Explorer News 08/09/2023

EXPLORER

AQUATICS

90’S DOGGY PADDLE POOL PARTY

Date: Saturday | September 9

Time: 30 min sessions (10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM)

Location: Marana Pool

(Unopened pet food donation encouraged)

OUTDOOR RECREATION

BIRDING AT EL RIO PRESERVE

Dates: Tuesdays | September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5

Time: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: El Rio Preserve

Cost: $5 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 12 & Up

EL RIO PRESERVE NATURE TREK

Dates: Thursdays | September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14

Time: 7:30 AM – 9 AM (September & October)

8 AM – 9:30 AM (November & December)

Location: El Rio Preserve

Cost: $5 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 12 & Up

TORTOLITA PRESERVE NATURE TREK

Dates: Thursdays | October 26, December 28

Tuesday | November 28

Time: 8:30 AM – 11 AM

Location: Tortolita Preserve Trailhead

Cost: $5 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 12 & Up

GUIDED HIKES IN THE TORTOLITAS

Dates: Saturdays | October 14, November 11, December 9

Time: 8 AM

Location: Wild Burro Trailhead

Ages: 12 & Up

SONORAN DESERT EDUCATIONAL HIKES

Dates: Thursdays | September 21, October 19, November 16

Time: 8 AM – 10:30 AM

Location: Wild Burro Trailhead

ALL AGES!

DRAGONFLIES OF EL RIO PRESERVE

Dates: Tuesday | September 12

Time: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: El Rio Preserve

Cost: $5 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident) ALL AGES!

ARCHAEOLOGY TOUR

LOS MORTEROS CONSERVATION AREA

Dates: Thursday | December 7

Time: 10 AM – 11 AM

Location: El Rio Preserve

Cost: $10 (Resident) | $12.25 (Non-Resident) ALL AGES!

LIZARDS & OTHER CRITTERS OF EL RIO PRESERVE

Dates: Friday | September 15

Time: 8 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: El Rio Preserve

Cost: $5 (Resident) | $6.25 (Non-Resident) ALL AGES!

MOONLIGHT GUIDED HIKE

Date: Saturday | September 30

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Wild Burro Trailhead

*Adult must accompany hikers under 16

MOONLIGHT GUIDED HIKE

MELLOW EDITION

Date: Saturday | September 30

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Wild Burro Trailhead

*Adult must accompany hikers under 16

MAKE & TAKE FALL FLOWERS

Dates: Friday | September 29

Time: 6 PM – 8 PM

Location: Heritage River Park

Cost: $40 (Resident) | $50 (Non-Resident)

ALL AGES GARDENING CLASS

Dates: Saturdays | September 16, October 14, November 4, & December 2

Time: 9 AM – 10:30 AM

Location: Heritage River Park Community Garden

Cost: $40 (Resident) | $50 (Non-Resident)

BIOBLITZ AT EL RIO PRESERVE PARKS FOR POLLINATORS

Dates: September 5, September 15

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

Location: El Rio Preserve

ALL AGES!

SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL

Dates: August 9 - 13

Time: All Day

Location: Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Tucson

ALL AGES!

GUIDED HORSEBACK RIDING

Dates: Saturdays | September 2, October 7, November 4, & December 2

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

Location: Tortolita Preserve Trailhead

Cost: $85 (Resident) | $106.25 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 6 & Up

BUCKAROO HORSE CAMP

PRESENTED BY TUCSON MOUNTAIN STABLES

Dates: Monday - Friday | October 9 - 13

Time: 12:30 PM – 2 PM

Location: Tucson Mountain Stables

Cost: $250.00 (Resident) | $312.50 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 5 - 7

JUNIOR HORSE CAMP

PRESENTED BY TUCSON MOUNTAIN STABLES

Dates: Monday - Friday | October 9 - 13

Time: 9 AM - 11 AM

Location: Tucson Mountain Stables

Cost: $281.25 (Resident) | $351.56 (Non-Resident

Ages: 8 - 14

ADVANCED HORSE CAMP

PRESENTED BY TUCSON MOUNTAIN STABLES

Dates: Monday - Friday | October 9 - 13

Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location: Tucson Mountain Stables

Cost: $281.25 (Resident) | $351.56 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 8 - 16

SENIOR PROGRAMS

SENIOR DAY TRIPS

BIOSPHERE 2

Date: Wednesday | September 20

Time: 9 AM – 4 PM

Location: Marana Community Center

Transportation Cost:

$10.00 (Members) | $12.50 (Non-Members)

Cost: $25 (Adult) | $23 (Senior Rate)

Ages: 50 & Up

TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA

Date: Wednesday | October 18

Time: 8 AM – 5 PM

Location: Marana Community Center

Cost: $20 (Members) | $25 (Non-Members)

Ages: 50 & Up

SONORAN DESERT 101 EDUCATIONAL SERIES

Date: Thursday | November 2

Time: 9:30 AM – 2 PM

Location: Marana Community Center

Cost: $10.00 (Members) | $12.50 (Non-Members)

Ages: 50 & Up

Chamber calls OVPD chief ‘outstanding’

BY DAVE PERRY Tucson Local Media Contributor

Oro Valley Police Chief Kara Riley and departed Pima Community College

Chancellor Lee Lambert received major awards from the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, which hosted its 31st annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast on July 26 at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.

Riley was named outstanding community leader. Lambert, now chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District based in Los Altos Hills, California, received the Chamber’s Legacy Award for his 10-year effort to improve and revolutionize PCC.

Other 2023 awards recipients are Swan Pilates, outstanding small business; Heart and Soul Kids Activity Center, outstanding mid-size business; Tucson Federal Credit Union, outstanding large business; and IMPACT of Southern Arizona, outstanding nonprofit.

All are members of the chamber, which welcomed 345 guests to its annual meeting. Before the awards, guests ate, networked and spoke with representatives of community organizations at the annual nonprofit fair.

OVPD Chief Kara Riley

Riley said the outstanding community leader recognition is a “humbling honor.”

“None of this is possible if it weren’t for the

OVPD Chief Kara Riley is congratulated by Eric Renaud, chair of the Oro Valley Chamber board and president of Pima Federal Credit Union. (Joey Ambrose/BoomPix Media)

men and women of the Oro Valley Police Department, who serve this community tirelessly, even in this ungodly heat,” Riley said. She mentioned each OVPD department, and said all of its employees serve with “compassion and honor.”

“They allow me to be their police chief, and I’m indebted to them,” she said.

see CHIEF page 18

Chamber has new home in Oro Valley

BY DAVE PERRY

Tucson Local Media Contributor

For the first time in its 31-year history, the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce has a home of its own, purchasing a building at 1822 E. Innovation Park Drive in Oro Valley’s Innovation Corporate Center.

Occupancy began during late June. Now reasonably settled, the chamber plans to celebrate with its members and the community on Tuesday, Aug. 15, hosting a free, public open house from 3 to 5 p.m., and cutting a ribbon at 3:30.

“I can finally breathe,” said Kristen Sharp, the chamber’s president and CEO since Nov. 1. “It’s nice to get organized, and have some semblance of normalcy and routine.”

At the chamber’s annual meeting July 26, Sharp reported to an audience of 350 guests that “the chamber is still standing, and we haven’t burned anything down” since she took over the reins.

“Oh, wait,” she halted. “OK, the office may have burned, but the chamber is still as strong as ever thanks to the unwavering support of you, our valued members.”

On March 21, the chamber’s leased office space at 7435 N. Oracle, Suite 107, caught on

Find wonder. Find community. Find yourself.

