Spring 2011 In This Issue: Myers Gains New Partner for Cleanup Cafecitos—How to host one—meet your neighbors Creative Expression Principal Julie McIntyre talks about the afterschool theatre program at Myers-Ganoung A Letter From our President and CEO Anthony Simms Myers Neighborhood Each of us has a talent that can be shared with others. When we share our talents, we are able to help those who can benefit from our talent. In the same manner, each of us can benefit from the talent of someone else. Neighborhoods are full of talented people. When neighborhood residents bring their talents together for the benefit of each other, wonder‐ ful things happen. Take for example the 29th Street Weed and Seed Coalition; they brought together their talents from various sectors within their community. Neighbor‐ hood associations, schools, busi‐ nesses, churches, libraries, community centers, residents, and other commu‐ nity organizations all came together and significantly improved their com‐ munity. Through their collective tal‐ ents, they successfully decreased vio‐ lence and crime, improved parks and neighborhood environments, pro‐ vided increase opportunities for edu‐ cation improvement, and are working on creating economic development activities. Like the 29th Street Weed and Seed Coalition, Myers Neighborhood Asso‐ ciation is mobilizing programs into its area, working to increase resident in‐ volvement, partnering with the school to provide youth with opportunities to improve their academic and social skills, and continuing to pursue activi‐ ties to empower their resi‐ dents. Because the residents of the Myers Neighborhood Asso‐ ciation are committed to shar‐ ing their talents; youth and families living in that neighbor‐ hood are destined to become more empowered. As a financial supporter of the Myers Neighborhood Associa‐ tion, Connecting Communities Foundation is excited to see so many people committed to empowerment. Empowerment is directly attributed to residents having access to the tools (the talents of others) and the neces‐ sary training on how to utilize those tools to improve their lives. According to McDowell & Needham (2009), the happiest days of our lives can be those in which we use our talents and abili‐ ties to help others help themselves. Join the fight for empowerment in your neighborhood by sharing your talents with those who live, work and play in your community. 2 On the cover: Myers‐Ganoung student from the Creative Expression program going over her lines. A Message From the President Myers Neighborhood Focus Myers Gains New Partner For Cleanup Good Deeds Returned Local Business Owner Sees Less Crime The Proof is in the Pudding Myers Neighborhood Association Newsletter Cafecitos—how to host one—meet your neighbors— courtesy of PRO Neighborhoods Regular Features Creative Expression: Julie McIntyre from Myers‐Ganoung talks about the afterschool theatre program. Health Awareness: YES Network wins grant from Delta Dental Educational Success: L.I.F.T—Homeless Teen Project L.T.I. Schedule Advertise with Us Connecting Communities is published quarterly. Advertising in Connecting Communities magazine is available at the following rates: President and CEO Anthony Simms Marketing/Operations Director Business Card Quarter Page Half Page Full Page $25.00 add $25.00 for color $35.00 add $25.00 for color $50.00 add $25.00 for color $100.00 add $25.00 for color Please call Teresa Westhoff regarding inquires for advertising at 297-0702. © 2011Connecting Communities Foundation 633 N. 2nd Ave. Tucson, AZ Teresa Westhoff Grants Manager Helen Schafer Executive Director Lisa Winton Community Development Specialist 3 Milini Simms Myers Neighborhood Feature gains new partner for cleanup By Anne Dalton December 4 was a bright fall day in Tucson. If you stood in the sun, it burned right through your jeans. On that day, the Myers neighborhood folks were gathered in George Henderson's yard to continue the efforts begun 13 years ago as the kick-off to Christmas in April, a national nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities. The neighborhood association regularly identifies neighbors who, for whatever reason, are unable to maintain their property on their own. This was the first such event that was held in December. The recipients usually work alongside the volunteers. Unfortunately, Henderson was inside with the flu that day and apologized for not grabbing a rake. Volunteers cleared dead grass, collected trash and painted while some reconstructed a back door frame. The plan was to clean up the yard, sand and repaint the fascia along the roof edge and seal the roof. Elastek Roofing Contractors donated the materials to get the roof sealed. Covering a range of ages, 20 volunteers labored in the yard outside the one-story red brick home. But not all were from the neighborhood. Lisa Gunther, a member of the worship team from Pantano Church off Houghton Road, worked in a red t-shirt and jeans. Although the church is some distance from the neighborhood, Lisa explains her team at the church wanted to do more than plan church services. “We just thought we wanted to get our hands dirty. Something to do with walking the walk, not just having fun," she said. Pantano is a non-denominational Christian church with approximately ”I'm not sure how much people know we're out there. If something's going down, we want to be a part of it. We get so many more opportunities working with other organizations rather than just our own. The dream is that we all become connected. If the need can be known, we can get it built," she (Gunther) said. 2,000 members. According to Glen Elliott, lead pastor, the entire church has been committed to outreach for some time. It has an ongoing partnership with the 29th Street Coalition. The Coalition is a partnership of five neighborhoods obtaining Weed & Seed federal grant funds to improve the safety and quality of life in neighborhoods. When Gunther's team decided to do extra outreach, they didn't start from scratch. “Rather than reinventing the wheel and starting our own projects, we decided to call around Tucson and see who needed help,” Gunther said. "We never turn down volunteers," Anita Hess, a Myers neighborhood resident, said. Gunther's enthusiasm for outreach and confidence in her church's support are boundless. She insists that with a membership as large as the church's, there is every kind of volunteer available from making calls, gathering donations, you name it. She hopes they receive more challenges. ”I'm not sure how much people know we're out there. If something's going down, we want to be a part of it. We get so many more opportunities working with other organizations rather than just our own. The dream is that we all become connected. If the need can be known, we can get it built," she said. Hess said that no matter where one lives in Tucson, they could end up dealing with the same problems Myers is experiencing. She sees the volunteer effort as an opportunity to teach her children the importance of community involvement. Sometimes she and her husband will pay someone to work on their own home in order to have time to help a neighbor out. “We try to include kids. When they see their parents out working on someone's home and they come along, it sets a good example." John Dowdall, president of the NA, was pleased with how the day went. “The project went great. We’ll do it again in April,” he said. For more information: Myers Neighborhood Association Vickie Mesimier, President 748-0862 Pantano Christian Church East Tucson 10355 East 29th Street Tucson AZ 85748 520-909-5192 4 Recipes From Your Neighbors This issues recipes are courtesy of Debbie Dowdall, member of Myers Neighborhood Association and wife of outgoing association president John Dowdall. Thanks for sharing with us Debbie! If you have recipes you would like to share please send them to me, [email protected] or 633 N. 2nd Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705. PORCUPINE MEATBALLS 1lb. hamburger 1/2 c. uncooked regular rice 1/2 c. water 1/3 c. minced onion 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. celery salt 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 c. water 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Mix first 8 ingredients. Shape mixture by rounded tablespoons into balls (12). Cook meatballs in a 10 inch skillet until brown on all sides. While browning meatballs, mix the remaining ingredients in a saucepan. After meatballs are browned, remove from skillet and place in saucepan. