hacienda: a magazine of living, style & taste

HhaciendaA M A G A Z I N E O F L I V I N G , S T Y L E & T A S T E

SPRING 2012ISSUE NO. 1

LOCAL SHOPS:

BUSINESS PROFILESAREA HAPPENINGS:

SNAPSHOTSTHINGS TO DO:

AREA EVENTSPUBLISHED BY THEGREEN VALLEY NEWS & SUN

H A C I E N D A

IN THIS ISSUEFEATURED HOME

SPACIOUS LIVING IN THE SANTA RITAFOOTHILLS

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haciendaA M A G A Z I N E O F L I V I N G , S T Y L E & T A S T E

SPRING 2012 | ISSUE NO. 1 A MAGAZINE OF LIVING, STYLE & TASTE H A C I E N D A ■ 3

Hacienda in the Foothillsby Karen Walenga

Great New Look in the Kitchenby Dan Shearer

Landscaping for Looks & Valueby Karen Walenga

Snapshot Scenes

Southern az Events 2012

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

SPRING 2012ISSUE NO. 1

H A C I E N D A

8

22

34

4446BUSINESS PROFILES04 ■ ALEXANDER’S FINE FURNITURE

06 ■ MILLER’S WOODWORKING

16 ■ CANYON CABINETRY

18 ■ GREEN VALLEY COOLING & HEATING

19 ■ SOUTHWESTERN SOLAR

20 ■ SEARS HOMETOWN STORE

28 ■ ACRA CONSTRUCTION

30 ■ JILL & PETE MUNDY

32 ■ TUBAC TERRITORY GALLERY

40 ■ ROOF COATING SPECIALIST INC

42 ■ CIMACO FLOOR SERVICE INC

50 ■ LA POSADA AT PARKE CENTER

Pamela K. MoxPublisher

18705 S. I-19 FRONTAGE RD., STE. 125P.O. BOX 567, GREEN VALLEY, AZ 85614

(520) 625-5511WWW.GVNEWS.COM ■ WWW.SAHUARITASUN.COM

HACIENDA MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY THE STAFF OF THE GREEN VALLEY NEWS & SUN. THE ENTIRE CONTENTS ARE ©COPYRIGHTED BY THE GREEN

VALLEY NEWS & SUN. NO PORTION PRODUCED BY THE GREEN VALLEY NEWS & SUN MAY BE REPRODUCED OR REPRINTED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.

EDITED BY KAREN WALENGAMAGAZINE + COVER DESIGN + LAYOUT

BY GRAHAM HARRINGTON

G R E E N V A L L E Y

A N D S U N

cover photo by jerry marrion

contents Photo by Brittany Walz

4 ■ H A C I E N D A A MAGAZINE OF LIVING, STYLE & TASTE SPRING 2012 | ISSUE NO. 1

At Alexan-der’s, you can discuss

all of your home dreams and plans with accredited interior designers. They will be able to develop a plan for your project that will eliminate the fear of making mistakes, says general manager Tony Johnson. With expert advise and guidance from Alexander’s designers, you will be able to furnish your home the way your want it.

Alexander’s started in Tucson in 1962 as Maple Leaf Furniture Corp. By 1992, it changed its lines of furniture to include many different species of woods and became Alexander’s Fine Fur-niture.

“We are a full-line furniture showroom, showcasing every room in the home,” Johnson explains. “We feature furniture made from many species of wood, metal and even recycled/reclaimed pieces.”

Alexander’s offer hundreds of different fabric and leather choic-es for upholstered goods. And you can complete your home’s

interior with the selection of ac-cessories, lamps, rugs, and home accents that this company also carries.

Alexander’s is able to fulfill its customers’ desires by offering a custom design service. “We use different manufacturers that specialize in custom furniture,” Johnson points out.

The furniture comes from numerous manufacturers throughout the world. However, Alexander’s focuses on local ven-dors and North American-made products, as seen in the majority of the products in its showroom.

“We have a total of six employ-

ees to ensure complete customer service throughout the entire experience, before and after the sale,” Johnson says. It includes three new interior designers, and together the staff has more than 70 years combined furniture and interior design experience.

Alexander’s employees also re-ceive continuous training on fur-niture trends and new products, and they take part in refresher courses on industry standards.

The new team at Alexander’s has been together for three years and offers a unique team ap-proach to each customer’s shop-ping experience. You can take advantage of the entire team’s individual expertise, which mini-mizes the chance for a mistake.

Alexander’s Fine Furniture is at 3525 E. Fort Lowell Road in Tucson. Phone 520-323-0747 or visit online at www.alexanders-furniture.net.

Story by Karen Walenga

Photos by Brittany Walz

A L E X A N D E R ’ S F I N E F U R N I T U R E

fulfi ll your furniture desiresWhen shopping for just the right home furnishings, you can find a showroom full of choices, custom design assistance, and a relaxed atmosphere at Alexander’s Fine Furniture in Tucson.

H

520.323.07473525 Ft. Lowell | Tucson, Arizona

OUR FURNITURE DESIGNS WILL SPEAK TO YOU...

...OUR DESIGNER’S WILL LISTEN

• FULL TIME DESIGN EXPERTS

• SPACE PLANNING• WINDOW COVERINGS


Customers can choose from a wide selection of built-to-order

cabinetry that is flexible enough to provide a custom look without the custom price, says owner Bill Miller.

The company offers a choice of framed or frameless cabinets in a variety of materials, stains and finishes, says Miller, who grew up in Green Valley and opened his woodworking business here in 1997.

“Trends change over the years, but now dark woods and stains with dark glazing are popular,” he says. “In our area, rustic woods are popular, like alder, hickory

and, my favorite, rustic maple.”When Miller started in this

business, he built custom cabi-nets and furniture.

“I love woodworking, but each job demands a lot of time. I found I could only do a few custom jobs each year. A nice compromise is to start with a good custom cabi-net manufacturer and use my woodworking skills to modify or add small touches to a job. This sets our projects apart from any-one else,” he explains.

“The finished product meets or exceeds our customer’s expecta-tions,” Miller says. “We listen to our customers and incorporate their wishes into the design, and we design for all budget levels.”

All of Miller’s Woodworking cabinets are manufactured by U.S. companies such as Canyon Creek Cabinet Co., located in Monroe, WA. Canyon Creek Cabi-net Co. is a leading manufacturer of affordable custom framed and frameless style cabinetry for any room in the home.

Canyon Creek also recognizes the responsibility that comes with being a large manufacturer, and it is committed to being a good corporate citizen, to the benefit of its employees, owners and the community at large. It has been incorporating sustain-able manufacturing into its build-ing practices since 1991, long before “green building” became mainstream.

“Our long-standing commit-ment to the environment encom-passes everything from recycling and energy and resource conser-vation to low-VOC finishes and sustainable products. Cabinets manufactured with health-con-scious consumers in mind, us-ing state-of-the-art technology, will benefit us all by reducing

the impact to the environment and improving air quality in our homes,” says a Canyon Creek representative.

Locally, Miller’s Woodworking has supplied cabinets to S&S Constructors, Pierce Homes’ subdivisions, Dorn Homes in The Estates at Alamos, RJ Homes in Madera Reserve and Madera Shadows and more.

