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Ready... Set... Relaunch!

Timed Ticketed Entry Begins October 4, 2024

for *all* visitors to the Visitor & Science Center

In order to ensure the best experience possible for the many guests we expect to visit in 2024, timed ticketed entry is required (but free) to visit the Science Center. Every guest who enters the Science Center must have a ticket. Guests who arrive without tickets will be asked to wait or to return at a later time with tickets. Tickets are available now at etix.com.

Newsletter recipients (that's you!) are receiving this notification for tickets in advance of the public release. At present, tickets are open only for October 2024, but will soon open for November and December.

Please note that guests are limited to 6 tickets per request. If you have more than 6 guests in your party, you must make a second order. We are not able to add additional tickets to sold-out time slots. If your group has more people than tickets in a time slot, please choose a different time slot.

Science Center open *select* Fridays in 2024

As we rebuild our volunteer cohorts and tour programs, Whipple Observatory's Science Center will be open *only* on select Fridays in 2024. We thank you for your support, patience, and understanding.

Our regular schedule for the remainder of the year is as follows, and is subject to change based on the availability and needs of our research staff.

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Reid Park Zoo Admission Prices Increase by 75 cents Starting July 1, 2024

Reid Park Zoo admission prices are increasing slightly in response to inflation and the rising costs of supplies such as animal food, veterinary supplies, and grounds and maintenance resources.

In December, the Tucson City Council approved a four-year pricing schedule that begins with a 75 cent increase for adults and 50 cent increase for children in Reid Park Zoo admission prices starting July 1. 

Starting Monday, general admission pricing will be:

Adults (ages 15-61): $11.25

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $9.25

Children (ages 2-14): $7.00

Children under 2: Free

Admission prices at the Zoo have been steady for 8 years, thanks in large part to public support through the Future of Your Zoo tax initiative.

“Reid Park Zoo is committed to remaining an accessible resource for our community. We’re proud to have one of the lowest ticket prices among local attractions, and to offer a variety of discount and accessibility programs to help guests visit the Zoo for free or at a reduced price,” said Nancy Kluge, Reid Park Zoo’s President and CEO. 

Among the Zoo’s accessibility programs are free daytime admission passes through Pima County Public Library’s Culture Pass program. The Zoo will also be increasing its discount for EBT cardholders in conjunction with the ticket price increase, so guests who participate in the Arizona nutrition assistance program will not experience a price increase.

The Zoo offers free admission for K-12 school field trips, $3 Ticket Tuesdays in June and July, an annual “dollar day” in the Fall, and special discount days for military and other groups. Details about the Zoo’s accessibility programs can be found online at https://reidparkzoo.org/visit/community-access-programs/

“Last year, these programs helped more than 50,000 people visit the Zoo,” said Kluge.

The council-approved increase features small increases in Zoo ticket prices annually through July 2027.

April 30, 2024

ATC Launches Inaugural National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival in Tempe; Amplifying Diverse Voices in Theatre

Phoenix, Ariz. – Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) is proud to launch its inaugural National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival after nearly 30 years of recognizing Latine artists with the National Latine Playwrights Award. This groundbreaking event expands upon the prestigious award’s mission to champion historically excluded Latine writers. Set to showcase The Nude by David A. Tucker II, winner of the 2023 National Latine Playwrights Award, the festival is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and promises to be a celebration of Latine voices in American theatre.

“The NLPA was created with the expressed intent of amplifying the stories Latine playwrights want to tell on any subject.” says ATC playwright-in-residence and NLP Award & Festival director[MN1]  Elaine Romero. “For this award, the playwright is the leader. The National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival fortifies our commitment to that representation.”

ATC’s NLP Award & Festival at Tempe Center for the Arts on Friday, June 14 at 6 p.m. will include a panel discussion with leading Arizona art experts, the play reading of The Nude (90 minutes), an awards presentation honoring Tucker and a post-show roundtable discussion. Monica Villalobos, president of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is emceeing the festival, and the play reading is directed by Professor Micha Espinosa from Arizona State University’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Both Espinosa and Romero serve on the Steering Committee for the National Latinx Theatre Commons. A one-of-a-kind award crafted by notable Phoenix artist Zarco Guerrero will be presented to Tucker during the festival. Other NLP Festival partners include Phoenix Art Museum and Xico.

“When I joined the ATC family, the NLPA and the importance of that award struck me immediately,” says Matt August, Kasser Family Artistic Director.  “I knew I wanted to build upon it by putting the work of these artists on the stage, and grow the event into a much larger festival. This year is our first exciting step in that direction.” [MN2] [PT3] 

The Nude delves into the lives of a diverse cast of characters – a struggling artist, his investment-savvy girlfriend, a rival painter, and an ambitious gallery owner – whose paths intersect in the vibrant yet complex world of contemporary art. Set against the backdrop of present-day Los Angeles, the play offers a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of artistry, ambition, and the pursuit of success.

Max, a pot-smoking painter, finds himself theorizing art more than creating it, while Stephanie grapples with the demands of a corporate career that pulls her away from her true passions. Ernst dreams of a day when his art will be showcased beyond hotel lobbies and into a gallery, while Marti wishes she could just stop representing artists.

The public is invited to ATC’s National Latine Playwrights Award & Festival on Friday, June 14, with a panel discussion starting at 6 p.m. followed by the play reading of The Nude, awards ceremony and post-show roundtable at 7 p.m. Tickets are free but must be reserved online in advance at atc.org/nlpa or by calling the ATC box office at 833-ATC-SEAT. Tickets can also be purchased at the ATC Ticket and Information Office at Tempe Center for the Arts the evening of the show.

About David A. Tucker II

David A. Tucker II has had several plays developed at theaters across the nation, including Seattle Repertory Theatre, Abingdon Theater Co., ACT, Tacoma Actors Guild, and Foothill Theater Co. His theatrical works include Smoke (2018 O’Neill Theater Conference Finalist and 2018 AITAF Bridge Award Finalist), The Nude (winner of Arizona Theatre Company’s National Latine Playwright Award), Veils, Persistence of Vision, Baghdad (about his experiences commanding a military unit in Iraq), Under the Skin, and North Wind Blowin’ (Chicago Dramatists’ 2006 Many Voices Project).

Growing up in a bicultural family of Mexican/Anglo descent, Tucker’s plays often explore collisions of race, culture, and political systems. Since 2008, he has been teaching creative writing to wounded military veterans and their caregivers through the Writers Guild Initiative.

About Arizona Theatre Company
Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) performances provide space for individuals to share moments of joy, communion, and relief. The company's diverse range of productions invite audiences to connect, offering an escape from daily pressures and a chance to rediscover the power of community through laughter, love, and reflection. Founded in 1966 and celebrating its 56th season, ATC is led by Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August and Executive Director Geri Wright. ATC is the only League of Resident Theatres (LORT) member in Arizona; operating in Tucson and Phoenix, and is the preeminent professional theatre in Arizona, recognized as the Official Arizona State Theatre. More at atc.org.

Bob & Jean: A Love Story Nostalgic. Romantic. Inspiring. Lightning strikes and sparks fly when Bob and Jean meet in New York City, 1941. But their instant attraction is cut short as World War II drives the pair thousands of miles apart. While Bob is off to the Pacific as a bomb disposal officer, Jean is headed to boost troop morale as a USO actress. Is their connection strong enough to withstand the winds of war? Travel through their passionate, funny, sometimes desperate correspondence as they navigate battle, Broadway, and the complexities of the human heart. A new play written by Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated playwright Robert Schenkkan, Bob & Jean: A Love Story is a stirring and romantic world premiere that tells the remarkable story of an exhilarating courtship.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson  – Apt. 2B Fast-Paced. Hilarious. Mysterious.   Modern-day adventure awaits with the most iconic detective duo of all time reimagined as a gal-pal comedy in Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B.  Set in present-day London, depressed American divorcee Dr. Joan Watson moves in with the carefree and eccentric Shirley Holmes, only to find themselves entangled in a series of mysteries, all related to a cunning supervillain who remains one step ahead of them. This twist on Doyle’s cherished Sherlock Holmes characters delivers non-stop laughter inside a rollicking murder mystery that promises fun for everyone.

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Arizona Theatre Company Community Nights, Pride Nights Return

PHOENIX – Arizona Theatre Company is excited to announce that its Community Night and Pride Nights programs will return for the upcoming 56^th season. To help make theatre more accessible to all populations and to combat the effects of staggering inflation, these community nights will pave the way for families on a limited budget to attend the much-anticipated 2024/2025 season.

Tickets are $15 if ordered online (atc.org/community-night) the day of the show between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., or $20 if purchased in person at the box office in the hour before the show. Tickets are first-come, first-served and may sell out. This discount is not available for any show date other than the dates shown below.

In addition to the community nights, ATC will also bring back its Pride Night program, which welcomes the Tucson and Phoenix LGBTQIA+ community to see the shows at a discounted price.

“ATC has long been committed to inclusivity both on stage and within the organization,” said Kasser Family Artistic Director Sean Daniels. “Everyone has a place at our theatre, and we are proud to celebrate our wonderfully diverse community.”

The Pride Nights schedule is as follows:

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TICKETS ON SALE FOR TUCSON HOLIDAY ICE RINK - The City of Tucson and Rio Nuevo invite you to skate on Tucson's outdoor ice rink over the holidays, Nov. 19, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024. Tucson Holiday Ice, sponsored by Arizona Vascular Specialists, will be located at 260 S. Church Ave., in front of the Tucson Convention Center Ticket Office. Tickets can be purchased online now, and there are no additional fees. Each session will start at a designated time and last for 90 minutes, and many sessions are expected to sell out early. The admission cost for adults is $22 per session, and children under 12 are $15. The first session each day is discounted to $12 for adults and $8 for youth. The ice rink is also available for private rentals during off-hours. Call (520) 791-4101 (option 1) for details. Skates are included with the price of admission and begin at size 8 for children and run as large as size 15 for adult men. Socks are required, and gloves are highly recommended. To buy tickets and see the hours to Tucson Holiday Ice, follow the link below. Tucson Holiday Ice is brought to you by the City of Tucson, Rio Nuevo, Arizona Vascular Specialists, HSL Properties, Tucson Appliance Company, and other sponsors.
Tucson Holiday Ice information/tickets

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ON SALE NOW

at The Gaslight Theatre East!

 INSIDE THE GASLIGHT THEATRE!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS!

If you order online, you must purchase the entire table.

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 INSIDE THE GASLIGHT THEATRE!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS!

