 Happy Trails: Bidding farewell to home-repair supervisor, DOT manager
It’s Tuesday morning and Jesús Duran is on the road to Phoenix. Rather than starting another workday with the Pima County Home Repair Program, he’s headed to visit his beloved granddaughter, Olivia.
Duran retired in January after more than 23 years of service with Pima County. He now has time to visit family whenever he wishes, and extensive travel plans are on the horizon, too.
Joining Duran in retirement is Rich Franz-Under, who played key roles with the County over the years in both Development Services and Transportation.
Duran and Franz-Under kick off our “Happy Trails” column, an occasional feature in eScoop that profiles people who are retiring from Pima County government. To submit a profile of no more than 300 words, please email the eScoop editor. Don’t forget to include a recent photo of the retiree.
Well Done: Kudos to WIC Program and Public Defender staffer
In each issue, eScoop likes to give a shout-out to employees and departments who have won special recognition. We want to hear about colleagues who have earned kudos on the job as well as those being recognized for their work or volunteerism outside the office.
Send your ideas on employees who should receive a pat on the back by emailing the eScoop editor.
In this issue, you’ll hear about a statewide honor for the Health Department’s Women, Infants, & Children Program and see who’s tops among administrative staff in the Public Defender’s Office.
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Tax-prep program is back, now offers do-it-yourself classes
With tax season getting underway, Pima County and the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona are bringing back Valet VITA, a tax-preparation program available to families with a household income of $73,000 or less.
Valet VITA is now entering its seventh year, said Bonnie Bazata, manager of Pima County’s Ending Poverty Now program. Unlike last year, however, when the program was done entirely virtually due to the pandemic, participants will be able to again turn in their documents in person.
Valet VITA for the first time also will offer do-it-yourself classes for those who want to learn how to prepare their own taxes or don’t qualify for the free tax preparation.
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Udemy Business has something for everyone
Udemy Business offers courses on time management, business writing, diversity, Six Sigma, Articulate, Microsoft Office Programs and much more for employees wanting to improve skills. Don’t have time for a one-hour training? Udemy Business offers micro-learning sessions for as little as two minutes!
The Udemy Business launch date for Pima County is Feb. 23. Departmental representatives are taking advantage of this resource to help employees develop their skills and better serve fellow employees before the launch date.
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Take some voluntary actions to aid involuntary breathing
Blessed be the autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary functions of our bodies. This system controls our heartbeats, food digestion and other processes, including breathing. It makes it easy for us to forget about and take for granted … the ability to breathe, for instance.
The Department of Environmental Quality reminds you that any action we take to reduce air pollution may have small or large benefits – saving money, improving the health of the environment and making it easier for our autonomic nervous systems to do their job so we can, once again, take breathing for granted.
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Blind date adoption event offers chance for true love with a PACC pet
The Pima Animal Care Center is giving potential adopters the chance to go on a “blind date” with the dog or kitty of their dreams as part of an after-hours “Love is Blind ” adoption event Feb. 12, 5 to 7:30 p.m., at the shelter, 4000 N. Silverbell Road.
Families can attend the event for a $25 nonrefundable donation to PACC’s official nonprofit partner, Friends of Pima Animal Care Center. Funds will be applied toward the adoption fee. A $20 licensing fee may also apply.
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BeWell newsletter: Call the coach and get healthy
We’re barely into February, so there is still plenty of time to address those New Years’ fitness resolutions! This issue of the BeWell newsletter offers tips on how you can save money, get a free mammography screening and how to connect with “Coach Kevin.”
Kevin Dahl is a health coach with the Wellness Council of Arizona who is available to County employees who want to touch base by phone or Zoom to discuss their health and wellness goals.
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Brown is Library’s new writer-in-residence
Starting this month, Wynne Brown takes on the job as writer-in-residence at the Pima County Library.
Brown is a freelance writer, editor and graphic designer who has written on everything from science to travel to horses.
Advance registration is required to book a Zoom consultation session to get advice, feedback, pointers and tips on writing and publishing. Please note, there is a limit of one session per week per person. Consultations will be offered Feb. 15 through April 30.
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