Heather's Corner: An Oro Valley Mom's Perspective on Covid-19

We are pleased to present the following "Special Edition of Heather's Corner." Heather is a freelance writer.  Her column "Heather's Corner" appeared in LOVE from 2014 through 2015. We asked Heather and she so graciously agreed to provide her personal perspective on the impact of Covid-19 on an Oro Valley mom. As usual, beautiful work. Enjoy!
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Someone posted on Facebook that the weirdest part of living through this pandemic is the strange mixture of normalcy and emergency and the constant struggle between feeling as though they were either underreacting, overreacting, or a combination of both at all times. So far I have found nothing that resonates more as I spend current days coloring with my children, basking in the Arizona sunshine of my backyard, and keeping an eye on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths tracked thus far in Pima County.

I often wonder how much anxiety I am adding to the lives of my children while having the news cycles on in the background. They seem to be ignorant to the fact, as they make paper flowers and loom band pot holders, that the world is ever changing during this catastrophic event, so on they play. I still hear laughter from them as I chew on the extra skin beside my thumb nail, scrolling through news sites and worrying about how bills will be paid, so all is still good in my world.

My mornings consist of the family check-in between my sister, mother, and I. My sister has the keen sense of limiting news stories for her family but relies on me to tell her the gist of the day while my mom tells me about the latest conspiracy she’s read. We take a walk on the streets of our quaint Oro Valley community, as I look at everyone we pass by like possible carriers. After a snack, we tackle virtual classrooms, chores, and then spend the rest of the day behind the walls of our fortress. Some days I feel like my life is like a wholesome rerun of Family Ties or 7th Heaven and some days, as one Facebook poster shared, I feel like we were dropped on the set of The Hunger Games.

Things I worry about: I worry as I run low on sandwich meat that I will have to go back to the grocery store where staying 6 feet away from shoppers is nearly impossible. I worry whether I should start doing the shopping for my parents, as my mom nears 70 and my father is diabetic, but she insists she is fine. I worry when my children will spend time with their father again, a TMC employee who gave up his “co-parenting time” over concerns he may become infected— he says ‘hi’ to them from my driveway and they wave from the front door but it’s not the same. I worry that as this spreads, one of my loved ones will get sick, or worse. And I worry that all of this worrying is for not.

When I allow myself the brief moments between staying ahead of the headlines and weeding through news stories, I surrender to a new life that has landed in our home; a way of living that is simpler and without expectations or rigorous schedules. Up before sun rise, the struggle to get everybody dressed: “I told you to put your shoes on five minutes ago!” school, work, homework, ballet class, archery, band, birthday parties, clubs, appointments, are all foreign to us now as we navigate the new intensity of a 20-minute game of checkers. Yet from the safety of my home, I watch in awe as the community leaders out there, without the potential of a simplified life, make it possible to thrive: the teachers who have rallied to not skip a beat, the steadfast healthcare providers and grocery store workers, who are undoubtedly also experiencing concern for themselves and their own families. To them I say you deserve our deepest gratitude. I can stay home for you. As you battle on the frontline of this surreal viral apocalypse, (and in the words of Effie Trinket,) “May the odds be ever in your favor!”
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Heather Nenadovich is an Oro Valley mom and freelance writer. Her work appeared in LOVE from 2014 through 2015.

Heather's Corner-"Javelina on Her Doorstep:" Inspirational Biography for Oro Valley Wildlife Enthusiasts

I recently ran across an archived article highlighting one of Oro Valleys wildlife rehabilitator pioneers, Sarah Golby.

A women who knew no boundaries when it came to helping wildlife went on to become documented in Barbara Marriott's, Legendary Locals of Marana, Oro Valley, and Catalina, Arizona and the subject of the biography, Javelina on Her Doorstep: Sarah Gorby's Lifelong Quest to Save Wildlife Book by Lorna Kraemer and RaMar Gorby Oregon; and posthumously in a beautiful article for Sports Illustrated noting her unwavering devotion for all things wild.

Known for turning her home and surroundings into an "arc in the desert" for wounded and abandoned wildlife, it was not uncommon for one to find mountain lions, bears, javelina, and a variety of other critters in her house.