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Add water during cooking if necessary. CRANBERRY SALAD 2 (3 oz) raspberry Jello (make it with 1tsp. vinegar in 1 1/2 cup water) Crush or finely chop: 1 lb. cranberries 1 orange 1 apple Combine with 1 cup sugar then fold into slightly set up Jello WHITE CHILI 3 2 1 4 2 1 2 1 medium onions garlic cloves, minced tablespoon oil cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey cans (15 oz each) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed cups chicken broth can (4 oz) chopped green chilies 2 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro Corn chips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream In a skillet, saute the onions and garlic in oil until tender. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add the chicken, beans ,broth, green chilies, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne; stir well. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until bubbly. Stir in cilantro. Serve over corn chips; top with cheese and sour cream. Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts) 5 Myers Neighborhood Feature By Anne Dalton Good Deeds Returned April 14, 1999. An ordinary day to most, but the day of the 3rd Christmas in April for Myers neighborhood. Dr. Clarence and Marianne Conner's home got a new paint job. April 14, 1999. An ordinary day to most, but the day of the 3rd Christmas in April for Myers neighborhood. Dr. Clarence and Marianne Conner's home got a new paint job. Christmas in April Rebuilding Together, a national non-profit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities, identified Myers as an at-risk neighborhood in 1997. It had what they were looking for. A high crime rate, low educational levels and high unemployment. Conner thought the paint peeling off the walls and ceilings "just added to the ambience" of the five- room house. Conner was never one to worry about appearances. As his life shows, he enjoyed a certain amount of challenge and chaos instead. Doc is a tall and only slightly bent man approaching 90 whose dazzling white hair and far from ordinary face fit with his adventurously altruistic life. If you ask Doc Conner how he ended up in Tucson, he'll tell you. "Everything that happened to me was because I've been so darned naive and innocent." A country boy trying to earn money to go on to a four-year college, people told him he could get help with tuition by joining the National Guard. This was in November, 1940. "I had a music scholarship to junior college, but no way to get a four-year degree. I lived on a hamburger and a 6 glass of water a day and walked 8 1/2 miles back and forth to school," he said. When he signed up with the Guard, he was assured he would be on inactive status and could get financial help with his education. Two weeks later, he was ordered to report for active duty as the country mobilized its resources for World War II. During the war, he served as combat engineer and then a pilot in the Air Corps, flying 50 missions in B-25 medium bombers in the Mediterranean theatre. He realized he wanted to become a doctor. After discharge, he returned to school and earned B.S. and M.D. degrees on the GI bill. He then performed medical exams and immunizations for troops stateside during the Korean War. Of all his experiences, however, his most cherished was his medical work in Papua, New Guinea. This is a country located in the southwestern Pacific ocean, in a region defined since the early 19th century as Melanesia. It is one of the most diverse countries on earth, with over 850 indigenous languages and at least as many traditional societies, out of a population of just under 7 million. Doc Conner met Marianne Denman when their paths crossed in the primitive land in 1963. They were both providing medical care for the Enga tribe as part of the Lutheran church's mission program. Marianne was a novice nurse struggling with other missionary nurses to fight diseases and injuries long forgotten in the West. Malaria, leprosy and wounds from tribal warfare were common. Few supplies were available. Wooden planks served as beds with blocks of wood for pillows. Sago palm leaves were used to cover examining tables. There were no vaccines with which to immunize children against whooping cough and diphtheria, no anesthetics, no pain medications. "The natives were very stoical. They were used to hurting all the time," Conner recalled. When he signed up with the Guard, he was assured he would be on inactive status and could get financial help with his education. Two weeks later, he was ordered to report for active duty as the country mobilized its resources for World War II. Pigeon English was spoken to bridge the language gap between the different cultures and visiting missionaries. Dr. Conner came with his wife, Margaret, and five children to serve. Being the first doctor the church had sent to stay long-term to New Guinea, his presence was greatly needed. Since the small missionary staff could not possibly meet the needs of the many bush houses spread throughout the West Highlands District near Wabag, natives had to be trained to assist. But the "doctor boys" as they were called, were not used to taking directions from women. Their attitudes and attention to duty often waivered resulting in calamities. A note in Marianne's diary from that time reflected the difference the doctor’s presence made. "He provided the one thing we could not provide; Male leadership." Conner didn't feel like a leader when he arrived. "I was just a blind kid when I arrived. Couldn't communicate with anyone. Marianne began gently teaching me with suggestions, 'Why don't you try this...?' She was always the nurse, never the doctor," he said. Dr. Conner worked with the nurses to begin a new school the following January with a three-year curriculum. The doctor boys went from administering cough syrup and taking temperatures to diagnosing illnesses, suturing wounds, removing small tumors and installing IV's. "They ended up being so dedicated, they'd never leave their post even when they were hungry or threatened," Conner said. New Guinea culture personified the phrase, "It's a jungle out there." It was easy to incur enemies by committing wrongs real or perceived and most watched their backs constantly. He trained