Explorer 01/18/2023

OV board recommends OK of car wash at marketplace

BY DAVE PERRY Tucson Local Media Contributor

Adrive-thru car wash may become the first new building in years at Oro Valley Marketplace.

By unanimous vote Jan. 10, the Oro Valley Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval for Surf Thru Car Wash to construct a 5,490-square-foot building with 10 covered outdoor vacuum stalls on 1.5 acres at the southwest corner of Oracle Road and

Water Harvest Way, close to the southernmost entrance to the Marketplace and immediately north of the burger chain In-N-Out. The proposal now goes to the Oro Valley Town Council.

In-N-Out may benefit by the project; revised design plans for Surf Thru would create sufficient vehicle “stacking” capacity near the two businesses to better distribute In-N-Out drive-thru customers.

“We’ll try to make sure circulation works well on the site,” said applicant representative David

BY DAVE PERRY Tucson Local Media

Citing traffic flow worries, the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of permissions to develop a drive-thru restaurant/coffee shop and three medical office/retail buildings on the northwest corner of Naranja and La Canada.

P&Z’s Jan. 10 recommendation next goes to the Oro Valley Town Council for its consideration.

The 2.8-acre site, directly across Naranja from the commercial center anchored by Bruegger’s Bagels, has been zoned for “a long list of commercial uses” since it was annexed into Oro Valley in 1983, said Paul Oland of Paradigm Land Design, representing the property owner. “This is all allowed, except the conditional use permit for drive-thru,” he said.

Oland said the three office buildings would house 18,000 square feet of space, with maximum height of 28 feet. The drive-thru/restaurant building, located at the southeast corner closest to Naranja and La Canada, would be 2,055 square feet. Provisions would buffer noise and visual impacts with screen walls and overlapping tree canopies. No lighted signage

Elevate Your Expectations of Senior Living

La Posada at Pusch Ridge Now Under Construction

La Posada, southern Arizona’s award-winning Life Plan Community is bringing its commitment to excellence to Oro Valley. Finely appointed, maintenance-free apartment homes. Stunning mountain views. An oasis of first-class amenities. All in an incomparable, wellness-centered senior living community in the heart of nature.

Connect with our retirement counselors at an upcoming informative lunch to hear the latest construction updates, discover the array of exciting amenities and restaurant-style dining experiences, learn about the long-term security of our Life Lease and much more!

Friday, February 3

Thursday, March 2

ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Please join us for an upcoming informative event on a date that’s convenient for you:

300 W Greenock Dr, Oro Valley, AZ • Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. RSVP today by calling 520-531-3480. Seating is limited. Lunch will be served.

La Posada

EXPLORER

The Explorer and Marana News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the Northwest Tucson. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of the Explorer and Marana News, go to www.TucsonLocalMedia.com

STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

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EDITORIAL & AD

Hot Picks

BY KATYA MENDOZA Tucson Local Media Staff

ARTS

Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Saturday, May 20

It’s been a long journey for Willem de Koonig’s “Woman-Ochre,” since its shocking theft in 1985 from the University of Arizona Museum of Art.

More than three decades later, it has been returned and is on display through May. Tickets for “Restored: The Return of Woman-Ochre” are $8 general admission; $6 seniors 65-plus and groups of 10 or more; and free for students with ID, museum members, UA faculty, staff, military personnel, AAM members, visitors with a SNAP card or Tribal ID, and children. For more information about other ongoing exhibits, visit artmuseum.arizona.edu.

The University of Arizona Museum of Art, 1031 N. Olive Road.

Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Saturday, April 8

more information about permanent and ongoing exhibitions, visit tucsondart.org. Tucson Desert Art Museum, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Road.

THEATER

Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Sunday, Jan. 22

Broadway in Tucson presents “the most successful American play in Broadway history,” Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece “To Kill a Mockingbird” from Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Sunday, Jan. 22, at Centennial Hall. The run time is approximately two hours and 35 minutes. For more information on showtimes and ticket prices, visit broadwayintucson.com. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard.

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The Tucson Desert Art Museum presents its, “¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues/ En los barrios y las grandes ligas” Wednesday, Jan. 14, to Saturday, April 8. Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the National Museum of American History, this exhibit examines the sport and how Latinos have helped shape what it is today. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 students/children and free for active military. For

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LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Sunday, Jan. 22

The annual Tucson Jazz Festival returns, bringing world-class jazz acts and high-caliber national talent. Week two begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Fox Tucson Theatre with “Shakespeare in Jazz.” For more information on performances times, locations, tickets and festivities, visit tucsonjazzfestival.org.

Saturday, Jan. 21

The Fox Tucson Theatre presents Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling and more in the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, Saturday, Jan. 21. One of the world’s longest-running and most iconic events, the festival celebrates its 65th year with a musical ensemble you won’t want to miss. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50. Visit foxtucson.com for more info. The Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Catalina State Park continues its Music in the Mountain Series at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. Listen to the fresh acoustic sound of the local group Brian Berggoetz Band, which will play a variety of danceable jazz, rock, funk and blues music. Attendees are welcome to bring snacks, drinks and chairs. Park admission is $7 per vehicle, up to four adults. For a lineup of other programs

and events at the park, visit azstateparks.com. Catalina State Park, 1150 N. Oracle Road.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Through Sunday, Jan. 22

The Zoppé Family Circus presents “Under the Big Top” at the Mercado District MSA Annex through Thursday, Jan. 22. The Zoppé Family Circus brings about 25 individual performances including discounted performances on Friday mornings. This year’s theme “Liberta!” brings forth the remembrance of the struggles of fellow people worldwide. For 177 years and seven generations, the Zoppé family upholds the love, fun and tradition throughout its intimate show. For more information, visit mercadodistrict.com. Mercado District, 125 S. Avenida del Convento.

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Discover Sonoran Wines at the Winter Wine Tasting Series on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Hotel Congress’ jazz club, the Century Room. Cost is $30. Doors open at 6 p.m. Featuring Dos Cabezas and Rune, the expert-led and curated flight tasting begins at 6:30 p.m. and live music starts at 7 p.m. For more information about the Century Room and the Winter Wine Tasting Series, check out dice.fm. The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street.

Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Sunday, Jan. 22

The 2023 Tucson International Jewish

Film Festival continues its local celebration of outstanding Jewish films from around the world Wednesday, Jan. 18, through Thursday, Jan. 22. While most films are screened in person at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, all films will be available to stream online on the Eventive platform until Tuesday, Jan. 31. For more information on ticket pricing or showtimes, visit tucsonjcc. org. Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road.

Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Saturday, Jan. 28

The 37th annual Tucson Senior Olympic Festival continues Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Morris K. Udall Regional Center. Support and cheer on your local seniors 50 and older, as they compete in categories such as basketball, cribbage, pickleball and more. Times and locations vary; visit tucsonaz.gov. Morris K. Udall Regional Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road.

