Local guy John Coppin has an occupation that is often more feared than the dentist and more hated than car salesmen.

Coppin as Mr. Hocus/submitted photo

He’s a clown.

Before you run for cover, just hear him out. He’s here to dispel the myth that clowns are evil and to prove clowns are people, too.

“All clowns are not Ronald or Bozo,” he said. “We are your next door neighbor. Always be wary if you do not know who the clown is, but the John Wayne Gacys are the minority of the clown world. We are to be laughed at and with all in fun.”

Coppin, 53, got into performing more than 30 years ago, and not by attending some fancy Florida clown college but the old fashioned way.

“I went to the school of hard knocks,” he said, “and also had great mentors who showed me ideas.”

Picking his career – which he loves because he gets to make people feel good – wasn’t a tough decision.

“I think I always was a bit of a clown,” he said. “I just had to put on the nose and Mr. Hocus was born.”

Mr. Hocus is the stage name for Coppin’s clown, one that has never scared a youngster – or adult – and one that regularly encounters magical situations in his acts.

“Mr. Hocus is a magic clown,” he said. “The magic happens to him, quite like Emmett Kelly did with the spotlight. He is having the magic occur to him not from him.”

One of world-famous clown Emmett Kelly’s signature act was sweeping up the spotlight on the stage until it actually disappeared.

Coppin the magician/submitted photo

Coppin’s magic career dates back to age 15, when he appeared as the Magic Magician of Christmas at a Wisconsin H.C. Prange department store.

He then took to performing at his high school, local shows in his Wisconsin hometown, and eventually bigger and more populated events. He ended up in moving to Marana last year, where he lives with his wife Carol and dog Frito.

Carol is so supportive of clowns – and Coppin’s act – that she even helps out at events with his forte of balloon sculpting.

Unlike other professions, Coppin said, the clown world is not known for being petty, competitive or stabbing each other in the back – unless it’s with a balloon or something.

“Clowns have no big rivals, really,” he said. “They work well with everyone.”

Yes, even mimes. In fact, the original clowns were more like mimes than the colorful performers we see today.

“They never spoke and the makeup was the whiteface,” he said. “The circus clown became a new idea in the early days of the traveling show, being brighter for the smiles.”

Sure, he’ll admit, some kids have been known to be scared of the whiteface or other clown makeup they find strange. The fears are often fueled by things like the movie “It.”

The 1990 Stephen King flick features the demonic Pennywise, a creature dressed as a clown that terrorizes a small town in the 1960s.

“I always think that the movie ‘It’ caused a lot of problems for clowns,” Coppin said. No, it’s not accurate. No, not all clowns are evil. And no, clowns never come barreling out of toilets.

“Only small cars,” he said.

If you’re still wary, Coppin offers additional advice on how to overcome a fear of clowns.

“Get to know one,” he said, “or better yet find your inner clown and let it out. Laughter is always a great way to find your inner clown and enjoy it.”

Learn more about John Coppin and his magic at MrHocus.com.

Ryn Gargulinski is a poet, artist, performer and TucsonCitizen.com Ryngmaster whose grandmother once baptized a clown doll. Her column appears every Friday on Rynski’s Blogski. Her art, writing and more is at RynRules.com. E-mail rynski@tucsoncitizen.com.

What do you think?

Are your fears quelled now?

Does Coppin help you think of clowns as people, too?

What’s the best clown/magician act you’ve seen lately?

Did you enjoy the movie or book “It,” even though a clown blasts through the toilet?

NEW: Join the RYNdustries fan club

If you saw a crime in progress, would you simply shut the shades?

Photo Ryn Gargulinski

Such was the case with Catherine “Kitty” Genovese in 1964. The 28-year-old was murdered and raped near the doorway of her New York City apartment building while at least 37 folks heard her screams or saw the attack. Many simply closed their window shades. Only one woman bothered to call police.

That’s not the case on the University of Arizona campus, where a handful of folks are being honored in a Tuesday ceremony for their assistance to the UA Police Department, according to a news release from UAPD.

Some of the crimes – like shaking a vending machine to get free snacks – are nowhere near the murderous stage, but they are crimes nonetheless and these folks deserve kudos for doing more than simply walking away.

The honorees are:

Graffiti busters – Doug Archer, Frankie Kolb and Peter Smith:
This trio was working at the Lunar and Planetary Sciences when they noted folks spray painting the building and a nearby wall. They immediately called police and had enough information to lead to three arrests for vandalism.

Bicycle guardian – Justin Armer:
Armer was outside the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering building when he saw someone trying to break a bike lock with a hammer. Rather than simply go on his merry way, glad it wasn’t his own bicycle, Armer approached the would-be thief, who ran away without the bicycle. If that wasn’t enough, Armer followed the suspect and called police. An arrest followed.

Vending machine savior – Arun Ganesan:
Ganesan helped get several folks arrested when he called police after watching those folks shake a vending machine. Lots of free goodies had fallen from the shaken machine, but their snacking was cut short when Ganesan called police.

