Aloft Hotel under construction

Backyard of Aloft Hotel

Aloft Hotel bedroom

Aloft Hotel bathroom

The 42 year old hotel (with 154 rooms) formerly known as the Plaza International, then the Four Points Sheraton is now the Aloft Hotel, opening today on April 4, 2013. It is located at 1900 E. Speedway Blvd., on the SE corner of Campbell and Speedway, across from the University of Arizona. There’s even a bar named “w xyz”.

I attended an informational meeting hosted by General Manager Craig Martin when he explained the renovation, the tearing down of the conference center in the back, moving the 2nd story swimming pool to ground level, etc. Lots of new windows and upscale, urban chic design (and neon lights) have been added as you can see from the photos above, courtesy of Martin.

www.alofttucsonuniversity.com, 1 877 go aloft.

This newly renovated hotel will be part of the Sam Hughes Historic Neighborhood & home tour on Sunday, April 7, 12 noon to 5 p.m. More info at www.samhughes.org.Tickets are $20, available beginning March 28 at Arte de la Vida (37 N. Tucson Blvd., just north of Broadway — 520-398-6720) or on the day of the tour at Rincon Market (2516 E. 6th St, NE corner of Tucson Blvd.).

Opening remarks were made by organizer Alison Hughes, Chair of the Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission, followed by presentation of colors & pledge of allegiance by Girl Scouts Troop 2139. Dr. Hart, the 21st President of the University of Arizona was honored by representatives of the numerous organizations present, and then delivered a very inspiring speech.

The photo below is courtesy of Alison Hughes of Dr. Hart and members of several of the organizations which co-sponsored the event (listed below the photo). Dr. Hart is seated on the front row, sixth from the left, with Alison to her right (in the photo L-R).

American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Angel Charity
Arizona Women’s Political Caucus (AWPC)
Arizona Women Lawyers Association
Black Women’s Task Force
City Women’s Golf Association
CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women)
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona
Jewish Women’s Philanthropy group
Junior League of Tucson
Kore Press
Las Adelitas
League of Mexican American Women
League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson (LWVGT)
Muslim Women Organization
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Office of Outreach & Multicultural Affairs, The University of Arizona
Our Family Services (New Beginnings for Women and Children)
Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission (PCTWC)
Planned Parenthood of Arizona
SACASA/Arizona Children’s Association
SIROW (Southwest Institute For Research on Women),University of AZ
Southern Az. Women in Law Enforcement
Soroptomists
Sowing of Seeds (women writers)
The Haven
Tucson Symphony Women’s Association
Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona
Women Marines Association AZ-Saguaro Chapter
United Way Women Leading United
Women’s Army Corp.
Women at the Top
Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
YWCA

Other women’s organizations which co-sponsored the reception:
Altrusa International
Business and Professional Women/AZ
Key Group
Las Donas
National Bank of Arizona Women’s Financial Group
Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement/UA College of Medicine
Raytheon Women’s Network
Southern Arizona Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Tucson Commercial Real Estate Women
U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Women President’s Organization

And March 1st begins Women’s “Herstory” Month, so this was indeed a fitting tribute to Dr. Hart. She was also recently featured on the cover of Biz Tucson magazine. The article inside “Agent of Change” relates Dr. Hart’s rise to Presidency of this University, but also that she is the mother of four daughters. She served as President of Temple University in Philadelphia, and the University of New Hampshire prior to coming to Arizona.

Congratulations to Dr. Hart and welcome to Tucson.

Celebrate the many accomplishments of intelligent, hard working, powerful women and their organizations in Tucson and this country during the month of March.

On February 16, 2013 downtown Tucson will be the place to be for the 2nd Annual Tucson Science In The City festival, a Signature event of the statewide Arizona SCITECH festival.

Experience Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) events and activities for everyone.

10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Get engaged in the Science In The City Family SCIFest with hands-on activities for children of all ages.

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Checkout the Tech in Tucson Showcase and and the Technology and Innovation Forum for adults, high school, and college students. You will learn about Tucson’s technology industries and their contribution to the Tucson economy, technology development at the University of Arizona, STEM careers and education opportunities, and lots more.

Mark your calendar today. You won’t want to miss these engaging and educational events!

The 2nd Annual
Science In The City Family SCIFest

10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Children’s Museum Tucson in downtownTucson (200 S. 6th Ave.)
Free Admission

Pre-K12 children will see fascinating demonstrations and experience exciting hands-on STEM activities that will stimulate interest in science and math. Families will discover some of Tucson’s many innovative K-12 STEM student projects and school and community programs. The Pima County Joint Technical Education District and many Tucson Schools will be there along with the University of Arizona, the Children’s Museum Tucson, the Mathematics Road Show, the Southern Arizona Rocketry Association, and many more.

