Topics in This Issue:
Blenman Elm Butterfly Garden Dedication – Singing and Signing
Plastic Blocks
Ward Redistricting
African American Museum of Southern Arizona
Reid Park Holiday Craft Fair
Zoo Lights
Holiday Ice Rink Downtown
TPD, Fentanyl and Narcotics in the Community
Home Sharing Event
Home Buying Event
Migrant Needs
Small Business Support from Barstool
Senior Olympics
COVID

Blenman Elm Butterfly Garden Dedication – Singing and Signing
I’m opening with this review of the dedication of the Blenman Elm pocket park because it was such a cool event that your neighborhood will want to replicate it. They had food trucks, artisans, and lots of good people strolling through the area throughout the event, and what put it over the top for me was being joined by one of the UA ladies who was doing American Sign Language signing for some of the hard of hearing residents who came to the event.  In the photo she’s signing some of the lyrics to Elton John’s Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

Picture of Steve K and UA ladies in the BENA Butterfly Garden Dedication Event
Whenever I’m in meetings where somebody is doing ASL my attention is always on them. In fact, sneaking peaks at her resulted in me missing some chords in another one of the Elton John songs we did - ”we” because she was totally engaged and sharing in the music.

Stop by the garden – Treat and Waverly – it's a great example of GSI at work, and it’s a great example of partnerships that included the neighbors, Tucson Water, Tucson Clean & Beautiful, Eco Sense, our Parks staff and some nudging from the ward office. Thanks to all who had a role in bringing it to a great conclusion.

Plastic Blocks
When we began this pilot project, we of course had no idea whether or not it would catch on, and to what degree it would. We set what we all considered to be a reachable goal of 20 tons collected in 5 months. The local media gave the program a little coverage, but mostly this has been a word-of-mouth process. Even with that, we exceeded the 20-ton goal 2 months ahead of schedule. I put this chart together to show how each week has gone to get us over that total. We (you) are averaging 1.54 tons of plastic tossed into the roll-off per week. It is a clear sign that we need to find a way to continue and expand the program. Those conversations are going on right now.

I think the saying ‘got a tiger by the tail’ fits with what we’re seeing in this project.

This graphic shows our current program status – over 23 tons now, and still with a month and a half to go.

Tucson Pilot Program Status Period November 5 - November 11
Each week we get questions from people about unique materials they’re asking about contributing. Most are fine – some aren’t. We appreciate you checking before bringing it over. I’m in the process of chasing down an answer on whether filament from 3D printers can be used, or plates used in printing logos on packages. So much of what we touch is plastic or a plastic derivative. That’s one reason this program is so important.

Last week, Mari asked if the political signs cluttering our intersections can be used. Some can and some can’t. The majority are fine. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Foam core signs look like this.

Our newest partner is our friends across the street at The Loft. I met with their director Peg Johnson last week and explained what we’re doing. She immediately connected me with several of her operations staff. We’re working out the logistics right now. So, the next time you’re at the Loft you don’t have to feel guilty about buying a beer from their concessions stand and leaving a plastic cup behind after the show.

We’re still handing out clear plastic bags at the ward office along with the informational flyers. And you’re of course welcome to use your own.

Click Here To View The City Of Tucson A Message From Steve K Newsletter - November 14, 2022