Desert Times 10.5.22

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

INSIDE INSIDE

Arts

Lauren Monroe, Rick Allen bring healing to 191 Toole

Small-town feed store brings Picture Rocks together

By Hope Peters Tucson Local Media

The Valley Feed & Supply is more than an outlet for pet and animal needs. It’s a community gathering place.

With its 1800s western general store feel, customers come not only to pick up their feed, but to socialize with ranchers, farmers and other residents living in Picture Rocks. They gather at the store to share their stories.

“We get a load of hay in and then it’s gone,” said Sally Burke, who purchased the store with her husband, John, in December 2021. She has 11 horses.

“Our main farmer grows amazing alfalfa. We have another farmer coming in. We can get hay somewhere else, but it’s not quality hay. We only sell quality hay. I will not sell any hay that I wouldn’t feed to my own horses.”

When Burke purchased the store,

it was a rental in poor condition. The building was so dilapidated, it almost needed to be demolished. Rats were living there so, Burke said, they sealed the store and installed new drywall, walls, concrete and solid doors.

“So, the rats basically lived in the building, and they would come up through the floor,” Burke said.

“We had to jackhammer out that concrete floor. We had years of

Portrait gallery gala honors women over 50

By Summer Aguirre Tucson Local Media

Local women older than 50 will be honored by the unveiling of an empowering project celebrating their stories and wisdom.

The first Wise Women: 50 Over 50 Experience is coming to Tucson, thanks to Michelle Beaumont Owens, owner of Artifact Photography Studio. As the project’s photographer, stylist and interviewer, her vision is to spotlight 50 local women over the age of 50 and recognize their experience, individuality and power through a collection of creative portraits.

The gallery of their photographs will be unveiled at the Wise Women: 50 Over 50 Portrait Gala from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 13, alongside the release of a portrait magazine featuring each participant’s individual story.

“Women at our age are stepping into our

The Voice of Southwest Tucson

Valley Feed & Supply’s staff includes, from left, Louie Perales, CJ Herrell, Guadalupe Grijalva, Sally Burke and Shane Driscoll. (Hope Peters/Staff )

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Desert To-Dos

By Katya Mendoza Tucson Local Media

ARTS

Thursday, Oct. 6

The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block extends their hours and “pay-what-you-wish” admission from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, for “First Thursdays.” Explore the museum’s permanent collections, enjoy live music, entertainment and a Treasure Hunt led by Ami Dalal and Laila Halaby and a cash bar. Limited tickets are available, the TMA asks attendees to reserve tickets online in advance. For more information about First Thursday and other upcoming events at the TMA, visit tucsonmuseumofart.org. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Avenue.

Sunday, Oct. 9

The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block hosts Second Sundaze: Family Day at the TMA. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every second Sunday of the month, the TMA offers “pay-what-

you-wish” admission all day. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. enjoy family-friendly activities while engaging with art, history and regional culture. Limited tickets are available, visit the website for more information tucsonmuseumofart.org. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Avenue.

THEATER

Sunday, Oct. 9

Arizona Arts Live (UA Presents) “Sugar Skull! A Dia De Muertos Musical Adventure,” at Centennial Hall on Sunday, Oct. 9. Enjoy regional music and dance from Mexico in this family-friendly and bilingual performance that celebrates the “true meaning of Dia de Muertos.” The show starts at 4 p.m. The run time is about 65 minutes. For more information about tickets, the show or Arizona Arts Live, visit arizonaartslive.com. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard.

Tuesday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Oct. 16

Broadway in Tucson presents the energetic and original musical, “SIX” at Centennial Hall starting Tuesday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Oct. 16. “From Tu-

dor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VII take the mic.” The show runs for approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. For a full performance schedule and how to purchase tickets, visit broadwayintucson. com. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard.

