Explorer 112322

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media

The Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce has a new president, filling the position left open when Dave Perry retired after more than 11 years.

Kristen Sharp took his place as president and CEO on Halloween. As such, she is determined to welcome all businesses to the organization, no matter the size.

“We want what is best for the community as a whole, and I would say 70% of our members are small businesses,” she said. “(However), we are here to support all local businesses.”

Sharp has a vision for the chamber as the orga nization moves into the future.

“I think currently the chamber’s got a lot going for it,” she said. “We’ve got a good reputation, and we’re very well known within the business com munity. What I would like to see — and one of my goals moving forward — is to be more of a known entity within the community as a whole.”

Sharp already has a plan for achieving that.

“One way that I would really like to do it (is) through social media and newspapers,” she said. “We need to put out more information and edu cation regarding different things that are happen ing, for example, the Oro Valley Marketplace.”

Sharp has been with the chamber for three years, serving as the events director. She has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Missouri and taught high school for two years. When she decided to get her master’s degree, she came to The University of Arizona, where she met her husband. After grad uation she went into retail management, working at Abercrombie and Fitch and another store at

La Encantada. After that, it was preschool edu cation. Then the job at the chamber came open, and because of her experience teaching, Sharp knew she had the goods.

“Going back to when I was teaching agricul ture, I didn’t get to just teach,” Sharp said. “It was also running the agriculture department, which required me to do budgeting. It required me to work with vendors and plan banquets and con tests.”

Perry recognized Sharp’s talent and ability, so

Behind the scenes of McKale Center: What they know

BY AIDAN WOHL Tucson Local Media

The most endearing plays are only as profound as the stage they are set on. This case can be illustrated not only for theatrics, but for collegiate athlet ics.

The University of Arizona’s McKale Me morial Center is notorious for its rich 49year history of transcendence and merit. However, none of this would be made pos sible without the foundation for which each fan-favorite contest is prepared and pro duced: event management.

This behind-the-scenes team holds a mis sion of ensuring the safety and satisfaction of every guest in the 14,644-capacity arena. Though being behind the curtain, their work does not go unnoticed.

It’s hard to absorb the extensive signifi cance of the historic McKale Center unless one has been there to see the progression through the years. Matt Brown — a 21-year event operation staffer and assistant direc tor of athletics for event operations — grew up in Tucson and attended UA. In 2001, he was hired, checking the box for a dream job.

“It means so much more to me, just being a native of Tucson and growing up around athletics as a young kid,” Brown said.

“Now finding myself behind the scenes

Elevate Your Expectations of Senior Living

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

December 6th at 11:30 a.m. December 8th at 11:30 a.m.

Oro Valley Country Club 300 W Greenock Dr, Oro Valley, AZ

November 29th at 11:30 a.m.

SaddleBrooke II Ballroom 38735 S Mountain View Blvd, Catalina, AZ

RSVP today by calling 520-531-3480.

Seating is limited. Lunch will be served.

EXPLORER Hot Picks

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

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ARTS

Wednesday, Nov. 23, to Friday, Dec. 9

Pima Community College presents the “Invisible Bor ders” exhibition at the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery. The exhibit, which features 31 female photographers from Mexico and Southern Ari zona, present a unique col laboration from women on both sides of the border, who temporarily make the divi sions disappear. The gallery is open Monday to Friday, holiday hours may differ. Visit pima.edu for more in formation. Louis Carlos Ber nal Gallery, West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road.

THEATER

Friday, Nov. 25, Saturday, Nov. 26 or Sunday, Nov. 27 Evade the apocalypse and hit the Fury Road with Mad Max at the Loft Cinema this Thanksgiving Week end. Catch one, two or three screenings of the cult classic, “Mad Max: Fury Road,” pre sented by Barrio Brewing. Showings are 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. General admission is $8 or $6 for Loft Members. For more information about tickets or showtimes vis it, loftcinema.org. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Boulevard.

