Behind the scenes: Practice makes perfect

The Marana Delegation is officially less than a month out from the competition date, and everyone has been hard at work finishing the script and props for the ten-minute presentation. Town and Marana High School staff first met frequently to develop the scope of the script (above), and then Choir Director Sarah Ross and Drama Director Heidi Barker worked with the teen delegation to create the props (below). 

The delegation had its first rehearsal this week, which helped the writers determine the length of the presentation, the use of props, and preliminary blocking. With just under a month left to go, the students are excited to present Marana's programs to the All-America City competition. 

Keep following us, as we continue to post updates to the Road to All-America City 2016 news feed. 

#MakingOurMark: Opening Doors for Marana students

As we count down to Marana's trip to Denver for the All-America City gathering, we're highlighting all the ways Marana is making its mark. Inspired by our farming and ranching heritage, we'll be highlighting Marana's official Branding Iron alongside many of the incredible people who make this Town an All-America City. Are you Making Your Mark on Marana?  Let us know by using #MakingOurMark, and we may feature your story here.

Marana's Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes offer more than just vocational training for their students.  With dozens of programs spanning all kinds of different careers, Marana Unified School District gives its students the chance to discover a hidden passion for welding, perhaps, or an abiding love of early childhood education.  Cathie Raymond directs this program, and there are few things she loves more than visiting the classes in action.  

"Every one of our programs is offering teenagers a chance to figure out what they want to do after high school," she explains.  "Visiting the early childhood classroom is especially exciting, because I see two levels of learning happening: the experience of our high schoolers working with young children, and the experience of those young children themselves as they begin their educational careers."

Cathie is making her mark on Marana through her tremendous contributions to the CTE programs.  Her efforts are part of what make Marana an All-America City.

#MakingOurMark: Marana Planning and Code Enforcement Staff Team Up to Improve Local Neighborhood

As we count down to Marana's trip to Denver for the All-America City gathering, we're highlighting all the ways Marana is making its mark. Inspired by our farming and ranching heritage, we'll be highlighting Marana's official Branding Iron alongside many of the incredible people who make this Town an All-America City. Are you Making Your Mark on Marana?  Let us know by using #MakingOurMark, and we may feature your story here.

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There are lots of ways to fight poverty. Efforts to improve schools, create innovative social programs, and ensure food security often grab headlines, as well they should.  The Town of Marana realizes, though, that these aren’t the only tools the government can use to help its poorest residents.   Sometimes, that effort starts in the Town’s planning department.

Shannon Shula’s desk is in a row of cubicles on the second floor of the Marana Municipal Complex.  Down the hall, behind a locked door, are decades of records documenting the Town’s official approval for developments, stretching back to Marana’s original incorporation in 1977.  Buried in this archive is the original plan for a small property called Yoem Pueblo. 

Owned by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and located just steps from town hall, Yoem Pueblo is home to a tightly knit community of Yaqui tribal members.  Though the residents of Yoem Pueblo often struggle to make ends meet, their community has persevered.  Along its one-lane street, grandparents live within earshot of grandchildren, and many of those grandparents grew up on this same street. The neighborhood’s longevity, though, has come at a high cost.  Aging homes stand in desperate need of repair.  Weeds grow thick between the houses.  Wide, deep cracks cut across driveways. 

Shannon Shula is trying to change all that.     

Every year, the federal government makes funding available to local governments across the country in the form of Community Development Block Grants, or, in government-speak, CDBG.  A formula determines how much a municipality will receive.  In Marana, these funds help support housing rehabilitation projects, but with one mandatory string attached: any home benefiting from CDBG dollars must be owner-occupied.  In most cases, this regulation makes perfect sense.  If a tenant occupies a home, then the landlord should make improvements without a government subsidy.  Yoem Pueblo, however, is the rare exception to this rule.

The landlord of these residents is the tribe itself, and many of the community members pay little or no rent.  The Pascua Yaqui Tribe, like many Native American tribes and nations across the country, has limited financial resources. Consequently, it cannot afford to undertake the costly repairs required in many of these homes.  However, neither can the tenants.  Unless, of course, those tenants can become owners.

