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!

For the 20th consecutive year the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona will team up to collect donations on Saturday, May 12, 2012 for the annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.

“This is the 20th Anniversary of the Letter Carriers Food Drive,” said Bill Carnegie, Food Bank CEO. “The problem of hunger in our community has never been greater and we need our community to help make this year’s food drive a success. Thousands of local families are counting on your support,” he added.

To help “Stamp Out Hunger” in Southern Arizona, residents are asked leave a bag of non-perishable food, such as canned meats, canned vegetables, canned soups, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruit or canned tomato products next to their mail box before the time of their mail delivery on Saturday, May 12th. Food should be in non-breakable containers. Letter carriers and volunteers will collect the food donations and forward them to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Monetary donations will be accepted for the “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive and on-line donations may be made as well.

Please leave out non-perishable cans (preferably not glass jars like jam/jelly or pickles) for pick up by the postal carriers. I already have my bag of donated cans of food to leave outside our front door early on Saturday May 12.

I was a volunteer for 5 years at our local Food Bank helping distribute food boxes and other donated vegetables/fruits/breads, etc. I also helped collect & sort these cans on Stamp Out Hunger day, which is quite a massive job when carts of food come in to the postal distribution centers. Information on the CFB is at http://communityfoodbank.com/, 3003 S. Country Club,Tucson, AZ 85713; phone:(520)622-0525, Fax:(520)624-6349.

May 11 is National Public Gardens Day when these two gardens listed below are free of charge all day. Adult admission at both parks is regularly $8, so save some money & enjoy nature.

Tucson Botanical Garden, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/events/national-public-gardens-day/. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m, this garden is located south of Grant Rd. on Alvernon.

Learn water conservation, native and adaptable plants and landscape design experientially, through visits to our seventeen, residentially scales gardens. For that hands-on experience, take advantage of the delightful Exploring Tucson Botanical Gardens tour (10 a.m.). This tour delivers some fascinating plant trivia, offers history of the Gardens and familiarizes you with our native flora as well as the wide variety of plants that grow in Tucson.

The other garden is Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte (NW of Ina/Oracle). Hours are 8 to 5 p.m. Website is http://www.tohonochulpark.org/wordpress/.

Award-winning Tohono Chul Park is where nature, art and culture connect. Named one of the World’s Great Botanical Gardens by Travel + Leisure and listed by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top 22 Secret Gardens in the U.S. and Canada, there is something for everyone. This oasis in the desert offers a respite from the hectic pace of daily life, provides an informative look at the region’s fascinating cultural traditions and its even more interesting flora and fauna, and is the perfect setting for an evening concert, special event or family wedding. Come and discover its nature!

Enjoy either or both of these peaceful gardens on May 11, before the summer heat rolls in.

Second Annual Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer Zumbathon
Sunday, May 6th – 3-5PM
Catalina High School – 3645 E. Pima Rd.

We’re doing it again! The 2nd Annual Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer Zumbathon! We have moved to a bigger venue with plenty of parking. Sunday, May 6th from 3-5PM at Catalina High School – 3645 E. Pima. Register online at www.nocc.kintera.org/tucsonaz tickets are $25 each and you get a FABULOUS t-shirt. Join us and help Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer! See you there….

Bea Herron
Chapter Chair
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition – Tucson Chapter
520-342-4599

From Earth Day Festival website (click here).

The Tucson Earth Day Festival promotes Southern Arizona’s unique
environment and features activities, displays, music, dance and food.

It is great fun for children of all ages!

The 18th Annual Tucson Earth Day Festival is scheduled for Saturday April 21, 2012 at Reid Park. The Festival begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00! The event features environmentally themed exhibits, music, performances, and food vendors. Admission is free, and all exhibits include hands-on environmental activities for young and old alike.