LOCAL MARKETS

Sunday, Oct. 9

The fifth season of the Mercado Flea begins on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mercado District near the MSA Annex and Mercado San Agustin. The open-air, urban flea market will feature over 45 vendors selling vintage, antique, used and collectible goods. The Mercado Flea will be every second Sunday through May and has two stops on the streetcar. For a list of future dates, visit mercadodistrict. com, 100 S. Avenida del Convento.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thursday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 9

The Screening Room presents the 18th annual Tucson Film & Music Fes-

mice that lived in the store.”

The challenge was keeping the historical integrity of the building, which was im portant to the Burkes.

“It’s (the feed store) such a need in the community,” Burke said. “I saw the poten tial. This is my passion; a full-service feed store. Before they were predominantly selling hay, it was a hay store. Now, this is a full-blown, full-service feed store. If we don’t have it, we will get it.”

CJ Herrell, the “main lady” of the store, Burke calls her, agreed. “I have been in and out of the store since 2010. And each year it seemed to get a little more depressing.”

Danny Coomer started the feed store in the mid-1980s. He and his family lived in the home behind the store. They had two ponies and bought hay to feed the ponies, then people started showing up and asking if he could sell them hay.

Coomer brought hay out on the top of the hood of his car, Burke recalled. Customers then asked for dog food and other supplies. “Hence, he built what is today, the store. I believe in 1987 it was permitted by Pima County to operate as a feed store,” Burke said. “After the Coomers moved out of Picture Rocks, the store was rented to var ious people who ran it as a feed store, all the way up until the day I purchased the property.”

Burke said the goal is to accommodate everyone so “they don’t have to drive into Tucson.” Burke said the radius of Picture Rocks is 71 miles, with 9,300 residents. There are small backyard farmers raising animals and livestock. The store offers discounts for 4-H and FFA and for the military, active and retired.

Community gathering place

Burke said the store has been known as “the feed store on Orange Grove Road.” Now, Burke runs it like a general store where customers gather and talk. She com pared it to bookshops of the past.

“I am kind of like the little bookstore, then Barnes & Noble took over,” she said. “I think more of these small businesses are starting to come back. I would rather go into the little hardware store down here than a Home Depot.

“That’s what the American people are crav ing and missing that small place to go to and the attention they receive,” Burke said. “Like CJ here, people walk in the door and she has a big smile on her face that is wel

coming. That’s what we are trying to cre ate here — that little, small-town country store where you get treated like a human being.”

Herrell added, “People come in to talk and it is great, you learn different things about them.”

Louie Perales has been working at the store for four months but has been in Arizona for 30 years. He said he noticed the store is calm and comforting.

“I really didn’t know anyone here,” he said of living in Picture Rocks. “The tension that was here in the store has been released. As the store started to fill up, it became really neighborly, really quick. It made me feel really comfortable being here.”

Burke said she owes her work ethic to her father, Ned Robinson, who died in 2010. He was an honored World War II veteran, who was wounded on Iwo Jima. Eighteen days later, he received a Purple Heart from then-President Harry Truman. He came to Tucson and later became the director of the Pima Air and Space Museum.

“He built the museum,” Burke described.

“When he went out there, all it had was an old trailer and 30 airplanes. My dad built all those hangars we see today. He built the air museum to what it is today.”

Burke said she is a chip off the old block.

“I can take something and turn it into something,” she explained. “I grew up liv ing with someone who was always think ing outside the box.”

For her feed store, Burke kept in mind what her dad taught her.

“I learned your limitations can’t hold you back,” she said. “Growing up with a dis abled parent, and the things he accom plished, gave me the strength to do what I do in my adult life.”

She plans to expand the shop, but slowly, to keep that mom-and-pop atmosphere.

“It is what it is, and it just goes to show you, you can take an old building and turn it into something beautiful if you have the will,” she said.

to 6

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

own power, and we’re doing things in our community and in our personal lives to re ally change the lives of people around us,” Owens said.

“I wanted to capture that and really shine a spotlight on these women and talk about the amazing things that they are doing, and also find out what their aspirations are, what’s left on their bucket list, and what else they would like to accomplish in the second half of their lives.”

The Wise Women: 50 Over 50 Portrait Gala will be held at Savoy Opera House at 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road in Tucson. Portraits will be illuminated and displayed on easels with the women in attendance to mingle and chat.