“When the Yaquis first established Yoem Pueblo years ago, they purchased two parcels of land, and, until recently, that was still the official layout of this neighborhood,” explains Shannon.  “Our idea, however, was to re-plat the community, subdividing Yoem Pueblo so that each home occupies its own lot.  Once we’ve re-drawn the map, essentially, the Pascua Yaqui can deed over the property to the residents themselves.  Suddenly, they’ve gone from tenant to property owner.”

Easier said than done, however.  Marana’s efforts to improve conditions in Yoem Pueblo began four years ago.  Countless setbacks and challenges, though, have plagued the project.  Shannon’s own effort began when she first joined the Town’s planning department in 2014, an effort which is finally starting to pay off. 

Part of what has slowed progress in the past is the process itself.  Replatted projects must conform to Marana’s zoning regulations, but Yoem Pueblo was constructed long before those regulations existed.  Therefore, the only way for this land to be replatted is to receive variances from Marana’s Board of Adjustment.  The neighborhood’s age meant that it would need many of these variances, each one requiring, at a minimum, several months.

Navigating this process demands persistence, and any number of obstacles can derail it at any point.  Shannon, though, remained steadfast in her efforts to push forward, partly because of her own background. As a member of Hopi Nation herself, she shares many of their cultural traditions.

“Many of these residents are elderly. The Hopi and the Yaquis share a deep commitment to honoring our elders.  We believe elders hold a wealth of experience and wisdom, and we owe them profound respect.  I feel like it is my duty to serve these residents.”

During a Town Council meeting on April 5, Shannon’s replatting of Yoem Pueblo became official.  A unanimous vote of the Council has allowed this project to proceed to the next stage, in which it is submitted to the Pima County Recorder’s Office.  Once that office has processed the paperwork, the Pascua Yaquis can then deed over each lot to the current resident.  At that point, the residents will then be eligible for CDBG dollars.

The replatting process has not happened overnight. Not content to wait idly during this time, the Town of Marana for years has offered a variety of services to Yoem Pueblo residents.  For example, Code Enforcement Officer Lori Sheppard has spent many months working closely with these residents to provide landscaping assistance.  She advises them about how far back vegetation must be cleared to be in compliance with the fire code.  She coordinates neighborhood clean-ups, often with the help of a dumpster provided by the Town. Finally, Lori has collaborated with PPEP, Inc., a local non-profit, and Napa Auto Parts to help these residents dispose of old tires and motor oil. 

“While we can’t use CDBG funding to help this community yet,” says Lori, “there are other ways we can improve this neighborhood.  Most importantly, that means working with the residents to identify how we can be most helpful.  The last thing we want to do is to just tell them what to do.  This is their community, and we want to be a resource for them.”

Thick vegetation clogs one section of Yoem Pueblo prior to Lori Sheppard's work with residents to clear this section.

Same section after vegetation cleared away.  

Marana strongly believes in ensuring the highest quality of life for our residents.  While that is always the goal, the Town is also not blind to the deep pockets of need in the community.  Yoem Pueblo presents just such an opportunity, and the Town is pursuing efforts to address their needs through creative avenues.  Replatting and compassionate code enforcement may not generate flashy headlines, but they do help demonstrate why Marana is an All-America City.

#MakingOurMark: Exploring careers in law enforcement

As we count down to Marana's trip to Denver for the All-America City gathering, we're highlighting all the ways Marana is making its mark. Inspired by our farming and ranching heritage, we'll be highlighting Marana's official Branding Iron alongside many of the incredible people who make this Town an All-America City. Are you Making Your Mark on Marana?  Let us know by using #MakingOurMark, and we may feature your story here.

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Photo Credit: JD Fitzgerald

Visitors to the Marana Municipal Complex on a Monday afternoon may be surprised to see a group of young men and women running laps, or counting out push-ups. Their sweat-drenched gray shirts spell out in boldface type "Police Explorers," and that's exactly what they're up to: exploring the possibility of a career in law enforcement.  