Join the Parade
All species great and small-insects, plants and animals-the Earth needs them all! Dress-up and participate in the “All Species Procession” as part of the Earth Day Parade! Make a banner and tell us how your species is so important to Planet Earth. Are you helping clean the air (trees and plants)? Are you endangered or threatened species? The ice may be melting your home (global warming) or maybe there hasn’t been rain in a while so you are affected by drought or the threat of fire… let us know what we should do to help all species have a place on earth! Parade begins at 10:00 and winners are announced at 11:30.

Solar Competition
Model Solar Electric Cars and Houses, designed and constructed by middle school students, are real world engineering projects. The kits contain solar cells, motors, batteries, lights and other optional parts. The design and the construction is “left to the ingenuity of the student”! Competition begins at 10:45. Awards at 1:00!
For a kit order form and information on how to enter email Stacey at solar@swetucson.org

Alternate Fuel Vehicle Show
Check out vehicles that run on alternate fuels such as biodiesel, compressed natural gas, electric, ethanol, propane and waste vegetable oil. Ask the experts how you can start using an alternate fuel in your vehicle to keep the air clean for all.

Bike to the Zoo
Animals love the earth and need clean air too! So, ride your bike to the Reid Park Zoo and get FREE admission by showing your safety helmet. Before or after visiting the zoo, ride over to the Earth Day Festival for more fun!

For more information on the Tucson Earth Day Festival please call 520 206-8814 or email e Tucson Earth Day Festival promotes Southern Arizona’s unique environment and features activities, displays, music, dance and food.

It is great fun for children of all ages!

The 18th Annual Tucson Earth Day Festival is scheduled for Saturday April 21, 2012 at Reid Park. The Festival begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00. The event features environmentally themed exhibits, music, performances, and food vendors. Admission is free, and all exhibits include hands-on environmental activities for young and old alike.

Join the Parade
All species great and small-insects, plants and animals-the Earth needs them all! Dress-up and participate in the “All Species Procession” as part of the Earth Day Parade! Make a banner and tell us how your species is so important to Planet Earth. Are you helping clean the air (trees and plants)? Are you endangered or threatened species? The ice may be melting your home (global warming) or maybe there hasn’t been rain in a while so you are affected by drought or the threat of fire… let us know what we should do to help all species have a place on earth! Parade begins at 10:00 and winners are announced at 11:30.

Solar Competition
Model Solar Electric Cars and Houses, designed and constructed by middle school students, are real world engineering projects. The kits contain solar cells, motors, batteries, lights and other optional parts. The design and the construction is “left to the ingenuity of the student”! Competition begins at 10:45. Awards at 1:00!
For a kit order form and information on how to enter email Stacey at solar@swetucson.org

Alternate Fuel Vehicle Show
Check out vehicles that run on alternate fuels such as biodiesel, compressed natural gas, electric, ethanol, propane and waste vegetable oil. Ask the experts how you can start using an alternate fuel in your vehicle to keep the air clean for all.

Bike to the Zoo
Animals love the earth and need clean air too! So, ride your bike to the Reid Park Zoo and get FREE admission by showing your safety helmet. Before or after visiting the zoo, ride over to the Earth Day Festival for more fun!

For more information on the Tucson Earth Day Festival please call 520 206-8814 or email tucsonearthday@yahoo.com.

I’ve been to this festival in the past, and it’s very beneficial for families (especially children) to learn about our fragile ecosystems and to appreciate our Mother Earth.

And on Apil 22 (the actual Earth Day) please watch this 30 minute PBS-HD documentary “Seeking Water from the Sun” at 6 p.m. on KUAT Channel 6. Click here for youtube preview.

Seeking Water From the Sun is a production of Arizona Public Media, produced by Dustinn Craig and Tom Kleespie in association with the UA Renewable Energy Network, UA College of Engineering, and Bureau of Reclamation, and input and cooperation from various Navajo Nation Chapters, community members, and agencies such as the Division of Water Resources, the Navajo Division of Natural Resources, and Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency. This documentary is narrated by Norman Patrick Brown with musical score by Mary Redhouse.