Author Kraener recalls that though Sarah wasn't a huge fan of domesticated cats, "bobcats were another story. She (Sarah) didn't keep a list, so we don't know how many she raised and released, but we do remember this fellow -- Trucker, the most famous bobcat of all. (Source)

Sarah was also known for becoming the first licensed rehabilitator for the Arizona Fish and Game Department. Though she devoted so much of her heart and life to the preservation and rehabilitation of wildlife, many agree that she publicly should have gained more notoriety for being a contemporary hero of early Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson for nearly thirty years. In August 2012, after her death, she was awarded a "merit award plaque" for the Arizona Game and Fish Hall of Fame.

Read about the selfless journey of a passionate woman in the unconventional but extraordinary tales of Sarah Gordy, including her rough beginnings as a young girl residing in a Pennsylvania mountain shack, and how her eventual role as rehabilitator caused her to lose her other and more conventional jobs.

If you're interested, Pima County libraries had twelve copies of her biography, as of August 19, 2013. You can also find the book on various websites. The author's Facebook page also has some interesting stories and comments from those who knew and loved her. And please feel free to share stories about her here. We are fortunate to have had her champion the desert wildlife.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Thanksgiving and How Oro Valley Can Support Our Farmers

Thanksgiving is a long standing tradition steeped in historical and cultural roots. A day of giving thanks for the bountiful harvests of the preceding year, the holiday's history for North America includes traditions from both the Protestant Reformation and harvest festivals also celebrated by Great Britain, Canada, Asia, and India.

Though dry in climate, Arizona happens to be a major contender in agricultural production for many of these celebrated crops with a surprising $17.1 billion industry.  Closer to home, Pima county ranks 5th for barley, 6th for cotton, and 7th for alfalfa hay production statewide as well as a producer of livestock, sileage (grass feed used for cud-chewing animals), and pumpkins.

The Arizona Farm Bureau is Arizona’s largest farm and ranch organization for production agriculture throughout the state of Arizona with a district serving Pima County. They are "The Voice of Agriculture" in Arizona, if you will; A grassroots, non-governmental movement assisting members in the agricultural community through educational improvement, economic opportunity, and social advancement. A hub where issues such as "profitability, property rights, labor, water, trade, farm policy, tax issues, environmental issues and much more" are discussed with many other benefits for members.

What better way to show our gratitude this Thanksgiving for local agricultural producers and farmers than to show support.

You can go to their website and donate to the Arizona Farm Bureau’s Educational Farming Company, whose mission is to "support the youth involved in agriculture, teach agriculture in Arizona’s classrooms and inform the public about farming and ranching."

The Educational Farming Company is a 501(c) 3. Your donations will be used for such organizations as 4-H, Project CENTRL, AZ National Livestock Show, and others. Let's show our thanks as we gobble up this years feast.

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Oro Valley's Sun City Astronomy Club-Are the Stars Out Tonight?

Have an interest in space, stars, and the Universe? The Sun City Astronomy Club might be for you. A chartered club of Sun City Oro Valley, this is a wonderful opportunity for amateur astronomers, those with extensive backgrounds, and anyone interested in what goes on in the space all around us. Club meetings feature guest speakers, demonstrations, and trips to nearby observatories. It won't be long before you can "identify stars, planets, and constellations with the naked eye and where to look for deep sky objects with binoculars or telescopes." They also donate a free telescope to every 5th grader at Coronado K-8 school.

"Star Parties" happen twice a year, in fall and spring; a field trip usually to Catalina State Park. Attendees bring viewing equipment and sac lunch (dinners) for gazing in amazement at the desert sky. Typically, a highly knowledgable staff member of Starizona, provides a high powered advanced telescope as well as the answers to many of your questions.

I spoke with their secretary Midge Berlowe, who told me when she first attended the meetings about 3 or 4 years ago, there were 7 people in attendance and how how their club has expanded over the years. 

"Now, thanks to our current president, (Peter Simpson ), we require three full rooms at the activity center."

