DESERT TIMES
Desert Times, August 2023
INSIDE
Horoscope
Take a peek into the week ahead
Page 6
Back to School
Find out what your student needs for the new school year
Page 10
End-of-life doula helps with the important and often overlooked details of death
Page 19
The Voice of Southwest Tucson
Back to School
Las Milpitas farm bonds the community
BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media StaffMelinda Englert was riding her bike on the Santa Cruz River Trail on the west side six years ago.
She noticed there was a surprising mass of green foliage along one side. Curious, she stopped and peeked over the fence. There she beheld a real Tucson treasure.
“I saw all this green and trees and I said, ‘Wait a second, what is this?’” she recalled.
“I looked it up online and found a plot and that was it. That was in 2017. I had never been part of a community garden or anything like that, but I’ve learned so much. Gardening has become such a big part of my life.”
Tucked away on the west side of the city is 6 acres of growing space, not just for a few, but for every Tucson-area resident who is interested in gardening and farming and in becoming a part of a community.
At Las Milpitas de Cottonwood community farm, a part of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, anyone can learn to grow flowers or food for their own table or food to sell at its monthly farmers market.
Its three key goals: increase access to healthy food, develop leadership skills among volunteers and workers, and teach others how to garden.
Ai
Nan and Melinda Englert look on while Chris Lowen inspects a growing cantaloupe. (Karen Schaffner/Staff)
Even city dwellers may apply to be farmers at Las Milpitas. Currently, there are two open plots available for someone to create their own garden. They are not small, coming in at 4- by 20-feet. People grow all types of flowers and vegetables, including heat-loving melons, which are coming in right now, chile peppers, okra, corn, beans, even tomatoes.
It’s not just growing plants that is important at Milpitas, however. It’s also about growing community.
“Anyone is welcome to come on our Saturday workdays, which is usually in the morning,” Ai Nan, a Milpitas gardener, said. “It’s open to everyone, so they can come and help with our different projects, come see the garden. We try to get as many people involved as possi-
ble from the community.”
Englert added, “The priority is on people who live within a few miles of this garden, our farm, and also people who have traditionally faced barriers to gardening and farming and that kind of experience.”
She’s also a gardener there.
“That could be with regard to income or other groups that have maybe faced those kinds of barriers. They have priority over these plots.”
Gardening here is not free, however. It does not cost dollars but something even more precious: time. Gardeners give three hours of labor every month to the farm, though it can be three people in a group who each work one hour every month. This meets the obli-
gation.
Englert sees Las Milpitas as a kind of door to the growing experience.
“There are different entry points for different people, and there is a lot of space if people just want to learn about gardening and be in this space and community before they’re ready to take that step,” Englert said.
“The best way to get involved if you’re not sure you want a plot yet, if you’re not sure what this space is, and you want to learn more about it, is coming to a Saturday work day,” said Chris Lowen, Las Milpitas operations coordinator.
“It’s a great entry point. Even if you are not as easily mobile or have a harder time moving around, we can find activities for you.”
Working at the farm does not necessarily mean field labor. It might mean making labels for the plants in the greenhouse or other seated tasks.
One of the lessons new gardeners will learn is how to keep pests under control, because pesticides are not used here.
“The way we do it is we do companion planting,” Nan said.
“We have all sorts of different plants that attract all sorts of different things that eat all different things so it’s more of a balance. We don’t really have a lot of pest
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Three Points Clinic fetes 40 years of community partnership
This year, United Community Health Center celebrates 40 years of providing high-quality, affordable health care to Southern Arizona.
UCHC’s story starts in 1983 with the unification of three independently run clinics — Continental, Arivaca and Three Points.
The current UCHC logo — a triangle in three parts — refers to these three original clinics that united to become United Community Health Center.
The logo also serves as a reminder of the importance of community and collaboration.
Before establishing UCHC, volunteers primarily staffed these three clinics. To pay the bills they relied on fundraising and patient payments. While each clinic has its own history, the Three Points
Three Points Clinic is at 15921 W. Ajo Way, Tucson. (UCHC/Submitted)
clinic’s story is important. It illustrates the challenges of rural health and the need for community-centered clinics.
Located in Pima County, the Three Points community, originally known as Robles Junction, existed for 100 years before UCHC was established.
Individuals dissatisfied with city life sought independence by forming this community. Despite its legacy as an autonomous community, Three Points knew it needed more medical services than the occasional ambulance visit could provide.
ed support to this community.
“In Arizona, like in the rest of the country, there were so many people who had no health insurance and relied on folk healers who sometimes had good answers,” Martha said.
“But, of course, my husband knew that they needed a lot more health care…so instead of coming in and (having) university workers do this for you, he talked with them, and asked what they could do to help, asked what they needed.”
new clinic.
This endeavor was successful, and the community purchased a small mobile home and rented a plot of land off Highway 86. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start. The first clinic had no telephone and calls were made from a payphone near the Three Points General Store. There was no sink, so hands were washed in the toilet tank. Early on, a skunk attack shut down services for a few days.
Stories of the early days circulate, from horrible car crashes and heart attacks to helicopters landing in the middle of the night. The establishment of the Mobile Health Program through the University of Arizona College of Medicine in 1976 by Dr. Augusto Ortiz and his wife, Martha Ortiz, brought much-need-
Susan Woodruff, a nurse practitioner who worked with the Ortizes in the early days of the mobile clinic, said, “What we wanted to do was leave a legacy within the community. And so one of the main goals of the mobile health program was to help the community establish their own clinics. We gathered leaders in the community and asked them to form a board…so we have the community councils form, and what they did was they helped us to select community health workers from that community.”
