Foothills News 08/23/2023

Home Sweet Home Special Section Inside!

SAACA event is a fiesta come to life

the city through salsa, tequila and tacos.

Guests can indulge in a fusion of flavors at the 10th annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge, hosted by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), at El Conquistador Tucson.

The Saturday, Aug. 26 event blends cocktail craftsmanship and culinary creativity, showcasing the region’s offerings and celebrating

Thomas Gerald new assistant band director

BY AIDAN SCHONBRUN

Thomas Gerald was inspired by Ramon Sepulveda, his fifth-grade and high school band teacher.

So much so that Gerald is following in his mentor’s footsteps, replacing him as the assistant band director at Catalina Foothills High School. Sepulveda stepped down in May.

“He’s always been a huge mentor for me and one of the reasons I really loved band so much,” Gerald said. “The reason I really wanted to go into teaching was because of him.”

A 2019 Catalina Foothills graduate, Gerald was a member of the Tucson Philharmonia

The event will feature 30 vendors from the Tucson area, competing for 20 awards. Apart from the food and drinks, this year the event will introduce six lucha libre wrestling matches. Music and dance performances will also be the highlight of the night, featuring an assortment of mariachi, folklorico, Mexican pop, and more.

This year holds special significance as it marks the event’s 10th anniversary and the

first one since 2019. According to Jonathan Frahm, SAACA marketing and events coordinator, the event began as a block party but evolved into what it is today.

“We wanted to do something different to make it more memorable, with it being our 10th anniversary,” he said.

Adding a special touch to the event is HighWire Tucson, a premier bar and the home of

Youth Orchestra, and the Arizona Symphonic Winds, with whom he made multiple solo appearances performing John Williams’ “Jabba the Hutt,” Lebedev’s Concerto in One

Movement, and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Concerto for Bass Tuba.

Thomas Gerald is new assistant band director at Catalina Foothills High School. (Submitted)

Lyle Lovett and His Accoustic Band make the scene at the Fox Theatre

BY BANNON CLARK Tuscon Local Media Staff

Summer Social: “Life in the Tar Seeps” AUG. 23

Complimentary snacks and a cash bar set the stage for a social evening reflecting on a tragedy possibly best understood through poetry. Gretchen E. Henderson will read and discuss her work, “Life in the Tar Seeps: A Spiraling Ecology from a Dying Sea.” Henderson visited the Great Salt Lake’s tar seeps the wake of a near-fatal car accident. Her work leans into the landscape’s shared experience of life and death, degeneration and regeneration, injury and healing.

The Century Room, Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, free, 5 p.m., poetry.arizona.edu

Greatest Showman Movie Musical Sing Along AUG. 26

Fans of “The Greatest Showman” can sing along with the tunes the way they wanted to—in the theater. This sing-along version will display the tunes’ lyrics on the screen, allowing the audience to hit all the notes with Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams and Zendaya!

Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $7.50, 7 p.m., 520-547-3040, foxtucson.com

Swim with a Mermaid AUG. 26

Mermaid Odette just loves Hotel McCoy’s saltwater pool. She’s been holding forth there every other Saturday, talking to kids about ocean conservation, creativity and following their dreams. Find her there on Saturday, Aug. 26. She expects to spend the intervening weekend in Bisbee, where in lieu of their annual Return of the Mermaids on Fourth Avenue, Tucson’s mermaid cohort will descend upon Bisbee’s annual Pirate Weekend. It’s high time someone taught those pirates some manners.

Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, free admission, 6 to 8 p.m., hotelmccoy.com, themermaidodette.com

Music & Movies: “Selena” with Las Azaleas SEPT. 9

The Fox pairs one-of-a-kind performances by local music artists with a music-themed film. This time, it’s “Selena” with Las Azaleas presents Como la Flor. Las Azaleas invites audiences to sing along to some of Selena’s greatest hits at Tucson’s Historic Fox Tucson Theatre. In the biographical drama, Selena Quintanilla (Jennifer Lopez) is born into a musical Mexican American family in Texas. Her father (Edward James Olmos) realizes that his daughter is talented and begins performing with her at small venues. She finds success and falls for guitarist, Chris Perez (Jon Seda). Seeking mainstream stardom, Selena begins recording an English-language album which, tragically, she never completed.

Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $12.50, 7 p.m. music, 8 p.m. movie, 520-547-3040, foxtucson.com

“I Love to Eat” SEPT. 5 TO SEPT. 17

Before Rachael Ray, Gordon Ramsay, and even Julia Child, there was James Beard—America’s first TV chef and namesake of the coveted culinary prize. In this one-man comedy, Beard welcomes us into his Greenwich Village kitchen where he cooks, gossips, sings, fights loneliness and re-enacts moments from his ground-breaking 1946 TV show.

Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Avenue, Tucson, tickets start at $20, various times, invisibletheatre.com Sun, Sep 3 - Mon, Sep 4

FOOTHILLS NEWS

The

STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher

Michael Hiatt, Vice President

Laura Meehan, Associate Publisher lmeehan@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Claudine Sowards, Accounting claudine@timeslocalmedia.com

EDITORIAL

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Executive Editor christina@timeslocalmedia.com

Karen Scha ner, Sta Reporter kscha ner@tucsonlocalmedia.com

PRODUCTION

Courtney Oldham, Design Manager production@timeslocalmedia.com

Veronica Thurman, Graphic Designer vthurman@timeslocalmedia.com

CIRCULATION

Aaron Kolodny, Circulation Director aaron@phoenix.org

ADVERTISING

TLMSales@TucsonLocalMedia.com

Kristin Chester, Account Executive kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Leah Pittman, Account Executive lpittman@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Zac Reynolds, Director of National Advertising zac@timeslocalmedia.com

EDITORIAL

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Tucson, AZ - When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with anti-depressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness and numbness.

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “BandAid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

(above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Arrowhead Physical Medicine in Tuscon, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. This ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling.

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less them 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

HOT PICKS from page 2

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group SEPT. 5

A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.

Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $20, 7:30 p.m., 520-547-3040, foxtucson.com

Ongoing events

Cool Summer Nights TO AUG. 26

Every Saturday night, the Sonora Desert Museum celebrates summer with families.

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, tickets start at $20, free for members, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 9 p.m. Saturday. 520-833-1380, desertmuseum.org

Dog Days of Summer TO SEPT. 30

Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, tickets start at $15 with discounts available, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., tucsonbotanical.org

Biosphere 2 DAILY

We may have experienced an earlier iteration of the Biosphere as something like a passive “zoo” of biomes, but now the focus is on climate change and sustainability research. Interdisciplinary scientists from all over are finding ways to “increase resilience and sustainability of Earth systems and human quality of life.” Ecosystems under glass include the world’s largest controlled tropical rain forest, desert, savanna, mangrove, ocean biomes. Eye-popping fact: 7.2 million cubic feet are sealed within 6,500 windows. Those systems have now seen 30 years of evolution.

Biosphere 2, 32540 S. Biosphere Road, Tucson, $25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., biosphere2.org

Heirloom Farmers Market

SATURDAYS

Thankfully, Tuscon is the birthplace of a brand new facility that sheds light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage

Arrowhead Physical Medicine begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage – a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until September 30th, 2023. Call (520) 934-0130 to make an appointment.

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 callers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (520) 934-0130...NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Guests can take their dogs to Tucson Botanical Gardens through Sept. 30. Imagine the smells they’ll enjoy and the fun of exploring new trails, most shaded by the gardens’ old-growth trees. No doubt they’d also welcome a bite from whatever you order from Edna’s Eatery on site. It’s run by Westward Look Resort

Fresh fruits and veggies deliver the cool on these summer days. Find all your favorite local produce for a dessert, a salad or a slaw and stock up on pork, beef and eggs from nearby farms and ranches. In this Oro Valley event, food vendors and artisans spread their wares among the historic structures and gardens of Steam Pump Ranch.

Historic Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley, free admission, 8 a.m. to noon, heirloomfm.org

AGING WELL

Hitting a Healthy Note: The Benefits of Singing

Not all healthy pastimes require you to break a sweat or change your diet. Sometimes Aging Well can be as easy as do-re-mi. That’s right—you can Age Well simply by singing, or better yet, singing with others. Research has proven that singing in a group can improve your mood, your brain health, and even your immune system. This is great news for those who already love to burst into song—and that is a lot of people. The chorus advocacy group Chorus America estimates that 42.6 million Americans regularly sing in organized groups. One such group can be found at Splendido, a Life Plan Community for those 55 and better in Oro Valley.

