Author Archive: Jade Nunes

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Recess for the Grown-Ups

October 6, 2013 |

Adults enjoy the Children’s Museum Tucson interactive exhibits during the 2012 Evening of Play fundraiser.
photo: Britta Van Vranken/courtesy Children’s Museum Tucson

There are levitating balls, a miniature train set and a sound wave machine. You want to experiment and play. It’s okay, you can admit it. This stuff is cool! But you’re an adult, and the Children’s Museum is just for kids. Right?

Wrong. At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, the Children’s Museum opens its doors for its third-annual Evening of Play, an adults-only exclusive event that allows the “big kids” to play and interact with the museum’s exhibits.

“It’s such a unique opportunity for adults to come down and to enjoy the museum and just play,” says Michael Luria, executive director of Children’s Museum Tucson.

But the fundraising event doesn’t stop there. Live music, artistic performances and a silent auction are also included in the festivities. The best part? All of the Evening of Play’s proceeds will support the Children’s Museum in their ongoing efforts to provide interactive and innovative learning experiences for children and families.

“It’s just really a fun interactive event that really supports our exhibits and programming,” Luria adds.

And just in case the excited adults work up an appetite during all of the activities and entertainment, some of Tucson’s treasured tastes from local eateries – Geo Taco, The Hub, Cup Café, Contigo and others – will be on hand. Adult beverages, such as “Playtinis” are on the menu along with other “playfully inspired libations.”

The evening will also allow adults to take a look into the museum’s brand new “Wee World” and Art Studio exhibits, a highlight for the event. The museum is expecting about 350 to 400 guests

“Anyone is welcome to attend,” said Daniela Siqueiros, marketing and membership manager. “It’s going to be a really fun evening.”

Can’t get enough Children’s Museum? The museum is also looking forward to their Bollywood inspired event called “Fame” – Family Arts and Music Experience – that will be a free admission day to children and their families on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Evening of Play begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 200 S. 6th Ave. Tickets are $125 per person. All proceeds will help the museum continue to provide innovative learning opportunities. To RSVP or for more information, call (520) 792-9985 or visit ChildrensMuseumTucson.org.

“The Room”: A Portal to the Other Side?

October 1, 2013 |

Brothers Macabre (aka Kenny Stewart and Nate Anderson) along with Dr. Jonathan Arcane (aka Dr. J. Kirkland Redmon). Photo by Andrew Brown

“Have you ever walked in a room, and for whatever reason, it doesn’t even have to be a spooky feeling or anything, but you just get a feeling?” asks John Redmon, also known as Dr. Jonathon Arcane.

“In this world, people emit energy, emit impressions and they can have a residual effect. It doesn’t have to be a manifestation, it can be a feeling or an echo of something that has occurred,” Redmon explains. “When you start considering what makes life… are electrical impulses in the human body. Electricity can’t be destroyed. It has to change form or be posited in another dimension or space for it to exist.”

Sitting around the Hotel Congress’ lobby coffee table – a coffee table that’s face ironically features an oversized Ouija board – The Brothers Macabre and Dr. Jonathon Arcane explain how they will attempt to communicate with manifestations and energies that may still exist at the iconic Hotel Congress, specifically those on the hotel’s infamous third floor. It is the lone third floor room that survived the historic January 22, 1934 fire, which led to the subsequent capture of John Dillinger and his gang, one of America’s most notorious posses at the time and to date.

According to legend, the last occupant of “The Room” was none other than Public Enemy Number One, John Dillinger. Since then, the floor has been repaired, but “The Room” has remained unoccupied and closed to the public… until now.

Walking up the stairs to the third floor of Hotel Congress, there is a definite feeling. The stairs creak with each step – their moaning seems to convey a testament to all they’ve witnessed and endured. The atmosphere begins to feel heavier along the final flight to the third floor, as if it’s pushing or warning you to turn back. And when finally inside the fated Room 328, well, it’s easy to imagine that there could in fact be someone or something left behind, because Room 328 itself is really a ghost of what it once was. Original armchairs and electrical boxes are left as a reminder that energy and people once circulated in it. Maybe some of that energy was left behind.

