Marana Explorer 02-22-2022

The Voice of Marana since 2007

Marana PD hosting kids’ spring break camp

The Marana Police Department is hosting a MPD Kids Police Academy for children ages 5 to 9 years from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 20, to Friday, March 24.

Marana High educator an ‘amazing teacher’

Marana High School automotive technology teacher Chris Citro likes to give students hands-on opportunities. He works with those who want to increase their knowledge or pursue careers in the industry.

A Santa Rita High School graduate, Citro was one of nine finalists in the University of

Arizona’s Amazing Teacher of the Year competition. The winner was announced as Marian Johnson from Amphitheater High School on Feb. 17.

“I was nominated by my administration here at Marana High School,” Citro said.

“Just to be thought of, to be nominated, was a really great feeling. I was very surprised… There’s so many teachers on our campus. To

see TEACHER page 10

The police department has held the camp in the past, however, this is the first year since the outbreak of COVID-19. Officer Ashley Espinoza said the camp will educate kids on safety topics as well as walk them through the police department’s functions.

“They'll go through various topics such as stranger danger,” Espinoza said. “They'll also get to experience some fingerprinting forensics, meet officers and do some physical fitness and activities throughout the week with different officers.”

She also said that the camp was created as a way for the department to improve their relationship with the community.

“We just want kids to be more comfortable approaching us,” she said.

see CAMP page 10

A Beautiful Life Now Under Construction.

La Posada, Southern Arizona’s award-winning Life Plan Community is bringing its commitment to excellence to Oro Valley.

Finely appointed apartment homes. Awe-inspiring mountain views. An oasis of first-class amenities.

Secure your future where great neighbors connect to live life well.

Please join us for an upcoming luncheon and informative presentation on a date and location that is convenient for you:

ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Thursday, March 2

Wednesday, April 5

Thursday, May 4

SADDLEBROOKE 2 BALLROOM

Thursday, February 16

Friday, March 17

RSVP today by calling 520-531-3480. Seating is limited. Lunch will be served.

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* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 02/15/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 02/15/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

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The African American Museum of Southern Arizona has opened its doors at the UA. Co-founded by Beverly and Bob Elliott, the museum presents a cultural and educational experience through items of significance and intentional storytelling to preserve African American and Black life, culture and history in Southern Arizona to benefit the community. Admission is free to the museum in room 244 of the Student Union Memorial Center. Until regular hours are established, interested visitors can schedule an appointment by emailing aamuseumofsouthernaz@gmail.com. Visit aamsaz.org for more information. African American Museum of Southern Arizona, 4511 N. Campbell Avenue, Suite 255-2.

The Tucson Desert Art Museum presents its “¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues/ En los barrios y las grandes ligas” now through Saturday, April 8. Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the National Museum of American History, this exhibit examines the sport and how Latinos helped shape it. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 students/children, and free for active military. For more information about permanent and ongoing exhibitions, visit tucsondart.org. Tucson Desert Art Museum, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Road.

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* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 01/04/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

FDI-1916M-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD

Wednesday, Feb. 22, to Saturday, May 20

Willem de Koonig’s “Woman-Ochre” was stolen in 1985 from the University of Arizona Museum of Art. It’s returned home and on display through May. Tickets for “Restored: The Return of Woman-Ochre” are $8 general admission; $6 seniors 65plus and groups of 10 or more; and free for students with ID, museum members, UA faculty, staff, military personnel, AAM members, visitors with a SNAP card or Tribal ID, and children. For more information about other ongoing exhibits, visit artmuseum.arizona.edu. The University of Arizona Museum of Art, 1031 N. Olive Road.

Saturday, Feb. 25, to Friday, Aug. 4

The North American premiere of the Linda McCartney Retrospective comes to the University of Arizona Center for Creative Photography, Saturday, Feb. 25, to Friday, Aug. 4. Spanning McCartney’s entire career from 1965 to 1997, this exhibition features 176 photographs and archival materials including polaroid images and presents three sections such as family life, photographic experimentation and artists. Open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, the exhibition will feature various community events inspired by the collection. For more information, visit ccp.

Through Sunday, Feb. 26

The Invisible Theatre presents Cary Gitter’s, “The Sabbath Girl,” through Sunday, Feb. 26. A story about finding love in a big city and the surprise of encountering another culture, “The Sabbath Girl,” is a contemporary romantic comedy with an old-fashioned heart. Dates and times vary. Visit invisibletheatre.com to purchase single or season tickets. Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Avenue.

Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26

Don’t miss your chance to see Broadway in Tucson’s presentation of “Dear Evan Hansen” Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, at Centennial Hall. Winner of six Tonys and a Grammy, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a profound contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. The runtime is approximately two-and-a-half hours. For more information on showtimes and ticket prices, visit broadwayintucson.com. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Through Sunday, April 2

Huzzah! The 35th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival returns to Pinal County. The medieval amusement has a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, arts and crafts fair, and jousting tournament and feast. Mingle with more than 2,000 characters in costume and don’t forget to eat a giant roasted tur-

EXPLORER

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HOT PICKS from page 4

key leg. Eat, drink and be merry, for there is so much to see and do. Tickets are $33 for adults, $21 for children 5-12, (children 4 and younger are free) if purchased in advance at any Bashas’ or Food City statewide. For a full list of activities and schedule of events, visit arizona. renfestinfo.com. Arizona Renaissance Festival, 12601 E. U.S. Highway 60 Gold Canyon.

Thursday, Feb. 23, to Sunday, Feb. 26

One of Southern Arizona’s oldest traditions, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo features six rodeo performances at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. Don’t forget about the Tucson Rodeo Parade on Thursday, Feb. 23, with over 150 western-themed floats, buggies and groups. Tickets are only sold via the Tucson Rodeo website, tucsonrodeo.com. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Avenue.

Thursday, Feb. 23, to Sunday, March, 5

tion on times and dates, visit yumegardens.org. Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way.

