Marana News 05/10/2023

www.Maranaweeklynews.com

Matt Tidwell, the new principal at Butterfield Elementary School, enjoys gardening and mountain biking. (Marana Uni ed School District/Submitted)

Matt Tidwell named Butterfield principal

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Staff

att Tidwell has been tapped to serve as the next principal of Butterfield Elementary School, starting July 1.

“I am honored to join the Butterfield com-

munity, a school rich in tradition and characterized by amazing teachers, students, and parents,” Tidwell said.

“Butterfield Elementary is an outstanding school and I am excited to be a part of their

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Contributor

Marana has received federal funds for affordable housing for years as a sub-recipient of Pima County’s Community Development Block Grant.

The funds allowed the town to provide resources and aid for low- to moderate-income residents.

Now that it’s passed a population of 50,000, Marana is eligible to receive its own funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This will increase the town’s allocation

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT

WORKING!!

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

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This o en causes weakness and numbness.

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

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

(above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

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

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

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

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

It’s completely painless!

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

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

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

Hot Picks

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

ARTS

African American Museum of Southern Arizona Ongoing

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

AAM members, visitors with a SNAP card or Tribal ID, and children.

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

Linda McCartney Retrospective TO AUG. 4

The North American premiere of the Linda McCartney Retrospective comes to the University of Arizona Center for Creative Photography, now through Friday, Aug. 4. Spanning McCartney’s entire career from 1965 to 1997, this exhibition features 176 photographs and archival materials, including Polaroid images and presents three sections such as family life, photographic experimentation and artists. The exhibit will recur weekly

EXPLORER

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

STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher

Michael Hiatt, Vice President

Claudine Sowards, Accounting claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com

EDITORIAL

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

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

Veronica Ku el, Sta Reporter vku el@tucsonlocalmedia.com

PRODUCTION

Shannon Mead, Production/Design Supervisor smead@timeslocalmedia.com

Arman Olivares, Graphic Designer aolivares@timeslocalmedia.com

CIRCULATION

Aaron Kolodny, Circulation Director, aaron@phoenix.org

ADVERTISING

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NATIONAL ADVERTISING

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5-DAY

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

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage

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

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

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

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

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

“Woman-Ochre” TO MAY 20

Willem de Koonig’s “Woman-Ochre” was stolen in 1985 from the University of Arizona Museum of Art. It’s returned home and on display through May. Tickets for “Restored: The Return of Woman-Ochre” are $8 general admission; $6 seniors 65-plus and groups of 10 or more; and free for students with ID, museum members, UA faculty, staff, military personnel,

EDITORIAL

A Senior Living Option as Unique as You.

La Posada, southern Arizona’s awardwinning Life Plan Community, is bringing its commitment to excellence to Oro Valley. Finely appointed, maintenance-free apartment homes. Stunning mountain views. An oasis of first-class amenities to enjoy with friends, old and new. All at an incomparable, wellness-centered community in the heart of nature.

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

ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Wednesday, June 7

Thursday, July 6

Friday, August 4

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

Tuesday, September 12

SADDLEBROOKE 2 BALLROOM

Wednesday, June 14

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

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from Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibition will also feature various community events inspired by the collection.

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

Mini Time Museum: Steve Farley’s “Dowdytown”

TO AUG. 20

Pandemic isolation inspired artist, graphic designer and former Arizona State Sen. Steve Farley explores childhood memories through a series of miniatures. They’re artifacts of his Ontario, California, home, but their resonance with childhood reveries is universal. Farley’s youth included a fondness for building miniature models. As an adult, he’s an artist and graphic designer renowned for public murals. He found that creating these tiny structures helped to ground him in the social and emotional upheaval that accompanied our months in lockdown. An artist reception and talk take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22.

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

Kuumba In Afrikan Arts

MAY 13

For more than a decade, Barbea Wil-

PRINCIPAL

from page 1 success story.”

The Marana Unified School District voted in favor of hiring Tidwell on April 27, to replace Joshua Bayne, who was named executive director for state and federal programs.

Following posting the position, a screening committee comprised teachers, support staff, parents, principals, senior staff, and governing board members vetted the applications.

From the pool of applicants, four individuals were interviewed by the committee. At the recommendation of the selection committee, two finalists were recommended to move forward with a final interview with governing board president and superintendent.

Tidwell is currently the assistant prin-

liams Performing Company has offered this five-week camp experience for children ages 7 through 15. The program covers West African Dance, African diaspora culture and art, drumming, healthy cooking and beauty. For the first time this year, the program also includes STEM programming in professional development workshops.

Register now via bwpcarizona.com, class starts at 2 p.m., email bwpc2020@gmail. com for details, $1,200, discounts and scholarships available.

“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” in Concert

MAY 12 AND MAY 13

In this climactic episode, the Tucson Symphony accompanies Darth Vader as he readies a new death star, and Luke Skywalker as he joins Princess Leia and two loveable robots to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hut. The music swells and soars throughout the ensuing battle with the entire Imperial Fleet. After hearing this epic galactic fable as never before, you can enjoy a meet and greet in the lobby with members of the 501st Legion. Audience costumes are encouraged.

7 p.m. Friday, May 12, and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, tucsonsymphony. org, tickets start at $17.

Reveille Men’s Chorus: “Heroes/Sheroes/Theyroes”

MAY 13 AND MAY 14

cipal of Twin Peaks K-8 School. He previously served as an associate principal at Mountain View High School, as well as an English department chair and teacher.

A native of Gilroy, California, Tidwell studied theater arts at San Jose State University, where he met his wife.

“We got married shortly after graduation,” he said.

“Life takes you in paths you don’t necessarily anticipate. We both decided that raising a family and starting careers was a more rewarding life choice than standing under lights. After teaching in California, we relocated to Tucson. My wife wanted to stay home with the kids, at that point we had two. We weren’t able to live on a teacher’s salary in California.”

