Heather's Corner: The Best Of Heather

Heather's Corner will return after the holidays.

In the meantime, take a  moment to read some of her many prior columns. Tell us which you like best.

Heather's Corner: Summer Heat is Upon Us: Stay Safe Oro Valley

Welcome to another Arizona summer. If this is your first be prepared to experience days where hot water comes out of both sides of the tap, patio-sitting is only enjoyable with misters, and shaded parking at the grocery store is like hitting the lottery. With temps like that it is very easy to suffer unfortunate heat related illnesses like heat stroke, dehydration, and worse. We checked with the CDC on some important tips to help beat the heat.

• Drink more non-alcoholic fluids regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty. At this point you are very susceptible to dehydration.
• Stay indoors if possible. If your home does not have air-conditioning consider spending several hours at the library or shopping mall. Escaping the heat for even a few hours can help your body stay cooler when you go back in the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.

Check regularly on:

• Infants and young children 
• People aged 65 or older People who have a mental illness 
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

Even with the best prevention sometimes the heat is just unavoidable. The CDC's website  offers a great description of heat related illnesses and treatment for heat cramps, heat rash, and heat exhaustion. We are going to offer information on heatstroke as it is the most dangerous of the illnesses and can lead to death.

When the body's temperature-control system is overloaded, your temperature rises very quickly and is unable to cool down. As the body's sweating mechanism fails, these temperatures can rise to 106 degrees or higher be in as little as ten minutes. Signs you may be suffering heat stroke are high body temperature, red and hot skin with no sweating, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or even unconsciousness.

In the event of heat stroke, know you are dealing with a life threatening emergency. Call immediately for emergency assistance and start cooling off the victim immediately by following these steps:

• Get the victim to a shady area.
• Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F. 
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Unlike earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes for other states we are pretty lucky to escape some tremendously violent and deadly natural disasters. However we do have heat and lots of it. So stay safe and smart when outdoors.

It's going to be a long summer Oro Valley. I hope you enjoy it tremendously!

See you in September.
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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 "Seed Library": Growing Our Community Through Sharing

The Oro Valley Public Library is one of several Pima County libraries to have a "Seed Library."  I was thrilled to learn about it.

A practice done for over 12,000 years, seed sharing and saving for growing native plants for food and other purposes is a part of our southwest heritage and historical traditions. It ensures the strongest plants by cultivating seeds that are better adapted to our climate and then sharing those seeds within our community. That is why the Pima County Public Library started the Seed Library in January of 2012 and their seed catalog is expanding every year with more enthusiastic participants wanting to get involved.

The Seed Library is used by visiting in person to browse and choose your packets or viewing the alphabetical online catalog where you can search for specific plants and then reserve for pick-up. Currently the seeds are categorized by "Easy" and "Advanced" meaning the ease or difficulty of harvesting and collecting the seeds, not how to grow them. Seed availability depends on donations, growing success, and the seasons so they suggest checking back often to see what's new.

So how do you "borrow" seeds from the library? Simple!  Just use your library card as you would normally and scan the barcode on the seed packet. Each packet contains enough seeds to grow at least 5-10 plants and you can check out up to 6 packets a month.

"Borrowing" seeds is a different term in the Seed Library. You do not need to return the same seeds in the future so there are no overdue fines or due dates. In fact the library stresses not to worry about saving seeds now. Just find seeds that interest you and learn how to grow and have fun in the garden. If you would like to become a donor, their website has information on how to collect, store, and donate seeds.

The Seed Library is a great way to get out in the garden at relatively no cost to you. Instead the focus is on "nurturing a culture of sharing and abundance," educating, and "reconnecting our community to the traditions of growing tasty, healthy food." So why not try your luck at a vegetable garden, desert plant landscape, or flower bed. And anyone willing to share photos of your garden, feel free!
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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: Town of Oro Valley Publicly Gives Medical Marijuana a Bad Rap

I would like to start off by saying I am not a medical marijuana crusader. But it should not be myself nor anyone else to judge the proven positive medicinal effects on those that may warrant it's use.

Our Town of Oro Valley has a medical marijuana dispensary, Catalina Hills Care, which opened in June, 2013. The facility offers a variety of educational materials pertaining to medical uses, side effects, and contraindications of the use of this drug. They employ qualified staff who are more than willing to ensure "the best patient care."

Medical marijuana is becoming more nationally accepted, I expect that it's use will remain controversial for some time to come.

