Past NEWS/EVENTS 2019 - 2020
• Meadow View Linear Garden, October 2020
• Mural Notecards are available: Orders due by Oct 5, 2020
• RillitoBend Neighborhood Newsletter, Fall 2020, published by the City of Tucson
• Councilman Paul Durham's Note Features the Neighborhood Mural: March 27, 2020
• Invasive Species Alert: March 21, 2020: Stinknet was spotted!
• Clean Up Day, Rio Vista Park, March 21, 2020, 8:30-11:30
• RillitoBend Neighborhood Mural Dedication and Party, March 8, 2020, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Arizona Daily Star features our mural artist Sue Ann Breems, March 8, 2020
• Clean Up Day, Cactus Linear Garden, February 29, 2020, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
• Rio Vista Conservation Project Day, Phase 2, January 9, 2020
• RillitoBend Neighborhood Newsletter, Fall 2019, published by the City of Tucson
• Rio Vista Conservation Project Day, September 28, 2019
• City of Tucson's Community Forum: You are invited to take part in the NEW SURVEYS
• Meadow View Linear Garden, October 2020
• Mural Notecards are available: Orders due by Oct 5, 2020
• RillitoBend Neighborhood Newsletter, Fall 2020, published by the City of Tucson
• Councilman Paul Durham's Note Features the Neighborhood Mural: March 27, 2020
• Invasive Species Alert: March 21, 2020: Stinknet was spotted!
• Clean Up Day, Rio Vista Park, March 21, 2020, 8:30-11:30
• RillitoBend Neighborhood Mural Dedication and Party, March 8, 2020, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Arizona Daily Star features our mural artist Sue Ann Breems, March 8, 2020
• Clean Up Day, Cactus Linear Garden, February 29, 2020, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
• Rio Vista Conservation Project Day, Phase 2, January 9, 2020
• RillitoBend Neighborhood Newsletter, Fall 2019, published by the City of Tucson
• Rio Vista Conservation Project Day, September 28, 2019
• City of Tucson's Community Forum: You are invited to take part in the NEW SURVEYS
RBNA Board member Catlow Shipek spearheaded a new initiative: a linear garden on Allen Road. Working with Paula Dasko of Meadowview, he designed and oversaw the installation of over 65 native plants including native shade trees —two velvet mesquite and four desert ironwood—along the north wall of the Meadowview community. Neighbors young and old came out to help by planting, watering, placing wire cages around the young plants, and even playing music. Meadowview neighbors are hand watering until the native plants are established. Please slow down and tell them thanks if you see them caring for the new plants.
published annually by the City of Tucson
Councilman Paul Durham's Note Features the Neighborhood Mural
Once again, Sue Ann Breems' mural makes the news, this time by Paul Durham, our Ward 3 Councilman and RIllitoBend neighbor—in his Note dated March 27, 2020. Scroll down to the second story...
Once again, Sue Ann Breems' mural makes the news, this time by Paul Durham, our Ward 3 Councilman and RIllitoBend neighbor—in his Note dated March 27, 2020. Scroll down to the second story...
Invasive Species Alert: Stinknet
From Estelle Stern-Eilers, 3.21.20:
We have a new invasive plant in Tucson that is important to identify and eradicate. It can pose health problems for people with respiratory issues, some may experience an allergic reaction upon skin contact. Plus—and this is very detrimental to our desert plants—it burns very hot.
This morning I found a small plant on the North side of Allen Road just before Tucson Blvd. I have marked it and left the brochure for those of you who want to check it out. I will dig it up this Monday.
Stinknet has a very distinctive smell, since the plant on Allen is very small I suggest you rub the leaves a little and can smell it.
If you see it around Tucson make sure it is dug up before the seeds are ready to spread.
If you see it in RillitoBend, please let me know.
Thank you.
From Estelle Stern-Eilers, 3.21.20:
We have a new invasive plant in Tucson that is important to identify and eradicate. It can pose health problems for people with respiratory issues, some may experience an allergic reaction upon skin contact. Plus—and this is very detrimental to our desert plants—it burns very hot.
This morning I found a small plant on the North side of Allen Road just before Tucson Blvd. I have marked it and left the brochure for those of you who want to check it out. I will dig it up this Monday.
Stinknet has a very distinctive smell, since the plant on Allen is very small I suggest you rub the leaves a little and can smell it.
If you see it around Tucson make sure it is dug up before the seeds are ready to spread.
If you see it in RillitoBend, please let me know.
Thank you.
Clean-Up Day, Rio Vista Natural Resource Park, March 21, 2020
From Estelle Stern-Eilers:
We had a productive clean up, weeding invasive London Rocket, Bermuda grass, Fox Tail. We cleared weeds around native plants to give them some space to grow. And we discovered two wolfberry bushes! Here are a few photos of our efforts.
We shall be conducting more clean up days, so stay tuned!
