Over two years ago Sue Parker, librarian at Himmel Park Branch Library decided to start up a Senior Games program (age 50 plus) for patrons interested in getting together and socially playing games such as chess, checkers, rummikub, scrabble, etc. I suggested we play Chinese Mahjong, which I play at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, but which I also learned back in Hawaii decades ago from Japanese-American friends on the Big Island. Sue had never played Mahjong before, but she was willing and enthusiastic to learn.

(This program is also an offshoot of the now defunct Sam Hughes Cares for Seniors program which I founded in 2005, in the Sam Hughes Neighborhood, where the library is located).

Two years later, we have taught numerous Seniors (and some younger friends), and now have 3 regular tables of four players each – patrons, neighbors, visiting “snowbirds”. Some of these Seniors learned American Mahjong style first (utilizing pre-printed cards), which is being played at the Tucson Jewish Community Center and Oro Valley Library, as well as taught at Oasis on River Road.

Know anyone interested in learning Hong Kong Simplified style or other games, please contact librarian Sue Parker at at 520-594-5305, or just show up on Mondays, 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Himmel Lbrary’s large meeting room, 1035 N. Treat Ave. (SW corner of E. 1st St.) No Senior Games when the library is closed for holidays. (Incidentally Himmel is the oldest branch library, built in 1961).

The lead teacher is now MJ Talbot, a Chinese-American immigrant from Hong Kong, assisted by myself, and Sarah Stephenson, who used to live in the People’s Republic of China. We are all members of the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd., phone 520-292-6900, which promotes Chinese culture and history.

More about Mahjong (sometimes spelled Mah jongg) read wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahjong. The version we play uses 144 tiles, but other versions (such as the Hawaiian style) uses 4 more, including animals – cat, rat, chicken, & worm. It is a game of luck and skill, similar to rummy, where you have to match sets of 4 grouping of three (or sometimes four) tiles, plus a pair of two tiles to attain “mahjong” & win. A Mahjong set (in a case) can cost about $50 or more (pictured below).

Trail Dust Town 50th Anniversary Celebration
February 12, 2012
6541 E Tanque Verde Rd # 22 Tucson, AZ 85715-3806
(520) 296-4551
http://www.traildusttown.com/

Scheduled Events

11:00am – Posting of the Colors – Town Square – U.S. Cavalry Color Guard Trail Dust Town’s Own 4th U.S. Cavalry Band
Men representing U.S. Cavalry in authentic uniforms will post the National Colors bearing 48 stars to celebrate Arizona’s joining the Union on February 14, 1912.

11:20am – Ribbon Cutting – Town Square Bandstand/Gazebo – MC John P. Langellier, Ph.D.
Noted sculptor and Trail Dust Town“Trail Boss” Dan Bates joins distinguished guests (including former horse soldiers) to cut the ribbon rededicating Trail Dust Town in commemoration of its 50th year as an Arizona icon.

11:30am – Territorial Band Concert – Town Square Bandstand/Gazebo – 4th U.S. Cavalry Band
Frontier military posts echoed with the strains of martial music. Today, the 4th U.S. Cavalry Band keeps alive this tradition. Step back in time to enjoy the band’s rousing repertoire the way it was when bold troopers in blue rode forth with pride to help to win the West. Afterwards, meet the band members, purchase one of their CDs, and take the experience home.

12:00pm – “Hell’s Belle” Wild West Stunt Show- Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros- Dragoon Street
The not-so-infamous Johnny Outlaw and his rival Deputy Dan take aim to win the heart of Belle, the Marshal’s daughter. Belle, on the other hand, has her eye on something more bankable than love. Find out who’ll win the day and who’ll bite the dust in the action-filled stunt show. This show contains loud gunfire, cowboy-style fights, and explosion effects. The show lasts 30 minutes.

1:00pm–10:00pm – Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse Open
We invite you to come in and get a taste of the Old West at Tucson’s original cowboy steakhouse. Enjoy world famous mesquite grilled Cowboy steaks, ribs, chicken or fish in a relaxed and authentic western atmosphere.
No ties allowed!

1:00pm – Territorial Band Concert – Town Square Bandstand/Gazebo -4th U.S. Cavalry Band
Frontier military posts echoed with the strains of martial music. Today, the 4th U.S. Cavalry Band keeps alive this tradition. Step back in time to enjoy the band’s rousing repertoire the way it was when bold troopers in blue rode forth with pride to help to win the West. Afterwards, meet the band members, purchase one of their CDs, and take the experience home.

1:20pm – Statehood procession in front of Bandstand/Gazebo – Trail Dust Town Actors (any other event participants encouraged to join). Join the residents of Trail Dust Town as they celebrate Arizona being brought into statehood.

