PONDEROSA CACTUS
Gliding Into Fall
Thinking back to those early days as an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona, the month of August still sends little tremors through my mind and spirit. August meant classes would soon resume, and summer road trips would be more limited to a few days at best.
It also meant that tuition would soon be due and that I'd be looking for a few more hours at Gentle Ben's to cover college expenses. (Though it was painful pulling $450 from a tattered wallet for tuition, that seems completely impossible for students today.)
But August also meant that football was about to start at Arizona Stadium. Young women in dresses and heels would be running through campus streets from one sorority to the next during rush (recalls the aging young man today).
How would the semester unfold, with new professors, syllabus handouts, fellow students assembled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the brisk walk to the next class with a quick stop at Louie's Lower Level for a chorizo burrito?
The months ahead were unknowable. But that was part of the excitement. What major twist of fate would demand some fresh adaptation, some new approach to a challenge previously unknown in the 20-something brain?
Fortunately for the young, the brain was more flexible, still forming from the frontal lobe to the cerebellum. Optimism trumped fear, and each day held the potential for greatness—or at least a good deal on a cheesesteak from Greasy Tony's.
August. The month of new beginnings on campus. And around town. A wandering monsoon cloud would still show up from time to time. And then there was that freshman, Katy, who, by October, would be the only thing the young man could think about. Classes? Lacrosse practice? Important but not that important.
Today, Kate sits at the dining room table, resolving yet another challenge with our growing software company. We remember when our daughters passed through the same campus halls as us decades earlier. The seasons of life yielded new experiences and lessons hard-earned. From them and us, their parents.
August. What a time.
So here's wishing you and yours happy surprises and urgent new developments that reshape everything. Change is hard. Change is essential. So good luck and snap on that chin strap for what comes next.
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Jeff Herr | jeff.herr@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Megan Ewing | Megan.ewing@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jeff Herr, Lisa Moyer, Alexandra Peters
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Julie Farbarik, Janie Jones, Nicci Radhe, Frank Staub
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
Desert Impressions...With Love From Prague!
Beat Back Buffelgrass
Intermountain Centers’ Project Reduces Emergency Room Visits and Readmissions
The first round of data from Project Readmission Disrupt, a new initiative aimed at reducing unnecessary visits to the emergency room, found a 38% decrease in emergency department visits over the course of nine months and a 66% decrease in in-patient readmissions, a result that has saved AHCCCS and the healthcare system hundreds of thousands of dollars in what would otherwise be improperly utilized resources. Patient engagement and communication were part of the big impact.
Catalina Foothills School District Raises Substitute Teacher Pay
Substitute teachers across Catalina Foothills School District will see an increase in pay as the district works to be more competitive against higher-wage offerings at nearby districts. Short-term assignments (1-20 days) now are paid $140 a day. Assignments of 21 days or more are now $160 a day. A long-term substitute -- not just a temporary fill-in -- will receive $175 daily starting the first day.
U of A Receives $1 million from Google for Cybersecurity Clinic
Local businesses and non-profits will have access to free cybersecurity services and support from the university's Cyber Security Clinic, which will be based at its Sierra Vista campus.
The College of Applied Science and Technology was recently awarded $1 million from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund to establish the clinic, which will provide free digital security services to organizations.
The U of A is among 15 universities that will be launching Cyber Security Clinics this year.
Exciting new water-treatment solutions for the foothills, including Ultra-Fine Bubble technology that injects millions of tiny bubbles, enhancing oxidation and disinfection. We also apply ozone, a powerful oxidizer and disinfectant 3,000 times more effective than chlorine.
DESERT IMPRESSIONS... WITH Love FROM PRAGUE!
A business trip to Arizona in 2018 sparked Aneta Hebrova's interest in the region's unique cultures. This place we call home is quite unique. Her experience here transformed into a mission of sorts: to bring the network of people and places she encountered to the world, to bridge cultures, and to share her experiences through her fresh eyes.