Saturday, Jan. 21

The Oro Valley Historical Society offers docent-guided walking tours of the Steam Pump Ranch Historical Park every third Saturday of the month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. No reservations are required; visitors can sign up at the Oro Valley Historical Society booth at the south end of the farmers market. There is a suggested donation of $5. For more information about ongoing tours, museum hours and events, visit ovhistory.org.

Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle.

LOCAL MARKETS

Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Sunday, Jan. 22

Pucker up and celebrate citrus season with Heirloom Farmers Markets starting Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Sunday, Jan. 22. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., locals can sample winter citrus that local vendors have to offer. Enjoy live music while you check out any Heirloom Farmers Market during Citrus Week. Celebrate with citrus-inspired food and drinks, citrus tasting and education, fresh local produce and food trucks during the Citrus Jubilee on Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Rillito Park Farmers Market. For more information about the Citrus Week festivities, visit heirloomfm.org. Rillito Park Farmers Market, 4502, N. First Avenue.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Be sure to support your local farmers, ranches and small food purveyors offering their seasonal produce, farmfresh eggs, meats and other goods at the Oro Valley Farmers Market on Saturday, Jan. 21. This week is Citrus Week at the Historic Steam Pump Ranch. Enjoy citrus inspired food and drinks, live music and citrus provided by Desseer Treasures and Elizabeth’s Garden from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendance is free. Steam Pump Ranch is located at 10901 N. Oracle Road. For more information about the Oro Valley Farmers Market or other Heirloom Farmers Markets, visit heirloomfm.org.

would be installed behind the three office buildings.

About 20% of the site would remain landscaped open space. “We’re OK with all of their proposed conditions,” Oland said of town staff.

While restaurant and retail uses are allowed, “we’re talking to coffee shops,” Oland said. “And there is a strong market for medical offices.”

To access the site, Oland said the developer would create a right-hand turn lane westbound onto Naranja, extend a right-hand turn lane southbound onto La Canada, and create an eastbound left-turn lane onto Naranja. The Naranja access would allow both left and right turns.

“That pattern is just not acceptable,” said Commissioner Dan Sturman, who toured the site. “Some turns are just not possible. It’s so congested there.”

“Drivers will follow the path of least resistance,” Oland countered. If motorists can’t turn left onto Naranja from the development, they’ll opt to go slightly north within the site, then turn right onto La Canada. Oland said Sturman’s concerns are “valid, but they’re going to get better. … We are adding more options for drivers.”

Town Engineer Paul Keesler discussed

Little, with the design and engineering business WLB Group.

Surf Thru’s orientation toward Oracle Road is intended to “help minimize potential noise impacts” on nearby residences, a town staff report said. And, per code, Surf

the complexities of traffic flow at Naranja and La Canada. When school is in session, considerable traffic flows along Naranja to and from Ironwood Ridge High School and Wilson K-8 School, both located west of the intersection. There are in effect three “rush hours,” one in the morning, one in the afternoon when students are released, and one in the evening, Keesler said.

Yet the proposed traffic pattern for this project is similar to others in the community, specifically at the shopping center anchored by Target at Oracle and Pusch View Lane, Keesler continued. “It does function,” he said. But commissioners saw otherwise.

“Honestly, I think we’re going to create a problem here,” said Commissioner Joe Nichols, who also toured the site.

Two neighbors agreed the project might compound traffic on Naranja west of La Canada. Now, westbound motorists often make U-turns on Naranja at Scioto Avenue to get into the Bruegger’s complex, one neighbor said.

Sturman moved to deny the conditional use permit, saying “the traffic patterns seem very unsafe and will cause further congestion.” Commissioners agreed to recommend denial on a 4-1-1 vote.

Thru would conserve 70% of the water it uses.

The site has been scraped for years. It was originally approved to be a gas station.

Plans for Surf Thru are not affected by recent town council approvals to revitalize Oro Valley Marketplace.

having the confidence and peace of mind of accreditation is

That’s why Amber Lights is accredited by CARF International— an independent organization that sets exceedingly high standards for care. It’s a lot like an accreditation for a hospital or college. We think you’ll find that our accreditation is only one of the many reasons to take a look at Amber Lights senior living community.

Visitors in OV

Amateur photographer Ashlyn Stokosa of Oro Valley and her family were getting ready to drive to Tempe to see the ASU hockey game, when her family had a few pop-ins. The mother bobcat and her two kittens explored their backyard while Stokosa snapped photos through her screen door. “The one kitten kept trying to stand in our

hose bin, and the other kitten was crawling under the chair on the patio,” Stokosa said. “They just hung out. They were drinking out of the birdbath and going back and forth to the porch area. They took naps — one against the rock and the other on the dirt.” She said her front yard’s wash attracts the likes of javelina, bobcats and mountain lions.

Cold War program kicks off new season

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

The Tucson Great Decisions Association will kick off its 2023 season of discussions with “The New Cold War: Queen’s Gambit or Pawn Sacrifice.”

The program featuring Catherine Ripley, teacher and former diplomat is at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, via Zoom.

There, she will discuss how the post-Cold War world evolved into a new Cold War, and

how the global pandemic merely accelerated an already inevitable paradigm shift.

Tickets are $10 and registration is required before Jan. 20, when a link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, visit tgda. org.

Ripley is a retired U.S. naval officer. Her background in leadership began as one of the first women to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and spans a 26-year career as a naval officer and U.S. diplomat, and six years as an international business executive in the

aerospace industry.

She was an assistant professor of leadership and military history for four years at MIT, Harvard and Boston University. She served as an adjunct professor of political science at Pima Community College.

Great Decisions is an educational program of discussions about world affairs, sponsored nationally by the Foreign Policy Association since 1954, and in the Tucson area by the nonpartisan/nonprofit Tucson Great Decisions Association.

Not a class or a lecture, the meetings are more like a book discussion group, where members read chapters written by experts on various topics from a “briefing book” and watch related videos, then come prepared to discuss the various topics, which change from year to year. This year’s topics include climate migration, China and the United States, famine and war crimes. While there is no membership fee, there is a charge for the briefing books. For more information, and to see a list of groups in the Tucson area, visit tgda.org.

BUYING OLD TOYS

Asphalt Astronaut celebrates the atmospheric ‘aurora’

BY LAURA LATZKO Tucson Weekly Contributor

Jessica Tanner is new to making music, but she has been rapidly growing as an artist and finding her voice with each new album.

Under her artist name Asphalt Astronaut, she released her latest album “aurora” on Jan. 13. Tanner will celebrate the occasion with an acoustic performance at Rozet Nursery’s market on Sunday, Jan. 22.

“aurora” is the follow up to 2020’s “antares” and 2021’s “andromeda.”

Tanner has performed at venues in Tucson, including Club Congress, Hotel McCoy, the Indigo Social Club, Monterey Court, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. and Second Saturdays.

“aurora” explores love, regret and grief, looking at how life doesn’t always turn out as planned. Many of the songs explore this, including “the fling,” “sandcastles” and déjà vu.”

a great relationship right now. Everything is going good. I don’t know why it came out so melodramatic, but I think that’s just my style,” Tanner said.