What I do not expect is biased, negative, and non factual information regarding the use medical marijuana that the Town Of Oro Valley is presenting to our community via its web site.

The Town Of Oro Valley's website has several pages pertaining to information about medical marijuana titled: "Questions and Answers on Medical Marijuana," "Medical Marijuana," and "Marijuana Fast Facts." There was some very interesting information about the statistics of medical marijuana users in Arizona.

I was appalled, however, by what the town presents as facts. These "facts" are opinions and moral judgments, cloaked in what should be a neutral town website ("Marijuana Urban Myths"):

Item 3
"Marijuana is all right because it is natural! – False. So is Poison Ivy. You don’t want to smoke or ingest that." 

Does the following seem ludicrous and patronizing to you or am I missing something?

Item 5
"We can just legalize it and tax it, just like alcohol! It will be a government windfall! – False. We already tax alcohol and cigarettes. The amounts recovered from them cover less than one tenth of the actual costs to society. The same is true for marijuana. As mentioned above, marijuana is addictive. Doesn’t it seem morally wrong for your government to create new addicts just in order to make money?" 

It is inconceivable to me that I am reading this on the website representing the people of our community. It seems morally wrong that Oro Valley would try to manipulate it's residents by publishing this type of nonsense.

Item 6
"Marijuana is safe because they call it medicine (I)!- False. Marijuana is marijuana. Marijuana smoke is 70% worse for you than regular cigarette smoke in both carcinogens and other harmful chemicals."

This statement, item 6, is simply misleading.  Smoking is not the only way to use it medically. There are a variety of ways it can be used medically that are proven a safe such as edibles, teas, tinctures, and topical.

Item 8
"Marijuana is safe because it is medicine (III) . “Medical” Marijuana is not medicine for the following reasons: D) How many prescriptions let you decide if you are going to take your medicine all at once on the first day, or a lot the first day and then a little for another two weeks, or just skip doses whenever you want? “Medical” marijuana users can do all of the above plus more." 

This item assumes that medical marijuana users are unable or unwilling to follow a regimen. One, of course, could make the same argument for users of legally prescribed and widely accepted narcotics like the depressants Nembutal, Valium, or Ambien or opioids and morphine derivatives like codeine and Percocet. Is it fair to assume the Town of Oro Valley is against these medicines as well?

The bottom line is that medical marijuana is legal in Arizona. It is legally sold in Oro Valley. For the Town Of Oro Valley to have a web page telling why it is a bad thing is wrong. It's not their job.

I ask the Town of Oro Valley to reconsider the unconscionable wording on their information about medical marijuana and misuse of resources to deny what is a legal right.. What they have published violates public trust because so many of their "facts" are incorrect, misleading, or simply rank ignorant opinion.

A portion of Arizona's 37,598 certified medical marijuana users live here in Oro Valley, including one of my dear friends with Multiple Sclerosis. Oro Valley should be respectful of their individual chosen paths to wellness as well as to Catalina Hills Care.

What do you think?
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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, Oro Valley Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of Oro Valley residents!

Heather's Corner: A Family Sport for All to Enjoy Right Here In Oro Valley

My family and I are always looking for new ways to actively and creatively spend time together. Luckily for us, Oro Valley has provided, right in the heart of our town, an archery range where the love of outdoors, camaraderie, and appreciation of the sport at any skill level or age, are combined into one. This is the Oro Valley Archery Range and if you've yet to visit it, you're well overdue!

Every year 18.9 million Americans participate in archery and the numbers are climbing claims a report by the Archery Trade Association (ATA). Not only are those significant numbers but more surprisingly is that 1/3 of those archery participants were women. Once regarded as a true "man's sport," archery is quickly becoming popular as a family sport as I found out speaking with a patron, Scotty Walden, of the Oro Valley Archery Range.

"I bought a bow for my wife last Christmas. She thought it was a joke. Now she is hooked and can put six arrows in a five inch diameter at 50 yards."

Scotty also expressed that his wife and two children, 11 and 12 year olds, come to the range every Friday afternoon as a weekly tradition.

"Everybody helps out here-it's like big family. It's a great time to get out and then we all go to dinner together."

Resident Jim Markley setting up for a shot

From a more technical point of view, Jim Markley, Oro Valley Archery Range frequenter, says that it has "a lot of versatility with walking courses and 10 to 100 yard competition sites." He added that the town takes "pretty good care" of the range and that nice shade additions have gone up with the town in the process of adding more.