They moved to Tucson on a whim and fell in love with it. Tidwell landed a job at Mountain View High School, “which

Reveille’s spring concert celebrates “Queeros,” folks who, by being true to themselves became superheroes to others. In addition to a selection of show tunes and popular favorites, the chorus will premiere a new work dedicated to Bayard Rustin, a close adviser to Martin Luther King. Rustin was nicknamed Mr. March on Washington for his role in organizing protests for racial justice. The new work was composed by Nehemiah Luckett. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13 and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 14, Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue, reveillemenschorus.org, $25 advance, $30 door, free for kids under 12

SPECIAL EVENTS

Reisen Winery Tour (Sonoita-Benson) THROUGH JUNE 3

Owned and operated by a third-generation Tucsonan, Reisen tours are laced with inside knowledge and informed by decades of family memories. Sonoita is rolling and wheat-colored this time of year. Its terrain eases the way of the desert into the surrounding high country. The land and climate are ideal for boutique wineries. Taste wines at four of them on Reisen’s sixhour winery tour itinerary. Start times vary Saturdays through June 3, reisenarizona.com/#day-tours, $175, pickup is in Tucson, lunch is included

Mamma Mia singalong at the Loft MAY 14

was a fantastic experience,” in 2002 as an English teacher.

Thirteen years later, he decided to move to the administration side, which he enjoyed, too.

“I enjoyed being able to take care of teachers,” he said. “They take care of students. In a way, it’s a bigger classroom. It’s a larger space and a larger collection of people to foster. After seven years of being on the administration team at Mountain View, I transferred to Twin Peaks K-8. Midway through my administration time at Mountain View, I knew I wanted to be a principal, but not at a high school.

Sing, dance and hug a mom (or similar) to the timeless, bubbly charm of this movie’s all-ABBA score. Indulge your overbusy, overwrought mind in a story line as pastel as a spring afternoon on a sunny Greek Island. Understand, fully, the emotional range of Meryl Streep’s remarkable career. Surely someone you know deserves this ice-cream-Sundae of an afternoon with you.

2 p.m., The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Boulevard, loftcinema.org, $15, $12 for children under 12, passes not accepted

Biosphere 2 DAILY

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

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Biosphere 2, 32540 S. Biosphere Road, biosphere2.org/visit/ visit-biosphere-2, $25, reservation recommended, find a virtual tour on the site

“I knew I wanted to try an elementary school and Twin Peaks came at the right time. I immediately fell in love with it. It’s the most remarkable thing to watch an extraordinary group of elementary school teachers just powerhouse teaching.”

Tidwell — who earned a Master of Education in educational leadership from NAU in 2015 — said education was a logical career choice for him.

“As a kid, my family — particularly my parents — tried to instill of me the idea of taking care of the community,” said Tidwell, an avid mountain biker and gardener.

“I look at education like that. I take care of staff and students and they go forward and take care of their community.”

PEACE OF MIND LIVING AT ALBUM MARANA

55+ Active Adult Community

Greystar is excited to bring their newest Album community to Tucson. The Album lifestyle is highly sought after by young at heart, 55+ active adults. It’s perfect for those looking for more in life, style, community, and activities.

Welcome to a carefree, maintenance-free living in a controlled-access community designed to be empowering as well as peaceful. Lead your life, as you see fit, and with time to spare, in a place where the feeling is one of excitement for what the future holds.

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

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

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

they want. Examples include teaching a cooking class, meeting up for happy hour (and yappy hours), walking club, flower arranging, movie/game night, and seasonally inspired events. The only limit is your imagination.

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

Date: Tuesday, May 16th

3:00pm — 6:00pm

AlbumMaranaPoolCourtyard

from $60,000 in 2022 to an estimated $208,691 in 2023, according to Lisa Shafer, community and neighborhood services director.

“That number each year can go up, it can go down, it could stay the same,” Shafer said. “Every year, we will come before you with an annual action plan to get adopted. We have to go through that process every year, and we’ll have to determine how we’ll spend our money each time.”

As a requirement to receive the money, the department of neighborhood services presented to council a new five-year consolidated plan, including an annual action plan for 2023 and an assessment to fair housing. Councilmembers voted unanimously to approve, adopt and sub-

mit the new five-year consolidated plan, which outlines how Marana will spend the annual CDBG from 2023 to 2027.

To assess where funds were needed, the town staff worked with Crescendo Consulting Group to survey the communities within Marana’s borders.

“We held 10 focus group opportunities across the community to obtain input from folks in the different pockets of Marana on issues related to housing as well as community strengths and needs,” said Crescendo Research Manager Kevin Koegel.

Along with 30 resident interviews and 326 survey responses, Crescendo also reviewed housing and social service-related documents as well as secondary data collection from federal, state and county sources.

Crescendo identified the top needs

as affordable rental units, diversity of housing types (i.e., townhomes, condos, apartments, etc.) and zoning changes. Public service and facility improvements were identified with sidewalks, roads and public transportation.

Koegel then went on to outline the five-year consolidated plan goals, which focused on affordable housing, increased public services, homeless prevention and public facilities and infrastructure improvements.

“These goals are all aligned around HUD-prescribed areas of eligible use of this particular funding,” Koegel said. “They’re meant to encompass this full five-year period and to allow for some flexibility in year-to-year planning.”

Planned projects for the first fiscal year will remain consistent from previous years but will include allocated in-

creases. The home repairs budget will increase to $135,649, almost $100,000 more than the previous year.

The Colonia cleanup budget will remain the same at $10,000, and staff will request $41,738 for program administration costs to ensure all available funds from HUD are utilized. These may also be used to increase the budget of different projects, and Shafer explained they will most likely be used for home repair projects.

The director also introduced a new project to include in the budget.

“Utility assistance is not something we’ve done before,” Shafer said. “If there is a resident of Marana who is behind on, say, a water payment or electric payment, gas payment, if they meet the parameters…we will be able to assist them.”

People who make 80% of the area’s median income or below are eligible to participate in the services provided by Marana’s CDBG. The most recent reported median income (2021) is $94,983, an increase from the 2010 base year when the income was at $67,542.

After the presentation, some council members expressed concerns about public awareness of the department’s services. Shafer explained how her team was not able to efficiently spread awareness of the services due to a lack of funds, but the new increase would likely change that.

The department of neighborhood services has attended community events and initiated improvement on its website, but it finds most of its participants through Marana’s code enforcement program, which is conveniently placed within the department.

“We are promoting our program currently and we’ll continue to do it,” Shafer explained. “One of the big ways of doing it is with (Marana’s) code enforcement… We try to make that door-to-door contact if we do see an issue.”

The council unanimously approved and adopted the five-year consolidated plan and annual action plan. Town staff will submit all required documents to HUD by Monday, May 15, and wait for a response in its 45-day review period. In the meantime, Shafer and her department will work on the town’s CDBG program guidelines and add additional notes to utility assistance. They will also complete environmental reviews and other processes required by the program.

Arrest made in ‘Goof’ vandalism case

SPECIAL TO TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA

An alleged prolific graffiti vandal was arrested May 4, completing a more than two-year investigation into vandalism that has been observed throughout the area.