“This valley is my home, and I have tried very hard to maintain a fair, honest business,” Miller says. “Reputation is everything. I intend to live out my life here and enjoy seeing the people that I have helped over the years.”

The showroom for Miller’s Woodworking is at 800 W. Camino Casa Verde in Green Valley, and the office is at 17300 S. Camino Cartagena in Sahuarita. Phone 520-625-7570 or visit www.miller-woodworking.com. For more on Canyon Creek Cabinet Co., visit www.canyoncreek.com.


Photos submitted

M I L L E R ’ S W O O D W O R K I N G

At Green Valley/Sahuarita-based Miller’s Woodworking, you’ll find cabinets with a

custom touch for your kitchen, home office, hobby room and more.

cabinets with a

custom touch

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520.625.7570 ROC 179198

The Custom Look...

... without the Custom Price

FREE Design Consultation FREE Estimates Quality Construction & Installation


SPACIOUS LIVING IN THE

SANTA RITA FOOTHILLS

Story by Karen Walenga ■ Photos by brittany walz


In September 2004, Bill and Miriam Sacks moved into their new 6,100-square-foot home in the Pasadera neighborhood.

It was the first home Miriam designed from the ground up. She built upon her experience redesigning four existing houses back East before she and Bill moved from Maryland to enjoy this area’s warm, dry climate and relatively low cost of living.

Built by Dorn Homes, the Sacks’ residence is full of graceful arch-

F E A T U R E D H O M E

Spanish-Style Hacienda

Plenty of beautifully decorated space inside and out of their Spanish hacienda-style home in Green Valley has made a former East Coast couple feel right at home in Southern Arizona.

OPPOSITE PAGE: A large three-tiered fountain is a focal point in the Sacks front yard in the Pasadera neighborhood.

THIS PAGE: An entryway balcony, Spanish floor tiles, tall ceilings and a 10-foot-long fireplace are among the features that come together in the Sacks living room.


An outdoor kitchen and in-ground swimming pool are highlights of the court-yard at the Sacks home in the Pasadera neighborhood in Green Valley.


ways indoors and out, and it soars thanks to a 17-foot tower in the front hallway, plus 14-foot ceilings in the great room and kitchen, and 10-foot ceilings in the two adjacent wings.

The kitchen and two guest bedrooms open onto the courtyard with a swimming pool and hot tub, built-in gas grill and a play area for the Sacks’ grandchildren.

Along with a variety of potted plants, landscaping on the four-acre lot includes Mediterranean palms, a mix of cactus, mesquite trees and a prominent fountain in the front yard; Miriam’s rose garden in a side yard; and a raised cactus garden, Texas Ebony and more in the back.

From the front entry and all the way through the couple’s great room, the view to the east is the glorious Santa Rita Mountain scene


ABOVE: An inviting hot tub is built into the backyard swimming pool at the Sacks home.

BELOW: The comfortable family room offers an invit-ing view of the backyard and the picturesque Santa Rita Mountains beyond.


of Mount Wrightson, Josephine Saddle and Mount Hopkins.Inside, the 30-foot-long great room includes a 10-foot-long, mold-

ed concrete fireplace, Miriam’s concert grand piano, comfortable sofa seating and a spacious dining room.

Clerestory windows and a balcony atop the entryway bring warm, natural light into the great room. Among the treasures are pieces of Miriam’s Depression glass collection and a mahogany drop-leaf table that belonged to her parents.

Complementing the golden stucco facade of the home is a shade of warm flaxen on the great room walls, plus — throughout much of

the home — 16-inch Spanish floor tiles with a mix of neutral tan and auburn hues.

The living room opens into an expansive dining area, with seat-ing for up to 18 people. The couple found the long, solid alder table and upholstered dining chairs at the Aquí Esta furniture store in Tucson’s Lost Barrio.

The china cabinet in the dining room holds additional pieces of her Depression glass collection, dishes and more, and is decorated with a calla lily design that’s repeated in a large coffee cart in the kitchen and the headboard in the master bedroom.


The dining room is topped with a coffered ceiling inset with rope lights, and its large picture window frames the Santa Ritas.

Adjacent to the great room is a 700-square-foot kitchen, where guests enjoy mingling. The flaxen walls and Madera-gold granite countertops give this room a warm ambiance that is reflected in three spacious kitchen islands, five sinks and more than 90 cabinets and drawers.

Among the islands are aisles for baking, cooking, salad prepara-tion, eating and cleanup, plus a breakfast space.

To the east, the kitchen gives way to a family room, where the


LEFT: A beautiful piece of Tiara Depression glass, made by Indiana Glass Co., is part of Mirian Sacks’ collection.

TOP: A colorful, hand-blown Mirano glass bowl is a stunning accent on a coffee table in the Sacks living room.

ABOVE: A calla lily motif is seen in the head-board in the master bedroom, as well as the china cabinet in the dining room and large coffee cart in the kitchen.


couple can relax, watch TV or listen to music.The back suite that leads off the family room has two comfort-

able guest bedrooms — one for the grandkids that is decorated with bunk beds and a carousel ceiling light with fan.

The second bedroom and the kitchen open to the courtyard, swimming pool and covered patio area. Across from the back suite and pool is a bathroom for swimmers, Miriam’s workshop, the ga-rage, and to the north, an additional guest bedroom.

Next to that bedroom is Miriam’s favorite place in the house: her sewing room and design center. This talented artisan sews, paints, plays the piano, and is creating a leaded stained glass work for the master bedroom.

Across the entryway from the sewing room is Bill’s favorite spot: his office with computer, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, exercise equipment, framed art and some of his photography.

From the office, a short hallway leads to the couple’s walk-in clos-ets, well-appointed master bathroom, and the master bedroom.

This room exudes comfort, from the soft, mauve bedding, to the dozens of framed family photos covering all six sets of double-

TOP: Madera-gold granite countertops on three spacious kitchen islands add to the warm ambiance in the large kitchen.

ABOVE: In the kitchen, more than 90 cabinets and drawers, plus the exterior doors of the refrigerator and freezer, are

color-coordinated in a pleasing shade of flaxen.



drawer dressers.The large, silver-framed mirror in this room is one of 16 the couple

found, in varying sizes and designs, in Mexico and bought all at once.

Overall, the roomy Sacks home has five bedrooms and five baths, which has allowed the couple to host 17 out-of-town family mem-bers for the holidays. They also have hosted a concert for 75 friends and neighbors.

Throughout this house, the decor includes an intriguing mix of Southwestern and European art, family photos and heirlooms, prints from the family’s worldwide travels, as well as a pencil drawing of Central Park by Bill’s grandfather, plus a painting of Miriam’s his-toric family home, known as the Bissell Ferry house, along the Con-necticut River.

Without a doubt, family ties flow pleasantly throughout this dis-tinctive Green Valley home.

Green Valley News special projects/Easy Living coordinator

Karen Walenga writes for and edits Hacienda magazine.

HTOP: Carousel horses circle a ceiling fan in a guest bedroom where the Sacks grandchildren bunk when they visit.

ABOVE: Eye-catching decor adds to the comfort of the three guest bedrooms in the Sacks home.

BELOW: A Texas Ebony blooms in late winter in the backyard of the Green Valley

home of Bill and Miriam Sacks.

Canyon can help you with cabine-try for your kitch-en, bath, home

office, entry way, closets, laundry, craft room and more.