Thursday, Feb. 23, to Thursday, through Sunday, May. 7

Journey into a Western Experience at Old Tucson Studios and witness the spirit of the Old West come alive. Get a glimpse of a historic town in Arizona territory during the 1800s and enjoy live action cowboy gun fights, death-defying stunts, rides and attractions. Tickets are $34 for adults, $17 for children (5 to 11), which includes admission and attractions. A Western Experience will be open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at oldtucson. com. Western Experience at Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road.

5-DAY WEATHER

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The Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson present the Spring Ikebana Festival - Yume Japanese Gardens’ 10th anniversary celebration. Also known as “the way of the flowers,” Ikebana is the “meditative art of Japanese floral arranging.” This art, which dates back to the 15th century incorporates nature with an emphasis of lines, shapes and form throughout the arrangement and the hand of the arranger. General admission tickets are $18; members, $10; and children under 15, $5. Tickets include entry to the gardens. For informa-

Compassionate grooming available in OV

Sarah Sher was driving a half hour for dog grooming services, when she decided to take matters into her own hands — literally

She and business partner David Arond founded Oro Valley’s Velvet Hound Groomery, which offers a stress-free, kennel-free and luxurious approach.

“We wanted to start from the ground (up) and redesign what we wanted to do with dog grooming in general,” Sher said. “I’ve learned a lot in the process and now understand why most dogs dislike the process.”

At Velvet Hound Groomery, there are shorter wait times, comfortable cubby areas with turf and a white picket fence. The stress-free environment offers nail trims and grinds, enzymatic teeth cleaning and paw and nose balms, all with breed-based pricing.

“It’s really modeled after a human hair salon,” Sher said. “They get the full treatment.”

Sher said the groomery was booked even before their ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier in February. Even though the space boasts its “kennel-free” practice, Sher said that it is not “roam free,” meaning the dogs are always under supervision.

“It’s a different mindset with the trust of the dog, knowing that he’s always there

with a person rather than having to go in a kennel,” Sher said.

She hopes that the concept will catch on and that more groomeries will shy away from the assembly-line mentality.

“I know that’s what our groomers want because they’re in the business because they love dogs and want to be able to spend time with dogs (and) not just be rushed through one after another,” Sher said.

Sher and Arond even take care of their four on-staff groomers and full-time office manager. She wants her employees to feel secure in their careers.

“In my opinion our staff is our most respected part of the whole process,” Sher said. “We pay higher than most groomeries, and we are staffed, which means that we offer full benefits, 401(k), insurance, time off, vacation, which I think is an obligation for all business owners, if it’s within their means.”

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Oro Valley, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “BandAid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. e amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Placita de Oro Shopping Center

11941 N. First Avenue, Suite 141, Oro Valley 520-395-1761, velvethound.com info@velvethound.com

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, and balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves to degenerate – an insidious and often painful process.

Thankfully, Oro Valley is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

Arrowhead Physical Medicine in Oro Valley, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood ow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small ber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling.

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

Arrowhead Physical Medicine begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage – a complimentary service for comprises a detailed your friends and family.sensoryEach exam evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Arrowhead Physical Medicine begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for comprises a detailed your friends and family. Each sensory exam evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy ndings.

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until December 31st, 2022. Call (520) 934-0130 to make an appointment

Arrowhead Physical Medicine will be o ering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until February 28, 2023. Call (520) 934-0130 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (520) 934-0130 NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

As displayed in gure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of su cient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

Arrowhead Physical Medicine 10425 N Oracle Rd., Suite 125 Oro Valley, AZ 85737

*(520) 934-0130*

520-934-0130

10425 N Oracle Rd., Suite 125 Oro Valley, AZ 85737

Local youth leader seeks to change state sex education policy

Maritza Roberts-Padilla says quality sexual health education is lacking.

So the 18-year-old created Increasing Sexual Literacy Matters (ISL Matters) to bridge the sexual health gap among teenagers.

A junior at BASIS Tucson North, Padilla is one of 33 national Civic Spring Fellowship recipients.

The New Jersey-based Institute for Citizens and Scholars seeks to engage in the development of civic learning. Audra Watson, senior program director, said that the institute’s mission is to develop young people who are knowledgeable, engaged and hopeful about democracy.

“Civic learning encompasses a number of things,” Watson said. “It includes developing civic knowledge, skills and dispositions, understanding what the systems of our government are and how to engage with one another on an individual level.”

Watson said in 2020, the institute sought to begin work with young people and called upon youth-led organizations to propose projects and activities that were important to their communities. Most of the topics were a direct result of COVID-19, she said. The organization awarded grants to six groups to support youth’s work.

The fellowship was developed by 40 subject-matter experts with recommendations from young people and an independent evaluation was conducted by Tufts University’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE). The findings conveyed that the fellowship helped youth strengthen their voices and advocate for policy change.

Last year, through a strategic partnership with PayPal, the Civic Spring Fellowship was expanded to Maricopa County. The program’s third iteration selected fellows in Tucson, Phoenix, Austin, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York City, and includes an $1,800 stipend to help fund their projects.

“What we were most interested in were young people who understood not just what they were passionate about but what

was needed for their community,” Watson said.

Padilla said that she heard about the fellowship through Junior State of America (JSA), a nonpartisan political youth organization that centers activism based on discussion. She is the national vice chair.

“I’m really passionate about this,” Padilla said. “I believe that Gen Z has become one of the largest activist generations because of hyperpolarization in our government.”

Through activism-based discussion, she said that it is possible to find a common ground.

A driving factor behind Padilla’s ISL Matters project is Arizona-specific legislation in which schools are not required to teach sex nor HIV education.

“But if schools do decide to teach it, they have to stress abstinence,” Padilla said, according to Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-711, 15-716 and 15-102. Sex education is also an “opt-in” program that requires parents or guardians to provide written permission for their child to participate.

“I’m creating a website that will have a comprehensive sex education curriculum

that can be self-taught,” Padilla said. Her project gives access to information about basic anatomy, proper hygienic practices and sexual health. She said she hopes to include a collection of Arizona-specific data as well as a youth coalition aspect, to provide an opportunity for youth ambassadors to contribute toward the website.

