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: 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: When Mom Meets The Underbelly of Oro Valley Politics

Last week at the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Forum, Mayor Hiremath listed four things you should expect from your Mayor.  The fourth was that the Mayor should be "somebody who cares for you. And I am that individual."

Is he kidding?  

Heather writes today about her personal experience and how Mayor Hiremath and his majority colleagues never exhibited even one ounce of caring for her and her neighbors' needs.
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In this elections season, I think it is important to share with you my one experience with the current Oro Valley Town Council Majority-4.  I'm just a regular ol' Oro Valley housewife/stay-at-home mom of two.   It's safe to say I did not know much about the Oro Valley Town Council when I needed their help.  Franky, like most people in my situation, I was busy with my own bubble of motherhood. And, I thought to myself: They are my council. Certainly they will help me.

But I know now that during that experience, I spent hours of time away from my children, money out of our own pockets, and a considerable amount of grief to do someone else's homework. In the end, we were somberly taught a lesson in inequity.  You see. I expected the Oro Valley Town Council, and the Majority-4 specifically, to protect my interests.

I was wrong about them. I was wronged by them.

I want to tell you my story.

There was a beautiful sloped hill and protected riparian area on a lot next to the home we purchased. The lot wasn't without challenges, but to the layman's eye, it was apparent that a home could be built. Enter the builder. He believed it necessary to destroy almost the entirety of the slope and protected area to build a comparable "castle."

We protested at the Board of Adjustment and failed. This was our first experience with codes and procedures, but not so for the builder, who spoke of hardship with a magic tongue. It was sobering, but we would not give up! We had one more opportunity to state our case to the "Knights of the Round Table," (Town Council) and this time we'd be prepared!

We hired an army of architects, experts, and engineers to refute the arguments of the builder and we prevailed! The lot encompassed a 4500 sq. ft. buildable envelope, of which to masterpiece a castle of all castles, all without destroying the slope and subsequent home to a family of bobcats. We would bring forth this information to the "Knights" and they'd rule in our favor-victory for all!  It would be a win-win.

But that's not the ending of this story.

Four of the knights were unthwarted by our work and hard efforts. They did not give consideration to the army's evidence. They ignored the findings of their own town scholars and staff. And the builder, well, he destroyed that beautiful hillside and all that went with it, but, all for not.

This mom met politics.  Developer 1 Citizen 0.  End of game.

I can't respect those who show blatant disregard to information, factual evidence, or expert findings, when it doesn't support a developer, business, or revenue-providing-entity for the town. Sometimes the individuals' interests need to override. Sometimes the underdog needs to win too.

I support the new candidates. May they be "knighted" with values and fortitude that appreciate us all as individuals while still maintaining appropriate relations with businesses and developers for the town as a whole.
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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: 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: Honoring our Vets and the Oro Valley Veterans Support Initiative

As Veteran's Day approaches, I thought I would dedicate today's posting to all of the service men and women that have selflessly served the country. For those needing a refresher, November 11th marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Technically the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. The day was to be celebrated with parades and thanksgivings. Several years later, congress asked President Wilson to declare the 11th a legal and national holiday.

Oro Valley honors our Vets through the Veterans Support Initiative. The town approved the initiative on June 01, 2011 in response to citizens stressing the need for more resources and support for families of those who have served. The purpose was to identify and provide individuals and non-governmental businesses and groups that support the vets and their families.

On their website, you will find links to Health, Education, Employment, Discounts, and more. It has become an invaluable resource and outlet for incredible support. They ask you to join this year's celebration at Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS):

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Rose Garden Courtyard
3601 South 6th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85723

There is no doubt we have all been touched by stories of bravery, heroism, and the tenacity of our veterans. I would like to honor my grandfather on this day. A member of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II attack on Normandy, he was separated from his group due to heavy winds. He hid in the brush while opposing soldiers fired weapons just feet from his head. He remained motionless until the remaining of his group and other U.S. soldiers caught up with him days later.

