Oro Valley Vista Newsletter Fall 2013

Oro Valley A quarterly publication for the residents of Oro Valley

Volume VI, Issue 9 Fall 2013

IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the Mayor State of the Town Address Lambert Lane successfully completed Constituent’s Corner 5th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival

Musical Magic for Kids M CCall for 2013 OV Volunteers of the Year BBusiness Spotlight CCommunity Academy PParks & Recreation Fall 2013 Programs

Lambert Lane widening project is complete!

See page 3.

Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch Fall Harvest Festival at Steam Pump Ranch Oro Valley Annual Tree Lighting Celebration Water Ways

Oro Valley VISTA Magazine

VISTA

Fall 2013

Oro Valley

Mayor’s Message FO

UNDED 1974

Oro Valley Mayor & Council Dr. Satish I. Hiremath, Mayor Lou Waters, Vice Mayor Brendan Burns, Councilmember Bill Garner, Councilmember Joe Hornat, Councilmember Mary Snider, Councilmember Mike Zinkin,Councilmember For Mayor and Councilmembers, call: (520) 229-4700.

On the cover: Photo of the completed Lambert Lane Widening project.

Town Manager Greg Caton (520) 229-4725 gcaton@orovalleyaz.gov

Design & Production Town of Oro Valley Communications Division Misti Nowak, Communications Administrator (520) 229-4725 | mnowak@orovalleyaz.gov Lisa Gallardo, New Media Developer (520) 229-4721 | lgallardo@orovalleyaz.gov Copyright 2013 by the Town of Oro Valley.

All rights reserved.

Article ideas are welcome. Please direct all inquiries to Misti Nowak, communications administrator.

The Oro Valley Vista is a quarterly publication published by the Town of Oro Valley.

Town of Oro Valley 11000 N. La Cañada Drive Oro Valley, AZ 85737 (520) 229–4700 www.orovalleyaz.gov

page 2

Oro Valley: A picture of healthy growth As we get closer to this year’s State of the Town Address on September 26, I become increasingly excited at this opportunity to review the year’s successes.

This year’s theme - Oro Valley: A picture of healthy growth - developed from the idea that our Town is doing it right.

Healthy growth is not a progression where we begin as one thing and end up as something else entirely. Nor is growth measured by just one or two indicators. Healthy growth is the development and maturation of a community, from root to tip.

Too often we see communities that pour their resources into one focus area while another area crumbles away. The Town of Oro Valley has taken great care to ensure that its roots and core values are nourished and maintained so that we are well-positioned for the opportunities

that lie ahead. As a result, we’ve developed a strong framework for this year’s successes and our vision for the future. Those successes include: the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, sports tourism, Oracle/Ina annexation, renewed focus on youth and families, business-friendly programs, arts and culture, investment in our employees, ongoing collaboration with other organizations and sound fiscal management.

In fact, there are so many success stories that we couldn’t fit everything into my speech! So I hope you’ll stay in touch with us to find out the latest and ensure that you’re plugged into everything that’s happening in this amazing community. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter and brand new Parks and Recreation Guide by visiting us online at www.orovalleyaz.gov or by “liking” us on Facebook. And if you can’t join us on Sept. 26 for State of the Town, keep an eye on our YouTube channel around mid-October for a full-length video of the event!

Respectfully, Dr. Satish I. Hiremath, Mayor

TOWN OF ORO VALLEY

STATE OF THE TOWN ADDRESS

Thurs., September 26, 2013

with Mayor Satish I. Hiremath, DDS

10:30 a.m.

Business Expo & Registration 11:45 a.m.

Doors Open 12:00 p.m.

Luncheon & Address Cost: $50 per person $500 for a table of 10 To register:

ovstateofthetown2013.eventbrite.com Deadline is 5 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 19.

www.orovalleyaz.gov

Oro Valley VISTA Magazine

Lambert Lane successfully completed The completion of the Lambert Lane Widening Project was commemorated on June 21, 2013 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Mayor Hiremath.