Padilla and the other 32 fellows will work in small groups for 10 weeks, meeting with coaches to support their work through communities of practice, Watson said. The goal is to work on their respective topics which vary from education, community health and wellness, economic opportunity and others.

“Depending on their particular project, they will gain a better sense of where change can take place,” Watson said. “I think they walk away with a sense of agency.”

With the third class, the fellows range in age from 15 to 24. As a former middle school teacher, Watson is looking forward to the program expanding to 14 year olds. “The younger that you get people started, the more that they’re going to be able to do in their lifetimes,” she said.

“My goal is to continue expanding the project and continue collaborating with organizations, initiatives, local health clinics and just spreading the awareness of the website because I want someone to have a question answered,” Padilla added.

Padilla, whose interests range from ac-

tivism, policy and environmental science, is also involved in the local Unidas Teen Philanthropy Program affiliated with the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona, serves as secretary on the National Honor Society, assists with environmental chemistry research at the University of Arizona and runs an academic blog called @maritzastudies where she posts studying content for students. She said that she is interested in studying public policy or environmental studies after she graduates high school.

“That’s something that I also care about a lot, the access to education,” Padilla said. “It’s just unfair to students who were never given the opportunity to learn to be hindered by their ignorance of sexual health, their lack of literacy.”

Other local fellows include Farah Mohamed, 21, Myleigha Truitt, 22, and Samuel Turner, 21, whose community health project MIA (Mental Health Awareness) seeks to address mental health and trauma that impact young people.

“I think one of the things that is exciting to me about the diversity of the group,” Watson said.

“Some of the fellows had just a kernel of an idea about what they wanted to work on and were able to put one or two action steps on paper, while others had a much clearer sense of the steps they would take over the course of the 10 weeks. It will be exciting to see how the group learns from each other.”

be the one that they thought of is a really great feeling.”

As part of the competition, Citro attended and was recognized during a UA basketball game.

Citro has helped to build the automotive program at Marana High, where he has worked for 11 years. Prior to that, he worked at Canyon del Oro High School. He said for him, it doesn’t feel like work.

“I like what I do. I’m one of the lucky ones. I truly like what I do,” Citro said.

He gets a thrill out of seeing his students’ growth.

“It’s very gratifying to see a kid when they are able to fix their own car, work on something or come in the next day and be like, ‘We had a leak in our plumbing, and I was able to fix it,’” Citro said.

Student success

Three students from Marana High recently took part in the SkillsUSA Regionals at Canyon Del Oro High School on Feb. 11. Two of the students qualified for state after scoring in the top 10%.

Students are also doing the Top Tech Challenge, which has hands-on and written components, at the Universal Technical Institute on Saturday, March 4.

As part of the hands-on timed portion, students complete stations focused on areas such as brake measurements, electrical troubleshooting, diagnosis of a vehicle using a scanning tool and parts identification.

Marana High teams have come in first place about five times over the years. They took third place in 2022.

Through the automotive program, students work on cars for the public and teachers at a low cost.

The program does most of its fundraising for the year through an annual car show, which last year boasted 130 vehicles.

The program used some of those proceeds to buy presents for local kids during the holidays. They also try to support local charities, such as the Raymond Dixon Foundation and Special Olympics Marana.

About one-third of Citro’s students end up working in the automotive industry. Another third go into the military, where many of them work on military vehicles or planes.

“We aren’t here to make everyone a technician, but if that’s what they want to do, we have the avenues to help them with that,” Citro said.

Some students are working in the automotive industry while in high school. Others just want to learn about maintaining their vehicles.

“They just want to learn the basics of their vehicle,” he said. “We cover those types of things, and the next thing they know, I have them pulling an automatic transmission out of a front-wheel drive car. They think it’s the coolest thing under the sun.”

Citro organizes the AZ High School Pit Crew Challenge and brings teams to it. This year’s is set for Saturday, Oct. 14, at Tucson Dragway. Last year, teams from Marana High took first and fifth place in the competition. The top eight teams go to the semifinals, and the top four advance to the finals.

“By the time we’ve done this for the third time that day, they’re very fast,”

Citro said.

Teams have a chance to win money and items donated by businesses and individuals. Last year, there were $4,500 in prizes and tools. This is Citro’s fifth year organizing the 30-year-old competition.

He said it’s important that the event continues. The timed competition brings in teams from around Arizona. They’re tested on skills such as changing oil, rotating tires and identifying certain parts.

They also replace spark plugs, distributor caps and oil filters.

“All of the spark plug wires must be in the correct firing order, and everything must be tight. The wheels are torqued to a certain specification. Anything left loose, anything out of order, anything not done, you would receive a demerit,” Citro said.

“That would add to your time. Their biggest competition is the clock. It’s not even the team next to them. It’s a matter of how quickly they can get it done without any demerits.”

Last year, just short of 100 students took part in the contest. If teams show up with three or four students, they can get students from other schools to sub for them.

Citro said the contest promotes problem solving and teamwork.

“To get the students to learn to work together and get the job done, it’s a really neat thing,” he said.

While the contest is competitive, it is meant to be fun. The instructors have a similar goal of getting students interested in the automotive industry and encouraging them to learn.

Citro said his school’s teams start practicing for this competition in May. They start ramping up again when they come

back to school in August.

“We practice like we’re the football team. We practice twice a week, usually about two hours a day, all the way up to the competition,” he said.

Through the program, teens have a chance to drag race safely against others with an interest in the sport.

The high school division for 16- to 18-year-olds and junior street division for 13-to 16-year-olds started on Feb. 11 and 12.

In the junior street category, 13- to 15-year-old teens can drive their family’s car but only on the track. They must go through a licensing process through the National Hot Rod Association.

“They get to race a real car. The parent is riding with them, so there’s certainly supervision. It’s very competitive,” Citro said.