In 2024, she published her first book, "Essence of Tucson: The Story," which captures her experiences and insights into Tucson's spirit. Here is an interview with Aneta.
AS SOMEONE FROM PRAGUE, WHAT WERE YOUR INITIAL IMPRESSIONS OF THE LANDSCAPES IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA? DID ANY PARTICULAR NATURAL FEATURES STAND OUT TO YOU?
The landscape felt incredibly exotic to me. Witnessing thousands of saguaros illuminated by the vibrant orange glow of the setting sun was nothing short of jaw-dropping. I found myself in a state of awe, which is not something that happens every day.
Over time, you do become more accustomed to the beauty of the desert, but I make a conscious effort to recall that initial impression. The scenery seemed almost surreal, like a painting or a scene from a dream. It was a moment when the natural world
appeared so vivid and captivating that it was hard to believe it was real.
IN YOUR BOOK, YOU DELVE INTO THE CULTURES OF DIFFERENT REGIONS. HOW DID THE CULTURES YOU ENCOUNTERED IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA COMPARE TO THOSE IN PRAGUE?
Prague, with its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene, exudes timeless tradition. Its medieval charm and cobblestone streets create a rich cultural atmosphere.
In contrast, southern Arizona's culture is shaped by Native American, Hispanic, and Western influences. Festivals, cuisine, and customs reflect adaptation to the desert environment. While Prague's urban settings influence its culture, southern Arizona's vast landscapes and dramatic sunsets foster a lifestyle deeply connected to nature.
ARTICLE BY JEFF HERR PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ANETA HEBROVA
A Surprise Tucson Encounter Became an Expedition to Bridge Many Cultures
“The Yaqui tribe particularly impressed me. Their tribal ceremonies highlighted the profound importance of community, where everyone comes together to provide food, support, and tribal belonging.”
SOUTHERN ARIZONA IS KNOWN FOR ITS DIVERSE DEMOGRAPHICS. WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC INTERACTIONS WITH LOCAL PEOPLE THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU?
Absolutely. Everyone I met and included in the book left a lasting impression on me. Jim Griffith was a truly special person, and I feel grateful to have met him before he passed away.
The Yaqui tribe particularly impressed me. Their tribal ceremonies highlighted the profound importance of community, where everyone comes together to provide food and support. In such a close-knit environment, it's difficult to hide issues like domestic abuse, unlike in the more anonymous Western settings.
The Yaqui's sense of community, support, and safety network is incredibly inspiring. Their customs and traditions bind them together in a way that is deeply relevant and valuable in today's world.
WHAT ASPECTS OF DAILY LIFE IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA SURPRISED YOU THE MOST, ESPECIALLY COMPARED TO YOUR EXPERIENCES IN PRAGUE?
The almost complete absence of sidewalks and the fact that people don’t walk were quite surprising to me. I missed walking a lot. In Prague, public transport is a mix of students, elderly people, and even business professionals, and the city is designed for walking. In contrast, Tucson is designed for driving.
Additionally, the large number of homeless people in public parks was striking. This was something I hadn't encountered to such an extent in Prague.
COULD YOU DESCRIBE A MOMENT OR A SCENE THAT YOU FOUND PARTICULARLY EMBLEMATIC OF THE UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA?
Riding a horse at the White Stallion Ranch and watching the sunsets from the canyons in the Santa Catalina Mountains were particularly emblematic moments. The vast, open landscape, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, perfectly captured southern Arizona’s unique atmosphere.
HOW DID THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF THE REGION INFLUENCE YOUR PERCEPTION OF THE LANDSCAPES AND COMMUNITIES YOU EXPLORED?
Learning about the Native American tribes, such as the Yaqui, and their deep connection to the land made me appreciate the region's natural beauty even more. This land is sacred to them, embodying their spiritual and cultural heritage.
The Hispanic influence, with its vibrant festivals and communal gatherings, highlighted the emphasis on family and community. With its cowboy culture and ranching history, the Western heritage added a sense of ruggedness and resilience.
