Explorer News 04/26/2023

help from a young neighbor, Oro

Corridor Place, a public road in Oro

Wildlife gates solve a conflict in OV

BY DAVE PERRY Tucson Local Media Contributor

Gates across two Oro Valley public streets right off Oracle Road resemble the vehicle obstacles one might see on a private residential roadway.

But these gates don’t impede cars. Rather, they keep wildlife from attempting nighttime crossings of busy Oracle, and they have brought conflict resolution and real comfort to wildlife advocates, government employees and the residents of 55 single-family homes immediately west of Oracle Road.

On April 19, more than 100 people cut a ribbon to celebrate completion of the Oracle Road Wildlife Gate and Fence project, a nearly $500,000 effort some thought would never happen.

“You can’t even imagine how happy I feel right

now,” said Carolyn Campbell, executive director of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. “To us, this is the culmination of a lot of work, and the result of collaboration. Collaboration wins the day.”

When Oracle Road, State Route 77, was widened in 2016, wildlife fences were installed on both sides of the north-south SR 77 corridor from Tangerine Road to the Pinal County line. The Pima Association of Governments/Regional Transportation Authority also built a wildlife bridge over Oracle Road between Oro Valley and Catalina, and a wildlife underpass beneath the six-lane highway, both intended to keep migrating animals off Oracle.

To funnel animals toward those safe paths,

BY DAVE PERRY Tucson Local Media Contributor

JJeff Wilkins, Oro Valley’s next town manager, has signed a two-year employment agreement with annual salary of $200,012, a $25,000 signing bonus, and a $10,026 annual payment into a retirement savings account, according to an agreement approved by the Oro Valley Town Council on April 19.

Oro Valley agrees to provide health, vision, dental, life and disability insurance coverage for Wilkins and his family. He’ll accrue 22 days of annual vacation pay, as well as standard sick leave. He can participate in the Arizona State Retirement System program of co-contribution. He is required to become an Oro Valley resident within six months of his start date.

Wilkins’ employment agreement, accepted unanimously by council, calls for a start date no later than July 1. That’s also the first day of Oro Valley’s next fiscal year. That start date is to be determined.

Andrew Votava, Oro Valley’s human resources director, spoke with Wilkins before the April 19 town council meeting.

Jaelin Collins jumps into

With

Valley Mayor Joe Winfield cut the ribbon on a new wildlife gate across Scenic

Valley that intersects with busy Oracle Road. The gate keeps wildlife off Oracle at

side. (Dave Perry/Contributor)

May

MAY EVENTS

For complete details on these and other events, visit orovalleyaz.gov.

Friday Night Concerts at Steam Pump Ranch

Friday, May 5

7 to 9:30 p.m.

Music by: Vinyl Tap 10901 N. Oracle Road

in Oro Valley Parks & Recreation

All activation fees will be waived for new memberships at the OV Community and Recreation Center and at the OV Aquatic Center!

Have you signed up for summer camps yet?

Spots are still available! Visit PlayOV.com and search SUMMER CAMP for a list of options.

Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch

Saturday, May 13

8 a.m. – noon 10901 N Oracle Road

Overnight Family Camping & Movie at Steam Pump Ranch

4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 through 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 14 10901 N. Oracle Road

Cost is $40 for a family up to six (6) Register at www.playov.com

Movies on the Lawn

Saturday, May 27

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Don’t forget!

Youth scholarship funds are available for qualified OV children under the age of 17 (up to $300 per child.) Visit orovalleyaz.gov for details.

Movie: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center 10555 N. La Cañada Drive

$5 Sunday Family Fun Days at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center

Every Sunday, May 21 – June 30

Admission is good for up to six (6) family members

Peripheral Neuropathy Breakthrough!

Peripheral Neuropathy Breakthrough!

"My feet feel like they're on fire." "Each step feels like I'm walking though wet paint." "I live in constant fear that I'll fall." "I can't sleep, my hands and feet tingle all night."

"My feet feel like they're on fire." "Each step feels like I'm walking though wet paint." "I live in constant fear that I'll fall." "I can't sleep, my hands and feet tingle all night."

All these people suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy. It's estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheralneuropathy. Unfortunately this figure may be significantly higher as the disease is often misdiagnosed because of it's wide array of symptoms.

All these people suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy. It's estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheralneuropathy. Unfortunately this figure may be significantly higher as the disease is often misdiagnosed because of it's wide array of symptoms.

Kari Hahn, L.Ac. of Oro Valley Acupuncture shares "I've been treating neuropathy, in all it's various forms, for years. So often, patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of the diagnosis. And the symptoms of this degenerative disease, often described similarly, can lead to feelings of hopelessness."

Kari Hahn, L.Ac. of Oro Valley Acupuncture shares "I've been treating neuropathy, in all it's various forms, for years. So often, patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of the diagnosis. And the symptoms of this degenerative disease, often described similarly, can lead to feelings of hopelessness."

Frannie M. of Tucson testified to this. "I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running in our neighborhood. I was so envious - I just kept thinking 'I would give anything just to be able to walk again'. My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of getting older, and he gave me a prescription for Gabapentin. I didn't think there was anything else I could do, I was so depressed."

Frannie M. of Tucson testified to this. "I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running in our neighborhood. I was so envious - I just kept thinking 'I would give anything just to be able to walk again'. My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of getting older, and he gave me a prescription for Gabapentin. I didn't think there was anything else I could do, I was so depressed."

Fortunately Frannie came across an article about Kari Hahn's success with treating people in her exact same situation at Oro Valley Acupuncture.

Fortunately Frannie came across an article about Kari Hahn's success with treating people in her exact same situation at Oro Valley Acupuncture.

"I just knew I had to see her, she was my last hope!"

"I just knew I had to see her, she was my last hope!"

Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy often face a grim reality. Western medicine declares there is no solution, while most alternative therapies carry large price tags and offer little to no resolve. This is why Kari Hahn and the staff at Oro Valley Acupuncture pride themselves on being 'the last resort with the best results'.

Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy often face a grim reality. Western medicine declares there is no solution, while most alternative therapies carry large price tags and offer little to no resolve. This is why Kari Hahn and the staff at Oro Valley Acupuncture pride themselves on being 'the last resort with the best results'.

Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerves, and this damage is commonly caused by lack of blood flow to the hands and/or feet. A lack of blood flow leads to a lack of nutrients, the nerves then begin to degenerate and die. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they completely expire, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues."Our methods at Oro Valley Acupuncture not only stop this progression, but actually work to regenerate and restore healthy function of nerves," explains Kari.

"I just can't say enough about Oro Valley Acupuncture," Frannie shared through tears of joy. "My husand and I moved here three years ago and he's gone for walks nearly every day. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. The other day, for the first time, I was able to go and walk with him! I was starting to believe that was no longer possible."

"I just can't say enough about Oro Valley Acupuncture," Frannie shared through tears of joy. "My husand and I moved here three years ago and he's gone for walks nearly every day. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. The other day, for the first time, I was able to go and walk with him! I was starting to believe that was no longer possible."

Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerves, and this damage is commonly caused by lack of blood flow to the hands and/or feet. A lack of blood flow leads to a lack of nutrients, the nerves then begin to degenerate and die. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they completely expire, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues."Our methods at Oro Valley Acupuncture not only stop this progression, but actually work to regenerate and restore healthy function of nerves," explains Kari.

When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless if it's from diabetes, chemotherapy, or idiopathic, early detection greatly improves your chances of recovery. The first step is a call to Oro Valley Acupuncture to book a consult with Kari Hahn. From there Kari will review your medical information and determine your best treatment plan. In most cases, you can start treatment that very same day. Call Oro Valley Acupuncture now to schedule a consult. Mention this add for a consult fee of $30 for our New Patient Offer. We look forward to having you be our next success story.

When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless if it's from diabetes, chemotherapy, or idiopathic, early detection greatly improves your chances of recovery. The first step is a call to Oro Valley Acupuncture to book a consult with Kari Hahn. From there Kari will review your medical information and determine your best treatment plan. In most cases, you can start treatment that very same day. Call Oro Valley Acupuncture now to schedule a consult. Mention this add for a consult fee of $30 for our New Patient Offer. We look forward to having you be our next success story.

Hot Picks

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

ARTS

African American Museum of Southern Arizona Ongoing

The African American Museum of Southern Arizona has opened its doors at the UA. Co-founded by Beverly and Bob Elliott, the museum presents a cultural and educational experience through items of significance and intentional storytelling to preserve African American and Black life, culture and history in Southern Arizona to benefit the community. Admission is free to the museum in room 244 of the Student Union Memorial Center. Until regular hours are established, interested visitors can schedule an appointment by emailing aamuseumofsouthernaz@gmail. com.

African American Museum of Southern Arizona, 4511 N. Campbell Avenue, Suite 255-2, Tucson, free, by appointment only, aamsaz.org

Juried Student Art Exhibit TO MAY 5

The Spring 2023 Annual Juried Student Award Art Exhibition, hosted by the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery, brings together the best student artwork for the summer, fall and spring semesters from any student taught at the five campuses at Pima Community College. The 237 entries were received from 104 students, and 77 entries were accepted by the jurors for this exhibition. This year, the Bernal Gallery has Tucson

Art Museum staff as jurors who choose the students and award winners. The jurors were Dr. Julie Sasse, chief curator of modern and contemporary art, Tucson Museum of Art (TMA); Olivia Miller, interim director and curator, University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA); and Harrison Orr, education director, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA-Tucson).

Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery, Center for the Arts -West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road, free, various times, 520-206-6942, pima.edu/cfa-gallery

“Woman-Ochre” TO MAY 20 Willem de Koonig’s “Woman-Ochre” was stolen in 1985 from the University of Arizona Museum of Art. It’s returned home and on display through May. Tickets for “Restored: The

see HOT PICKS page 6

5-DAY

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 nd out where you can pick up a free copy of the Explorer and Marana News, go to www.TucsonLocalMedia.com

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ADMINISTRATION

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EDITORIAL

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NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Zac Reynolds, Director of National Advertising Zac@TimesPublications.com

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Tucson, AZ - When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with anti-depressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs o en 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 o en causes weakness and numbness.

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

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

(above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

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

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

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

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

It’s completely painless!

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

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

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

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

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage

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

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until May 31st, 2023. Call (520) 934-0130 to make an appointment.

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

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

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.

The University of Arizona Museum of Art, 1031 N. Olive Road, Tucson, various pricing, artmuseum.arizona.edu

Linda McCartney Retrospective TO AUG. 4

The North American premiere of the Linda McCartney Retrospective comes to the University of Arizona Center for Creative Photography, now through Friday, Aug. 4. Spanning McCartney’s entire career from 1965 to 1997, this exhibition features 176 photographs and archival materials, including Polaroid images and presents three sections such as family life, photographic experimentation and artists. The exhibit will recur weekly from Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibition will also feature various community events inspired by the collection.

Center for Creative Photography 1030 N. Olive Road, Tucson, various times and pricing, ccp.arizona.edu

Mini Time Museum: Steve Farley’s “Dowdytown” TO AUG. 20

Pandemic isolation inspired artist, graphic designer and former Arizona State Sen. Steve Farley explores childhood memories through a series of miniatures. They’re artifacts of his Ontario, California, home, but their resonance with childhood reveries is

MANAGER from page 1

“He’s very excited to come to Oro Valley,” Votava told the governing board. Wilkins is “thinking very deeply” about a start date. “He will communicate (with us) in the very near future,” Votava said. Wilkins, one of two finalists for the town manager’s position along with Larry Dorr of Westminster, Colorado, most recently served as director of a regional solid waste district in central Ohio. He has 27 years of experience in local government management in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. When he begins, Wilkins will succeed Interim Town Manager Chris Cornelison,

universal. Farley’s youth included a fondness for building miniature models. As an adult, he’s an artist and graphic designer renowned for public murals. He found that creating these tiny structures helped to ground him in the social and emotional upheaval that accompanied our months in lockdown. An artist reception and talk take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22.

Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, tickets start at $8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays, theminitimemachine.org

THEATER

Borderlands Theater: “Barrio Stories” TO APRIL 30

The evening starts with family fun: an interactive game show, shadow box installations, an augmented reality installation and a heritage talk circle where anyone can tell personal histories of Tucson’s west side barrios. At 8 p.m. a theatrical presentation of curated barrio stories carries the audience back in time. This event continues the tradition that Borderlands established with the stories of Barrio Viejo, which historically covered the heart of Downtown.

Borderlands Theater, 20 N. Bonita Avenue, pay what you will, 6 p.m. interactive family fun and picnic time, 7:45 p.m. main stage show, borderlandstheater.org

“One Twig at a Time” TO APRIL 30

Found object puppetry, poetic visual theater, humor, pathos, drought, flood, overabundance and the vacuum of space are explored in a new work by visual storyteller Wolfe Bowart. An ensemble of five multigenerational actors — including Bowart —

the town’s assistant town manager before Town Manager Mary Jacobs left the post in August. Cornelison will resume his position as deputy town manager when Wilkins begins his tenure, according to a release from the town.

“We look forward to welcoming Jeff Wilkins as our new town manager,” Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield said in a statement. “His wealth of knowledge and depth of experience in local government will help Oro Valley continue to thrive. My fellow councilmembers and I are confident in this decision, and we look forward to this next chapter of leadership in our community.”

“I am humbled by being selected by the

will explore community via visual poems drawn from notebooks filled with abstract sketches, dreams and theatrical images by Bowart. For scoundrels and scamps ages 5 to 105. Various times and days with school matinees available.