“We want them to see us in a different light, in more of a fun atmosphere, and to come and have fun with us for that weekend as they become familiar with some of their local police officers.”

She also thanked the Marana Parks and Recreation Department as “we wouldn't be able to do it without them. The town of Marana Parks and Recreation Department is a big help to us and it’s just a really cool way for kids to become comfortable with police officers.”

There is a waiting list for the camp, as it’s open to 25 kids. Due to this high demand, Espinoza said they are looking into possibly holding a summer camp.

‘Hansen’ spotlights mental health topics

The musical “Dear Evan Hansen” explores how it feels to be different and want to build connections and the subsequent mental health issues.

The musical is visiting Centennial Hall through Sunday, Feb. 26, as part of the Broadway in Tucson series.

The title character in “Dear Evan Hansen” is a bulled teen who suffers from social anxiety and depression. A misunderstanding leads to others to believe he was good friends with Connor Murphy, a classmate who committed suicide.

Evan doesn’t dispel the idea but embraces and builds a whole backstory to support the friendship.

The national tour stars Anthony Norman as Evan Hansen, August Emerson as Connor Murphy, Alaina Anderson as Connor’s sister Zoe, Coleen Sexton as Evan’s mother Heidi, Lili Thomas and John Hemphill as Connor’s parents Cynthia and Larry, Pablo David Laucerica as Evan’s friend Jared Kleinman and Micaela Lamas as Evan’s classmate Alana Beck.

Laucerica joined the national tour about six months ago after auditioning for it in college. They didn’t have a part for him at the time, still he kept submitting materials.

The actor was originally interested in the role of Evan Hansen, but during the audition process, he found that Jared was a better fit for him.

“After the second time I auditioned, I knew there was no other role for me in the show aside from Jared,” Laucerica said. “I think that there are far too many similarities between Jared and myself to be any other character in the show.”

Each character, including Jared, has a moment to shine.

“While this show is very focused on Evan because Evan is supposed to be ‘the every man’ who people relate to, this show does such a good job of truly having every character on that stage have a character arc,” Laucerica said.

“Every character is a different person by the end of the play than they are at the beginning.”

Jared is featured in many numbers, including “Sincerely, Me,” and “You Will Be Found,” the latter of which he had to train his voice.

“In the typical male voice that might sit in a higher range, you have the passaggio, and the passaggio is where your head and your chest voice progress between each other,” Laucerica said.

“It’s the passageway between those. There are a few moments in the show where I’m singing heavy in my chest voice, and then I go into the passaggio. I have to navigate a mix between chest and head where I’m singing these high A’s a minute straight, and I’m running across the stage as I’m belting at a high A.”

Viewers get to know the Murphy family and see how each grieves over the loss of Connor.

Laucerica described the show as being a play-style musical because it tells the story with “a more grounded approach with mostly dialogue and songs interspersed that have a lot of dramatic weight to them.”

Although the show is set in an ambiguous time and place, Laucerica said the language and physical vocabulary make it more current.

“I can only speak for myself, but my Jared is a lot more modern than some other Jared,” Laucerica said. “I have been directed to do so because this is a show that we’re taking in 2023 across the country. We need to be universally accessible, no matter where we go.”

The show uses projections to represent aspects of social media, including posts, comments and likes.

Lighting and camerawork also help to represent technologies such as livestreams or video calls.

Laucerica is best known for his TikTok videos, which he started during the pandemic. He makes music-centered content, including original jingles.

“More so than anything else, it provided me an outlet during a time when performers were not being as utilized. It gave me an outlet to create some art,” Laucerica said.

While on the tour, he has created a few behind-the-scenes videos, and has done a few social media takeovers.

Laucerica, who is 25 but plays a 17-yearold., said the character is very similar to them.

“A character-defining thing for him is he uses comedy to cope with his insecurities,” he said. “My jingles were a way for me to use comedy to cope with my own insecurities.”

In the show, Jared is the comic relief.

“It’s strategically placed into the show

where something very shocking or sad might happen, and my character pops up to ground everything and provide an outsider’s point of view on, for example, what Evan is doing,” Laucerica said.

“The audience is able to breathe, let out some tension and laugh at what’s happening,” Laucerica said. “The challenge for me has been that I need to be funny, but it’s more than being funny. It’s more about being a real character on the stage.”

The musical presents very human characters that are relatable to audience members of various generations.

“That’s the beauty of this show. Anybody can see themselves, regardless of age, in any one of the characters, which I find to be the most universal, accessible part about this show,” Laucerica said.

Laucerica, a Miami-born Cuban American actor, has been involved in music most of his life. He started doing theater his sophomore year of high school and became more focused on the artform.

He graduated from Northwestern University, where he specialized in vocal and opera performance and musical theater.

While in college, he sang with choral groups, did operatic performances and was in musicals and plays. He said getting a variety of experience has always been important for him.

“Music led to storytelling, and storytelling is the thing I feel more passionate about these days, whether it is through music with a choral ensemble or an opera, or I’m assistant directing an opera or writing a show. I think it’s important for any actor to try to be as versatile in their vocabulary in the arts as possible.”

After graduating, he worked in Chicago for about a year before joining the tour. He had a chance to be part of different types of productions, including “All’s Well that Ends Well” with Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

He has also played the lead Simon in “Legacy: The Book of Names” at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and was part of the “Saturday Morning Live” series for The National Theatre.

For shows, he has played the piano onstage and has had to learn stage magic tricks.

Throughout his life, Laucerica has been an advocate on mental health issues and has been in shows exploring these topics.

In high school and in college, he was in “Next to Normal,” which explores the way

that a mother’s bipolar disorder impacts her family.

He also has done new works readings of shows dealing with mental health topics. Laucerica’s TikTok videos have explored topics such as anxiety.

“I’ve had a lot of people reach out to me and say they were very grateful for my jingles because it let them put words into some of the feelings they’ve had… I’ve had people come up to me after performances of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and say my jingles have meant a lot to them,” Laucerica said.

Laucerica said that “Dear Evan Hansen” sends a similar message as his videos.