Arizona Technology Council
Tech In Tucson
Showcase and Innovation Forum

Tucson scientists and innovators in industry and the University Of Arizona are at the cutting edge of global Science and Technology. They are growing the Tucson economy and creating exciting and high paying jobs.

These amazing industry professionals, engineers, educators, scientists, and even college students are engaged in the development of some of the greatest advancements in science and technology such as new space exploration missions; creating new energy sources; developing new food supplies to feed the hungry; inventing new fuel efficient cars; engineering tiny nano technologies used in electronics, medical devices, and even stain resistant clothing; designing video games or the next generation Internet; developing new technologies to protect the environment; working to prevent and treat disease and more.

Careers in these industries require significant skills in math and science. Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) education provides students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to prepare them for science and technology careers.

Tech in Tucson Showcase

1:00 – 4:00 pm
Tucson Electric Power Headquarters in downtown Tucson (88 E. Broadway)

The Showcase will feature exhibitors representing industry, education and community organizations. They will showcase their research, technology innovations, or education programs and resources. Adults, high school and college students will meet amazing Tucson scientists, educators, engineers, and other professionals from industry and the University of Arizona working at the at the cutting edge of science, technology and industry. You will see some of the latest and greatest innovations in Optics, Information Technology, Biosciences, Aerospace and Defense, Electronics and Semiconductors, Environmental Technology/Alternative Energy, and more being developed in Tucson.

You will also learn about science and technology careers and meet representatives from education and community organizations showcasing STEM education programs and resources and talking with you about what STEM education is and why it is important for our children and the Tucson economy.

As they say on TV, wait, there is more. You will also get connected to technology industry organizations such as the Arizona Optics Industry Association, the Arizona Technology Council, the Bio Industry Organization of Southern Arizona, the Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster, and the Arizona SCITECH Festival.

Forum – Technology Innovation and
Economic Development In Southern Arizona

2:00 – 3:00 pm
At the Tech in Tucson Showcase

Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and Congressman Ron Barber will headline this Forum on technology innovation and economic development in Southern Arizona. They will be joined by CEO’s from innovative Tucson companies and a representative from the University of Arizona to share with you how science, technology and innovation creates high paying jobs and drives economic development in southern Arizona.

More Info: http://azscitechfest.org/events/tucson-science-city. My previous post announcing this state-wide SCITECH festival and events in Pima County through March 16 at various locations, click here.

Saturday, December 15th at 11:00am
Free Admission
Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway

Made possible by Cox Communications

Admission is 100% FREE–but to reserve a seat ahead of time, you can purchase a $5 concession voucher. Call the box office at 520-795-0844 for more details. They serve beer and delicious Fresco pizza. Click here for concession menu.

Come join us as we watch the Wildcats take on the Wolf Pack in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl!

Arizona, the first Pac-12 team to play in the Albuquerque-based bowl game, is 7-5 overall and have been ranked among the nation’s best all season, cracking the top 25 or receiving votes in every poll since Week 2. They upset two ranked teams, beating 18th-ranked Oregon State (59-38) and 10th-ranked USC (39-36). Arizona also boasts the nation’s leading rusher, Ka’Deem Carey, who has tallied 1,757 yards.

It is an interesting match-up with Nevada, which has the nation’s second leading rusher in Stefphon Jefferson. Arizona is seventh in the country in total offense while Nevada is 11th. The two programs have met before, but not since 1941. To date, the all-time series is 1-1-1.

“What a great matchup to kickoff college football’s post season,” Jeff Siembieda, Gildan New Mexico Bowl Executive Director said. “Two of the top offenses in America, the top two running backs in the country, two of college football’s top quarterbacks and playmakers all over the field. I think we’ve got the potential for a great, exciting football game.”

I attended the UA vs. ASU game (telecast via ESPN) on the Big Screen at the Loft Cinema, with some friends. It was amazing to watch such an exciting sports broadcast on a super-sized screen, with other enthusiastic loyal fans. Too bad we lost that game, but Go Cats on 12/15/12 in this bowl game.

