Find out how much the sports industry brings to the economy of Tucson. Host Vicki Evans talks with Vincent Trinidad, Director of Tucson Sports for the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (MTCVB) and Jim Tiggas, Founder of Tucson Invitational Games.

Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Saturdays, Mondays and Thursdays
6pm on 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

Melissa Black, President and CoFounder of the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce (SAGCC) and Hank Krzysik, an architect and member of SAGCC share their expertise on solar energy and sustainability in Tucson with the Tucson community.

Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce
Saturdays, Mondays and Thursdays
6:15pm on 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

Dr. Joan Ashcraft DMA, CoArtistic Director of Arts Express Inc. and Music Director of Let Freedom Ring and Peter Ageh, UA student and Arts Express choir member promote Arts Express’ annual free family concert, Let Freedom Ring, on July 4th. Watch to find out how to reserve your free tickets.

Arts Express, Inc.
Saturdays, Mondays and Thursdays
6:30pm on 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

Non-profit organizations No Labels, Tucson Fountain Plaza, JTED and Border Action Network are featured this month.

Imagine Democrats, Independents and Republicans working together to solve our nation’s problems. No Labels is a newly formed national movement, an organization that wants to grow from the local level up, a forward thinking group of people frustrated with the partisian gridlock. Bunny Davis, No Labels State leader and Brooke Bedrick, No Labels local member talk about how to re-engage the public in politics to make a difference.

What would it take to revitalize downtown Tucson? Some envision a touch of Las Vegas. Raj Kohli, President of Tucson Fountain Plaza and Melissa Black, President of the Green Chamber of Commerce talk about the possibilites and expand on the Tucson Fountain Plaza project.

Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED) is a voter initiated and very successful organization that enhances career technical education for local high school students to become qualified workers for local business and industry. Aaron Ball, Executive Director for Program Development and Jill Ranucci, JTED/CTE Coordinator at Catalina Foothills School District talk about how the 53% budget cut handed down from the Arizona State Legislature will effect JTED’s 99% placement rate.

To overcome our differences and fear of one another, Miguel Ortega, Deputy Director and Fernando Gonzales, board member of Border Action Network discuss BAN’s recent local, state and national advocacy efforts and their immigration and human rights training and support for local communities in Southern Arizona.

You can see Local Matters on Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox) on Saturdays, Mondays and Thursdays starting at 6pm.

May 2011
No Labels at 6pm
Tucson Fountain Plaza at 6:15pm
JTED at 6:30pm
Border Action Network at 6:45pm

In June, watch for the Metropolitan Tucson Convention Visitors Bureau (MTCVB), Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce, Casa Adobes Optimists Club and Arts Express.

Non-profit organizations are invited to a workshop focusing on a variety of cost-effective ways to make media a key component of their communications strategy.

“As a fellow non-profit, Access Tucson’s mission is to serve the citizens of Tucson,” says Executive Director, Lisa Horner, “one of the ways we do this is to provide space for viewers to learn about the resources available in our community. In our 26-year history we’ve partnered with 100’s of area non-profits to showcase their events, issues and services.”

Access Tucson can provide non-profit organizations with low-cost alternatives to media resources that would cost hundreds of dollars more at commercial sources.

“Right now, budgets are stretched to the limit and using media technology can be expensive”, says Horner, “at the same time it is imperative for organizations to maintain community support and visibility.”

Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for a $50, 30-second organizational PSA that would be telecast for a month on Access Tucson’s 3 channels.

Access Tucson provides training, access to telecommunications technology and a public forum for all Tucson residents, organizations and businesses. Access Tucson’s 3 cable channels reach more than 200,000 households in Pima County.

Contact:
Vicki Evans
vevans@accesstucson.org
520-624-9833
c-917-399-0890

Last Tuesday 3/9 the Mayor and Council took an important step toward the survival of community media in Tucson. By a vote of 6-1 (with Councilmember Rodney Glassman voting no – he moved to eliminate all funding for Access Tucson next year but that motion died for lack of a second) they directed Tucson 12 to move in with Access Tucson at 124 E. Broadway. They also said that there will be parity* of funding and support for Tucson 12 and Access Tucson. While the details of Tucson 12’s move have yet to be worked out, there was clear support for both Access Tucson and Tucson 12 to continue to provide their award-winning services into the future.