Thief trapper – Chiara Figueroa:
Figueroa had her laptop and several other items stolen on campus when she received an e-mail that she thought might be related to the theft. She tracked down the e-mailer and gave her info to police. UAPD followed up on her lead and found the person not only stole stuff from Figueroa but also stole from several other victims. Yes, another arrest.

Another graffiti buster – Jared Melillo:
Melillo, who lived near the new recreation center construction site, noted several taggers having a field day on one of the new buildings. He quickly called police, who were able to arrest one of the suspects.

Felony finder – Kurt Myers:
Myers was jogging around campus when he noted two people drinking alcohol behind the open door of a UA building that was not open to the public. He called police to report what may have been trespassing, but turned into a bigger catch. One of the suspects had a felony warrant out for arrest. Both were arrested, thanks to Myers taking a moment to report them.

Double duty dude – David De La Rosa:
De La Rosa helped with arrests in two separate crimes, one that involved a stolen kid and another that involved a suspected killer.
De La Rosa noted a car parked with a kid in the backseat, but no parent or guardian anywhere to be found. He reported the sighting to police, who found the car had been stolen – with the child still in it. Car and child were returned to their owner.
He also reported a panhandler near Student Union who kept approaching women. Police tracked down the panhandler and found the person hand a felony warrant for homicide. Goodbye, panhandler.

Suspicious suspect nabber – Miguel Perez:
Perez was working on campus when he saw a would-be thief playing around with a bicycle lock. He noted the person had been milling around earlier, as if scoping out the bike rack. His quick call to police led to an arrest.

Monocle man – Riley Schock:
Schock was out walking his dog when he found several monocles lying around his neighborhood. He took them home, where a friend recalled a news report about monocles being stolen from a UA building. Schock turned the monocles over the UAPD, returning stolen property that was valued at an estimated $10,000.

The Partners with Our Community awards will be presented at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 (today!) at the University of Arizona Police Department, 1852 E. First St.

What do you think?

Do you report crimes in progress or just go on your merry way?

Do you know any other heroes who helped authorities with reporting, identifying or researching criminal activity?

Abigail on her evening dog ride/Ryn Gargulinski

Anyone who has ever tried walking more than one dog – or even one stubborn dog – knows the task can be quite a challenge.

One Tucsonan was innovative enough to figure out how to walk six – without even breaking a sweat.

Crafty Abigail hooked up a tricycle, complete with a hook that accommodates six separate leashes, when summer treks got too hot to keep up with the half-dozen dogs.

Abigail was wary of the bicycle thing, as dogs like to dart away at the first glimpse of a rabbit or in front of the tires as their mood permits. Others, like Sawyer, will run along fine beside a bicycle until he suddenly decides he is going to sit – while I’m still pedaling.

But Abigail’s trike has been heavenly. Or as heavenly as it can be, as six dogs are quite a handful. They sometimes still get jumbled, but no one, namely Abigail, gets pulled down a gully or hauled off into the wash.

The biter/Ryn Gargulinski

Two of the pooches belong to her daughters. One is looking for a new home.

“He’s spoiled,” she said of the dog that is up for adoption, a cute black and white little thing. “And he bites people. I gave him to my daughters and he bit four people in one week. They gave him back.”

Abigail said the puffy little doggie especially has a vendetta for men. The men who get bit, however, usually try to act manly and tough, she said, but there were a few who whined about it.

“The dog needs a home with someone who has no job and no life and can devote every second to him,” Abigail said.

In the meantime, the sextet runs along in glee into the Rillito River sunset.

Abigail and crew ride off Into the sunset/Ryn Gargulinski

Dog jumble and Sawyer's snout at front of the trike/Ryn Gargulinski

What do you think?

Do you know anyone who has hooked up innovative things to suit their needs?

Have you ever tried bicycling with a dog? What about roller blading or skate boarding?

Have you seen others try it and fall on their noggins?

Enjoy the ride/Ryn Gargulinski

Thank you! TC.com readers who sent in photos of your tattoos. They are as beautiful as you are – and make for a nifty slide show, as evidenced below.

Jennatoolz's card suits, designed by her best friend Ross/submitted photo

Contributors include:

* Self-proclaimed text message junkie Jennatoolz – her two tattoos include one of her former goldfish, Buzzkill, started by a boyfriend and then fixed by Andre from State of Art Tattoo; a playing card tattoo down her left side, designed by best friend Ross and installed by Adrian Rodriguez at Unlimited Ink. When I showed Ross the finished product, his exact words were, “Oh Jenna, that is, like, the biggest form of flattery I’ve ever received!”

* Pet lover and hilarious story teller AZMouse (aka Dianne), who sent in pix of her daughter Sara’s tats. AZMouse says Sarah has about 10 tattoos all told, and her musical notes were actually a cover up for something else. Good cover!

* A man named Travis Reed who works at a local insulation company, sent in by loyal reader RadMax. Travis’s only comments were: “James, Adrenaline Tattoo.”

* Joey Flowers, another man who works with RadMax with a few tats that include his daughters and Marilyn Monroe.

