Explorer News 07/19/2023

New Picture Rocks Elementary School principal Vanessa Scafede puts students first. See the backto-school section inside for a profile of Scafede. (Vanessa Scafede/ Submitted)

Interim walk path coming to Naranja Park

BY DAVE PERRY Tucson Local Media Contributor

ro Valley is constructing a temporary pedestrian entrance into Naranja Park on the north side of Naranja Drive, its access point directly across

the road from the scene of a March 17 accident that claimed the life of a teen girl.

The path, winding through mesquites into the park, is short-term because Oro Valley and

see PATH page 7

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

he town of Oro Valley issued permits for 119 single-family homes during the fiscal year that ended June 30, according to Permitting Manager David Laws. That total is 52 fewer than Oro Valley’s 171-permit projection for the 12-month period.

It’s the fewest single-family permits in at least four years. Oro Valley issued 275 permits in fiscal 2019-’20; 497 permits, a 15-year high, in 2020-’21; and 199 permits in fiscal 2021-’22.

In his message accompanying the 2022’23 budget, then-Interim Town Manager Chris Cornelison explained the slowing

A Senior Living Option as Unique as You.

La Posada, southern Arizona’s awardwinning 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 to enjoy with friends, old and new. All at an incomparable, wellness-centered community in the heart of nature.

Connect with our retirement counselors at an upcoming informative lunch to hear about the latest construction updates, delicious restaurant-style dining experiences and the long-term security of our Life Lease and more.

ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Friday, August 4

Please join us for an upcoming luncheon and informative presentation on a date and location that is convenient for you:

Tuesday, September 12

SADDLEBROOKE 2 BALLROOM

Friday, July 21

Friday, August 18

Thursday, September 14

RSVP today by calling 520-531-3480. Seating is limited. Lunch will be served.

Hot Picks

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Staff

ARTS

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 is weekly from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. 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

“Anastasia: The Musical” JULY 21 TO AUG. 6

The Art Express Theatre presents the Broadway hit, “Anastasia: The Musical” for three weekends. The musical is at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Arts Express Theatre, 5870 E. Broadway Boulevard, tickets start at $35, various times, 520-319-0400, arts-express.org

Cool Summer Nights TO AUG. 26

Every Saturday night the Sonoran Desert Museum celebrates summer with families.

Arizona Sonoran Desert

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

MUSIC

Westward Look Concert Series

THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS

Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa hosts some of the best local acts in town. On the schedule for July are Whose Blues (blues/R&B), Friday, July 21; Corey Spector (top 40), Saturday, July 22; Connie Brannock and Friends (funk), Friday, July 28; and Jukebox Junqies (classic rock), Saturday, July 29. All shows start at 6 p.m.

Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa, 245 E. Ina Road, Tucson, free admission with table reservation, 6 to 8 p.m., saaca.org

see HOT PICKS page 5

5-DAY WEATHER

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

STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

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EDITORIAL

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

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

Jack Miessner, Sta Reporter jmiessner@tucsonlocalmedia.com

PRODUCTION

Courtney Oldham Production/Design Supervisor production@timeslocalmedia.com

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CIRCULATION

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ADVERTISING

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Leah Pittman, Account Executive lpittman@tucsonlocalmedia.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

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

EDITORIAL

Grand Funk Railroad

JULY 22

They’re an American band for sure. Grand Funk Railroad is performing at Desert Diamond Casino’s Diamond Entertainment Center.

Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, tickets start at $30, 1-877-777-4212, ddcaz.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Splendido Car Show

JULY 22

Join Obsessions Car Club for its family-friendly event with food trucks and cars. Car show registration is $10.

Splendido at Rancho Vistoso, 13500 N. Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, Tucson, free admission, 9 a.m. to noon, obsessionscarclub.com

“Fantastic Mr. Fox”

JULY 23

After 12 years of bucolic bliss, Mr. Fox (George Clooney) breaks a promise to his wife (Meryl Streep) and raids the farms of their human neighbors, Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Giving in to his animal instincts endangers not only his marriage but also the lives of his family and their animal friends. When the farmers force Mr. Fox and company deep underground, he has to resort to his natural craftiness to rise above the opposition. In addition to the movie, attendees can do crafts, hear the historic theater organ, celebrate summer birthdays and sing along.

Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $2.50, 2 p.m., 520-547-3040, foxtucson.com

Cox Movies in the Park: “Strange World” JULY 28

Watch “Strange World” under the stars at Reid Park. The outdoor movies are free and open to the public. Pre-screening activities and entertainment begin at 6 p.m., before the movie at 7:45 p.m.

Reid Park, George DeMeester Outdoor Performance Theater, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, free, coxmoviesinthepark.com

Movies on the Lawn: “The Mitchells vs. the Machines”

AUG. 19

Join the Oro Valley Community &

Recreation Center for a top-notch film.

“The Mitchells vs. the Machines” is shown on Aug. 19.

Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Canada Drive, Oro Valley, free, 7:30 to 9 p.m., orovalleyaz.gov

Wet and Wild TO JULY 28

Wet and Wild in the Garden features fun activities such as squirting plants and planting gardens. There are four sessions for the price of $40 and children ages 2 to 10 are allowed with an adult.

Heritage River Park, 12375 N. Heritage Park Drive, Marana, $40, 8 to 9 a.m., maranaaz.gov

Dog Days of Summer TO SEPT. 30

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

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

Biosphere 2 DAILY

We may have experienced an earlier iteration of the Biosphere as something like a passive “zoo” of biomes, but now the focus is on climate change and sustainability research. Interdisciplinary scientists from all over are finding ways to “increase resilience and sustainability of Earth systems and human quality of life.” Ecosystems under glass include the world’s largest controlled tropical rain forest, desert, savanna, mangrove, ocean biomes. Eye-popping fact: 7.2 million cubic feet are sealed within 6,500 windows. Those systems have now seen 30 years of evolution. Biosphere 2, 32540 S. Biosphere Road, Tucson, $25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., biosphere2.org

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 July 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.

News Briefs

OV Dispose-A-Med on Saturday, July 29

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when you shop, bring your bag

scan to learn more about our collective effort

Oro Valley residents can dispose of expired medications at a Dispose-a-Med event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 29, at the Oro Valley Police Department.

