Marana News 112322

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tucson Local Media

The town of Marana will usher in the holiday season with a day full of family fun from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the municipal complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Drive.

The Christmas Tree Lighting & Light Show is one of the town’s four signature events.

“It is really fun,” said Shelby Scheer, special events supervisor in the town’s parks and recre ation department.

“We put a lot of effort into providing experi ences for guests of all ages. We have community performances on two stages this year. It’s just so popular that we added a stage. We have groups from Marana High School and Mountain View

High School. We also have the mariachi group from Tucson High School performing and a folk lorico group. In addition, we have a whole bunch of other local dance groups. It’s a fantastic way to showcase young talent.”

Scheer said “the star of the show” is the Christ mas tree lighting at 6 p.m., with an 8:30 p.m. en core.

“What’s cool about the holiday tree is it’s a show that runs the whole month of December. At 5 p.m., the 17-and-a-half-minute show goes off, and there are synced lights to music.”

The show runs every hour on the hour from 5 to 9 p.m.

“We also have hundreds of thousands of lights

www.Maranaweeklynews.com

Behind the scenes of McKale Center: What they know

BY AIDAN WOHL Tucson Local Media

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

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

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

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

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

“Now finding myself behind the scenes

EXPLORER Hot Picks

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

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 Schaffner, Staff Reporter kschaffner@timespublications.com

Hope Peters, Staff Reporter hpeter@timespublications.com

Katya Mendoza, Staff Reporter, kmendoza@timespublications.com

PRODUCTION

Courtney Oldham, Production Manager, tucsonproduction@timespublications.com

Christy Byerly, Graphic Designer cbyerly@timeslocalmedia.com

CIRCULATION

Aaron Kolodny, Circulation Director, aaron@phoenix.org

Brian Juhl, Distribution Manager, brian@timeslocalmedia.com

ADVERTISING

TLMSales@TucsonLocalMedia.com

Gary Tackett, Account Executive, gtackett@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Kristin Chester, Account Executive kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Candace Murray, Account Executive candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

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

ARTS

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

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

THEATER

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

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

BY KATYA MEN DOZA Tucson Local Media

Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue.

LIVE MUSIC

Friday, Nov. 25

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

HOT PICKS

from

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Wednesday, Nov. 23

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

Thursday, Nov. 24

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

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

Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26

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

Friday, Nov. 25 to Saturday, Dec. 24

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

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

Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Jan. 15

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

LOCAL MARKETS

Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 27

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

Road, Suite 110.

Saturday, Nov. 26

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

Sunday, Nov. 27

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

Tucson native initiated into corps of cadets

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

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

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

SPECIAL TO TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA

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

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

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

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

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

Mason has watched the arena evolve since she arrived.

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

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

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

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

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

“You never know what’s going to happen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Finding the underlying cause

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

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

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

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

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

It’s completely painless!

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

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

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

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until October 31st, 2022. Call (520) 934 0130 to make an appointment

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

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

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

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

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

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

Mayor Romero welcomes 105 new citizens

BY HOPE PETERS Tucson Local Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CITIZENS from Page 8

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

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

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

MCKALE from Page 6

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

Mason noted that the best part of her job

hono O’odham and the Pascua Yaqui tribes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facing challenges and struggles, Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

it is being able to see some great games here because of the competition. …. And if we do our preparation correctly, it can be fun. “It’s awesome to be able to work with our teams, too. At the end of the day, we’re here to service our student athletes and our

CADET from Page 5

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

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

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

Geraci, USA (Ret).

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

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

on buildings and trees,” she said. “It’s spe cial for Marana to have a large-scale hol iday show.”

The town, partnered with the Marana Chamber of Commerce, supports small business during the celebration. Forty artisan craft vendors set up shop in the holiday market and they’re joined by ex hibitors.

Forty food trucks complement the small businesses.

“We have over 100 total vendors of varying types,” Scheer said. “Usually, this is one of our larger of the four events we have. July 4 has more people, just because of the vicinity. The holiday festival brings in 10,000 to 12,000 people.”

Families and children are invited to take free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well. Another Santa photo opportunity will be held at the December Concerts at the Courtyard.