She also boasts the clubs success to the talented astronomers living in the area adding richness to the general meetings and star parties. 

Even if you do not become a member of their astronomy club, Midge suggests still considering attending a speaker event. It just so happens, this Thursday, Dr. Don McCarthy, Astronomer and Professor at University of Arizona, will speak about "Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation." Known for his pioneering techniques for achieving high angular resolution at infrared wavelengths, he, amongst other accomplishments, has recently detected atmospheric waves on Pluto. Sounds like it will be an eye-opening and exciting night for all!

Currently the club has 200 members, 5 of those being non Sun City Residents. They do allow up to 20 percent of members to be non-residents so if you're interested, they welcome you!

For more information about this speaker, future events, and meetings, please visit their website, http://www.scovastronomy.com.

Anyone attending this Thursday, please keep us posted on how it went!

Heather's Corner: Local Oro Valley Company Doing Great Things For the Environment

The use of pesticides has been a common practice to control insect problems for many decades. Pesticides are used in farming, parks, schools, and inside and around our homes.

Much research has shown that exposure to pesticides have caused health risks ranging from headaches to nausea and from cancers to reproductive harm. Though preferred by many because of their quick effects with pest control, there are safer methods with successful results. We happen to have a company doing great things for our environment offering natural solutions for pest control in our own back yards.

Originally a high school biology teacher, Rick Frey spent his summer fascinated and killing time with bugs. Not just any bugs but those that would destroy common houseflies and other irritating pests. Rick traveled the country learning about bugs and the need to control them and eventually would take on orders for "fly eliminators" control.

As this expanded and realizing demand could not be met under the current circumstances, Rick and his wife, Sheri Herrera de Frey, began the 10 acre Arbico facility, located on the backside of the Catalina Mountain range and having been going strong for thirty years. Recently they have relocated their office to Oro Valley in order to allow them closer convenience to Tucson while still remaining close to their facility.

As Rick explains, "Just imagine how many tons of pesticides we have stopped from going into the environment over the years. Sometimes I try to calculate it, but how do you measure what hasn’t been used?”

So how does this type of pest control actually work?
Located on their website, arbico-organics.com, is a wide variety of organisms, fungi, insects, nemetodes (roundworms) and parasites all intended on enriching soil, bug control, and garden support.

For instance you can order the Green Lacewing eggs, of which their "larvae are voracious eaters of the eggs and immature stages of many soft bodied insect pests, including several species of aphids, spider mites (especially red mites), thrips, whitefly, leafhoppers, some beetle larvae, eggs and caterpillars of pest moths, and mealybugs."

Simply order the correct amount of eggs for your garden and in 6-12 days larvae appear and you have natural, organic, and environmentally safe pest control.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Arizona Board of Education Seeking Public Input for Academic Standards Review

Every five to six years the Arizona Board of Education reviews the current Academic Standards in our schools.

The state sets academic standards
There is no federal law requiring specific academic standards. Standards are solely the authority of the State Board to approve, and modify when necessary. Examples of standards are a student's ability to "multiply or divide to solve word problems, analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text, Count within 1000; skip-count by 5s, 10s, and 100s."

Standards differ from curriculum in that standards are what students are expected to learn from kindergarten through 12th grade or minimum competency requirements. Standards are taught by way of curriculum used, as in educational material, types of math problems, and books. Curriculum, of which neither the Board nor the Arizona Department of Education can mandate, is adopted under local governing boards (district and charter) and through public input.

What does "common core" mean to you
Currently the Arizona Board of Education is in a process of reviewing state Standards. This is a time when they actively seek public input, both positive and/ or negative, and use this input to implement changes if necessary. There have been polarizing debates on whether our standards are politically motivated. Some agree they should be the tried and true methods of research based approaches. Others feel the "Common Core Standards" are "internationally benchmarked" placing them more comparable to standards in other countries. Both have pros and cons.

Make your voice heard before October 22
Please visit the Arizona Board of Education's website and view the current standards. There is a comment section where you are allowed to voice comments. Your comments can be more general based or more specific as to your support or opposition of a math or English language art standard.