Celebrate our Earth. Reduce Recycle Reuse.!

Free Senior health & Caregiver symposium & fair scheduled for Sat. April 21 from 10 to 2 p.m. at Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd., sponsored by Pan Asian Community Alliance, and the Southern Arizona Asian & Pacific Islander Health Coalition.

Lectures on Alzheimers disease, independent vs. assisted living options, care givers, aging trends & impacts, dental, audiology/hearing & legal issues for elderly adults, plus info on elder abuse.

Tai Chi demonstrations (Senior classes in tai chi & Chinese yoga offered at that center for $3 per session on Thursdays). See www.tucsonchinese.org or call 520-292-6900.

Free screenings: osteoporosis, hypertension, asthma, memory screenings, medications list review, dental. Plus there will be displays by medical & business organizations, and community resource list for seniors.

Light Asian snack (steamed pork bun, pot stickers, tea) will be available for $3.

Wed. April 18, 2012 5:30-9:00pm

Join us for a free film screening of the film “Sex and Money” and an interactive panel discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

Sex trafficking and forced labor are a reality on a national and local level. Learn more and find out what you can do to stop these crimes and help victims of trafficking.

Panelists will include representatives from Streetlight Tucson, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Task Force, and Southern Arizona Against Slavery.

Hosted by PCC SSSO (Pima Community College Social Services Student Organizations)

Sponsored by Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA) & West Campus Student Life.

To register go online to: http://pccssso-htaforum.eventbrite.com.

I’m reading an advance copy of “All Woman & Springtime” by Brandon Jones, about 3 North Korean young women (some teenagers) sold into sexual slavery in South Korea. They become prostitutes, perform internet dancing in the nude, or are forced to “service” men at bars/nightclubs. They have no choice due to threats of physical violence or fear of immigration problems and return to forced labor camps in North Korea. It is a very disturbing subject, and this gripping novel brings out the horrors of it very well, and the differences between communist and capitalist countries.

City of Tucson Communications center received an estimated 90 calls in to 911, beginning at approximately 2:25 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012. The multitude of callers reported experiencing, what was described by some as a “sonic boom,” and others as an “explosion.” Most of the callers reported their houses or business buildings shook, and callers also reported damage, primarily consisting of broken windows, to their residences and businesses following the extremely loud noise.

The areas affected were those all along East Pima Road, areas near East Fort Lowell Road and North Dodge Boulevard, and along North Wilmot Road, between Grant and Pima.

The Tucson Police Department is currently investigating the reports involving damage to residences and businesses.

Additionally, Davis Monthan Air Force Base Legal Department is accepting calls from those wishing to report damage related to this event. The phone number provided for reporting is (520) 228-5242.

Contact: Linda Galindo
Sergeant / Public Information Office TDD: 791-2639
520-791-4852
On-call PIO: tucsonpdpio@gmail.com
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/police

More from KVOA Channel 4: http://www.kvoa.com/news/danger-zone-sonic-boom-rattles-midtown/

“Anyone who wants to file a claim due to property damage is asked to call the 355th Fighter Wing Claims office at 520-954-0146 or its public affairs office at 520-228-3406.”

Apparently one of Davis Monthan’s air force jet demonstrations for this weekend’s air show broke the sound barrier & thereby caused this sonic boom. The show is called The Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona 2012 Open House.

I took about 8 months of tai chi lessons at this center in 2011 from Patti & Jerry Daugherty of Quail Creek, and was impressed with the peacefulness of this exercise, and the importance of breathing & balance. If interested in classes in tai chi, Chinese yoga, qi gong, contact the Center at 520-292-6900.

For you bike commuters, this is your week to enjoy your ride to/from work, as well as festivities & freebies at various businesses in town. And for those of you not yet commuting via a bike, here’s a great way to ride for the first time & learn more about Bike Week.