Find out why more and more seniors are joining our Life Plan Community’s pioneer group of residents. Join us for lunch and learn more. Limited seating available, so RSVP today. ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

300 W Greenock Dr., Oro Valley

Friday, August 4

Tuesday, September 12

Thursday, October 5

Tuesday, October 10

Friday, August 18

Choose the date and location most convenient for you Call (520) 531-3480 now to RSVP. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

38735 S Mountain View Blvd., SaddleBrooke

Thursday, September 14

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

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

Hot Picks

BY LINDA RAY Tucson Local Media Sta

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

AUG. 9 TO AUG. 13

Field trips, presentations, events, lectures, a nature expo — it’s like SXSW for bird lovers. All day, every day, shoulder to shoulder with folks whose passion for birding may be even greater than your own, your binoculars may fix on more species here than anywhere else in the Southwest. The fest’s website offers tips on how to prepare, including descriptions of Arizona’s “Specialty Birds” and their habitats.

Headquarters is The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tucson-Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson, $30, various times, tucsonaudubon.org/festival

“Surfapalooza” Summer Party

AUG. 12

Desert Museum invites us to sing about them and their habitat with Mr. Nature and other local musicians. Educator Michelle Miner will have a guest spot. Outdoors, visitors can tour the Cactus Garden, enjoy a local brew and shop for succulents at a plant sale. Kids will love the Packrat Playhouse.

Warden Oasis Theater, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, 6 to 9 p.m., $29.95, $19.95 for kids, desertmuseum.org

Little River Band AUG. 12

Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey called them “the best singing band in the world.” Through the ’70s and ’80s they regularly topped the charts and earned a mint’s worth of multi-platinum. The sound is the same now even without anyone from the 1975 lineup in the group

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

Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher

Michael Hiatt, Vice President

Claudine Sowards, Accounting claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com

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

Arman Olivares, Graphic Designer aolivares@timeslocalmedia.com

CIRCULATION

Aaron Kolodny, Circulation Director, aaron@phoenix.org

ADVERTISING

TLMSales@TucsonLocalMedia.com

Laura Meehan, Associate Publisher, lmeehan@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Kristin Chester, Account Executive kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Leah Pittman, Account Executive lpittman@tucsonlocalmedia.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

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

see HOT PICKS page 6

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 August 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.

Hotel Congress’ Summer Party on the Plaza series continues with an Arizona surf-twang band ruckus. The lineup includes the “bad girl” band the Surfbroads, Tucson’s legendary Shrimp Chaperone, The Furys and Your Best Friend’s Band. Magically, Hotel Congress will have a swimming pool for a day, and it promises a Hawaiian-style pig roast. Plaza Stage, Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, 6 p.m., $10, 21 and older, hotelcongress.com

Sing with the Saguaros! AUG. 12

How lucky that we live in the Sonoran Desert! It’s the only place on Earth where Saguaros grow naturally. The Arizona-Sonora

Streams DO come

No matter what you’re into, streaming has never been easier than with the X nity 10G Network. With a reliable connection, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your shows. Or movies. Or live sports. All without missing a beat on the network made for streaming. Because cli -hangers should come from plotlines—not your WiFi connection. So get way more into what you’re into when you stream on the next generation X nity 10G Network.

HOT PICKS from page 4

anymore, but personnel changes have been pretty common throughout their long career. Among their dozens of hits, we are guessing that “Take It Easy on Me” is the one most popular on karaoke night, even among folks otherwise unfamiliar with the band.

Diamond Center, Desert Diamond Sahuarita, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, 8 p.m., tickets start at $30, ddcaz.com/events

CatVideoFest 2023

AUG. 12, AUG. 13 AND AUG. 17

The Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary will benefit from this unmissable event for cat videos lovers and aren’t we all?

Will Braden, creator of the “Henri, le Chat Noir” videos, curated this collection into a feature-length film. Numbering 100 in all, these are the most hilarious, tender, playful and otherwise engrossing cat videos he found across all the apps that feature them. Food trucks will be on hand for the Saturday and Sunday screenings.

The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Boulevard, 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 13, and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, $10, loftcinema.org

Hunks Show! AUG. 13

If you didn’t watch all three “Magic Mike” movies for their thought-provoking storylines, or if you were among those whose favorite scene in “Barbie” was the Kens’ production number on the beach, or if you just happen to love the cut of a cowboy’s jeans, this show is for you. We hear there might be pirates, too. Dare you not to blush!.

The Maverick, 6622 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, 8 to 10 p.m., tickets start at $21.95, hunkstheshow.com

Reveille Men’s Chorus New Member Recruitment

AUG. 14

Reveille’s motto is “Changing Lives Through Music.” The practice of singing in community can be life changing all by itself, but in Reveille the support is intentional and the music sublime. Popular drag queen Lucinda Holiday will help them recruit new members at this meet-and-greet event. Apply via the website below. Those who join may find themselves in the cast of the chorus’ spring performance of “Priscilla – Queen of the Desert.”

The Jackrabbit Lounge, 2000 N. Oracle

Road, Tucson, 5 to 8 p.m., free admission, reveillemenschorus.org

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

Swim With a Mermaid AUG. 26

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

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

ONGOING EVENTS

Cool Summer Nights TO AUG. 26

Every Saturday night, the Sonora Desert Museum celebrates summer with families Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, tickets start at $20, free for members, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, until 9 p.m. Saturdays, 520-833-1380, desertmuseum.org

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. After, get a bite 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

News Briefs

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Cox’s ompson next chair of chamber board

Jeremy ompson of Cox Communications is the incoming chair of the Oro Valley Chamber board of directors.

ompson, director of eld and maintenance operations for Cox Communications in greater Tucson, succeeds Eric Renaud, president/CEO of Pima Federal Credit Union. Renaud remains as past chair of the board. New chamber board o cers are installed during August, at the rst board meeting following the 31st annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast held July 26 at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.

At that annual meeting, chamber President/CEO Kristen Sharp thanked Renaud for his help, support and guidance as she approaches a full year running the chamber.

Sharp said Renaud “has been instrumental in helping me to navigate the complexities that come with being a CEO.

“He has not only been an advocate of the chamber, but of myself as well. I have felt his support and encouragement when needed and appreciate his guidance and direction of the board as a whole,” she said.

e year has been one of “resilience, adaptability and change” for Sharp and her sta , Renaud told the crowd, particularly in light of the March 21 re that destroyed the Chamber’s o ce contents, leaving it without a home. “I want to give applause to you and your team” for their performance, he said.

Other chamber sta members are Makenna Markley, events and

communications director; Leah Noreng, operations director; and Joni Bates, member engagement director.

“When I get on a passionate subject, as I am passionate about our chamber ... I can become a run-on sentence,” Renaud said.

“I’m so encouraged about the future with Kristen and her team for our chamber.”

OV Rotary celebrates three top choices from ‘Taste’

ree Oro Valley restaurants were highly appreciated by guests at Taste of Oro Valley, the Oro Valley Rotary Club’s ninth annual fundraising event held March 26. e Landing was the people’s choice winner, with Peachwave Frozen Yogurt & Gelato and e Keg completing the top three. Each was thanked, acknowledged and presented a plaque by Rotary Club President Dennis Breen at the 2023 annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast of the Oro Valley Chamber on July 26.

Restaurants at Taste of Oro Valley give their time, their resources, their food and “the fun they create” to the event, Breen told the Chamber crowd.

Rotary uses money raised at Taste of Oro Valley, and through other fundraising e orts, to help “people in need in the community,” and to support international Rotary projects abroad, Breen said. Over the last year, Oro Valley Rotary has raised and contributed about $70,000, he added. Major recipients in the last year were Edge High School, Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse, and IMPACT of Southern Arizona.

Breen said he and other Rotarians feel fortunate to live in Oro Valley, but also recognize “there are so many people” who need help.

Sol Dog Lodge raises money for new Marana location

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Contributor

The team at Sol Dog Lodge is passionate about the human-animal bond. According to Executive Director Valerie Pullara, it’s more than enough to motivate their expansion.

“Our hope is that we bring something to the community that no one else does,” Pullara said, “in a way that brings the love and reverence of dogs and their families together.”

To open its first campus in Marana, Sol Dog Lodge has developed a capital campaign to raise $150,000. The nonprofit is more than halfway to its goal and is calling on supporters to help meet it by the end of the month.