A Harmonious Example

The Splendido Singers currently numbers 15 residents and is led by Julia Pinckney Jones, a Tucson-based voice and music teacher. “I started directing the singers in fall 2022. I wanted it to be a challenge, and that seems to be going well,” she says.

stress and anxiety. And singing in a group has special benefits: Turkish researchers found that people who spent an hour a week singing in a choir had less anxiety and negative emotions than non-singing counterparts.

“When I’m not singing, I miss it!” says Splendido Singer Sue Durling. “I don’t know why I like it so much—I guess it’s simply gratifying to prepare a piece of music and perform it well.”

Stronger immune system:

Splendido resident Judy Effken is a former singer who accompanies the choir on piano. She says, “The group has grown bigger and better. They’re starting to blend, and the singers are starting to feel it.”

The Singers are a good example of Splendido programming that incorporates ContinuWell,™ the community’s wellness philosophy. ContinuWell is based on the Person-Centric Wellness Model developed by

Mather Institute (the research area of one of Splendido’s two parent organizations). Splendido programs apply the model to support each participant’s wellness through the universal motivators of Autonomy (when a healthy pursuit is of your own choosing), Achievement (when you feel enabled to reach your goals), and A liation (when your e orts are encouraged by others).

The Accompanying Benefits of Singing

There has been much research on how the act of singing a ects us. Here’s an overview of some health benefits that choral singers enjoy:

Brighter mood: Singing is a natural mood-booster. The act of singing causes the body to release “feel-good” chemicals endorphins and oxytocin, which make us feel happy and ease

One study of professional choir members used blood draws before and after a one-hour rehearsal, finding not only reduced levels of stress hormone but higher levels of antibodies compared to choir members who simply listened to music.

Social connections: British researchers found that people who take part in a choir experience a stronger sense of participating in a collective endeavor than those involved in other social activities, including team sports.

Improved memory: Researchers have seen improvements in memory in singers and believe that it is the e ect of getting more oxygenated blood to the brain.

Perhaps the best news of all: You don’t have to be a good singer to enjoy these benefits. One study shows that singing in a group conveys “satisfying and therapeutic sensations even when the sound produced by the vocal instrument is of mediocre quality.”

“I’m not surprised at these health benefits,” says Sue (who is a good singer). “I have no idea why I’m as healthy as I am—but I’m happy to attribute it to being a lifelong singer.”

Judy sums up by saying of the Singers: “It’s relaxing, it makes people feel better, and they’re doing something together— and hopefully it makes the people listening feel better, too!” Interested in learning more about Splendido? For floor plans, photos, and information on upcoming events, visit splendidotucson.com.

Research shows that singing with others can improve your mood, your brain health, and even your immune system.

Phone and Internet Discounts

Available to CenturyLink Customers

The Arizona Corporation Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $18.47 per month and business services are $35.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/ month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.

CenturyLink also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

For both programs, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www. centurylink.com/aboutus/community/community-development/ lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

molecular mixology. It’s known for its boba-like “spoon shots,” filled with alcohol.

HighWire is one of only 10 bars in the United States specializing in this kind of mixology. The bar, which experiences long lines on weekends, will showcase its signature Sonoran sunset cocktail, which mixes creative elements like Chiltepin-infused Hornitos Reposado and tequila caviar.

“It’s not exactly like boba, but the texture is similar. You pop it, and there’s a shot of alcohol inside,” said Maddy Robbins, event coordinator.

With over 30 local professional and emerging restaurants and chefs participating at El Conquistador Tucson, attendees will have many things to experi-

ence. With many restaurants showcasing the culinary creativity that Oro Valley and Tucson restaurants and vendors offer, some restaurants are participating in this challenge for the first time. Take Fork and Fire as an example.

SALSA from page 1

see SALSA page 7

Profits from the Salsa, Tequila and Salsa Challenge will benefit the Community Foodbank of Southern Arizona and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance. (Submitted)

Salsa samples are king at the Salsa, Tequila and Salsa Challenge, set for Saturday, Aug. 26. (Submitted)

More than 30 local chefs and restaurants will be presenting their best at the Salsa, Tequila and Salsa Challenge. (Submitted)

The Challenge is an opportunity for chefs to display their creativity while diners can try something new. (Submitted)

Opened in March 2022, Fork and Fire transitioned from a food truck to two brick-and-mortar locations in Oro Valley and Catalina. Blending Mexican and barbecue flavors with a Texas-style influ-

ence, it smokes its brisket for 12 hours. With chef James Byrne’s over six years of barbecue, the menu collaboration and prior social media marketing have grown the restaurant, solidifying its reputation for introducing barbecue to Oro Valley as what he calls “a match made in heaven.”

The Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge goes beyond offering great food and drinks; it’s also for a good cause. SAACA promotes engagement in arts and culture, while the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona addresses hunger’s root causes. Money raised goes to arts programs by SAACA and local community projects by the Community Food Bank.

Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge

WHEN: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

WHERE: El Conquistador Tucson, 10000 N. Oracle Road, Tucson COST: Tickets start at $80 INFO: saaca.org

He was a gold medalist in the Youth Philharmonia’s concerto competition, performing the Concerto for Bass Tuba. He also conducted the Vail Youth Symphony, and the Catalina Foothills High School Wind Ensemble in concert.

Gerald pursued a music education degree at ASU, where he studied tuba under Dr. Deanna Swoboda and Dr. Blake Ryall.

He played with the ASU Wind Ensemble under Dr. Jason Caslor, as well as the Sunset and Blossom brass quintets.

As an ASU student, he was required to work as a student teacher, spending hours in the school shadowing band program director Renee Shane-Boyd and Sepulveda.

When he heard Sepulveda was leaving, he jumped at the chance to apply.

He had an “in” as he formed relationships and learned the band’s inner working while he was a student teacher.

“It really worked out,” Gerald said.

“I really loved all the students. I liked the faculty, and I really loved the

environment so I thought this would be a really great place to start.”

In his new role, Gerald has looked at what others have done and uses his experiences as a student to lead the way.

“My biggest goal this year is to keep the quality and the experience the same for the students, so I don’t want any radical change or anything,” Gerald said.

“I want them to have the same experience that they’ve come to expect from being in this band. I want to build that relationship with the students and make sure they know they can trust me and rely on me to be consistent.”

As the assistant director, Gerald works closely with Shane-Boyd. The two of them are passionate about the musical education that the students receive and work together in solving any issues that may arise.

“She’s an easy person to work with,” Gerald said.

“All she wants is what’s best for the program. As long as that’s what we’re both going toward, then it’s easy for us to solve anything that might come up.”

Thank you for making us Best of the Northwest 13 years in a row!

Energy’s contagious at Live Theatre Workshop

BY AARON KAHLE Tuscon Local Media Contributor

Live Theatre Workshop’s lobby is surprisingly pristine, despite the thousands of patrons who have passed through it.

They come to experience “real theater” at the Live Theatre Workshop, run and operated exclusively by the city’s creative minds.

Live Theatre Workshop is by the community, for the community. Case in point: the organization invited local school children to a showing of “No Other Nemesis,” a fun take on superhero tropes who adorably engage their young audience members.

Live Theatre Workshop’s executive director, Michael Martinez, said the community theater has been staging plays for 27 years.

“LTW serves about 20,000 people each year,” he said, to dismantle the Eurocentric model of American theater “that has been exclusionary of marginalized groups.”

Live Theatre Workshop’s children’s programming director, Amber Gremel, and marketing director David Ragland said the organization is thriving.

Parents recently dropped off their aspiring performers at Live Theatre Workshop on a 113-degree Wednesday. The 15 to 20 students frolicked in a partner sequence while a staff member played the piano. The energy was contagious.

Funds from donations, season ticket holders and events help employ 10 full-

Students learn skills, like stage make up. (Submitted)

LT W has classes for all ages, including this one for teens. (Submitted)

Learning to use props is a vital part of stage craft. (Submitted)

and part-time employees at the nonprofit. In addition, funding has helped provide the theater with 60 volunteers and more than 50 teachers, performers and technical artists.

“We rely a lot on our donors, season ticket holders, and parents whose children take our classes,” Ragland said about its budget.

While the Live Theatre Workshop focuses on children’s theater, its performers are mostly adults with children in the mix as well. In a time when TikTok and video games run rampant among children, Live Theatre Workshop has a large clientele of children with a passion for performing.

For parents and children eager to experience the world of theater, the nonprofit offers several classes to the community from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“We teach them all about theater and

There are acting classes for younger students as well at LTW. (Submitted)

how to be part of an ensemble, which is really important,” Gremel said.

They’re also year-round. Even when all the schools are out, LTW is still bustling, whether it’s their seasonal camps or one of the several theater classes being offered. It doesn’t matter where children are in terms of their performance level because chances are LTW has something for them with courses ranging from kindergarten to high school.

