Explorer, Aug. 11, 2021 by Times Media Group

August 11, 2021

EXPLORER The Voice of Marana, Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson

Volume 28 • Number 32

Explorer and Marana News, Aug. 11, 2021

EXPLORER The Voice of Marana, Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson

August 11, 2021

Volume 28 • Number 32

Tech Talk

Oct. 7, 2020

Automated agriculture, energy tracking and a sleep apnea trial | Page 12

Delta variant driving new wave of COVID cases in AZ

INSIDE

Mask Mandates

TUSD deﬁes state rules | Page 4

Christina Duran Tucson Local Media

Happenings Theatre, music and classes | Page 10

Sports & Rec

Looking forward to the coming seasons | Page 19 $

Community center concept art by BWS Architects

Marana proposes sales tax to pay for new community center Jeff Gardner Tucson Local Media

he Town of Marana has recently proposed a seven-year half-cent sales tax to pay for a potential $40 million community center and aquatic facility at the municipal complex.

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The proposed “multi generational” community center comes after a survey in the Town’s Parks & Rec Master Plan identified the community’s desire for more recreation in northern Marana. The 55,000-square-foot community center would include an indoor gym, weight rooms, meeting rooms, pools, sport fields and

more. Marana currently has a bid out for the project manager, according to Town Manager Terry Rozema. Completing the center’s design should take roughly a year, and accounting for 18 months of construction will put a rough completion date on the See COMMUNITY CENTER, P8

ith more than 15,000 COVID cases reported in the seven days from Saturday, July 31, to Friday, Aug. 6, health officials are predicting an outbreak similar to at least the last summer and potentially as serious as the wave of winter 2021. In his latest weekly COVID-19 forecast released Friday, Aug. 6, Dr. Joe Gerald, an epidemiologist with the UA Zuckerman School of Public Health, recapped yet another week of bad news, as Arizona saw a 38% increase in positive COVID-19 cases from last week, with 14,188 Arizonans diagnosed with COVID-19 for the week ending Aug. 1. Further, Arizona currently is experiencing 50 deaths per week and Gerald predicts deaths will increase in the coming weeks, exceeding 100 per week by the end of August. See COVID, P6

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Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

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

STAFF ADMINISTRATION Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher Michael Hiatt, Vice President Jaime Hood, General Manager jaime@tucsonlocalmedia.com Claudine Sowards, Accounting claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com Sheryl Kocher, Receptionist sheryl@tucsonlocalmedia.com EDITORIAL Jim Nintzel, Executive Editor jimn@tucsonlocalmedia.com Jeff Gardner, Managing Editor jeff@tucsonlocalmedia.com Mike Truelsen, Web Editor mike@tucsonlocalmedia.com Christina Duran, Staff Reporter christinad@tucsonlocalmedia.com PRODUCTION Courtney Oldham, Production Manager, tucsonproduction@timespublications.com Ryan Dyson Graphic Designer ryand@tucsonlocalmedia.com Emily Filener, Graphic Designer emilyf@tucsonlocalmedia.com CIRCULATION Alex Carrasco, Circulation alexc@tucsonlocalmedia.com ADVERTISING TLMSales@TucsonLocalMedia.com Kristin Chester, Account Executive kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com Lisa Hopper, Account Executive lisa@tucsonlocalmedia.com Candace Murray, Account Executive candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING Zac Reynolds, Director of National Advertising Zac@TimesPublications.com EDITORIAL & AD CONTENT The Explorer and Marana News expresses its opinion in the editorial. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author. The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Tucson Local Media assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement. Publisher has the right to edit for size or refuse any advertisement at his or her discretion. 7225 N. Mona Lisa Road, Ste. 125 Tucson, Arizona 85741 PHONE: (520) 797-4384

Copyright:The entire contents of Explorer/Marana News are CopyrightTimes Media Group . No portion may be reproduced in whole or part by any means without the express written permission of the Publisher,Tucson Local Media, 7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste. 125,Tucson, AZ 85741.

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Hot Picks

Visionary Revisions. Where has your intuition taken you in your life? Or what trouble has it kept you out of? For the artist, whether they are self-taught beginners or masters with years of training, intuition is innate and irreplaceable. The newest exhibit at Tohono Chul is focused on artists that have trusted their sparks of intuition to create unusual, visionary works. Royce Davenport, Patrick Hynes, Ed Larson, Mary Bohan and Ralph Prata are all exhibiting. Come pick up some inspiration! Opens in the Tohono Chul Entry Gallery (7366 Paseo del Norte) on Aug. 12. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $15 GA, $13 military/ student/senior, $6 kids 5 to 12, free for members and kids under 5.

Roman Barten-Sherman: Farewell Blues Extravaganza. Roman Barten-Sherman has been singin’ the blues here in the Old Pueblo since he was 4 years old. Guy Davis has said “Roman is one of the people who will make sure that blues music stays alive, in the eyes and ears of his generation, and beyond.” So he’s doing some seriously good stuff. This fall he’s off to Massachusetts to study music, so it’s time for us desert-dwellers to bid him a fond farewell at this performance. Opening set is by Trans Van Santos and special guests include Tom Walbank, Al Perry and Ralph White. 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14. MSA Annex, 267 Avenida de Convento. $12 presale or $15 at the door. Wild World of Bugs. Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium has a new exhibit! Rather than zooming out to consider far-off

galaxies and planetary bodies like usual, this exhibit zooms way in, taking a look at what a huge role insects play here on Earth. You’ll see a four-foot-long model of a giant mesquite bug, a large ant fungus farm, Madagascar hissing cockroaches (for the brave), and blue beetles. There are also plenty of hands-on and digital activities, like the build-a-bug station, and a roly poly skeeball game. PLUS a new IMAX show over in the planetarium called “Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure,” which tells the dramatic, gripping story of a butterfly and a praying mantis in Borneo. You’re gonna want to make a bee-line over there ASAP. Exhibit opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14. Starting Aug. 17, the center will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. $9 adults, $7 kids 4 to 17 and free for kids 3 and under. Tickets for the planetarium show are sold separately and are the same price.

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Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

TUSD defies state on mask mandates, other districts encouraging masks Christina Duran Tucson Local Media

he Tucson Unified School District is among a handful of districts in Arizona that is defying the state’s ban on a mandate on face coverings on school campuses. TUSD is the only school in Pima County that has decided to outright ignore the state’s restrictions on mask mandates, with the TUSD board voting 4-0 to require everyone to wear a mask on TUSD property at an emergency meeting last Wednesday, Aug. 4. But the Marana School

District is encouraging students and staff to wear masks indoors as advised by the CDC, while the Amphi School District notes on its web page that masks are optional but the CDC does advise wearing them when indoors, whether a person has been vaccinated or not. Before school began on Thursday, Aug. 5, the TUSD board decided to implement masking for all people on campus, motivated by the outbreaks seen in the Vail School District and with the growing number of pediatric cases. As of Aug. 5, the Pima County Health Depart-

ment received reports of 212 positive COVID cases in K-12 schools. In an updated Public Health Advisory, PCHD notes an increase in pediatric admission and ER visits since July 29. “Unfortunately, Gov. Ducey is wanting to eliminate local control,” said TUSD Board member Adelita Grijalva. “The irony is it’s actually going to close more schools.” Despite the decision, Grijalva said they have not discussed challenging the K-12 reconciliation bill, which prohibits districts from requiring masks, in court. Aside from requiring masks, TUSD will not be wel-