Photo Credit: JD Fitzgerald

Throughout the year, this class of Police Explorers will participate in law enforcement exercises to practice their skills.  They'll learn how to fill out official reports, manage high-risk traffic stops, and even negotiate in a hostage situation.  More than anything, though, they'll learn about the culture of law enforcement in Marana to determine if this is a career path they want to pursue.  

Photo Credit: JD Fitzgerald

The Marana Police Explorers give aspiring law enforcement officers a chance to learn about one possible path for their future.  They are making their mark on their community by learning how to provide "unparalleled service" and "unwavering protection" not just today, but for many years to come.  They are part of what makes Marana an All-America City.  

Meet your Marana delegation

This year at the 2016 All-America City competition, it's ALL about the kids. 

We've kept you informed on the amazing programs that help youth in Marana, and now you can meet the youth that are going to compete on behalf of the Marana community for the All-America City award! These Marana High School students will join the Marana delegation, and present to the All-America City judges in June. Keep following the Town of Marana on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about each of them as they get closer to competition, and help them get there by donating to our GoFundMe fundraiser.

#MakingOurMark: Food for the Soul

As we count down to Marana's trip to Denver for the All-America City gathering, we're highlighting all the ways Marana is making its mark. Inspired by our farming and ranching heritage, we'll be highlighting Marana's official Branding Iron alongside many of the incredible people who make this Town an All-America City. Are you Making Your Mark on Marana?  Let us know by using #MakingOurMark, and we may feature your story here.

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Caleb Baker volunteers often at the Marana Community Food bank.  For years, this local non-profit has provided healthy, nourishing food for needy families.  Every year, they collect items at a number of Marana events, including the Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting.

"Volunteering for the Marana Community Food bank makes me feel like not only am I a part of Marana's community, but the community is part of me," says Caleb.

The Marana Community Food Bank's impact on children's health in Marana is remarkable.  When children can go to school having eaten a full breakfast, they are much more ready to learn for the whole school day.  Furthermore, during weekends and school vacations, when students can't rely on their school's cafeteria, the Food Bank helps make sure that these kids still have access to healthy meals.

Linda Hampton, director of the Food Bank, is dedicated to ensuring food security for all members of the community.  Her organization is making its mark on Marana and is helping make us an All-America City. 

#MakingOurMark: Marana PD Carry the Torch for Special Olympians

As we count down to Marana's trip to Denver for the All-America City gathering, we're highlighting all the ways Marana is making its mark. Inspired by our farming and ranching heritage, we'll be highlighting Marana's official Branding Iron alongside many of the incredible people who make this Town an All-America City. Are you Making Your Mark on Marana?  Let us know by using #MakingOurMark, and we may feature your story here.

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In just a few days, the Arizona Special Olympics will kick-off in Glendale, Arizona. Before they can begin, though, they will need their ceremonial Torch, which is currently making its journey from Bisbee to the Opening Ceremonies.

Helping it along the way are law enforcement officers representing agencies from across the state, including four officers from Marana.  On one of the first hot days of the year, Officer John Perryman, Officer Jose de la Torre, Sergeant Will Hess, and Lead Officer Kevin Trapp embarked on a 8.6-mile run along Casa Grande Highway, from Tangerine Road to Pinal Air Park Road.

Marana's officers received the torch from Tohono O'odham Nation police, greeting them with eager high-fives and back slaps.  

Torch firmly in hand, it was now Marana's turn to carry it on its journey.

As the four runners made their way up to frontage road, the mercury slowly ticked upwards: 93°, 94°, 95°.  The runners persevered, though, their faces drenched with sweat.

A few miles into the run, as a police incident developed elsewhere in Marana, the runners' attention quickly shifted from the hot sun to the police radio emanating from the SUV driving slowly beside them.  Eventually, Sgt. Hess and Lead Officer Trapp were called to the scene, leaving Officers de la Torre and Perryman to finish the run.  With a grin (or was it a grimace?), they pushed onward.

