The History Of Thanksgiving

Throughout history mankind has celebrated the bountiful harvest with thanksgiving ceremonies.

Before the establishment of formal religions many ancient farmers believed that their crops contained spirits which caused the crops to grow and die. Many believed that these spirits would be released when the crops were harvested and they had to be destroyed or they would take revenge on the farmers who harvested them. Some of the harvest festivals celebrated the defeat of these spirits.

Harvest festivals and thanksgiving celebrations were held by the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Hebrews, the Chinese, and the Egyptians.

 Sarah Josephea Hale and the History of Thanksgiving

November is American Indian Heritage Month

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – On August 3, 1990, President George W. Bush declared the month of November National American Indian Heritage Month. The purpose of National American Indian Heritage Month is to honor and recognize the original people of this land. Similar proclamations have been made since 1994. 

The Davis-Monthan community celebrates by recognizing their unique traditions and military contributions. The Equal Opportunities office believes active participation is the best way to learn. 

Test your knowledge on the accomplishments of some great Americans. The correct answers can be found at the bottom of the attached page.  American Indian Heritage Month>>

Small Town Feel - Big City Amenities

In spite of a relatively small population (1 million) Tucson, Arizona is home to two world-class spas, a prestigious Pac-10 university, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the largest private collection of aircraft in the world. The city is a study in contrasts, from urban to pristine desert to rich riparian areas. Surrounding Tucson, Arizona real estate, you may be surprised by the abundance of palm trees, greenery and wildlife.  Living In Tucson, Arizona>>
 

Family Fun In Arizona

Think of Arizona as America’s natural “amusement park,” where family fun and adventure await in every corner of the state. Add an engaging selection of Old West towns, dude ranches, mines, man-made lakes, railroads and other diversions, and the result is a family vacation like no other.

Children of all ages can stand in four states at one time at Four Corners Monument on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a mile-deep gorge that stretches for 277 miles across Northern Arizona and is packed with exciting activities. Zoos and wildlife parks offer exotic habitats, unique viewing opportunities and special events. A host of unusual museums also dots the state, including the hands-on Arizona Science Center, the Hall of Flame Fire Museum and the Pima Air and Space Museum, to name a few.

Families on vacation can also enjoy Arizona’s plentiful water activities, with Lake Powell’s 2,000 miles of shoreline in the northern part of the state and the two-mile Tempe Town Lake, where motorized and non-motorized watercraft cruise the formerly dry riverbed between Tempe and Phoenix.

In Southern Arizona, a visit to a dude ranch brings out the inner cowboy in guests of all ages and winter guests can have a grand adventure in any one of Arizona’s frosty ski areas.

Whether visitors have a couple of days or a couple of weeks, Arizona is a virtual playground of activities and adventures for families to enjoy.   FUN IN ARIZONA>>

Get to Know Tucson Through Its 17 Historic Districts

Newcomers might be forgiven for thinking that Tucson is brand-new, what with home developments sprouting up on every edge of the city. But in fact, the Old Pueblo boasts 17 National Historic District neighborhoods. These charming districts chronicle a long stretch of the city’s history, starting with the 19th century downtown barrios of old Mexican times and continuing up to plush mid-20th-century developments with open desert landscaping. In between Tucsonans built Victorian-age railroad neighborhoods and turn-of-the-century bungalow districts fringing the University of Arizona. There’s even a neighborhood with the feel of rural Mexico.    Tucson’s Historic Districts>>

Tucson Farmer’s Markets

The Tucson Farmers’ Market at St. Philip’s Plaza is Southern Arizona’s largest market devoted entirely to locally grown and manufactured products. The market features fine produce, savory baked goods and pastries, fresh roasted coffees, custom blended teas, range fed meats, farm fresh eggs, gourmet soups and sauces and a wonderful selection of native and decorative plants. For Hours and Info>>

SCARECROWS IN THE GARDEN

Fall has arrived at Tucson Botanical Gardens! Creative hand-made scarecrows by local artists, local businesses, staff & volunteers will be displayed throughout the Gardens. Bring your family and see how many you can find. All proceeds will go to Tucson Botanical Gardens’ programs.

Participants include: Buffalo Exchange, Blue House Catering, Empire Ranch, Petite Pea Catering, Gardening with Soule, Brownie Troop #109.

Included with Gardens Admission. Cost of Gardens admission: Adults $7.00, Children 4 –12 $3.00, Children 3 and under Free. 

Solo Exhibit Explores Sorrow @UA, AZ State Museum

Daniel Martin Diaz will have a solo exhibition, titled “Anatomy of Sorrow,” at the Arizona State Museum. In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Arizona State Museum at The University of Arizona is featuring paintings by renowned Tucson artist Daniel Martin Diaz.    for more info>>

Building Today For Tomorrow

WHAT IS RAMMED EARTH?  Ramming earth to create walls is at least as old as the Great Wall of China. It is really quite similar to adobe and cob techniques, in that the soil is mostly clay and sand. The difference is that the material is compressed or tamped into place, usually with forms that create very flat vertical surfaces. Modern rammed earth typically utilizes heavy mechanized equipment to move and compress the material . The walls are normally at least a foot thick to give enough bulk to be stable and provide the thermal mass for comfort. It is best to apply insulating material to the outside of the building to keep the interior temperature constant. The interior surface can be finished in a variety of ways, from natural oil to more standard surfaces. Rammed earth houses tend to have a very solid, quiet feeling inside.  There is a distinctive mood and flavor to Southwest American art that reflects bright sunshine on cool rammed earth walls, with a peacefulness and relaxation that is hard to come by these days.  Visit These And Many Other Sites For More Information:

Green Home Building:  http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/rammedearth.htm

Rammed Earth Solar Homes:  http://www.rammedearthhomes.com/

Welcome to Arizona’s Second Largest City

Tucson (TOO-sahn) is a growing metropolis of 1,000,000 that keeps getting better and better. The city’s geography is a postcard image of cactus forests, rolling hills and awe-inspiring mountains.

Tucson lies in the borderland, a region that blends the cultures of the United States and Mexico, and has a long history of settlement by ancient Native American peoples, Spanish explorers and Anglo frontiersmen.

The weather is mild nearly all the time, just right for all kinds of fun activities.

We think you’ll agree, whether you’re a new visitor or resident, just passing through, or a longtime resident rediscovering hometown treasures, that Tucson is Real. Natural. ArizonaVISIT TUCSON>>

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