Sol Dog Lodge has bought over 4 acres of land in Marana, and the campaign funds will be used to close on the construction loan for the new location. Pul-

Sol Dog Lodge trainer Francesca Alonzo works with canine student, Baxter, on his focus at Sol Dog Lodge.

(Shelley Harris/Submitted)

lara hopes to break ground by mid-September.

The nonprofit plans to close its two smaller locations on Prince and on Thornydale, upgrading from 10 to 60 new kennels to improve its services.

“At Sol Dog Lodge, we’re all about supporting dogs and families in unique ways that aren’t available anywhere else,” said Shelley Harris, marketing director at Sol Dog Lodge. “We want to be able to support our customers, but we find that a lot of times we have to say, 'no,' due to capacity.”

The nonprofit is reaching out to the community through social media and Marana events like the annual Ed Stolmaker Golf Tournament. Along with these efforts, a large donation to Sol Dog Lodge comes with exclusive naming opportunities within the location.

Depending on the donation amount, donors will have their name or logo added to floor tiles, walking paths, facility rooms or other location amenities.

continue to provide discounted services for families and dogs in need.

“We want to be the resource for our community when they need the help, but also when they don’t need the help,” Pullara explained. “In other words, we’re there even when things are going well to ensure we’re helping in other areas besides training.”

In phase two of development, the campus will have a full-service veterinary facility with low-cost care and wellness programs.

The most awaited upgrade is the new Transition Casita, which will help stray, sheltered or rescued canines adjust for adoption. This space will be available to the town of Marana, including first responders like Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District, to bring in these dogs.

“We get a lot of requests from people who have pulled dogs straight from the shelter, but we can’t bring them into our system because they’ve been there,” Pullara said. “They have to go through a quarantine process, and our transition casita will give us the ability to bring in those dogs.”

“This is kind of an all-call to the community,” Pullara said. “It’s not our style to ask for it, but this is the time we really need the help so we can continue to help.”

The goal of the new campus is to operate as a one-stop shop for dogs and their families. It will be located east of I-10 along West Tangerine Road, integrating with the lush natural environment of the area.

The Marana lodge will include spaces for boarding, grooming, training and retail. Highlights include the Paws and Learn Play Day center, a dog special needs area and a specialty retail store.

It will also feature an outdoor area with walking paths and a memorial garden for families to enjoy with their dogs.

“Along with the nonprofit, we also run a business of boarding, grooming and training,” Harris noted. “We have to have those services available to our customers. The emergency services are also vital to what we do, but we have to be able to do both.”

Sol Dog Lodge will use this new, larger location to further its mission of keeping dogs with their owners. Along with behavioral training, the nonprofit will

While they wait to move in, the Sol Dog Lodge team will continue to offer services at their two locations. They will collect donations past the posted date of Aug. 15, and encourage the public to support them however they are able.

Whether through direct funding or online exposure, Pullara and Harris will count the days, funds and immense support until their furry sanctuary becomes a reality.

“We’re not a rescue, we’re not a shelter; we’re that gap, unintentionally, that exists in the animal system,” Harris said. “We’ve created these services because there’s a need, and we’ll continue to build out new services for the public as we grow.”

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At Album Marana, you’ll find sophisticated residences with modern features in

addition to stimulating onsite offerings and beautiful social spaces to enjoy. They’ll be conveniently just outside your door; no need to drive anywhere! Your day might begin with coffee with new friends and then to the activities calendar to decide how your day will take shape. There is so much to do here. Each day will be full of variety and fun.

Album is the perfect place to share your passions, find new ones, and make friends easily along the way. What truly sets Album apart is the opportunity to have a real say in the active lifestyle clubs and events. Residents will create, contribute their talents, and run the clubs/events

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The Album Marana leasing center is now open and located at 7620 N Hartman Lane, Suite 172 Tucson, AZ 85743. Our team will be happy to provide you with more information on available apartment homes that will be move-in ready Summer 2023. Whether you are considering downsizing yourself or have a loved one far away that you want close, Album is an exciting option right here in Tucson!

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DAV aids injured U.S. veterans

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media Sta

David Morales was 20 years old when he came home from Vietnam, where he had served his country for 19 months as a flight engineer. Once he was home, things were fine.

Then they weren’t.

“To me, the first six months I was home I was OK,” he said. “Then all of a sudden, I went berserk. It just sneaks up on you. The way it sneaked up on me, I woke up, and it was real quiet, and in Vietnam when it was quiet you couldn’t sleep because the very first thing you would say is, ‘What’s Charlie up to?’”

Artillery, guns, bombs — they were all familiar sounds.

“You can sleep like a baby because you’re in a war zone, but when it gets quiet, what’s going on? It’s not supposed to be quiet,” he said.

Before dawn that morning, PTSD found him in a big way.

“I got on top of the roof (of my house) and stayed there until the sun came up,” he said. “From that day forward, it was terrible. Everything that’s combat related, I brought to the United States.”

Enter the Disabled American Veterans, a 97-year-old organization that stands ready to aid U.S. veterans injured during their military service.

“All they have to prove is that it was service connected,” Morales said. “A lot of people don’t realize that the military is 24/7. If it’s service related, they can file. Keyword: service related.”

These days, Morales is commander of the DAV Chapter 4, which serves Tucson, Marana and Oro Valley. They are the second-oldest chapter in Arizona. At this year’s state convention held in June, it was named the Arizona DAV Chapter of the Year.

Fifteen veteran, volunteer service officers—including four women—are trained to process claims, know where to find veteran services and can find answers to even the most obscure questions. They process 150 claims a month.

The chapter kept its doors open during the pandemic and the Ina Road closure,

where it’s located.

“I later talked to the state commander about why we got it,” Morales said about chapter of the year.

“He said, ‘Well, David, we never hear a complaint from you, and throughout the state we’re loaded with complaints. You do what you have to do, and everybody’s happy with what you do.’”

Morales has been a service officer since 2012 and commander for three years. In those years, he’s witnessed a shift in the types of claims they’re processing.

“At the beginning, when we had a woman come in, it was for military sexual trauma,” he said. “Now it’s combat related, because they’re in combat now.”

Morales emphasized that the four women service officers are there not just to help process applications, they are also adept with finding help for women with military sexual trauma issues. It turns out there are a lot of people who might

eran at least one full year.

Of course, these are not the only service-connected issues the DAV can help with.

“Probably a very good example of that is hearing loss,” said John Posey, an Air Force veteran and client with the DAV.

“I retired after quite a few years in the Air Force. I was around airplanes and missile silos and all kinds of stuff, more noise than the average person. The engines on the airplanes make a lot of noise, so that would be service connected. But for the fact that I was in the military I probably wouldn’t have been around airplanes all day long.”

The DAV loans equipment like wheelchairs, canes and other items. It must be returned when the person no longer needs it.

For Morales, helping veterans find their way through the Veterans Administration is satisfying. More than anything, however, Morales said he and the entire DAV Chapter 4 staff wants to help.

“We’re here, and please, if you know somebody who needs help, come in,” Morales said. “All you have to do is come through that door, and there are two or three service officers who are willing to help you.”

qualify for this particular disability. According to the website ptsd.va.gov, “National data … reveals that about one in three women and one in 50 men respond ‘yes,’ that they experienced MST, when screened by their VA provider.”

Another important type of claim they process is called the dependency indemnity compensation for widows or widowers of veterans who had military-connected injuries or disabilities for which they received a monthly check.

To keep the disability checks coming after the veteran’s death, Morales recommends applying with the help of a service officer, especially because the application is more than 20 pages long. It’s worth the trouble because applicants may receive up to $1,500 monthly. The sooner a claim is made, the better, however, because the government only pays out based on the date the paperwork is filed. To qualify, they must have been married to the vet -

For those interested in learning more about Morales’ experiences in Vietnam, he’s written a book, “Lenten Reflections,” which he said helped him through his issues with PTSD.

“The book was a catharsis for me; by me talking about it it helped me work through it. I could only write during Lent; I don’t know why.”