Classes such as dramatic exploration are for beginners and center on key aspects of theater such as storytelling and characterization. For those seeking more dedication to the craft, there is The Mini Players, a class specifically designed for children who want to take theater to the next level.

for Sept. 7 to Sept. 24.

As for the community of Tucson, LTW serves it not only without a profit but with more than just a little extra effort. By Martinez’s estimate, LTW puts at least $7 back into the Tucson economy for every dollar donated to them.

LTW is a rare community theater that continues to succeed in an ever-changing world where theatrical arts, like many other arts, have fallen victim to more accessible entertainment like streaming or online media. They continue doing it the old-fashioned way, with acting, movement, dialogue, and costumes all on a wooden stage in front of a live audience. It’s that kind of authenticity that gets the kids to keep coming back.

“I’m actually a student of LTW,” Gremel said with a big smile. “And now I’m the director of children’s programming.”

Of course, not all children that like theater gravitate toward the stage. Perhaps they’re more of a scribe than a performer. If that’s the case, LTW also provides script writing, a class exclusively for writers that want to learn how to bring their creativity alive in the form of a play.

Ragland, for his part, hustles to get LTW’s wonderful cornucopia of events and classes out to the public in a variety of ways both new and old.

She’s not the only one that’s returned so far and she won’t be the last, either. For parents, LTW is a hark back to the theater of old, performed by Tucson’s own artists in an ode to a city with an underrated pool of creative talent. As for the future, LTW is adamant about continuing to grow as a staple of Tucson’s unique live theater industry.

“I put a lot out on social media, and we advertise with our partners,” He pointed out, something that has obviously helped. Whatever Ragland has been doing has worked. No Other Nemesis sold out, and the next production, “Hir,” is scheduled

Live Theatre Workshop

3322 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson 520-327-4242

livetheatreworkshop.org

livetheatreworkshop@gmail.com

Home Sweet Home

Welcoming Stephan Desgagne: An Expanding Agent Network

Desert Sunset Realty is thrilled to introduce its latest sales partner, Stephan Desgagne from the Southwest Alliance Group. As the local representative for OpenDoor, he presents Move with Freedom options that showcase the brokerage’s commitment to transparent choices for clients looking to sell their homes. Stephan offers clear cost comparisons between traditional listings and the innovative approach of selling to Opendoor. By providing clients with comprehensive options, Desert Sunset Realty and Stephan Desgagne prioritize meeting clients’ unique needs and wishes.

Visit our website: www.desertsunsetrealtytucson.com and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook @desertsunsetrealty for genuine answers to your questions and more information on the Move with Freedom options with OpenDoor.

Trico launches electric vehicle time-of-use rate

TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Trico Electric Cooperative launched a voluntary electric vehicle timeof-use rate for eligible Trico members who have electric vehicles.

This is designed to support the growing demand for EVs among Trico members, reduce strain on Trico’s system during peak hours, and lower costs for Trico’s overall membership.

Trico members who sign up for the electric vehicle time-of-use rate will receive up to 400kWh of energy at a 45% rate reduction if they charge their EVs between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

This experimental rate is available to the first 1,000 Trico members who sign up. Trico has 67 members enrolled in the experimental rate.

This experimental rate will help Trico to better understand members’ electric vehicle usage, encourage members to charge during off-peak periods, and determine how many electric vehicles are

in Trico’s service area.

This information will help Trico develop future electric vehicle programs as the company works to better serve electric vehicle demand and members’ needs.

As a not-for-profit cooperative, Trico focuses on putting members’ interests first. By encouraging members with electric vehicles to charge during nonpeak hours when energy supplies are high and costs

are low, Trico can control costs and efficiently manage its distribution system, which benefits all members—even those who do not own electric vehicles.

“Trico has been planning for an increase in electric vehicle adoption,” said Brian Heithoff, Trico chief executive officer and general manager.

“Trico is committed to providing its members with sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, and that means

our EV strategy starts with our members.”

Learn more about the electric vehicle time-of-use rate and additional electric vehicle information at trico.coop/electric-vehicles.

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.

Trico Electric Cooperative members who volunteer for its time-of-use rate could save money charging their electric vehicles. (Submitted)

Things to consider before installing solar panels

TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Before signing any agreement, Trico Electric Cooperative encourages you to take the time to read the fine print thoroughly, get the responses back in writing and ask questions. Some questions you may want to ask:

• How much will this system cost over the life of the lease or purchase? Are there any interest or fees to be paid? What are total number of payments and due dates?