* E.E. Farley sent by loyal reader A. Farley – who is being left dad’s tattoo in the will, by the way. E.E. Farley’s tat is from WWII and depicts “a petite woman with a nice hat” in front of a ship’s anchor and the initials U.S.N. for U.S. Navy. Dad was one that set up the older ships in the Bikini Atoll Atom Bomb tests. If I ever get one it would have to be exactly like Dad’s. Kind of like a Sailor Jerry Tattoo.

* A photo of the tattoo on TC.com Editor Mark Evans. Yes, this man who seems like he’d be one of the last people in the solar system to have a tattoo actually has one. He got the fish on his ankle after peer pressure and beer pressure with four other guys that got the same ones during his college days.

* Two Rynski tattoo pix – One is a dragon on my foot in the shape of a number five and installed by my fave tattoo artist, Michelangelo in Brooklyn. The other is a snap of my left leg, installed by a guy named Chris in Clovis, N.M. I designed the dragon on my foot and four out of the five dragons on my leg. I don’t know why I love dragons so much when I was born in the year of the dog.

Enjoy!

Slide 1 of 17.
Jennatoolz's Buzzkill/submitted photo
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Jennatoolz's card suits/submitted photo
Slide 3 of 17.
Sara's arm/submitted photo
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Sara's arm take two/submitted photo
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Travis Reed/submitted photo
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Travis Reed/submitted photo
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Travis Reed/submitted photo
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Joey Flowers' Marilyn/submitted photo
Slide 9 of 17.
Joey Flowers' Daughters/submitted photo
Slide 10 of 17.
Joey Flowers' arm/submitted photo
Slide 11 of 17.
Hello, Joey Flowers/submitted photo
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E.E. Farley's WWII gal tattoo/submitted photo
Slide 13 of 17.
Back to Sara/submitted photo
Slide 14 of 17.
Sara's musical notes/submitted photo
Slide 15 of 17.
Mark Evans's ankle fish/Photo Ryn Gargulinski
Slide 16 of 17.
Rynski's legski/Photo Ryn Gargulinski
Slide 17 of 17.
Ryn's foot with Brooklyn artist Michelangelo/Photo Ryn Gargulinski

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Ryn Gargulinski is a poet, artist, performer and TucsonCitizen.com Ryngmaster whose column usually runs on Fridays. She did not write one this week because she wrote the editorial for Monday’s Arizona Daily Star instead. Check it out in Monday’s AZDS or read it on Rynski’s Blogski. E-mail rynski@tucsoncitizen.com.

Stars for Sara/submitted photo

What’s the most painful place you got a tattoo?

Where would you NEVER get a tattoo?

Have you ever experienced tattoo regret?

What’s the dumbest thing anyone ever said about your tattoo (besides, of course, “Did it hurt?”)

Tucson couple Kristin and Jamie Lewis Hedges were thrilled at the birth of their first child, a son named Nathaniel Lewis.

Nathaniel Lewis Hedges honored with mobile/submitted photo

Until he died five days later.

Although they now have two children and four years have passed, the pain hasn’t. In fact, certain reactions actually make it worse.

“At all costs, refrain from giving greeting card platitudes,” said Jamie Lewis, 39. “They don’t make sense and they don’t help. Some will say ‘God just wanted Nathaniel to be with him, to be with God.’

“Screw God,” is the father’s response.

Folks who dance around the subject are no help, either.

“Give people an opportunity to talk and ask about their kids,” Kristen, 33, added. “Even though there is nothing they can do to make it better, they can let the parents express themselves. We want to brag about our kid, talk about it.”

The couple discovered a way they were able to freely express themselves – and share the experiences of others – with the Children’s Altar.

The Children’s Altar is erected for the annual All Souls Procession weekend, and Kristen and Jamie Lewis found so much solace in the project that they are now the Buckstoppers, or facilitators of it.

Their centerpiece contribution last year was a mobile to honor Nathaniel Lewis.

His photo was in the center, surrounded by arms of the mobile that held a boy and girl doll – the recipients of Nathaniel’s organs. At the age of 5 days, he saved two lives and became the youngest organ donor in the Southwest. Nathaniel donated his kidney, liver, pancreas and heart.

“I am convinced beyond doubt that his sacrifice was his wish. I may have had to sign papers and give consent, but it is my son who is the hero, and it is my son who saved two other children,” Kristen wrote in her story “Mama Hands” that tells of her experience building the altar. Read her full story by clicking here.

Children's Altar 2008/submitted photo

Those who wish to contribute to this year’s altar can do so in a number of ways. They can make an extended project, like the mobile, or bring photos, artwork, poetry, or items to honor their dearly departed. Memorial cards will also be on hand, for people to write a message on the spot.

The couple has seen the healing in action.

“One little girl asked me if she could write a message to her friend. She told me, ‘My friend was supposed to come play but she died instead,’” Kristen recalls.

The girl wrote the message on a memorial card and then brought it to Kristen, asking if it was a good message to send.

Jamie Lewis recalled a boy who asked about the baby in the photo, Nathaniel. So Jamie Lewis told him the story.

“He sat there with amazing concentration for an adolescent,” Jamie Lewis said. The boy then disclosed that his sister also died. She was 4-year-old Adelita Camacho-Bedoy, who was killed in 2007 when her babysitter accidentally ran her over when backing out of a driveway.

