Marana News 08/30/2023

Realty marks growth with toy, blood drives

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Contributor

To commemorate the expansion of Desert Sunset Realty, owner and broker Leah Crandell wanted to serve more than celebrate. The company’s chamber ribbon cutting is on the horizon, and she will offer two chances to give back to the community.

“Hosting the drives alongside our ribbon cutting, it underscores our core values,” Crandell said. “We’re not just a real estate business, we’re an active participant in the well-being

www.Maranaweeklynews.com

Strategic Plan Five update discussed

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Contributor

In mid-August, the Marana Town Council discussed the Strategic Plan Five and received the last quarterly update for fiscal year 2023. Assistant to the Town Manager Andrea De La Cruz affirmed the town’s progress heading into the next two years.

The Strategic Plan Five was adopted in late 2022, and outlines the specific actions for the following three years to reach the town’s long-term goals. Altogether, there are five focus areas of the plan with 18 goals and 92 actions.

of our community.”

Desert Sunset Realty has partnered with the Marana Chamber to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its growth as a company. On Aug. 31, participants are welcome to bring toys and donate blood to benefit the Red Cross and Team Lizzie Bell.

The chamber allows a ribbon cutting for each new member to celebrate its introduction and commitment to Marana. Crandell decided to take the celebration a step further.

“We’re at about 39% progress for this first year, which is pretty good considering there are three years,” De La Cruz said. “86% of our actions are on track, we have some minor disruption with 2% and we have 10% of our actions completed.”

In the Cherished Heritage focus area, the town has progressed on leveraging the region’s historic and cultural legacy. Staff is working on the next steps to adopt the new art policy, and council chose a design for the new Marana Community and Aquatic Center.

Looking forward, the town posted a

see PLAN pagE 6

From left, Leah Crandell, two members of Team Lizzie Bell and, far right, Matthew Crandell discuss the Desert Sunset Ribbon Cutting at Marana Mornings. (Leah Crandell/Submitted)

Hot Picks

BY LINDA RAY

Tucson Local Media Contributor

JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry

AUG. 31 TO SEPT. 3

We can think of the JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry show as an annual preamble to the sprawling fabulousness that is our citywide gem, mineral, fossil and etc. extravaganza in January. Since the JOGS show has a bit more emphasis on gems and finished jewelry, the timing is ideal. We buy whatever delights us, as long as we can afford it, and tell ourselves that it will be perfect gift for the holidays, or whenever we happen to get around to giving it up.

Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington Road, Tucson, $20, 3 to 6 p.m., jogsshow.com

Crown Cars & Coffee EVERY FIRST SATURDAY

Custom car builder and racing shop Crown Concepts, unique in the Southwest, hosts an ad hoc car show that includes free admission to Topgolf’s hightech driving range. Coffee is free, too, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Show off your spiffed up vehicle or just come and marvel at all the ways others imagine the potential of personal transportation design, inside, outside and under the hood.

Topgolf Tucson, 4050 W. Costco Place, Tucson, free, 7 to 9 a.m., facebook.com/ crownconceptsus

The Book Bike Comes to Lalo Guerrero/Barrio Viejo Elderly Housing SEPT. 1

On the first Friday of every month, Sam Lena-South

Public Library delivers a mini-library, on a bike, to elderly residents of Barrio Viejo and anyone else who happens by. The bike is outfitted with bookshelves full of popular titles, library cards and information about literacy programs and other services. The bike librarian is bike-wise, too, full of information about bike routes and upcoming bike events. Lalo Guerrero/Barrio Viejo Elderly Housing, 124 W. 18th Street, Tucson, free, 10 to 11 a.m., library.pima. gov/locations/stu/

Katherine Byrnes & Jeff Haskell perform Linda Ronstadt & Nelson Riddle SEPT. 1

With the 1983 release of “What’s New,” Linda Ronstadt stepped out of the rock and country rock genres she had dominated for a dozen years into the realm of jazz standards. Almost no one

see HOT PICKS page 4

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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

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else thought it was a good idea except Nelson Riddle, the undisputed king of “easy listening” and arguably the most influential band leader of all time. In this tribute show, Katherine Byrnes sings from the repertoire, and Jeff Haskell backs her with a jazz quartet, adding strings to emulate Riddle’s lavish arrangements. The Century Room, Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $25, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., hotelcongress.com

Willcox Flyer Bike Ride

SEPT. 2

At almost twice Tucson’s altitude, Willcox is the relatively cooler choice for a long-haul bike ride this time of year. This event lets bicyclists choose between 8-, 33- or 66-mile rides through the rolling hills and open range around historic Willcox. All the rides traverse picturesque landscapes. The shorter routes lead toward Dos Cabezas Mountains; long-distance riders continue toward the Chiricahuas. Proceeds benefit Small Town, Big Dreams. 100 S. Historic Railroad Avenue, Wilcox, registration starts at $20 for 8 miles, active.com/orgs/roca-motion

Cars are the stars at Topgolf. (Christopher Loa/Submitted)

“Artists of WAMO” SEPT. 2

The First Saturday Art Walk in the historic Warehouse District will repeat every Saturday this month. Exhibits feature works by the artists of WAMO, the Warehouse Arts Management Organization. They work in a wide range of media, often in studio space within the historic Steinfeld Warehouse. The structure’s interior space has been reimagined around the

bones of the original exposed brick and wood pillars.

Steinfeld Gallery, Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center, 101 W. Sixth Street, Tucson, free, 4 to 9 p.m., steinfeldwarehouse.org

HoCo Fest Film Fest: “High and Dry” Sept. 3

Some of us attending this, the final HoCo Fest, will recall having seen Michael Toubassi’s film “High and Dry” at the first one, over a memorable Labor Day weekend in 2005. Shown then in a gallery that no longer exists on the other side of Congress Street, the film documented that musically rich period in the early 1980s that spawned the Sand Rubies, nee Sidewinders; Giant Sand; Calexico; Rainer; Al Perry; Bob Log III and others, including Tucson Weekly contributor Brian Smith’s Gentlemen After Dark.

The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress Street, Tucson, $5 and $8 cover, screeningroomdowntown.com

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group SEPT. 5

Naming sui generis musical artists out of Texas would be a great drinking game. Some-

where mid-alphabet, Lyle Lovett holds forth with a unique, organic sound. It’s as if he’s amalgamating a dozen microgenres from the south and the Midwest into one music. Regardless of the instrumentation — combo to symphony — it feels impeccably homemade. Part of the fun of this show will be watching the delight he takes in his masterful accompanists’ ideas and artful fingering.

Fox Theatre Tucson, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $20, 7:30 p.m., foxtucson.com

Broadway in Tucson: “Aladdin” SEPT. 5 TO SEPT. 10

With this staging of “Aladdin,” Broadway in Tucson celebrates 30 years since Disney’s animated Aladdin first found the magic lamp. The stage play was produced by the same team that brought us “The Lion King” and the music is by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken. For anyone unfamiliar with the story, it’s boy-meets-girl magic with sets involving mountains of glittering treasure and goofy sidekicks and a villain you will love to hiss. But mind the cobra.

Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, tickets start at $40, various times, broadwayintucson.com

1-3

Friday, September 1st 11am - 5pm Saturday, September 2nd 10am - 5pm Sunday, September 3rd 10am - 4pm

“(The ribbon cutting) is to symbolize our commitment to active community engagement and to showcase our company’s excellence, integrity and goals,” Crandell explained.

Desert Sunset Realty will host the toy and blood drive to benefit Team Lizzie Bell, a local nonprofit that supports hospitalized children and their families.

Bell was diagnosed with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a syndrome where bone marrow produces insufficient blood cells. For the first 19 years of her life, Bell received blood transfusions every few weeks, and noticed how kids in the hospital had little to no toys they could play with.