Perhaps my favorite part of my visit to the range was when I brought up the arrows my father used to have hanging in his wall where one arrow had split right through the other arrow. Not an impossible feat but a most difficult one none the less. The eyes of the archers I spoke with, lit up as they told me that feat was actually called "robin-hooding," and from what they explained can become a very expensive bragging right with arrows not being the cheapest. My other favorite part was the seven children in matching shirts with their game faces on at the other end of the range setting up to hit their mark.

Oro Valley’s Archery Range is located at Naranja Park, 660 W. Naranja Drive. At any given time, you can find six to a dozen archers with more utilizing the targets on the weekends. For more details, including archery courses maps, safety rules, walking course and distances, and prices check the website. (Below) We'd love to hear your thoughts of the archery range if you've visited.

P.S. Miss you Dad.

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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 Amateur Photographers: Two Great Contests Await

Do you enjoy taking pictures in your Oro Valley backyard? Or perhaps you have a spot somewhere that a photograph might capture the essence of Oro Valley? Here are two great opportunities to grab your camera and head outdoors.

The Arizona Office of Tourism holds monthly themed photo contests like, "Only in Arizona, American Indian Culture, and Canyons." March has a theme of, "Plants," which seems easy enough to do in our glorious town. In order to enter, simply upload your photo onto their website.All submissions are due by the last day of the previous month for the next month's theme. Winners are chosen by peers throughout the month and a final winner is selected from the top three. Prizes include Tamrac camera sling pack (backpack) valued at $100, an eight-inch high definition digital picture frame valued at $95, or a one year day-use pass to all Arizona State Parks valued at $75.

Taken in Oro Valley
Thanks To Oro Valley Resident Gil Alexander

The Nature Conservancy and Arizona Highways Magazine have a combined photo contest for our younger student photographers ages 18 and younger. They are currently seeking photographs that showcase Arizona's natural Beauty such as plants, wildlife, and people enjoying nature. Winning photos will be published in the award-winning Arizona Highways magazine and The Nature Conservancy’s Field Notes magazine. Submission deadline is April 10th, 2015. More information can be found on their website

Wouldn't it be great to see some of our own sights and experiences in Oro Valley a part of these contests and publications. Please let us know if you decide to submit so we can check out your photographs on the websites. There's no time like the present to grab your camera and start shooting!
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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: "What Has Happened To Oro Valley?"

Allow me to vent. I know a lot of the critics of the LOVE blog believe we are all retired old naysayers just looking for an opportunity to contradict whatever the majority four on Council suggest. I contribute regularly to this blog, am 38 years young, a mother of two children under five, and I believe the majority four have done a lot of good for the community.

I am also not against growth or expansion. I was raised in Silicon Valley and appreciate the value of diversity, high paying jobs, and housing options. My first Silicon Valley apartment, if you can call it that, was a converted attic in what is considered to be a very posh little town. My rent was $400.00 more than our current mortgage on our Oro Valley home. Down the road were subsidized apartments for those needing financial assistance. And up the road was a home listed for $11,000,000.00. I get it. But it was done in such a way that cohesively married all socio-economic levels because nothing stood out. Not mansion nor apartment complex. Not the 7-Eleven nor the boutiques.

But I have to ask: What is the vision for our quaint town of Oro Valley? I ask myself this every time I drive down Oracle Rd. from Linda Vista Blvd. to the Oro Valley Marketplace, which I have endearingly re-named "Apartment Row." I feel especially less than sentimental about the metamorphosis of our town as I pass the Jurassic mammoth apartments by 1st. Ave. I know this topic is a dead horse but aren't those in charge at all worried by these massive irreversible footprints scarring the look and feel of our town? Do they drive "The Row" and bask in the grandeur of these atrocities? I know there are so many other town issues at the forefront of their attention that these apartments are probably a distant memory, but was this the vision they had in mind? Do they drive by these goliaths on their way home or to the store or movies and say, 'Darn it, those look good!'?

I don't have a degree in architecture, city planning, or the like. All I have are my layman's eyes telling me "Apartment Row" is for lack of a better word, blatant. There is no subtlety amongst these giants. They are the most obvious of landmarks, to those unfamiliar with Oro Valley, on a major traveled road into our town, (with Oro Valley Marketplace and the hospital a close second and third but farther down the beaten path.) These apartments are to Oro Valley what the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco, the Gateway Arch is to Missouri, and the Space Needle is to Seattle. Of course those of us that experience all that our great town has to offer, realize that Steam Pump Ranch, Catalina State Park, or even "The Tree of Knowledge," outside of our library, are several examples of our true and prideful landmarks. Unfortunately if you don't know they exist, you'll blink and miss them.