“My content was always for people my age and younger who are learning to deal with their emotions, and ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ really does the same…The message of the show is that you will be found, and you are not alone. That is something that aligns with my TikTok presence,” Laucerica said.

Recently, Laucerica has been working with Broadway Plus, which helps to connect Broadway and touring actors with schools and organizations to do master classes and behind-the-scenes talks.

“I think if it weren’t for masterclasses and opportunity to see actors growing up, I wouldn’t have felt as confident about my ability to choose this as a career path. If you can inspire one bright-eyed kid in Fresno, then you are making a difference,” Laucerica said.

“Dear Evan Hansen”

WHEN: Various times through Sunday, Feb. 26

WHERE: Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard, Tucson

PRICE: Tickets start at $50

INFO: broadwayintucson.com

AGING WELL Waves That Work: Targeting Wellness by Relaxing the Brain

What if you could tell your brain to relax for a while, and learn to let go of “mental chatter,” negative thoughts, and spiraling inner monologues? There is a high-tech tool that basically does this: the Gharieni Welnamis spa wave bed uses computer-controlled vibrational therapy and audio frequencies to train the brain to relax. Similar to meditation, certain sounds heard through stereo headphones slow mental activity, while the bed’s vibrational frequencies target the body’s energy centers.

Residents and sta at Splendido, a Life Plan Community for those 55 and better in Oro Valley, have been using the spa wave bed since the end of 2022.

“The technology of the bed was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorders of American veterans,” explains Todd Lutz, Splendido’s spa and fitness manager. “It has di erent settings for treating not only PTSD, but also stress, depression, and poor sleep, as well as headaches and

di culty focusing.”

The high-tech bed, located in one of the massage rooms in Splendido’s spa, allows individuals to choose their desired wellness goal, such as improving sleep quality.

The spa wave bed is just one of the latest wellness opportunities at Splendido, which in 2022 was ranked #1 in wellness among senior living communities in all of North America, earning a ICAA NuStep Top 5 Pinnacle Award. The honor was bestowed to Splendido for providing exceptional performance using wellness as a foundation, and partnering with residents and sta to create relevant, meaningful opportunities that empower people to age well.

In that spirit, Todd recently asked interested Splendido residents and sta to participate in a pilot program where they would try out the spa wave bed and then report on its e ectiveness. Over two weeks, 18 residents and nine employees tested 30- and

60-minute sessions with di erent treatments. The most popular treatments among the group targeted improving sleep, relieving stress, general well-being, reducing fatigue, and enhancing positive energy.

“My mind is always racing. I thought the wave bed might calm it… and that’s exactly what it does,” says Amy Lohr, one of the residents who participated in the pilot program. “When I’m using the spa bed, my mind empties, and I can just focus on the sensations of the bed, which feels like a waterbed, and on the sound. You can select from a couple of sound levels, and I choose the quietest; you can also pick the color that glows out from under the bed. It adds up to a whole-body experience.”

Jean Nerenberg, another resident participant, says, “I was curious about it, and I wanted to relax. It was very relaxing—it felt like meditating, and took me away from my thoughts. While I was using the bed, I used breathing techniques that

I learned in my meditation class, and I think that enhanced the experience.”

A survey of all participants in the pilot program reveals they enjoyed a variety of benefits from using the wave bed. The most

prevalent include the following:

52% - Reduced feelings of depression and stress

48% - Felt an improvement in mental focus

48% - Reduced anxiety

40% - Reported having

better sleep

For those who used the bed in hopes of reducing specific pain, the wave bed worked best at relieving pain in the lower back, shoulders, and upper back.

“I’m using the bed weekly, and I really look forward to it,” says Amy. “I enjoy having my mind clear. It’s a feeling that lasts for the rest of the day, and even into the next day. I just feel like my mind is less full of ‘stu .’”

In addition to the spa wave bed, Splendido’s spa o ers salon services and signature treatments for body and skin health on a fee-for-service basis. From new healing technology to soothing skin treatments, its spa services are just a few of the community’s o erings that support residents on their unique wellness journeys.

Interested in learning more about Splendido?

For floor plans, photos, and information on upcoming events, visit splendidotucson.com.

EXTRA POINT WITH TOM DANEHY SPORTS & RECREATION

Tucson: Living in a basketball town

Afew years ago, I was coaching the girls’ basketball team at a now-closed small private school.

We had a great decade-long run, reaching the state tournament every year and making multiple trips to the final four. But being from a small school (with an enrollment that was never more than mid-double digits; one year, we had 45 kids — boys and girls — in the entire school), playing at state was always a challenge. A big part of that challenge

was the fact that the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) had bowed to the complaints from spring sports coaches and had scrunched down the basketball season by a couple of weeks.

Part of that scrunching involved the state tournament. To win a state championship, a 1A school (often with an enrollment of 100 or less) would have to field a team (often with a roster numbering in the single digits) capable of making a most unlikely run. In those days, the big schools would hold a state tournament that was spread out over two weeks or longer.

Meanwhile, the 1A schools would have

to run a four-game gantlet (not gauntlet) in four days. You’d have games on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (My teams played multiple games on Friday, but never made it to Saturday.)

I thought about that when I saw the dates for this year’s state tournament. Flowing Wells played its first-round game last Wednesday, Feb. 15. They played their second-round game last night, Feb. 21. If they won last night, it will be another week before their next game. The regular season ended on Feb. 1 and the championship game at state will be in March! That’s just crazy.

In basketball-crazy Tucson, more is better, so few people will complain about the prep schedule being stretched out in that manner. It’s just more of a good thing. This year, in fact, it’s pretty much more of a great thing. At press time, the four teams that play basketball on a collegiate level (the women and men at the UA and the men and women at Pima Community College) have a combined record of 81-22.

The Wildcat women have the “worst” record of the four squads and they’re 19-6 (76%). Most Tucsonans don’t remember how bad the UA women’s program used to be, mostly because it was so bad, nobody paid any attention to it.