and supervised the nurses to perform duties doctors normally perform. "The nurses had to be able to do everything the doctor did whether it was helping with normal deliveries or breach births," he said.Besides surgery and medical expertise, Conner's background as an engineer came in handy. During a deadly whooping cough epidemic that claimed several children's lives a day, they had only two choices for this incurable illness. One was cortisone, but that was in short supply. The other was steam. Marianne's diary recounts the day they found the solution. "To give steam to a large number of children was a problem until Doctor Conner converted the delivery room in the wards to a steam room. He7 cut a hole in the wall and ran a hose Continued on page 13 Myers Neighborhood Feature Local Business Owner Sees Less Crime By Anne Dalton police,” he said. Police statistics agree with his observation. A recent Police report tracking property crime in the 29 Street corridor area between 2001 and 2010 indicates a 54 percent decrease in property crime for the five neighborhoods of which Myers is one. Reduction in the same category for Tucson is 28 percent. For Myers neighborhood, YES Network stats tracked between August to December, 2009-2010, indicate burglaries dropped by seven percent, in just the last year, the most significant reductions occurred in November and December. On its Web page, the statement, “We strive for 100% customer satisfaction in every spa we sell” seems to be the driving force behind the large customer base." Steve Decook, co-owner of E- When the store moved to Myers Konomy Spa and Pool Supplies since neighborhood from El Grande Center 1983, believes in partnering with the at Columbus and 22nd in 2003, bur- community. Since moving the busi- glaries occurred all too often.“We got ness to 4912 E. 22 Street in 2003, he broken into a lot of contributes regularly to important times, mostly neighborhood events. equipment in the He estimates he knows at least 5,000 back yard,” he said. by name out of the 9,000 customers. Fortunately, over “Most customers are friends. You get the last four years, to know them really well after a lot of Decook noticed a years,” Decook said. downward trend in Although few homeowners in Myers crime he attributes neighborhood own spas or pools, he to neighborhood feels it’s a good location from which to effort. “It hasn't been a problem for four years. I think it’s due to more law enforcement, people communicating with each other on what's going on. Fifty percent of the business is provid8 People that live in homes nearby are ing pool cleaning services. Decook being more observant and calling the serve the Tucson area, including Green Valley. The lower rent for retail space is helpful. “I like this area other than the crime. That seemed to be 100% drugrelated,” he said. Thinking of buying a spa? focuses his efforts on operating systems, insuring consistency on procedures and outcomes. He finds ways to Here’s some advice from Decook.Think what you really want to use the spa for. measure whether techniques are working. It all contributes to insuring consistent quality service. It’s his job to keep an eye on the latest technology.“If someone comes up with another way of doing things, we check the numbers, and train staff in the new technology,” he said. “A lot of people think they’re going to have big parties, so they buy a big tub. After a year, they realize it’s usually just two people using it most of the time.” Keep it simple. The company sells, installs and repairs spas and pools. With the recession, “A lot of people get carried away with all the bells and whistles like stereos and TV's and 100's of jets. The more you have, the more can break down. After a year, people realize what’s really important is just having the water hot when they get in.” Read the instructions for taking care of your spa or pool and follow them. selling spas and pools decreased somewhat, but the demand for maintenance and service remained strong. The recent record freezes added to “Most people don't read the instructions and just tinker. Each spa is a little different.” this. Decook sees the business as offering something unique to the customer because of the quality of their products and services. Do maintenance on a routine basis. Rinse filters regularly. “We try to do absolutely top quality everything with service and products,” he said. “Nowadays, if some busi- Maintain a good chemical balance. nesses can do the cheapest thing they can do, that’s what they’ll do. If you have something like a swimming pool installed, that’s gonna be there forever. It’s important to do it right.” Sales & Service Supplies 325-6427 790-9200 9 Myers Neighborhood Feature the proof is in the pudding. It's lunch time at the Recreational Center at Freedom Park on East 29th Street. The dining room is packed with 50 seniors and is noisy with conversation. Anna Mooney, a short woman with a welcoming smile and grey hair sticking out from under her plastic cap is busy organizing the lunch and serving. Hank Ravenell, the city’s recreational assistant, is hard to miss. His tall stature and booming voice is easy to hear above the conversational hum. When he arrived three years ago, there was a very small program for seniors. He instigated the expansion of the services. Although the center serves more than senior citizens, he considers the nutritional program one of its most important offerings. "We've seen a lot of improvement in eating habits," Ravenelle said. This and other programs were originally funded by a grant from Catholic Social Services, the City and Pima Council on Aging. The program, like many of the seniors, is now self-sufficient with ongoing support from its members. They hold raffles and rummage sales and collect soda cans for cash. The proceeds go to the center. After the program grew, Ravenell asked Mooney to take over as the first president of the group. Mooney is a long-time Myers neighborhood resident. She moved By Anne Dalton here with her husband in 1961 from Rhode Island. She remembers her daughter learning to drive in "the desert" which was, at that time, the land around the neighborhood. “My husband and I refer to the center as our second home," she said. They first came here because the Mooney's daughter had bronchitis and they never left. meals is to come and participate in the programs. Mazie Lucas, a small 84 year-old woman in a soft pink blouse with matching camel-colored hat and jacket, weighed 104 pounds when she was asked to take a survey by the Pima Council on Aging. As a result, she was encouraged to eat a nutritional meal at least once a day. Transportation was arranged with VanTran The nutrition program at the center is for people 60 and older. They are asked to donate $1.50 per lunch, but it's not required and no income verification is conducted prior to attendance. The only requirement for the and she was able to come regularly. After that, she gained 11 more pounds. Today, she sits at a table, her dish 10 filled with veal parmesan, green beans, peppers and onions, raisin . Christmas show at the Gaslight Theatre to thank them for their contributions. "They've done so much for the center, I thought it would be nice if the center could do something for them," Anna said. People learn about the center activities from PCOA's newspaper, "Never Too Late" and word of mouth. The social contact also yields referrals