Marana News: Town discusses new public art policy

This story originally appeared in the Marana News

The Marana Citizens’ Forum recently proposed a Public Art Policy Development to the town council that could enhance Marana’s sense of place, beauty, tourism and economy. 

“Public art, when done correctly and tastefully, improves the beauty of any given area and adds an element of sophistication and culture,” said forum delegate Kathy Officer to the council. “Public art enhances public spaces and makes them more enjoyable.”

The Marana Citizens’ Forum spends several months, twice a year, deliberating over a topic of their choice that will better the town. 

The idea is that art pieces would help build a sense of place in specific parts of town. For example, a sculpture downtown would represent the town’s center, and a work of art could enhance the Ina Road Interchange once it’s finished.

Officer said, for example, an addition that’s akin to the entryway to Dove Mountain could go in the entrance to Tangerine Sky Community Park.

“With art showcased in different areas of the town, we can address the individual identities of the town and showcase their beauty,” Officer said.

Read the full story at the Marana News

Marana welcomes latest entertainment attraction

On Friday, December 15 a new business opens in the Town of Marana, and with it the addition of at least 350 jobs to the Marana area.

Topgolf Tucson-Marana is the latest entertainment attraction to open in the Town of Marana, and is expected to host over several hundred thousand visitors in its first year and generate over $215 million in revenues over the next 10 years.  As the first of its kind in Southern Arizona, it is an example of companies finding Marana a great place to do business.

“Topgolf will create 350 jobs and host over 300,000 visitors in its first year alone," said Marana Economic Development Director Curt Woody. "The $215 million in revenues within the first ten years and an economic impact that far exceeds this figure is a welcomed amenity that will add to Marana’s and the surrounding region’s economic health.”

As Marana continues to grow, businesses like Topgolf and Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center complemented by hospitality options like the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain and the upcoming Hampton Inn are exactly the types of modern amenities and attractions that the Town is trying to attract, with the Premium Outlets and the Ritz-Carlton attracting people from all over the region, as well as internationally.

“It’s is a multi-entertainment venue designed to attract the avid and non-golfer alike,” Woody said. 

Topgolf bills themselves as a golf entertainment complex, full-service bar, and event venue, but the 53,000-square foot, three-level facility with 72 bays for hitting golf balls into the 215-yard outfield is not your normal driving range.

Golf balls contain microchips to track accuracy and distance, while also awarding points for hitting a variety of targets in the outfield. There are seven different point-scoring games that anyone can enjoy. While the golf enthusiast will certainly enjoy Topgolf, anyone can have fun whether they drive like the pros or have never held a golf club .

There are also over 250 high-definition televisions, a full-service restaurant with a scratch kitchen making all the food fresh, and bars on each floor. There are also private event spaces, pool tables, shuffleboard, and more. 

The Marana location at 4050 W. Costco Pl, is the 38th Topgolf location worldwide and the third in the state of Arizona.

Spotlight on Schools: Marana Cares Mobile provides Winter Break meals

For many students, the meals they eat at school are the only healthy food they get, so when school is not in session during holidays, a healthy meal may be hard to come by. The Marana Unified School District’s Marana Cares Mobile hopes to rectify that problem.

Marana Cares Mobile offers FREE nutritious and delicious meals in an air conditioned mobile facility with interior and exterior serving areas. Nutrition and health are critical to a child's ability to learn and be successful. Marana Cares Mobile meets these critical needs during school breaks and summer months so students are better prepared to return to school ready to learn. 

"Nutrition and health are critical to a child's ability to learn," said MUSD Superintendent Dr. Doug Wilson.

Handicap accessible, the mobile unit offers a fun dining experience, with Wi-fi, Chromebooks and literacy encouragement, for children. These services are brought to our community through private donations, corporate sponsorship, and charitable foundations. 

Marana Cares Mobile travels to residential areas with a high density of children who traditionally receive meal benefits during the school year.

Marana Cares Mobile will set up at two locations during Winter Break. From Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, December 29 and Tuesday, January 1 through Friday, January 5th the mobile unit will be at the Southeast corner of Sandario Road and Anthony Road (next to Marana Congregation of Jehovah’s Witness Church) from 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. and then from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. it will be at 16560 W. El Tiro Road (El Tiro Road and Anway Road, at Marana Domestic Water).

Follow #MCM on Facebook for updates and daily menus at www.facebook.com/MaranaCaresMobile/.