Scoundrel and Scamp Theater, 738 N. Fifth Avenue, various times and pricing, 520-448-3300, scoundrelandscamp.org

SPECIAL EVENTS

Western Experience TO MAY 7

Journey into a Western Experience at Old Tucson Studios, through Sunday, May 7, and witness the spirit of the Old West come alive. Get a glimpse of a historic town in Arizona territory during the 1800s and enjoy live action cowboy gun fights, death-defying stunts, rides and attractions.

Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, $34 adults, $17 children ages 5 to 11, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays, oldtucson.com

Networkaoke Sing or Socialize APRIL 26

This Oro Valley Social & Business Club mixer features a nacho bar, karaoke, cheap cocktails, dancing, prizes and the chance to promote businesses on the mic. The group says it’s fun, “whether you need friends or business.”

Barnfire Mesquite Grill, 8310 N. Thornydale Road, Tucson, $20, 5 to 8 p.m., 520355-7127, dplanetbeach@gmail.com, https://fb.me/e/HQz7QdOm, eventbrite. com/e/578091847277

Israel at 75 APRIL 30

town council,” Wilkins said in the release. “Everyone I've met has been very gracious and proud of Oro Valley. I believe Oro Valley is a community of excellence, and I look forward to working with the town council, staff and citizens to ensure Oro Valley continues to be a great community to live, work and play."

Within the employment agreement, the town council intends to make “reasonable efforts to formally evaluate” Wilkins’ performance each year within 30 days of his anniversary date. Both parties agree to “renew or revise” the agreement at least 90 days ahead of its expiration date, “unless and until this agreement is terminated for any reasons.” If it is not revised

Weintraub Israel Center, a joint partnership between Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona and the Tucson Jewish Community Center, is celebrating 75 years of Israeli statehood with a free, all-ages, community-wide festival. Among the attractions and activities are the Humans of Israel photo gallery; bounce houses; Dunk Tank Trivia, an Israeli-style birthday party; Israeli games (Taki, Makot, Sheshbesh); arts and crafts; and Ya’akov’s Tent in the Desert. Performers include the Israeli band Yemen Blues. Featured food are Israeli dishes prepared by chef Asher Amar, the Kosher Pizza truck, Lahaina’s Shave Ice and Bella’s Gelato. UA assistant professor Daniel Arnon will lecture about current events in Israeli politics. A 12 torches ceremony will honor individuals from the Tucson community who exemplify the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam.

Weintraub Israel Center, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson, free but reservations required, tickets available for wine and whiskey sampling, noon to 4 p.m., 520-2993000, tucsonjcc.org/israel75

Desert Museum Gala APRIL 30

The museum’s annual Desert Gala helps fund conservation and education work to protect the natural systems of the Sonoran Desert region. The guests’ experience alone could be worth the price of admission. They promised “culinary delicacies, craft libations and up-close visits with some famous animal residents.”

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, tickets start at $350 for individuals, 4 p.m., desertmuseum.org

or renewed at least 90 days ahead of its expiration, “this failure of action will be considered notification of nonrenewal,” it reads.

The town can terminate its agreement with Wilkins with or without cause. Termination with cause can be the result of “gross negligence or malfeasance in office, willful breach or habitual neglect of duties,” or “illegal activity or criminal misdemeanor (excluding criminal traffic) or felony conviction” occurring on or off the job.

If Wilkins’ employment is terminated “other than for cause,” he can receive sev-

MANAGER page 8

Mobility Plus hosting senior health, wellness expo

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

The first Savvy Senior Health and Wellness Expo is set to empower seniors and families with key health information from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Mobility Plus.

The event is sponsored by Village Medical.

The Savvy Senior Health and Wellness Expo will bring together companies and individuals who are at the forefront of the industry, with a focus on making se -

nior life easier to navigate.

This event promises to offer seniors and their families access to critical information that will help them make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Attendees can meet with experts in the field of senior health and wellness, as well as to connect with companies and organizations that are dedicated to providing the tools and resources needed to maintain independence, freedom, and the pursuit of the highest quality of life.

The event will feature state-of-the-art

mobility equipment including scooters, vehicle lifts, power chairs, lift chairs, fixed and portable entry ramps and stair lifts, from Mobility Plus, as well as community liaisons from Village Medical, who have primary care physician offices located in eight Tucson-area Walgreens store; and physical therapy from ProActive Physical Therapy.

Miracle-Ear will showcase its customizable hearing solutions, and Senior Helpers will provide information on nonmedical caregiving services. The event will also feature music by Tune Monkeys,

a Tucson-based acoustic band that plays for community and private events.

Savvy Senior Health and Wellness Expo

WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29

WHERE: Mobility Plus, 245 S. Plumer Avenue, Suite 2, Tucson

COST: Free

INFO: 520-225-0415

plans called for installation of a 10-foothigh wildlife routing fence along the entire western edge of subdivisions directly above Big Wash. Residents of two neighborhoods, accessed on Scenic Overlook Place and Big Wash Overlook Place, did not like that idea. At all.

When installation of the tall fence began, the neighbors “saw what it was and objected to it,” said Paul Keesler, town of Oro Valley engineer and public works director. “So, construction stopped.”

“We said, ‘No way, Jose,’” resident Pat Miller said. Neighbors said they believed tall fencing would block their views and diminish their home values. Miller added, “We never would have seen any wildlife” in and beyond their yards.

Government and advocacy groups then “came together to help figure out why the neighbors were so against the ugly fencing,” Campbell said. Agencies touted the science associated with fencing. Neighbors simply responded, “‘You don’t get it,’” Campbell recalled.

“At one point, early on, we thought we’d just have to live with the gap” along Oracle, Campbell said. “It took so much work to understand each other’s positions.”

Then a suggestion arose – “why don’t we put a gate across” the two roads, Miller recalled.

“Why don’t we utilize the sound walls,” built along Oracle to muffle noise, “and ‘gate’ these public streets?” Keesler remembered.

So the parties — the town, PAG/RTA, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, in partnership with the neighbors — eventually altered the fence plan and agreed upon the two gates.

These are not vehicle gates, Keesler emphasized.

“This is a public street,” and as such it cannot be gated to regulate vehicle movement, he said. They’re “wildlife gates. They will always open for cars.”

side of the gates detect vehicles, and trigger opening and closing. Gates stay open if vehicles remain within their swing. Gates are tied aesthetically into the sound walls with masonry block and desert-hued iron fencing. Adjacent pedestrian gates allow people to walk through any time.

Gates are closed when it’s dark, and animals are less visible to motorists. “That’s when we’re trying to keep them from crossing” Oracle Road, said Cheryl Huelle, senior civil engineer for the town. They open at daybreak. On this day, when the gates opened, a neighbor reported seven javelina left one of the subdivisions to move across Oracle.

“Wildlife is certainly a part of where we live,” Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield said at the ribbon cutting. In concert with the nearby wildlife-crossing structures, the project should help wildlife “safely move through their habitat,” and across the desert and washes bordered by the Santa Catalina and Tortolita mountain ranges, the mayor said. “It’s to their benefit, and to motorists, too.”

