During this episode of the Your Town Podcast, we take another look at Marana Schools. Principal David Mandel and Assistant Superintendent Kristin Reidy share some of the exciting ways MUSD is partnering with the Town. They also take a stab at answering questions from the Arizona state tests for the Your Town Trivia Challenge.
Reimagining the Park
The name of the Marana Heritage River Park is misleading. It’s in Marana, yes, and it certainly celebrates the Town’s heritage. There’s even a river, albeit seasonally. But calling it a park conjures up entirely different images. A park has wide expanses of grass, ball fields, maybe a community pool. The Heritage River Park only has some of those. Yet somehow, it manages to capture everything a community would want in a park. Attractive landscaping. Cultural significance. Communal spirit. Indeed, by abandoning the typical trappings of the average park, this space transcends the limitations of a narrow name. Other features expand to fill the vacuum left behind by forsaken strictures. What’s left is something new, something unimagined, but somehow, something that’s exactly what we were looking for.
Drop by Heritage River Park on a quiet weekday morning, and you’re likely to meet Nate Jansky. Burly, calloused, and disarmingly friendly, Nate casts a watchful eye over everything that happens on these grounds. His tattooed arms have spent many hours tilling this soil. Ask him his vision for these acres, and he’ll describe a landscape replete with wheat fields, orchards, community gardens. Looking around, it’s clear this is the direction the park is going, but Nate’s aspirations are many years away. The park has space for five different fields; only one is currently active. Two orchards are bearing fruit, but there is room for many more trees. A community garden already thrives, but the waiting list for an open plot is dauntingly long. Where others see fallow fields and wide open space, though, Nate sees opportunity. He sees the park’s youth as perhaps its greatest asset. He sees one citrus grove as a beacon for many more. And he’s excited.
A little over a year ago, Heritage Park opened to the public. A boulevard lined with walnut trees bisects the space. To the left sprouts a cotton field, tinged with the white puffs that have played so vital a role in Marana’s history. To the right, gardens managed by both community members and the Town itself invite walkers to enjoy a contemplative stroll. An enclosure just off the parking lot pays homage to Marana’s history. On two sides, an irrigation ditch cuts a furrow that meanders near picnic tables, past a silo, and under a rustic footbridge. At one end, its water drains into a catchment that pumps it back to where it began. A small tower lifts the water high above the ground and pours it over a tank, home to two indigenous desert tortoises. Gradually, as the tank overflows, the water slips back into the irrigation canal, where it begins its cycle once again.
History buffs and art lovers will want to spend a few extra minutes in this part of the park. Amid the verdant vegetation, an iron sculpture pays tribute to the region’s past. A timeline chronicles the long arc of history that has happened here, from the Hohokam people living in the Tortolitas, to the railroad workers who helped build one of the nation’s first transnational arteries, to the farmers whose descendants still sow their fields every spring and harvest them every fall.
The clearest testament to Marana’s history, though, is not found in this section of the park. Across the walnut-flanked path, past a vintage barn, stands a fruit arbor, and at its center soars an impressive fig tree. Last year, Nate trimmed it to a shadow of its former self, its tendrils only reaching up to his barrel chest. Standing beneath its spreading limbs today, though, it towers over 25 feet into the air. The sculpture across the park outlines plenty of times when Marana’s residents have experienced similar pruning, but whether it takes a year or a decade, they’ve always come back taller and stronger than before.
On Saturday, October 10, the Town will host the Cotton Festival on these fertile grounds. This installment of the Town’s Signature Event series invokes the halcyon days when communities gathered to celebrate the harvest. With an old-fashioned steak fry (and also decidedly modern food trucks), a country band that invites dancing, and booths staffed by clubs from Marana High School, this is the kind of event that feels like a Norman Rockwell painting.
Marana is a community that uses the past to spur forward thinking plans, and no place better captures that spirit than the Heritage River Park. Young and protean, the space offers a wide range of potential utility. Day in and day out, gardeners gather there to trade tips on how best to coax the finest fruit from the dusty earth, families enjoy a quiet afternoon picnic, and couples even celebrate their wedding beneath a web of glittering lightbulbs. As the sun’s brutal summer heat relents into mild fall afternoons, consider a visit to the Heritage River Park, maybe even for the Cotton Festival. If you see Nate, ask him what he’s up to. Wander over to the fruit groves, and try a fig, or an apple, or a quince. Feel the history of this land and connect with your community roots. The Heritage River Park exists because of the value Marana places on its culture and history, and no place better embodies that idea than a dusty field near Gladden Farms. Go out, see it for yourself, and connect with Marana.
