Talk of the Town: Hats off to all graduates!

Good luck 2008 grads. Many of you are donning caps and gowns in the coming weeks, and we here at the Green Valley News are wishing you luck in real life! First rule in life: “No stealing bases at graduation!”

William Lopez 21, was ejected from his graduation ceremony earlier this week at Yankee Stadium. New York University held its commencement at the ballpark because of construction at Washington Square Park. The students were told to stay off the field, but Lopez couldn’t resist running the bases. Stadium security and New York Police Department officers apprehended him before he made it to home plate.

Country Fair White Elephant Manager Karen Morales called with a hot scoop about the community’s favorite thrift store.

A very special event called the “White Elephant Kickoff to Summer with KOLD TV—Channel 13” in slotted from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, when all departments (except the outdoor patio area) will be open for evening shopping at the White Elephant. Yes, the shop will be selling furniture that day, too!

Channel 13’s popular chief meteorologist, Chuck George will broadcast live from the White Elephant during the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news programs.

Karen says this special in-store event will feature an evening of shopping fun with door prizes and music. Channel 13 and the White Elephant will be giving out door prizes.

“For all those who can never shop during our regular hours because they work—now is a great opportunity to shop in the evening,” Karen adds.

I called Chuck and had a few words with him about Tuesday’s special shopping day.

He said he was “very impressed” with the White Elephant and all it does in the community. Chuck travels all over Southern Arizona, often broadcasting from various locations that deserve to be recognized, and the White Elephant certainly deserves to be!

Chuck is a two-time Houston Press Club TV Meteorologist of the Year. He also holds the Star Award from the American Women in Radio and Television. Chuck has a Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society.

It was a busy day Thursday at Santa Rita Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, when the center hosted a collectible car show, breakfast and ice cream social for the public. Many folks took advantage of the beautiful weather to be there and enjoy the Santa Rita staff and residents, compliments of the center’s hospitality and Amy Malkin, Santa Rita dietary director.

The University of Arizona Museum of Art (on the UA campus, Park Avenue and Speedway Boulevard, Tucson) will host a free open house for prospective volunteers Wednesday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The museum invites everyone interested in becoming docents, helping with community outreach, or assisting museum staff in the library, bookstore and offices to attend this annual event.

The Volunteer Roundup will include presentations, art tours and refreshments. Current docents and outreach volunteers will be available to talk about their experiences at the museum.

UAMA’s docents lead visitors on tours of the museum’s permanent collections and changing exhibits, while the museum’s community outreach volunteers go out to schools and communities in Tucson to provide information about its collections, exhibits, and programs. They are all ambassadors for UAMA and true advocates for the arts.

“Our docents and community outreach volunteers are all passionate about sharing the museum’s art with the rest of the community. They are an imaginative group who are eager to learn and engage the public,” notes UAMA Curator of Education Lisa Hastreiter-Lamb.

The museum has a specific need for prospective docents and outreach volunteers who are bilingual.

Volunteer opportunities this year include working with the museum’s expanded gift shop. The museum has increased the shop’s inventory significantly and volunteers are needed to help in all areas of store management.

Duties will include helping customers find ‘the perfect gift,’ organizing and maintaining merchandise, and ringing up sales.

Clerical help is always welcome at the museum, whether it’s filing, copying, or organizing mailings.

The University of Arizona Museum of Art encompasses one of the premier collections of European, Early American and 20th-century art in the Southwest.

The museum also presents changing exhibits that feature the work of established as well as emerging artists. UAMA is one of the only 12 museums in Arizona accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and one of only 750 museums nationwide that has earned this highest award for excellence in the museum field.

Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 555 S. La Canada, is offering free Vacation Bible School for children ages 5-11 from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 2 through Friday, June 6. The program welcomes children in the community.

For more information, please call the church office at 625-2612. You may download a registration form at www.risen-savior.org. Early registration is recommended since space is limited and a good response is expected.

The theme for vacation Bible school is “Friendship Trek,” where Buddy the porcupine, his forest friends and the Friendship Trek Team will lead in activities that move kids’ bodies, engage their senses and challenge their thinking.

The school will feature crafts, snacks, music, Bible stories and games.

Sahuarita Lutheran Fellowship, a family-oriented ministry currently meeting at Risen Savior, will be participating in vacation Bible school, along with volunteers from Risen Savior Church

Vicar Steve Patton, the newly called pastor for Sahuarita Lutheran Fellowship, is excited about participating in vacation Bible school. He is building neighborhood ministry groups in Sahuarita and a Sunday school program for children and their families.

rford@gvnews.com | 547-9740