This was the beginning of her family’s nonprofit.

“They started Team Lizzie Bell to provide safe toys for the kids that are stuck in the hospital,” said Matt Crandell, Leah’s husband and business development manager. “It’s a very limited list of what they can have. For example, burn victims cannot have toys that would irritate their skin.”

Through “Lizzie’s Loot,” the public can donate toys that go directly to the University of Arizona and Diamond Children’s Medical Centers. Blood donated at the drive will also benefit the nonprofit.

While toys will be collected throughout the event, blood drive participants are asked to register on the Facebook invitation site.

“Team Lizzie Bell committed to the Red Cross to get a certain amount of blood units a year for them,” Matt said. “We’re trying to get blood so they can fulfill their obligations.”

The company also initiated a “Battle of the Badges” donor competition between the Northwest Fire District and Marana Police Department to further involve community partners.

The Pasta Shop will make pasta cups and Arizona Ice and Water will provide refreshments for the event. The Volpe Team of Nova Home Loans will also sponsor the event and assist with the drives.

The Marana Chamber agreed to host at its location, as Crandell and her mostly remote team required a larger space to put on the event. The broker believes this multi-business partnership will be a testament to the town’s future growth.

“The chamber’s support helps us contribute to Marana’s growth while honoring its history,” Crandell said. “Our joint

Leah and Matthew Crandell will celebrate the anniversary of their business, Desert Sunset Realty, with a community toy and blood drive.

(Leah Crandell/Submitted)

endeavors with the chamber are always aimed at the heart of the town and what’s important to the people living there.”

Desert Sunset Realty is a brokerage that places people at the forefront. Crandell is a Tucson native who’s worked in the real estate industry for over 25 years.

From preparing to sell or buy to providing guidance during the process, the broker and her team are determined to help Tucson-area residents find their ideal homes.

But to Crandell, her company is a chance to make an impact on the community she serves, one that lives on after Desert Sunset Realty.

“We’re on a mission to redefine how real estate contributes to community growth, not just the buying and selling of houses,” Crandell said. “Our vision is centered on leaving a lasting positive impact on the areas we serve long after we’re gone.”

Desert Sunset Realty Ribbon Cutting & Blood/Toy Drive

WHEN: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31

WHERE: Marana Chamber of Commerce, 13251 N. Lon Adams Road, Marana

COST: Donations

INFO: https://tinyurl.com/bloodandtoydrive

Desert Sunset Realty

3648 W. Sunglade Drive

520-686-5838

desertsunsetrealtytucson.com

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

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1. Increases blood flow

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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.

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Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

1. Finding the underlying cause

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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 September 30th, 2023. Call (520) 934-0130 to make an appointment.

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notice for a Marana historian position to assist with future-related actions.

“Once we have a historian on board, they will be leading efforts to better showcase and preserve Marana’s history and heritage,” De La Cruz explained. “As well as the 10 actions we’ve identified in this focus area.”

In Vibrant Community, Marana PD submitted an annual report on department activities, crime rates and achievements. Town staff also applied for the Community Development Block Grant, a consolidation action plan to help fund neighborhood improvement initiatives.

Looking forward, the new town website will be launched at the end of this year or the beginning of the next.

For Thriving Commerce, tourism department Discover Marana partnered with the Marana Chamber to host the Dine & Discover Summer Challenge. Discover Marana also launched the Discovery Series to showcase Marana through art and storytelling.

The Tourism Master Plan RFQ (Request for Quote) was released, and it

closed on July 27.

“The town did receive four proposals, and the Solicitation Review Committee is currently reviewing qualifications,” De La Cruz said. “We’re hoping to begin the planning process for the Tourism Master Plan during this first quarter of FY 2024.”

The Healthy Lifestyles focus area will provide a variety of recreational and creative opportunities and will also prioritize the native environment throughout Marana.

In this area, Parks and Recreation held its first Sports User Group meeting for leaders of youth sports. Progress was also made on the new Saguaro Bloom Community Park and the CalPortland portion of the Santa Cruz River SUP (Shared Use Path).

However, according to De La Cruz, there is some disruption with both projects related to financing.

“The bids (for Saguaro) did come in a little over budget, so staff is working with D.R. Horton to determine next steps for this project,” De La Cruz noted.

“Staff worked with CalPortland to finalize the land acquisition to complete the CalPortland portion of the Santa

Cruz River SUP,” she continued. “(There was) some minor disruption with this project… it also came over budget.”

Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy led a discussion on issues relating to the Saguaro Bloom Community Park. The total budget for the project came in at $3.3 million, and after spending $1.3 million on design and hardscape, there is $2 million left for development.

Due to rising construction costs, the town will need to reconsider some aspects of the park.

“We went out to bid in July, and bids came in approximately $1.2 million over,” Conroy explained. “We’re working with D.R. Horton… we think that there are elements of the project we can lien out without hurting the quality of the project.”

For Proactive Public Services, the town strives to embrace creativity and innovation while maintaining high-quality customer service. This year, the Water Division exemplified this focus area by receiving state recognition for their work.

“The Water Division received two awards from the Arizona Water Association,” De La Cruz said. “The first was a

Small Water Treatment Plant System of the Year, which went to the Picture Rocks Water Treatment Campus, and the Small Sanitary Sewer System of the Year for the Marana Water Reclamation Conveyance System.”

Council adopted the Drought Preparedness Plan early this year, and the new community center will use sustainable construction practices where applicable. The center’s contractor anticipated to go vertical this fall.

Looking forward, the town is scheduled to complete the Facilities Master Plan in early 2024. The Water Division also submitted a grant application for a planned water conservation program and is awaiting review from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority.

This Strategic Plan Five progress update marks the last for fiscal year 2023. De La Cruz will return in October for the first quarterly update of FY 2024.

“I really appreciate the detail you bring to all of these items because we’ve done strategic plans before and threw them in a drawer,” Mayor Ed Honea joked. “This makes it so easy to keep track of what is happening in our plan.”

AGING WELL

Hitting a Healthy Note: The Benefits of Singing

Not all healthy pastimes require you to break a sweat or change your diet. Sometimes Aging Well can be as easy as do-re-mi. That’s right—you can Age Well simply by singing, or better yet, singing with others. Research has proven that singing in a group can improve your mood, your brain health, and even your immune system.

This is great news for those who already love to burst into song—and that is a lot of people. The chorus advocacy group Chorus America estimates that 42.6 million Americans regularly sing in organized groups. One such group can be found at Splendido, a Life Plan Community for those 55 and better in Oro Valley.

A Harmonious Example

The Splendido Singers currently numbers 15 residents and is led by Julia Pinckney Jones, a Tucson-based voice and music teacher. “I started directing the singers in fall 2022. I wanted it to be a challenge, and that seems to be going well,” she says.

stress and anxiety. And singing in a group has special benefits: Turkish researchers found that people who spent an hour a week singing in a choir had less anxiety and negative emotions than non-singing counterparts.

“When I’m not singing, I miss it!” says Splendido Singer Sue Durling. “I don’t know why I like it so much—I guess it’s simply gratifying to prepare a piece of music and perform it well.”

Stronger immune system:

Splendido resident Judy Effken is a former singer who accompanies the choir on piano. She says, “The group has grown bigger and better. They’re starting to blend, and the singers are starting to feel it.”

The Singers are a good example of Splendido programming that incorporates ContinuWell,™ the community’s wellness philosophy. ContinuWell is based on the Person-Centric Wellness Model developed by

Mather Institute (the research area of one of Splendido’s two parent organizations). Splendido programs apply the model to support each participant’s wellness through the universal motivators of Autonomy (when a healthy pursuit is of your own choosing), Achievement (when you feel enabled to reach your goals), and A liation (when your e orts are encouraged by others).