Not long after, the need for a local clinic was apparent. In 1982, the community formed Three Points Community Club, which served as a guidepost for establishing and fundraising for the
But the clinic staff and the community persevered and the need for medical services grew. Out of necessity, Three Points joined the two other independent clinics located in Arivaca and Continental to become a United Community Health Center, a federally-qualified community health center in 1983.
“I really always cared about how the clinics fit into the community and bolstered the community,” said Laurie Jurs, who spent 22 years as UCHC’s first chief executive officer.
“It was more than just health care, though certainly it was, health care, and I love that Three Points had started itself.”
In 1996, UCHC built its first permanent clinic in Three Points.
Trico lends hand to Navajo Nation
SPECIAL TO TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA
Trico Electric Cooperative is the first cooperative in Arizona to participate in the Light Up Navajo program, which began in 2019.
Light Up Navajo is a humanitarian mutual aid project that extends electric service to Navajo homes without electricity.
According to the American Public Power Association, of the approximately 55,000 homes on the Navajo Nation, nearly 14,000 still do not have electricity. They represent 75% of all U.S. households without power.
Concern for community and cooperation among cooperatives are two of seven principles that nonprofit cooperatives like Trico live by.
In June, Trico employees Bryan English, Joe Tsethlikai, Tyler Hornung and Conor Garcia spent a week in Chinle, near Canyon de Chelly National Monument, to bring power to the community as part of the Light Up Navajo program.
“It was a wonderful experience,” said Joe Tsethlikai, a journeyman lineman at Trico for 16 years.
“Being half-Native, I’m glad I got the opportunity to help. Until they have electricity, they don’t have access to basic necessities that we take for granted, such as water, ice to keep their food cold, telephones, internet or indoor plumbing.
“It was a lot of work, but it was rewarding.
Bryan English was among the Trico employees who spent a week in Chinle to bring power to the community as part of the Light Up Navajo program. (Trico Electric Cooperative/Submitted)
After meeting the people and seeing what a life-changing experience it is for them, it was all worth it. It was an eye opener for me.”
Trico plans to return to the Navajo Nation again next year to extend electricity to more homes.
“Providing reliable electricity to those who need it has been at Trico’s core for over 75 years,” said Brian Heithoff, Trico chief executive officer/general manager.
“Our team that worked on this project exemplifies Trico’s commitment to service and we’re honored to be able to help.”
Trico Electric Cooperative Inc. is a notfor-profit electric cooperative serving nearly 50,000 members in Marana, Corona de Tucson, SaddleBrooke, Mount Lemmon, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Three Points, Star Valley and Arivaca.
Info: www.trico.coop
LAS MILPITAS from cover
problems. If we have to clean a plant, we’ll just use something very simple like castile soap and water.”
It wasn’t always like this.
“When we started (12 years ago) we had more pest problems,” Lowen said. “We hadn’t developed the stronger, more robust ecosystem that we have now.”
Lowen said it took about three years before the ecosystem was in balance. Today, he said, the Tucson Bee Collective and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum staff has reported that “we have some of the highest bee biodiversity of any of the places that they sample,” Lowen added.
The farm is divided into roughly two sides — one for people who garden for their own plates, and others who sell their produce.
Las Milpitas has a relationship with the International Rescue Committee, so some of the land is provided to people who are refugees, providing a place to grow what they might have grown in their homeland.
“Lots of folks coming in have been farmers wherever they’re coming from,” Lowen said. “Some of our best growers are folks who were growers in their home country.”
That’s clear judging by the lush, green rows of plants and the long, plump okra waiting to be harvested.
Milpitas is not just about having a garden. Community events are aplenty, such as gardening classes; workshops in equity and leadership; a series on mesquite trees and how to use its produce, from harvest to milling; and, of course, the farmers market.
There will even be a free art project that
spans a year and strives to connect participants to the land and seasons. It’s all free and some materials are supplied.
“There’s popular education and a lot of community sharing that happens that way, too,” Englert said.
Lowen, Englert and Nan know Las Milpitas Community Farm is not just any place; they want the people of Tucson to know it too.
“Las Milpitas is a special place, and there is so much room for growth in whatever direction community members might need,” Englert said.
“That might be learning to grow your food and feeling really empowered by understanding where it comes from to your plate… I think there’s something for everybody here and it’s a very inclusive space.”
Nan added, “I think this place, especially for people in Tucson and the desert, is a place of abundance, not of death and dearth. It’s also a space where people who aren’t from here can begin to feel connected to the different landscape of the desert and really start to reconnect with the way our bodies adapt to land. Those are messages that they can take wherever they go.”
“This place is special, but it shouldn’t be,” Lowen said. “There should be more places like this all over Tucson.” ■
Las Milpitas de Cottonwood Community Farm
2405 S. Cottonwood Lane, Tucson http://bitly.ws/PnGb
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
“We were so proud of this,” Jurs said.
“We had an architect who designed the new clinic. It was just so wonderful to have that…We had a community celebration, complete with a pit beef barbecue, and had music, and it was just really such a celebration to have our first brand new permanent building.”
The support from community members and organizations was critical to expanding medical services in Three Points. Many former UCHC staff members have mentioned the involvement of Serenity Baptist Church — especially Pastor Dane Miller, who was on the board of the clinic.