Event Schedule for February TBA


** Announcing our speaker presentations for our A Day at the Alfie event on
Saturday, February TBA
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FARMERS INVESTMENT CO (FICO) CONTINUES TRADITION OF ANNUAL RUNNING EVENTS, BENEFITING LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Sahuarita, AZ, Nov. 3, 2023- Since 2008, Farmers Investment Co (FICO) has proudly hosted an annual series of running events that have guided families, runners, and walkers of all ages through the orchard during the vibrant seasons of spring, summer, and fall. These beloved events include the Nut Run in spring, Breeze in the Trees during summer, and the Pecan Classic in the autumn. The coordination of these runs has been entrusted to Steve Taggart, the driving force behind Tagg Running Events.

After years of dedicated service, Steve Taggart has announced his retirement as the Event Director. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, FICO will now take on the coordination and hosting of these cherished events, with the goal of honoring Taggart's legacy, supporting the local community of athletes, and continuing to raise funds for deserving local clubs and non-profit organizations.

"We firmly believe in the positive impact of fostering these activities, which align with our core objectives of promoting physical and mental well-being, providing vital support to local organizations, fostering a stronger sense of community, and sharing our journey and stories with our neighbors," said Paula Beemer, event coordinator.

Over the years, FICO's annual running events have made a significant impact on the community. These events have raised close to $20,000 in total donations, benefitting a variety of local organizations, including The Continental School Foundation, The Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber Foundation, the Sahuaro City Music Theater, and the Green Valley Firefighters Charities, to name just a few. The funds raised through these events have directly contributed to the growth and success of these vital community organizations.

The upcoming runs for 2024 are scheduled as follows:

• Nut Run - April 13, 2024
• Breeze in the Trees – Aug. 17, 2024
• Pecan Classic – Nov. 9, 2024

FICO will provide all relevant event information, including registration details and the announcement of the beneficiary for each run, on its website. https://www.greenvalleypecan.com/5k-runs/

ENJOY COOL SUMMER FUN AT REID PARK ZOO DURING SUMMER SAFARI NIGHTS - Reid Park Zoo’s annual Summer Safari Nights program is back every Saturday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., through Aug. 15. Enjoy the Zoo during cooler evening temperatures, with events featuring live music from local bands, games, animal chats, wildlife activities, carousel rides, and themed evenings. Food and drink specials also will be available. The theme this Saturday night, May 29, is a "Beach Party." Enjoy a walk through the Zoo in the evening and learn all about otters, turtles, alligators, bears, and elephants. All of these animals love to splash. For tickets, information, and COVID-19 protocols, follow the links below.
Summer Safari Nights 2023
Reid Park Zoo

REID PARK ZOO SWITCHES TO SUMMER HOURS - As of yesterday, June 1, Reid Park Zoo is now open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. Advanced ticket registration is no longer required, and all guests can purchase tickets directly at the front gate. Every Tuesday in June, you can buy tickets for just $3 per guest.
Reid Park Zoo's Facebook page
Reid Park Zoo's website

Tucson Museum of Art presents four Southern Arizona artists in

4x4: Willie J. Bonner, Nazafarin Lotfi, Alejandro Macias, and Anh-Thuy Nguyen 

Tucson, AZ - The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) examines the diversity of human experiences in our community in 4x4: Willie J. Bonner, Nazafarin Lotfi, Alejandro Macias, and Anh-Thuy Nguyen. The exhibition is scheduled for May 20 to September 26, 2021.

4×4 presents four solo shows, making up one large exhibition, by four Southern Arizona artists selected by four TMA curators. The exhibition is organized by the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block and curated by Dr. Julie Sasse, Jeremy Mikolajczak, Dr. Kristopher Driggers and Dr. Marianna Pegno.

While the artists’ work spans a wide range of media and styles, common themes include the influence of personal experiences, politics of space and social issues of our time. They are four distinct voices that contribute to the unique artistic landscape of Southern Arizona.

“This exhibition has been a wonderful opportunity for collaboration and multivocality,” said Dr. Julie Sasse, chief curator. “Four artists from the community were chosen by four curators from the museum. Each artist will present a body of works in a dedicated gallery; in essence, four solo shows in one. 4X4 offers a chance to showcase the vitality of talented artists in the Tucson area.”

Willie J. Bonner creates an extended dialogue regarding the culture of African American people both historically and in contemporary society; Nazafarin Lotfi explores the spatial and temporal experience of bodies out of place and belonging; Alejandro Macias considers his Mexican-American identity and the current socio-political climate; and Anh-Thuy Nguyen investigates conflicting emotions and thoughts about existing between two cultures –Vietnamese and American.

Through their distinct bodies of work and media exploration, including painting, sculpture, photography, video and drawing, the artists remind us that there is no collective experience of life in contemporary society. Instead, the range of human conditions is varied, nuanced and individual.

“As an institution committed to amplifying, stewarding and preserving our diverse region's people, histories and cultures, TMA aspires to find new and unique ways to highlight and support artists within our community,” said Jeremy Mikolajczak, Jon and Linda Ender Director and CEO. “Through programs and exhibitions like 4x4, in addition to a concentrated effort to acquire work for the permanent collection, we are steadfast in our pursuit to listen and respond to the communities we serve and explore new ways of improving cultural participation.”

4x4: Willie J. Bonner, Nazafarin Lotfi, Alejandro Macias, and Anh-Thuy Nguyen will be supported by a series of virtual public programs featuring the artists and curators. All programs will be delivered online through Zoom. Visit https://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/events/ to find program dates and descriptions as they become available. Program information will also be shared in TMA’s weekly e-newsletter. Visit https://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/contact/ to sign up for the mailing list.

About the artists:

Willie J. Bonner (American, b. 1952) Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Willie J. Bonner’s artistic practice is not about gaining social acceptance in the larger American society but rather an allegory of what it means to be Black in postmodern America. Through a multitude of media, including painting, assemblage, and sculpture, the multi-layered and multi-cultural works seek to engage audiences through the content of its social applicability and the intricate rhythmic patterns that exist in the work itself. After an extensive teaching career in the Northwest, Bonner returned to Tucson. His work has been exhibited at the Joseph Gross Gallery at the University of Arizona; the former Davis and Dominguez Gallery, Tucson, Arizona; and the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington; among others.

Nazafarin Lotfi (Iranian, b. 1984) Nazafarin Lotfi is a visual artist who divides her time between Tucson, Arizona, and Chicago, Illinois. Her interdisciplinary practice combines drawing, painting, video, and sculpture to explore the spatial and temporal experience of bodies out of place. Lotfi was a 2020 recipient of Phoenix Art Museum’s Contemporary Art Grant, and her work has been exhibited extensively, including MOCA Tucson, Tucson, Arizona; Soon.tw, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago, Illinois; Brand New Gallery, Milan, Italy; and Tony Wight Gallery, Chicago, Illinois.

Alejandro Macias (Mexican-American, b. 1987) Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, along the U.S.–Mexico border, Alejandro Macias’s body of work addresses themes of heritage, immigration and ethnicity, which are set in contrast to his critical engagement with the assimilation and acculturation process, often referred to as “Americanization.” Macias currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona School of Art. His work can be found in the collections of the Brownsville Museum of Art, Brownsville, Texas; The City of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas; and many private collections.

Anh-Thuy Nguyen (Vietnamese-American, b. 1983) Anh-Thuy Nguyen is a multi-media/transdisciplinary artist whose work spans photography, video, installation and performance art. Using her personal history as a resource, Nguyen’s work delves deeply into conflicting emotions, feelings and thoughts by often portraying strikingly strange yet hauntingly beautiful visual manifestations of gain and loss. Nguyen currently serves as the head of the photography program at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. Her works are in permanent collections of Amarillo Museum of Art, Amarillo, Texas; Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson, Arizona; Center for Photography at Woodstock, Woodstock, New York; among others.

About Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block

As an institution built upon the original territories of the O’odham, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) acknowledges the Indigenous Sonoran Desert communities, past and present, who have stewarded this region throughout generations.

TMA connects art to life through meaningful and engaging experiences that inspire discovery, spark creativity and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 1924, TMA encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown Tucson and is committed to developing quality exhibitions, expanding and diversifying its collection and presenting relevant and innovative programs while broadening public access to the arts.

The museum features exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary art, Latin American art from ancient to today, Indigenous arts and Art of the American West. A permanent collection of over 12,000 works of art spans continents, centuries and media. TMA’s campus includes five properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an art education center and research library, the Museum Store and the highly acclaimed museum restaurant Café a la C’Art.

TMA is a private 501(c)(3) charitable arts and education organization. For additional information visit TucsonMuseumofArt.org or call (520) 624-2333.

The 2020-2021 Exhibition Season at TMA is presented by James and Louise Glasser.

With support from the following season sponsors: Fran and Jim Allen, Alice and Paul Baker, Mary Jo Brown, Connie Hillman Family Foundation, I. Michael and Beth Kasser, Anne and Ed Lyman, Jeanne Pickering and Mike Andrew, TMA League, Contemporary Art Society, Latin American Art Patrons and Western Art Patrons.

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About Arizona Theatre Company: 

Under new leadership and now celebrating its 54th Season, Arizona Theatre Company is truly “The State Theatre,” with the largest subscriber base of any performing arts organization in Arizona. More than 130,000 people each year attend performances at the historic Temple of Music and Art in Tucson and the elegant Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix.

Each season of high-quality productions reflects the rich variety of world theatre – from classic to contemporary plays, from musicals to new works – and audiences enjoy the rich emotional experience and joy that can only be captured through live theatre. ATC is the preeminent professional theatre in the state of Arizona. Under the direction of Artistic Director Sean Daniels and Managing Director Geri Wright, ATC operates in two cities – unlike any other League of Resident Theaters (LORT) company in the country. 

ATC shares the passion of the theatre through a wide array of outreach programs, educational opportunities, access initiatives and community events. With more than 800 Education & Engagement activities through schools and summer programs, ATC focuses on teaching Arizona’s youth about the creative power of dramatic literature and how it can enrich their own lives in multiple ways

ATC reaches far beyond the metropolitan areas of Tucson and Phoenix, enriching the theatre learning experience nationally for current and future audiences.

 

Captain Rook Invites YOU to join ROOK’S RUCKUS AS THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL SETS A NEW TABLE FOR ITS 2023 PLEASURE FEAST THERE IS A PIRATE BROUHAHA HAPPENING AT THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL AND YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT! 

The 38th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival is welcoming a crew of sea-faring troublemakers at The Pleasure Feast and those rascally pirates want you to join their party!!

Food, frivolity and five courses of delicious food and beverage is the exclusive limited attendance special event held within the 35 thAnnual Arizona Renaissance Festival’s Feast Hall, all served with a side order of audacious pirate “Argh’s.” 