The Accompanying Benefits of Singing

There has been much research on how the act of singing a ects us. Here’s an overview of some health benefits that choral singers enjoy:

Brighter mood: Singing is a natural mood-booster. The act of singing causes the body to release “feel-good” chemicals endorphins and oxytocin, which make us feel happy and ease

One study of professional choir members used blood draws before and after a one-hour rehearsal, finding not only reduced levels of stress hormone but higher levels of antibodies compared to choir members who simply listened to music.

Social connections: British researchers found that people who take part in a choir experience a stronger sense of participating in a collective endeavor than those involved in other social activities, including team sports.

Improved memory: Researchers have seen improvements in memory in singers and believe that it is the e ect of getting more oxygenated blood to the brain.

Perhaps the best news of all: You don’t have to be a good singer to enjoy these benefits. One study shows that singing in a group conveys “satisfying and therapeutic sensations even when the sound produced by the vocal instrument is of mediocre quality.”

“I’m not surprised at these health benefits,” says Sue (who is a good singer). “I have no idea why I’m as healthy as I am—but I’m happy to attribute it to being a lifelong singer.”

Judy sums up by saying of the Singers: “It’s relaxing, it makes people feel better, and they’re doing something together— and hopefully it makes the people listening feel better, too!” Interested in learning more about Splendido? For floor plans, photos, and information on upcoming events, visit splendidotucson.com.

‘Prance Your Pup’ walks into Tucson

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Rescue Me Tucson will host the inaugural “Prance Your Pup” fun walk (9 a.m. to noon) and adoption event (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Ann Day Community Park, 7601 N. Mona Lisa Drive, Tucson.

The event features local vendors, food trucks, music and family activities including a “Smooch Your Pooch” booth. Kids of all ages can meet “Dusty” from the Roadrunners between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Multiple area rescues and shelters will be present with a wide selection of dogs and puppies to adopt. McGruff the Crime Dog may be doing detective work at the park.

Rescue Me Tucson operates Rescue Me Marana, an all-volunteer-run, collaborative-based pet adoption center that aids several Southern Arizona shelters. Since

opening in September 2021, Rescue Me Tucson has facilitated adoption of more than 850 dogs and cats and has helped connect hundreds of people to community resources for affordable spay/neuter, vaccines, and training needs.

Rescue Me Tucson helps people looking for a specific breed learn how to search shelters and rescues. Their goal is to help the public connect with the right rescue animal for their family.

In addition to adoptable dogs and cats, Rescue Me Tucson features cat and dog toys, supplies, and locally made pet treats by Dogs-n-Donuts.

Rescue Me Tucson is open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays to Fridays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays at Tucson Premium Outlets, 6401 W. Marana Center Boulevard, Marana.

see PUP page 9

Rescue Me Tucson will host the inaugural, "Prance Your Pup" fun and adoption event on Saturday, Nov. 4. (Submitted)

"Prance Your Pup" will feature local vendors, food trucks, music and family activities. (Submitted)

PUP from page 8 Registration for teams and individuals is open. Register at: rescuemetucson.org/pyp

Learn about the volunteer opportunities Rescue Me Tucson has to offer: walk dogs, cuddle kitties, assist with retail, be part of community events.

For more information, contact: teresa@rescuemetucson.org.

Rescue Me Tucson has limited sponsorship opportunities remaining for Prance Your Pup. Sponsors will be actively promoted to more than 7,000 social media followers as well as in advertising, news media and event signage.

Prance Your Pup Fun Walk and Adoption Event

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4

WHERE: Ann Day Community Park, 7601 N. Mona Lisa Drive, Tucson

COST: Visit website for information INFO: rescuemetucson/pyp; deb@rescuemetucson.org

DarkSky names photography winners

BY TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA STAFF

Tucson-based DarkSky International recently hosted its fourth Capture the Dark Photography Contest, presented by Visit Utah, to celebrate photography’s important role in the dark sky movement. The contest received 494 entries from participants worldwide to the 10 categories:

• Connecting to the Dark: Experiencing a natural night provides perspective, inspiration, and leads us to reflect on our humanity and place in the universe.

• International Dark Sky Place: Now over 200 protected lands and municipalities worldwide have been certified by DarkSky as an International Dark Sky Place, creating havens for astrophotographers.

• The Impact of Light Pollution: Light pollution can significantly impact the environment, human health, and our access to the night sky. This category also

includes images of terrible lighting, glare bombs, etc.

• The Bright Side of Lighting: Light pollution can give artificial lighting a bad reputation, but lighting that follows DarkSky’s Principles for Responsible Outdoor Light can be beautiful, healthy, and functional.

• Creatures of the Night: Light pollution doesn’t only erase our view of the stars; scientific evidence suggests that artificial light at night has adverse and deadly effects on wildlife, including amphibians, birds, insects and mammals.

• Deep Sky: For thousands of years, humans have looked to the night sky and wondered what is out there. Today, we can take photos of deep space objects from our own backyards.

• The Mobile Photographer: No big camera? No problem! A photo from any of the above categories that was taken with a cell phone, tablet, or GoPro. No DSLR,

Milky Way above the Turquoise Wonderland by Petr Horálek, 2023 first-place winner in the Creatures of the Night category. Taken in Soneva Jani, Maldives. (Petr Horálek/Submitted)

mirrorless camera or drone shots.

• Youth: A shot for any of the above categories taken by someone 17 years old or younger.

• Utah Dark Skies: A photo taken in one of the most popular destinations to capture dark skies — Utah

• People’s Choice: Voted on by the public.

“This year we saw some of the most beautiful photos from around the world that we have ever seen,” said DarkSky International Program Associate Michael Rymer. “These brilliant views of the night sky show how our place in nature does not stop at the horizon, and that the sky above is as much a delicate and beautiful resource that we must protect and reclaim.”

“Congratulations to this year’s Capture the Dark Photography Contest winners see WINNERS page 11

and the awe-inspiring photos,” said Vicki Varela, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism.

“Astrotourism and dark sky messaging complement our Red Emerald Strategic Plan, which aims to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship. Preserving dark skies helps communities establish long-lasting tourism economies and keeps our places Forever Mighty.”

A global panel of judges composed of Imma Barrera, Ian Lauer, Jeff Dai, Parisa Bajelan, Ben Coley, Dr. Lin Qing, reviewed the photos using criteria that included technical skill, composition, connection to the category theme, and “wow” factor.

Winners of each category will receive a prize package that includes a feature in DarkSky’s Nightscape publication, DarkSky’s blog and social media, a DarkSky membership, DarkSky and Visit Utah swag, and a Peak Design Field Pouch.

Additionally, one photograph will be presented with a “People’s Choice Award” based on votes by the public.

This winner will receive a prize package that includes a $250 gift card to B&H, a feature in DarkSky’s Nightscape publication, the DarkSky blog and social media, a DarkSky membership, and DarkSky and Visit Utah swag.

To see the winning photos, visit the official website for the photography contest at capturethedark.darksky.org and check out the official announcement on the DarkSky blog.

DarkSky International is a recognized global authority on light pollution, empowering a global movement to protect

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS

the night sky. DarkSky restores the nighttime environment and protects communities from the effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy and conservation. Since 1988, its global community of dark sky advocates have protected more than 200 International DarkSky Places, enacted dozens of responsible lighting policies, and raised awareness of light pollution on every continent.