The book is available on amazon.com: https://bit.ly/DavidMoralesLenten

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4

4145 W. Ina Road, Suite 131, Tucson

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday Info: 520-791-9067; appointments recommended chapter4@davchapter4tucson.org davchapter4tucson.org

David Morales stands with a banner made post-WWI for the Disabled American Veterans.

(Karen Scha ner/Sta )

Nurse practitioners bring care back home to OV

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Columnist

Providing quality and compassionate care to the residents in Oro Valley is important to hometown nurse practitioners, Beth Brown and Brittany Overton, who opened Oro Valley Urgent Care at Steam Pump Ranch on March 18.

“Beth and I were raised in Oro Valley, and we’re raising our kids here,” Overton said. “ is is our hometown and our community. We are the only locally owned and operated urgent care in Oro Valley. Our goal is to provide care for people like they are family.”

e native Tucsonans acknowledged that there is a shortage of primary care providers, making it o en di cult to get an appointment.

“If a person has a UTI, cold symptoms, a sprain or fracture they cannot wait several weeks to a month to be seen by their primary care provider and that is where we come in,” said Brown, a Mountain View High School

facility has X-ray on site and the handpicked sta can splint broken bones.

“If you don’t have a primary care provider, it’s very di cult to get into a specialist or get that process started without a trip to the ER,” Brown said. “We’re able to provide referrals, as appropriate, to help bridge the gap between keeping people out of the ER and fullling primary care needs of a more urgent manner.”

Brown’s specialty has been urgent care since 2017, the year a er she graduated with honors as a family nurse practitioner. However, she started her career in 2007 as a labor and delivery nurse, later working in the perioperative setting as a recovery room nurse.

become a nurse practitioner.”

A Canyon Del Oro High School graduate, Overton began her health care journey in 2010, working as an ICU nurse for six years. During that time, she studied to become a family nurse practitioner. She, too, graduated with honors in 2016 and has specialized in Urgent Care since then.

“I am dedicated to practicing medicine using a holistic, evidence-based approach with a focus on patient advocacy, preventative care and overall, well-being,” Overton said. “We are caring, compassionate and take our time with patients. It is our pleasure to serve our local community to provide the best health care possible.”

graduate. “ ere are simply not enough providers to go around in our area and there is a need for urgent care treatment — injuries, common colds, infections, lacerations.”

ey also evaluate and test for strep, mono and COVID-19, and o er in-house medications; thereby, bypassing pharmacies. e

“I really like helping people and advocating for them,” Brown said.

“Brittany and I have both worked as bedside nurses, held hands with patients, and helped them navigate their health needs. We had years of rsthand experience working with patients prior to returning to school to

ORO VALLEY

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Beth Brown and Brittany Overton opened Oro Valley Urgent Care at Steam Pump Ranch on March 18. (Oro Valley Urgent Care/ Submitted)

Student interns lead dementia program

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

Dr. Sharon Arkin wants what is best for UA students and people who have mild to moderate dementia.

She helms the Elder Rehab program at Desert Sports and Fitness, a private gym that specializes in programs for seniors.

Elder Rehab matches its memory-challenged participants with trained UA student interns and volunteers. e students provide their respective partners with 20 twice-weekly, two-hour sessions per semester. Each session consists of an hour of physical exercise and an hour of language and memory stimulation activities.

Formerly located at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, the research-based program is starting its second year at Desert Sports and Fitness at 2480 N. Pantano Road, Tucson.

“I got the idea of using students when I was studying in Chicago and my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” she says.

“I had to go out of town to do an internship. I advertised for a part-time companion for my mother, who was in assisted living. Her memory was lousy, but she was still very social. e student I met became her companion for almost three years.”

With Elder Rehab, students are not paid but earn academic credit and/or volunteer service credit. at gives them a competitive edge when applying for medical school and other health care graduate programs.

e program is based on Arkin’s post-graduate research project, Alzheimer Rehab by Students, at the then-Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders at the UA’s Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences between 1996 and 2001.

e research demonstrated that sustained exercise and cognitive stimulation administered by undergraduate students slowed cognitive decline, as compared to a nontreated historical control group, and improved physical tness and mood.

When Arkin rolled out the program, she renamed it out of necessity.

“We didn’t want people in the program to have to walk around advertising that

they have Alzheimer’s,” she says. “ ey don’t say the word, like it used to be with cancer. ere’s a little stigma attached.”

For six years prior to the pandemic-dictated closure, Arkin conducted a community nonresearch adaptation of the program at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, rst as a volunteer, later as a parttime contractor.

It ourished with 25 to 35 persons with dementia per semester having twice-weekly, two-hour, one-to-one exercise and cognitive stimulation sessions with their assigned student partner.

Since the pandemic waned, the Elder Rehab has been operating on a smaller scale at Desert Sports and Fitness. Arkin’s goal is to nd a permanent home for Elder Rehab so that it will continue beyond her lifetime, she says.

“It’s a magical connection,” she adds about the students and participants.

“ e family members get support and the person with dementia — we call them participants, not patients — get this tremendous attention.”

To participate, applicants must be 60

or older (younger is otherwise quali ed); have disabling memory problems; be willing to participate; be unable to travel independently; have reliable transportation to and from the gym; have the consent of a family member or guardian; continent of urine and bowel, if reminded regularly (pads or Depends OK); and ambulatory/ able to transfer from wheelchair (cane or walker OK).

Cost is $399 per semester, which comes to $10 per hour, plus the cost of a onehour tness assessment by a certi ed personal trainer, at a cost of $85.

e tness assessment will not take place until a free cognitive assessment by Arkin has determined the applicant can handle and enjoys the activities and a suitable student partner is identi ed.

“No one fails the assessment,” Arkin says. “Its purpose is to create an exercise routine for the student to follow that is customized to the participant’s level of tness. Session times will be determined by negotiation between each student and his or her partner’s caregiver. ey can be on any two nonconsecutive days of the week.

“ ey create a customized routine that will be administered by a student, who is being trained with their partner. It’s vestar service for almost $10 an hour. Where can get you get that kind of treatment?”

For information or to request an application form, contact Arkin at 520-6032912 or sharonmerlearkin@gmail.com.

Early August/mid-August is a crucial time for the program. It’s when students return to UA and must commit to an internship or volunteer service program. So, Arkin is looking immediately for participants.

“It’s easy to recruit students,” she says. “ ere are internship advisers in every department. But if we don’t have a partner for them, I can’t provide that experience for them.”

Elder Rehab

For information, contact Dr. Sharon Arkin at 520-603-2912 or sharonmerlearkin@gmail.com.

Dr. Sharon Arkin founded the Elder Rehab program. (Inset) For the Elder Rehab program, UA interns are paired with those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. (Dr. Sharon Arkin/Submitted)

There’s no quick fix for weight loss

BY MIA SMITT Tucson Local Media Columnist

Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus have been big news for the past year.

These are the brand names for semaglutide drugs that were developed to help people with type-2 diabetes control their blood sugars.

These drugs are “Glucagon-like peptide 1” agonists (GLP-1). GLP 1 is a hormone produced in the intestines that stimulates the release of insulin and reduces appetite. (These drugs are not indicated for people with type-1 diabetes.) Ozempic and Rybelsus are indicated for diabetes and Wegovy has the indication for weight loss. They differ in their dosages, and they are obtained only with a prescription from a health care provider and there are no generic equivalents (as yet).

Sadly, many people with diabetes are unable to get them because the supply is being depleted by those seeking a quick weight-loss remedy. Also, it has recently been reported that semaglutide drugs may reduce the craving for alcohol, but further study is needed.

Semaglutide medications can cause significant weight loss and have become extremely popular, not only on various social media platforms but also in medical journals. Weight loss may be rapid but there are often unpleasant adverse effects.

Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are fairly common but usually resolve after a few weeks, but up to 10% of patients have to stop using them because these symptoms do not improve. Heartburn and constipation are not uncommon. Facial swelling, tongue and throat swelling, and swelling on hands, feet and sex organs can occur. Shortness of breath, dizziness, vision changes and rapid heartbeat can occur. Severe abdominal pain that spreads to the back could be a symptom of pancreatitis, which is not common but occurs in about 1% of users.

