Seems like 2024 is running faster than a jackrabbit. Here we are in March already, with so many fun projects ahead.
Of course, our outdoor spaces call us more stridently now. It's time to get our winter haze out of the garden and get our hands in the soil to bring forward what will become summer's bounty.
We grew up in the Sam Hughes neighborhood where, at this time of year, we'd see the asparagus spears rising from the depths of garden loam. The first to begin the season! But strawberries and over-wintered carrots also call for our attention.
It’s also a great time to invest in your soil in all kinds of ways (see our upcoming April issue for options). The other day we visited a local worm farm -- yes, that’s right -- where we picked up a quarter pound of red wiggler worms, some compost tea, and some extremely rich compost with worm cases (poop!) to amend the soil before the Spring planting season.
Meanwhile, the trees are filled with a chorus of birds. Mockingbirds are the noisy ones. But the shrill peep of the tanagers cut through here and there.
We're all finding our voice and purpose outdoors. It truly is one of the most glorious times in the Sonoran desert.
JEFF HERR, PUBLISHER @CATALINAFOOTHILLSLIFESTYLEJeff Herr | jeff.herr@citylifestyle.com
Megan Ewing | megan.ewing@citylifestyle.com
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
BJ Gibbons, Jeff Herr, Megan Ewing, Natali Medlin, Sybil Velarde
Unstoppable Construction, Canyon Cabinetry
Cord Jefferson, a Canyon Del Oro high-school graduate, has been nominated for an Oscar for his film “American Fiction” including for best-adapted screenplay. Also nominated for best film and original score.
“I just feel incredibly honored to be a part of this,” Jefferson said. “When you release anything, it’s a vulnerable experience, especially when it’s your first time. I am just incredibly grateful.”
Kellie Terhune Neely has been named the new General Chair for Angel Charity's 2024 Gala. Dawn Darling will serve as Vice Chair.
Neely recently retired from a successful career at Hughes Federal Credit Union. Dawn Darling has been a member of Angel Charity for 14 years.
As an all-volunteer organization, Angel Charity is the largest non-profit in Tucson dedicated to raising funds to benefit local children.
Angel Charity
Children’s Museum Tucson is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $35,000. This grant will support Art after Dark, the Museum’s monthly free arts program.
Art after Dark is a free, monthly arts program. The Art after Dark program aims to provide exposure and access to the amazing array of arts within our community.
There’s strength in numbers. That philosophy has long been embraced in every aspect of society. Today, that same philosophy applies to medical groups. When doctors shift from the private practice model to joining a network of physicians, they often improve the services they can offer their patients. Recently, four respected Tucson general surgeons, Dr. Katie Artz, Dr. Tiffany Son, Dr. Joseph DeVitis and Dr. Kelly Favre, who previously worked together, joined Carondelet Medical Group to form a new practice. Together, Carondelet Medical Group - Surgical Specialists is better able to meet the surgical needs of the community by offering collaborative care and surgical treatment options – all in one convenient location.
With a commitment to patient-centered care, this team of board-certified surgeons offers minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgical techniques to treat everything from breast surgery to hernia repair and gallbladder procedures to bariatric surgery for weight loss. With benefits such as less pain and scarring and a shorter recovery time over traditional surgeries, these minimally invasive procedures are designed to allow patients to quickly get back to the activities they love.
These doctors are dedicated to improving the health of the Tucson community and have established many longterm relationships with patients, their families and other physicians. “The long-term relationships that we have will certainly benefit our patients in so many ways, with strong communication between the physicians topping the list,” said Dr. Joseph DeVitis, a general surgeon. “But good communication doesn’t just exist between our surgeons. Each of these doctors—and all the physicians in our network— are committed to transparent communication with patients’ referring doctors. These doctors need to know what is going on with their patients to ensure continuity of care.”
Research from Harvard Medical School supports the idea that communication is key to good healthcare. An article published Jan. 3, 2023, in JAMA Internal Medicine states that, “… strategies that encourage the formation of stronger peer relationships among physicians can offer a level of continuity of care that is much harder to achieve outside of this type of system.”
Carondelet Medical Group embraces this philosophy. The physician network has served the greater Tucson area for over 100 years, providing a full spectrum of quality medical care to Southern Arizonans. Despite the size and breadth of the network, a commitment to communication remains strong. And while communication between physicians is essential, equally important is that which takes place between a doctor and their patient.