Lily’s Whisper by Ethan Su, 2023 first-place winner in the International Dark Sky Places category. Taken in Hehuan Mountain Dark Sky Park, Nantou, Taiwan. (Ethan Su/Submitted)

Desert Bloom by Marcin Zajac, 2023 first-place winner in the Utah Dark Skies category. Taken in Goblin Valley, Utah. (Marcin Zajac/Submitted) The sky is like a dome, covering field by Wang Tianwei, 2023 first-place winner in the Connecting to the Dark category. Taken in Haisen chulu, Alashan Right Banner, Inner Mongolia, China. (Wang Tianwei/Submitted)

Bawker Bawker hosts week of cidery fun

BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Weekly Contributor

Bawker Bawker Cider House has come a long way since opening during the pandemic. For the first week of September, owner Don Rubino and his crew plan to commemorate that success with what they know best: tasty, wholesome and newly flavored ciders.

“We are celebrating that we not only strived to open our doors during 2020 but we are thriving,” Rubino said. “We have a bunch of new events happening since last year. We’re also playing with our ciders from the feedback we received over the past three years.”

Bawker Bawker will host its third anniversary in a five-day celebration from Wednesday, Sept. 6, to Sunday, Sept. 10. The celebration will pair its usual events with a schedule chock-full of activities, cider releases and live music.

Throughout the week, the cider house will drop a new flavor each day, including smoked peach, mango cream, guava rhubarb, honey dew blueberry, cantaloupe pomegranate and horchata cider slushie.

Celebratory six-cider flights are available all five days of the anniversary week.

“Each of the ciders is a small batch, never-released… we only have one keg of each cider,” Rubino explained.

On Sunday, Bawker Bawker will have a special cider pairing with gluten-free cupcakes, like the horchata ciderslushie with horchata cupcake, strawberry cider with strawberry cupcake and mango cream cider with mango cupcake.

Along with new ciders, Bawker Bawker will sell a limited-edition tie-dyed anniversary shirt while supplies last. They also scheduled a multitude of events throughout the week with live music and food trucks for participants.

“This year is similar to our first anniversary,” Rubino said. “We like spreading out our celebration to allow people to come whichever day works best for them.”

On Friday, Sept. 9, Charly’s BBQ Food Truck will be available alongside a performance from Sunny & the Whiskey Machine. The next day, 420 Tacos will cater the bar with a performance from Hey Bucko!

“We are so excited to have live music,” Rubino noted. “We also have our outdoor

patio this year as well so people can bring their pets.”

A celebration is a testament to the cider house’s ability to survive and thrive. Located on Tucson's Historic Fourth Avenue, Bawker Bawker is the first and only cider house in Tucson.

Rubino and his wife, Jaimie Perkunas, were determined to open despite the bar industry’s obstacles with the pandemic. It was a decision that eventually paid off for the couple, and Bawker Bawker solidified itself as a staple Downtown.

They now offer a large selection of drinks and collaborate with their bartenders and customer community.

“We have really expanded our menu since we opened our doors in 2020,” Rubino said. “Our taps include a selection of local beers, sweeter commercial ciders and wine.”

“Our bartenders have developed co-op mixes, which combine our ciders with a sweeter commercial cider,” he continued.

A large schedule of activities is also not uncommon for the cider house. Rubino’s bar hosts weekly events from paint & sips to yoga and themed bingo nights.

Rubino’s team also supports the community through sponsorships, collaborations and happy hour specials for teachers.

“We enjoy being a community sponsor to the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce & Our League Kickball,” Rubino said. “We love being a part of fun local events… and we love our collaboration with local breweries.”

According to Rubino and Perkunas, the future is bright with Bawker Bawker, and includes an expansion of warm snacks and food offerings. Of course, original ideas for events are also in the picture.

For now, the Bawker Bawker community will reap the benefits of the cider house’s hatching success.

Bawker Bawker Cider House

3 Year Celebration

WHEN: Various times Wednesday, Sept.

6 to Sunday, Sept. 10

WHERE: Bawker Bawker Cider House, 400 N. Fourth Avenue, Tucson

COST: Free w/ purchases

INFO: bawkerbawker.com

Bawker Bawker prepares for its upcoming three-year celebration with a robust schedule of activities, entertainment and new cider releases. (Don Rubino/Submitted)

Bawker Bawker hosts regular community events, including its upcoming three-year anniversary party from Sept. 6 to Sept. 10. (Don Rubino/Submitted)

A dreamer puts forth his dream season

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

One of my all-time favorite movies is “The Commitments.” It’s a raucous comedy/musical about a ragtag group of pasty-faced kids in Dublin who get together to form a soul music band.

Taking a cue from the sports-talk radio blowhards who claim to know everything, here’s my outlook for the upcoming University of Arizona Wildcat football season. This is for entertainment purposes only. Please take it with 3.5 pounds of salt.

NAU at Arizona, Sept. 2

Seriously, NAU? Why would the UA even bother playing somebody like NAU? I mean, the last time these two teams played each other, in 2021...oh, wait.

The Lumberjacks have already had their upset of the century. There won’t be another. There are several people on the Wildcat roster who lived through that lowest of low points. The only reason to be concerned is if the UA doesn’t have like a 40-7 lead at halftime.

Arizona starts off a magical season with a big win, 56-7.

Arizona at Mississippi State, Sept. 9

Oh sure, they’re in the SEC, but who isn’t these days? They’re also in Mississippi, a place where the state motto is “At least we’re not Arkansas.” This time of year, they have flies that carry off small children, so it will be a relatively hostile environment.

Sadly, their coach, Mike Leach, passed away suddenly at the end of last season. He was one of only two college coaches with whom the average person could have spent an hour in a room without being bored into a coma. I can’t remember who the other one is. Anyway, go with a hunch and take Arizona to win outright. 24-21.

UTEP at Arizona, Sept. 16

Fifty years ago, this would have been a big game, pitting two members of the Western Athletic Conference, formerly of the Border Conference, of which Arizona was

a founding member in 1931. In 1935, the Border Conference admitted the College of Mines and Metallurgy of the University of Texas. That team didn’t win very much because the weight of the letters on their jerseys slowed them down considerably.

They later became Texas Western, but now it’s UTEP. They stink. Cats, 55-14.

Arizona at Stanford, Sept. 23

Stanford used to be good. Not anymore. Plus, we all hate a school that is named for the son of a man who became fabulously wealthy by double-billing the government for a project on which single billing would have made him fabulously wealthy anyway. Arizona, 38-14.

Washington at Arizona, Sept. 30

Washington is ranked 10th in the country and has a really good quarterback. But the Cats are on a four-game winning streak, so they decide to keep it going, Arizona, 31-28.

Arizona at USC, Oct. 7

This one has upset written all over it. USC in the Coliseum (celebrating the building’s 100th birthday). Cats don’t just win; they roll, 34-21.

Arizona at Washington State, Oct. 14

Washington State?! Seriously? They’re not even in the Pac-12 anymore. Plus, the game is in October, so the weather will just be awful, not life-threatening. Arizona squeaks by, 28-24.

Oregon State at Arizona, Oct. 28

See above. Just another team that we used to know. Arizona, 30-21.

UCLA at Arizona, Nov. 4

Hey, the Cats beat ‘em at their place last year. Plus, UCLA is terrified about the prospect of disappearing into the bowels of the Big 10 Conference. This year, it should be a Wildcat blowout, 44-17.

Arizona at Colorado, Nov. 11

Deion Sanders is the Buffs’ coach. As a coach, he was a really good player. Arizona 34-14.

Utah at Arizona, Nov. 18

This will be the game for the regular-season championship in the last season of the Pac-12. Utah is a two-time defending champion after smacking USC around twice last season. Football fans see Utah as the program that Arizona could have/should have become.

By this time, Arizona will have drawn national attention. The networks might even give them a starting time for this game so that it won’t end after midnight. Utah will be favored, but the Cats will say, “Heck, we haven’t lost yet. Might as well finish this thing off.” Arizona, 28-27.