I’ve been coaching high school girls’ basketball coming up on 20 years now. I used to take my teams to a game each year. One time we went to a game and the UA women lost by 40 or something to a mediocre team. The next day at practice, I told my players that if they didn’t work hard that day, I was going to take them to another UA game.

Of course, a couple years ago, Adia Barnes coached them to the national championship game and now everybody is like, “What?! They’re not undefeated?! What has happened?”

The UA women are going to win 20

games this year, they are ranked in the Top 20 in the country, and they have a decent (but not great) chance of hosting the first two games in the NCAAs. Not bad for being fourth best in town.

At press time, both the Pima men and the Pima women stood at 20-6. Both teams compete in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC), one of the toughest junior college conferences in the entire country. The ACCAC has a two-tiered system, with the top tier (Division I) consisting of schools that have dorms. They include Eastern Arizona in Thatcher, Arizona Western in Yuma, and Cochise College in Douglas. The D-II schools, including Pima, are true community (and commuter) colleges.

A couple weeks ago, both Pima teams lost games at Cochise (the men in excruciating, basket-at-the-buzzer fashion to a team that is 18-0 in conference play and 24-2 overall). The Pima women are in third place in the 12-team ACCAC. Their roster includes players from Tucson High, Palo Verde, two kids from Amphi, as well as players from such exotic locations as Rio Rico and Nogales. By contrast, the Cochise roster included players from Spain, Portugal, Cameroon, Jamaica and Montenegro. Slight difference.

The Pima men had been averaging over 100 points a game, but a nail-biting 61-60 win at South Mountain dropped the season average below triple digits and now they’re down to a pedestrian 96.2 points per game.

Both Pima teams are in the hunt for a spot at Nationals, but only one D-II team can make it (one for women, one for men) and the competition is fierce.

As for the UA men’s basketball team, they’re 22-4 and ranked in the top five in the country. If only they could get people to show up at McKale Center for their games.

Athlete of the Week: Colby Price

Colby Price can’t help it. It’s the blessing/curse of an athlete who plays a specialized position in a sport and does it well. When that athlete is watching others play that sport, he/she can’t simply enjoy the contest. Instead, their eyes are focused on the person playing that position and they tend to have athletes’ tunnel vision accordingly.

He laughs at the mention. “It’s so true. I automatically watch the setter. How are his hands? Does he have good footwork? Is he setting the right player at the right time? I can’t help it.”

Price is a junior at Mountain View and he hopes to lead the Mountain Lions back to the state tournament this year. “We made it to state last year, but we lost in the first round. We lost several seniors (to graduation), but our team goal is to get back to State this year and try to go

further this time.”

He had played basketball his entire life, but after playing on the freshman team his first year, he decided to focus solely on volleyball.

He made the jump from the freshman/ sophomore team to varsity in one year and is a stand-up young man all around,” coach Lindsey Spivey said.”

Price really enjoys his weight training class, but his favorite among the core classes is pre-calc, one for which he will be getting college credit at Pima. Physics and English are a bit more challenging, but he is handling the balance between academics and athletics quite well.

“I was working at a Subway before the season started, but I had to stop so that I could keep my grades up and do well in volleyball.”

He plans on going to college, but he’s not sure what he wants to major in nor exactly what he wants to do with his life. Before college, however, he will do a two-

year mission for his church. Off the top of his head, he says that perhaps he would like to go to England. (I told him about

“The Book of Mormon,” where the main character wanted to do his mission in Orlando, Florida, but ended up in Africa, instead.)

“I’ll go wherever,” he said.

Getting back to his former job, I asked him if, when he was making the sandwiches, the customer is always right.

“Yeah, you just have to do whatever they say, although some people try to get more than their money’s worth by piling on lots of everything.”

I told him about a girl on one of the basketball teams I coached who had never been to a Subway before we stopped at one for a team meal one time. She asked what I would get. I said that I usually get spicy Italian or a meatball with pepperoni. So she ordered the meatball with pepperoni…and then put mayonnaise on it.

Price laughed, but then said, “I had a guy come in once and ordered a meatball and then topped it with mustard.”

You win.

Optimize visits to health care providers

We live in an era of managed care, what some might call managed costs, and unfortunately the traditional bond and familiarity between patient and doctor (or nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, heretofore to be dubbed PCP –primary care provider) sometimes might seem like a relic of the past.

Time constraints during the routine visits have eliminated some of the casual conversations about family and interests aside from the current health concern.

Unfortunately for many, this trend has lessened the trust between patients and their PCPs. Simple dissatisfaction, nonadherence to advice, and even lawsuits, are possible consequences to be reckoned with. The biggest gripe often starts with “He/She just won’t listen to me.”

Not all PCP offices operate in this

mode. Some exhibit true care and concern and will go the extra mile for a patient or family in need. But the key word is relationship. This relationship involves responsibility from both provider and patient.

An assurance of quality care depends

on honesty, and cooperation on both ends of the stethoscope. Patients need to bring medications to the visit, or at least know their current medication regimen.

There are few scenarios more frustrating to a PCP than asking Mrs. Jones what she takes for her high blood pressure and being told, “You know, the little white ones,” or “Don’t you have that written in my chart somewhere?” Be honest if you are not taking the prescribed medication or if your compliance varies from day to day. Be certain to always mention any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and any supplements such as herbal preparations and vitamins. These can interact with prescribed medications and impact blood pressure, glucose levels and certain blood test results.

Be honest regarding such habits as smoking, alcohol, drug use or risky sexual practices, and always remember that all such information is held in utmost confi-

dence. A fuller understanding of lifestyle enables the PCP to better treat and collaborate with a patient for improved health outcomes.

Do not rely on television or the internet for health information. Not all medications advertised on television may be optimal choices for you. Many ads are misleading and remember that their goals are not always your good health but their profits. Also realize that one medication that is good for a friend or relative may not be the best choice for you.