Overall, the blend of these diverse heritages made me see the landscapes as living histories, where every mountain, canyon, and saguaro tells a story.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA AND THOSE IN YOUR HOMELAND?
Prague and Tucson are both similar and contrasting in many ways. They are of comparable
CONTINUED >
“Learning about the Native American tribes, such as the Yaqui, and their deep connection to the land made me appreciate the region’s natural beauty even more.”
size, but Prague has a massive city center, while Tucson's consists of just a few streets. Prague is built around the Vltava River, whereas Tucson has the Rillito Wash. Both cities serve as cultural crossroads, but their natural environments are starkly different. Prague’s lush greenery and historic architecture contrast with Tucson’s arid desert landscape, haciendas, and sprawling layout.
WERE THERE ANY CHALLENGES OR SURPRISES YOU FACED WHILE RESEARCHING AND WRITING ABOUT THIS REGION, ESPECIALLY BEING A VISITOR FROM PRAGUE?
Starting from scratch was actually easier in many ways. A few years ago, I didn't even know Tucson existed, and being a visitor made every day feel like a vacation. I was constantly fascinated and curious. This fresh perspective allowed me to see the region with a sense of wonder and discovery that might be harder to maintain as a local.
AS AN AUTHOR, WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK ABOUT SOUTHERN ARIZONA? HOW DID YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES SHAPE THE NARRATIVE?
I hope readers come away with a deep appreciation for the sacredness of the land, not just in southern Arizona but everywhere. Our time on this earth is limited, and recognizing the sanctity of the land helps us connect more profoundly with our environment and heritage. My personal experiences in
southern Arizona shaped the narrative by bringing to life the concept of the hero's journey, demonstrating that it is not just a theoretical framework but a real, transformative path that anyone can undertake.
LASTLY, WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WILL NEVER FORGET ABOUT YOUR TIME SPENT IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA, AND HOW HAS THIS EXPERIENCE INFLUENCED YOU PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?
The sense of adventure and deep connection to the natural land is something I will never forget. I believe that this connection is more powerful than we often realize. My time in southern Arizona pushed me to learn many new skills and embrace challenges, helping me grow both personally and professionally. I hope that I have become a better version of myself because of this transformative experience.
About the Author: Aneta Hebrova holds a Master's degree in Economics and Management from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. Her career began at Deloitte, where she gained valuable experience. In 2016, she co-authored the Prague Green City Guide, highlighting her commitment to sustainable living. This is her first solo book (which was recently named finalist in the International Book Awards this year).
Since 2017, Aneta has worked as a freelance research and marketing consultant on various projects. Outside of work, Aneta enjoys traveling, staying active with sports, and reading literature and business-related books.
Reimagine Your Best Years
La Posada at Pusch Ridge is more than retirement living, it’s retirement thriving. Imagine waking up in the shadow of the brilliant Catalina Mountains, ready to embrace every day with a community that fuels your mind, body and spirit.
We’re redefining senior living with a vibrant Life-Plan community designed to keep you active and connected. Think resort-style amenities, a focus on wellbeing and a calendar overflowing with social opportunities.
La Posada at Pusch Ridge is a home to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself and forge lasting friendships. It’s time to reimagine your best years.
OPENING SPRING 2025
1
Tuesday, September 3 Tuesday, August 6 Tuesday, September 10
BB BEAUTY LOUNGE EMSCULPT
BB Beauty Lounge offers a comprehensive suite of FDA-approved services designed to enhance beauty, confidence, and overall well-being. One of BB Beauty Lounge's distinguishing features is its unwavering focus on the medical aspect of aesthetic services. Led by a team of experienced and highly qualified medical professionals, the spa ensures that every procedure is conducted with precision, safety, and efficacy.
For those seeking a transformative and medicallybacked beauty experience, BB Beauty Lounge emerges as a top choice, embodying the perfect fusion of artistry and expertise in the pursuit of timeless beauty.