Surprise entertainments will keep you jumping with laughter and cheer. Pleasure Feast Seating is limited with only two feast events a day: at 12:00pm and at 2:30pm. The $.00 per person feast ticket includes $   admission to Arizona Renaissance Festival stages and events, the one and a half hour five-course Pleasure Feast dinner and show, plus a souvenir limited edition toasting goblet to take home. There will be fearsome pirates with treasure chests of laughs to entertain you on this adventure along with upbeat music and laughter for ALL at the loudest and most exclusive affair in the Festival Village of Fairhaven. 

AHOY- Ye Ready? Menu and reservation link can be found here: https://arizona.renfestinfo.com/the-pleasure-feast/ 

ABOUT THE ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

WHAT: 35th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace: a 16-stage theater, an outdoor whimsical village, a 50-acre circus, an arts & crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast – all rolled into one nonstop, daylong adventure. 

WHERE: Festival site is located east of Apache Junction on U.S. Highway 60, just past Gold Canyon Golf Resort (12601 East US Hwy 60, 85118) 

WHEN: Saturdays, Sundays, and Presidents’ Day Monday, from February 7th through April 5th The Festival runs from 10AM until 6PM, rain or shine. 

TICKETS: You can always save with discount tickets purchased at Bashas’ and Food City Stores Statewide or online at https://arizona.renfestinfo.com. Discount tickets are: • $ for Adults ages 13 and up • $ Children 5-12 • Age 4 and under always free Tickets purchased at the festival gate are $1.00 more. PARKING: FREE Courtesy of Bashas’ & Food City.    Huzzah

FAST ROYAL FAIRE FACTS

Why Visit? 
                  The Arizona Renaissance Festival should top the itineraries for individuals, families, school trips, and group travel planners; it embodies the best of hands-on interactive entertainment on and off the stage. It’s a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament, and a feast -- all rolled into one amazing escape! 

                                     2026Dates, Tickets and Directions:

       Saturdays & Sundays FEB. 7th-April. 5th, including Pres’ Day Mon.     HOURS: 10am to 6pm

TICKETS:   Available online September 1 at: https://arizona.renfestinfo.com Save on discount tickets at Bashas’ and Food City Stores beginning of January $33 for adults, $21 for kids (ages 5 – 12), children 4 and under are always FREE. Tickets purchased at the Festival Box Office are $1 more. Discount tickets for seniors (60 and older) and military are $32, only available at the festival ticket booth.

DIRECTIONS: The Festival is located just east of Phoenix on US Hwy 60, past the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. From Tucson, the Festival is west of Florence Junction on US Hwy 60

What are some tips for spending a day at the Festival?

       You should plan to get to the festival early, wear comfortable shoes & sunscreen, and plan to stay for the full day! With 50 acres and 16 stages to explore, and more than 2,000 costumed characters to interact with, you never have the same experience twice! Food vendors and games require cash, easily accessible by any of the 8 ATM locations located around the festival.  

Are there any free activities?
        There are many free activities for you and your family to enjoy:

So Much to See & Do! Plan a few days at the Faire so you can see and experience ALL the Festival has to offer!

Free Parking Courtesy of Bashas’ and Food City Stores!

Get Ready for All Day Action and Adventure at the 38th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival! HUZZAH
Hours/Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday from February 7th thru April, 5th, from 10 am-6 pm. Including Presidents’ Day Monday February 

Stroll through Fairhaven village and Visit New Artisan shops filled with handcrafted treasures,

Banter with peasants and Royals, sample the NEW Pleasure Feast menu…

Magical moments await you at every corner of our 50-acre Village!  Don’t Miss it!

Every weekend there is something new at the Festival, visit to see what surprises await thee!

  Located:   From PHX-EAST of Apache Junction on US Highway 60
                  From TUC-Highway 79 through Florence, to Florence Jct., Then West 7 miles to the festival village.

v  You will find life in the 16th century is festive and fun in our 50-acre medieval playground where there is something for everyone in our shire.

v  Pleasure is the Order of the Day…… so, put your daily cares aside and escape to the Arizona Renaissance Festival-a much simpler time.

v  Sixteen Stages of continuous live entertainment, each stage setting packed with a unique mix of music, comedy, and mischievous antics. You never know what surprise you will find on or off the stage.

A Medieval Arts and Crafts Fair with over 200 storybook shops, charming carts, plus artisan demonstrations of the fine skills of weaving, woodcarving, blacksmithing, glassblowing, pottery, and jewelry. Unique shopping! Watch as a masterpiece is created before your eyes.

Jousting Tournaments: three performances daily with armored knights on noble steeds challenging one another in the 5,000 seat King’s arena.  Watch the tournaments at Noon, 2:30, and 5:00!

Make reservations for The Pleasure Feast - a one and a half-hour extravaganza! Savor five courses of fine food and drink with a side order of pirate brouhaha, live entertainment all set in an Old-World manor hall.

v  NEW this year: The Hops! A comedic pub crawl; A flight of four pours and a mad silly brew tour with Rowland & Florian - The Renaissance Men!  Tickets are available at 11:00 & 2:00!

v  One of the special features of our village, Fairhaven, is that entertainment takes place throughout the day right in front of your eyes on the streets of the village, you just never know what to expect. You just might rub shoulders with Royalty! Be sure to listen to some amazing music at our NEW STAGE called Mynstrel’s Roost!  Be sure to welcome back Juggling Geoff a family favorite stage act!

See the NEW performers and groups this season:

o   Supernova the Strongwoman

o   The Reelin’ Rogues

o   Jeremy Graeff, Minstrel

o   The Toasted Clover

o   Harröm the Sage

o   Pirouette the Magical Dancer

v  Kids love the interactive games and people-powered rides: Da Vinci's Flying Machine, the Slider Joust, Piccolo Pony - a HUGE rocking horse, Castle Walls Climbing Tower, Castle Siege, Maze, Archery Range, Mother Goose, living mermaids; Cirque du Sewer-acrobatic rats and cats!!  Get knighted by the Queen. And so much more!  YOU cannot see it all in one day!  Come back with your friends to this AMAZING 50-acre entertainment extravaganza.

Advance discount tickets are available at Bashas’ and Food City or online - print at home.

Ticket Prices are $34 for adults, $22 for children ages 5-12 at the festival’s on-site box office (plus tax & fees).  Tickets are $1 less at Bashas’ & Food City (plus sales tax).  Senior and military discount tickets are $32 at the festival on-site box office with ID presented. Parking is FREE courtesy of Bashas’ and Food City.

Planning on visiting any of the U.S. National Parks this year? Or simply looking for a good, cheap adventure for you and your friends/family? This coming Monday (January 20 and MLK Day) will be the first of five days in 2026 on which "all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone." Because many of the 400+ National Parks and National Park Service sites already don't charge a fee, in essence, pretty much all of them will be free to visit. Here are all five of the days you can visit National Parks for free in 2021, plus more information, straight from the National Park Service:

• January 18: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 17: First day of National Park Week
• August 4:   One Year Anniversay of  the  grteat American Outdoors Act
  
• August 25: National Park Service Birthday
• September 25: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

Mark the above on your calendars, and see more info here. And for more National Parks tips and content, see the tip on JohnnyJet.com here.

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After nearly three decades in its present location, TMA’s education center—built in 1943 as the City Court Building to house judges’ quarters and a courtroom—was completely renovated thanks to a gift from Alice and Paul Baker, long time museum benefactors. To honor this historic gift and to recognize Alice’s long-term commitment to TMA as a Trustee, the facility has been renamed the Alice Chaiten Baker Center for Art Education.

The renovations increase TMA’s capacity to provide rich experiences for visitors of all ages through TMALearn! and Community Engagement programs. The facility includes:

• Four fully-equipped classrooms, each with a capacity of 27-30.
• The Stonewall Foundation Community Room, a configurable space that accommodates up to 180 people for lectures, presentations, meetings, conferences and more.
• The Kimball Conference Room that seats up to 40.
• The James H. & Frances R. Allen Library, a reference library available to those studying art.
• The Bob and Marilyn Joyce Conference Room
• The Michael S. Bylsma Executive Suite
• The Anne E. and Jeffrey W. Gartner Lobby
• The Mikolajczak/Tello Family Restroom

Second SundAZe Family Day is presented by the Stonewall Foundation with additional support from the David and Lura Lovell Foundation.

About the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block

The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block’s mission is Connecting Art to Life. The museum was founded in 1924 and is located in the El Presidio Historic District of downtown Tucson. It is Southern Arizona’s premier presenter of fine art and art education programs.

The museum features permanent and traveling exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary, Native American, American West, Latin American, pre-Columbian, European and Asian art. The 74,000-square-foot museum offers guided tours and education programs. The museum’s historic block of 19^th and 20^th-century adobe and Mission Revival-style buildings, encompassing a four-acre city block, includes the highly acclaimed museum restaurant Café a la C’Art, the Museum Store and additional exhibition spaces.

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                                                                         US MARSHALS LAUNCH NEW MOBILE TIP APP

Public can submit tips on fugitives, non-compliant sex offenders, judiciary threats

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Look for our  reopening SOON,    CLOSED for the  foreseeable FUTURE  

Now OPEN  on Weekends,  free but reservationd nedded

Whipple Observatory Increases Public Programming, Hours

Winter break to bring science demonstrations, activities to Observatory leading to new Science Saturdays

(Amado, AZ)—The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO)—part of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard &

Smithsonian—located at Mt. Hopkins, has announced new public programs and hours as part of a new effort to increase public accessibility

to the Southern Arizona-based branch of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

Beginning January 2019, the Whipple Observatory Visitor Center, previously open on weekdays only, will pilot open hours on the first

Saturday of each month from 8:30am-1pm for Science Saturdays. “The Visitor Center is here to serve the public in Southern Arizona, and

that includes children and families who need us to be open on weekends,” said Oliver. “Being open on the first Saturday of each month is

the first of many steps towards increasing community accessibility, and we’re very blessed to have staff, a site director, and a volunteer corps

that are all dedicated to making this happen.”

The Whipple Observatory will also pilot science demonstration and activity programs beginning this month. The new holiday-break program, Whipple’s Winter Wonderland, runs December 24^th through January 5^th, ending with the premier of the Observatory’s Science Saturdays

program. “Demonstrations, hands-on activities, and personal interactions are the backbone of public science education,” said Oliver. “When

we work together to answer questions and make science happen in real-time…you’re not going to forget what you learned or how exciting it

was to be learning. That’s what science learning should be about.”

As a part of the Smithsonian Institution, activities, demonstrations and presentations in the Visitor Center are free of charge to the public.

Unless otherwise specified, all activities and demonstrations take place at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory Visitor Center at 670 Mt.

Hopkins Road in Amado.

What to Expect in the Coming Weeks

·  

Up-to-date information about events can be found on FLWO’s Facebook page, and by joining the Observatory’s mailing list.

About Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian

Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is a collaboration between the Smithsonian

Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory. CfA scientists, organized into six research divisions, study the origin,

evolution and ultimate fate of the universe.

About Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory

Established in 1968 as the Mt. Hopkins Observatory at the base of Mt. Hopkins in Amado, Arizona, the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory

is home to the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT)—a collaboration between the University of Arizona and the Smithsonian—which at 6.5m is the world’s 14^th largest optical telescope. The site is also home to two 1.2m imaging optical telescopes for solar system, galactic and

extragalactic astronomy; the 1.5m Tillinghast optical spectroscopic telescope for solar system, galactic and extragalactic astronomy; the HAT

array of five small optical telescopes for robotic observations of the night sky; the MINERVA array of four 70cm optical telescopes for

photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy; the MEarth array of eight 40cm optical telescopes that surveys 2000 nearby M-dwarf starts;

and the VERITAS array of four 12m telescopes for gamma-ray astronomy.

For more information, contact:

About Arizona Theatre Company: 

Under new leadership, and now celebrating its 53rd Season, Arizona Theatre Company is truly “The State Theatre.” Our company boasts the largest subscriber base of any performing arts organization in Arizona, with more than 130,000 people each year attending performances at the historic Temple of Music and Art in Tucson, and the elegant Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix.

Each season of high quality productions reflects the rich variety of world theatre – from classic to contemporary plays, from musicals to new works – audiences enjoy the rich emotional experience and joy that can only be captured through live theatre. ATC is the preeminent professional theatre in the state of Arizona. Under the direction of Artistic Director Sean Daniels, Managing Director Billy Russo, and Managing Director Designee, Geri Wright, ATC operates in two cities – unlike any other League of Resident Theaters (LORT) company in the country. 

ATC shares the passion of the theatre through a wide array of outreach programs, educational opportunities, access initiatives, and community events. With more than 800 Education & Engagement activities through the schools and summer programs, ATC focuses on teaching Arizona’s youth about the creative power of dramatic literature and how it can enrich their own lives in multiple ways

The Mini Time Machine was created from the imagination and dedication of Founders, Patricia and Walter Arnell. Pat’s fondness for miniatures began in the 1930’s, when as a young girl she received her first miniatures- a set of Strombecker wooden dollhouse furniture. It wasn’t until the Arnells moved to Tucson in 1979 that Pat began collecting in earnest. The Arnell’s became very active in the miniature community becoming recognized members and supporters of important organizations such as NAME (National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts) and IGMA (International Guild of Miniature Artisans).The collection grew and the Arnells, dreamed of a way to share it with more people. They envisioned an interactive space where the entertaining and educational aspects of the collection could be enjoyed by everyone- a place that would be enchanting, magical and provide a rich sensory experience.

The concept of “the mini time machine” was born out of the notion that a visitor would be seemingly transported to different eras by the stories and history of the pieces in the collection. The design and building of the museum was a huge collaborative effort. Swaim Associates Architects in Tucson, Arizona was chosen as the architect for the project. The exhibit design was carried out by Claro Creative Studios, a team of designers, gadgeteers and entertainment enthusiasts based out of Glendale, California. Construction of the project spanned nearly two years.

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a 501(c)(3) board-only nonprofit organization, classified as a private foundation with a long term goal of achieving public charity status. All proceeds from every sale, including admission, membership and merchandise go towards funding the museum’s operations.

The museum is dedicated to all who participate in the world of miniatures through education, creation or enjoyment.

              Copper Fitnes Gym,  "Building a Better You",  Geen Valley, AZ

                                                                  1060W Bets St., STE 150, Green Valley 85614,    (520) 777-3645       

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Pima County Office of Emergency Management launches mass notification system that keeps public informed during emergency events

PIMA COUNTY - Pima County has launched a mass notification system designed to keep the public informed in the event of an emergency.

 Pima County’s MyAlerts.pima.gov, hosted on the Everbridge platform, pushes messages to all kinds of devices, quickly and reliably, making it the go-to tool for keeping the public informed.

 Subscribers can receive notifications about weather-related events, police situations, public health concerns or any public emergencies. MyAlerts.pima.gov also allows Pima County to send geographically specific messages, tailored to ZIP code, blocks, streets or regions charted on a map.

To subscribe, users create a profile at MyAlerts.pima.gov. Subscribers can enter additional information like physical addresses, to receive emergency notifications specific to the areas where they live and work.

About Pima County Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management works to prevent the loss of life and reduce property damage resulting from man-made, technological and natural disasters. PCOEM also assists municipalities and local governments with developing plans to ensure the highest level of emergency preparedness.

About Everbridge

Following the tragic events of 9/11, Everbridge was founded with a vision of helping facilitate this approach and improving the way that people communicate and locate their people in critical situations. Our SaaS-based critical communications platform is built on a secure, scalable and reliable infrastructure with multiple layers of redundancy to enable the rapid delivery of critical communications, with near real-time verification, over numerous devices and contact paths.

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Dear Friends,

I am excited to be bringing live music to Tucson and our southern Arizona community again this spring!

The first concert of the 2022 season is Sunday, May 8, 7pm. Concerts will continue each Sunday with the last performance on June 12. Each concert will start at 7pm at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park.

As always, the concerts are free to everyone and will be performed by our amazing orchestra of professional musicians.

See you at the Pops! 

László

Music Director, Conductor

Tucson Pops Orchestra

. Please visit our website at www.tucsonpops.org for more information.

László

  

 

Your constant support and attendance is very much appreciated. To help us continue to grow and thrive, I encourage each of you to invite someone you know who has never been to a Pops concert to share the experience with you and become a new "Friend".  

Spring Concerts

will be on Sundays, 

7:00 p.m.

"Free"

DeMeester Performance Center, Reid Park

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Subscription renewals and new subscriptions available now! Subscriptions available at the College
of Fine Arts Box Office by phone at (520) 621-1162 or in person at 1025 N. Olive Road, inside the
Marroney Theatre on the University of Arizona campus. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday,
12-4pm.
Single tickets on sale Monday, August 20, 2018. Tickets may be purchased by phone or online at
tickets.arizona.edu.
Learn more about Arizona Repertory Theatre at theatre.arizona.edu.

Arizona Repertory Theatre      Season

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Program Guides and Order Forms: Program guides and order forms for the 2022-2023 season will are now available outside the CPAC office and they are also posted at www.performingartscenter.org. Season Tickets: Season ticket packages of 12 shows or more (20% discount) may be ordered through the office starting June 6. Season ticket packages of 6 shows or more (15% discount) may be ordered through the office starting June13. * Season tickets may be purchased via phone at 520-399-1750, via email to kirsten@cpacfoundation.org or by mail to PO Box 1301 Green Valley, AZ 85622. Messages left at 520-399-1750 are checked daily and returned by the next business day. Seats will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Please allow one week for orders to be processed. Individual Performance Tickets: Individual tickets may be purchased at www.performingartscenter.org starting Monday, June 20. * Patrons may purchase multiple performances in one single transaction from your home computer. After selecting your first performance, simply click the "continue shopping" button on the top right of your checkout screen and follow the prompts. You may wait until you have selected your last performance to fill in your personal information. Patrons who use this feature may contact the office after the transaction to receive any relevant season ticket discounts.  ** Performances are at Full Capacity and Masks are Optional Community Performance & Art Center | 1250 W. Continental Road, Green Valley, AZ 85622

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Presents

We're adding new shows to the Music Hall schedule daily, make sure you visit the website and Facebook often.

Please call (520) 529-1000 to purchase tickets Online go to www.gaslightmusichall.com. We look forward to seeing you soon at The Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley!

CALL NOW !

520-529-1000

Don't forget to sign up for the Gaslight Music Hall email list for exclusive discounts and special offers you won't find anywhere else.

Sign up for Below For Concert updates, Coupons and more!

Click Here to Sign Up!

For Email Newsletters you can trust.

We're adding new shows to the Music Hall schedule daily, make sure you visit the website and Facebook often.

Upcoming Concerts!

Click the Purchase link to buy Tickets!

             

New Tours

The Biosphere 2 tour experience has been redesigned to feature the cutting-edge science shaping the future of our planet. Come experience the remarkable Biosphere 2, which Time Life Books named one of the "50 Must-See Wonders of the World." Updated tours include our classic Under the Glass Tour, which takes you along a once-in-a-lifetime tour route of the 3+ acre research facility, where you will smell our ocean and feel a tropical rainforest up close.

General Information

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please arrive no later than 3:45 p.m.

Biosphere 2 is located north of Tucson, Arizona at the base of the stunning Santa Catalina Mountains. This one-of-a-kind facility sits on a ridge at a cool elevation of nearly 4,000 feet and is surrounded by a magnificent natural desert preserve. See why visitors from around the globe journey here for this unique adventure not found anywhere else. Discover real-time research on the future of our planet as it unfolds in the world's largest earth science laboratory. LEARN MORE ABOUT BIOSPHERE 2.

Please note that pets are not allowed inside Biosphere 2 or on the grounds. Service pets that are trained to do specific tasks are welcome. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles.

Tour Schedule & Hours

Biosphere 2 is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Under the Glass guided tours of Biosphere 2 are offered throughout the day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Biosphere 2 hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., please arrive no later than 3:45 p.m. for the last tour of the day. 

Under the Glass tours include a short film on Biosphere 2, a guided visit to the Tropical Rainforest, Savanna, Ocean, Marsh, Desert, technosphere and Lung.  As the conclusion of the tour, visitor may explore the habitat and Ocean Gallery on their own. In the habitat visitor will see the Lunar Green House, upper Landscape Evolution Observatory, Former Biospherian Dining table, kitchen and living quarters. Exploring the Ocean Gallery is a must, where you can peer into million-gallon tank ocean tank.

See the TOURS page for information on our public tour offerings.

About Arizona Theatre Company:

Tucson Museum of Art features work by three generations of the Wyeth family

 
Tucson, AZ - Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) celebrates a century of American Realism in The Wyeths: Three Generations | Works from the Bank of America Collection. The exhibition is scheduled to open on January 21, 2021 and run through May 9, 2021.

This exhibition has been loaned through the Bank of America Art in our Communities® program.

About Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block

Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) connects art to life through meaningful and engaging experiences that inspire discovery, spark creativity and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 1924, TMA encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown Tucson and is committed to developing quality exhibitions, expanding and diversifying its collection and presenting relevant and innovative programs while broadening public access to the arts.

The museum features exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary art, Latin American art from ancient to today, Indigenous arts and Art of the American West. A permanent collection of over 12,000 works of art spans continents, centuries and media. TMA’s campus includes five properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an art education center and research library, the Museum Store and the highly acclaimed museum restaurant Café a la C’Art.