Camacho-Bedoy became the centerpiece of that year’s Procession of Little Angels and the inspiration for the first children’s altar.

Adelita Camacho-Bedoy/submitted photo

“It was a mind-numbing, tragic accident,” said Jhon Sanders, who came up with the children’s altar project. “By the end of the day, I knew I had to do something with this upwelling of energy.”

Local artist Matt Klepl built the wooden altar base, which will be used again this year. Metal sculptor Nathan Matti will be constructing this year’s side panels and artist Marissa Ettal will be creating a collage for the back panel.

“It won’t be a full masterpiece until the community is involved,” Sanders said.

While Adelita and Nathaniel have both been centerpieces in the altar, the altar is meant to honor every child.

Another child who has been honored was Brian Halbert, a 14-year-old who died in Guatemala after falling out of his bedroom window.

“Somebody’s death is always a loss to somebody else,” Sanders said. “There is always grief. But there is something specifically unique about children’s lives – and their deaths. There’s something inside us that says it’s just not right; it shouldn’t be that way.”

Children's Altar 2008/submitted photo

What: Children’s Altar

When: Saturday, Nov. 7 – in conjunction with Procession of Little Angels
Where: Altar in place from 3 p.m. to midnight at Jacome Plaza in front of the main library, 101 N. Stone Ave.

How to contribute: No artistic experience necessary
1. Create a memorial piece in advance and bring to the altar
2. Bring an object or items for the altar – poetry, photos, artwork, toys – whatever best honors the child
3. Fill out a memorial card on the spot to be hung on the altar’s side panels

Contributions can be taken home or burned in the All Souls Procession urn.
To plan an advance contribution to bring on the day of the event, call 395-5326 or e-mail littleangelsart@gmail.com

To learn more about the Children’s Altar, the Procession of Little Angels and other events surrounding the All Souls Procession Weekend, visit www.allsoulsprocession.org.

Thanks to Many Mouths One Stomach, the incredible organization behind it all.

Nathaniel Lewis Hedges/submitted photo

Have you experienced the loss of a child?

What helped you heal?

Have you been to the Children’s Altar or Procession of Little Angels?

With a profession that surrounds him with Playboy Playmates and rock stars – not to mention his first feature film coming out in a few months – it may sound like Tucsonan Benny Kennedy has the world at his feet.

Benny Kennedy in action/submitted photo

But that didn’t come without hard work, sacrifice, and tough stuff along the way. He also never let go of his biggest asset – his dreams.

This 34-year-old, happily married “father” of four Jack Russell terriers will be quick to tell you that even the entertainment business has its fair share of, shall we say, difficult people.

“I have worked with more delightful celebs than difficult ones, thank God,” Kennedy said.

One of the best was Playboy Playmate Colleen Shannon, who was serious about promoting her club deejay career. She even wrote a glowing letter to Hugh Heffner about how much fun she had in Tucson.

Not all are as dreamy.

Drugs and alcohol are huge issues for many in the entertainment business, with some bands being paid in beer alone.

But the jerkiest encounters involved a dishonest club honor and an overnight sensation that hijacked a car only to take it to New Mexico and get arrested.

Perhaps “hijacked” is too strong a word, as Kennedy had willingly let Corey Clark borrow the rented vehicle while he was promoting Clark at DV8 Nightclub.

Clark, as some may know, became famous during the second season of American Idol after he was disqualified for legal trouble and then claimed to have slept with Paula Abdul. He had completed a couple of gigs Kennedy booked for him and had one more appearance on the agenda.

Clark never made the final appearance, as he was arrested in New Mexico for violating his parole – the same legal trouble that got him disqualified from the show. The car got shipped back and all ended OK, but not without some heartache.

Heartache was also on the agenda when Kennedy booked local actress Tiffany Shepis, who was the scream queen of horror and the host of Playboy TV, at a local venue.

Working with her was fine – it was the venue’s owner who became a pain when he decided he didn’t want to pay.

“Maybe the 550 people that attended did not buy enough drinks or something,” Kennedy said. “I am not sure but, he was not happy and he refused to pay Tiffany her appearance fee.”

Since Kennedy didn’t have the cash, he instead had to break the news to the scream queen.

“She was obviously nowhere near happy and used quite a few choice phrases that described sexual acts with one’s self, but in the end she was paid and vowed to never work with me again,” Kennedy said. “I learned at that moment to never do an event unless you have the money to back up every last promise and to be sure every agreement that is signed covers your butt entirely.”

Benny Kennedy on stage/submitted photo

Kennedy also learned a lot in the U.S. Navy, where he enlisted right after high school.

“Growing up without a father was a strain on me as well as on my mother who only wanted to make sure I became a good man,” he said. “In a way the Navy became my father.

“It taught me how to fight, how to shoot a gun, how to interact with people in a strong and professional manner as well as learn organization and cleanliness. It also taught me how to work under pressure and what the meaning of loyalty and teamwork really was. I also learned how to cook for 500 people, which could come in handy some day.”

