Big Morning August 29!

Red House Dancers at Atria Bell Court Gardens






Forum on "Greening Mission Gardens" at the Arizona Historical Society







Mountain Men presentation at Himmel Park Library

Dunbar African American Museum and Cultural Center

Dunbar African-American Museum and Cultural Center opened its doors today to anyone interested in a private tour. Shirley Hockett and Delores Townsend welcomed all with warm, friendly greetings. Cress Lander proudly showed visitors the results of renovation and renovation in progress.

The former TUSD school now turned museum and cultural center is steeped in Tucson history since its beginnings in

1918. The tour included a visit on the first floor to the Dance Academy, Barber Academy, Food Service and Catering Academy, Board Room and Green Room. The second floor, currently under renovation, will provide more space and will include historical cultural artifacts and additional Buffalo Soldier exhibits at the museum.

Some of the visitors reflected on “Where did the time go?” and commented that visiting a former school was like celebrating a birthday. One could not help but wonder how many kids had a chance to celebrate their birthday

while they were students at the Dunbar. We are pretty sure that it was not quite like celebrating 234 years of birthdays such as the City of Tucson celebrates this year. Celebrating Tucson’s Birthday is just another way that the Dunbar helps to bridge the gap and fill in the cultural divide among Tucsonans and between adults and youth. At the end of the

tour, visitors found cookies, water and soda waiting for them. For more information on the Dunbar, visit http://www.thedunbarproject.org/. -- Tina Johnson

Terra del Sol Ice Cream Social 8/26

The neighborhood of Terra del Sol (near 22nd & Wilmot) really came out to celebrate each other and Tucson's Birthday with a concert performed by residents. It was amazing and touching to see how many long time residents live in the neighborhood.

Sallye Williams

Old Town Artisans - Free cake in a historical setting

Jeremy Hauptman and Daniel Barrasso aretwo of many who can eat delicious free cake and learn about Tucson's history every Wednesday in August at Old Town Artisans, located Downtown at 201 N. Court Avenue. The 150 year old adobe building houses a restaurant and shops featuring fine arts and crafts from hundreds of local and regional artists.

The Spanish-style courtyard and patio offers a relaxing place for margaritas or lunch and is adjacent to the recreated Presidio San Augustin de Tucson.

Youth artists create mural of Tucson's history - Downtown!

Vice Mayor Regina Romero joined artist Rocky Martinez and youth artists to celebrate a new mural located at the Tucson Water building downtown, adjacent to the Tucson Museum of Art

Tucson Parks and Recreation Arts in Reality program manager Ruth Marblestone worked with El Presidio neighbors and many others to teach kids about the history and culture of Tucson's westside. Ninety-nine year old Frank Pesqueira and his family attended to see the piece of the mural celebrating their family business - Grande Tortilla Factory, which recently closed. The theme was tucson's history and this area used to be loaded with wheat fields, which were used to create tortillas! Sonoran desert and Santa Cruz River wildlife and the history of chinese workers on the railroad are also represented. The Chinese quote on the mural can be translated to mean "10,000 wishes come true" or "Everything goes smoothly".

Congrats to all who participated, especially the youth: Richard Almarez, Michael Allen, Carlos Armenta, Gabe Beta-Kiser, Josh Beta-Kiser, Robbie Felix, John Granados, Trevin Hooker, Ital Ironstone, Thomas Jimenez, Jahan Khamsehzadeh, Dillan Patterson, Jose Soto, Jason Soto, Nick Thongsophaphona, Jonny Torrez, Nolan Veneklasen, Aaron Wuerfel.

The Loft Theatre celebrated Tucson's birthday with a special screening of Martin Scorsese's classic 1974 Oscar-winning movie "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore!" Filmed in Tucson, it was fun to see the local sites including many downtown shots. The first house Alice lived in was right across the street from where I was living with 2 other gals when we were going to the UofA. We would sit on the curb and watch the shooting but never did see Kris Kristofferson, as he was in the movie much later. Oh, well!!

A good time was had by all. The whole audience got into the movie and during scenes at Mel and Ruby's Diner the whole crowd would break out into laughter. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Ruth