TMA is a private 501(c)(3) charitable arts and education organization. For additional information visit TucsonMuseumofArt.org or call (520) 624-2333.

The 2020-2021 Exhibition Season at TMA is presented by James and Louise Glasser.

With support from the following season sponsors: Fran and Jim Allen, Alice and Paul Baker, Mary Jo Brown, Connie Hillman Family Foundation, I. Michael and Beth Kasser, Anne and Ed Lyman, Jeanne Pickering and Mike Andrew, TMA League, Contemporary Art Society, Latin American Art Patrons and Western Art Patrons.

As an institution built upon the original territories of the O’odham, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block acknowledges the Indigenous Sonoran Desert communities, past and present, who have stewarded this region throughout generations.

SELECTED PERMANENT COLLECTION EXHIBITIONS

Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art

Ongoing

Curated by Kristopher Driggers

Three of the five galleries in the new wing highlight Ancient American works from the museum’s permanent collection alongside long-term loans from the collections of I. Michael and Beth Kasser and Paul L. and Alice C. Baker. These ancient objects are organized in galleries dedicated to Mesoamerican art, art from West Mexico and the intermediate zone and Andean art, and explore themes of writing, visual narrative, costume and portraiture. A gallery dedicated to Spanish Colonial art includes works from Latin America and the Southwestern United States created from the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries. The final gallery is dedicated to Modern and Contemporary Latin American art. Works in this gallery reveal a vast range of source material and artistic approaches, including figurative works, abstraction, the intersection of science and art and social commentary.

Tense and Release: Art and Mood from the TMA Permanent Collection

Through August 1, 2021

Curated by Christine Brindza and Kristopher Driggers

Installed in four galleries in the historic Edward Nye Fish House, this exhibition comprises artistic explorations of distinct qualities of mood highlighting experiences of tension and celebration, including portraits, the body at work, surges of color and images that evoke merriment.

Palice Gallery of European Art

Ongoing

Curated by Jeremy Mikolajczak

Installed just weeks before COVID-19 necessitated the temporary closure of the museum, the works in the Palice Gallery go beyond the “ism” movements of the European canon, including Romanticism, Impressionism, Fauvism, Surrealism and Cubism. The addition of artworks by women, LGBTQ+ and artists of color from Europe expand on the traditional “gallery of masterpieces” dominated by white, male artists.

New exhibitions of Latin American Folk Art and Indigenous Arts

Opening March 2021

Supported by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Indigenous Arts exhibition at TMA will be the first large-scale installation reflecting a community-based approach to curation. Curators, cultural liaisons and tribal representatives are working together to identify themes and multivocal approaches to recontextualizing TMA’s permanent collection. TMA’s Indigenous Arts collection is an important resource due to its connection to local communities, and the inclusion of Indigenous voices, expertise and knowledge in exhibition practices is an essential component to the new installation.  

With the reinstallation of TMA’s Latin American Folk Art galleries, the museum will highlight recent donations to the collection including the Bill and Cheryl Green collection of Peruvian folk art. The Green collection includes paintings and ceramic sculptures from the Ayacucho region, one of Perú’s most active artistic centers. Visitors to the exhibition will learn how works of folk art engage with regional and national history, explore how folk art imagines community and will observe how art cleverly integrates images and texts, among other topics.

The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block’s mission is Connecting Art to Life. The Museum was founded in 1924 in the El Presidio Historic District of downtown Tucson. It is Southern Arizona’s premier presenter of fine art and art education programs.

The museum features permanent and traveling exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary, Native American, American West, Latin American, and Asian art. The 74,000-square-foot museum offers guided tours, education programs, and studio art classes in a contemporary building. The museum’s Historic Block of 19^th and 20^th C. adobe and Mission Revival-style buildings, encompassing an entire four-acre city block, includes the John K. Goodman Pavilion of Western Art, displaying the museum’s notable art of the American West collection, the highly acclaimed museum restaurant Café a la C’Art, and additional exhibition and studio spaces. For more information, please visit www.TucsonMuseumofArt.org or call (520) 624-2333.  Follow the latest events on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. TMA is a private 501(c)(3) charitable arts and education organization.

Museum Directions
The Museum is located at 140 N. Main Avenue in historic downtown Tucson at the crossroads of W. Alameda and N. Main Avenue. Parking is free in the Museum’s lot on W. Washington Street.

Museum Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Open Late Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM (first Thursday of each month is free from 5 PM–8 PM)
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM (first Sunday of each month is half-price admission)
Closed Monday

Admission
Adult/$12; Senior (65+)/$10; Student (with college ID)/$7; Youth (13-17)/$7; Child (12 and under)/Free; Veteran with ID/Free; Museum Member/Free.

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The TSO’s Just for Kids Series is sponsored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona, the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Diamond Family Music Education Endowment Fund. 

Family Friendly Programs

          The Tucson Symphony Orchestra encourages families to bring their children to TSO performances as parents deem appropriate. And to make that easy, child subscriptions to Classic, MasterWorks, and SuperPops! series are 50% off the regular subscription price. Plus, children receive a 50% discount to The Magic of Christmas, Messiah, and the Celebrate the Future concert featuring young artists and composers.

          The popular Just for Kids Series at the Tucson Symphony Center will begin on Saturday, October 3, 2015 with two performances by the Wind Quintet and continue with two performances on the first Saturdays of November (Piano Trio), December (Percussion Ensemble), January, 2016 (String Quartet), February (Flute Viola Harp Trio) and March (Brass Quintet). The Series concludes with The Really Big Just for Kids Grand Finale concert on May 1. A fun, family experience filled with discovery, storytelling and a front row experience, these interactive ensemble concerts entertain, engage and educate young listeners. A $3 admission is suggested.

Moveable Musical Feasts

          The TSO’s Moveable Musical Feasts are renowned for gourmet dinners paired with the perfect wines, favorite music performed by TSO musicians, iconic Southern Arizona settings and as evenings for making and sharing memories.  The two extraordinary evenings this season will be at Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails and Dragonfly Gallery with the TSO String Quartet and Wind Quintet on November 1, 2015 and at Tanque Verde Ranch with the TSO Brass Quintet and Flute Viola Harp Trio on Sunday, April 10, 2016. The evenings include presentations from the chefs  on the cuisine and how wine is paired with food. Feasts are priced at $140 per person, all inclusive.

Pricing

          Subscriptions to the Classic Series are priced from $184 to $504 (eight performances); Classic Winter subscriptions are $92 to $285 (four performances). Subscriptions to the TSO SuperPops! are $92 to $240 for four shows and $81 to $201 for the Winter Series.

          Subscriptions to the MasterWorks Series are $175 to $225. MasterWorks Winter subscriptions are $126 to $153. There is a special introductory offer for the Saturday matinee performances during the Winter Series. If patrons order before April 12, the subscription prices for the Saturday matinee performances only are $114 to $141.

          Prices for the TSO Classic Special with André Watts are $45 to $95. Tickets for the MasterWorks Special, Handel’s Messiah, are $45, $50 and $55. The SuperPops! Specials are priced at $24 to $77 for The Magic of Christmas and $45 to $90 for The Chieftains.

          Create Your Own Subscriptions with your choice of four concerts are available for $103 to $240.

          Children grades 1-12, full-time students with a valid student identification card and active military personnel with identification receive a 50% discount on individual, advance-sale, single-ticket prices, even subscriptions (excludes Concert Specials).  One discount is permitted per valid student or military ID. Discounts are also available for groups of ten or more.

          Purchase subscriptions and tickets at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 2175 N. Sixth Avenue (just south of Grant), online at tucsonsymphony.org or by phone at (520) 882-8585. TSO Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. Single tickets for the 2015-16 season will go on sale August 24.

          Prices, artists and programs are subject to change.

                             

 

           

National parks continue to be popular among Americans

By Brent Frazee  

There are many more miles to travel, many more national parks to visit, before Phil and Judy Goneau's bucket list is complete.

But for now, they can take pride in the fact that they have seen back roads in America as few others have witnessed.

Traveling with their good friends Phil and Candy Reed, they have made one long marathon across the county on their touring motorcycles. They set out with a single goal: to visit each of the lower 48 states. That mission has been met.

But along the way, a second goal developed: to visit as many national parks as possible. A large map hanging in Phil's den in the couple's home in Kansas City North indicates that their travels have brought them through 29 of the U.S.' 59 national parks.

And that total would be even higher if it weren't from some unusual circumstances.

"We got to entrance of Redwood National Park (in California), but a lady at the booth said there were way too many bears in the park for motorcyclists to be safe," said Phil, 71. "She said she wouldn't recommend it. We followed her advice."

But that's one of the few detours the Goneaus have run into as they have toured America's brightest jewels, its national parks. They and the Reeds could be poster couples for the virtues of the parks that preserve some of the country's most beautiful spots.

They have cycled to mountain peaks where they marveled at the snow-capped mountains in Glacier National Park. They hiked to beautiful waterfalls and along creeks in national parks such as Yellowstone. And they have taken in the rugged beauty of the landscape at parks such as the Badlands and the Grand Canyon.

"In the first 18 years of my life, all I saw was four states," said Judy Goneau, 69. "But since then, I've made up for it. I've been to 50 states and I've seen some of America's most beautiful places. I feel very fortunate.

"These national parks are special places that Phil and I hold dear to our hearts."

The Goneaus aren't alone in their love of America's national treasures.

The National Park System, which includes historic sites, monuments, battlefields, recreational areas and wild and scenic rivers, attracted more than 292 million recreation visits in 2014. That was a record, a sign that even in these fast-paced days, Americans still treasure nature and the solitude it brings.

Camping, hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, mountain biking, motorcycle and automobile touring all can be found at the national parks.

"We save what we value," said Jonathan Jarvis, director of the National Park Service. "These national parks are expressions of who we are.

"They are a mosaic of our core beliefs. It's pretty hard not to feel a rush of pride when you stand on a cliff overlooking a place like the Grand Canyon.

"This is America."

The National Park System includes 408 areas covering more than 84 million acres. Every state is represented. In Missouri, the highlight is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Some of the national parks are wildly popular. Consider Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, which led the nation in attendance last year after attracting more than 10 million visitors.

On a recent weekday, the park provided a vivid contrast between big-city life and nature. Bumper-to-bumper traffic formed on a 10-mile loop around Cade's Cove, an automobile tour that provides beautiful vistas and a chance to view wildlife.

Vehicles filled with tourists inched along as visitors strained to spot some of the park's bears and deer. When wildlife was spotted, dozens of vehicles pulled off the gravel road, and tourists with binoculars tried to get a glimpse of the park's wild residents.

Some worry that some of the national parks are being loved to death. They point to air pollution that has diminished views, dangerous conflicts between camera-carrying tourists and wildlife, and littering.