Podcast Episode 17: Marana 2.0
In this episode, the Your Town podcast learns about Marana 2.0 and how high school students are getting involved in local government. In the quiz, we test a teacher’s and student’s knowledge about the Marana High School student handbook. You’ll be surprised about what we found in there.
Tucson Local Media: Cotton Festival Provides fun, free family event
Photos by J.D. Fitzgerald/Tucson Loca Media
Written by Brad Allis, Marana News
The town of Marana has worked hard to create and improve its signature events. The newest of these events is the Cotton Festival, which joins the Fourth of July Star Spangled Spectacular and the Holiday Festival in providing free, family entertainment to the residents of Marana.
This year’s festival is Oct. 10, and the town is already trying to top last year’s event.
“This is going to be a great family event, and we would encourage everyone to come out,” said Marana Town Manager Gilbert Davidson....
Tucson Premium Outlets debuts with an entertainment-packed grand opening weekend
Tucson’s Newest Retail Destination Celebrates October 1-4
Information Provided by Tucson Premium Outlets
MARANA, AZ (September 28, 2015) - Tucson Premium Outlets will open its doors to much fanfare and excitement to celebrate its Grand Opening Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4, with special in-store promotions throughout the weekend. Numerous special events are planned to commemorate the opening of Tucson’s newest retail destination opening with more than 60 new stores and dining options.
The excitement kicks off on Thursday at 9:40 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony that promises to open Tucson Premium Outlets in style. The day will be highlighted by stellar entertainment offerings from Blues and Soul Explosion, The Walkens and The Crystal Stark Experience. Musical entertainment will continue on Friday and Saturday with the sounds of local entertainment sensations including The Rave, British Invasion and Urban Electra.
Throughout the weekend, guests will enjoy strolling entertainment fit for the entire family. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to register for fabulous prizes from Tucson Premium Outlets retailers valued from $800 to $1,165, and take advantage of great retailer promotions and in-store events throughout the center. Raffle drawings will take place each day at 5 p.m. on the Main Stage.
VIP Shopper Club Members will have exclusive access to the VIP Shopper Club lounge, which will feature a photo booth, chair massages and more. Nonmembers can join for free outside the lounge or by visiting premiumoutlets.com/vip.
Shoppers are invited to take advantage of extended grand opening hours: Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday, October 4 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Time: 9:40 – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Main Stage Mountain Court
A ribbon cutting ceremony will officially open Tucson Premium Outlets.
Live Entertainment
Location: Main Stage Mountain Court
11:00 a.m. Blues and Soul Explosion
12:30 p.m. The Walkens
1:45 p.m. The Crystal Stark Experience
3:15 p.m. Blues and Soul Explosion
4:45 p.m. The Walkens
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
Live Entertainment
Location: Main Stage Mountain Court
1:00 p.m. The Rave
2:15 p.m. Noteriety A Cappella
3:30 p.m. Rancho Deluxe
5:00 p.m. British Invasion
6:15 p.m. CatCall A Cappella
7:30 p.m. Rancho Deluxe
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
Live Entertainment
Location: Main Stage Mountain Court
11:00 a.m. Desert Dixie
12:30 p.m. Urban Electra
1:45 p.m. Mariachi Alma Mexicana
3:15 p.m. Desert Dixie
4:45 p.m. Urban Electra
THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
Strolling Entertainment
Location: Throughout Property
12:00-5:00 p.m.
Enjoy family fun with face painters, stilt walkers, juggling duo and a trick roper.
Grand Opening Prize Giveaways
Location: Near Main Stage
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Enter each day for a chance to win a fabulous prize package valued at $800 to $1,165. Must be present to win. Drawings each day at 5 p.m. Winner will have 30 minutes to claim their prize. See entry form for complete rules & regulations.
Visit the VIP Shopper Club Lounge
Location: Across from Adidas & GUESS Factory Store
12:00-5:00 p.m.
VIP Shopper Club Members have exclusive access to the VIP Shopper Club lounge and will receive a free VIP coupon book. Plus, stop by to have your photo taken with friends in our photo booth, enjoy chair massages and more. Not a member? Join for free outside the lounge or by visiting premiumoutlets.com/vip.