“The idea is this: is it possible to open a portal between what we experience in this dimension and what some people refer to as the other side?” Redmon postulates. “So the show is about experiencing the influence of The Room, experiencing the manifestations that allegedly occurred there. Are we saying it’s paranormal? No. We’re just trying to keep an open mind.”

Brothers Macabre (aka Kenny Stewart and Nate Anderson) along with Dr. Jonathan Arcane (aka Dr. J. Kirkland Redmon). Photo by Andrew Brown

Maybe “it” is paranormal. According to Todd Hanley, general manager of Hotel Congress, the hotel is recognized as being haunted. In the past 80 years, the hotel has documented that two guests, in separate incidents, have lost their lives there. Stories have circulated about encounters with the hotel’s ghosts. And “The Room” seems to “creep out” even some of the hotel staff.

“There’s an element of spookiness,” Hanley said. “The maintenance staff has always felt that room can be a little eerie.”

Every Thursday evening in October, “The Room” will be opened for two shows, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Groups of 25 to 30 guests will experience a show unlike any other, and may decide for themselves that they have indeed felt some bizarre energies.

“They say the veil between the living and dead is thinnest in October. We hope we can get a connection. We’re doing things we can’t really explain,” said Kenny Stewart of The Brothers Macabre. “No two shows are going to be the same.”

Accompanied by a complimentary glass of champagne, guests will embark on a journey of the mind and attempt to become more “intuitive.”

“An intuitive is someone who uses their senses and hones what could be called ‘uber senses’ to work with any possible manifestations in ‘The Room’,” explains Nate Anderson, of The Brothers Macabre. “It doesn’t even have to be manifestations. It could be occurrences that have happened in ‘The Room’ in the past.”

Anderson and Stewart discuss how some people have stronger reactions to energies left behind by persons or events – kind of like how some people have more intense seasonal allergies than others.

“Generally, you (can) get impressions from things that have happened. You’re mind will go wild thinking of all of the things that possibly could have occurred in ‘The Room’,” Anderson says of those who are willing to experience what “The Room” has in store.

“The Room” will be opened for two shows -7 p.m. and 10 p.m. – every Thursday in October, starting Oct. 3, at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and can be purchased through TicketFly.com/venue/503 and at HotelCongress.com. For more information, ring (520) 622-8848.

Fashionably Yours, Cardboard

September 24, 2013 |

Tammy Allen, next to Mykl Well’s “Chimera built in 2008” sculpture, at the 2012 Cardboard Ball.
photo: A.T. Willett

Wearing used clothes is one thing, but wearing used cardboard?

Yes. Yes, indeed!

At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, participants and guests at the Cardboard Ball are doing just that. Artist and community members will showcase fun fashions and artistic creations at this one of a kind party – and, you guessed it – everything will be made from cardboard.

The annual Cardboard Ball is a fundraiser to help put on All Souls Procession Workshops, which are free opportunities for the community to create fun art projects to prepare for and bring to the All Souls Procession. The workshops run for the five weeks leading up to the procession on Nov. 2 and 3.

“To me, a big part of what I do as an artist is try to create an environment where creativity, imagination and playfulness and be experienced and I think a lot of those things get pushed aside when we become adults,” said Mykl Wells, local artist and director of the All Souls Workshops. “But when you allow people the space to do those things, really remarkable things happen. Really beautiful, remarkable things.”

Wells explained that workshop participants create great works of art from mundane objects that then appear in the All Souls Procession. Some people make lanterns and masks, while others make floats for the parade. And none of it could be possible without the Cardboard Ball.

“It goes right into the workshops. It pays for the paint, it pays for the newspaper. Whatever we can get our hands on to make stuff with, we use it.” Wells said. “We need all the help we can get. I’m a really strong believer that if you want your community to support you, you have to support your community.”

Half the tickets to the event have already been sold, with an expected grand total of 300 guests. Cardboard Ball attendees are encouraged to wear cardboard outfits but anything made from recycled materials is acceptable.

“If you showed up in a dress made out of Doritos bags, I would be cool with that,” Wells joked.

The Cardboard Ball will feature great music and refreshments too. Four different DJs are spinning the tunes for lots of dancing, Borderlands Brewery making a special beer, and there’s also a raffle and a photo booth for more fun.