Semaglutide medications may also increase the risk of developing a rare thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma, so it is contraindicated for any patients with an established thyroid or endocrine cancer.

“Ozempic face” is a popular complaint

on social media platforms. The rapid weight loss causes one’s face to become very thin and gaunt looking making a person look both tired and older.

Due to the unexpected surge in popularity, there is a shortage of these medications. Some pharmacies are “compounding” them and labeling them as generic Ozempic and Wegovy. Compounding pharmacies combine, mix and/or alter ingredients to create a medication for a specific person. The compounded drugs are not FDA approved as there is no way to verify efficacy or safety.

Berberine is a supplement and has been dubbed “nature’s Ozempic” on social media with claims that it lowers blood sugar and causes weight loss. But Berberine is not a “generic semaglutide” and users need to be aware of the differences.

Berberine is a compound from several shrub plants such as Oregon grape, barberry and goldthread. This is not found in foods so is only taken as a supplement. Many people mistakenly consider it a “natural” equivalent to Ozempic and Wegovy.

It has been used in medicine for thousands of years in China and India and recent research has found that it may lower blood sugar, help to control inflammation, reduce cholesterol, and possibly reduce the risk of some cancers.

This product is available online and in some health food stores in dosages from 500 mg to 4700 mg. There are no dosage guidelines but in studies the usual dose was 500 mg three times a day. Further study is needed to establish safety, efficacy

and dosage recommendations.

Berberine also is not without its risks. It can lower blood sugar too much, causing acute hypoglycemia. It may slow blood clotting, and cause bruising and bleeding if taken with both over the counter and prescription blood thinners. It should never be used by children and pregnant or breastfeeding women because it might be a risk for brain damage in a fetus or young child. It has a high risk of adversely interacting with other medications.

Gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach pain, excessive gas, constipation or diarrhea have been reported. There is not enough information to prove that this is safe to use on a long term basis. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA so there is no guarantee as to what exactly is in a specific product.

Obesity is a many faceted illness. There really is no “quick fix” for weight loss and neither social media nor pop stars are known for reliable health information.

Sometimes medication can be a part of a good weight loss program that includes a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and patience. Long-term weight loss should be a marathon, not a sprint. Consultation with a health care provider for an optimal plan tailored to individual needs and health history will be most beneficial in the long run.

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

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Flowing Wells grad wins Salix scholarship

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

Flowing Wells graduate Lena Stoltzfus was on a school trip two years ago when she fell very ill. She was unable to keep food down.

Upon her return home, her doctor ran blood tests, only to find her celiac numbers were “off the charts.” Stoltzfus was diagnosed with celiac disease, an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

Over time, the immune reaction to eating gluten creates inflammation that damages the small intestine’s lining, preventing malabsorption. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, low blood count (anemia) and osteoporosis.

“I found out two or three days before Christmas, which was such an adjustment,” Stoltzfus said. “I had to go on a gluten-free diet, and we had to change all of our holiday plans. It’s an ongoing challenge, but I am always getting better at managing it.”

This fall, the Tucson resident will head to Haverford College in Pennsylvania, thanks to a $10,000 scholarship from the Salix Gastrointestinal (GI) Health Scholars Award. She was selected as one of 10 recipients from a pool of over 225 applicants.

“At Salix, we understand it can be incredibly difficult to balance both the pursuit of higher education and the challenges associated with living with a gastrointestinal condition,” said Nicola Kayel, vice president, marketing, Salix. “That is why Salix is dedicated to reducing the stress and financial burden for these students. We congratulate this year’s 10 scholarship recipients for whom we are proud to support in the advancement of their academic goals.”

The Salix Gastrointestinal Health Scholars Program recognizes students across a wide range of educational pursuits, with scholarships in four categories, including the undergraduate scholar awards, for those pursuing undergraduate degrees; the graduate scholar awards, for those pursuing graduate

degrees; the working parent’s scholar award, for parents pursuing undergraduate, vocational/technical or graduate degrees, and the single parent’s scholar award, for students who are single parents pursuing undergraduate, vocational/technical, or graduate degrees.

For Stoltzfus, the scholarship means there’s “a weight off my chest.”

“It opens more doors as I’m starting this journey,” she added. “Honestly, it’s just such a great opportunity. To have that recognition that I am a person who’s very passionate about my studies and academics, but also has this chronic illness is great. It's fantastic that they’re willing to support students like me, who have an extra challenge. It fuels my tenacity even more.”

As part of the process, applicants were required to submit essays describing how their GI condition has impacted their educational journey, as well as delve into the role their health care provider played in helping them reach their personal and educational goals. All scholarship applications were reviewed by an independent panel of judges.

She’s hoping to study biology with a concentration in biochemistry. After earning her doctoral degree, she’ll embark on a research career. Stoltzfus has always found research and genetics interesting. In elementary school, she conducted an experiment to extract strawberry DNA.

“I made it a point to take classes to learn a little more about genetics, cells and cell structure,” she said.

“Once I was diagnosed with this condition, it fell into place for me,” she said.

While Stoltzfus is at college, she must be aware of symptoms she might experience as a function of having celiac disease, or ingesting gluten by accident.

“I can understand why I feel the way I do,” said Stoltzfus, the daughter of Kevin and Tawnya Stoltzfus. “I had been having stomach issues for many years before that diagnosis. We were at the breaking point. At least I have answers. I went years upon years feeling gross the whole time.”

Lena Stoltzfus, the daughter of Kevin and Tawnya Stoltzfus, participated in Model UN at Flowing Wells High School. (Lena Stoltzfus/Submitted)

The NFL drives us all crazy

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

Judging by the wall-to-wall coverage on sports-talk radio these days, you would think that we’re smack dab in the middle of the NFL season. In reality, it’s only training camp. The NFL tail has been wagging the media dog so long (and so well), we shouldn’t even bother looking at a calendar. It’s always NFL time somewhere.

It’s not quite as bad on the TV side. They sneak in a mention of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and the occasional non-NFL highlight. The other night, the Atlanta Braves pulled off a bizarre 8-3-5 (center field to first base to third base) triple play. It was only the second time in major-league history that it had been done and the first time was in 1884. The ESPN announcer read the words in a rather perfunctory manner and then it was like, “…and now let’s get back to training camp video of some Jacksonville Jaguar offensive linemen jogging through some wind sprints really slowly.”

Over the next few weeks, as the 2023 season barrels toward us, you’re going to start seeing the signs of NFL madness appearing around town. I’ll pass on the discussion of adult human beings wearing football jerseys in public. It’s fine; it’s just

a matter of personal taste. I would never do it, but then I actually played real football at one time.

No, today’s discussion will be about the driving habits of people who have NFL stuff (bumper stickers, window decals, etc.) on their cars.

Anybody who has been driving since the pandemic will attest to the fact that it has become a lot more dangerous recently. People who were bad drivers a few years ago are now criminally awful drivers today. If I go out to run errands or maybe drive from home to the school where I coach, it is a better than 50-50 chance that I will see at least one person run a red light. And I’m not talking just barely; I mean by a couple seconds or more.

I was wondering if people with NFL stuff on their vehicles were more likely to be worse drivers, better drivers, or about average drivers as other people. And if, as I suspected, they were worse, which fans would be the very worst?

I decided to conduct a highly scientific research project on the subject, so I asked 17 people this question: Assuming that the driver of the car/truck is a fan of the team on the bumper sticker, fans of which team are likely to be the worst/ most dangerous drivers. The reason that the sample size is 17 is that I was at a

coaches’ meeting and there were 18 other coaches in attendance.

During a break, figuring that they were sports people, I asked them the question. Seventeen of them answered (most of them pretty quickly). One guy didn’t. He pretended that he couldn’t speak English, although I know for a fact that when he’s not coaching, he teaches English.

