Marana News 06/21/2023

www.Maranaweeklynews.com

Chamber celebrates IFLY Pilot Training

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Contributor

n the airport runway, with two training planes on each side of him, Erwin Castillo and Marana Chamber of Commerce members celebrated IFLY Pilot Training with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“It’s been an honor to serve Marana Regional Airport with the amount of students we have

taught,” said Castillo, an IFLY gold seal instructor. “We make sure we take care of everybody here at the airport. We’re teaching safety first, but it’s got to be fun.”

The flight school celebrated with the chamber of commerce on June 9, at the Marana Regional Airport. The festivities included words from Castillo and the Chamber CEO Amanda Wiggins. Mayor

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Contributor

Council voted June 6 to reappoint four members to the seven-person Marana planning commission.

They work to make recommendations on zoning and land use and shape the town’s development.

Made up of councilmembers Patti Comerford, John Officer and Jackie Craig, the appointing committee reselected John Flint, Thomas Schnee, Joseph Parsons and John McIntyre. All reapplied for their four-year positions that were set to expire later this month.

Alison Boelts, Kathryn Mikronis, Darren Wright, Kathryn Kossse and Kelly Lee also applied.

see PILOT page 22 see COMISSION page 22

Flight instructor Erwin Castillo cuts the ribbon to celebrate IFLY Pilot Training in Marana. (Veronica Ku el/Contributor)

A Senior Living Option as Unique as You.

La Posada at Pusch Ridge Now Under Construction

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

Thursday, July 6

Friday, August 4

Tuesday, September 12

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

SADDLEBROOKE 2 BALLROOM

Friday, July 21

Friday, August 18

Thursday, September 14

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

"SHE SAVED MY LIFE"

Oro Valley resident Dawn R. had been experiencing the painful side eff ects of Peripheral Neuropath y. "My feet and legs were extremely painf ul and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do, and that I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my li fe." Then she met Oro Valley's very own Kari Hahn, L.Ac.

Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused b y nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Dawn explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful. "How can you live for the next 30 years when you don't even want to get out of bed to do simple things?"

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering with neuropathy often describe. "The way that I would describe it, it's equivalent to walking on glass." Dawn hadn't worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would 'touch' her feet.

Unfortunately Dawn's story is all too familiar for the over 20 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.

If you're unfortunate enough t o be facing the same disheartening prognosis, perhaps you're not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You may have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You're possibly struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall. Your doctor may have told you to 'just live with the pain' and you may be taking medications that aren't working o r have uncomfortable side effects.

Fortunately, four months ago, Dawn read an article about Kari Hahn and the work she was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, without invasive surgeries or medications.

Kari Hahn, founder of Oro Valley Acupuncture, is using the time tested science of Acupuncture along with other modern therapies to assist in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.

"Now when I go to bed at night I don't have those shooting pains. I don't have that burning sensation. I don't have pain coming up my legs," Dawn enthusiastically describes life after receiving Kari's treatments. "I can wear socks and shoes!"

Dawn and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.

"It's life altering. As far as I'm concerned Kari saved my life!"

Kari Hahn has been helping the senior community for over 19 years using the most cutting edge and innovative integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those that have been deemed 'h opeless' or 'u ntreatable', she consistently generates unparalleled results. What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of Oro Valley.

If you've missed too many tee times because of pain or you've passed on activities with the grandkids because you're afraid of falling, it's time to call Kari and the staff at Oro Valley Acupuncture.

It's time you let your golden years BE GOLDEN!

Oro Valley Acupuncture is now accepting new patients but only for a limited time. In an effort to protect her patients, both current and future, she has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in her clinic. Only 20 new neuropathy patients will be accepted before the end of summer, so call (520) 532-2012 now to schedule a consultation. Mention this ad for a consult fee of $30 for our New Patient Offer.

Hot Picks

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

ARTS

Linda McCartney Retrospective TO AUG. 4

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

Cool Summer Nights TO AUG.

26

Every Saturday night, the Sonora Desert Museum celebrates summer with families. On Saturday, June 10, wear blue for World Oceans Night, featuring animals and a playhouse. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, tickets start at $20, free for members, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 520-8331380, desertmuseum.org

MUSIC Decker.

JUNE 23

Decker. stops by Tucson

to celebrate the release of “Ouroboros.” Support acts are Carlos Arzate and the Kind Souls, and The Senators. The show is 21 and older.

Hotel Congress’ Club Congress, 311 W. Congress, Tucson, $12 in advance, $15 day of show, 8:30 p.m., hotelcongress. com

SPECIAL EVENTS

“Tombstone” 30th Cast Reunion

JUNE 23 TO JUNE 25

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film “Tombstone” with special guests, including Michael Biehn (Johnny Ringo); Dana Wheeler-Nicholson (Mattie Earp); Joanna Pacula (Kate); Christopher Mitchum (Hooker’s Ranch foreman); John Philbin and Robert Burke (Tom and Frank McLaury) and Peter Sherayko (Texas Jack

see HOT PICKS page 6

5-DAY

EXPLORER

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

STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher

Michael Hiatt, Vice President

Claudine Sowards, Accounting claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com

EDITORIAL

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

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

Jack Meissner, Sta Reporter jmeissner@tucsonlocalmedia

PRODUCTION

Courtney Oldham Production/Design Supervisor production@timeslocalmedia.com

Arman Olivares, Graphic Designer aolivares@timeslocalmedia.com

CIRCULATION

Aaron Kolodny, Circulation Director, aaron@phoenix.org

ADVERTISING

TLMSales@TucsonLocalMedia.com

Laura Meehan, Associate Publisher, lmeehan@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Kristin Chester, Account Executive kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Candace Murray, Account Executive candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Leah Pittman, Account Executive lpittman@tucsonlocalmedia.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

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

EDITORIAL

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

(above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

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.

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

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.

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

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

It’s completely painless!

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

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

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

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

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage

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

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until June 30th, 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.

Vermillion). Billy Zane was recently added to the lineup of guests. Selection of free and ticketed events throughout Tombstone. Tombstone, see website for locations, ticket prices and times, tombstone30th.com

“West Side Story” Movie Musical Sing Along

JUNE 24

West Side Story is the award-winning adaptation of the classic romantic tragedy “Romeo and Juliet.” The feuding families become two warring New York City gangs — the white Jets led by Riff and the Latino Sharks, led by Bernardo. Their hatred escalates to a point where neither can coexist with any form of understanding. But when Riff’s best friend (and former Jet) Tony and Bernardo’s younger sister Maria meet at a dance, no one can do anything to stop their love. Maria and Tony begin meeting in secret, planning to run away. Then the Sharks and Jets plan a rumble under the highway — whoever wins gains control of the streets. Maria sends Tony to stop it, hoping it can end the violence. It goes terribly wrong, and before the lovers know what’s happened,

tragedy strikes and doesn’t stop until the climactic and heartbreaking ending..

Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress, Tucson, $12.50 with discounts for students, seniors and military, 7 p.m., foxtucson. com

Female Gaze

JUNE 27

The local indie band Female Gaze will perform its indie rock sounds during a show at Club Congress.

Club Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, $8, 7 p.m., hotelcongress.com

Star Spangled Spectacular

JULY 4

Marana’s largest Signature Event is nestled behind the Arizona Pavilions shopping center and within the Continental Ranch neighborhood, making it the perfect event for residents to walk to or enjoy the fireworks from many vantage points. Residents and visitors spend the day shopping and eating at the nearby stores and restaurants before coming over to enjoy an evening in the park.

Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road, Marana, free, 5 to 9:30 p.m., maranaaz.gov

July 4th Celebration

JULY 4

Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks in Oro Valley. This year’s event is emceed by Frank Powers, with special guests Heart and Soul.

James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia, Oro Valley, free, 5 to 9:15 p.m., orovalleyaz.gov

La Encantada + Lululemon Present Moon

Glow 520

JULY 7

Join the group in the Courtyard for Moon Glow 520. These Friday evening yoga classes are complimentary. Guests should bring their own yoga mat and water bottle. Presented by Lululemon, in partnership with Yoga Loft Tucson.

La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, Tucson, free, 6:30 p.m., laencantadashoppingcenter.com

Biosphere 2 DAILY

We may have experienced an earlier iteration of the Biosphere as something like a passive “zoo” of biomes, but now the focus

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

Biosphere 2, 32540 S. Biosphere Road, Tucson, $25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., biosphere2. org

Dog Days of Summer TO SEPT. 30

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

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

TOWN OF ORO VALLEY

Celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks in the Town of Oro Valley! This free event includes: food trucks, jumping castles, face painting, a beer garden, kids cra s and activities, lawn games and much more.

The Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be open 5 to 8:30 p.m.

FIREWORKS AT 9 P.M.

EVENT SCHEDULE

5 p.m.

Event opens

6:15 – 7 p.m.

Onstage performance by Heart & Soul

7:15 – 7:45 p.m.

Entertainment by Frank! Powers

8 – 8:50 p.m.

Onstage performance by Heart & Soul

9 – 9:20 p.m.

Firework show

CELEBRATION

5 - 9:15 P.M. | James D. Kriegh Park 23 W. Calle Concordia

For parking details or more event information, scan the QR code or visit orovalleyaz.gov

A tribute 18 years in the making

BY DEAN WINGERT Vice President

Crown West Land Group

If only Mike Etter had lived to see this.

The team at Crown West Land Group, the developer of the Gladden Farms community in north Marana, decided in 2005 to memorialize their colleague, Mike Etter, by naming a future major street within the community for him.

The street name, Mike Etter Boulevard, was established on the planning documents for Gladden Farms shortly after Mike’s death, but it took all this time for the roadway to finally be developed in his memory.

Mike was considered a vital member of the Gladden Farms team in the early years. He put tremendous effort into the project and cared deeply about its success. When he passed away from brain cancer in 2005 we wanted to recognize his hard work and make sure that he wasn’t forgotten.

Crown West Land Group decided to name a special street for Mike, and not just any typical subdivision street. It had

to be a major boulevard within the 1,350acre community, now home to over 5,000 Marana residents.

But even as early as 2005, all of the boulevards within the early phases of Gladden Farms already had names, so it was decided to devote a boulevard to Mike in a future phase — a winding looping boulevard over a mile long. So Mike Etter Bou-

levard was established, on paper at least.

The Great Recession threw the development of Gladden Farms off schedule, so after the initial 1,000 homes were constructed and sold, things slowed down considerably. Only 300 additional homes were added in the entire period from 2008 through 2015.

As the market ramped back up, the

company was able to develop additional phases of the community and over the last few years Gladden Farms has grown at a tremendous pace.

Construction started on the first leg of Mike Etter Boulevard in 2020, and it’s entire 1-mile length is now nearly complete. It means a great deal to all of us to see all of this come together.

Mike made a lasting impact even though he only lived in Tucson for a few years. When the development of Gladden Farms began in 2003, Mike and his wife, Jan, were living in Las Vegas, where Mike worked on a large land development project in that area.

Mike and Jan were willing to relocate to Tucson, and Mike threw himself wholeheartedly into his project management role at Gladden Farms.

Mike was a tremendously dedicated employee and everybody loved working with him. Notably, he truly cared about creating a great community filled with attractive neighborhoods and parks.

When his brain tumor was diagnosed in 2004, Mike wouldn’t let anyone feel sorry for him and he didn’t want it to slow him down at all. It’s really appropriate that his name will live on within this community that he cared for so much.

Tucson native serves with U.S. Navy

BY MEGAN BROWN Navy O ce of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 2nd Class Lydia Petrillose, a native of Tucson, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (Georgia).

A 2010 Canyon Del Oro High School graduate, Petrillose joined the Navy six years ago.

“I joined the Navy to try to learn new trade skills,” Petrillose said. Skills and values similar to those found in Tucson are important to succeed in the military.

“My hometown taught me to work hard,” Petrillose said. “Working hard is important because in the Navy you are part of a team,

and you need to work hard to succeed at the mission.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

“Our mission remains timeless — to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of Naval operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

As a member of the Navy, Petrillose is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

As Petrillose and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride,” Petrillose said.

Petrillose is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my husband, Nicholas, for helping me and always being there for me,” Petrillose said.

Mike Etter Boulevard, with its dramatic midpoint architectural feature, is located within the heart of the Gladden Farms master-planned community. ((Chris Mooney Photography/Contributor)

Tucson native Petty O cer 2nd Class Lydia Petrillose serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (Georgia). (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josiah Trombley/ Navy O ce of Community Outreach)

Marana prepares for monsoon

BY FAUSTO BURRUEL Marana Public Works Director

It’s that time of year when summer kicks in, kids are out of school and Arizona turns up the heat. It’s time for vacations, rest and relaxation — or is it?

This time of year also means monsoon, which could include considerable storm activity, strong winds and torrential rain. We love the rain in Arizona, but sometimes too much of a good thing can lead to flooding. When the summer storms kick in, that means the busy time of year begins for many members of the public works department.

Good thing we have a monsoon preparedness plan!