A fully licensed general con-tractor since 1995, Tucson-based Canyon Cabinetry & Design works on remodels and new con-struction projects and has some of the finest licensed sub-con-

tractors and networking partners Tucson has to offer.

The company has many fine lines of cabinetry to fit any bud-get and style. Its 7,500-square-foot showroom, warehouse and shop are state-of-the-art, with thousands of combinations and ideas to inspire you.

Canyon’s design team and con-struction department coordinate closely to keep your project on task and running smoothly. This company knows that consumers have many choices, and it takes pride in its customer service.

“Once we have been invited in

your home, we have a responsibil-ity to provide the utmost in integ-rity, service, and product and we take that trust seriously. Remodel experience does matter,” the company says.

Its cabinetry lines include Dura Supreme, Omega, Wood-Mode/Brookhaven, Elmwood Kitchens and multiple private labels. Coun-tertop choices include granite, quartz, solid surface, glass, lami-nates and more. It also offers a full array and selection of hardware to fit any style.

You’ll also find tile for flooring, decorative, mosaic and wall appli-cations, as provided by Canyon’s trade partners, along with ap-pliances, plumbing fixtures and accessories.

Canyon Cabinetry & Design is at 6431 N. Thornydale Road, Suite 141, in Tucson. Phone 520-323-7190 or visit online at www.canyoncabinetry.com. Initial con-sultations are provided at no cost.

Let Canyon Cabinetry & De-sign turn your dream home into a reality.


Photos submitted

C A N Y O N C A B I N E T R Y

Canyon Cabinetry & Design truly be-lieves home remodeling should be an exciting and fun time. It works with its clients step-by-step throughout the project, and its strives to create stress-free design and product choices.

remodeling can be fun

H


6431 N. Thornydale Rd., Suite 141 | Tucson, AZ(520) 323-7190 | HOURS Mon-Fri: 9-5, Sat: 9-3

LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTORS ROC #114433 & #221069 | NKBA MEMBERS

canyoncabinetry.com

Installed and delivered.The hardware for the cabinets is not included.Undercabinet lighting not included.

10 x 10CANYON’S

PREMIER KITCHEN

AS SHOWN$10,492 (+ TAX)

OR AS LOW AS*$9,936 (+ TAX)

* Standard wood cabinets, no tilt out and no cutlery divide is $5412. Standard woods are: Hickory, Rustic Hickory, Oak, Rustic Oak, Maple, Rustic Maple. Granite with no splash is $2025. Granite with splash, add $365. Appliances are $2499. Tilt out is $35. Cutlery Divide is $56. Large selection of door styles and many stains and colors.

KNOTTY CHERRY CABINETS COLOR: DEEP MAHOGANY | DOOR STYLE: CONCORD

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2 year warranty on appliances | TOTAL: $2,500

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COUNTERTOP GRANITE: 6 CHOICES

(with 4 inch backsplash) | TOTAL: $2,387

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RemodelsNew ConstructionKitchens Baths

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Entertainment CentersLaundry / Craft Rooms

Exactly what you want

for all your cabinet and remodeling

needs.

Canyon Cabinetry & Design offers many fine lines of cabinetry and is a fully licensed, bonded and insured General Contractor, able to assist you with all or a

portion of your remodeling needs.

CANYON CABINETRY& DESIGN

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Because if you’renot satisfi ed...NEITHER ARE WE.

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SatisfactionGUARANTEED

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Green Valley Cool-ing & Heating (GVCH) opened in 1968 with one

employee and a mission to build the finest HVAC organization in the area. More than four decades later, the company has grown to more than 25 employees and op-erates out of its state-of-the-art facility at 645 W. Ward Lane in Green Valley.

Customer excellenceFrom the very beginning,

GVCH has been driven to pro-vide the best possible service and products to its customers. Green Valley Cooling & Heat-ing has earned both the Bryant Medal of Excellence and The Bryant Pinnacle Award for out-standing customer service. Its mission statement is “WOW the customer by exceeding their ex-pectations in everything we do.”

Certified techniciansEvery GVCH technician must

earn certification through the rigorous North American Techni-cian Excellence (NATE) training

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has earned EPA certification and has become a Bryant Healthy Air Specialist. You can be assured that GVCH technicians will de-liver the best solutions for any of your HVAC problems.

Full range of servicesGVCH delivers a complete

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rized dealer.

• AC systems & heat pumps• Furnaces• Small package combo units• Hybrid systems• Indoor air-quality solutions• A full line of solar screens to

keep your home cool in the summer

Comfort & air qualityGVCH knows that all system

components must be designed, installed and serviced properly to achieve the only acceptable

result — a clean and comfortable indoor air environment.

Have questions? GVCH will give you honest answers. After all, with more than 225 years of combined staff experience, GVCH is more than ready to serve you.

Phone 520-625-1234, or visit online at www.greenvalleycool-ing.com.

Story and photos courtesy

green valley cooling and heating

Southwestern Solar has been servicing the Green Valley and Sahuarita area

since 2009.Green Valley-based South-

western Solar offers energy-sav-ing solar panels, solar hot water heaters, solar tubular skylights and solar attic fans.

These energy-saving devices use the most plentiful natural resource we have here in the desert, the sun.

Don’t let the high cost of electricity cause you financial concerns. Ask one of South-western Solar’s highly trained

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Your solar unit starts work-ing the day it is installed and your return on investment is between 5 and 15 percent.

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Story and photos courtesy

green valley cooling and heating

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S E A R S H O M E T O W N S T O R E

At the Sears Home-town store in

the Green Valley Village, you are greeted when you walk in, receive personal attention as you shop, and are thanked for coming in when you leave, says owner Joyce Kolb.

Kolb started at a Sears Home-town store in Payson, Ariz., as a sales associate in December 2010. Today, she and her business partner, Eddie Harrison — who has in-depth knowledge of appli-ances, deliveries and installations — now have stores in Payson, Green Valley and Casa Grande.

“We offer most everything a full-line, corporation-owned, mall store carries. Items we don’t stock or carry, we can order in our store for customers, and in most cases save the customer shipping and handling charges, and have those items shipped straight to their door,” Kolb says.

The Green Valley store has home appliances, tools, lawn and garden items, home electronics, fitness items, water heaters and softeners, barbecues and patio furniture.

The most popular items Sears sells in Green Valley are, without a doubt, home appliances.

“We have a big assortment of refrigerators, dishwashers, wash-

ers, dryers, ranges and micro-waves in the store for customers to choose from,” Kolb says.

Customers also like the vacu-ums and tools. And this year, the store is carrying more patio furniture and barbecues, so Kolb expects those will be very popu-lar, as well.

The Hometown stores carry the Sears name and the prices are all set by Sears, so you’ll find items cost the same at Home-

town stores as in Sears mall stores in larger communities.

However, Kolb points out, “be-ing a smaller store, our customers get extra attention and service, as well as an extremely knowl-edgeable staff to assist them.

“I think the thing that stands out the most about our Green Val-ley store is our customer service. For us, the customer comes first. We try to help them understand what they are looking for, what they are purchasing, and we are honest in our approach. We’d rather sell it right the first time, and we concentrate on what our customer needs,” she says.

“I want our stores to be thought of as a shopping experi-ence the way it used to be. Even

if you don’t purchase anything in our store, we are appreciative that you thought enough of us to stop in.”