We encourage all to become involved in this process. Public input is only open until October 22nd and your recommendations will be heard.

Please take the time to voice what you think is appropriate for our youngest citizens.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Political Potty Mouth and LOVE

I am a mother of two small children. I try very hard to instill in them that though they get angry with one another it is not OK to say, "You broke my favorite toy, you dummy." It works most times, but lack of a matured impulse control takes over, as one would expect of a three and five year old, respectively, and names are called, feelings hurt, followed by tears, pouting, the works. All in a days work for a mom

Of course I won't mention any names pertaining to LOVE but similarly, sometimes there are just downright cruelties flung in the comments of this blog. I confess I have found myself silently chuckling when particularly clever zingers were hurled (and don't we have some of the most clever zinger-hurlers from both sides of the fence.) But at some point, they stop being humorous, at least to myself, and they become painful to read, and sad.

LOVE, I believe, has highly intelligent readers who aren't just "OK" with "sheep think" and therefore seek out information wherever possible be it this blog or others, newspapers, public meetings, etc. I think a good many of our readers are the "doers" of the community. These are the go-getters, the researchers, and the ones who can get things done; the true backbone of our community. So it is often I wonder why the disagreements between our readers aren't more like, "Interesting point, So and So, thank you for sharing but you and I don't agree on this matter," instead of, "You broke my favorite toy, you dummy."

Obviously we at LOVE, and our readers, thrive on healthy debate. But when the topic is overshadowed by tit-for-tat mud-slinging the importance seems lost. So here is a little test if you will.

Let's see who can refrain from using name calling or derogatory statements and still have the strongest points of view. Be witty, be direct, be factual, be opinionated, but be tactful. I appreciate these points of view. I learn something new from you all everyday. Who's with me?
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents! Sent from my iPhone

Heather's Corner: Oro Valley Support Groups for Alzheimer's: You Are Not Alone

Did you know that every 67 seconds someone in this country develops Alzheimer's?
While that is a staggering and unbelievable fact, caring for someone with Alzheimer's does not have to be so frightening.

The Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association purpose is to "empower and support individuals, families, care partners and communities, affected by dementia in Arizona and Southern Nevada."

Nearly all of us know someone or are directly affected by someone with dementia. Not normally a part if the aging process, this degenerative disease affects all socio-economic, ethnic, and racial groups for 1 in 10 over the age of 65; and increases to about half for those over the age of 85.

Today there are a number of ways to receive the much needed support
Sources of support include: 24/7 Help line, Family Care Consultation, Educational Programs, Early Stage Programs, and Support Groups offered by the Alzheimer's Association.

Here in Oro Valley there are two support groups:

• At the Northwest Hospital every first and third Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 and every first and third Tuesday of the month from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 
• At the Oro Valley Public Library. Please call 520-322-6601 to reserve your spot.

Whether you are a caregiver of someone who has Alzheimer's, if someone you know has the disease, or if you are in the early stages, these are great groups to meet those struggling with the same issues and asking the same questions. Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers offering skills, information, and experience. These are great resources. Please reach out to them so you won't have to feel alone.

Want to learn more? Visit alz.org.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Picking Up The Poop Is The Law

Did you know it's actually against the law to not pick up after your pet?

Under Oro Valley's Town Code, it is a civil infraction for the "owner or person having custody of any dog to fail to immediately remove and dispose of, in a sanitary manner, any solid waste deposited by such dog on public property and/or on any private property without the consent of the person in control of the property." I share this with you as a dutiful pet owner myself who frequents our local parks and trails and is witness to what I once thought just pet owner laziness. Surprisingly it is actually a violation of the law.

So your pet went poop in a public place and you don't feel like picking it up. What's the big deal? The big deal for your first infraction is a fine for no less than $25.00. Let it happen again in a twelve month period and you'll receive a fine for no less than $100.00. Third time? A hefty fine at $200.00 not to exceed $250.00. But here's the kicker: "Any person violating the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion of a day during which any violation of this article is committed and/or permitted." That means you will be violating and fined separately for each day you leave Fido's waste unattended.