Other life experiences were felt in his bones, like knowing he needed to be in the entertainment business.

“Ever since I heard my voice on a recording I was fascinated with production,” he said. “Then when I got my hands on a video camera I was hooked for life.”

He also dabbled in radio and film as a teen, but knew just being passionate about something may not pay the bills.

“I grew up in a very low income household and was raised like many by a single mother who did everything she could to nurture my passions but, at the same time she showed me the harsh realities of life,” he said.

“I’ve worked as a cook, a martial arts teacher, a security guard, a strip club bouncer; I’ve repaired and manufactured aircraft interiors, promoted and managed rock bands, handled entertainment of nightclubs, worked with celebrities and music artists promoting and producing special events and concerts.” Kennedy also does freelance writing, voice over projects and event production – check out his website ProjectBennyBlanco.com.

Oh, and don’t forget to add his feature film, “Alien, Alien,” to his credits. The movie is being co-produced with Tucson native and Hollywood producer Mark Headley and will be screened this winter at the Loft Theater.

Kennedy’s main passion, always, has been making people laugh – even the security guards who escorted him out of the parking lot when he was once let go from a job.

“You can’t believe how stressed-out security people get when they have to escort someone who was just laid off to their car,” he said.

He also wants to send a message that any dream is attainable – even working with Playboy Playmates in the entertainment industry – as long as you’re willing to work for it.

“Always remember this is a business that thrives on hopes and dreams,” he said, “and the moment you stop dreaming there is no hope for success.”

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Ryn Gargulinski is a poet, artist, performer and TucsonCitizen.com Ryngmaster who loves to dream big and make art out of debris. Her column appears every Friday on Rynski’s Blogski. Her art, writing and more is at RynRules.com. E-mail rynski@tucsoncitizen.com.

What celebrity would you love to work with?

Who was the most difficult person you ever had to work with?

Would you ever want to work in the entertainment business?

Are you going to see Benny’s film when it comes out?

Not one – but five – amazing folks are set to receive this year’s Daniel Moreno Recovery Award for their successful efforts in coping with mental illness.

The award is named after the son of Susan Moreno, development director, educator/presenter for National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona (NAMISA) and blogger for TC.com’s Grey Matters. Daniel Moreno’s mental illness led him to suicide in 2005.

This year’s ceremony is 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, at the Skyline Country Club, 5200 E. St. Andrews Dr., and the recipients are:

George Leon/submitted photo

George Leon –
Acceptance is George Leon’s key to living with his diagnosis of schizophrenia – a far cry from the denial he harbored when he first heard voices at age 23.
“He thought that hearing voices was normal and that everybody heard them,” wrote his friends William and Derry Dean in their nomination form.
Leon had been chief warrant officer in the U.S. Navy aboard an aircraft carrier when the voices came. The episode landed him in the hospital and an assignment to the Naval Reserves. Although in denial, Leon was able to function, even earning Officer of the Year in 1996 for his work with Naval cadets.
It took three more hospitalizations for Leon to finally accept his diagnosis – and move on.
He has since become a peer mentor at NAMISA, is ready to teach the first peer-to-peer class at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center and has done a number of video presentations. His proudest achievement was making a video about the positive effects of the antipsychotic drug Olanzapine after participating in University of Arizona study.
The video made it possible for the FDA to approve the drug. Family is also big with Leon, as are yoga, musical, stress and calming classes. He is coordinator for the In Our Own Voice (IOOV) program which offers video presentations to the community.
“Accept things the way they are, change your attitude to get into recovery and never give up hope,” Leon said.

Kathy Lewis/submitted photo

Kathy Lewis –
Now a well-loved and successful case aide and certified recovery support specialist at La Frontera Center, not many may know that Kathy Lewis spent 10 years wanting to die.
“From 1995 through March 2005 I was negative, unsociable, had constant worry and suicidal ideation. I thought of a therapist or psychiatrist but, in my mind, that was for ‘crazy’ people,” she said.
This slump led to two suicide attempts. “When the police arrived on my first attempt,” she said, “I told them ‘just take me to the loony bin and throw away the key.’”
Her second attempt landed her into a psychiatric health facility.
“It was then when I realized I was meant to live – don’t know why, but I had to live.”
Dozens, if not hundreds, of folks are glad she did.
“Her journey to recovery has led her to become a true advocate for persons with mental illness,” wrote her nominator and La Frontera coworker Karen Chatfield. “She is committed to providing support for others on that same journey.”
Lewis achieves this by providing so many services for the clients – from driving them to scheduled appointment to delivering food boxes. She has even been known to help people take out their trash. “It’s just one of the many ways in which she goes above and beyond the call of duty,” Chatfield said.
Lewis also coordinates the publication of La Frontera’s quarterly newsletter, which comes stocked with information, resources, success stories – and even poetry and creative writing.
“I love my job,” Lewis said. “I never had a job that I loved until I started working in the mental health field. I love helping people and seeing them progress in their recovery.”

