Hi, friends. We know that things seem to be changing faster than we can all keep up. And even though we can't tell you about fun eventsÌýhappening right now, we still want to help you engage with and love our community.ÌýÌý
For local, breaking news, check out theÌý.Ìý
On this page, we plan to share news updates, how local businesses and organizations are responding and what we can do to support each other through this.Ìýâ¤ï¸
March 24
*making an executive decision about dinner: Tuesdays are now Takeout Tuesday*
•ÌýGov. Doug Ducey and the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Department of Education announced today that they are working with school districts across the state to launch a childcare program, called ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Enrichment Centers, for children of first responders, critical healthcare workers and essential public sector workers, including child safety workers. They hope to have these centers running by next week. Go hereÌýto read more about the plan.Ìý
• The governor's office launched an initiative today to help ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ns with resources and information during the COVID-19 outbreak. The is a central location for people to find resources if they need help and find ways to help others. There is information for things like financial assistance, information for seniors, employment, food, volunteering as well as business resources. The governor also announced the creation of the which will take donations for personal protective equipment for medical personnel, non-profit organizations that support vulnerable community members and to help provide technology resources for low-income students for remote learning.Ìý
• The teachers and staff at are organizing a car parade that will take place on Friday. The staff will meet at the school and caravan through the neighborhood to wave hello to its students and families.ÌýÌý
•ÌýScientists at theÌýUA made 1,600 COVID-19 tests kitsÌýover the weekend and are producing thousands more for use here in the community.
• Casas Adobes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery donated its extra face masks and gloves to the Pima County Health Department to distribute as needed.Ìý
•ÌýLocal utilities including ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Electric Power Co., Southwest Gas Corp., ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Water and Trico Electric Cooperative haveÌýsaid they will not disconnect customers for non-payment or charge late fees during the coronavirus pandemic.
•ÌýSaguaro National ParkÌýrestrooms and comfort stations will be closedÌýstarting Tuesday.Ìý
• You can see so many unique pieces of public art from the comfort and safety of your car. to help you find some pieces to check out.Ìý
•ÌýThe number of coronavirus cases in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ has increased to 326 as of Tuesday morning.ÌýConfirmed cases in Pima County increased to 42.
Ìýof #ThisIsÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. None of our stories are behind a paywall because we believe this work should be free. We justÌýÌýlast week because we believe in the power of journalism to help people find answers, connect with their community and change things for the better — and that work is costly. If you believe in what we do,ÌýÌýdirectly helps our team of five local amazing women keep doing this work for you.
• Gov. Ducey releasedÌýa list of 'essential services'Ìýthat would leave workers in those fields free to travel in case he declares a 'shelter-in-place' order.
• The Disaster Distress Helpline,Ìý1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The helpline is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week free resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling and support. The helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).Ìý
• 5 Points Market and Restaurant is doing a trial run of selling produce from its tiny Riverview Farm. There are a small quantity of fresh beets, greens and herbs available for purchaseÌýÌýuntil 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 24.Ìý
• Local t-shirt designerÌýÌýis selling a custom-made T-shirt in collaboration with Ermanos, Thunder Canyon Brewery, Pop Cycle and Why I Love Where I Live. $10 of each tee will go to one of those businesses. More info onÌý.Ìý
• Need to get some exercise? A ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ running expert has some tips.Ìý
•Seen on : This Little Free Library has been converted into a Little Free Pantry with a leave-what-you-can, take-what-you-can philosophy.Ìý
• Make Way for Books has launched an online storytime Monday through Friday from 10:30-11 a.m. Go for more information.Ìý