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TUSD faculty and staff protesting in October 2020. coming any visitors or volunteers. TUSD joins The Phoenix Union High School District, which was the first district to announce it would enforce mask mandates. Most schools in Pima County began school last week without mask requirements. Marana Unified School District is not planning to mandate masks, but will recommend unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals wear face coverings when indoors, said Director of Public Relations Alli Benjamin. “Over the past week, we have seen a couple of school districts defy state law by mandating masks for all students, staff, and visitors. MUSD is not taking this stance,” Superintendent Dan Streeter said in an Aug. 5 letter to parents and staff. “We fully recognize the concerning number of cases coupled with revised recommendations from health officials across all levels of the government, urging individuals to

get vaccinated and wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Per Arizona law ARS 15342.05, mask mandates are not allowed, and we believe that it is important for MUSD to follow the advice of our legal counsel and continue to honor the law.” Streeter emphasized they “strongly recommend” the use of masks and asked the community to help slow the spread and minimize transmission. Catalina Foothills School District has opted to post signage around schools to encourage masking and has updated their mitigation plan to match the new CDC guidelines. Amphitheater School District will also follow Pima County and CDC guidelines. Tucson family physician Dr. Cadey Harrel called on Ducey and the state legislature to overturn their decision and “do the right thing for our children, schools, and community by permitting

Jeff Gardner

schools to take necessary and proven measures, like simple mask wearing, to keep them safe.” “Physicians spoke out against this dangerous law when it passed, since many students are not old enough to be vaccinated yet, and with the Delta variant spreading like wildfire, it’s even more critical for schools to be able to protect their students, educators, and staff,” said Harrel. “As a physician and mother, I want children to resume in-person learning safely, but frankly I’m scared about the suffering and death this year will bring.” In the updated July 9 brief on transmission in schools, the CDC notes that when a combination of effective mitigation strategies, like masking and social distancing, are implemented and “strictly adhered to in the K-12 in-person learning environment, the risk of transmission in the school setting appears to See SCHOOLS, P7

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Marana staffer wins Emerging Leader Award Jeff Gardner Tucson Local Media

eath Vescovi-Chiordi, who has worked for the Town of Marana since 2014, recently won the Emerging Leader Award from the Center for the Future of Arizona for his commitment to “civic health and community connections.” As the other nominees were not disclosed, he can’t say for sure what sets him apart. But during his time working for the Town, he has focused his efforts on a variety of programs aimed at young professionals and emerging development. “It was shocking and definitely humbling to find out I’d even been nominated, and then to learn the nomination had led to this recognition,” Vescovi-Chiordi said. “I think the varied programs I’ve created helped set me apart, whether it’s creating a course at UA to teach about economic development to master’s students, or mentorship programs I work with statewide, or facilitating civic discussions about

the sustainable growth of Arizona. These may have all culminated in them thinking I have a lot of energy and a drive to help people. And that’s exactly why I got into public administration. When you run a city or town at the local level, you are directly affecting that population’s lives.” The recognition was part of the 2021 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards, named after the late community outreach director for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who died in the 2011 Tucson mass shooting. In his memory, the awards highlight non-elected public servants and their contributions to Arizona communities. The Emerging Leader award focuses on commitments to “civic health,” which Vescovi-Chiordi defines as a balance between open discussions, the needs of a community, and reconciling those discussions with the existing resources within the area. To further this goal, Vescovi-Chiordi helped form the Marana Citizen’s Forum, modeled after the

Arizona Town Hall organization of which he is a board member. These groups gather citizens to discuss the “intractable issues” facing towns, and bring the issues before the Town Council. “We end up creating and implementing policy that is directly derived from the input of the citizens and the individuals from the region,” Vescovi-Chiordi said. “But the government can only do so much, and while we do a lot, it’s also up to private industry. While we’re working with a significant amount of homebuilders in Marana, we try to impart sustainable development practices for them as well, because they certainly have a part to play. With homes and population significantly increasing, that also leads to a strain on natural resources, so we have to be cognizant of the way we build.” Sustainable growth is another major focus, as he works in a desert town with limited resources. This is also true for adjoining towns such as Oro Valley and the City of Tucson, all of which are seeing increased popu-

lation and high real estate demand. However, he argues sustainable growth isn’t simply about responsible use of natural resources, but also focusing on the present strengths of the community and developing according to them. “We have to be very judicious with these things, because they are finite,” Vescovi-Chiordi said. “That is a key thing to keep in mind. And in the same vein, when you’re thinking about sustainable development, it can take on so many meanings and we try to incorporate as many of those meanings as we can.” Aside from intelligent water planning, Vescovi-Chiordi lists Marana’s strengths as having a good eye on the future as indicated by the Town’s 2040 General Plan, as well as a desirable location along the I-10. Vescovi-Chiordi joined Marana in 2014 as a management intern, and was hired on as a management assistant directly out of the internship. As he grew more interested in economic development, he became an

economic development specialist before landing in his current role as assistant to the town manager, Terry Rozema. He was also named a 2019 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as well as appointed to the Pima County Workforce Investment Board, and the Judicial Performance Review Commission for the State of Arizona. Looking ahead, he is also working with the Marana Regional Airport to plan their control tower, which has been in discussion for more than a decade. Other recipients of the 2021 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards include the Public Works Director for the City of Peoria, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Goodyear, and the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation. “As far as awards go, you don’t do things for recognition. But once it happens, I’m glad to accept,” Vescovi-Chiordi said. “We have very dedicated staff, honest-

Courtesy photo

Heath Vescovi-Chiordi: “That’s exactly why I got into public administration. When you run a city or town at the local level, you are directly affecting that population’s lives.” ly. It’s been a real pleasure to work with everyone here, because they truly do love their jobs, and I think that’s kind of rare to say in government. There are some typical perceptions of what a government worker looks like, but everyone here goes above and beyond. They allow for a lot of latitude for individuals like me to affect the greater community for the better.”