“There are not a lot of opportunities to get that Christmas card with Santa, at least with COVID,” she said.

“If you live in north Marana or any where in Marana, the closest mall that has a Santa is Tucson Mall. That’s really far away. We’re happy to have Santa vacation ing in Marana on Dec. 3.

“We really love the holidays and pre senting this event for the community. You can go Christmas shopping, get your pho to taken with Santa, see a free show, take a ride on a train. It’s a big spectacle spread out over acres and acres of land at the Ma rana Municipal Complex.”

The complete lineup:

6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting

& Light Show

Marana’s tradition continues with an updated look and new musical playlist. The star of the show is the nearly 30-ft Christmas tree covered in synchronized lights that dance to a 17-minute light show.

2:45 p.m. Welcome parade for Santa

Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus will be wel comed into the event by a parade featur ing Marana Police Department, Marana High School’s marching band and cheer leaders. Line up along Main Street as San ta & Mrs. Claus walk through the holiday market on their way to Santa’s Courtyard.

3 to 9 p.m. Free photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Santa and Mrs. Claus are vacationing in Southern Arizona before their hectic holiday season kicks off and want to take photos with community members. Photos will be posted on Marana Parks & Recreation’s Facebook page after the event. Note: Santa & Mrs. Claus will take a break at 6 p.m. during the tree lighting.

Letter to Santa

The letter to Santa station will be set up in Santa’s Courtyard and presented by Bookman’s.

3 to 8 p.m. community performances

The Candy Cane Stage and the new Santa’s Courtyard Stage are pro grammed on the half hour from 3 to 8 p.m. (except for a break at 6 p.m. for the tree lighting).

Free rides on the holiday train

Located in Santa’s Courtyard, fami lies can enjoy unlimited, free rides on the holiday train at the Marana Train Depot.

Free bouncy experiences

Kids of all ages can enjoy bounce houses, obstacle inflatables and games for free. Note for young families: Cer tain apparatuses are designated for chil dren 10 and younger.

Creation station

Lucky Cat Social Art presents the chil dren’s craft station in Santa’s Courtyard. This year’s craft is a personalized Christ mas ornament to take home.

Holiday market

The holiday market features local arti sans and craft vendors. Guests can also talk to exhibitors, nonprofits and the town of Marana’s organizations.

Food vendors

From Sonoran hot dogs, pizza, ta cos, barbecue and gyros to sno-cones, snacks, churros and fry bread, Marana events have something for everyone.

OV website wins Golden Prospector award

TO TUCSON LOCAL MEDIA

The town of Oro Valley’s new econom ic development website, chooseor ovalley.com, was recently awarded a Golden Prospector award from the Arizona Association for Economic Devel opment. The Golden Prospector awards were established to encourage and recog nize excellence in economic development. The new site was developed on the OpenCities platform and is connected to the town’s main website to maximize searchability and user experience. The

project was a collaboration between the town’s communications and marketing di vision, and the community and economic development department.

Launched in April, it is called a “one-stop resource for site selectors and current and future Oro Valley businesses.”

“The Golden Prospector Award rep resents the hard work that town staff poured into the website’s development,” said Paul Melcher, community and eco nomic development director.

“We’re already seeing significant increas es in web traffic to the site, which demon

strates the value of this tool to local busi nesses as well as site selectors.”

Chooseorovalley.com streamlines the business development process and in creases the speed of development-related decisions by providing site selectors direct access to available sites ready for new con struction, vacant buildings identified for adaptive reuse, local and regional work force for clusters and zoning and develop ment costs and incentives.

Additionally, the website serves as an economic development event calendar and showcases the quality of life and key indus

tries that make Oro Valley the community of excellence that it is.

This new website is one of the many ways in which the town of Oro Valley works to foster and support local business. Commu nity and economic development staff also conduct annual in-person business visits and work with industry leaders on work force development and training, business summits and employee recruitment and retention.

The team at P3 ARIZONA helped me understand my MEDICARE OPTIONS

MIKE CANDREA, Former University of Arizona Head Softball Coach

I always taught my players to be prepared. In turning 65, I knew Medicare was a whole new ball game. P3 Arizona helped me understand my optionsincluding the benefits of a Medicare Advantage plan versus traditional. P3 Arizona supports seniors in getting the care they DESERVE.