Dr. Lane Johnson, a former medical director of UCHC, explained how collaborating with the community was essential to creating a successful health program. He said he remembers asking how to best support the community while visiting the clinic and attending wellness sessions. According to residents — many of whom had children — they needed gas money and babysitting.
“So, we looked around the county and the community and finally found an organization that was willing to write a grant
for a year or 12 weeks of wellness sessions,” Johnson said.
“We had parents coming in every week, and we gave them gas money. We gave them dinner. We fed the kids. We babysat. It was just sort of like the perfect example of a community-based program that we did at the time.”
This type of collaboration led to longterm successes within the Three Points area, like a school wellness program in 1999 and adding a new wing in 2004. Today, mobile dental and behavioral health services are offered at the Three Points clinic.
As UCHC looks forward to another 40 years of service, the mission and health care model of community collaboration to improve patient health remains the same — to provide high-quality health care and advocate for the community it serves. ■
United Community Health Center’s Three Points Clinic
15921 W. Ajo Way, Tucson 520-407-5700 www.uchcaz.org
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36 College figures
37 Onetime Swedish exports
38 Begins to believe
40 Extra-crispy, to put it nicely
41 IBM component: Abbr.
Midweek milestone 44 Crush cans, maybe 48 Give an edge to
49 Perseverance, e.g.
50 ___ Gandhi, longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress
dwelling
Capacious
25 Minds one’s own business
29 Things a mysophobe is afraid of
30 Some bonds, for short 31 Tiny messenger 32 Ending with electro-
Quack grass and others
Award quartet 35 “Wow!”
51 In science fiction, suspended animation of a body at a very low temperature
52 Kind of office tray
53 Name written with an accent in Irish English
54 Estimating words
55 Heading in a contract
3 Striking
4 Ends a vacation
5 Extra play opportunities, in brief
6 Hoffman who wrote “Revolution for the Hell of It”
7 Island rings
8 National dogs of Norway
9 Flowering plant such as “old man’s beard”
10 Participates in a bee, maybe
11 Language that’s mutually intelligible with Hindi
12 Opposite of “sans”
13 Secretary, e.g.
16 Families and waves might have them
20 Tongue-in-cheek
22 Quick notes, quickly
25 Good, in Guadalajara
26 Driver’s license designation
27 Mined compound in the “Avatar” universe
28 Ink spots, for short
29 Lump
30 “Where’s the beef?” inquirer?
33 Broke up a band, say
34 Modern meeting aid for many
36 Greasy spoons
37 Word with dim
39 Nurses
1 Some striped strips 2 Lead-in to some unsolicited advice
40 Part of an urban fleet
42 Sofia’s husband in “The Color Purple”
43 Poet who wrote “I have spread my dreams under your feet / Tread softly because you tread on my dreams”
44 Some pickups
45 Like a Buffalo nickel
46 Maisie Williams’s role on “Game of Thrones”
47 Edges of a diamond?
50 Pose
The Sturgeon Moon rules this week, named for the ancient sh that has been around for 200 million years. The sturgeon was here in the days of Pangea and the single ocean. The sturgeon saw the velociraptor come and go, the land break, the sea part. The world goes on changing, but the sturgeon remains. Focus on the full moon in Aquarius to get in touch with that unchanging, eternal core of you.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Responsibility and power go together. Taking responsibility gives you power, and you can’t have real power if you don’t take real responsibility. This week, you’ll take on a cause wholeheartedly and make it your own. It won’t be long before you are known for this and it is indeed a part of you.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The eyes in your head can only see what’s visible, and even then, as they are only focused on one thing at a time, they miss a lot. But your invisible eyes can see invisible things and many things at once. You can trust the information they take in this week.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). While some will be inclined to spin the roulette wheel or pull on the handle of a slot machine, hoping for destiny’s favor, you prefer to base your nances on something far less precarious. You’ll nd security in a fair exchange of sweat to dollars, and you’ll leverage your work and talent to make a tidy bundle this week.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s exciting to be around passionate people, though there may be consequences to bringing them in to certain environments where caution is what’s called for. Your heart may be such an environment. You will learn a fuller range of someone’s personality and get a sense of how they might t into your world.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Silence is wisdom’s favorite dancing partner. It will take a great deal of restraint not to say what pops to mind, but you’ll hold back and observe, intent on listening carefully and reading the room accurately. You will wait until you are convinced your input will be helpful, then you’ll give generously.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There are those who ask things of you all day long, but they are not the ones who need you the most. The neediest will be quiet and may not even know what to ask for. You’ve a talent for sensing the best way to take care of people. Just remember that you can’t give what you don’t have. Replenish yourself.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You crave certain aesthetic standards -- a blessing and a curse. You feel it is your responsibility to nd, appreciate and utilize the splendor around you. It’s not always easy, but it pays o for you. People warm to the loveliness you cultivate, and portals of opportunity open wide.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The body has its own intelligence. It’s not hard for you to imagine that your muscles, bones and cells hold energy of things forgotten, but do they also hold the energy of experiences to come? Your intuition will tingle this week, and acting on your inklings will bring you good fortune.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). At times, your sensitivity and empathy have been exploited, but these qualities are not a weakness. Quite the opposite is true. Your deep understanding of others is a remarkable ability, your connection a most precious gift. You will use your talents with discernment and make a di erence.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You may feel stuck, but it’s because you are buying into an illusion. With a little detachment, you’ll notice your rights and freedoms and you’ll clearly see what limits are imaginary. Pretend you’re an actor playing a role that just happens to be “you.” Step outside of it for a moment to decide how best to play this.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A chasm of confusion matches an age gap. If you feel misunderstood by the generation before you and underappreciated by the one behind you, know that you’re not alone -- it’s the same for every generation. Because you’re wise beyond your years and youthful inside them, you are uniquely quali ed to solve this.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your mental fortitude is impressive. When your mind grabs onto an idea, your body will obey. You have serious follow-through and won’t have to muster up the motivation to complete your tasks because you’ll be driven by deep and mysterious motivation.
THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS: You’ve a new comfort level within yourself. As you nurture and appreciate what’s special about you, others see it, too, and put your talents to work. A showcase seems custom-made for you, and you’ll gain many fans who continue to support you in the years to come. More highlights: There’s a move that o ers you the chance to reinvent yourself. You’ll purchase property. You’ll have the spiritual comforts of connection, the warmth of solid relationships and the reassurance of good humor.
Tips for back-to-school shopping on a budget
BY FAMILY FEATURESBetween navigating store aisles and online sales for everything from clothes and shoes to supplies and sports equipment, back-to-school shopping can be a time-consuming — and expensive — endeavor.
To help stay on budget while still getting everything you need, consider these tips from Vitaly Pecharsky, head of deals for Slickdeals, an online community of shoppers working together to shop smarter and save more.
Take stock of current inventory
Before you hit the stores, take inventory of items you already have at home or in the office to see what you truly need. Knowing what you already have on hand can help you avoid the temptation of stocking up on items you may not even need just because they were on sale. That 50-cent pack of crayons may be a good deal, but too many of those can add up, especially if you realize later you had the same item sitting unused in a closet or drawer at home.
Check with teachers
Don’t be afraid to email your children’s teachers before classes start to find out what supplies are absolutely necessary. Sometimes a school will put out a list, but the teachers may not require you to have all the items on the list, particularly if students may be sharing and supplies may need to be restocked later in the school year.
Tap into technology
Shopping online is a quick and easy way
to compare products, services and prices, but it can be overwhelming trying to determine if you’re really getting the best option. Before making a final decision on everything from laptops to markers, visiting a site like Slickdeals can help you find the best products at the best prices. With 12 million users who vet and vote on deals from top retailers, you can feel comfortable knowing you’re getting the best value. You can also set deal alerts to be notified via email when a deal that matches your criteria gets posted.
Buy pre-owned
From uniforms and sporting equipment to clothing and more, not everything needs to be new each school year. Visiting online consignment shops can help you find big savings on like-new, often brand name clothing, accessories and more.
Avoid buying equipment for extracurricular activities all at once
If your children are trying new sports, clubs or extracurricular activities for the first time, consider waiting to purchase all the necessary equipment. Oftentimes, you may be able to borrow or buy pre-owned items from other parents whose kids have outgrown the equipment or no longer participate. If your children end up deciding a sport or activity isn’t for them, you’re not stuck with things that may end up collecting dust in the garage or basement.
Shop without your kids
Leaving the kids at home when shopping may help save money, according to a survey commissioned by Slickdeals and conducted by OnePoll. The study of 2,000 parents in the United States found two out of three respondents believe shopping with their kids tends to be more expensive than shopping by themselves with solo ventures costing an average of $133 compared to $179 when taking children along.
BACK TO SCHOOL!
S ON UNIFIED SCHOOLDIS
#PROUD2BTUSD
Must-have essentials for back-to-school season
BY FAMILY FEATURESWith school bells ringing for students of all ages, it’s important to make sure your student has all the necessities to be successful this year.
While that often means running from store to store in search of supplies, stylish clothes and other essentials, these top picks for securing valuables, decorating dorm rooms, planning out schedules, getting necessary nutrition and staying hydrated can help ensure your student is geared up for success in the classroom and beyond.
Find more back-to-school essentials and tips for success in the classroom at elivingtoday.com.
Protect new purchases on campus
A new school year brings plenty of excitement, but it can also be stressful for students moving away from home who need to safeguard valuables like tablets, smartphones, passports, or an emergency credit card. To help alleviate backto-school worries, SentrySafe, a leading name in fire-resistant and security storage for more than 90 years, offers solutions to provide peace of mind for parents and students.
An affordable, convenient and fireproof option, the 1200 fire chest protects items
against fires up to 1,500 F for 30 minutes. It also features a built-in key lock and convenient handle for added security and simplified transport. Find more back-to-school security solutions at sentrysafe.com.
Quick and easy meals
Keeping weeknight dinners and school lunches simple means more time for family and less stress during the week. Cook up quick and easy weeknight dinners, school lunches or on-the-go snacks with Minute Rice Cups. Ready in only 1 minute, the BPA-free cups are available in a variety of flavors such as chicken and herb, cilantro and lime and jalapeno.
Visit minuterice.com for more information.
Make organization personal
Help your student keep notes, study times and test dates organized with a quality planner that also showcases his or her personality. Available in a myriad of trendy colors and patterns — like polka dots, stripes or chevron — as well as various calendar layouts like daily, weekly or monthly, the right planner can help students of all ages stay on track, achieve goals and preserve memories in one stylish and organized place.