“No surgery is ever routine for us. However, what is routine is that every surgery starts with a conversation, so patients have the answers they need to feel comfortable moving forward,” said Dr. Tiffany Son, a general and bariatric surgeon. “We know that in addition to technology and skill, effective, clear communication leads to the best possible patient experience.”
While the medical community will always be excited to embrace innovative, new technologies and procedures, oldfashioned ideals like empathy and communication remain important in today’s premier medical practices.
Carondelet Medical Group - Surgical Specialists is conveniently located on Wilmot Road in Tucson and is affiliated with Carondelet Health Network.
The practice is currently accepting new patients and is committed to providing appointments in a timely manner.
Carondelet Medical Group - Surgical Specialists
1951 N. Wilmot Rd., Bldg. 2 Tucson, AZ 85712
To make an appointment for a surgical consultation, please call 520-795-5845. Visit CarondeletMedicalGroup.com to learn more.
To make an appointment for a surgical consultation, please call 520-795-5845. Visit CarondeletMedicalGroup.com to learn more.
Katie Artz, MD, FACS General Surgery
Tiffany Son, MD General and Bariatric Surgery
Joseph DeVitis, MD General Surgery
Kelly A. Favre, MD, FACS General Surgery
Beautiful, vast desert.
“ ”
Tucson's unique terrain and mild spring weather offer the ultimate playground for an active lifestyle.
Spring has arrived in Tucson, and as a local fitness professional, I'm thrilled to share why this season is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts in our vibrant city. Tucson's unique terrain and mild spring weather make it the ultimate playground for those seeking an active lifestyle. Whether you're into heart-pounding mountain biking, a leisurely round of golf, or the exhilaration of rock climbing, Tucson's got it all. Let's dive into why spring is the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors and elevate your fitness journey.
1. MOUNTAIN BIKING PARADISE:
For adrenaline junkies and fitness enthusiasts alike, Tucson's mountain biking trails are a dream come true. As the desert blooms with wildflowers, Fantasy Island beckons with its exhilarating singletrack loops. The 50-Year Trail in Catalina State Park offers a challenge for those craving a rugged adventure. Spring's comfortable temperatures make it the prime season to pedal through the stunning desert landscape, providing a dynamic workout for both body and soul.
2. GOLFING ZEN:
As a fitness professional, I understand the importance of low-impact activities that still deliver a solid workout. Tucson's golf courses, like Ventana Canyon and The Club at Skyline, provide the perfect setting for a fitness-focused round. Engage those core muscles, enjoy the scenic views, and soak in the mild spring weather as you perfect your swing. Golfing in Tucson isn't just a sport; it's a holistic fitness experience in the heart of our beautiful desert oasis.
3. ROCK CLIMBING THRILLS:
Rock climbing is more than a workout—it's a full-body challenge that pushes you to new heights. Tucson's local crags, including Mount Lemmon and Cochise Stronghold,
offer an array of routes for climbers of all levels. Spring's mild temperatures create an ideal environment for tackling challenging ascents without the extremes of summer heat. Unleash your inner climber, strengthen those muscles, and conquer the rocks against the breathtaking backdrop of our majestic mountains.
Springtime in Tucson isn't just about personal fitness goals; it's a chance to connect with our fitness community. Local biking events, golf tournaments, and climbing meet-ups bring us together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support. Join in the excitement, share your passion, and let the community spirit elevate your fitness journey to new heights.
Supporting local businesses is crucial, and our fitness community thrives during spring. From bike shops to golf instructors and climbing gyms, Tucson's local fitness businesses play a vital role in enhancing our outdoor experiences. Embrace the opportunity to invest in quality gear, seek expert guidance, and fuel your fitness journey with the support of our local fitness professionals.
As we spring into action, let Tucson be your fitness playground. Whether you're conquering trails, perfecting your swing, or scaling rocks, our city offers a diverse range of opportunities to elevate your fitness routine. Embrace the outdoor bliss, connect with the local fitness community, and let the spirit of Spring inspire a new chapter in your fitness journey right here in Tucson.
Natali Medlin is the owner and certified trainer at Built4This personal training at 615 W. Roller Coaster Rd.