Please feel free to share your amazing stories with us here. Let's use this day to be grateful and let us celebrate and honor our veterans!!!
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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: 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: You Won Believe What Oro Valley's Got Going On

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the Great American Playhouse.  If you aren't or if you haven't yet experienced it for yourself, have I got a treat for you.

Located at 13005 N. Oracle Rd., in what once was a grocery store, lies what I have found to be this far, Oro Valley's most enjoyable hidden gem. Once greeted at the door you are brought inside a creative, and surprisingly very talented, world of live theatre acts, pianist extraordinaire, and a encore second act variety show called, "The Olio," that combines wit, humor, and audience participation.  Did I mention they offer a generous menu with time honored favorites like pizza, meatball subs, and ice cream? You can sip on a cool glass of beer too all whilst being in the presence of a "family-oriented" entertainment and all age appropriate show. Are you sold?!

My family and I attended a Saturday afternoon show a few weeks back. We were astounded that we hadn't stumbled upon it before. We brought with us two four year olds who enjoyed the sing-a-longs, wild costumes, and props while the adults shared laughs in humor you can only appreciate with age on your side.

It was a good time to be had by all. The four year olds are still talking about it to this day. And as I previously mentioned their talented cast, the musical director/pianist, Mike Padilla, has played musically in various settings, most notably in San Francisco's Top of the Mark and The Fairmount Hotel. Hubba, bubba!

The shows change every few months or so, which give you an opportunity to enjoy the same show or experience a new one. Currently they are performing "Quest of the Caveman," which promises to be a delight for the young and young at heart. So grab the family and settle in for a delightful afternoon or evening of fun and entertainment. But if all else fails and you are one of those naysayers who can't fathom the idea of a one stop shop variety show the whole family will enjoy, you can always just fill up on the bottomless free popcorn they serve. Either way, it's a win-win.
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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: 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 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: 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: 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: Oro Valley Artists: An Art Class Worth Your Time

Oro Valley's Toscana Studio and Art Gallery (9040 North Oracle Road) is offering an exciting opportunity to take a class from a renowned local artist, titled Landscaping Painting from Photos with David Schwindt.

The class will look at how photos can be a useful resource for imagery in painting when one has developed the basic perceptual skills in working from life. Also, the class will strive to improve your color mixing skills with simple exercises, and work individually with the instructor to build on your own vision and unique way of seeing.

"Fall Cottonwoods on the Santa Cruz"

David Schwindt is an artist with strong ties to the southwest. In 1999 he was one of a handful of artists selected by The Grand Canyon Trust to raft the Colorado River with the purpose of painting pieces that would later be exhibited at the Forbes Galleries in New York and San Francisco.

David is a member of The Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters and is a certified teacher for The School of Color, focusing on color as a quality of light. His art is currently exhibited at galleries in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, including Toscana Studio and Gallery.

The class is four weeks long and meets Tuesdays, January 20, 27, and Feb 3 and 10, from 9:00am to 12:00 pm. The class is flexible in allowing the students to work with your preferred medium: Watercolor, pastel, oil, or acrylic. Call or email instructor for questions regarding materials list:

What a wonderful way to continue your pathway to artistic exploration or to dust off your old brushes and start again in the new year. However, if you are unable to take this class, check back with Toscano Studio as they regularly offer classes with a variety of techniques. Please take a moment to admire some of David's paintings here and if you do happen to take the class, we'd love you to share what you've done.
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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: Oro Valley-There's An App For That

If you have ever been on the town's website then you already know it is full of information that requires a bit of digging, sometimes happenstance, to find the information you seek.

Last summer the Town of Oro Valley created it's first "app," intended for their "commitment to improve access to accurate, timely and relevant Town information."

The most requested and up to date information can be found on the app and it's a great way to find what you need quickly, with a few extra perks as well.

Oro Valley Smartphone App

The app is simply categorized into sections for Town Government, Residents, Visitors, and Businesses, which makes for easy navigation. You can choose links such as Department numbers and contact information, park hours, Aquatic Center fees, and online services like bill payment and permit search. Under the "Info" link you can find town geographic info, town accolades, resource links, and their social media outlets.