The event will feature a buffet dinner; des sert; and a no-host bar with cocktails, wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages.

Entertainment includes dance music by DJ Jonas Hunter and magic by master illusionist Rodney Housley. There will also be a special raffle for a makeover, photoshoot and por trait portfolio with Owens valued at $1,200. Tickets to the gala are available on eventbrite. com.

The Wise Women: 50 Over 50 Experience is one of many events across the world influ enced by Forbes Magazine’s 2021 national list spearheaded by Mika Brzezinski, Morn ing Joe co-host. It highlighted 50 influential women over the age of 50 who defy the idea that their golden years are behind them.

Owens was inspired to undertake a project in Tucson by her own life-changing experi ence opening her photography studio when

she was 50. When photographing other women in their 50s and older, she met many in the midst of dramatically changing their lives and wanted to explore that common theme.

Through networking and many referrals, she gathered women from all over Southern Arizona, including Tucson, Oro Valley, Vail, Benson and Bisbee. One participant is Car lotta Flores, chef of the El Charro Restaurant Group in Tucson, who was on Forbes’ 2021 Vision List.

Owens began photoshoots in January 2020, with the final interview wrapping up in Sep tember 2022.

“There’s this myth that once we’re over 50, we’re kind of over the hill,” she said. “These women are fun. They are making differenc es in our communities. Some of them have started nonprofit organizations, others are

working on their own businesses. Some are retired and are taking up art projects and do ing other things with their free time.

“I really wanted to show the vibrancy of these women and how much more we all are ready to give and are giving at this time in our lives.”

The 50 Over 50 Experience is not a “cook ie-cutter project.” To capture their true selves, Owens allowed each woman to drive her photoshoot and explore different sides of her character through clothing, makeup and accessories.

The resulting gallery features a unique rep resentation of each woman. Some incorpo rated their pets, careers, hobbies or mean ingful treasures into their portraits. Others requested their photos to be enhanced with digital art — one woman even portrayed a phoenix rising from flames.

“There are layers of meaning in these pho tographs that make them deeply personal to these women, and I think that will also show and exhibit,” Owens said. “I think viewers will be able to see that and pick up on it.”

She also said she believes that the photo graphs are “legacy images” for the women and that the following generations in their families will be able to feel connected and see their personalities.

“I want to capture images that we put time, effort and attention to detail into so they do stand the test of time and they are a part of our legacy that we leave behind,” Owens said.

The project received rave reviews from its participants, which were accompanied by significant interest in Owens tackling anoth er 50 Over 50 collection of local women. As a result, she is pondering the idea of trans forming it into an annual event.

She plans to create a group offering outings, get-togethers and other events throughout the year as opportunities for women over 50 to connect and build a community.

Owens hopes that the group will attract a younger crowd to attend, as she feels that they would benefit from socializing with ac complished, driven women.

Wise Women:

50 Over 50 Portrait Gala

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 13

WHERE: Savoy Opera House, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $45

INFO: the50over50experience.com

(Left) Podcast host Jennifer Davis-Paige of Boom Goddess Radio is an on-air host at 3:30 p.m. Sundays on KXCI. (Right) Melissa Perillo is an RN, as well as a rescue palliative caregiver for aging dogs. (Michelle Beaumont Owens/Submitted)

tival starting Thursday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 9. Enjoy music-related films with a connection to Arizona or the Southwest. To keep up with the TFMF announcements visit their Facebook page, Tucson Film & Music Festival or its website for ticket information and showings, visit eventbrite. com. The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress Street.

Thursday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 30

Nightfall returns to Old Tucson Studios, Thursday, Oct. 6. The spooktacular event celebrates its 30th anniversary with a plot twist, a more immersive storyline that invites the whole family to follow clues and engage with cast members to uncover multiple mysteries, allowing themselves the opportunity to determine their night’s outcome. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time, due to the park’s timed-entry approach, on nightfallaz.com. Nightfall at Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road.

Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8

Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens and Galleries hosts their autumn series, Brewin’ at

the Chul, from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8, through Saturday, Nov. 26. Admission is free and guests get the chance to roam the grounds after hours and imbibe from the rotating food menu that includes beers, brats and more from the Garden Bistro. Enjoy live music by local singer and guitarist Jason Kelly on Friday, or Natalie Pohanic on Saturday. The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will also present a free screening of Disney’s “Coco,” for Hispanic Heritage Month at the Performance Garden. Gates open at 6 p.m. The movie starts at 7 p.m. For a full list of performers throughout the series and the menu, visit tohonochul.org. Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte.

Friday, Oct. 7 to Sunday, Oct. 9

The 49th annual Tucson Meet Yourself Folklife Festival returns on Friday, Oct. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 9. Eat your way through Downtown Tucson and enjoy traditional and ethnic dances, live music, the craftmanship of lowrider cars, a corrido contest and more. Tucson Meet Yourself includes over 30 cultural communities. For more information about the event and its location, visit tucsonmeetyourself.org.

Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9

Pumpkin (spice) season is here, so grab the family and take a day trip down to Willcox for Apple Annie’s Orchards’ fall pumpkin celebration in October. Take a hayride or get lost in the corn maze as you enjoy the fall weather at the pumpkin patch located at The Farm on 6405 W. Williams Road. Apple Annie’s Orchard is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., no charge for admission but bring money for produce purchases and hayride tickets. For more information about seasonal produce availability or Apple Annie’s Orchard, visit appleannies.com or call 520-384-2084.

Wednesday, Oct. 12 to Thursday, Oct. 20

The Loft Film Fest returns to the Loft Cinema in full force for its 12th year Wednesday, Oct. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 20. The festival will showcase over 45 features and short programs, guest speakers and other eclectic programming including a documentary about “The New Loft,” in celebration of the Loft’s 50th anniversary. For a full list of the lineup and ticket pricing, visit loftcinema.org. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Boulevard.

Breast cancer conqueror offers hope to other warriors

BY HOPE PETERS Tucson Local Media

Women — or men — can be at their best, healthy, strong and feeling in tip-top shape. They can be 23 or 73, religious or not, Democrat or Republican, any race or nationality, rich or poor, any occupation.

Out of the blue, the perfect life comes crashing down when a breast cancer diagnosis comes. A deep feeling of doom is overwhelming. The fear? A death sentence. Through the tears, the fear, the excruciating pain, the hair loss and the scarring, Nadia Larsen’s nonprofit organization, Nadia Strong, offers photography and breast cancer resources to help restore beauty. She brings hope to those who have begun their journey and to those who won the battle, but still carry the physical and mental scars, the terrifying reminders of the biggest fight for their lives.

In 2015, Larsen was diagnosed with stage-4 breast cancer. When she was declared cancer-free in early 2016, she knew she had to

help other women. As a photographer, she documented her treatment, and felt that doing this helped in the everyday struggles of her treatment. She came to consider it an important component, among others, in

her proactive battle to conquer cancer.

Nadia Strong is designed to empower and assist women and men undergoing breast cancer treatment and all survivors of the disease.

“What I did when I was going through radiation…I did the chemo, they (removed) the breasts, removed the lymph nodes, then the reconstruction and radiation, and after that I had several more reconstructions,” Larsen said.

“I was thinking, is there somebody in town that went through this hell…I literally call it my year from hell…is there a photographer who can document their journey.”

Larsen said she looked but found no such person, so she decided she would have to

do it herself — a photographer and breast cancer survivor. It was the start of Nadia Strong.

“What I do, women (and men) who are survivors, conquerors…someone just told me, ‘I’m in remission,’ and I said, ‘No, don’t say that word...there’s no such thing,’” she said. “Remission means it may be coming back. I don’t like that word ‘remission.’ I am cancer free.”

The person asked Larsen how she knew she was cancer free. “I just took this test, here’s the brochure,” Larsen explained. Larsen is talking about the Galleri test.