Several miles later, the pair finally arrived at mile marker 232, where an officer from the Arizona Department of Public Safety awaited their hand-off.

On Friday, the Torch will arrive in Glendale, where it will mark the official opening of this year's Arizona Special Olympics. Several athletes from Marana will compete in this year's event, and Marana's Police Department is a proud supporter of their efforts.  In April, they hosted the annual Tip-A-Cop event, where Marana officers served up delicious meals at Texas Roadhouse. All proceeds from that event helped fund the travel and event expenses of Marana's Special Olympians.  Through Tip-a-Cop and the Torch Run, Marana PD not only demonstrate their commitment to these athletes, but also to forming strong relationships across the community. Officers Perryman and de la Torre, Lead Officer Trapp, and Sgt. Hess are part of what makes Marana an All-America City.

Chamber of Commerce Helps Make Marana an All-America City

The Marana Chamber of Commerce has been a huge supporter of Marana's efforts to become an All-America City. For local businesses, the Marana Chamber serves as a valuable advocate.  They support businesses through the Shop Marana program, encouraging residents and visitors alike to support our local economy.  

The Chamber also helps coordinate Partners in Education, a program which connects students with internships in the private sector.  This program supports experiential learning that gets kids thinking about what they want to do after high school. 

The Marana Chamber of Commerce works tirelessly every day to improve commerce in Marana. Because of their efforts to strengthen local businesses and to provide creative educational opportunities, they are a crucial part of what makes Marana an All-America City.

#MakingOurMark: Marana, through Jordan's eyes

As we count down to Marana's trip to Denver for the All-America City gathering, we're highlighting all the ways Marana is making its mark. Inspired by our farming and ranching heritage, we'll be highlighting Marana's official Branding Iron alongside many of the incredible people who make this Town an All-America City. Are you Making Your Mark on Marana?  Let us know by using #MakingOurMark, and we may feature your story here.

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For the past year, Jordan Idler has been applying his creative touch to Marana's Communications and Marketing team.  As a high school senior at Marana High School, he has participated in the first year of Marana 2.0, an internship program that gives students a chance to learn about their local government by working within it.  This experiential learning opportunity allows students to see how government operates, and even to provide input on how Marana can better serve its residents.  

During his internship, Jordan has spent many hours recording interviews with Town staff, filming special events, and taking photos across the Town.  His efforts are providing the Town with a wealth of footage that can be used to promote future special events and to market the Town as a high-quality destination for residents and tourists alike.

Programs like Marana 2.0 are giving students new opportunities to explore potential careers.  In the fall, Jordan will enroll at Pima Community College, and he will begin thinking about what professional path he wants to pursue. "I've always been into the technical aspect of visual production, but I never thought of local government as a place where I could apply those skills. Marana 2.0 has helped me understand this profession in a new way," says Jordan.  

Marana is making its mark on Jordan by teaching him about local government, and Jordan is making his mark on Marana through his creative efforts to capture images from across the community.  This is what it means to be an All-America City.

A different kind of food truck brings the cafeteria to children

Volunteer Kari Barney helps serve free lunches on the Marana Cares Mobile. 

When summer arrives, kids in low-income neighborhoods won't have to worry about what to eat for lunch. The Marana Cares Mobile, a repurposed school bus that has been retrofitted as a full diner, will be stopping by to serve free, healthy lunches to all children under the age of 18. 

Hundreds of children who attend Marana schools depend on their cafeterias for lunch every day.  However, when they’re on vacation, it can be challenging to figure out how to get those meals.  Though many schools still offer lunches during breaks, it can still be difficult for the students to get to school.  Now, the cafeteria can come to them.

Marana Unified began distributing meals from Marana Cares Mobile during Thanksgiving break in 2015.  Harnessing the power of the food truck movement, this chic ‘50s diner on wheels made a dozen stops during the winter break.  They’ve already handed out almost 100 meals to Marana kids, and every day, the number showing up for a tasty bite is growing. 