• Who has the tax obligations, including the increase in property values?

• Are there any eligible tax incentives and rebates? Who will be getting them?

• Can the warranty or maintenance obligations be sold or transferred to? If so, how?

• Who do I contact in the event of a system malfunction?

• What happens if I sell my home? What happens to the lease?

Before signing any solar panel agreement, ask questions. (Submitted)

• What statistics are you using for the projection of future electric rates?

• What is the minimum performance guarantee for the system?

• Will I be compensated if the system does not produce as much power as promised?

• What are my fixed monthly fees to the utility?

Before agreeing to install a PV system at your home, you should re-

view all the requirements of Arizona Revised Statutes Sections 44-1761 through 44-1764.

If you are considering solar panels, make sure you know the facts. Visit trico.coop/sustainableenergy or call us at 520-744-2944, ext. 1524, to learn more.

Trico is hosting a virtual solar workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. Learn more at trico.coop/sustainable-energy.

Megastores may be declining, but the DIY scene is thriving

BY JIMMY MAGAHERN Tuscon Local Media Contributor

Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s HabiStore may not be the first business you think of when searching for a home improvement megastore.

The 18,000-square-foot building on Grant and Fairview mainly serves as a donation center for surplus or reusable building materials that go toward helping Habitat for Humanity’s volunteers build affordable housing for low-income families.

But it also operates as a retail outlet, selling a lot of the donated stuff the builders don’t use — furniture, appliances, building materials, tools and hardware — at discounted prices. Those funds are then used to finance the nonprofit’s work.

While not exactly a Home Depot or Lowe’s, the HabiStore, along with other community-supported do-it-yourself centers, is where America’s home improvement boom, already waning for the megastores, is sending some welcome aftershocks.

“When the lockdown happened in 2020, everybody was at home and suddenly home projects became a priority,” said Tanna Johnson, the Tucson affiliate’s communications director.

“Certainly there were lots of donations that were coming in during that time, because I think people started going through their garages and closets and, you know, deciding what they could give away.”

But while the bubble appears to have burst for the home improvement megastores (Home Depot and Lowe’s both posted sales drops in May), it’s sending a second wind to DIY markets like thrift and second-hand stores, where people with shelved home makeovers are finding castoff building materials on the cheap for their still-lingering projects.

“We have a lot of DIY-ers,” Johnson said. “The HabiStore has become sort of this place where people go for inspiration, to discover things they can work with in their own home projects. And sometimes they get lucky and sometimes they don’t. It just depends on what the local community is donating to us.”

The past three years have been challenging—and, in some cases, crushing — for a large number of industries. But for the home improvement business, COVID-19 was uncharacteristically kind.

About three quarters (76%) of U.S. homeowners tackled a home improvement project in 2020, according to the market insights firm Statista, mainly because they were stuck at home with more spare time and, in some cases, stimulus money (or savings from canceled vacations) to spend. Of the homeowners who completed projects in 2020, 44% said they did it that year because they’d been putting off needed repairs or renovations and finally had the time to do it, while 36% said they finally had the money.

Accordingly, the home improvement industry’s value exploded by over $90 billion during that period, from around $407 billion in 2019 to $497 billion in 2020. And the growth continued into 2021, as Americans spent another $538 billion at home improvement stores that year and the U.S. remodeling industry earned $1.1 billion in revenue.

But things have slowed in 2023. Home Depot’s first quarter earnings, posted in May, reported a 4.5% drop in sales at stores, decreasing the market leader’s overall income by 6.4% compared to the first quarter of 2022. Calling it “a year of moderation for the home improvement market,” Home Depot CEO Ted Decker told Wall Street analysts that weather-related challenges in lumber production and higher interest rates and inflation may have also hurt sales.

Mostly, though, Decker attributed the drop to life just returning to some semblance of normalcy. “Obviously, people aren’t spending all their time at home as they did in the prior few years,” he said.

Lowe’s, the second-largest home improvement company in the United States, saw a slightly bigger drop: for the first quarter, Lowe’s reported that overall sales decreased by 5.5%. Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison blamed it on a “softer-than-expected consumer demand for discretionary purchases.” CNN put it another way: “The money that was perhaps previously earmarked for spending on fixing and

beautifying the home is now being spent more freely on eating out, traveling, shopping and other indulgences.”