Haydee Meza/submitted photo

Haydee Meza –
Many who meet Haydee Meza, 52, are taken by her bubbly, upbeat personality – and would never guess she struggles with depression.
The black cloud of doom descended about two years ago, shortly after her move from Mexico to Arizona.
“I felt sad, lonely, worried and always had negative thoughts,” Meza said. “I would just stay at home watching TV. I wouldn’t take showers or change my clothes. I was always crying and complaining about life. It got the point where my family couldn’t stand me anymore.”
Meza then discovered NAMISA – and the road to her recovery.
Meza, who volunteers for the organization, has been most instrumental in helping to spread the recovery message to the Hispanic community, where mental illness is largely stigmatized and rarely discussed. Meza is a peer-to-peer mentor and IOOV presenter.
“She instantly makes those who connect with NAMI feel that they are part of the NAMI family,” wrote Meza’s nominator, NAMI employee Rebecca Garfunkel. “She cares about people’s welfare.”
Meza’s proudest achievement is now being able to live life.
“I’m so proud that I can take control of my life again,” she said, “and live well even with my mental illness.”

Susan Rasmussen/submitted photo

Susan Rasmussen –
Life began as one big trauma for Susan Rasmussen, 49, who was ritually abused from the age of 4. The abuse included two years of molestation from her dad and uncle, the former who died when she was 8. Another male relative continued her molestation for four years when she turned 14.
Rasmussen tried to dull the depression and anxiety through self-mutilation and four suicide attempts, one of which left her in a coma for four days. She was hospitalized at least 10 times by the time she was 20.
That’s also when she turned to alcohol and drugs. She enjoyed a brief respite after rehab in 1989, receiving her associate’s degree in occupation therapy medicine, but got swept back into the depths of alcohol and drug addiction when her mother was dying of cancer.
Now clean and sober, Rasmussen is still diagnosed with “SMI,” or serious mental illness, but she has learned how to overcome.
“Susan has many triumphs to celebrate,” wrote her nominator Chrysanne Fife. Rasmussen keeps up with her medications regimen, is losing weight, has lost her suicidal feelings and no longer engages in self-mutilation. She is also training to be a childhood presenter for Parents and Teachers as Allies, teaching a class as a mentor, lives independently, is able to drive again and has cultivated a network of friends where support is freely exchanged.
“She is facing the world head-on and with a very positive attitude,” Fife said.

Dan Steffy/submitted photo

Dan Steffy
Even through 24 years of living with his bipolar illness and a serious suicide attempt, Dan Steffy, 55, has never fallen prey to self pity. Instead, he has used his illness to help educate and help others. First diagnosed at age 19, Steffy spent the following two decades being hospitalized six times and struggling with life. He’d enjoy long cycles of stability – only to become beset by tremors and other bipolar side effects.
His suicide attempt landed him in a meeting at NAMISA.
“For Dan, part of coming to terms with his illness was wanting to give back,” said Scott Whitley, last year’s award recipient who nominated Steffy for 2009.
And give back Steffy has.
Steffy went from being a member of the peer support group to heading the meetings – and then some. He continued his service – and career – by becoming a representative of Tucson’s Mental Health Association, working for COPE and joining the Peer Mentor Program and Warm Line, a peer-to-peer telephone support network.
He also works as a trainer in the Recovery Support Specialist Program and community education specialist at Community Partnership of Southern Arizona, where he also organizes the Mental Health News.
“Recovery is being at the edge and being able to bounce back,” Steffy said.

Wow, is all I can say.

Well, Wow, and congratulations!

What do you think?

Have you known others who have successfully coped with mental illness?

Have you successfully coped?

While we may occasionally run across a used diaper in the supermarket parking lot or a wayward plastic bag billowing from a cactus, Tucson is overall pretty clean.

Photo Ryn Gargulinski

Sure, the city has its stenches – especially that garbage can by the drinking fountain near the Rillito River Walk Park – but at least its contained to a garbage can.

One of the reasons behind Old Pueblo’s pristine nature is the Tucson Clean and Beautiful projects.

Since I’ve received three recent news releases about folks cleaning stuff up, it’s only fair to give them some recognition.

Kudos to these folks who are part of the Adopt-A-Park and Public Areas Program:

CITI employees – Workers from this financial services company have been cleaning up the 2-mile stretch of Rita Road near Interstate 10 and their offices at 9060 S. Rita Road. Their efforts, which began this spring, will be recognized at a ceremony at their offices at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Kino School – These students, who range in age from kindergarten to high school, took on Children’s Memorial Park, 4851 N. 15th Place, in September of last year. Their efforts will be honored at a ceremony and picnic at the park starting at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Sahuaro Girl Scout Council, Starcatcher Service Unit – These do-gooders have spent the past two years maintaining their adopted Linden Park, 300 S. Desert Ave. They were honored this past weekend.

Thanks! for helping to keep Tucson Clean and Beautiful.

Photo Ryn Gargulinski

Now if we could just get someone to adopt the garbage can by the Rillito River walk, we’d be set. And there still are a few other areas that need work.

Shockingly, some apartment complexes don’t even offer recycling programs.

Other folks don’t seem to care about where they chuck their trash. I’ve seen piles of cigar butts, weeds – and even banana peels – simply hurled over backyard fences into an alleyway.