Kari Barney works as a site supervisor for food services at Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School, and has volunteered to help staff the bus as it makes the rounds.  “I love working with the kids, and this is a great opportunity for me to help out.  What’s really great is seeing the same kids come back day after day.  I know they need the meal, and I’m so happy it’s becoming part of their routine.”

Beyond simply providing a crucial meal, the staff at MUSD are particularly proud of the quality of food they’re distributing.  “We’ve got chicken sandwiches, PB and J’s, fruits, and veggies.  We’ve got chicken nuggets, too, but these are much healthier than anything you’ll find at McDonalds,” says Russ Federico, Executive Director of Operations at MUSD. 

Back in March 2015, this project was just an idea which quickly received widespread support.  Whenever MUSD retires an old school bus, it sells it at auction, typically receiving around $2,000.  When this bus reached that point, though, the auto shop mechanics for MUSD realized that it would be a strong candidate for Marana Cares Mobile. 

“Most of our buses have an AC that runs off the engine,” explains Federico, “but this one has a separate generator.  That means that we can continue to run the AC, even when the engine is turned off.  When we’re distributing meals in the summer, that’s going to be an incredibly important feature.”

Once the district identified this bus as a strong candidate for its project, it worked with RWC International, from whom MUSD purchases many of its buses.  In its reconstruction of the bus, RWC added a gray water system, a side door with lift, an awning on the outside, and sleek chrome stools inside. 

Since the bus first hit the streets, the community response has been resoundingly positive.  From a front page story on the Arizona Daily Star to coverage from local TV news outlets, it appears that hungry kids aren’t the only ones excited about this new addition to the district’s fleet.

With interest growing rapidly, the district anticipates that soon, one bus won’t be enough to meet demand.  With that in mind, another bus is already in the works which will offer even more services.  The second bus will be outfitted with help from the welding program at Marana High School, which is part of the district’s larger Career and Technical Education efforts.  It will also include space for a mobile dental clinic in the back.  That area will be designed with help from the CTE students who work in the dental offices of the Marana Health Center. 

Marana Cares Mobile is just one of the many creative ways in which MUSD is working hard throughout the year to make sure that its students are not just getting the education they deserve, but getting opportunities both in and out of school to learn, grow, and prosper.  “Inspiring students to learn today and lead tomorrow,” reads the slogan on the front of the bus.  Through this initiative, the district not only leads with a powerful message, but indeed, leads by example.  For more information, visit http://www.maranausd.org/mcm.  

New school design prepares students for learning

When the 2016-2017 school year kicks off next August, an eager class of kindergartners won’t be the only new additions to Marana Unified School District. A new elementary school in Gladden Farms will open its doors for the first time.  Recently, Chasse Building Team, the firm contracted to construct the new school, offered a tour of this new site, and the Marana Newsroom is ready to provide you with a glimpse inside these new walls.

Reading is perhaps the most important skill for young students to learn, which is why this reading nook is at the heart of the new school.  Located just behind the main entrance, teachers will be able to take their students to this comfortable spot for dedicated reading time.

This new school embraces the importance of collaborative learning.  Every classroom enjoys one moving glass wall which teachers can configure in different ways in order to create the perfect learning environment for every lesson.  The walls will be among the final installations, but this open space shows where one of them will soon stand.

Classrooms are far from the only places where learning can happen, and this new school is well equipped to provide creative spaces for students to engage with each other and their teachers.  This central staircase will conveniently double as bleachers, allowing students to use this area for presentations and assemblies.

School safety is always a top priority, and this new school includes some of the latest technology to keep students secure.  Double doorways on arterial hallways are magnetized, so that all doors can be closed with the push of a button.

Just off the cafeteria and auditorium space is a music room.  Soon, it will echo with the cacophony of children plucking their first violin strings and tooting their first horns.  Across the hall is a PE room, where students can exercise when it’s too hot or cold to go outside.