Wednesday, Nov. 23 through Friday, Dec. 2 Get in the holiday spirit with the Arizona Theatre Compa ny as it brings Christmas ear ly with its latest production, “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley.” Lydia Wick ham (formerly Bennet) re turns to center stage for the sequel of last year’s holiday show. For information about ticket pricing and the 20222023 season, visit atc.org. The Temple of Music and

BY KATYA MEN DOZA Tucson Local Media

Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue.

LIVE MUSIC

Friday, Nov. 25

The Rialto Theatre and Luc kyman Concerts present “Gasolina Reggaeton Dance Party.” Known as the coun try’s largest reggaeton party it brings together the com munity pushing the culture forward. Doors open and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Visit rialtothe atre.com for more informa tion about tickets and the venue’s clear-bag policy. The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Con gress Street.

HOT PICKS

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patio to enjoy jazz and blues from the Paul Green Trio on Friday, Nov. 25, or Top 40 tunes from ROH Band on Saturday, Nov. 26, along with food and drink specials during and after the show. Capacity is limited to 50 attendees outdoors to ensure social distanc ing. The concert series between SAACA and the Westward Look seeks to showcase the arts while supporting local musicians. To make a reservation, call 520-297-1151 ext. 474 or visit opentable.com. For more infor mation about events sponsored by SAACA, visit saaca.org. The Westward Look Wynd ham Grand Resort and Spa, 245 E. Ina Road.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Discover Sand Reckoner wines at the Fall Wine Tasting Series on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Hotel Congress’ jazz club, the Century Room. Cost is $30. Doors open at 6 p.m., the guided tasting begins at 6:30 p.m. and live music starts at 7 p.m. For more information about the Century Room and the Fall Wine Tasting Series, check out dice.fm. The Cen tury Room, 311 E. Congress Street.

Thursday, Nov. 24

Work up an appetite at the 29th annual Thanksgiving Cross Country Classic at Reid

Park, at 8 a.m. Choose between an easy 5K or 1.5-mile fun run and go at your own pace at the Turkey Trot race! For information on how to register your entire family, visit run signup.com. Reid Park, Ramada 10, Country Club and 22nd Street.

Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26

Bring your loved ones to the last Brewin’ at the Chul of the season this Thanksgiving Weekend at Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens and Galleries, from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the grounds after hours free of admis sion, and nosh on food from the Garden Bis tro. Sip on a craft beer or refreshing prickly pear margarita while you enjoy live music by guitarist Lucas Carballiera on Friday, Nov. 25, or Misael Barraza Diaz on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more infor mation, visit tohonochul.org. Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte.

Friday, Nov. 25 to Saturday, Dec. 24

Yuletide comes to Old Tucson Studios. The holiday spectacular rings in the holidays the Old West Way this Christmas season with interactive experiences, live shows, hay rides and train rides. Visitors are encour aged to purchase tickets in advance, due to the park’s timed-entry approach, yuletideaz.

com. Yuletide at Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road.

Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Jan. 15

The highly anticipated and luminous hol iday installation, “Lights Up! A Festival of Illumination,” returns to the Tucson Botan ical Gardens. With more than 3,000 lumi narias, this local tradition brings together meticulously constructed experiences, the matic zones and installations from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. six nights a week. For information about ticket prices, FAQ and special foodie events, visit tucsonbotanical.org. Tucson Bo tanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way.

LOCAL MARKETS

Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 27

The American Indian Heritage Month So cial and Indian Craft Market has changed lo cations. Now at the Catalyst Arts and Maker Space at the Tucson Mall, the annual market runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring friends and family along to discover a cultural rich ness that has survived across millennia, in cluding a featured cultural presentation. For more information about the National Native American Co-Operative and this event, visit usaindianinfo.com. Catalyst Arts and Mak er Space at the Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle

Road, Suite 110.

Saturday, Nov. 26

Not enough leftovers at your house? Support your local farmers, ranchers and small food purveyors offering their seasonal produce, farm-fresh eggs, meats and other goods at the Oro Valley Farmers Market. It runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Historic Steam Pump Ranch. Admission is free. Steam Pump Ranch is located at 10901 N. Oracle Road. For more information about the Oro Valley Farmers Market or other Heirloom Farmers Markets, visit heirloomfm.org.