Emsculpt uses electromagnetic energy to cause the muscles to contract quicker and more intensely than what can be achieved through sit-ups or a CrossFit routine. Emsculpt’s highly focused HIFEM® energy helps build firm muscle and reduce fat cells up to 30% at the same time, in a 30-minute session.
For the best results we recommend you have 4 to 6 sessions, 1x/week. One session is the equivalent to 20,000 sit-ups or 20,000 squats during this non-invasive and FDA approved treatment, now offered at BB Beauty Lounge!
Applicable areas include abdomen, glutes, thighs, biceps, triceps, calves
YEARS OF BEING FIRST.
Escape the summer heat and explore the three-million-acre Gila Wilderness, celebrating 100 years in 2024. Silver City has a pleasant climate, abundant sunshine, 339 species of birds, five life zones, and enough precipitation to transform the high desert hillsides into a gorgeous, lush landscape that’s cool from summer through fall.
W A T C H THEM GROW
The days are long, but the years go fast. So they say with raising children. I have to agree with that sentiment. Each year as summer ends I find myself looking at my kids and reminding myself to “Watch them grow!” Both as a reminder to not miss the growth (with all the distractions and responsibilities that adult life brings) but also as reflection on how far they’ve come since the last time we turned the calendar page to August. Whether there are children in your life or not, I’m sure we can all agree that childhood is fleeting. Instead of stopping to smell the roses, I need to remind myself to “stop and watch them grow”—you can’t see it if you stare, but you’ll surely miss it if you blink! It helps me to set aside intentional time to be present with these fast little growers.
For us that looks like setting a special table to spend time sharing (or drawing) how we’ve seen them grow over the summer before jumping back into school routines. Making DIY game boards together and then having a family game night. Making snow cones for an after-dinner treat or, for a bigger wow factor, for breakfast! They will never forget that one, I promise. (Psst! my snow cones are made with fruit juice so it’s Mommy approved too!)
As August rolls in and the calendar tells us that it’s time for back-to-school shopping, the weather does not usually agree that the times are changing. I find that it’s such
a weird dance between what looks like the change of seasons when I open my calendar but not when I walk out my back door (heat wave!). On one hand, we’re still in full throttle of blazing temperatures in the Midwest and with no end in sight. At the same time, being thrown into back-to-school shopping, Meet-the-Teacher nights, resuming the regiment of packing school lunches, and if you’re a homeschool parent, all the to-do lists and lesson plans in order to launch into another school year. As we find ourselves
with one foot in summer and the other in a classroom, how do we embrace and (dare I say) celebrate this month? Instead of feeling ungrounded in the juxtaposition of August, I am inviting myself, and anyone who would join me, to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the in-between seasons that this month brings. My hope is that these ideas help spark your imagination on how to keep you cool in the heat, launch your kiddos into a new school year, and to set aside time to watch them grow.
DIY GAME BOARDS
Welcome more play into your life with this little DIY project. At our house we like to keep outdoor game boards around for short moments together as well as full blown game nights. These game boards are meant to be kept outside but could also be brought indoors as well.
Materials
• Pebbles for Checkers, 24 similar sized
• Small stones for Tic-Tac-Toe, 8 similar sized
• Acrylic paints (black, red, yellow and white)
• Paint brush
• Raw wooden boards + black paint marker
• Reclaimed wood + black acrylic paint
• Polycrylic spray
Instructions
1. Game Pieces: Paint your rocks with acrylic paint. For Tic-Tac-Toe you’ll need a total of 8 rocks, 4 of each type (here I’ve painted 4 lady bugs and 4 bumble bees). For Checkers you’ll need a total of 24 rocks, 12 of each color (here I’ve used black stones, painting half of them red).
2. Game Board: For raw wood (such as our TicTac-Toe board), use a ruler and black paint marker to create board lines. For reclaimed or treated wood, use paint. Let game pieces and game boards fully dry. Seal with a polycrylic spray for protection from heat and moisture.