Marana Communications Manager named Top 40 Under 40

Town of Marana Communications Manager Vickie Hathaway received the 40 Under 40 Award given by the Arizona Daily Star and the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The award recognizes forty young professionals under the age of forty who are influential in the community through their professional and philanthropic contributions and leadership. 

“I’m very honored,” said Hathaway. “To be included with so many incredible people is humbling, and I am inspired by all the accomplishments.”

Passionate about effective communication and compelling storytelling, she pursued projects that enhanced the Town’s communication program. Those projects include incorporating photography and videography into the Town’s brand, restructuring the town’s website MaranaAZ.gov, creating the Marana Newsroom, and establishing the Communications Division of the Town Manager’s Office to oversee public relations, brand management, and events.

“On numerous occasions I’ve sought out Ms. Hathaway for guidance related to branding, community outreach and effective communication, and I’ve always been impressed with the big picture approach she takes with everything she does,” said Marana Police Department Chief of Police. “She is truly a great asset to the Town of Marana.”   

Hathaway has also worked to create positive experiences and memories for individuals and families by restructuring the Town’s signature events program through the use of working relationships with businesses and non-profits from throughout the community. Marana events now collectively draw over thirty-thousand people to the community every year.

“She believes in Marana and what we are doing and works so hard to make sure every detail is thought through,” said Marana Mayor Ed Honea. 

She and her team have received numerous awards for their work, including national recognition for the Town of Marana’s community branding campaign, website design, and citizen outreach.

 “I feel this is also great recognition for the Town of Marana and the great projects my team and I have been able to pursue for the community,” Hathaway said.

Hathaway was raised in southern Arizona and is passionate about public service. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration & Public Policy in 2008 and her Master Degree in Public Administration in 2011 from the University of Arizona. She began her local government career as a Management Assistant in 2013 and then Assistant to the Town Manager in 2014 before becoming Communications Manager in 2016.

Dec. 13 Update: Cracker Barrel Road construction enters final phase

The Town of Marana’s Cracker Barrel Roadway Restoration Project is scheduled to be completed by December 22. Between Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 22 construction activities will continue to affect traffic movements along Cracker Barrel Road, Hospitality Drive, and Arizona Pavilions Drive. As work progresses, motorists should expect the following impacts:

Beginning at midnight on Wednesday/Thursday, December 13/14 and continuing through Tuesday, December 19 at 7p.m., Arizona Pavilions Drive will be closed to all through traffic between the eastbound I-10 frontage road and just east of Continental Links Drive for reconstruction of the Cracker Barrel Road/Arizona Pavilions Intersection. During this closure, the following restrictions will be in place:

·         Cracker Barrel Road will be temporarily reopened to two way traffic.

·         Motorists exiting Continental Links Drive must turn right onto Arizona Pavilions Drive. No left turns will be allowed during this closure.

·         Arizona Pavilions Drive will be closed just west of the eastbound I-10 frontage road leaving access only to the New Town Buffet restaurant parking area. Motorists must exit back onto the eastbound I-10 frontage road. In order to access other businesses on Cracker Barrel Road or Arizona Pavilions Drive, motorists will be detoured along the eastbound I-10 frontage road to Cortaro Road.

On Tuesday, December 19 and Wednesday, December 20, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the final lift of new asphalt pavement will be placed across the full width of Cracker Barrel Road from just north of Cortaro Road to Arizona Pavilions Drive and at the Cracker Barrel/Arizona Pavilions Intersection. During the paving operations, the movement of haul trucks and paving equipment will intermittently impact traffic flow along Cracker Barrel Road at its intersections with Cortaro Road, Hospitality Road, and Arizona Pavilions Drive and at various business driveways. Flaggers will be present to guide motorists through these work areas.

Between Wednesday, December 20 and Friday, December 22, traffic movement along Cracker Barrel Road will again be restricted to northbound, one way travel only for manhole and valve adjustments, concrete valley gutters, and survey monuments.

Traffic control devices and directional signs will be set up to guide vehicles through the work area. Speed limits will be reduced to 25 MPH. Business access will be maintained during construction.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs. Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

 Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Ina Road Update: Traffic changes

Drivers heading from northwest Pima County toward downtown Tucson will start using new eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 at Ina Road this weekend.

Beginning the evening of Saturday, Dec. 16, Arizona Department of Transportation crews will begin moving eastbound traffic to the new I-10 lanes as part of a two-year project to improve both I-10 and Ina Road. The work is expected to be complete the morning of Sunday, Dec. 17.