SPECIAL

Offer ends 12/5/22. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New Xfinity Internet residential customers only. Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing with stored bank account. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10 (or $5 if enrolling with credit or debit card information). The discount will appear on your bill within 45 days of enrolling in automatic payments and paperless billing. If either automatic payment or paperless billing is subsequently canceled, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Limited to Fast Internet with xFi Complete and HBO Max.™ Installation, taxes & fees extra, and subj. to change during and after promo. After 24 months, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular charges apply to internet services and devices. Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. After 12 months, regular rates apply to HBO Max™ (currently, $9.99/mo., subject to change). Flex: Not available to current Xfinity TV customers. Requires post-pay subscription to Xfinity Internet, excluding Internet Essentials. Limited to 3 devices. One device included, additional devices $5/mo per device (subj. to change). All devices must be returned when service ends. Subscriptions required to access all other streaming services. Viewing will count against any Xfinity data plan. © 2022 WarnerMedia Direct, LLC. All Rights Reserved. HBO Max™ is used under license. © 2022 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA243803-0004

Music is a priority for Courtney McKenna

BY LAURA LATZKO Tucson Weekly Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

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

McKenna’s newest song “C.S.R. (Corpo rate Social Responsibility)” was released Nov. 9. The grunge-rock tune is about the protests over building the Dakota Access Pipeline and corporate greed in general.

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

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

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

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

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

tional Park also reminded her of Tucson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

She hopes her listeners connect with the songs.

“I don’t want to be just another pop writ er,” McKenna said. “I want my music to ac tually challenge people but in a good way, just to help people think and let them know they aren’t alone. For me, that was the big

gest part about living with my father, who was an alcoholic. I felt like I couldn’t talk with anyone else.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

thetic as an artist.

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

“When I got to New York, my first boy friend out there was a musician. I started playing his guitar, and then I taught myself.

I had always written songs, but it took years to really decide that this was something I could do. I met a lot of other artists that were doing it. I always say I got my rock ‘n’ roll education in New York.”

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

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

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

Singing backup for them allowed her to get road experience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtney McKenna returns home to Tucson to play Bacio Italiano. (Glenn Harris/ Contributor)

EXTRA POINT WITH TOM DANEHY SPORTS & RECREATION

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnst

This is a crossroads in the prep sports calendar. The fall sports have just about wrapped up (the football teams from Marana, Canyon Del Oro, and Pusch Ridge all had state playoff games last weekend) and winter sports will be kicking off with basketball and soccer tournaments that straddle the Thanksgiving holiday.

We thought it would be a good time to recognize a former Northwest-area prep athlete, one who followed her dream and defied the odds and the naysayers to be come a college basketball player.

Her name is Knowledge Smith — and yes, that’s her real name.

Not surprisingly, Knowledge is a good student, but she also always wanted to be a basketball player. Not an all-around ath lete — a basketball player. “I’ve always loved basketball. People tried to get me to do oth er sports, but that’s all I ever played.”

Somewhere along the line, she developed a passion for shooting the 3-pointer. She be came adept at it and then that morphed into freaky good. By the time she got to Amphi High School, she was shooting from college range. (The high-school three-point line is 19 feet 9 inches from the hoop. College and international basketball is 20 feet 9 inches and the NBA is 23 feet 9 inches.)

She was on the varsity from the jump and was an immediate contributor. But her first three years at Amphi (including one trun

cated by the pandemic) were largely unful filling. In her first three years, Amphi went a combined 16-35. But during her senior year, the Panthers exploded, going 20-8, winning the region championship and ad vancing to the state playoffs. During the season, Knowledge made more than 100 3-pointers, shattering the school record and becoming one of the top long-range shoot ers — boy or girl — in all of Arizona.

She wasn’t simply a 3-point shooter. She also led her team in rebounding and blocked shots and was third in steals.

Knowledge had always dreamed of play ing in college but wasn’t sure of her pros pects. She had played on the wing in high school, but was rather short to be a wing player in college. But that didn’t stop her.