Sunday, Nov. 27

The Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition pres ents the Winter 2022 Made in Tucson Mar ket from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The MinT Market brings together over 250 emerging and ex perienced vendors and artists who are 100% local and are committed to giving back to the community. Who knows, you just might polish off the rest of your holiday shopping list. For more information about the MinT Market, a map of the venue and featured vendors, visit facebook.com/madeintucson. 311 E. Seventh Street.

Tucson native initiated into corps of cadets

William Vieira, the son of Rebecca Vieira of Tucson, was recently inducted into the 134th Mis souri Military Academy (MMA) Corps of Cadets at the MMA Passing Through Ceremony.

The Passing Through Ceremony is an MMA tradition that officially welcomes new cadets into the corps following their successful completion of the Maroon Phase training, the cadet handbook test, and the Crucible. The handbook test consists of questions concerning MMA rules and reg ulations, the Honor Code, and academy history and traditions.

The culminating event is the Crucible, a series of mental and physical challenges ca

SPECIAL TO TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA

William Vieira was inducted into the 134th Missouri Military Academy Corps of Ca dets. (Missouri Military Academy/Submitted)

at these various venues that helped me as a sports fan, I just have to pinch myself ev ery once in a while. Although I’m working in some capacity, I have the best seat in the house at the same time. So, it’s really some thing for me. I hope I can share with my kids later.”

Suzy Mason — the senior associate di rector of athletics for event management and facilities — has been inside the McKale Center for multiple decades.

Mason was hired to the event manage ment staff the year Lute Olson’s men’s basketball team won the national champi onship in 1997. She talked about what the aura has been like of being inside McKale throughout her tenure.

“It’s obviously one of the venues. If you put up a top five basketball game in the country, you’re going to want to play at McKale,” Mason said. “It’s got one of those storied histories. A lot of incredible games are played here. Our attendance is unmatched in the west and our rivals are some of the best in the country.”

Mason has watched the arena evolve since she arrived.

“Anything we do with audio-video sound (now) was not a thing in 1997,” she said.

“Having the cool entertainment-level amenities that help support our gameday environment really make it a fun, festive atmosphere.

“For our fans, it’s interactive with our (Zona) Zoo and really making sure that it’s a highlight for people when they get ready for their week to end on Thursday or Satur

day for a game at McKale. So, I think what you have to do is manage through what is an older building from 1972 with mod ern-day amenities, which is a challenge. … But it’s certainly fun to do and it’s been a privilege to work in a venue like this that has its own kind of life and vibe to it.”

The event management staff must be quick-minded and very attentive to detail as there are a lot of moving parts within the perimeter of the arena before, during or af ter an event.

“You never know what’s going to happen

at an event, especially a sporting event,” Brown said. “Obviously the game is going on, but how are you going to react when there’s a dilemma that we need to address? In many cases, the health and welfare of our fans and student athletes become an issue.

“What happens if something as simple as the lights going out? How are you going to react? So, we’re looking for people who can think on their feet, make good decisions and get that message out as quickly as pos sible. At the time, you need to work quickly with all of your resources, security, custodi

al, police, you name it, and you just have to be timely with all that.”

Although its job is to manage athletics, the event management staff has played hero in a nonbasketball setting as well.

“Probably one of the more memorable moments (at McKale), actually has nothing to do with athletics,” Brown said.

“We had an unfortunate event when for mer Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot here in Tucson. President (Barack) Obama came to Tucson to address this community. In a period of 72 hours, my staff and I were able to work with any num ber of law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service to help clear the building and make sure that we had a safe environment. We held a rally for the pres ident of the United States. It didn’t feel like work, but was it ever a lot of work crammed into those three days. To meet the expecta tion of the U.S. Secret Service and the gov ernment of the United States, it was pret ty remarkable. And I’ve never been more proud of our staff for being able to pull that off.”

Staff members have their own respon sibilities, but the chemistry between them has been noted.

“It takes everybody’s best effort,” Brown said.