Arizona at Arizona State, Nov. 25

Yeah, the Sun Devils went to the Big 12 like the snotty little brother that used to tag along when he wasn’t wanted. In all seriousness, I wonder what the feeling was in the ivory towers in Tempe when the initial conference realignment talk was that the Big 12 just wanted Arizona and not ASU.

The Sun Devils will be awful, but records don’t matter in this game. Somebody you’ve never heard of will do something you won’t believe, and Arizona will win, 51-50.

So there you have it. A miracle, undefeated season topped off with a trip to the Rose Bowl, which, in Arizona football lore, will be just perfect, seeing as how the Pac-12 no longer exists and the Rose Bowl, like everything else in college football, has been sold to the highest bidder. Go Cats.

Marriage, fatherhood inspired Lovett’s latest album

BY ALAN SCULLEY Tucson Weekly Contributor

Lyle Lovett’s latest release, “12th of June,” marks his first album of original material in 10 years. In yet another example of the pandemic getting in the way of best laid plans, Lovett had things all lined up for a much earlier arrival of his latest batch of music.

“We recorded these tracks in November of 2019 with the idea of finishing them in March of 2020,” Lovett said in a recent phone interview. “I did an acoustic group tour that started in January and ended up on the 7th of March that year. I was going to spend the rest of the month working on the record and finishing it for a 2020 release. And of course, that did not happen.”

While Lovett did at least get to join his Large Band in the studio and record the basic tracks for “12th of June,” the pandemic had a huge effect on the work required from that point forward to finish the album.

“My recording process is such that I’m usually in the room for every playback and every change,” Lovett said. “Part of making a record is getting to be in the room and getting to work (in person) with your producer and recording engineer — and with the musicians, of course, which I got to do on this one. But the post-production is a very important part of the record and a very important part of enjoying making a record. So I hope we don’t ever have to make a record in isolation again.”

Lovett made the best of a bad situation by utilizing e-mail to listen to mixes and then e-mailing back suggestions.

“Chuck Ainlay, my producer in Nashville, would go through tracks and mix, and go through as we made edits and changes. He would e-mail me everything he was doing and then I would listen on my own,” Lovett said.

“It was just not the same. The back and forth is just not as much fun, really, because a decision that would take 5 minutes to make in the studio would end up being two or three days by e-mail. So it slowed everything down immensely. It’s just not as much fun listening and analyzing something all by yourself as it is working with people. So I missed the in-

teraction. I missed the humanity in making the record, and it felt more, in the context of being isolated from the world anyway, it added to that feeling of isolation rather than helped to diminish it.”

In the end, Lovett got to work in person with Ainlay in putting the finishing touches on “12th of June,” but it was early

in 2022 before that happened.

“In January, I played my first live dates in public (since the pandemic) on the 25th of January. That was in Orlando,” Lovett said.

“And I felt, well, as long as I’m out and exposed, and as long as Chuck would let me be in the room with him, I would go

to Nashville. We sat together. We spent a couple of 14-hour days in his mixing room and we finished the record in those two days. So it ended up being fun and it ended up being the kind of experience I’m used to. But it did take that finally getting

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group perform at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Tuesday, Sept. 5. (Michael Wilson/Contributor)

together to accomplish that.”

So better late than never, fans of Lovett finally have new music to enjoy. And while Lovett, one of music’s finest and most literate songwriters, has done his share of excellent albums that lean toward country and feature a good bit of acoustic instrumentation (think his second album, 1987’s “Pontiac,” 1992’s “Joshua Judges Ruth” or 2012’s “Release Me”), “12th of June” is his third studio album to be billed with his Large Band.

With this 14-member ensemble of talented musicians, Lovett is able to greatly expand his musical reach. That’s obvious right from the start of “12th of June,” which opens with a version of jazz great Horace Silver’s “Cookin’ at the Continental,” a lively instrumental that lets the Large Band showcase their considerable chops.

Three duets with Lovett’s long-time vocal counterpart, Francine Reed, further cement the jazz credentials of all involved as they tackle two songs associated with Nat “King” Cole, the peppy “Straighten Up & Fly Right,” the bluesy ballad “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You,” as well as the David Frishberg-penned standard “Peel Me A Grape,”

Lovett’s more country-leaning sound emerges on the ballads “Her Loving Man,” “The Mocking Ones” and the title track, while “Pig Meat Man” puts a bit of soul and blues into the mix and “Are We Dancing” adds a string-laden ballad that is rooted in the pre-rock ‘n’ roll era. The long gap between “12th of June” and Lovett’s previous album, 2012’s “Release Me,” was largely the product of being between record deals and needing time to figure out how he wanted to release his next collection of songs, coupled with a major development in Lovett’s personal life — his marriage to long-time girlfriend April Kimble in 2017, followed by the birth of the couple’s twins. Along with touring commitments — Lovett tends to play around 100 concerts during normal years — these factors absorbed a lot of time over the past decade.

As someone who always wanted to have kids, Lovett, now 65, is relishing his life as a husband and father.

“I always imagined having children. Then I got to a point I thought I guess I probably won’t have children,” Lovett said. “I always thought I wanted (kids),

but I had no idea, I just had no idea how much I’d enjoy it. It really has been a miraculous experience. I know other people have had children before. I’m not the only one. But it does sort of feel that way when you’re going through it yourself. It’s just something that you have to experience to be able to understand what it’s like.”

Marriage and fatherhood figure prominently into the lyrics of the original songs on “12th of June.” “Her Loving Man” is a sweet tribute to Kimble and her intelligence, wisdom and warmth. The title song is a touching tune that imagines a father carrying his love for his wife and children into the next life. Lovett applies his trademark wry humor to “Pants is Overrated,” which was inspired one day when his children were resisting the idea of getting dressed, and to “Pig Meat Man,” an ode to pork.

“I did focus on these particular songs and wanted it really to represent this part of my life because it really is the main thing going on for me,” Lovett said.

“I thought, of (the) subjects I can authentically represent, that (fatherhood) really is the best one right now. And it’s important to me. I hope one day when my children are old enough to understand those songs and understand what they’re about that they will take from that, that their dad loved them. That’s all I really care about.”

Lovett is getting to share the songs and messages of his new songs at a couple of shows with his smaller acoustic ensemble (including a Sept. 5 stop at Fox Tucson Theatre) before he hooks up with John Hiatt for a tour on which the two singer/ songwriters will trade songs and stories in a solo acoustic setting.

“We’ll play material from across my catalog, but we will definitely feature material from this (new) album,” he said. “It’s always fun to have a new record out and it’s always fun to have a reason to play those newly recorded songs.”

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5

WHERE: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W.

Congress Street, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $20

INFO: foxtucson.com

Restaurant week: Bargain prix-fixe menu fiesta

BY FRIER MCCOLLISTER Tucson Local Media Contributor

It’s that time of year, when many of our best local restaurants set aside 10 days to o er generously discounted prix- xe breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Sonoran Restaurant Week provides the perfect excuse for Tucson gourmands to both revisit old favorites and discover new go-to dining destinations, across the city.

Let’s not forget that Tucson holds the distinguished designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. We were the rst city in the United States to be granted the certi cation in 2015 and with San Antonio, the only two in the United States to date.

Tucson Foodie is the nonpro t organizer and producer of Sonoran Restaurant Week. Lead sponsors for the popular event are Visit Tucson, Rio Nuevo and the Tucson Metro Chamber.

Now in its h year, Sonoran Restaurant Week included over 100 restaurants last year and is expected to exceed that number this September. roughout the 10-day event, participating restaurants o er prix- xe breakfast, lunch and/or dinner menus, exemplifying their particular specialties at a neatly reduced price for a multicourse dining experience.

