Catalina Foothills, AZ August 2023

August is a strange month.

We are still deep in the heart of summer, but eyes and thoughts slowly turn toward the months ahead with schools back in session and work life back to the normal tempo. Last-minute jaunts come about to squeeze in one more adventure and we turn the corner with excitement for what lies ahead.

For the team at Catalina Foothills magazine, it's also a time for change.

Megan Ewing, our fantastic editor, graduated from the University of Arizona and has embarked on her career journey as a journalist. Congratulations! Not to worry. Her grace under pressure and skills with words and images will continue to put together this labor of love for you, dear readers.

One of our most exceptional writers, Anna Maynard, has also just graduated from the U of A. Her gifts with words and phrases will continue to elevate our work, bringing love and appreciation to our foothills life.

Meanwhile, Jessica Bush has joined the team, helping build brands for our advertising clients while expanding our social-media presence. Welcome, Jessica. John Aguinaldo also joins the team to bring additional support to our clients and readers. Welcome, John. Sybil Velarde continues with her passionate and inspiring recipes and articles as in the past. She is amazing.

Please know we are all deeply dedicated to sharing the stories that make the Catalina Foothills such a special place to live, work, play, and love. With gratitude, we do this for you!

Thank you for the opportunity!

JEFF HERR, PUBLISHER @CATALINAFOOTHILLSLIFESTYLE

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Jeff Herr | jeff.herr@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Megan Ewing | megan.ewing@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Anna Maynard | anna.maynard@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT

John Aguinaldo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Megan Ewing, Anna Maynard, Sybil Velarde

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ari Adams, Mindy Burnett, Sybil Velarde

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @catalinafoothillslifestyle

1-7: Hundreds of agave fans gathered June 17th at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort for the annual World Margarita Championship, featuring spirited cocktail competitions, tastings of world-class tequilas, along with cuisine of the southwest, and more.

THE

Commitment is an understatement when it comes to building relationships with clients. With more than 20 years experience in the Tucson market, I pride myself on providing my clients with the utmost knowledge, professionalism, and responsiveness.

When working with Buyers & Sellers I will always be honest and forthright about the market, home values, and what it will take to make that excellent first impression. It is my duty to make sure I am representing my client’s best interest. My negotiating skills and ability to build trusted relationships is what facilitates a successful close. It would be my pleasure to be of assistance to you!

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AUGUST

local experiences

Okay, so let's get serious about the best spots for frozen and sweet mid-afternoon treats! The crowds are down. The heat is up. Seems like a perfect solution. Enjoyed on the porch. With a monsoon afoot.

SCREAMERY ICE CREAM: Screamery Ice Cream on Speedway near Tucson Boulevard makes everything from scratch. Enjoy wonderful flavors to sample. Can't choose? Get a flight of six servings. Don't miss Sweet Cream Honeycomb! 2545 E. Speedway, Tucson, Arizona 85716

BLUE ICE GELATO: Blue Ice Gelato is great when you want something cool, slightly sweet, and crisp. Like Spicy Mango or Italian Thin Mint gelato. Good people, too. 6878 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, Arizona 85750

CHANGE IT UP: Change it up at Delicias Michoacan. A drive almost to DM. Old memories flood back. Enjoy vanilla ice cream dipped in strawberry shell.

REVIVE FRESH BOWLS AND CREAMERY: Revive Fresh Bowls and Creamery has a wide array of tasty goods beyond icy treats. Acai bowls are top shelf. Lots of other options! 6890 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, Arizona 85750

PELICAN'S SNOBALLS: Imagine a shaved-ice snowball that is soft, fluffy, and comes in 100 flavors? Way better than silly snow cones: the powdery joy of ice. 919 N. Stone Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85705

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Kids in the Kitchen

Whether you’re looking for an extra set of hands to help you meal prep or you have a little one that loves to help in the kitchen, these easy, delicious, family-friendly recipes are the perfect way to get your kids cooking!

Cream Cheese and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS

• 8 slices of bread

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature

• 2-3 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS

Spread cream cheese on 4 slices of bread, then top with strawberries. Top now with the other slices of bread.