Preparation is key. In the weeks leading up to monsoon, storm channels and vegetation are cleared, and roadside grading is performed. This will hopefully minimize any damage throughout the season. In the event of a storm emergency, town staff and emergency responders will be on call to help. Just

a few minutes of rain can result in damaging flash floods, and with the combined efforts of staff and resident actions, we can work to have a safe monsoon season.

Which brings me to our most important message: When in doubt, wait it out!

If you are driving and see a dust or rainstorm ahead, pull over. Avoid crossing flooded washes. Even if the water doesn’t look deep, a few inches pose a serious threat. If you are driving in the rain, reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking. Heavy rains can make visibility challenging. To increase visibility, check your windshield wipers before driving and replace them if necessary. Always expect the unexpected, and pack extra supplies, drinking water and an emergency kit wherever you go.

Public works streets division has established self-fill sandbag locations throughout Marana so that our residents may prepare for the summer storms as well. Sandbags can be picked up at the following locations (shovels

not provided):

• Marana Heritage River Park: 12280 N. Heritage Park Drive

• Camino De Manana and Tangerine Road, northeast corner: 4228 W. Tangerine Road

• Silverbell Road and Linda Vista Boulevard, southeast corner: 8057 W. Linda Vista Boulevard.

Now that we’ve talked about the monsoons and what public works does during this busy time of year, I’d like to take a moment to highlight some of the other divisions within public works.

Town of Marana Publics Works Department consists of several divisions, including streets, airport, capital improvement program (CIP), facilities, fleet and traffic. Each of these divisions plays a key role in providing essential services to the Marana community and employees that work for the town.

The airport division oversees the operation of the Marana Regional Airport and works directly with the Federal Aviation Admin-

istration and the Arizona Department of Transportation for ongoing airport projects.

This year, the emphasis has been on increasing the APMS (airport maintenance system) by increasing in-house pavement repairs and maintenance, including crack sealing, mastic and striping. In April, the airport staff alongside with public works asphalt crew crack sealed over 100,000 square feet of Taxiway E, using over 40,000 pounds of mastic.

The capital improvement program division is in high gear working on several projects. A few of the projects that are currently in design and then will go into construction are the Marana Community and Aquatic Center, Marana Airport Air Traffic Control Tower, El Rio Disc Golf Course, Saguaro Bloom Community Park and the Gladden Farms Baseball Fields.

Another big part of the CIP division is see MONSOON page 22

SUMMERTIME

MOVIE FUN IN TUCSON’S

SING-ALONG MOVIES

WEST SIDE STORY 6/24

ANNIE 7/22

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN 8/26

picture palace

AIR CONDITIONED COMFORT RAIN OR SHINE!

MUSIC & MOVIES

2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN

SUNDAY FAMILY MATINEES

MARY POPPINS 7/9

BABE 7/16

FANTASTIC MR. FOX 7/23

THE MUPPET MOVIE 7/30

Music: BACK TO BACHARACH

Movie: BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID 7/8

MY BEST FRIEND

Our annual celebration of pets

New El Jefe café is the cat’s meow

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media Sta

The road to Ti any Lee’s El Jefe Cat Café was an exercise in patience.

A er months of hitting dead ends with spaces, the entrepreneur found the perfect spot for a cat lounge at 3025 N. Campbell Avenue, Suite 141, Tucson. e lounge, which opened on Halloween 2019, didn’t have beverage service, instead the sta encouraged guests to hang out with cats.

“It’s a blessing because it’s absolutely the best space we could have chosen,” she said. “Unfortunately, it was bad timing. It was Halloween of 2019. We had four and a half months before we had to close due to the pandemic because we’re a place of gathering. We closed for ve months.”

She could not get PPP loans because she wasn’t taking payroll. Turning to her entrepreneurial skills, Lee started sewing animaland Tucson-themed face masks.

“Literally, we were sewing 50 face masks a day,” she said.

“Even when we were allowed to open

and people were allowed to go out, we still received the online orders for face masks. Somehow, someway, we made it through COVID.”

On May 11, she and her daughter, Victoria Brown, unveiled the El Jefe Cat Café, complete with espresso drinks, co ee, tea, hot chocolate and Italian sodas to enjoy while mingling with the cats.

Lee said she feels blessed to be part of the Tucson community. Friends and neighbors supported her e orts through the pandemic — nancially and through word of mouth.

“I don’t know any other community or city like this,” she said. “Tucson residents just get ‘local’ and they decided what they wanted to stay during COVID.

“ ey supported us. ey went out of their way. People in grocery lines would ask each other where they bought their masks, and they could give them our Facebook links.

“ ey kept us a oat.”

Various stories tell the tales of cat cafés.

Some say they started in Vienna in 1912, while others cite the rst one opening in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1998. In the United States, most cafés focus on adoptions.

El Jefe Cat Café is no di erent. Its resident felines come from Finally My Forever Home Rescue in Tucson. All the furry friends are healthy and available for adoption, which isn’t required. Guests can just come in and play with the cats. Lee is quick to add that El Jefe Cat Café is not a shelter or rescue.

“ ey started out in Asia for a purpose,” Lee said.

“It was probably eight years before it hit America. It started in Denver and Seattle and the concept changed. In Asia, their living quarters were getting smaller and smaller and couldn’t have pets.

Jefe Cat Café allows guests to

are available for adoption. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

“So, they have high-end cats in cafés with co ee. ey were like zoo animals, permanent cats. at doesn’t translate well with the United States. When the model came over to the United States, everybody started working with rescues. e cats are all adoptable. ey have fun, they don’t feel guilty. ey play with them.

During the grand opening celebration/ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 10, Lee was in tears.

“As a female-owned business — and somebody who’s been funding everything out of her own pocket or credit card — it was a very, very hard endeavor,” she said.

“It was uphill the entire time. I believe in Tucson the entire time, though. ey’ve really come through. Now, I’d say 80% of my customers are completely new people or tourists. ey’re usually in big cities and people want to visit a cat café.”

An Arkansas native, Lee said she hopes she makes Tucsonans proud.

“I wanted to represent a lot of Tucson in our space,” she said. “ at’s why we’ve incorporated the décor and murals. We’re trying to share local businesses in our space as well. We want it to be a tourist destination on top of something that local Tucsonans are proud of.”

And the cats as well.

“I’m just an entrepreneur and I was looking for a business that had more purpose than chasing a carrot,” she said.

“I like that this helped people destress, have fun and create memories.”

El Jefe Cat Café

3025 N. Campbell Avenue, Suite 141, Tucson

520-849-8856, eljefecatlounge.com

Hours:

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and Sunday

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

El

mingle with feline friends, who

Tiffany Lee and her daughter, Victoria Brown, own El Jefe Cat Café. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

Low-cost vet practice to open location

BY TUCSON WEEKLY STAFF

After finding success with its mobile practice, Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, will open its first brick-and-mortar location in Tucson in July.