There are other laws regarding your pets as well. It is "unlawful to bring a dog onto the grounds of any school, regardless of whether the dog is restrained by a leash, chain, rope, cord or similar device." That said, any dog in public places such as streets, sidewalks, and parks should "restrained by a leash, chain, rope, cord or similar device." If you own a dog within Oro Valley it must be licensed and vaccinated in accordance with the Pima County Animal Control Code and licensed dogs are required to wear a collar with the license tag affixed. Violations to the above fall under the same fines as previously stated.

It seems much more cost effective to follow the animal control laws and to just scoop that poop when you're out with your pet. A full list of the towns laws for pet owners and animal control including feeding wildlife, vicious or dangerous animals, and procedures can be found on the Oro a Valley Town Code.

Heather's Corner: Oro Valley Artist Wendy Timm: A Most Connected Soul With Nature

There is something to be said about those whom have a special connection with nature. Almost a sixth sense and certainty about their place in the world. But not everyone can harness the stillness to soak in all that surrounds them; in this case, the desert, the mountains, and critters of Oro valley, and in return find creative inspiration. You are about to discover an artist who does exactly that.

Originally from Wisconsin, Wendy Timm received a B.F.A. in Art Education from the University of Arizona. She has taught public school art education for K-12, programs for Pima County Parks and Recreation, and at Pima Community College. She credits her sense of humor and love of nature and animals for her imagery and no doubt they are harmoniously combined in her pieces. It wasn't until she bought an acre of land in Oro Valley, however, that she "really had the opportunity to become unified with the desert life around" her.

Wendy with at tiny female Quail she rescued

Her resident studio she calls, "Wicked Wind Studios," is where she specializes in one-of-a kind hand-built raku, stoneware pottery, tiles, ornaments, and sculptures. Twice yearly, in April and December, she holds open studios, where collectors can admire exhibits with a showing of her latest works. Admirers are also encouraged to investigate the winding trails of her exquisite gardens with the strong likelihood of stumbling upon hidden sculptured treasures and even one or two desert dwellers she welcomes with open arms, literally.

When not creating as an artist, you can find Wendy picking prickly pear fruit for teas, rescuing wildlife, and enjoying the sights and sound of Oro Valley, as just an all around nature enthusiast.

We asked her about her strong connection to nature and what Oro Valley offers in terms of inspiration.

"It may be hard for me to explain but when I look out in the yard I do not just see the multiple varieties of cacti, trees, and shrubs. I see things not only in context of art elements and principles of design, I also have become a student of their biology. The play of light, the incredible textures, the subtle hues draw you in but I also love the planting, the nurturing, and the gardening involved.

My yard is a certified wildlife habitat and I certainly have always been an animal lover. The first javelina and desert cottontail sculptures I created were back in 1991 and I had only photos to base my work on. Now the subjects of my work live around me, and at times, with me. Though I have many ideas and designs that are not desert related the heart and soul of my sculptural work is inspired from the beauty and energy that surround me here at my Oro Valley home/studio."

Although we missed the Spring open house, I think we could all benefit from being in the presence of her work so I'm planning on going in December. In the meantime you can check the artist out on Facebook,including glorious photos of previous work and her critter friends from bobcats on her roof to napping javelina on the patio, or her website.It is truly rare that someone expresses such a genuine appreciation for the world around them. We are lucky to have Wendy in our community capturing the details of Oro Valley's backyard.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Oro Valley Seasonal Allergies; Leave it to the Bee's Knees

Palo Verde, Mesquite, Desert Ragweed, Tumbleweed, and Arizona Ash. What do these mean to someone living in Oro Valley?

Well, for those of you who stand with me in this time of seasonal immune system overload, you know them well. For those that don't, these are a few of the pollen culprits responsible for the throat-tickling, eye-itching, ear-throbbing symptoms of hay fever. But there is a natural and delectable occurrence in nature that just might have the ability to stave off some those symptoms. And it just so happens to be easy on the taste buds as well. Let's talk about honey!