“We’re only as good as our weakest link in many regards. So, we’ve got a really good synergy, especially for a lot of us who have been on staff for a while. The new people

Classy Closets is happy to announce the addition of our newest employee! Mary Ann Barber will be on staff to take design appointments on evenings and weekends. Mary Ann is the ultimate professional who has dedicated her life to customer service. She began as a receptionist in a design center working her way up to editing and even tried her hand at installing. She found her passion when she started designing, she loves transforming clients’ needs into a beautiful, organized space. Over her 15 years in the industry, she is fully versed

Matt Brown, event operation staffer and assistant director of athletics. (UA/Submitted)

Suzy Mason, senior associate director of athletics for event management at McK ale Center. (UA/Submitted)

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

Oro Valley AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, and balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves to degenerate – an insidious and often painful process.

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

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

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

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

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

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

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!!

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 than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

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 October 31st, 2022. Call (520) 934 0130 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers. 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.

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

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

Arrowhead Physical Medicine 10425 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 125 Oro Valley, AZ, 85737

Mayor Romero welcomes 105 new citizens

BY HOPE PETERS Tucson Local Media

Mayor Regina Romero welcomed 105 new U.S. citizens to the coun try on Nov. 10 with personal fam ily stories, while President Joe Biden offered an inspiring video message.

The United States of America Citizen ship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona’s citizenship ceremony was administered by Magistrate Judge Lynnette C. Kimmins at the Pima Air and Space Museum in honor of Veterans Day.

“Welcome my fellow Americans, first and foremost, I want to thank you for choosing us, and believing that America is worthy of your aspirations,” Biden said via video.

“Every immigrant comes to America for different circumstances and for differ ent reasons, but you all have one thing in common: courage. The courage it takes to sacrifice and make this journey, the cour

age to leave your home, your lives and your loved ones, and come to a nation that is more than just a place, but rather an idea, an idea where everyone is created equal and deserves to be treated equal.”

Biden told the audience America can be defined by one word: possibilities.

“Today you have earned a new title, equal to that of an American president,” Biden said. “A title I am most proud of, citizen, citizen of the United States of America. I look forward to standing with you as you embrace your new rights and responsibili ties, as you build your lives, your legacy here like generations have done before you in this great nation of immigrants. Welcome my friends, welcome my fellow Americans, welcome. May God bless you all and may God bless the United States of America.”

The citizens were born in 25 countries: Armenia, Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Congo (Kinshasa), the Czech Republic, El

One hundred and five new citizens, their family and friends, military personnel and guest pledge allegiance to the United States of America. (USCIS DHS/Submitted)

CITIZENS from Page 8

Salvador, Germany, Guyana, India, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, South Korea, Mexico, the Fed erated States of Micronesia, the Philippines, Somalia, South Africa, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vene zuela.

“It is an honor to be here with all of you today,” Romero said. “I’d like to first start by thanking (Pima Air & Space Museum exec utive director) Scott Marchand for welcom ing us to this beautiful historic place that holds so much value to the city of Tucson and our residents.”

Romero asked for acknowledgement for the original stewards of the Sonoran Desert; the nations of the original people, the To

MCKALE from Page 6

who are coming in want to learn, like, ‘Hey, how can I do this better? How can I do that better?’ But at the same time, these young er kids who are coming into the depart ment, they’re sharing some of their ideas from where they came and almost in a way teaching us.”

Mason noted that the best part of her job

hono O’odham and the Pascua Yaqui tribes.

“Really, in actuality, we are all immi grants,” Romero said. “Today you have taken the same oath, you have become U.S. citizens. Taking this oath of citizenship with all the rights, responsibilities and privileges that it holds. It is what brings us all togeth er.”

The mayor also thanked Kimmins for presiding over the naturalization and ad ministered the oath. Romero told the new USA citizens of her immigrant family.

“I am a proud daughter of immigrant farm working parents,” she said. “Although my family has lived in the Sonoran Desert region for over six generations, I was the

first person in my family to be born on the United States side of the border.”

From her parents, Romero said she learned to respect the lands, to work hard, to value her education and “to always exer cise my right to vote.”