“ ”
As we spring into action, let Tucson be your fitness playground.Out on the green. Grinding out the miles with smiles!
CREATE THESE RESTAURANT-WORTHY RECIPES IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN
ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE6-8 servings
It’s not uncommon for chefs to prepare their bouillabaisse based on the catch of the day. With that said, think of the ingredients list as a general guideline, particularly when it comes to the types of seafood required. Even if you don’t live on the French Riviera with access to beautiful Mediterranean fish, you can still put together a gorgeous bouillabaisse, just don’t skip the rouille — the spicy, garlicky sauce that makes this dish truly sing.
ingredients
Croutons:
• 12 to 16 baguette slices, ½ inch thick
• Three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• One garlic clove, halved
Soup:
• One live lobster, 1 to 1¼ pound
• Two large tomatoes peeled and coarsely chopped
• One large onion, chopped
• Four garlic cloves, chopped
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• One pound of potatoes boiled
• 1/3 cup fennel fronds, finely chopped
• One bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
• 1½ tablespoons coarse sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Nine cups of white fish broth
• Three pounds of any white fish fillets cut into 2-inch pieces
• ½ pound small clams, scrubbed
• ½ pound mussels, scrubbed and any beards removed
• ½ pound large shrimp in shell
Rouille:
• Three tablespoons water
• ¾ cup fresh breadcrumbs, preferably from a baguette, crust removed
• Three garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne
• Three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
directions
Croutons:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 250°F. Brush both sides of bread slices with oil, arranging in 1 layer in a shallow baking pan. Bake until crisp, about 30 minutes. Rub one side of each toast with a cut side of garlic.
Soup:
Plunge lobster headfirst into an 8-quart pot of boiling water, then cook, covered, for 2 minutes from when the lobster enters the water. Transfer lobster with tongs to a colander and let stand until cool enough to handle. Discard hot water. Put lobster in a shallow baking pan. Twist off claws with knuckles from the body, then crack claws with a mallet or rolling pin and separate claws from knuckles. Halve the body and tail lengthwise through the shell with kitchen shears, then cut crosswise through the shell into 2-inch pieces. Reserve lobster juices that accumulate in the baking pan.
Cook tomatoes, onion, and garlic in oil in a cleaned 8 quart pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until onion is softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, peel potatoes and cut into ½ inch cubes. Stir potatoes into tomatoes with fennel fronds, bay leaf, saffron, sea salt, and pepper. Add stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until potatoes are almost tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the thicker pieces of fish and clams to the soup and simmer, covered for two minutes. Stir in mussels, shrimp, lobster juices, and remaining fish. Simmer, covered, until they are just cooked through and mussels open wide, about 5 minutes. Stir three tablespoons broth from soup into rouille until blended.
Rouille:
Pour water over breadcrumbs into a bowl. Mash garlic to a paste with sea salt and cayenne using a mortar and pestle. Add moistened breadcrumbs and mash into garlic paste. Add oil in a slow stream, mashing and stirring vigorously with a pestle until combined well.
Arrange two croutons in each of the soup bowls. Carefully transfer fish and shellfish from soup to croutons with a slotted spoon, then ladle some broth with vegetables over seafood. Top each serving with one teaspoon rouille and serve the remainder on the side.
6 servings
This steak is traditionally cooked quite rare. Depending on preference, cook for a few more minutes on each side for medium rare.
• Three sprigs of rosemary
• Flaky sea salt
• Three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and more as needed
• 1 ½ inch Porterhouse steak, about 3 pounds
directions
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium. Remove the needles from one of the rosemary sprigs and finely chop. Sprinkle two teaspoons salt on the chopped rosemary needles and mix. Scrape the mix onto the knife's blade and into a small bowl. Stir in the olive oil to make a paste. Set aside.
Brush the steak with a little plain olive oil (not the oil-and-rosemary paste). Season lightly with salt. Place on the grill and cook until the underside is well charred about 10 minutes. Flip and cook the second side until charred, about 10 minutes more. Pick up the steak with tongs and turn it on its side to char the fat. It takes about 2 minutes. Turn and char the other side, two minutes more. The steak should read 115 to 120 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer in the center for rare.