to other services. Currently, PCOA provides Van Tran to take people to clinic appointments. Some hesitate to come at first. "It's a pride thing," said Hank. “They don't want to take a hand out. But when they come once and see their neighbors here, Humana buys a birthday cake each month for the birthday parties and all they're more comfortable." "Some people come from other the entire Thanksgiving dinner. The clubs to this one beFood Bank distribcause they say it's so utes food boxes Everyone attending re- friendly here." once a month. CCS contracts with ceives a written nutritional Mooney said. Although much planan agency to proning has gone into duce 1700 meals a analysis of each meal. the programs, a day which are distributed all over the On the same page is an ex- strong positive environment has bloscity in five distribuplanation of the things that somed as well. tion spots. FreeCape, 75 met dom Park is one of can derail healthy eating as Myrna Ed Rosler,85, a widthose. ower, who had been Members of the one ages and how to going to the center crafts group make for 3 years prior to combat these. lap blankets and her arriving. donate them to They soon became fast friends and local nursing homes and go one monthly field trips. In December, the now share a duplex. Ed was legally center paid for the group to go to the blind when they met, but salad, multi-grain bread and winter compote. "I know it's nutritious," she said. Everyone attending receives a written nutritional analysis of each meal. On the same page is an explanation of the things that can derail healthy eating as one ages and how to combat these. One of the center’s goals is to keep people active, engaged and moving. There are bingo games, bi-lingual senior computer classes, chair exercise and balance classes. Lucas attended classes in Spanish, computer and sewing. knew the streets so well, he does most of the navigating when Myrna drives.“I’m her eyes and she’s my chauffeur,” Rosler jokes. “He’s the only one who can tell me where to go and I listen to him.” Cape said. They are grateful for the part the center plays in their lives. “It’s a big family,” said Rosler. Another program located in the building is 29th Street Community Assistance Network. It received part of the grant that funded the senior program. CAN provides transportation, social and home help to seniors and persons with disabilities. The mission is to help them remain in their homes safely and comfortably for as long as possible. The support net stretches over other communities as well. Naylor, Roberts, Alernon Heights and Julia Keen are included. The services are free. In the five years of its existence, CAN recruited and trained over 35 volunteers who provide services to 77 elderly and disabled people according to Linda Ravenell, Program Coordinator. For more information: Donna Trujillo, Center Director Freedom Recreation Center 11 5000 E 29th St. MYERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION “Creating A Family Neighborhood By Helping Each Other” At the February neighborhood association meeting the Myers Neighborhood Association members made 35 Valentine cards for shut-ins in the Myers Neighborhood. Thanks to everyone who brought their fabulous craft skills. Myers-Ganoung 50th Birthday Bash—March 12th from 10:00am to 2:00pm Myers-Ganoung Elementary will be 50 years old and we would like to help them celebrate by giving the children and teachers stories of what the school and the neighborhood was like 50 years ago. We have quite a few residents that have lived in the Myers Neighborhood since the late 1950s and many more that have been here not quite so long but have wonderful stories to tell about our neighborhood and what it has been like to grow up in such a wonderful neighborhood. If you have any old pictures, stories, facts (interesting or not) about the neighborhood and or Myers-Ganoung Elementary please join us in our quest for facts of the past. For further information please contact Vickie Mesimer 748-0862. Strengthing our existing Neighborhood Block Watch and creating one for streets that don’t have one is and easy way to meet neighbors and help keep our neighborhood a friendly and safe place to live. If you would like more information about a neighborhood block watch or are interested in joining/starting We need phone tree volunteers, people to put signs out on meeting days, and people to gather feedback on what “special interest” classes residents would be interested in the future. If you would like to volunteer please call Vickie Mesimer 748-0862. Need Help? 29th Street C.A.N. volunteers help seniors aged 60+ and handicapped adults who live in our 5 Weed &Seed neighborhoods to remain in their homes. Call Linda Ravenell Program Coordinator 406-6959. Join us for a free Write-a-Will workshop in March Presented by Our Family Services, Inc. Learn why having a will or updating the one you have can help ensure support for loved ones and causes that are important to you. Expert estate planning professionals will provide valuable advice, tips and a complimentary workbook. Refreshments will be served. March 15: 4-5:30 p.m. at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, East Gallery, 4400 N. Campbell Rd. March 16: 10-11:30 a.m. at Child & Family Resources, 2800 E. Broadway. Seating is limited, so contact Development Director Lana Baldwin at (520) 323-1708 x 124 to reserve your spot.i 12 (Good Deeds...cont. from pg 7) through the hole in to the delivery room, attaching the other end to a gallon drum, in which he boiled water on a kerosene pressure stove. It worked well." Marianne served for eight years there and left for the states some time after Conner’s five- year contract was finished. They lost touch. Conner's first marriage ended after his last child graduated from high school. Marianne's physician eventually found and contacted Conner and asked him to consult on some neurologic problems Marianne, now working in Florida, was having. Her doctor suspected the illness was rooted in her years spent in New Guinea. Conner agreed to go. As it turned out, it was simply a reaction to some medication and the problem was quickly solved. The renewed contact led to the realization that they made a pretty good team and they were later married. "Marianne had such a calming influence on me. I always had my fighting Irish temper. She would always say, 'Now calm down here a minute.' She could always cut right through to the heart of the problem. She was wonderful," Conner said. They adopted a daughter who they named, Nabaya, which meant in tribal language, “our hope and ours forever.” They eventually moved from a clinic in West Virginia to Kearney, Arizona and then to Myers neighborhood in Tucson. Conner bought a medical practice from a retiring physician off River Road and ran it. When Medicare reimbursement made operations . more complex, Marianne joined the office to help out. Looking back to when Christmas in April began, Doc Conner saw it as a way to meet the neighbors. He and Marianne had taken little time to socialize while running the busy medical practice. "We didn't know any of our neighbors, so I told Marianne we should get involved," said Conner. They helped knock on doors, passed out surveys, cleaned up properties and became regular attendees at the neighborhood association meetings. "We got the neighborhood cleaned up," Conner said. He is proud of the certificate from