Throughout the school year, Arizona’s weather means that students can enjoy comfortably eating their lunch outside, but sometimes, it’s just too hot or cold.  This canopy offers the best of both worlds.  With a roof two-stories above the ground and large roll-up doors, this feature will provide extensive opportunities for students to get outdoors.  However, when the weather doesn’t cooperate, all the school has to do is roll down those doors and enjoy the climate-controlled inside space.

During the early stages of construction, Chasse built a “mock-up wall,” allowing the firms of BWS Architects and Winslow & Partners to provide early feedback.  After all, it’s much easier to alter a wall before it’s built than afterwards.

Throughout construction, this site has seen up to 133 workers industriously laboring to complete the school by June 15.  Not only are they on target to meet that goal, but they recentlycelebrated 100 straight days without an accident.  Safety is a priority for the Town, Marana Unified School District, and the Chasse Building Team, so this accomplishment is certainly worthy of a burger and a hot dog.

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On August 8, 2016, an army of young scholars will descend on this new elementary school.  Just a year ago, this site was nothing more than a graded patch of dirt.  Soon, though, it will begin educating a new generation of Marana students.  This innovative building will provide a creative space for kids to explore new knowledge and engage with the world around them.  The Chasse Building Team offered nearly 100 visitors a glimpse into this new school, and it was clear that more than a few of them wanted to figure out how they themselves could re-enroll in kindergarten.  Unfortunately for them, they’re probably a little too big for the desks.

In order to bring this project to fruition, Marana Unified School District has worked closely with the Town of Marana.  Staff from the Town’s planning department has provided input at every stage in order to ensure that this new building fits into the long-term vision for this community.  With this strategic mindset, this school is well-positioned to serve students for generations.  That achievement is only possible due to the close relationship between MUSD and the Town of Marana, a relationship which embodies what makes Marana an All America City.

Marana High School students share ideas with Town Council

Before interning at the Town of Marana, Marana High School senior Jordan Idler didn't know how marketing, video, and local government came together. Now, eight months later, he's had a front row seat promoting Town events, and has even participated in behind-the-scenes development for community outreach and education. His projects have included documenting events, researching other municipalities, and developing a marketing plan. 

"It's been a lot of fun," Idler says of his time at the Town of Marana. "I've learned a lot about time management and organizational skills through the program."

Idler is one of a dozen high school students interning at the Town of Marana as part of "Marana 2.0", a new program that combines local government with the public school system. This program offers seniors at Marana High School the chance to learn about local government not by reading a textbook, but through practical, lived experiences. Departments from across the Town, from Police to Special Events to Technology Services, have mentored these students and in turn benefited from their unique contributions. Their year-long curriculum came to a close on April 5, when the students presented to Town Council on their internship experiences. Topics ranged from summarizing their projects, to presenting recommendations on new event ideas and mobile applications. 

Idler presented footage from the Marana Cotton Festival, a Town event that occurred last fall. 

"I learned how quickly everything moves, and you have to constantly adjust to fit the fast-paced environment," Idler explains of his time filming at the event. "Very different from anything I've experienced before."

After the presentations, each Councilmember took a few moments to congratulate the students on all they had achieved.  “What I got from listening to you,” extolled Councilmember Dave Bowen, “is how much ability you have, how ready you are to take on the challenges that you will face. It’s been great hearing from you.”

Councilmember Carol McGorray echoed Councilmember Bowen’s remarks.  “I spoke to each of you before the meeting, and I’m so impressed because you’re all part of this same program, and yet you bring such a different viewpoint from your particular experiences to us here on the Council tonight, and I really appreciate that.”

The Town of Marana is pleased that the first year of this program was so successful.  “We had nine students present tonight, and these kids worked hard all year to get to this point,” says Town Clerk Jocelyn Bronson, who spearheaded the program.  “We’re looking forward to watching this program grow and get better every year.”

As this school year winds down, the Town of Marana is already brainstorming ways to improve the program for next year.  During the presentations, Town Management intern Trent Tolton suggested expanding this opportunity to juniors, instead of just seniors.  While these plans are strictly preliminary at the moment, there is little doubt that this program will grow and flourish in the years to come. 

