Join us on Memorial Day, May 28th at 3 PM as Arts Express honors the brave men and women from the Tucson Community who have served, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “A Hero’s Salute” will be presented in Crowder Hall on the University of Arizona campus at Park and Speedway.

This uplifting and inspirational Memorial Day tribute will recognize our military, first responders, public servants,volunteers, and others who have placed themselves before others.

The program will feature the Arts Express Choir and Brass Quintet, directed by Dr. David Ashcraft, Co-Artistic Director of Arts Express, and will include several uplifting Memorial Day messages.

“A Hero’s Salute” will be presented free of charge. A minimum donation of $5/person is suggested to cover expenses of this event. All proceeds will go to the Arts Express arts education scholarship fund benefiting local youth. Tickets will be required for guaranteed seating.

Individuals may request up to four free-admission tickets by going online to: www.arts-express.org. Tickets are also available by calling 520-319-0400. Those attending without a ticket will be seated as space is available. All ticket requests by mail must be received by Thursday, May 24.

Karen Wiese, Executive Director
Arts Express, Inc.
Phone: 520-319-0400
Email: info@arts-express.org

Crowder Hall is at 1017 E. Olive Rd., south of Speedway, east of Park Avenue, and seats 544 persons.

Honor our Veterans and remember especially those who gave their lives for our country in this Memorial Day musical salute.

All 3 candidates Ron Barber (D), Jesse Kelly (R) and Charlie Manolakis (G) will be participating. The MC for the evening will be radio talk show host Bill Buckmaster of the Buckmaster Show (high noon on weekdays on KVOI AM 1030) . Bill was a TV talk show host on “Arizona Illustrated” on KUAT Channel 6 for 23 years.

This debate is sponsored by the Arizona Daily Star and the Tucson Jewish Community Center, and will also be broadcast live on KVOI AM 1030 Tucson and KAPR AM 930 Douglas.

Click here for my previous blog about the CD 8 debates (with photos and campaign websites).

If you don’t want to attend the debate, with want to listen to it with other “liberals”, Drinking Liberally is hosting their weekly meeting with a radio to listen on KVOI. They meet at The Shanty at 6 p.m., 401 E. 9th St. (NE corner of 4th Avenue).

The latest voter registration as of 3/1/12 for CD 8 (parts of Cocise, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz Counties) from the AZ Sec. of State’s website:

Democrats: 133,571
Greens: 852
Libertarians: 2646
Republicans: 159,200
Americans: 27
Others: 128,242

Ron Barber has been endorsed by the Tucson Weekly (click here), and The Arizona Republic (click here). Early voting for this special general election started on May 17, 2012.

The person elected on the upcoming June 12 special general election will only serve out the remainder of Giffords’ term till January, 2013.

A wonderful way to spend time over the long, hot summer months is to vist your local branch library (or the Joel D. Valdez Main Library downtown) and read! And this year the reading program highlights Arizona’s Centennial.

From the Pima County Public Library’s website:

Summer Reading Preview – Our State, Our Story: Celebrating 100 Years of Arizona

Summer Reading is on the horizon. This year it begins on May 24 and runs through July 21. On May 24, mosey on in to your library to pick up your Reading Passport and Arizona Adventure Pass. This year’s program also includes activities that will keep you and your family exploring, doing, creating, writing and reading all summer.
What’s New?

Along with the fantastic fun programs and events that come with Summer Reading each year, this year we are rolling out a new way to think about Summer Reading. This year it’s going to be about reading, writing, creating, doing, and exploring. It’s going to be about reading for pleasure, encouraging a love of reading for all ages, and participation in creative, challenging and exciting activities.

Everyone (adults, teens and kids) who joins Summer Reading this year will receive a Reading Passport and an Arizona Adventure Pass. Your Reading Passport is where you’ll set your reading goal and log your activities. (Have your passport stamped as you meet goals and complete activities.)