SNOW CONES
We adore snow cones at our house! If you’ve been to our house then we’ve probably served them to you. A shaved ice machine makes it oh-so-easy! You can purchase premade snow cone syrup flavors or make your own healthier version by using fruit juice concentrates. Simply thaw the frozen fruit juice concentrate and put the liquid into squeezy bottles for an easy way to pour over shaved ice.
Assemble
• Ice, lots of ice!
• Snow Cone Machine
• Snow Cone Cups
• Snow Cone Straws
• Snow Cone Syrups (or frozen juice concentrates, thawed)
Use a snow cone machine to shave ice into snow cone cups. Top with your favorite flavor—either store bought snow cone syrups, homemade syrups, or our favorite—fruit concentrates. Stay cool and celebrate the last days of summer heat!
WE SIMPLIFY THE SCARY,
COMPLEX TAX CODE SO YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU DO BEST!
At Piper Accounting Solutions, we understand that taxes can be daunting. That’s why we strive to cre ate a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their tax concerns. Felisha is a knowledgeable professional and is not only an expert in tax law and regulations but also adept at explaining complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner. Whether you’re a first-time filer or a seasoned business owner, we are here to guide you through the process with patience and compassion. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our clients, based on trust and reliability. When you choose our firm, you can expect personalized attention and tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. From tax planning to filing returns, we work diligently to ensure accuracy and compliance, saving you time and minimizing your tax burden. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond tax season; we are here yearround to answer your questions and provide ongoing support. Experience the difference with our friendly and approachable tax firm, where your financial well-being is our top priority.
ARTICLE BY BEN TULLY
Save Our Saguaros Beat Back Buffelgrass
THE SONORAN DESERT, AND ALL ITS PLANTS AND CRITTERS, FACES A SIGNIFICANT (AND POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC) ECO-DISASTER. AND YOU CAN HELP THEM!
A hillside choked with buffelgrass (before)
What would you say if someone asked you what the greatest threat to the beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery we enjoy every day?
Would it be climate change, with drier, hotter summers becoming the new normal and water levels declining?
Would it be new urban developments, with prime real estate clearcutting saguaro vistas?
While it’s difficult to predict the future’s biggest challenges, one of the scariest threats is something most of us pass by without even a second glance: nonnative plants.
The Sonoran Desert is the most biodiverse desert on earth. It’s not just a miracle of adaptation to extreme weather; it’s teeming with life, from the desert millipede to the organ pipe cactus. However, such a unique, carefully balanced ecosystem also leaves itself vulnerable to invasion. Plants like buffelgrass, fountain grass, and stinknet are examples of exotic species that have taken the fire ecology of their native lands in the African savannah into a region where wildfire has not existed. Our desert plants are meant to be spaced far apart, providing natural fuel breaks that would stop a fire from spreading as it might in a heavily forested area. However, when an introduced, highly flammable plant takes hold and turns those fuel breaks into fuel blankets, you have a serious problem.
Buffelgrass, the most infamous desert invader, burns at more than 1,400 degrees. That’s nearly three times hotter than native grasses can burn. Buffelgrass was originally brought to Arizona for erosion control and grazing until it spread far beyond any farm or mine. But buffelgrass’s cousin, fountain grass, was imported for another reason: landscaping: similar DNA, different cause of introduction.
Ben Tully, Invasive Species Outreach Educator with the Pima County Cooperative Extension
A hillside cleared of the noxious weed is the goal
Digging and picking
Fountain grass, also known as Pennisetum setaceum , is named after the graceful fountain flow it resembles. The irony here is that instead of providing water, this plant colonizes river washes and robs native flora and fauna of the precious water resources they need. An example is Saguaro National Park East, where fountain grass populations have impacted native amphibians’ ability to thrive in riparian areas.