She said while “andromeda” had more of a distinctive through-line, the newest album is more of loose collection of stories.

“aurora” was recorded in Tanner’s home office/studios, which carried noise from pets and visitors.

“I think you can hear some of those artifacts if you listen really close. I’ve mentioned it to people I’ve shown the album to. They’ve always been like, ‘It makes it more personal.’ I try not to stress as much about editing it all out,” Tanner said.

The artist incorporated ambient sounds into the album. She banged on her desk and clinked on a wine glass to create sounds. She also used Logic plugins to change the sound of her keyboard.

She tried to focus more on storytelling and vocals and less on sounds than she did on her second album.

“babygirl,” reflect on her relationship with her deceased father and her processing of grief following his death.

“My father passed away when I was 14,” Tanner said.

“That’s been a point of conflict in my life. I didn’t really deal with it properly. I was 14. I just pushed it away., so it still comes up from time to time, in particular when I’m writing music… I had a pet catfish. I’d had it for a weirdly long time. I think a couple of years. I was very bad at taking care of fish. I always forgot to clean the tank. I couldn’t tell if I fed them enough or too much. I was looking at that catfish one day, and I was thinking, ‘How sad would it be if someone chose to be reincarnated to be close to their family, and they ended up being a stupid catfish?’ That song was written from the perspective of my dad being reincarnated as a fish just to be close.

“It’s a little wacky, but that one was definitely very personal. Then, almost immediately after I finished recording it, the catfish died. I don’t know what that means, but it’s definitely a personal track.”

took a classical guitar class at the UA. She also had been teaching herself guitar during the pandemic.

“I had time and a guitar, and I was like, ‘Might as well record it. Nobody’s going to listen to it. No harm, no foul,’” Tanner said. “That first album was my first time seriously picking up a guitar. I’m self-taught, so you can tell it’s pretty simplistic. I don’t mind because I think that gave me more of an opportunity to focus on the lyrics.”

She started out playing an upright piano her mother purchased for a birthday in her early teens. She used YouTube videos to teach herself.

Tanner has always been interested in writing. At around 12 years old, she took part in National Novel Writing Month, which challenges writers to craft a 50,000-word manuscript.

Her piece ended up being around 80,000 words.

Songwriting has been another outlet for her writing skills.

The song, “the funeral,” reflects on her father’s service.

“My mom told me to invite some friends. They all came to support me, which was sweet, but since they were there, I felt I had to put on a show. The whole time I was very smiley, happy and friendly with everyonee, and then it was only after everyone left that it was like, 'This is actually not a great experience for me,’” Tanner said.

The song, “grace,” is also autobiographical in nature, reflecting on how Tanner wishes she was a more well-behaved teenager.

“With songwriting, it’s not as much as trying to write a whole novel. It’s a little more succinct. It’s fun to try and keep it vague but make it relatable,” Tanner said.

Her album and artist names all come from her interest in space. She developed this fascination at an early age, attending space camp as a child and growing up watching “Star Trek.”

“Like with a lot of people my age, we just grow up enamored with space,” Tanner said.

Music is a hobby for Tanner, who has a full-time job working as an assistant superintendent for a general contractor.

“Before my dad died, my parents were divorcing. I was a ball of angst for like two to three years. I remember there was this one girl that really wanted to be a part of my friend group. We kept pushing her away… and now as an adult looking back, I really wish I hadn’t done that. I wish I had taken the time, and maybe she would have been a great friend,” Tanner said.

The ambient pop artist began making music around 2020. Her influences include Muse, Daughter, Imogen Heap and Lord Huron.

“antares” was a stripped-down collection of folk songs that allowed her to showcase her voice for the first time.

Shortly before making that album, she

“It’s my version of writing in a diary. I do it late at night, when everyone is asleep, and the pets are quiet. My little office is dark, and I’ve got a glass of wine, and I’m all ready to go,” Tanner said.

If you go

WHEN: 11 a.m. to noon and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22; market runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Rozet Nursery, 7707 E. 22nd Street, Tucson

PRICE: Free admission

INFO: asphaltastronaut.com

After family deaths, Dry Cleaning finds happiness

BY LUKE HERTEL Tucson Weekly Staff

Dry Cleaning drummer Nick Buxton said his U.K. talk rock/spoken word band’s success comes from their age, experience and quite a bit of luck.

The quartet are all in their thirties, something atypical of a new band in the space, and experienced, except for newbie singer Florence Shaw.

Because of this experience, the musicians could select the right members for the band and create a sound they’re proud of.

“We’ve been around the block,” Buxton said. “I think the bullshit indicator was always quite high. We were able to sniff it out quite early.”

Dry Cleaning is now touring in support of its sophomore effort, “Stumpwork.” They’ll come to the Hotel Congress Plaza on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Buxton admits Dry Cleaning is still working on how to express their new songs live, so the concerts are evolving at an alarming rate.

“It’s a new experience taking it out on the road and really getting to learn the songs,” Buxton said. “And so things change around and the set changes and things get expressed differently and the songs expand and contract. So hopefully, we should be firing on all cylinders by then and I’m looking forward to really getting stuck in.”

Buxton adds that it’s not just the set that is changing. They have added touring personnel, who improve the show.

“We’ll have a lighting engineer with us, who’s a really good friend of ours,” Buxton said. “I think he really adds to the show, like the kind of atmosphere that he helps us generate. It’s like really, it’s really important for us like we can feel it on stage.

“You have to work with good people, you really do. You hear it all the time about these bands who signed to major labels, and they get loads of money. And then everything just sucks. It’s kind of all down to the personnel. It’s so important that you just work with people that you like and you trust.”

WARNING! PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Oro Valley, 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 antidepressants 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, numbness, tingling, pain, and balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves to degenerate – an insidious and often painful process.

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.

Thankfully, Oro Valley is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new 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:

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

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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

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

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Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until December 31st, 2022 Call (520) 934-0130 to make an appointment

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Dry Cleaning is touring in support of its sophomore effort, “Stumpwork.” They’ll come to the Hotel Congress Plaza on Tuesday, Jan. 24. (Guy Bolongaro/Contributor)

Luck played a role as well with Dry Cleaning.

“It’s really strange,” Buxton said. “You know, we’ve been really fortunate that we’ve met a lot of really, really good people. Everyone’s been nice to us. And… no one’s trying to, like patronize us or talk down to us or anything like that. It’s always felt very mutual and respectful and kind to the people that we’ve met.”

“Stumpwork” is the follow up to “New Long Leg,” and saw the band — Buxton, Shaw, guitarist Tom Dowse and bassist Lewis Maynard — return to Rockfield Studios with producer John Parish.

The lyrics were inspired by a variety of topics and people, including artist Maggi Hambling and snippets from the press cuttings library of archivist Edda Tasiemka.

“Stumpwork” was made after the deaths of Maynard’s mother and Dowse’s grandfather, both of whom were supportive of Dry Cleaning. The overall vibe of “Stumpwork” is subtly upbeat, howoever. While pursuing a career in music has

been a dream come true, according to Buxton, the four band members held onto their previous jobs as long as they could before committing fully to the band.