*According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, parity means equality in power, value, etc.

Access Tucson will re-open next Wednesday

Last Thursday 3/11 the Access Tucson Board met and approved a work-plan and budget from the time we re-open next Wednesday, March 24th until the next planned closure – the month of June. With zero funding for January to June some very tough choices have been made.

There will be changes

Things will be different. Almost half of the Access Tucson staff has been laid off due to the elimination of funding that started January. The staff that remains will be coming off of a six week furlough and will be furloughed again the month of June.

Production services will be on a different schedule. Our hours of operation through May will be Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. each day. Check-ins and check-outs of equipment and limited classes will occur only on these days. Some producers who had times reserved other than these hours will need to re-schedule.

No studio production or anchor desk classes will be offered through May.

All services to non-profit groups and organizations have been cut through May.

The cablecast schedule remains as is through May however, programs will now need to be turned in five days in advance of any scheduled playback. Details of how the June closure will effect programming will be forthcoming soon and expect a revamped cablecast lottery in July for a new season starting in September.

There may be other interruptions in services the next two months as the building is changed to make room for Tucson 12.

All of these things are being done with the least possible impact on members and producers, yet the impact will still be felt by all.

Board nomination period extended

Access Tucson has also extended the time-line to run for the four open seats on the Board of Directors. Applications are now due on Friday, April 2nd at 5:00 p.m. Please download the application here or visit Access Tucson during the new operating hours starting March 24th for an application.

Thanks to all

Your support and understanding during this time has been tremendous. You have protected the voice of the public and free speech in Tucson. Please stay in touch as we work to strengthen that voice and the future of public access.

Today, the Mayor and Council passed a motion that directs City staff to support both Tucson 12 and Access Tucson with parity next fiscal year. So starting July 1st, the government’s voice (Tucson 12) and the people’s voice (Access Tucson) will be supported equally by the City of Tucson. This motion was made by Karin Uhlich and passed 6-1 with Councilman Rodney Glassman voting no.

The motion also included that the City negotiate to get out of the Pioneer lease as soon as possible and for Tucson 12 to move to the Access Tucson building at 124 E. Broadway. The savings from the Pioneer rent are to be used for Access Tucson’s support. City staff, Tucson 12 and Access Tucson are to come back in 30 days with a detailed plan for the co-location.

No additional financial support will be provided by the City to Access Tucson this year and any additional support needed for public access services will be provided by the Tucson 12 staff.

Sam Behrend, Access Tucson Executive Director will bring a plan about going forward to the Access Tucson Board of Directors meeting Thursday, March 11th at 5:00pm.

Access Tucson appreciates all of the hard work and sacrifices made to get us this far and especially appreciate Karin Uhlich’s focus on this item today. This is clearly a positive step for the future and longevity of community media in Tucson.

The City promised to move quickly. The City Manager’s recommendation to keep Access Tucson operating was supposed to go to the Mayor and Council by February 23rd but did not; it has been put on the Council agenda for this coming Tuesday, March 9th during their study session at 11am.

The result of this two-week delay: Access Tucson will now remain closed through March 23rd.

Every week that there is a delay in resolving the problem of having all funding cut is a week that:

• There will be no new shows because no cameras, microphones or lights will be checked out, and there will be no editing time.
• There will be no studio productions, which means 108 new shows will not be produced or aired.
• There will be no local community affairs programming produced.
• There will be no local event coverage.
• There will be no classes for media and internet training.
• There will be no youth programs.

Encore programming continues… for now, but public access is in real jeopardy.

Without continuation funding, Public Access facilities will remain closed—and the public voice on the airwaves is lost. Don’t let city inaction push your voice—and that of other people—off the airwaves.

Please take a moment to:

1. Sign on to an online petition being circulated by public access producers asking the Council to restore Access Tucson funding immediately.

2. Contact the Mayor and Council to let them know why community media is important to you.

Let the Mayor and Council know that you:

Understand that the city is required to provide public access under its own cable ordinance; that Cox Cable subscribers pay a monthly $1.38 fee that would appear to provide funding for Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access channels.