From Estelle Stern-Eilers:
We had a productive clean up, weeding invasive London Rocket, Bermuda grass, Fox Tail. We cleared weeds around native plants to give them some space to grow. And we discovered two wolfberry bushes! Here are a few photos of our efforts.
We shall be conducting more clean up days, so stay tuned!
RillitoBend Neighborhood Mural Dedication and Block Party, March 8, 2020
Over 100 people came out on this glorious day to see the unveiling of Sue Ann Breems’ mural (at the NE corner of Cactus and Prince). Read the Arizona Star’s story on Sue Ann for more information.
The party venue was an empty lot near the mural—thank you, Julie and Jason—and it was festooned with colorful cotton streamers, a few tents and tables, and a poster. Vicky Stromee, a professional photographer from the neighborhood, created the collage to provide some backdrop to the installation of the 33’ long mural. The Neighborhood Social Committee, spearheaded by Sue DeArmond, hosted the party. Abiding by our “Zero Waste” policy, there were no paper/plastic products except for napkins.
After remarks by Stephen Brigham, Murray DeArmond, Sue Ann’s sister Vanna, Sue Ann’s neighbors Linda and Justin, husband David, Ward 3 Councilman’s Chief of Staff Sarah Launius and Sue Ann, we paraded down Cactus to the mural. Lisa Fabrizio led the way, carrying a long metal shepherd’s staff from which dangled a tiny speaker blaring marching music. With Sue Ann’s command, “Drop it, boys!,” the boys dropped the shroud to reveal the marvelous mural. No one got hurt —it’s a busy intersection—and everyone was amazed. The crowd returned to eat a special cake made by neighborhood resident, Mary Bird, decorated with edible images of the tile. A success in every way!
Over 100 people came out on this glorious day to see the unveiling of Sue Ann Breems’ mural (at the NE corner of Cactus and Prince). Read the Arizona Star’s story on Sue Ann for more information.
The party venue was an empty lot near the mural—thank you, Julie and Jason—and it was festooned with colorful cotton streamers, a few tents and tables, and a poster. Vicky Stromee, a professional photographer from the neighborhood, created the collage to provide some backdrop to the installation of the 33’ long mural. The Neighborhood Social Committee, spearheaded by Sue DeArmond, hosted the party. Abiding by our “Zero Waste” policy, there were no paper/plastic products except for napkins.
After remarks by Stephen Brigham, Murray DeArmond, Sue Ann’s sister Vanna, Sue Ann’s neighbors Linda and Justin, husband David, Ward 3 Councilman’s Chief of Staff Sarah Launius and Sue Ann, we paraded down Cactus to the mural. Lisa Fabrizio led the way, carrying a long metal shepherd’s staff from which dangled a tiny speaker blaring marching music. With Sue Ann’s command, “Drop it, boys!,” the boys dropped the shroud to reveal the marvelous mural. No one got hurt —it’s a busy intersection—and everyone was amazed. The crowd returned to eat a special cake made by neighborhood resident, Mary Bird, decorated with edible images of the tile. A success in every way!
Stephen Brigham emcees
Parading down Cactus Blvd to the mural
The crowd watches the unveiling.
Writing comments in the "Thanks, Sue Ann!" book
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The homemade sheet cake with edible images of the tile
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Arizona Daily Star Article Features Sue Ann Breems, March 8, 2020
https://tucson.com/news/local/labor-of-love-new-mural-captures-natural-beauty-of-north/article_8ecb977e-6d37-599a-ad8b-7f62748d0b6f.html |
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Clean Up Day, Cactus Linear Garden, February 29, 2020
From Estelle Stern-Eilers:
In anticipation of the unveiling of Sue Ann Breems’ mural on March 8th, we want to make sure our linear cactus garden and Lucie's Garden on Cactus Blvd is weed-free and in a nice shape. We might also reinforce some swales for more rain water harvesting. This is a good time to give it some TLC.
From Estelle Stern-Eilers:
In anticipation of the unveiling of Sue Ann Breems’ mural on March 8th, we want to make sure our linear cactus garden and Lucie's Garden on Cactus Blvd is weed-free and in a nice shape. We might also reinforce some swales for more rain water harvesting. This is a good time to give it some TLC.
Rio Vista Conservation Project Day, Phase 2: Closing of Rogue Paths at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park, January 9, 2020
On a chilly morning in January, the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, the Arizona Conservation Corps, and the Rio Vista Conservation Project led an ecological restoration workday at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park. This collaborative effort was the second phase of a plan to close rogue (unauthorized) paths and to enhance designated trails for park visitors. Rogue paths destroy wildlife habitat and native plants and compact the soil, threatening the natural communities to whose protection our natural resource park is dedicated.