Buxton was the part-owner of a cabinetry business and said it was tough to leave that position.

“I worked as a cabinet maker, but also I had my own company that I ran with someone,” Buxton said. “So for me, personally speaking, it was really hard, because I had been playing music my whole life pretty much and the opportunity to do it for a living had never really come up before.

“So, I’d always thought that I would just jump at that straight away, but like, it caught me at a time in my life where I wasn’t really able to just jump straight into it because I had a lot of other responsibilities. And… when we got involved with a manager, who laid out a plan for us and suggested the kind of route we might take through the music industry, it wasn’t easy for us to kind of accept that that’s what we all wanted to do.”

Buxton said he knew he wanted to make the career change when the musicians ate at

Dry Cleaning is proud to call South London home. (Ben Rayner/Contributor)

Wimpy, a fast-food retro burger chain popular in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

“The waiter in the restaurant came over and he was talking to us and he was like, ‘Oh, you guys are a band,’” Buxton said. “We were talking to him, and he asked, ‘What’s the name of your band?’ And we were like, ‘Oh, it’s Dry Cleaning.’ And he was just laughing, and he was like, ‘Yeah, that’s a funny name.’ And I just remember thinking…it kind of brought me back down

to Earth a little bit. I was like, ‘You know, I would really like to do this. I really want to do this.’ We decided at that point that we were going to move forward with it.”

Despite traveling around the world in the last year and a half, Buxton said that he is proud to call South London his home.

“We are, quintessentially, a South London band and absolutely a product of our environment,” he explains. “I think if you were to take us out of that environment and to somewhere else, I think you’d get a very different thing at the end of it. It’s a really unique place in the world. I think we’re all very proud to say we’re from there.”

If you go

Dry Cleaning

WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24

WHERE: Hotel Congress Plaza, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson COST: Tickets start at $20; 21 and older INFO: dice.fm

‘Glass Menagerie’ reflects family dynamics

BY LAURA LATZKO Tucson Weekly Contributor

The co-founder of Soul of Broadway and United Colours of Arizona Theatre, Chanel Bragg, has 15 years of production under her belt.

She was a featured director at the Phoenix Theatre Company’s Festival of New American Theatre, where she helmed “Enferma” and “Click Bait,” and produced and directed “The Alexander Project,” a touring “Hamilton” revue that visited Phoenix and Tucson.

Bragg recently directed an all-Black production of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” for Pima Community College as her first show in Tucson. This month, she’s tackling Tennessee Williams’ iconic memory play, “The Glass Menagerie."

The Arizona Theatre Company will stage the play in Tucson from Saturday,

Jan. 21, to Saturday, Feb. 11; and in Phoenix from Thursday, Feb. 16, to Sunday, March 5.

The show tells the story of the Wingfield family, who love each other but are trying to escape from their harsh conditions in their own ways.

In the play, Amanda Wingfield, an eccentric, faded Southern belle who was left by her husband, is preoccupied with trying to find a match for her daughter, Laura. Her daughter suffers from emotional and physical fragility due to pleurosis as a teen.

The two live in a rundown apartment with Tom, Amanda’s son and Laura’s older brother. He works at a shoe warehouse to support his family and writes by night. Tom acts as the narrator, showing the past through his eyes.

The show is set in 1937, when the country was just starting to emerge from the Great Depression. In the play, Tom reflects on events happening in the world.

Bragg said through Tom’s recollections, she wanted to show the mind’s unreliability. Bragg said that while the show is about this family, it is also a social commentary.

Throughout her career, Bragg has tried to be involved in projects with a larger message about society.

“It’s a form of my activism,” Bragg said. “I like to do shows that talk about things that are important and things that matter in the world. This story is so commonly felt by everyone, but this is really a story about a family that is struggling to make it.”

Bragg said the play is challenging because it is such as a personal look into Williams’ relationship with his sister, Rose.

“It’s a true love letter to her, but it’s also a moment for him to really deal and work through how he felt he should have been there more for her,” Bragg said.

“When you are paralleling it to the playwright’s actual life, alongside what is in the text, it’s a beautiful tribute, but it’s also

very heartbreaking. I want to play the truth of the situation. These families exist. This kind of heartbreak exists.”

If you go

Arizona Theatre Company’s Production of “The Glass Menagerie”

WHEN: Various times Saturday, Jan. 21, to Saturday, Feb. 11

WHERE: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Street, Tucson

PRICE: Tickets start at $25.

WHEN: Various times Thursday, Feb. 16, to Sunday, March 5

WHERE: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix

PRICE: Tickets start at $25

INFO: 1-833-282-7328, atc.org

Singer Dave Mensch thrives on connecting with fans

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN Tucson Weekly Contributor

When Dave Mensch was a kid, his dad told him to find something that he loved and figure out a way to make a living at it.

Although it took a bit, he accomplished that with music.

A Mesa native, the singer-songwriter makes his first appearance in Tucson from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Chicago Bar. It kicks off Gauntlet Entertainment’s 2023 season.

Gauntlet Entertainment books independent musicians, comedians, pro wrestlers, artists, public speakers and other professional entertainers. It’s led by Mike Roe, who has been a singer, band manager, venue entertainment manager, sports facility manager, radio DJ and a large festival coordinator. He invited Mensch to perform here.

“I haven’t been back to play in Arizona since just before COVID,” Mensch said. “It’s the first time in Tucson — normally I’m in Cave Creek — so I’m excited to expand out to some new areas.”

A fusion artist, Mensch blends country and rock music, covering the likes of Garth Brooks, Tom Petty, Adele, 3 Doors Down, Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows and Smashing Pumpkins.

“I try to lean on originals, for sure,” Mensch said. “The stuff that I write is very rockin’ country. I do tons of different genres. It’s not just one style of music.”

He loves to engage with his audience, he said, by telling stories and playing songs he knows the audiences enjoy.

“It’s hard to describe, but they can control the tempo of the song live,” Mensch said. “I do crowd-interacting songs. I do improv songs that I make up right on the spot. I would say I’m a little more engaging of a songwriter compared to most.”

Music and entertaining are Mensch’s

longtime passions. He won a 2015 BroadwayWorld Award for playing Roger in “Rent” and starred as Stacee Jax in “Rock of Ages,” both in Colorado.

“I was in theater from age 7 to 17,” he said. “Then I was in college (in Colorado) and a group of guys said, ‘Hey, let’s get that guy Dave and see if he wants to sing for our band.’”

The feeling was addictive. He loved performing with them and then started writing and playing music he enjoyed. The hobby turned into a full-time job on June 5, 2006.

“Which means, really, that I never work a day in my life,” Mensch said.

His career highlights include opening for Kansas, 38 Special, Dwight Yoakam, Tanya Tucker and Dan Fogelberg. But more than anything else, it is the chance to connect with audiences that excites him as a musician.