COVID Continued from P1 Gerald said another wave of cases and hospitalization is certain, due to the prevalence of the Delta variant, which accounts for more than 75% of the cases in Arizona. The CDC reports the Delta variant is “more than two times as transmissible as the original strains circulating at the start of the pandemic and is causing large, rapid increases in infections.” Emerging data also suggests lower effectiveness of the vaccine against confirmed infection and symptomatic disease caused by the Delta variant, according to the CDC’s brief on vaccinations updated on July 27. “This outbreak will almost certainly be as big as the one experienced in summer of 2020,” said Gerald. “While I am optimistic it will not reach the levels seen in the winter of 2021, the experience of other similar states (e.g., Louisiana, Florida, and Texas) suggests this could be wishful thinking.” Last summer, cases peaked at around 5,500 cases per day of COVID-19, while the winter saw a peak of 12,000 cases per day. Gerald finds the current outbreak is most similar to

the winter surge, with both beginning at a rate of 40 cases per 100,000 residents per week. Sixty-five days later, the rates for the winter 2020 and summer 2021 outbreaks were 220 and 195 cases per 100,000 residents per week, respectively. “While these two curves may diverge, it would be prudent to assume they won’t unless we intervene to slow transmission,” said Gerald. “Unfortunately, we are squandering the efforts of the vaccinated and ignoring the sacrifices of the previously ill and dead, to party like it was 1999.” Gerald also noted that despite a higher degree of vaccination for those 65 and older the current community transmission is impacting hospitals similarly to how it did last winter. “Because herd immunity applies to populations not age groups, high vaccination rates among those >65 years doesn’t provide any protection to those who interact with unvaccinated adults who have much lower levels of vaccination,” said Gerald. “So, we should not hold a false sense of security that this outbreak will necessarily have less impact on our already overburdened hospital system.” At an Aug. 3 press briefing, Banner Health’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Mar-

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

jorie Bessel said since July 1, COVID hospitalizations have increased by 95% and ventilator usage has increased by 300%. According to Gerald, hospitals should be prepared for greater than 15% to 20% COVID-19 occupancy with the high level of transmission. However, the Arizona Legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey have limited the ability of local jurisdictions and schools to respond to the rise in cases. Ducey was critical of updated CDC guidance released July 27, recommending individuals mask in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination in areas of high or substantial transmission. “Arizona does not allow mask mandates, vaccine mandates, vaccine passports or discrimination in schools based on who is or isn’t vaccinated. We’ve passed all of this into law, and it will not change,” said Ducey in a July 27 press release. “The CDC today is recommending that we wear masks in school and indoors, regardless of our vaccination status. This is just another example of the Biden-Harris administration’s inability to effectively confront the COVID-19 pandemic.” But the Arizona Department of Health Services and local health departments up-

Arizona’s daily COVID cases are at their highest since February.

dated their guidance alongside the CDC recommendations. Matching CDC language, Pima County Health Department’s updated Public Health Advisory “strongly recommends that all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools wear masks indoors at all times during school regardless of vaccination status.” While children’s cases make up about 15% of the cases, an increase from 10% in the winter, Gerald notes that this outbreak, like previous outbreaks, is driven primarily by adolescents and working-age adults.

“Incomplete vaccination among older adults, but particularly among working-age adults, means that hospitals remain at risk of being overwhelmed and a substantial number of deaths can once again accrue,” said Gerald. Despite the dreary forecast, Gerald continues to advocate for vaccinations as the most important public health priority. In Arizona, 53% of residents have received at least one dose and of those 47% have been fully vaccinated. In her blog on Friday, Aug. 6, Arizona Department of Health Services Dr. Cara

Graph courtesy Arizona Department of Health Services

Christ said nearly all cases (89% in July) and almost all hospitalizations and deaths are occurring among adults who haven’t been fully vaccinated, or vaccinated at all, in most cases. “COVID-19 is now a pandemic of the unvaccinated. If you are basing your decision to not be vaccinated on social media claims, I urge you to seek your doctor’s advice,” pleaded Christ. “I don’t want to see more people get seriously ill, go into the hospital or die from COVID-19. In almost every case today, it is preventable with vaccination.”

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Schools: Mask Mandates Continued from P4

be lower than or equivalent to the transmission risk in other community settings.” Faced with several school outbreaks in Pima County since July 19 and with the inability of schools to require masks, UA epidemiologist Joe Gerald expects “frequent school-related outbreaks and accelerating community transmission.” On July 30, Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen signed an order requiring schools report all positive COVID-19 cases and outlined strict guidelines on isolation and quarantine. The order states all known or suspected cas-

es should be sent home immediately and with 24 hours confirmation of case by PCHD schools must identify close contacts. Confirmed cases must isolate for 10 days at least and close contacts who can provide documentation of a completed COVID-19 vaccination series, meaning they are fully vaccinated, may return to school immediately if asymptomatic. This policy contradicts a letter from the Governor’s office directing two schools in Pima County to change the language of their isolation and quarantine guidelines for stating fully vaccinated individuals would not be required to quarantine, as stated in the CDC guidance.

VACCINE CLINICS ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES Last Friday the Pima County Health Department announced they would be partnering with public and private schools throughout the county to offer free mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics on school campuses. From Aug. 7 to Aug. 16, the county will host over a dozen clinics in the Vail School District, along with other clinics in the Marana and Tucson Unified School Districts, including a clinic at Marana’s Roadrunner Elementary School, 16651 W. Calle Carmela, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12.

READER PHOTO OF THE WEEK Reader Mariam Moazed captured this amazing photo near the Sonoran Desert Research Learning Center. Lightning, a rainbow,andasaguaro:that’scertainlythemonsooninTucson!.Sendyourphotostoreaderphotos@tucsonlocalmedia. com. Include your name, contact information and details about the photo, including who took it, where it was taken and the subject. Not all photos can be printed, see other photos online at www.tucsonlocalmedia.com.

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Community Center: Seven-year, half-cent sales tax would pay for new facility Continued from P1

project for 2024—should the Town Council accept the proposal. Ahead of a potential October decision, the Town is hosting a series of public information sessions regarding the center and tax, the next of which falls on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Marana Police Department. Following that, the next session will be held at the Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 School on Thursday, Sept. 9. “This is our opportunity to explain to people what our plan is, and to see if there’s any feedback, pushback or support. Because in the Master Plan, we never discussed that if we move forward with a community center and aquatic center, ow we’d pay for it. That wasn’t a part of the 10-year plan,” Rozema said. “So there’s a lot of people saying they

want the center. But it’s one thing to want it and another thing to say how to pay for it. So we’re finding out how badly people want this, and if they’re willing to pay a half-cent sales tax to pay for it.” The new sales tax would potentially go into effect as soon as January 2022, should the Town Council approve it in October. Marana has previously used a temporary sales tax increase to fund other municipal projects, including the new police headquarters at the municipal complex, as well as the Twin Peaks overpass. At the end of seven years, the Town may end the tax, or shift it to fund another municipal project. This new tax would increase the town’s sales tax from 2% to 2.5%, matching nearby Oro Valley’s sales tax rate. “I think one of the things we’ve gotten positive feedback from people on is that we’re not

raising taxes and people have no idea where they’re going. It’s a clear result,” Rozema said. “Of course, everyone will say their taxes are already high enough, and that their property taxes keep going up. But we want to educate people that we don’t collect their property tax. Marana does not have a property tax. That is Pima County and it goes to the fire district and school districts. This sales tax would primarily come from retail: entertainment, lumber, tools.” As a bonus, the Town estimates that more than 60% of the new sales tax’s funds would come from people outside the community. There are also discussions for impact fees to pay for the center, although Arizona statutes restrict impact fees to only be used for neighborhood parks and recreational facilities, not “community centers” or “aquatic centers.”

