimp on this ingredient. Poor quality topsoil often contains weeds and herbicides. Visually inspect the soil and avoid purchasing it if there are signs of salt crusting on surface, the soil is hard and doesn’t crumble easily, if it feels gritty (indicates sandy) or sticky (indicates clay), and color is light or white (contains salt or lime). Compost – Everyone has their favorite, and mine is cotton burr. It’s loaded with nutrients and a wide range of micro-organisms so important to a sustainable organic environment. This compost is made from cotton plants. As cotton grows, it absorbs nutrients that end up in pods called “bolls” or “burrs” that are not used and end up as “trash” that has become garden “treasure.” It has twice the nutrient value as manure composts but with no e-coli issues. Vermiculite – This ingredient helps seeds germinate, stimulates root growth, and helps plant anchorage and nutrient intake. It also aids in watering. Since you are creating the ideal soil rather than combatting a poor soil, you don’t use as much. Just sprinkle it in, like adding salt to a recipe. Worm Castings – This is my secret super ingredient. Worm castings are a concentrated natural fertilizer that won’t burn your plants. They contain excellent soluble mineral content, thus making vegetables and herbs flourish. This is the most expensive ingredient on my list so I add it last, only applying it to the area where roots will be growing rather than adding it to the whole soil mixture. July 2015 | Catalina Foothills Lifestyle
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Driver’s Notebook
Jaguar’s F-Type Coupe Strikes a Stunning Pose
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN
I
n 1961, the breathtakingly beautiful Jaguar XK-E knocked the automotive world on its ear and today it is often considered to be one of the 100 most beautiful cars in the world. While few modern cars can ever approach the XK-E’s sublime and sensuous beauty, I couldn’t help but think of it when I laid eyes on the 2015 F-Type coupe. The coupe’s long nose and flowing roofline bear more than a passing resemblance to the profile of the XK-E, also known as the E-Type. The muscular haunches and sharp character lines that punctuate the fenders all speak of power and speed. The car drew comments wherever I drove it. The coupe is the second F-Type model. The convertible was new last year. Jaguar has announced that production of the XK will cease this summer, leaving the smaller and less-expensive (relatively speaking) F-Type as the only Jaguar sports car. Compared to the XK, the all-aluminum F-Type feels lighter and more agile. It is an exceptionally competent machine that blends road holding with a ride that is firm but not harsh. It feels taut and secure yet it is pliant enough to be comfortable for a long drive. It is composed and confident in corners. The coupe comes in base, S and R models. The base car with a 340-horsepower, supercharged V-6 starts at $65,000. Jump up to
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Catalina Foothills Lifestyle | July 2015
the S, with 380 supercharged horsepower, for a starting price of $77,000. The high-performance R gets 550-horsepower from its supercharged V-8 and it starts at $99,000. All use an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. I drove an S model from Jaguar’s press fleet, and found that the V-6 makes more than enough power. The engine has direct fuel injection, an Eaton supercharger, dual overhead cams and variable camshaft timing. Jaguar says the V-6 can hit 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds, and it has a top track speed of 171 mph. While the V-6 does not have the explosive acceleration of the V-8, it pins you back in the seat with a satisfying surge. The acceleration is enhanced by the active exhaust that can be opened up with a button on the console. It roars under full throttle and crackles during deceleration, and that’s fun. The test car’s light gray cabin was pleasant, almost calming. The extended leather package put soft hides on the seats, dash and headliner. The climate package added dual-zone climate control, heated seats and heated steering wheel. Wind and road noise are nicely muted. Vents in the top of the instrument panel rise when the car is started and retract when it is turned off. For what reason, who knows, but it’s a subtle way of welcoming the driver. The center
console has three round multifunction knobs that control temperature, operate the fan and turn on the heated seats. Audio and navigation are controlled by a touch screen. The steering wheel has buttons for audio, cruise and hands-free telephone. The deep but somewhat narrow trunk has 11 cubic feet of space so packing light is the order of the day for weekend trips. An additional hidden storage space is under the trunk floor. There is no spare tire. PRICE: The base price of S coupe was $77,000. Options included heated seats and steering wheel, satellite radio, panoramic glass roof, Morzine cloth headliner, Cirrus carpet, adaptive headlights, blind spot monitor, dual-zone climate control, 14-way power seats, performance brakes, flat-bottom steering wheel, active exhaust and adjustable suspension. The sticker price was $92,125. WARRANTY: Four years or 50,000 miles
business directory CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS
MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES
FASHION & ACCESSORIES
OTHER
Make Way for Books (520) 721-2334
J Bridal Boutique (520) 577-5528 jbridalboutique.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Wealth Management Partners (520) 297-7999
HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS Parsons Steel Builders (520) 292-2636
HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS Sunset Interiors (520) 825-2297 AT A GLANCE POINT: The F-Type S coupe combines a handsome profile with excellent road holding, a welcoming cabin and a supercharged V-6 whose exhaust lets the world know a performance car lies within. COUNTERPOINT: I continue to be surprised that a car with a
HOME SERVICES The Maids of Tucson (520) 795-7977
Casa de la Luz (520) 544-9890
Burris-Hennessy (520) 882-4343 burrishennessy.com/ Queen Creek Olive Mill-Tucson (480) 888-9290112
PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE
Coldwell Banker Tucson (520) 577-2743
RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE El Saguarito (520) 461-7919
SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES The Villas (520) 531-0086
INSURANCE
Vector Financial Inc. (928) 432-0437
$77,000 base price has heated seats, dual-zone climate control and satellite radio as options. 2015 JAGUAR F-TYPE S COUPE ENGINE: 3.0-liter, 380-horsepower V-6 TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive WHEELBASE: 103.2 inches CURB WEIGHT: 3,514 pounds BASE PRICE: $77,000 AS DRIVEN: $92,125 MPG RATING: 19 in the city, 27 on the highway July 2015 | Catalina Foothills Lifestyle
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GEN E CO N R A L S T R CO N UCT TRA ION CTIN MA G NAG STE EME EL F ABR NT STE ICAT EL E ION We believe our team is the REC best in the business. Many of our TIO employees have over thirty years of N experience in the structural steel trade. EST . 19
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As we continue to grow, we have added young talent that has the same drive for excellence and dedication that Parsons Steel was initially founded on.