University Distinguished Professor Albrecht Classen, photo taken by Carolyn Classen

I honestly don’t like to brag which is why I didn’t inform our readers that my husband, University of Arizona Distinguished Professor Albrecht Classen was named Arizona Professor of the Year by the national Carnegie Foundation on November 15. But then after 3 articles in other news sources, I figured I better post it as well:

Arizona Daily Wildcat, 11/14/12: http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2012/11/classen-awards-teacher-arizona-111412

UA News, 11/21/12: http://uanews.org/story/uas-albrecht-classen-named-arizona-professor-year

Arizona Daily Star, 11/26/12: http://azstarnet.com/news/local/education/college/ua-s-classen-named-state-s-top-prof-awarded-carnegie/article_90515173-0bfc-5d8b-8b40-43ed42769e2a.html

There were 30 state winners of this 2012 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching honor, plus in the District of Columbia: http://www.usprofessorsoftheyear.org/Documents/POY/2012/POY12_StateWinners_PG8.pdf

All I can add to these articles is that my husband is an international scholar in medieval studies, and that he does have a profound passion for teaching college students. He spends a LOT of time planning his teaching, advising undergraduate students in the German Studies Dept., and he has even led summer study abroad medieval tours to Europe since 2004.

More here at his website: http://aclassen.faculty.arizona.edu/. He was even mentioned twice on the popular nationwide Jeopardy TV show this year (the answer is below, the clue to the question is on his website).

He will be interviewed on the Buckmaster Show on Wednesday December 5, so listen to KVOI 1030 AM on the radio then, starting at 12:30 p.m.

One of the nicest things he received due to this award (which touched his heart) was a personalized cake from the honor students at the Yuma residence hall last week, where he serves as Faculty Fellow (adviser/mentor). Photo above courtesy of Resident Assistant Bradley Shane.

P.S. We’ve been married 28 years so I do completely understand his passion for teaching, as we met while he was a struggling grad student at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He got his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia (Cavaliers) and then we moved here to the University of Arizona.

Barrett Baker Date: 11/03/2012
Public Information Officer TDD: 837-7016
410-1901 pager
Barrett.baker@tucsonaz.gov

FIRE BREAKS OUT IN MCKALE CENTER CAPTAIN EQUIPMENT ROOM
TWO ALARM RESPONSE FROM TFD TO CONTROL

Dispatch Time –9:26 P.M.
On-Scene Time –9:29 P.M.

A fire broke out in an equipment room this evening at the University of Arizona’s McKale Center. University of Arizona Police responded to a smoke alarm generated from McKale Center per their standard operating procedures and confirmed the smoke alarm once they arrived on scene. The first unit from Tucson Fire arrived on scene three minutes after being dispatched and noticed smoke coming from the roof area of McKale. They immediately called for more resources and began the process of charging the sprinkler system and standpipe system, both things that support firefighting operations.

An attack team, consisting of 10 firefighters, entered McKale to determine the location of the fire, along with help from UAPD. The alarm panel specified a certain room and the firefighters confirmed they had heavy smoke and water coming out of the room from under the door. Firefighters made entry into the room and had flames showing along with heavy smoke. They quickly extinguished the fire but visibility was minimal due to the amount of residual smoke. A sprinkler head had activated in the room, assisting in the extinguishment of the fire. Actions were immediately taken to evacuate as much smoke as possible to improve visibility and get secondary confirmation the entire fire was controlled. Firefighters from two ladder trucks had also made their way to the roof of McKale to ensure the fire had not spread to the roof. Two alarms were dispatched to the scene, consisting of twenty-one units and forty-eight firefighters. There were no injuries to firefighters. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and no estimation of damages had been made.

Thankfully no one was present in the equipment room when the fire broke out, or injured.

AZPM Az llustrated Channel 6 just previewed a terrific story about the public art on the University of AZ campus (video above). I took this tour about a year ago and was amazed at how many diverse pieces of sculptures there are on the U of A campus.

Info on how to sign up for this free guided walking tour, call 520-621-5130. The tour is on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. and begins at the UA Museum of Art, 1031 N. Olive Rd. Reservations are required, and don’t forget to wear good walking shoes as the tour takes about 2 hours. You can also get a guide for a self-guided tour.

Next tour scheduled is Wed. Dec. 19. No tour in November due to Thanksgiving break.

I think my favorite sculpture is the whimsical one entitled “25 Scientists” in front of the Chemistry Building. Take this tour and find out more about the diverse art collection of sculptures at the campus. You will be amazed.

More photos and background of some of the public art, go to http://artmuseum.arizona.edu/education/Public_Art.shtml.

German Speaking Jesuit Missionaries as Founders of Sonora, Mexico and Southern Arizona

It is commonly assumed that the early history of the Pimeria Alta, currently Sonora, Mexico and southern Arizona, was determined by Spanish colonizers. In reality, the Jesuit order, perhaps best represented by Padre Eusebio Kino, can be credited with having had the greatest impact on the entire region. A surprisingly large number of Kino’s successors hailed from German speaking lands and left a huge impact on the early history of the Southwest. One of these was Swiss missionary Philipp Segesser, whose insightful and enlightening correspondences have only recently been translated into English.
Gain insight into the global role which the Jesuits played, and how important the Sonoran province was for the international Jesuit Order.