Oro Valley Police in partnership with the State Gang Task Force (a multiagency task force led by the Department of Public Safety), Union Pacific Rail Police and Tucson police made the arrest of Kieran Mercer, a 27-year-old Oro Valley resident, after a warrant was served at his residence on Mount Bigelow Drive.

Mercer was taken into custody without incident.

Oro Valley residents and surrounding communities have likely observed some of the vandalism he is charged with, many of which had the word “Goof” associated with it.

Damages associated with this case exceed $36,000. The vandalism incidents

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30 feet wide, and a rail tank car that was spray painted with graffiti.

The State Gang Task Force was brought in due to his self-proclaimed affiliation with local violent gangs.

Mercer was booked into Pima County Jail on charges of participating or assisting in a criminal street gang, narcotics violations, criminal damage in excess of $10,000 and criminal damage in excess of $2,000.

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Kieran Mercer, a 27-year-old Oro Valley resident, was arrested on charges of vandalism with “Goof” associated with it, in many cases. (Oro Valley Police Department/Submitted)

Bloom season at Life Under the Oaks farm

BY VERONICA KUFFEL

Tucson Local Media Sta

May is a special and busy time for Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, tucked in the foothills in Oracle. The start of summer marks the beginning of bloom season, saturating their fields with the flower's signature hue.

“Bloom season is what everyone waits for,” owner Carolyn Blair noted. “The field is all purple, and there are thousands of bees and butterflies. It’s magical, you can see pictures of it and talk about it, but it’s one of those things you just have to experience.”

Life Under the Oaks prepares for its upcoming season with new products, workshops and events that come with this year’s harvest. Along with their famous afternoon teas, one of which is Sunday, May 14, Blair and her team will bring “a little bit of farm to the city” at their Downtown Tucson store, Lavender Manor.

Blair started using lavender for medicinal reasons, and after a visit to Washington, “the lavender state,” she decided to start her own farm in 2018. It was a passion project combining her love for art and nature, but it also provided a key educational resource to those interested in lavender and its uses.

“It’s known as the mother herb,” Blair said. “You can cook with it, craft with it, use it for health benefits and nothing goes to waste. We use every bit of the plant for one item or another.”

Lavender is not usually seen as a des-

ert flower, but it doesn’t need much water to grow. According to Blair, the older the plants are the less water they need. This makes them ideal for hot and dry climates, especially in mountainous regions that emulate their Mediterranean homeland.

Life Under the Oaks sells its lavender in a variety of forms, including dried flowers, oils, culinary ingredients and beauty and health products. A key point of business for the farm has been the medicinal and healing qualities of lavender.

“The public in general, especially

young mothers, want natural remedies,” Blair noted. “Our products are all made naturally and come from the farm. It’s so much better quality than what you can find online or at a big box store.”

The farm also offers artwork, ceramics and jewelry, all made by Blair, the farm or local artists throughout Tucson.

Blair couldn’t mention the farm without highlighting their other activities, including workshops and private parties at both their locations in Tucson and Oracle. Their most attended events are afternoon teas, and their upcoming Moth-

er’s Day parties are almost completely booked.

“They’re popular because there aren’t many places to go get tea in Tucson,” Blair said. “Once people find out we have lavender, especially in a Tucson summer… it’s a nice escape for people to come up and see something thriving so well.”

Blair created Life Under the Oaks to fill a need she saw in the community for local quality and natural lavender. For almost five years, the farm has provided the flower, along with education and resources for those who want to learn more about it.

As summer draws near, Blair assures outdoor lovers that Life Under the Oaks is a unique place to explore the fields and take advantage of all the benefits of lavender. The best part, according to Blair, is it’s a flower oasis open to the community.

"I wanted to be able to share it with people,” Blair said. “In our area, I didn’t realize how many people didn’t know about lavender. It’s good for people to become aware of what we offer and to help educate the future.”

Summers are a peak time for business at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, especially for families with young kids. (Katie Gilbert/Submitted)

HIRING NURSES

HIRING NURSES

Oro Valley native graduates from Naval Academy

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Jonathan Pitts of Oro Valley completed four years of academic, physical and professional military training, graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and a commission as a U.S. Navy ensign.

An Ironwood Ridge High School graduate, Pitts was a member of the Varsity Off-Shore Sailing Team, Model United Nations, Green Club, Latin American Studies Club and Naval Academy Training Squadron (VT-NA) at the academy. He also participated in the study abroad program, completing a semester at the Spanish Naval Academy in Marin, Spain.

Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy is a prestigious four-year service academy that prepares midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to be professional officers in the naval service.

More than 4,400 men and women representing every state in the United States and several foreign countries make up the student body, known as the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Each year, approximately 1,200 students are admitted to the Naval Academy’s incoming class. U.S. News and World Reports has recognized the Naval Academy as the No. 1 public school, No. 4 engineering program, and No. 6 liberal arts college.

Midshipmen learn from military and civilian instructors and participate in intercollegiate varsity sports and extracurricular activities.

They also study subjects such as leadership, ethics, small arms, drill, seamanship and navigation, tactics, naval engineering and weapons, and military law.

Upon graduation, midshipmen earn a Bachelor of Science degree in a choice of 26 subject majors and go on to serve at least five years of service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps.

The academy’s alumni include, one president, 29 members of Congress, five governors, 73 Medal of Honor recipients, two Nobel Prize winners, 54 astronauts, and 4,000 admirals and generals.

Jonathan Pitts is a graduate of Ironwood Ridge High School. (Jonathan Pitts/Submitted

Rosales earns full ride to Harvard Senior Spotlight Class of 2023

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media Sta

Daniel Morales Rosales celebrated his 18th birthday last week. is week, he’s a Harvard man, planning to major in psychology at the Ivy League school on a full-ride scholarship.

“ ey’ll basically be paying me to go there because of stipends and things like that,” he said. “I’m very, very lucky, very, very blessed.”

Needless to say, his mother is proud.

“Can you imagine? I’m beyond,” Vicky Perillo said. “ is is a fabulous achievement, and he did all the work. I just supplied the paperwork. We’re beyond proud, so happy and blessed. He’s getting his dream.”

Before all of that can happen, however, Rosales has to take one last walk at Flowing Wells High School—across the eld to get his diploma. His mom will be there, proudly watching, too.

“I come from a single mother household; my dad passed away when I was just 3,” he said. “(My mom) has never gone to college or anything like that. All she really knew were the names. When she heard I got into Harvard and Yale and Columbia, she was so happy. She called everybody that she ever knew.”