I have chosen to blindly trust those in charge that their vision for our town over the next five, ten, twenty years, are more advanced than what my uneducated eyes can conceive. That, and because the damage has already been done. And with that, time will tell. Until then I'll close with the words of my father-in-law, whom recently visited from Canada, after being away for some time, and viewed the apartments in their current state:

"What in the world happened here?"

Thanks for the opportunity to vent.

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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heather' Corner: Happy Holidays, Oro Valley

It is the end of another year and we've had a great one Oro Valley. From the Fall Festival to the Christmas parade, from elections to the General Plan, it has been a tremendous year indeed. As time nears the end of 2014, and we are doing our part in the hustle and bustle of consumerism, or perhaps struggling to do so, I thought I would share a poignant photograph as we temporarily leave you for our holiday break.

"New Shoes," by Gerald Waller, 1946

Six year old Werfel, living in an orphanage in Austria, hugs a new pair of shoes given to him by the American Red Cross. Published by Life Magazine, the photo shows the excitement of a child from the simplicity, yet necessity, of a new pair of shoes during World War II. May we all be reminded to find pleasures in the little things of life.

I'd like to sign off with a quote I find befitting, taken from one of my family's favorite holiday traditions, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." For those who have not engaged in the cartoon special, Charlie Brown on his quest for the true meaning of Christmas, picks what is undoubtedly the saddest looking tree on the lot. And true to form, the optimistic character of the bunch, Linus Van Pelt, otherwise known as Linus, shares his hope and cheer for the underwhelmed holiday symbol:

"I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love."

Well said Linus. Maybe this holiday, we all just need a little love. So from our L.O.V.E family to yours Oro Valley, happy holiday. We will see you December 29.

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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heathers Corner: Amphi Parents as Teachers-A Resource You'll Want to Know About

There is an outstanding program available to any family living in the Amphitheater Community with children ages of prenatal to five years old. The program is designed to offer parent education and family strengthening working with families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. And the best part...it's free!

"Parents as Teachers" believe that the early years of childhood are critical in development and preparation to provide the basis for success in school and throughout life. With parents most typically the child's earliest form of influence, the program assists families through support curricula, training, materials and services while also allowing those families with diverse socio or economic backgrounds the same opportunities to provide the proper tools for early child development.

As stated by one of the Parent Educators, Diana Pitney, "If you have preschoolers, I invite you to check us out. We would like to partner with you. After all, you are your child's best and first teacher! Let us bring you the tools and ideas we have available to help you be the best parent you can be."

What you can expect from the program are personal home visits providing parenting tips and information on your child's development, family group connections allowing an opportunity to meet other parents, developmental screenings to be able to help identify child's strengths and kindergarten preparedness, and health screenings to assess your child's vision, hearing, and general health.

Once again I am happy to learn about another program bringing together our Oro Valley community. And what a great opportunity for pregnant mothers or those with young ones to enter motherhood with a sense of educational direction for the next five years. More information can be found by clicking this link or by contacting Dina Gutierrez at 696-4095.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heather's Corner: 'Tis Flu Season: Let's Be Smart Oro Valley

Pima county has officially reported it's first case of influenza for the entire state of Arizona for this flu season. With last year's flu season, from the months of October 2013 to May 2014, bringing about 2000 cases and 15 subsequent deaths, it's time for a friendly reminder to do your due diligence in helping prevent the spread.

The Center's For Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") has expanded it's guidelines regarding flu vaccinations to include EVERYBODY over the age of six months. Last year's flu hit 18-49 year olds the hardest, a change from prior years.

Arizona holds low vaccination rates compared to the rest of the country with Pima County having only half of those over the age of 65 receiving vaccination. These are scary numbers when you are considering that this is a preventable illness with the probability of causing deaths this season, a reality.

Along with the proper vaccinations, the CDC offers other preventative actions such as:

• Limit contact with others if you get sick with flu-like symptoms for at least 24 hours AFTER the fever is gone. 
• Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones. 
• Find out about plans your child's school or childcare program has if an outbreak of flu occur
• Find out how sick students are separated from others and who will care for them until they can go home.