Beat together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla in a shallow bowl. Dip the sandwiches in this mix, coating both sides of the sandwich.

Melt the butter in a pan. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown on both sides. Serve each slice drizzled with the maple syrup.

TASTY DISHES EVEN THE LITTLES WILL LOVE!

Frankfurter-Bacon Spirals

YIELDS 8 INGREDIENTS

• 8 hot dog rolls

•  8 frankfurters

• 8 pieces American cheese, 2 inches by 1/4 inch

• 8 slices bacon

DIRECTIONS

Wrap rolls in foil and heat in the oven. Make a 2 inch slit in each frankfurter, and insert the cheese. Wrap a slice of bacon spirally around each frankfurter, and fasten at each end with a toothpick.

Place on rack in a broiler pan in oven with frankfurters 3 inches away from broiling unit. Broil 5 minutes on each side, or until bacon is  lightly browned. Remove toothpicks, and place the sausage-bacon spirals in hot rolls.

Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS

• 8 slices of bread

• 4 bananas, sliced in half crosswise, and then in half again

• 1/2 banana, mashed

• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter

• 2-3 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

Combine cream cheese, peanut butter, 1/2 banana, honey and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth. Spread 4 slices of bread with it.

Melt the butter in a frying pan at medium-high heat. Place the bananas in and sauté until caramelized (3-4 minutes). Place the banana on top of the peanut butter bread slices. Cover with the remaining slices of bread. Wipe the sauté pan, place the sandwiches in it and cook until golden brown on each side. Serve the sandwich sliced in half diagonally.

ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE

S’More Ice Cream Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

• 12 crackers, graham crackers recommended

• 8 ounces chocolate frosting

• 4 ounces marshmallow cream

• 1 pint ice cream

DIRECTIONS

Lay the crackers face down on a large baking sheet. Spread 1 tablespoon of chocolate frosting onto 6 squares and 1 tablespoon f marshmallow cream on the other 6.

Cut the cardboard container of the ice cream to release the block of ice cream on top of a work surface. Using a knife, slice the ice cream into squares that will fit the crackers. Lay each square of ice cream onto the crackers with the chocolate frosting. Now, take the marshmallow sides (face down) and place over the ice cream, pressing down a little, forming the sandwiches.

Freeze immediately for at least 4 hours. Then, you can wrap them in foil and place in a freezer bag in the freezer.

GILA DAY SPA.

There is something about being in The Gila Wilderness that makes us feel at ease, forgeting about all of our troubles and being in the moment to experience the beauty of the world around us.

ARTICLE BY ANNA MAYNARD

U OF A'S FIRST CLASS OF VETERINARIANS

One such student is Melinda Pazel. She knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian from the time she was a toddler, telling everyone she would be an “animal doctor” when she grew up.

After attending her interview with the newly-opened College of Veterinary Medicine, the East Coast native was ready to join the Wildcat family, drawn by the passion of faculty, staff, and other students.

STUDENTS BECOME PROS WITH HANDS-ON HELP AROUND TUCSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARI ADAMS, MINDY BURNETT

As the inaugural class of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine approaches graduation, its students are eager to begin providing care to our furry friends.

Under the direction of Dean Julie Funk, the continuous structure of the three-year program keeps the students’ skills sharp while also offering an accelerated path to a professional veterinary career. Whereas other veterinary programs have a teaching hospital for their students to learn in a more controlled environment, the University of Arizona uses a distributive model, outsourcing their students to local veterinary clinics for real-world situations, not just scenarios.

For many students, Dean Funk says that she knows working as a veterinarian has been their dream from a young age.

“I’m always really emotional thinking about the day we celebrate the class of graduating students,” Dean Funk said. “Many of them have been dreaming of being a veterinarian since they were young children.”

“Considering it was brand new, it was run very well and everyone was personable and genuinely pleasant to interact with. Underneath that though, you could tell how excited they were that we were there; the environment was infectious,” Pazel said.

According to her, the program met her needs not just educationally, but financially and mentally as well. The third-year student has entered her clinical rotations, taking her learning from the classroom to local veterinary practices. Pazel says that she’s been able to get a taste of how being a veterinarian really is while still having a safety net provided by established professionals.