“Impact fees are for things communities truly need, like roads and sewers and water,” Rozema said. “A community center isn’t something people necessarily have to have, but a healthy community needs one.” The community and aquatic center would be built on the northwest corner of Bill Gaudette Drive and Marana Main Street on land that the Town already owns near the Marana Road exit on Interstate 10. This addition would further build out the Marana Municipal Complex, which currently houses a fire station, health center, police station, court, post office and more. “Some people are questioning where we’re putting it, and we chose the location we did for several reasons,” Rozema said. “Number one, we’re not in the business of competing with the private sector. And north-

ern Marana has zero recreational facilities like this, but southern and eastern Marana have LA Fitness and Anytime Fitness and Crossfit. And the second thing is that we’re trying to build out the downtown and municipal complex. And as a community facility, we believe the traffic it can receive will spur more economic activity to Marana Main.” The “multi-generational” center would host facilities for all ages, from children through seniors, as well as the special needs population. Should the center be built, Rozema says the existing recreation center at nearby Ora Mae Harn District Park may be converted into exclusively a senior center. Ora Mae Harn park also houses an existing community pool. However, Marana recreation supervisor Kevin Goodrich has listed challenges with the

current community pool, such as it being nearly 50 years old, ADA accessibility, small size and lack of adequate shallows for children. “Quite frankly it’s not my job to convince people that this is a good idea,” Rozema said. “But I do think it’s interesting that at our first public meeting, there were a number of people who were opposed to the halfcent sales tax to pay for this. I think there were five people who came in with a ‘no new taxes’ mentality, which is understandable. And at the end of the meeting, all but one walked out of there fully supporting it.”

Know Us, Know Your Community

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Tucson pit master shares tips on crafting award-winning ribs Matt Russell

Special to Tucson Local Media

ou can smell the smoke the moment you land at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Every Labor Day weekend, the small town of Sparks, Nevada hosts what’s often called the Masters Tournament of barbecue rib competitions. And that smoke? It gets measurably thicker as you make the five-mile trip from the airport to Victorian Square. Joining a typical turnout of 500,000 people, who collectively consume more than 100 tons of pork ribs, I’ll soon be returning for my 10th year as a judge at the double-blind Nugget Rib Cookoff, which USA Today has dubbed the nation’s “Best BBQ Festival.” In preparation for this important assignment, I sat down with decorated Tucson pit master Brandi Romero as she shared her strategy for wowing judges at similar competitions. Romero was a multiple award-winning fixture on the local and national barbecue competition circuit for several years before her food truck hit the streets in 2016. The community response was overwhelming, and the kind of affirmation she needed to open a restaurant two years later, Kiss of Smoke BBQ & Catering, at 663 S. Plumer Avenue. Rib competitions typically

include three scoring categories—appearance, texture, and taste. Appearance is key, since we all eat with our eyes, particularly when you’re staring down a righteous rack of ribs. “The work that’s required to produce a great appearance begins long before you rub the ribs and put them into the smoker,” said Romero. “There are many fine details in the way a rack of ribs is trimmed that makes it competition-worthy.” One of her trimming secrets is to round the corners near the bones so the meat will more efficiently pull back towards the center of the rack as it’s smoked. This technique results in that classic glamour image with the ends of the bones protruding slightly from the meat. A beautiful color is also central to scoring big appearance points, and Romero aims for a deep mahogany that requires dedicated doses of paprika and brown sugar in her rub. Nailing the texture category is all about that delicate balance of time and heat. Smoking ribs too long will make the meat fall off the bone. While this is the preferred style of ribs at many restaurants, it will put you at risk in competition. “Judges want ribs to have a bit of a pull when they bite into them,” she said, “and we do this best when working with meatier racks. We want judges to experience a slight

crispness from the exterior crust, then that gentle pull, followed by a melt-in-yourmouth tenderness.” If you score big on appearance and texture in competition but come up short on taste, you’ll go home without hardware. The flavors must work together in a way that impresses judges after just one bite, which is all your ribs generally get from each judge. “We want a balance of flavors in one bite, so we apply a very thin layer of rub that combines notes of sweet, salt and heat with the smoke,” she said. “We also use a blend of pecan, cherry and apple wood, which allows for a slower smoke without becoming overpowering.” I’ll be reflecting on my conversation with Romero while performing my judicial duties in smoky Sparks. And I know where to go the moment I return home. While Kiss of Smoke is open every Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., their ribs are only available on Fridays. So follow the fragrance to South Plumer Avenue and East 17th Street and save me a seat! Contact Matt Russell, whose day job is CEO of Russell Public Communications, at mrussell@russellpublic. com. Russell is also the publisher of OnTheMenuLive.com as well as the host of the Friday Weekend Watch segment on the “Buckmaster Show on KVOI 1030 AM.

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Call Circulation at 797-4384 for details. FALL ARTS PREVIEW 2021 Join us as we highlight the upcoming arts events in Tucson. This is our annual fall preview of the must-see shows of the season.

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Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

EN INGS HAPP EN Visit www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/livenup/calendar to submit your free calendar listing. For event advertising, contact us (520) 797-4384 or tlmsales@tucsonlocalmedia.com

THEATER THURSDAY TO SATURDAY, AUG. 1214 • Enjoy the close harmony and charmingly outlandish choreography of Forever Plaid presented by the Southern Arizona Performing Arts Company with some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950’s. Details: 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; Vail Theatre of the Arts, 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way; $20-$25; 879-3925 or sapactucson.org.

WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY, AUG. 1829 • Catch a performance of the Invisible

Theatre’s Gloria: A Life with a richly detailed tapestry about one of the most inspiring and remarkable women of our time who has raised her voice for equality for five decades. Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; 1400 N. First Ave.; $40; 882-9721 or invisibletheatre.com.

• Come to the official reopening of Club Congress at the Congress House Show featuring their own rock star staff. Details: 7:30 p.m.; 311 E. Congress St.; $5; eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY, AUG. 14

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY, AUG. 2022 AND AUG. 2729 • Explore how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness at Next to Normal taking you into the hearts and minds of each character presenting their family’s powerful story with love, sympathy and heart. Details: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre at the

Historic Y, 738 N. 5th Ave.; $22.50$29.50; sapactucson.org.

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY THROUGH AUG. 28 • Catch a performance of critically acclaimed, award-winning author John W. Lowell’s funny, tender new play The Standby Lear about an understudy’s

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last great opportunity and whether he is up to the task. Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Rd.; $18-$20; 327-4242.

MUSIC THURSDAY, AUG. 12

• Relive your favorite songs from one of the most influential folk musicians of our time at Homeward Bound, the Best of Simon & Garfunkel with Gaslight favorites Mike Yarema and Walker Foard. Details: 6 p.m.; Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road; $27 with discounts for children, seniors and military; 529-1000 or gaslightmusichall. com. • Enjoy Roman Barten-Sherman’s Farewell Blues Extravaganza featuring

the 18-year-old bluesman joined by Tom Walbank, Al Perry and Ralph White. Details: 7-10 p.m.; MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida Del Convento; $15, $12 in advance; 461-1107.

SUNDAY, AUG. 15 • Listen to the St. Andrew’s Bach Society Concert featuring Luminous music by French and Belgian composers performed by horn player Joanna Lundy from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra pianist Hsin-Chih Chang. Details: 2 p.m.; Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St.; $15, $10 students; standrewsbach.org. • Enjoy your favorite blues tunes by the best local blues bands and artists at Hot Blues in Concert featuring the Porch Rockers and Paul Green and the

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Midnight Blue. Details: 6 p.m.; Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road; $27 with discounts for children, seniors and military; 529-1000 or gaslightmusichall.com.

