On this episode of Around the Cracker Barrel, Andy Taylor sat down with Holly Doyle, manager of Posada Java, to highlight the many ways La Posada’s community hub brings people together. Holly shared how Posada Java has become more than just a coffee shop — it’s a gathering place for friends, support groups, and local events. From fresh pastries, sandwiches, and ice cream to a welcoming environment, it’s a spot where residents and visitors alike feel at home.

The conversation spotlighted the Summer Concert Series at the Shops at La Posada, running Friday evenings through September. The free, family-friendly concerts feature popular local groups including the No Sand Beach Band, Diamond Spur Duo, Hardscrabble Road, Retro Swing 7, Billy Shaw Jr., and Silver & Chrome. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits such as Hands of a Friend and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, with opportunities for concertgoers to contribute through donations, raffle baskets, and band tip jars.

Holly also discussed other ways Posada Java fosters connection, including Coffee with a Cop (September 9) and Cup of Brew with a Fire Crew (September 23), which give community members the chance to meet and ask questions of local law enforcement and firefighters. The Artisan and Farmers Market, held Mondays from 8–11 AM, brings local vendors together offering fresh produce, crafts, honey, and handmade goods, with proceeds benefiting La Posada’s scholarship fund.

Additionally, live Thursday afternoon music sessions inside Posada Java bring local talent to the stage, providing a relaxing midweek break for visitors. Holly emphasized that all of these events are open to the public — you don’t have to be a La Posada resident to join. With concerts, markets, coffee, ice cream, and community-building programs, Posada Java continues to serve as a vibrant centerpiece for Green Valley and Sahuarita.

For more Informatiomn Please Check out  La Posada's Website 

In this week’s Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomes Karen Schwartz and Gayle Peek from PAWS Patrol—a nonprofit dedicated to helping community cats in Southern Arizona. Karen and Gayle explain how PAWS Patrol focuses on feral and colony cats, working alongside the Animal League of Green Valley to find homes for adoptable cats and kittens, while returning ferals to their colonies through trap-neuter-return programs.

They discuss the challenges of “kitten season” in Arizona, which can stretch from spring through late fall, and share heartwarming rescue stories like Quinn and Izzy—two kittens saved after a storm. The guests offer advice on what to do if you find kittens, stressing the importance of leaving them with their mothers whenever possible.

Karen and Gayle highlight the Working Cat Program, which places unsocialized cats in barns or rural properties to control rodent populations, and note that PAWS Patrol is the only nonprofit in Southern Arizona conducting this type of large-scale trapping and relocation.

The conversation also touches on the urgent need for fosters, donations, and volunteers—particularly for trapping, social media outreach, and kitten care. Donations of money, food, and litter help cover veterinary costs and support colony caretakers.

Listeners are encouraged to visit greenvalleypawspatrol.org to foster, adopt, donate, or learn more about helping community cats.

In this week's episode of Around The Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley speaks with Mike Garcia, Parks and Recreation Lead for the Town of Sahuarita, and the Town of Sahuarita, Mayor Tom Murphy about the growing impact of adaptive sports in the community. Mike shares his personal journey from a high school sports enthusiast to a wheelchair basketball player after a life-changing accident at 15, and how he discovered adaptive sports in his 20s. His passion has driven him to create inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all abilities, from wheelchair basketball and pickleball to hand cycling and adaptive track.

Mayor Murphy discusses the town’s commitment to inclusivity, from accessible playgrounds to signature events, and praises Mike’s leadership in expanding adaptive programs. Both emphasize that these activities aren’t just for individuals with disabilities—anyone can participate, helping bridge understanding while fostering community engagement.

The conversation also spotlights the upcoming Adaptive Sports Open House, taking place August 22nd and 23rd at the New La Villita Community Center, 71 West Sahuarita Road. The event runs 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days, with Friday featuring air rifling and Saturday adding hand cycling, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair pickleball. The event is free and open to all, offering a chance to experience the excitement and skill of adaptive sports firsthand.

In this episode of Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomes Amy Oliver, Public Affairs Officer for the Whipple Observatory. Amy shares updates on the Observatory’s summer maintenance during monsoon season and previews exciting fall programming. She discusses the temporary closure of the Science Center for exhibit upgrades, the safety-driven policy of pausing telescope operations, and recent improvements including parking expansion and the first repainting of the MMT telescope structure in over 35 years.


Amy highlights upcoming educational opportunities—like tours for school groups, bird watchers, and hands-on science education. She also reflects on her recent trip to Chile as part of the Astronomy in Chile Education Ambassador program and her work with the Stars program, which brings telescopes to rural schools across the U.S.

The conversation also touches on efforts to reduce light pollution, protect dark skies, and educate the public about responsible outdoor lighting. Amy, who chairs the Outdoor Lighting Code Committee, encourages community involvement and shares her enthusiasm for the Observatory’s upcoming tours and improvements.

In this week’s episode of Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomes Jane Lateer and Arthur Dixon, a married couple celebrating one year of living at La Posada at Green Valley, alongside Cindy Barbee, Director of Marketing. The trio shares personal stories and insights into how community living at La Posada has transformed their social life, rekindled hobbies like dancing and guitar, and removed the stress of home maintenance with services like the famous “Dial 0” support line.