The free collection takes place at OVPD’s main station, 11000 N. La Canada Drive.

Only pills may be disposed, a release said. “No liquids, creams, aerosols or sharps,” it continued. Veterinarian-prescribed medications, as well as vitamins, are accepted. Guests are asked to keep all pills in their original containers. The process is anonymous; all medications and labels are incinerated with the help of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, OVPD said.

Anyone with questions may contact OVPD’s Community Resource Unit at 520-229-5080, or by email at cru@ orovalleyaz.gov.

Portion of La Cañada closed for water system repairs

Oro Valley motorists can expect southbound lane closures on a section of La Cañada Drive through Friday, July 28.

The Oro Valley Water Utility is repairing and replacing a portion of water main on La Cañada from the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center entrance to a median break just north of West Blooming Desert Way.

Work was expected to begin Monday, July 17. Weather permitting, it should be concluded by July 28, a release said.

Drivers should expect delays with a shifted traffic pattern, and speed limit reduction to 15 mph in the detour area. “To minimize traffic congestion and delays, drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes,” the town said.

Adequate barriers to mark the detour and traffic lanes should be in place.

Because a trench is being dug, the detour is in place until the repairs are made and the trench refilled. Construction work is being performed during the day.

“The town of Oro Valley appreciates your patience as we work to improve Oro Valley’s water infrastructure,” the release said. For information, call 520-229-5017.

Chamber’s annual meeting, awards breakfast July 26

The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts its 2023 Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, July 26, at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.

The day begins with a nonprofit fair for community nonprofits. That event precedes the breakfast, from 7 to 8:30 a.m., and is open to the public.

Each year, the chamber presents awards to outstanding businesses, nonprofit organizations and community leaders.

This year’s nominees for outstanding community leader are Andy Heinemann of Tucson Values Teachers, Jason Klein of The Physio Shop, Judy Huch of Oro Valley Audiology, Oro Valley Police Chief Kara Riley, Lindsay Thomae of Thomae Advertising, Matthew Gaspari of Tucson Federal Credit Union, and Shelby Francom of El Conquistador Tucson.

Nominees for the chamber’s Legacy Award are Amphitheater Public Schools, and departing Chancellor Lee Lambert of Pima Community College.

Nominees for the outstanding nonprofit are Arizona Heroes Memorial, Freedom Warriors, Gospel Rescue Mission, Institute for Better Education, Interfaith Community Services, IMPACT of Southern Arizona, Reach for the Stars and TMC Hospice.

Nominees for Outstanding Large Business are Casas Christian School, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, Roche Tissue Diagnostics and Tucson Federal Credit Union.

Nominees for outstanding midsize business are Gourmet Girls Gluten-Free Bakery/ Bistro, Heart & Soul, Noble Hops, Picture Rocks Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing, Senior HomeCare of Tucson and Sol Physical Therapy.

Nominees for Outstanding Small Business are Desert Dermatology, GRITfit, I Love OV, Joyful Jobs, Peachwave Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, Pedego Electric Bikes, Swan Pilates, The Physio Shop and Toscana Studio & Gallery.

Tickets to the breakfast are $60 for members, $70 for nonmembers. Go to orovalleychamber.com.

partners have embarked on a project to construct a northside, multiuse path the length of Naranja Drive between La Cañada Drive and First Avenue. Its completion is two years away.

In a July 12 report to the Oro Valley Town Council, scheduled for presentation at council’s July 19 meeting, new Town Manager Jeff Wilkins and Public Works Director and Town Engineer Paul Keesler updated council on two studies and a series of improvements up for consideration and being undertaken along Naranja.

“Staff does need to point out that the safety measures to be implemented will be a good improvement to the street based on increasing pedestrian traffic from the Naranja Park expansion,” Wilkins and Keesler wrote. “However, none of these could have prevented the tragedy experienced earlier this year on St. Patrick’s Day.”

On March 17, two girls walking a dog on the south side of Naranja were struck by a vehicle. One of the pedestrians, Olivia Rene Villalobos, 13, died, and her half-sister was seriously injured. The driver, Sabrina Garcia, faces charges in Oro Valley Town Court.

Mobile message boards are in place to announce construction of the pedestrian entrance to the park. “New ped path entrance coming soon,” one message reads. “Slow down, watch for peds.”

During April and May, Oro Valley established three speed data collection points on Naranja Drive between La Cañada Drive and First Avenue. A resulting report found one location measured speeds of 57 mph; the “overall aggregate measured speed”

along the roadway “is an average of 52 mph,” it said.

“What this represents is that the current speed limit of 45 mph is the correct speed for the street,” the report said. “This is the highest speed limit the town permits within our operating rights of ways, and is within normal operational tolerances to the recorded data.”

A second study concluded a “rectangular rapid flashing beacon” assisted pedestrian crossing is justified on Naranja. It would be similar to a crossing facility on La Cañada at Canada Hills Drive.

Other proposed crossing improvements are a pre-warning, interconnected warning signal in both directions, intersection “mumble strips” that alert drivers to drifting but are not as loud as “rumble strips,” high-visibility pedestrian crossing striping, and the installation of flexible vertical delineators to establish crosswalk landing areas.

Keesler and Wilkins recognize there may be more pedestrians entering and leaving Naranja Park as its expansion is completed, and as the detached pedestrian and cycling path is created. “Staff will take periodic counts to confirm warrant status” for more robust pedestrian crossings.

As part of Naranja Park expansion, design continues for separate paths and trails from the three surrounding neighborhoods on the north side of Naranja Drive. Those paths, located away from Naranja Drive, would offer “direct connection to each associated neighborhood,” the report said.

Staff is also designing a separated path on the south side of Naranja for a future capital improvement project proposal, the report concluded.

trend in new home construction.

“The town is approaching residential buildout within existing incorporated boundaries as remaining developable land continues to shrink,” Cornelison wrote.

“The march toward buildout increased during the COVID-19 pandemic,” with “explosive growth” in permits topped by the nearly 500 permits in 2020-’21. Now, the reduction in available land and higher mortgage interest rates have prompted Oro Valley to project 116 permits this fiscal year, and 119 next fiscal year, “reflecting 10-plus year lows,” Cornelison said.

