|
|
Racquet Club Expansion
 Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl speaking at the Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club. Photo provided by the Tucson Metro Chamber.
A few weeks back, I was pleased to help cut the ribbon celebrating renovations at the Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club that transformed three tennis courts into 10 new regulation pickleball courts and remade 15 outdoor tennis courts with new post-tension slabs (which means they won’t crack). With this, the Racquet Club is now one of the largest pickleball facilities in southern Arizona, with some of the nicest and newest surfaces for top-tier play. While priority is given to members of the club, the public can arrange to use the courts for a fee.
The Racquet Club was established in 1967 at its current location, 4001 N Country Club Rd, by Joseph Tofel when a tennis club he started in the 1950s needed to move because of the development of the El Con Mall. Joseph’s grandson, Jim Tofel, along with Jim’s wife, Allyson, and Jim’s cousin Lynn Tofel Dent and her husband, David Dent have recently taken over ownership of the Club. These renovations are just the first phase of improvements they plan for the facility. Learn more about the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club at https://tucsonracquetclub.com/.
Stone Avenue Standard Apartment
 Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl getting a tour of the Standard apartment complex along with his Chief of Staff Katie Bolger.
Oliver Swan, owner of Stone Avenue Standard Apartment, hosted Ward 3 staff for a tour in March so we could see the facility’s many cutting edge environmental measures and learn about neighborhood problems his business faces.
The student-only apartment (90% go to the University of Arizona and 10% Pima College) is located at 1800 N. Stone. Apartments have either two, three, or four bedrooms. Current monthly rent per student ranges from $999 to $1549, with utilities, all furnishings, and amenities included (pool, spa, fitness center, events). Individual per student leasing is available, with roommate matching.
Originally from New York, Oliver owns nine properties in nine states. While he has worked on a variety of projects – hotels, supportive housing, projects helping AIDS patients and the transgender community – he especially likes owning student housing. Oliver has lived in the Tucson area for four years. His passion for the environment has led Oliver to update the Stone Avenue Standard with the latest sustainability options. The new stainless-steel appliances are all energy saving compliant. Toilets, water faucets, and showers are all low-water use. Lights are LED, and HVAC has been replaced with high efficiency, low-energy air conditioning units. I am especially impressed that the apartment campus shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes, is 100% electric.
Oliver pointed out the neighborhood challenges with crime, run-down buildings, and homeless encampments, and asked that the City and others do more. To keep his renters safe, the apartment is well lit, fenced and gated. A professional security guard is on-site every night from 9 pm to 5 am.
A Belated Nod to Greyhound Rescue Month
 Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl and a rescue Greyhound from Australia by the name of Rocky.
Rocky – recently rescued from an Australian dog racing track – visited Ward 3 to help get the word out about the group Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption. April is the actual Greyhound Rescue Month, but we were delayed in celebrating it due to illness of one of the group leaders, and anyway the group likes to say that every month is greyhound rescue month. With a nod to the organizing work of former City Council Member Steve Kozacik and others, dog racing stopped in Tucson in 2016. In fact, the barbaric practice of racing dogs only occurs two places in the United States, at two dog tracks in West Virginia.
Rocky was accompanied on his office visit by Cheryl Purvis, who fosters him (he is a good boy, and they are looking for his forever home), and longtime greyhound advocate Karyn Zoldan. Karyn said greyhounds can make wonderful pets, after going through training and fostering that helps them adapt to life in a loving household. They are quiet, needing just one good walk or run, ideally in a fenced-in area. They must always be leashed. During fostering they are evaluated for how they will live with small dogs or cats (50% never stop thinking of small animals as prey to chase), so they can be placed in a suitable home. If you are interested in adopting, fostering, or helping in other ways, go to the group’s website, www.sagreys.org.
Goodbye Sarah, and Thank You
 Tucson’s Community Safety, Health & Wellness Program Program Director Sarah Launius, Caroline Isaacs, Executive Director of Just Communities Arizona, and Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl at the Ward 3 office.
I am sad for us, and happy for her. Sarah Launius resigned from the City as of May 2, moving to join her husband who recently started a job in Dublin, Ireland. Some of you may remember Sarah in her role as Chief of Staff for Ward 3. For the last two years she served as the first director of Tucson’s Community Safety, Health & Wellness Program (CSHW), which provides a civilian response to non-emergency calls coming into our 9-1-1 call center, calls that related to complex social service needs such as mental health, substance use, or homelessness. Many thanks to Sarah for helping to build this important effort. All of us at Ward 3 wish her the best!
Last But Not Least: Meeting with Tim Thomure
 Incoming City Manager Tim Thomure and Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl.