Motorists need no codes nor clickers; sensors built into the road surface at either

“We were at loggerheads, honestly,” Keesler said. “We could not find a solution that was acceptable for the neighbors.”

MANAGER from page 6

erance pay equal to six months of salary and benefits in a one-time payment. If Wilkins accepts severance pay, he waives the right to bring legal action against the town, its officers or any employees. If Wilkins resigns, he must provide 30

days advance notice “unless the parties otherwise agree,” it continues. If he resigns, there is no severance pay. If he is terminated, or resigns, within the first two years, he must repay prorated shares of the $25,000 signing bonus. Wilkins is being encouraged to use town motor pool vehicles whenever pos-

sible for town-related travel. He’ll receive the IRS standard mileage rate for any town business conducted with use of his personal vehicle.

In the release, Wilkins said he strives to build teams and collaboration for internal and community initiatives. His teams “plan together for goals and celebrate to-

Keesler said he believes the solution may be the first of its kind. “This was a very innovative design,” he said. As PAG/RTA prepares to ask voters to renew the 20-year sales tax for transportation and related improvements, “we want to see a lot more of these,” Campbell said.

“This project is truly a group effort to find solutions to protect wildlife without compromising our scenic views,” the mayor said in a release. “We are grateful for the residents, conservation groups and regional partners who share our community’s values and collaborated with the town of Oro Valley on this wonderful project.”

Last Wednesday, the mayor acknowledged “it’s important to work with the neighbors.”

Now, there is wildlife in the communities, views are protected, and creatures are blocked from nighttime forays across Oracle. “Congratulations to all for this wonderful outcome,” Miller concluded. GATES from page 1

Funding came from PAG/RTA, which administers money from the voter-approved half-cent sales tax that pays for regional transportation-related projects. The town served as project administrator. Work was done by AECOM, Sellers & Sons Inc., Ninyo & Moore, and Tucson Electric Power, among other contractors.

gether when accomplished.”

Wilkins earned his master’s degree from Indiana University and bachelor’s degree from DePauw University. Wilkins and his wife, Gina, are parents of two children, and they enjoy time with their two rescue dogs and rescue cat.

JA honors Foothills teen for her nonprofit

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

Teen Lily Messing is passionate about her peers and the work they can do to make the world a better place.

Messing is the founder of 100+ Teens Who Care, a giving circle made up of high school students dedicated to making changes in their community.

In its first year, the group gained 220 members and donated more than $30,000 to local nonprofits. She has expanded to 20 other chapters in cities around the world.

“I’m super passionate about the idea that you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference,” said Messing, a 17-year-old junior at The Gregory School. “That’s the thing we try to spread in our chapters. We donate to all local nonprofits. Those are two factors that I feel are important.”

Messing is among the 2023 18 under 18 winners, as chosen by Junior Achievement of Arizona. Like Messing, the other winners have started businesses and nonprofits, broken glass ceilings, volunteered, or advocated for a cause.

“Each year, we’re amazed by the next class of students,” said Katherine Cecala, chief executive officer of Junior Achievement of Arizona. “They advocate for causes, start nonprofits to help others in our community, work with their schools to bring new ideas and programs to their schools, care about the environment, or advocate for causes. They all have bright futures, and we’re honored to know them.”

Messing founded her nonprofit during the COVID-19 pandemic in light of the crises

Lily Messing founded 100+ Teens Who Care (Lily Messing/Submitted)

around the world and online schooling. She was inspired by her mother, grandmother and aunt, all of whom are members of the international organization 100+ Women Who Care Tucson. Desha Bymers-Davis, the founder of 100+ Women Who Care Tucson, served as Messing’s mentor in the creation of her nonprofit.

“We couldn’t see our friends, and that community and camaraderie was lost,” she said.

“I wanted to create an opportunity to reform these friendships and give teens a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community. Teens wanted a chance to impact their situation but weren’t given the coordination to do so.”

The first meeting was November 2021. Members of 100+ Teens Who Care meet four times a year and are asked to donate $25 per quarter. As a group, they decide which nonprofit will receive the collected funds. Scholarships are available for students who cannot afford to make a donation.

For the first hour, they hear about nonprofits, and the second hour is dedicated to socializing.

“That’s one of my favorite parts of the meeting,” she said. “That’s something I really love. I wanted this to be an opportunity for teens. We have food and drinks. We had a DJ, but she graduated, unfortunately. It’s a really great opportunity to really impact the local community and have fun.

“I like to say we put the ‘fun’ back in fundraising. A lot of people think doing good and having fun are not mutually exclusive.”

Now there are 20 chapters around the world, including Islamabad, Pakistan. She shared the mission merely through “cold emailing” giving circle leaders, schools, nonprofits and community organizations.

“I’m really just looking for teens who are passionate about their community and making a meaningful difference in their area. Luckily, I found some,” she said.

“Islamabad, Pakistan, is the one I’m most proud of. It was an interesting challenge. We pay $25 quarterly, which isn’t a lot for us, but it is for a developing nation. We had to adapt the giving circle model there. They donate what they can, and we supplement for the different community service projects.”

Messing has traveled to a variety of chapters and is proud that each puts its own spin on it. For example, Florida teens perform monthly beach cleanups. Others host canned food drives.

At The Gregory School, Messing is the captain of the varsity tennis team, the French club co-president, and president of the Junior State of America and the president of Junior Classical League. She serves as the managing editor of her school newspaper, The Gregorian Chant.

She is the daughter of Andrew and Claudine Messing and sister to Drew Messing, 19.

“I definitely want this to be an opportunity for kids to make a difference for years to come,” she said about 100+ Teens Who Care. “I want this to be a long-term thing.”

AGING WELL

Hike to Elevate Your Heart Rate & Mood

Why work out in a fitness center when you can get a great cardio workout while exploring the beauty of the Sonoran Desert? Of all the opportunities for outdoor exercise in the Tucson area, hiking may be the most versatile—and one of the most beneficial. It’s free, can be adjusted to your fitness level, and has a surprising variety of health benefits.

Colette Gramm, a retired biochemist who lives with her husband Herbert at Splendido, a Life Plan Community for those 55 and better in Oro Valley, takes full advantage of her proximity to hiking trails: “I hike with a friend every morning for about two and a half hours,” she says. “I’d say we hike for four and a half or five miles. We’ll take any kind of trail.”

She enjoys the proximity of Sabino Canyon

Recreation Area and Catalina State Park. “I know them both well,” she says.

Born in Switzerland, Colette has hiked for her entire life, including in New Hampshire, where she and her husband had land, and on trips to Bhutan, New Zealand, and South America. “I love to be outdoors,” she says. “I enjoy the views and the surroundings—this year, the wildflowers are so magnificent.”

In addition to her daily hike, Colette swims a kilometer a day in Splendido’s pool, and spends 40 minutes stretching before her hike. “I guess I’m always exercising—I always have,” she says.

