Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Sugiyama Classen, a life long Democrat, was born & raised in the State of Hawaii, was a Legislative Aide for U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye on Capitol Hill, and practiced law for a while. In Tucson she worked as a tribal staff attorney for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and later was the Interim Executive Director of the now defunct Domestic Violence Commission. In 2008 she became a “My Tucson” guest columnist for the Tucson Citizen newspaper, then continued blogging for Tucsoncitizen.com for over four and a half years. Her blogsite was entitled “Carolyn’s Community” about community events and some political news, until Gannett Publishing shut down the site on January 31, 2014. She started with Blog for Arizona on Feb. 11, 2014. Part time she sat as a Hearing Officer in Pima County Consolidated Justice Courts Small Claims Division since April, 2005 for 15 years. She is married to University of Arizona Distinguished Professor Albrecht Classen, a native of Germany. They have one son, who lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and daughter. She is also the Editor of the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition website, www.southernazjapan.org (since Jan. 2013).

The 13 year Odyssey of Odyssey Storytelling

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March 24, 5 to 8 p.m. at YWCA of Southern Arizona, 525 N. Bonita Ave., Tucson

“Now more than ever, we must celebrate the uncensored voices of diverse community members. This is exactly what Odyssey Storytelling has been doing for thirteen years through monthly live shows featuring the true stories of everyday people in Southern Arizona.

This celebration and fundraiser will be emceed by Editorial Cartoonist and Humor Columnist, David Fitzsimmons, and will feature a reading by Penelope Starr from her newly released book, The Radical Act of Community Storytelling: Empowering Voices in Uncensored Events.

This step-by-step guide chronicles Starr’s years growing the community of Odyssey Storytelling. Why did a fifty-eight year old artist decide to take on a small project that turned into a successful nonprofit storytelling organization? What challenges did she face and how did she survive them? How can other communities create their own storytelling events? Experience her joys, frustrations and laughter. The Radical Act of Community Storytelling is packed with practical tips and plenty of inspirational stories.

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International Day of Happiness: Do Happy Today schedule

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Do Happy Today Partners Weekend, March 18 and 19

  • 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 18: Tucson Habitat for Humanity Do Happy Today “Rainbow Build” at Copper Vista II, 5761 S. Copper Plate Drive. To volunteer, contact Joseph Howell at 520.260.9959 or joseph@habitattucson.org
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 18: DHT at Rillito Bend Neighborhood and Tucson Valley of the Moon Home/Garden Art Tour and Live Happy Wall, 2544 E. Allen Road. Bring your Walkabout Talkabout Book. Free download atwww.communityrenaissance.biz .
  • March 18-20: 10:30 a.m., March 18: Storytime on Happiness at Himmel Park Branch, Pima County Public Library, 1035 N. Treat Ave. March 18-20:People can fill out a blank flower-shaped paper available at the library’s information desk and answer “What makes me happy?” or “How do I share happiness?” (520.594.5305 or www.library.pima.gov/himmel)
  • 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m., March 18: Celebrate Historic South Park Community at Park Ave. Between 27th Street and 31st Street. Family activities, food, music and more. Contact Glenn Davis (520) 870-8109.
  • 4 to 6 p.m., March 19: Limberlost Neighborhood Association Community Fair, Limberlost Park, 4255 N 4th Ave. Café 54 Food Truck (invited), Live Happy Wall, Architectural Design Display for City of Tucson first feng shui well-being path, Limberlost Little Free Library and info from various community groups. Bring your Walkabout Talkabout Book. Free download atwww.communityrenaissance.biz/happyu. City of Tucson’s Do Happy TodayProclamation will be featured at the event.

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2017 State of the City address by Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild

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Mayor Jonathan Rothschild delivered his 2017 State of the City address today at the Metro Chamber’s luncheon at the J.W. Marriott Starr Pass resort.  Here’s the link to read it in its entirety —  “Tucson: A Reliable Partner” : https://www.mayorrothschild.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/State-of-the-City-2017.pdf In the past I cut & pasted his entire State of the City speech, but … Read more

New Enchanted Neighborhood Tour

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“Coming this Saturday Tucson’s historic RillitoBend Neighborhood Association is holding its first ever walking/biking neighborhood tour to raise money to support Valley of the Moon.

This event will take explorers on a journey through the century old neighborhood surrounding Valley of the Moon: RillitoBend. Tour goers will visit homes, gardens, a hidden labyrinth, horse properties, art exhibits and, of course, Valley of the Moon.

Way back when Valley of the Moon’s story started in 1923 the nearest paved road was miles away and there were only a handful of ranches in the area. Today the neighborhood is a delightful mix of historic and modern with a totally unique character. Community is one of Valley of the Moon’s core values and this neighborhood is a great example of community done right.

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