Shoppers are encouraged to visit the center’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tucsonpremiumoutlets, Twitter at https://twitter.com/TucsonPO and Instagram at https://instagram.com/premiumoutlets/ and share your favorite moments using hashtag #TucsonPOGO.
About Tucson Premium Outlets
Tucson Premium Outlets is destined to become Tucson’s premiere outlet shopping destination serving Southern Arizona and featuring designer and name brands at savings of 25 to 65 percent. The center is located at the intersection of I-10 and Twin Peaks Road. Upon opening, it will feature a diverse mix of more than 60 retailers located in 360,000 square feet of leasable space.
About Simon Premium Outlets
The global Simon Premium Outlets portfolio offers exceptional brands at extraordinary savings through a diverse mix of luxury, designer and popular retailers representing the best in fashion, family and home. Our 86 Simon Premium Outlets in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and South Korea are some of the most iconic and productive shopping destinations for residents and travelers including Woodbury Common (New York City), Orlando, Desert Hills (Palm Springs), Las Vegas and Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (Boston). For more information visit premiumoutlets.com or follow Premium Outlets on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
About Simon
Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.
Ventana Medical building nearing completion
Ventana Medical Systems is nearing completion and will become a valuable addition to the Marana business community this fall.
Located off Tangerine Road and visible from Interstate-10, the building is a sight to see. Built to the highest standard for safety and environmental requirements, it includes high tech amenities and security features to ensure the distribution of high quality medical equipment.
Ventana Medical is a industry leader in tissue diagnostics and their products assist in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They are set to open the Marana location in October.
Learn more about them at at www.ventana.com
Relevant articles:
- Marana gains Ventana Medical distribution center - Arizona Daily Star
- Ventana Medical Systems expanding into Marana - Inside Tucson Business
Photos of the facility:
Photos taken by the Town of Marana
Marana police to direct mall traffic during grand opening week
With preparations underway for the opening of Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana, Arizona next week, the Town of Marana is excited to take part in the occasion. After much anticipation, the Grand Opening has finally arrived.
The mall will officially open its doors on October 1, with Grand Opening festivities continuing throughout the weekend until October 4. Its hours on Thursday through Saturday will be from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. On Sunday, it will open at 10:00 A.M., and close at 7:00 P.M.
The Town anticipates heavy traffic due to the opening and is taking appropriate precautions to ensure minimal disruption for drivers. The Marana Police Department will be directing traffic throughout the weekend at both parking lot entrances and at the Twin Peaks exits of I-10, and will work to ensure:
- Highway traffic will not back up at Twin Peaks
- Off-ramps will remain open
- Drivers will be directed to the Outlets’ primary parking lot, as well as two off-site overflow lots
- Mall traffic will not impede through traffic
Handicap parking will be available near all major entrances to the Outlets.
Any mall-related questions can be directed to the Tucson Premium Outlets by visiting www.tucsonpremiumoutlets.com or calling (520) 572-1122.
Photos taken by the Town of Marana
KOLD: Marana outlet mall 10 days away from grand opening
MARANA, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
The Town of Marana is planning a grand opening complete with fireworks for the new Tucson Premium Outlet mall, set to open on Oct. 1.
With opening day just 10 days away, there's a lot of hustle and bustle on the property now....
Council Declares Sept. 17-23 “Constitution Week” in Marana
During last Tuesday’s Council meeting, the Marana Town Council declared the week of September 17-23 Constitution Week. Over 200 years ago, the Framers of the U.S. Constitution crafted a document that would endure through political upheaval, economic trials, and even the Civil War. That legacy of perseverance is a testament to the Framers’ commitment and idealism. Today, that same spirit still persists across all levels of government.
Even in the Town of Marana, it is possible to see how the Constitution affects our government. When controversies arise, different groups may strongly disagree, but still they engage in a fair, constructive dialogue to resolve disputes. The Constitution has established in this country this sense of stability and equality for all. Moreover, the document’s opening lines firmly place it not in a position of authority over citizens, but as a reflection of the citizens themselves. “We, the people” write this Constitution, and as a result, we control what it says, not the other way around.
During this week, take a moment to reflect on the meaning and importance of this document. For more information and resources, visit the Daughters of the American Revolution, who provide a resource page for educational materials, as well as essay contests, scholarships, and other youth opportunities.