Jane and Arthur talk about the friendships they’ve built, the wide variety of activities—from yoga and tai chi to writing groups and field trips—and the high-quality dining experience that even includes a resident-run Food and Dining Committee. Cindy gives a behind-the-scenes look at how La Posada is structured, what makes its grounds and homes special, and the joy of watching a community truly thrive.

Whether you're curious about retirement living or wondering if it's time to make a move, this episode offers an honest, heartfelt glimpse into life at La Posada.

In this week’s episode of Around the Cracker Barrel, broadcast from the scenic campus of La Posada in Green Valley, host Guy Atchley welcomes a fascinating guest: Cressi Brown, Certified Master Herpetologist with the Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue & Education

Cressi brings her extensive knowledge of Southern Arizona’s reptilian and amphibious residents to the conversation, focusing especially on the creatures that emerge during the region’s dramatic monsoon season. From snakes to lizards, and especially the toxic toads that surface with the rains, Cressi offers important insight into the behavior and habitats of these critters—many of which are commonly found in local neighborhoods and backyards.

Whether you're a nature lover, a concerned resident, or simply curious about the creatures that call the Sonoran Desert home, this enlightening segment is packed with valuable information and local relevance.

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomed Katelyn Ricenbaw, Events Coordinator for the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary in Tucson. Broadcasting from the scenic Green Valley La Posada campus, Guy and Katelyn discuss the incredible work of this cage-free, no-kill facility—home to over 150 cats, including special needs and leukemia-positive kitties.

Katelyn shares how the Hermitage supports its mission through community events like their upcoming craft fair on September 27th, a Halloween party, and a fundraiser at Color Me Mine this Sunday at 6 PM. The shelter also partners with El Jefe Cat Café to house additional adoptable cats and utilizes social media to boost adoptions.

Listeners learn about the differences between fostering and adoption, with fees covering spaying/neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations. As a donor-funded nonprofit, Hermitage is currently in need of foster families and volunteers, especially during the busy kitten season.

Celebrating 60 years of service this October, the Hermitage invites the public to visit during open hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM—and to explore legacy giving opportunities like memorial bricks and benches. Learn more or donate at hermitagecatshelter.org.

In this Week's episode of Around The Cracker Barrel, Host Guy Atchley welcomes Claudia Mirescu and Cindy Barbee to discuss exciting updates and programs at La Posada Communities. Claudia shares her transition from law to senior living, bringing 15 years of experience to her new role. She explains the meaningful difference between for-profit and nonprofit senior communities, emphasizing La Posada’s mission-driven focus and reinvestment in resident wellness.

Claudia also introduces the new Oro Valley campus, La Posada at Pusch Ridge, and promotes an upcoming "Sunset Margaritas" social tour event for prospective residents.

Cindy brings the spotlight back to Green Valley, highlighting community engagement through resident art displays at CPAC, showcasing 44 works from 15 La Posada artists. She also gives an update on Los Niños del Valle, the on-site preschool with summer camp, fall enrollment info, and unique intergenerational learning opportunities.

The discussion transitions to Adult Day Services, soon to be renamed the “Adult Day Club,” reflecting a more social and engaging atmosphere with board games, yoga, day trips, and more for those needing daytime support.

The episode wraps up with a preview of the Concerts for a Cause summer series at the Shops at La Posada Courtyard. Bands like No Sand Beach Band, Mojo Brew, Hardscrabble Road, Billy Shaw Jr., and Silver and Chrome will entertain while supporting local causes like Hands of a Friend and the Southern Arizona Food Bank. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, dance, and donate while enjoying music, Posada Java refreshments, and consignment shopping at Vensel’s Treasure Shop.

To close, Cindy invites the public to schedule a personal tour of La Posada, highlighting current incentives, recently renovated apartments, and the unbeatable views and culinary excellence.

For More Info, Take a Look at https://www.laposadagreenvalley.org or Call 520-648-8131

In this episode, Guy Atchley welcomes Tom Lang, Former President and member of the Green Valley Amateur Radio Club (GVARC), for an engaging conversation about the world of amateur (ham) radio.

Broadcasting from the scenic La Posada campus, Tom previews the club’s upcoming Field Day event, taking place June 28–29, 2025, at the Santa Rita Fire Department in Green Valley. This nationwide ARRL event is held twice a year and highlights how ham operators prepare for emergencies, making contacts through voice (SSB), Morse code (CW), and digital modes—all within a 24-hour window of non-stop communication.

Listeners will also learn about the GOTA ("Get On The Air") station, a welcoming opportunity for newcomers and technicians to get hands-on experience with radio operation during the event. Tom shares how the club would mobilize in an emergency and reflects on real-world examples—such as the fires in Southern California—where amateur radio has played a crucial role.

From types of radios and antennas to signal propagation and the camaraderie of the ham radio community, this episode offers an inside look at how “hams” connect people—and help when it matters most.

🎧 Learn more or become a member: GVARC.us

Host Guy Atchley welcomes Local Regina Ford to the Broadcast from the Campus of La Posada. In this Week's Program Regina tells us about her background in Entertainment and her passion for working in the Arts in the Green Valley Sahuarita Area. 

Regina tells us about upcoming events at La Posada and around the Area.