Ten of the 17 answered Dallas Cowboys. That number is quite likely distorted by the fact that there are almost-certainly more Cowboys stickers than any others in Tucson. In fact, there may be more Cowboys stickers than all the others combined. The Cowboys may or may not be America’s Team, but they certainly have a huge following in the American Southwest.

Still, there may be something to it. If you ask fans of a football team other than Dallas to describe Cowboys fans, a word that comes up quite often is, "obnoxious." And if they’re obnoxious in everyday life, what makes you think that they’ll become a model citizen when they get behind the wheel of that oversized pickup truck? (Research shows that 104% of all Dallas Cowboys bumper stickers are on pickup trucks. Some are stuck on top of older stickers that the truck owner didn’t want to scrape off.)

It has been my unfortunate experi-

ence over the years to reach the conclusion that fans of a different team are way worse drivers than Cowboys fans (who are definitely no worse than second worst). We’ll talk about them some other time.

So, when do you think that Cowboys fans are at their worst? When they’re winning, when they’re losing, or when they’re plugging along at around .500? They’re obviously the most insufferable when their team is winning, but maybe that will put them in a better mood, and they will be less likely to cut you off in traffic with their oversized pickup truck. Back when my daughter was getting her master’s in civil engineering from Cornell, I suggested that she study whether traffic collisions (no professional uses the word “accident”) went up or down depending on how the football team was doing. She chose instead to focus on predicting traffic flow patterns using Markov chains. Yawn. It might sound silly, but what if it’s really a thing?

New Kingfisher owners take guests on a road trip

BY DAVE PERRY Tucson Local Media Contributor

Kingfisher has revived the great American road trip — with a worldly twist.

Their Summer Road Trip 2023 dining series continued July 17, with dishes from the deep South and Caribbean through Saturday, July 29. The menu featured crabby fried green tomatoes ($14), Caribbean pepper prawns ($19) and conch ceviche ($18) for appetizers; whole roasted pig ($25), Southern-fried rabbit ($25), blackened catfish ($25) and curried oxtail ($25) for entrees; and desserts of sweet potato pie with whipped cream ($10) and guava cream cheese pastelitos ($10).

“It’s a summer road trip like families who used to drive around the United States — at least they used to,” said co-owner Jacki Kuder.

“It’s an American regional menu based on your travels. You go to the East Coast, and you get East Coast food. You go down south, and you get Cajun creole, Caribbean, Floridian, that type of cuisine. We decided to combine all East Coast and all West Coast to give us the freedom to do two international menus. We’re featuring Cyprus and France.”

Cyprus is featured Monday, July 31, to Saturday, Aug. 12, while France will take center stage Monday, Aug. 14, to Saturday, Aug. 26. The West Coast, including Hawaii, Alaska and the Southwest, took place before summer break.

Kuder co-owns the recently refreshed Kingfisher with Ted Burhans, both of whom purchased it Oct. 24. This September, the restaurant will celebrate its 30th anniversary.

“We have big secret plans for that,” Kuder said. “We haven’t finalized the details yet. It’s been a Tucson institution since 1993. Prior to that, it was the Iron Mask since 1968. That was a serious Tucson institution with velvet wallpaper, a really continental old-school restaurant. I think prior to that, the building was a warehouse and tire shop.

“It’s always fun to run a restaurant in a 100-year-old building. We have some fun stuff. Our keg fridge is the original

kitchen fridge from the Iron Mask. It’s this really awesome cast iron, old-school refrigerator. We like to keep little pieces of Tucson nostalgia alive.”

Recently, they replaced the artwork, as it wasn’t included in the purchase of the restaurant. Over the summer break, crews updated and painted the interior.

Kuder knows Tucson well, having moved here at age 6. Two years later, her father taught her how to cook biscuits and gravy.

“I’ve been in love with food ever since,” she said. “I’ve spent more than a decade in different kitchens around Tucson, working for Janos (James Beard Award-winning chef Janos Wilder), and (restaurateur) Bob McMahon’s restaurants.”

She earned her undergraduate and

Jacki Kuder and executive chef Richard De La Cruz Jr. invite guests to take a summer road trip. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

Baked oysters Rockefeller are topped with spinach, shallots, Pernod and Parmesan cheese ($20). (King sher/Submitted)

master’s degrees from the UA, taking a break from the industry. Owning her own restaurant was a lifelong dream.

“My career has been an adventure so far, the past several years,” she said. “Janos is a Tucson icon. Everybody in the industry here has worked for him or with him.”

She’s excited to continue the tradition of the Summer Road Trip, saying it’s an “immense amount of work” for her and 11-year Kingfisher veteran and executive chef Richard De La Cruz Jr. For the menu, they must prep new experiences every two weeks.

“Part of what makes the Kingfisher special is some of the menu staples,” said De La Cruz Jr., an Amphi High School graduate. Those include the Macadamia nut-crusted Hawaiian fish, with lemongrass butter sauce, Texmati rice, spinach and fried sweet potato chips ($29).

“It’s been on the menu forever,” he said.

De La Cruz, 40, has been cooking professionally for 24 years, after he graduated from the now-shuttered Art Institute of Tucson’s culinary program. He’s worked at establishments around town

from page 1

fire. Contents were lost in the blaze, and the office could not be occupied. Sharp and her staff worked remotely for months.

When she saw smoke billowing from the office, “I wasn’t panicked,” Sharp said. “When I get into situations like that, my emotions turn off. I ask myself, ‘What do I need to do?’ I make a list. Let’s get it done. That’s how I manage big things, this, and then this, and this, and this.”

She had been thinking about new digs for the chamber, a 600-member business and community organization, before the fire forced the issue.

“We had outgrown our old office,” Sharp said. “That’s not demeaning to the old office. We wanted something more easily accessible, more member-friendly, and for visitors.” And, she said she believed, the chamber needed to own space. For years, it has leased office space within the Oracle Road corridor, spending tens of thousands of dollars on rent, with no assets to show for it.

Sharp retained the services of Batoun Herrington, president and designated real estate broker of Branel Real Estate Company. Sharp soon learned the Innovation

King sher’s traditional, steamed littleneck clams are served in a garlic-white wine broth with fresh herbs, and a baguette for dipping ($20). (King sher/Submitted)

and in Flagstaff.

“I didn’t know anything about fish when I started here,” he said. “Now I know just about everything. No one ever leaves the Kingfisher. To get my foot in the door, I

had to start on the salad station and the oyster station. That was almost 11 years ago. Now I’m executive chef. It’s great to carry on this Summer Road Trip tradition.”

King sher

2564 E. Grant Road, Tucson king shertucson.com

Corporate Center building, owned by Soss & Associates, was on the market.

“I was hesitant because it was so quick,” Sharp said. She called her board chair, Eric Renaud of Pima Federal Credit Union. “Let’s go see it,” he said.

Initially, Sharp thought the building was too far removed from busy Oracle Road. However, in an age when people use digital devices to locate destinations, she was confident people would find the Chamber in this new space. It's near Oro Valley Hospital, and down the hill from Roche Tissue Diagnostics, not to mention the higher price of real estate along Oracle Road.

It all came together quickly, with the chamber board fully supportive. Over the years, the chamber had assembled a cash reserve, and used a chunk of it toward a downpayment on the $505,000 purchase. It also received a $75,000 downpayment gift from the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation.

The new building is 2,116 square feet, up from 1,443 square feet in the previous location. It has a reception area, a conference room, three good-sized private offices, two restrooms, a break area, storage, and a large

The grilled and chilled gulf shrimp feature a half dozen tail-on Gulf shrimp with cocktail sauce and cilantro-lime sauce ($17). (King sher/Submitted)

CHAMBER

Kristen Sharp, president/CEO of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, stands in the reception area of the chamber’s new o ce at 1822 E. Innovation Park Drive in Oro Valley. An arc of high-level member plaques lines the counter. Sharp and the chamber are hosting an open house and ribbon-cutting to celebrate the organization’s new home from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15. (Dave Perry/Contributor)

Riley thanked the mayor and council, town managers and government leaders for their “unwavering support in this unprecedented time.