She walked on at Pima College, which has one of the top junior college programs in America. The Aztecs are ranked 17th in the country. She did the full summer work outs, getting up at 4 in the morning to get her running in before it got too hot. She hit the weight room and always found time to get in some shooting.

Pima coach Todd Holthaus is very pleased with Knowledge. “We knew she could shoot, but she does everything else, as well. She rebounds, plays defense, passes well. We’re glad to have her.”

And she’s glad to be there. She says that college ball and college life are different than high school. There is more freedom but also more demands on her time.

“I love it,” she beams.

Thankful for a return to normalcy

BY TOM DANEHY Tucson Local Media Columnist

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

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

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

It feels like it was decades ago, but the Arizona Wildcat football team went 0-5 in 2020. They played fewer than half of the

games on the original schedule. The season didn’t start until Nov. 14 (a game at Utah scheduled for Nov. 7 was canceled due to COVID-19).

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

A couple weeks after Thanksgiving, Ar izona would lose, at home, to ASU by the infamous score of 70-7. The only good thing about that day is that the official box score reads Attendance: 0.

Last year was not much better. Games were still being canceled, players were missing games after testing positive, and idiots like Kyrie Irving were putting them selves ahead of their teams by refusing to be vaccinated. (It’s really simple. If a person

doesn’t want to be vaccinated, such is their right. But then, they’re giving up the privi lege of being a part of a team that requires its players to be vaccinated.)

I went to a couple UA basketball games last year and it was painful to watch college kids being paid minimum wage have to go up to the high rollers in the great seats and remind them of the mask policy (which was widely ignored). High school games were played with masks on players, refs and surly parents. It often got ugly.

But now we’re two years on and things are better. COVID-19 is still with us, and apparently it always will be, in one form or another. We just survived another elec tion, the results of which many (but cer tainly not all) might find hopeful. Maybe we can get back to a place where we just bicker with each other instead of plotting open warfare. And sports are back in a big way. College football stadiums are packing in 100,000 people and the National Foot ball League has resumed its campaign of total world domination. (After having reg ular-season games in England and Germa ny earlier in the season, the NFL held the Cardinals-49ers game in Mexico City last weekend).

There are several things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Among them:

• I’m thankful for University of Arizona Athletic Director Dave Heeke, who had the wild foresight to hire football coach

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

• I’m thankful that high school sports, of which I am a big fan and a giddy par ticipant, are back in a big way. Kids are having a good time and we’re back to providing lifetime memories.

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

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

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

A not so new treatment in wound care

BY MIA SMITT Tucson Local Media Columnist

Acenturies old healing substance that has been used by the Maori in New Zealand has slowly made its way to the modern world.

Appearing on pharmacy shelves now are various preparations of manuka honey. The native new Zealanders refer to this sub stance as “taonga” which means “treasure.” And a potential treasure it truly is. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which, according to indigenous tradition and cur rent research, can be used to treat wounds, ulcers, acne and sore throats and improve overall oral health.

Honey has been used since ancient times for various ailments and research began during the late 1980s to affirm or refute the claims of its healing properties. Recently considered “alternative medicine,” manuka honey is gaining recognition in allopathic

medical circles. This particular honey is different from most others in that it is derived from only one type of flower, the manuka (leptosper

mums). The manuka flower evolved over millions of years only in New Zealand and Australia and is very tolerant of fire and drought.

Other countries, including the United States are now looking for suitable soil and climate to grow the flowers. Most honey worldwide gets its antibacterial state from hydrogen peroxide. But some honeys have additional and unique qualities of antibac terial properties.

The manuka flower’s nectar has higher concentrations of dihydroxyacetone, also known as glycerone, which is derived from plant sources. This converts to methylgly oxal (MGO), creating stronger antibacte rial properties than other types of honey. The concentration of MGO determines the strength of the antibacterial properties.

An April 2016 article in Frontiers in Microbiology showed that this honey can dissolve the biofilms on bacteria and virus es in such a way that there is no bacterial resistance as can occur with many of the

antibiotics we use to treat illness. The anti bacterial quality of some kinds of manuka honey may be more than 100 times more potent than others, depending on when and how it is harvested.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved manuka hon ey as a wound treatment. It is well known that medical-grade honey increases wound healing by speeding up the healing pro cess, preventing wound bed infections, and promoting healthy tissue growth. The best example of this might be decubitus ulcers, or bedsores. They may stay free of infection but without the growth of new tissues and blood vessels, they will not heal. The ma nuka honey has been shown to fully heal these ulcers in many situations, sometimes in as little as three days.