The Galleri multi-cancer early detection test shows more than 50 types of cancer through a simple blood draw. Offering the benefits of early cancer detection, it detects many cancers that are not commonly screened for today, to allow for earlier treatment.

If a cancer signal is found, the results can point to the location with high accuracy to help a health care provider guide the next

Nadia Larsen points to a poster advertising the Pink-Ribbon Boudoir photo retreat held in August. The photos will be on exhibit in December. (Nadia Larsen/Courtesy)

Joshua

steps.

Through nadiastrong.org, women and men share their breast cancer journey.

“Then we meet up and I do a photo shoot for them and I send them all the digitals they want, all free, I don’t charge them for anything,” she said.

They then pick their favorite photos from the shoot to put on the Nadia Strong site.

“It gives hope to the other women who are just diagnosed,” she said.

“The photography is either during (their treatment), so they don’t have hair, or afterward, and they dress up and put on makeup to show them you can be beautiful beyond breast cancer.

“Then put it on social media or do whatever they want because this is not the end, you fought it and you’re going to keep fighting it.”

Nadia Strong is not just about photographing and sharing breast cancer survivors’ and fighters’ journeys. Her site offers

recommendations and life-saving resources, such as the Galleri test.

Larsen said primary care providers can order the test, which is currently not covered by medical insurance. The price is $949, or $80/12 months billed afterward.

Larsen and photographer Jana Suchy of Way Out West Creative will host the Pink-Ribbon Boudoir Photo Exhibit and Silent Auction from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at The Post Workspaces, 7400 N. Oracle Road.

Admission is free and open to the public. The show will feature boudoir photos from an August retreat for survivors. For more information, visit pinkribbonboudoir.com or email jana@wayoutwestcreative.com.

Nadia Strong Photography Inc.

Beyond Breast Cancer”

Nadia Larsen

6371 E. River Road, Tucson 520-245-8888

Nadia Larsen shares the aftermath of her radiation treatments. (Nadia Larsen/Courtesy)

Nadia Larsen after her year from hell fighting and winning the battle: Beautiful beyond breast cancer. (Nadia Larsen/Courtesy)

October is breast cancer awareness month

BY MIA SMITT Tucson Local Media

The Ronstadt Familin Concert y

Sunday 10.23.22

Featuring

Join

More important than pumpkin spiced everything, October is also breast cancer awareness month.

This is the second most common cancer in women, as skin cancer is first. While the vast majority of those who develop breast cancer are women, this disease also can affect men.

The most recent compilation, 2019 statistics, showed 264,121 new cases were reported in the United States and 42,280 women and 500 men died of breast cancer that year.

In Arizona, 5,234 breast cancer deaths occurred.

According to the National Cancer Institute, 12% of women in the United States (that’s 1 in 8) will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 800 men, or .12%, will be diagnosed. While most breast cancer occurs in women over age 55, young women are not immune and 12% occur in women under 45.

So, what is cancer? It is the rapid growth of abnormal cells when the DNA in some normal cells somehow becomes damaged. Sometimes the body can destroy these aberrant cells but more often they proliferate and divide more quickly than healthy cells.

They form a mass or lump and can spread to other parts of the body, invading healthy tissue. There are several types of breast cancer depending on where it is in the breast. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early form of breast cancer. The abnormal cells inside a milk duct have not spread to other parts of the breast or adjacent lymph nodes.

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer and starts in those cells that line a milk duct. Cancer cells break through the duct wall and spread into adjoining breast tissue and can then spread to other parts of the body though the bloodstream or lymph system.

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) starts in the milk-producing glands, or lobules. This, too, can spread to other parts of the body. Of interest is that this form of breast cancer will affect both breasts in about 20% of women with ILC.

What can be confusing is lobular carcinoma in situ. This is not actually cancer but the precursor and is often found on biopsy or imaging studies other than mammograms for another suspicious lump or mass.