Sleep in style
Where a student sleeps may be one of the last things on his or her mind when thinking about the excitement that awaits in college but getting plenty of sleep is key to success. Amp the appeal of the dorm-issue mattress with stylish and comfy bedding that reflects your personality. Look for quality threads you can snuggle into, and coordinate with pillows to make your bed a cozy place to sit and study by day.
Take H2O on the go
A durable reusable water bottle can make your back-to-school routine even easier. With a variety of sizes and styles available in a multitude of colors and designs, there’s almost certain to be an option for students of all ages and activity levels. Look for durable, leak-proof stainless steel or hard plastic options that offer different lid styles, including wide-opening or those with retractable straws, to make hydrating on the walk between classes a breeze.
SHOPPINGfrom page 9
Take advantage of student discounts
If you have children in college, you may be able to use their student ID cards to your advantage to save even more money. Before making purchases on big-ticket items like tablets or laptops, be sure to inquire about discounts available only for students. Some companies even offer student-only memberships for discounted services, such as shipping, video and music.
Find deals on supplies and gear for backto-school season at www.slickdeals.com.
Four top tech devices to enhance education
Gone are the days of paper and pencil being the necessities for learning. Schoolwork has gone digital, meaning it’s time to gear up your students for success with the top tech that keeps them connected in the classroom and beyond.
From kid-friendly smartphones and earbuds to connected wearables and devices that keep learning fun, consider these on-trend solutions as your kids head back to school.
Find more schooltime tech by visiting qualcomm.com/snapdragonbts.
Power at-home productivity
Students (and parents, too) can accomplish more after school like homework, studying and socializing with the Dell Inspiron 14 laptop powered by the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 Compute Plat-
form. Equipped with the Qualcomm AI Engine, this processor enhances audio and visual experiences. Effortlessly multitask and shift between apps without sacrificing speed or battery life, given the power-efficient processor that helps deliver long battery life even in thin, light and quiet designs that don’t require a loud, hot fan.
Listen and learn
Whether students are listening to prerecorded lessons, immersing themselves in audiobooks or simply enjoying some favorite music while completing schoolwork, high-quality earbuds can help block out noise for maximum productivity. For example, the Moto Buds 600 ANC Wireless Earbuds feature Snapdragon Sound technology that delivers advanced wireless audio quality.
A game changer for wireless audio, it eliminates the gap between wireless and wired connections for high-resolution music and synced entertainment.
Opt for kid-friendly wearables
focused in the classroom.
Keep in touch during schooldays
If a smartphone is a bit too advanced for your little learners, an age-appropriate smartwatch that keeps them connected may be a better fit. Empower kids to be kids with an option like the Snapdragon Wear 4100-powered Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 with a range of benefits from 4G LTE cellular connectivity to games and GPS-safe zones. This smartwatch is designed with safety and fun in mind without the distractions of a smartphone so you can have some peace of mind while keeping students
Hectic schedules during schooldays and workdays can leave parents feeling out of the loop. When your children are ready for a ride home or a practice, game or activity gets canceled, ensure you can be the first to know by keeping them connected with the OnePlus 11 5G powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform. It combines power with effortless elegance and is driven by extreme hardware with Dolby Atmos Speakers, Dolby Vision, 80W SUPERVOOC Charging and 3rd Gen Hasselblad Camera for Mobile. ■
Educating districts about clean transportation
BY FAMILY FEATURESAlthough most school districts have implemented technology that makes it easy to connect with teachers, you may still wonder how to create dialogue within your district about larger scale issues than your child’s homework assignments.
One example is sustainability, which is an issue many parents feel strongly about. Opening conversations with leaders in the school district can result in many kinds of eco-friendly changes, such as a greater commitment to recycling and teaching kids about the importance of protecting the environment. Transportation is another area where districts can make more sustainable choices, which can also save money over time.
Most of the school buses on the road today run on diesel, which is known to cause respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. There are two primary energy alternatives to diesel for clean
student transportation: propane and electric. While both can achieve clean transportation, the cost to do so is not equal.
Propane is a fraction of the cost for the initial bus purchase and infra-
structure is affordable, scalable and available in communities across the country. What’s more, propane has a range of 400 miles, allowing a sizable vehicle like a bus to reliably travel long distances without stopping to refuel.
If you’d like to talk with your school district about reducing emissions in your community and saving money for your district’s budget, consider these tips:
Compile information to share Your concerns are more likely to attract attention if you collect meaningful details and data to support your request. In addition to statistics and research that explain why your school district should reconsider traditional diesel transportation, you might also gather information on the district’s transportation expenses. You can make your points more relevant by learning about how other districts in your area are making sustainable choices like choosing propane buses.
Write a letter to district officials
Once you thoroughly research and organize the details most relevant to
A child who continues to develop their math skills can feel confident that they’re on track for a successful school year. Mathnasium gives students the instruction they need to reinforce what they’re learning in school, work on concepts that may pose a challenge, and take their math knowledge to a new level. In other words, we got this.
A child who continues to develop their math skills can feel confident that they’re on track for a successful school year. Mathnasium gives students the instruction they need to reinforce what they’re learning in school, work on concepts that may pose a challenge, and take their math knowledge to a new level. In other words, we got this.
Preparing your children for kindergarten
BY FAMILY FEATURESBeing ready for kindergarten is about far more than writing names and reciting the ABCs. It is also about building a foundation for deeper conceptual thinking, curiosity, creativity and social and emotional skills that can help children during their early school days and also in life.