The Cardboard Ball is at Steinfeld Warehouse, 101 W. 6th St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Yikes Toy Store, Pop Cycle and Borderlands Brewery. For more information about the Cardboard Ball or the All Souls Procession workshops, email Mykl Wells at info@myklwells.com or MyklWells.com.

Children’s Museum Celebrates Literacy

September 23, 2013 |

X marks the spot!

After a month long treasure hunt in which children have been challenged to visit various locations around town – libraries and family eateries – and partake different activities to gain stamps on their “treasure maps,” the Children’s Museum will host “Love of Literary,” a free admission day devoted to cultivating a love of books.

“I think it’s going to be a fun big day that we’re going to have,” said Daniela Siqueiros, marketing and membership manager of the Children’s Museum.

The Love of Literacy event on Saturday, Sept. 28 features a variety of activities – giveaways, book readings, characters and performances – and an opportunity to tour the Children’s Museum free of charge. And for each of the stamps collected by those kids who have participated in the treasure hunt provided by the Literacy Connects Coalition and Bear Essential News for Kids, a ticket will be entered in a raffle for cool prizes.

“It’s a literacy festival!” Siqueiros said. “We’re really excited about it.”

This year is the third annual Love of Literacy event. Sixteen different organizations, such as Bookman’s and Pima County Library, will be providing activities. Local talent and Arizona Daily Star cartoonist David Fitzsimmons also agreed to participate.

“I decided to get involved because reading enriched my life and I want to encourage kids to read,” Fitzsimmons said. “As a dad and a grandpa I’m a sucker for a good children’s book.”

Fitzsimmons has been collecting kids’ submissions for a cartooning contest. He will choose five winners to invite to the Love of Literacy event where he will draw each winner and host a drawing clinic to teach children to draw their favorite cartoon heroes.

“I believe that for kids the act of drawing is an intellectual endeavor that uses and develops a range of skills that contribute to a meaningful life, whether it’s learning how to express oneself creatively, communicate concepts, or simply record one’s visions,” Fitzsimmons added. “And it’s flippin’ fun!”

The Love of Literacy event comes just in time for the opening of the new exhibit at the Children’s Museum. Their new “Wee World” will provide a larger area for the youngsters to play while the “Art Studio” will provide children a place to really let their creative energies flow.

“We’re really excited about this room. It’s really going to allow to be unique creative space for kids,” Siqueiros said.  “The main thing is to learn through play but you want the kids to have fun, and to really learn that learning is fun!”

The Children’s Museum has a great lineup of upcoming events too. “Evening of Play” will be a fundraiser night – adults only! – on Oct. 12 and “Fame” – Family Arts Music Experience – will be another free admission day on Oct. 27.

The Love of Literacy event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the Tucson Children’s Museum located at 200 S. 6th Ave. Free admission all day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information visit ChildrenMuseumTucson.org.

Weightless Joy

September 19, 2013 |

Tommy Padilla gets air at Get Air.
photo: Jade Nunes

The trampoline. It beckons all ages to experience its promise of adrenaline and excitement. It’s a time machine, bringing back memories of childhood: sweaty summer afternoons, birthday parties and laughter. And, as if constructed from magnets, it pulls people to its bouncy surface – even if for a single jump.

Walking through the doors of Get Air Tucson is like teleporting to a different planet, one where gravity doesn’t exist and the ground is rectangles comprised of springy, black substrates. The sounds of wild laughter is intoxicating and inviting and the air is energized with movement and excitement.

Waiting in line to pay the entrance fee and signing the mandatory waiver feels like an eternity. But then, with shoes and socks off, heart pounding and a colored wristband signifying how long you can jump, it’s your turn.

It’s a weird feeling, being able to jump as high – higher! – as you are tall. Then there’s that split-second where you feel utterly weightless and your inner-child screams: “I can fly!” You’re hooked. You can’t stop. Higher. Higher. Bounce. Jump. Flip. You don’t even realize how much you’re sweating.

But Get Air doesn’t stop at trampolines. There are dodge ball courts, foam pits, a basketball hoop, and if you dare, a slack line to challenge your balance skills on.

“I heard about it from few friends,” said Hunter Tek, a University of Arizona student who admitted that he’s been to Get Air on more than four occasions since its unofficial opening in late August. “The dodge ball courts are my favorite. And the basketball hoop.”

With the fun comes some risk, however, as Greg Burleson had the misfortune of experiencing firsthand.