All her employees try to treat people the way they would want to be treated when shopping, so common courtesy is not a lost art in her stores, Kolb says.

She also brings her dog to work with her, and Gizmo’s favor-ite is the Green Valley store.

“Gizmo is a boxer who steals the heart of most anybody who meets him. He is friendly to cus-tomers, dogs and he loves kids,” Kolb says.

A customer recently told her that coming into a store with a dog that greets you “really makes it feel like your Hometown Store you want to do business with.”

The Sears Hometown store in Green Valley is at 115A W. Esperanza Blvd. Phone 520-393-1943.


Photos submitted

A true “hometown” experience, with a focus on the customer, still can be found in the 21st century.

for customer service the way it used to be


H


make sears homestoreyour fi rst choice!whether you are remodeling or purchasing a new home...

... SEARS is the retailer with the

largest selection of energy star

appliances from Kenmore and other top manufacturers!

We also carry all your great outdoorneeds including patio sets and top of the line bar-b-ques!

115 W. Espernaza Blvd, Suite 115AGreen Valley, AZ 85614

(520) 393-1943Mon-Fri 9am-6:30pm;; Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 11am-6pm

Owned & Operated by: Joyce A. Kolb


Story by dan shearer ■ Photos by brittany walz

WHOLE NEW

LOOKKitchen

remodel wows homeowners


B E F O R E - & - A F T E R


Then things mushroomed, and how.When it was over, the couple ended up gutting their original 1997 kitchen to get a top-to-bottom remodel that left them saying, “Wow!”

Early on, the Ebbesens called Acra Construction in Green Valley and learned they could get new cupboards for the same cost as re-facing. They signed up.

Then they paused and took a look at their stained laminate countertops, uncomfortable sit-down bar, and a quirky kitchen lay-out that split the cooking area.

They did the math and decided it was well worth it to start from scratch. Here’s what they ended up with:

BEFOREAfter more than three years in their Green Val-ley home, Donna and Gary Ebbesen decided it was time for a new look in the kitchen. Something simple. They decided to re-face the cupboards for a slightly darker color.



BEFORE

• The laminate countertops (Donna kindly called them an “unat-tractive color of beige”) gave way to a gorgeous quartz composite with copper flecks.

• They increased the size of the island for more work space, and deepened the bar sitting area for additional leg room.

• Every appliance was replaced with Kenmore stainless steel Energy Star models.

• New hickory cabinets gave a slightly darker look that they love.

• The microwave oven/oven combination was moved to make room for a new pantry with slide-out drawers.

• The microwave was moved above a slide-in range, consolidat-ing the cooking area into one part of the kitchen. That freed up what was a congested part of the kitchen that had included the refrigerator.

In the end, they spent about $30,000 on the remodel, but don’t


even consider that number if you’re looking at a project for your own home.

Acra Construction owners Carl Smith and his wife, Beverly Dis-hong-Smith, say there are dozens of variables that affect the final price tag. Every kitchen is different.

The challenges In the Ebbesens’ case, the nearly octagonal shape proved

challenging. The end of the cabinets required custom-made and stained pieces because of the unusual angles, and the cuts and installation required precise craftsmanship.

The project took about three weeks, which the couple called “minimally disruptive,” and it came in on time and on budget. They did their dishes in the laundry room and ate out a time or two. But for the most part, with a little planning, the work didn’t af-fect their day-to-day routine.

AFTER


“I was surprised at how many people are involved in getting a job like this done — a plumber, electricians, fabricators, tilers. I didn’t realize the hours of work that went into it,” Donna said. “We consider it well worth it.”

And what do they think of their new kitchen? “We stand in the middle of it at the end of the day and go, ‘Oh,

my gosh,’” she said.Carl said Acra Construction does one or two kitchen remodels a

month and is proud that it is one of the fastest-growing companies in the area — sales are up 55 percent over last year. He and his wife have MBAs and say the key is to be customer-service oriented and to make the buying experience a pleasure — no pressure.

Sahuarita resident Dan Shearer is editor of the Green Valley News and

Sahuarita Sun newspapers.

“We stand in the middle of it at the end of the day and

go, ‘Oh, my gosh.’”



You can count on competi-tive pricing, respectable

and courteous service, and an informative, educational experi-ence with Acra.

The company — which gives free estimates and guarantees its work — specializes in in-terior and exterior remodeling as well as fire, wind and water damage insurance repair.

Inside its Green Valley design showroom, you’ll find a variety of carpeting, wood and tile flooring, cabinetry, countertops, window coverings and more.

It carries Daltile, Bedrosians, Longust and Mohawk products and has more than 200 differ-ent tiles on display. Timberlake Cabinetry features include 23 different finishes, 16 door styles, five different wood species and materials. Countertop choices include granite, quartz, solid sur-faces, cultured marble, cultured granite and laminate from a vari-ety of manufacturers.

Plus, Acra this spring is start-ing to remodel an additional 1,000 square feet of showroom space that it aims to complete

by this fall. Their vision is to build vignettes throughout the showroom featuring their prod-ucts, including appliances.

Acra’s owners are the hus-band-wife team of Carl W. Smith and Beverly Dishong-Smith.

Carl, a native of La Porte, Ind., has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arizona State University and a master’s in business administration from La Verne University in Southern California. He worked in various positions in the construction area for more than 25 years and acquired his general contractor’s

license in California and Arizona for residential and small com-mercial construction.

In 2003, Carl established Acra Construction LLC, serving Green Valley, Sahuarita and the sur-rounding areas.

Bev was born and raised in Findlay, Ohio, and has a bache-lor’s degree in communication from Arizona State University and a master’s in business ad-ministration from La Verne Uni-versity in Southern California.

She has worked as a vice president of human resources with a large credit union and is

certified as a senior real estate specialist, is accredited in home staging, and has her real estate license. Bev works with Carl in Acra’s management, and she en-joys helping clients design their next home project.

Acra’s experienced crew includes three journeymen, a project manager, three interior design associates, two estima-tors and a bookkeeper.

Acra’s motto is “We do it all with quality 4 less!”

The company is at 880 W. Camino Casa Verde in Green Valley. Phone 520-399-3200.


Photos submitted

A C R A C O N S T R U C T I O N

From small handyman projects through major home or business remodels, locally owned and operated Acra Construction offers timely, quality service.

passion & qualityAcra’s kitchen, bath & flooring showroom offers skill, selection, service

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“We do it all with quality 4 less!”

Acra Construction LLCRepairs • Remodels • Additions • Builder

880 W. Camino Casa Verde, Green Valley | 520.399.3200

www.GOtoAZ.net

General Contractor • ROC 186920 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Design ShowroomKitchens • Baths • Counters • Cabinets • Flooring • Insurance Repairs: Fire/Water/Wind

J I L L A N D P E T E M U N D Y

fi nd home buying, selling happiness at remax

The couple have worked in the Green Val-ley real estate

market since they moved here in September 2000. Pete has been in the real estate industry since 1978, while Jill got her license when she moved to Arizona. Prior to that, she spent more than 30 years in the commercial banking industry.

The Mundys specialize in resi-dential sales — resale, new home representation, lots, golf course and mountainview homes, as well as ranches and some rural proper-ties. They do most of their busi-ness in Green Valley, but also can serve Sahuarita, Amado, Tubac, Arivaca, and they have associ-ates throughout Southern Arizona for referrals.