His journey hasn’t been an easy one. ough he was born here, Rosales’ parents are from Mexico. His mom worked several jobs to keep body and soul together. Rosales credits his older siblings for helping to raise him. His brother is six years older and his sister is 10 years older.

“She’s my second mom,” he said about his sister. “She helped raise me and put me on this path. My brother and I are also really

Morales Rosales, who loves the outdoors, will graduate from Flowing Wells High School with a full-ride scholarship to Harvard University. (Daniel Morales Rosales/Submitted) close.”

To say Rosales is hardworking is an understatement. Besides his better than 4.0 grade point average, he has plenty of extracurriculars.

“I think that was a really strong part of my application,” he said. “I love (Flowing Wells), and I just like staying busy.”

Beginning in the eighth grade, Rosales has played varsity volleyball. For the last two

years he’s served as president of the Interact Club, a service and leadership organization. In that club, he said, they worked with many nonpro ts, everything from foster family organizations to working with abandoned elderly cats. He’s president of the National Honor Society. He’s played on FWHS’ chess team and is in Link Crew High School, a leadership program for juniors and seniors; they mentor younger students.

One of Rosales’ classes is in the culinary department. He loves baking, he said, and his favorite so far? Apple pie- lled cinnamon rolls. He’s also proud of his chocolate chip cookies, which is a secret recipe.

Chef Lindsey Bettcher, his teacher, could only nd good things to say about Rosales.

“I wasn’t surprised (he got a full ride to Harvard); I was just so proud of him,” Bettcher said.

“He comes early; he stays late…His entire life is school, so everything he does is dedicated to school…He volunteers for any projects we have going on. He’s super dedicated. He’s super hard working. He’s extremely enthusiastic; he gets us going. I really don’t have anything negative to say about him. I’m just so proud of him.”

Plus, she said, he’s an outstanding baker. Rosales works at National Outdoor Leadership School Southwest on Soldier Trail, where he participated last summer in a program for low-income students. It sent him to the wilds of Alaska for three weeks to experience outdoor life without phones or the internet.

“It was beautiful,” he said.

He also has hobbies: reading, watching movies and photography to name a few. However, he does not have a girlfriend. Yet.

“I never found that kind of connection in high school,” he said. “Maybe in college. We’ll see.”

Although right now everyone is focused on Rosales, he is looking somewhere else. His mother recently earned her U.S. citizenship. When she did, she changed her name to Perillo, her husband’s name.

“(It took) decades of work,” Rosales said. “I’m really proud of her. It was a special day for all of us.”

Daniel

JTED student wins U.S. Presidential Scholars nomination

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Sta

High school senior Kiersten Morris has balanced her last year at Canyon del Oro High School with Pima JTED’s assistant nursing program, along with two jobs at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center. Somewhere in her busy schedule, she managed to apply and earn a U.S. Presidential Scholars nomination.

“It’s recognition of all the hard work I'm putting in,” Morris said. “I’ve been going a er a lot of the things that I want in life, and this acknowledges that. It recognizes all of that work from someone outside of my parents.”

For her participation in Pima JTED, Morris was one of ve students from Arizona to receive a U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education Nomination.

Her JTED teacher, Anne Marie Lee, recommended the application months earlier a er seeing Morris’ potential.

“I received the email, and knowing how Kiersten was at the very beginning of the school year, I talked to her to see if she’d be interested in applying for it,” Lee stated in a JTED video. “Just like she’s been doing with all of her studies, she stayed on top of the whole application.”

Every year, each state can nominate ve student candidates for exceptional work in a career and technical education program. Morris completed the application and a long series of essays by mid-October, and this month, she received notice of her nomination.

Before joining her CTE program, Morris knew she’d do something in the medical eld and wanted to gure it out before college. Pima JTED o ered her a way to try some options through its assistant nursing program.

“I just graduated from high school, and I have this long list of certi cations I’m already bringing to the table,” Morris said. “It’s a great head start in the eld that puts me ahead of other competitors.”

Along with her high school diploma, the graduate is now a licensed nursing assistant and will move on to become a direct caregiver a er testing. But, according to Morris, it’s been a long road to get there with a heavy schedule.

Morris opens at the pool right next to

Canyon del Oro High School. en, she walks down to the school to attend her classes, and a er, she drives to the Pima JTED Master Pieces campus to attend her CTE program. Finally, she circles back to the pool to coach her local swim team.

“ e best way to balance things has been communicating with my teachers and using my planner,” Morris said. “Your teachers, they’re there to support you. ey want you to, you know, survive. ey want you to get through it.”

When she nds the time, Morris loves to read, checking out as many as 12 books

from the library on a given visit. She explained it’s a great way for her to relieve stress, but she doesn’t usually have time for it until the summer.

To her teacher, a er a long school year, the next few months will be a well-deserved break for the accomplished student.

“She’s a hard worker,” Lee noted. “It’s exciting to see the growth Kiersten has done from the beginning of the year to now and in clinicals. She’s going to be a wonderful nursing assistant and be very successful in her future career.”

Morris received an award for her Pres-

idential Scholars Nomination, following the medical certi cations and thorough training she received at Pima JTED. e graduate’s last remark was an encouragement to high school students to consider CTE programs to kick-start their careers and passions.

“ ere are so many opportunities with CTE,” Morris said. “You can be out there doing something to change someone's life no matter what you’re doing. ese programs and those classes give you the ability to learn those skills to make a difference.”

Kiersten Morris with her U.S. Presidential Scholars CTE Nomination. (Greg D’Anna/Submitted)

UA adds Bu alo to its freshman class

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER

Tucson Local Media Sta

With a few scholarships in hand, Erica Buffalo is ready to start her college career at The University of Arizona.

Among her prizes is the renewable $8,000 Wildcat Excellence Award — given for good grades — and a sizable, tobe-revealed scholarship.

The Flowing Wells High School senior said she wants to major in a forensic science-related field because “I really want to be in the lab.”

Her major might not be crystal clear yet, but her minor is set: photography.

Buffalo has spent hours and hours in Flowing Wells High School Career and Technical Education’s photography program. Though only meant to be a two- or three year certificate, Buffalo liked it so well she elected to stay four years. It only made her a better photographer, teacher Josh Nistas said. He added that she is enthusiastic and is always ready to go not just the distance, but beyond.