“You too have never wavered from supporting this police department,” she told the audience, “and we are so indebted to you for your unconditional support of us.”

Riley also recognized retired Deputy Chief Jason Larter, who served OVPD for 35 years.

Swan Pilates

Susan Swan, owner of Swan Pilates, said she was “particularly honored” to receive the outstanding small business award on behalf of her clients, studio staff, and teachers. Swan marveled at the “dynamic field of fellow small business nominees.”

Small businesses are “the most vulnerable to shifts in the economic climate,” Swan said. “We’re the virtual canaries in the mine shaft. The town of Oro Valley and the chamber know this, and actualize that knowledge. This was absolutely true during the pandemic.”

Swan Pilates opened its doors just before the pandemic forced temporary closure of the business, and altered its course. “The support we as a small, small business had during the pandemic has me absolutely committed to lean toward Oro Valley,” Swan said. She is “forever grateful to the town and chamber” for their aid during that unprecedented moment.

Swan Pilates is located at First and Tangerine. The website is swanpilates.us.

CHAMBER

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open room. Parking is ample, views of the Catalinas sublime.

Chamber members are “more than welcome” to use the building whenever they need, and when it is available, Sharp said. They might choose to meet a client in the conference room, or spend time working online between appointments.

She’s grateful for all the support given to the chamber in the wake of the fire as well as during the months leading up to this acquisition. “Because our organization has always tried to do good, to be good, to help this community thrive ... people have been so supportive and helpful,” she said. Sharp specifically mentioned Herrington,

Heart & Soul Kids Activity Center

Shari Chamblee, general manager of Heart & Soul Kids Activity Center, gratefully accepted the award as outstanding midsize business on behalf of owner Deanna Sherman.

“I just got so choked up” when she learned Heart & Soul had won, Chamblee told the audience. Sherman was away. “She’s really going to be heartbroken, and excited, but sad she wasn’t here to thank everybody in person,” Chamblee said.

Sherman, a University of Arizona Gymcat, started Heart & Soul along Oracle Road in Oro Valley 10 years ago, when she was 23 years of age. There were 50 children enrolled. Today, Heart & Soul has 1,200 students at three locations – Oro Valley, along Oracle in Pima County above the hill into Tucson, and in the Rita Ranch area.

Chamblee believes Heart & Soul is successful because, “we strive to promote self-esteem, self-love, and self-worth. ... We simply use gymnastics and dance as the tool in which to love on them, and hopefully build their confidence."

Heart & Soul Kids Activity Center is “so grateful to be a part of this network of strong businesses that truly gives back to the community,” Chamblee said. “We honestly can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 10th year in business.”

The website is heartandsoulkids.com

Tucson Federal Credit Union

Matthew Gaspari, a longtime Tucson Federal Credit Union employee and an Oro

who went “above and beyond” in guiding the chamber through the purchase of real estate. Wendy Wise and her team at Wendy Wise State Farm were of immense help after the fire, and with insuring the new property. Past chamber board member Paul Tees and his team at Commerce Bank of Arizona helped with financing.

Sharp gave special mention to Acacia IT and its president Greg Durnan, a past chair of the chamber board. Acacia IT kept the chamber connected with phone and internet service after the fire, and has donated laptop computers, monitors and other technology for the new office.

Finishing touches will make the office into the chamber’s home. The building is being painted. Sign designs must be approved,

Valley resident, said, “raising up the greater Tucson community has been our mission” since TFCU’s founding in 1937 to serve Tucson school employees. It had 38 members and $349 in assets by 1938. Today, TFCU has more than 68,000 members, and more than $680 million in assets.

“We know that organizations are made up of a lot of individuals, who make a difference” every day with their work, customer service and community involvement, Gaspari said. He thanked his leadership team, many of whom attended the chamber event.

“We’re grateful” for the outstanding large business award, Gaspari said. “It lets us know we’re doing a few things right.”

The website is tucsonfcu.com.

IMPACT of Southern Arizona

Barbara McClure, the longtime executive director of IMPACT of Southern Arizona, praised the “huge community of nonprofits” helping people in need locally and across the region. They all work “very hard to make sure the community is supported,” she said.

In turn, resources for IMPACT’s multiple services come from the “wonderful businesses in Oro Valley,” McClure said. Those services, according to an IMPACT celebratory social media post, include “keeping food on the tables for thousands, running youth and senior programs from food and clothing to resources, moving people forward into higher-paying careers,” and more.

McClure mentioned organizations such as the Oro Valley Rotary Club, whose vol-

then ordered. Cabinets are being installed. A front-desk phone is on the way. The large open room awaits a use. “What should I do with this space?” she asked. “I don’t know.”

That will settle out. Now Sharp hopes people will “see us as a professional business. First impressions do mean something. I want people to feel welcome when they walk into the chamber, and welcomed to Oro Valley. We needed a building to match that.”

The building is “a capital investment for the chamber, a home for seven to 10 years,” she thinks. Sharp sees the new space as a possible “steppingstone” toward a grander building that might have a retail/gift shop, a coffee shop, a co-working or business “collision” space, meeting space for members and the chamber board, and a visitors center for

unteers bring food from grocery stores and bakeries to the food bank in Catalina each Saturday.

“With your support, we can provide lots of resources to many, many people,” a grateful McClure said.

The website is impactsoaz.org.

Chancellor Lee Lambert

Dr. Brian Stewart, president of PCC’s Northwest Campus, accepted the Legacy Award on Lambert’s behalf, and read his remarks.

Lambert learned about Oro Valley while researching greater Tucson before he was hired as Pima’s chancellor. “I found out it’s one of the top child-friendly places to live,” Lambert said. “That impressed me because I wanted to relocate to a welcoming community.

“A great community is defined by its people,” Lambert said, “and Oro Valley exemplifies this.” Through his work with the Chamber, town officials, local schools, area employers and others, “I quickly came to understand why Oro Valley was chosen as one of the top places to live, both in Arizona and nationally.”

He is honored to receive the award. “The impact of my work as chancellor is the result of the tireless efforts of Pima’s employees and governing board members to fulfill Pima’s mission – to empower every learner, every day, for every goal,” Lambert said. “I accept the award on their behalf. I’m getting comfortable in my new community, but a part of me will always be in Southern Arizona.”

the public.

“We will always have equity in this building,” she said. “I wanted to be spending the members’ money in a way that continued to benefit us into the future.”

Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Open House

WHEN: 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Oro Valley Chamber, 1822 E. Innovation Park Drive, Oro Valley COST: Free

INFO: orovalleychamber.com

6 Many a Syrian or Yemeni

“Ri-i-i-ight”

18 With 66-Across, hint for solving this puzzle

“Roll doubles to get out of jail” or “You do not talk about Fight Club”

21 Supreme Egyptian deity

22 Centerpiece of an agenda

24 Actor George of “The Goldbergs”

27 Museum curators’ degs.

28 “Lah-di-___!”