The last two years I’ve met with City Manager Mike Ortega every two weeks, but that will end with his upcoming retirement at the end of June. I’ve started meeting with Tim Thomure, as we offered him the position (and will make it official at next week’s council meeting). Tim is no stranger; he has been Deputy City Manager since January 2023 and was an Assistant City Manager for three years. Before that he was Director of Tucson Water, starting in 2016.
|
|
|
I first heard about the ‘Free Table’ in the Samos neighborhood two years ago when a friend was helping me move and offered to drop off my ‘donate’ pile to the free table in her neighborhood. I said yes please and didn’t think much of it. Now, I routinely stop by the Free Stuff Table (changed from Free Table because too many tables were also taken) in the morning on days I ride my bike to work, or we walk over with the kids after dinner to see if there’s ‘anything good’. For so many in the neighborhood and truly throughout Tucson, this Free Stuff Table has become a community resource.
 The Free Table with the sign to the left as seen from Spring Street.
Vice Mayor Dahl started the Free Stuff Table near his home early during the Covid pandemic because local thrift stores stopped taking donations. He was working from home and had some spare time to go through his things and like so many of us, was purging. “I remembered reading about people in New York leaving stuff on the sidewalk. I thought other people here might want to do it too, so I set up a free station between my house and the wash next to me. It's a convenient location.”
 Weather worn but still setting the tone:
Please DO NOT take the tables.
Take anything else that you need and will use. Leave some for others.
Things come and go, so check again.
Add items to share. You don't need all you've got, so lighten your load!
These days, no one is taking the tables – mostly because they are really "crappy." And there’s a sense of order to things - shoes are lined up on the ground and books are usually lined up within a box- “it keeps the moisture off the books on dewy mornings.” The Free Stuff Table takes regular maintenance. Both Kevin and his wife Bam are diligent about bringing stuff in ahead of rain - “we had a really nice tarp we would put over everything until someone took it in the middle of a rain storm.” They also clear fresh food that isn’t claimed in time - “we have a compost pile,” - and lately, they've been bringing in glass at night - “It just seems like at night, people break glass.”
Bam thought it was an interesting experiment at the start and four years later is still entertained by the activity the table brings. “We’ve met so many people from within our neighborhood and all over Tucson really.” Several others support these efforts. “There are regulars that fold the clothes and tidy the tables. We know others take ownership of the table as well.”
 Convenient location! Free Stuff Table tucked in off the road and kept tidy.
There are many lessons learned from maintaining a community free table; one of them is not taking anything personally. “Over these months and months and years and years, Bam and I have learned not to get mad at people for different things," like the people that take everything. “Perhaps they run a thrift store, and this is their livelihood, or they are hoarders and this satisfies their need.” Of the people that leave fast food trash in the middle of the night, Kevin says,“I just assume people are coming home from the bars or from work and they are too tired to be thoughtful."
So, are you ready to start your own? Here’s the simple, three- step process:
-
Clear signage - “A friend of mine started her own Free Stuff Table and it was on the same side as her Brush and Bulky pick up – one day everything was cleared and went to the landfill!”
-
Steward the table - the experiment needs to have a caretaker for greater chance of success. Some neighbors are fearful the endeavor will be an attractive nuisance and the only way to mitigate that is to take care of your table.
-
Clean up messes in a timely manner, clear out items that don't move, and tidy up a bit here and there.
I’m not going to include the location in this article because you should start your own Free Stuff Table. Meet your neighbors, keep useful items out of the landfill, save people money, and change the world (Tucson). If you run into any challenges, email me at Marlene.Avelino@TucsonAz.gov.
 A collection of Thank You notes left at the Free Stuff Table.
Free Comic Book Day is upon us once again! This day is a special event for every fan of graphic pop culture. In my opinion it is a thousand times better than Christmas. Lucky for us, in Ward 3 there are two comic bookstores – Fantasy Comics and R-Galaxy – and both will participate in this amazing event.
For the uninitiated, Free Comic Book Day goes like this: you arrive at your local comic bookstore as soon as it opens, wait in line, and when it's your turn, you get to pick from a selection of free comic books available to the public that day. That's it, no money or purchase required.
The event started in 2002 to promote literacy through comics and introduce new readers to local comic book shops. Usually, the event is tied into a comic book movie release around the same time, although this year there is no comic book movie released on that day. It happens on the first Saturday in May, ideally targeting “May the 4th” in honor of Star Wars Day ("May the Fourth be with you" is a play on "May the Force be with you," and yes, there is a Star Wars Day).
This is a great opportunity If you have ever been curious about getting into comics or perhaps helping a child become more interested in reading. Head on down to your local shops in Ward 3 this Saturday to join the fun and pick up some free comics and cool swag.
 The Danny Martin Mural at Fantasy Comics.