“Whenever I’m looking for a volunteer to take photos of any of the events or happenings at Flowing Wells, Erica’s usually one of the first people that raises her hand,” he said.

Nistas knows he can count on good work from her; she’s won a couple of inhouse photography competitions.

“When I need a strong photographer or a student who’s actively engaged in the class, Erica has always been that one,” he said. “She’s been in the photography program for four years because she actually likes the photo program. If I get to have even one class period with a student with her work ethic and responsibility, especially in the post-covid age, I’d be a very lucky teacher, and I’d want to do it for 20-something years.”

When she graduates this May, Buffalo will also have completed CTE’s graphic design program. Buffalo is nothing if not modest.

“It’s kind of hard to talk about myself,” she said.

Still, besides street photography, she

has enjoyed playing the guitar since the third grade. Her favorite band is the Offspring.

Her parents, Kristina and Eric Buffalo, know she’s exceptional.

“I just want to say that she’s an amazing girl,” Kristina Buffalo said. “She’s a very bright, compassionate and smart person. She always goes out of her way to try and help anyone (and animals) that she can.

She’s always been very studious, staying up late to finish her homework and projects, making sure it’s perfect…She’s so talented with her art, photography and music and excels and puts her heart into everything she does. We are all so very proud of her.”

Besides doing her own work, Buffalo mentors another at home. Her nephew, whom she considers her brother.

“She helps her nephew with his schoolwork and projects,” Kristina Buffalo added, beaming with pride. “We all know that whatever she decides to do in the future she will be amazing.”

Erica Buffalo will graduate from Flowing Wells High School with at least two sizable scholarships. She plans to attend The University of Arizona. (Alana Ward/Submitted)

Finding a place to live is tricky in college

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Tucson Local Media Sta

There are two difficult decisions after high school: where to go to college and where to live while studying. Students can live in the dorm, apartment or remain at home. It’s not the easiest to figure out, but here are four things to consider when making that decision.

Financial factors

All three options have different price points to consider. Apartments around the college tend to be cheaper or more expensive than living in a dorm. Living at home can be free unless parents choose to ask for rent. Take the time to budget what you can afford.

Utilities are important to consider. Most, if not all, utilities are included in a dorm and at home. The price of electricity, internet, water and sewage, etc., adds up when it comes to living in an apartment.

Food costs money wherever you live. In a dorm, there are meal plans that are offered/required to use while living there. At an apartment, you can buy your own food. Your parents might allow you to continue eating the groceries that they buy, or they might ask you to start pitching in.

Don’t forget to consider amenities like a gym or pool. Dorms usually charge fees to go to both, but apartments don’t always have amenities like that. If using a gym is important to you, make sure you add gym memberships or usage fees in

Social life

One of the positive things to come out of college is new friendships — especially in the dorms. Students in apartments can meet new people, but they might not be college students. It’s hard to make new friends while you’re living at home because of commuting. It’s hard to entertain friends in dorm rooms, which don’t allow large gatherings or loud noises.

Apartments allow for all kinds of entertainment at any time of day. Living at home also requires a request to have people over and less privacy when they are over.

Personal needs

If you value your privacy, an apartment might be the best option. Everyone needs alone time, but it’s hard to decide if being alone is more important than making new friends or being with your family. Freedom is another driving factor. Dorms have rules that will limit your freedom, but they have your best interest at heart. An apartment will offer legal restrictions, but it offers the most freedom. Parents will always have rules you must abide by if you lie under their roof.

If you rely on someone taking care of you, like your mom or resident assistant, it’s probably best that you follow that gut instinct and stay with them. Living alone in an apartment is not for the faint of heart. RAs are designed to help make your college experience go by smoothly. Your parents offer a good shoulder to cry

on and they’ll probably set up your medical appointments for you. Decide what’s best for your lifestyle.

Academic impact

Regardless of where you live, homework will have to be done. Determine where the best place is for you to study, write and focus. Roommates can be a distraction that can negatively affect your grade. A designated quiet space is needed to maximize work efficiency.

Living on or around campus gives you access to college resources like libraries or computer labs. Commuting to and from the library is a time-consuming hassle when you have an urgent assignment due. Keep that in mind when deciding where to live.

Choosing where to live is a hard decision and does not need to be set in stone for your entire time in college. Try living in a dorm for one year and see if it fits, and if not, choose other options until it works. Talk to friends and family to help you make the right decision.

the budget.

BASIS senior heads to UA to study medicine

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media Sta

When BASIS Oro Valley senior Daveena Biswas has a spare minute to think, she likes to ponder the brain.

“I feel like the main thing is how much uncertainty there is,” she said. “ e brain is the most complex organ in our bodies. It constantly changes. ere are new diseases, and we don’t know the cure; we don’t know the cause. Because there’s so much unknown about it, it makes it more intriguing to learn what we do know and then build upon that.”

at’s a lot to think about, especially for a 17-year-old. On May 18, however, Biswas will o cially graduate. From there, she heads to the W.A. Fanke Honors College at the University of Arizona.

As an 11th grader, Biswas participated in Students Taking Advantage of Research (STAR) Lab. It’s a UA-sponsored program where high school students interested in molecular and cellular biology may work on research projects and be mentored by scientists.

“I looked more into Alzheimer’s disease and its treatments and how that a ects cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients,” Biswas said. “I was able to learn a lot more about the brain that way.”

Why? e answer is sad.

“One of my family members, she actually recently passed away from Alzheimer’s,” she said.

With graduation on the horizon, however, Biswas is looking to the future.

“I am looking toward going into medicine to become a physician in the future,” she added. “It’s my long-time dream.”

To that end, this August when she enters the UA, Biswas will begin her studies as an honors college student, no small accomplishment because you have to have nearly perfect grades and score at least a 1430 on the SATs.

Still, for a (possible) future neurosurgeon, it’s manageable. In the meantime, it’s a major in neuroscience and a minor in Spanish. Somewhere along the way she’d also like to study business.

Besides her research and studies, Biswas does nd time for fun.

“I love to play volleyball,” she said. “I started in the h grade as a benchwarmer.”

She improved and this year she co-captained the varsity team.

She also plays the guitar, plays golf, bakes cheesecake and works two jobs.

Life is not all classes and study, though. She has other strengths.

"Daveena is one of the kindest and most responsible young people in this class," BASIS counselor Adrienne Fluitt said.

Of course, Biswas’ parents, Sandeep and Soma, cannot say enough about her.

“ e biggest praise that I can give, and my wife also, is that Daveena is a really honest kid,” Sandeep said. “Any feedback that we ask from her, whether that be from studies or anything (else), we can close our eyes and we know that she’s telling the truth.”