Perhaps the most interesting of the app were the interactive maps, which showed Development and Infrastructure options like maps on parcels and street maintenance. The Economic Development for Annexation maps and Parks and Recreation maps for trails, parks and elevations, were not currently available though I imagine they are very useful when running.

All in all I would say the app is a great way to get current and the most popular inquired information on the Town of Oro Valley. It was simple and concise and saved a lot of time from having to search their website. You can download the app in your smartphone via links on their website.

Please let us know what you think of the app!
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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: 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: A Family Considers An Oro Valley Community Center

There is potential that a Community Center may be on the horizon for Oro Valley sooner rather than later. Regardless of where or when it happens, for my family it would mean a great deal. A Community Center, by definition, is for social, cultural, or recreational purposes, and let's face it, will provide more opportunity to escape the summer heat.

When I was younger, I would accompany my best friend and her family as they frequented our town's community center as members. After school it was a safe place to do to homework and wait for her father to arrive from work where the family would participate in racket ball, tennis, or swimming while catching up with a few neighborhood friends. On weekends we would have lunch at the on-site restaurant and participate in an art class or two. My point is to this day, those are some of the fondest memories I have. I'd like the opportunity to provide the same for my children.

A Community Center could be utilized:

As the place for all-community celebrations at various occasions and traditions.

As the place for public meetings of the citizens on various issues.

As the place where politicians or other official leaders come to meet the citizens and ask for their opinions, support or votes ("election campaigning" in democracies, other kinds of requests in non-democracies).

As a place where community members meet each other socially.

As a place housing local clubs and volunteer activities.

As a place that community members (and sometimes others), can rent cheaply when a private family function or party is too big for their own home. For instance the non-church parts of weddings, funerals etc.

As a place that passes on and retells local history.

There are many reasons to incorporate a Community Center in Oro Valley. I think all ages, interests, and socio-economic groups would benefit from a gathering place offering a variety of recreational, sports-oriented, and artistic amenities that we could all participate in. A place that encompasses the hobbies, interests, and pastimes of my entire family all while in the company of one another. Where else can you say that happens? Yes, reason to celebrate, indeed!

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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: Russell Ranch School for Boys: An Oro Valley Legend for Those Who Attended

Nestled behind a few trees, just north of the entrance to the Catalina State Park, on Oracle Rd. lies Cielo Tierra Ranch. Now a sleepy ranch with attached boarding stables, it was once a prestigious boarding school for boys, grades 7 through 10, and therefore holds a special place in Oro Valley history.

The ranch school movement began in the western United States in the early 1900's as a way to provide education for those families living in remote rural areas. However, it wasn't long before they gathered attention from Easterners, who could afford to, that would send their children to boarding school to receive an education based on experiencing nature, the west, and gaining independence, was all the rage. Arizona led the way for national ranch schools, most of which were in the Tucson area, until the movement declined in the 1960's and most were closed.

Rev. Robert Russell, a Presbyterian clergyman from Larchmont, New York, opened Russell Ranch School in 1938. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, he remained the school's headmaster until it closed in 1950. The school has been described as having a main ranch house, a library, craft room, boy's dormitory, several classrooms, and a large corral with horseback riding every day.

Many dignified men have recounted their time spent at the school through interviews and books, including colonels, authors, and at one time, a Rockefeller was said to have attended. Award winning author of 16 books, John Duncklee, describes his time in a memoir, I bit the Silverspoon:

"One of my greatest joys at Russell Ranch School, besides riding my horse, were the Saturdays when the early morning light began flooding the western side of the mountains. With my roommate still snoring, I would open the window and sneak out into the pasture through the barbed wire fence. With the heavy growth of mesquite trees to hide me, I walked toward the mountains, crossed the Cañada del Oro and headed for Ram's Canyon, which is a major drainage from the foothills."