Participating menu prices are xed at $25, $35 and $45. ough there is no cost to participating restaurateurs, the venues must be locally owned.

e CEO of Tucson Foodie, Shane Reiser, noted the event a ords a rare annual opportunity for his titular local foodies to go wider and more economically in their prospecting of local cuisine.

at said, he also emphasized, “(Sonoran Restaurant Week) drives over $3 million in additional revenue to local restaurants, at a time when business is o en slow.”

Coming out of our sweltering summer and Labor Day into new work, school and athletic routines should not distract or divert anyone from taking full advantage of these prix- xe menus.

Local restaurateurs and chefs are devising their menus and discounts now. A full list of participating restaurants with menu details should be revealed by the end of this month.

A few prospective participants this year were happy to discuss their menu plans.

shortcake is included with the

(Ghini's French ca e/Submitted)

e Dutch: Dam good food 5340 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson 520-792-0624, www.thedutchtucson.com

Marcus and Nicole van Winden teamed as a couple to found e Dutch nearly seven years ago and have been regular participants in Sonoran Restaurant Week.

Marcus grew up in the Netherlands, near Rotterdam where he began his culinary training at the age of 16, which includednal culinary training at Sterklas, taught by European master chefs. Nicole is a proud third-generation Tucsonan. e couple met while they were working for Holland America Cruise line. Marcus was the chef of ne dining and Nicole was the assistant cruise director. While Marcus runs the kitchen at e Dutch, Nicole’s title is “chief instigator.”

“I think we’ve done it (Sonoran Restaurant Week) every year,” she said.

Nicole speculated on their ongoing participation in Sonoran Restaurant Week.

“As we’re looking to head back into season, that is something that is great about restaurant week, to have that boost of business that SRW provides, that rst week of September. I would say it’s very valuable to us as a restaurant.”

When discussing the inspiration behind this year’s Sonoran Restaurant Week menu, Nicole remarked, “We’ve played around with di erent ideas over the years. Sometimes we’ve done things using Sonoran cuisine or elements you nd locally here. But this year, we said let’s do something that’s true to the Dutch. We describe Dutch as a modern

summer, is a good appetizer to start o your meal. Between the veal and the ratatouille, our hope is that the menu not be too heavy. Like the dessert as well, the ottante — a meringue-based dessert — it’s decadent but you won’t feel too stu ed.”

Nicole van Winden summed it up nicely, “We’re excited for SRW. It’s been a really fun event and so we’re really looking forward to it again. I imagine it’s only going to get better every year.”

Elevated elegance at a price that is hard to resist. e intention behind this menu at e Dutch exempli es the true value of SRW.

Gourmet Girls

Gluten-free bakery/bistro

European cuisine, so that’s how we came up with the menu for this year’s restaurant week.

“We put together a whole bunch of ideas and had a fun little debate among ourselves about which ones would work well and would make sense for us to do. en we put it out to our leadership team at the restaurant as well, to get their feedback on it and this is the menu we came up with.”

Accordingly, the van Windens have concocted an impressively sophisticated and generous three-course dinner menu, priced at $35 per person. For starters, there is a choice between beef carpaccio dressed out with tru ed mayonnaise, pinenuts, arugula and parmesan cheese; or tomato toast with fresh burrata and basil.

ere will be a selection of three entrees: a classic veal schnitzel with lemon caper sauce, potatoes pont-au-neuf and haricots vert; roasted Cornish hen with potato gratin, cabbage salad and apple compote; and for diners of a vegan bent there is a seasonal ratatouille, with jasmine rice, crispy leeks and spinach sauce.

Dessert is nonnegotiable but good luck choosing between the ile ottante, oating island with creme anglaise or a coupe Romano , heaped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, all drizzled with Cointreau.

“For us, we de nitely wanted to keep it at that $35 price point, because we feel that allows us to come up with a bit more elaborate menu but still hopefully be within everyone’s budget,” Nicole added.

Marcus commented on his favorite dish, “ e beef carpaccio, especially in the

5845 N. Oracle Road, Tucson 520-408-9000

www.gourmetgirlsglutenfree.com

Mary Steiger and Susan Fulton are the founders behind Tucson’s original gluten-free bakery and bistro. e two met in a business networking group and started a small catering operation 15 years ago.

When a client requested a gluten-free cake, it became a challenge that ultimately resulted in their current mission.

As Fulton recalled, “We had a client who wanted some gluten-free products. We started experimenting and went down the rabbit hole. We both went gluten-free and realized how much better we felt. We just never looked back. We just kept experimenting and we still are to this day.”

By the way, because of their dietary change, Fulton found relief from chronic migraines and Steiger’s joint pain disappeared.

A er popping up at local farmers markets, the two opened their bakery and bistro on Oracle Road in 2011, 11 a.m. Nov. 11, to be exact. It should be noted that the bakery and bistro is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch every day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We are a little bit di erent than the average restaurant because we have such a niche. We don’t have the (seasonal) uctuations in business that maybe some of the restaurants do. In the summertime, we have a lot of tourists who come here because they all have gluten-free (smartphone) apps, to look up where to go when they’re traveling, so they nd us. We just have the most loyal, wonderful guests

Strawberry

prix-fixe meal at Ghini's French caffe.

who support us year-round,” Fulton noted.

“But traditionally September is the worst month for restaurants in Tucson. It’s always been a mystery why but there it is. SRW is great. It’s a really good boost for us. It gets people back into the mindset of thinking about eating out and trying new places. With all these wonderful deals and special menus, it’s just great. People can peruse all the choices and discover new things.

“You don’t have to be gluten-free to love Gourmet Girls. We like to encourage everybody to come and try it. We think our food is great whether you’re avoiding gluten or not.” is year their Sonoran Restaurant Week prix- xe menu will feature two brunch options: the breakfast pizza for two, plus beverages for $25; or their Greek burger, which will come with a side, a beverage and a gourmet cupcake for $25.

“ ose are the two special items. e breakfast pizza serves two people. e Greek burger is grass-fed beef on our homemade pita with our homemade tzatziki sauce, feta, red onions and sprouts,” Fulton explained.

Regarding the impending launch of Sonoran Restaurant Week, Fulton was e usive, “We’re really excited about it. We love that Tucson is doing this. It’s just such a good community event and we’re proud and honored to be part of it.”

e Coronet

Coronet Restaurant Coronet Café Nightjar 198 W. Cushing Street, Tucson 520-222-9889, www.coronettucson.com

e masterminds behind the sprawling historic complex out on West Cushing that comprises the Coronet Restaurant, Coronet Café and Nightjar are still working out its menu details for Sonoran Restaurant Week. at’s because, for the last six months, they have been completely revising and devising a new menu for the Coronet.

Opened in 2014 by partners Sally Kane, Gregor Kretchmann and Mathew Cordes at a smaller location on Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street, the operation will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a major party in April with a working reunion of former chefs and bartenders that remain a part of the extended Coronet family.

Meanwhile, as the team works on thenal menu tweaks, Sally Kane explained the course of the summer there. “ e main

dining room has been closed for July and August. e cafe and Nightjar have been rocking and rolling all summer long.”

Ordinarily the summer closure is for August only. e extra month was added to allow chef Tanner Flemming a European eld trip as the team worked on devising a new menu for the restaurant.

“He was able to eat through four di erent European countries and relax, and that makes us stronger and better. New foods and new experiences.”

Kane noted, “ ere are some big changes coming up for the restaurant.” Along with the new menu, “ e cafe will be enjoying an invigoration with some new menu items like the steak frites and the amazing Vietnamese mussels that we used to have on the restaurant menu a few years ago.” e seating capacity at the cafe and adjoining patio will also be expanded.