Support efforts to find cost-conscious solutions that maximize resources for our community and that an acceptable solution will ensure that public access (Access Tucson) receives no less than the same resources as government access (Tucson 12). Keep both the City’s voice AND the people’s voice alive and well.

Ask that continuation funding be provided to Access Tucson, to keep the programming going while longer term solutions such as co-locating or combining public and government access are being sought.

3. Join the growing list of people who financially support Access Tucson.

Act now … or you could lose your voice for good.

Host Debbie Peery interviews Angel Rocha, Hispanic Community Partnership Specialist for the Tucson Urban/Southern Arizona Rural branch of the U.S. Census Bureau. Rocha emphasizes the importance of participation because an accurate Census helps provide future generations with the resources they need. The 2010 Census is your community’s voice in government.

Continues through Saturday February 6
Encores Monday March 1 through Saturday March 6

Nina Tishkevich, Director and Kristin Eberhardt, Dance Program Coordinator of the Music & Dance Academy discuss the music lessons and dance classes the Academy offers for all ages and all levels of ability. Voted “Best of Tucson,” the Academy provides a rich learning environment where European music-school traditions and Suzuki Talent Education form a unique and rewarding educational opportunity.

Starts Sunday February 7 through Saturday February 13

Bonnie Kampa, Executive Director and Steve Pollyea, Board Vice President of Interfaith Community Services talk with host Debbie Peery about the services their organization offers seniors, the disabled and people in financial crisis. ICS gets as many as 400 calls a day for assistance. The need has never been greater. For example, the number of food bank recipients increased 55 percent over the last year, to nearly 28,000. Watch this episode if you need help or can provide help.

Starts Sunday February 14 through Saturday February 20

Jonathan Peck, new President and CEO of the Tucson Urban League and Danny Knee, Board Member highlight the League’s major programs which include rental and utility assistance, affordable housing, job training, youth employment, home weatherization, child care centers, after school tutoring and mentoring programs. Find out how you can attend their annual fundraising gala featuring Roland Martin, CNN commentator.

Starts Sunday February 21 through Sunday February 28

Cablecast times for Local Matters:
New episodes start on Sundays at 5pm and continue through the week
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm
Saturdays at 5pm
Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

We thank you for your support. Your calls and emails to the Mayor and Council and presence at the council meeting last Tuesday mean that we won’t go down quietly. We will continue to fight so the citizens of Tucson continue to have a voice, their own voice, in their own community. Once a plan of action is adopted we will call upon all friends and supporters to assist.

Please direct fundraising ideas to Cynthia Dickstein, President of People for Access Tucson at cdickstein@aol.com and any other ideas to Sam Behrend, Executive Director of Access Tucson at sam@accesstucson.org.

Access Tucson Board of Directors will meet Thursday 1/14 at 5pm to discuss the fallout from the budget cuts made by the city. Until further notice, we will be conducting business as usual.

See the spunky Sharon Kha, President of the Arizona Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (AZAPSA) rap, yes RAP about her own trials and tribulations with Parkinson’s. Dr. Becky Farley, founder of PWR! GYM is also featured on the show to tell us how moving BIG slows Parkinson’s Disease.

Starts Sunday January 3 through Saturday January 9

Host Erica Fluckus discusses the work of the HI-TECH Team from Every Voice in Action Foundation (EVIA) with Robin Soliz, Team Leader and Judith Anderson Ph.D., CEO of EVIA. Projects include the production of a video titled, Seeing Tucson Through the Eyes of Youth and a recent gathering for youth (and families) called “Think. Talk. Take Action!” where youth creatively voiced their concerns and issues to the the community and engaged community leaders in conversation.

Starts Sunday January 10 through Saturday January 16

Founder Philippe Waterinckx tells host Erica Fluckus how the Tucson Community Supported Agriculture (TCSA) organization supports local farming in Tucson.

Starts Sunday January 17 through Saturday January 23

Administrator David Schaller from the City of Tucson Office Of Conservation and Sustainable Development (OCSD) explains to host Dorothy Miller what the City is doing to make Tucson a more sustainable community and to connect you to information and resources that can help you make choices about living more sustainably.