For parents, this transition can be nerve-wracking and raise questions about how to best prepare their children for the next step in their educational journeys.
Dr. Lauren Starnes, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, and Lee Scott, chairperson of The Goddard School’s Educational Advisory Board, recommend helping children prepare for kindergarten through:
Building strong routines and foundations for learning
Language and literacy: Practice writing by making place cards for the dinner table. For younger children, it can be the first letter of each person’s name or fun scribbles on the card. Early scribbles are part of developing writing skills.
Mathematics: Count while you work. Ask your children to put away toys. As they work, you can count the toys together.
Science: Make yard cleanup fun. As you clean the yard, talk about the leaves and why they turn colors and fall to the ground. Pile them up and jump in.
Executive function: Incorporate your children in planning for the family. Help your children stay organized with a daily or weekly chart. Have your children make the chart with you. For younger children, you can use drawings or pictures instead of words.
Creative expression: Sing and dance while you work. Make up songs or repeat favorites as your children go through a few basic chores such as putting clothes away.
Social-emotional development: Build a sense of responsibility and caring for others with real or pretend pets. Take the dog for a walk, feed the cat or water the pet rock. Taking care of a pet can help children develop a sense of responsibility and empathy for others.
Healthy development and well-being: Daily routines help your children practice
Desert Financial’s
returns
BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFFDesert Financial Credit Union welcomes K-12 teachers across Arizona to apply for its 4th annual “Adopt-A-Teacher” Program. Desert Financial will award seven teachers with $3,000 each for classroom supplies between September and November.
Desert Financial will accept applications for the program between Friday, Aug. 11, and Friday, Aug. 25. Seven winners will be selected and notified by Friday, Sept. 1. The program is open to any K-12 teacher who works or lives in Cochise, Coconino, Gila, La Paz,
fine motor skills while doing a few chores, such as setting a table, helping you cook by mixing or stirring, putting their clothes on or brushing their teeth.
Incorporating playful experiences
Puzzles: Solving puzzles supports the development of skills such as concentration, self-regulation, critical thinking and spatial recognition.
Board games: Playing games provides a number of benefits for children, including supporting memory and critical thinking, helping them learn to take turns and count, and developing early language skills.
Blocks: Block building supports creativity, cognitive flexibility, planning and organization. Take some time to build with
blocks using different shapes and colors. Clay: Children need to develop fine motor skills beyond using devices. Few things are better for developing fine motor skills than modeling clay. Learning to sculpt with clay also builds creativity, artistic expression and strategic thinking.
Recycled materials: Inspire creativity by finding things around the house to build with, such as cardboard, paper, paper towel rolls and plastic bottles.
For more actionable parenting insights, guidance and resources – including a webinar with Scott focused on kindergarten readiness visit www.goddardschool.com. ■
Mohave, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai or Yuma counties.
The application requires a teacher’s name, grade level, school, contact information and wish list for up to $3,000 in classroom supplies and essentials.
Winners from previous years used Adopt-A-Teacher funds to take class field trips, restock classroom supplies, and purchase supplementary equipment for photography, hands-on science and class projects.
Info: www.desertfinancial.com/ adoptateacher. ■
TRANSPORTATION from page 14
your community, you can begin to share it with others. One important step is a letter to the school district that documents your concerns and conveys the importance of clean, safe, healthy transportation for children. The key is to not only spell out the harm being caused, but also to provide a viable solution.
Educate district officials
Once you’ve gone on record with a letter, you can work to educate leaders in the school district about clean energy buses. Often, a school board meeting is the most efficient way to open this dialogue because you can address the entire board at once. An added benefit is other members of the community who are deeply interested in school operations are likely to attend, and reporters covering the school
district may also hear and report on your information, which can spread word to the larger community.
Call a parent-teacher meeting
Working together, parents and teachers have a strong voice within the school system. A meeting among like-minded parents and teachers can be a forum for you to collectively develop a strategy for gathering further support for your cause, educating about the importance of the issue and ultimately driving change for your community.
Visit www.betterourbuses.com to find resources to talk to your school district about important matters like switching to propane school buses. ■
Five tips to ace college entry exams
Because most colleges and universities require applicants to submit ACT or SAT results as part of admissions consideration, prepping for the test itself can be a critical component of that process.
While it can oftentimes be hard to deal with the anxiety that comes with a rigorous test meant to show your mastery of certain subjects and concepts, such as reading and mathematics, consider these test prep tips to help boost your score while simultaneously lowering stress.
Register early
To allow yourself as much flexibility as possible, taking college entrance exams during your junior year of high school is encouraged. If you don’t get an ideal score, you can refine your approach and retake the exam with a better idea of what to expect.
Take a practice test
Any test prep plan should start with a practice SAT or ACT exam. Taking practice tests under realistic conditions can help you gain a better understanding of the content of the test, improve your time management and help combat test anxiety. You can use your practice test as a baseline to set goals and focus the rest of your prep on areas you would like to improve before the real thing.
Sign up for a prep course
If you find studying on your own difficult or not as successful as you’d hoped, a prep course can put you through the paces and hold you accountable. Complete with homework and in-class practice, prep classes can range from small groups to larger classes taught by test experts. Some school districts even offer after-school programs dedicated to ACT or SAT prep.
Gather supplies
To help reduce test day stress, gather everything you’ll need the night before. Check the list of banned items – cellphones aren’t permitted – to make sure you don’t accidentally bring something you’re not allowed to have. Ensure your bag is packed with your admission ticket, valid photo identification, several sharpened pencils with erasers, an approved calculator (with fresh batteries) and a watch, if allowed.
Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast
While it can be tempting to stay up late the night before the test to cram, you’re likely to perform better with a full night’s sleep. Sleep is important for retention, and eating a balanced breakfast before heading out the door can aid in your ability to focus. To make your morning easier, prep breakfast before bed to keep an early morning from starting even earlier.
Visit www.eLivingtoday.com for more education tips and information. ■
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Anita Kellman parlays grief into aid
BY TIFFANY KJOS Tucson Local Media ContributorAnita Kellman seems to have been born to help people who are dying.
As a patient advocate for nearly two decades, Kellman has been at the bedside of thousands of people facing death and has volunteered for years at local hospices.
But when her mom died, she didn’t know what to do.
“Even though I was in the medical profession, dealing with people passing, when I was in it with my mother there were so many things that I had to figure out on my own,” she said.
“I saw what gaps there were for people who had no idea what was going on. I want to help people so they won’t feel lost like I did.”
Where is the will? Does the person facing death want to be cremated or have a traditional funeral? Who is designated to make medical and financial decisions?
“These are all the kinds of conversations that I want to have to make it easier and less scary to people,” Kellman said.
Years ago, Kellman founded a nonprofit physical training program for breast cancer patients that evolved into a place for people with all forms of cancer.
One of her lifelong friends, Jan Cohen, said the only character deficiency Kellman might have is being too giving.
“It’s never about Anita. She’s not a businesswoman in the sense that it’s about a profit. Her profit comes from what she could do for people,” said
Anita Kellman recently certified to become an end-of-life doula. She helps both patients and their families with the important and often overlooked details of death.
(Special toTuscon Local Media)
Cohen, who has known Kellman for more than 30 years.
“It’s always about everyone but herself. Truly. That’s part of her.”
Kellman recently became a certified end-of-life doula. She can help people with estate planning, run errands, and, probably most importantly, be there for patients.
“Physical, emotional and spiritual support is what it is in a nutshell,” Kellman said. “Everything kind of overlaps. I feel I’ve been doing this role for years and now there’s a name for it.”
Doulas (pronounced doola) are generally known to help mothers before, during and after delivering a baby.
While they focus on the beginning of life, Kellman is here to support those at the other end.
“There is the vigil sitting, which I do a lot of, being able to give them peace and comfort and try to take the fear out of the end of life,” she said.
This can involve talking with the patient, family members and caregivers. It also involves referring them to attorneys and others.
“The ultimate gift of love is when the person facing the end of life prepares so their loved ones don’t have to worry,” Kellman said.
People have a hard time not knowing how to navigate and what to do first.
“Is it sad when people pass? Yes. But to know that I helped them to be comfortable and not scared, that’s rewarding,” Kellman said.
Kellman enjoys listening to patients and can write or videotape their personal histories and prewrite birthday cards for loved ones for years to come.
“I love hearing all their stories, and it’s the first time I’m hearing it so I’m hearing it with open ears,” she said. “That’s one of my favorite things to do. There’s so much history in each person and they love to share.”
Part of giving people death with grace and dignity is seeing them as a whole person and not just a patient, Kellman said.
She recalls a woman in hospice who was concerned about the state of her fingernails. Kellman arranged for a manicurist to come in and in the meantime gave the woman lavender lotion.
“She wanted to feel like a lady again. Just because you’re dying doesn’t mean you don’t care about feeling good,” she said. “A lot of the senses — touch, smell — bring them back to happy times, too.”
Kellman has a natural rapport with virtually everyone. She hosts a free monthly “Death with a Doula” meeting. At a recent gathering she launched a topic, then the rest of the group took off with it. “She sort of fades back, and people respond to her and open up,” Cohen said. “They really do.”
Anita Kellman
www.anitakellman.com
doula@anitakellman.com
Benefits of bike riding for seniors
BY AJO BIKESBiking is an excellent form of exercise for seniors. It’s easy on the joints, great for the cardiovascular system and a fun and social activity. Plus, a little wind and sunshine are good for the mind. Research shows that when older adults cycle, they can:
• Improve their brain function
• Preserve their balance
• Reduce their risk of heart disease
• Reduce their waist circumference. (When extra weight collects around a person’s waistline they’re at higher risk for diabetes, cancer, heart disease and premature death.)
While biking can be good for you, seek your medical provider’s approval before beginning any new exercise program.
Types of bikes for seniors
There are plenty of bike options that can accommodate older riders and varying levels of skill, fitness and mobility.
No matter the style you ultimately choose, it is recommended practicing on a stationary bike before you hit the open road to help boost your cycling confidence and get you used to the mechanics of a bike, including the sometimes-tricky act of mounting and dismounting.
Cruisers
As the name implies, cruiser bikes — also known as beach cruisers — are made for casual cycling. With wide tires, wide seats and tall handlebars, they’re ideal for older adults looking for a stable yet comfortable ride. They’re great for wheeling around town or running errands. But all those features that make the bikes stable also make them heavy. If you plan to transport the bike anywhere, make sure you can lift it before buying. Cruisers are best used on flat trails, they’re not good for long distances (or going uphill) because of their lack of gears and their weight. The heavier a bike is, the harder it is to start from a stop and generate momentum.
Cruiser bikes can also be hard to navigate around tight turns due to their long wheelbase, and with a top speed of about 15 miles per hour you won’t break any land speed records on a cruiser.