All-America City Quilt Embarks on National Tour—First Stop: Marana, Arizona
Last June, the Town of Marana was honored to be named one of sixteen finalists for the All-America City Award. With this award, the National Civic League recognizes communities across the country for their outstanding civic accomplishments. To celebrate these successes, each community has created its own quilt square, which the League has then assembled into a beautiful patchwork design representing the diverse contributions of the honorees. For the next six months, the quilt will be crisscrossing the nation for each finalist to display publicly. From now until September 25, its home will be Marana.
This tapestry is an artwork that deserves attention. Marana’s square depicts the Town’s seal adorned with the Your Town brand. Crafted by a community member, it blends Marana’s official imagery with the stylings that have helped transform Marana from lines on a map to a community with an identity.
Beneath Marana’s square, Salinas, California celebrates its literary and agricultural heritage with the image of favorite son John Steinbeck and the long lines of the town’s verdant fields. In the lower right corner, a diverse group of revelers rejoice around the trunk of a tropical tree, depicting the environmental and cultural identity of Tallahassee, Florida. Each community’s square uniquely portrays its own values, and is a sight not to be missed.
The quilt will be on display in the lobby of the Marana Municipal Complex at 11555 W. Civic Center Drive until Friday, September 25, and visitors to the Town offices are encouraged to take a few extra minutes to have a look. More than any one municipality’s accomplishments, it honors the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration which the All-America City Award intends to foster. Marana is proud to be included in its design and looks forward to many more years of upholding that legacy of cooperation.
Marana Goes Batty
Photo Credits: Bruce Taubert (owl); Claire Curran (cover) / Arizona Highways
Every day, wildlife abounds in Marana’s desert landscape. Tortoises crawl, diamondbacks slither, and mule deer trot through this beautiful land. When the human residents of Marana go to bed, though, their flying mammalian cousins are just getting started. This month, Arizona Highways is putting the spotlight on Lesser Long-Nosed Bats and how this corner of Arizona has banded together to learn more about these denizens of the night.
For eight years, an army of “citizen scientists” from Marana has diligently documented the behaviors of the Town’s bat population. The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have enlisted this corps of volunteers to observe the patterns of these night fliers, particularly around backyard hummingbird feeders. Marana’s Environmental Project Manager Janine Spencer takes a special joy in this endeavor. “It’s so much fun to go out on the back porch and see them zooming all around,” she explains to Matt Jaffe in his article for Arizona Highways. It appears she’s not alone in her fascination with bats, since she’s joined in this pursuit by around 100 other amateur naturalists from Marana.
“Marana is fortunate to be home to such remarkable wildlife,” remarks Town Manager Gilbert Davidson. “We’re excited that Arizona Highways has included us in their coverage of bats throughout the state.” To read the article, pick up a copy of the October issue of Arizona Highways, which is now available on newsstands, and to find out more about all the powerful ways that nature helps define Marana, visit our new tourism portal, DiscoverMarana.org.
Discover Marana with new tourism website
A new website is in town, and with it a variety of discoveries for visitors thinking about traveling to Southern Arizona.
“Marana serves as the gateway to Southern Arizona,” Tourism and Marketing Manager Toby Parks says of the Town’s proximity to Interstate 10 just north of Tucson. “The website is an amazing foundation to promote tourism opportunities in the region as well as hotels to stay at in the community.”
Sleek, colorful, and responsive to all viewing devices, the website’s design is meant to attract attention. Viewers are immersed with visual highlights of Marana’s stunning scenery and attractions. The website features full screen video, interactive event calendar, itinerary builder, social integration, and interactive mapping. Visitors can plan their entire trip through one portal and subscribe for updates through e-news integration.
To ensure maximum visibility and outreach, Discover Marana is implementing print and online marketing campaigns to reach audiences in Arizona, California, Colorado and Mexico. Tucson Premium Outlets, Marana’s latest retail attraction, is at the forefront of initial marketing efforts.
“Everyone needs retail therapy sometimes. The brand new Tucson Premium Outlets gives visitors from across the region and Mexico more reasons to shop,” Parks says, “and our website will help to draw in that audience.”
Town Council approved the Lead Generation/Destination Marketing Program earlier in the year with the goal of making Marana more competitive in the tourism market.
“Tourism is a huge industry,” Mayor Ed Honea says in support of this initiative. “The Town of Marana recognizes what that impact can be for the local economy.”
Home to The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, the number one resort in Arizona, Marana is known for its beautiful open space and more than 35 miles of trails in the Tortolita Mountains. Add to that Marana’s close proximity to Saguaro National Park West and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and it’s easy to see why this community is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether visitors to Southern Arizona want to experience breathtaking hiking, excellent retail, or diverse dining options, from upscale to casual, Discovermarana.org can help them find what they’re looking for. Marana is excited to offer new experiences to visitors as part of its new destination marketing efforts.