Starts Sunday January 24 through Saturday January 30

Cablecast times for Local Matters:
New episodes start on Sundays at 5pm and continue through the week
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm
Saturdays at 5pm
Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

Host Erica Fluckus interviews Bill Magnotto, Director of Housing and Daniella Zepeda, Associate Director of Housing from La Frontera Center, Inc. In this show, the audience learns about La Frontera’s housing programs for homeless individuals and new housing opportunites for low-income individuals and seniors as well as La Frontera’s core services for individuals with a mental health illness and/or substance abuse problem.

Starts Tuesday December 1 through Saturday December 5
Call 624-9833 or email Vikki Dempsey, Program Manager for a replay.

Host Dorothy Miller talks with John Woolf, owner of ProActive Physical Therapy and Scott Blanchard, President of Pyramid Coaching International about the local effort to improve the health of young people in our community. Learn about the Junior El Tour Cycling Program that was created for kids to experience the value of exercise and ways to contribute to solving our health care dilemma.

Starts Sunday December 6 through Saturday December 12
Call 624-9833 or email Vikki Dempsey, Program Manager for a replay.

See the spunky Sharon Kha, President of the Arizona Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (AZAPSA) rap, yes RAP about her own trials and tribulations with Parkinson’s. Dr. Becky Farley, founder of PWR! GYM is also featured on the show to tell us how moving BIG slows Parkinson’s Disease.

Starts Sunday December 13 through Saturday December 19

Bio-Touch’s Founder and Executive Director, Paul Bucky and Tod Zelickson, Director of Quality and Training demonstrate what Bio-Touch is and how it can help in a comprehensive healthcare program.

Starts Sunday December 20 through Saturday December 26

Cablecast times for Local Matters:
New episodes start on Sundays at 5pm and continue through the week
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm
Saturdays at 5pm
Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

Host Dorothy Miller interviews Cheri Horbacz, Project Manager of Don’t Borrow Trouble, a program of the Southwest Fair Housing Council and Kelly Griffith, Deputy Director of the Southwest Center for Economic Integrity about the annual Tucson Money Faire. Low to moderate income consumers can check their credit report, get access to free tax preparation, find information about home repair and emergency utility payment assistance, etc. The Tucson Money Faire event is Saturday, November 14. Click on the picture above for more information.

Cablecasts Sunday November 1 through Saturday November 7.
Encores daily at 10:30pm Sunday November 8 through Friday November 13.

Host Erica Fluckus discusses the work of the HI-TECH Team from Every Voice in Action Foundation (EVIA) with Robin Soliz, Team Leader and Judith Anderson Ph.D., CEO of EVIA. Projects include the production of a video titled, Seeing Tucson Through the Eyes of Youth and a recent gathering for youth (and families) called “Think. Talk. Take Action!” where youth creatively voiced their concerns and issues to the the community and engaged community leaders in conversation.

Cablecasts Sunday November 8 through Saturday November 14.

Local Matters is the first to present My Brothers’ and Sisters’ House (MBSH), a new non-profit organization to the Tucson community. Caroline Felicity Antone, creator of MBSH gives host Dorothy Miller the 411. The mission of MBSH is to help children and young adults on the Tohono O’odham reservation realize their incredible potential in life. Projects include comic books and digital storytelling.

Cablecasts Sunday November 15 through Saturday November 21.

Host Erica Fluckus talks with Stephanie Balzer, poet about her new poetry chapbook, Revenant and the vision of Kore Press, a small feminist-owned publishing company geared toward publishing works by women.

Cablecasts Sunday November 22 through Saturday November 28.

Cablecast times for Local Matters:
New episodes start on Sundays at 5pm and continue through the week
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm
Saturdays at 5pm
Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

Get an insider look at Arizona’s largest theatre company, learn about the benefits that the Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) brings to the downtown area and discover the economic benefit of supporting the arts. Host Erica Fluckus asks Andrew Holtz, General Manager of ATC all the questions.

Encores Wednesdays during November at 6:30pm on Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox).

Host Dorothy Miller interviews Inge Koopman-Leyva, Manager of Children’s Programs and Summer Severin, Animal Training Coordinator from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona about their respective programs.

Encores Thursdays during November at 6:30pm on Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox).