Also on Sunday, about one mile west of the freeway, Ina Road traffic will switch to a new bridge over the Santa Cruz River. This bridge will carry one lane of traffic in each direction while the old bridge is removed and a second new bridge is built in its place.

The I-10/Ina Road interchange project, which remains on schedule approaching the halfway point, will add a lane in each direction to both I-10 and Ina Road and includes a bridge to carry Ina Road traffic over I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The improvements will allow traffic to move more smoothly through the area while enhancing safety.

In mid- to late January, westbound I-10 traffic also will switch to the new eastbound pavement, with a concrete barrier separating three lanes of traffic in each direction.

When the work is complete in early 2019, I-10 will have four lanes in each direction, Ina Road will be two lanes in each direction and there will be two bridges over the Santa Cruz River west of I-10, each carrying two lanes of traffic.

ADOT is overseeing the $128 million project, which is funded by the Federal Highway Administration, the Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority. The town of Marana is contributing $7.9 million toward the cost of the new Ina Road bridges over the Santa Cruz River.

For more information on the project, visit azdot.gov/InaTI.

Marana Police Department hosting volunteer info meeting

The Marana Police Department is looking for some energetic, community giving, hardworking, fun individuals to become Marana Police Volunteers in their patrol assignment.

The Marana Police Volunteers will be having an open house out at the Highlands at Dove Mountain located at 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd this Wednesday, December 13th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm to talk to anyone who is interested in joining the program.

MPD will have volunteers from our patrol side as well as our administrative side there for questions.

The Marana Police Department encourages and provides an opportunity for citizens to volunteer in different areas within the police department.

The Mission of the Marana Police Volunteers program is to support and expand the services that the Marana Police Department provides to its citizens of the Marana Community. Currently there are approximately 50 volunteers involved in several areas within the Police Department.

In addition to the patrol assignment that the meeting covers, Marana Police volunteers generously give their time in many areas, including helping with traffic control, computer and data entry, fingerprinting, administrative duties and more.

The citizens patrol acts as the eyes and ears for the Police Department and the community, helping out in both residential and business areas.

The time given by their volunteers allows Marana Police Officers and staff to devote their time to the work they are trained to do. The volunteer program is always looking for new candidates who are looking to match their skill to their programs and current volunteer opportunities.

Marana named 9th safest city in Arizona

The Town of Marana was named one of the top-10 safest cities in Arizona by SafeHome.org, ranking 9th overall of cities with a population of at least 38,000.

Additionally, Town of Marana was rated as the second safest city in Southern Arizona and third safest small city with a population under 50,000.

Marana had a Safety Score of 80.68. The top score in the state was 86.71, while the lowest was 50.74. The higher the Safety Score, the safer data shows the city to be.

SafeHome.org looks at several different factors when assigning a Safety Score to a city, including the FBI’s latest report of how many and what types of crimes occurred in each city over a single year, the city’s crime trends, and the number of law enforcement officers compared to the population. Cities showing a decline in crime are given a higher Safety Score.

Demographic metrics that are commonly correlated to crime have a small impact on SafeHome.org’s Safety Score. These metrics include population density and trends, unemployment rate, median income, and education level.

Safe Home is an Organization dedicated to helping people create safer living environments for their families.

“Whether that’s reading through one of our research reports, understanding why your city was ranked as one of the safest (or most dangerous) or just simply looking for a new home security system, tour goal is to drive awareness through research, data analysis and education,” they state on their website.

Full listing of the top-25 safest cities in Arizona.

Marana hosts pesticide safety training

On Thursday, December 7, Marana Parks and Recreation hosted a special all-day training at the Recreation Community Center for Herbicide/Pesticide Application. 

The training was provided by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Office of Pesticide Management. There are 65 maintenance professionals from throughout Southern Arizona participating in this specialized training. 
 
"We are placing a major emphasis on staff training and are looking at opportunities to host various trainings at our facilities," said Marana Parks and Rec Director Jim Conroy. "These trainings will professionally develop Marana staff and strengthen the overall Marana team."

The training was provided by Wilbur-Ellis for the Arizona Department of Agriculture Office of Pest Management’s Continuing Education Units (CEU).

The training will help both Marana Parks and Rec employee and those who utilize their facilities to be safer. The training was specifically beneficial to employees who handle and apply pesticides to perform their duties in a safer manner.

Among the topics covered in the training include the safe handling and mixing of pesticides, what to do if one becomes exposed to pesticides, and environmental impacts of pesticides.