the association thanking him for eleven years of service. Then came their turn. Marianne, 67 and he at 77 were not up to the task of repainting the interior of their home and that motivated their neighbors to help. "Marianne was starting to go blind," said Anita Hess, neighbor and volunteer. Marianne died in March 1, 2001 of a wasting neuromuscular disease . The Arizona Star's Bonnie Henry was inspired to write a column about her entitled, "Life of service deserves more than two-line death notice." Together, the Conners enriched the lives of many here as they had done in a distant and much more primitive land. "Since then, the neighborhood has been taking care of me," said Conner. "Cast your bread on the waters..." Christmas in April. The fresh coat of paint remains and neighbors still care. can help with the bills. (cont. from pg. 20) into your mouth, it produces an acid which demineralizes the teeth, Perry said. "The children miss the benefit of eating natural fruit and fill up on fruit juices rather than nutritional foods." She recommends parents allow no more than four to six ounces of juice per day to be served with a snack and never just before bed. Peer finds the outreach meaningful. "A lot of kids are uninsured. When you ask 'When did you last see dentist? They often say 'Five years ago.' It puts things in perspective on need. It makes you really value going to these events," she said. "I try to make sure we have everything we need to provide quality care for clients." Until the beginning of February, 2011, when the grant ends, YES Network To learn more: Milini Simms YES Network(520) 297-0702 633 N. 2nd Ave. Tucson, AZ 22ucson http://www.ccfneighborhoods.org/ 520-297-0702 Jim and Vicki Click Boys and Girls Clubhouse Roberts Elementary School Campus 1935 S. Columbus Blvd. Tucson, AZ http://www.bgctuc.org/ 13 click_clubhouse.html (520) 300-5715 (cont. page 23) Cafécito Guide The purpose of a cafécito (house meeting) is to bring neighbors together. Cafécitos provide a comfortable environment where people can get to know each other and talk about their neighborhood. The host’s job is to choose a place, invite at least 10 different households, plan the agenda, and guide the discussion. At the end of the cafécito, the group can decide together what to do next, if anything. PREPARATION Decide on a date and time that’s likely to work for your neighbors. Choose a convenient, neutral place. Home is ideal, but if that’s not a possibility you can host a cafécito in a local meeting space such as a church, community center, or park. Keep in mind that transportation may be a problem for some. Create an invitation. (You can get some ideas on the attached page or on our Web site.) Invite at least 10 neighbors. Person to person is the best way to get the word out, so hand deliver the invitations if you can. Give your guests a reminder call a couple of days before the event. Serve refreshments. Food is a great community building tool. It creates a more festive atmosphere and gives people something to do and to talk about. They’ll want to meet again if the experience is fun. You can keep it simple — cookies or fruit, coffee, and water would be enough— or you can make it a pot luck. We’re all more likely to turn up when we have agreed to bring something (even napkins). A potluck is also a simple way to address different dietary requirements. Create an agenda and get others involved. Ask someone to be a greeter or take notes/photos. THE EVENT Greet neighbors as they arrive. Make sure you introduce newcomers. Ask guests to sign in so you’ll have contact information for the future, but don’t insist if some are hesitant. Thank the host / hostess and thank the guests for coming. Ask them to introduce themselves and say where they live or how long they have been in the neighborhood. Or you can facilitate a short ice breaker to put people at ease. Check our Web site or ask PRO staff for suggestions. Initiate an informal conversation. (What do you like best about this neighborhood? Have you seen things in other places you’d like to see here?) Focusing on positive questions will keep the conversation from degenerating into a complaint session. Make sure everybody gets a chance to talk. To wrap up the conversation, restate the main points and ask the group what the next steps might be. If they want to meet again, set a date and see if someone else wants to host14next time. CAFÉCITO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. How does a cafécito differ from a meeting of a neighborhood association or HOA? A. Well, cafécitos are meant to be fun. Seriously. Neighborhood associations and home owners’ associations are organizations with obligations and agendas. They meet to do business, and discussions frequently center on problems. Cafécitos are essentially informal social events designed to let neighbors get to know each other. It’s not uncommon for a more organized group, such as a neighborhood watch, to grow out of an idea shared by several guests at a cafécito. Q. When is the best time to schedule a cafécito? A. A convenient time depends on your particular neighbors. If many families have young children, meetings after work can interfere with dinnertime, and that can be a challenge unless dinner will be served at the meeting. If the kids are older and into organized sports, weekend meetings might conflict with scheduled games or practice time. The best way to figure out what works is to ask – just check in with neighbors as you see them in their yards or driveways or the local hardware store. Q. What if I can’t hold the cafécito at my house? A. The important criteria for the place are comfort and convenience, at your house or someone else’s or in a public place. We all like to be welcomed into someone’s home, but if that’s not possible look for a space that is not too large for the group and offers reasonably comfortable seating. Be sure to find out if you’re allowed to serve food or play music or if there are electrical outlets for projectors or computers or other equipment you may want to use. If the site you choose is far from where some neighbors live, see if nearby public transportation runs as late as your meeting will last. Encourage car pooling. Q. How much does it cost to host a cafécito? A. It doesn’t have to cost you a cent. PRO Neighborhoods will contribute $50 toward refreshments or other expenses so that your neighbors can gather, get to know each other, and talk about their vision for the community. Q. Is it OK to bring the kids to the cafécito? A. Absolutely. Youth have a lot to contribute to a thriving neighborhood. But if you invite them, be sure they get a chance to participate. If some families have young children, see if you can find someone who would be willing to provide child care at the cafécito so those families can attend without distraction. A different person might assist at the next meeting. Don’t forget to show them a lot of appreciation. Q. How can PRO help? A. We’ll attend if you invite us, and even help you facilitate if you like. We can show you an assortment of ice breakers and a few different ways to capture the main points of discussion. We would like to spend a few minutes telling your group about PRO. Of course we’ll be happy to be a resource for you without being present as well, with our printed Guide, our Website, and conversations with you. Q. What’s the next step after the cafécito? A. Next steps are up to you and the group. Many groups decide to keep meeting on a regular basis. Groups who feel they are ready to jump right into a community-building project can apply to PRO Neighborhoods for a small grant (anything between $50 and $5,000). Some request professional assistance through a Planning & Design Service Award, which results in a concept plan, cost estimates, evidence of community engagement, and other elements to support proposals for major funding sources. Whatever your group decides to do, PRO Neighborhoods would like to help. Stay in touch about theways we can be your partner. 