Quick science refresher

Flowering plants reproduce by creating seeds, an occurrence taking place only after pollen comes into contact with it's pistil. Though some plants can self-pollinate, we need flying insects (butterflies, bees, wasps) on search for nectar from these plants, to travel between flowers, carrying the subsequent pollen stuck to their body after nectar consumption. This is called cross-pollination and ensures the strongest chances of plant survival.

What does this have to do with allergies? Well, a lot.

It turns out, much of the pollen remains on and in the bodies of bees and is carried back to the hive. While nectar is regurgitated to make honey, so is the pollen. Because of this, a theory stands that eating local honey introduces your body to much of the same pollen spores causing your allergies. Over time and exposure, your body could potentially become more immune, much in the same way vaccines work by introducing a dummy version of a particular virus.

This process is called immunotherapy. Ideally there would be enough spores found in honey to help the body become accustomed to this "intruder" but not enough to trigger a histamine-producing response. Sounds easy enough.

So where to get local honey?

Holly's Little Farm is a local Marana bee farm specializing in honey and hive products. They invite you to stop by and taste the difference between raw local honey and that you can commercially buy in the stores. Their "Desert Blend" is just what the name says, a nice mix of local plant life and exactly the kind, should the above mentioned theory ever prove scientific, that might help alleviate seasonal allergies. Personally I prefer my honey strained, meaning raw and never pasteurized or filtered, but they do offer a "hardcore" option where you might just get some particles of wax. Currently you can purchase this local honey from Oro Valley Ace Hardwares or straight from their website

So where's the proof?

Actually, almost all of the evidence of the immunizing effects of eating honey Is anecdotal. However, an unpublished scientific study conducted by Xavier University in New Orleans found that after six weeks of honey consumption, subjects suffered less allergic symptoms. For this allergy sufferer, that, and speaking with others that have found relief through honey use, is all the proof I need to give it a go.

As always, you should check with your doctor before trying any holistic approach to your allergies. In the mean time, allergy sufferer or not, what's to lose having a teaspoon of local honey on your toast or in your tea each morning? I'll let you know how it goes. Anyone else have any experience with the benefits of honey--we'd love to hear from you!
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Oro Valley Tax Credit Incentives: Make Sure You're Receiving Credit Where Credit is Due

It's tax time. No doubt many of you are looking for ways to receive federal or state tax credits. Hopefully you are already aware of the tax credits and incentives listed in the Oro Valley Town's website, but if not there are a couple that I found interesting.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Having had installed proper energy efficient products not only helps the environment and saves money on your bill, but potentially offers tax credits as well. The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 extended through December 31, 2014, tax credits for some energy efficiency measures that previously expired at the end of 2013. This must be for your existing home and principal residence. Rentals and new builds do not apply.

The tax credits 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50-$300. You can refer to this link to see if you qualify. Examples include:

• Windows, doors, skylights
• Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings" and "asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules"
• Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place but also products that air seal like weatherstripping and caulk.
• Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan
• Central Air Conditioning with certification statement 

For the 2015/2016 year, existing homes and new construction qualify as well as both principal residences and second homes. These credits, under the Energy Star Program, are 30% or cost, with no upper limit and include:

• geothermal heat pumps
• small wind turbines (residential)
• solar energy systems 

And 30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 KW of power capacity tax credit for Fuel Cells (Residential Fuel Cell and Microturbine System).

I would like to note the Town's website currently lists Arizona Greywater Conservation System Tax Credit. This credit is for installing a water conservation system in a residence that relates to the recovery and disposal of greywater. However, this credit expired January 1, 2012.

Soon enough, this dreaded tax time will be behind us, if it isn't already for some. Until then, we are at least at the tail end of tax season in the abundantly enjoyable Oro Valley weather as opposed to some of those back east.

And check out the full list of Energy Star qualifying tax credits. As a Morgan Stanley advertisement once stated, "You must pay taxes. But there’s no law that says you gotta leave a tip."

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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Rattlesnake Preparedness: Yes, It's That Time Again

You're walking along an Oro Valley pathway enjoying the sunny warmth on your skin. Maybe you aren't watching where you're going because the bursting wildflowers have caught your eye. Suddenly you hear the sound of keratin segments vibrating at 60 times per second and you realize, days of carefree biking, hiking, and meandering are over. It's rattlesnake season.