Five members of the Tucson Parks and Recreation staff (including Parks Area Supervisor Ann Jefferson), 4 Arizona Conservation Corps volunteers, 12 neighborhood volunteers (including Ward 3 Councilmember Paul Durham and several board members and advisors of the RillitoBend Neighborhood Association), and 2 Rio Vista Conservation Project personnel laid brush along rogue paths and blocked entrances with signed barriers. As a result, all of the targeted paths were closed in a single day. Since then, many park visitors have contributed suggestions and encouragement.
The Rio Vista Conservation Project is deeply grateful not only for the diligence of the workday participants but also for the considerable investment in planning and preparation by Tucson Parks and Recreation staff and Arizona Conservation Corps volunteers before the event. Special thanks also to the neighbors and local landscapers who contributed brush.
After natural regrowth of vegetation has closed rogue paths in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 areas more completely, barriers will be removed and will be reused for closures farther north in the park. Anyone interested in participating in future restoration efforts at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park can reach the Rio Vista Conservation Project at ProRioVista@gmail.com.
Report by Jennifer Shopland, Project Manager and Melanie Campbell-Carter, Project Advisor
On a chilly morning in January, the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, the Arizona Conservation Corps, and the Rio Vista Conservation Project led an ecological restoration workday at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park. This collaborative effort was the second phase of a plan to close rogue (unauthorized) paths and to enhance designated trails for park visitors. Rogue paths destroy wildlife habitat and native plants and compact the soil, threatening the natural communities to whose protection our natural resource park is dedicated.
Five members of the Tucson Parks and Recreation staff (including Parks Area Supervisor Ann Jefferson), 4 Arizona Conservation Corps volunteers, 12 neighborhood volunteers (including Ward 3 Councilmember Paul Durham and several board members and advisors of the RillitoBend Neighborhood Association), and 2 Rio Vista Conservation Project personnel laid brush along rogue paths and blocked entrances with signed barriers. As a result, all of the targeted paths were closed in a single day. Since then, many park visitors have contributed suggestions and encouragement.
The Rio Vista Conservation Project is deeply grateful not only for the diligence of the workday participants but also for the considerable investment in planning and preparation by Tucson Parks and Recreation staff and Arizona Conservation Corps volunteers before the event. Special thanks also to the neighbors and local landscapers who contributed brush.
After natural regrowth of vegetation has closed rogue paths in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 areas more completely, barriers will be removed and will be reused for closures farther north in the park. Anyone interested in participating in future restoration efforts at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park can reach the Rio Vista Conservation Project at ProRioVista@gmail.com.
Report by Jennifer Shopland, Project Manager and Melanie Campbell-Carter, Project Advisor
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Arizona Conservation Corps
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RillitoBend Neighborhood Newsletter, Fall 2019
published annually by the City of Tucson
Rio Vista Conservation Project Day, September 28, 2019
Announcement from the City of Tucson, August 21, 2019
You're INVITED - NEW Surveys Available
Welcome to Tucson's Community Forum! We're really excited to engage the community in a way that works for you. Your opinion matters and the responses from these surveys and other feedback opportunities will be used in the decision making process. There are four active surveys:
1. Customer Service Survey
Helps us understand the community's needs around connecting with the City and accessing City services or resources
2. Stormwater Management Services Story & Survey -
Provides input on the proposed City of Tucson program to provide additional stormwater management services.
3. Conservation Budget Challenge
Take our Conservation Budget Challenge! How would you spend $100 on water conservation programs?
4. Anza Park Improvements Survey
Help us decide how to improve Anza Park (Stone & First)
Click button below to access all four surveys. (tucsonaz.gov/communityforum).
Please share this link and any of these surveys amongst your own social groups. No one is required to register to provide feedback on these surveys and those that do will only be contacted in relation to Tucson's Community Forum. We are working to get the word out to as many people as possible and would love your help. Thank you for helping us make decisions based on community input!
City of Tucson - Office of Innovation and Strategy (innovation@tucsonaz.gov)
You're INVITED - NEW Surveys Available
Welcome to Tucson's Community Forum! We're really excited to engage the community in a way that works for you. Your opinion matters and the responses from these surveys and other feedback opportunities will be used in the decision making process. There are four active surveys:
1. Customer Service Survey
Helps us understand the community's needs around connecting with the City and accessing City services or resources
2. Stormwater Management Services Story & Survey -
Provides input on the proposed City of Tucson program to provide additional stormwater management services.
3. Conservation Budget Challenge
Take our Conservation Budget Challenge! How would you spend $100 on water conservation programs?
4. Anza Park Improvements Survey
Help us decide how to improve Anza Park (Stone & First)
Click button below to access all four surveys. (tucsonaz.gov/communityforum).
Please share this link and any of these surveys amongst your own social groups. No one is required to register to provide feedback on these surveys and those that do will only be contacted in relation to Tucson's Community Forum. We are working to get the word out to as many people as possible and would love your help. Thank you for helping us make decisions based on community input!
City of Tucson - Office of Innovation and Strategy (innovation@tucsonaz.gov)