THURSDAY, AUG. 19 • Get your tickets before they are sold out for The Mavericks ‘En Español’ World Tour marking more than 30 years of hits with their eclectic rock and country music. Details: 7:30 p.m.; Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.; $42.50$72.50; foxtucson.com.

SATURDAY, AUG. 21 • Listen to the Downtown Clifton Summer Jazz Series sponsored by the Tucson Jazz Festival bringing back the supper club with dinner and a courtyard concert by the jazz trio Yardfire. Details: 7 p.m.; Downtown Clifton Hotel, 485 S. Stone Ave.; $45; 591-9556. • Change your attitude, kick back, sip a cold one or two, and sing along with the greatest hits of Jimmy Buffet at MargaritaWorld – A Vegas Tribute to Jimmy Buffet.

Details: 7:30 p.m.; DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 S. Clubhouse Drive; $30; 825-2818.

online with Zoom link provided; $30, discount for members; 326-9686 or tucsonbotanical.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

OUTDOORS SATURDAY, AUG. 21

WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY, AUG. 1115 • Enjoy the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival in-person or virtually with expert-guided birding, wildlife, and cultural field trips; photography and bird-ID workshops; free nature presentations, vendors and activities. Virtual presentations Thursday-Friday, Aug. 12-13. Details: tucsonaudubon. org.

SATURDAY, AUG. 14 • Bring the entire family to Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch, browse the Farmers Market, enjoy guest speakers and let the kids enjoy making a rock painting gift project Back to School Teacher’s Pet Rock. Details: 8:30 a.m.-noon; 10901 N. Oracle Rd.; free admission; orovalleyaz.gov.

• Bring the kids to Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo and enjoy the cooler evening temperatures, games and wildlife activities and music from local bands with this week’s theme “Happy Herd” (all things elephant). Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m.; 3400 E. Zoo Ct.; $10.50, $6.50 children; 791-3204.

SATURDAYS THROUGH AUG. 28 • Bring your flashlight and explore as the sunset turns into dark skies and nocturnal creatures come to life at Cool Saturday Nights at the Desert Museum. Details: 5-9 p.m.; Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum,

2021 N. Kinney Rd.; $19.95-$23.95, $11.95 youth; 883-2702 or desertmuseum.org.

• Use a map of the park and neighborhood to pick your own route with as many checkpoints as you can get to in one hour at the 1K/5K Fun Run/Walk like being on a treasure hunt. Details: 6:30-8:30 a.m.; Rillito River Park, Campbell Avenue to La Cholla Blvd. along the Rillito River; $6; 981-2529 or tucsonorienteeringclub.org.

CLASSES & PROGRAMS CHILDREN WEDNESDAY, AUG. 18 • Take a crash course on Tree Pruning 101 with certified arborist Jason Isenberg giving tried-and-true tips and recommendations to extend the health and longevity of your trees presented by Tucson Botanical Gardens. Details: 10 a.m.-noon;

SATURDAY, AUG. 14, 21 AND 28 • Explore the folklore and science related to the familiar star pattern at the stellar production The Big Dipper by the award-winning Red Herring Puppets. Details: 2 and 4 p.m.; Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Rd.; $8;

redherringpuppets.com.

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY, AUG. 2029 • Bring the entire family to the brand-new musical comedy Disney’s Descendants: The Musical featuring the beloved characters and hit songs from the films and a story that everyone will love. Details: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; Arts Express Theatre, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd., #214; $40; 319-0400 or arts-express.org.

HEALTH SATURDAY, AUG. 21 • Learn about the latest in fitness, nutrition, healthy, psychology, workplace wellness and more at the 21st Annual Tucson Health and Wellness Expo featuring technologies and practitioners who are leading the health and fitness revolution. Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way; free admission; eventbrite.com.

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Golder Ranch Fire District is asking you to be informed about Pool Safety. A drowning can happen to anyone at any time but the only way to ensure that everyone has a safe experience in the water is to supervise children around and in the water. Here’s to a safe swim season! • Never swim alone, always use the buddy system regardless of age. • At parties, assign a designated “Water Watcher” whose responsibility is to monitor the number of people in the pool and be prepared for an emergency. • The designated “Water Watcher” should not be engaged in conversation, eating, or drinking alcohol. They should have a phone available pool side to call 9-1-1 in the event of an

emergency. • The “Water Watcher” should be an adult. They should take turns with other adults at the gathering in 20-30 minute intervals. • Avoid “horse play” around the pool to prevent injuries. • When it is time for everyone to get out of the pool, secure the pool area by ensuring that pool gates are closed, and that all swimmers are accounted for and out of the pool area.

Golder Ranch Fire District Administration | 3885 E. Golder Ranch Drive, Tucson, AZ 85739 | grfdaz.gov

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Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Tech Talk: Automated agriculture, energy tracking and a sleep apnea trial Jeff Gardner Tucson Local Media

ith a major research university right in our backyard, a strong military presence and innovative companies throughout the metro region, there’s often a plethora of interesting science, medical and technology news to be found in Southern Arizona. Here’s a breakdown of the most interesting recent developments. Automatic Agriculture. It seems no industry will stay untouched by the gradual crawl of automation. The University of Arizona-based technology company CyVerse has received a $1.3 million grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to help transform farming with artificial intelligence. With this funding, UA joins the Iowa State University-led Artificial Intelligence Institute for Resilient Agriculture. CyVerse will work with the institute to gather data such as when to plant and how to allocate fertilizer and irrigation resources while minimizing environmental impact. CyVerse co-principal investigator and director of UA’s Data Science Institute Nirav Merchant says technology can help prepare us for a changing climate, as there are limits on how much water and resources we will be able to use, but we can use AI to optimize the planting cycles and use of resources to reduce the stress in agriculture. The Artificial Intelligence Institute for Resilient Agriculture is just one of 11 new artificial intelligence research institutes formed

by the National Science for reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascuFoundation. lar health in adults with obElectrical Efficiency. Tuc- structive sleep apnea. E. Fiona son Electric Power is working Bailey, a professor in the UA with technology company Department of Physiology, Shifted Energy to better fore- previously conducted a study cast electrical loads. Shifted that showed a specialized resEnergy uses machine learn- piratory workout entailing ing and Internet-of-Things 30 breaths a day can lower communication retrofitted blood pressure. Now using a onto electrical water heaters $3.4 million grant from the to better manage energy as- National Institute on Aging, sets. Over the course of 16 UA researchers are looking weeks, Shifted Energy will to implement the breathing demonstrate their technol- exercise over six months on ogy in order to “accelerate a group of 50-to-80-yeardecarbonization, electrifica- olds with obstructive sleep tion, grid modernization, and apnea and above-normal other electric power industry blood pressure. According to innovation imperatives.” The UA, study participants will collaboration is part of the undergo initial screenings Electric Power Research In- of cardiovascular, respiratostitute’s Incubatenergy Labs ry and sleep health. Eligible program that pairs 20 start- participants will be randomly up technology companies assigned to one of two trainwith electric power utilities ing groups, one emphasizing throughout the nation. The high resistance training, the 2021 Cohort runs from June other emphasizing low reto October, with results pre- sistance training. Participants sented during interactive in both groups will perform Incubatenergy Labs Demo their training at home and complete 30 breaths per day, Days in October 2021. “This program advances five days a week, for 24 weeks. “High blood pressure is our ongoing effort to provide our customers with tools to a major risk factor for carmake smart energy choices,” diovascular disease, which said Ted Burhans, TEP direc- is the No. 1 cause of death tor of emerging technologies in America. Five minutes a and innovation. “By making day of inspiratory muscle slight adjustments to shift training, consisting of just their usage away from peak 30 inspiratory efforts against times, they can save money resistance, offers a low-cost, and make the most of our non-pharmacologic means of renewable energy resources, improving both sleep qualiwhile helping us keep our ser- ty and blood pressure,” said Bailey. vice reliable and affordable.” Sleep Apnea Trial. Researchers at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine are launching a clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of the breathing exercise known as “inspiratory muscle training”