Jarvis acknowledges the management challenges that crowding brings.

But he added, "I'll take that over apathy any day."

• GENERAL: $9.
• SENIOR (65 OR OLDER)/MILITARY : $8
• YOUTH (AGE 4-17): $6
• CHILDREN 3 AND UNDER: FREE

For more information about visiting, including directions, group pricing and pre-visit activities, please click here or call 520 881 0606

The Mini Time Machine was created from the imagination and dedication of Founders, Patricia and Walter Arnell. Pat’s fondness for miniatures began in the 1930’s, when as a young girl she received her first miniatures- a set of Strombecker wooden dollhouse furniture. It wasn’t until the Arnells moved to Tucson in 1979 that Pat began collecting in earnest. The Arnell’s became very active in the miniature community becoming recognized members and supporters of important organizations such as NAME (National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts) and IGMA (International Guild of Miniature Artisans).The collection grew and the Arnells, dreamed of a way to share it with more people. They envisioned an interactive space where the entertaining and educational aspects of the collection could be enjoyed by everyone- a place that would be enchanting, magical and provide a rich sensory experience.

The concept of “the mini time machine” was born out of the notion that a visitor would be seemingly transported to different eras by the stories and history of the pieces in the collection. The design and building of the museum was a huge collaborative effort. Swaim Associates Architects in Tucson, Arizona was chosen as the architect for the project. The exhibit design was carried out by Claro Creative Studios, a team of designers, gadgeteers and entertainment enthusiasts based out of Glendale, California. Construction of the project spanned nearly two years.

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a 501(c)(3) board-only nonprofit organization, classified as a private foundation with a long term goal of achieving public charity status. All proceeds from every sale, including admission, membership and merchandise go towards funding the museum’s operations.

The museum is dedicated to all who participate in the world of miniatures through education, creation or enjoyment.

 ABOUT PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
Be wowed at Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world and the largest non-government-funded in the U.S. (TripAdvisor ranks it in the Top 10% worldwide for excellent ratings, 95% say “Thumbs up!”) Its significant collection, 300 strong from around the globe, covers commercial, military and civil aviation alongside more than 125,000+ artifacts, including a moon rock donated by Tucsonan and Astronaut Frank Borman. Be amazed by many all-time great aircraft:

• the SR-71 Blackbird (the world’s fastest spy plane);
• a B-29 Superfortress (the WWII bomber that flew higher, farther and faster plus carried more bombs) that flew in the Tokyo Fire Bombing and Victory sorties;
• the world’s smallest bi-plane and jet (a James Bond “toy”);
• the C-54 (the Berlin Airlift’s star flown by the famous “Candy Bomber” Col. USAF (Ret.) Gail Halvorsen, a Tucson-area resident);
• the Boeing 737-300 airliner, the world’s most popular commercial jet as one takes off every three minutes;
• plus planes used as renowned-contemporary-artists’ canvases, including Brazilian graffiti artist Nunca;

                           

This full-scale model of the W-53 warhead is the “bomb” carried by the Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). The W-53 rode in the nosecone of the missile and it was the only part of the missile that would make it all the way to its target.

The W-53 warhead was a hydrogen bomb. It was the largest nuclear weapon ever deployed on a land-based missile, and after 1975 the W-53 was the largest nuclear weapon in the U.S. stockpile. It had a yield of nine megatons, meaning that it had the explosive power of nine million tons of TNT. 

[How much TNT is that?  A freight train required to carry that much TNT would have to be about 1,200 miles (1,900 km) in length. The actual warhead, by contrast, is barely 9 feet (3 m) in length. For additional perspective, a nine megaton weapon would produce a shockwave sufficiently powerful to destroy wood-frame homes and buildings at a distance of about 17 miles. That works out to an area of destruction of about 900 square miles (2,300 sq. km). If the bomb had hit Tucson the entire city would have been completely destroyed per the red circle in the attached diagram. Finally, nine megatons is about 650 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima at the end of World War II.]

The exhibit was made possible in part by a grant from the Association of Air Force Missileers. This exhibit is important because the W-53 nuclear warhead was the only significant part of the Titan II weapon system the museum did not have and it answers the extremely common question from visitors, “What did the bomb look like?”

“With this grant we constructed an exhibit that includes a full-sized model of the W-53, accompanied by video screens that provide interpretive text and graphics for our visitors,” stated Yvonne Morris, a past commander of this Titan II site and the Executive Director of the Arizona Aerospace Foundation that operates the Titan Missile Museum. Morris continued, “The W-53 Warhead Exhibit makes it possible now for the museum's visitors to understand the full story of the Titan II ICBM and the important role it played in the peaceful conclusion of the Cold War.”

Moonlight MADness is the museum’s special summer-evening event that features kid STEM activities presented by “MAD scientists,” special admission prices—just $7.00 for each adult, and kids 12 and under are FREE—and the chance to see THE missile lit up after dark. [MAD is an acronym for Mutually Assured Destruction, the doctrine that the ability of two enemies to annihilate each other prevents it from happening.]

Moonlight MADness takes place the second Saturday of each month from June through September:  Jun. 14, Jul. 12, Aug. 9 and Sep. 13, 2014 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Moonlight MADness tours of the underground facility begin at 5:00 p.m., with the final tour starting at 8:00 p.m. Due to space limitations, reservations are required. For reservations or more information call 520 625-7736 or e-mail info@titanmissilemuseum.org. Admission to Moonlight MADness is free for museum members.

    

News from Colorado Parks and Wildlife

HANDOUTS HARM, DON'T HELP, WILDLIFE

 Winter is here and that means animals will have to search a little harder for food. Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to remind people that the best way to help hungry animals is to let them find their next meal on their own.
 
"People may mean well, but those who feed deer do more harm than good," said Scott Murdoch, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer in Conifer.
 
A law passed in 1992 makes it illegal to feed big game animals. This includes deer, elk, pronghorn, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions and bears. Feeding wildlife is bad for the animals and dangerous for people, for a number of different reasons.
 
In the wild, deer and elk naturally spread out when grazing or browsing for food. Artificial feeding encourages them to crowd together making it easier to spread disease throughout a herd. Also, artificial concentrations of deer in neighborhoods results in increased vehicle collisions and conflicts with dogs harassing deer.
 
Deer are the primary prey of mountain lions and large gatherings of deer can attract lions into neighborhoods, putting people, livestock and pets at risk. The mountain lions are also then put in danger because it may become necessary to kill them if they become a threat to human health and safety.
 
“Every winter, officer’s deal with numerous pets and livestock that get killed by mountain lions because homeowners are feeding deer; deer do just fine without the public’s help,” says Murdoch.
 
Wild animals have complex digestive systems and their natural diet is difficult to duplicate. Food from human sources can also lead to malnutrition, a disruption in natural migration patterns and death.
 
To report incidents of feeding or other illegal wildlife activity contact a local Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Rewards may be offered is the information leads to a citation.
 
For more information, please visit:
http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeDeeraspx

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HAVE A HEART, DO YOUR PART. BE “BEAR AWARE“ THIS SPRING

DENVER, Colo. - Each year in Colorado dozens of bears must be relocated or euthanized because of conflicts with humans. Often times these conflicts can be avoided by following a few simple steps. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking people to do their part to keep bears out of trouble.

Bears have awakened from their winter naps and are searching for food. Bears are always looking for easy meals and are often drawn to towns, residences and campgrounds for a quick treat. Once a bear identifies a location as an easy food source they will return over and over again, which is why it's important to not attract them to the area in the first place.

Colorado, generally, has a two-strike policy for bears. The first time a bear becomes persistent in its search for food near humans, it may be trapped, tagged and taken to a remote area to be released. If the bear gets in trouble again, it is destroyed. Sometimes, however, if a bear shows very aggressive behavior on a first encounter it can be euthanized.

"Destroying a bear is never an easy decision for a wildlife officer," said Abbie Walls, public information officer for CPW in southeast Colorado. "But human health and safety is always our number one priority. That being said, if humans take just a few minutes out of their day to do what is right, we could really cut down on the amount of conflicts we have every year."

Bears are not typically aggressive towards people, but may become so if food is present. Never approach a bear--If you see a bear encourage it to leave the area by yelling, throwing rocks, or spraying water at it from a safe distance. However if food continues to be  present, they will likely return.

Follow these tips to help keep bears out of trouble:
- Keep garbage in a well-secured location and only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
- Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them odor free.
- If you don't have secure storage, put items that might become smelly into the freezer until trash day.
- Don't leave pet food or stock feed outside.
- Bird feeders should be brought in at this time of year -- birds don't need to be fed during the summer.
- If you have bird feeders clean up beneath them, bring them in at night and hang them high so they're completely inaccessible to bears.
- Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food and they'll eat anything.
- Allow grills to burn for a couple of minutes after cooking to burn off grease and to eliminate odors. Clean the grill after each use.
- Clean up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck. Don't allow food odors to linger.
- If you have fruit trees, pick fruit before it gets too ripe. Don't allow fruit to rot on the ground.
- Always close garage doors.
- Keep the bottom floor windows of your house closed when you're not at home.
- Do not keep food in your car and lock the doors.
- Talk to your neighbors and kids about being bear aware.

For more tips and information go to, http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlife.aspx.

                                           ###

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, more than 300 state wildlife areas, all of Colorado’s wildlife, and a variety of outdoor recreation. For more information, go to cpw.state.co.us.

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife

Follow us on Twitter @COParksWildlife

For more news about Colorado Parks and Wildlife go to: http://cpw.state.co.us

For more information about Colorado Parks and Wildlife go to: http://cpw.state.co.us.

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ABOUT PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
Touch 100 years of aviation history at Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world and the largest non-government-funded in the U.S. (TripAdvisor ranks it in the Top 10% worldwide for excellent ratings.) Its significant collection, 300 strong from around the globe, covers commercial, military and civil aviation alongside more than 125,000+ artifacts, including a moon rock donated by Tucsonan and Astronaut Frank Borman. Be amazed by many all-time great aircraft:

·         the SR-71 Blackbird (the world’s fastest spy plane);

·         a B-29 Superfortress (the WWII bomber that flew higher, farther and faster plus carried more bombs);

·         the world’s smallest bi-plane;

·         the C-54 (the Berlin Airlift’s star flown by the famous “Candy Bomber” Col. USAF (Ret.) Gail Halvorsen, a Tucson-area winter resident);

·         plus planes used as renowned-contemporary-artists’ canvases, including Brazilian graffiti artist Nunca.