“At the restaurant proper, everything (on the menu) will be new there. All the charcuterie will be made in-house like venison carpaccio or rillettes or pate campagne; game meats like venison or wild boar. I will say this, the guests will still enjoy some really incredible vegan options on the new menu. We never think of vegan or vegetarian food as an a erthought. It’s always front and center in our creativity. e ethics of eating are always foremost for us, as well in our menu design,” Kane remarked.

Kane and her team have yet to fully nalize the exact menu and price point for their Sonoran Restaurant Week menu. Any hints to tease us, on their pending menu? “I can say things like ‘brown butter ocean trout tartare.’ Or I can say things like ‘tempura so shell crab with blue oyster mushrooms.’ Or I could say something like ‘Lion’s mane mushroom steak.’

“We’re still in research and development. It can ux and move. I still have to navigate the menus and gure out how it’s going to look for us. My concern is that the guest has a well-rounded experience,” Kane emphasized.

As to Sonoran Restaurant Week’s positive e ect on business, Kane re ected, “We’re a destination restaurant. We have a very healthy season; once it ends, we drop about 60% in business. We don’t have a lot of neighborhood infrastructure. We are in the fabric of this historic property. It’s everything to us. It’s peaceful and tranquil. And it has so many spaces for the guests to spend their time.

“SRW serves to encourage the Tucson guests to dine out again and perhaps try (restaurants) they haven’t been to and it serves to get new restaurants on people’s

radar. I think it’s a wonderful kicko to the Tucson season.”

By the way, the venue regularly features live music and movie nights. Where else can you see the “Wizard of Oz” and “Tampopo” in two consecutive evenings? Check their website for a currently updated calendar of events.

Ghini’s French Ca e 1803 E. Prince Road, Tucson 520-326-9095, www.ghiniscafe.com e tagline at Ghini’s is “Frenchness guaranteed.”

A brunch and lunch venue open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, the fare here indeed does trend to France with a variety of crepes, omelets and croque sandwich turns.

A native of Marseilles, Coralie Satta (chef Ghini) is the chef and owner here and her lively daytime bistro has been a well-loved xture on the corner of Prince Road and Campbell Street in the Safeway shopping center since 1992.

Ghini’s has been a regular participant in Sonoran Restaurant Week. is year, her prix- xe menu will be priced at $35.

“Last year we didn’t incorporate any brunch items. ( is year) I’m going to incorporate eggs provencal,” Satta said. “It’s something that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s a beautiful, simple dish. It’s our signature dish. I could eat it all day long.”

It might also be noted that Ghini’s eggs provencal has been previously acknowledged by this publication as one of “Tucson’s 100 Essential Dishes.”

“We’re not fancy. People think we’re fancy because we’re French, but we’re not,” she said.

“ e south of France is a little more ‘peasant’ so I’m going to stick to my roots and we’re just going to keep it simple. I have eggs provencal and I also have mussels as a choice and then I have a vegan option as well.”

She was still deciding on the vegan dish.

“We have a tomato basil pasta. I don’t know

if I want to make it a pasta or if I want to make it more brunchy.”

e rst course will be a choice of soup or salad.

“We have our vegan vegetable soup, which is amazing, or a cup of our French onion soup, which is also amazing, and a carrot feta salad, to keep it light. We mean to feed people. Portions are not small.”

e menu will be priced at $35 for two and will include a beverage or a shortcake dessert. It should also be mentioned that Ghini’s has always been active in community engagement, regularly partnering with local charitable causes, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson and the Tucson Humane Society, among others.

“I would just like to say, support your locals,” she said.

“Make sure when you’re out there spending your money, divert it to locals and not to chains. Support your community. at’s all we do. at’s literally our mantra since 1992. I have been only supporting local, I try to only buy local.

“I de nitely put my money back into the community.”

When you visit Ghini’s don’t hesitate to bring your canine companion.

“We’re actually Tucson’s rst pet-friendly restaurant,” she noted proudly.

Presented and produced by Tucson Foodie, Sonoran Restaurant Week 2023

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 8, to Sunday, Sept. 17

WHERE: A full list of participating restaurants with menu details will be available on the website by Aug. 31 INFO: www.sonoranrestaurantweek.com www.tucsonfoodie.com www.visittucson.org

The Gourmet Girls will treat you right with their breakfast pizza for two, left, or their greek burger, which comes with a side, a beverage and a cupcake. Both meals run $25 each. (Gourmet Girls/Submitted)

Wildfires are an overall tragedy

BY MIA SMITT Tucson Local Media Columnist

Wildfires worldwide in recent years have certainly caught our attention and the air pollution resulting from the fires have made many people sick. Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substance in the air that can be from natural sources or manmade.

The environmental health risk is not a new phenomenon. We can see the brown haze of smog in the air and see the dust rise on a windy day. Bright, tall plumes from industrial smokestacks dot some cities. While invisible, pungent smells are sometimes indicative of air pollution as well.

Air pollution is a threat to health across the world and wildfires contribute to this global toxicity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 6.5 million deaths worldwide are due to poor air quality. The U.S. Global Research Program, under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) put this number at 9 million in 2019.

The terrible wildfires in Canada that began on June 2 produced an orange-hued haze that covered many cities in Canada and the Northeastern part of the United States, affecting more than 100 million people.

There have been 211 fires in Canada thus far this summer and according to the European Union’s Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service, these wildfires have released 290 million metric tons of carbon into the air. This is the worse fire season in Canada’s history.

The recent wildfire on Maui is the

deadliest in United States in the last 100 years with 99 dead as of Aug. 15. Authorities fear this number will double in the days ahead.

The Camp Fire in Northern California in 2018 destroyed the town of Paradise and claimed 86 lives. Arizona has had its share of wildfires also. The Bighorn fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains burned approximately 120,000 acres over six weeks in June 2020 and local emergency departments reported higher numbers of respiratory illnesses.

Several fires have started across our state in the past two weeks and a lightning strike caused the ongoing Kaibab fire which as of Aug. 13 has consumed 5,000 acres of the Kaibab National Forest.

Direct injuries such as smoke inhalation and burns kill people during any kind of fire tragedy. When wildfires invade cities and towns, buildings burn, gas stations explode (as in Maui) and health care is limited when infrastructure is compromised.

Wildfires emit hazardous smoke that

leads to irritation of skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs. They also spread “particulate matter” (PM) over long distances that can cause long term illness and injury to various organs other than the lungs such as impaired blood vessel functioning and increased calcification in arteries. Particulate matter is made up of chemicals such as sulfates, nitrates, carbon, and mineral dusts. Wildfires contribute to ozone formation and are a major source of PM, especially in the western states during the hot summer months. They also produce a subset of PM called “fine particulate matter” (PM 2.5 – the diameter is 2.5 microns or smaller). This is 30 times thinner than a human hair and can be inhaled deeply into the lungs causing numerous health issues. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, March 4, 2020, described PMs as “a complex mixture of solids and liquids suspended in the air, originating from natural sources such as dust and wildfires as well as from anthropogenic sources” (such as including coal burning).

PM is complex and may have biological components such as viruses and spores as well as organic (such as hydrocarbons) and inorganic matter (such as heavy metals and carbon). Smoke can travel hundreds of miles downwind and affect people living far distances from the fires themselves. Wildfire smoke inhalation increases the occurrence of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and bronchitis. It also increases the incidence of heart attacks and strokes and has been shown to cause premature birth when pregnant women are exposed. Repeated or long-

term exposure creates chronic and debilitating disease.

The Lancet, May 2022, published a study showing an association of longterm exposure to wildfires and brain cancer in firefighters and people living in communities with repeated exposure to the smoke, even if hundreds of miles from the fires.