The new facility at 8860 E. Broadway Boulevard will have the capacity to complete 60 to 80 surgeries per day, focusing on low-cost operations such as dental work, spays and neuters, mass and tumor removals and bladder stones.

“Our business strategy was created to provide worried parents with a reliable location for their pets’ care,” said Douglas Patriquin, co-owner and chief executive officer of Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit.

“We take great pride in offering treatments and procedures at just a third of the typical price so that more pets can receive the high-quality care that they deserve.”

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit has six doctors, five in Arizona. The practice provides an extensive surgical prep area, large surgical areas that accommodate two doctors and a recovery area for post-operative care. Each doctor can perform more than 18 surgeries per day.

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit was founded in 2016 by Dr. Kelly Patriquin and Doug Patriquin, who sought to establish a veterinary clinic that could serve more pets. Since its inception, the clinic has performed more than 100,000 pet surgeries, assisted over 150,000 clients, and served at least 80 pet rescue organizations. The clinic expanded by 60% in 2022, 50% in 2021, and 160% in the previous three

years. In 2023, they will see another 50% increase while adding two to three more locations, including the Broadway Boulevard practice

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit Opening in July

8860 E. Broadway Boulevard at Camino Seco, Tucson drkellysvet.com

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit was founded in 2016 by Dr. Kelly Patriquin and Doug Patriquin, who sought to establish a veterinary clinic that could serve more pets. (Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit/Submitted)

Having trouble seeing a vet? Here’s why

BY TIFFANY KJOS Tucson Local Media Contributor

You can’t get your cat in to see the vet. No one answers the phone. is is not your imagination.

“It’s dire right now. If anyone has tried to get an appointment with their veterinarian, they’ve likely discovered it’s several weeks before you can get in,” Julie Funk, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona, said.

e veterinary crisis preceded COVID-19 but it is hard to deny the pandemic’s e ects. e ASPCA reports that around 23 million households adopted a pet during the pandemic.

“ e number of animals that people own right now will surpass the number of veterinarians by 2025. at’s alarming,” said Karla Lombana, program director for veterinary technology at Pima Community College. She had a practice in Tucson before joining PCC.

People stayed home and took on pets

that may have had health challenges (which most animal-adoption agencies divulge immediately). Pet owners saw previously unnoticed medical problems in pets.

e UA College of Veterinary Medicine will in late August graduate its rst class of 105 students with doctor of veterinary medicine degrees. Around the same time 110 students will enter their rst semester in the college’s year-round accelerated program in which they attain degrees in three years rather than the usual four.

Pima Community College has a long-established program training veterinary nurses (formerly known as vet techs). It’s one of the most cost-feasible options for anyone wanting to enter the eld. Pima Medical Institute also o ers courses, but at a far higher cost.

e Humane Society of Southern Arizona helped put in place a state tuition-reimbursement law that aims to encourage

see VET page 18

Christian Gonzalez, chief programs officer at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, says the organization works hard to recruit people. (Humane Society of Southern Arizona/Submitted)

Avicultural Society isn’t just for the birds

BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media Sta

Roseanne Lee has 26 birds, and guests to her place might want to watch their step.

“The birds come out every day,” Lee said. “They’re hardly ever in the cage. We also find seeds, feathers, poop; we’re always cleaning.”

The first bird Joyce Lekawa befriended was a baby parakeet, only a couple of months old, with a preference for water.

“It loved water,” Lekawa said. “It would do anything to get in the water. You’re doing dishes and it would jump in. We had a fishbowl, and we had to put wire over it because it would jump in.”

Lekawa and Lee are members of the Avicultural Society of Tucson, comprised of 30 bird lovers. This is not a club for birdwatchers, though that could be a side hobby. The group loves birds and has them as pets and family members.

The club meets on the second Sunday of each month, except May, when they meet the first Sunday. The meetings host guest speakers, who may discuss the dangers of plants or household cleaners. They have raffles where a member might win a toy or a swing for their birds. Sometimes there are even birds on the raffle table.

Lekawa is the longest-tenured member, having joined the club in 1977.

Bird lovers pet and cuddle their avian friends just as much as those with cats and dogs. They are careful about what they feed their birds and they talk to them like children.

“Come here, Poppy,” Lee said, while trying to coax the cockatiel to perform. “Do your trick. Aren’t you going to do your trick? Where are you going, sweetheart? Can you say ‘Hello?’”

The club’s treasurer and secretary, Lee had birds as a child, but in deference to others in her own household, chose not to have them.

During the pandemic, she got a cockatiel named Poppy. Then she got Mali, a parakeet. Twenty-six birds later, cages line two walls in her family room.

A birdsong chorus greets guests to the room. It’s not a cacophony; but a lovely natural sound. Still, it’s constant — and

it can get loud.

Lee favors smaller birds so, besides the many parakeets and cockatiels who often fly around, she also has a collection of zebra finches. They’re not as social as their larger roommates. They are more feral, unless they are hand raised from the shell.

Lekawa, who has an African gray parrot and two Gouldian finches, was raised on a farm so she knew ducks and geese. It wasn’t until she acquired the parakeet, however, that she started to really enjoy feathered company.

Her first parakeet lived for years, which leads to an important point. Some species live up to 50, 70 or even 100 years, according to Lekawa.

“You have to put them in your will or find someone who will take them that has a love of birds and knows what they’re doing,” she said.

Because birds are smart and can imitate just about any sound, she knows what her husband has been watching when she gets home simply by what her birds tell her.

“You were watching ‘Star Wars,’” she said.

How did she know? They were saying, “Pew, pew.”

One thing is certain: the birds recognize their family members. Let a stranger try to hand feed them and forget it. That bird takes off.

Lekawa and Lee both said newbies should start with one of the smaller species, such as a parakeet or lovebirds. Pet store parakeets come in at around $50, plus, they need a cage, food and toys.

Larger birds, such as the African grays, begin at about $1,500. If their feathers are unusually colored, they can run $15,000 or more.

They suggest bird owners visit club meetings to learn how to take care of them.

The pair encourage everyone to consider getting a bird.

“They are a delight,” Lee said of her own avian crew.

Aviculture Society of Tucson astbirdclub.org facebook.com/groups/ASTbirdclub

Joyce Ledawa is president of the Aviculture Society of Tucson, a bird lovers’ group. Mali enjoys sitting on her head. (Karen Scha ner/Sta )

Poppy the cockatiel was the rst bird Roseanne Lee bought. That was in 2021; now she has 26 birds: parakeets, cockatiels and zebra nches. (Karen Scha ner/Submitted)

Grooming is not just about making dogs look good. It also plays a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. Regular grooming can help prevent skin infections, detect eas and ticks, and maintain a health coat and skin.