Triple negative breast cancer does not have the cell receptors estrogen, progesterone and HER2,

(human epidermal growth factor) that are usually found in breast cancer (a receptor is a site on a cell surface that can bind with a particular substance). This cancer is more difficult to treat because many drug therapies need those receptors to get into the cancer cells. There are other, less common, breast cancers also, such as angiosarcoma, Paget’s disease, and inflammatory breast cancer. There are breast cancer symptoms that warrant evaluation. A lump that is new and not associated with the menstrual cycle (but not all breast lumps are cancer), changes in the appearance of the nipple, any change or puckering of breast skin, any nipple discharge, and changes in the size or appearance of one breast compared to the other need to be evaluated. And these symptoms apply to men as well as women. Breast pain is not a common symptom of cancer.

Treatment of invasive breast cancers will depend on the type and “stage” of the cancer — how advanced it is and where it may have spread. Different surgeries include lumpectomy (just tumor removal), mastectomy (breast removal) and lymph node removal.

Radiation treatment is an external beam to target either just the cancer site or the entire breast. Systemic treatments include chemotherapy, anticancer drugs that may be given as intravenous medication on a scheduled basis or an oral pill taken daily depending on the cancer.

Hormonal therapy is used when the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone.

Hormone blockers help prevent cancer growth and may be taken for many years. Then there is “targeted therapy,” which kills cancer cells by interfering with specific proteins in the cell that promote growth. Research has opened new avenues for successful treatment and continues to explore ways to treat breast cancer.

The five-year survival rates are approximately 99% for localized disease (breast tissue only), 86% for regional involvement (cancer affecting nearby lymph nodes) and 28% for distant reach (a farther spread such as to bones, lungs and liver). But these statistics change with improved treatment and should be individualized.

Breast cancer cannot be prevented but there are ways to reduce the risk of any cancers. Not smoking, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and eating vegetables and fruits every day are healthy lifestyle choices that promote overall good health.

Excessive alcohol consumption and obesity are considered risk factors for developing different cancers including breast cancers. And approximately 5% to 10% of breast cancer is hereditary. If a close relative has it, your chances of developing breast cancer are greater.

As with many other illnesses, screening is essential. Monthly self breast exam is recommended by some organizations and health care providers but has not been found to be as effective as clinical exams.

Routine mammograms, ultrasound imaging and MRIs can detect the smallest cancers for earlier treatment. Certain blood tests are more widely available for those who have a hereditary risk.

Screening rates vary by state with Massachusetts taking the prize last year at 87% and Wyoming the worst at 66% as reported by the National Cancer Society.

Arizona’s screening rate was 75%, not bad but we can do better.

Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic halted or delayed many screening exams but hopefully we are getting back on track this year.

There are many national campaigns to raise awareness and promote screening. From the CDC’s serious “Right to Know Campaign” and

The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s “Together We Rise” to the humorous “Know Your Lemons” and “Lux Soap with a Lump” promotions, there are messages galore that can appeal to women across the age and demographic spectrums.

The Estee Lauder Companies have had a goal and a mission to help eradicate breast cancer worldwide since 1992 and have donated over 108 million dollars to prevention and research. The Susan G Koman Foundation sponsors an annual walk to raise money. There are many other organizations with various campaigns and projects also. Get that mammogram. They are not the painful procedure noted in cartoons. OK, sometimes a little uncomfortable but well worth the effort. Maybe we should offer pumpkin spiced lattes or cookies with the mammograms in October.

If I may share a personal note — my dear grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 99. She had a total mastectomy followed by oral chemotherapy, tolerated both and lived alone till she was 102. She had no cognitive decline when she died, not from breast cancer, just before her 104th birthday. So don’t let age stop you from following up on any suspicious symptoms and enjoying good health.

Mia Smitt is a longtime nurse practitioner. She writes a regular column for Tucson Local Media.

*When scheduling Installation in October. With signed contract day of estimate. New contracts only. Not to be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. Expires 10/14/22

Double Feature of Films of Director John Waters SAT 10/14

PLACE TO BE • THE ARTISTS TO

Negative:

John Waters SUN 10/15

A rapid-fire one-man spoken word “vaudeville” act that celebrates the film career and joyously appalling taste of the man William Burroughs once called The Pope of Trash.

