Home tour features many ‘hidden Nogales’ highlights

The 2008 Nogales Home Tour sponsored by St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Nogales promises to feature some of the “hidden Nogales” that travelers to the border never see.

The Home Tour is slated for Saturday, Sept. 6, beginning at 10 a.m. and running until 3 p.m., starting at the church, 969 W. Country Club Drive, Nogales (Exit 8 from I- 19).

Proceeds will go to St. Andrew’s church programs and outreach.

St. Andrew’s is also home to St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic and St. Andrew’s Preschool and Childcare Center.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the following locations: Nancy Pantz Fashions in the Continental Shopping Plaza, Green Valley; Galleria Tubac, 31 Tubac Road; Harriet’s Incredible Edibles, 1863 N. Grand Ave., Nogales; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 969 W. Country Club Dr., Nogales; St. Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 600 S. La Canada Dr., Green Valley (on Sundays after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services).

For additional information, contact Vicki Fitzsimmons in Green Valley, 625-4341, or Lou Clapper in Nogales at 287-5929.

The events begins at the church, where the Episcopal Church Women of St. Andrew’s will provide complimentary light refreshments in the Parish Hall. Not to be missed is the local author book-signing.

Beth Aycock, retired cattle rancher, and her co-author Jorja Riggenbach will be on hand with copies of their book, “A Red Howell Fit.” Riggenbach will have her camera for anyone who wants a photo with the authors. Aycock will also have copies of her book, “Roundup A Whirlwind.” The Church Mouse bookstore and gift shop will be open featuring copies of Helen Dunn Broyles’ book, “Rice Roots.”

The Parish Hall will also host a raffle with a number of prizes: telescope, Southwestern paintings, jewelry, quilt topper, glass motorcycle, and DeGrazia needlepoint. The Gourmet Table will have a variety of homemade goodies for sale—breads, jams, cookies, candy, etc.

The tour begins with a short drive through a wetlands area of lush green vegetation. Three of the four homes are in the Meadow Hills Subdivision.

The first home is a two-story, hacienda style. Entry is through hand-carved double doors opening onto a brick atrium featuring a large Mexican fountain. The homeowner is an artist, and her art is prominently displayed throughout the home.

The home features arched openings between rooms on the first floor. There is an art studio and there are balconies outside each bedroom on the second floor.

Welcoming you to the second home is a family of concrete turtles on the lush lawn. Featured in the foyer is a large, colorful floral bouquet which sets the tone for this home. Color is used extensively. Home d/cor is rustic and eclectic with lots of Southwestern and Hispanic influence.

The homeowner’s large collection of crosses is featured in the hallway to the bedroom wing. The backyard is beautifully landscaped with verdant grass and plantings.

Home three is territorial-style. The homeowner has a special interest in tigers and African wildlife. Her collection is dispersed throughout the house, so look for a tiger in every room. There are a lot of earth colors in this home. A special feature is the trumpet vine-covered ramada in back. On one side of the ramada is an outdoor kitchen. The house was built in 1982 and has been remodeled three times.

Home four is a short drive away. On the way, tour participants will pass the Nogales High School and Paul Bond Boots. This home features an extensive collection of Hugh Cabot art, including paintings, lithographs, and prints. There are 95 items hung on the walls. The home features a lush entryway with a variety of plants.

Contact the writer at: vickifitz@cox.net