“The biggest thing is how much the fans really enjoy the shows,” Mensch said. “Each time somebody says to me ‘I just really love your take on this song’ or ‘I love the words that you wrote for this one,’ that really keeps me going.”

He said he loves to perform in new places like the Chicago Bar and be introduced to a different audience.

“I just love what I do,” Mensch said. “The inspiration that I get from conversations with fans or friends or venues brings out songs that I didn’t have before. All my experiences are wrapped up into what I do.”

Since the pandemic has waned, he’s been playing more. He was impressed by the support he and other musicians received during the shutdowns.

“Fans, friends and family really came out of the woodwork to support musicians during that time which was amazing to feel that for sure,” Mensch said. “They’re awesome. Venues worked hard to be able to do social distance shows and things like that. I have a great network as far as the companies that I work with who put things together for everybody to continue working during that time.

He’s eager to bring his brand of music to a new audience and to connect with them during the show.

“The biggest thing for me as a musician

Musician Dave Mensch will bring originals and his interpretation of favorite covers to Tucson for the first time. (Dave Mensch/Submitted)

is that I don’t try to pretend to be the artist that I’m covering,” Mensch said. “Every song that I do is my interpretation of that cover. If you’re coming to a show, expect something different or a fresh take on a particular song. I hope that whether I’m doing an original song or a cover song, that audiences will notice the originality of what is being performed. I really want to give them an original take on the things that I play.”

If you go

Dave Mensch

WHEN: 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20

WHERE: Chicago Bar, 5954 E. Speedway Boulevard, Suite A, Tucson

COST: Free admission

INFO: chicagobar-tucson.com

STEAM Night brings families, businesses together

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Columnist

Wilson K-8’s Family STEAM Night is returning Tuesday, Jan. 24, after a twoyear COVID-19-dictated break.

From 5 to 7:30 p.m., families can take part in various science, technology, engineering, art and math activities. They’ll have the chance to win prizes.

Students are encouraged to bring friends and neighbors and the stations will be spread throughout the campus.

“We’re really excited to have it back this year,” said chair Jillian Aja.

She said the 30 exhibitors at the school include Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue (reptile petting zoo); Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation (help build a critter crossing to save animal population); Oro Valley Police Department Bomb Squad (robot and demo suit); Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (telescopes at the courtyard starting at 6 p.m.); UA School of Mining & Mineral Resources (students will discover how copper is produced from rocks by processing copper oxide minerals with white vinegar to create a copper vinegar solution); Ironwood Ridge High School (variety of physics demonstrations and a laptop/ Chromebook with more interactive simulations); UA Women in Optics (hands-on optics demo) and Lucky Cat Social Art (art dry clay hearts).

Math will be represented by Commerce Bank of Arizona. Kids can spin a wheel to obtain percentages that will be used to calculate interest on interest-bearing accounts.

Wilson K-8 students, their friends and families are invited to the PTO Family STEAM Night from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24. (Wilson K-8 PTO/ Submitted)

“Wilson K-8 is a fantastic public school, part of the Amphi School district and we serve approximately 1,000 students and 100 dedicated staff and teachers," Aja said. "The PTO is a dedicated group of parent volunteers who are committed to enhancing our campus and learning environment through fundraising, community events and family partnerships.”

The kids will receive “passports” and can receive stamps at each table, good for a raffle.

If you go

Wilson K-8 PTO Family STEAM Night

WHEN: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24

WHERE: Wilson K-8, 2330 W. Glover Road, Oro Valley COST: Free

INFO: 520-696-5800, https://bit.ly/ WilsonK8STEAM

Student Chronicles

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Know of a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email christina@ tucsonlocalmedia.com.

Kara Jones of Tucson graduated with a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Jones was among the 1,890 prospective candidates who attended commencement exercises on Dec. 18.

UWM is the second largest university in Wisconsin, with over 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Linda Nielsen-Reynolds of Tucson earned a Master of Business Administration at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. Schreiner University is an independent coeducational liberal arts university related by choice and by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Julian Lopez of Tucson earned dean’s award with distinction at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. A Pueblo High School graduate, Lopez is expected

to earn his degree in physics this year. Students who receive a term grade-point average of 3.6 or higher while completing at least three courses during the spring 2022 semester earn the dean’s award with distinction.

Sophia Lewis of Tucson, a MidAmerica Nazarene University student, made the dean’s list at the Olathe, Kansas, school for the fall 2022 semester. A total of 423 students qualified for one of the honors. All students in traditional programs carrying 12 semester hours or more with a term GPA from 3.2 to 4.0 may qualify. Neutral credit hours are excluded from the calculation and reduce the course load used to figure the honor. The honor roll is a grade-point average of 3.2 to 3.49. MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university of approximately 2,000 students. Offering 50 traditional undergraduate areas of study and 11 pre-professional programs, the university is also known for its accelerated professional and graduate programs. Info: mnu.edu

Charitable Contributions 2022

- STEM Education NW Elementary Schools $35,000

- Impact of Southern Arizona $20,000

- Southern Arizona Cultural Alliance $12.500

- Arizona Heroes Memorial $6000

- TOOV July 4th $10,000

- OV State of the Town $5000

- OV Cup $4500

- Cops & Kids

- Snow OV $3000

- AYSO Soccer $2500

- CDO Soccer $2500Oro Valley Theatre Company $2300

- And many others

OV partners with Tucson Bicycle Classic

SPECIAL TO TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA

The local Tucson Bicycle Classic race is coming to Oro Valley. The 2023 series will feature three days of racing, Friday, March 3, to Sunday, March 5. This series will mark 35 years for the Tucson Bicycle Classic, a race that is well known and loved by local cyclists as well as pros who join from all over the world. In 2022, the series attracted 510 riders, representing 34 states and nine nations.

The town partnered with the three-day stage race, which will bring the third day of racing to it March 5.

The agreement was executed and signed Dec. 9 at the Oro Valley Town Hall Complex. Interim City Manager Chris Cornelison signed on behalf of the town, and Marco Colbert signed on behalf of TBC.

VOTING TIME!!

“Hosting the circuit race for the Tucson Bicycle Classic is Oro Valley’s leap into attracting other professional and amateur cycling events,” said Paul Melcher, Oro Valley’s community and economic development director.

which replaces a course that was used by TBC for over 30 years.

The Oro Valley course is just over 4 miles and will be raced by amateur and professional racers. This short course is known as a circuit course and gives spectators the advantage of witnessing high-speed action all day. The event will also feature a family festival at the Naranja Park with an expo, local food vendors and fun family-friendly activities throughout the day.

“The Tucson Bicycle Classic is a premiere stage race that is highly competitive,” Colbert said.

“Professional and amateur cyclists from all over the world come here to train and then test their training during this challenging weekend. We’re so honored to bring this stage to Oro Valley, which is one of the most cyclist-friendly communities in the country. Oro Valley has been wonderful to work (with), which is so critical to maintaining a good reputation with the community.”