The August issue of the NIH Environmental Factor (online newsletter) highlighted an interview with Deborah Cory-Slecha PhD. Her research concludes that ultrafine PMs exposure can lead to different neurodegenerative disorders. Wildfire smoke impacts overall air quality over vast distances, increasing the risks to the health of tens of millions of have greater risks.

The elderly and young children are also at increased risk of short- and long-term injury. The Aug. 14 online issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report linking wildfires and their PMs with the development of dementia. The mental health toll is also a reality. The PTSD from the immediate terror and physical injury and long-term distress should be addressed by a mental health professional. Over the past 20 years, a warmer and drier climate has increased the fire incidence and burned areas across the country. If this pattern continues, our air quality will become poorer and further increase respiratory illness.

People exposed to wildfire smoke should stay indoors (if safe to do so!) or evacuate to a place that is less smoky. Preparedness for evacuation in fire prone areas should be assessed regularly. Wearing an N95 mask outdoors will lessen exposure to some PMs. Home air filters are available from as little as 50 dollars. Where there are fires there is also heat, so finding a cooling center or using AC is important.

While we send prayer, condolences, and humanitarian aid to fire ravaged areas we must remain vigilant and do our best as individuals, communities, and a nation to mitigate wildfire risk.

Mia Smitt is a long-time nurse practitioner, who writes a regular column for Tucson Local Media.

by WIll Shortz

1 Consoles whose controllers have wrist straps 2 Hawkeye’s player on “M*A*S*H” 3 Griddle goodies 4 Beach retreat?

Give juice to

Enemy org. in Bond novels

Big name

“That’s ___ she wrote”

K-pop megastars

“We’re through!”

Where to see Timberwolves ba le Grizzlies

Mojave flora

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Suspense is in the air as you plan your next move. No one knows what your play is going to be, and though you may have worked it out carefully, even you are buzzing with anticipation. This is most of the fun right here, the rush of adrenaline and your heart beating with the dangerous possibilities... like winning!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You'll collaborate so well this week that you'll hardly notice where your own knowledge ends and the knowledge of others begins. In a group of strong talents, this shouldn't be a problem. It will be better not to worry too much about individual credit and instead pretend the group is one mind working toward a single agreed-upon goal.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Compromise doesn't have to mean one person's happiness is diminished. You'll place the needs of others on par with or above your own this week. Though it causes you to juggle your priorities, you'll be happier for it. Your graciousness tips o a chain of events and you'll be welcome in new places.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Desire is like a cosmic lighting director. Possible routes to the wanted thing become illuminated, and everything else recedes to the shadows. It's good for getting what you desire, but bad for seeing all. On your way to getting what you want, it is lucky to employ the eyes of objective parties for the sake of perspective.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

Your feelings are a tidal ebb, pulling away from the shore of a relationship, giving the space to the scene while you gather yourself in some deep center. All is oxygenated by the way life moves. You are healthy and vibrant this week as you give up some of your resistance to the natural back and forth.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

There is no single person in charge of holding all the pieces of this grand puzzle together. You'll be reminded how you need your teammates even when you don't agree with one another -- and this week, disagreement expressed in a respectful, organized and mediated way is especially healthy for the group.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Kit Kat component 6 Heal (over) 10 “Ruler,” in Quechua 14 Words before “darned”

15 What ice cream and hearts may do

16 Transport up a bunny hill

17 Investigative journalist and civil rights pioneer who cofounded the N.A.A.C.P.

19 Some bunts, in brief

20 Exhaust

21 Boiling sensation

22 California’s “Eureka,” for one

23 Novelist and civil rights activist who wrote “Go Tell It on the Mountain”

28 Language in which “eleven” is “once”

30 One way to crack 31 Holiday pie flavor

Automated tweeter 33 Ribs serving 37 “___ away!”

38 W.W. II-era campaign that helped usher in the civil rights movement … and a hint to four answers in this puzzle

42 Le er a er phi

43 Make a pit stop at a punk show?

45 Bodybuilding supplement co.

46 Interrupt, as at a dance

48 Rank above a viscount

50 Road flare, e.g.

52 African American who received a posthumous Medal of Honor for valorous service in W.W. II

56 “Star Wars” beeper, informally

57 Nest egg inits.

58 Transcript stat

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

61 When repeated, a sport fish

62 Historian, essayist and civil rights leader who was the first African American to receive a doctorate at Harvard

66 Manipulates

67 Whimper

68 Waze way

69 Trimester, e.g.

70 ___-bitsy

71 Many, informally

Original “Fleabag”

Who is easier to forgive, yourself or others? Who is easier to work for, compromise for, impress or disappoint? Who is easier to love? Your attitude and circumstances improve in equal measure to your treatment of yourself. To discuss or journal on the topic will bring a breakthrough for you at this insightful time.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Life is a balancing act that you perform like a cat -- with improbable moves and a sort of grace that surprises everyone, even yourself, with its ability to stick the landing. You don't have to know how you're going to manage; it's less of an intellectual process than you might imagine. You just have to trust that you will.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

People who are a good t for you may not have the same opinion as you, but you'll share values. You'll hear a person's preferences and interests early in a relationship, but values take longer to reveal themselves, especially the important ones like honesty, integrity and graciousness. Take your time and you'll get the t.

Your emotional intelligence is a service to those around you. You sense things like sadness without drawing too much attention to the state. You help others feel better without making them feel vulnerable or embarrassed about what they're going through. Through empathy you create meaningful connections. Your presence brings solace.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

As you adapt to the ever-changing circumstances, it is natural that there will be trying moments -- even failing moments. Negative feelings will melt away this week as you give yourself compassion when you nd out what doesn't work. It's the action or strategy that didn't work, not you, so there's no need to personalize every part of the process.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Loved ones will involve you in what could be thought of as a stressful situation, or you could see the scene as a chance to prioritize di erently, handle challenges and learn through the process. Your connection to others inspires, organizes and builds you. As you solve problems, virtues like tolerance and compassion emerge.

PUZZLE BY SEAN ZIEBARTH

Worship Guide

GF and Son Contractor

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

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

HANDYMAN

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.

GF and Son Contractor

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

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.

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Now Accepting Credit cards

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.

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

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953



is Month

IN ORO VALLEY PARKS & RECREATION

SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS & EVENTS

GADGET GUIDANCE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE

Wednesdays in September

10 am – noon

Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N Oracle Rd.

Cost: Free

Ages: 18+

SEPTEMBER PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

Friday, September 15

6 – 10: pm

Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N Oracle Rd.

Cost: $20 per child

Ages: 5 – 12

Register to attend at www.playov.com

MOVIES ON THE LAWN – THE LITTLE RASCALS (1994) – FREE!

Saturday, September 16, 7: 30 p.m.

OV Community & Recreation Center 10555 N. La Canada Dr.

Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars.

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS AT STEAM PUMP RANCH – FREE!

7 – 9:30 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch 10901 N Oracle Rd. 85737

Sept. 1: Music by Wholly Cats Swing Club

Sept. 29: Music by Znora Band

Food trucks, beer, wine, soda and water available for purchase. NOTE: No outside alcohol will be allowed. Outside food is allowed.

NEW! BARK IN THE PARK – FREE!

Saturday, September 30, 5 – 8 p.m.

Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N Oracle Rd.

Bring your family, friends, and doggies! There will be adoptable dogs, food trucks, music, cra s for kids, a dog talent show, a dog costume contest, prizes, local business, and organization booths, and much more. The dog talent show and costume contest will have on-site registration the day of the event.

Prizes for the contest have been donated by our event sponsors: Pet Friendly Fun and Dogs and Donuts! Dogs must be leashed. Owners are responsible for cleaning up a er their dogs.