Planning for the Lambert Lane improvements began in 1999, with the final design completed in April 2011. Project construction from La Cañada Drive to Pusch View Lane, commenced August 22, 2011 with Eagle Rock Excavating as the prime contractor. Improvements to the Oro Valley Water Utility facilities on Lambert Lane were performed in conjunction with the roadway improvements. Several other utilities were also relocated and improved to accommodate the new roadway.

Project funding The final cost projection for the roadway improvements is approximately $10.7 million, with the majority of funding coming from Pima Association of Governments (PAG) by way of the Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF). The water line construction added another $1.2 million for a total of about $11.9 million.

Roadway enhancements The enhancements ultimately expanded Lambert Lane to a four-lane roadway with medians and multi-modal accommodations. The undertaking included earthwork, slope stabilization and engineered walls. Curb, storm drains and culverts under the road collect and route rain water, and the road is now traversable during rains. Water mains were replaced with new 16-inch and 8-inch lines. The final product is a showcase corridor with native landscaping, sidewalks, multi-use pathways, a signalized pedestrian crossing, bus pullouts, new signs and public art.

Fall 2013

impacted pedestrian traffic, golf cart traffic, and school bus stops, the accommodations for these patrons were true to Oro Valley’s standard of excellence. The multi-use path now ties into existing paths at both La Cañada Drive and Pusch View Bridge, providing an important connection in Oro Valley’s large network of pathways and trails.

Safety features In order to safely guide travelers through the new corridor, signs and pavement markings were upgraded. Advance street name signs were added, and intersection street name signs were upgraded to the upper/lower case lettering combination, which is the new national standard. Nearly 120,000 linear feet of pavement markings and more than 500 reflective markers guide travelers along the new four-lane roadway. Especially important to compatibility of the various travelers is the upgraded pedestrian crossing at Riverfront Park. Patrons can now utilize a signalized crossing to traverse Lambert Lane between Calle Mira Mesa and the entrance to the Riverfront Park. The crossing is complete with high visibility paint markings, and the area is lit by LED street lights.

Attention to detail Emblematic of the Town of Oro Valley’s appreciation for arts and culture are the artistic elements along this new stretch of roadway. The wave patterns along the Pusch View Bridge barrier are repeated on the concrete walls along the roadway and in the pattern of the brick pavers in the medians. The blooming flower pods in the handrails carry on another stage of the flower’s life cycle from those in the handrail of the bridge. The artwork in the four garambullo seat walls pays tribute to our native cacti. Handmade tiles honor the saguaro, and a bronze sculpture is the centerpiece of the large seat wall near Riverfront Park.

Moving forward The contractor is currently working to complete minor items included in the improvements and is expected to wrap those up in the next few months. The contractor will continue to maintain the landscaping for a period of one year. During work, there may be minor shoulder or lane closures on Lambert Lane and/or side roads.

The Lambert Lane improvements promote mobility and enhance multi-modal transportation within the Town of Oro Valley and to the surrounding region. Although construction

www.orovalleyaz.gov

page 3

Oro Valley VISTA Magazine

Fall 2013

CONSTITUENT’S CORNER QUESTION: What will be built on the northeast corner of Oracle Road and Linda Vista Boulevard?

ANSWER: In previous VISTA articles, we have described two major developments under construction in Oro Valley. The first is San Dorado at Oro Valley Town Centre (east side of Oracle Road and 1st Avenue), which includes a 274-unit apartment complex and commercial buildings. The second development is Encantada at Steam Pump Village (west side of Oracle Road, north of BASIS Oro Valley), which includes a 288-unit apartment complex and a coffee shop.

A third major project, El Corredor, will soon be developed on the northeast corner of Oracle Road and Linda Vista Boulevard. This development includes commercial uses and a 226-unit apartment complex comprising 17 apartment buildings, a clubhouse and garages.

