Columns

Diane Sawyer was no doubt giddy on Monday when ABC made the news public: She has locked up the first interview with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

The folks are getting hosed. According to the American Debt Advisor outfit, 80 percent of us now owe money to creditors. If you exclude mortgages and car payments, about 50 percent of us are in debt. And that’s why the economy is having so much trouble. Consumers have to be very careful about what they buy, or risk sinking into insolvency.

We all know about the negative effects of sun exposure on the skin. Wrinkling, leathering and other signs of aging can be directly related to sun exposure. The issue of skin cancer due to sun exposure is especially important in Southern Arizona where the outdoor, sun-exposed way of life is the norm.

Opening a new high school is a complex and sensitive organizational undertaking, educationally, financially, programmatically, systemically, and politically. As educators, we strive to build a culture in our schools where loyalty and community are valued. In undertaking the change process of preparing for the opening of Walden Grove High School, much thought and corresponding action steps were developed and implemented to promote communication, gathering of valuable input, and, ultimately, the most sound decision making process possible. The process included information sessions, multiple public input forums, community surveys, and presentations, prior to making a recommendation to the Governing Board. A goal was to develop a plan that allowed a level of norms and structure that would advance viable, equitable, and high quality programs at both schools, Sahuarita High School (SHS) and Walden Grove High School (WGHS). Similarly, it was important to include provisions and sensitivity for some individual consideration, such as sibling enrollments and continuing varsity athletes who wished to continue participation in their respective sports programs. Other special considerations that emerged were making sure that advanced course offerings were in place for students that were prepared for them. There was also an accommodation of bus transportation for students that wished to open enroll to the smaller school environment at WGHS. Another point that was discussed to mitigate the transition was consideration of possibly offering "zero hour" specialty classes, if needed, to meet those course requests.

The Animal League of Green Valley

The previous column about Ancestry.com received more comments than any I’ve written.

If you’re thinking about cutting back on your consumption of table salt, it may be a good idea to boost your intake of iodine-rich foods while you’re at it.

This article will appear monthly in this newspaper as a public service. It is not intended as legal advice, and will address only general propositions. If you have a question about a matter which affects you, you should contact an attorney.

The Animal League of Green Valley

Be sure to join the Green Valley Gardeners’ seminar Thursday at the East Center and welcome Sheri Williamson, author of “A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America.”

Bugs, creepy-crawlies, or pests, whatever you call them; whether you love them or hate them insects can be fascinating. Without them our world would be a vastly different place.

The Animal League of Green Valley