520-882-5885 www.proneighborhoods.org 15 WANT TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS? THROW A BLOCK PARTY just be discreet—they don’t generally give out permits for things like that. Visit your city’s website for details on how to temporarily close off a street, and be sure to notify residents in advance. Ever walked by a street you don’t live on to find an amazing block party in full swing? Us too. Since nothing generates neighborhood envy like cases of beer, barbecue, and blaring musinc, we asked Jon Lawerence, who puts on an annual block party for up to 300 people in Bloomington, Indiana to show us how to plan our own. FORM A PLANNING COMMITTEE AND PICK A DATE AND LOCATION. Start planning at least three months before the party so you have time to get everything in order. MAKE SURE IT’S LEGAL. If it’s going to be big, you’ll probably need to obtain permits, and if you want the aforementioned cases of beer on the premises, PROMOTE THE HECK OUT OF IT. The most important part is making sure people come. You can leave invitations in mailboxes, but it may be more effective and less wasteful to knock on doors and tell your neighbors in person. WORK OUT YOUR BUDGET. Check to see whether city of neighborhood groups have funds available (Lawrence funds his party with help from a city government grant). You can also ask for donations from residents, or try persuading local businesses to donate prizes for a raffle. DECIDE ON FOOD. Having a potluck keeps costs down, or you can provide basics and ask guests to bring their own food to grill. You can also ask local businesses to donate some tyope of comestible. “One of our memebers applied for and received a neighborhood grant of ice cream for one hundred people from Edy’s this year,” says Lawrence. “That was a big hit.” PLAN ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES. Think music (live band or iPod), games for kids, and icebreakers for the adults. Whatever you decide on be sure it encourages people to socialize. ENLIST VOLUNTEERS. Lawrence relies on volunteer labor for everything from delivery of invitations to setup to grill duties to final cleanup. “It gives a sense of ownership when people are involved,” he says. WRAP IT UP. Collect email addresses so that you can thank your volunteers and any businesses or sponsors who helped out. And make sure to clean up. Post photos on Flickr or your sommunity association’s website. And let your guests know they are there. Reprinted from GOOD—The Neighborhood Issue Spring 2010— Good Guide by Katherine Sharpe and Siobhan O’Connor under their Creative Commons copyright license. 16 Just because delivering a Jell-OMold to welcome a newcomer to the block is creepy doesn’t mean you’re destined to live a lonely, anonymous life in your neighborhood. Kit Hodge is the founder of Neighbors Project, a group dedicated to inspring people to enjoy and improve their neighborhoods. Meeting the neighbors takes a little effort, she says, but there’s no need to resort to wobbly deserts. MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS WITHOUT SEEMING LIKE A CRAZY PERSON SAY HI Hodge calls saying hello “a lost art that needs to be brought back.” Try this: Walk around your neighborhood and actually look at people, not down at the sidewalk or at your iPhone. As you pass someone, make eye contact and smile, nod or say “Hi.” Afterward, continue walking, and don’t look back. Repeat. SPRUCE UP YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE, AND SPEND TIME THERE Hang our on your porch, balcony, or stoop. Put a conversation piece in front of your house: chain your bike there, or plant flowers. If you have a fence, consider taking it down, and if your’re really brave, install a bench in front of your place. PRACTICE COMMON COURTESIES Return your neighbors’ mail if it’s delivered to you by mistake (including a nice note wouldn’t hurt). Help strangers who need assistance with large packages, or carrying strollers up and down stairs. Open doors for others. GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD IN A FORMALIZED WAY Volunteer locally, join your neighborhood or block association, organize a clean-up day for a litter-strewn area, or even run for local political office. It’s the gold-star option. HANG OUT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, AND SHOP LOCALLY Ride your bike in the neighborhood, or take an evening stroll around the block. Patronize local businesses, and if there’s a nearby coffee shop with a bulletin board, use it—not to make friends, but to find resources nearby for things you need (and meet people while you’re at it). Reprinted from GOOD—The Neighborhood Issue Spring 2010— Good Guide by Katherine Sharpe and Siobhan O’Connor under their Creative Commons copyright license. 17 Live Theatre Crime Reduction and Prevention The first phase of the Myers neighborhood 2010 grant from Connecting Communities Foundation finished with a heart-felt rendition of The Lion King at Myers-Ganoung Elementary School. Two hundred students and parents were in attendance. Julie McIntyre, principal, sees programs like this as more than just a fun after-school activity. To her, they are essential cornerstones to a child’s education. Two years ago, Tucson Unified School District identified the school as underperforming" based on No Child Left Behind standards. Students’ grade levels showed inadequate improvement for four consecutive years. TUSD hired McIntyre in 2009 to turn the school around. She has three to five years to do it or face restructuring by the state. She is in her second year. McIntyre lives with a book containing each student's grades. She knows each child by name. She employs modern teaching tools in the classrooms and up-to-date training for the teachers. She is excited about the progress the K-5 students are making towards the academic goals. The 5th graders are over the target, the fourth grade, eight points away and the third grade is already meeting the standard on essential areas. But the question lingers. When the students catch up with the other TUSD schools, will they then be on the road to successfully meeting the challenges of the future? Some leaders in the field are saying no. McIntyre heard a speech given by Tony Wagner, a widely recognized expert on education. His perspective resonated with her own experience and common sense. “Top scores don't save the day anymore,” Wagner said, in his book,” The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don't Teach The New Survival Skills Our Children Need--and What We Can Do About It.” The book summarizes the problem. “Despite the best efforts of educators, our nation's schools are dangerously obsolete. Instead of teaching students to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers, we are asking them to memorize facts for multiple choice