Decide Your Reading Goal
What’s a good reading goal? Set your reading goal of minutes or number of pages. Make it your goal to read all of the books in a series or all of the books by a certain author. Maybe you’ll want to read 10 books about horses. Got a stack of magazines you’ve been wanting to read? That’s a reading goal—something that’s a challenge, but not a chore.

Choose Six Activities
In honor of Arizona’s Centennial we’re going to give you a list of 100 activities. Throughout the summer you’ll choose six appealing activities from the list to complete and log in your Reading Passport. You’ll find things that are easy to do as well as others that are more challenging. Your Arizona Adventure Pass will come in handy since it includes passes for fun activities and interesting venues all over the state.

Summer Reading Night at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Who? Readers ages 2-14, your Adventure Pass is your ticket for free admission with one paid adult admission to Summer Reading Night on Saturday, June 23.

SummerQuest
You will have completed the journey with your fellow SummerQuesters when the hidden image you seek appears. How many of the quests will you fulfill to reach the goal?

SummerStory
Are you more the writerly type? SummerStory may be right up your alley. Each week the story will continue with an installment chosen from those you (teens 13-18) submit.
Finale Events

After you’ve accomplished your summer reading goals we want to help you celebrate!

Wrock out with those wizard rockers Harry and the Potters at the Hotel Congress on Thursday, July 19. Thanks to Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange and the Hotel Congress for joining with the library to make this event free and fun for all ages.

Kids who accomplish six activities will receive a pass to a finale event at Reid Park Zoo on Saturday morning, July 21!

The Summer Rock Concert returns this year. Talented local teen bands will play at this free, all ages, concert on July 21 at 8 pm. Teens who have completed 6 activities will receive a backstage pass to an exclusive VIP pre-party.

Wow! What a great way to continue to celebrate Arizona’s 100 birthday (February 14, 2012). Enjoy the summer by reading!

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is pleased to announce the start of $10 for 10,000. For the past three years, this annual reduced adoption fee campaign has been instrumental in ensuring that more than 10,000 animals were saved each year.

The $10 for 10,000 campaign kicks off at the Monsoon Muttness adoption event Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N.Silverbell Road.

The family-friendly event will feature music, a dog show, a jumping castle, cotton candy, a scavenger hunt and special guest appearances from McGruff and friends and the Marana Police Canines.

The dog show begins at 11 a.m. and the following classes are open to all rescue dogs:

Cutest dog
Ugliest dog
Dog most like their human companion
Best dog trick
Best six legs
Best dressed dog

Compliance DJ Jerry Sanchez will provide entertainment until 3:30 p.m. He will be followed by live music performances by:

Gila Bend
Leila Lopez
Sunday Drivers
Hank Topless

PACC is encouraging people to come to the event not only to enjoy free entertainment for the whole family, but also to visit the great selection of dogs and cats in need of homes and to adopt a new pet for a reduced fee.

Please visit www.pima.gov/animalcare for more information.

Lots of dogs do undeniably look like their owners, so this sounds like a fun community event, especially for you dog lovers out there in Pima County. Can’t wait to see the winner of the Cutest and Ugliest dog categories, but remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder (or dog owner).

And why a “monsoon”? Because it’s raining (cats) and dogs!

I may be one of the few people in Tucson who has yet to eat at this new upscale French restaurant in the Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida Convento, SW corner of W. Congress St., west of the I-10. Dine there today from 11 a.m. & support the Fox Theatre’s 82nd birthday. And I heard also that Fox freebies will be given away.

Their website: http://www.agustinbrasserie.com/ (with menu & map)

The Fox’s website: www.foxtucsontheatre.org for upcoming shows, movies, special events at 17 W. Congress Street.
Coming up this weekend Saturday & Sunday May 19 & 20 at 2 p.m. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.

As the Clone Wars sweep through the galaxy, the heroic Jedi Knights struggle to maintain order and restore peace. More and more systems are falling prey to the forces of the dark side as the Galactic Republic slips further and further under the sway of the Separatists and their never-ending droid army.