As for Idler, he will continue to intern at the Town of Marana as part of the summer internship program, and hopes to learn more about the different services provided in local government and the skills required for a future career. 

Spotlight: Marana Police supports Special Olympics

If you chose to dine at the Texas Roadhouse in Marana on April 1, you might have been alarmed to see police vehicles swarming the parking lot. No criminal activity was to be seen here, however, as diners were treated to a different kind of police service: the food serving kind. 

Marana Police, Pima County Joint Task Force, Oro Valley Police, Marana Explorers, and Marana police volunteers gathered for their annual "Tip-A-Cop" event on Friday to support Southern Arizona Special Olympics. Marana officers handed out donation envelopes to diners and even helped keep glasses and bread baskets full. Representatives from Southern Arizona Special Olympics were also in attendance to speak to diners and thank them for their contributions. 

Southern Arizona Special Olympics provides kids with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in state, national, or world-wide competitions at no cost. Marana Police Department began supporting Special Olympics over twenty years ago, and nine years ago began the Tip-A-Cop fundraising event at Texas Roadhouse. 

"This year, we raised about six thousand dollars," Sergeant Will Hess reported of the night's fundraising efforts. He has been actively involved with the event since its inception. 

"Marana Police Department does a lot for our kids in the community," Hess said. "Our youth are important to our future. Through athletics, kids learn teamwork, compassion, and camaraderie, and how to learn through failure and success. These are skills they can then use to lead a prosperous life."

Participating athletes are not charged to compete in Special Olympics. Funds raised by the officers go toward putting on the event and supporting the athletes. The 2016 State Summer Games is May 5-7 and will be held at Raymond Kellis High School in Glendale, Arizona. In addition to fundraising, Marana police officers participate every year in the torch run, and run beside Special Olympians through the Marana community. This year, the Marana torch run is scheduled for May 4. 

Josh Montgomery, Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, is grateful for the Marana Police Department's involvement. 

"Law enforcement is the backbone of our organization, both locally in Arizona, as well as globally," Montgomery said. "Police officers continuously give up their time and resources to help people with intellectual disabilities, and we couldn't be what we are without them."

Tip-A-Cop is one of the many efforts organized by Marana Police Department that focuses on positive police-citizen interaction. Marana police officers often find opportunities to interact with community members outside of the typical traffic stop. They visit regularly with business owners, provide educational opportunities through the Citizens Police Academy, and train high schoolers in the Marana Police Explorers program, to name a few. 

"Community policing is a mindset here at the Town of Marana," Police Chief Terry Rozema said. "We talk a lot about serving and protecting our community, and the community needs to trust us before we can effectively do those things. When the community trusts us, they join us in solving problems."

Marana police motorcycles flanked the restaurant entrance for photo opportunities, and spectators were invited to look at Pima Regional SWAT and bomb equipment. Officers answered questions and opened their vehicles for tours. The dashboard of a police vehicle was even covered in traffic citations--although upon closer inspection, those 'citations' were actually recruitment brochures for the Volunteers In Police Service program at the Town of Marana.  

Throughout this year's Tip-A-Cop event, it was clear how much Marana's officers enjoyed opportunities like this one.  To keep up with all the exciting activities our officers are up to every day, like the Town of Marana and the Marana Police Department on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @TownofMarana and @MaranaPD.  Periodically, you can also read stories about the Marana Police Department in the Marana Newsroom.  

Marana High School teachers set the stage for competition

(Above: Marana High School teachers Sarah Ross and Heidi Barker work on the presentation)

The competition may be just over two months away, but the Marana delegation is already hard at work setting the stage for the big presentation.

Marana High School teachers Sarah Ross and Heidi Barker play a large role in writing the script for the presentation. Both teach in the fine arts division, and direct students in their respective fields; Ross in choir, and Barker in drama. In addition to writing the presentation, they are also recruiting students to be a part of the Marana delegation. 

"I love my kids," Ross gushes excitedly. "We have so many great kids, they're going to do awesome in the presentation."

