Posts Tagged ‘Tucson’
I have wanted to see the Wicked Musical for over five years.” The Wizard of Oz” is one of my favorite movies and when I heard about Wicked, I rushed out and bought the book. Later when my husband and I were in New York, we planed to see the show but it was sold out. Then Wicked was in Phoenix, and it sold out again before we got tickets. Finally, we got tickets to see the musical in Tucson.
I really enjoyed the show, it was worth all my anticipation. If you are not familiar with Wicked, it is the untold story of the Witches of Oz. It gives you a look into the lives of the Witches before Dorothy ever melted or dropped a house on anyone. You may be surprised to learn that even the wicked can be good, and sometimes the good can be a little wicked. The story leaves you feeling empathetic toward Elphaba ( aka the Wicked Witch Of The West). The musical does differ from the book, but that is to be expected.
[ Wicked: What we can learn from the women of Oz ]
I would defiantly see this show again, however not at the same venue. We saw the show at the Centennial Hall in Tucson, and I was less than impressed with this venue. We could not see over the heads of the people in front of us, so we spent the entire show scrunched down and leaning to the side, it was very uncomfortable. The couple in front of us weren’t tall either, it’s just the way the seats are. Then during the 15 minute intermission, the line to the bathroom was out the door and all the way to the curb. I am not exaggerating, this was the longest bathroom line I have ever seen. Drinks and snacks were sold outside, and not at the same place. It would be impossible to get a drink, and a snack in that time frame, and forget about the bathroom. Keep in mind you have to be seated before the show starts or you are not allowed in for another 10 minutes. I could have perhaps over looked all this, if the staff was friendly, but they were less than friendly.
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That Tragic Day
On the morning of January 8th, 2011, US Representative Gabriell Gifford was holding an open meeting in front of a Safeway grocery store near Tucson, Arizona. A shooter, 22 year old Jared Loughner, targeted Gifford, shooting her in the head, and then opened fire on the crowd. Laughner shot 19 people, 6 of the victims died. Laughner stopped shooting when he ran out of ammunition. When the shooter attempted to reload he was hit over the head with a chair and 74 year old Bill Badger tackled the shooter to the ground, even after he himself had been shot. The gunman was subdeud by Bill Badger, Roger Sulzgeber and Joseph Zamudio. The gunman attempted to reload at which point Patricia Maisch grabbed the magazine. Badger is a retired Army colonel and credits his military training for his quick response. Other heros include Daniel Hernandez who acted to slow the Gifford’s bleeding and Dorwan Stoddard who died trying to shield his wife from the gun shots.
Bad Guy – Good Guy? – The Other Person With A Gun
Before Joseph Zamudio helped hold down the gunman, he was inside Walgreens and heard the shots, he reacted quickly running outside. Zamudio was carring his firearm, as he left the store he clicked the safety off and had his hand on his gun that was concealed inside his jacket. When Zamudio arrived on the scene he saw Badger holding the gun, and initially thought he was the shooter. This brings up an important point, if you carry a firearm and you are on the scene of a shooting you need to think before you act. The person with the gun may not be the actual shooter, and you don’t want anyone, especially the police to mistake you as the shooter. This kind of mistake or “friendly fire” can happen in combat or during police action. First responders and those in the Military are trained to size up a scene upon before taking action. Unlike Badger, Zamudio did not have any military training. Zamudio admits he hasn’t had any formal weapon training, however he was raised around guns and is very comfortable with his firearm.
The Debate Continues
It’s one of the most debated subjects, to carry or not to carry. Many people like to express their Second-Amendment right to bear arms. There are also those that think that stricter gun laws are needed. Some people have this idea that gun owners want to run around like a vigilante, others simply believe it is their god given right to protect themselves and their family. People in favor of stricter gun laws feel that citizens don’t need a weapon for self defence because we have police for that. Gun advocates point out the violence and chaos after Hurricane Katrina, citizens were left to fend for themselves. With the Tucson Tragedy at the forefront of our minds, more and more people are talking about carrying weapons. Some people criticize Arizona gun laws and the recent shooting near Tucson has further ignited debate over gun laws. Recent debate includes whether or not students should be allowed to carry a weapon on campus.
Whether you are for or against citizens being able to legally conceal and carry weapons, you should read this story about Zamudio, the young man that ran to the chaotic scene of the shooting in Tucson, especially if you do carry a weapon. Running onto a scene where there are gun shots can be very confusing, and it may be difficult to identify who the bad guy is. The attached story includes the different dynamics of this tragedy and how serious split second decisions were made by this young man, with no special training. Understand how these actions can save a life.
Arizona law no longer requires you to obtain a concealed weapons permit, in order to conceal a weapon, however I would still recommend taking the class if you plan to conceal and carry. I have taken the class at Scottsdale Gun Club, and learned a lot about the laws and my rights to carrying a firearm and defending myself in a worst case scenario.
