Sahuarita Times MAY 2026

Shop and Support Local in Rancho Sahuarita

The Rancho Sahuarita Marketplace & Village is the primary retail center in Rancho Sahuarita. It includes all the conveniences you expect, including:

Grocery Banking Restaurants Services

Check out the great businesses that are all in your backyard!

Casual Nails

Chase Bank

CopperMine Dental Studio

Dunkin Donuts & Baskin

Robbins

Fry’s Marketplace

Great Clips

Jungle Fruit Raspados

Lotus Bistro

MindForge Play Studio

New Day Cleaners

Pima Heart and Vasular

Pub 1922

State Farm Insurance

Subway

Tania’s Mexican Food

Toothtown Dentistry

For Kids

Valley Animal Hospital

Vitality Spine & Sports

Physical Therapy

Wags & Whiskers Pet

Salon

Across the street from the Marketplace are businesses at The Corner at Rancho Sahuarita

Arby’s

Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

APEX Network Physical Therapy

Banner - University

Medicine Multispecialty

Services Clinic

Dr. Jaw Orthodontists

Fry’s Gas Station Panda Express

Sahuarita Premier

Dentistry

The Cut Barber Studio RanchoSahuarita.com

Rancho Sahuarita Events

FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

Coffee Social Friday, May 1st & 15th | 8:00 - 9:30

Movies Under the Stars Saturday, May 2nd | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Food Truck Roundup Tuesday, May 5th | 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Mother’s Day Giveaway Sunday, May 10th | 8:00 a.m.

At Club Rancho Sahuarita, while supplies last

Family Fitness Night Friday, May 15th | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Outdoor Movie Night Saturday, May 16th | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Memorial Weekend Celebrations Saturday, May 23rd | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24th | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Memorial Weekend Movies Under the Stars Sunday, May 24th | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Sunrise Remembrance

Armed Forces Tribute at Parque Del Rio Monday, May 25th | 7:00 - 8:30 a.m.

25th Anniversary Giveaway Monday, May 25th | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

At Club Rancho Sahuarita, while supplies last

SAGUARO CLUB EVENTS

Comedy Night

Rancho Resort Ballroom

Thursday, May 14th | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

KID FRIENDLY EVENTS

Mermaids With Mom (Ages 5+)

Saturday, May 9th | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Storytime for Tots (Ages 3+) Thursday, May 14th | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

ADULT ONLY EVENTS

Fitness Fiesta (Ages 21+)

Friday, May 1st | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Zen Friday (Ages 25+)

Friday, May 1st & 15th | 8:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Mujeres y Margaritas (Ages 21+) Tuesday, May 5th | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Moms & Mimosas (Ages 21+)

Saturday, May 9th | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Bingo (Ages 18+)

Tuesday, May 12th | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Books & Brunch (Ages 21+) Monday, May 18th | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Saturday, May 2nd | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Town of Sahuarita: Sunset Market

Sahuarita Lake Park

Friday, May 8th | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Neighbor to Neighbor Sahuarita: Drop Off Saturday, May 16th | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

Prom Night

Friday, May 16th | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

May 2026 Movie Releases

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU MORTAL KOMBAT II ANIMAL FARM

• Release Date: May 22, 2026

• Director: Jon Favreau

• Rating: PG-13 (Expected)

• Who is in the film: Pedro Pascal, Steve Blum

• The Plot: After the events of the hit series, Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu take their adventures to the big screen. The duo must navigate a dangerous galaxy in the wake of the Empire's fall, facing new remnants of Imperial power while strengthening their bond as a clan of two.

• Release Date: May 8, 2026

• Director: Simon McQuoid

• Rating: R

• Who is in the film: Karl Urban, Hiroyuki Sanada, Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee

• The Plot: Continuing the high-stakes tournament, the fighters of Earthrealm must venture into Outworld to defend their home. The sequel introduces the fan-favorite character Johnny Cage as the team faces off against a new wave of supernatural adversaries in a battle for the fate of the universe.