“The classic will feature Oro Valley’s premier racing surfaces, incredible views and the hospitality of a true cycling town. We’re excited to work with professional cycling race producers like Tucson Bicycle Classic and look forward to years of racing and collaborations for additional racing and noncompetitive events.”

Tucson Bicycle Classic worked with Oro Valley to design the new race course,

Colbert said cycling is an “incredible sport” and he wants to introduce people to the sport by creating memorable, community-driven events.

“We like to say that we are a community event with a bike race,” Colbert added. “Our goal is to make this an annual event that residents and business owners are proud to support.”

For more information about the race, visit https://bit.ly/TucsonBicycleClassic.

Another key to the healthier and longer life

BY MIA SMITT Tucson Local Media Columnist

Awell-balanced diet, physical and mental exercise, the avoidance of smoking, and moderate use of alcohol and sugar-rich foods will help maintain optimal health. Often overlooked, the key to best health is socialization and relationships with others. We need to regularly connect and engage. There are studies showing the physical, emotional and cognitive benefits of socializing with others.

Northwestern University has had ongoing research since 2017 into “cognitive super agers,” people over 80 years who have the mental agility of people who are middle aged. Thirty-one “super agers” and 19 cognitively average peers were compared. Demographics and estimated former intelligence were no different, but the super agers reported greater levels of “positive relations with others.”

Loneliness can be a killer. Being unhappy and lonely ages us even more than smoking. Cellular damage at the molecular level can build up and contribute to the development of various diseases and age-related frailty. This process can be more intense and widespread in some people than others and is referred to as “accelerated aging.” This increased aging process makes some of us feel and act older than others of the same age.

Social isolation and poor social connections were associated with a

50% increased risk of dementia, a 32% increased risk of stroke and a 29% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. People who have chronic heart failure have a much higher risk of hospitalization and death if they are lonely. People who experience loneliness have higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide.

Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University. In 2010, she began a research study over seven and a half years following 309,000 adults. Data measuring social participation, relationship satisfaction and perception of support showed that those people with adequate social contacts and interaction were 50% more likely to survive by the end of the study than those with insufficient or poor social relationships. This effect of social connectedness was actually comparable to quitting smoking and may even exceed many well-known risk factors

for mortality, including obesity, drinking alcohol to excess (more than six drinks per day), and air pollution. “My research suggests that one of the single best things you can do for your health is to nurture your relationships,” Holt-Lunstad said in a TED Talk in May 2021.

A study of over 3 million people worldwide (also conducted by HoltLunstad and published in 2015) found that loneliness increases the risk of an earlier death by 26%. Social isolation will increase the risk of earlier death by 29% and living alone will increase the risk by 32%.

Today, we have digital models of aging that may detect an increased rate of aging before disease or frailty become terribly severe. These models may be used to look at anti-aging therapies. The journal Aging-U.S. recently published research by an international collaboration led by the company Deep Longevity (an artificial intelligence company working to expand human lifespan) with U.S. and Chinese scientists. It found the effects of being lonely, feeling unhappy and poor sleep to be significant in the pace of aging in many individuals.

medical care (medications, surgeries, etc.) 20%. All these add up to only 45%.

The social determinants (of which there are many more than described here) account for 55% of the determinants of health. Social isolation and loneliness are risk factors for disease, frailty and early mortality.

This is not to say that we can smoke, eat and drink to excess and be couch potatoes if we have happy and fulfilling relationships with family and friends.

We must understand that our social relationships are just as important in the fostering of optimum physical, emotional and mental health. Some people complain that they have no friends. Reach out to them. Offer time to get to know someone in need. Volunteer opportunities are a great way to meet people and foster relationships. Joining a church group, book club, community action group or an athletic organization encourages people to socialize. Call a friend and find a reason to celebrate your connectedness.

Consider the biggest determinants of health: genetics account for only 5%, health behaviors a surprising 20%, and

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

The Town of Oro Valley needs your help identifying the best ways to engage the community in the next General Plan.

Your participation is an important first step in planning Oro Valley’s future.

To take the survey online, scan the QR code or visit orovalleyaz.gov.

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

include $50,000.

Tickets for the annual TMC Mega Raffle will go on sale Thursday, Feb. 2.

MAIN STAGES

Marking its 11th year, the raffle has generated nearly $13 million for patient care services and programs at Tucson Medical Center. The 2023 Mega Raffle will award more than 3,000 prizes with a total retail value of approximately $2.3 million. The 50/50 Jackpot, which totaled $964,075 in 2022, is also back with no limit.

In addition to the grand prizes and early bird prize packages, participants are eligible to win an amazing selection luxury and electric vehicles, a variety of vacation packages, the latest in electronics, jewelry and home accessories, plus additional cash prices ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.

In 2022, the TMC Mega Raffle grant monies helped fund new technology and equipment that directly enhances patient care. New additions include a remote cardiac rehab facility at TMC’s hospital in Benson, the purchase of a DaVinci surgical system, new CT and portable X-ray machines along with a remodel of the ICU.

“The excitement surrounding the TMC Mega Raffle each year and the continued support from the community is incredible. Last year we sold out in just 13 days,” said Kathy Rice, director of the TMC Mega Raffle. “Now, in our 11th year we are keeping that excitement going with an incredible mix of prizes for 2023.”

Grand prize No. 1 is a 2,084-squarefoot, three-bedroom home from A.F. Sterling. The home is located within the builder’s Sierra Point at Continental Ranch community in Marana. The winner can choose to take the home or the cash option of $650,000. Grand prize No. 2 is $150,000 cash.

“Even more incredible is seeing the TMC Mega Raffle dollars at work and how it is making a difference in the hospital’s innovation in health care services and its expansion to Southern Arizona’s rural communities,” Rice added.

The final cutoff for purchasing tickets is Thursday, March 16, or until they sell out. Final winners will be announced by late March. Tickets are $100 each with a limited number of three-ticket packages available for $250. Participants must purchase a ticket to be eligible to enter 50/50 jackpot. To purchase tickets, visit tmcmegaraffle.org or call 1-800-395-8805.

Participants who enter before midnight Feb. 23 will automatically be eligible to win the two early bird and all prizes in the final draw. Early Bird prize No. 1 is a five-night vacation in Reykjavik, Iceland, including airfare and accommodation for two. Early bird prize No. 2 is a six-night vacation with airfare and accommodations for two to France that includes stays in the iconic Loire Valley, Paris and Provence. Both early bird prize packages

Thursday, Feb. 23: Early entry prize cut-off

Wednesday, March 1: Early entry prize drawing

Thursday, March 16: Final cutoff Wednesday, March 22: Final drawing

OV Town Talk: Help plan Oro Valley’s future

BY BAYER VELLA Oro Valley Planning Administrator

Preparations are underway for Oro Valley’s next general plan, and the town needs your help.

The general plan is a community-driven and voter-approved, 10-year action plan guiding the town’s future, and it will be on the ballot in 2026. At the heart of the general plan process is community engagement. A successful plan entails thousands of conversations with residents representing all ages and perspectives.