For more information on participating in the clinical trial, contact Lupita Ramos-Barrera at (520) 626-0836 or baileylaboratory@email.arizona.edu, or visit redcap.link/ breathe.

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

HEALTH &WELLNESS

and Internet Discounts Phone and Phone Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers Available to CenturyLink Customers

The Skinny on Fats: The Good and Bad Mia Smitt

Special to Tucson Local Media

very day we read more about the fats in our diets: transfats, saturated and unsaturated fats, fatty acids, good fat, bad fat—the list goes on and arguments for and against seem to change with regularity. What ARE these molecules that are a part of our everyday diet? Where do we find them and what do they do? Are they helpful or harmful in our quest to reach or maintain optimal health? We need fat! Not all fat is bad; in fact some are actually very good for us and promote healthy brains, hearts, nerves, and skin. Fat is a source of energy, transports the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K from food into your cells, provides insulation and protection for internal organs, and helps to build cell membranes (keeping all organs functioning well). At nine calories per gram, fat has over twice the calories as proteins and carbohydrates, which have four calories per gram, so we must watch the total intake to avoid becoming overweight. Too much fat can cause obesity, itself a risk factor for numerous diseases. We are aware of the connection between illness and fat intake. Knowing the good versus the bad fats is the first step in lowering the risk of heart and vascular disease, obesity, diabetes and other diseases related to

a high “bad fat” diet. Dietary cholesterol is found in eggs, butter, lard, meats and poultry. Current research is showing that dietary cholesterol intake is not as critical as we once thought but those foods can still contribute to issues of obesity so we should still limit intake to 300 mg per day. Our bodies produce cholesterol and the amount is thought to be determined by our genetics. Saturated fats contribute to higher cholesterol levels and are found in beef, pork, butter, cheese, ice cream and other whole milk products. Foods from plants, such as coconut and palm oils, and cocoa butter are also saturated fats. Eating too many saturated fats increases your body’s production of LDL, low density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fats to about 8% of total daily calories consumed. Unsaturated fats are monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. These fats are found mostly in plant oils. Canola, olive, peanut, and avocado are monounsaturated. Soy, corn, almond, walnut, many seeds, and fish oils are polyunsaturated. These “good fats” may actually help to lower blood cholesterol. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish (mostly salmon, herring, and mackerel), flaxseed and walnuts. They can lower triglycerides (an-

other type of fat found in your blood) and research has suggested that Omega 3s can lower blood pressure and help maintain a healthy heart. But some studies have shown a link between Omega 3 supplements and an irregular heart rate, so before starting any supplements it is important to consult your health care provider. “Trans fats,” trans fatty acids (TFA), are on everyone’s radar and the worst fats to eat, though often found in the tastiest foods. When foods are processed, fats are sometimes hydrogenated. Hydrogen is added to solidify oils and to lengthen the shelf life of foods. The most recognized are margarine and shortening products. Fully hydrogenated oils are labeled as such and are like saturated fats. Partially hydrogenated oils have been shown to be unsafe in that they significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The Food and Drug Administration required that partially hydrogenated oils (the main source of artificial trans fats) be listed on nutritional labels in January 2006 and in 2015 set the goal of eliminating them from processed foods in 2019. This was extended in 2019 and then January 2021. The amount of partially hydrogenated trans fats in foods has declined, but they are still found in some products such as non dairy coffee creamers, shortenings and baked and fried foods due

to certain ban exemptions. TFAs are found in snack foods, processed foods, cookies and snack cakes. (Sorry to say, Oreos and Twinkies are NOT healthy snacks.) Fast foods are notoriously high in TFAs. Small amounts are found naturally in some animal products such as beef and pork and in the butterfat in mild products but most are the end results of the hydrogenation of oils. These TFAs are harmful because they can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower the HDL (good) cholesterol and this combination increases the risk of heart disease. We can choose a healthy yet tasty diet. No more than 25% to 30% of our total calories should be from fats. Almonds and walnuts are a better snack than potato chips. Add avocado slices to sandwiches rather than mayonnaise or cheese slices. Sunflower seeds instead of buttery croutons and bacon are a great salad topper. Eat more fish, especially salmon and mackerel. An overall increase in vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein will likely improve health. Reading labels is important and will make you more aware of what you are eating! Mia Smitt is a nurse practitioner with a specialty in family practice. She recently retired and settled in Tucson after two-and-a-half years living on a 40-foot sailboat exploring the world. She is originally from San Francisco.

The Arizona Corporation Commission designated

The Arizona Corporation designated CenturyLink asCommission an Eligible Telecommunications CenturyLink asCarrier an within Eligible Telecommunications its service area for universal service Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $18.47 per month for residential and voice linesservices are $18.47 perpermonth business are $35.00 month. and business Specific services perrequest. month. rates are will be$35.00 provided upon Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) make residential benefit telephone CenturyLink participates in ato government or broadband service more affordable to eligible program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone low-incomemore individuals and families. Eligible or broadband service affordable to eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards low-income individuals and families. Eligible as defined the FCC and statestandards commissions. customers are those thatbymeet eligibility live on federally recognized Tribal as defined by Residents the FCCwhoand state commissions. Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal if they participate in certain additional federal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is if they participate federal availableinforcertain only oneadditional telephone or broadband eligibility programs. Lifeline discount is service perThe household, which can be on either available for only telephone broadband wirelineone or wireless service.orBroadband speeds service per household, which can be on either must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload wireline or wireless or faster toservice. qualify. Broadband speeds

must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload A household is defined for the purposes of the or faster to qualify.

Lifeline program as any individual or group of together at the sameofaddress A household isindividuals definedwhoforlivethe purposes the and share income and expenses. Lifeline service Lifeline program as any individual or group of not transferable, andthe onlysame eligibleaddress consumers individuals whois live together at may and enroll expenses. in the program. Consumers who and share income Lifeline service willfully make false statements in order to obtain is not transferable, and only eligible consumers or broadband service can may enroll inLifeline the telephone program. Consumers whobe punishedstatements by fine or imprisonment can be willfully make false in order toandobtain barred from the program.

Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine andarea, canplease be If youorlive imprisonment in a CenturyLink service barred from thecallprogram. 1-800-201-4099 or visit centurylink.com/ lifeline with questions or to request an application

If you live in aforCenturyLink service area, please the Lifeline program. call 1-800-201-4099 or visit centurylink.com/ lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis

51 56

60 63

69 71

61 64

70 72

___-Magnon With 71-/72-/ 73-Across, participant #1’s strategy (or the moral of the story) 43 Rhyme with rhythm 44 Living space that may be empty in the summer 45 Overseer of a quadrennial competition: Abbr. 47 “Quiet, you!,” quaintly 51 Oaf 53 Org. appropriately found in Elgin Baylor’s name 54 Fall behind 56 Word before tube or circle 57 Wagers unwisely (as participant #2 did) 61 Negative vote 62 Grabs skillfully 63 Algorithm part 65 Some TV spots, briefly 68 Prohibition starter 69 Quesadilla alternative

ACROSS

Triumphant cry 5 Electrical resistance unit 8 ___ Rabbit 12 Mysterious cafeteria offering 13 Sweetheart 15 “Bolero” composer 17 Each 18 Baghdad’s ___ City 19 Symbol for 5-Across 20 One who whistles while working 22 Snoozes (like participant #2 in one classic fable) 24 Legally prohibit 26 First name of two Spice Girls 27 Familial nickname 28 Ineffectual 31 Femur or fibula 34 Wonder Woman portrayer Gadot 35 ___ Cooler, “Ghostbusters”inspired Hi-C flavor

Know Us, Know Your Community

CANCER (June 22-July 22). What you think would make you happier isn’t really the thing that will. You know yourself well, but humans are notoriously mistaken on the happiness matter, liable to chase the shiny lures and be caught off guard when more fulfilling sources of happiness come from unexpected places. Such will be your story this week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Instead of trying to predict how people will behave, put your energy into leading them toward the behavior you would like to see and shaping experiences and environments in your preferred way. You are masterful at this and will gain even more skill as you handle the challenges of the week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Know where you’re headed. Keep the vision alive throughout each day. This transitional week will be pivotal. Things are coming and going from your life. Whether you’ll purge the old first and create space or add a new thing that bumps the old thing right out the door, the timing will be tight, the change quick and sure. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The facts stand; the numbers pencil; the information supports -- and yet, people still only ever do what they feel. To be human is to be guided by emotional currents. It’s a waste of energy to flail against them, and to passively submit to their flow is equally dangerous. Your best bet is awareness and strategic positioning.

Crossword Puzzle Answers

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The big picture is something to grasp in a moment. Linger too long there and you’ll be overwhelmed. Production will halt. You cannot live there because it’s not where the work gets done. This week affords you the view. Go to the top of the tower; look out; get oriented; then climb down and get back to work.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). As a supporter, friend and champion, you will search for the right uplifting words. Nothing new is needed. Simply remind them of their own greatness and of the strength and fortitude they have already shown. You are the keeper of forgotten treasures, which are powerfully activated when you bring them to mind. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll imagine the most likely pitfall of an endeavor and how to go around it, deal with it or cut it off before it happens. Prevention, recovery, pivots and detours... it might not go to plan, but it will unfold with more confidence and grace because a plan was in place.

T A S L A P

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may have a clash of communication styles, but it needn’t impede your work. Keep in mind that people with a gruffer, blunter or more direct style aren’t necessarily being difficult or disrespectful. Perhaps they just haven’t learned a better way to get their point across. Also, the style you project will rub off on people.

L A P S E

39 43

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H M E A A D T A M S T O N D D

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Most people are reluctant to give honest feedback if they think it’s going to be uncomfortable or hurt someone’s feelings. You perfect exchanges like this, elevating them to an art form with your constructive, light touch on the truth and charming way of putting it across. No tricks -- just warmth and genuine love.

D E U S G A S

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Deal gently with those who disappoint you. They don’t mean to fall short and are probably oblivious to your standards and expectations. This can be remedied! It is best accomplished in small steps over time. Meanwhile, your kindness and good humor bring good fortune, popularity and ease to life.

Y O C K A E R

26 30

DOWN Water bottle confiscators, for short 2 Tour de France peak 3 Don’t knock until you’ve tried it 4 Response to a verdict 5 Ones providing postpartum care, in brief 6 Pressure, in slang 7 Palindromic term of address 8 Warner ___ (film company) 9 Incarnation of Vishnu in a Sanskrit epic 10 “That may be the case, but …” 11 Win back 14 Nerd on ’90s TV 16 Fall back into one’s old ways 21 Express road 23 She plotted to kill Clytemnestra 24 Really liked 25 Those: Sp. 29 Shoulder blade 30 Amtrak stop: Abbr. 32 Mischief-maker 33 Feathery wrap 36 A little strange 39 Boston Bruins icon 40 Soak (up) 41 Ancient Greek festival honoring the god of wine 42 Farm connector 46 Subway component 47 How Timothy Leary spent some time 48 Premium TV streaming service until 2020 49 Fiji alternative 50 Beer in a red, white and blue can 52 Comparable (with) 55 Imply 58 Painter Schiele 59 Fast former fliers, for short 60 ___ support 64 “The Fall of the House of Usher” writer 66 Parabolic path 67 Understand 1

One-percenter suffix

71, 72 & 73 See 38-Across

D A O P O P R E B A E L L L O R R

A S R E C E

R E A V M E A N S B O O A D I O N Y S I A

O N A P A R

B U R R O K E S E L L E G C R S T E O R M P A L I T N E P C O H E

G E T A T

P A B S T

O B S F R E S E C W A A P Y U L S A S T S

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H B O N O W

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). “Nobody beautiful ever hurries,” poet E.E. Cummings said. Though his syllables were broken up differently on the page, with letters spaced as if to align with the unique timing of the unhurried. You can do the same this week -- use spaces and breaks to create breezeways and alter the rhythms of your world.

O N L S D

ARIES (March 21-April 19). In most things, seeing it once is enough, and further repetition is tedious. But there are certain wonderful works that will have you returning again and again, each time bringing a little more richness. This is soul nutrition. Your preferences, curiosities, pleasures and attractions will be delightful teachers.

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Worship Guide 520.797.4384

LUTHERAN

Classifieds@TucsonLocalmedia.com

CATHOLIC

BAPTIST

FELLOWSHIP THE GATE CHURCH

Return

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Reach Up, Reach In, Reach Out! Casual atmosphere. • Sat 6 PM Cowboy Church • Sun 11:30 AM Contemporary Service

ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

Lead Pastor David Willard

2727 W. Tangerine Road Oro Valley, AZ 85742 520.469.7835 www.stmarkov.com

SATURDAY: SUNDAY:

9000 W Avra Valley Rd, Marana www.thegatechurch.com

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4:00 PM VIGIL MASS 7:00 AM 8:30 AM Masks required 10:00 AM 11:30 AM

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We're Hiring! Little Tots/Child Care Part-Time Position Scan QR Code with your Camera App on your phone for more information

LUTHERAN RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Reconciliation: T-F at 7:30 AM, Sat at 2-3:30 PM and by appointment.

11575 N. 1st Ave. Oro Valley, AZ 85737 (520) 575-9901 Welcome to Resurrection Lutheran! Come join us every Sunday for worship!