She told her fellow citizens that everyone faces struggles, yet there are so many pos sibilities and opportunities awaiting them.

“As a young girl, I never thought I would be the first woman mayor of the city of Tuc son.” Romero said. “I have always believed in our democracy and public service. I love being able to serve the people of Tucson, Arizona.”

Facing challenges and struggles, Rome

ro told the new citizens to “remember this setting, this place, this day, and the faces around you.”

“It becomes our job to work together to ward perfecting our democracy,” she added. “That is the essence of what being a citizen is all about. Participating in our democracy.”

Romero said the United States needs each of them “...to create the best United States that we can be.

“The place where you and your family will grow and thrive. We need your leader ship, your creativity, your problem solving, your heart, your voice. We need your ideas and insights, we need your courage…We are one, Somos uno.”

is when the team wins, as it trickles down to fans and the staff.

“That’s important because then every body’s happier,” she said.

“If we win, the complaints from my email or the phone the next day are limited. If we lose, then everything goes wrong, and peo ple will question everything. I think part of

it is being able to see some great games here because of the competition. …. And if we do our preparation correctly, it can be fun.

“It’s awesome to be able to work with our teams, too. At the end of the day, we’re here to service our student athletes and our

CADET from Page 5

dets must navigate as individuals and as a team. The Crucible includes such tasks as a physical fitness test, 5-mile hike, 16-ob stacle trail run, team paintball challenge, team relay shuttle run, team boat run, and river crossing exercise conducted in MMA’s Olympic-sized pool.

“The Crucible is about goal setting, teamwork, perseverance and building confidence, and our faculty and staff were extremely proud to watch our new cadets help and encourage each other, and most importantly never give up,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V.

coaches and support them. It’s great to get their feedback. We’re in a special place. We don’t just work with one sport. We don’t just work with one venue. …Our staff gets to work with almost everybody else and all of their staff to pull off a very solid event.”

Geraci, USA (Ret).

“The Crucible is one of several key MMA events that provide the foundation for building character, overcoming obstacles and for each cadet to really learn about himself. I know many of the boys have nev er been challenged to the degree we chal lenged them, and they and their families should be very proud of what they accom plished.”

To signify his official entry into the corps, Vieira was awarded and authorized to wear the coveted MMA hat brass that bears the MMA crest.

LEADER from Page 1

when he began considering retirement, he also began mentoring Sharp.

“He and I started having, I guess you could call them, transfer-of-knowledge sessions,” Sharp said. “One week we would talk about finances; one week we would talk about membership.”

Because of this, when she officially ap plied for the job and was interviewed by the chamber’s board, she was ready. Evidently the learning time paid off.

“They unanimously accepted my applica tion,” Sharp added.

What did Perry see in Sharp?

“I certainly saw the character of commit

How to get a letter published

ment and hard work,” he said. “I saw some one who has pretty remarkable experience. She used to be a retail manager. She used to be a school teacher. She’s had these leader ship positions that were different than run ning the chamber, but I knew it was there.”

Perry is satisfied with her appointment, knowing he stepped down at the right time.

“I think she’ll do a great job,” he said. “There are different questions out there. She’s going to do so much better with digital and social media, which is not my interest.”

Sharp lives in Oro Valley with her hus band and two children.

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7225 N. Mona Lisa Road, Tucson, AZ 85741 or Email: christina@tucsonlocalmedia.com

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* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 11/03/2022. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

Music is

BY LAURA LATZKO Tucson Weekly Contributing Writer

priority for Courtney McKenna

Growing up in Tucson, singer/song writer Courtney McKenna loved music.

Now the artist is pursuing her dream in LA, living in Manhattan Beach.

McKenna will return to Tucson to per form as a duo with drummer Diego Rodri guez at Bacio Italiano on Wednesday, Nov. 23. They plan to perform covers and acous tic originals. Frequently, she joins the San Diego-based Sweet Myths.

“I think we inspire each other. They have their own solo project, but then we work really well together,” McKenna said.

McKenna was born in Orange County and raised in Tucson. She attended Catali na Foothills High School and the Universi ty of Arizona.