Several studies have shown that manuka honey can help heal wounds and the Natu ral Medicines Comprehensive Database re

Mia Smitt is a longtime nurse practitioner. She writes a regular column for Tucson Local Media. (Submitted)

Lung cancer commonly exhibits these signs

BY NORTHWEST HEALTHCARE

Most of us are used to breathing eas ily — on average, we take 20,000 breaths a day without giving it much thought.

But for the 236,000 Americans living with lung cancer (the second most com mon type of cancer), inhaling and exhaling are constant challenges.

The disease is most common in people over the age of 65 who smoked tobacco (or were exposed to tobacco smoke, other car cinogens or radon) for years.

“The most important thing to remember: Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer,” said Dr. Rammohan Marla, a tho racic surgeon with Northwest Healthcare’s Northwest Pulmonology in Tucson.

“Secondhand smoking is equally dan gerous. Many resources are available if you cannot quit smoking easily, so please talk to your primary care provider if you need help.”

However, lung cancer can also develop in younger people with no risk factors, and

WOUND from Page 17

ported honey as being “possibly effective” in treating burns.

The Cochrane Review reported that this honey may shorten healing times in sur gical wounds and mild burns better than

because most people with lung cancer don’t have symptoms until the disease is ad vanced, screenings (or follow-up on a mass or lesion) is vital.

“Lung cancer care is changing dramati cally with minimally invasive detection and treatments,” said Dr. Abhinav Mittal, an interventional pulmonologist who works

at Northwest with Marla. “We are always here to help.”

See your doctor for a screening if you have any risk factors or any of the following symptoms:

• A new cough that doesn’t clear up on its own

• Cough up any amount of blood

• Feel like you can’t catch your breath

• Experience chest pain

• Are speaking in a hoarse voice

• Notice unexplained weight loss

• Feel pain in your bones

Northwest Healthcare includes North west Medical Center, Oro Valley Hospi tal, Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita, Northwest Medical Center Houghton, Northwest Emergency Centers in Vail and Marana, Northwest Urgent Cares, North west Women’s Center, Northwest Primary & Specialty Care, Northwest Tucson Sur gery Center, Tucson Surgery Center and Northwest Transitions, an inpatient reha bilitation facility.

Info: healthiertucson.com or mytucson doc.com

traditional dressings. Yet another study showed that manuka honey might reduce the buildup of tooth plaque and prevent gingivitis. This could prove to be an easy prevention measure for overall good health since we know that gingivitis can lead to se rious illness such as heart disease. Other re search showed that the anti-inflammatory effects may help to prevent inflammation in the esophagus from cancer chemothera py and radiation treatment. Manuka honey

also is rich in amino acids, calcium, B vita mins, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, and zinc.

As with anything, there are possible ad verse effects. People who are allergic to bees may have a reaction to any honey, includ ing the manuka variety. Eating a lot of any high sugar content products such as honey may find blood sugar levels rising (but this would mean eating a lot of the honey). Its antioxidant properties may interact and

negatively affect certain medications and cancer chemotherapies.

It is very interesting that medical research communities and institutions are looking more into nature for illness solutions. High tech is great and has advanced the cause of good health, but low tech certainly has its place, too.

Mia Smitt is a longtime nurse practitioner. She writes a regular column for Tucson Lo cal Media.

Dr. Rammohan Marla is a thoracic surgeon with Northwest Healthcare’s Northwest Pulmonology in Tucson. (Northwest Healthcare/Submitted)

Dr. Abhinav Mittal is an interventional pulmonologist who works at Northwest Healthcare’s Northwest Pulmonology. (Northwest Healthcare/Submitted)

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

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

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

“___ the Wild” (2007 film)

Kagan of the Supreme Court

Sudden wave

Obscures

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

Horoscope

Sagittarius Season Opens

By Holiday Mathis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crossword Puzzle Answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• No computer is needed to