Ross and Barker both participated in developing last year's presentation to the All-America City judges, and are excited to come back for a second time. 

"We learned a lot last year that will help us write this year's presentation," Barker said. 

(Above: Staging for the All-America City presentation)

Each community is given ten minutes to make a presentation before the All-America City jury explaining why they should be named an All-America City. The presentation can follow any format, which will then be followed by ten minutes of questions to the presenters. The time limits are strictly enforced, and the Marana delegation has exactly 2.5 minutes to set up the presentation from scratch. 

The presentation is judged by the following criteria:

• Broad-based citizen involvement, reflecting the community's demographics
• Public, private and nonprofit participation; broadly-shared decision making
• Recognition and involvement of diverse segments of the population
• Creative mobilization and utilization of community resources
• Projects have significant impact on the community in light of its challenges, resources, and circumstances
• Willingness to confront critical issues; projects address most important needs
• Clearly demonstrated project results

Marana looks back to prepare for this year's competition

Above: representatives from Town of Marana, Marana Unified School District, Arizona Youth Partnership, Marana Chamber of Commerce, Marana Western Heritage Arena, and Marana Police Explorers made up the Marana delegation for the All-America City competition in 2015.

For the 2nd year in a row, Marana will send a delegation of community members led by the Town of Marana and Marana Unified School District to compete in the All-America City competition.  Marana's experience in the 2015 competition was unforgettable, and the delegation is prepared to use that experience as they prepare for this year's competition. Read more about last year's experience below, then visit the Road To All-America City 2016 page often to follow their journey to this year's competition in June. 

the application 

Marana began its months-long process for the 2015 All-America City award by submitting Marana-based programs that fit the National Civic League's theme for 2015: "Communities supporting vulnerable young males". The application was submitted in March 2015, and included community programs that promoted inclusive problem solving, and support for vulnerable populations. 

Marana received word of their finalist status in April 2015, and immediately began preparing for the competition that would take place in two months. The Marana delegation included representatives from Town of Marana, Marana Unified School District, Arizona Youth Partnership, Marana Chamber of Commerce, Marana Western Heritage Arena, and Marana Police Explorers.

Practice Makes Perfect

The Marana delegation spent the remaining weeks leading up to the June competition preparing for their presentation. They had ten minutes to present a creative performance to the All-America City judges, and the bar was high. They enlisted help from Marana High School drama teacher Heidi Barker to create a compelling script. The day before the presentation, the Marana delegation practiced for 10 hours straight outside the presentation hall. 

View the final presentation.

civil action fair & cultural showcase

Communities competing in the All-America City competition had the opportunity to showcase their communities and learn from one another. As the only Arizona community in attendance, the Marana delegation was excited to showcase what makes Marana great. Visitors to their booth learned more about Marana programs and attractions, and were encouraged to take fun, interactive photos that will stay with them long after the event was over. Trevor Robertson, the youngest participant in the delegation, gave roping and barrel racing demonstrations to showcase Marana's rodeo roots. 

the long-lasting impact of the all-america city competition

Marana did not win the All-America City designation in 2015, but the delegation left the competition with renewed perspective on what they could do to continue improving the Marana community. The All-America City theme encouraged conversation about diversity and inclusivity, and gave Marana a chance to learn from older and larger cities on how to solve very complex issues involving gang violence and socio-economic disparity. By learning from these other cities, Marana can anticipate problems that come with growth and time, and can address those issues before they become debilitating to the community. 

This was the first time multiple organizations in Marana came together in this way to work toward a common goal, and the experience drastically impacted their relationships in a positive way. After planning, rehearsing, and sharing their community with the rest of the nation, it was only natural to go home and continue strengthening those relationships. 

looking forward to this year's competition

Marana's journey for the All America City designation is not over yet. This year, the All-America City competition theme is "showcasing communities that ensure all children are healthy and supported to succeed in school and life." Marana has a number of amazing programs in the community, and the delegation looks forward to contributing to the  national discussion.