Bring your questions and concerns to the visit. Written lists are a great start but remember that to do justice to all your concerns, follow up visits may be necessary to address all the issues carefully. State the most important issues first. Another PCP frustration is to spend 15 or 20 minutes with a patient before some-

thing major is mentioned in an almost “by the way” manner. (“Oh by the way, I have had a lot of blood in my urine lately.”) This is called the “doorknob complaint” — as the PCP reaches the door, a patient brings up a major issue. Most PCPs will spend the necessary time but remember that she or he will fall further behind in the schedule!

Just as it is vitally important for the PCP to really listen, and “listen between the lines” to patients, the patient must listen to the PCP. If directions are written, please do not throw them away. If instructed to get lab tests done, please do so in a timely manner. Please keep your appointments or call in advance to reschedule if necessary. Someone else can use your time slot if you are unable to be there.

Please be patient. It is indeed very frustrating to wait an hour for your visit, but hopefully you too will get the attention and care given to those before you whose time ran longer than expected. For those on tight time schedules, aim for the first appointment time in the morning or after-

noon. For those who run late, aim for the last in the day because in many offices that appointment time will be behind schedule. Do not accept substandard care, or a judgmental attitude, or a PCP who will not listen to what you have to say. Ask questions until you are satisfied with the response. Just as a PCP can “fire” a patient, so can a patient “fire” a PCP who does not meet your needs or expectations. If a patient feels the PCP doesn’t care, or thinks the patient unimportant, then there can be no cooperative effort.

The key is relationship and cooperation. PCPs should empower patients to embrace their medical problems and work through them to create the most optimal health condition possible. Remember, a good PCP will walk with you and help as much as possible, but the patient must “do the work” on a daily basis.

Old fashioned health “care” is not dead. As we continually look for health care reform, let’s not lose sight of that operative word “care”. Let’s work to keep it alive.

Mia Smitt is a longtime nurse practitioner. She writes a column for Tucson Local Media.

Public invited to view proposed programs

The public can view the Marana Unified School District’s proposed elementary reading and writing programs prior to possible adoption and use at all MUSD elementary schools.

Members of MUSD’s Reading and Writing Curriculum Advisory Committee have reviewed the following programs for use in elementary reading

and writing instruction: Foundations for K-3 and Scholastic Literacy, K-6. These programs are available for public view from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday through March 9 at the Office of Learners, Leaders and Innovators, 11290 W. Grier Road, Suite 121C, Marana. For more information, call 520-682-4745, ext.2757

The public is invited to provide any questions, comments or input during this time.

520.248.1239

grichman@RichmanTucsonHomes.com

MaranaHomesAz.com | RichmanTucsonHomes.com

TucsonArizRealEstate.com | facebook.com/RichmanTucsonHomes/

Catalina hosts kids’ construction competition

Students from around the area competed in the Southern Arizona Construction Competition at Catalina Magnet High School on Feb. 10.

The 120 teens participated in seven trade categories — construction tech, advanced carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, cabinetry and team works — to earn trade-specific tools and medals.

It was hosted by the nonprofit SkillsUSA, which connects students with trade and technical occupations. They showcase these opportunities by hosting competitions on district, state, regional and national levels.

While the kids contended for recognition, company partners looked for recruits to combat construction work shortages. Mike Goodwin, Southern Arizona chairman of the Arizona Builders Alliance, said he hopes that the connections made will spur action for the industry.

“That’s the main catalyst,” Goodwin said regarding the competition. “We bring industry together with potential kids to make sure we have a good funnel into the industry.”

The Arizona Builders Alliance has officially been a part of SkillsUSA competitions for the past six years, but affiliate Arizona companies have worked with them for over 20.

Catalina Magnet High School hosted the nonprofit’s Region 6 Construction Competition of Southern Arizona. Each competition has a sponsor from one of the associated contracting companies, who set up a project or task the students completed.

When the kids arrived, they exchanged their resumes for plans and tools. They finished their projects within five hours and the sponsors judged their work. Overall, the competition serves as an affirming gateway into the construction industry.

“Our job is to make sure we give all these kids a positive experience and then plant some seeds for the future,” Goodwin said.

The participants had general classroom knowledge of construction, thanks to programs like career and technical education and Pima JTED.

Career and technical education programs help students balance their education with work interests. It can help streamline students into their careers by providing real-world experience, skill certification and sometimes dual college credit.

Pima JTED, or Joint Technical Education District, provides career and technical education programs to Tucson school districts, which can connect high school students to trade programs outside of the university system.

Some programs introduce passionate kids to the construction industry, but an obstacle is finding passionate and qualified instructors to lead the classes. This call for help influenced teachers like Mishari Otaibi and Adrian Morales to act.

“My high school construction teacher reached out to me and said there was a need for instructors,” Otaibi said, now in his sixth year at Catalina High School.

Otaibi and Morales met in a construction class. Their teacher persuaded them to join the career and technical education programs at Catalina and Sahuarita high schools. According to Morales of Sahuarita, they instruct students in almost everything related to construction.

“We’re basically teaching these kids how to build a house from the ground up,” Morales said. “When we have a kid that really

shines in something, we encourage them to stick with it, but we cover everything.”

Otaibi and Morales prepare their classes in real-world situations, whether it’s building a cabinet or configuring an electrical system. Their skills are then put to the test in events like the Southern Arizona Construction Competition. Along with winning prizes and recognition, students receive feedback on their work and evaluate where to make improvements.

Morales said he appreciates this exposure because he can bring their experience back to the classroom. The results of the competition are motivating, but teachers focus on the struggles, interests and fun to reconfigure their lesson plans.

Moreover, Otaibi acknowledged the importance of networking for a lot of his students, regardless of their status in the competition.

“All these contractors are hiring, and they’re looking at all of our wonderful students out here,” Otaibi said. “We want to know how we can help them get to that next level.”

Construction companies across broader Tucson partner with the SkillsUSA competition for this same reason. Every winner is recognized, but every student is an opportunity.

Many of the sponsors also have apprenticeship programs they advertise during

the competition. Interested students can build connections with industry leaders and find opportunities to be certified in their chosen field.