I highly request that everyone take a half hour out of their busy schedules and visit your doctor or a "minute clinic," like those found at Walgreens or CVS, and get a flu shot today. They require about two weeks to become effective so there is no time like the present. Remember you are not only protecting yourself, Oro Valley, but those perhaps more vulnerable than you, like infants and the elderly, that you would otherwise come in contact with.

You might even be saving a life!
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Bits and Pieces

Was It A Drone or A Model Aircraft?

We asked Oro Valley Communications Director Misti Nowak about drone use by the Town Of Oro Valley following our report last week that several residents saw what they thought was a drone flying in or near our town.  This is Misti's response.

"I checked with OVPD and with the Development and Infrastructure Services Department on your question about drones. To our knowledge, the Town is not using any drones or participating in any programs like that. I do know that the Desert Flyers remote-controlled aircraft club flies various sized planes in the area, especially out of Naranja Park. And based on some aerial photos I’ve seen, perhaps RC craft are used to photograph areas of land for sale or development. I’m just guessing here—I have nothing to substantiate that. If the person who spotted the aircraft is certain it was a drone and not an RC aircraft, they could check in with the FAA, because use of those is regulated through that organization."
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Safe Treats Tonight

"The Oro Valley Police Department sponsors "Halloween Safe Treats", beginning at dusk throughout Oro Valley neighborhoods. Oro Valley police officers, department staff, volunteer patrol and Explorers are in marked patrol vehicles and wearing police department uniforms. All candy distributed by OVPD are in festive Halloween bags marked "Safe Treats". It's fun for everyone!

For several years, Department personnel have enjoyed making Halloween a safer holiday for Oro Valley families with the "Safe Treats" program. OVPD passes out approximately 2,500 bags of candy throughout various residential neighborhoods and apartment complexes."
(Source)
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Widening Of Some Some Oro Valley Streets To Start In 2016

According to the town's website, the widening of Tangerine west of La Canada Drive will start sometime in 2016.  It will be increased to 4 lands with sidewalks and multi-use lanes.    Other road projects include widening Lambert Lane west of La Canada Drive, to 4 lanes plus bike lanes. This one is to stare ing 2015.  The most important widening, however, will not start until 2021. That's making La Cholla a 3 lane divided street.  See all of Oro Valley's projects here.
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Oro Valley Police Chief Sharp Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

"Oro Valley, Arizona (October 27, 2014)
The Town of Oro Valley is proud to announce that Oro Valley Police Department Chief Daniel G. Sharp has been selected to receive the prestigious 2014 J. Stannard Baker Award, given by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety." (Source: Town Of Oro Valley Press Release)
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Ironwood Ridge High School Football Ranked In Top 10

Oro Valley's IRidge Football is ranked as a top 10 " at the moment regardless of division.  That is quite at accomplishment. "Ironwood Ridge has quietly won eight games in a row, beating good opponents, including a break-through 48-17 rout of defending Division II champion Tucson Salpointe Catholic last week. Centennial and Liberty know how well-equipped a Matt Johnson-coached team is in the playoffs." (Source)
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Protected Owl Killed

Oro Valley, Arizona (October 24, 2014)
The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) and AZ Game and Fish are asking for the public's help with any information regarding a protected Great Horned Owl that was found deceased in the area of La Cholla and Glover Rd on October 24, 2014 at approximately 5:00 p.m. It appeared the owl was shot by a firearm. Local witnesses reported the owl was often perched on a telephone pole in the area. AZ Game and Fish is offering a reward to anyone with information leading to the prosecution of this incident. Please call 911, 88- CRIME, OVPD (520)229-4900 or Operation Game Thief (800)352-0700.  (Source: Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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Town Of Oro Valley Offers  Prescription Discount Card

Thanks to a partnership with the National League Of Cities, the Town of Oro Valley offers a prescription drug savings card.  The card is free to all Oro Valley residents regardless of age, income, or existing health insurance. " By using this card you may say the average of 23% off the regular retail price of prescription drugs at participating pharmacies."  Learn more here.
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"Shop Oro Valley This Holiday Season For Weekly Prize Drawings!

Oro Valley, Arizona (October 29, 2014)
The Town of Oro Valley’s annual “Shop OV Holiday Campaign” begins November 3, 2014, and runs through January 2, 2015. During the campaign, residents and visitors who shop in Oro Valley and spend $25 or more may enter their receipt for a chance to win great prizes in a weekly drawing.