Oro Valley uses home and commercial construction sales tax and impact fee revenue to help fund capital projects and other services. Home and commercial building prices are higher, so “increased construction valuations are muting what would typically be larger reductions in revenue from the reduced permitting activity,” Cornelison wrote.

Oro Valley is completing a buildout analysis, “intended to provide Town management and Council with data and projections necessary to further address and plan for the fiscal impacts of buildout,” Cornelison concluded. That study is not yet complete, according to the town’s

information officer.

Stewardship through partnership

BY JOE WINFIELD Oro Valley Mayor

Since its inception, Oro Valley has been a community that values scenic views, wildlife and environmental stewardship. The past 12 months have shown us that our commitment to stewardship remains strong as ever.

Additionally, the accomplishments we’ve seen this past year were the result of collaboration among the town, its residents and its regional partners, yielding some very gratifying moments for us all. I’m happy to highlight some of those accomplishments in this article.

Exactly one year ago, the Oro Valley community came together to celebrate a ribbon cutting for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, and it was an emotional day.

The thoughtful stewardship of this land as open space in perpetuity was only possible because of the collective efforts of Preserve Vistoso and hundreds of generous residents,

The Conservation Fund, Ross Rulney and town staff. And once the land was acquired, the community continued providing input throughout the master planning process, helping to shape the plan into a vision that reflects the values of all involved.

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is a place where residents and visitors from all walks of life can observe, experience, and learn about

URGENT CARE

the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. It is a space where users can focus on their wellness — both body and mind. Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is one of our town’s legacies — something to be cherished for generations to come.

In April, the town cut the ribbon on the State Route 77 (Oracle Road) Wildlife Protection Gate and Fence Project. Let me explain the importance of this project. As part of the State Route 77 road widening project, wildlife protection fences had been installed on both sides of the road to safely route wildlife to the bridge and underpass wildlife crossings that had been previously constructed.

The original plan called for 10-foot-high wire fences to be built on the back side of homes along the Big Wash, which neighbors felt would have been unattractive as well as prevented the wildlife they enjoyed from entering the neighborhood.

While safety of the wildlife was paramount, there was great desire to also find a solution that wouldn’t interfere with the quality of life for residents in the area. It took several years of meetings and collaboration to find an agreeable solution that worked for everyone.

The town of Oro Valley and Pima Association of Governments/Regional Transportation Authority worked with neighbors, the Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Game and Fish and the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection to lower the fence height and develop a gate system across the subdivision roadway entrances, preventing wildlife from dangerous road crossings and keeping them in the Big Wash wildlife corridor.

And most recently, the town’s partnership with the Pima County Regional Flood Control District has resulted in a new segment of The Chuck Huckelberry Loop that provides safe, nonmotorized access to and from the northern portion of Oro Valley. In addition to further enhancing the town’s extensive trail system, this new segment also improves access to Big Wash for floodplain management.

Big Wash is a key wildlife and riparian habitat with hundreds of acres of protected open space. Improved access results in improved stewardship. Pima County staff is now better able to monitor and maintain the area. Collaborative efforts like this don’t come

together over night. As we saw with Vistoso Trails and the wildlife gate, it often takes years of effort and cooperation to bring a major project to fruition. To build the connecting pathway, town staff had to coordinate with surrounding landowners and HOA to secure public rights-of-way along the proposed trail. Then the town’s stormwater utility worked with Pima County Regional Flood Control District to construct the pathway, which was completed this past May.

In addition to these major efforts, the town also continues to foster a spirit of environmental stewardship by implementing the SolarAPP+ permitting process that makes it easier than ever for residents to get rooftop solar.

We also continue to invest time and resources in the many facets of Keep OV Beautiful, a volunteer-driven program designed to help preserve the town’s natural beauty and keep Oro Valley free of litter and debris. For example, the town celebrated Earth Day this year by providing staff the opportunity to volunteer for a beautification event to remove buffelgrass, an invasive species that threatens the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, from Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.

Additionally, the town’s ongoing AdoptA-Road and Adopt-A-Trail programs won a 2023 Flag Forward Award from Cartegraph for “creating more efficient, responsive and sustainable communities through smart infrastructure management.” It is always exciting to observe volunteers keeping our roadways and trailways free of litter!

Oro Valley is proof that meaningful and lasting stewardship is possible when a community works together. From start to finish, fiscal year 2022-2023 has been a year of successful partnerships resulting in bold and creative decisions to ensure the stewardship of this community for generations to come. As I bring this to a close, I am reminded of remarks I gave one year ago at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve ribbon cutting. I’d like to leave you with a quote from those comments: “Admittedly it’s challenging at times—that tension between wanting to preserve, and then naturally, the growth that occurs within a community. I hope we can just remember that we are a community. That by working together we can accomplish so much more.”

Mayor Joe Win eld (Submitted)

Live! at Old Tucson kicks off with a yeehaw

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Contributor

Tony Sanders has been in the amusement park business for over 30 years and has seen his fair share of fun attractions. A stage in the center of an Old West theme park, however, was not on the list.

As the general manager of Old Tucson, Sanders helped put together Live! at Old Tucson, a new summer concert series with a mix of food, games and performers throughout the summer nights.

“It’s not like your traditional concert where you might be standing shoulder to shoulder with other people,” Sanders said. “Our general admission area is filled with picnic tables and bleachers, and we allow people to bring their own chairs.”

Live! at Old Tucson has opened its doors on Fridays and Saturdays for a slew of nationally touring tribute bands, such as those who honor Garth Brooks, Jimmy Buffet and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Through Aug. 26, the summer concert series will pair rock acts with the park’s infamous cowboy culture.

Upcoming events include Rock the Boat: The Ultimate Yacht Rock Concert on Friday, July 21; American Highwaymen on Saturday, July 22; Take It Easy: A Salute to the Eagles on Friday, July 28; Los Tramposos on Saturday, July 29; White Winged

Dove: A Tribute to Stevie Nicks on Friday, Aug. 4; Nashville Gold on Saturday, Aug. 12; The Festival Band on Friday, Aug. 18; Angel Norteño on Friday, Aug. 25; and Voyager: A Tribute to Journey on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Before fully reopening in January, historic Old Tucson was renovated, and its activities and events were redesigned. Part of these changes included the concert series, a set of events to freshen up Old Tucson and get guests excited for the theme park’s return.