See http://www.livingstreetsalliance.org/bike-fest/bike-to-work-week/ for a full schedule of events, including the following in alphabetical order:

APRIL 9TH – 13TH, 2012 BIKE TO WORK STATIONS

Ajo Bikes
1301 East Ajo Way
Monday – Friday
April 9th-13th, 9am – 6pm
Ajo Bikes would like to thank you for riding your bike with a free water bottle. Stop in and say hello!

Antigone Books
411 North 4th Avenue
Monday – Thursday
April 9th – 12th, 10am – 7pm
Friday April 13th, 10am – 9pm
Ride your bike to Antigone Books, show your helmet and say, “Bike Fest,” for a free bike sticker.

Beyond Bread
Central 3026 North Campbell Avenue Between Glenn & Ft. Lowell
Northwest 421 West Ina Road SE Corner of Ina & Oracle
East 6260 East Speedway Blvd. Monterey Village at Wilmot
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th, 6:30am – 8pm
Ride your Bike to any Beyond Bread location wearing your bike gear and receive a free fountain beverage, regular coffee, or tea with any purchase.

Brooklyn Pizza Company
534 N. 4th Avenue
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th, 11am to 6pm
Mention Bike Fest and receive two free scoops of Italian ice (one per person per day). Feel free to fill your water bottles and don’t forget to show your helmet.

Building Health: Energy Medicine and the Arts
1720 N. Dodge Blvd. (just north of Pima)
Wednesday
April 11th, 7am – 9am
In honor of Bike to Work Week, Building Health is supporting local commuters by offering up treats for the body and soul. Stop in on Wednesday April 11th between 7am and 9am for the following:

Free bottle of water that you may choose to energize with a local desert flower essence
Sore muscles? Free packet of The Desert Heals bath salts
Clean Air Discount coupon for a healing session

Cartel Coffee Lab
Campbell Ave: Tucson
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th
Stop by the Cartel Coffee Lab on your bike and get a free large iced toddy with the purchase of a meal. We hear they are super bike friendly in their new location just a few doors from their original.

Christy’s Corner Cafe and Defenders of Wildlife
La Placita Village
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th
Stop by Christy’s Corner Cafe during Bike to Work Week and enjoy a free cup of Arbuckles local, Fair Trade, Organic Coffee with the purchase of a bagel. Defenders of Wildlife will be giving away 5 reusable bags each day at the cafe to the first 5 bicyclist who stop in. They will also have their calendars and stuffed animals for the kiddies! Christy’s Corner Cafe is located in La Placita Village just south of the footbridge and next to the Arizona Hotel. Learn more about Christy’s Corner Cafe on her Facebook Page, and check out Defenders for Wildlife on their website at www.defenders.org.

Law Office of Eric Post, P.L.L.C.
Eric-Post-Law-Office.png
FOOD STATION
3256 East Speedway Boulevard
Thursday
April 12, 8:30am – 5:30pm
On Thursday morning stop by the Law Office of Eric Post for some refreshments and food on your commute to work. Turn North on N. Camino Miramonte off of the 3rd Street Bike Blvd. and look West for his refreshment station on the corner of Speedway and N. Camino Miramonte in the parking lot.

Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 North 4th Avenue
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th
Anyone who rides their bike to the Food Conspiracy CO-op during Bike to Work Week will receive a free 12-oz dark roast Conspiracy Coffee. Don’t forget to mention Bike to Work Week!

The HUB
266 East Congress Street
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th
Saddle up and bike on over to the Hub Restaurant and Ice Creamery for a buy one get one HUB Scoopon when you mention Bike To Work Week and show your helmet.

Keeling On The Move
FOOD STATION
Fontana Avenue/Blacklidge Street
Wednesday
April 11, 2012, 7am – 8:30am
Ride your bike along the new 4th Avenue/Fontana Bicycle Boulevard and stop by the Food Station just south of Blacklidge for food, drinks, and free water bottles to the first 25 people who arrive. Pima Association of Governments + Tucson Department of Transportation are to thank for this special Bike To Work Week Treat!