• Release Date: May 1, 2026

• Director: Andy Serkis

• Rating: PG (Expected)

• Who is in the film: Andy Serkis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Molly Wright

• The Plot: A modern, performancecapture reimagining of George Orwell’s classic fable. A group of farm animals rebels against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where animals can be equal, free, and happy. However, the revolution takes a dark turn as a new form of tyranny emerges from within their own ranks.

The Cut Barber Studio Continues to Lead in Rancho Sahuarita

Recently named “Best Barbershop” by the Green Valley News, The Cut Barber Studio continues to stand out as a welcoming, community-focused destination in Rancho Sahuarita. Located at the Corner Plaza of 770 W. Sahuarita Rd., Suite #140 in Sahuarita, the shop offers a full range of grooming services, including classic cuts, modern styles, fades, beard trims, and kids’ haircuts. Known for its friendly neighborhood

where clients can relax, enjoy conversation, and leave feeling confident with a clean, professional look.

With Mother’s Day, prom, graduation season, and the summer months approaching, now is the perfect time to schedule a fresh cut and look your best for every occasion. Whether preparing for a special event or maintaining a polished everyday style, The Cut Barber Studio is dedicated to consistent quality and

personalized service. Clients are encouraged to conveniently book appointments through the Booksy app or call (520) 372-7261.

The shop also honors service members and first responders with a Wednesday walk-in special of $25, reinforcing its strong commitment to the local community and

atmosphere, the studio provides a space

Building Health & Wealth: May 2026

As May arrives in Southern Arizona, the focus shifts from financial awareness to financial action. With the first part of the year behind us, now is an ideal time for Sahuaritaarea residents to evaluate progress and make thoughtful adjustments that support longterm stability and growth.

Local Financial Momentum

With tax season concluding, many households have a clearer picture of their financial position. Whether it’s allocating a refund toward savings, reducing debt, or planning upcoming expenses, May offers an opportunity to build momentum. Local resources and financial advisors continue to provide guidance on budgeting, investing, and preparing for the months ahead.

Housing Market Insight

The Sahuarita and greater Southern Arizona housing markets remain steady as we move into the summer season. Increased activity typically begins this time of year, with both buyers and sellers entering the market. For buyers, preparation and timing are key, while sellers benefit from continued demand driven by the region’s lifestyle, affordability, and long-term growth outlook.

Rancho Sahuarita's First Lakeside Run Brings the Region’s

Residents Together for Wellness, Community, and the Chance to Give Back

Hundreds of runners and walkers turned out Sunday, April 26th, 2026 for the inaugural Rancho Sahuarita Lakeside Run 5K and Fun Walk, the proceeds from which will benefit the important work of the team at Diamond Children's Medical Center in Tucson.

The event, hosted by Rancho Sahuarita, drew participants from across southern Arizona, including Sahuarita, Green Valley, Tucson, Oro Valley, Vail, Rio Rico, and more. All proceeds will go to Diamond Children's Medical Center, which provides specialized care for children and their families.

The morning included the 5K, the onemile fun walk and a Family FunZone with activities for residents and visitors of all ages. Participants of all fitness levels took to the trails throughout the community and around Sahuarita Lake, from first-time walkers to experienced runners.

"A community isn't just the homes, amenities and spaces you build; it's the intentional moments and opportunities to make a difference you create with programs and movements you stand behind," said Jeremy Sharpe, Managing Partner for Rancho Sahuarita. "Diamond Children's takes care of kids across this entire region. If we can do our part to support their work and help make

sure it's there when families need it, that's the kind of community we want to be."

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including AAA Landscape, Concord General Contracting, Fidelity Investments, Lennar, The Fred Lewis Foundation for Youth Handball, Territorial Sign Co., GEO Marketing & Advertising, iHeart Media, and Run Tucson. The Running Shop graciously provided gift certificates to top finishers in multiple age groups.

STARFALL EDUCATION

Starfall is an incredible resource for families with children ranging from Pre-K through 5th grade. Originally created as a free public service to teach children to read, it has expanded into a full educational suite covering language arts and mathematics.

With the school year winding down, Starfall offers a "low-pressure" way to keep kids' brains active. It uses multisensory interactive games that allow children to see, hear, and touch as they learn. It is especially helpful for children with different learning styles and is a safe, ad-free environment that prioritizes literacy and positive reinforcement.