Southern Arizona has 15 types of rattlers and the next few months is when you are most likely to encounter one during daylight hours, respectfully switching active times to just after dark during hotter months. So what do you do if you encounter one? Don't panic!

Visitor at my parent's house last summer. Gulp!

The Arizona Game and Fish Department's website assures us that the scaly fellow will be just as nervous as you are. Your best bet is to move away slowly and deliberately, at least 6 full steps (or 6 feet) in the opposite direction of the snake and potential striking distance. Though rattlers max out at 3 mph top speed during travel, their striking speed is unmatched.

What about those visitors to our back yard patio? Chances are the snake is just passing through but you can also call the fire department for immediate removal as well as a private enterprise located under "Pest Removal Service." I, personally will choose the latter two options if necessary.

Arizona Fish and Game Department

How about rattlesnake prevention?

Believe it or not, there are actually things you can do to prevent rattlesnakes from entering your yard. A major deterrent is keeping their food source to a minimum. That means eliminating rodents in and around your property. Being a primary food source, it makes your yard a perfect residence with unlimited buffet for the summer. Keep in mind, and this broke my heart, bird feeders as well. Though they are lovely to have, snakes are drawn to the prolonging scent of birds at the feeders.

Also rattlers do not dig their own holes therefore seek out shelter in pre-dug holes via rodents, rabbits, or other types of snakes. Be vigilant in filling in these holes as they appear. And yes, that woodpile next to the side of your house should probably go too.

Above all, common sense prevails. Although you can not prepare yourself for the unexpected chance encounter on a pathway or in your own back yard, realize you take certain risks when traveling off path or in areas more likely suited for a rattler habitat this time of year. Time to start making my yard unappealing to the Arizona spring and summer critters. Though, I do love my bird feeder. Maybe that one can wait a few more weeks. Any photos of critters you'd like to share? The Arizona Game and Fish department also suggest a solid 4 foot wall with an outward lip, shown in the sketch, because snakes can not cling to a wall if forced to arch backward for the lip. However, they can fit into areas as small as a quarter so gates must fit snugly on the ground and drainage holes should have 1/4 inch hardware cloth.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Heather's Corner: Always on the Lookout For Oro Valley Police Volunteers

I'm sure you've seen them. The Oro Valley Police Vehicles marked "Volunteer" cruising the streets and business parking lots of our town. My children know them as the "candy-givers" from the thoughtful candy bags they passed out throughout our neighborhoods last Halloween. But what exactly do these "volunteers" do? It turns out they do a lot.

The Citizen Volunteer Assistants ("CVAP") Program provides is for those over the age of 50, interested in helping the Oro Valley Police Department in both emergency and non-emergency situations. And although they are not trained in enforcing traffic laws, they are extra eyes and ears around our town ensuring safe neighborhoods and businesses.

Other duties of the CVAP include:

• Providing officers with assistance at accidents, incidents and events. 
• Routinely helping citizens needing directions or assisting after their vehicle breaks down. 
• Utilize a patrol car equipped with a License Plate Reader that detects stolen vehicles, stolen license plates, warrants and missing people. 
• The Volunteers also have members on a call out team that are contacted when patrol officers need their assistance at a scene.  They have been called out for incidents including gas leaks, neighborhood evacuations as well as fatal traffic accidents. 
• Assist at public events such as Dispose-A-Med, Shred-A-Thon and National Night Out. 
• Provide perimeter home inspection for citizens who vacate homes throughout the year, known as the Darkhouse program.

Chief of Police, Daniel Sharp, says of the program, "I consider every volunteer to be an important member of the Department. Every hour a volunteer contributes to making your community a better place to live is time well spent." He acknowledges, though rewarding, the work can at times be very challenging.

It's obvious that these volunteers contribute greatly to our community and we are fortunate to have a program like CVAP.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer, more information can be found on the town's website or by calling Sgt. Amy Graham ((520) 229-5081) of the Oro Valley Police Department.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!