AZPM political correspondents Christopher Conover and Andrea Kelly (no relation to the candidate with same last name) facilitated this debate between:

–Democrat Ron Barber, former District Director for Congresswoman Giffords; he was shot twice on January 8, 2011 at the Tucson Tragedy mass shooting

–Republican Jesse Kelly, ran unsuccessfully for this seat in Nov. 2010 & lost to Giffords by 4,156 votes

–Green Party Charlie Manolakis, political newcomer; former Democrat & recent Green party member (March 12, 2012)

Click here for the video of this 3-way debate.

My previous blog about the CD 8 debates, with photos and campaign website info (click here).

Early voting for this June 12 special election in CD 8 starts tomorrow.

So I kindly asked Nick to send me photos he took of the May 16, 2009 newsstand with his dog friend, appropriately named “Citizen Z” (who is not for sale).

"Our Epitaph" and dog sculpture

Georgiou’s website: http://myhumancomputer.blogspot.com/. His studio is upstairs at the Citizens Art Studios at 44 W. 6th Street (BICAS building). See more photos of this dog sculpture at his website.

Nick also had a booth recently at the Tucson Festival of Books, as he uses discarded books in his creative art as well.

R.I.P. Tucson Citizen newspaper

Fernando Gonzales

May 15, 2012 – Tucson, AZ – Fernando Gonzales, local small business owner and son of first generation immigrant farm workers announces his candidacy for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat in 2012. The position is currently held by Richard Elias who was appointed to the seat when Congressman Raul Grijalva went on to Congress.

Gonzales is one of 8 children that traveled between Arizona and California working in the agricultural fields including cotton fields in Marana. Fernando started a family and eventually moved to Tucson. Fernando is now owner and CEO of JanCo Janitorial which was founded by his sister Elizabeth Gonzales Gann.

As a business owner and on a personal level Fernando believes in giving back to the community both by giving of his time and financial contributions. The company and personally has financially supported over Fifty non-profit organizations. Fernando’s love and passion for people and especially those who are downtrodden has taken him to many of the poorest areas in Mexico. Today he continues to support and orphanage and a ministry that feeds children on a daily basis.

“It’s time we take a different look at the issues of poverty, decaying roads and lack of jobs and lack of hope for your youth.” Gonzales said at his announcement event. “What makes America great and once made Pima County great was the belief and pride in ourselves our families and our neighborhoods. I think we’ve lost that hope.”

Gonzales cited the perception of Pima County as being difficult to do business in as one of the main things he wants to focus on during his campaign. “We have to get out of the rut of saying “NO” to everything and start looking for ways to help our small businesses open and start hiring.”

“Fernando is an American success story and role model in his church, family and community. We should celebrate those that worked hard and changed their direction of their lives.” Said Elizabeth Gonzalez Gann, Fernando’s sister and campaign chair. “The latino voters and neighbors in District 5 will see Fernando as a part of their community and someone who values hard work and faith as a way to get ahead.”

Campaign website: www.votefernandogonzales.com under construction. Gonzales is a Republican and political newcomer.

Christina Cruz
Tagline Media Group
1655 N. Swan Road
Tucson, AZ. 85712
Office: 520-207-8910
Cell: 520-603-1935
www.TaglineGroup.com

Incumbent District 5 Supervisor Richard Elias was appointed to his seat in February 2002 and is speaking tonight at the Martha Cooper branch Library (click here).

Kino Heritage Festival events on May 19:

12:30 and 1:15 pm
Two Mission Tours by The Docents of Patronato San Xavier – Tour 45 minutes
The mission tours by the Patronato are conducted daily and are opened to the public. The Patronato San Xavier is a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization founded by Southern Arizona community leaders in 1978 to promote the restoration, maintenance and preservation of Mission, a National Historic Landmark. The docents are volunteers from the community, trained in the history, architecture, and culture of the Mission San Xavier and its surroundings. See www.patronatosansavier.org.

2:00 to 2:20 pm
Opening Remarks and talk on the history of Father Kino and the People of San Xavier del Bac (in the Church).