Different breeds of dogs require different grooming techniques. For example: long haired breeds like the Maltese or Shih Tzu require daily brushing and regular haircuts, while short haired breeds like the Boxer or Doberman Pinscher require less frequent grooming.

Grooming should start at an early age. Puppies should be introduced to grooming gradually, to make the experience positive and prevent fear or anxiety later in life. This includes handling, brushing and bathing.

Kristine Berg’s boarding business

is a ‘Howling Success’

BY ANYA LOTUN Tucson Local Media Sta

At Howling Success, Kristine Berg just wants dogs to be happy.

Armed with extensive knowledge about dogs, Berg founded the cagefree facility to board canines older than 10 months. Berg makes the dogs feel at home with a spacious house, 50-foot pool, agility equipment, balance balls and an obstacle course.

“I try to keep them busy all the time,” Berg said.

“We have a schedule that we follow every day. Just like kindergarten, we have an a ernoon nap time. I just try to keep them happy. at’s the big thing.”

Berg has been working with dogs since 1977. When she was 16, she went to Munich, Germany, for six months to visit her sister. Upon her return, she found her parents had given away her Doberman.

“I tracked down the trainer and he had already placed the dog,” she said. “He was impressed with what I had done. I lived with him and his wife. I ended up running his whole business.

A mentor at LA-based Animal Behavior College, she is a nationally certi ed animal cruelty investigator.

Berg is con dent in her abilities, but she encourages dog owners to visit the day care in advance by appointment only. All dogs are required to be spayed/neutered. Berg recommends that the best dogs for boarding and day care are social, outgoing and unaggressive.

When pet parents drop o their dogs, food should be in a labeled, airtight container, and they can bring a dog bed, if desired. In addition, there is no extra charge for administering medication to the pets.

e boarding rates are based on a 24-hour day; $60 per day for one dog.

e facility is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Furthermore, a dog day care, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. is available for a $35 fee.

Berg said cage-free facilities are bene cial to the dog’s well-being, as it provides for a calmer environment and happier dogs.

“ ere’s less stress, socialization, happier dogs, and it’s overall better for the dog’s psyche,” she added.

Howling Success is located at Berg’s home, which she bought speci cally for her business. ere are many doors for dogs to use, as well as beds and couches. She reassured that safety is her priority. She even sends photos, videos and updates of the pets to the owners.

“I know what it feels like to leave your dogs… I take group photos of the dogs and send them to the owners,” she said. “To me, that’s the most important thing for me when I go away, is to know my dog is safe”.

e yard is secured so snakes and other critters cannot get in. She keeps anti-anxiety dog beds for those who are nervous.

“ ey’re really u y dog beds made to soothe the dog,” she said.

To make sure dogs feel welcome, Berg considers their well-being and ensures the transition into her home is as smooth as possible.

“I monitor the dogs too,” she ex-

plained.

“I don’t let any dogs get picked on, I make sure everything is always fair. Sometimes you’ll get a shy dog who doesn’t want other dogs around them and I make sure they get le alone. I respect each dog for their personality, and I try to keep them comfortable and not stressed.”

Berg’s philosophy is to help the dogs in any way she can.

“I’ve always gone by this, I try to make the dog somehow better when they go home than they were when they came,” she said.

She said her business is picking up, especially from word-of-mouth referrals.

“ e buzz is starting to get out there, which I’m really thrilled about,” she said. “I have one guy who ies his dog in from Reno to swim in my pool. Others come from Phoenix, or the other side of Tucson. It’s really nice to know that the world’s getting out.”

Howling Success

12252 W. Calle Madero, Tucson

520-448-1510

howlingsuccess.com

Howling Success owner Kristine Berg says dogs feel comfortable at her day care and boarding facility. (Kristine Berg/Submitted)

Foster - we receive many kittens (and cats) that need a home environment to thrive Bottle babies can be labor intensive but most cats just need a quiet, loving place to recuperate.

Volunteer - with over 200 cats you know there's always something needing to be done! From cleaning, to maintenance and everything in between, we need your help.

Adopt - we have over 200 cats and kittens ready for adoption There's sure to be the purr-fect feline friend for you at the Hermitage Ask about our July adoption specials! Mention this ad and get a free bumper sticker!

Donate - our adoption fees don't begin to cover the costs of housing, feeding and caring for our cat residents. Any amount helps!

Handi-Dogs, Tucson’s only Assistance Dogs International affiliate, trains people and their dogs as certified service dogs. Our dedicated volunteers have been raising purebred Labrador Retriever puppies specifically bred for service work. If you need a service dog, we have three dogs ready to match with individuals with disabilities, including hearing loss, mobility assistance, PTSD/ depression, and diabetic alert.

Day Community Park, 7601 N Mona Lisa Drive, Tucson Fun Walk: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Adoption event: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

people in the veterinary profession to

e humane society’s CEO, Steve Farley, “felt strongly about having a huge incentive for all vet graduates to stay and practice in Arizona to help ll a lot of these gaps that are currently in place… it has been hard to ll any position a er COVID. ere have not been a lot of people looking for work,” according to Christian Gonzalez, chief programs o cer at the Humane Society.

at is endemic in virtually every industry.

“Between the tight labor market, low unemployment and fewer numbers of individuals in the 16-to-24 demographic as compared to previous generations, employers are facing considerable challenges nding quali ed workers,” said Michael Guymon, president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber.

is has had a considerable impact. Also, it’s already di cult caring for animals — many in the industry experience

“compassion fatigue:” Dealing with sick pets and their distraught owners is wearing.

“ e animal welfare eld in general, due to its high emotionally driven environment, can make for high turnover in sta ,” said Gonzalez of the Humane Society.

Some people, such as Rachel Levinsohn, a veterinary hospital administrator in Tucson, have been at the front for years, yet soldier on. And she has good ideas about how you can help your pets and your vet, probably the most important of which is this: Take your pet for an annual checkup. Sounds simple, doesn’t happen o en enough, and can prevent unscheduled visits to your already overwhelmed veterinarian and give them a history of your cat, or dog, or bird, or iguana, so they don’t have to die of an undiagnosed illness such as kidney failure, which can be tracked annually via a simple blood test.

“Establish care with the veterinarian. Create that relationship. at is the easiest way to keep your pet’s health on track,” Levinsohn said. “You would catch something before it’s an issue.”

