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).

Giving thanks on Thanksgiving

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At almost every Thanksgiving meal we ask those present to speak up & state just ONE thing they might be grateful for, that they are willing to  “give thanks” about.  Usually people say that they are thankful for their families, their children, their jobs, fellowship, etc.  Please reflect upon this today/tonight if you celebrate Thanksgiving. This … Read more

Four apply for District 2 PCC Bd. of Governors

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A while ago I reported on the process to apply for the vacant seat on the Pima Community College Board of Governors, since the resignation on 10/19/15 of long term member David Longoria.  Here’s my post: https://blogforarizona.net/process-to-fill-district-2-vacancy-on-pcc-board-of-governors/ Today, November 24 at 5 p.m. was the deadline to apply. Here’s the list of applicants seeking the position, … Read more

St. Francis UMC 2016 Sunday Night at the Movies schedule

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St Francis United Methodist Church

4625 E River Rd 85718 (NW corner of River& Swan)

 Sunday Night at the Movies (Sponsored by the Adult Education Program) 

 2016 Schedule

We will begin with a potluck dinner at 5:30.  Bring enough to share with 6 people.  The movie will start approximately at 6:15, and we will have a discussion of the theme after the presentation.

 Jan. 10th

BOULEVARD (2014)

Starring Robin Williams in his remarkable final on-screen performance, BOULEVARD follows married but closeted 60 year-old bank employee Nolan (Williams) whose spontaneous turn down an unknown street upends his monotonous life and crumbling marriage. After forming an uncommon friendship with a young, charismatic hustler, Nolan finds himself on a journey of self-discovery and must confront the secrets he has kept hidden from his wife (Kathy Baker of SAVING MR. BANKS) and himself. Nolan’s dramatic decision to rethink his own identity holds with it the promise of happiness and salvation for both he and his wife in this touching and inspiring film. From acclaimed director Dito Montiel (A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS, THE SON OF NO ONE), and written by Douglas Soesbe, BOULEVARD shines with an ensemble cast that includes Bob Odenkirk (TV’s BETTER CALL SAUL) and Roberto Aguire (STRUCK BY LIGHTNING) in a breakout performance. [This film got only modest reviews at best.—sgm]

Feb.21st

THE FIRST GRADER (2010)

In a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge (Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied-even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds. Moved by his passionate plea, head teacher Jane Obinchu (Harris) supports his struggle to gain admission and together they face fierce opposition from parents and officials who don’t want to waste a precious school place on such an old man. The First Grader is a heart-warming and inspiring true story of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education. The First Grader is supported by national TV, online, print, and social media campaigns reaching more than 100 million and it stars Pirates of the Caribbean actress Naomie Harris.

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Beautiful Ikebana Festival at Yume Japanese Gardens

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Ikebana Festival at Yume Japanese Gardens from Nov.27 to 30 “Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, in which shape, form, and line are as important as blooms. View the artful techniques and creations of five schools of ikebana displayed throughout the Gardens and gain an insight into a non-Western way of harmonizing … Read more