You can find Jill and Pete in the

Continental Shopping Plaza at REMAX Valley Properties, part of the multi-national RE/MAX orga-nization. This allows the Mundys the flexibility to run their busi-ness the way they see fit, while capitalizing on the vast expertise and marketing opportunities of the RE/MAX name. Jill points out that RE/MAX is rated No. 1 over-all in satisfaction of home buyers and sellers among full service na-tional real estate organizations.

The couple’s clients can expect efficiency, good advice, prompt responses, professionalism, dedi-cation, thoroughness, plus a bit of fun in the process as well. The couple want their clients to know

they are here for them, any day, any time.

Jill and Pete reside in Green Valley and are in their third house in 10 years, so they practice what they preach. The couple values their business and the friendships they’ve developed over time, are very much part of the Green Val-ley community and will be so for a long time to come.

Their office, RE/MAX Valley Properties, is at 210 W. Continen-tal Road, Suite 220, Phone 520-648-0511.


Photos submitted

Local Realtors Jill and Pete Mundy of REMAX Valley Properties are in pursuit of happiness — your happiness. They strive to make the home buying and selling experience as smooth as possible for their clients.

Jill and Pete Mundy of REMAX Valley Properties specialize in residential sales and provide their clients with efficiency, good advice, prompt

responses, professionalism, dedication, thoroughness, plus a bit of fun.

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1021 W. MISSION TWIN BUTTES $55,000Gorgeous Tuscan hacienda on 3 acres in desirable area. Over 5500 SF including guest casita. 3 FP’s, spa room, den, dining rm w/buffet, huge laundry rm, 2 bonus rooms, 2 2-car garages, grounds galore and a front porch welcoming you to it all.

Hacienda Living

400 W. PASEO DEL CANTO $399,999Charming ranch style living w/large wrap around patio. Upgraded w/in 5 yrs to include fl ooring, kitchen, added master suite. Over 1 acre leaves room for pool or to just enjoy the natural setting. 4BRs plus oversized garage..

2717 S. GREENSIDE PL. $380,000Gorgeous unobstructed views of mountains & golf course from this lovely 1900 SF home. Enjoy your in-ground pool and indoor fi replace. Even has an extra 1/2 bath in addition to 2BR/2BA plus den.

270 W. PASEO DEL CHINO $327,500Newer home in established area in Central Green Valley. 2000+ SF with large corner lot and mountain views. Covered back patio and open front courtyard. Poured stained concrete fl oors throughout. 2BR + den. Cedar closet in garage.

Old Time Ranch Style Pool & Awesome Views Almost New

991 N. DESERT DEER PASS $295,000Need a larger back yard? We’ve got it here—1826 SF Newport model in Quail Creek. 2BR + den. Not far from clubhouse restaurant, etc. Open kitchen into great room makes for easy entertaining.

3931 S. PLACITA DE LA MONEDA $279,500Wonderful expanded Miramar with sweeping mountain views. Great wrap patio, front courtyard, beehive fi replace, computer nook & more. Terrifi c opportunity!

4254 S. CAMINO DEL TEJON $284,500Well maintained Montana with over 2500 SF. Overlooking the golf course. Private yard with mountain and open space views. 2nd BR and den make great guest suite. Wet bar and built in buffer perfect for entertaining.

2423 E. BLUEJAY BLUFF $269,900Popular Laredo model in Quail Creek. Very private back yard with 5’ walls, large tree and water feature. Front courtyard w/moun-tain view. 2BR + den. Furnished and ready for you to move right in. Plantation shutters throughout.

Quail Creek Awesome Views Larger Than Life Furnished In Quail Creek

3556 S. CORTE DE LA PERLA $265,000Remodeled 1750 SF w/2BR + den on cul-de-sac in quiet area. Gorgeous mountain views from lovely covered back patio. Glazed fl oor in 2 car garage. Large built in wall unit in LR along w/beehive fi replace. Beautifully furnished & move-in ready.

996 W. DESERT HILLS DRIVE $249,000Partially remodeled, 2050 SF, 2BR + den home overlooking the 10th fairway of Des-ert Hills Golf Course. Popular Mirimar model with great mountain views. Nice front, gated entry into courtyard.

2040 W. VIA NUEVO LEON $235,000Newly painted & fully furnished. Sits on San Ignacio Golf Course. Patio views of golf course & mountains. Bonus room for offi ce or hobbies. Storage in garage. Just bring your toothbrush.

4631 S. HOLLY ROSE DR. $215,000Nice fl oor plan with open kitchen, large living room and ample laundry room for hob-bies. Fruit trees in yard add to the charm of this 1850 SF, 2BR + den home. Nice views from covered back patio w/electric awning.

Cul-De-Sac Beauty Great Golf Course View Furnished On Golf Course Lots Of Nice Touches

www.jillmundy.com

520-370-7473520-370-7473210 W. Continental Rd., Suite 220 | Green Valley, AZ 85622

VALLEY PROPERTIES


The gallery specializes in mesquite grown in Her-

mosillo, Sonora.“In our sawmill, our craftsmen

mill and kiln-dry some of the fin-est and largest mesquite planks

available. The mesquite trees grown in this arid region result in unique color, marble-like grains, and texture and density not found in any other mesquite wood,” says Susan Walsh, the gallery’s owner since 2005.

The stable nature of mesquite and the character of the wood make it one of the most popular for adding elegance and beauty to any décor.

All of Tubac Territory’s doors, flooring and cabinets for kitch-ens and baths are handcrafted and designed to meet your needs. You can use your own de-sign or one of the gallery’s many classic ones.

Tubac Territory carries solid

wood flooring in three widths that will add a beautiful warmth to any room.

The gallery’s kitchen cabinets can be custom-made for your new home or for your remodel.

“When we are finished with your cabinets and have installed the doors and flooring, we can help you move on to one-of-a-kind art by American artists to complete your look,” Walsh adds.

You’ll find such creations as blown glass lamps by Jared Da-vis of Colorado, sculpted ceramic pieces by Colorado artist Molly Heizer, original oil painting of desert scenes by California artist Carlos Lopez, handcrafted lamps and shades by Kohler, copper sculpture by Greg Gowen of New Mexico, and turned aspen bowls imbedded with turquoise created by Colorado artisan Jim Cook.

Walsh adds that Tubac Ter-ritory customers can expect a professional approach and qual-ity products delivered in a timely manner.

The gallery serves all of Ari-zona and ships out of state.

Tubac Territory is at 1 Calle Baca in Tubac and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone 520-398-2913.


Photos by brittany walz

T U B A C T E R R I T O R Y G A L L E R Y

Inside the Tubac Territory Gallery, you’ll find a mixture of fine art

and handcrafted furniture.

home to mesquite &

more

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520-398-29131 Calle Baca • Tubac, AZ 85646

Story and photos by karen walenga


L A N D S C A P I N G F O R

CatchingYour yard

can help you sell when

you’re ready, or can hinder

a home’s appeal


The outside appearance of your house and the surrounding yard matters more than you may think, says Wayne Coonts, co-owner of Green Valley Nursery.

The yard, whether neat or neglected, accounts for about a third of what a prospective buyer sees in any given home, Coonts says. And the right look outdoors certainly can increase your home’s value.