ARIZONA

HIKING SPOTLIGHT: MADERA CANYON

The Experience: Towering trees, flowing seasonal creeks, and abundant wildlife make this a favorite for hikers and birdwatchers alike. Early mornings are ideal,

with comfortable temperatures and active wildlife. Trails range from easy nature walks to more moderate climbs with scenic overlooks.

MAY 2026

Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower

A beautiful early summer meteor shower, the Eta Aquariids peak in early May and are known for fast-moving meteors.

Peak Viewing: May 5–6 before dawn

Viewing Tip: Head out in the early morning hours for the best visibility. With Sahuarita’s dark skies, you may catch 20+ meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Look toward the eastern horizon just before sunrise.

Where Creativity Unfolds: MindForge Play Studio Celebrates Its Grand Opening in Sahuarita

A new addition has officially opened its doors in the Rancho Sahuarita Marketplace. On April 10, families and friends gathered to celebrate the grand opening of MindForge Play Studio, a creative space dedicated to offering a hands-on learning environment for Sahuarita families to spend time together – all while channeling their imagination. To celebrate its debut, the studio provided guests with a variety of free activities including a slime-making station, strategy board games, and lots of LEGO-building opportunities.

MindForge Play Studio’s vibrant design cultivates an immersive setting for builders to feel inspired. The studio was created with a simple idea at its core: play doesn’t have to be rushed or overstimulating to be engaging. With a captivating LEGO mural

and handcrafted resin tables to admire, visitors can embrace their creativity as they connect with one another through shared experiences. With an assortment of stations to navigate, the younger guests will be thrilled to explore the toddler area and fascinated by the Wind Tunnel Station in particular. In addition to family programming, MindForge is also a gathering place for adults—offering Ladies Craft Night Out, D&D Adult Guild Nights, strategy board gaming, and creative date night experiences designed for connection, laughter, and time well spent together. As a multi-generational studio, MindForge invites older children, teens, and adults to take on more complex design challenges or mentor younger builders.

Already since opening, visitors have enjoyed its atmosphere full of laughter and curiosity, all as they work on their creations side by side.

The studio emphasizes a more intentional approach to play and is based on three pillars: think, build, and explore. These principles are developed by filling the room with building tools for marble track runs and a collaborative LEGO structure where guests can contribute with each visit. Through this structure, MindForge creates a communitywide connection that is not limited to families alone, but between neighbors and friends.

Owner Cherise Gunter envisioned MindForge as a welcoming environment that focuses on slow, thoughtful creations that prioritize the design process more than the product. To transform this vision into a reality, builders have the opportunity to pause their creation and store it at the studio until their next visit. With these features, MindForge eliminates the rush of finishing a project and instead contributes

to a relaxed, lighthearted play space. “In a world that moves so fast, I wanted to create a space right here in our community where anyone who walks through our doors can pause, laugh, connect, and build something together—whether that’s a LEGO creation, a board game, a project, a skill, or a memory.”

Looking ahead, Sahuarita families can anticipate board game competitions, summer camps, and celebrations spent in the party room. With many exciting plans in store and a warm welcome by the community, MindForge is ready for new visitors, sure to provide meaningful experiences for all.

In addition to open play, MindForge Play Studio also offers guided creative classes for guests who seek a more structured learning experience.

For more information on classes, camps, and memberships, visit mindforgeplaystudio.com

15920 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd Ste 170 Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520) 505-6869

GRILLED CITRUS

What’s Cooking in the Kitchen? Chicken & Avacoda Salad

Light, fresh, and perfect for warmer evenings. Ingredients:

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced

• 1 avocado, diced

• Mixed greens

• Cherry tomatoes

• Juice of 1 lime

• Olive oil, salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Grill: Season and grill chicken until fully cooked.

2. Toss: Combine greens, avocado, and tomatoes.

3. Top: Add sliced chicken.

4. Drizzle: Finish with lime juice and olive oil before serving.

Trico’s Apprentice Lineworkers Excel At State Rodeo

Trico Electric Cooperative hosted the Arizona Lineman’s Rodeo on March 25, 2026. This event gathers Apprentice Lineworkers from electric cooperatives, electric districts and tribal utilities across Arizona to showcase their skills and knowledge in events based on traditional linemen tasks like pole climbing, hurt-man rescue and cross-arm change out, while promoting safety and camaraderie.