There is no limit on entries, and the more receipts you submit, the greater your chances of winning! Participants can submit their receipts online at http://bit.ly/ShopOVHoliday or in person at Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive, Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (excluding holidays)." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Heather's Corner: Harvest and Donate Your Fruit

Did you know that at one time Oro Valley had commercial orange groves? They were located on Linda Vista Road. They were huge. Today, the only oranges are in our backyards? We don’t sell this fruit. Some of us don’t even eat it. Many of us simply throw it away.

Wait! There may be a better answer to what to do with that unwanted fruit!  Give it away!

Imagine something as simple as allowing volunteers to pick unwanted fruit off of your backyard fruit trees, and in doing so helping refugees from war-torn countries. It is possible, it is happening, and moreover, you can be a part of it. This is "working cooperatively together" for the greater good, or as the non-profit organization is called, Iskashitaa.

Please Don' t Throw Me Away!

Upon returning to Tucson from Malawi villages while working on her dissertation, Dr. Barbara Eiswerth noticed rotting and fallen fruit on the ground around Tucson.

Eiswerth combined her experience in Africa and her educational background in environmental science and land management to launch "a project through the Tucson Youth Work Enhancement program to educate local high school teens about food resources. Together, they mapped 162 homes with 296 fruit-producing trees. Unwanted fruit harvested from these trees was then distributed to local farmers’ markets and soup kitchens." (Source)

Dr. Barbara Eiswerth

In 2003, Eiswerth recruited refugee students to help father and harvest the fruit and received a grant from the United Way of America to begin regular harvesting with and for refugees.

Iskashitaa offers many programs; but, thhe most prevailing program remains gleaning, or harvesting unwanted produce from property owners and local farmers. Currently the program has gone from a few thousand pounds of food a year to an impressive 100,000 pounds of unwanted food each year of fruits, nuts, and vegetables for refugees and "food insecure" residents of Tucson. That is over one million servings of food thus far.

Please think about this organization as the hundreds of citrus trees begin to ripen in Oro Valley these next few months. What you can't eat yourselves or give away, you can offer in support of this organization.

Read more about their harvesting program.  See how you can help.

(Learn more)
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heather's Corner: This Saturday, Support Oro Valley's Inaugural Firefighters BBQ Challenge

Fire departments and fundraisers have a long history together using the funds for anything from equipment to local charities. Some departments rely heavily on keeping their operations running up to par with fundraisers and these can include pancake breakfasts, bingo, calendars (hint, hint, Golder Ranch Fire Department), and the always popular barbecues.

Though I was having trouble finding the actual history behind the origination of the first BBQ and fire departments, there are countless websites advertising fire departments and their annual "BBQ cook-offs" spanning the lengths of 65+ years. These are traditions long-steaped in the departments history.

And lucky enough for Oro Valley, Golder Ranch Fire District will host it's First Annual North Tucson Fire Fighters Challenge this Saturday, September 20th, at Steam Pump Ranch.

This will be a family event that will "place local firefighters in a head to head pit master cook-off competition in order to raise money for the local foster care and autism service communities." It will also be a platform for local child care services to meet the public and share information. There will be fun and food for everyone! For more information you can email Jose Samaniego at 3832charities@gmail.com.

Let's all try and make our first annual BBQ event as memorable as we can and hopefully someone will be writing about our 65th annual someday. And if anyone out there knows the history of how fire departments and BBQ's came to be, we'd love to hear from you.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heather's Corner: Become a Charter Member of the Oro Valley Citizens Economic Club

On a hot day in August, I passed a gentleman holding a sign and I had to stop and see what it was all about. As it turns out, his name was Charles Hanson and is relatively a new resident of Oro Valley but comes with big ideas and hopes for all of us. His purpose: to start an Oro Valley Citizens Economic Club.

Originally from Colorado, he owned a building for non-profit organizations and groups on an intersection that would forever change his life. It happened to be an intersection where protesters started to congregate in the fall of 2011 during Occupy Wall Street, a public reaction to the financial crash. He invited them to use his building as their base and place to discuss ideas. Charles, without having prior interest in what was transpiring, quickly became ignited with a passion for change and knowledge.

The purpose of the economic club, as explained by Charles, is "to give a little more political clout to local citizens. To get a group of people together who are willing to do a little work to see if by November we can accomplish something bigger." Some topics to possibly be discussed could be: Do you want to know how money is created? What is the difference between the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury? Are you confident that the banking system and monetary policies operate in ways to ensure your welfare within the global economic structure of the 21st century?

