Northwest
Forum set on proposed fire-district merger
Citizens for Picture Rocks is hosting a community forum on the proposed merger or consolidation of the Picture Rocks Fire District with Northwest Fire/Rescue District.
The free public event is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 21 at Picture Rocks Community Center, 5615 N. Sanders Road. An iced-tea social time begins at 6:30.
Participants include Picture Rocks Fire Chief Kathy Duff-Stewart, Northwest Fire Chief Jeff Piechura, retired Picture Rocks Fire Chief Chuck Hay — who opposes a merger — and a firefighters' union representative.
They will state their positions and respond to questions submitted by the community.
Oro Valley
Ranch nominated for national historic status
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The State Historic Sites Review Committee, part of the State Historic Preservation Office, last week unanimously supported Oro Valley's nomination of Steam Pump Ranch as a national historic site.
State approval moves the old stagecoach ranch a step closer to receiving the federal government's historic-site designation. Once federal approval is secured, Steam Pump Ranch can be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
At a June 30 committee meeting, all seven members approved Oro Valley's application to move forward, stating Steam Pump Ranch holds local significance in the region's ranching history.
The steam pump itself, only one of two in operation during the 1800s in Arizona, represented the first use of groundwater in the state at that time, according to a town news release.
A national historic site designation makes Oro Valley eligible for federal funding to help restore the property for public viewing.
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has included a $1 million appropriations request for the project in the next fiscal year.
Free card gets discount on prescription drugs
Oro Valley has joined with the National League of Cities to bring a new prescription drug program to the town. Oro Valley residents can pick up a free discount card that can save an average of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.
The cards are free and without restrictions based on a resident's age, income level or existing health coverage. The cards can be used at many area pharmacies as well as out of town. To receive the discount, residents must show the card when buying medication.
Cards are available at Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive; at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive; and at any Coyote Run buses.
For more information go online to www.nlc.org or call Town Hall at 229-4700.
Eat healthy on a budget
Today at 7 p.m., Oro Valley Hospital Chef Victor Anderes will demonstrate how to prepare healthy meals that are flavorful and budget-friendly.
"Eating Well Equals Eating Healthy" is the topic of the free Commit to be Fit lecture at the hospital, 1551 E. Tangerine Road.
Anderes will share recipes, food samples and cooking tips for healthy dishes such as sopa azteca, grilled vegetables and desserts.
Space is limited. To register, call 1-866-694-9355 or go online to www.orovalleyhospital.com and click on "Community Education."
Learn computer basics at free library classes
The Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive, is offering free computer classes this summer.
Participants can learn the basics of computers and software as well as receive one-on-one tutoring. Classes, which are held in the library's computer classroom, are limited to 10 people.
The next two classes will be on computer basics from 1 to 3 p.m. July 17 and on e-mail accounts from 2 to 4 p.m. July 23.
Registration is required at 229-5300.
Marana
Town Manager Davidson at Harvard this month
Marana Town Manager Gilbert Davidson has gone back to school this month.
Davidson is participating in the Harvard University Senior Executive in State and Local Government Program, for which he left on Friday and plans to return to work July 27.
He is spending the month in Cambridge, Mass.
His participation is covered by scholarship and comes at no cost to the town. He is paying his own travel costs.
"It'll be a good opportunity to step back and re-engage in public service," Davidson said in an interview the day before he left.
The program will give him a chance to connect with other people whose communities are going through similar situations as Marana, opening doors to information on how to deal with certain issues, he said.
Assistant Town Manager Deb Thalasitis is in charge of administrative functions in Davidson's absence.
Town fills some cut positions from within
Three staff positions of 10 the town announced last month would be eliminated are being filled internally. However, the previous positions held by two of the employees who were promoted have been eliminated.
The town utilities director's spot — which opened up with the retirement of Brad DeSpain — has been filled by Dorothy O'Brien, who was the assistant utilities director. Her old position will not be filled.
The environmental coordinator position has been filled by a staffer whose previous position was then eliminated, and a senior human resources analyst position will be filled.