A Walking Workout

Hiking—even on flat land—will exercise muscles including your quadriceps, hamstrings, lower leg and hip muscles. Hiking on an unpaved, slightly uneven trail will

also engage the core muscles in your torso. Like any other cardio workout, hiking is good for your cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as sleep quality and weight loss. (A brisk hike can burn up to 550 calories per hour.) And because walking is a weight-bearing exercise, it also helps build bone density.

Hit the Trail, Not the Treadmill

Research shows that taking your exercise outdoors compared to working out in a gym offers unique benefits for physical, cognitive, and emotional health:

• Simply being outdoors has a positive e ect on your mood. Multiple studies have shown that regular exposure to “green areas” can cause our bodies to relax and let go of stress, as well as ease anxiety. One study found that people in nature had slower heart rates

and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who spent time in the city.

• Walking or exercising outdoors has also been proven to strengthen short-term memory. Of two groups that walked in a natural or urban setting, the nature walkers performed nearly 20% better on a brief memory test. Simply spending time in nature is also associated with improved concentration and attention spans.

• Studies have linked time spent in nature with lower levels of inflammation, reduced hypertension, and even a stronger immune system.

• Research comparing outdoor runners with those on treadmills found that people who run outside exert more energy than the treadmill runners; they

Splendido resident Colette Gramm is an avid hiker who enjoys the proximity of trails in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Catalina State Park.

also enjoy it more and therefore will run for longer periods of time.

If you’re a hiker, try stepping up the di culty or length of your hikes to reap more health benefits from them. And if you’ve never hiked, give it a try! Start slow and easy, be safe, and go with

other people. . . and you may find a lifelong passion, just as Colette has.

Interested in learning more about Splendido? For floor plans, photos, and information on upcoming events, visit splendidotucson.com.

Marana Winds invites community to free concert

The Marana Winds is hosting a free concert for the community at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Mountain View High School, 3901 W. Linda Vista Boulevard, Tucson.

Guest ensemble The Marana Big Phat Jazz Band, a group of jazz musicians who formed from The Marana Winds, will also be a part of the performance.

The evening will feature a variety of wind ensemble compositions, performed by Marana district staff, alumni, students, and community members. On the docket are “March Jubiloso” by Darren Jenkins; “Cajun Folk Songs” by Frank Ticheli; “America the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward, and “2nd Suite in F” by Gustav Holst.

Formed in 2013, The Marana Winds consists of talented musicians who have joined together to share their love of music with the community and to help raise money for Marana schools.

Offering a free concert to the public each spring, The Marana Winds represents and

supports Marana schools, while continuing to perform in honor of the founder, Todd Ponder. Marana Winds is produced through the support of the Marana schools’ 2340 Foundation and the Marana Unified School District.

Marana Winds Community Concert

WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 2

WHERE: Mountain View High School Auditorium, 3901 W. Linda Vista Boulevard,

COST: Free; donations accepted for Marana Schools’ 2340 Foundation INFO: 520-579-4400 Your

Movies in Marana, organized by Marana Parks and Recreation, is a popular event for the community.

(Shelby Scheer/Contributor)

Trevor Rosen is living the dream with Old Dominion

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

Country’s Old Dominion received its eighth consecutive nomination for ACM Group of the Year, something it’s won five years in a row. To multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Trevor Rosen, it never gets old.

“I just found out,” said Rosen, the morning of the announcement.

“It feels great. I never thought I’d be sitting here talking about winning it five years in a row. Every year, you get more and more thankful. In the beginning, it’s shock. Then you win a few and you’re like, ‘What’s happening.’ I just feel thankful that it’s turned into a situation where we start talking about longevity. It feels good to be recognized. Whether we win or not, it feels good to be in the category.”

Old Dominion will bring its award-winning ways to the AVA Amphitheater on Friday, April 28. The show is expected to be one of Old Dominion’s first since lead singer Matthew Ramsey fractured his pelvis in three spots in an ATV crash.

“I can’t wait to play shows again, honestly,” Rosen said. “Tucson should be the first one back.”

Old Dominion is revving up to release a new full-length album later this year, and five of the songs have already hit streaming: “Memory Lane,” “Ain’t Got a Worry,” “Freedom Like You,” “I Should Have Married You” and “Easier Said with Rum.”

“This has been some of my favorite stuff, honestly,” Rosen said. “With writing in general and going into the studio, you always feel like, ‘Is there anything left to

say?’ It’s always amazing to me when we have new things to say. This is the most excited I’ve been in a long time.

“With ‘Easier Said with Rum,’ there’s nothing like the magic of sitting down with nothing and then somebody has a great idea. Four or five hours later, you have songs you’re proud of. After all this time and success, I wonder if I’m ever going to make up another great song. I have this little inner fear that maybe I’ve written all the good songs I’ve ever wanted to write.”

Since breaking onto the scene, however, Old Dominion has reached No. 1 eight times at country radio, scored more than 1 billion on-demand streams, earned multiple platinum and gold single certifications

and headlined arenas and amphitheaters around the globe.

“Memory Lane,” was the No. 1 most-added song at country radio for the first two consecutive add weeks of 2023. This hasn’t been accomplished at the start of a new calendar year since Taylor Swift did it in 2010.

This is something that Rosen never imagined. He grew up in suburban Detroit and attended Gabriel Richard Catholic High School in Riverview, Michigan. He played hockey in the AAA league, a semester at Northern Michigan University and three years at University of Michigan-Dearborn. His goal was to play professionally, but music was always in his life.

“I picked up a guitar in high school and

had a little rock band in the Detroit area,” Rosen said.

“I always loved music and I felt, after hockey was done, or during hockey, I always wanted to be a rock star. I loved the magic of writing songs. It was always a mystery to me how people made up songs that weren’t already written. The creation of the music is amazing. It’s like a dream.”

Old Dominion

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, April 28

WHERE: AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson COST: Tickets start at $45 INFO: casinodelsol.com

Old Dominion performs at the AVA Amphitheater on Friday, April 28. (Mason Allen/Contributor)

Fair

Athlete of the Week: Jaelen Collins

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

Jaelen Collins is a young man on the go. A junior at Marana High School, he is an outstanding athlete with almost too many options in front of him.

On April 21, he put on quite a show, posting state-quality marks in the high hurdles, long jump and triple jump. He may score some serious points for the Tigers at the state meet in Mesa next month, but even if he doesn’t, it can be convincingly argued that competing in track and field is just something that he does between the end of basketball season and the start of football practice, as he also excels in those.

His versatility knows no bounds (that’s sort of a long jump pun). In basketball, he’s considered a small forward and a power forward, depending on where his coach and team need him. In football, he is a stud on both offense (as a wide receiver)

and defense (at cornerback). He is part of a talented group of underclassmen who have helped coach Phillip Steward’s Tigers elbow their way into the top echelon of teams in Southern Arizona.

“I really like football,” he said, “and our team is so good. We’re losing our quarterback (Elijah Joplin), but I honestly think we’re going to be even better next year that we were this year.”

The Tigers went 9-1 this past season, with their only loss being a bizarre 59-58 loss at Mesa Westwood.