Did you know that Hope Fest has made a difference in Tucson for the last 17 years? Discover how you can make a difference for Hope Fest 2010 or Hope Network, Inc. From the archive, host Erica Fluckus discusses Hope Fest 2009 (occured on Oct 24) with Lisa Chastain, Event Organizer and Courtney Watson, Dental Coordinator. Learn about the social service agencies, government, faith-based groups and corporations that work together to care for the less fortunate in Tucson with free and necessary services.

Encores Fridays during November at 6:30pm on Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox).

In-depth community coverage of the Hope Fest 2009 event on Oct 24 premieres Saturday November 21 at 8pm and 11pm.
Encores on Sunday November 22 at 8pm and 11pm. All on Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox).

Green Teen Video Contest is a youth produced video competition for youth aged 12 to 18 designed to connect teens from around the region and world, so that they can share and develop their visions for a sustainable future. This is a contest in conjunction with the Annual Youth Environment Summit held at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Who Can Enter
- Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18.
- Youth from all states, countries and nations can enter.

Why You Should Enter
All youth who worked on a winning film will be invited to the Red Carpet Film Premier of submitted films to be held at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona.

Out-of-town FILM CREWS invited to the Red Carpet film premier will be awarded a travel allowance of up to $200 cash.

The 2 Grand Prize Winning films (one Eco-Ad and one Eco-Documentary) will be awarded a CASH PRIZE of $100 for each member of the FILM CREW.

This contest gives you a chance to let your voice be heard, to connect with like-minded youth from around the world and gives you a chance to develop your film making skills through our FREE film making workshops hosted by Access Tucson.

For all the info about the Youth Environment Summit and the Green Teen Video Contest, click here:

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Executive Director Michael McDonald hosts the Habitat for Humanity Tucson series. One episode focuses on the Habistore which is changing the world one couch at a time! By selling surplus new and used building and home improvement materials, appliances and furniture to the public the HabiStore is diverting more than 150 tons of material from the landfill each year. Other episodes discuss Habitat homeownership, green issues and donors. Be sure watch them all.

Thursdays at 7:30pm and Saturdays at 5:30pm
Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

The Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a new organization to Tucson. They are using the Tucson Vision service to build momentum in the community for their forthcoming grand opening in October. Every piece in the museum’s collection tells a story not only about the pieces themselves and the process by which they were built, but also the culture and era they reflect. Episodes discuss every aspect of this new museum including Executive Director Nina Daldrup interviewing the founder and curator of the museum Pat Arnell and a feature on docents and voluteers.

Sundays at 7pm and Mondays at 6pm
Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

- Lisa Horner
Director of Training

Tucson police and amateur boxers from other law enforcement agencies squared off in 15 matches Sept. 19 in what police billed as the Battle of the Badges, a charity event. Boxers were matched by height, weight and boxing experience in the ring to raise money to revive the Tucson Police Officer’s Association’s Police Activities League, a nonprofit organization.

Tucson police officer Mark Doe, who is part of TPD’s gang outreach effort, wants to help children stay out of trouble. He said money raised by the admission fee will be used to buy sports equipment for youths at risk as a reward for doing well in school.

David Cheng

The event was held at the Casino del Sol’s beautiful AVA amphitheater, whose staff and facilities are top notch! A big thanks to James Christensen (aka Tank) for all the assistance.

Gordon Austin

David Cheng and JonPierre Reaume

La Monte Ward, Access Tucson Deputy Director and Co-Producer for the event

This was one of those truly wonderful, but VERY intense productions. It required a very capable crew–thankfully we had some of Access Tucson’s finest volunteers! Gordon Austin, Bryce Schneider, Bill Kersey, Charles Onwuhai, David Cheng, JonPierre Reaume and Hal Jackson made this production happen! Staff members Larry Foster, La Monte Ward, Lisa Horner and Vikki Dempsey rounded out the team. It takes an amazing amount of hard work to set-up, produce and strike an event like this. A giant thanks goes out to this crew.

Bill Kersey & Larry Foster

Hal Jackson

Bryce Schneider

Access Tucson Engineer, Roy Knappenberger

Personally, I would have fallen out of the ring doing camera if not for Charles Onwuhai, Access Tucson truck driver extraordinaire and my grip for the night. The ring literally shook when the bouts were underway–it was all I could do to hang on to the corner and keep shooting! Charles parted the ropes for me a million times to run in and get up close and personal with the fighters between rounds. I have many sore muscles and many lovely memories of the evening–like the rinse spit on my foot from a fighter. Totally exciting!