Clearly, she’s a dedicated student, something else her parents admire.

“ e last couple of years she has worked so hard,” Sandeep added “It would be night, she would be up to 3, 3:30 in the morning, and then wake up at 6 and leave for school.”

Although there will come a day when Biswas is done with school, it doesn’t mean she will stop acquiring knowledge.

“I’m a lifelong learner,” she said.

Daveena Biswas has been accepted to the W.A. Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona. (Daveena Biswas/Submitted)

Graduate seeks collaboration in a polarized world

SPECIAL TO TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA

Graduating student Sydney Tran has always wondered what makes people unique. As a child, she was curious about people and what made them relate. This desire to understand others increased as she entered high school and began noticing how factors such as race, culture and religion influenced identity, behavior and choices.

Once Tran came to ASU from her hometown in Tucson, she found a place to pursue these interests. Through her classes, she realized she could actually make a career out of doing what she loved – asking questions and conducting research. Indeed, she participated in several research opportunities as a psychology and family and human development student, including CARMA, Children in the Law Lab and multiple research assistant positions.

Through these research experiences, Tran refined her academic interests and began focusing on interpersonal conflict and disagreement in society, especially surrounding such hot topics as politics and religion. Now an aspiring professor, her goal is to find out how people with different identities and beliefs can learn to collaborate.

We caught up with Tran to hear more about her time at ASU and her plans.

Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

(Sydney Tran/Submitted)

Answer: Ever since I was young, I was always curious about what factors made me similar and differentiated me from others. In high school, I became especially interested in how cultural identities such as family, race/ethnicity, religion and political affiliation shaped behavioral outcomes. This curiosity manifested in tons of interesting conversations with friends discussing topics such as the meaning of life, the dissection of friendship compatibility, and the boundary between uniqueness and conformity. While these have shaped my perspective, it wasn’t until I entered ASU that I realized that I could have a career dedicated to getting closer to answering life’s questions via research.

and religious a liation in applied settings like politics.

Question: What are your plans after graduation?

Answer: I will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles pursuing a Ph.D. in social psychology. My research interests are in examining the interactions between social identities like race/ethnicity and religious affiliation in applied settings like politics. I am super excited to delve into research and spend the rest of my life learning.

Question: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

she was so kind, I learned that there’s always support available if you reach out.

Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Answer: Before I entered university, I have always heard stories of uninvolved college professors and how students were simply a nameless face in the mass of students. However, all the professors and academic staff that I have met were sweet and encouraging. For instance, I can remember some professors making an active effort to memorize every student’s name in a class (of 40). In one of my classes, my professor, Dr. Connor Sheehan, actually reached out to me after my class project and invited me to continue the research with him and work on making it into a publication. Because of the competitiveness of academia, I sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome, but the community around me encourages me to try my best and take pride in my accomplishments.

Question: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

Answer: Try and schedule at least one fun event or activity each week. Life gets a little dreary when there’s nothing to look forward to in the short run. Short-term reinforcements are crucial to achieving goals (special thanks to my learning and memory class).

Answer: I was incredibly fortunate to have met so many supportive professors and graduate students who have always believed in me and my capabilities as a scholar. When I was exploring different career pathways during my first semester of college, I met Dr. Stacie Foster during her office hours and we simply talked about life — possibilities after college, how to stay happy, work-life balance, etc. I can’t boil down our conversations into a single lesson, but I really admired her overall character. I first started wanting to become a professor because of my interactions with her. I really believe that it takes a village to succeed, and because

Question: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

Answer: While there are many issues that I am passionate about such as sustainability, promoting equity and encouraging educational pursuits, one problem I would like to address is bridging interpersonal conflict in an increasingly polarized society. I think that it is incredibly important to find ways to start dialogue among individuals of different viewpoints and work together to find solutions.

After graduating with two bachelor’s degrees from ASU, Sydney Tran will pursue a Ph.D. in social psychology at UCLA. Her research interest is examining interactions between social identities such as race/ethnicity

Visit Italy at the Oro Valley Library

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media Sta

So, a trip to Italy is out for the near future. How disappointing. Do the next best thing and read “In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy” by Tucson native Jeff Biggers.

He’ll dish on the island, the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea, at noon Tuesday, May 16, at the Oro Valley Public Library. It turns out the island of Sardinia does not top the list when people think of places to visit in Italy, and that’s unfortunate, Biggers said. “We all tend to think of Italy in terms of the famous landmarks, like going from Rome to Florence,” he said. “We kind of forget that there are these other parts of Italy that are equally as spectacular.”

Biggers should know. He’s been living in Italy during summers and winters since 1989, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he and his wife finally visited Sardinia, and that on a whim.

“We absolutely fell in love with the island,” Biggers said.

Jeff Biggers will give a free talk about his adventures in Sardinia at the launch for his new book, “In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy,” at the Oro Valley Public Library. (Miriam Alarcón Avila/Submitted)

He said the beaches are beautiful. Unfortunately, those beaches are as far as most tourists get. Biggers discovered there is so much more there to get to know.

“Sardinia's history predates even Rome,” he said. “They call it the open museum or endless museum. It has literally thousands — and when I say thousands, I’m talking about 8,000 to 10,000 — neolithic and Bronze Age sites that are absolutely amazing. What we have discovered is that Sardinia, being there in the Mediterranean, was really kind of the

cradle of the Bronze Age, and it really was a nexus for exchange and navigation. It’s really the crossroads for eastern and western Mediterranean.”

Biggers has an affinity for archeological sites, having grown up near the ruins of the Hohokam. As a kid he enjoyed learning about and visiting the digs. He said he recognizes the ancient history of this area and feels it again when he is in Sardinia.

“When you’re walking through buildings that are 3,000 to 4,000 years old, we’re talking a few thousand years older than ancient Rome,” Biggers said.

“It really is mind boggling.”

A full-time writer, Biggers said the last travel book about Sardinia of note was written by D.H. Lawrence, exactly 100 years ago. Lawrence visited the island for only six days and took no notes, but, according to Biggers, it is considered one of the classics in the travel writing genre.

During his research, Biggers said he realized there was a place on the bookshelf for an

updated version.

“It’s definitely a book for the armchair traveler because we can’t all go to Sardinia,” he said. “I wrote the book for my mom, who is nearly 90 there in Tucson, who is not going to go to Sardinia, to give her a picture of it.”