The College of Veterinary Medicine has been a long-term dream for the state of Arizona and the University of Arizona,” says the college’s inaugural dean, Julie Funk. In August the college will graduate its first class of students with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. (University of Arizona/Submitted)

VET from page 13

Are the Arizona Diamondbacks for real?

BY TOM DANEHY

Tucson Local Media Columnist

The Arizona Diamondbacks have the best record in the National League West, as of deadline. And it’s the middle of June. It’s not like it’s the rst week of April and the Diamondbacks took two out of three games from the Colorado Rockies. A er going 5-0 on a road trip back east, they stand at 41-25. It’s a winning percentage of 61%, which extrapolated over an entire season, would result in 100 wins and an absolutely guaranteed spot in the playo s, if not a National League West title.

is is crazy stu from a team that lost 110 games just two years ago. And it’s not like they made some monster trades and brought in Kevin Durant. (Oops, wrong sport, sore spot.) ey have built from within, stayed the course, and the results are stunning.

I went back and looked and all the preseason magazines, the Athletic, Sports Illustrated and the major newspapers all had the Diamondbacks nishing no better than fourth in the ve-team NL West. ey were picked to nish ahead of the Colorado Rockies, who were predicted to be awful and have lived down to everybody’s expectations. A couple people thought that the Diamondbacks might challenge the San Francisco Giants for third place, but that was about it.

e race — or so everyone thought — was going to be between the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been to the playo s nine times in the past 10 years and won a championship in the bubble during the pandemic season, and the upstart San Diego Padres, who actually bounced the Dodgers out of the playo s last year.

e Dodgers are no longer the lovable Bums from Brooklyn, nor are they the squeaky-clean overachievers from the rst couple decades in Los Angeles. ey’re now Exxon-Mobil and Google and then Exxon-Mobil again. ey’re the Yankees of the West Coast, buying their way to near greatness. en, last year, San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler decided that he

worst loss totals in the history of baseball), they improved by a phenomenal 22 games last year, nishing 74-88. If they continue at the current pace, they will have enjoyed an even greater yearover-year improvement this season.

Baseball has always been obsessed with statistics, but trying to explain Arizona’s success so far this season through stats is a murky quest. While they have Zac Gallen, whom many believe is a serious candidate to win the Cy Young Award, the rest of their pitching sta is pretty average. If fact, their team ERA stands at eighth among the 15 National League teams, smack dab in the middle. eir record in one-run games — usually a solid indicator of a winning team — is a relatively mediocre 11-8.

ey do have the highest team batting average in the National League and they’ve scored the second-highest number of runs.

would try to outspend the consortium that owns the Dodgers. He didn’t just spend like a drunken sailor. He spent like Peter iel trying to buy a U.S. Senate seat for Blake Masters.

Both of those teams are looking up at the Diamondbacks. e Padres have been for most of the season; the Dodgers vacated the top spot in the West a couple weeks ago and allowed the Diamondbacks to slither in.

e season started out so-so. e Diamondbacks opened in Los Angeles and managed to split a four-game series. en they split a couple games at San Diego. Returning to Phoenix for the home opener, they lost to the visiting Dodgers, but then a funny thing happened. e Diamondbacks won three straight from Los Angeles and moved above .500. ey’ve had a winning record ever since.

A er having su ered through that 110-loss season in 2021 (one of the

e pundits can’t let go. For the past several weeks — rst when the Diamondbacks pulled close to the Dodgers and then when they soared past them — all we’ve hearing is “Are the Diamondbacks for real?” en they would hedge their own answer by using the phrase “sample size.” eir skepticism was understandable when Arizona had only played 10% of the schedule or 20%. But they have now completed 40% of their season schedule and they’re rolling. It certainly doesn’t look like a uke.

In a couple weeks, Major League Baseball will meet the traditional midway point of the season on the Fourth of July. While it’s doubtful that the Diamondbacks will be able to maintain their torrid pace much longer (they currently have won 21 of their last 28 games), there is a good chance that they will still be atop the NL West on July 4.

is coming weekend, the Diamondbacks will host the Tampa Bay Rays, a matchup of the two teams with the best records in their respective leagues. e preseason odds of that being the case would have been in the 10,000-1 range. But it’s real because the Diamondbacks are for real?

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen is an early contender for the Cy Young Award. (Arizona Diamondbacks/ Submitted)

Kids Fest shares film with a new generation

BY MARY GOLDMEER Tucson Local Media Sta

When Jeff Yance was a child, he was entranced by film.

“I remember my parents took me to a double feature of ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ and ‘It Came from Outer Space,’” Yance said. “It was really exciting because I’d never seen a 3D movie at that point, and it opened up a window to classic movies.”

The Loft Cinema’s program director is sharing his love of film with the younger generation with Kids Fest at the theater on Saturdays and Sundays June 24 to July 16.

Kids Fest shows family-friendly movies, while exposing viewers to film genres that may be new to them. Movies like “The Sandlot” and “My Neighbor Totoro” are main features, coupled with short foreign films “just to give an idea of what’s out there,” Yance said.

“It’s exciting to learn that there are so many kinds of movies with such history,” Yance said.

He said the events include free movies and crafts. To kick it off, The Loft Cinema will host a Looney Tunes Movie party in Himmel Park on Friday, June 23.

Tucson Parks and Recreation will bring yard games, like cornhole and lawn bowling, to draw families into the big screen at 8 p.m.

The following morning, Yance will in-

troduce “Toy Story” at The Loft Cinema. Mildred & Dildred Toy Store will warm up the kids with a craft focused on the movie. Crafts start at 9:15 a.m. and the film follows at 10.

Mildred & Dildred Toy Store has been involved since the event began in 2007.

“They’re a great local toy store that really engages kids,” Yance said.

Other community groups get involved too, like the UA’s Center for Creative Photography and Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona volunteering their time and providing ac-

tivities for the moviegoers before the films.

“Movie going is a social experience,” Yance said.

With the prevalence of streaming services, heading to a cinema is a special event. Movie tickets usually range from $5-$11 per person with popcorn around $10 for a bag. For people with larger families, the free movie and popcorn at The Loft’s Kids Fest make the theater experience accessible to all.

“We buy literally hundreds and hundreds of pounds of popcorn,” Yance said. “After the film, it’s like a popcorn hurri-

cane just flew through the theater but we just keep filling their bags. They really love it, so it’s worth it.”

The Loft Kids Fest

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, June 24 to July 16

WHERE: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson COST: Free INFO: 520-795-0844, loftcinema.org

The Loft Kids Fest features films, treats and crafts. (The Loft Cinema/Submitted)

Student Chronicles

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Know of a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email christina@ tucsonlocalmedia.com

Sophia Lewis of Tucson made the dean’s list at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, for the spring 2023 semester. To land on the dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average ranging from 3.5 to 3.99. MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, Christian university of more than 1,500 students. Offering 60-plus traditional undergraduate areas of study, the university is also known for its accelerated professional and graduate programs. The campus is located on 105 acres in Olathe, Kansas. Info: mnu. edu.