Remove the steak to a cutting board and bunch up the two remaining rosemary sprigs to use as a brush. Brush the rosemary oil on both sides of the steak. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
4 servings
Store-bought meringue cookies and frozen berries make this elegant sundae come together in a snap. Serve it on one big plate with two spoons for a sweet ending to a perfect dinner.
ingredients
• One cup of frozen strawberries
• 2/3 cup frozen raspberries
• Six tablespoons dark brown sugar
• Six tablespoons Chambord liqueur
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 12-16 small meringue cookies
• Six large scoops of vanilla ice cream,
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Flaky sea salt
• Basil leaves
directions
Cook strawberries, raspberries, brown sugar, liqueur, pepper, and kosher salt in a small pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sauce is thickened, about 8 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Arrange cookies and ice cream scoop on a plate. Spoon berry sauce over ice cream, then top with oil, sea salt, and basil.
Note: sauce can be made one day ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill. Let come to room temperature before serving.
Sybil Velarde is our Food and Drink writer. She is a Cordon Bleutrained chef who offers in-home gourmet meals by delivery. Learn more: atsybilskitchen.com
The School of Ballet Tucson
Gears Up For Its 39th Annual Summer Workshop
ARTICLE BY MEGAN EWING PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCHOOL OF BALLET TUCSONAs another school year comes to a close and school break for summer vacation ahead, The School of Ballet Tucson and its Directors, Danielle and Liang Fu, prepare for the summer workshop, a four-week-intensive course for aspiring ballet dancers to develop their skills further.
February and March mark the beginning of audition season for this highly esteemed summer course, with students coming from all over the southwest to compete for a spot in the program. Established in 1986 and running every summer since, the program is held in cooperation with The University of Arizona School of Dance, allowing stu-
dents to train and perform in a large-scale, professional setting.
“To accommodate more students for the summer, we have a long-standing partnership with the University of Arizona, allowing access to 5 large studios for our students to use,” said Liang Fu.
This year, the workshop will be held from May 28 through June 22. The course offers training for intermediate and advancedlevel dancers, with a curriculum centering around ballet technique, pointe, jazz, and modern dance.
“You have four weeks to get to know these kids and give them everything you can,” said Danielle Fu.
Junior-level dancers, ranging from 9 to 12 years old, will dance 6 hours per day, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Seniorlevel dancers, ranging from 13 to 22 years old, can expect to dance 6 hours per day, Monday through Saturday. Although the schedule is rigorous, students will walk away with an in-depth knowledge of the art of dance and its principles.
“Each summer, we have two guest teachers who join us, and they each stay for a week so that also gives the kids something special to look forward to,” said Danielle Fu.
CONTINUED >
This year, internationally renowned choreographer Qi Jiang and professional ballet dancer Kara Zimmerman will each be teaching during the summer intensive, offering new insights to the students who attend the workshop.
The final performance is scheduled for June 22, allowing the students to show the community the skills they mastered during the summer intensive.
Are you an older dancer looking to sharpen your skills? Or perhaps you have a little one who has already realized their love of dance? The School of Ballet Tucson
teaches students ranging from 2 years old through 82 years old and offers summer programs for all ages at their studio located on Tucson Boulevard.
Running from June 3 through June 14, your little one can attend Kids Dance Camp. Each class lasts 3 hours, packed full of activities, with each week revolving around a different theme and a performance scheduled at the end of each week revolving around the theme. This year’s themes focus on The Little Mermaid and The Princess and the Frog. The Adult Summer Workshop also lasts from June 3 through June 14, allowing students to start or continue their dance training. The workshops fill quickly, so be sure to secure your spot in advance.
The School of Ballet Tucson offers something for everyone. So, strap on your dancing shoes and get ready to dance the days away this summer.
C e l e b r a t i n g t h e J o u r n e y , C o n t i n u i n g t h e L e g a c y .
In 2024, Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge proudly celebrates 40 years of excellence The support of the Tucson community has been pivotal to our success fostering a legacy of healthy living and shared experiences that connect our members and guests to the local culture, its welcoming people, and the breathtaking landscape We are grateful and excited to continue this journey together with you Here's to another 40 years!
ventanacanyonclub.com
BUILD A SMALL CASITA FOR GUESTS OR FAMILY. AND MAYBE INCOME?
Just below the roof is a multi-purpose loft for sleeping or storage.
