Advertise on podcast: Community Podcasts

On this week’s In The Know, Andy Taylor welcomes Randy Graff, President and CEO of the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce, for an update on business growth and community involvement throughout the region. Randy introduces eight new Chamber members and recaps the successful Sahuarita State of the Town luncheon, which attracted more than 500 registered attendees. He also discusses resources available to entrepreneurs and growing businesses, from getting a new venture started to expanding, hiring employees and planning for the future. The conversation also highlights the Elevate SGV Leadership Program, which gives participants an inside look at education, business, healthcare, public safety and other important parts of the community. Plus, Randy previews the Chamber Foundation’s Shred-A-Thon and Electronics Recycling event, happening Saturday, October 10 at Continental Shopping Plaza. Proceeds from document shredding help support the Elevate Ed Workforce Development Program and opportunities for local students.

We talk to the owners of Native Gardens of Green Valley, Harry March, Ellen March and Stephanie Peters.

We talk toJulie Repenhagen and Jill Leach from the Rotary Club of Green Valley.

Director Susan Voorhees and Assistant Director Scott Berg of the Santa Cruz Shoestring Players talk about the fall play George Washington’s Teeth. GEORGE WASHINGTON’S TEETH by Mark St. Germain Santa Cruz Shoestring Players October 29-30 and November 6-7  at 7:00 PM October 31, November 1 and 8 at 3:00 PM *Opening night reception following October 29th performance Tickets: $30 (plus $2 fee)   With time running out to renew their lease, the women of the beleaguered New Bunion Historical Society must find creative ways to snare new members and lure visitors to their sleepy New England town. When a set of George Washington’s dentures turns up in the hands of an unexpected rival, the ladies of the society brace themselves for all-out war. Heartfelt and historic, this farce proves that our differences don’t divide us, they make us strong. George Washington’s Teeth is produced through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Directed by Susan Voorhees.

Green Valley Council President and CEO Debbie Kenyon joins host Andy Taylor with updates on efforts to combat property-title fraud, including proposed safeguards and notification services designed to help homeowners identify suspicious activity. Debbie also previews several upcoming community programs, including an end-of-life planning forum, GV 101 for newcomers, a broadband fiber forum and a presentation from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Plus, hear details about the Green Valley Council Foundation’s Harvest Hoedown, Pima County’s mobile health services and new monthly vaccination clinics in Green Valley. For more information, call the Green Valley Council at 520-648-1936 or email [email protected] The Early Warning System for Fraud Detection for Title can be found  https://earlyalert.azre.gov/

We talk to Dareck Makowski, owner of Golf Cars of Arizona.

We talk to Tammy Riemath with the Salvation Army of Green Valley.

Suicide Prevention Month: Opening the Conversation and Finding Support A conversation with Michelle Fielder, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, Behavioral Health Director at United Community Health Center September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to replace silence with connection. Michelle Fielder, Behavioral Health Director at United Community Health Center (UCHC), brings 15 years of counseling experience and 20 years as a retired Marine Corps Intelligence Officer to this work. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, heard, and supported as they become their best selves. Open conversations about suicide and mental health matter because isolation and stigma thrive in silence. Talking about these topics in our community reduces shame, helps people recognize when they or someone they love needs help, and reminds us that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Treatment works, and early connection saves lives. Warning signs that someone may be struggling include withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy; talking about feeling hopeless, like a burden, or having no reason to live; dramatic mood changes; increased substance use; giving away possessions; or expressing that they wish they weren’t here. Changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or performance at work or school can also be indicators. These signs do not always mean someone is in immediate crisis, but they are reasons to check in with care. Many people worry that asking directly about suicide will make things worse. Research and clinical experience show the opposite: a calm, direct, compassionate question can be a relief. You can say something like, “I’ve noticed you seem really down lately and I’m worried about you. Are you thinking about suicide?” Listen without judgment, stay with the person if they are in distress, and help them connect to professional support. If there is immediate danger, call 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or emergency services. You do not have to have all the answers—you just have to be willing to start the conversation. Barriers to care include fear of being judged, cost or insurance concerns, not knowing where to go, cultural or family messages that “we don’t talk about that,” and the belief that asking for help means you have failed. Communities reduce stigma when neighbors, workplaces, schools, and families treat mental health the same way they treat physical health: as something that deserves care. Sharing stories of recovery, using accurate language, and making services visible and accessible all help. UCHC offers behavioral health services for children and adults, including counseling, psychiatric support, and integrated care coordinated with primary care providers. The team provides a safe, confidential space for people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and other challenges. Services are available at multiple Southern Arizona locations, with options that include in-person and telehealth visits. UCHC works to make care accessible regardless of insurance status through sliding-fee and other assistance programs. If you or someone you know would like to learn more or connect with the Behavioral Health team, call 520-407-000 or visit uchcaz.org. Follow United Community Health Center on social media for resources and updates. Help is available. You are not alone. One conversation can be the beginning of hope.

We talk to David Bradley with Medicare A to Z about open enrolment.

On this edition of In the Know, host Andy Taylor welcomes Chris Erickson, Executive Director of Valley Assistance Services, and Peggy McGee for an update on the organization’s latest events, fundraising efforts and the growing need for assistance throughout the community. Chris and Peggy recap the recent Valley Assistance Services fashion show, which welcomed more than 300 attendees and featured fashions from Ruby Jane and Soul Shoes of Tubac. They share highlights from the event, including the silent auction and 50/50 raffle, while thanking the many local businesses and community members whose support helps fund VAS programs. The conversation then turns to the upcoming Guac & Give, happening Saturday, October 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Borderlands UU. The event brings together restaurants, food trucks, local vendors and plenty of guacamole and salsa for guests to sample and vote on their favorites. Chris and Peggy also preview the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser coming in February. Also highlighted is an important opportunity to support the Valley Assistance Services Diaper Bank. For a limited time, donations of diapers and related products for infants, toddlers and older adults will be matched up to $15,000. Chris explains just how significant the need has become, with VAS distributing approximately $20,000 worth of products each month through its diaper bank. It’s another look at how Valley Assistance Services continues to help neighbors throughout the community—and the many ways residents can get involved, volunteer and lend a helping hand.

We talk to Joseph Lessard, CPA, PLLC.

We talk to Daniel Esquivel, General Manager of the Country Fair White Elephant in Green Valley.

We talk to the owners of Native Gardens of Green Valley: Ellen March, Harry March and Stephanie Peterson to see what's new.

We talk to Greater Green Valley CERT President Peggy McGee about the upcoming Emergency Preparedness Fair.

We talk to Allie Mindes with Arroyo Gardens about the Falls Fair.