“We thought we’d offer something

unique and a bit more tailored to the nighttime environment of summer here,” Sanders noted. “When we decided to do this, we wanted to try and bring in a variety of different guests… both families and individuals that want to come see live music.”

Every weekend, Live! at Old Tucson start around 5:30 p.m. when the park gates open. After an opening act at 6 p.m., the main act hits the stage around 7:30 p.m. Sanders explained how the Old Tucson staff wanted the set list to be diverse to attract a broad audience each week.

“We thought about how we’d get the most impact and the most variety, so we decided we’d do the tribute series,” Sanders said. “We wanted to flood different types of music and different styles out there as well.”

Throughout the show, Old Tucson performers interact with the crowd through giveaways and skits, mostly during intermission. They welcome kids to be a part of their antics and even do contests where the children can receive prizes.

Live! at Old Tucson features music, including Voyager, a Journey tribute band, on Saturday, Aug. 26. (Submitted)

Back to school

Scafede a familiar face at Picture Rocks

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

Vanessa Scafede’s life has come full circle.

A product of the Marana Uni ed School District and a longtime employee of Picture Rocks Elementary School, Scafede is kicking o her rst year as the campus’ principal.

“I fell in love with the community out there,” Scafede said. “I wanted to do more things as I worked for the school.”

e 2003 Mountain View High School graduate started her career in July 2007 as a classroom teacher at Picture Rocks Intermediate before serving as library-media specialist at the same campus from July 2010 to June 2013.

She worked as an associate principal for Ironwood and Picture Rocks elementary schools. at experience led to her new position as Picture Rocks principal, to which she was appointed on March 9.

“I’m eager to bring my experience, knowledge, and passion to a school that holds a special place in my heart,” Scafede said.

“I look forward to reconnecting with the sta , students, and families that make up this wonderful community, and working together to create a school culture that fosters growth, learning, and success. Let’s make this school the best it can be.”

e role was previously held by Mary O’Hara-Perkins, who is retired a er 22 years of service at MUSD, and of those, six years as principal of Picture Rocks Elementary School.

Scafede was chosen by the principal selection committee, comprised of teachers,

support sta , parents, principals, senior sta and governing board members. ey paper screened and interviewed candidates, and, from there, four were chosen for interviews.

At the recommendation of the selection committee, two nalists were recommended to move forward with a nal interview with governing board President Dr. Maribel Lopez and Superintendent Dr. Dan Streeter.

At Ironwood Elementary School, she “ensured quality instruction and professional learning and collected and used data to set

school goals while supporting the principal through assigned duties and responsibilities,” according to an MUSD statement.

She also mentored new elementary associate principals in MUSD and served as a member of the district’s elementary discipline and social and emotional learning committees. Prior to serving the Ironwood Elementary community, she was the associate principal for Picture Rocks Elementary.

Her leadership philosophy is simple.

“It’s students rst,” Scafede said.

“I try really hard to make decisions in the best interest of the kids. ose are hard decisions to make. When you work at a school—or anyplace with adults—sometimes things are easier for adults. I really have to think about what the rami cations for my students are.”

e oldest in her family, Scafede did not want to be a teacher growing up.

“I wanted to do something in business or a lawyer — nothing in education,” she said. “I was always that kid who was asked to help other kids. I didn’t want to do that forever. In college, I realized I did like helping kids and working with kids. I was a YMCA camp counselor and I enjoyed that. I changed my major.”

Scafede graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the UA in 2007, and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from NAU in 2013. She has her library media and math specialist endorsements.

She and her husband, Brian, enjoy attending concerts, the last of which was Blink-182.

“It was a lot of fun,” she said. “It was very nostalgic. It was the very rst concert we went to together. It was a fun throwback.

ere’s something about live music. It takes your mind away from things for a couple hours.”

ey align with Arizona sports teams, but her son follows the Bu alo Bills. Her husband, whom she met when they attended Marana schools, watches the Texas Rangers.

“Truthfully, we like to watch sports or go to any type of sporting events,” she said.

New Picture Rocks Elementary School principal Vanessa Scafede says she puts students first.

(Vanessa Scafede/Submitted)

Amphi opens new preschools, expands existing facilities

BY KYLIE WERNER

Tucson Local Media Sta

The Amphitheater Public Schools is adding new preschools and expanding existing facilities in its Imagine Preschool program.

“Yes, lots of exciting things going,” said Tiffany Bucciarelli-Fay, the director of early childhood education at Amphitheater School District.

The school district is adding four new preschools at Ironwood Ridge High School, Wilson K-8, Coronado K-8, and Mesa Verde schools.

It is also expanding and adding classrooms at Copper Creek, Painted Sky and Nash elementary schools and Amphitheater High School. In addition, the special ed department for preschools is licensing its campuses.

Amphi preschools serve children 3 to 5 who are potty trained and are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The classes have no more than 18 kids, with three caregivers, which consist of a director/teacher and two aides.

“Another great thing that we have in our department is all of our high school students who participate in our early childhood education programs at Ironwood Ridge, Amphi and CDO (Canyon Del Oro) are able to come into the preschools and use it as our lab time to practice our early childhood skills,” Bucciarelli-Fay said.

“And then we offer paid internships once they’re a junior, juniors and seniors. We get lots of high school support in our preschools, which is just great because our little kids adore our high school kids and our high school kids adore our little people.”

This program allows the district's high school students to learn about the early childhood development profession, child development, and career and college choices.

“I really want to grow the next round of amazing early childhood educators in the Amphi district, and this is exposing our kids to that,” Bucciarelli-Fay said. “We have as of now 10 kids who have either worked, gone through the program, and are either aides or directors of ours, so we’re seeing that full cycle, which is tremendous.”

Special needs and preschool students have class time together at Painted Sky, Copper Creek, Donaldson Walker and Holloway.

“It’s called an inclusive preschool model and what that means is our little special needs kiddos get to come into Imagine and work with their peers. Go to the library together, go to recess together, … be in circle time together,” Bucciarelli-Fay said. “It is an amazing program to have the ability to have all of our kids work together, so we are really excited about that.”