Explore five large hangars totaling more than 189,000 indoor square feet—four+ football fields­—of air/space craft, heroes’ stories and scientific phenomena. The 390^th Memorial Museum (a independent museum located on the grounds) and two hangars are dedicated to WWII, one hangar each to the European and Pacific theaters. Pima Air & Space maintains its own aircraft restoration center. It also operates exclusive tours of the “Boneyard,” aka the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, plus offers a docent-led tram tour of its 80 acres (additional fees apply). Pima Air & Space Museum is located at 6000 E. Valencia Rd., just off I-10 exit 267, in Tucson. More information can be found at www.pimaair.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PimaAirAndSpace, or by calling 520 574-0462.

 Crews from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in cooperation with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), have begun clearing and trimming brush and trees from along portions of Interstate 8 east of Gila Bend.

The operation, called Project Daylight, is intended to take away cover used by human and drug smugglers to hide and drop contraband along the I-8 right-of-way. The smugglers make their way to the interstate where they transfer cargo to vehicles for further distribution.

Crews will be working over the next two weeks to prune or remove dense vegetation over a six-mile area in three sections from Milepost 126, east of Gila Bend, to Milepost 142. Motorists in the area should be aware of possible shoulder closures and intermittent lane closures.

The area where the work is being done is in the Sonoran Desert National Monument, which encompasses 487,000 acres bisected by I-8. Project Daylight is a tool to discourage illegal activities that damage the natural resources within the Monument.

 The BLM has a fourfold mission in Project Daylight:

•          Reduce threats to the public by improving visibility along I-8
  
•          Eliminate hiding places for people involved in criminal activities
  
•          Make it easier for law enforcement officers to suppress criminal activity
  
•         Improve and maintain natural resources damaged by illegal activity.
  

An eight-person crew will be pruning and removing trees and brush. A second crew, composed of inmates from the Lewis Prison Complex, will gather the vegetation for dispersal or removal. The follow-up crew will also remove roadside trash and debris left by smugglers. The crew will repair the right-of-way fence, where needed.

BLM staff will be monitoring the cleaned-up areas to determine the effects on criminal activity and trash dumping along I-8. Long-term plans are to prune or remove vegetation along I-8 from Milepost 119, near Gila Bend, east to Milepost 161, which is south of Stanfield. The agencies have not established a schedule for the expanded work.

The BLM and ADOT cooperated in a similar pilot project in 2011, in which vegetation was removed from about 200 feet near I-8 Milepost 150.

Project Daylight is conducted in conjunction with BLM’s Operation ROAM (Reclaim Our Arizona Monuments), an ongoing effort to combat border-related criminal activities and to protect and restore natural resources from damages caused by the criminal activities. One aspect of ROAM is to bring in a contingent of BLM law enforcement rangers for periodic two-week “surges.” During those surges, youth crews and other BLM workers engage in reclaiming illegal roads and trails, cleaning up trash, and other natural resource protection activities.  

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros and the Tucson Rodeo is Southern Arizona’s oldest and most celebrated heritage event, and as one of the top 25 rodeos on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) calendar, it’s a major stop for the sports’ best cowboys and cowgirls. The Tucson Rodeo features six rodeo performances: February 21st  and through March 1st . Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are $12-$26, and available in advance at www.TucsonRodeo.com, or by calling (800) 964-5662. 

The 2015 La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is Feb. 21 through March 1 at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave. See directions.

Current and former Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) world champions are featured in each Tucson Rodeo. “The entry list for Tucson could be the ‘Who’s Who’ of pro rodeo,” boasts Gary Williams, general manager of the Tucson Rodeo. “In addition to the caliber of competition and the prize money, cowboys look forward to Tucson because the fans are great and the sky is blue. This is the first major outdoor rodeo of the year, so they’re ready for sunshine, fresh air and 11,000 fans each day cheering them on,” adds Williams.

The Tucson Rodeo Parade is billed as the world’s longest non-motorized parade. This two-hour spectacle features western-themed floats and buggies, historic horse-drawn coaches, festive Mexican folk dancers, marching bands and outfitted riders. An estimated 200,000 spectators view the parade each year.

The Tucson Rodeo enlists over 650 contestants from the United States and Canada competing for more than $460,000 in prize money. The Tucson Rodeo, the first major outdoor event on the PRCA schedule, gives visitors an opportunity to see real-life cowboys and cowgirls display their ability in the only sport in the world developed from work skills.

Rodeo events include bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and women’s barrel racing. Also featured each day are kids’ events -- Dodge Mutton Bustin’, when four-to six-year-olds test their riding skills on sheep, and the Justin Junior Rodeo for young cowpokes ages 7-12.

The Tucson Rodeo Committee and Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee, both volunteer-based, nonprofit community groups, stage La Fiesta de los Vaqueros.

Proceeds from the Tucson Rodeo benefit a University of Arizona scholarship fund for student rodeo athletes,  the Downtown Lion’s Club, Rotary Clubs and 4-H Groups.

Order rodeo tickets online or call (520) 741-2233.

TUCSON RODEO COMMITTEE

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is staged by the nonprofit Tucson Rodeo Committee, Inc. A portion of the rodeo proceeds benefits community groups including a University of Arizona scholarship fund and local Lion’s, 4-H and Rotary Clubs.

University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum

115 N. Church Ave | Tucson, AZ 85701 | (520) 621-7433

Questions? Email us at ANGMM@arizona.edu 

Contact | Location & Hours | Newsletter Sign-up

2023:

                

Each year the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society strives to produce a great gem and mineral show with something for everyone, and this year is no exception. The theme for our 64th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is Minerals of Western Europe.

Europe is the birthplace of mineralogy, so bringing minerals from every country is a fitting tribute. With approximately 250 dealers in our show, in addition to minerals, there will be gems, finished jewelry and many one-of-a kind specialty items for sale.

The Show has something for everyone, from Junior Education for the young to our lecture series for anyone who wants to learn more about minerals, mining, or mineral locations.

Join us February for Minerals of Western Europe. And don’t forget Valentine’s Day. Friday, February 13 – Active Military & Senior Citizens - $2.00 off  (Cannot be used with any other discount)

For additional information, visit: http://www.tgms.org/.

                                                                                                                                                                      

National Parks to Offer Free Admission on 9 Days in 2022

• February :           Presidents Day weekend

• April :     National Park Week’s opening weekend

• August :      National Park Service’s 99th birthday

• September :             National Public Lands Day

• November :             Veterans Day

WASHINGTON – Circle the dates on the calendar and plan your trip – America’s 401 national parks will offer free admission on nine days in 2015, including several holidays! 

“America’s national parks welcome more than 280 million visitors a year. To say thanks for that support and invite every American to visit these treasures that they own, we are declaring nine days of free admission next year,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Whether it’s that once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Yellowstone or taking a daily walk along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., or the moment at Central High School that your child suddenly understands what civil rights are all about, national parks offer places for unforgettable experiences. 

“National parks not only protect and preserve the places we most value; they also add enormous economic value to nearby communities and the entire nation.  Visitor spending represents a $30 billion annual benefit to the national economy and supports more than 250,000 jobs,” said Jarvis. “Fee-free days are a great way to both thank those visitors and introduce parks to first-timers who can find a new place to call an old favorite.”  

With more than 84 million acres of spectacular scenery, 17,000 miles of trails, 5,000 miles of shoreline, 27,000 historic and prehistoric structures, and 100 million museum items and an infinite number of authentic American stories to tell, national parks offer something for every taste. 

Those in search of superlatives will find them in national parks including the country’s highest point (in Denali National Park) and lowest point (in Death Valley National Park), deepest lake (Crater Lake National Park), longest cave (Mammoth Cave National Park), tallest trees (Redwood National Park), and highest waterfall (Yosemite National Park). 

Normally, 133 national parks charge an entrance fee that ranges from $3 to $25. The entrance fee waiver does not cover amenity or user fees for things like camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours. 

Other Federal land management agencies that will offer fee-free days in 2015 are:  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Forest Service and the Army Corps of Engineers.  Please contact each for details. 

The National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service also participate in the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass and Federal Recreational Lands Pass programs. These passes provide access to more than 2,000 national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, grasslands, and other federal lands. Four passes are available:

·        free annual pass to current military members and their dependents

·        free lifetime pass for people with permanent disabilities

·        $10 lifetime senior pass for those aged 62 and over

·        $80 annual pass for the general public.

www.nps.gov

                    

         

     

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Political Roundup
                              

CONSUMER REPORTS WARNS AGAINST RENTAL CAR GIMMICKS

What consumers can do to avoid gotcha pricing,
aggressive sales pitches and hidden fees

YONKERS, NY—As the weather heats up and fuel prices continuee to rise, the last thing travelers want is to have pay even more when they hit the road this summer. Rental car companies used to try harder to put the consumer in the driver seat with ease, but today's rental car companies are putting the gas on gotcha pricing, pushy pitches and costly extras.

In its June issue, available online at www.ConsumerReports.org and on newsstands May 10, 2011, Consumer Reports outlines some costly and common car-rental hassles and how consumers can fight back.

"It used to be that car-rental companies made it as easy as possible to get you signed up and on the road," said Consumer Reports senior editor Jeff Blyskal. "These days consumers need to slow things down and be more guarded to make sure they don't pay more than necessary."

Common Hassles

Consumers have a choice when it comes to pricey add-on services and liability coverage. Consumer Reports recommends watching out for these gotchas the next time a salesperson puts the pressure on.

1. There is a fee for every extra.Treat a rental car like a hotel mini bar: Don't take any goodies without knowing the price. This includes GPS navigation, satellite radio, and child safety seats. One Consumer Reports reader was charged $9.50 for $2 worth of tolls after he used an EZ-Pass toll payment transponder he found inside his Hertz rental.

Don't take it: Consumers faced with undisclosed surcharges should dispute them with their credit card company. Be sure to ask about these possible hidden fees: late or early return of the car, going through an unmanned, electronic-only toll gate, road service in case the driver runs out of gas or locks keys in the car, and administrative fees related to parking tickets and moving violations.

2. The insurance hard sell. Rental agents might strongly sell renters on a loss damage waiver that limits the renter's liability for damage for $60 to $250 a week.

Don't take it: Consumers may already be covered on their own auto insurance policy if it includes collision and/or comprehensive coverage. Some credit cards also provide protection. Just make sure the personal policy covers rentals and business travel and that it pays the "full value" of a loss, administrative fees, towing and "loss of use." Also check if it's valid abroad and covers a second driver or comprehensive claims (such as fire, theft and vandalism).

3. Scratch-and-dent claims. Always pay by credit card so any inaccurate charges can be disputed. One Consumer Reports reader was billed $304 for "damage" after he dropped off an Avis Rental in Lyon, France, at the locked return lot before business hours.

Don't take it: Fully inspect the car at pick up time, noting any damages in the paperwork and request a signed, dated copy. Do the same at drop off. If it's before or after business hours, take photos to document the car's condition.