Charles would also like the group to be politically neutral. "Let's not let our political differences get in the way of our political and economic system." As he points out these are "American problems" and he welcomes ideas and discussion from any who would like to attend future meetings.

If this sounds of interest to you, you can contact Charles  at hanson111614@gmail.com; or if you're lucky enough to talk with him along the roadside, look forward to a wonderfully insightful conversation about the economic expansions and contractions of our past.

The Oro Valley Citizens Economic Club is still in its infancy and is looking for interested, passionate members. Who of us isn't passionate about their economic well-being?
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Sleeping Frog Farms: They've Got It Down To A Science

Every Saturday at the Oro Valley Farmers Market there is an opportunity to buy organic food while supporting local growers and businesses and in doing so providing higher nutritional value to your dinner table. One such business is Sleeping Frog Farms. Regulars at the farmers market, their produce can be indulged at many high-end restaurants in town including Hacienda del Sol and Lodge on the Desert.

One might wonder where such a name for a farm originated. It occurred when co-owner C.J. Marks was installing the first irrigation line and came across a frog, who happened to be sleeping. With farming methods including those culled from native-peoples, old time farming traditions, and modern day more scientific approaches, Marks and his business partner Valdivia, have perfected producing the highest yield in the smallest possible area.

Without using fertilizer, their approach to farming is one like you and I eating yogurt to stabilize the bad bacteria with the good in our own stomachs. They "build" their soil with a pro-biotic product consisting of three principal micr-organism groups to raise the level of good microbes in the earth and to allow produce to flourish. This is known as EM Technology. In essence this means "in the garden, healthy microbes produce healthy soil, which produces healthy plants." Think about that the next time you slice into one of their delicious tomatoes for lunch!

The next time you are at the Farmer's Market, stop by and say 'hi' to these guys and rest assured that you are experiencing some of the finest and greenest farming techniques around should you choose to purchase some veggies. Also, check out their website (Sleeping Frog Farms) for some awesome recipes.

We are lucky to have such local produce as we do and even more blessed we have an opportunity for the variety each weekend at Steam Pump Ranch.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heather's Corner: What Has Arms But Can't Hug? Or Can They?

Friends of the Catalina State Park offer some wonderful programs to educate, experience, and to give back. One program in particular is called Adopt a Saguaro with adoption fees supporting projects and activities in Catalina State Park. And reasons for adopting a saguaro are endless

You can scroll the Friends of Catalina State Park Website for a full range of photographs of the majestic beauties that include a description including how many arms it has, GPS coordinates, and on which trail you can find it. For a fee of 25.00, 50.00, or 100.00 per year there are a variety of sizes, ages, and shapes to chose.

Catalina State Park Web Site

Here's one for you.

"Grand Daddy Saguaro Br-7 Bridle Trail...GPS Coordinates: N 32.42568629 W -110.9141212"

What I found truly inspiring were the dedications for the already adopted Saguaros. For beloved ones, for those who love the park, anniversaries, for friendship, a valentines day gift, a Mother's Day gift, and even one in the name of legislature. Some have been personified and given their own names like the Ludwig family who adopted "Susie." The possibilities are limitless.

The Park has Saguaro Etiquette in order to preserve these adoptees so remember the saguaro is delicate, protected, do not mark or deface in any way, and don't leave the trail to visit one as you may risk trampling the newbies.

If you are looking for a wonderfully thoughtful gift for the person who has everything or you want to honor a loved one, please consider adopting one for your own. I can't think of a better way to support one of our state parks. And if you've got your eye on a saguaro not listed on Friends of Catalina State Park website, just let them know and they are happy to oblige.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heather's Corner: Is Your Neighborhood Safe Enough? Here's How You Can Help.

On the Oro Valley Police Department ("OVPD") link through the Town of Oro Valley's website, there is a wealth of information on how you can participate in keeping the community safe. One example of this is the Neighborhood Watch Program. Any neighborhood can start one and it is not only supported by, but highly suggested from our police department to get your neighborhood involved in one.

The Neighborhood Watch program is free and open to all participants in a variety of geographical settings such as a block, a group of homes, businesses, a park. Members "learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and he neighborhood and report activities that raise their suspicions to the police."