I share with you, that I too, have spent some time on that ranch though it is a bit different now. The dorm rooms have been converted to casitas, the once library holds storage, and there is a pool to use on the hottest of summer days. I assure you, the sense of history remains strong, and those who have spent time on the ranch, have shared in the folklore of stories from the mischievous boys at the school to the" hippie compound" it became in the 1970's.

If any of you have stories to share about Russell Ranch School, 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: "The Mesquite Way To More Stable Blood Sugar Levels"

Did you know there is a connection between Diabetes and your backyard mesquite tree?

As the mesquite trees display their beautiful canopy over part of our backyard, I decided to do a little research on the true value of these trees. And as it turns out, this is no ordinary tree. With history rooted in Pima and Tohono O'odham tribes and mesquite pods that may offer interesting benefits for those with diabetes, the mesquite tree is far becoming one of the most interesting local specimens I've read about this far.

The mesquite tree grows throughout North America in dry arid climates. It is an "extremely hardy, drought-tolerant plant" and has been known to stretch it's taproot as far as 190 feet to reach ground water or it can switch rapidly to receive top ground water, such as from rain, depending on the necessity and availability. Some people, especially ranchers, find the trees a nuisance as they can compete with crops for moisture.

Traditionally, mesquite was a main staple for native people providing shelter, weapons, food, and medicine with those uses rapidly declining in modern times. And it is with this decline that perhaps allowed a very important glimpse into an epidemic now nationally on the rise today.

It was those sweet pods from the mesquite that native people once ground down into flour. It is flour that has soluble fibers. It is a flour that is slowly absorbed by the body so there is no rapid rise in blood sugar, thus allowing for stable levels of blood sugar.

As the diets of native people changed to include white flour, fruits, and sugars from grocery stores, desert tribes in particular suffered spiraling rates of diabetes and obesity. "Medical studies of mesquite and other desert foods show that despite its sweetness, mesquite flour (made by grinding whole pods) "is extremely effective in controlling blood sugar levels" in people with diabetes." Studies also show mesquite flour is a slow absorbing nutrient which can take 4-6 hours as opposed to typical flours we use today which take only one hour or so resulting in peaks and valleys of blood sugar curve.

Slowly there is a rise in modern day cooking with the reintroduction of mesquite flour. The flavor is described as nutty, molasses, caramel, and vanilla and can be purchased at various online venues or at "Native Seeds/Search Shop" (3061 N. Campbell Ave). You can find a wide variety of recipes including mesquite cornbread, mesquite banana bread, and mesquite oatmeal raisin cookies.

With increasing research providing information regarding the benefits of mesquite flour, it seems a simple and healthy way to continue to enjoy some of the foods we love. Please share with us any recipes you've tried with this time-tested flour and let's continue to celebrate the beauty and awe of our Oro Valley backyard.
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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: LOVE to see A "First Annual Oro Valley Pumpkin Festival"

Though there was pumpkin festival last year, it was by no means the promoted, excited event suggested by the following.
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I might be getting ahead of myself here but I would love the prospect of an Oro Valley Pumpkin Festival this fall.

My family and I attended the Steam Pump Second Saturday this month. We enjoyed listening to music whilst sticky-ing our fingers on a cinnamon bun that filled the four of us. We made way to the garden where my children played in the Hohokom "mud hut" and made snake dogs out of clay, when my son picked up a rake and began helping a woman tending to the garden, turn-over the compost pile. She spoke about the garden, the ground squirrels that still manage to feast on the corn despite fencing, and mentioned she was tossing around the idea, and whether it were possible, of planting a pumpkin patch there for this fall. My mind went wild.

One of my favorite things about town living are the events happening, whether annually or weekly, allowing people the opportunity to get together. I love our Christmas parade and the tree lighting ceremony at Oro Valley Marketplace.

The Farmers Market is really evolving into a fantastic get-together, but outside of these two events, and of course the biannual book sale at our library, there isn't much else to look forward to. And now back to the Pumpkin Patch, or as I remain hopeful: Oro Valley's First Annual Pumpkin Festival.