METHODIST

Methodist

VISTA DE LA MONTAÑA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Please joinWorship us for for In-Person Vista Church Sunday at 10 amand Please join us LIVE! Online service Children’s Sunday School Live Streamed Worship Service Sunday @ 10am @ 10:00am at 10:15 am after the children’s www.vistaumc.org www.vistaumc.org time in the church service or watch anytime using the the previor watch anytime using ous broadcast previous broadcast Adult Sunday Schoolbutton! –button! 11:15 am Please visit our website and/ 3001 E. Miravista Catalina or VistaUMC onLane, Facebook for Facebookfor viewing and daily updates updates on our our viewing on Locatedand on daily Oracle Rd. between Sunday services. services. Sunday

Wilds Rd. & Golder Ranch Rd.

(520) 825-1985 www.vistaumc.org

Worship Guide

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OUR DOORS ARE OPEN! Oro Valley Location Saturday Vigil: 4 PM Sunday: 7 AM* and 9 AM 11 AM Bilingual (4th Sunday is Spanish Mass) 5 PM

Saturday: 5-5:30 PM Sunday: 10-10:45 AM

7:45 am and 9:15 am Traditional Worship and our 10:45 am Contemporary Worship! SaddleBrooke Location

SaddleBrooke 9:00 am Worship in HOA 1 Clubhouse Vermilion Room. Or join us in your home for online worship or visit our website for for information. www.orovalley.org

SANTA CATALINA PARISH

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Worship Guide 520.797.4384

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NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

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Classifieds@TucsonLocalmedia.com

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Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Service Directory 520.797.4384

Classifieds@TucsonLocalmedia.com

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Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Service Directory 520.797.4384

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PUBLIC NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Commerce Bank of Arizona, located at 7315 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 181, Tucson, AZ 85704 has filed, with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, an application to establish a branch to be located at 265 West Continental Rd. Green Valley, AZ 85622. Any person wishing to comment on this application may submit written comments to the regional director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation at its regional office, 25 Jessie St at Ecker Square, Suite 2300, San Francisco, California, 94105, no later than August 26th. The public portion of this application is on file in the regional office and is available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the application are available on request. Published pursuant to section 303.7 and 303.44 of the rules and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation. Commerce Bank of Arizona Chris Webster President & CEO Published August 11th 2021 Explorer and Marana 8/11/2021

ARE YOU AN EARLY RISER?? Join the elite team of Pros at SaddleBrooke TWO. The Golf Course Maintenance team is seeking new Part-Time to Full-Time team members to help maintain our two beautiful championship PGA Golf Courses. We offer flexible scheduling from 5am - 2 pm and competitive wages and benefits. Ask about our bonuses SaddleBrooke TWO offers a generous benefit package, paid time off, 401k plan, and other unique perks. Background Check is required. Please apply at our website: sbhoa2.org/web/pages/careers OR scan our QR code

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Breakfast helps keep students focused.

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Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

SPORTS EXTRA POINT WITH TOM DANEHY &RECREATION Some things to look forward to: High school football, other prep sports and maybe a win by the Arizona football team Tom Danehy

Special to Tucson Local Media

f T.S. Eliot had been a sports fan, he would have known that August, and not April, is the cruelest month. I mean, seriously, the NBA playoffs (which, quite joyfully, took place in June and July, instead of the usual May and June) are done. Preseason football games are an abomination foisted upon season-ticket holders by greedy owners trying to squeeze out the very last nickel. Baseball, which I didn’t think could get any more boring, has surprised me. The stacking of infielders on one side of the field based on analytics (and the stunning refusal of pull hitters to at least try to hit it where they ain’t) has teamed up with a proliferation of pitchers who throw 100 miles an hour to

turn the once strategy-filled game into a soccer-like spectacle of boom or bust. These days, you see lots of home runs and LOTS and LOTS of strikeouts, with almost nothing else in between. Plus, it’s the Dog Days, when it feels like the season has just been droning on forever. What little fun that is left in Major League Baseball comes after Labor Day when the teams hit their stretch run. So, all there is to do at this time is to look ahead, longingly and hopefully (which is a rare instance in which the word “hopefully” is being used correctly). Here are a few things that could help make for a most-pleasant Autumn sports season: • High School Football. After last year’s disaster, it will be great if all of the local teams can just have a full season. Ironwood Ridge’s season

was canceled after one game. Amphi was a roaring 4-0 when Pima County pulled the plug on prep football a couple days before Thanksgiving. It was just a nightmare of COVID tests and cancellations. But this season could… should…we hope and pray… be different. One positive thing has already happened. For the past several years, Arizona’s high schools had been experiencing schedule creep. For decades, prep football schedules would start in September. Then, there were a few games showing up in the last week of August. Then, it was the penultimate week of August. There was no real explanation from the Arizona Interscholastic Association but it kept creeping. It was dumb and dangerous. In the heat island that is the Phoenix metropolitan area, nighttime “low” tem-

peratures can hover near the triple-digit mark. It may be a matter of luck that nobody died in those conditions. But this year, it’s back where it should be. Amphi opens with Flowing Wells on Sept. 2. Marana opens at Mountain View on Sept. 3. Ironwood Ridge and Canyon Del Oro also open their seasons on Sept. 3. • Other Prep Sports. Even with the Delta variant lurking, most of the other fall sports—including cross country, swimming and girls’ golf—should be able to proceed. (Ironwood Ridge’s golfers are defending state champs and have everybody back from the title-winning team.) All of those sports are contested outdoors and probably shouldn’t face any serious threat of cancellation. The one to worry about is girls volleyball. All three Amphi District schools—Amphi,

CDO and Ironwood Ridge— are perennial powers, as are Marana and Marana Mountain View. Look for all five of them to make a serious push to state. • Arizona Wildcat Football. No, it wasn’t a mass hallucination. It really happened. The Wildcats lost to the much-despised Sun Devils by a score of 70-7 AT HOME! It was the 12thstraight loss for Arizona over a two-year span. This year, the only reason that Arizona is picked to finish sixth in the Pac-12 South is that there aren’t seven teams in the Pac-12 South. The Vegas over/under line (a predicted number of wins on which bettors can wager) is a dismal 2 ½, which is perhaps the lowest number for Arizona EVER! But I’m going out on a limb here. I’m almost certain that Arizona will win a game this year; I mean, they play

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NAU. We’ll call that a sign of improvement. • Arizona Cardinals. Fine, you’re in the toughest four-team division in football, along with the Rams, 49ers and Seahawks—three teams that have all been to the Super Bowl in the past seven years. Wah, wah, wah! How about not losing to bad teams…at home? Last year, the Cardinals lost to both Miami and Detroit in Glendale. A win in either one of those games would have had the Cards in the playoffs. This year, NFL teams will play 17 games instead of 16. Fans will get one more week of games on TV while the owners will just keep on making more money. The over/ under for the Cardinals is a dismal eight. • Arizona Diamondbacks. They’re horrible. Maybe they can finish their season without setting the all-time record for losses in a season.

Explorer and Marana News, August 11, 2021

Explorer and Marana News, Aug. 11, 2021