Nevertheless, homeowners’ desires to refresh and reorganize their living spaces has not gone away. Johnson says the surge in viewership during the pandemic for Netflix shows like “Minimalism” and “Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo” sparked a home improvement movement that has more to do with mindful meting out than accumulation — a mindset that benefits a community DIY thrift store more than the big home improvement retailers.

“A lot of people just started to really simplify,” she said, “and I think that’s still going on.”

People also discovered and developed their own crafty skills during their pandemic projects that some have opted to continue flexing.

“I think that for those people who were willing to take on home repairs and learn how to do it, the pandemic gave them the time and opportunity to tackle home repairs themselves, and they have most likely continued to do minor repairs on their own,” said Richard Hoffman, Habitat for

Humanity Tucson’s home repair supervisor. While Hoffman hasn’t yet seen that translate into a big boost in workers (he says their volunteer labor force was “nonexistent during the pandemic and limped along until recently”), he feels companies are responding to employees returning to the office who still hanker for a hammer.

“We haven’t seen volunteerism return to pre-pandemic levels, but we have found that businesses seem more willing to send groups out to volunteer,” he said. “It is a joy to teach someone how to use a pneumatic staple gun and see their comfort level grow throughout the day.”

Of course, some home improvement work is well beyond the skill set of the newbie weekend workshopper. For those projects, professional remodelers, repairers and installers are still in demand — and perhaps more appreciated than ever.

“I was calling on this guy a couple months ago who’s an engineer,” said Tom Rompel, owner of Desert Solar Energy in Oro Valley. “His wife told me that he’d been talking about putting solar in for years. So, I get out there, I explain the whole thing to him – he loved it. Then he goes, ‘Well, I can do this myself.’ I said, ‘Really? Do you have the CAD system? Can you engineer it so that when you submit it to Tucson Electric Power you can get the permitting? This is a power plant you’re putting on your house, you know!’ And, finally, he says, ‘OK, let’s do it.’

“This is not like putting in a barbecue pit,” Rompel added. “Everything has to be done perfect.”

For solar energy installers, he says the more time people spend at home, the better it is for his industry.

“With a whole lot more people working in their homes, they’re using more electricity, and they’re seeing that on their utility bills,” he said. “Suddenly getting solar panels put in moves up on the priority list.”

Not surprisingly, Rompel considers installing solar energy to be the ultimate home improvement.

“What you’re creating is another provider for your electricity. And you’re the provider!” he said. “That beats remodeling your kitchen.”

Habitat for Humanity Tucson staff and volunteers load donated materials into the HabiStore for sale. (Habitat for Humanity Tucson/Submitted)

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Custom makes it, your closet designed for you

BY CLASSY CLOSETS

Custom 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.

You’re unique, and your home should cater to your life the way you 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 doing things and the things that bring meaning and purpose into your

life belong to you, and your home should play a supporting role. If you want and deserve custom closets, work with the best, Classy Closets!

Classy Closets is Arizona’s premier custom closet manufacturer and has been designing, building and installing custom closets and organizational solutions in Arizona homes for over 35 years.

We’ve seen firsthand how one basic closet size does not fit all. We’re Tucson, Arizona and surrounding areas’ best company for any storage solutions, organizing your garage, home office, kitchen closet pantries or just about any closet ranking design and installation need.

Tucson native revolutionizes real estate

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tuscon Local Media Contributor

Leah Crandell has worked in the real estate industry for over 25 years, gaining experience in everything from title and escrow to brokerage and property management.

However, the most valuable asset she brings to her brokerage, Desert Sunset Realty, is her deep passion for the desert community.

“Our dedication to this area specifically is in the people, the culture and kind of the rural lifestyle that identifies Marana,” Crandell said. “It’s preserving rural living that’s close to our hearts while we embrace the growth.”

Crandell established Desert Sunset Realty in 2021 with an emphasis on communication, transparency and honesty. Combined with her expertise and love for the community, the broker is determined to help Tucson-area residents find their ideal homes.

Her story in the real estate world began with her first home purchase. From there, Crandell worked her way up in agencies like Eureka Realty and became a broker by 25.

Her knack for the industry created many opportunities, which included raising her family while she worked.

“Real estate allowed me to be an athome mom, it allowed me to raise three kids in Tucson,” Crandell said. “I also worked for big teams in town, large brokerages, and I’ve seen a lot more than most agents have. It’s taught me a lot.”

Crandell opened Desert Sunset Realty as a personal venture, which quickly grew into a team of dedicated and well-trained agents and experts. Her husband, Matt, came on to manage the business development of the growing enterprise.