Although the book will not be out until Tuesday, May 23, Biggers will have copies available for purchase at the library.

Je Biggers: “In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy”

When: Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 Where: Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive, Oro Valley Cost: Free admission; books available for purchase.

Info: 520-594-5580, library.pima.gov/ locations/ORO/

Other places to look for his book are: Amazon: http://bitly.ws/DYJh Barnes and Noble: http://bitly.ws/DYJv

Residents come together for a desert-inspired mural

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media Sta

It can be a long road from the drawing board to the completed project. Take for example, the mural on the wall enclosing a recreational area at The Highlands Inc., a 55-plus community in Oro Valley. After two years of planning, drawing and painting, it’s done.

Resident Ron Weihl suggested the mural. He says it would go hand in hand with the adjacent recreation area’s renovation.

“They had redone the putt-putt golf,” painter Sharon Dennis says. “It was nice to have this all refurbished and looking pretty, and then here was this ugly blank wall.”

Enter the members of the art committee, who agreed to the project.

“We said, ‘Oh, the wall’s so big. Maybe if we could start in the middle and do a few things and let it fade out. We’ll see how far we get.’ That lasted three days,” painter Patti Triplett adds.

It took 10 resident artists three months to paint but two years to plan this desert mural at The Highlands. The artists worked in sometimes difficult conditions, including high winds, rain and cold weather. (Noelle Gomez-Haro/Contributor)

The mural is the first thing guests and residents see when they drive into the The Highlands community. Representing the Sonoran Desert, it features saguaro cactuses, a soaring hawk and a hidden

mouse. There’s plenty to see on the 88 linear feet of cinder block wall. It took 10 resident artists 450 volunteer hours to complete.

“I thought, that’s nothing,” painter

Terry Wojdyla says of when she saw the plans. “We can do that in a week, maybe.”

Once the Highlands Outdoor Recre-

ational Activities Committee (HORAC) and the Highlands board of directors approved the design and found the funds, work began. First things first, though. The HORAC patched and cleaned the wall, then added wide swaths of three colors to represent sand, background and sky. After that, the artists began chalking in flora and fauna.

Not all days were productive. Sometimes it rained. Sometimes it was windy, which was a problem because it dried the paint on the palettes even before it could get to the wall. Then some of the artists, who are winter visitors, headed home. Still, those who remained persisted. They painted from January to March, when the last brushstroke was applied.

“We kind of thought that it was going to be easier than it was,” Dennis says.

“Ron, every once in a while, he’d come by and say, ‘Well, do you have any idea how long it might take?’” Dennis recalls. “No! Go away,” Triplett replies, laughing.

As with many projects, the finished job isn’t quite like the original design. First of all, it covers more wall than the painters had anticipated.

“As we were progressing with this, it was like, ‘Oh, we have to have this and we have to have that,’ so it kind of designed itself, because then we thought we need to have some prickly pear,” Triplett says.

“We can’t just have saguaros.”

“Then people would come by and say, ‘Well, you need a bicycle, because we have all the bike trails,’” Dennis says.

“And where’s your hawk? And your desert tortoise,” painter Kay DeLong says.

Each of the 10 painters had their own specialty.

“Terry (Wojdyla) started painting everything that can kill you,” Dennis says.

Then DeLong had the idea to make games out of the painting, like Where’s Waldo? There’s also a list of bugs and animals for which people can search.

Now that the work is done, the group seems quite pleased with it.

“I think we should just be patting ourselves on the back and saying, ‘Good job,’” Dennis says. “We worked hard.”

They suffered for their art.

“Backs hurt, knees hurt because a lot of the stuff is down low,” Triplett says.

“And it’s hard for little old ladies to get down and get back up again,” DeLong adds.

MURAL from page 22

From left, Sharon Dennis, Patti Triplett and Kay DeLong are three of the residents who designed and painted the desert mural on what was once a bare wall. (Noelle Gomez-Haro/Contributor)

ENTERTAINMENT

Tony Kishman celebrates Paul McCartney’s career

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

Tucson native Tony Kishman knows there is an influx of Beatles tribute acts, but he’s found his niche celebrating the whole of Paul McCartney’s career.

“Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney” comes to the Fox Tucson Theatre on Saturday, May 13.

“The show is all about Paul McCartney’s career, from the Beatles days to Wings to solo material,” Kishman says.

“It’s as if Paul himself was doing the show. The show is about his career. I’ve done Beatles tributes since the 1970s. I wanted to do something different.”

Kishman is a music and entertainment veteran. After attending Carson Junior High and Canyon Del Oro High schools, he briefly focused on music at Pima Community College. Eventually, he founded a Top 40 band called Cheap Trix. When Cheap Trix was picking up steam, hitmakers Cheap Trick contacted the band and told it to stop using the name.

“It was about the time that Beatlemania was casting for members,” Kishman says. “I was in a Top 40 band, and we were getting popular. Folks were asking me to audition for the show, and I thought maybe I’d give it a shot. After several auditions, I ended up leaving the band. That was in 1978.”

When his time with “Beatlemania” wrapped in 1985, his love for the band didn’t stop. He played in Beatles tribute bands until 2006, when he segued to a McCartney show.

“Paul, when he goes on tour, he sells out

a stadium or arena in a couple hours,” he says. “I did it on Broadway. I figured now that that was over, why don’t I just do it for myself. That’s why I kept going.”

Initially, he performed around the United States with symphonies. In 2010, he switched to a five-piece band.

“I found it was just as good and a lot easier to do,” he says. “With the orchestra, you have to rehearse, do the charts and bring a conductor. It’s fun to do the fivepiece because you get up and play anything. As long as you have a really good keyboardist, you can cover any song properly. We’ve done a lot of five-piece shows around the country. That’s what we’re bringing to the Fox.”

It’s common to hear “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves Me,” says Kishman, who moved to Syracuse, New

York, three years ago.

“I love those songs, too. But I want to do something different. I want to play a song that people haven’t heard in a while. We’ll do ‘Eleanor Rigby’ at the same time as ‘Hi, Hi, Hi’ and ‘Band on the Run.’ Those are fun songs to play with a really great band.”

Kishman is joined by guitarist/backing vocalist John Merjave (Max Weinberg, Peter Noone, Weeklings); guitarist/bassist/pianist/backing vocalist Paul Averitt (Lawrence Juber, John Fogerty); keyboardist/backing vocalist Arne Wendt (Kings of Suburbia, the Motor City Revue); and drummer Brad Swiger (Hootie

and the Blowfish, the Bellamy Brothers). “The band members I have in my group are seasoned players,” he says. “They work with the most famous people in the world. I feel cradled with talent on the stage.”