“Being able to come together as a group, compete and build that relationship with one another helps us want to help each other out when they need our help,” said Jeremy Burnett, Trico Operations Construction Manager.

The rodeo included three individual events, a written test and two team events. Trico’s apprentices performed very well, taking first place in several events. Conor Garcia won two individual events and Matt Ward finished third overall out of 35 Apprentice Lineworkers from nine state utilities. Sawyer McDonald of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) was the overall individual winner.

Ward and Scott Neubauer of SSVEC were the top team overall, while Troy Mead of Trico and Marcus Olivares of SSVEC placed second. Teammates are randomly selected from different utilities and at different stages in their apprenticeship.

Garcia, Tyler Russell and Mead finished first,

third and fifth in the Hurt-Man Rescue event. The purpose of the Hurt-Man Rescue is to demonstrate speed while safely lowering an injured worker (represented by a mannequin), who is unconscious, from the top of the pole.

“For Hurt-Man Rescue, that dummy represents someone on a pole who’s been injured. It’s important to do it fast to get that guy down as fast as possible because every second counts,” said Garcia, who has been with Trico for six years. He started out as a Groundman. This is the last year of his apprenticeship.

Garcia completed the Obstacle Course in 4 minutes and 10 seconds to win the event. The Obstacle Course gives apprentices the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work efficiently with gloves, move insulators and perform tasks like leaning out and transferring equipment while maintaining safety and precision.

For the team events, Russell and Davian Franco of Electrical District #3 finished first in the CrossArm Change Out. For this event, Lineworkers demonstrated their ability to detach the conductors from the old cross arm, removing

May Focus

Peparing for Desert Summer

Transitioning from winter into the bright Arizona spring requires a shift in your routine.

1. Early Hydration Habits

Start increasing daily water intake now to stay ahead of the summer heat.

2. Sun Protection Upgrade

Use SPF 30+ or higher and reapply often.

3. Shift Your Schedule Plan outdoor time earlier or later in the day.

the old cross arm from the pole, attaching the new cross arm, and then reattaching the conductors to the new cross arm. Ward and Neubauer won the Dead-End Bell Change Out.

The state rodeo is a great opportunity for Trico’s Apprentice Lineworkers to showcase the skills they’ve learned on the job. We are proud of their hard work and dedication to our Members.

CLASSIFIEDS

PETS

Lovable, friendly cats and kittens available for adoption through Paws Patrol, 750 W Camino Casa Verde, Green Valley. TuesSat 10:00-2:00. 520-207-4024. Cats are spayed/neutered and current with shots.

REPAIR / SERVICES

THE BIKE DOC. 50 years experience. Veteran owned. Mobile. Formerly certified U.S. Cycling Federation. FREE Estimates! 520-982-4703 God Bless America.

BECK'S HANDY WORKS. 20 years experience. All phases remodeling and new construction. Electrician by trade. Reasonable rates. Reliable and Excellent references. FREE estimates. All work guaranteed, 520-449-9587

PATRIOT LAWN SERVICES offers reasonable weekly or monthly rates for lawn cleaning (and removal) of weeds, & trimming of trees/shrubs. 520-982-1658 bobbysvisa@ gmail.com.

Day Porter walks the property daily picking up trash, emptying garbage cans, cleaning any spills or debris. Looking to make sure all signs are attached properly. This is an 6-8 hour job outside. You must have a valid Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle.

Reports any issues that they cannot repair or take care of such as broken windows, chuckholes, sidewalks lifting and more. Weekly checks include pole lights, under canopy lights, column light or sconces, Checks signage, looks for any damage to building, fences or walls assess any risks at the property and reports.

Maintains the properties in clean and pristine condition free of obstacle, cigarette butts and risks,

ADVERTISE HERE

If you want to get the word out about your business, give us a call and purchase an ad starting as low as $50 a month. We have great rates and special incentives on all ad sizes and we’ll even help you with the ad design. If you’re interested, give us a call today at (520) 325-3763.