Although the official “kickoff” for the general plan won’t happen until later this year, please help the town identify the best ways to ensure your voice is heard. Are you most likely to participate via an online discussion, a topical workshop, or do you prefer speaking with other residents at an HOA meeting or your favorite coffee shop?

These questions (and more) are part of a brief survey now available through Thursday, Jan. 26. Survey results will help inform a community engagement plan to ensure that you will have meaningful and convenient opportunities to shape Oro Valley’s future.

To take the survey, visit the home page of orovalleyaz.gov, and scroll down to “featured content.” You can also type this URL into an internet browser: https://arcg. is/10aGrK1.

Why should you (and all your neighbors) get involved in the general plan process?

We often hear that many residents scoured the Southwest before choosing to live in Oro Valley. The community’s high value placed on public safety, desert and mountain views, built environment, and small-town character are all things that make Oro Valley “stand out” as a great place. People traveling to Oro Valley don’t necessarily need a town limits sign to know when they arrive. Just like your choice to live here, this was intentional. Throughout the town’s history, general plans have been implemented to ensure the community’s values guide town decisions. Your high standards for public safety, quality design, scenic views, water

conservation, art, paths and trails, and street maintenance, etc., have all been stamped as “must-dos” in OV’s general plans over the decades.

Does the general plan get results?

The current Your Voice, Our Future General Plan was ratified by voters in 2016. Extensive public outreach was conducted over three years, which resulted in thousands of comments and a plan that resonated with the community. In fact, it was ratified by 71% of Oro Valley voters. Oro Valley prides itself on delivering on the promises made during the three-year outreach process. There are 310 actionable items in the current general plan that the town formally reports progress on annually. The actions are prioritized and implemented through town council’s strategic leadership plan and department work plans.

To date, 95% of those items are either finished or anticipated for completion soon. The parks and recreation master plan, ongoing protection of large saguaros and increased transparency of town services are just a few achievements that resulted from the current general plan.

To view the current general plan and the most recent progress report, visit the town’s website and search for general plan.

What’s next for Oro Valley?

The general plan is often associated with land use and development. For many, their first awareness of the general plan is related to the amendment process for private development. However, the plan charts a path for the town’s public safety, parks, water supply, housing, open space, views, employment opportunities, finance, transportation and more. Each topic includes goals, policies and measurable actions to realize the community’s vision.

Oro Valley is maturing as a community. The town was previously known as a booming growth and development area. New land development is declining and there appears to be an increasing community focus on services including parks and recreation amenities. What are the expectations of the community over the next 10 years?

State law requires certain topics in the general plan based on population. With 47,070 people (2020 census), this general plan will require all state-mandated topic areas resulting in the most comprehensive plan to date. The community needs to determine its future goals, priorities and develop a plan of action. Community engagement is key to creating a comprehensive plan and vison for the town’s future.

Stay engaged!

Many more opportunities to get involved will be provided after the official “kickoff” later this year. We’ll announce those on the website and on social media. But first things first: We’d truly appreciate your survey feedback! Multiple members of the household may take the survey, so share it with family and neighbors. Survey participants will also have the opportunity to provide an email address if they’d like to stay informed and engaged throughout the process.

current general plan. (File photo)

Community engagement is at the core of a successful general plan, and your voice is critical in shaping Oro Valley’s vision for the future.

The parks and recreation master plan is just one achievement that resulted from the

EXTRA POINT WITH TOM DANEHY SPORTS & RECREATION

Local high schools: The region of doom

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

Consider the plight of the Canyon Del Oro girls basketball team. Back before the pandemic, the Dorados were regularly in the postseason state tournament. They sent teams to The Dance and sent individual players off to college. Then the bottom fell out and the program cratered. The Dorados won only three regular-season games and ended the season on a 10-game losing streak.

Over the summer, they hired a new coach, Chris Garcia, and he has the girls

playing with passion and joy. However, if Garcia goes on to an illustrious, longterm, winning career as a coach, this will be forever a January to forget.

Every two years, the Arizona Interscholastic Association realigns all its nearly 300 schools. The schools are divided into classes, mostly based on enrollments, and then the classes are subdivided into regions, mostly determined by geography. It sometimes appears that it’s a matter of Divisions by Dartboard, but for the most part, it works out OK — not

great, but not often horrible. The divisions are set for a two-year period, but the matchups from one sport to another can vary wildly. A school can have a really good girls volleyball team but a struggling boys soccer team. They can have a great rivalry with a nearby school in tennis but be completely overwhelmed when it comes to track and field.

sure bet to make it to state. Marana’s girls are in the top Class, 6A, and are likely to miss out on postseason play. Likewise, for Amphi, which won the 4A Gila Region last year but lost three all-region seniors, including two who are now playing for Pima College. The Panthers are starting two freshmen and two sophomores and are sitting just outside the cutoff line for making it to State. Marana Mountain View is out of the running in Class 5A.

• In Class 3A, Pusch Ridge is in the Top 10 in the state and looks likely to make a deep run at State.

That’s why, when it comes to baseball and softball, it’s great that Canyon Del Oro and Salpointe Catholic are in the 4A-Kino Region. They’re two of the best in the entire state in both sports (although it must be mentioned that Salpointe, with its baked-in competitive and recruiting advantages, doesn’t belong down in the 4A).

However, when it comes to girls basketball, it’s as though Edgar Allan Poe came out of the House of Usher to draw up the Kino Region. The Dorados have to face a Murderers’ Row of opponents. First is Salpointe, which won the Class 4A state championship last year. Then there is Flowing Wells, which has been in the Class 5A state championship game the past two years before being dropped down to 4A this season. Rounding things out are Sahuaro and Pueblo, both of which have been in the 4A State championship game in the past few years. And CDO has to play all four of those teams — twice.

In the most-recent AIA Power Points rankings, Sahuaro, Pueblo, Salpointe and Flowing Wells are ranked second, fifth, sixth and 10th in the entire state, respectively. That’s just brutal!

• If the season were to end today, all four of the aforementioned CDO opponents would advance to the 4A State Tournament. Ironwood Ridge, which is just outside the Top 10 in Class 5A, seems a

• In boys basketball, if the season were to end today, both Marana Mountain View and Ironwood Ridge would make the Class 5A State Tournament, but Marana would miss out in 6A. In Class 4A, Amphi is currently holding on to the final spot in the Top 24, but CDO and Flowing Wells would miss out, as would Pusch Ridge in Class 3A.

• Soccer season is in full swing, with several big games to determine state participation being held in the next 10 days. Marana is just outside the state tournament cutoff at the moment but could climb into the Top 24 with a couple crucial wins. In Class 5A, Mountain View is in a good spot, but Ironwood Ridge is not.

The Amphi Panthers started out the season 0-2-1 but then put together a four-game winning streak straddling the winter break to climb back into contention for a spot at state. The Flowing Wells boys would also make it to state if the season ended this week, but CDO’s boys would not. The Pusch Ridge boys are currently in the Top 10 in 3A.