Amphi Public Schools’ preschool programs have grown from three to 16 sites, as of this fall. There’s a total of 30 classrooms.

“This has been a process to be able to accomplish this because of our partners with Pima County,” Bucciarelli-Fay said. “We love everybody on the Pima County supervisory board and because they voted for the program, which allows families to receive scholarships to come to high quality preschools, especially in our district and receive scholarships.”

According to Bucciarelli-Fay, Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott has been supportive,

understanding the importance of education and early intervention. Amphi has partnered with Oro Valley, Pima County and the city of Tucson. Bucciarelli-Fay said the partnerships are vital.

“So, three entities support us, which help us offer scholarships to our families that maybe couldn’t afford preschool,” Bucciarelli-Fay said.

“So, it’s phenomenal, last year I think we had about 300 students, and this year we should be close to about 600 students and that will be in the age group of three to five.”

Amphi teachers and staff are subject matter experts in their grade level or specialty.

“It’s just such a well-rounded environment that makes our kids prepared for kindergarten and life,” she said. “We always teach about being a good student and a good person first and preparing them in that and then giving them the education.”

The programs extend beyond the school. The Parents as Teacher home visitation program is for families with children ages see AMPHI page 14

Desert Financial’s ‘Adopt-a-Teacher’ returns

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Desert Financial Credit Union

welcomes K-12 teachers across Arizona to apply for its 4th annual “Adopt-A-Teacher” Program. Desert Financial will award seven

newborn through 5.

Home educators go into the home and help support the parents on topics like parenting, safety and sibling conflicts.

Bucciarelli-Fay said Amphi’s staff strives to build a sense of community at each school. She said early childhood education affects a child’s future.

“It’s proven that they have better academic success throughout their educational pathway, which is really important, but they also just have an easier time transitioning into the school environment which is really beneficial to them,” Bucciarelli-Fay said.

“A lot of times people think it’s always just

teachers with $3,000 each for classroom supplies between September and November. Desert Financial will accept applications for the program between Friday, Aug. 11, and Friday, Aug. 25. Seven winners will be selected and notified by Friday, Sept. 1. The

ABCs and 123s,” she said.

“We focus on education; it’s what we do. But there are other important things we do in preschool, like learning to share, learning to be friends, learning to follow multiple step directions, learning to form a line, and being empathetic and kind to our peers and having positive peer interactions. Then as they grow, they will be more productive people in our society not only on the education side but on the human side.”

To achieve this, Amphi offers scholarships for parents. For those who do not qualify, the district keeps the cost of tuition at $170 per week for full-time care. Bucciarelli-Fay said it’s about $100 or more less than the private for-profit preschools.

program is open to any K-12 teacher who works or lives in Cochise, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Mohave, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai or Yuma counties.

The application requires a teacher’s name, grade level, school, contact information and wish list for up to $3,000 in classroom sup-

“We just want people to know that we absolutely believe in early childhood and the need for high quality early childhood preschool and programming at Amphi,” Bucciarelli-Fay said.

“We just want the Tucson community to know that we’re available because a lot of the times when you think of a school district you think of K through 12, you don’t think of zero through 12 and we just want to make sure our Tucson community is aware of that.”

Taking care of children is Amphi’s mission, as is growing the job market for childhood providers. Adding the new preschools and expanding the district’s existing ones is allowing Amphi to do that.

“It’s really important because high quality

plies and essentials.

Winners from previous years used AdoptA-Teacher funds to take class fieldtrips, restock classroom supplies, and purchase supplementary equipment for photography, hands-on science and class projects. Info: desertfinancial.com/adoptateacher.

preschools are very important for children and parents. They want to know where their children go is a trusted and safe place. They want to know that they’re getting a great education and are going to be prepared for kindergarten,” Bucciarelli-Fay said.

Amphi has limited spaces available for children potty trained from ages 3 to 5 for Imagine Preschools. Preschool starts on Aug. 3. Interested parents should contact tfay@amphi.com or avalenzuela@amphi.com. For Parents as Teachers, they can contact Dina Gutierrez at dagutierrez@amphi.com.

A child who continues to develop their math skills can feel confident that they’re on track for a successful school year. Mathnasium gives students the instruction they need to reinforce what they’re learning in school, work on concepts that may pose a challenge, and take their math knowledge to a new level. In other words, we got this.

A child who continues to develop their math skills can feel confident that they’re on track for a successful school year. Mathnasium gives students the instruction they need to reinforce what they’re learning in school, work on concepts that may pose a challenge, and take their math knowledge to a new level. In other words, we got this.

AMPHI from page 12

Homer Davis principal enters his sophomore year

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media Sta

Homer Davis Elementary School principal Christopher Nogami calls his campus a special place.

“Homer Davis Elementary School is a wonderful place,” he said. “I feel like we have just great kids. We have just an outstanding staff who will do anything to help kids learn and do better.”

He is completely sincere.

Nogami is a veteran principal, but he just completed his first year at Homer Davis, one of Flowing Wells Unified School District’s elementary schools.

The school houses kindergarten through sixth grades, with about 400 students attending. Some students come in speaking only Spanish, but the school has an English Language Learners Program. These students are also integrated into the regular school classrooms.

Nogami didn’t really have any expectations when he arrived at Homer Davis, preferring to start with an open mind.

first year as principal of Homer Davis Elementary School, home of the Dragons and one of Flowing Wells Unified School District’s elementary schools. (Christopher Nogami/Submitted)

“I recognized coming in that I didn’t know what I didn’t know,” he said.

However, he was aware of two things.

“I knew it was full of great kids and great staff, but there was a lot of learning,” he said.

Being principal at Homer Davis is a homecoming for Nogami. He moved to Tucson when he was 9 and attended Flowing Wells schools. He began his teaching career at a school in Sahuarita, then moved to Flowing Wells Junior High School for nine years.

Nogami did a stint as assistant principal at Walter Douglas, another Flowing Wells elementary school. Finally, he decided to make the jump to principal.

“Some of the people who mentored me and I really looked up to were the administrators,” Nogami said. “As I learned more about it, I just thought that would be something I’d like and thought maybe I would be good at someday after I learned a lot.”