And so it begins. A large load of lumber scoots passed the original historic home.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNSTOPPABLE CONSTRUCTION
Across southern Arizona, homeowners are building casitas — technically known as accessory dwelling units or ADUs — for adult children and elderly parents who want to age gracefully close to family and as short-term rentals and studios. Unstoppable Construction specializes in these types of projects. We sat down with Amanda Gattenby to learn more.
WHAT SIZE CASITAS ARE MOST COMMONLY BUILT IN ARIZONA?
Casitas are overwhelmingly used to house a member of the family or the extended family. The most popular size we see are studios and one-bedrooms, from 400-800 square feet.
WHAT WOULD BE THE LARGEST CASITA POSSIBLE UNDER CITY REGULATIONS? AND THE SMALLEST?
The City has a few ways to calculate size limits based on lot coverage or lot size, so the “largest” answer varies a lot. Generally, most are 1000 square feet or less. You could use a casita this size for an income property.
I have seen a really cute casita that is only 144 square feet and is permitted in the city of Tucson! That would be a perfect size for someone who is looking for a home office, or an extra guest room.
WHAT OTHER PROCESSES, REQUIREMENTS, OR RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT IN THE CITY OF TUCSON?
The City is developing a model plan library for casitas! It gives homeowners
a chance to purchase plans that are pre-approved. With a site plan that places the design on their specific property, there is a quick zoning review, and building permits can be available within a matter of weeks. Several of these plans are already available.
As far as requirements, a casita must have a cool roof and one parking space must be provided. The parking space can be on the street and even waived if you are within a quarter mile of a bike boulevard or a bus stop.
WHAT ABOUT BUILDING IN PIMA COUNTY?
Pima County recently updated its code! The minimum lot size is now 4,000 square feet, and the casita size is limited to only 70% lot coverage. This means they are getting more flexible CONTINUED >
On goes the roof. Classic historic design found across southern Arizona blends beautifully with the main, historic home. The interior taking shape! This project receives new stucco to integrate the carport-conversion casita with the existing home. In the Sam Hughes neighborhood and old shed comes down to make room for a new casita.with the size of the dwelling units as long as there is a minimum of 30% total open space on your lot.
There are other limitations in Pima County: you are not allowed to have separate utility meters, and casitas cannot be rented out. They are intended for multigenerational family living, workshops or other accessory uses, or non-paying guests.
HOW DOES BUILDING ADUS IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA COMPARE WITH, SAY, LOS ANGELES?
Before returning to Tucson, I was living in Los Angeles when the ADU ordinance passed there in 2016, and that’s what ignited my passion for this housing type. I built my first ADU out of a shipping container in Palm Springs that year. I have been advocating for them ever since. I believe it is an accessible form of affordable, in-fill housing that really can make an impact on the housing crisis. California had over 30,000 ADU permits in 2022.
Tucson is uniquely positioned; casitas are already part of our cultural lexicon and featured on many existing properties. Leaning into the casita as a multigenerational or affordable housing option embraces and celebrates what has historically existed here.
ARE THERE UNIQUE FURNISHINGS OR APPLIANCES USED TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE SMALLER FOOTPRINT OF A CASITA?
There are so many clever options for living smaller these days! From efficient kitchenette all-in-one units to multi-use storage loft spaces, there are countless ways to enjoy living in a casita under 600 square feet.
And don’t forget more roof space for rainwater harvesting or solar when thinking about getting the most out of your casita!
WHAT CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We recommend the materials that will work best for our client’s needs. For those most concerned with budget, wood frame and stucco are standard. It is the most efficient and fastest assembly method. Other clients place more importance on their desire for materials like brick or even straw bale wall panels. Coming from larger-scale construction backgrounds, Jon and I can build with any material or method, but we always recommend what is best for the project.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PRICING TO BUILD A CASITA?
The Barrio Viejo casita is 400 square feet and is coming in at just under $150,000. We are on schedule to finish it in just 3 months.
SHARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF ADUS YOU’VE BUILT TO ILLUSTRATE THE RANGE OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO HOMEOWNERS.
We’ve done a carport conversion in Rosemont West for a grandson to live in, an attached masonry structure for a growing family in Sam Hughes, and a detached casita in Barrio Viejo for a paramour. We have another carport conversion and another detached casita in the pipeline.