Plan your next adventure in Marana. Video footage provided by Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
State Offers Tax Recovery Program
For the next two months, the Arizona Department of Revenue is offering a tax recovery program, providing a limited-time opportunity for taxpayers to come into compliance with Arizona’s tax laws at a reduced cost. The goal of this program is to offer relief to those taxpayers who, for whatever reason, underreported or failed to file returns and pay their taxes. Tax recovery applications must be received by the Department before November 2, 2015, with all tax liability paid with the application. Taxpayers who meet all the requirements will pay no interest and have no civil penalties imposed.
The tax types eligible for the tax recovery program are individual and corporate income, transaction privilege (sales), and use. Audit assessments and collections notices may also qualify for relief under this program.
Who is eligible?
- Those who failed to file a tax return
- Taxpayers who have an existing liability for tax due and received a billing or tax notice from the department
- Taxpayers who failed to report all income or all tax, interest, and penalties that were due
- Taxpayers who claimed incorrect credits or deductions
- Taxpayers who misrepresented or omitted any tax due
- Non-residents or part-year residents who received income that may be taxable in Arizona
- Out-of-state and multi-state businesses
- Taxpayers who are under audit and that audit has not become final.
For complete information, visit the Arizona Department of Revenue’s Tax Recovery page.
Town of Marana receives national award for advertising campaign
The Town of Marana received national distinction last week when it was presented the top award in public communications for print advertising at the annual City-County Communications and Marketing Association conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Town ‘s “Your Town” advertising campaign, designed and created entirely in-house, was one of 700 entries submitted to 36 categories for the 2015 Savvy Awards. The campaign includes a series of photographs showcasing different aspects of the Marana lifestyle.
Judges were drawn in by the strong visuals and authentic subjects.
“These beautifully designed ads featuring real people from Marana convey a strong message. This fast-growing city should continue to flourish with ads like these that are so easily identifiable and welcoming to the reader”, the judges wrote of their decision.
The City-County Communications and Marketing Association recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. Their Savvy Awards salute skilled and effective city, county, agency, or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing.
The winning advertising campaign is part of a Town initiative to market Marana to residents, businesses, and visitors, and includes the “Your Town” trademark. Consistent with the inclusive messaging, the trademark is designed to be read fluidly, alternating between “Your Town” and “Our Town” depending on the reader’s preference.
Winning the Savvy award is an important milestone for the Town as it continues its marketing and outreach efforts. As Marana continues to grow, these efforts contribute to the Town’s reputation as a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community.
A New Face for Marana’s Municipal Court
Laine Sklar might be a bit of an overachiever.
In 2000, she graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School, finished her undergraduate degree three years later, and, by 2006, was Marana’s Assistant Town Attorney. Not one to stand still, however, she quickly rose through the ranks to become the Senior Assistant Town Attorney, supervising the Prosecutor’s Office.
It’s at this point that many would pause for breath. Not Laine.
Last week, less than ten years since beginning her law career, the Town Council appointed her as the new Magistrate. As a judge, she will now oversee Marana’s municipal court and issue rulings on misdemeanors, traffic violations, and other breaches of Town ordinances.
“I am eager to serve the Town in this new capacity,” announced soon-to-be-Judge Sklar to the Council shortly after they unanimously approved her appointment. Her measured tones already underscored a nascent judicial demeanor.
Laine first came to southern Arizona when she was in fourth grade. Prior to settling down, her father’s career in radio had moved the family across the country. When they came to Arizona, though, they knew they’d found a home. Ever since, Laine has found it difficult to resist the draw of the Sonoran Desert, so it was no surprise when she went on to the University of Arizona, earning her bachelor’s degree in Communications. She left Arizona for one year to study law at the University of Connecticut, but after realizing how much she missed home, she returned to finish her degree at U of A’s Rogers School of Law.
In many ways, Laine does not conform to the typical stereotypes of a judge. As Marana’s first female Town Magistrate, she hopes to expand understanding of the judicial system so that those who come into contact with it will be less intimidated by its grandiosity. One way she intends to accomplish that goal is by participating in community service efforts to increase residents’ familiarity with the legal system.
“People who interact with judicial officers outside of the courtroom are far more likely to be satisfied with their interactions within the justice system,” she explains, citing a recent Supreme Court study.