As a principal, he has learned to be flexible, which keeps his career fresh.

“It’s one of the things I love,” he said. “There is not one day that’s identical to the other day. I try to plan,” but very often those plans get derailed.

He begins his day by checking in with the front office, custodians and teachers. He likes to talk to the kids as they come in.

“As I flow through my day the one thing

that’s constant is we’ve got morning announcements, and, honestly, from there it’s just different,” he said. “I try to get into classrooms so I can observe all the teaching that’s going on.”

For the coming school year, Nogami said he will continue to learn about his school family.

“On a personal level, (I would like to) continue to build relationships with students, staff and the families (and) community,” he said. “I want to get to know everybody.”

He has several ways of accomplishing this.

“Simple things, like walking around sports events, trying to talk to families,” he said. “In the mornings some of the families check in at our front office and then walk their students to class. I do my very best to get to know everybody. The more the families feel comfortable with me the better I can serve their kids.”

Homer Davis Elementary School is the place Nogami wants to be.

“I say this everyday: This is a very special place, where our staff is dedicated to helping kids,” he said.

Christopher Nogami completed his

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back to provide backpacks

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

LSCHOOLDIS

erner & Rowe Gives Back, the nonprofit arm of Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys, will host its free backpack giveaway to benefit underserved school-aged children in multiple communities this July. It includes a stop at 3 p.m. Friday, July 28 at the Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road.

Backpacks will be given away on a firstcome, first-served basis while supplies last. Students must be present in vehicles to receive a backpack.

“As the cost of everyday essential items increase, local underserved families find it difficult to cover costs associated with the new school year,” said Kevin Rowe, founding partner of Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys and Lerner & Rowe Gives Back.

Families are invited to drive through the contactless backpack giveaway, where Lerner & Rowe volunteers will hand out 2,250 school supply-filled backpacks.

“Our team is eager to make it easier for students and parents to get the tools they need to succeed.”

Info: lernerandrowegivesback.com

Themed games are set up around the town square for audience members between and during sets. Some of them are run by actors, but Sanders assured they do not take away from the performances.

“There aren’t live stunt shows where they’re shooting out on the street or anything, it’s more like an interaction with our crowd,” Sanders said. “They’re out and they’re involved. They’re dancing and singing, and they do little skits.”

While the full park experience isn’t open during the concert series, Old Tucson favorites like Big Jake’s, Rosa’s, The Creamery and The Elixir are open for food and beverages.

Most of the food options are centralized at Big Jake’s, and there is a satellite bar available near the stage. Shelton Hall Museum is also available to explore.

There are general admission prices, but Live! at Old Tucson also features a VIP package, which allows participants designated seating, an air-conditioned indoor space, unlimited finger food and nonalcoholic drinks and table service.

“They get that special space and that

unlimited food and drink option, but they also get a cool swag bag of merchandise that’s all Old Tucson and Live! related,” Sanders explained. “We’ve been selling them out every single concert, so we think people are enjoying it.”

Live! at Old Tucson is not the only new thing coming to the theme park. Sanders and the Old Tucson team are already planning their 2024 calendar year, and with it, they hope to expand into more than tribute bands.

They may experiment with a different approach, possibly with bigger-name musicians and even go outside of music.

“This park is a great place to have festivals and events,” Sanders said. “We’ve got a lot of open space, we’ve got the food and beverage down, the location down. We have to find some fun… events where we can offer a variety of things, not just music but activities and different things for our guests to enjoy.”

Old Tucson is also gearing up for the 30th anniversary of Nightfall, resurrecting in October. The theme park is hiring more scare actors than in previous years to improve the attraction.

Margo Timmins isn’t afraid of her emotions

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

Touring is hard, but for Cowboy Junkies and Margo Timmins, the e ort is worth it.

“ e music makes us all feel like we belong,” said Timmins, the lead singer. e concerts have been great, she said, thanks to Cowboy Junkies’ nearly 40 years in music. ey’ll bring their show to the Fox Tucson eatre on ursday, July 27.

“Playing together is probably more exciting than it ever was,” Timmins said.

“As musicians, we put in our 30,000 hours. We’d reached a level where we know where the other person’s going. ere’s a lot more interplay than there ever was. It’s very rare that we do a ‘bad’ show. It might not be as good as last night, but it feels good.”

At the Fox Tucson eatre, Cowboy Junkies will perform two sets. First, they’ll focus on the new album, “Such Ferocious

Beauty,” with the hits following. e recent collection is a take on songwriter/guitarist

Michael Timmins’ thoughts.

“Michael writes about what is going on in his life,” Timmins said about her brother. (Another brother, Peter, plays drums.)

“Because we’re siblings, it’s going on in my life, too. I think it’s just a progression of life. He wrote about having kids when we were having kids. He wrote about aging. ere was a period where he wrote about aging marriages and the addition of children and what happens. at’s a whole experience.

“ is album is about us becoming older and us having to step up, becoming adults and taking care of our parents.”

“Such Ferocious Beauty” covers the death of the Timmins’ parents. She teased that the next one could be about aging.

“It’s just a continuation of what’s happening to us and also, of course, the world around us,” she added.

“ is album has a lot of impact of the pandemic. It’s huge on all of us. It changed

the way we view ourselves and the world. During that period of time, with the whole political scene, that just got really nutty. Whether you’re for it or against it, we lost a lot. ings got confusing and there’s a lot of that in there, too. e biggest most personal thing is the death of our parents and the impact of how we view our worlds and where we’re at.”

Singing the songs in concert is cathartic for Timmins.

“I’ve never been afraid of my emotions on stage,” she said. “If I start to cry, I start to cry, if I’m singing a sad song and I’m feeling extra sad tonight. I’ve never been afraid of my emotions.

“It’s like a prayer. I’m not a religious person. I think prayer is that moment of deep contemplation and thought. at’s, to me, what a song is. It’s a moment of really embracing something and not being afraid.”

She added with a laugh, “If it went on all night, I might have a nervous breakdown.”

Within four decades, the musicians

have stuck to their guns, making music for themselves — even when they were signed to major labels.

“One of the things we fought hard to do is protect our music and do it the way we wanted to do it,” said Timmins, calling from her home two hours north of Toronto.