Breanna Eafon and Erin O’Rourke, both of Tucson, were named to the dean’s list at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, for the spring semester. To earn this academic honor at Saint Mary’s, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have a minimum of 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C. info: saintmarys.edu.

Rylie Crane, who studies in the School of Business at The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Tanvin Thiagarajan in the

College of Engineering, made the dean’s list and dean’s honor list, respectively. They hail from Tucson. To be eligible for the dean’s list, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Info. wisc.edu.

Cate Wilson of Marana; and Jenna Becker, Peter Kerr, Libby Monthofer and Cali Rusing, all of Tucson, earned placement on the Gonzaga University president’s list for the spring 2023 semester. Students at the Spokane, Washington, school must earn a 3.85 to 4.0 grade-point average to be listed. Also at Gonzaga, Grace Ehler and Cade McGee, both of Tucson, made the dean’s list for the spring semester. Students must earn a 3.5 to 3.84 grade-point average to be listed. Info: gonzaga.edu.

Chloe Cordova of Tucson was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2023 semester at The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Pennsylvania. Cordova is a sport and recreation management student. Dean’s list status is awarded to students who have earned a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. Info: upb.pitt.edu.

Angela Sandelin of Oro Valley made the dean’s list at Minnesota State Community and Technical College for the 2023 spring semester. Students on the dean’s list earned a GPA of 3.50 to 3.99 while completing a min-

imum of six college-level credits and 75% of the courses in which they enrolled for the semester. Info: minnesota.edu.

The following students from Tucson have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester at Washington University in St. Louis.

Van Cardenas Garcia is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be

enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Lauren Grabell graduated in December from the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Danika Strayhorn is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Ed Honea also addressed the crowd.

In flight school, a gold seal instructor has consistently maintained training at a high level, and along with holding commercial pilot and ground instructor certificates, they must pass eight out of 10 applicants on their first attempt at a practice test. IFLY has five gold seal instructors.

“Their instructors are gold (seal), and I think that’s quite an accomplishment,” Honea said. “I’m very proud to be here today... I look at things like IFLY being another tremendous asset..”

Attendants enjoyed the small gathering in front of the IFLY Pilot Training office, located right on the Marana Regional Airport runway. The celebration included staff and students, as well as family and friends of the IFLY team.

COMMISSION from page 1

“I want everybody to know that the committee has done a very thorough look at all of the applications,” Comerford said. “We’re comfortable where we are (after) reading everyone’s information.”

They join Ronald Hill and David Bowen, as well as Sharon Tyson, the latter of whom was appointed on March 7 after a year and a half hiatus from the commission. She is serving out the remainder of former commissioner Don Duncan’s term, who resigned earlier this year.

“I dropped off the commission for a while just to get my bearings back again, get my feet under me,” Tyson said. “I’ve resubmitted my application because I love the town of Marana... It’s wonderful to be part of a group of people who are

from page 9

the annual pavement maintenance program. Next up on pavement preservation will be maintenance of Avra Valley and Lon Adams roads.

Our CIP division also has an ADA compliance program that looks at upgrading the town’s facilities for compliance on an annual basis. The CIP division looks forward to providing five-star service to the community as the town continues to grow.

The facilities division strives to maintain a safe, clean, attractive and inviting environment for all town employees and visitors that visit our buildings.

Other chamber members came out to support the flight school, along with leaders and politicians who have helped Marana or the airport over the years. Included in attendance was former Sen. Vince Leach, who represented Oro Valley and Marana.

With over 625 members of the chamber to date, Wiggins and her team still take the time to celebrate chamber businesses.

“IFLY Pilot Training, we have been so excited to have you for the past year,” Wiggins said at the ceremony. “We love learning more about what you’re doing in our community at this incredible regional asset we have, the Marana Regional Airport.”

IFLY Pilot Training is a premier flight school that trains students to fly commercially or recreationally, depending on interest. The school has a variety of rating programs, which offer pilots different rankings and abilities

positive thinking, forward-thinking and progressive in their thinking.”

Sharon Tyson: Tyson reapplied for the commission after a brief hiatus. Along with the planning commission, she served as a city councilmember in Alabama and on its planning commission for four years before moving to Marana. Tyson explained she will prioritize neighborhood improvements and keep water sustainability at the forefront of every decision.

John Flint: Before the Marana planning commission, Flint was a city manager in Florida for over 20 years and was on several city commissions. His vision for the town is to balance development with the preservation of the natural environment.

Division staff works on everything from general cleaning, drywall and paint to HVAC repairs and replacement. Staff maintain 10 facility locations, including 36 buildings and a total of 614 rooms within those buildings.

We have averaged 353 work tasks, 39 internal requests per month over the past 12 months, and have completed many projects from carpet replacement to remodeling a modular building for Marana police to use as an advanced arrest and control training facility.

The fleet division continues to provide quality maintenance services to an astronomical amount of equipment, maintaining over 900 pieces of equipment from landscaping power tools to roadside graders and every-

while they’re in the air. This includes instrument rating, commercial rating and multi-engine rating.

IFLY also trains students to be commercial pilots and instructors. One of Castillo’s students became a Frontier Airlines pilot after earning his private instrument and commercial ratings.

“You have local pilots training out of your hometown to become airline pilots,” Castillo noted. “It has been a spectacular and fantastic feature we’ve been able to do to help out.”

Part of the flight school’s mission is to assist in certifying more pilots as the flying shortage continues to affect commercial and military industries.

“One of the biggest problems they have in the air force is… they can’t keep full contingencies because private sectors are taking the pilots,” Honea said.

In the next few years, Honea hopes the airport will be better equipped to serve the needs of the community and this shortage. They are looking at a new tower installation and are also leasing land to businesses to help with the growth.

According to Honea, the town sees schools like IFLY as an opportunity to bring more business into the regional airport and more pilots into the workforce. IFLY Pilot Training is determined to train future flyers to not only help solve the pilot shortage but to share the fun of flight.

IFLY Pilot Training

11700 W. Avra Valley Road, Marana 785-435-9001

iflyflightschool.wixsite.com/home

Thomas Schnee: Schnee has been with the Marana planning commission for over 10 years. A 40-year Air Force veteran, he stressed in his application the importance of linking the town’s past, present and future to preserve its southwest heritage.