McKenna’s newest song “C.S.R. (Corpo rate Social Responsibility)” was released

Nov. 9. The grunge-rock tune is about the protests over building the Dakota Access Pipeline and corporate greed in general.

“For me, I’ve worked in and out of corpo rate jobs as I’ve been pursing music,” McK enna said.

“It just feels like we have technology, so

it shouldn’t be as much of a grind as we are forced into… Socially, we are going through a point of change on so many lev els. The corporations really run this coun try and the globe. I just wanted to bring awareness to that.”

In September, McKenna released the sin gle and corresponding video for “galaxies collide,” which was inspired by the film “Leaving Las Vegas.” She premiered the video at The Federal in North Hollywood during a Virgo Birthday Party, which she hosts each year. The song shares her expe rience with her father’s alcoholism.

She shot the video in Barstow, California, to capture desert scenes similar to Tucson. In it, McKenna dons boots she has had since she was 16.

“In high school, we used to wear them ev ery Friday. It was a thing. My Tucson roots came out in the wardrobe,” McKenna said.

Drone shots captured at Joshua Tree Na tional Park also reminded her of Tucson.

“That’s one of my favorite parts about Tucson is the sunsets and the mountains. That to me was reminiscent of being home,” McKenna said.

The video has shots of McKenna and her band performing at the Jenny Rose Café, an iconic spot featured on Sheryl Crow’s debut album “Tuesday Night Music Club.”

This year, McKenna also released “Save Yourself” and the corresponding video. It was also inspired by her relationship with her father.

McKenna said writing personal songs are difficult and emotional, but cathartic.

“The songs definitely take on new mean ing as I continue to play them,” she said.

“At first, it’s that initial release. And then I grow and heal from these things…I’m into personal development. I love journaling. I also work with different healers and thera pists because I want to be my best for other

Courtney McKenna returns home to Tuc son to play Bacio Italiano. (Glenn Harris/Con tributor)

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people and show up in the world.”

She hopes her listeners connect with the songs.

“I don’t want to be just another pop writ er,” McKenna said. “I want my music to ac tually challenge people but in a good way, just to help people think and let them know they aren’t alone. For me, that was the big gest part about living with my father, who was an alcoholic. I felt like I couldn’t talk with anyone else.”

McKenna is working on her first LP, which will feature her most recent singles. They carry the sounds of pop-rock, psyche delic, classic rock and country-blues-in spired sounds. The tunes will delve into different topics, including romantic rela

“It’s good to have the different emotions. That’s the power of music. You can really go through everything…. I want people to feel refreshed, inspired and have a new per spective,” McKenna said.

Growing up, McKenna sang in a church and school choirs. She played the clarinet

and soccer, too.

She tried to learn the guitar in middle school but struggled. McKenna didn’t get serious about it until after college.

“Anytime you are starting out on guitar, it’s hard. Your fingers need strength to get used to it,” McKenna said.

McKenna graduated from the UA, where she studied consumer science and retailing. She started out as a business major. Upon graduation, she moved to New York, where she lived for nine years. It was in New York that she started to find her voice and aes thetic as an artist.

“I really loved singing, and I never really knew any musicians who were on that path to make a career out of it,” McKenna said.

“When I got to New York, my first boy friend out there was a musician. I started playing his guitar, and then I taught myself. I had always written songs, but it took years to really decide that this was something I could do. I met a lot of other artists that

were doing it. I always say I got my rock ‘n’ roll education in New York.”

While in New York, she performed at venues like Rockwood Music Hall and Bowery Electric and took part in commu nity events such as the Lower East Side Songwriting Contest and the “A Revolu tionary Woman” podcast launch.

The artist went on her first tour and re leased a mixtape of original songs in 2017. The following year, she offered a threetrack Christmas EP.

She moved to California in 2019. For a time, she split her time between California and New York as she was a tour manager for the Gary Douglas Band.

Singing backup for them allowed her to get road experience.

“I got to meet all of these amazing musi cians who we were opening up for,” McK enna said.

In LA, McKenna tries to organize com munity events that bring together local musicians, including her series “We Are Everyday Sunshine.”