Children enjoy participating in the July 6 Evans Family Musical Merriment, performed by the Civic Orchestra of Tucson. The next Musical Magic for Kids event will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, at Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. For more information, visit www.saaca.org or call the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance at 520-797-3959.

Do you have questions about Town programs or projects? Please contact Chris Cornelison at 229-4711 or

ccornelison@orovalleyaz.gov.

Call for nominations:

2013

5th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Presented by Sun City Oro Valley Saturday, November 2, 2013 9 a.m. - 4p.m.

Sun City Oro Valley Activity Center 1495 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

Get an early start on your holiday shopping at the 5th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival. More than 50 artists will be featured, including jewelry, paintings, wood turnings, doll clothes, cards, pottery and much more. There will also be live arts and craft demonstrations, and food will be available for purchase.

Festival organizers will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Catalina Community Food Bank. For more information, contact Kathy Hrdy at 825-4723 or jkhrd2@aol.com page 4

Vounteers of the Year The Town of Oro Valley is currently accepting nominations for the 2013 Volunteers of the Year. One man and one woman will be selected based on the outstanding nature of their volunteer efforts on Town-sponsored projects and programs. They will be recognized at the annual Volunteer Reception on Thursday, December 12, 2013, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Hilton El Conquistador.

To nominate someone, you must submit a nomination letter as well as a supporting letter from a second individual to Misti Nowak, communications administrator, no later than November 1, 2013.

Nominations may be submitted by either email or postal mail. mnowak@orovalleyaz.gov 11000 N. La Cañada Dr., Oro Valley, AZ 85737 Both letters of support must be submitted together.

Nominations will be judged by the Town’s Volunteer Selection Committee. All decisions are final.

www.orovalleyaz.gov

Oro Valley VISTA Magazine

Business Spotlight: All About Running & Walking 12162 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. #140 Oro Valley, AZ 85755 520 469-7084

Fall 2013

Customers at All About Running & Walking receive a personalized assessment that helps them find the right shoes and accessories to fit their type of activity and individual gait. This one-on-one attention is something that cannot be experienced with an online retailer. Their customer base includes school-age cross country athletes all the way up to active seniors and everyone in between.

www.runningwalking.com All About Running and Walking owners John and Alice Corbett are passionate about promoting health and the general well-being of the Town of Oro Valley. Realizing the potential for a business and a certain quality of life, John and Alice left their previous professions behind in Illinois and relocated to Oro Valley in 2000. Like most entrepreneurs, the Corbetts’ decision to open a store dedicated to running and walking stems from life experience.

The Corbett story is about hard work, long commute hours and sacrifice that many readers can relate to. During a routine visit to his family doctor at the age of 43, John was faced with life-altering news: he would need a statin to regulate his high cholesterol levels. After discussing options with his doctor, John decided to make a drastic life change and turn his health around by starting a running and walking regime. Eighteen years later, John has never needed to take statins and his cholesterol levels dropped by more than 140 points. As John describes it, the best things in life are just outside of a person’s comfort zone. John and Alice understand that health needs are different for each person, but they also understand that making healthier choices is something nearly everyone can introduce into their daily routine. This understanding is the reason All About Running & Walking has been a success.

John Corbett also founded the Arizona Distance Classic, now in its tenth year. This regional event draws more than 2,000 participants from 46 states and benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Angola Project and the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation. Next year’s event will be held March 23, 2014.

The Corbetts’ passion for nourishing healthy habits also extends to feeding families in and around our community. For that reason, they’ve been supporters of Harvest for Hope, a free non-competitive/non-timed 5k walk/run designed for all ages and abilities. Now in its eighth year, Harvest for Hope, in collaboration with All About Running & Walking, Dawn Kulesa and Northwest Healthcare Oro Valley Hospital, has collected more than 23,000 pounds of food benefiting the Catalina Community Services food bank. Participation does not require an entry free, but event organizers ask that you bring a bag of non-perishable food to be donated. The next Harvest for Hope will be held October 5, 2013 at 5 p.m. at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Learn more at www.harvest4hope.org.