According to Art Morris, a certified Master Arborist in Atlanta, “Mature, shade-producing trees can contribute up to $10,000 per tree to the value of your home and save you more than 10 percent on your electricity bills.”

Green Valley gardening writer Mary Kidnocker, a University of Arizona Master Gardener, says “Good landscaping will bring folks in off the street to see the home.”

“Neatness and good maintenance of the landscape show that the home has been cared for,” Kidnocker notes, unlike overgrown or over-pruned landscaping.

Most homeowners want to spend time in their yard with family and friends, so attributes such as shady spots here in the Sonoran Desert, and cactus kept at a safe distant from walkways and patios, are great.

Kidnocker has learned that mature homebuyers especially ap-preciate such features as raised beds that allow for gardening without stooping or bending, and that folks moving to the desert from cooler climes look for shade in the yard.

“Citrus trees in the garden are a plus to buyers from other areas,” she also points out. “Trees that do little littering are ap-preciated, and of course, everyone likes privacy, especially on the

L O O K S + V A L U E

ng the eyeJust as clutter-free rooms and fresh paint on the walls add to your home’s indoor ambiance, the right mix of outdoor landscaping can boost your abode’s allure.

Wayne Coonts of Green Valley Nursery recommends desert-adapted plants such as (from left) germander, yellow emu and red emu.


A backyard “window” is part of the mix of hardscape, garden art and desert-adapted plants in the Campbell yard.


smaller lots in our area.”Home sellers can’t go wrong by presenting a yard that is easy to

maintain, Coonts says, and that can be achieved with certain types of shrubbery and foliage.

Among his recommendations:• Shrubs such as Holly (Ilex), which is hardy, looks good throughout

the year, can take the sun and shade, needs little pruning and is a frugal water user.

• For grasses, the rain lily, is green year-round, flowers in spring and fall, and is easy to care for.

• The clean, evergreen Mastic tree drops no messy seeds. Al-though it is a slow grower, its water and fertilizer use is low.

• Easy to care for, decorative cactus, such as the golden barrel that adds color to your yard, and the hardy, heat-tolerant Argentine saguaro.

• Another good choice that’s green year-round is the Blue Glow Agave, which is drought-tolerant, grows in full or low sunlight, and handles the cold and the heat.

What to avoid? Without a doubt, landscaping that blocks a great view, Kidnocker says. After all, everyone enjoys gazing at our beauti-ful Santa Rita Mountains

However, too much color in your landscape can result in a cluttered look, Coonts cautions.

He does recommend the winter-blooming Germander shrub that is easy to care for, is a low-water user, and attracts butterflies, birds and bees. Another good choice is the evergreen Valentine Emu that blossoms January through March, is drought tolerant and can take the full sun.

Emu is among the plants Green Valley homeowner Leslie Campbell chose for her backyard after she and her husband, Gary, bought a home here four years ago.

Using a combination of native and other desert-adapted plants, garden art objects and colorful hardscape, the Campbells have trans-formed their backyard into a comfortable outdoor living space that visitors say is like a park with secluded seating areas.

The Campbell backyard now includes acacia and velvet mesquite

L A N D S C A P I N G F O R L O O K S + V A L U E

Leslie Campbell enjoys gardening in her backyard, which friends say is like a park.


The front yard of the Cederstrom home showcases plants suited to the Sonora Desert, plus natural and

whimsical accents.

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L A N D S C A P I N G F O R L O O K S + V A L U E

trees, Texas rangers, penstemon, chuparosa and justicia, along with vegetable and herb gardens. A well-appointed outdoor kitchen and covered patio for relaxing and dining, plus a fountain and colorful benches, walls and archway make the yard inviting and distinctive.

At the Quail Creek home of Peggy and Dick Cederstrom, the back-yard has become a type of wildlife sanctuary thanks to the plants established there now. Fig, pomegranate, pistache and lemon are the among the trees and shrubs providing a harvest for a variety of birds, an occasional coyote, and the Cederstroms, too.

Since moving here seven years ago, Peggy has replaced some of the initial plants with more desert-adapted choices, so the yard, over-looking the golf course, now includes butterfly bush, Carolina jasmine, bird of paradise, and a Bonita ash tree.

Adding to the ambiance is the undulating patio and two kidney-shaped planting beds, an intentional choice as Peggy follows her aunt’s advice of having “no straight lines in the garden.”

The Cederstroms had the space to accommodate a backyard swim-ming pool but decided against it to save water.

A swimming pool or spa, along with a pond or waterfall, can be a turn-off for some home buyers, Coonts says, pointing out that GV Nursery has taken a lot of them out of yards because of the mainte-nance they require.

He does give a thumbs-up to cactus gardens that can be dotted with boulders and filled with colored rock surrounded by a brick or rock border.

“Those are a big selling point,” Coonts has found, as are brick or block pa-tios with a grill and/or fire pit.

A clean, nicely pruned, good-looking yard certainly makes a great impression, whether the home is on the market or already an owner’s dream come true.

A Meyer lemon tree blossoms in late winter in the Cederstrom yard in Quail Creek.

Carolina jasmine: In late winter, Carolina jasmine

shows a mass of fragrant yellow blooms in the

Cederstrom backyard.

A metal javelina figure looks interested in a gopher plant in the Cederstrom front yard.

Its cold roof lay-over system is a cost-effective, long-lasting, envi-

ronmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based roofing prod-ucts that can’t stand up to the Sonoran Desert sun.

Roof Coating Specialist owner Joe Shepler put his background in polymer science to work to research and develop a product that is ideal for over the top of

flat roofs in Southern Arizona and fiberglass 3-ply roofs in this area.

The results are elastomeric products formulated right here in Arizona exclusively for Roof Coating Specialist. These prod-ucts provide homeowners with a roof that lasts longer, reflects a greater amount of light, and has superior expansion and contrac-tion properties, so it doesn’t break down, Shepler explains.

With this system, 65 percent of older roofs that would other-wise have to be replaced can be salvaged, providing the hom-eowner with 20 years more use at typically half the cost of a roof replacement, he says.

Shepler explains that his em-ployees start by power washing a roof, then they apply a sealer, membrane and another sealer that dry into a single substrate that is covered with a top coat and is impervious to puddling water that can accumulate on a roof.

This system separates Roof Coating Specialist from other roofing companies. “We use no

petroleum products, don’t con-tribute land waste and outlast petroleum products,” he says.

Shepler opened Roof Coating Specialist 14 years ago in Tuc-son, and his nine employees all have received rigorous in-house training so they know all about the products they use and how to install and represent them in a professional manner.

“Our process is self-con-tained. We place nothing on the ground,” he points out. Cus-tomers can expect a pleasant, courteous experience, without unsightly accumulation of ma-terials in their yard or excessive noise and odors.

Following the power wash, the process usually can be com-pleted in one day later the same week.

With a product that is resis-tant to ponding, cracking, chip-ping or peeling, the company is able to offer two- to five-year warranties that provide peace of mind, something else that is un-matched by its competitors.

Visit Roof Coating Specialist at 8383 E. 22nd St., Suite 111, in Tucson, or phone 520-296-4024.


Photos submitted

R O O F C O A T I N G S P E C I A L I S T I N C .