Despite being identified as a highly invasive species in Arizona by the US Forest Service and declared illegal to sell and/or import by the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s “Noxious Weeds List,” fountain grass is still easy to find in landscapes in Pima County. Why? Because it takes time to stop people from displaying pretty things. Nurseries think they’ve found a convenient loophole, selling supposedly “sterile” fountain grass, but these plants still produce viable seeds that can disperse into desert habitats.
There are countless challenges in the battle against invasive species, particularly mitigating plant populations that have spread exponentially over acres of land. Comparatively speaking, replacing the row of fountain grass plants in your front yard with deer grass or Arizona cotton top is easy. The first step is recognizing fountain grass, with its long flowing bottlebrush seed heads and densely bunched leaves. In a younger plant, the seed heads are white and purple-tinted and can be up to one foot long.
Plants can be removed mechanically by digging out the roots using a digging bar or shovel. Herbicide can also be applied when the plant is at least 50% green, and glyphosate has been proven to be the most effective chemical on this plant. And if you spot fountain grass in the Catalina Foothills or other unincorporated Pima County land that you do not own, consider reporting it on the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality website ( https://pima-pima-county-department-of-environmental-quality.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/32460). Yes, the form
College students digging deep to protect our desert. These weeds can burn hot and move fast.
Group photo of people making a difference for our desert
The dastardly buffelgrass taking over
The Sonoran Desert is the most biodiverse desert on earth, from the desert millipede to the organ pipe cactus.
says “buffelgrass complaints” but the DEQ has confirmed that they treat fountain grass and buffelgrass the same, as serious invasive threats. The DEQ will reach out to the landowner and explain the invasive nature of this plant, as well as the fire risk. More often than not, it’s just a matter of not knowing there was even a problem with this harmless-looking pretty grass, and the landowner will recognize their best interest is to remove this fire risk.
Is there another state with such a deep connection to its most famous plant as Arizona and the saguaro cactus? What would happen to our sense of identity if the saguaro was no more? Or, looking at it from a more economic perspective, what would happen to tourism, property values, insurance costs due to fire risk, and so on? Protecting the saguaro and the ecosystem should be a top priority for everyone living in the Sonoran Desert. To protect that saguaro, one has to know the anti-saguaro: invasive plants.
To learn more about buffelgrass, fountain grass, stinknet, and more, visit the Sonoran Desert Cooperative Weed Management Area at sdcwma.org. To join a volunteer invasive species removal event, go to buffelgrass.org.
Ben Tully is a community resource for all things invasive species and can be reached at bentully@arizona.edu.
High school volunteers hauling out the grass trash
ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRA PETERS
Mining HQ Now Lofts
CONVERSION TO 35 LUXURY APARTMENTS TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH
Previously a historic office building for the fourth-largest copper producer in the world, the ASARCO building near downtown Tucson will soon be available for apartment dwellers as Seventh Avenue Lofts. Being thoughtfully reborn and repurposed, the new, distinguished residential community is set to open this month.
Originally built in 1964, the property is a classic example of modernist mid-century architecture. Formerly serving as the headquarters for ASARCO’s copper mining operations across the southwest, the building is set to be an exceptional residence for the population of Tucson and beyond.
Renovations are being finalized, with careful attention to preserving the structure’s unique history and character. Once complete, the three-story building will offer 31 total units – a combination of 29 one-bedroom floor plans and two studio apartments, ranging from approximately 400 to 650 square feet. Four additional studio units in an adjacent building that previously housed the server equipment for the main ASARCO building will also be available for rent.
With various creatively designed layouts, units will also feature tall ceilings with exposed concrete and steel, stained concrete floors, fashionable new appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, countless windows for natural light, and views of downtown and the surrounding mountains. Regarding community amenities, renters can expect a fitness center, tenant lounge, pet-friendly areas with turf, and approximately 42 parking spaces in a gated area.
“This landmark property holds great historical significance as a unique corporate representation of ASARCO during the height of Tucson’s copper mining era,” said Zach Fenton, the developer
"This is not your typical boring cookie-cutter apartment building."