Balancing on the slack line.
photo: Jade Nunes

“I learned how to do my first back flip here,” Burleson said triumphantly. “But then I racked my nuts on the slack line.”

Patti Goodell’s son’s company, Trampoline Park LLC, installed the trampolines at Get Air. Goodell says the trampolines are “over sprung” and very reinforced.

“They’re just about as safe as they can be,” she said. “But it’s still an extreme sport. Someone could possibly get hurt.”

Jumping on a trampoline is a sport?

“You can burn up to 1300 calories an hour,” she said. “That’s a draw for people who are trying to stay fit.”

Goodell explained that exercise classes and air aerobics will be among some of the offerings still to come.

Monday through Thursday, Get Air offers family, student and community specials to encourage people to come jump. For example, on Thursdays, you can bring a can of food and jump for two hours for the price of one. Get Air also offers family nights and student discount nights.

“The kids just go crazy for it,” Goodell said.

There are 11 Get Air locations across the country, two of which are owned by Goodell – who said that five more are on the way.

For younger children, Get Air has designated “Lil’ Air,” a smaller trampoline area for the wee ones.

“It’s just kind of fun for all!” Goodell exclaimed.

Time seems to move faster on a trampoline. When an hour has passed, a Get Air employee announces that everyone wearing a specific color wristband must discontinue jumping, or buy an additional hour. Stepping off its springy surface onto solid ground is almost like returning to reality. Legs a little sore and covered in sweat, it’s time to go home.

“I’m definitely coming back,” said Marc Florian. “This place is awesome.”

Get Air Tucson is located at 330 S. Toole Ave. For more information about rates, hours and events, visit GetAirTucson.com or call 624-5867.

Mosey for Mutts

September 13, 2013 |

Humane Society of Southern Arizona Hosts a Fundraising Walk on Sat., Sept. 28.

Volunteer Matt O’Bright cuddles an adoptable pup at one of HSSAs many community events.
photo courtesy of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona

“We have approximately 525 animals on site at any give time,” explains Samantha Esquivel, public relations lead for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA), regarding the number of critters the center regularly shelters. “They have as much time to be adopted as they need, we try and compensate for the lack of behavior training, we take the necessary time to work with them. Every dog is different and we comfort them as much as possible.”

The sad reality is that some creatures HSSA receives aren’t able to be adopted out. “We do humanely euthanize animals that are medically or behaviorally untreatable.”

Esquivel is expounding on HSSA’s modus operandi, which is a deep dedication to taking care of and finding forever homes for the animals that come through their doors. The organization – an independent, locally run 501c3 – was established in 1944 and has been on the same property since its inception. According to its 2012 annual report, HSSA received 9,515 animals in fiscal year 2011-2012. Over 6,000 were critters given up by their owners during that time period. Close to 7,000 were adopted out.

And these are pets of all ilk, Esquivel says, in addition to dogs and cats, the center receives “pocket pets – gerbils, hamsters, bunnies – sometimes we get fowl, roosters, geese. We try to adopt them out too, they have their own area (on the property).”

The role of HSSA in the Old Pueblo goes beyond sheltering and adopting out companion animals, it also provides veterinary care, has a spay and neuter clinic, a vaccination clinic, a feral cat trap/neuter/return program, and classes for people on pet safety and pet first aid. For its shelter dog guests, HSSA has a Canine College program to get the pooches ready for their new homes.

Needless to say, it takes time and money to be this deeply involved in Tucson’s human and animal community. HSSA has “zero affiliation” with the national organization, Esquivel clarifies, and the organization is “always trying to incorporate the community with fun activities that involve animals and families.”

With the Mosey for Mutts event coming up on Saturday, Sept. 28, HSSA is bringing those elements together with a human and canine walk around Reid Park, at Country Club Road and 22nd Street, starting at 7 a.m. The idea, Esquivel says, came up in a meeting. “It is something we know people would like, plus early mornings or late evenings are the best times to walk dogs!”

“It is the first walk we are doing, we will have local vendors on hand, plus a photo booth – you can get some shots afterward for free! There is a $25 registration fee, which includes a tee-shirt, a collapsible water bottle and each dog gets a bandana.”

In addition, there will be demonstrations by DMAFB K9, Tucson Police K9, Ruff House, Snake Aversion Training and Agility Training.