The couple grew up in Tucson, and their connection to the desert became an integral part of Desert Sunset Realty.

“People have lived in this valley almost longer than anywhere else in the world,” he said. “It is unique that we still live here, that there’s still a community out here.”

According to the couple, Desert Sunset Realty is an environment where carefully

selected agents can thrive, allowing a culture of collaboration, empowerment and commitment to excellence.

The company’s team and resources guide consumers to find a home, make an offer and have it accepted all on the same day it hits the market.

“We believe in the potential of every agent we choose to work with,” she noted.

“We have a very cooperative environment where we all support each other and are not adversarial. Fostering this culture is very important and rare in our industry.”

Their business model is a straight percentage brokerage without monthly or transaction charges. The team ensures that buyers and sellers know exactly what they are paying for or earning on a property with the broker’s “full transparency” guarantee.

As for finding the perfect home, she explained the company’s strategy when assisting clients.

“When matching someone with a property, location is always key,” she said. “We try to find out why they like a particular location because sometimes the ‘why’ opens up to other areas they would have never known about.”

Desert Sunset Realty helps clients buy

and sell properties, but Crandell also puts a huge emphasis on educating the public. One opportunity is offered through the broker’s connection with the Marana Chamber of Commerce.

“… Through business-to-business networking, (we connect) with owners or managers that want to offer their employees a benefit when purchasing a home,” Leah noted. “We offer classes for the employees to explain the information, and (we’re also) available for questions they may have.”

In addition to real estate services, Leah partners with community organizations to further her impact.

On Aug. 31, the second anniversary of Desert Sunset Realty, the brokerage will host a blood and toy drive at the Marana Chamber to benefit the nonprofit Team Lizzie Bell. The event coincides with their Chamber-designated ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“By combining the initiatives with our ribbon cutting, we’re making a statement

about the type of impact we aim to make,” she explained. “It sets the tone for commitment to community support beyond just the celebration.”

Thanks to her efforts, Desert Sunset Realty will continue to serve Tucson residents in both real estate brokerage and philanthropy. What started as a passion project has transformed into an experience-rich practice with community at its heart.

“Both Matt and I are Tucson natives, and we want to make a positive impact where we live. With Marana specifically, the immense potential of the area excites us,” she said.

“We’re confident in Avra Valley’s growth, and we are excited about its progress while we preserve its essence,” she continued.

Leah Crandell (right) and husband Matt Crandell emphasize education about buying and selling your home. (Submitted)

“Marichris

“Julianna

HOROSCOPE By SALOME’S STARS

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A relaxed mood early in the week could give way to high-temperature disputes. The Aries Lamb should resist being pulled into heated quarrels that could really singe your wool.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Satisfy that practical obligation first, then feel free to indulge in your creative endeavors. Also, check for hidden or overlooked areas where repairs might be long overdue.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Home is still the Twins’ major focus this week, but outside matters begin to take on added importance, especially those involving possible career moves. Stay alert for signs of change.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A travel plan might need to undergo some considerable adjustments because of unexpected changes. Keep an open mind and let the facts guide you on how you want to handle this.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Playing cat and mouse with a matter you’ve been avoiding wastes time, energy and, most importantly, an opportunity. Ask someone with experience to help you get started.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) An occasional temperamental flare-up might occur, as you continue to help get things back to normal. Stay with it. You should soon get some idea of where to take things next.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A negative reaction to what you believe was a well-deserved request might mean that you need to reconsider your position and make changes accordingly.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) There’s always room for someone new at the Sea Goat’s table. The someone new for this week could bring a message you’ve been waiting a long time to hear.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A pile-on of personal matters this week might seem too overwhelming to deal with, but handling them on a one-by-one basis could have you out from under it by the weekend.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A shift in policy might not please you, but before you put up a “no go” wall of resistance, examine the circumstances. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Yesterday’s critiques about your methods might have already evolved into today’s praise for your achievements. Good for you. Now go on and continue to build on your credibility.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A friend might need your good advice regarding a matter. Be supportive, but unless you can be absolutely sure you have all the facts, also be careful about any suggestions you’re asked to o er.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a talent for bringing out the best in people, no doubt due to your inspiring work ethic and sensitive nature.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Youth: Weds @ 6:00PM Office Hrs: 9am to 1 pm Mon to Fri (Except Holidays) connect@serenitybaptist.church https://serenitybaptist.church 520.822.2026