Adult trikes
Remember the tricycles of your youth?
Adult trikes operate under the same principle. They’re three-wheeled adult-sized bikes that, like cruiser bikes, are built for the casual cyclist looking for comfort and stability. Trikes are a great choice for someone new to biking, as they don’t require much skill to ride.
The three wheels give the bike a solid, balanced feel — perfect for riders concerned about falling — and some come with gears, so you don’t have to worry about getting up hills. However, these bikes aren’t built for speed or off-roading. Thanks to their boxy design, they’re heavier, more difficult to transport and take up more room than a traditional bike.
Recumbent bikes
A recumbent bike allows you to cycle in a semi-reclined position, with the bike’s pedals in front of you instead of underneath you. This bike style is a great choice for anyone who needs back or neck support or wants to reduce pressure on their knees. Some recumbent bikes also come with hand cycles instead of traditional foot pedals, so you don’t have to use your legs at all to propel the bike. Because you’re low to the ground, you’re apt to feel more stable. However, that low profile can diminish your visibility to others, so be sure to equip your recumbent bike with a safety flag.
Recumbent bikes allow you to ride on roads and trails, and because of their extra width, riders notice that drivers give them a much wider pass than they did when you ride a regular bike. Some recumbent bikes can be folded, but they can still be difficult to transport due to their weight.
Custom designs closets for the individual
BY CLASSY CLOSETSCustom Closets addresses the fact that one closet size or style doesn’t fit all. Each room has a size and shape and needs a specially designed closet.
Everyone is unique, and each person’s home should cater to their life the way they want to live it.
Most homes are designed and built with basic and uniform closet layouts that appeal to the general population. The materials used are like the design, basic, standard and inexpensive.
Your daily activities, way of living and the things that bring meaning and purpose into your life belong to you, and your home should play a supporting role.
For those who want and deserve custom closets, work with the best: Classy Closets.
As Arizona’s premier custom closet manufacturer, Classy Closets has been designing, building and installing custom closets and organizational solutions in Arizona homes for over 35 years.
Its team has seen firsthand how one basic closet size does not fit all.
The manufacturer is Tucson, Arizona and surrounding areas’ best company for any storage solutions, organizing one’s garage, home office, kitchen closet pantries or just about any closet ranking design and installation need. ■
We bring healingHome.
• Skilled nursing care
• Personal care aides
• Counseling and spiritual care
• Bereavement support
• Dedicated volunteers
• Specialized Veteran care
Hospice: Is the time right?
Hospice care is comprehensive, person-centered care provided by an interdisciplinary care team in the comfort of your own home. For those who qualify, hospice is 100% covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances.
Hospice care is comprehensive, person-centered care provided by an interdisciplinary care team in the comfort of your own home. For those who qualify, hospice is 100% covered by Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurances.
We understand that making decisions about the care that’s right for you or your loved ones may be difficult. Our team is here to help. Use the questions below to help guide your decision making. If answer yes to one or more of the following questions, it may be time to connect with our team to learn more about how we support families through their healthcare journey.
• Have they been hospitalized multiple times in the last six months?
We understand that making decisions about the care that’s right for you or your loved ones may be difficult. Our team is here to help. Use the questions below to help guide your decision making. If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, it may be time to connect with our team to learn more about how we support families through their healthcare journey.
• Have they increased the frequency or dosage of medication to ease their physical pain?
• Have they been frequently seeking physician’s assistance either by phone or in person visits?
• Have they started to become less active and more sedentary for most of the day?
• Have they grown weaker or noticeably more tired?
Hospice: Is the time right?
• Have they had recent weight loss or begun eating less?
• Have they become short of breath, even while rested or relaxed?
• Have they been hospitalized multiple times in the last six months?
• Have they been diagnosed with a chronic progressive or life limiting illness?
• Have they increased the frequency or dosage of medication to ease their physical pain?
Hospice care is comprehensive, person-centered care provided by an interdisciplinary care team in the comfort of your own home. For those who qualify, hospice is 100% covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances.
We want to help guide you and your loved ones along your healthcare journey. We’ll be there when the time is right.
• Have they been frequently seeking physician’s assistance either by phone or in person visits?
We understand that making decisions about the care that’s right for you or your loved ones may be difficult. Our team is here to help. Use the questions below to help guide your decision making. If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, it may be time to connect with our team to learn more about how we support families through their healthcare journey.
• Have they started to become less active and more sedentary for most of the day?
• Have they grown weaker or noticeably more tired?
• Have they been hospitalized multiple times in the last six months?
• Have they increased the frequency or dosage of medication to ease their physical pain?
• Have they had recent weight loss or begun eating less?
• Have they been frequently seeking physician’s assistance either by phone or in person visits?
HospiceWePromise.com
• Have they started to become less active and more sedentary for most of the day?
• Have they become short of breath, even while rested or relaxed?
• Have they grown weaker or noticeably more tired?
Phone: 520.544.9890 • Fax: 520.544.9894
• Have they had recent weight loss or begun eating less?
• Have they been diagnosed with a chronic progressive or life limiting illness?
• Have they become short of breath, even while rested or relaxed?
• Have they been diagnosed with a chronic progressive or life limiting illness?
We want to help guide you and your loved ones along your healthcare journey. We’ll be there when the time is right.
We want to help guide you and your loved ones along your healthcare journey. We’ll be there when the time is right.