When asked which side of the ball he prefers to play on, he answers quickly. “Oh, defense. I love playing cornerback. It’s way more fun than offense.”

At 6-foot-2, he’s tall for a cornerback. He’s very tall for a high-school corner and even taller than average for the guys in college who play that position. (There are actually several cornerbacks in the NFL who aren’t that tall.) He’s hoping to play the position in college. “I actually want to play

football and do track and field in college.”

Collins is originally from Florida (“the Tampa area,” he is quick to add). Does he miss Florida? “Yeah, sometimes.” Does he miss the humidity? “Never!”

When I spoke to him by phone, he was getting ready to go to his first period class, physics. He likes to think that he takes his studies as seriously as his sports, but that’s not always easy. He does, however, appear to use his scientific analytical skills to his advantage when it comes to running track.

I asked him whether he would consider running the 300-meter low hurdles instead of just the 110 high hurdles. “Well, I’m taller and I’ve got long legs, so that would help with stride length in the 300 hurdles, but I also have speed and that’s (critical) in the 110s.”

Limited by rule to only four events, he runs the high hurdles, does the long jump and triple jump and is a member of the 4 x 100 meter relay team. He’s got a full plate and plenty of options for the future.

HIRING NURSES

Jaelen Collins, left, is a multisport athlete at Marana High School.(Jaelen Collins/Submitted)

Many great efforts at Southern Arizona Championships

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

For decades, despite the adoration heaped on football, baseball, and basketball by people in radio, the print media, and television, the two professional sports in the United States with the highest in-person attendance were horse racing and auto racing. The latter is still popular but it is largely a regional sport. Meanwhile, the explosion of legal gambling in America has taken much of the luster off the so-called Sport of Kings.

In all my years as an athlete and now as a coach, I have always been a sports fan. I cling to the much-belittled notion that sports can help to build character. Plus, they’re fun.

The other day, somebody asked me what my favorite sport to watch is. On TV, it’s probably football, then basketball. But, in person, nothing tops a well-run track meet. Sitting in the stands, watch-

ing a track meet, there is always something going on. If people aren’t running, somebody is jumping. If somebody isn’t jumping, somebody else is throwing. A well-run track meet is a thing of beauty. However, it must be said that a poorly run track meet is a thing of ugly. If the participants aren’t being organized and herded through the process efficiently, it can take forever. I was at a track meet earlier this year where it took almost 40 minutes to get through one event. There were several heats of the 100 meters for boys and then girls, but it was interminable.

Fortunately, such cannot ever be said about the Southern Arizona Championships at Mountain View High School. Always scheduled for the penultimate week of the season, the meet features both athletes and meet runners in top form. Truly a great day for a sports fan, with the blazing late-April sun being the only tiny drawback.

This year’s meet saw some very impressive performances by Northwest-school athletes. Probably the best was turned in by Ironwood Ridge athlete Kate Cherrington, who won the 300-meter intermediate (low) hurdles, took second in the 100-meter high hurdles, then added Southern Arizona titles in the high jump (5 feet 6 inches) and the long jump (18 feet).

Her long jump mark was indeed prodigious, one of the best in the state so far this season. But her high win was by 4 full inches. In that event, such a margin constitutes an absolute blowout victory.

jump by 2 inches with a leap of 22 feet 6 inches, and then came back to win the triple jump by going 43 feet 9.5 inches.

In the very first event of the meet, the grueling 4 x 800 meter relay, Ironwood Ridge finished second, Marana fourth, and CDO sixth.

How’s this for heartbreak? In the 100 meters, Canyon Del Oro’s Jordan Thomas ran 11.25 to finish second. The winning time? 11.24.

Flowing Wells’ Richard Legarra continues to shine as one of the top throwers in the state. He won the discus with a throw of 171 feet 9 inches and finished second in the shot put with a toss of 51 feet 10 inches. Also showing up in the discus results, in second place, is a familiar last name, that of Mosese Hala’ufia. Both his older brother, Sam, and his older sister, Grace, are throwers for the UA.

In the 100-meter high hurdles, won by Canyon Del Oro’s Karsten Lewis, Cherrington’s Ironwood Ridge squad rolled up the points, with fellow Nighthawks Adestra Natale (fifth place) and Nadia Gutierrez (seventh place) also placing in the event. The Nighthawk girls also showed their team’s depth by placing three athletes in the top seven in the triple jump.

Joining Cherrington as an event winner was Ironwood Ridge’s Morgan Pepe, who soared 9 feet 6 inches in the pole vault. Katrina Trahan of CDO won the discus with a throw of 124 feet.

In the 4 x 400 relay, the Northwest showed out. Ironwood Ridge won the event, while CDO finished fifth, Marana sixth and Push Ridge grabbed a point by finishing eighth.

Mountain View’s boys took second in the 4 x 100 relay. Seth Taylor on Ironwood Ridge won the Javelin with a throw of 162 feet.

On the boys’ side, Marana junior Jaelen Collins (featured in this week’s profile) certainly lived up to the billing. He won the 110-meter high hurdles in 15.51 seconds, finished second in the long

A truly inspirational story is that of the fifth-place finish in the high jump by Marana’s Elijah Joplin. A member of the Tigers basketball team and the quarterback of the Marana team who had a stellar season and made it to the second round of state, Joplin lost the sight in one eye in a bizarre incident during the offseason. That he competes at all, let alone at a high level, is an amazing accomplishment.

Many of those mentioned herein will compete in the state track meet the weekend of May 12 and May 13 at Mesa Community College.

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Marana chef writes recipes for revenge

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER

Inside Tucson Media Sta

Although his new book, “Cookbook for Revenge,” contains autobiographical details, Chef Gilbert-Alan Sanchez wants his readers to know he is not a serial killer.

That’s not to say that he hasn’t seen chefs purposely burn their servers’ hands by handing them a hot plate, or other cruelties inflicted by head chefs on to their staff or hapless visitors who unintentionally wander into a restaurant’s kitchen.

“When I was coming up in the business, it wasn’t a very nice business,” Sanchez said.

“People did whatever they wanted, and they got away with it. There were no HR directors. There was nobody around that could stop some of these guys from doing what they were doing because it was always, ‘Well, you know, he’s the chef. You know how the chef is.’”

Today, Sanchez is head chef at the White Stallion Ranch, a guest ranch located down a long dirt Marana road in the foothills of the White Mountains. He is not, he said, like the chefs you will find in his first-time novel, or anywhere else for that matter.

He admitted he’s seen plenty, and much of it has left its mark on him, including a couple of bouts with cancer.

Writing “Cookbook for Revenge,” a fictional story about two people who exact revenge on their former bosses, has helped Sanchez heal. He said he’s exorcized at least some of those demons.

“It was very helpful getting it all out on the pages,” he said. “It was therapeutic. Somebody at the (Tucson Book Festival) was telling me, ‘Sometimes you just have to let it go.’ I said, ‘I did; I did let it go on the pages of the book.’”