“My rotations have allowed me to do research, communicate and educate clients, work with specialists one-on-one, and perform procedures many veterinarians don’t get to do until years after graduation,” Pazel said. “There is nothing that can truly prepare someone to become a veterinarian, but U of A works to make us as prepared as possible.”

Pazel certainly isn’t the only student feeling the positive impact of the program’s early success.

Ari Adams pursued a pre-vet degree during her undergraduate years at the University of Arizona. By the time she was ready to graduate, the College of Veterinary Medicine was up and running.

A Small Army of New Veterinarians

For her, continuing her education at the University of Arizona was a no-brainer.

“I was really intrigued by the hands-on and visual learning aspects of the program. I felt that it really catered to my way of learning and it fostered a sense of collaboration, which is very important in the veterinary field,” Adams, another third-year student in the program, said.

Adams was able to experience true collaboration during her clinical rotations by assisting understaffed veterinary clinics, offering muchneeded support while still gaining invaluable learning experience.

One of her focuses, she says, is helping low-income clients access the care their pets need. According to her, the real-world learning experience that the University of Arizona provides its veterinary students has shown her how to provide care regardless of income.

“We are taught the gold standard of medicine, but we also need to learn how to help people,” Adams said.

Students participate in a mobile vet clinic during their senior year, assisting the local Humane Society with spaying and neutering animals, according to Adams.

Both Pazel and Adams said that their time in the College of Veterinary Medicine helped to

Wildcats

Cat

Purr

show them the “why” of their own veterinary practices, igniting in both of them a sense of purpose and a drive to learn.

“I have found out more about myself since I started at the UofA; I learned how I study best, what I want out of myself as a clinician, and what values are most important to me. Becoming a doctor – especially for someone who has repeatedly said ‘I want to be a vet when I grow up’ – is the final hurdle; in that, you often find out who you are as a human being,” Pazel remarked.

Pazel and Adams left behind a piece of advice for students who are interested in applying for the program – you get out what you put into it. As the two approach their next step in their veterinary careers, they both believe that the College of Veterinary Medicine has done more than enough to set them up for success.

Kaitlyn Benally Donning the White Coat As a Newly Minted Veterinarian

U of A Giving Rise to the Next Generation of Vets

Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor. Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor

run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Chillin at the Chul

TOHONO CHUL | 5:00 PM

Every Friday and Saturday evening through Sept. 2. Chill down in the gardens in the shade of mature trees. Settle back and enjoy live music, refreshing spirits, and light bites!  Saturdays are family-friendly as we’ve partnered with the Children’s Museum of Oro Valley to provide nature play to keep kids entertained while parents relax.

The Vault Show

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA MUSEUM OF ART | 10:00 AM

Show runs through Sept. 30th.

The UAMA collection of approximately 7,000 works of art that span many centuries and cultures. The Vault Show  creates an opportunity to bring artworks out of storage and showcase selections from the permanent collection.

Each UAMA staff member selected between one and four works of art ranging from realistic and figural to surreal and abstract.

Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival

COCHISE COLLEGE SIERRA VISTA CAMPUS | 9:00 AM

This family-friendly event features expertly guided field trips, a pre-festival Jamboree, free programs, including some new ones for kids. There will be exhibitors, vendors, live animals, and a keynote buffet dinner.

The small-group field trips with expert guides will be both car-caravan style as well as in group vans to more distant or less accessible locations. See website for details.

Gipsy Kings Featuring Nicola Reyes

DESERT DIAMOND CASINO - SAHUARITA | 7:00 PM

Performance begins at 8 p.m. In the past three decades, they have dominated the world music charts and sold more than 14 million albums worldwide. Their platinum compilation, The Best of the Gipsy Kings, was charting for over a year upon its release. Their ninth studio album, Savor Flamenco, was awarded the Grammy for Best World Music Album in 2013.

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON - TUCSON REID PARK | 10:00 AM

The spectacular biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert and the Sky Island mountains comes alive during the summer monsoon rains.  The Southeast Arizona Birding Festival offers expert-guided birding, wildlife, cultural field trips; photography and bird-ID workshops; free nature presentations, vendors, and activities.   Events continue through Aug. 13th. Times and programs vary. Please see Tucson Audubon's website for details.