JOE PARSONS joe@steelaz.com TOM GLENN tomglenn@steelaz.com 520-887-6207 • PARSONSBUILDERS.COM
Lifestyle Calendar
July the wonders surrounding newly discovered solar systems sof distant stars. Star-gazing through telescopes and a live animal presentation. DesertMuseum.org
JULY 16 DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE TUCSON MUSIC HALL
FRIDAYS SUMMER SHOP AND TASTE TOUR TUCSON
Join Taste of Tucson Downtown Culinary & Cultural Tours for summer tastings at three restaurants and a guided shopping tour of local artisan shops and boutiques. Includes a 24-hour streetcar pass and a shopping tote to bring home your purchases. Fridays, June - August. Tickets are $50 per person and can be booked online. TasteOfTucsonDowntown.com
JULY 4 FIRST SATURDAYS CONCERT SERIES – WAY OUT WEST CATALINA STATE PARK
Enjoy an evening concert at the Trailhead with standard park admission. Come and enjoy music the first Saturday of each month in the park with the Santa Catalina Mountains as the backdrop. AZStateParks.com
All-stars champion Melissa Rycroft headlines the 'Perfect Ten Tour' with fellow pro dancers Witney Carson, Valentin chmerkovskiy, Artem Chigvintsev, Peta Murgatroyd, Emma Slater and troupe dancers, choreographing never before numbers to the most memorable ones from all 10 years of Dancing with the Stars. TucsonConventionCenter.com
JULY 17 BEER CLASS: BREWERY SPOTLIGHT TUCSON
Join Total Wine & More as they partner with several regional breweries to bring customers a unique educational experience. From brewery history to beer-making techniques, attendees can learn from the source and become brewery experts. Brewery partners are still being finalized, so check with your local store for more details.
JULY 9
THROUGH DECEMBER 11
GALLERY ROW ART WALK
ARIZONA BIENNIAL
TUCSON
TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART
Join the Art Walk every Thursday night from 5-7 p.m. year around. All shops in Gallery Row stay open late.
Since 1948, this juried exhibition features some of the most interesting new work being created in Arizona. For emerging artists, it provides an opportunity to show in a museum setting or introduce their work to public. For established artists, it provides an opportunity for museum visitors to see these great works.
JULY 11 ASTRONOMY NIGHT ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
The Desert Museum partners with experts from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) for a star-studded adventure: Solar systems of the Universe. Learn about our own solar system and discover 32
Catalina Foothills Lifestyle | July 2015
The Faces of Casa are the
Dr. Ann Marie Chiasson Associate Medical Director
“
Working in hospice allows me to practice both the science of medicine and the art of medicine. Put simply, superior holistic patient care focused on comfort allows patients to live longer and more comfor tably.
�
520.544.9890 | casahospice.com Hospice services are paid for by Medicare
Parting Thoughts
Birds on a Wire WORDS KENDRA MATHEWSON
O
ne of my dear friends is a painter who sees the world through her amazing artist eyes. When she was the newbie in our neighborhood, her heart was sensitive to how to integrate her family into the community. Driving one day she noticed how birds perched on a wire seemed to choose when to gather, and who to pause with. As she watched the birds sit, and then come and go, those birds spoke to her of how we create community, who we keep counsel with, and even the dynamic nature of the process. She had moved in down the street, and it was my love of her work that initially drew us together. We shared a moment of connection on my front porch steps, and lingered like the birds chatting on the telephone wire, before we flew off back to our hectic lives. Over the years, through working on house projects, painting together, building a club, learning new skills together, cooking meals at each other's homes, playing cards as couples, we’d pause from the “flights” our lives demanded (me flying around in my minivan and she in her miniCooper) to sit like those birds on a wire and talk over tea. This is how we became friends. That is community. That is how community begins and how it grows. These one-on-one connections expand and extend and become a beautiful 34
Catalina Foothills Lifestyle | July 2015
“I Think I’ve Got This” by Lisa Lala | Birds on a Wire series
web of interconnectedness. Through words, stories, shared experiences and common interests, we find inspiration to create our communities, which is where we call, "home." My friend’s keen observations became the main theme of a series that has become her signature. The beauty of her Birds on a Wire series, and her reflections on community, have inspired me to embrace and celebrate more the important place it has in our lives. We live in such an individualistic society that our personal empowerment sometimes overshadows the significance of our need for each other. Like the ingredients of an exceptional recipe, or the materials used to construct a quality home, a community is only as good as the people who comprise it. Be-
cause the people are who ignite an idea, imagine a future, share an event, take the bull by the horns, see a need a fill it, spread the word about a new business, open their home to new families, bring a meal when there’s an illness, invest in a neighbor or believe in a student, give witness to struggles and celebrate successes. This magazine is your “wire.” Let us pause to read the stories that have been inspired by our home, our community, to drink in the beautiful photographs that paint the story of us. Email your editor and publisher, or better yet reach out and enjoy a cup of coffee together. Let us stop here in the pages of our publication each month and celebrate like birds on a wire, before we fly off back to our busy lives. You inspire us.
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