Kids under ten and dogs can walk for free, but make sure your canine companions are harnessed or leashed, with the leash length no longer than six feet. Get more details and register online at HSSAZ.org/mosey or call 321-3704, ext. 188.

Labor of (Animal) Love

August 30, 2013 |

Pima Animal Care Center’s 4th of July dog walk event.
photo courtesy Pima Animal Care Center.

Labor Day typically marks the end of summer vacations and the last of the dog days of summer. But for a few furry friends at the Pima Animal Care Center, it is a day of treats, cuddles and most importantly, a good long walk.

Pima Animal Care Center, located at 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., held their first holiday “Dog Walk” last Thanksgiving. Volunteers and community members were asked to trade an hour of time for a leash and a wet nose. Since then, PACC has organized 10 dog walks, each drawing more volunteers and of course, more adoptions.

“To me, the biggest thrust behind all of this is to get more volunteers,” said Jack Neuman, PACC Advisory Board Chairman and Volunteer Representative. “We want people to come and see that ‘Oh this isn’t that bad. I can spend a few hours a month here.’”

The brainchild of Neuman and his wife, these dog walks have successfully increased the ranks of volunteers from a mere 30 to an impressive 400. And they aren’t stopping anytime soon. PACC hopes to host dog walks on all national holidays. They even had one on Valentine’s day, appropriately named Sweetheart Day. According to Jack, the presence of the volunteers in the dog’s lives is crucial.

“We try to give them (the dogs) a walk every day for an hour or so, but that just doesn’t happen,” he said.

Jack explained that a lack of volunteers meant a lack of walking time for the dogs, and a lack of walking time led to higher stress and more fights. Sometimes when dogs fight, it leads to injury, or worse, being euthanized.

“The dogs love it. It really gives them a break,” Neuman said. “That’s the importance of the power of volunteers.”

According to the PACC website, roughly 25,000 animals, regardless of condition, are taken in every year. Many of the animals are abandoned, sick, abused or just old.

“There’s lots of opportunity for people to come to these events,” Jack said. “These are ways to let the community to get involved.”

The felines need love too! In addition to dog walking, PACC needs volunteers to caress the cats.

“The cats don’t go out like the dogs but people go in and cuddle them,” Jack said. “We gotta do stuff for the cats too.”

PACC has already received more than 70 RSVPs to the event. The events typically average around 150 volunteers, according to Jack.

“People love these one-time volunteer opportunities,” said Jose Ocaño, PACC Volunteer Coordinator. “Not everyone has the time like some of our full time volunteers.”

Those who RSVP to the event receive guidelines and an event waiver to sign. They are asked to arrive at 8 a.m. to be registered and trade in a driver’s license or ID for a leash and poop bags. Then they head to the “Walker” board, a whiteboard designed to help match the dogs to their walkers.

“What these walks have done has taken people with preconceived notions, and what ends up happening is that they see what we do and more people know about us and who we are, and the word is spread,” Jose said. It is “absolutely instrumental in changing the public’s perception.”

Of the nearly 400 dogs in the shelter right now, only about 150 can be walked due to illnesses or injuries. Dogs must be adoptable at the time of the dog walk to be eligible to walk.

“The whole goal of what we do is really an adoption and rescue center. Let’s get these animal and get them into great homes and let them have great lives,” Jose said. “And we want people to have a really good time.”

Shelley Shelton read about the event in a local newspaper and decided to RSVP. According to Shelton, past Labor Days were always planned. But with her daughter recently leaving for college, Shelton figured she’d go make some animals happy.

“As soon as I read it, I was like, huh, I could do that,” Shelley said. “I love animals. It’s something dear to my heart.”

She added that one of her two cats came from PACC. “I’m a little bit afraid of coming home with a dog,” Shelley joked. “But my cats know where I sleep.”

After the walks, an open house will start at 10 a.m.  for those interested in more volunteer opportunities. The day will end with adoptions. Community members who didn’t walk a dog can still leave with a new friend.

The Labor Day Dog Walk starts at 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. at Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd. Interested volunteers are asked to RSVP by emailing jacneu@yahoo.com by by Saturday, Aug. 31. Participants must be at least 16 years of age. For more information, visit the PACC website.

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