#IMOMSOHARD Ladies Night

FOX TUCSON THEATRE | 7:30 PM

#IMOMSOHARD began as a popular web series by real-life best friends, comedians, and moms Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedly. The comedians have sold-out two national tours, written a New York Times Best Selling autobiographical book and children’s book with Harper Collins, and taped a standup comedy special for Amazon Prime Video, launching the network’s first standup comedy platform.

AUGUST 12TH

Green Chile Roast

APPLE ANNIE'S FARM, 6405 W. WILLIAMS ROAD IN WILLCOX | 8:00 AM

Also open August 13, 19, and 20. Best green chiles in the southwest!  Pick your own from vast fields of fresh and meaty green chiles. Take home a 50 pound burlap sack of fresh-picked tasties. They will be roasted for free right in front of you!  Try free samples of each flavor of our chilies, mild, medium, and hot.

AUGUST 15TH

Chicago Live in Concert

TUCSON MUSIC HALL | 7:00 PM

Chicago returns to the Tucson Music Hall.  The legendary rock ‘n’ roll band with horns came in as the highest-charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 Artists of All Time.  The band recently received The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the GRAMMYS. Chicago was inducted into the 2016 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

AUGUST 19TH

Breeze in the Trees 5K Run

1625 E. SAHUARITA ROAD SAHUARITA | 7:00 AM

A cool summer 5K run through the shady Green Valley Pecan Farm orchards, preparing runners for the Pecan Classic in November. The course is on dirt roads and trails through the pecan orchards, giving runners a unique opportunity to see the farm and enjoy the most amazing summer running experience.  No dogs are allowed on the course. Register online in advance.

Did you know that once your child or grandchild turns 18, you no longer have access to their medical records or the ability to talk with their doctors? It can be a scary thought, but there’s a solution. By creating a health care directive, your young adult can grant you or other family members the power to make medical decisions on their behalf and view their records if they’re unable to do so themselves. Whether they’re headed off to college or starting their career, having this important document in place will provide peace of mind for everyone involved. Make sure your young adult has this essential tool before it’s too late.

Wendy Harn Attorney & Partner

EVENTS

CONTINUED

AUGUST 19TH

Tucson's Official 248th Birthday Fiesta

PRESIDIO SAN AGUSTÍN DEL TUCSON MUSEUM - 196 N COURT AVE | 6:00 PM

Continues until 9 p.m.  The annual tradition to “Celebrate All Things Scuk-son / Tucson” is held on the day that is the official founding of modern-day Tucson. This free fiesta is held at the Presidio Museum. Enjoy food, drinks, and cultural performances to recognize the City of Tucson’s official founding.  Folklorico dancing, Waila music, family activities, food, and fun!

AUGUST 28TH

"DeGrazia's Beggers" Showing

DEGRAZIA'S GALLERY IN THE SUN MUSEUM | 10:00 AM

The exhibition runs through Jan. 24, 2024.

In 1940, Tucson artist Ted DeGrazia began a series of beggar paintings that would continue until his death in 1982.  "DeGrazia’s Beggars" is a selection of paintings that traces the evolution of the artist’s artistic style and approach to the subject across four decades.

AUGUST 31ST La Encantada Gem

Show

LA ENCANTADA SHOPPING CENTER | 10:00 AM

A Senior Living Option as Unique as You.

La Posada, southern Arizona’s award-winning Life Plan Community, is bringing its commitment to excellence to Oro Valley. Finely appointed, maintenance-free apartment homes. Stunning mountain views. An oasis of first-class amenities to enjoy with friends, old and new. All at an incomparable, wellness-centered community in the heart of nature.

Connect with our retirement counselors at an upcoming informative lunch to hear about the latest construction updates, delicious restaurant-style dining experiences and the long-term security of our Life Lease and more.

Please join us for an upcoming luncheon and informative presentation on a date and location that is convenient for you:

ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

SADDLEBROOKE

Friday, July 21

Friday, August 18

La

Posada