For many Southern Arizona homeowners, Tucson-based Roof Coating Specialist Inc. offers a system that’s hard to beat.

benefi cial roof restoration

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“ When it got to be time to take

over or start my own company, I decided to start my own,” he explains.

Cimaco Floor Service Inc. has been in business 18 years and can handle any flooring job, large or small, residential or commer-cial.

This full-service company offers concrete overlays, strip-ping, sealing, re-sealing, custom designs, hardwood and laminate sales, installation, repair, sand-ing, refinishing, ceramic and Saltillo tile sales, installation, re-pair, stripping, cleaning, sealing and resealing, as well as carpet sales, installation and repair.

Epstein’s specialty is concrete refinishing.

Many homes in Tucson that were built between the 1930s and the 1960s had poured con-crete floors. Concrete is cool in the summer and not as cold as tile in the winter.

It is a level, easy-to-clean surface that is ideal in the desert environment. Instead of the color of sidewalks, the concrete used

for foundations back then had deep, rich reds and browns.

Carpeting, except for some throw rugs, was not needed, but when the carpeting fad came in during the last part of the cen-tury, concrete floors were hidden for years.

As people started to discover the beauty that lay under old carpets, concrete refinishing be-came popular.

Although Cimaco installs new hardwood and laminate floors and provides concrete overlays on damaged or cracked flooring, Epstein says he is proud to also offer clients maintenance for their existing floors.

His favorite thing to work on is refinishing and he recently finished putting a dark stain on hardwood maple floors.

“Maple is the hardest wood

and the most difficult to stain,” he says. “But I found a technique using a dye that worked so well that even if you scratch the wood, you will not see the maple coloring.”

He says, “It’s an art. There’s a lot of guesswork. Over the years, I’ve learned all kinds of tech-niques for both wood and con-crete floors with stains, etching, finishes and saw cut designs.”

The history and expertise Ep-stein brings to customers is as

valuable as the asset of having concrete or natural wood flooring in your home.

Cimaco Flooring Inc. is at 3812 E. 37th St. in Tucson, and is open weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone 520-747-1902.


Photos submitted

C I M A C O

As a teenager, Jeff Epstein worked weekends and summers stripping and refinishing floors all over Tucson. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1991, he went to work in the family business full time.

beauty hiding right under your feet

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• Sales, Installation & Repair of Hardwood Flooring• Expert Sanding and Refi nishing of Hardwood Floors• Concrete Overlay, Restoration & Color Staining• Concrete, Flagstone, Terracotta, Brick & Mexican Tile Refi nishing• Grout Cleaning, Sealing, Coloring & Repair• Garage Floor Epoxy Coatings

Call for an appointment to visitour showroom: (520) 747-1902

L I C E N S E D • B O N D E D • I N S U R E D | R O C # 1 0 6 4 2 3 , 1 0 9 0 2 6 , 1 9 3 5 5 3

Nature did her part....We’ll take care of the rest.


L O C A L E V E N T S , H A P P E N I N G S & G O O D T I M E S

snapshots

THIS PAGE: Green Valley shoppers stroll about a juried art show and sale that ran March 8-10 at Green Valley’s Continental Shopping Plaza, which celebrated its 32nd anniversary with complementary birthday cake and more.photos by BRITTANY WALZ



snapshots

BELOW: Nancy Karsh, president of the Community Performance & Art Center Foundation (right), joins her mother, Ann Nicoll, at a March

fundraiser for CPAC’s Summer Camp of the Arts program for local students. The fundraiser, ‘For the Love of the Arts,’ was held at CPAC.

PHOTO BY DAN SHEARER

LEFT: House manager TJ Wisdom (left) helps tend bar with Mary Twogood in March during the Community Performance & Art Center Foundation’s fundraiser for CPAC’s Summer Camp of the Arts program for children.PHOTO BY DAN SHEARER


APRIL 2012■ Santa Cruz County Horse Races leave the gate the last weekend in

April and first weekend in May. Enjoy thoroughbred and quarter horse racing at the Sonoita Fairgrounds.520-455-5553, sonoitafairgrounds.com

■ Blessing of Sonoita Vineyards, the oldest wine festival in Arizona, takes place on a Saturday in late April with tours of Sonoita Vine-yards, wine tasting and more.520-455-5893, www.sonoitavineyards/festivals

MAY 2012■ Arizona Ranger Days/Heritage Festival, held Memorial Day week-

end in Patagonia Town Park, features music, fiddle contests, a Saturday night dance, Sunday Rotary pancake breakfast, and a homemade dinner hosted by the Patagonia Senior Citizens.520-394-0060, sonoitaelginchamber.org


snapshots

Artist Susan Falcon-Hargraves, a member of the Arizona 8 artists group, took part in the March 7 opening reception for the group’s exhibition at the Green Valley Village, which runs through April 25 in the Village’s Suite 13 meeting room.photo by LAUREN HILLQUIST

Artist Beth Ray, at left, talks with Judy Hamilton and Ellen Hamilton, at right, during an opening reception March 7 at the Green Valley Village for the Arizona 8 exhibit that runs through April 25 in the Village’s Suite 13 meeting room.photo by LAUREN HILLQUIST

■ Enjoy live music, games, art exhibitions and great Mexican food at Fiesta de Mayo Celebrations in Nogales, Ariz.520-287-3685, www.thenogaleschamber.com

JUNE 2012■ Sonoita Quarter Horse Show is the oldest show of its kind in the

nation. Held the first weekend in June at Sonoita Fairgrounds. 520-394-2707, sonoitaelginchamber.org

JULY 2012■ Tubac welcomes residents and visitors to its Independence Day

Celebration. Old-fashioned games for the kids in the morning are at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, and folks gather in the eve-ning for fireworks at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. Shops, galleries and restaurants open all day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.520-398-2704, www.tubacaz.com

■ Patagonia’s Fourth of July Celebration in downtown Patagonia is filled with events all day — a parade, food booths, music, fireworks and dance at Patagonia Town Park and Patagonia High School.520-394-0060, sonoitaelginchamber.org.

Southern AriZona

Events2012


When I Represent You In Buying or Selling A Home

I Will Pay $395.00*Toward your Coldwell Banker®

Home Protection Plan byAmerican Home Shield®

A renewable service contract that covers the repair and replacement of many major home

system components that break down due to normal wear and tear.

diane.m.moran520-975-5196

Owned And Operated by NRT LLC

www.ahshome.comWorry Less. Live More.