31 Some nightclub performances

33 Sound of impact

36 Vexed

38 Garment patented in 1914 by Mary Phelps Jacob 39 “My alarm didn’t go off,” for one

Edited by WIll Shortz

45 One of the Three Magi

Insurance giant bailed out in 2008 48 Some turban wearers

Hwy. accident respondent 50 Call home 53 Singer with the 2016 #1 hit “Cheap Thrills”

Gossip

Sticky plant stuff

As a unit

Takes a whiff

Thick Japanese noodle

Continuation of 18-Across

Cuts short 70 Feature of a helmet, maybe 71 Absorb, as information

72 Water buffalo

73 ___ Midas Wolf (Disney’s “Three Li le Pigs” antagonist) 74 Senator Joni of Iowa Down

Gille e razor name

Judge

Give birth to

Signs of trouble

Emend 6 No so

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

The heart-sore nd their way to the balm of your attention. You do not have to do much more than be a loving presence. Listening will be better than talking. Silence will be better than stories. Short visits that include hugs are better than long ones that don't.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You'll go out of your way for someone this week and you'll never be sorry you made the e ort. It ts your creed to deliver beyond expectation. Endeavors of generosity will release a rush of feel-good serotonin to your brain -- an unexpected perk, and one of many reasons you don't care if kindness is ever repaid. Giving is getting.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

An interest strikes a deep but unresolved chord in you that you aim to bring into better harmony. There's a tendency to obsess, ruminate or think in loops. The persistent thoughts are a sign that you care. Don't try to manage thoughts too much; let action order them instead. They will sort themselves as you keep moving forward.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Love is not a game you can watch and learn. No simulation can do it justice. No study will improve you. You might nd out what works for others, but to know what works for you, you must be the one in the game. Also, know that what you do to guard or share your heart will be unpredictable. The only way to play is to play.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Deliberate action isn't always slow, but it will be this week. You'll avoid mistakes by taking things one step at a time, then checking your work after every 10 steps. You may talk to yourself as you carry out the actions to be extra mindful of staying on track. Your careful, methodical approach will deliver you far beyond your goal.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Emotional labor is the work you do to appear appropriate and serviceable on the outside when your insides have di erent suggestions, such as: run, hide, shout, cry, spill your guts or take a nap. It's a week to acknowledge the di erent ways you work and give yourself credit, reward and rest when you need it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

There's a price to pay for everything you want, and the big wishes require not just what you can easily a ord but also some kind of meaningful sacri ce. Maybe it's sugar or television or spending money one place that could be applied to your dream. It's a week to determine what you're willing to give up that will make the di erence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

If you've even the slightest suspicion that there might be a better way to do what you're doing, go ahead and ask around. New insights will amaze you or, at the very least, make your life easier. Those from a di erent background and/or generation will approach your problems di erently than you would.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

For some reason you will hesitate to dive into your joy. Maybe there's an inequality to shore up, or an issue of timing or responsibility. Ultimately, living by your own standards of character will be the most satisfying choice in the end. And any delay in grati cation will only serve to increase your enjoyment later.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You've been known to be logical, sometimes to a fault, but this week brings a di erent mood. When the voice of reason rings out, you won't necessarily feel like responding. The heart answers to destiny, not logic. There are many in uences a ecting your scene, but you only feel like bending to one -- the sway of your heart.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Remember that you're not wrong to feel as you do -and you're not right either. Feelings are involuntary responses that don't adhere to a moral code. They are signals that call for a response. Which response is up to you. This week, you'll respond di erently to what you feel. Your emotions will inform you instead of command you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

You thought a promotion or rise in status would make you feel more con dent, but it did the opposite because now you're charged with meeting a higher expectation. There are skills and knowledge you lack, but this will always be the case. The trick is to get comfortable with what you lack. Then you'll be unstoppable.

PUZZLE BY ALEX ROSEN

Worship Guide

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GF and Son Contractor

GF and Son Contractor

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

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

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

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

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

YOUTH SPORTS

FLAG FOOTBALL PRE-SEASON CAMP

Dates: Monday – Friday | October 9 - 13

Time: 12 PM – 2 PM

Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park

Cost: $40 (Resident) | $50 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 5 – 12

BASKETBALL CAMP

Dates: Monday – Friday | October 9 - 13

Time: 9 AM – 11 AM

Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park

Cost: $80 (Resident) | $100 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 6 – 12

YOUTH TENNIS LESSONS

Dates: Saturdays | Monthly

Time: 9 AM - 10 AM | Ages 5 - 9

10 AM - 11 AM | Ages 10 - 14

Location: Continental Ranch Community Park

Cost: $80 (Resident) | $100 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 5 – 14

FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Dates: Saturdays | December 15 - March 15

Time: 9 AM - 3 PM | Games (Saturdays)

4 PM - 9 PM | Practices (2X per week)

Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park

Cost: $112.50 (Resident) | $140.50 (Non-Resident)

*Oct. 15 Late Reg $90 (Resident) | $112.50 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 5 – 12

MINI ME SPORTS

Dates: Sundays | Monthly

Time: 9 AM - 9:45 AM

Location: Crossroads Silverbell District Park

Cost: $40 (Resident) | $50 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 3 – 5

PEE WEE SOCCER

CROSSROADS AT SILVERBELL DISTRICT PARK

Dates: Tuesdays | September 5 - October 10

Time: 5 PM - 5:45 PM | Ages 3 – 4

6 PM - 6:45 PM | Ages 5 – 6

Cost: $96 (Resident) | $120 (Non-Resident)

GLADDEN FARMS COMMUNITY PARK

Dates: Thursdays | September 7 - October 12

Time: 5 PM - 5:45 PM | Ages 3 – 4

6 PM - 6:45 PM | Ages 5 – 6

Cost: $96 (Resident) | $120 (Non-Resident)

TANGERINE SKY COMMUNITY PARK

Dates: Sundays | September 10 - October 15

Time: 5 PM - 5:45 PM | Ages 3 – 4

6 PM - 6:45 PM | Ages 5 – 6

Cost: $96 (Resident) | $120 (Non-Resident)

SPECIAL INTEREST

PAINT NIGHT IN THE PARK

TEEN EDITION

Dates: Fridays | September 22, October 20, November 17, & December 22

Time: 6 PM – 8 PM

Location: Marana Heritage River Park

Cost: $20 (Resident) | $25 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 10 – 17

ADULT EDITION

Dates: Fridays | September 8, October 13, November 3, & December 8

Time: 6 PM – 8 PM

Location: Marana Heritage River Park

Cost: $30 (Resident) | $37.50 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 18 & Up

ADVENTURES IN STEM WITH LEGO® MATERIALS

PLAY-WELL TEKNOLOGIES

POKEMON ENGINEERING WITH LEGO MATERIALS

Date: Saturday | September 23

Time: 1 PM - 4 PM

Cost: $36 (Resident) | $45 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 6 - 8

BASH ‘EM BOTS WITH LEGO MATERIALS

Date: Saturday | October 28

Time: 1 PM - 4 PM

Cost: $36 (Resident) | $45 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 8 - 12

UNPLUGGED GAMING WITH LEGO MATERIALS

Date: Saturday | November 18

Time: 1 PM - 4 PM

Cost: $36 (Resident) | $45 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 6 - 8

MARVELOUS ENGINEERING WITH LEGO MATERIALS

Date: Saturday | December 16

Time: 1 PM - 4 PM

Cost: $36 (Resident) | $45 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 8 - 12

FALL BREAK CAMP

MANDALORIAN TRAINING WITH LEGO MATERIALS

Date: Monday - Friday | October 9 - 13

Time: 9 AM - 12 PM

Cost: $180 (Resident) | $225 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 5 - 10

FITNESS & WELLNESS

STEVE BERRY MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

Dates: Mondays & Thursdays | Monthly

Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Marana Community Center

Cost: $35 (Resident) | $43.75 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 6 & Up

ADULT SPORTS

OPEN GYM BASKETBALL

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays | Monthly

Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Location: Leman Academy Marana

Cost: $10 (Monthly Pass) | $12.50 (Non-Resident)

Daily $2 (Resident) | $2.50 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 16 & Up

PICKLEBALL LEAGUE

Dates: Wednesdays | September 6 – November 1

Time: 6 PM – 8 PM

Location: Ora Mae Harn District Park

Cost: $40 (Resident) | $50 (Non-Resident)

Ages: 16 & Up

TURKEY TROT 5K & 10K

Dates: Saturday | November 14

Time: 7:30 AM (Check-in) |

8 AM (Fun Run) | 8:30 AM (5K & 10K)

Location: Crossroads District Park

Cost: Fun Run: FREE

5K & 10K: $20 (Pre Registration) | $25 (Event Day) ALL AGES!

EGG NOG JOG 5K & 10K

Dates: Tuesday | December 31

Time: 8 AM (Check-in) |

9 AM (Fun Run) | 9:30 AM (5K & 10K)

Location: Crossroads District Park

Cost: Fun Run: FREE

5K & 10K: $20 (Pre Registration) | $25 (Event Day) ALL AGES!