Traffic Update: Cracker Barrel Road construction nearing completion

The Town of Marana’s Cracker Barrel Roadway Restoration Project is nearing completion. Construction activities will continue to affect traffic movements along Cracker Barrel Road, Hospitality Drive, and Arizona Pavilions Drive until December 22.

From December 11 until December 14, as work progresses, motorists should expect the following traffic impacts:

·       Traffic movement along Cracker Barrel Road will continue to be restricted to northbound, one way travel only.

Beginning at 6 AM on Monday, December 11 until 6 PM on Wednesday, December 13, the west side of the Cracker Barrel Road/Hospitality Road Intersection will be closed so that the contractor can reconstruct the western half of the intersection. Vehicles traveling eastbound along Hospitality Road will be prohibited from entering the intersection or crossing Cracker Barrel Road. Northbound vehicles traveling along Cracker Barrel Road will be prohibited from turning left onto Hospitality Road. Signage will be in place to alert motorists of the closure.

On Wednesday, December 13, from 6 AM to 6 PM, the base lift of new asphalt pavement will be placed along the western half of Cracker Barrel Road. During paving operations, the movement of haul trucks and paving equipment will intermittently affect traffic flow where Cortaro Road, Hospitality Road, and Arizona Pavilions Drive intersect with Cracker Barrel Road. Flaggers will be present to guide motorists through these work areas.

On Wednesday night, December 13, the west side of the Cracker Barrel Road/Hospitality Road Intersection will be reopened to traffic.

·       Directional signs and traffic control devices will be set up to guide vehicles through the work area. Speed limits will be reduced to 25 MPH. Business access will be maintained during construction.

Beginning at midnight on Wednesday/Thursday, December 13/14, Cracker Barrel Road will be temporarily reopened to two way traffic while, at the same time, the Cracker Barrel Road/Arizona Pavilions Drive Intersection will be closed to all traffic. This closure will be in effect for approximately one week so that the contractor can reconstruct the intersection. Details regarding this closure, related detour routes, and construction activities scheduled to occur from December 14 - 22 will be provided in an upcoming alert.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs. Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested. 

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Photo Gallery: 2017 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting

Photos provided by JD Fitzgerald.

Related:

Nightly holiday light show encores

Marana in the Media: KVOA at the Holiday Festival

PRESS RELEASE: Traffic Signal Activation at the Intersection of Camino de Oeste/Tangerine Road

As part of the Tangerine Road Corridor Project, a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Tangerine Road and Camino de Oeste. At approximately 9 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2017, the signal will be energized and placed on flash mode, with a RED ball indication for the Camino de Oeste approach, and AMBER ball indication for the Tangerine Road approach. 

After 9 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017, the signal will be set to full color operation mode, and function as a fully signalized intersection.

The installation of the new traffic signal at the Camino de Oeste intersection, addresses the operation of the roadway and safety of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists along this stretch of the Tangerine Road Corridor.

Photo courtesy of www.freefoto.com

Spotlight on Schools: Second grade students in Marana develop student-run business

Tucson News Now posted a great story about second graders at a Marana Unified School District school that have started their own business to raise money for charity.

Second grade teacher, Aimee Katz, and her students at DeGrazia Elementary, within the Marana Unified School District, have embarked on a unique journey and are learning real-world business skills. 

Made possible through a Real World Scholars EdCorp grant, these young hard working, entrepreneurial thinking students have developed their own student-run business, Corky Kidz, making a variety of creative designs and items out of reused corks!

Learning entrepreneurship skills through real-world learning, students developed their business from the ground up. After creating their business name, Corky Kidz, and tagline, "Fun, Funky, and creative cork designs made by Kidz," students spent months seeking cork donations from local businesses, family and friends; researching and developing product prototypes; and learning various aspects of business.

"I wanted to start an EdCorp to provide my students with the opportunity to do some real-world learning but also do something that they will remember," states Aimee Katz, second grade Degrazia Elementary teacher. "I want students to be able to understand that what they are learning is and will be used in their life. While students are having fun, they are learning. They are learning real-life skills and if there is something they don’t know how to do, we research it."

December 7 Tangerine Road Paving Update

The contractor has begun paving operations along several segments of Tangerine Road.  The paving operation is scheduled to be complete by Friday, December 22, 2017.