Joseph Parsons: A 38-year Marana resident, Parsons has worked on the planning commission for the past two years and on the Turquoise Circuit Board, which manages professional rodeos within the southwest. Parsons is focused on maintaining the family-oriented, farm-town feeling of Marana as it continues to grow.

John McIntyre: The commissioner has worked with the town of Marana for over

thing in between. The exciting news is that the facilities division has expanded their operations with the opening of the Sally Port at the Marana Municipal Center. This new location will be key in increasing efficiency and service to the town, as the fleet division can now perform routine maintenance on town vehicles at a location that better suits the needs for many of the town employees. That’s true five-star service!

The traffic division has been very busy this year and there’s no signs of slowing down — pun intended. They worked with the Gladden Farms Elementary School to relocate a school crosswalk to a location that will work best for everyone. This summer, the signal tech-

20 years on its boards, commissions and projects. He has 12-plus years of experience with the board of adjustment and the planning commission. McIntyre’s focus is on connecting neighborhoods with top-notch town services.

On July 1, the group will elect their chair and vice chair members at the first commission meeting.

While the town council decided to reappoint all prior members to the commission, they encourage the public to keep applying and share their expertise with the community.

“We were very very impressed with all the applications,” Comerford said. “It's great to be able to see this many people interested. You keep that interest going and get involved, please don’t give up."

nicians will begin annual preventive maintenance, including walking all the intersections and swapping out conflict monitors. Summer maintenance activities include re-lamping three intersections on Thornydale Road. These maintenance activities involve some night work. Finally, with the Orange Grove closure at I-10, the traffic team continues to make adjustments and assess the traffic along Ina and Thornydale roads to ensure traffic flow is optimized as well as it can be. There’s a lot of activity in Marana! If the idea of public service and working for the Public Works Department interests you, visit maranaaz.gov/careers as we are always on the lookout for new team members.

MONSOON

by WIll Shortz

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Not every relationship needs to follow the mold. Friendships connect in quirky ways these days, and love won't stick to the standard de nitions at all. Just remember that people forge connections in diverse ways. Attempting to con ne those connections within prede ned rules can diminish their beauty and intrigue.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Relationships may seem to be based in conversations, transactions and shared experiences, but such things are merely mechanics that allow for the real magic to rush in. This week, don't forget that emotion is what animates relationships. Feelings weave together to create the bonds.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

5 Erica who wrote “Fear of Flying”

9 Most common street name in the U.S.

13 Amo, amas, ___ …

14 State plainly

15 Large group of people

16 The “e,” but not the “B,” of eBay

19 Popular video hosting service that works like clockwork?

20 “Be my guest”

21 Put ___ fire

24 Bobby of the Boston Bruins

25 Traveler’s proof of entry

31 Parcel out

32 Peels, as an apple

33 It’s bandaged in a classic van Gogh self-portrait

35 With 37-Across, perform perfunctorily … or a hint to the ends of 16-, 25-, 41- and 55-Across

36 Clearheaded

37 See 35-Across 38 Insta post

39 Like Santa’s li le helpers 40 Venue for a basketball or hockey game

41 “Madam President” or “Your Honor”

44 Bird that has calf muscles

45 Opposite of the Russian “da”

46 Style of New York City’s Chrysler Building

50 Many October babies

55 Test boundaries

58 High, like many a Woodstock a endee

59 Body part covered by a mullet

60 One side of a storefront sign

61 Irritating sort

62 Not just yours or mine

63 Message that might include an emoji or a GIF Down

1 Mineral sprinkled on icy roads

2 Mine, in Montréal

3 Stare stupidly

4 [Cancel previous edit]

5 Raise aggressively, as prices

6 Eggs, scientifically

7 The Legend of Zelda console, for short

8 One of the Brady Bunch 9 Winged Godzilla nemesis of Japanese film

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Spanish paintings and such

Self-description for a D&D enthusiast, maybe

Trick-taking game named for a card suit

Chicken’s perch

Not as tight

Parcels (out)

“It

Socialites go to the pre-show to be photographed and seen. Professionals go to the event because they have to. All the real value to be had is at the after-party. This concept will apply to the events of the week, including fun that happens in the downtime. People relax and the connections are nally able to happen.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Generosity and charisma go together. When people give easily, it implies they have much to share. There's something mysterious and attractive about the unknown limit. To give less freely is to indicate the outer edge, revealing the shape of reality. This week, you'll tap into the thing you have a lot of and contribute muni cently.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

You could take your day in the direction of your routine, though you are not obligated to do so. What if you instead did the thing you are passionate about? This week, you'll name your passions, or discover them by following the thing that shows glimmers of potential. The search will be well worthwhile. Hard tasks seem e ortless when love does the work.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

The reasons to call things "good enough" are valid. Time is a factor. You don't want to overwork things. You can't a ord to get caught by the tyranny of perfectionism. You're keen to move on. For these reasons and more you will put a bow on your project and ship it, then celebrate progress and collect your result.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You're being too hard on yourself. A helpful perspective is to consider what you would ask of a best friend. What support, understanding and compassion would you extend to them? Let this mindset guide you to de ne the boundaries of your own expectations. This week, lean into prioritizing in a way that promotes self-care and emotional well-being.

You can't set realistic expectations if you don't know enough about the reality in question. There's an art to learning the ins and outs of a situation. If you come on with a litany of questions, you'll learn less instead of more. This week, you'll ask the casual, easy things that end up opening a world. You'll get to know the place before deciding what to want from it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Though you are often reminded that you are human, with limitations and imperfections, you will be more often reminded this week that you are human with creativity and intellect to soar, solve and succeed in spectacular ways. Exercises that stretch you, hard problems and inspiring people will push you in the direction to amaze yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This week, you lead people to construct a set of expectations regarding you that you will be happy to ful ll and, indeed, exceed. Furthermore, you're perfectly positioned to bring someone into your world and convince them to take on your cause or champion your project. Let your intuition lead in this endeavor and you'll be brilliant.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Those moving at a di erent pace from the rest of the pack need your help. You will have a calming e ect on the rushed ones, and they will slow down and get centered around you. The sluggish will be invigorated by you. You thrive as you give of yourself; there will be unexpected payo s for your kindness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

You prefer to be liked just like anyone else, but you're not inclined to go to extreme lengths for validation. This week presents a scenario where a touch of goodwill could bring about ease for everyone involved. The gesture doesn't need to be grand, just speci c and thoughtful. With your inherent charm and nesse, success is virtually guaranteed.

PUZZLE BY MICHAEL PALEOS

Worship Guide

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

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

and Son Contractor

and Son Contractor

Now Accepting Credit cards

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

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

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

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

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

Now Accepting Credit cards

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

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

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

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953