This Arizona Humanities Council sponsored program is presented by Dr. Albrecht Classen, Distinguished Professor of German Studies at the University of Arizona.

Read my previous post when my husband published this translation of letters written by Missionary Segesser (click here).

More info: Sue Parker, librarian at Himmel Park library, 1035 N. Treat Ave. Phone 520-594-5305.

So I started pondering about what I liked about central/midtown Tucson, where we have lived (two apartments, one home) for over 25 years. So here’s my informal list of 10 things I like about Midtown. Click on the blue hyperlinks if you are new to Tucson and need more information.

1. Himmel Park (south of Speedway, between Tucson Blvd. & Treat Avenue), has tennis courts recently resurfaced, an open air pool now open again for the summer, lots of grass, playing fields, an outdoor grass amphitheater for plays/concerts. A Shakespeare in the park performance of “The Taming of the Shrew” is performing there opening tonight, for three weekends at 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation, to benefit El Rio Theatre Project.

2. Himmel Park Branch Library, oldest branch library of Pima County (built in 1961), children’s storytime, teen activities, Senior Games (including mahjong), films & lectures, lots more, even books to borrow.

3. Reid Park at NE corner of E. 22nd St. and N. Country Club, much larger park with an outdoor performance center & stage, ramadas, playground equipment & stone turtles for children, a rose garden, dog run, a duck pond & gurgling streams, artistic sculptures, etc.

4. The Reid Park Zoo for the children and out of town guests: elephants, tigers, bears, (oh my!), even unusual anteaters and a capybara.

5. The Loft Theater, 3233 E. Speedway, independent and creative movie showings, plus a promised expansion and often freebies during special events

6. Casa Video, 2905 E. Speedway, terrific collection of recent and old DVDs and videos, plus free popcorn whenever you drop in (open daily 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.)

7. Yoshimatsu/Sushimatsu at 2660 N. Campbell – authentic Japanese food in two unique restaurants, plus a very cute gift shop of Japanese items, toys

8. Bookman’s on Grant (SE corner of Campbell): a used book store and much more – gift items, art paraphernalia, current magazines, musical instruments, electronic stuff, even jewelry. And a new Bookman’s is coming to E. Speedway near Camino Miramonte.

9. The University of AZ, between Speedway & E. 6th Street, between Euclid Ave. and Campbell, not only an undergraduate & graduate university, but a resource for the community with art displays, outdoor sculptures, lectures, musical & dance performances, festivals & workshops, intellectual stimulation for all ages. Starting tomorrow an 8-day Chinese Culture Festival, event schedule at www.confucius.arizona.edu.

10. Bicycle path on E. 3rd St. runs from Wilmot Road westward through midtown past lovely, small Miramonte Neighborhood Park (NW corner of Richey Blvd.), one block south of Himmel Park aforementioned (Treat Ave. and Tucson Blvd.), right through the University of Az (on University Blvd.) through to 4th Avenue and Stone Avenue, with several bicyle-friendly “hawk” crossings to help bicyclists cross the major intersections. For more info on bicycling and bike maps in Tucson, go to Tucson Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee website (click here).

These are the 10 things that make my life more enjoyable and fun in midtown Tucson. What are yours?

Saturday July 28, 10 to 5 p.m.
Kuiper Space Science Building, 3rd floor atrium
University of AZ Campus
1629 E. University Blvd. (east of Cherry)

This family friendly event will feature the Mars Science Laboratory and their Curiosity rover landing on August 5. There will be Mars displays, plus information on “meteorites, comets, volcanoes, impact cratering, solar viewing, robotics, rockets, airplanes, physics demonstrations, tree rings, insects and more”.

1:00-1:45, Professor Alfred McEwen, HiRISE imaging of Mars landing sites, landers, and rovers

2:00-2:45, Veronica Bray, LPL Associate Staff Scientist, The dramatic formation of Gale crater: What happens when a meteor hits a planet?

3:00-3:45, Assistant Professor Shane Byrne, Wet clay on ancient Mars

There is free parking at the Cherry Street garage. Due to construction it will be easiest to get to the garage using Enke Drive from Campbell or National Champions Drive from Sixth Street.

For more information contact mariams@LPL.arizona.edu, or Space Imagery Center
520.621.4861. Website for Lunary & Planetary Laboratory, http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/