The work will include; 

• Placing the final lift of pavement on Tangerine Road, between Dove Mountain/Twin Peaks and Thornydale Road. 
• Place the final lift of pavement at Tangerine Road intersections of Dove Mountain/Twin Peaks and Thornydale Road.
• The contractor will also place the base course of pavement on the westbound lanes of Tangerine Road, between La Cholla Boulevard and La Canada Drive and, eastbound Tangerine Road from Thornydale Road to La Cholla Boulevard.

On Friday, December 8, from 6 am to 5 p.m., the contractor will place the final lift of pavement along westbound Tangerine Road through the Dove Mountain/Twin Peaks intersection. Because of the nature of this paving operation, sections of the intersection will have temporary movement restrictions to vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. 

• The paving operation will move west to east through the project.    
• Work at the intersections will not begin until after 9 a.m.
• Officers will be on site to direct traffic.
• Motorist will be redirected around the work area.
• Access to businesses in the area will be maintained.
• Travelers in this area should plan for delays and use alternate routes.
• Restricted travel movements through the intersections will end by 5 p.m. 

On Saturday, December 9, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. the contractor will place the final lift of pavement along westbound Tangerine Road from just west of Dove Mountain through the Thornydale Road intersection. Because of the nature of this paving operation, sections of both intersections, though not at the same time, will have temporary movement restrictions to vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. 

• The paving operation will move west to east through the project.    
• Work at the intersections will not occur at the same time.
• Officers will be on site to direct traffic.
• Motorist will be redirected around the work area.
• Access to businesses in the area will be maintained.
• Travelers in this area should plan for delays and use alternate routes.
• Restricted travel movements through the intersections will end by 5 p.m.

 On Monday, December 11, from 6 am to 5 p.m., the contractor will place the final lift of pavement along westbound Tangerine Road.  The contractor will begin near Camino de Oeste and pave east through the Thornydale Road intersection. Because of the nature of this paving operation sections of the intersection will have temporary movement restrictions to vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. 

• The paving operation will move west to east through the project. 
• Work at the intersection will begin after 9 a.m. and will end before 5 p.m.   
• Officers will be on site to direct traffic.
• Motorist will be redirected around the work area.
• Access to businesses in the area will be maintained.
• Travelers in this area should plan for delays and use alternate routes.

 On Monday night, December 11, motorists will be switched to the outside lanes of Tangerine Road from Dove Mountain/Twin Peaks to Thornydale Road. This switch will allow the contractor to safely pave the median turn bays between the two intersections.

• Center turn lane access between Dove Mountain/Twin Peaks and Thornydale Road will be restricted.
• This traffic switch will be in place through Wednesday, December 13.
• Turn movements at the intersections will not be impacted.

On Friday, December 15 the new traffic signal, at the intersection of Tangerine Road and Camino de Oeste, will be energized. At approximately 9 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2017, the signal will be placed on flash mode, with a RED ball indication for all approaches. During this mode, the intersection will function as a 4-way stop.  After 9 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017, the signal will be set to full color operation mode, and function as a fully signalized intersection.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Kathy or Nanette at (520) 623-3073 or by email at info@tangerineroad.info. We look forward to working with you throughout the project, and encourage any feedback to ensure the Project Team can deliver a beneficial project for the whole community. 

For more information on this project, please visit www.tangerineroad.info. For more detailed schedule information please click here.

Please be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians in the area and ensure that dogs, horses and other animals are not in the construction zone to ensure the safety of all.

Spotlight on Schools: MHS earns Special Olympics honor

The Marana News had a great story on Marana High School being honored for their participation in Special Olympics.

A shower of gold glitter unveiled Marana High School’s new title: National Unified Champion School for the Special Olympics of Arizona. The title came on a new banner revealed at the high school’s pep rally last Friday, Dec. 1.

“Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools equip students with the necessary tools and training to create inclusive sports, classroom and community experiences that reduce bullying, promote healthy activities, combat stereotypes, eliminate hurtful language and improve the overall school climate,” Holly Thompson,  area director for Special Olympics Arizona announced at the school assembly. “Marana High School continues to excel in all these areas and this is why you have received this national recognition.”

The dozens of special education students at Marana High School kicked off the assembly by parading into the school gym holding a sign announcing their new title. They marched into the gym among applause and through a tunnel formed by cheerleaders and mascots. Thompson awarded a certificate to Brett Secemski, the school’s life skills teacher and Special Olympics coach.

Mountain View High School also won the award though a celebratory assembly is still being planned.