John and Alice Corbett are great examples of what makes Oro Valley an outstanding community. Stop by All About Running & Walking the next time you’re looking for some new running or walking shoes and meet the Corbetts and their dedicated staff.

You’ll receive top-notch customer service and will learn more about how to promote wellness and support our community.

Sign up today for Oro Valley’s

COMMUNITY ACADEMY

Fall 2013 Schedule of Classes

Local Governance 101

October 10

The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to offer you the opportunity to enroll in the Town’s Community Academy-Local Governance 101 fall session. The Academy is your chance to learn more about your community, including classes on sustainability, Town finance and the Town’s vision for the future.

Six class meetings will be held on Thursday evenings, 6 - 8 p.m., from October 10 through November 21, 2013. All classes will be held at Town Hall. Space is limited, so please enroll soon.

Class I: Introduction: Oro Valley Town History and How Your Town Works

October 17 Class II: The Town’s Vision for the Future and Our Place in the Region

October 24 Class III: Conservation & Sustainability: What the Town is Doing and What You Can Do at Home

October 30 Class IV: Design Excellence & Regulation in the Community

Enroll in the Community Academy by visiting the Planning Division website at http://bit.ly/16ShZrY and clicking the “Calendar” menu link.

November 14

For more information, contact Roseanne Flores at (520) 229-4832.

November 21

There is a $50 fee to cover class materials, which are yours to keep at the conclusion of the Academy.

Class VI: Water & Transportation: Their Role in the Growth of the Town

Participate in your Town’s future by learning more about your community!

Graduation with Town Council

www.orovalleyaz.gov

Class V: Town Finances & Economic Development

December 4

page 5

Oro Valley VISTA Magazine

Fall 2013

Parks and Recreation 680 W. Calle Concordia Oro Valley, AZ 85704 (520) 229-5050 Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For details on these events, as well as a complete listing of all the Parks and Recreation programs, please visit us online at

www.orovalleyaz.gov/parksandrec.

Youth Programs INTRODUCTION TO ARCHERY This program is for youth interested in archery. Students will learn about archery safety, shooting fundamentals, marksmanship, sportsmanship, different shooting styles and equipment.

2013 Arizona Parks and Recreation Association

OUTSTANDING FACILITY OF THE YEAR 23 W. Calle Concordia | Oro Valley, AZ 85704 | (520) 209-2472 www.orovalleyaz.gov/aquatics

Special Events TEEN NIGHTS Admission for teens is just $1. Event includes karaoke, dancing and other activities.

2nd Saturday of every month, 6 - 9 p.m. (Sept. - Dec.)

DIVE-IN MOVIES All ages. Regular admission fees apply. Free Popcorn.

Films TBD.

Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

FLOATING PUMPKIN PATCH AND COSTUME CONTEST Event includes pumpkin carving station, face painting and music. Costume fashion show at 6 p.m. $2 adults, $1 children, $5 per pumpkin

Oct. 31, 5 - 7 p.m.

Aquatics Program FALL BREAK AQUATIC CAMP - JUNIOR LIFEGUARDING Camp is designed to teach participants basic pool safety, water rescue skills and how to act in an emergency.

Oct. 14 - 18, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. page 6

Sept. 3 - Oct. 10, 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 - Nov. 21, 4 - 5:30 p.m.

ADVENTURES IN HISTORY & CULTURE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM AT STEAM PUMP RANCH Children will prepare for a dramatic production based on stories from history, learn to plant and harvest crops and will celebrate culture through the preparation of Heritage Foods.

Oct. 28 - Dec. 6, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

AFTER SCHOOL MOUNTAIN HIKING ADVENTURE PROGRAM AT STEAM PUMP RANCH Experienced trail guide Joel Woppert will guide youth to build hiking strength, trail knowledge and confi dence.

Oct. 22 - Nov. 26, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

TRADITIONS OF ORO VALLEY Learn about desert gardening, Heritage Foods and preserving the heritage of Steam Pump Ranch and Oro Valley.