“I never ever wanted to listen to an album and say, ‘Ugh, why did I do that?’ I knew that was wrong. I think that’s why we still really enjoy playing music together. It’s an expression of the four of us playing and nothing else.”

Cowboy Junkies

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 27

WHERE: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $20

INFO: foxtucson.com

Cowboy Junkies perform at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Thursday, July 27. (Heather Pollock/Contributor)

Arthritis, mental health go hand in hand

BY MIA SMITT Tucson Local Media Columnist

We tend to think of arthritis and mental health issues as quite separate entities, but they are intimately connected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20% of people with an arthritis disease also have diagnosed anxiety symptoms while only 11% of those who do not have arthritis have anxiety.

Over 58 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with an arthritis illness. Twice as many people with arthritis have depression than those without the arthritis illness. According to an analysis by the CDC in 2018, approximately 10 million of arthritis sufferers report depression and/or anxiety symptoms and these symptoms were more common in younger adults, aged 18 to 44.

There are many different types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the lining of joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and often also loss of function. It usually affects both sides of the body, mostly the hands, knees, feet, and ankles.

Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation of the joints and ligaments of the spine causing pain and stiffness mostly in the back and hips. The causes are uncertain, but it could be a genetic predisposition.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is another chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the whole body, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of serum urates that form crystals around joints mostly in toes and knees. This is intensely painful and usually appears suddenly.

Juvenile arthritis is also known as pediatric rheumatic disease. This term includes inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that affect about 300,000 children and teens in the United States. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is another chronic inflammatory auto immune disease that affects joints and the connective tissue that attaches tendons and ligaments to bones, causing pain and inflammation in joints. It is often coupled

with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition that causes scaly red patches.

Osteoarthritis is degenerative joint disease, the most common type of arthritis. According to the CDC, it affects over 32.5 million adults in the United States.

Inflammation, swelling, and tissue breakdown cause pain, most often in the hands, knees, hips, neck, back and feet.

Fibromyalgia is often included in the list of arthritis maladies. It is a chronic pain disorder encompassing most of the body and people with this illness are thought to have a heightened pain perception.

Any kind of arthritis is associated with a negative impact on mental health, and this can mimic a double-stranded downward spiral; mental health and arthritis diseases are intimately linked in that when the disease flares, mental health can be compromised and when mental health deteriorates, arthritis symptoms often worsen as well. Pain can make anxiety and depression worse and emotional distress can increase the sensation of pain.

But there are other factors that lead to both increased mental and physical distress and a decline in health. Lifestyle plays a huge role, and we need to be aware of how we can cope and help others. People with arthritis often have a generalized fatigue that accompanies pain and limited mobility due to joint stiffness and inflammation.

People are unable to get out much and can become socially isolated. The ensuing loneliness is another cause of depression and anxiety. We know that physical exercise of any kind and socialization have sig-

nificant impacts on emotions and mood. Without physical activity or social contacts both anxiety and disease can worsen.

An interesting study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (December 2016) examined C Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in people who had depression. CRP is a protein that is produced when the body experiences inflammation.

It is often part of the diagnostic criteria for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. The theory of mental and physical health being conjoined is further understood. Patients with anxiety and depression may not respond as well to arthritis treatment or may not follow treatment prescriptions. Pain is subjective and what is mild may be experienced as severe in someone else.

This does not mean that the person feeling more intense pain is weak or exaggerating. Our bodies and emotions react differently to the same stimuli. Mental health treatment in conjunction with corporeal therapies should be explored whenever

someone with an arthritis illness also feels anxious or depressed. Treating anxiety and depression can change the perception of pain and limited mobility and optimize health.

Arthritis diseases are painful and often incapacitating at times. Clinicians must make the effort to treat the whole person and recognize a possible link between the arthritis and a patient’s mental health. All patients should be screened for anxiety and depression. Appropriate treatment plans and counseling referrals should accompany lifestyle suggestions along with medications. Local support groups may encourage socialization and improve a patient’s ability to cope. Arthritis and mental health should be recognized and addressed at every visit if health care provider truly provides whole person care.

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

A glimpse at the not-so-nasty future

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

OK, we’ve passed the midway point of July, so it’s downhill from here. We just need to hang on for a few more weeks. Fortunately, the weather is so delightful — 90 and 90 (degrees and percent humidity).

Before I go any further, I have to say something that has probably popped into most people’s heads, but they’re too polite to say it out loud. Why do we (as a society) feel obligated to rescue people who insist on hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix in July? I mean, seriously, what do these people think is going to happen? I think the most we should do is y over with a helicopter and drop them several bottles of water with a parachute that reads “You’re an idiot!”

Anyway, mid-July is just plain nasty, but we can see not-nasty from here. For example:

Usually, we have to su er through this time of the year with only baseball to compete with the boredom. is year is di erent. Statistics show that more than 90% of baseball teams who were in rst place by themselves or tied for the top spot (like the Diamondbacks were last week) at the All-Star Break have gone on to make the playo s.

As noted here, the Diamondbacks are legit. ey’re kind of in the middle of the pack on pitching and defense, but they’re in the Top 10 on o ense and they’re No. 3 in stolen bases (which has become a serious weapon with the new rule changes). Nearly 100 games into the season, they have shown that they’re not a uke. It’s not going to be easy to for them to hold o the Dodgers (or Giants or maybe even the Padres), but they should be in the hunt for the rest of the season. ey’re certainly worth rooting for.

It’s only two days until the start of the Women’s World Cup. It’s actually going to be played Saturday in New Zealand. (It will be shown live here at 6 p.m. Friday.) Yeah, try explaining that whole “ e game we’re watching is happening tomorrow” thing to an elementary school kid.