Some trim their trees then throw all the branches in a wash.

And where does that mattress come from that always seems to end up in a riverbed?

Another poor trash habit is from folks who gingerly pick up their dog waste, scoop it neatly into a plastic bag, tie the bag shut – and then promptly throw the bag on the side of the path.

One man went all out not too long ago. He collected bags and bags of dog waste near the Rillito River walk – then threw them all in a pile under one of those signs that says it’s the law to clean up after your dog.

With that much time on his hands, he should have volunteered for a Tucson Clean and Beautiful project. Or at least thrown the dog doo in the trashcan, since the can already reeks.

In addition to the garbage can stench, two other smells around town seem to waft from the depths of hell.

The first is whatever sludge plant is churning out the stench that reaches a far south as Prince Road and Interstate 10.

The second is the mystery aroma that hits you in the face like a moldy, wet sponge the minute you get to the pinnacle of Veteran’s Memorial Highway overpass.

Not to leave you on a sour note, the litterbugs and dog doo man are offset by the more than 125 locations around town that have been adopted and cleaned up by the slew of volunteers.

If you want to learn more or volunteer yourself, check out TucsonCleanAndBeautiful.org or call 791-3109.

The mysteriously appearing mattress/Ryn Gargulinski

What do you think?

Are you a litterbug? Do you yell at litterbugs when you see them littering?

What’s the worst example of littering you’ve seen?

How do you contribute to keeping Tucson clean and beautiful?

Magic isn’t cheesy, freaky or just for kids – especially when it’s presented by Tucsonans Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed.

Susan Eyed and Roland Sarlot/submitted photo

Well, the two may make it a little freaky.

But that’s just because Sarlot sticks razor blades in his face and Eyed crouches in a basket while it’s stabbed full of swords.

But their dramatic, mystical and seductive performances are more than just sharp-edged props. And to the dramatic duo, it’s way more than just a job.

“I guess it’s not a job because a job ends after 40 hours,” Sarlot laughed. “This is a lifestyle.”

It’s also a full-time business that has them running willy-nilly to the ends of the earth, or at least the nation.

While they got their start in Tucson six years ago, they have been whirl-winding across the U.S. and are now coming back to roost. They kick of a series of Carnival of Illusion Victorian-style parlour shows this weekend and continue every weekend in September.

It’s not that they were avoiding Tucson – they just kept getting work out of town, from Las Vegas to Coney Island, with lots of New Mexico in between.

“We’re rock stars in Las Cruces,” Eyed laughed. “We even had a billboard.”

But billboard fame is not the reason behind their performances. Sharing the love of magical experiences and illusion is. While they may use some traditional props, their show goes far beyond the traditional.

“It’s not about the trick,” the two said pretty much in unison, “it’s the presentation.”

And boy, do these two know how to present. It could be because they have a common goal of making the impossible look impossible, of making people think. It could be because they are coming up on their 1,000th show together. It could be because they love what they do, not to mention each other.

Or it could be, well, something magical.

Sarlot and Eyed always wow the crowd/submitted photo

From the get-go, theirs has been an equal partnership, although male magicians have long had female assistants.

“Roland said, ‘You’re not the assistant, you’re too strong a woman,’” Eyed explained. “That’s when he created a monster.”

The two had several chance meetings at art galleries before they finally went out for their first drink together: one dry martini and one chocolate malted, please.

“On that fateful evening, they realized they shared the same dream – one with visions of grandeur,” they wrote in response to one of my questions.

In addition to the grandeur, which includes the 2009 Jack Gwynne Award for Excellence in Magic, the lifestyle does have its hazards.

Sarlot has been sliced countless times by his razor sharp blades. Eyed had a bloody encounter with a sword while she was stabbing it down on a dark stage – and nailed it through her foot.

“I was queen of the emergency room,” she laughed. She even beat out a surly, glaring tattooed man who drank something poisonous as the strangest late-night injury. Heck, he even stopped glaring when Eyed glared back at him, then begged to hear about her injury.

He then became completely enchanted. The two are very good at enchanting people. Just ask the audience.

A woman executive, complete with a nine-piece corporate and suit and no-nonsense manner, once approached them after the show with: “I never had a childhood. You made me realize you are never too old to have a childhood.”

A mousy child, so painfully shy she seemed she would be embarrassed to even sneeze, sneakily snatched and ran off with a photo Eyed had been in the midst of autographing for someone else.

A teen gang-banger leader, just doing his job as skeptical leader, came up to Sarlot after a show to tell him it was all bull. Sarlot talked him and his posse into staying for the next performance, where he had the teen write his name on a dollar bill to be used in on stage. The bill ended up in the middle of an uncut grapefruit.

“They examined the money for 20 minutes after that,” Sarlot said. The kids no longer thought the show was bull. “I love putting two worlds together,” he added of the common ground sometimes found with magic. “We clash in the night then keep driving.”

The gorgeous couple has also clearly defined the secret of magic: “The role of the magician is not to fool but to remind us that things are not always as we believe; life is filled with surprise, what we think is impossible may not be, and the world around us is a fabulous mystery.”