Lisa Horner & Charles Onwuhai

Catch the cablecast of the entire program on the premiere weekend:

October 10th and 11th
@ 8:00 and 11:00pm
99 Cox
74 Comcast

Tucson CSA

Be part of a local food system. Know your farmer. Cook creatively. Eat healthily. Support local sustainable farming. Be kinder to your environment. Have fun. Founder Philippe Waterinckx tells host Erica Fluckus how the Tucson Community Supported Agriculture organization supports local farming in Tucson.

Continues through Saturday September 5 and encores the week of September 20.

City of Tucson OCSD

Administrator David Schaller from the City of Tucson Office Of Conservation and Sustainable Development explains to host Dorothy Miller what the City is doing to make Tucson a more sustainable community and to connect you to information and resources that can help you make choices about living more sustainably.

Starts Sunday September 6 through Saturday September 12.

AFS Tucson

Host Dorothy Miller interviews former exchange student and host mom Lisa Harris and current exchange student from Latvia Dan Jaunzems about Tucson’s experiences with the American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs. Learn how cultural exchange programs create a more just and peaceful world.

Friday 9/18 at 7:30pm, Saturday 9/19 at 5pm and Wednesday 9/23 at 6pm

Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)
Cablecast times for Local Matters:
New episodes start on Sundays at 5pm and continue through the week
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm
Saturdays at 5pm
Access Tucson channel 74 (Comcast) / 99 (Cox)

Vicki began as a volunteer host for Local Matters, Access Tucson’s community information program and continued to host the program through it’s 576th episode.

She began her employment with Access Tucson as a Member’s Service Representative at the front desk. She then put her production skills to work as a Production Assistant helping Access Tucson producers in the studios and edit suites. From there she moved on to fill the position of Outreach Manager. Vicki found the perfect fit in this position–working with groups and organizations and coordinating production volunteers.

Vicki has worked to provide hundreds of non-profit organizations with representation on television. These organizations had little hope of seeing much more than a sound byte in the mainstream media, let alone full length programs focusing on their community service. Her work in coordinating volunteers has made it possible for community organizations to receive thousands of dollars worth of television time tailored specifically for their message.

The volunteer technical production crews are asked to start early and work late—sometimes in 110 degree weather. Vicki has been the critical motivating factor in their continuing participation. She created a willingness of commitment from volunteers from her embodiment of the spirit of service. She worked tirelessly, or beyond tired, alongside volunteers and demonstrated that no job is menial or meaningless.

She has made a great effort to make sure that volunteer service at Access Tucson is recognized and respected, organizing an annual volunteer recognition and on-going public acknowledgment. This genuine appreciation has created a long-term, dedicated core of volunteers and has inspired a steady influx of new participants. She fostered the growth of each volunteers’ skills and provides new opportunities for development though opportunities in training and increased responsibilities.

Here’s what Vicki had to say in parting:

It has been my great pleasure getting to know and work with you. This is my last day at Access Tucson. My cousin, Keith Wilkowski is running for the Mayor of Toledo and I’ll be working on his campaign. Needless to say, I admire his thinking and goals and I’m excited to be apart of this adventure.

-Vicki

Happy trails, Vicki. We will miss you a lot.

Local Matters: Casa de Los Gatos (3/1/09-3/7/09)
www.casadelosgatos.org

Learn about this unique, No-Kill cat sanctuary and how we all can become responsible pet owners.

Local Matters: Mayor’s Caregiver Education Conference (3/8/09-3/14/09)
www.alzdsw.org

The local Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with Critical-Path Institute to help fight this devastating disease. If you have family and friends who are affected by Alzheimer’s, you won’t want to miss Local Matters!

Local Matters: Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (3/15/09-3-21-09)
www.desertmuseum.org

This home-grown, world-acclaimed museum provides a new adventure every day. Don’t miss Local Matters!

Local Matters: Toastmasters International (3/22/09-3/28/09))
www.aztoastmasters.org

Effective oral communication teaches men and women the arts of speaking, listening and thinking—all necessary leadership skills. Learn how Toastmasters does it. Watch Local Matters!