Our specialty — and the most traditional — is detached casitas. They are the most cost-efficient and least complicated to build.
Leaning into the casita as a multigenerational or affordable housing option embraces and celebrates what has historically existed here.
Jon explains to Juno that it's too soon to put in a doggie door.
ARTICLE
Many people postpone estate planning, thinking they will get to it later or believing the process is too expensive or cumbersome. For most people, their home is their largest asset, so it is essential to ensure it is titled properly so heirs can avoid probate if something happens.
On average, only one out of three of us have any level of estate planning. That leaves most people unprotected. Arizona law will dictate who gets your personal and real property if you don’t have any planning and are without a Will. And that probate process can take years.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER:
DO:
Look at how you hold the title to your home. If you have no will, trust, or beneficiary deed, it may not go to who you want it to go to.
DO:
Look at how you hold title to your investment property or rentals. Will you be liable if there is an accident and there is a judgment against you? Do you hold the title in a limited liability corporation (good!) or in your personal name (not so good)?
DO:
Consider setting up an LLC for each non-owner-occupied property you own to minimize your personal liability.
DO:
Consider what might happen if you remarried with children from a prior relationship. Who will get your assets? Real estate, bank accounts, grandma’s silver... Does your new spouse also have children from a prior relationship? How do you protect BOTH your new spouse and the best interest of your kids? Why do we avoid talking about this?
DO:
Review the stated beneficiaries of your real estate and other titled assets with every life change: marriage, divorce, death, babies, grandchildren, incapacity.
DO:
Review the direct beneficiaries of life insurance, IRAs, 401Ks, pensions, and other qualified accounts with every significant life change.
DO:
Understand what community property is and what the exceptions are. Inheritance, gifts, separate property, and assets you had before marriage are not community property and are excluded from division upon divorce (unless you commingled them).
DON’T:
Hold title to rentals or investment properties in your personal name.
DON’T:
Hold multiple investment properties in one single entity. To do so, you are creating more liability. Consider holding each asset in its own entity.
DON’T:
Put it off. You can always amend your estate plan. But once you are no longer of sound mind, or become incapacitated, you cannot create or amend your plan.
DON’T:
Be afraid to discuss an estate plan upon re-marriage. Believe me, your new partner is also thinking about the elephant in the room.
DON’T:
Purchase a property as joint tenants with an unstable partner.
KNOW:
Arizona statutes dictate who will get your personal and real property if you have no estate plan, and it may not be who you want it to be. To the nearly 80% of us who have no estate plan in writing — avoid this, and write it down.
KNOW:
All wills get probated. You can avoid probate by using living trusts or beneficiary deeds or by titling the property WROS (with right of survivorship).
KNOW:
If you have no estate plan and no living heirs, the state will end up with your assets.
KNOW:
A disclaimer deed is an effective and inexpensive vehicle to assure that a piece of property is your separate property and not subject to community property laws.
KNOW:
A notarized and recorded beneficiary deed is a simple, quick method of avoiding probate on a property by naming your beneficiaries directly on the deed itself.
KNOW:
James Dean, who died in a car crash at the age of 24, had no will and his entire estate passed to his father, who had abandoned him as a child. The estate earns about $5 million per year.
BJ Gibbons is a Tucson real estate broker, attorney, and instructor. In addition to dozens of other subjects, she teaches continuing education classes to realtors through the Hogan School of Real Estate, the Arizona School of Real Estate, and business courses on ‘Real Estate in Estate Planning: Is Your House in Order?’ And on ’10 Ways to Take Title to Real Estate in Arizona’, and another on ‘The Truth About Estate Planning in Real Estate.'
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.
For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.
Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. In short, we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.
What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.
Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.
Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”
Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”
Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!
MARCH 1ST
Tucson Convention Center Arena | 7:00 PM
With seven jaw-dropping traditional circus acts, all thrillingly adapted for Cirque du Soleil’s first foray into a brand new creative territory - the ice - CRYSTAL takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into the vivid and whimsical world of imagination. Runs through March 3. Matinee shows during the weekend.
MARCH 2ND
Fox Tucson Theatre | 7:30 PM
The Wailin’ Jennys Are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody, and Heather Masse — three distinct voices that together make an achingly perfect vocal sound.