Wurlitzer Haunted Halloween Concert SUN 10/30

An eerie mood prevails. The curtain rises. You start to believe something is lurking in the shadows when suddenly the organist pounds a familiar cord and you JUMP — The Phantom has arrived!

Relive the thrill of one of the greatest horror films of all time in our historic, haunted theatre, Lon Chaney’s 1925 Phantom of the Opera. Dave Wickerham will accompany the fully restored silent film on Fox’s own Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Join us if you dare!

Artists fly, balance, float on air, and defy gravity in an exhilarating tale of the unrelenting tug-of-war between man and nature. A fresh approach to “cirque,” using pure human energy to harness the power of the wind!

Starring Johnny Depp A Film by John Waters

Lauren Monroe, Rick Allen bring healing to 191 Toole

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Tucson Local Media

After spending the summer on the Stadium Tour with his band Def Leppard, drummer Rick Allen is stepping back into clubs to support his wife, Lauren Monroe.

Monroe is celebrating the release of “Messages from Aphrodite” at 191 Toole on Thursday, Oct. 6. Allen will be part of her band.

“We’ll be playing for the evening and telling stories of empowerment and healing and playing original music,” Monroe said.

“I empower people through energy and drumming. I like to weave that through the whole set to explore some of the things you go out to escape. We wanted to bring everyone together in the venue. Now is the time where people are coming out more. We’re on the heels of experiencing something very traumatic.”

The world is divisive and worrisome, she added. Monroe uses music to heal.

“Lauren’s music, in particular, speaks to community and shows us what we have in common,” Allen said.

During the performance, the couple will raise funds for suicide prevention and veterans programs.

In 2001, they founded the Los Angeles-based Raven Drum Foundation, which serves, educates and empowers veterans, first responders and trauma survivors to prevent suicide through innovative wellness-support programs. They do so through advocacy, storytelling and the promotion of complementary and alternative medicine.

At shows, they partner with local organizations to provide free tickets to veterans, and raise funds by auctioning their mixed-media art.

Released in September, “Messages from Aphrodite” was recorded in 2021 and “all

the songs are about love in some facet and how we use our ability to love through various stages of life and circumstances,” she said.

“Aphrodite is a goddess of love and she’s a warrior goddess, too. All of these songs reflect attributes of her. She became the icon for the album, and she brings about a point of view that’s from the higher feminist.”

The two spent time at home “using our gifts and talents to rehearse.”

“We love our band,” she added. “To be with everyone together is great. To look behind me and have him there (is great). I like to tease him when we are on stage.”

Allen added with a laugh, “The only thing I get to see is behind her. It’s kind of a win-win. I actually really love it. I play acoustic drums, which I hadn’t played in Def Leppard since 1984. That’s what inspired me to play in the first place.

I don’t have to rely on electronics. I get up there and play. It’s a great way for me to hone my skills on acoustic drums.”

Allen and Monroe said it’s also a victory when Def Leppard fans come to the show to see him not knowing what to expect and leave a fan of hers.

“It’s nice when there’s a crossover,” he said. “We have an awesome band. We sound really good. We’re happy about our live performances.”

Lauren Monroe

WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6

WHERE: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $20

INFO: 520-445-6425, 191toole.com

To-Do continued from P8

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Learn how to cook carne asada three ways with the Visit Tucson President/CEO J. Felipe Garcia on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Presented by the Flying Aprons Tucson Cooking Class at the Catalina United Methodist Church kitchen, the two-hour crash course will provide everything cooks need. The class is $75 and is limited to 16 participants. Classes are nonrefundable. To register or check out other classes, flying-aprons-tucson.myshopify. com. Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway Boulevard.

KIDS

Saturday, Oct. 8

The Children’s Museum Tucson features its new Art After Dark series, Cuentacuentos, starting Saturday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The interactive storytelling program has free admission for children and their guests. The first storyteller is Dr. Praise Zenenga, director of the UA Africana Studies Program. For more information about the many other diverse programs that the CMT offers, visit childrensmuseumtucson. org. Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Avenue.