Maynards
400 North Toole Avenue
Friday
April 13th, 7am-9am
Maynards supports Bike to Work Week by hosting Bike to Work’s grand finale event – the Downtown Celebration. Enjoy live music, free food, awards, and more. Sponsored by the City of Tucson and Living Streets Alliance.

Oro Valley Bike to Work Day
FOOD STATION
Rooney Ranch (NE corner of First Avenue and Oracle Road, commonly known as the Home Depot Plaza)
Thursday
April 12th 7am-9am
Stop by Rooney Ranch on your bicycle and you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee, bagels + snacks, and raffles for prizes from local bike shops!

O2 Modern Fitness
186 E. Broadway Blvd.
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th
Receive 10% off any lunch time or 4:15pm classes the entire week if you show up on your bike.

Pima Community College – Downtown Campus
FOOD STATION
Corner of Stone/Speedway
Friday
April 6, 2012 7am-9am
The Downtown Campus will be hosting a bike to work station. Members of the student Sustainability Club will be offering water, homemade granola, and chatting with riders. Information about Pima will be available for those who would like to learn about classes. We will be set up at the corner of Stone/Speedway under the Pima College marquis.

The Campus will also be hosting a Ride to Work contest through April to encourage the use of alternative means of transportation. Bikes will be the focus of this event, but all transportation methods are included. Participants should register with the Rideshare website to track their mileage. Prizes will be awarded to the winners!

Sky Bar
536 N. 4th Avenue
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th, 9am – 6pm
Stop by Sky Bar for a free cup of coffee (one per person per day) to get your day rolling.
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th, 5pm – 8pm
When you bike home from work, why not pop into Sky Bar for $1 off wells and drafts. Water refills available. Don’t forget your helmet.

Sparkroot • coffee bar + fare
245 E Congress St
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th, 7am-9am
Ride to Sparkroot any morning during Bike To Work Week and get an Espresso + Homemade Granola Bar for $3. Fuel up on a quick, tasty, and healthy treat to energize the rest of your morning commute!

Spoke6
FOOD STATION
439 N 6th Ave, #101
Tuesday
April 10th, 7am – 9am
Spoke6 will be hosting a free commuter breakfast for all who ride their bikes to work on Tuesday Morning! Enjoy a spread of bagels, coffee, and tea, and have breakfast with other Tucson commuters. Stop by and check out Tucson’s professional co-working office space located on the SW corner of 6th Ave and 6th Street in heart of our local arts district.

Tucson Community Acupuncture
2900 East Broadway Blvd Suite 170
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th 9am – 7pm – Don’t forget to make your appointment!
Bike and Relax!
Take a break from your commute and bike in for an affordable acupuncture treatment at Tucson Community Acupuncture. New patients can get a relaxing treatment in our community space for $15, return patients for $10, when you show your helmet and mention Bike Fest. Appointments are required and offer is available Monday-Friday 9am-7pm. Call 881-1887 or schedule online at http://www.tucsoncommunityacupuncture.org.

Bike parking available outside, be sure to bring your lock!

Tucson Yoga
150 South 4th Avenue
Monday – Friday
April 9th – 13th classes start at 7am
Rejuvenate your mind and body at Tucson Yoga. All 7am classes are free to bike commuters who show their helmet and say, “Bike Fest”.

UA, Fairwheel Bike Shop, BICAS, UA Cycle Club
UA Mall in front of the science library
Wednesday
April 11th, 9am – 2pm
We will have a lot going on for bicyclists – free bike registration with a free bike light kit and free bike bell (while supplies last), free minor bike repairs/tune-ups, free nutritional bars from Clif bar, and free maps, brochures, and giveaways.

Xoom Juice
245 E. Congress
Monday – Friday
April 9-13th, 7am – 9am
All week at the Downtown Xoom Juice, show up on your bike and get a $2 Smashing Strawberry Smoothie with a protein boost, the perfect breakfast smoothie for a quick in and out morning blast of healthful energy on your ride to work!