“The thousands who tuned in each year to see their children and friends in the Parade let us know they wanted it back on TV. We couldn’t be happier that both KOLD News 13 and Access Tucson stepped up – in a show of unprecedented community spirit and cooperation – to provide live and repeat Parade coverage,” said Bill Gourley, 2006 Rodeo Parade Committee Chairman.

Jim Arnold, KOLD News 13 general manager, said, “Tucson is no longer the town at the end of the dusty trail. But we have an Old West history that should not be lost. Access Tucson and KOLD News 13 want to do our part to preserve an important piece of Tucson’s frontier heritage.”

For the last four years, Access Tucson has provided the equipment and technicians for the broadcast; KOLD News 13 has provided its frontline anchor team, program producer and control room staff for the Parade telecast.

“This is what community TV is all about; projects like the Rodeo Parade are why we’re here,” said Sam Behrend, executive director of Access Tucson.

Vicki Evans receives recognition award from Bob Stewart, Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee

Not only does Access Tucson help bring the parade to television each year, we also participate in the parade! The Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee donates an entry each year for Access Tucson. Members from the Access Tucson Board of Directors, production volunteers and producers waved to the thousands of spectators along the parade route this year.

Hector Urias, J. Lisa Jones, Gordon Austin and Debra Rollinson wave to the crowd

A special thanks to Debra Rollinson and Elizabeth “Bunny” Uriarte spent hours decorating the Access Tucson entry this year. It was quite a colorful and festive ride for the parade participants!

Bunny and Debra decorate the Access Tucson Entry

You can see the 84th Annual Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo Parade (and the access Tucson Entry!) all this week at 8pm on Comcast 74/ Cox 99.

On Location with YES

The kids were the concept designers and actors and received technical assistance from Access Tucson members Mark Jordan, Jamie Robinson and Matthew Baer. Staff members Vikki Dempsey and Vicki Evans provided their expertise as well.

Mark Jordan tapes with YES participants

Invasive Species Production

Checkout their projects on the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s website and vote for your favorite Eco Ad!

You will also be able to see these Eco Ads on the Access Tucson channels. These environmental messages will run in between regularly scheduled Access Tucson programming as public service announcements.

A round of applause for Amy Orchard of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, all the environmental and technical experts and of course the youth!

Academy of Math and Science

When students come to the studios we take the opportunity to talk to them about community media and what makes us different from commercial television. Lisa Horner, Director of Training, often asks students about their younger brothers and sisters and how they behave at the grocery store. “They’re crazy!” one student commented. “They want everything and scream!” Horner explained to them; “Sometimes it’s easier to see how influential commercials can be when you see young kids react that don’t know any better yet. Kids are willing to admit that there is an impact.”

Academy of Math and Science

As with like literacy, it’s important that young people can read, analyze and write in the medium of television. It changes their perception of television forever, once they have created it. As part of the tour, students plan and produce short programs in the studio–working both in front of and behind the cameras.

Chaparral Middle School

Here’s what students and teachers had to say about their experience:

Thanks so much for the opportunity- we had a great time, and are energized to do more at our school to present our ideas. We decided that it looks like it would be easy, until the camera is recording and suddenly everything is happening at once and there is no stopping- you just have to go on as best you can. Like life.

Mary Morris
Chaparral Middle School

Thanks for the opportunity of making a little film. It was very fun. I hope I can go again sometime.
– Joanna Z.

I thought the really fun part of it was to see what it’s like, behind the cameras.
– Zack T.

Follow the link for more information about Access Tucson Tours.

Chaparral Middle School

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Local Matters: KXCI 25th Anniversary
(11/30/08-12/6/08)

KXCI is 25 years old. There have been growing pains, but unlike the rest of the United States, community radio is alive and well in Tucson. Learn more about this unique community asset. Watch Local Matters.
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Local Matters: Downtown Tucson Partnership and the Parade of Lights
(12/7/08-12/13/08)

It’s the 14th Annual Downtown Parade of Lights. This Tucson classic kicks off the Holiday Season and Access Tucson will carry it live. Join Downtown Tucson Partnership CEO, Glenn Lyons as he talks about what it will take to make downtown the place to be. Don’t miss Local Matters.
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Local Matters: Voices, Inc.
(12/1/-08-12/20/08)