SPORTS

Thursday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 9

The Vamos: A Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta returns to Tucson at the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 9, during Hispanic Heritage Month. The 11th annual baseball series brings Mexican baseball teams and a performance by the popular Sonoran band La Brissa. Presale tickets are $8 for children 6 to 16 and seniors, $15 general admission and $20 for box seats. Prices will increase two days before the event. For information about game times, visit mexicanbaseballfiesta.com. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way.

Saturday, Oct. 8

The Arizona Wildcats play Oregon at Arizona Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 8. This special home game will feature Arizona Athletics’ Hispanic Heritage Night celebration in honor of the vibrant Hispanic culture and community in southern Arizona. Kick off starts at 8 p.m. Arizona Stadium, 1 N. Championship Drive. Tickets start at $5. Visit arizonawildcats.com to reserve tickets.

Lauren Monroe is celebrating the release of “Messages from Aphrodite” at 191 Toole on Thursday, Oct. 6. Husband Rick Allen will be part of her band. (Photo by Tracy Moyer)

When you walk through the doors of Splendido at Rancho Vistoso, you enter an environment where talents are nurtured, passions are pursued, and possibilities abound. It’s ingrained in the culture of the Life Plan Community for those 55 and better, leading to extraordinary experiences for both the residents living there and the team members providing a multitude of services.

The supportive and welcom ing atmosphere emanates from Mather, one of Splendido’s two parent organizations, which runs day-to-day operations adhering to a unique philosophy it calls “Eliminating my Impossibilities.”

Created to help residents take their lives in bold new directions, it’s a principle the 80+-year-old not-forprofit organization embraces for employees at Mather communities by helping them learn new skills, advance their careers, and elimi nate barriers to personal happiness and fulfillment.

Samantha Peacock has worked as a server in Splendido restau rants for more than seven years. “This is my first job ever, and I’ve loved it,” she says. “I like the flex ibility with my school schedule— first high school and now college. And I love my coworkers and the residents. I really feel that the work we do makes a difference.”

James Edwartoski, Executive Director at Splendido, explains, “We challenge employees to make the most of every day and reward them for their passion and profes sionalism.” Those rewards include a generous paid time off program, excellent medical and dental ben efits, tuition reimbursement, and even a yearly opportunity to get re imbursed for learning something new—from a language, to yoga, to classical guitar.

“We have ample opportuni ties for people to get promoted or move to different areas—and many do, particularly when they take advantage of our tuition re imbursement program. We’ve had CNAs get their nursing degrees, and high school students who start out as part-time servers who use our benefits to pursue higher edu cation,” says James.

And it’s not just the tangible benefits that set Splendido apart. Things like incredible Halloween costume contests and communi ty-wide art projects involving res idents and staff provide invaluable connections and strengthen cama raderie.

Splendido offers a wide vari ety of rewarding job opportuni ties through multiple restaurants; a spa and fitness center; a robust program of creative arts, holistic wellness, and lifelong learning opportunities; and a highly rated

Community spirit and a passion for excellence pave various career paths at Splendido.

on-site health center, just to name a few. No matter what their niche, each team member is focused on hospitality and providing excep tional service, and the organiza tional commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed.

All of this contributes to Splen dido receiving a growing list of workplace and wellness awards,

including being named as one of the “Top 5 in Wellness” in North America with a 2021 ICAA Nu Step Pinnacle Award, which hon ors the Top 25 Best in Wellness se nior living communities in North America, and a 2019 Copper Cac tus Award finalist in the category of Best Place to Work by the Tuc son Metro Chamber. And Mather

recently received a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award from the National Association for Business Resources for the fourth year in a row, for promoting em ployee well-being, worksite health, and wellness.

Just as today’s adults are look ing at life after 50 in a whole new way with a renewed emphasis

on the things that matter most, Splendido recognizes that em ployee niceties should be necessi ties… and an inspired, appreciat ed workforce is key to propelling its vision forward.

If you’re interested in join ing the team, or know someone who is, browse open positions at splendidotucson.com/jobs.