Larry Mazin SaddleBrooke is one of those rare places where nighttime still means nighttime. No street lights, no glare—just stars, silence, and the occasional deer strolling by as if it owns the place (which, frankly, it probably did first). Many residents enjoy evening walks, which are healthy, neighborly, and highly encouraged. However, after dark, some…
Suzanne Marlatt Stewart I came across an article by Thomas Reed, an English writer whose work centers on reflection and mood. He states the following: “Watch any busy junction at rush hour and you’ll start spotting two tribes. There are the wavers, who lift a few fingers from the steering wheel when someone lets them…
Stuart Watkins Did you know that the Ute people were the first tribes in the American Southwest to use horses? I did not, but according to Native American World and an article by Aleksandra Micura, this is factual. She also reported the Ute language, which belongs to the Uto-Aztecan family, is one of the oldest…
Christianne Dettmann We’re often told life should be lived with no regrets—that we should never look back wishing we had done some things differently. As I write this, I wrestled just over one year ago with the decision to end my FEMA career prematurely, based on circumstances beyond my control. I left a role I…
Richard D. Wells Richard (Rick) D. Wells, 81, of Tucson, Ariz., died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Feb. 1, 2026. Rick was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 8, 1944 to George and Katherine (Campbell) Wells. He grew up in the Olney section of Philadelphia before relocating to Tucson in 2002. Rick attended…
Diana Smith Born and raised in Wallingford, Conn., Leslie Hawkins began taking annual camping trips with her family. She vividly remembers her first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains soaring on the horizon on a trip that took her to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Dinosaur National Monument, Devils Tower, and the Badlands. Leslie attended Hood College in…