*Certain terms, conditions and/or service fees may apply.If no service contract is needed, the amount may be applied toward

my client’s fees at close of escrow. Expires 1/1/13


snapshots

In her Green Valley studio, artist Kari Miller displays some of her creations for visitors to see during the Open Studios ‘Hidden Treasures of the Santa Cruz Valley’ event, held for three days in mid-March, with 54 artists from Sahuarita to Nogales taking part.photo by LAUREN HILLQUIST

Sarah Erwin, at left, Harriet Ayer and Marge Hurst, at right, enjoy an artist reception for watercolorists Kit Humphries and Ione Mosier on March 2 at Posada Java in Green Valley.photo by LAUREN HILLQUIST

AUGUST 2012■ Blessing of the Harvest in Elgin celebrates the grape harvest

with wine tastings, winery tours, live music, dancing and a grape stomping contest.520-455-5893, www.patagoniaaz.com

SEPTEMBER 2012■ Fiesta Sahuarita, held every year at Anamax Park on the fourth

Saturday of the month, celebrates the town of Sahuarita’s birth-day with music, food, displays, booths and activities for young and old. 520-822-8896, www.ci.sahuarita.az.us/index.php/fiesta-sahuarita.html

■ Santa Cruz County Fair, held the last weekend in September, Friday though Sunday, features a 4-H auction and exhibit, car-nival, vendors, school exhibits and family entertainment until 9 p.m. at the Sonoita Fairgrounds.520-455-5553, sonoitafairgrounds.com

OCTOBER 2012■ Country Fair White Elephant Days in Green Valley is headlined

by a Saturday parade through town, and includes several days


Mon-Fri 7-5Sat 7-4

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of arts and crafts festivals plus entertainment and food the last weekend in October.520-625-4119, www.gvwhiteelephant.org

■ Patagonia Fall Festival each year fills the town park with fine arts, crafts and food booths, plus entertainment, on the second week-end in October. 520-394-0060 or 888-794-0060, www.patagoniafallfestival.com

■ Anza Day at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, named for Spanish Lt. Col. Juan Bautista de Anza, presents a living history of the Indian, Mexican and Spanish colonial periods on a Saturday. Enjoy historical re-enactments, period costumes, folklorico danc-ers, mariachi music and children’s activities.520-398-2252, tubacpresidiopark.com

NOVEMBER 2012■ The annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival is “the nuttiest festival in

Southern Arizona.” It takes place on a Saturday in mid-November at Green Valley Pecan Co., 1625 E. Sahuarita Road, and features an agricultural heritage area, local food vendors, music and dancing, and two running events, the Pecan Classic and Nut Run.520-820-3299, www.sahuaritapecanfestival.com

■ Amado Chili Cook Off & Car Show, at the Amado Territory Ranch at Interstate 10 exit 48, serves up fun and food with a beer garden, art vendors, food booths, wine tasting, car show, hot air balloon ride raffle and more on a Saturday in mid-November.520-396-0111, www.amadoaz.com

■ Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Grassland Fair in mid-No-vember at refuge headquarters near Sasabe. Exhibits, demonstra-tions, talks, walks, music, food, shopping and more.520-823-4251 x 116 or 520-405-5665, www.friendsofbanwr.org

DECEMBER 2012■ Village of Tubac merchants host the two-day Luminaria Nights—

Fiesta de Navidad holiday celebration in early December. Streets are lined with luminarias and the stores are open until 9 p.m. Come at sunset for lots of great homemade food, homespun music, and even Santa Claus.520-398-2704, www.tubacaz.com

■ La Fiesta de Tumacacori, held the first weekend in December at Tumacacori National Historical Park, celebrates the many cultures of the Santa Cruz Valley with about 50 food and craft booths, con-tinuous live entertainment, and children’s activities. Festivities take place Saturday and Sunday, with a 10 a.m. procession on Sun-day through the fiesta grounds to the mission church, followed by a traditional Mariachi Mass. Free admission.520-398-2341, www.nps.gov/tuma

■ The holiday season sparkles during the Winter Festival at Sahuari-ta Lake Park on a Saturday in mid-December. Enjoy an ice-skating rink, pictures with Santa Claus, vendors and more. Sponsored by Sahuarita Parks & Recreation Department and Rancho Sahuarita.520-445-7850, www.ci.sahuarita.az.us

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Not only is La Posada home to more than 700 Green Val-

ley residents, it has a workforce of more than 500 individuals, making it the second-largest area employer.

La Posada came into existence to meet a community need, as is true of most not-for-profit organi-zations. In 1987, Tucson Medical Center recognized that Green Valley was a growing center for

retirement living but lacked the services and programs that senior residents needed.

“At that time, Green Valley was home to about half the population that it enjoys today, and neighbor-ing developments, such as Quail Creek and much of Sahuarita did not exist,” CEO Lisa Israel ex-plained. “It was apparent, howev-er, that the area would continue to grow and the need for supportive services would expand.”

And grow it did. By 1997, Tuc-

L A P O S A D A A T P A R K C E N T R E

Twenty-five years of change and growth are being celebrated this year at La Posada at Park Centre, Green Valley’s only continuing care retirement community.

La Posada celebrates 25 years of growth

son Medical Center had fulfilled its vision for serving Green Valley seniors, and La Posada became an independent, not-for-profit, con-tinuing care retirement communi-ty. It was the first such community in Arizona to earn national ac-creditation and today stands apart as an award-winning campus.

“It is our mission to maximize the well-being and care of seniors and our goal to meet the future needs of our community at large,” Israel said.

La Posada’s housing options range from single-bedroom apart-ments to spacious Park Centre Homes, which were recently honored nationally as a top “green community” for their environmen-tally sensitive construction and use of solar energy.

The campus also provides sup-port services, including long-term skilled nursing care, memory care and assisted living suites. Resi-dents have priority access, but as space allows, healthcare services are available to the entire Green Valley community.

La Posada takes full advantage of its 110-acre campus. The cen-terpiece is Central Park, featuring nature paths, labyrinth and a wind harp. Residents enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, an art studio and observatory.

What’s new? Here are four

examples:

• Installing solar energy collec-

tors in 2011 and 2012 to provide thermal energy for heating the in-door pool and the laundry facility.

• Opening The Continental, a new dining option in fall 2011 to offer residents a formal restaurant as an option to the more casual dining venues.

• Launching of the Inspired Liv-ing Institute, providing education, research and programs designed to promote senior wellness and a positive perception of aging.

• Merging with Casa de Espe-ranza in 2011, resulting in a new outreach department, Casa Com-munity Services. All of Casa’s pro-grams are open to the public and include Adult Day Health Care, Los Niños del Valle Preschool and Child Care, Behavioral Health Services and the Casa Community Center, which also is the loca-tion of Green Valley’s only Senior Lunch Program. Casa’s history serving the Green Valley commu-nity will reach 25 years in 2013.

“As a not-for-profit community asset, our objectives are based upon a long-term commitment to the Green Valley-Sahuarita area,” Israel explained. “Our first 25 years have seen incredible growth and change. We are prepared to make the most of our next 25 years to meet the future needs of our com-munity.”

Story and photos

courtesy la posada

H

Set among the pecan groves, with desert-sensitive landscaping, the La Posada community covers more than 100 acres. African daisies, pictured, are

among the plants that add color to the surroundings.

La Posada residents working on a bonsai project are, from left. Kit Humphries, Joan Kessel, Punky Griggs, Martha Sadler and Mary Boe.

Within reach &more affordable than ever!

The Retirement

You Deserve

La Posada is Green Valley’s award-winning, accredited not-for-profit continuing careretirement community & offers:

• Independent & assisted living homes• A beautiful 100-acre campus • Resort-style conveniences, such as gourmet meals,

housekeeping & maintenance• A fitness pavilion, recreation center & walking trails• Scheduled social activities & community events • Nearby shops & café• Peace of mind with our Life Lease Program • Priority access to high-quality, private healthcare

1-855-626-4881www.LaPosadaGV.com • Visit us on

350 E. Morningside Rd. • Green Valley, Arizona

*All entrance fee discounts are available until April 30, 2012 or until the current inventory of La Vista Apartments and Garden Homes is contracted. Discount values may change by unit and without notice.

Residency restrictions apply.

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