Reactions to the story have been mixed. Some, Sanchez said, loved it. Other readers have asked him if he is promoting revenge.

“I’m not promoting revenge,” he said. “I’m just telling my story of some of the

things that happened to me along with adding more to the story. Not everything was true but just getting out what I needed to get out, it helped me.”

Getting the book to press was a family affair. Cover art, featuring a stylized bloody hand holding a knife-like carrot, was designed by his 14-year-old daughter, who is not allowed to read the novel. His adult son was his editor.

Sanchez began his restaurant career busing tables at age 14. Washing dishes was soon tacked on to his duties. Finally, his boss told him he could be in front of the house or in back. He chose back. Now at 60, he finds he loves to cook.

“To me, it’s an artform,” he said. “It’s a passion, making the person who is eating the food, making them happy is something that makes me feel good inside.”

In addition, he loves where he works.

“At 60 years old, I’m in a much happier spot working in this place than I’ve ever been, than I probably have been in my entire career,” Sanchez said.

Plus, he has a great crew, and it makes for a much nicer work environment. He reflected on the way he interacts with his employees now, instead of 20 years ago, when he had been trained to abuse his staff.

“The staff that I have now, we all joke, we all laugh,” Sanchez said. “I don’t scream, I don’t yell. There are no off-color jokes. There’s no cussing. I try to create a family type of an atmosphere where we’re all joking. For the most part, the atmosphere that I can create is way different than what I grew up in.”

Sanchez liked writing this first novel so much he’s working on a sequel. No release date for that one yet, but he said he’s hoping it will be ready a year from now.

"Cookbook

Gilbert-Alan Sanchez

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for Revenge" by

BBL is a dangerous cosmetic surgery

BY MIA SMITT Tucson Local Media Columnist

Brazilian butt lift surgery, commonly known as “BBL,” has proven to be a very dangerous, as well as costly, cosmetic surgery.

Surgeon Ivo Pitanguy first performed this procedure after he founded a plastic surgery training center in Brazil in 1960. This surgery is called gluteal fat grafting and involves liposuctioning fat from the abdomen, back, thighs or even arms and then injecting this fat into the buttocks.

According to MedPage Today, April 11, 2023, “in surgical circles, the Brazilian butt lift is known as the deadliest aesthetic procedure ever performed, and despite several calls to improve outcomes, recent data suggest mortality is only getting worse.”

This surgery has become more popular over the past 20 years and has increased 800% over the last 10 years; the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery noted that in 2011 there were 7,382 internet searches and in 2021 there were 61,387 looking for information and doctors who perform the surgery.

After the fat is liposuctioned, the syringe or a small canula is inserted deeply and repeatedly deep under the skin to distribute the fat across different areas. This is known as a “blind” procedure because the surgeon cannot see exactly where this fat is going, and it can accidentally be injected into blood vessels. The fat can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs or heart, which is often deadly from a fat embolism. This can happen during surgery, or when a patient is turned onto her back, putting pressure on the buttocks. The cost can range from as low as $3,000 to as high as $30,000 depending on location, surgeon and after care.

This surgery has really taken off in the United States, especially in Miami. Dr. M. Mark Mofid, associate clinical professor of plastic surgery at the University of California San Diego, was one of two surgeons in the United States doing this procedure a few years ago. But as the demand for the surgery grew, so did the number of surgeons, many not adequate-

ly trained or qualified. The number of BBL deaths rose and Mofid formed the Aesthetic Surgery Education Research Foundation (ASERF), which published a study in the July 2017 issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal highlighting the growing number of fatalities associated with this surgery.

It concluded that despite the growing popularity of the procedure gluteal fat grafting had “significantly higher mortality rates” than any other aesthetic surgical procedure and called for more research into its safety.

Dr. Arthur Perry, a plastic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, was also interviewed by MedPage. He said, "Any death from an aesthetic procedure is alarming. One death in a plastic surgeon’s office and you pretty much want to retire from medicine. It’s terrible. It’s not like we need to operate because you’re going to die. The risk-benefit ratio has to be better in cosmetic surgery."

The New York Times Magazine, May 11, 2022, published an article titled “Butt Lifts Are Booming. Healing Is No Joke.” It describes the huge increase in both the numbers of surgeries performed and the profusion of recovery houses with little oversight or regulation. Some of these facilities are good; some are not and have a high incidence of injuries and infections. The risks are great and the benefits cosmetic.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Lara Devgan, in an interview with Harpers Bazaar (September 2022) warned that the results may vary depending on how much of that fat

transfer lives.

“In most cases 70% to 80% of the grafted fat survives, while some of it absorbs,” she said. She and her colleagues advise women seeking this procedure to look for a surgeon with board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. And it is important to know where the doctor does the surgery. “A reputable surgeon will perform surgery at a certified surgery center or hospital with a board-certified anesthesiologist,” she continued.

The New Yorker magazine, April 13, 2023, highlighted the documentary “You’ll Be Happier,” about a woman who underwent a Brazilian butt lift surgery. It starts with her saying, “I want to like myself more, more than I already like myself, because I absolutely love myself. But I just want …more.” Then later as she watched the graphic video of her surgery she said, “Like, do I love myself or do I hate myself? I can’t tell what it is.”

The female “ideal” in the ’90s was big breasts and overall thinness and now wider hips and bigger buttocks are considered the best look. Not too many years ago women tried to look like Pamela Anderson and Kate Moss. Now it’s Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.

When will we stop the nonsense of trying to be something we are not? Breast implants have been around for 50 plus years and many who underwent this augmentation suffered the consequences of silicone leaks, systemic illness such as lupus and connective tissue disease, scarring, impaired breast feeding, breast cancer, breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma and the list goes on.

Fatigue, depression and anxiety have been associated with implants. These and other illnesses have been termed breast implant illnesses – BBIs. And the latest story circulating on social media is a woman whose (removed) breast implant was full of mold. It is easy to assign blame for conditions with no concrete tangible causes but the anecdotal evidence for breast implant illnesses is mounting and research is ongoing.

Small breasts and buttocks should not be something needing repair. “Remember, no one ever died of skinny buttocks,” remarked Dr. Perry in the MedPage interview.

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

Body products are a passion project for couple

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

When Alyssa Voice was mourning her father four and a half years ago, she researched how to make body butters at home to ease her mind. It was so successful that she thought she would share her products with the public. That flourished into Tucson-based Old Pueblo Bath & Body Essentials, which also produces handmade artisan soaps, lotions, sugar scrubs, beard oil and beard wash.

Among the scents are absinthe, autumn harvest, apricot freesia, Asian pear and lily, black raspberry vanilla, cactus and sea salt, calla lily, cherry merlot, cinnamon spiced vanilla, citrus and agave, coconut milk sorbet, cranberry, ginger and lime, and fresh peach and poppy.

“We’re known for our lotions,” said her husband, William Voice.