Getting her footing has taken some time because of COVID-19. During the height of the pandemic, she organized outdoor patio concerts at Goat Hill in Manhattan Beach and Hangar 24 in Irvine.

“It was mostly the neighbors coming out. We would invite other local artists. Some times, we would have bands from the East side, Santa Clarita or San Diego. I think that really helped me to get plugged in here because there was not that much going on,” McKenna said.

Right now, she is a part-time musician, working also in marketing.

“Music has always been a priority for me because it fuels me. It’s my therapy. It’s my love,” McKenna said.

Courtney McKenna

WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23

WHERE: Bacio Italiano, 943 E. University Boulevard, Tucson

PRICE: Free admission

INFO: courtneymckenna.rocks

Thankful for a return to normalcy

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

It is something of a cliché, an easy “this thing writes itself” endeavor. I’m talking about the sometimes treasured but of ten reviled “What I’m Thankful For” column as we approach Thanksgiving. I’ve probably only done it a couple times since college, which was a long time ago. But this year, it feels appropriate.

Two years ago, Thanksgiving was a som ber event. The country was in the grips of a deadly pandemic. People were dying by the thousands every day, store shelves were empty, and the country had just endured a fractious and bitter presidential election. And the vaccines, miraculously created in record time, were still months away for most people.

America had endured a months-long pe riod without sports. While some would de ride our country’s love affair with sports as wasteful of time and resources, the fact re mains that they can provide entertainment, camaraderie, and a shared sense of pur pose. Sports in 2020 were almost painful to endure with empty stadiums, “schedules” that became mere hopeful suggestions, the shifting of seasons, and “championships” that felt like anything but.

It feels like it was decades ago, but the Arizona Wildcat football team went 0-5 in 2020. They played fewer than half of the games on the original schedule. The season didn’t start until Nov. 14 (a game at Utah scheduled for Nov. 7 was canceled due to COVID-19).

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That first game was actually a brief flash of hope for Arizona. The Cats were tied with powerful USC heading into the fourth quarter. Arizona twice took leads in that final quarter, including a 30-27 lead with only 1:35 left in the game. Unfortunately, USC drove 75 yards in 70 seconds to win, 34-30.

A couple weeks after Thanksgiving, Ari zona would lose, at home, to ASU by the in famous score of 70-7. The only good thing about that day is that the official box score reads Attendance: 0. Last year was not much better. Games were still being canceled, players were missing games after testing positive, and idiots like Kyrie Irving were putting them selves ahead of their teams by refusing to be vaccinated. (It’s really simple. If a person doesn’t want to be vaccinated, such is their right. But then, they’re giving up the privi lege of being a part of a team that requires its players to be vaccinated.)

remind them of the mask policy (which was widely ignored). High school games were played with masks on players, refs and surly parents. It often got ugly. But now we’re two years on and things are better. COVID-19 is still with us, and apparently it always will be, in one form or another. We just survived another election, the results of which many (but certainly not all) might find hopeful. Maybe we can get back to a place where we just bicker with each other instead of plotting open warfare. And sports are back in a big way. College football stadiums are packing in 100,000 people and the National Football League has resumed its campaign of total world domination. (After having regular-season games in England and Germany earlier in the season, the NFL held the Cardi nals-49ers game in Mexico City last week end).

There are several things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Among them: • I’m thankful for University of Arizona Athletic Director Dave Heeke, who had

See

THANKFUL Page 18

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the wild foresight to hire football coach Jedd Fisch and men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd. The basketball team got a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and Lloyd was National Coach of the Year. If anything, what has happened in football is even more amazing. The coach went from Jedd Who? To Jedd Lasso in no time, spreading his infec tious optimism and watching as victories followed on close behind. Here’s hoping that this Thanksgiving weekend will be topped off with a joyous thrashing of Ar izona State at Arizona Stadium.

• I’m thankful that high school sports, of which I am a big fan and a giddy par ticipant, are back in a big way. Kids are

having a good time and we’re back to providing lifetime memories.