Read the whole story at the Marana News

Traffic Update: Westbound Interstate 10 narrowed to one lane at Ina Road Wednesday night

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following overnight restriction on Wednesday night near Tucson:

• Westbound I-10 is scheduled to be narrowed to one lane overnight at Ina Road from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, to 5 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017.

The lane closures are necessary as crews work to prepare for shifting traffic from westbound I-10 to eastbound I-10 in December.

The project to reconstruct interchange at I-10 and Ina Road will improve traffic operations. The project includes widening I-10 to accommodate an additional lane in each direction, and widening Ina Road from Silverbell Road to Camino de la Cruz. Learn more on the project web site.

Managed by ADOT, the project is funded by the Regional Transportation Authority of Pima County. The voter-approved, $2.1 billion RTA plan will be implemented through 2026. Details about the full plan are available at www.RTAmobility.com.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.

Nightly Holiday Light Show encores

Did you miss the Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting? Catch any of the encore shows every night from 5-9 PM on the hour at the Marana Municipal Complex. Or watch it/relive it here!

Every night at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m. we will be re-running the light show, that is synchronized to great holiday music.

The encores are at the Marana Municipal Complex roundabout at 11555 W. Civic Center Drive.

Did you come out to the Marana Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting? If so, please take our survey to help us find out what we did right, and what we can do even better next year. 

Marana News: Food tour brings area’s UNESCO designation to life

In 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added 47 locations to its “Creative Cities” network. Tucson (and all of Southern Arizona) was added for gastronomy. In response to this designation, the Town of Marana created a unique Gastronomy Tour. The Marana News covered the designation and tour in a recent issue

Marana possesses a rich food culture, blending ancient flavors with contemporary techniques, that it was deserving of its own showcase.

This showcase comes in the form of the Marana gastronomy tour program, a five hour ride with tastings of local wild foods, samples of craft beers, and historical explorations.

“I’ve found that everything people use to describe Tucson’s food describes Marana better,” said Laura Cortelyou, tourism and marketing manager for the Town of Marana.

In development since December 2016, Marana’s tour is the first food tour approved by a UNESCO creative city in the United States.

With a 4,000-year-old agricultural history (one of the oldest in North America) surrounding them, patrons of Marana’s food tour will experience what few rarely do: visiting archaeological sites, learning about their food history, and then going to modern restaurants where the same styles of dishes are made today. Some of the stops will include drinks at Catalina Brewing Company and a sampling of wild gourmet foods from Bean Tree Farm foods, and cocktails and more at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.

“The best part is that we’re not setting up a fake tour to show the food,” Cortelyou said. “These really are local foods we use all the time—prickly pear, nopales, Sonoran wheat, mesquite, tepary beans. You can forage more wild foods here than in any other desert in the world.”

The tour runs twice a week, from Dec. 1 through April 2018, and promises to hold up to a worldwide UNESCO standard. To sign up, visit sign up: graylinearizona.com/tours/marana-gastronomy-tour/.

“I designed this so that anyone in the world who came to our city could understand our food culture.” Cortelyou said, “The goal is to showcase the creativity of our brewers and bakers, and show how their food is inspired by the local flavors. The tour works because it’s what we already do here. It all just fell into place.”

Read the full story in the Marana News

Marana PD hosts Dispose-A-Med

The Marana Police Department and several of their community partners are conducting a Dispose-A-Med event on Saturday, December 9th at the Target at 3901 W. Ina Rd. The event is from 10 a.m. – noon and will be set up directly in front of the store. Residents are able to safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription medications. Prescription and over-the-counter tablets and capsules will be collected. We will not be able to collect liquids, creams, veterinary medications, vitamins, and needles.

The Marana Police Department is collaborating with the Marana Health Center, Marana-Foothills Optimist Club, Marana Mortuary, and the Marana Prevention Alliance to put on these monthly events. 

Since the program’s inception in 2010, they have collected over 4,100 pounds of medication. Since the start of 2017, they have already properly disposed of 642 pounds of medication.

For safety and confidentiality reasons, any items turned over for collection cannot be returned. They cannot accept drugs from commercial organizations. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Unused prescription drugs that are not disposed of safely can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold, while unused drugs that are flushed down the toilet can contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

For more information, contact Officer David Danielson at the Marana PD Community Resource Unit at 520-382-2051.

Marana In The Media: KVOA at Holiday Festival

This past weekend the Town of Marana hosted their annual Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting and KVOA was on hand to cover the event. They produced a great video from the festival (although there were several thousand people in attendance, not several hundred.)

Read the full account at KVOA.com