Show schedule:

Aug. 28 and 29, 6 and 8:30 p.m. NOTE: This show is nearly sold out, can take chances showing up early at the door

Westin La Paloma, 3800 E. Sunrise Dr.

Tickets: $20 adults; $15 seniors; $10 ages 9 to 16; $5 under 9 – cash at the door

For ticket holders on evenings of performances, the Westin offers “Buy One Dinner Entrée and Get One Free (of equal or lesser value).”

Every Friday and Saturday in September (except Sept. 12), 6 and 8:30 p.m.

Bonus show Sunday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.

Doubletree at Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way

Tickets: $15 adults; $10 seniors and ages 9 to 16; $5 under 9 – cash at the door or in advance at gift shop, call 323-5252.

Show guests will also receive “Half-Off Appetizers OR Buy One Dinner Entrée and Get One Free (of equal or lesser value).”

More info on Sarlot and Eyed:

CarnivalofIllusion.com

DanceofIllusion.com

—

Ryn Gargulinski is a poet, artist, performer and TucsonCitizen.com Ryngmaster whose only attempt at magic included trying to escape from Chinese handcuffs only to shred them in half when they would not budge.  Listen to a preview of her column at 8:10 a.m. Thursdays on KLPX 96.1 FM. Her column appears every Friday on Rynski’s Blogski. E-mail rynski@tucsoncitizen.com.

What is the best magic trick you ever saw? The worst?

What was the most magical experience you ever had?

One dude who just turned 65 is still so hot, he’s smoking. Too bad he’s just a cartoon.

Smokey rocks/Ryn Gargulinski

But he’s a cartoon with a big campaign, bigger shoulders and the very big message that “Only you can prevent wildfires.” Well, you and Mother Nature.

In any event, Smokey the Bear celebrates his birthday this week, perhaps with a cake sporting battery-operated candles, and he doesn’t appear ready to retire anytime soon.

Forest fires, or in the case of southern Arizona, dry brush desert area fires, have already eaten up more than 4.18 million acres of America this year alone, thanks to careless campers, severe storms and that stuff called lightning.

This week alone, more than 30 large wildfires were raging across the nation, according to Smokey’s online Real Time Wildfire Map, with four and one-half of them in Arizona. The one-half was partly in New Mexico. One of the most visible has been blazing in the Grand Canyon.

Perhaps our area’s mot notable was the Aspen fire that wiped out most of Summerhaven in June 2003.

Smokey must have had the day off.

But his efforts have earned him the distinction of being part of the longest running public service announcement in U.S. history and one of the most recognizable icons of our time.

A whopping 97 percent of adults recognize Smokey’s image at the drop of a ranger hat, according to an Ad Council survey, and three out of four folks can recite his sizzling wildfire mantra without looking at a cue card.

Because Smokey is one of the hottest spokespersons to hit the market, we have to ask why he has been so successful.

Illustration Ryn Gargulinski

Few other cartoon spokespeople have achieved such heights, although we do have the pleasure of McGruff the Crime Dog and his little sidekick Scruff, neither of whom can hold a candle to Smokey.

Smokey has staying power for a number of reasons. One is his sob story of origin. The icon had a real live counterpart when folks found a baby bear cub cowering in a charred tree after a New Mexico wildfire.

The cub was rescued, tended to, healed up and dubbed “Little Smokey.” His new home became Washington D.C.’s National Zoo.

You can’t help but love any icon with a beginning that sweet.

Another reason Smokey is effective is because of his delivery. He doesn’t hit folks on the head with a shovel to instill his message. He uses the age-old method proven to work almost every time on almost everybody: guilt.

One of Smokey’s 1940s-era posters features a disappointed-looking bear sadly pouring a bucket of water on an unattended campfire.

Another depicts dear Smokey actually kneeling down in prayer with the words, “And please make people careful, amen.”

A 1950s poster shows Smokey cradling the near dead body of a doe while a fire rages in the background with the words, “Our Most Shameful Waste.”

OK, OK, I promise to put out my campfire.

Smokey’s final claim to fame is the fact that he’s so dang personable. He may be big, burly and potentially deadly, but he caters to our compassionate side.

Illustration Ryn Gargulinski

He got his start because of the massive news coverage following the discovery of the charred-up New Mexico bear and has been in the limelight since.

Smokey has been featured in Ladies Home Journal, the star of entire comic books and is a regular on countless posters, radio and TV, not to mention the thousands of schools and other venues he’s visited over the years.

That’s quite a campaign. But then, he’s quite a bear.

Happy birthday, Smokey.

Ryn Gargulinski is a poet, artist, performer and TucsonCitizen.com Ryngmaster who never started a fire or killed a gerbil on purpose.  Listen to a preview of her column at 8:10 a.m. Thursdays on KLPX 96.1 FM. Her column appears every Friday on Rynski’s Blogski. E-mail rynski@tucsoncitizen.com.

Do you care about Smokey the Bear or are you more into Woodsy Owl?

Do cartoon icons deter you from acting stupid?

In addition to Smokey, Woodsy and McGruff, what other icons do we need?