On the girls’ side, Marana is sitting in a good spot in the Class 6A rankings and have a good shot at reaching state. Mountain View is in a good spot in 5A, as are Flowing Wells and CDO in 4A. Ironwood Ridge in 5A and Amphi in 4A are struggling. Pusch Ridge is just outside the Top 10 in 3A.

Athlete of the Week: Asiel Colon-Torres

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

Marana High’s senior point guard Asiel Colon-Torres’ favorite NBA player is not who you might guess. It’s odd that a point guard would have as his favorite Kevin Durant. To be sure, Durant is an all-time great scorer, but the next time he passes the ball will be the first time he passes the ball.

“Kevin Durant has been my favorite player since I was around 6 years old. I didn’t know that I was going to stop growing at 5-foot-9. I’ll bet he could pass if he wanted to.”

To even make the team at Marana is an ordeal. On an average year, coach Sean Roebuck gets over 100 kids out for tryouts. The tryouts themselves are crazy competitive, but that’s understandable with Marana High’s enrollment now so large that the Tigers have been moved up to the top level of 6A. There’s not much difference between the 5A and 6A when it comes to competition. The only significant difference is that most 6A schools are in the Phoenix area.

There is one other matter. “Since we got moved up to 6A, we only get to play (Marana) Mountain View once per season. We’ve always enjoyed playing them. They’re our main rivals and they’re my favorite team to play against. I know a couple of their guys and we would play at LA Fitness. You always want to beat Mountain View.”

There is, if not bad blood, then certainly heightened intensity when these two teams get together. Their two coaches — Marana’s Roebuck and Mountain View’s Corey Duck — are both former Tigers and they go back decades. During the pandemic, there was some unpleasantness over some last-minute negative COVID-19 tests that allowed certain players to play that night.

“I remember that night,” Colon-Torres said. “I got called up from JV that night, just in case we needed players. We played

Asiel Colon-Torres hopes to study sports medicine or civil engineering. (Asiel Colon-Torres/ Submitted)

it in the small gym and the crowd was pretty intense.”

The two teams will play each other at Marana on Friday, Feb. 3, at Marana.

Just like any senior playing the sport they love, Colon-Torres is looking down the road. In the short run is the end of his senior season, roaring his way at incredible speed. The Tigers are having an uncharacteristically tough year and are unlikely to qualify for postseason play.

“I would really like to play in college,” he says. “I know it’s a long shot with my height and all, but I can play the game. There are lots and lots of colleges that are out there. I just need to try to find the right fit.”

If he can’t find a place to play, he will attend the UA and study either sports medicine or civil engineering. His favorite class is AP calculus. (I taught him some crazy-tough math tricks over the phone and he picked them up in no time!)

But the one number he’s looking for is that one win over Mountain View at the end of his prep career.

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Edited by Will Shortz No. 1105

At ease

Unsalted, perhaps

“The beginning and end of all music,” per Max Reger 6 Shared values

7 September/October zodiac symbol 8 Agreed

Part of a 45-Across

Marvel Comics character played multiple times by Ian McKellen

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

What people call an invention is so often more of a reinvention -- the old thing with a twist. This week, an inventive mood prevails. You'll look around for a problem to solve, a need to ll or interesting elements to combine in a novel way. You won't have to look very far to nd it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You're drawn to powerful people who have earned their place just as you have. Even so, don't underplay luck's role. The headwinds and tailwinds of life can lift or thwart. This week brings reminders to respect the ckle hand of fate and help those around you who do not currently nd themselves in her favor.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Usually, you try to give information on a needto-know basis and answer only when asked. This week, just say it. The world needs your take. And don't worry about being original either. "Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens, we have to keep going back and beginning all over again." — Andre Gide

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

are strengthened and improved inside them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Your choices can be surprising even to you. It's like one part of you has to live with decisions made by another part of you. This week, the phenomenon will inspire a feeling that you'd like to get to know yourself a little better. "Nothing we do is inevitable, but everything we do is irreversible."

— Joy Williams

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

You're not trying to intimidate anyone and yet your very presence can strike a note of fear in those who want you to like, hire or approve of them in any way. The question is, do you want people to be themselves around you or would you prefer them to reach a bit to be the person they think you want?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Even though people have unusual qualities or things about them that are not ideal, you readily make room in your heart for the many facets of others. Self-acceptance isn't as easy for you at times. Try to let yourself be who you naturally are. Don't change the very things that make you stand out as an original.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

43 Fusses

45 Met for a few hours in the evening?

Press secretar y’s asset, informally

“We did it!”

46 Makers of Deep Blue, the first computer to beat a world chess champion under tournament conditions

Food item often accompanied by tzatziki

47 Potato chips, in Britain

49 One in a nursery rhyme pocketful

50 Figures in “Knives Out” and “The Maltese Falcon”

It might be dry or biting

Raise people’s spirits?

“You know what you did!”

22 Phrase that’s o en contracted … or suffix for something contracted

24 Oozed

25 Location of a daith piercing

53 Peter Pe igrew’s Animagus, in the Harry Po er books

54 ___ space

55 Keeping one’s thoughts to oneself, say

Game where It always counts

Eminem track with the Guinness World Record for “most words in a hit single”

Washington hub that’s a portmanteau of two cities

People tend to love along certain grooves and styles they learned early in life. With awareness, these patterns can be optimized or changed. You're more aware of relationship dynamics this week. You'll notice new things about the way you love and are loved, and the information will be applied to improvements.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

The adage suggests it's not what you know but (SET ITAL) who (END ITAL) you know that matters. Neither will make a di erence this week. No amount of "knowing" — who, what, how or otherwise — will improve the situation. Most solutions, improvements and successful actions will have to do with feeling, giving and simply being.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

before or a er “first”

Do not be dissuaded by your loved one's discomfort. To discomfort loved ones is as much a duty as the duty to comfort your loved ones. It weakens a person to live with only softness. One of the great bene ts of honest relationships is that we

There's a particular pattern of yours you've noticed — not exactly an unhealthy habit, but it's not helping. Your reason to quit will be obvious and unavoidable. You can see two distinctly different futures before you — the one where you continue and the one where you change.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You don't have to be reminded the accumulation of material items can make life cumbersome. It's not that the old stu has to go, nor do you need to refrain from getting anything new, rather there's a sense that some of these possessions no longer represent or delight you. You'll maximize by minimizing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

No one knows what you can do, not even you, not yet. People will want to de ne you, and you may feel like you're being asked to come up with the de nition, but don't. With a de nition comes a limit. By saying what you are, you say what you aren't. Instead, throw yourself into the work and your actions will form you.

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

26 ___ Cherry, singer with the 1988 hit “Buffalo Stance” 28 Long account

57 One who’s a charmer, maybe

Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay

Humblebrag, of a sort

answer

58 Traditional Polynesian beverage that numbs the mouth

59 Brined white cheeses

60 “The White House” vis-àvis the executive branch of government, e.g.

PUZZLE BY JOHN WESTWIG

Worship Guide

Family

&

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