Once your neighborhood has decided to get involved, you will meet with an OVPD Community Resource Officer to discuss the program and go over any questions. Future meetings, also held by a Resource Officer, will go over crime statistics in your area, how to recognize and report suspicious activity, and the importance if your involvement in protecting your community.

Responsibilities of members include learning neighbors' names and vehicles, displaying Neighborhood Watch signs in your home, and keeping a copy of your Neighborhood Watch map and phone tree in an accessible place to alert neighbors. A minimum of two activities per calendar year must be conducted in order to remain active in the program. These can include but are not limited to neighborhood yard sales, Halloween house decorating parties, progressive dinner parties, etc.

I don't know about you but I've always loved to see those Neighborhood Watch signs. There is something so empowering about knowing there are eyes on the look out for shenanigans in the area. I never knew how some neighborhoods were privy to that program and was thrilled to find out it is available for any neighborhood. What a great way to meet your neighbors, have them keep an eye on your house while on vacation, or to know neighborhood support is just a phone call away.

Click here to learn how to start watch program for your neighborhood.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heather's Place: Have You Ever Attended A Town Council Meeting?

I first attended an Oro Valley Town Council Meeting out of necessity. I assume this is why many others attend their first meeting as well. And while the item on the agenda  in which I was interested didn't end in my favor, I left with a renewed sense of faith in people and a discovered interest in local politics.

Perhaps what I found most fascinating about my experience were the numerous employees in the Oro Valley town staff. They were ready and willing to help in every way and doing so with a sense of compassion.

These were not insensitive drones dealing with yet another unhappy citizen as one might expect, though I'm sure they've heard their fair share of complaints. These were professional, accommodating, valuable employees, knowledgable in their area of expertise, that allowed the process of using my voice for what I believed in, to be very unintimidating.

Attending a Town Hall Meeting seemed so out-of-reach and daunting.

I never planned on attending one until I had to and didn't understand the purpose one would want to attend, i.e. small fish big pond, unless left no other choice.

I think to some people, much like my previous self, it is an intimidating idea, one that deters more from being able to attend. I want to assure those that it is a wonderful platform to voice your concerns, opinions, and ideas, as is your right. And it allows you firsthand to see those representing you and your community in a way that can only be appreciated in person.

The National Council on Aging's website lists nine helpful tips on attending a Council meeting should you find yourself wanting to be prepared beforehand.

There's no time like the present to get started.  Attend next Wednesday's Oro Valley Council meeting.  It starts a 6PM in the council chambers of the town complex at 11000 La Canada.  And, if you can't be there in person, watch on line at this link.

Attend a meeting if for no other reason than to say you've experienced one. I promise you will be pleasantly surprised and at the very least, gain new insight into the inner workings of our great town of Oro Valley.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Heather's Corner: It's Hot Outside-Let's Go to the Movies

I'm sure many of you frequent The Century Theaters at the Oro Valley Marketplace but now is the time to become aquatinted with all of their specials and events considering the hot weather.  So go, relax, enjoy the state-of-the-art twelve screen theater and don't worry about it costing an arm and a leg with these deals:

The Summer Movie Club House is back and welcomed by all the caregivers out there. F or the cost of a $5.00 per person pass, you can see TEN movies, every Wednesday at 10:30am. That's ten movies for less than the cost of a bag of popcorn! These family friendly movies are sure to entertain the young and young at heart. You can also see the movie for $1.00 per person if you chose to pass on the pass. Still a great deal if you ask me.

And for everyone else, Tuesdays are $5.25 all day for everyone and every movie. Seniors get an opportunity to take advantage of this price again on Mondays with $5.25 movies all day. Students, show your ID and get your own discount as well. And of course there is always a military discount for those who serve our country.

Don't forget to download the Cinemark free app for your phone. Each time you put your phone in "Cinemode" while at the movies, which puts your phone on vibrate and dims the screen for you automatically, you are rewarded at the end of the movie with a code for a free popcorn, nachos, hot dog, and other concessions.

You can check their website www.cinemark.com regularly for a listing of special special events. Operas and classical movies have been a favorite of Oro Valley movie-goers but there are many other events as well like "Hotwheels: Origin of Awesome," June 7th and 8th at 11:00 am and a "Dr. Who" special, "Rise of Cyberman/Age of Steel," June 16th and 17th. You can also sign up for their weekly email or like them on Facebook and enjoy concession coupons and other special offers each week.

See you at the movies!
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)