We will always remember the heros and victims of this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
Comments Welcome.
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This is my favorite time of year since the weather is finally starting to cool down! I love getting into the fall spirit by doing family activities such a pumpkin patches, hay rides, horse back riding, and haunted houses.
Here is a list of some activities and pumpkin patches:
Fall Pumpkin Celebration at Apple Annie’s Produce and Pumpkins in Wilcox, Az: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Now through Oct. 31st. Take a hay ride to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkins, fall vegetables and apples! Admission includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch and a childrens play area. The farm also features a corn maze with three difficulty levels, an “All-You-Can-Eat” pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and a burger lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3 admission, prices vary for pumpkins and vegetables. Apple Annie’s Produce and Pumpkins, 6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox. 520-384-4685. www.appleannies.com.
Pumpkin Festival at Freeman Farms in Chino Valley, Az: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Now through Oct. 31st. Pick your own pumpkin from the vine while enjoying the working farm. Visitors can also check out giant donkeys and other animals in the petting zoo. Other activities include hay rides and a mini-corn maze. $3 pumpkin patch, $10 all attractions, individual activity pricing available. Freeman Farms, Elemental Farms 1096 E. Road 3 South, Chino Valley. 520-850-3990. www.azpumpkins.com.
Pumpkin Patch at Mother Natures Farm in Gilbert : 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Now through Nov. 5 Purchase pumpkins and decorate them, plus inflatable bounce house, hay rides, a straw bounce, animal feeding and Alexander’s Adventure Maze created with bales of hay. Hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, drinks and snow cones, are available for purchase and dine at picnic tables or in the grassy field. Mother Nature’s Farm, 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert. $7, $3 adults. 480-892-5874. www.mothernaturesfarm.com
Pumpkin and Chili Party at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Voted as one of the best family friendly experiences by Phoenix Magazine, this pumpkin patch festival offers something for everyone. Featured rides are hay wagon, roller coaster, carousels and trains. Try finding your way through a 4- or 10-acre cornfield maze or relax by a bonfire and roast marshmallows. A rock-climbing wall, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and grilled food are also featured. $15, $10 military, $7.50 for Queen Creek residents on Thursdays, $7.50 for age 60 and older Thursdays and Fridays, free age 2 and younger, $12 discount tickets available at Fry’s. Schnepf Farms, 24810 Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. 480-987-3100. www.schnepffarms.com.
Pumpkin Days and Fall Maze at Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale, Az: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Now through Nov. 21st. Find the perfect pumpkin for your family in the pumpkin patch, get lost in the 6-acre family corn maze or be daring and try to find your way through the haunted corn maze. Children’s activities include a petting zoo, train rides and a hay pyramid. Hours change in November; call for new times. Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale. $7, free age 1 or younger. 623-386-1301. www.tolmachoff-farms.com.
Fall Festival at Vertuccio Farms in Mesa, Az: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. Now through Nov. 20th. Families can make their way through a 10-acre corn maze, jump in the bounce house, pick a pumpkin from the patch and ride on the barrel train. See turkeys, ducks, donkeys, pigs and cows. Hot dogs, barbecue, Icees, soda and kettle corn are available for purchase. Non-perishable food donations are accepted for St. Mary’s Food Bank for a $1 discount on admission.$6, free age 4 and younger. Closed Monday-Wednesday after Nov. 1. Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. 480-650-6606 or 480-650-6611. www.vertucciofarms.com.
Fall Festival at Agua Linda Farm in Tucson, Az: 5-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. This annual festival lets families spend a day on a real, working farm, while enjoying a pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, vegetable picking, a hay-bale maze, live music and movie nights Fridays and Saturdays. There’s also plenty to eat and games to play. $7 per car. Agua Linda Farm, 2643 E. Frontage Road, Amado. 520-398-3218. www.agualindafarm.net.
Farmers Market: Harvest and Halloween in Phoenix at City North: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday Oct. 17 ONLY This family friendly farmers market features a pumpkin patch, hay bales, a train and balloon animals. City North retailers offer specials, and fresh local produce, plants and holiday wreaths are available for purchase. Musical entertainment is provided, and kids’ activities include a “play factory,” face painting, pony rides and root-beer floats. Free admission. City North, 5515 E. Deer Valley Drive, Phoenix. 480-319-8700. www.facebook.com/ccofcitynorth.
The Great Pumpkin Festival in Phoenix at Desert Botanical Gardens: 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 21-22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 23-24. Take a hayride out to the garden’s pumpkin patch where children ages 12 and younger can choose their own pumpkin for free. A petting zoo, hay-bale maze and live country-Western entertainment are also featured. Activities included in garden’s admission. $15, $13.50 ages 60 and older, $7.50 students with ID, $5 children age 3-12, free for members and children 2 and younger. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225. www.dbg.org.