tests. . .Our teens leave school equipped to work only in the kinds of jobs that are fast disappearing from the American economy. Meanwhile, young adults in India and China are competing with our students for the most sought-after careers around the world." Wagner points out that learning environments that focus only on test preparation and reward memorizing By Anne Dalton answers will not teach students the skills employers are looking for in young people today. They must also be able to think critically about facts and theory, exercise creativity, and be effective communicators. This perspective resonated with McIntyre. "I'm a music mom," she said." Both of my kids are musi- cians and very successful in their careers. I believe it's because they grew up with an instrument in their hands. They learned that right brain-left brain connection." Creative after-school programs are one of her strategies for filling the gap between simply meeting standards and preparing for the future. Here, students have the opportunity to learn skills not found in textbooks. Some district schools enroll students in the Opening Minds Through The Arts program to fill the void. "OMA is a student achievement program that uses the arts to teach children in K-12 classrooms math, science, reading, writing, social studies, and the full range of 21st century skills," its Web site states. The program has an excellent reputation, but MyersGanoung could not afford the fee. That realization made the CCF grant all the more important to McIntyre. She sees the ten-week programs as a means to boost self-expression, confidence, teamwork and creativity in her students. Those meeting and exceeding standards were chosen to participate in the first 10-week session of Creative Expressions. Michael Martinez of Live Theatre Workshop and vol18 the unteers from Single Parents Are Not Alone coached group in dramatic arts. YES Network coordinated the efforts with the school and neighborhood. McIntyre shared her strategy on this first segment. "I wanted to get the other kids' attention," McIntyre said. Those participating became role models for the other students and made others want to sign on. Of course, parent involvement was critical. Martinez was impressed with the school and the parents' involvement. “It’s an outstanding school. I attribute it to the principal's support. She really got involved. She really cared about the program. She knew the goals and was on board. The thing I loved the most that these kids and families were really into it. They came to rehearsals, volunteered time, brought treats for the kids, he said. "The kids were really respectful and so inquisitive about their characters. It was constant and non-stop for them. They were really thinking about other people and characters different from themselves,” he said. As social skills go, thinking about other people and putting themselves in others' shoes is a critical interpersonal skill. The positive and safe environment the school offers is no accident. Only one fight incident was reported to McIntyre out of the whole semester. McIntyre attributes the success to the Golden Ticket program in which students receive a ticket and a call to parents each time they are recognized for being kind to other students. Golden tickets line the hallways recognizing their efforts. "It seemed the more you said 'no bullying,' the more it seemed to happen. So we don't use that word anymore. We just say ‘we're a kind kids’ school,'" she said. Martinez recalls one student's efforts to overcome his own limitations to be part of the production. “One student didn't speak English very well, and I didn't know it. He just did it. One of the loudest kids, he memorized lines early on. Before that, he was a generally quiet kid. The character allowed him to step away from being shy "The kids were really or embarrassed. His mother was very respectful and so inexcited,” he said. quisitive about their Miyoka Broussard, characters. It was con- director of SPANA, the program stant and non-stop for said was very successful. them. They were really She recalls a particular student who thinking about other learned adaptability people and characters first hand. The child had a stuttering problem different from thembut applied himself so inselves,” tently to the role, Martinez and Broussard had no idea he was challenged in this way. “ We always see the children develop even though it's only 10 weeks. It builds confidence when kids memorize lines, perform and dance. Even the ones who say ‘I can't do it!’ succeed. It's always so rewarding for us,” she said. McIntyre hopes to stretch these opportunities to cover the entire school year. "I can't be happier about it,” she said. "It made other kids aware of the program and provided those in it with cross-grade level experience.” The second 12-week program, conducted by Compass Behavioral Health, is another way for students to develop their own voice and communicate with others. C.A.S.T. is part of Compass, a behavioral health service provider in Tucson. The original program was developed for 13 to 23 year old high school students whose lives were affected by addictions, whether their own or someone else’s. Students went through eight to ten weeks of training doing theatre games to build confidence. They talked about their stories and then wrote a composite script for a group performance. The Myers-Ganoung school project will be the program's first effort working with students in a younger age group. Susan Arnold, program director, states they will get a pared-down version of the high school experience. "There will be more one-on-one there. The focus will be on building their voices and self-expression, confidence and team work," Arnold said. McIntyre hopes to provide students four complete sessions in all. Arnold, who majored in film production while at the University of Arizona, will guide students in doing “I” videos to document their learning experiences at the end of the year. This will culminate in a film festival. On March 12, the school will celebrate its 50th anniversary. While appreciating the past, it looks to a brighter future. 19 YES Network Health Clinic Services Varnishing is good for fine furniture and floors. Apparently, it works well on teeth too. Twenty-three lucky members of the Boys & Girls Club at the corner of Columbus Blvd. and 36th Street got their teeth screened and varnished for free on November 12. YES Network acquired a grant this year from Delta Dental of Arizona. It partnered with the BGC and El Rio Community Health Center to provide a morning dental clinic. According to Grace Piers, El Rio's community outreach person, each child received a limited exam and a fluoride varnish session. Nutritional information and instruction on how to take care of their teeth and gums including pictures of cavities and gum infections were also provided. "We had pediatric dentist residents staff go. They love doing outreach events," Peers said. Corey Cravens, BGC Director organized the gathering of consent forms from parents. "The kids love it when El Rio brings in a big tooth brush, big set of teeth and sings the alphabet song while brushing the teeth. They get free toothpaste and floss and five to ten minutes of valuable information. It's not me or the staff telling them what to do,so they listen." The varnish treatment is not available in most dental offices due to its expense. El Rio