— Zach Fenton, Building Developer
Top:
Middle:
Bottom:
behind the Seventh Avenue Lofts. “Our goal is to breathe new life into this architectural gem by creating upscale residential spaces that honor the building’s modernist design roots. This is not your typical boring cookie-cutter apartment building.”
A highly anticipated project, Fenton said he toured the building in 2020 when it was being marketed for office use. “I remember being struck with the thought that this already feels like an apartment building,” Fenton said. “The building just spoke to me.” Designed by the architectural firm Cain Nelson & Ware and built by contractor W.F. Connelly, the copper decorative panels of the building represent Asarco’s main mineral extraction.
Conveniently located just minutes from downtown and less than a mile from both the University of Arizona campus and Pima Community College’s downtown campus, the Seventh Avenue Lofts is predicted to be an ideal place of residence for faculty and staff as well as urban professionals. Set in a prime location with easy access to restaurants, entertainment, and the modern streetcar line, the new apartment complex is sure to welcome its prospects home to luxury living.
As of May 2024, Tucson’s median rent for all bedroom counts and property types was $1,350. Falling within the average range, rent prices are anticipated to span from $900 to more than $1,200 monthly. Pre-leasing for residences is available online now. Please visit www.seventhavenuelofts.com for more information.
A view from the living room into the dining area and kitchen
The front of the former ASARCO mining offices
Rendering shows the living room
Studio Tucson is a full-service hair salon proudly featuring Oway, Rahua, and O&M Organic color and hair-care products. The salon's origin was founded upon three decades of practice in the hair-care industry, specializing in the art of hair coloring and offers an alternative organic pathway to hair care. Healthier Hair Begins Here!
615 W ROLLER COASTER RD | CASA ADOBES 520 639 6671
www.studiotucsonsalon.com
@studiotucsonsalon
@studiotucsonsalonaz
Catherine Hackworth Master Stylist & Proprietor
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.
“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says.
“While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
DOG SOCIALIZING TIPS:
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm— those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
“While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you.”
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
HOW
TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
Create the life
Make the most out of your home’s equity with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Borrow anywhere from $10,000 to $250,000, enjoy adjustable rates with flexible terms—plus, no penalties for paying off your loan early. Whether it’s renovating your space, consolidating debt, or funding once-in-a-lifetime experiences, our HELOC is designed to partner with your potential.
new ballroom, new bride’s room, panoramic views
Celebrate your love story at Skyline Country Club’s enchanting venue. Nestled in the Catalina Foothills our venue offers panoramic views and an unforgettable backdrop for your special day. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, our versatile spaces can accommodate your dream wedding. Our experienced wedding team will work with you every step of the way to ensure every detail is perfect. Say "I Do" surrounded by beauty and elegance at our stunning wedding venue. Contact us today to start planning the wedding of your dreams.
Taylor Cooley (520) 299-1111 x 31 tcooley@skylinecountryclub.com
AUGUST 2024
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST
The Place Where Clouds Are Formed
Center for Creative Photography - 1030 North Olive Road | 10:00 AM
The exhibition is an interdisciplinary arts collective that examines the intersection of spirituality, migration, and current and historical policies that impacted the borderlands of the Sonoran Desert. The project is in partnership with the Traditional O’odham Leaders (TOL) and communities along the Arizona-Sonora border. The gallery is open until 4:30 PM. The show runs through Aug. 31.
AUGUST 1ST
Seeds, Saguaros and Skeletons
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Ironwood Gallery - 2021 N Kinney Rd | 10:00 AM
The exhibition features works by the faculty of the Art Institute at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The artworks in this exhibit reflect the intricate biodiversity that defines this arid landscape - seed pods, as vessels of potential and renewal to the haunting beauty of skeletons as testimony to the saguaros' cycle of life. Until 4:00 PM daily through Sept. 1.