“Halo-Win” at Avalon Organic Gardens in Tubac, Az: Sunday Oct. 31st 3-5 p.m. This Halloween festival features face painting, games, kids’ activities and live music. Visitors can compete in a costume contest for a chance to win a free garden tour and lunch for the family at the Avalon Organic Gardens, Farm and Ranch near Tubac. Proceeds benefit nonprofit teen and young adult rehabilitation programs and the Avalon Gardens internships of Global Community Communications Alliance. Free, donations accepted. Tubac Music Plaza, 29 Tubac Plaza, Tubac. 520-398-2542. www.avalongardens.org
Pumpkin Patch at MacDonalds Ranch in Scottsdale, Az: Open 7 days a week 9am-6pm. Now through Oct. 30th. $7 per person entrance fee, Bring 1 or more cans food for $1 off. Pumpkins range from $3 – $12 depending on size. Hayride to Pumpkin Patch, Hay Maze, Petting Zoo, Free Pony rides (just tip the person leading the horse), Sack Races, Horse Shoe Games, and More! MacDonalds Ranch in North Scottsdale 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Az 85255 480-585-0239 www.macdonaldsranch.com
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ghost
Ghost Stories
There are several schools in Arizona that are rumored to be haunted. Are there truly spirits still roaming the halls of Arizona schools or are these stories just urban legends. Tell us what you think, or share a ghost story of your own.
Chandler High School – Chandler, AZ
In the north wing of the oldest building, sightings and voices are still experienced.
Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, AZ
Morton Hall is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former student, who died there. Studants claim she even pulls off their blankets while they are sleeping.
Highland Junior High – Gilbert, AZ
Globe High – Globe, AZ
Blue Ridge High – Lakeside, AZ
Desert Ridge High – Mesa, AZ
Carl Hayden High – Phoenix, AZ
Rumored to be haunted by a former cheerleader and football player.
Deer Valley High – Phoenix, AZ
A ghost by the name of Dewy is rumored to peer down from the catwalk. Stories of how Dewy died range from a love story gone wrong to a construction worker who fell of the scaffolding while the school was being built.
Trevor G Browne High School – Phoenix, AZ
When construction workers were building the auditorium in the early 90′s, one of the workers fell off of a high beam and was killed instantly on impact they say you can hear moans and crys of pain in the auditorum at night during closing time .
First Avenue Elementary – San Manuel, AZ
Saguaro High School – Scottsdale, AZ
A girl haunts the bathroom where, before it was a high school, she was hanged for practicing witchcraft in 1786.
Marcos De Niza High – Tempe, AZ
A worker who fell through the stage and died. If you visit the auditorium after 9:00 pm, you may see his ghost trying to finish the job he had started.
Bloom Elementary – Tucson, AZ
There’s a dead principal who still visits
Catalina High – Tucson, AZ
Rumor has it that a man had died from a heart attack in the school, and that his spirit is still there.
Davis Bilingual School – Tucson, AZ
People claim to have been touched by the ghost residing there, doors open and close themselves, and faucets turn themselves on and off.
Holaway Elementary – Tucson, AZ
Sightings of Mr. Holaway him self, checking rooms.
Tucson High Magnet School – Tucson, AZ
One of the many classrooms in the vocational building has been condemned because of rumors of a student killing himself there. Students now haunts the room.
University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ
The ghost of a woman runs to escape her attacker.
Mary Elizabeth Post Elementary School – Yuma, AZ
Students often hear and see visions of Mary Post, as she haunts the school. There is also a picture of Mary above the exit doors, and sometimes when you walk out, her eyes will follow.
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Re-Opening of the Dorrance Planetarium
Did you know that the AZ Science Center was the first science center in the WORLD to showcase a state-of-the-art NanoSeam dome, and now only one of five in the United States? My husband and I took our daughter the other day and it was AMAZING! We watched 3 of the 6 planetarium shows that they offer. We decided that the best value for us was to become a member. There are different membership levels, so we chose the Basic Plus, which is good for the year for 4, at $85 and $40 additional for the planetarium pass. The only thing we have to pay extra for is if we want to see an IMAX, which we also get a discount for being a member. If you are an educator or have AAA there is an additional discount for membership. The pass also gets you into other museums in Flagstaff, Tucson and others all over the country. The year pass gets you free admission for 4, and only one person who’s name is on the pass has to be with the pass. So, I can invite a different mom and kid each time we go. I have a feeling we will frequent the center often since there is so much to do and see and its indoors to escape the heat! (in fact I could have used a sweater, its quite chilly inside!)
We also ate lunch there and it was very good and the prices were reasonable!
www.azscience.org
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