The Wailin' Jennys have grown into one of today's most beloved international folk acts, starting as a happy accident of solo singer/ songwriters getting together for a one-time-only performance at a tiny guitar shop in Winnipeg.
MARCH 2ND
Untitled Gallery Tucson 101 W 6th St, Suite 121 | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
“Whispers in the Wind” Young Tohono O’odham and Yaqui Artists: Fransisco Fraire, Makaye Lewis, Seneca Ortega, Ju:ki Patricio, and Aray Ramon. The opening reception highlights art expressing ideas on mental health, the impact of border security, and facets of modern life.
MARCH 3RD
University Museum of Art - 1031 N. Olive | 10:00 AM
Annie Lopez is a storyteller. Informed by family history, remedies, and lived experiences as a Mexican-American and fourth-generation Phoenician, her stories are told with text and images through her signature cyanotype prints. Origin Story highlights two main bodies of the artist’s work: her dress forms and the Storybook series. Recurring weekdays from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM through June 7.
MARCH 3RD
2106 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 103 11:00 AM
Save a seat at the Hamilton Distillers tasting room — home of the award-winning Whiskey Del Bac! We offer public tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 7:30 PM through May 26. You'll receive a full tour of the distillery -- and optional tastings -- to see how we make some of America's favorite American single malts.
MARCH 3RD
Center for Creative Photography - 1030 North Olive Road | 10:00 AM
In Pictures for Charis, American photographer Kelli Connell reconsiders the relationship between writer Charis Wilson and photographer Edward Weston by closely examining Wilson’s prose and Weston’s iconic photographs. This exhibition features recent portrait and landscape photographs by Connell and classic figure studies and landscapes by Weston from 1934–1945, one of his most productive periods. Through August 10.
MARCH 3RD
Leo Rich Theater - 260 S. Church | 3:00 PM
Arizona Friends of Chamber Music (AFCM) is thrilled to present the 30th annual festival, a week of chamber music with favorite returning artists and dynamic new artists, under the co-founder and Artistic Directorship of cellist Peter Rejto, promising a wealth of innovative repertoire, both old and new, through March 10. Check performance times online.
MARCH 8TH
Rillito Regional Park - 4502 N 1st Avenue | 4:30 PM
Double Grammy nominees Midland have sought to reintroduce the Western plains, Laurel Canyon-cum-Bakersfield, and Lone Star juke joints to Country music since coming together at a friend’s wedding over common influences and the need for a return to this sort of post-Urban Cowboy country. Opening acts perform starting at 5:00 PM.
MARCH 8TH
9 Plaza Rd in Tubac | 10:00 AM
Southern Arizona has one of the most robust and exciting art scenes in the United States. One avenue for investigating the exceptional work of our artists from Sahuarita to Nogales is the Open Studio Tour. Visit the studios of over 50 local artists in Amado, Green Valley, Tubac, Tumacacori, and Rio Rico. Daily until 4:00 PM through March 10.
MARCH 14TH
Fox Tucson Theatre | 7:30 PM
With a legendary career spanning five decades, Kansas has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. This “garage band” from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold, who worked for Don Kirshner and has gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide.
MARCH 22ND
Leo Rich Theater | 7:00 PM
Ballet Tucson closes its season with four diverse and dynamic works. Known for his uplifting and energetic style, American choreographer Kiyon Ross brings Sum Stravinsky, a charming tutu ballet with a twist. The Ballet Tucson premiere of The Piano Dance delivers a unique blend of athleticism, grace, and humor, highlighted by a brilliant piano solo. Through March 24. Times vary.
MARCH 24TH
Rialto Theatre | 8:00 PM
Embark on a 60-year musical legacy with Arizona Arts Live as we welcome Ladysmith Black Mambazo, five-time Grammy winners, spreading messages of peace and love. With a deep respect for cultural and personal history, they return for an evening of uplifting South African rhythms and harmonies featuring isicathamiya, a traditional music style developed in South African mines.
Tax season means your donation is fully eligible for one of Arizona’s many charitable credits. Your gift supports Intermountain’s work with more than 20,000 patient members every year across Tucson and the state!
Our Areas of Impact
Mental Health
K-12 Autism Academy
Homelessness
Addiction and Substance Use
Foster Care