Arizona D-backs player Lourdes Gurriel Jr. slaps high five to his National League All-Star teammates after their win. (Arizona Diamondbacks/Submitted)

e two-time defending champions are favored to make it a three-peat, but it’s not going to be easy. Even though it’s soccer, which isn’t the most-exciting thing to watch, it’s so cool to root for these women. I used to daydream that the United States’ men’s team would someday win the World Cup and then, like Elle Woods, say, “What, like it’s hard?”

e U.S. women, who are ranked No. 1 in the world, will face Vietnam (ranked a surprising 32nd in the world) in the rst game, then complete pool play by taking on e Netherlands (ranked ninth), and Portugal (ranked 21st).

ere are only 37 days until the UA volleyball team plays its rst game, a matchup with UC Davis, a 10 a.m. game (on a Friday) to kick o the Cactus Classic. If you ever want to see the wonders that Title IX hath wrought, go down on the oor a er the game and talk to the

players. Even the setters are pushing six feet in height. Great athletes.

Only 45 days until the rst game of the Arizona Wildcats football season. Last year, they improved from one win the previous year to ve wins, just missing the opportunity to become bowl-eligible. No one is seriously expecting another fourwin improvement, but they only need to improve by one to get to a bowl game and be on the trajectory for greatness in the following years. (On a sour note, Las Vegas odds actually have Arizona taking a small step back this year. e over/under for the Wildcats for wins is 4.5.)

Arizona opens with Northern Arizona, a team that, quite ignominiously, beat the Wildcats the last time they played. If Arizona doesn’t win this game by 30 or more points, it’s going to be a long season.

Only 50 days until the start of the NFL season. It’s not my favorite sport (I great-

ly prefer the college version), but it has its selling points. One thing I’m not happy about is that the greedy NFL is going to have a game on Black Friday. For decades, that day started a two-day fest of college rivalry games (Arizona-ASU, Alabama-Auburn, Michigan-Ohio State).

e NFL doesn’t need to play on that day and I hope their ratings are awful. OK, one other thing. Last week, I all but guaranteed that the American League would win the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. e National League hadn’t won since 2012. It was a sure thing. Who knows, maybe I have a weird mental power, like reverse ESPN. Whatever I predict will go the other way. Maybe I should predict that the Arizona Cardinals will be awful this year or that Shohei Ohtani will leave the Angels. Or that…naw, no politics. Too unpredictable.

usted?” 44 Black-and-white whale 45 “No idea” gesture 46 Country that borders Yemen 47 “The Color Purple” character ___ Avery

41 Rival of Sam’s Club

18 Suffix for a long fund-raiser

La Brea substance

54 Fort Wor th sch. whose mascot is SuperFrog

55 All and no cattle

48 Hartford’s state: Abbr. 49 Went unused

42 Resident of Nebraska’s largest city

Three-___ sloth 22 Study of insects, for short

56 Mysterious sky sighting

50 “Yeah, that didn’t escape my notice”

43 Hakuna (Swahili phrase meaning “no problems”)

Item that might be le on a hotel

51 Methods

Curved path

“Ow!”

58 “Deliver Us From ___” (2003 rom-com)

Pre-cable TV appurtenance

59 Plural ar ticle in French

Establishment that serves “purr”over coffee?

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

“Living Single” creator ___ Lee Bowser

Edited by WIll Shortz

Nuisance

title in his first comics appearance

Turnpike payment

Choose

Chanteuse with chart-topping hits found at the tops of 4-, 14-, 16- and 19-Down

Eyebrows and beards

Stately trees

Delta Sigma Theta, for one

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

You take hold of your mood and send it up and up. Though every emotion has its purpose, some are best experienced ever so brie y. Some feelings are like kryptonite to your superpowers. You'll note the e ect and move from the source to process the information -- or lesson, if there is one -- from a distance.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Many wouldn't think to work on their own attitude because they assume their own reactions are correct. You have the awareness that there are many ways to see and respond to life beyond what might come naturally to you. You'll pause to select a perspective that empowers aligning your attitude with your aspirations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Other people cannot write your dreams for you, but how they will try this week! As much as they assign you their own ambitions, the only one who can sing your soul is you. It requires the trying of new things until you nd the match that makes your mind quick and your spirit bright.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

What would you do for your beloved? Think about the level of support, understanding and compassion you would extend. Are you o ering this to yourself? It's not enough to allow yourself room to grow. Give yourself the resources, too, and while you're at it, a ord yourself the grace to make mistakes.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

The end of an option isn't necessarily a loss. Though it may have been something you really wanted, do not grasp at the door as it closes -you'll only get pinched ngers. Instead, trust life and set your gaze to higher, more interesting and exciting views. New opportunity is imminent.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Inside you is a shy child and a bold explorer and they are equally able to e ectively navigate the world, one with the caution that has kept the species alive for hundreds of thousands of years and the other with the verve that has done the same. There is no wrong way to be this week. Embrace your polarities.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

It's a funny thing about humans. We tend to attribute other people's behavior to their disposition, and yet we believe our own behavior springs from the circumstances at hand. You'll take full responsibility for your perspective this week as you nd the attitude that lifts you above the obstacles in play.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

You don't have to be a people-pleaser categorically to recognize that giving people what they want is often the easiest, smartest and all-around most satisfying way to go. You're exceedingly clever and yet it will still be hard to deduce what the others are expecting. This is a good week to, instead of guessing, just ask.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You're at the point in a project when no one else can gure it out like you can, so it's better not to ask for feedback yet. If you got praise, it might hinder your progress, causing you to relax. And if you got criticism, it could be discouraging. Trust what you're learning from the work itself.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

People like you and want to impress you or in uence you, so they o er their advice. You bene t from being receptive and appreciative in the moment, and then doing whatever you want. They are looking for your approval, not your follow-through. The most exceptional ideas will emerge from your own creative mind.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Though moods, like weather, are out of your control, you'll be brilliant at positioning yourself to make the most of them. When it's emotionally sunny, you get out and enjoy it. With worse climates you suit up, shelter or escape accordingly. You keep getting better at navigating shifts of state.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Self-esteem is dynamic and you'll experience its complex wobble in the di erent groups and environments you roll through this week. You can accept and like yourself fundamentally and still feel unsuited for certain tasks and situations. Be brave, advocate for yourself and believe in your resilience.

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

Not being manually operated

Agree to something

1 Winter clock se ing in Calif. 2 Addis Ababa’s land 3 “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed” and others 4 Not too long from now 5 Campus se ing in the story collection “My Monticello,” in

Worship Guide

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Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

and Son Contractor Family Business 25 yrs. BBB Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans. Now Accepting Credit cards Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953