By fostering these kinds of relationships, she hopes not only to build a sense of awareness of Marana’s court, but also to enable disadvantaged litigants to better navigate its many pathways, especially since many of them appear before the court without legal counsel.
Though Laine’s commitment to public service manifests itself today in her legal career, it is not where it began. Her mother spent much of her career working in nonprofits, and passed that same dedication to social justice on to Laine.
As a child, Laine dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but when she realized her interests lay less in science, and more in reading and writing, a guidance counselor suggested she consider a career in law. There, she has found a natural home, both professionally and personally. As Senior Assistant Town Attorney, she handled animal welfare issues. Outside of work, she spends much of her time riding her horse, PJ, and together, they compete in local, state, and even national dressage events. Even though they’re not on her work résumé, Laine and PJ can lay claim to a number of awards and trophies.
On October 1, the future Judge Sklar will officially assume her responsibilities as Town Magistrate. There, she looks forward to using her position as an instrument for spreading transparency and access to the courts.
Those interested in keeping up with her efforts should keep an eye on the Court’s homepage at www.MaranaAz.gov/municipal-court and look out for articles about the Court’s activities in the Marana Newsroom.
Marana Awards Spotlight: Gary Borax
In the rugged Tortolitas, Gary Borax is tirelessly committed to keeping Marana beautiful, which is why the Town honored his dedication in 2014 with the Ora Mae Harn Crystal Legacy Award.
Leading a hiking group deep into the hills, Gary knows what it means to labor for his community. On any given day, he could be clearing buffelgrass, organizing volunteers, or maintaining the Wild Burro Trail. His love for the great outdoors is matched only by his indefatigable spirit, and his legacy is etched into the hills that sound this Town.
The Ora Mae Harn Crystal Legacy Award recognizes people or groups who promote the “Matriarch of Marana”’s commitment to the ideals of the Town and enhance its image through exemplary volunteer service. If you know someone like Gary who embodies Marana’s values, consider nominating them for the Crystal Legacy Award.
Marana Awards Spotlight: Marsha Johnson
Photo courtesy of the Marana Rotary Club
Marsha Johnson has spent years devoting her time and resources to the Marana community, and last fall, the Town recognized her efforts with a Branding Iron Award.
Since retiring from Trico Electric, Marsha has been a constant feature at Marana events. From the early planning stages to the day-of execution, her contributions have helped make the Town’s festivities a huge success. As a Board Member with both the Marana Food Bank and the Chamber of Commerce, she has made a lasting impact throughout the community.
Marsha is not alone in her efforts to make Marana an incredible place to live. If you know of someone else who has made their mark on this community, nominate them for a Branding Iron Award. Nominations will be accepted through tomorrow, September 11.
Podcast Episode 16: Code Enforcement
The Marana Podcast is a free service that shares news stories from across the community.
Marana Awards Spotlight: Marana Food Bank Feeds the Hungry, Nourishes the Community
Photo by the Marana Rotary Club
Every day, the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona distributes over 63,000 meals to hungry individuals across the region. The Marana Community Food Bank is a crucial part of that network, which is why the Town was pleased to award them with a Town of Marana Branding Iron Award last year.
The Community Food Bank’s mission is to feed the hungry today and build a healthy, hungry-free tomorrow, and since 1955, this agency has worked to fulfill that mission in Marana. Linda Hampton, who has been the CEO for the past six years and who accepted the award on behalf of the Food Bank, has described its site as “sacred” due to the “compassion and caring” evidenced by the legions of volunteers who have donated their time there. For sixty years, their commitment has served as a vital pillar of the Marana community.
Fortunately for Marana, the Food Bank is not the only organization dedicated to serving our Town. Many other groups, large and small, are making their mark on Marana every day, and the Branding Iron Award was created to celebrate their efforts.
If you know of an organization deserving of this honor, please nominate them for a Branding Iron Award. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, September 11.
Mutton Bustin' is here and waiting for you!
Does your son or daughter dream of a home on the range? Would they rather rustle up some doggies than play video games? If so, then the Marana Cotton Festival’s Mutton Bustin’ competition may just be the place for them. Every year, kids from across the community compete to stay atop a bucking sheep for as long as they can. At this event, they can experience the thrill of a real rodeo without the bucking bronco. Equal parts fun and excitement, this is sure to be an experience the youngins will never forget. Sign them up today!