AUGUST 2ND
11th Annual KXCI House Rockin' Blues Review Concert
El Casino Ballroom
Enjoy a foot-stomping evening with headliner R.J. Mischo & His Red Hot Blues Band plus special guest star Dave Gonzalez of the Paladins. Come and join us on the dance floor! Doors open 6:30 PM, show at 7:30 PM. Arizona Blues Hall of Fame band “Guitar Rumble” will be the opener. Marty Kool will emcee the show.
AUGUST 3RD
HarvestFest at Sonoita Vineyards
Sonoita Vineyards - 290 Elgin-Canelo Rd. in Elgin | 10:00 AM
Sonoita Vineyards Winery in Elgin kicks off its harvest season with wine tastings, souvenir glasses, and a grape-stomping competition at 1:00 PM during the annual festival. There will be live music all day and food trucks on site until 5:00 PM.
AUGUST 3RD
Surfapalooza!
Hotel Congress - 311 East Congress St. | 5:00 PM
Featuring some of Arizona’s best surf bands - Shrimp Chaperone, The Furys & more. Come down to Congress for an evening of twangy surf rock and iced cold drinks. We have all the fixings for a totally tubular surf party! Doors open at 5:00 PM.
AUGUST 10TH
Cool Summer Saturday Nights at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - 2021 N. Kinney Rd. | 4:30 PM
Enjoy clear views of stunning sunsets, star-specked skies, night-blooming plants, and animals reappearing from their daytime naps. The Sonoran Desert comes alive at night as nocturnal animals awake. The theme on August 10 is Insectopia, August 17 is Bat Night, and August 24 is Teacher Appreciation Night.
Want to be featured?
GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CATALINAFOOTHILLS
AUGUST 10TH
BB Beauty Lounge MedSpa Grand Re-Opening
1661 N. Swan Rd., Suite 312 | 6:00 PM
Come meet the talented aestheticians, enjoy beverages and light snacks, and watch the team unveil their newly expanded spa facilities, which now feature EmSculpt, an electromagnetic treatment that works stomach muscles equivalent to 30,000 sit-ups in just 30 minutes!
AUGUST 18TH
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - LIVE!
Fox Tucson Theatre - 17 W Congress St | 7:00 PM
The three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has entertained audiences with its top-shelf musicianship and timeless hits for nearly six decades. Now, the time has come for the band that has carried a torch for American country and roots music to say so long. Come send them off with cheers!
AUGUST 20TH
Alan Parsons Live Project
Rialto Theatre - 318 E Congress | 7:30 PM
Danny Zelisko and the Rialto Theatre present Alan Parsons Live Project. The Alan Parsons Project was a British rock band active between 1975 and 1990, whose core membership consisted of producer, audio engineer, musician, and composer Alan Parsons and singer, songwriter, and pianist Eric Woolfson. The band's sound is described as progressive rock. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
SEPTEMBER 6TH
Sonoran Restaurant Week
Various restaurants around Tucson. | 9:00 AM
Sonoran Restaurant Week is a 10-day celebration of Southern Arizona dining. Enjoy incredible breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus from various local participating restaurants at special pricing. A real deal for all! Sonoran Restaurant Week highlights Tucson's City of Gastronomy designation. Through Sept. 14.
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Bonnie Raitt "Just Like That" Tour
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall - 260 S. Church Ave. | 8:00 PM
Get ready for a night of soulful blues and captivating melodies as the legendary Bonnie Raitt returns to Linda Ronstadt Music Hall for her “Just Like That” Tour with special guest James Hunter! Enjoy an unforgettable evening with one of music’s most iconic voices. Her powerful vocals and masterful guitar skills have mesmerized audiences for decades.
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Sunset Historical Film Tour
Mescal Movie Set - 1538 N. Mescal Road in Benson | 5:30 PM
Grab your cowboy hat and boots and mosey on over to the world famous Mescal Movie Set. The 1880's cinematic town was home to the movie Tombstone, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and more than 100 other westerns. Notable actors like Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Sharon Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Clint Eastwood have walked its dusty street.
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