2:30 to 3:00 pm
Classic Music Concert by the Tucson’s Dolce Musica Quintet. The members of the woodwind quintet are Barb Bayless, Christie Blute, Lorraine Callahan, David Eckertand, Sherry Jameson who are members of the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (in the Church).
__________________
3:00 to 4:30 pm
Courtyard Reception with Book Signing, Art Show, Live Music and other entertainment in the beautiful Mission San Xavier courtyard and arcades.

Book Signing
Artist and author Edna San Miguel will sign her recent book “Mission San Xavier … A Story of Saints and Angels, Art and Artists”. Edna beautifully tells the story of our internationally famous mission in both English and Spanish text along with her enchanting illustrations. She relates the mission’s history, architecture and statuary and other art and the efforts of the international team of conservators to preserve it. Edna’s book is published by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press. See www.ednasanmiguelart.com

Art Show featuring local artists including art displayed by artist and author Edna San Miguel and Joan Grecchi.

Live Music and other entertainment including traditional music of Arizona and Sonora.

The Mission Museum and the Mission Gift Shop will be open during its regular hours.
See the Mission’s website at www.sanxaviermission.org.

Note: The two tours are at 12:30 and 1:15 pm. The main festival events start at 2:00 pm.

The San Xavier Mission and the Kino Heritage Society are joining with communities across Sonora and Arizona during the month of May by having the Kino Festival at the San Xavier Mission on Saturday afternoon May 19th from 12:30 to 4:30 pm.

Our Festival is part of the regional celebrations in Arizona and Sonora from May 16th to May 20th that honor the life of Jesuit missionary and explorer Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino.

The Tubac Presidio State Historical Park (Friday May 18 to Sunday May 20) and the Tumacacori National Historical Park (Wednesday May 16- Special Mission Guevavi and Calabasas Tour; Thursday May 17 Events at Park Headquarters) are also participating and having their own Kino Festivals.

The flyer above has a beautiful image of the pen and ink drawing of Ted DeGrazia’s (courtesy of the DeGrazia Foundation) of the San Xavier Mission and its people.

More details for San Xavier, Tubac and Tumacacori Festivals when they become available at www.padrekino.com.

Tumacacori National Historic Park would appreciate an RSVP on the tour to (520) 398-2341, extension 0.

Anita Badertscher
Acting Chief of Interpretation
Tumacácori National Historical Park
P.O. Box 8067
Tumacacori, AZ 85640
(520) 398-2341, ext. 74 (enter 174#), or 0 for the visitor center.

Bat Night returns May 19th! (from Ward 3 Councilmember Karin Uhlich’s newsletter)

Back by popular demand, the Rillito River Project hosts the 5th Annual Bat Night, this time in the spring to mark the arrival of our nocturnal neighbors for their summer stay in Tucson. Free and open to the public. Welcome the Bats to Tucson Saturday, May 19th at 6:00pm in the Rillito riverbed just east of the Campbell Avenue Bridge.

This year, 140 students from Rio Vista Elementary School, led by nationally acclaimed choreographer Barbea Williams, will entertain the crowd with their very own Bat Dance and teach us the Bat Dance too! At sunset, watch 45,000 Mexican Free-Tailed bats fly out from under the Campbell Avenue Bridge to forage for food. Be a part of this growing Tucson tradition, the marquee event of the nonprofit Rillito River Project, dedicated to raising awareness of local environmental and ecological issues through art, performance, lectures and special events.

Also speaking will be Bat expert Dr. Yar Petryszyn and entomologist “Bug Man” Carl Olson.

For more info visit www.rillitoriverproject.org.

My husband and I were at that bridge on Campbell Avenue, just south of River Rd. and St. Philip’s Plaza last August, and we thought that about 100,000 bats flew out into the western sky. And we also encountered a young foot long snake on the walkway near the bridge, so beware and definitely wear shoes.

Try counting the bats on Bat Night, as it is an amazing experience to see thousands and thousands of them come out from under that bridge to forage for food (insects) at dusk.