The land of the Steam Pump Ranch is prime for a Fall Festival. I see pumpkins, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, food vendors, crafts, music, potato sack races and bobbing for apples. Why couldn't we, like most towns, hold a festival?

Except Oro Valley is not like most towns. We pride ourselves on respecting our natural environment, the arts, and culture, so our festival could be that more special. Wouldn't those wonderful buildings on the property be exquisite to exhibit art for the festival. Or showcase a re-enactment of what life might have been on that very ranch at the time of its emergence. How about a glimpse into the day-to-day life of the Hohokam with demonstrations on how and what they cooked, goods they traded, or how they dressed? Is anyone else as excited as I am?

I am officially putting it out there and holding the space for this experience for us. I volunteer my time in any way possible to see this through to fruition. Who else do I need to convince and who's on board with me? Lets bring another community-strengthening event to Oro Valley. And here's to carmel apples this October!
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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.)
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Heather's Corner: Monsoons-It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I love the monsoons! So does Beatrice.

So what if my backyard floods every time it rains. I don't care that I have to keep towels by my front window when the water decides to come at the house in a horizontal down pour. And least of all do I care that our dog, Beatrice, thinks the sofa is her personal grooming towel to dry off when she comes back in from doing her business. I love it all!

So I thought I would share a few facts I found on monsoons with you:

Beatice Enjoys The Monsoon!

• 32 percent our of Arizona’s yearly rain totals come during the monsoon. 
• 40 percent of In Pinetop’s yearly rain totals come during the monsoon. 
• 62 percent of Bisbee’s yearly rain totals come during the monsoon. 
• Lightning will strike about 500,000 times during the monsoon. 
• There are between 500 and 600 Arizona weather spotters. 
• The term “monsoon” comes from the Arabic “mausim” meaning “season” or “wind shift”. 
• The Arizona monsoon officially begins June 15th. Until recently, the monsoon was official three consecutive day of dew points above 55 degrees. Now it officially starts whether there is any change in the dew point or not. 
• The official last day of the monsoon is September 30th. 
• The word “monsoon” refers to a season by definition, and should never be used with the word “season”. 
• The Arizona monsoon usually continues for about two months resulting in about 2 1/2 inches of rain and about 1/3 of our yearly rainfall. 
• Monsoon storms range from minor dust storms to violent thunderstorms. Arizona monsoon storms start with heavy winds sometimes resulting in a visible wall of dust hundreds of feet high. 
• Dust storms during the monsoon are normally accompanied by thunder and lightning and often lead to heavy downpours. 
• The longest Arizona monsoon is recorded as 99 days in 1984. -The shortest Arizona monsoon on record is 27 days in 1962. 
• The most rain generated from an Arizona monsoon was 9.38 inches in 1984. 
• The driest monsoon in Arizona was .35 inches in 1924 

Arizona Stupid Motorist law, enacted in 1995 for governments to hold motorists responsible for rescue and recovery who knowingly enter a roadway or wash in rushing waters from a monsoon, even has it's own Facebook page now.

There you can learn: "If you get caught in a ‪monsoon, pull over and turn off your lights. Stay safe. Don't be a stupid motorist!"

And for those looking for a more scientific approach to monsoons, they are most simply a response to the sun heating up the atmosphere. "In Arizona, the process starts with the hot and dry weather of May and June. Usually, the winds are from a dry westerly direction, so humidity is low and temperatures soar above 100 degrees in the deserts. As the atmosphere warms, the jet stream retreats northward. this allows the winds to shift to a more southerly component and bring in the moisture. Most of our humid air comes from the Sea of Cortez, but a good portion also comes from the Gulf of Mexico. Once the moist air arrives, our strong summer sun heats the moist air causing the familiar thunderstorm (cumulonimbus) clouds." (Source)

We'd love you to share any monsoon photos with us.

In the meantime keep enjoying all the benefits of the monsoons and this photo of Beatrice doing the same.
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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: 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.)