• I’m thankful for cable TV, because there’s always something on. There’s nothing like flipping channels around midnight on a Saturday night and coming across a football game with a tie score in the fourth quarter. Who cares if it’s New Mexico State against something called Lamar. It’s football!

• I’m thankful that people still read news papers — and not just this one. Newspa pers helped start the revolution that cre ated this country and have seen America through the brightest and darkest of its hours. May they last forever. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

From the staff of

built a PG-13 vestibular top flags, and messages folders resident

13 “ur joking, right?!” 18 Waking announcement 22 Tempt 24 Sport with cage matches, in brief 25 Lady ___ 26 Get a round of punch? 27 “Right now” 28 Bonkers 29 Unpleasant realities 32 Some stage whispers

33 “Catfish” airer 35 Friend of Telly and Zoe 36 Name hidden in “paleontology” 38 Prix ___ 39 Gray-haired, say 43 Woodcarving tool 45 Doesn’t just pass the test 46 “Get outta here!”

“___ the Wild” (2007 film)

Kagan of the Supreme Court

Sudden wave

Obscures

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

Horoscope

Sagittarius Season Opens

By Holiday Mathis

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) This week's to-do list contains items that are less than fascinating, but give them more attention than you think they deserve. They have potential to advance you, perhaps delightfully so. It is the details -- the glo rious, captivating details -- that will provide the magic of the week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) As much as you'd like others to focus on the same things that mat ter to you, it won't happen often this week. There are benefits to the diverse energies, though. You'll get more versions of the story, and multiple view points will be interesting, broadening the scope of your project and causing you to learn more, and quickly.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) In the animal kingdom, there are not enemies, just creatures competing for resources. Humans tend to see the competition as sinister, and yet the same principle applies. Take moral bias out of the equation and you will see people in terms of what they need or want, not in subjective terms of good and evil.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) It's a good time for social strategizing. For instance, you may want to decide ahead of time what and how you will share with people. It is both kind and smart to consider the expectations of others. When in doubt, go for a pleasant state of neutrality. Avoid inspiring envy and controversy or giving people a reason to focus unhelpfully.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Financial demands seem affordable when someone else is paying. Chores and maintenance go faster when done by others. As true as this may be, you still prefer to take care of things on your own. Your reward for this is that you become incredibly capable, confident, vital, attractive, forward-thinking and unstoppable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) You'll speak words of kindness if they come to you, but you don't have to. The way you hold yourself open to the world, the nice things you think to yourself about the strangers passing by and the friendliness of your smile contribute more than you know to the spirit of gentleness that would ideally prevail in a better world.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) The act of creating a fantasy is like giving yourself a gift. The right fantasy can do more than entertain you. It can give you the clues about the life you might create for yourself. It can be the vision that shows you where you could go and pulls you into a future that would delight you.

Crossword Puzzle Answers

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You are good at many things and great at something that is rare. Too much time has passed since you gave much-deserved attention to your talent. Use your exceptional gift this week, or at the very least, plan to use it soon, building the schedule, training or environment to make this possible.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You have powers so terrifying and awesome you wouldn't dare use them regularly. That would be like using a light ning bolt to do the work of a stapler. You don't need to deploy these powers this week, though the thought will cross your mind. It's a confident feeling just to remember what you are capable of.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You embrace duty, knowing it's not likely to change. People say it gets easier, but "it" actually remains about the same. What happens is that "you" get stronger, as well as smarter, more innovative and capable until one day, the task that used to make you sweat will be a piece of cake. That day is coming sooner than you think.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: It's wonderful to know yourself this well. Past lessons braid togeth er, and things you didn't understand will suddenly start making sense in a way that applies directly to the main challenges of your life. New rela tionships are the effervescence of the year, and though delightful and breezy, you'll be surprised at how supportive these ties can be. Ask for the help you need to better position yourself in the professional realm. A mentor will be key. Also, a financial issue will be set right.

Most service advert isers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law A

The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.

What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) www.azleg.gov/ars/ 32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.

Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.

Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.

Reference: http://www.azroc.g ov/invest/licensed_ by_law.html

As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC status at: http://www.azroc .gov/

• No computer is needed to