Sun Mechanical Contracting sponsored the plumbing category, during which Kathy Smith, its apprenticeship and training coordinator, watched and made notes of candidates. Among other advocates for trade schools, Smith noted that there are great career options outside of a university education.

“The trades are always going to be needed,” Smith said. “You don’t always have to go to college to be successful. We hope they know a trade can be a career.”

Sponsors like Sun Mechanical Contracting see the potential of students and try to support them through their journey, both in and out of the competition. They work alongside programs like career and technical education, their teachers and other organizations to combat labor shortages in an essential industry.

It’s still far from over.

“The 150 or so kids you saw at the competition are a drop in the bucket for what we need,” Goodwin said. “There are things we need to do to stem the tide in order to continue building.”

But according to Goodwin, change starts in small circles, and the competition and programs play a big role in it.

22 Name hidden in “margin of error”

23 Origin of the words “jasmine” and “julep”

24 Summer pest

25 Chimes in with 26 Tournament advantage

28 Take the edge off, in a way

30 Marked, as a ballot

31 Tired phrase?

32 Sicilian volcano

33 “Ish”

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

34 ___ doble (Spanish twostep)

38 Nail polish brand with a Mint Candy Apple shade 39 Pitcher’s stat 40 “Scram!”

46 Reached base in a cloud of dust, say

7 Part of a blackjack dealer’s ritual … or what this answer is doing vis-à-vis the answers to the starred clues

8 Swagger like Jagger, say

9 Like most bulk mail

10 Fleur-de-____

11 Gri y residue in a chimenea

12 Home to “Homeland,” in brief

13 Hem’s partner in hesitation

15 Tiff

18 Le ers on old TV dials

22 Name hidden in “margin of error”

23 Origin of the words “jasmine” and “julep”

24 Summer pest

25 Chimes in with

26 Tournament advantage

28 Take the edge off, in a way

30 Marked, as a ballot

31 Tired phrase?

32 Sicilian volcano

33 “Ish”

35 Land of the Blarney Stone 36 Garnet, e.g.

43 *Van Morrison song aptly featured in “An American Werewolf in London”

47 Noble designation

We live in an age of endless in uence. You're ready for a fresh muse, an area of study or a teacher to open your eyes and guide your experience. Whether you nd it in the natural world or through the in nite o erings of education and media, claim your muse and begin seeing through a new lens.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You were standing out from the crowd, and now you'll nd you are actually standing in front of it, leading the charge. It's a strange sensation: You're not entirely sure where to take the group, but they are de nitely following. Don't worry, something inside you knows, even if you don't consciously realize it yet.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Instead of backing out of strong feelings, consider a change of venue. Being in a safe place where you can express your feelings will be better for you than trying to suppress them. Catharsis is a quick way to restore emotional balance. The week o ers you healing moments of contemplation and re ection.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

If you feel like saying "no" and saying it often, you absolutely will be on the right track. You will have tremendous luck picking one focus and being unfailingly tenacious with it. "Consider the postage stamp; its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there." -- Josh Billings

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

40 Popular New Year’s resolution

46 N.B.A. star Curry

49 Yearly celebration, for shor t

34 ___ doble (Spanish twostep)

35 Land

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You're happiest when your relationships are in good standing. You'll go out of your way to make sure others are comfortable and feeling good about any and all deals, connections and interactions involving you. You'd rather err on the side of caution than risk disappointing anyone. Your thoughtfulness lands beautifully.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

The machinery of your life hums along, allowing for some ne momentum. You built this, and now you get to enjoy the wind in your hair as you sail on unimpeded for a stretch. You might take this opportunity to stockpile the product of your e orts so you'll have plenty when life brings you other kinds of weather.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Mental clarity has values beyond what most people can see. With a focused mind comes a directed being taking powerful action. This is how you get momentum toward a goal. The way hearts work is radiant rather than focused. In your zone and world, your heart feels free to radiate without trepidation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

In the eyes of another, you are capable, talented, resourceful, attractive and possessing of many other wonderful qualities. You won't know this, however, unless they convey their admiration. Tune into nonverbal expressions, like attentiveness, receptiveness and simply showing up for you time and again.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

41 Galaxy alternative

42 “___ Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” (2017 hit by Shawn Mendes)

44 Right

45 LGA and JFK’s location

50 Long time channel for Samantha Bee

48 Actress Taylor-Joy of “The

51 Rainbow, for one

52 Cassis cocktail

53 Ore’s par tner in frozen foods

54 Unagi, e.g.

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay

There are times when even one step toward temptation is too much. You'll be dealing in matters of pleasure and guilt, weighing one against the other to determine just how much you're willing to pay or risk for a pleasurable moment. There's no answer that's right for everyone. It's a personal choice.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

It's funny, but at times like this, when life's responsibilities drive you forward, your own pleasure can seem like such a low priority that your own delights and preferences slip your mind. Keeping track of your enjoyments with lists and other you-focused rituals will be the start of getting back to your joy.

Crossword Puzzle Answers

You've come so far. Stop and give yourself credit. You can be as generous and lavish as you want as you privately acknowledge and reward yourself; nobody is there to judge you. Spoil yourself! Fill yourself up. That will be a much better look than letting yourself get thirsty for praise from the outside world.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Whom you sit next to will determine your enjoyment of a meal, your transportation experience, the quality of your study, your reception of a movie and so much more. Don't worry too much about making the right choice, though, because the universe has a serendipitous seating chart for you this week.

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GF and Son Contractor

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GF and Son Contractor

Service Directory

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

GF and Son Contractor

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Now Accepting Credit cards Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

GF and Son Contractor

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

GF and Son Contractor

Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Now Accepting Credit cards

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953



Family Business 25 yrs. BBB

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

Member & licensed. Specialize in all types of(New/Old) Roof repairs, Coating, Rotten Wood, Fascia Boards, Remodeling & Additions, Permit plans.

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953

Now Accepting Credit cards

Gary or Chase 520-742-1953