Fantasy Comics located at 2595 N. 1st Ave will be giving away comics from 10am - 6pm and hosting local artists/writers/cosplayers and television stars! They'll also have Parkie Sandwich Food Truck slinging delicious foods! Fantasy Comics can be reached at (520) 670-0100. Here is a partial list of the talented folks that will be on hand:
Jon Proudstar - Tribal Force and Reservation Dogs TV Show
Tim Champion - Artist
Michael Steimle - Artist
Mike Macropoulos - Murder Death Kill
Jim Hanna - Murder Death Kill
Kate Owen - Demiurgent Creative
Cole Musiek - Demiurgent Creative
Gabby Vee - Oneiri & more
Cody Jaey - Oneiri/Meep and Poot
Tyler Majo - Meep and Poot
Kendall Jarrett - Head of Cosplay
Tom Struck - Comic sales/Restaurateur
Mike Kelly - Le Merde/Vanfar
Ben Mackey - Serpent Inc.
Logan Naugle - Serpent Inc.
Max Travers - Goofy Froot
R-Galaxy is located at 2406 N Campbell Ave will be having storewide sales all weekend (May 3rd, 4th, and 5th). On May 4th Free Comic Book Day itself they will have lots of giveaway comics and a few local comic artists featuring their work in store. They will be open 11 am - 6 pm and can be reached at (520) 322-0422.
|
|
 ELLIS /ID# A821656
Age: 2 years
Qualities:
Meet Ellis! This adorable, compact little guy was surrendered to PACC when his owner could no longer care for him. Ellis was housebroken and did well with kids and other dogs with his previous family, who described him as a "very loving dog." At the shelter, he has been friendly with staff and volunteers. He'd like to meet any potential doggy roommates before heading home!
Fee:
Ellis has a $0 adoption fee. A $20 license fee applies to adult dogs. Adoption includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet visit.
Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
|
|
|
Doolen/ Fruitvale Neighborhood Association
Saturday 5/4, 8:30-9:30 am
Sparkman Butterfly Garden, 2645 N. Sparkman Blvd.
Mountain First Neighborhood Association
Saturday 5/11, 9 - 10 am
Mitchell Park, 1100 E. Mitchell St.
Dodge Flower Neighborhood Association
Saturday 5/11, 10 - 11 am
Lighthouse Church, 2568 N. Palo Verde
 The Ward 3 office is open open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 am -1 pm, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at 520-791-4711 or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
|
|
Thrive in the 05 Spring Resource Fair on Saturday May 4th from 10 am -12 pm
Valley of the Moon Free First Saturday: May 4, 6-8 pm
The veil is thin between our world and the land of the Fae on Beltane, making it a wonderful opportunity to connect with all manner of magical creatures at Valley of the Moon, and to be your own magical self! Gather round the May Pole, make your own tiny May Pole, enjoy the wonder of The Sonoran Desert Fairy Guild as they delight us with Bubble Fairies and Fire Fairies, and ultimately celebrate the returning of the Light with us.
Community Garden Plots Available
The 2024 Operating Support Grant for Organizations is now OPEN
 The Arts Foundation will steward local, regional and federal funds to complement a 3-year initiative to equitably rebuild arts economies in the borderlands and strengthen civic participation. Operating Support Grants will invest in Southern Arizona’s arts economy to1) Restore/create jobs and2) Incentivize arts & civic engagement.
The grant program is open to 501(c)3 Arts Organizations located within the Arts Foundation’s service area, which includes counties and Tribal Nations that reside between the southern edges of the Gila River to the US-Mexico international border. *Fiscally sponsored organizations residing within Pima County may apply.
Application Deadline: Thursday, May 9th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Arizona Time
2024 OS Grant for Organizations is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Tucson, and Pima County.
Pima County Interfaith Civic Academies on Voting Calendar of Events
Tucson Home Sharing May 2024 Event Calendar
Ready, Set, REC! in May
Lend a Hand Senior Assistance Volunteer Opportunity
Smartscape Taller en Español 9 de Abril al 9 de Mayo
Pima College Adult Basic Education is looking for Volunteers
Wireless Radiation Safety Presentation May 7 from 7-9 pm
International Composting Awareness Week May 8th at 9 am- 10:30 am
2024 EGTSS Summit Friday, May 10 9am - 4:30 pm
Armory Artisan Market Saturday, May 11 from 10 am to 2 pm
Housing Convening Part II Tuesday May 14
Ward 3 sponsored Shred-it Event to benefit Lend a Hand Senior Assistance Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 7am to 9am
Keeling Desert Park Survey
 Encuesta de Keeling Desert Park
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.
 Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30- 6:00 pm,
Thursdays 6:00 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8am-9:30am.
https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
Prevent Lead Exposure in Your Home
Programa de Control de Peligros de Pintura a Base de Plomo
|
|
|
|
|