1:45pm – Meet Theodore Roosevelt – Savoy Opera House – Thomas D. Grinnell
Blue blooded Easterner, Harvard graduate, rancher, Rough Rider, and President of the United States—Theodore Roosevelt was all that and more. Thomas Grinnell gives a bully impersonation of TR’s colorful personality on the stage of the elegant Savoy Opera House.

3:30pm- Loop Rawlins Wild West Show- Savoy Opera House
Pistolero Alumnus Loop Rawlins returns to celebrate this very special occasion. At fourteen, Loop became the first Trick Roper at Trail Dust Town. Trail Dust Town is where Rawlins grew as a performer and began training in Bullwhip cracking and in trick gun spinning. Today, Loop Rawlins is one of the most versatile western performers in the world.

4:00pm – Gun Fight Reenactment- West Side of the Train Depot
Performers reenact the 1907 gun fight between Arizona ranger Harry Wheeler and JA Tracy. The show contains loud gunfights and gunfight violence. The show runs 15 minutes.

5:30pm – “Hell’s Belle” Wild West Stunt Show – Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros- Dragoon Street
See 12:00pm show for description.

6:00pm – Viva Arizona! Savoy Opera House – Ballet Folklórico Tapatío
Since 1997 South Tucson’s Ballet Folklórico Tapatío has entertained and educated the public about Mexican culture and history through traditional regional dances. Currently under the direction of Jose Luis Baca, the dance group has over 135 members who participate in four different levels of traditional dance. Ballet Folklórico Tapatío performs throughout the United States and Mexico and is gaining recognition as one of the finest folklórico programs in the nation. For more information, visit http://www.purotapatio.org

7:00pm – Encore Presentation of Western Performer Extraordinaire Loop Rawlins- Savoy Opera House

7:30pm – “Killer Miller” Wild West Stunt Show – Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros- Dragoon Street
There’s a new Deputy in town- not! The completely incompetent goofball, wannabe Deputy Dawgard tries to help old Marshal Richardson take on the West’s most notorious gunman: Killer Miller! Will Dawgard and Richardson find the nerve to face Miller, or will they find themselves pushing up daisies? This show contains loud gunfire, cowboy-style fights, and explosion effects. The show lasts 30 minutes.

Ongoing Activities and Attractions
11:00am-7:00 pm – Living History Displays – Museum of the Horse Soldier
Living historians bring the past to life by interpreting Arizona’s history. Meet characters from Arizona’s colorful times gone by.

11:00am-6:00pm – Classic Cars Show – Main Plaza
Vehicles from Arizona’s past recall the early days of the Grand Canyon’s State when horses outnumbered horseless carriages.

11:00am-6:00pm – Military Horsepower – Front Parking Lot – Southern Arizona Military Vehicle Collectors Club
What better way to recognize Arizona’s military heritage than military vehicles from the past and present?

11:00am-6:00 pm – Adobe Plaza – Presidio San Agustín del Tucson
What was it like to serve at Tucson’s Spanish outpost over two centuries ago? You’ll find out when the members of El Presidio del San Agustin’s living history group help us travel back in time to the 18th century.

1:30-8:00pm – Museum of the Horse Soldier
Museum is under construction, although part of the museum will be open for viewing.
Experience this extraordinary collection of military horse equipment, weapons, uniforms, and exciting new exhibits. Informal tours conducted by guides in period U.S. Army uniforms of many eras, ongoing screenings of classic Hollywood portrayals of the U.S. Cavalry, and book signings by Dr. Langellier—author of numerous publications on American military history—continue throughout the day in this not to be missed museum. (See posted schedule at the Museum’s entry for tour times and other details.)

1:00pm-10:00pm – C.P. Huntington Railroad Ride
The miniature train is fun for all ages! Enjoy a ride around the town and see sites that are often missed.

11:00pm-8:00pm – Town Square – Mini-Street Fair
Various local artisans display their crafts available for purchase.

11:00pm – 10:00pm – The Wagon Wheel – Behind Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse
Take a spin on Trail Dust Town’s newest attraction, a Covered Wagon Ferris Wheel.

11:00pm – 9:00pm – Trail Dust Town Boutiques – Throughout the town
Trail Dust Town is home to several shops and businesses. Here you can find unique gifts, fun accessories, delicious food, and more. Be sure to stop in and see what our vendors have to offer.

11:00pm – 9:00pm – Western Carnival Games – Carnival Section behind Ferris Wheel
Calling all Ropers, Sharp Shooters, and Contenders, prove you’re no greenhorn and win a prize. Challenge your skills with a variety of amusements, including: Electronic Quickdraw, Rolling Roper, Western Carnival games.

As most of you know I tend to write about events downtown, but here’s a new event uptown at the Four Corners of Campbell & Skyline, on Feb. 11 and 12. Check it out — sounds like lots of activities to choose from…fine art galleries, wine tasting, fashions, music.

Free admission but you can also purchase a $20 wine/food “culinary arts” tasting ticket for more than 10 restaurants.

For more info: www.fourcornersfest.org.