“My wife makes a really fantastic lotion with natural ingredients in it. I was doing a show and these two ladies tried our lotion. They got all the way to Park mall, one turned to her friend and said, ‘My hands are really soft.’ They went straight back here to get lotion.”

The origins are twofold. Besides easing Alyssa’s mind, the couple wanted to bring quality soaps and lotions to people at a reasonable price.

“There are so many products out there filled with chemicals that you can’t even pronounce and are bad for your skin,” William said.

“We set out to change that. Fast forward to now, and we have a growing business always striving to bring our customers the best in products, ingredients and customer service.”

The products are sold on their website, oldpueblobathandbodyessentials.com, and at farmers markets.

“We do craft fairs and street fairs all over here, in Tucson, in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona and Pinetop,” he says. “This summer is our first out-ofstate show.”

From Friday, April 14, to Sunday, April 16, they will have a booth at the SAHBA Home & Patio Show at the Tucson Con -

Beard products are part of Old Pueblo Bath & Body Essentials’ product line. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

vention Center.

Recently, the Voices sold their products at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and donated part of their proceeds to Air Force veterans.

They also sell their products wholesale to clients in town and out of the area.

Old Pueblo Bath & Body Essentials are available at The Food Conspiracy Co-Op at 412 N. Fourth Avenue, Tucson; and Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market, 11 S. Sixth Avenue, Tucson.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she says.

Old Pueblo Bath & Body Essentials is known for its lotions. (Noelle

mez/Contributor)

“I’m really proud of the soap and the lotion that I make. It’s mine. The recipes are mine. It’s something that’s unique to me that I’ve done over time. I’ve done a lot of research A lot of thought has gone into everything that I make. For me, it’s a creative outlet. Making soap, for me, brings out my creativity and it’s like art for me.

“It makes me feel good when people come and spend their hard-earned money on something that I’ve made. It’s really satisfying.”

Old Pueblo Bath & Body Essentials

oldpueblobathandbodyessentials.com

SAHBA Home & Patio Show

WHEN: Various times Friday, April 14, to Sunday, April 16

WHERE: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $8; 50% discount for seniors 65 and older and the military INFO: sahbahomeshow.com

William Voice, pictured, and his wife, Alyssa, co-founded Old Pueblo Bath & Body Essentials, which they sell at farmers markets, street fairs and online. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

Haro-Go

Edited by Will Shortz No. 1221

3 Remove condensation from 4 Conquer a hero?

5 It can prevent cracking

Snack item sometimes shown in ads next to a glass of milk 7 Confusion might ensue when they’re crossed

Key for ge ing out, not in

Metal next to tungsten on the periodic table

Signal to play

Brouhahas

Widespread

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Repetition has its own kind of magic. Duplication is creation. Cells divide and multiply to make life. Words said time and again lose and gain meaning. Recurrent tasks become harder, then easier, then harder. The transformations of this week will be the result of echoed behaviors. Be careful what you repeat.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

The existence of original ideas has been long contested. From the ancient Greeks to Shakespeare and beyond, it's suggested there's nothing new under the sun. Nonconformity is often characterized by conforming to other nonconformists. Still, mix the old elements in novel ways, knowing there's never been another you and there never will be.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the ever-hopeful Ophelia says, "We know what we are, but not what we may be." While others around you may struggle with cynicism this week, you'll shine a light on the truth. Everything changes including people, and often we can steer the change. Your positive views will be contagious.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

“Oh yeah?”

Protect, as freshness

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Just because you're not sure a thing will work doesn't mean you shouldn't take it on. But when? Start with the work you have more con dence in. Getting a win or two under your belt will positively a ect your morale and keep you moving ever-forward. Momentum counts for a lot!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

Your mind is even busier than usual this week, and the extra information oating around up there makes it harder to prioritize. Try talking to yourself out loud. Since you can only say one thing at a time, verbalizing imposes a linear order to your thoughts. The important points emerge -- ah, clarity!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Trust yourself and have faith in life's process. It helps to be surrounded by positive people who focus on the right things, which is to say whatever moves it all forward. Don't expect the whole picture to be revealed at once. More likely, you'll handle step one and then step two will become clear.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Risk taker’s

with “on”

Follower of Bay or gray

___ se er

“You don’t really have to”

Field for Maria Callas

Sheepish answer to “Who broke this?”

17 Sign in a clearance section 20 “___ soon?”

21 The duck in “Peter and the Wolf” 22 Grunts and groans, e.g. 23 Country with the secondmost Portuguese speakers

54 Like marshes or bagpipes

Hindu fire god

“Cabin Fever” director Roth

Target for an

All are called to service, many will answer, and a few will uphold duty to the very end. For the ultra-responsible who live their loyalty, duty can, at times, feel like a curse. Work through such feelings without guilt. They come with the territory. There's something beautiful on the other side.

You bring something special to projects -- talent, plus your big heart and an inclusive attitude that attracts people of di erent strengths. Some are clever and can see multiple angles. Some drive the action forward quickly. The combined power of your group will be greater than the sum of its parts.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Enthusiastic response to “Wanna come?”

Expel

Exhaust physically 56 Like tears and some language

44 Shove down the throat of

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Bevy : quails :: parliament :

“Now wait just a second!”

Deceptive movement 53 “Fudge,” “fie” and “fiddlesticks” are some of the printable ones

Sulk y 50 Large swallow 51 Major bashes

57 Title holders

Blue shade

Shove down the throat of

There are things you've seen so often, your mind glosses over them, making it impossible to notice anything new about them. It will take a perspective shift to get back to really seeing, and this can only occur after going out into the world and gathering new experience. Consider this your invitation to change things up.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You don't love all of your habits, although even the ones you don't prefer serve a purpose. Understanding that purpose will give you the keys to change if you want to. But regardless of what you decide, you can still fully accept yourself just as you are. Doing so will only make you more powerful.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

60 Ideal for audiophiles, in brief

62 Swing ___

“Yeah, sure”

“Euphoria” channel

52 “A League of Own”

Place for thieves

63 “Why are you making such a fuss?” … or a hint to 17-, 36and 43-Across

Life seems to be withholding information from you, but there's an upside to this: You can focus on the task at hand without getting distracted by work that's further down the line. Life is more exciting when you don't know what to expect. Trust that there are delights in store.

You'll be well aware of the limited amount of time you have to get a thing done and just how important it is for you to stay on track. Distractions are costly. While you can't control everything about your environment, certain obvious preventative measures around timing, laying social boundaries and setting digital limits will greatly bene t your productivity.

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

Stretch 27 Party people, for short

29 Peach or plum

30 Download that might use a freemium model

33 “A fickle food,” per Emily Dickinson

Large-scale corporate union 39 In the loop

41 One able to li 10 to 50 times its body weight

Like flourless

66 It means nothing at Wimbledon

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

67 U.S. theater awards

68 Modify, as an article 69 Key word when writing dialogue 70 Word with due or true

Manha an, on an envelope

PUZZLE BY NANCY STARK AND WILL NEDIGER

Guide

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