is able to provide it with support from grants. The treatments are worth $204 each. The varnish is a sticky paste with a fruit or bubblegum flavor. It adheres to the tooth quickly and prevents cavities and sensitivities for up to three months. After an exam is completed, parents are contacted and informed of their child's oral health. They are also asked if the child and family have a dental home established. If not, they can be scheduled at an El Rio clinic. If they lack insurance, they can go to El Rio and pay for services on a sliding fee scale. Here, patients can re- ceive up to a 50 percent discount on services. They can also apply for AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, although this is a more complex process and can take a few weeks to complete. "The parents say thank you. Sometimes this is the only connection they can make with a professional to see how their kids' teeth are growing," Craven said. Margaret Perry, oral health program coordinator for the Pima County Health Department, works with El Rio, one of its partners in the First Things First project. The FTF project is funded by the South Pima Regional Partnership Council which receives the funds from the state tobacco tax. This project's objective is to provide 2,800 children up to age five with two fluoride treatments in one year. Perry offers training for El Rio's dental staff to show them how to perform limited evaluations and screen and varnish. Her efforts also insure consistency in standards when measuring oral health throughout the community. Perry sees the greatest challenge to offering services like this as getting the By Anne Dalton consent forms returned. Sometimes 10 percent are returned, sometimes 50 percent, but never 100 percent. “I have to believe it has to do with lack of understanding on importance and value,” Perry said. "With toothaches, children can't learn, eat or sleep." “The children in this region (most of south Pima from Vail to Ajo) are at high risk for dental decay because of lack of water fluoridation due to the variety of wells and water sources," she said. "Although fluoridation was voted in by Pima County voters around 20 years ago, it was never completed. This puts all of Tucson at risk. Other risk factors are low incomes, especially among Hispanic and Native Americans or any nonCaucasians due to differences in health education, resources and simply knowing "The kids love it how to access services when El Rio brings in a big tooth brush, big in the system." set of teeth and sings One common the alphabet song problem she while brushing the sees is the teeth. They get free frequent use of juice boxes toothpaste and floss which tend to and five to ten minbe high in utes of valuable insugar conformation. It's not tent. me or the staff tell"Every time 20 to do, you put a car- ing them what bohydrate so they listen." Cont. on pg. 13 L.I.F.T Educational Success Each year, almost one third of all public high school students fail to graduate from public high school with their class. Learning Incentives for Teens (L.I.F.T.) is a drop out prevention program housed under YES Network. The program provides displaced students a monthly stipend that is predicated on their class attendance and grades. ers, b m e M pport you for u S y nk unit Comm ant to tha hree d n a Staff D. and I w the past t both my T F I e L e e Dear me is Jorg ave given m is assistanc t making u a My n pport you h eceiving th ressed abo r t the su . Before xtremely s my grands e month d I were ted to help ve much n a n a nana eet. I wa doesn’t h to take e ends m beause sh ficing a lot y food, u i r mothe and is sacr e helped b need clothv money me. I ha some much as made it f h o care ls and buy r program ork and il u w pay b eing in yo my school n continue . B a ing. to focus on e that I c the future c easier e confiden raduate in g m given cation and u my ed you again, Thank D. Jorge Monica C. Monica C. Beginning with only 5 students the program has now grown to assist 26 students from 10 different schools throughout Tucson. Since its creation 8 students have successfully gone on to accomplish higher goals. If you would like to help support the L.I.F.T program or have addi‐ tional questions please call YES Network 297‐0702. Requirements for Joining the L.I.F.T Program • • • • Complete an application available from the school counselors office. Provide resonable expectation date of graduation. Stay in school or return to school. Students cannot be eligible for other services/programs 21 Leadership Training Institute Class Schedule YES Network’s Leadership Training Institute’s mission is to train, place, support and collaborate with nonprofits to empower youth, families, and neighborhoods in Tucson and Pima County. Community Engagement Leadership Skills, Technical Skills, and Community Skills. The Leadership Training Institute aims to provide nonprofits and neighborhood residents with the skills needed to address issues in the community and empower residents. Please contact Milini Simms at 520-297-0702 to register. March Grass Roots Leadership:Skills for Community Volunteer Leaders This workshop will provide leaders (especially those who applied) with core skills needed to mobilize, facilitate, engage, and make decisions for their community. Date: TBA Time: Location: Instructor: April Getting the Word Out This workshop will help neighborhoods (especially the one who won) promote and get information out about their community. Date: TBA Time: Location: Instructor: Andre Newman May Program Evaluation This workshop will provide leaders (especially those who applied) with core skills needed to mobilize, facilitate, engage, and make decisions for their community. Date: TBA Time: Location: Instructor: June Neighboring: Engaging Under-Resourced Communities in Service This workshop will teach neighborhoods about parameters and expectations of successful partnerships, how to manage conflict and engage the community in successful initiatives prior to the programs in the grant starting Date: TBA Time: Location: Instructor: 22 Weddings School Dances/Events Stage Sound Corporate Events Catering Bartending Equipment Rental/Party Supplies Event Planning Audio Visual Bar/BatMitzvah 520.751.1717 Your AD HERE! Advertise with us! Business Card Quarter Page Half Page Full Page $25.00 add $25.00 for color $35.00 add $25.00 for color $50.00 add $25.00 for color Reach the people in your neighborhood with your services. Please call Teresa Westhoff regarding inquires for advertising at 297-0702. Affordable advertising targeted at your neighbors. Call me today! 297-0702 Ask for Teresa cont. page 13 FCA of Southern Arizona 633 N. 2nd Ave. Tucson, AZ 85705 520-297-4405 The FCA Vision To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches. The FCA Mission To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church The FCA Values Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence. El Rio Southwest Dental 1530 W. Commerce Court Tucson, AZ 85746 http://www.elrio.org/ dental_services.html Appointments: 520-670-3758 Pima County Health Department Oral Health Program Tucson, AZ 520-243-7902 http://www.pimahealth.org/ dental_hygiene/oralhealth.asp First Things First Program 23 http://www.azftf.gov/Pages/ default.aspx NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, AZ PERMIT NO. 627 633 N. 2nd Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705 24
© Copyright 2024