4. Return the car with gas. If not, expect to pay as much as $8 per gallon to have the rental agency fill the tank. Other gas overpricing might not be so obvious. For example, Hertz's fuel purchase option—buy a full tank at the prevailing loccal per-gallon price—might seem like a good deal, but the renterr pays for a whole tank even if they only use a fraction of it.

Don't take it. Always fill it up before returning the car.

5. Decline the upgrade pitch.In good economic years, agencies had more cars than they could rent. Now inventories are tighter, so don't expect to be offered a roomier car at no extra cost. Worse, agents might try to convince the renter into taking a costlier car.

Don't take it. If the agent talks down a specific model, ask about other cars in the same group.

Consumer Reports also suggests looking for deals on websites like Travelocity and Expedia and then calling a specific location to negotiate the cheapest rate. Also check off-brand companies like Ace Rent a Car, Pay Less, and Midway. Groups like AAA, AARP, Costco, labor unions and other groups might offer discounts. For more tips on how to get the best deal on car rentals log on to www.ConsumerReports.org.

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Touch 100 years of aviation history at Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world and the largest non-government-funded in the U.S. (TripAdvisor ranks it in the Top 10% worldwide for excellent ratings.) Its significant collection, 300 strong from around the globe, covers commercial, military and civil aviation alongside more than 125,000+ artifacts, including a moon rock donated by Tucsonan and Astronaut Frank Borman. Be amazed by many all-time great aircraft:

·         the SR-71 Blackbird (the world’s fastest spy plane);

·         a B-29 Superfortress (the WWII bomber that flew higher, farther and faster plus carried more bombs);

·         the world’s smallest bi-plane;

·         the C-54 (the Berlin Airlift’s star flown by the famous “Candy Bomber” Col. USAF (Ret.) Gail Halvorsen, a Tucson-area winter resident);

·         plus planes used as renowned-contemporary-artists’ canvases, including Brazilian graffiti artist Nunca.

Explore five large hangars totaling more than 189,000 indoor square feet—four+ football fields­—of air/space craft, heroes’ stories and scientific phenomena. The 390^th Memorial Museum (a independent museum located on the grounds) and two hangars are dedicated to WWII, one hangar each to the European and Pacific theaters. Pima Air & Space maintains its own aircraft restoration center. It also operates exclusive tours of the “Boneyard,” aka the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, plus offers a docent-led tram tour of its 80 acres (additional fees apply). Pima Air & Space Museum is located at 6000 E. Valencia Rd., just off I-10 exit 267, in Tucson. More information can be found at www.pimaair.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PimaAirAndSpace, or by calling 520 574-0462.

Carlsbad Taverns Brewery Bar-B-Que is located in the the heart of Carlsbad,NM, Main Street District, just thirty minutes from the World famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This restaurant and tasting room is also the home of our microbrewery where we bottle and keg all of our great fresh ales for off premise sales. Come by for some awesome bar-b-que, fresh beer and a tour of our brew house.

Carlsbad Taverns Brewery and Bar-B-Que opened in April of 2001 and was voted one of the best brewpubs in Carlsbad, NM in 2003. The Bar-B-Que offers some of the best bar-b-que in Southeastern NM. Our menu features hickory smoked pork ribs, 16-hour smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, juicy chicken, breast of turkey and heart stopper sausage. The menu offers some great appetizers, soups & salads, sandwiches and full platters, all made fresh daily by our skilled kitchen staff.

TUCSON'S FIVE SEASONS

I've heard many people say, "I'd never live in Tucson... You have no seasons." I've also heard people say, "Tucson has only one season -- Hot," usually followed by a chuckle. Next time you hear this, tell the misinformed person that Tucson actually relishes 5 seasons, one more than everyone else! Besides the images below, check out "Annual Change" to see how one spot changes in appearance through the year.

SPRING: Late February - April. Days are usually warm and sunny with cool nights (however, the occasional cold snap can still come through; it snowed in Tucson on Easter in 1999). This is peak wildflower season, with both "winter" wildflowers and shrubs splashing the desert with color. Toward the end of the season the leguminous trees and the cactuses (even the occasional Saguaro) are blooming. Migratory birds fly through Tucson, using the riparian (wetter) areas as corridors north. Many of the migrating birds stay (e.g., Black-chinned Hummingbirds and White-winged Doves) to breed. Many of our local animals are breeding. Reptiles come out to soak up the warmth and breed. Butterflies and other insects take advantage of the good weather and abundant food.

DRY SUMMER: May - June. Days are usually hot, and dry, but the nights are still cool. This is when the majority of the saguaro (and other columnar cactuses) bloom, and the bats that pollinate them (e.g., Lesser Long-nosed Bat) migrate into the area from Mexico. Later in the season, the cactus fruits Jojoba seeds, and legume tree pods ripen, providing food for people and animals at a critical time of year (hot and dry). This is when the buzz of cicadas fills our ears.

MONSOON SUMMER: June - September. Beginning in 2008, the monsoon period in Tucson offically extends from June 15 - September 30. Before 2008, the monsoon period began officially after 3 consecutive days with daily mean surface dew points of 55 degrees F or greater (representing an influx of moisture into our area). The increase in dew point occurs when the prevailing winds shift from westerly to southeasterly, bringing more moisture in from the Gulf of California (mostly) and Gulf of Mexico. Days often begin clear and very warm, but as the heat of the day builds, huge clouds build and tower above (see Why it Rains), cooling the temperatures somewhat (but increasing relative humidity) and often dumping huge quantities of rain in a very short time. This is the time of wind and dust, flashfloods and lightening. Summer rains trigger the appearance of many animals. For example, many of our amphibians emerge above ground and begin their hasty breeding cycle, taking advantage of the massive flights of new ant and termite queens and males, among other insects. Summer rains also trigger a second wildflower show, this time composed of "summer" wildflowers and shrubs. Wonderfully-sweet Prickly Pear fruit ripen (see in picture to right). Birds begin moving through and out during their fall migration.

Monsoon (Storm) Safety

         Never cross a wash or road that has running water flowing over it.  The water depth is very easy to misjudge, and the road itself may be damaged or destroyed underneath the murky water.  As little as ten inches of water can float average-sized cars, mini-vans, SUVs and trucks.  Be especially cautious at night as flood dangers are much more difficult to see in the dark. 

         Do not play in wet or dry washes especially when thunderstorms are in the area. A wash can become flooded in a matter of minutes even if it is not raining in that area. Flash flooding can occur many miles away from the thunderstorm as the runoff flows into the valleys and deserts.

         During a monsoon storm stay home or inside the building where you are until the rains and lightning have passed. When indoors, do not touch any wires or plumbing inside a building. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using corded telephones or any electrical appliance.

• If you get caught driving during the storm find a safe place to park off the road like a parking lot, turn off your lights and wait until the rain has passed. This will reduce your chances of having a weather related accident and increase you visibility to see flooded roadways.

• Stay away from downed power lines. If a power line comes into contact with your vehicle, remain inside the vehicle until help arrives. Do not attempt to get out of the vehicle – that is the safest place for you to be. By stepping out of the vehicle, your body can become the pathway for electricity to reach the ground, causing severe bodily harm and possibly electrocution. Use a cellular phone, if available, to notify emergency services of your exact location

When in doubt, wait it out!

FALL: October - November. Days are still hot at the beginning of the season, but nights become cool again as the humidity leaves the area (see the bottom of Meteorological Concepts). Things begin to quiet down. Reptiles begin seeking shelter. Wintering hawks and sparrows begin moving into the Tucson area. Desert Broom blooms, much to the agony of allergy sufferers but much to the pleasure of the many butterflies that visit Desert Broom. Freezing temperatures and even snow can occur late in the season. Octotillo leaves turn orange and drop off (see picture). Toward the end of the season, as temperatures cool off, animals that were more nocturnal during the summer now begin to become more diurnal and visible. This is when many of the wildflower seeds are waiting for cues to germinate. If the rains are right, we can expect a magnificent show; if the rains are not right, many of the seeds will wait for another year.

WINTER: December - Early February. Days are usually clear, except when fronts move through bringing clouds and rain (or rarely snow), but daytime temperatures plummet to the 60s and nighttime temperatures average in the upper 30 and lower 40s. This means we often have to scrape ice off our windshields. This is also the season that we listen to the Northern Mockingbirds sing all night long, as they establish their territories and show off their song repertoires. Gila Woodpeckers and Flickers, lacking the beautiful voice of the mockingbirds, tap loudly on anything that will resonate (such as trees, houses, light poles, and other metal objects) to establish territories. Phainopeplas adorn the treetops between feasting on Desert Mistletoe berries. Many plants drop their leaves (e.g., Velvet Mesquite and other leguminous trees), but the winter rains may trigger leafing in shrubs such as Brittlebush and Ocotillos. Early wildflowers begin to bloom as harbingers to the spring.

Also see Tucson Climate Statistics for precipitation and temperature data by month.

June’s Planting Tips

·        Feed established roses with Flower and Vegetable Food or Magnum Rose Food (for potted roses) at half strength. Add Epsom salts at half strength. Increase deep watering to every day. Mulch your roses to help retain moisture. Apply chelated iron to roses exhibiting an iron deficiency (yellow leaves with bright green veins). Keep an eye out for spider mites. Treat with Systemic Insecticide.

Distorted buds are a sign of thrips damage. It is important to treat buds (with Systemic Insecticide) at a very early stage, before the damage is visible.

·        Summer annuals varieties include calibrachoa, celosia, cosmos, golden fleece, nierembergia, periwinkle, portulaca, salvia, and sweet potato vine. For shady areas, plant begonias, caladium, dahlias, impatiens, and pink splash.

·        Plant summer annuals from seed. Varieties include cosmos, sunflowers, tithonia, and zinnias.

·        Plant summer vegetables such as Armenian cucumber, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon from transplant or seed.

·        Cover tomatoes with shade cloth or perhaps you have grown some shade.

·        Sow fall tomatoes indoors.

·        Make sure you have covered the soil with mulch to retain moisture and reduce plant stress.

·        Plant summer herbs such as basil, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme.

·        Plant trees, shrubs, and vines by the beginning of the month in order to benefit from a full summer season of growth.

·        Prune dead branches, or branches that compromise the growth or shape of trees or shrubs, but don’t do any severe pruning at this time.

·        Most established trees and shrubs will need weekly irrigation. Water slowly and deeply.

·        Water established non-native cacti once a week. Established native cactus such as prickly pear and ocotillo should be watered at least once a month (saguaro cactus should not need any supplemental water, unless recently planted). Container cacti may need watering up to twice a week.

Tracy McLaughlin

Manager

(520)294-2324

8210 S Nogales Hwy

Tucson, AZ  85756

www.qualitypottery.net

daily 9-5

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