At the April 2, 2025 Town Council meeting, Hillary Van Alsburg, Executive director of the Children’s Museum, delivered an update highlighting the museum’s continued growth and community outreach. She reported that over 31,000 people visited the museum at Tohono Chul in the past year, and nearly 3,000 attended the “Chillin at the Chul” program. Additional outreach brought activities to five Oro Valley parks, reaching nearly 200 children, and special events like “Hallow Halloween” and the Oro Valley 50th Anniversary Parade drew 1,800 participants. New educational features were introduced, including “Ready-Set-Explore” backpacks for garden exploration and monthly clay art sessions with professional artists. She also previewed upcoming additions such as an agriculture-themed play area, the La Comunidad pretend market space, and a new prickly pear exhibit—reportedly the only one of its kind in the world. Learn more about the Children’s Museum.
“Serving with Compassion—Not at the Expense of Neighbors”
Resident Vicki Tarris sent us thoughts regarding the OVCN proposed sanctuary height meeting. About fourteen church member spoke at the meeting.
"I listened to the Town Council meeting on April 2, 2025. A lot of people from OVCN came to give testimonials on what OVCN means in their life. I am really happy that so many people have found OVCN to meet their spiritual needs.
However, they implied that OVCN was the only church in town that offers children’s programs and helps the needy.
I am happy to say that I get a great deal of spiritual comfort from my own church. We also have a very active children's program. We also feed the homeless. We also help the poor. We also have numerous ways that people can become involved.
However, the one way that my church differs from OVCN is that my church does not deliberately harm their neighbors!"
Solomon urged unity—if you agree with OVCN
Former town council member Steve Solomon spoke passionately in support of OVCN during the April 2 meeting. He described the church as “amazing” and shared how it had positively transformed his life. He expressed admiration for the church’s outreach and missions—specifically mentioning a woman he met at work who was going to Guatemala to teach women how to sew. Solomon emphasized the importance of kindness and community, saying, “We just need to love each other and be kind and get along.”
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