Sept. 28 and Nov. 23, 9 - 11 a.m.

News THE CAÑADA DEL ORO SHARED USE PATH PROJECT FINAL PHASE (First Avenue to Steam Pump Village) The much-anticipated link between the western and eastern sections of the Cañada del Oro Shared-Use Path will begin construction in September, and is expected to be completed during the winter of 2013.The project, along the Cañada del Oro (CDO) Wash, from First Avenue to Steam Pump Village, will provide a 0.6 mile connection between the existing sections of the path.

www.orovalleyaz.gov

Oro Valley VISTA Magazine

Fall 2013

Parks and Recreation

SPECIAL EVENTS SECOND SATURDAYS AT STEAM PUMP RANCH

September 14 Guest speaker and tours of the Ranch House

October 12, November 9 & December 14 Guest speaker, historical craft fair, music (in partnership with SAACA) and the Oro Valley Farmers Market Ranch House tours 9 – 10 a.m.

(Starting October 5, 2013, the Oro Valley Farmers Market will begin at 9 a.m., guest speaker begins at 10 a.m., and music is 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. )

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL AT STEAM PUMP RANCH

Second Annual Steam Pump Ranch Fall Harvest Festival.

Come experience the fun!

Saturday, October 26 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Pusch Ridge Stables, horse-drawn hay wagon rides, petting zoo, pony rides, Western music, Old West Show, horsemanship demos, dance presentations, corn roasting, pumpkin patch, straw maze, food trucks, Native American Heritage Garden demonstrations, featuring guest speaker Jenny Adams, Ph.D. (Desert Archaeology, Inc., Garden Research Discussion) and a food preparation presentation by Ramona Farms from the Gila Indian Reservation.

In partnership with Oro Valley Historical Society & Heirloom Farmers Market

www.orovalleyaz.gov

ORO VALLEY’S 14TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIIGHTING CELEBRATION holiday season at this annual community celebration, featuring musical entertainment and a visit from Santa.

Friday, December 6 Program begins at 5 p.m.

This FREE event will feature holiday crafts for kids and hot cocoa will be served.

Oro Valley Market Place.

(Donations gladly accepted for the Oro Valley Shop With A Cop program.)

page 7

Do I Really Need A HIGH WATER USE ACTION PLAN? Let’s face it, some surprises aren’t good surprises. If your water bill is higher than you expected, then you should take action. Identifying the problem helps you save water and minimize costs. Customers will soon have access to the High Water Use Action Plan. This guide helps you to:

• Understand your water bill • Read your water meter • Look for hidden water loss and identify savings opportunities

• Compare your water use to the average water usee Look for the guide this fall, available soon online and in our office at 11000 N. La Canada Drive.

in Oro Valley

• Develop a high water use action plan specific to your needs

• Explore further water conservation resources

Did You Know?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that 14 percentt off th the d drinking i ki water t iin circulation is lost to leaks . That translates to more than 6 billion gallons of water per day.

Just fixing the leaks in your home can save a lot of water.

Turn Back the Timer

New Children’s Activity Booklet Meet OV and Misty, Oro Valley Water’s new mascots for conservation. This new booklet provides puzzles and mazes that are fun and educational. The booklet will become part of the curriculum in local elementary schools beginning in the spring of 2014. The Water Utility will sponsor water conservation classes several times a year for third-grade students. The booklet is also available free to our customers at the Oro Valley Water Utility.

page 8

It may still feel hot right now but don’t miss out on big savings during the late fall and winter months. Plants need to be watered much less frequently when the temperatures cool down. Trees and shrubs are not growing as actively as they did when leaves and flowers were forming. However, always water an appropriate length of time for the size of the root system. Save on your sewer rate as well. Pima County Regional Wastewater calculates your sewer rate based on your water use for the months of December, January and February. Reducing your overall water use during these months means you’ll save on sewer fees. For questions regarding sewer rates, please contact Pima County Wastewater at 740-6609.