Telling stories is an integral component of human nature— becoming a story teller opens doors to the world and the hearts of us all. Voices, Inc. teaches young people how to write and phtograph their own stories. Watch Local Matters.
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Local Matters: Farmer’s Market at the UA
(12/21/08-12 27/08)

This famer’s market not only has wonderful, local food, but it also teaches us about sustainability and good health. Tune into Local Matters.
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*Watch LOCAL MATTERS on Access Tucson Channels*
Cox/99 & Comcast/74

-Sunday & Saturday 5pm
-Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7:30pm
-Tuesday & Thursday 6pm

Each group provides the host and produces every episode. Access Tucson contributes a professionally designed set and the technical support. Volunteers, who’ve been certified on the studio equipment, crew each show.
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You won’t want to miss:
OMA (Opeing Minds Through the Arts)— OMA is a dynamic and nationally recognized TUSD program that integrates the arts into teaching reading, writing, math and science in public elementary and middle schools. Learn how OMA can enhance your child and his future.
Don’t miss:
Sundays at 7pm and Mondays at 6pm
Access Tucson channels Cox/99 and Comcast/74

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Prisoner Reentry Program (PREP)— As the lead agency, Primavera works with many organizations to assist 200 previously incarcerated persons each year. Their success in the community is a success for us all.
Tune in:
Saturdays at 5:30pm and Thursdays at 7:30pm
Access Tucson channels Cox/99 and Comcast/74

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Acosta Job Center— Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential and educational training program for economically challenged youth, ages 16 through 24. In Tucson the goal of the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps is to maximize success and minimize possible failure.
Don’t miss:
Sundays at 7:30pm and Fridays at 6pm
Access Tucson channels Cox/99 and Comcast/74

TucsonVision and Access Tucson, “Where Tucson is on TV!”

The Arizona Public Health Association presented the HEMMY award for best video during the 80th Annual AzPHA Meeting and Conference. The awards ceremony was held at the Arizona State Historical Society on September 17, 2008.

Jeannine Chappelle, La Frontera, Inc.; Rowan Frost, AzPha award presenter; Edward Hakizimana, host, Living Healthy in America with “best video” HEMMY award

Using Access Tucson’s long-running series, TucsonVision, as a model, La Frontera received a grant from Catholic Healthcare West in Phoenix to create African language television shows. These television programs teach ways to increase childhood health and welfare and decrease youth injuries among many Tucson African refugee populations.

Jeannine K Chapelle, Prevention Supervisor, La Frontera Center, Inc. directed a partnership that included health and safety experts from the University of Arizona, Tucson Fire and Police Departments, City of Tucson Emergency Call Center, International Rescue Committee, and P2 Preparedness.

Edward Hakizamana, President of BSPDA (Burundian Support Promote Development Association) served as the refugee community liaison as well as hosting each episode of Living Healthy in America in two languages, Kirundi and English. Edward will also translate the six part series into Swahili.

On the set, Vicki Evans, Access Tucson; Edward Hakizimana, LHA host; Deputy Chief Todd Pearson, Tucson Fire Dept.

Access Tucson Training Manager Lisa Horner and Outreach Manager Vicki Evans were project coordinators and videographers. Instructor and Production Specialist Larry Foster also worked behind the camera and edited the project, while Senior Production Assistant Rob Shoults directed the studio productions. Volunteers Byron Bissell, Sandra Socobi, Pat Quinn, David Cheng, Alan Barley, and John Byerley completed the “A- #1” studio crew.

On location with Living Healthy in America:

The six-part Living Healthy in America series can be seen during a special encore presentation on Access Tucson channel 74 on Comcast and 99 on Cox:

Sunday, October 19 starting at 8pm
Saturday, November 8 starting at 6pm
Sunday, November 9 starting at 8pm

The Living Healthy in America series will also be disseminated throughout Arizona to refugee resettlement agencies and healthcare providers so they can better assist African refugees who speak Swahili and Kirundi. Refugees are legal immigrants to this country who escape war, death and political chaos in their own.

[See post to watch QuickTime movie] Video open of Living Healthy in America. Living Healthy in America title music was composed and directed by Edward Hakizimana.