Tony Kishman says performing as Paul McCartney in “Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney” is like acting. (Tony Kishman/Submitted)

“Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney comes to the Fox Tucson Theatre on Saturday, May 13. It’s a hometown show for leader Tony Kishman. (Sal Gomez Photography/Contributor)

Athlete of the Week: Miguel Estrada

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

Miguel Estrada wanted me to call him at exactly 7:40 p.m. He had had spring football practice right after school on the legendary Friedli Field at Amphitheater High School and then had hustled over to practice with his club soccer team. He was probably disappointed that he didn’t have time to go to the batting cages and get in a few swings. But finals are coming up and, well, you know. Only a sophomore, he was a first-team all-region selection as a forward on the Amphi soccer team that reached the quarterfinals at state. Next fall, he plans on starting at wide receiver on offense and cornerback on defense for the Panther football team, plus he’s the kicker. He is also the starting catcher and leading hitter for the Amphi baseball team. Estrada wants the Panther football program to get back to the excellence that it enjoyed for decades. (There was one stretch where Amphi went to state in football 20 years in a row.) While it’s unlikely that that will ever happen again (not just for Amphi, but for any school), reaching the state tournament is a reasonable goal. Over the past few years, the Panthers have an overall winning record, including a Region championship, and they were 4-0 and rolling during the

pandemic year when their season was cut short.

When asked which sport he likes the most, he gives the predictable response.

“I like all of them. I guess I like the one that I happen to be playing at the time.”

While he is an all-region player in soccer (with two more years ahead of him),

by all accounts, his best sport is baseball. Unfortunately, this season was a tough one for him and his Panther teammates. Amphi won only three games and lost several contests by wildly lopsided scores.

I asked him what it was like going from a state tournament soccer team to a baseball team that struggled throughout the season.

“You know, it’s not as bad as people think. Everybody wants to win in every sport, but you can make it into (a positive experience). None of my teammates quit. We showed up to practice and worked. It’s just that other teams were better.”

He said that he’s looking forward to next season, but over the off-season will work on his game by playing on a club baseball team. He would like for at least two (if not all three) of his Amphi teams to go to state next year. The football team was on an upswing at the end of last season and 16 of the 19 guys on the soccer team will be back next year.

He recently went to the prom with a four-sport star who is the best female athlete in the school. What is it like, he was asked, to be dating someone who is an even better all-around athlete than you are? Quite quickly, he made a blurt sound, then, thinking better of it, he paused, then said calmly, “Yes, she’s a very good athlete.”

Well played.

The good and the bad of high school sports

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

The good

Northwest-area schools again showed up and showed out in the various state tournaments. The softball teams from Ironwood Ridge, Canyon Del Oro, Marana, and Mountain View all advanced to postseason play, while the baseball teams from CDO, Ironwood Ridge, Marana and Flowing Wells all had a shot at a state title in their respective classes.

The CDO boys will be going for the second straight state title, while the Dorado girls faced off with their nemesis (and defending state champion) Salpointe last Saturday at Amphi High School.

The boys’ teams from Ironwood Ridge, Flowing Wells, Marana and Mountain View all advanced to state in volleyball, while the girls from CDO made state in beach volleyball.

In girls’ tennis, the CDO doubles team of Scarlett Bakken and Jordan Crawford make a strong run all the way to the final four before losing in two sets to a duo from Catalina Foothills. Bakken and Crawford are both only sophomores, so their future is bright.

The bad

I have always tried to be kind and understanding with the Arizona Interscholastic Association, which has the thankless task of trying to herd the various types of cats who inhabit the world of high school athletics in our state. There

are ridiculous parents, out-of-control kids, and shady club coaches trying to skirt the rules in order to suck more money out of the wallets of gullible parents.

The AIA is usually right, but sometimes they are almost gloriously wrong. Two quick examples come to mind.

The AIA website recently had an article about how the boys’ tennis team at Catalina Foothills High School was working on an active stretch where its record was an incredible 140-1 in regular season matches. (How lousy would it be to have been a member of the team that lost that one game?)

I did some research and learned that the Foothills girls had a similar mark, having lost only once in more than 100 regular season matches. I found that loss; it was to big-school powerhouse Desert Mountain (and it wasn’t even close). Both of those teams advanced to state in their respective divisions, but while Foothills cruised to a state championship, Desert Mountain was bounced from the tournament in the second round — not by another team but by a bizarre rule in the AIA handbook.

Each high-school tennis match consists of six singles matches and three doubles matches, so a team can win with a score

of anywhere between 5-4 and 9-0. For as long as anyone can remember, some tennis coaches tried to pull a fast one in order to increase their chances of winning the overall match. Say that the coach of Team B looks at the upcoming opponent and realizes that his No. 1 and No. 3 players are both likely to lose their respective singles matches. So he flip-flops them, throwing the No. 3 player to the wolves while having his top player play the opposing No. 3 player. That way, he comes out 1-1 in those two matches instead of 0-2.

That was very common practice for decades until the AIA addressed it. They put in measures to (mostly) keep coaches from doing that. But then they added a kicker that had a devastating effect.

When Desert Mountain went to state that year, they were so devastatingly good that they knew that they would crush their first-round opponent. So, the DM coach, in a noble gesture, allowed some of his lower-level kids to play so they could say that they played in the state tournament.

When they got to the second round, he put his top six players back in the normal lineup. However, the AIA has a rule that says that the roster used in the first

round must be used throughout the tournament — no changing of players (except for a verifiable injury) and no changing of the order. The coach didn’t know the rule and his team, which was two-time defending state champion, was disqualified.

There was a weird echo of that rule this year. In beach volleyball, the AIA holds team championships and also holds championships for individual two-person teams. Salpointe won the Division II State championship (they belong in Division I, but you know Salpointe). The top pair for Salpointe was an odds-on favorite to win that pairs title.

Sadly, one of the players, Francesca Pieroni, suffered a broken leg the week before the tournament. But, according to an even-weirder AIA rule, her partner, Megan Muehlebach (the daughter of former UA basketball star Matt Muehlebach), was barred from selecting a different partner, even because of a broken leg! These rules don’t just pop up out of nowhere. Obviously, at some time in the past, a coach or two have tried to pull a fast one and got caught. Still, it would be nice if rules and regulations could be tempered occasionally with a little bit of common sense.

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Edited by WIll Shortz

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