The Salvation Army of Green Valley is preparing for another busy summer of serving local families, with two important back-to-school events designed to help students start the school year with confidence. On this week's Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomed Salvation Army Service Coordinator Tamara Riemath and Advisory Council member and President of the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce Randy Graf to discuss the upcoming Stuff the Bus campaign and the annual Kids Care Fair.

The first event, Stuff the Bus, takes place June 27 at Walmart, where community members are encouraged to donate school supplies for local students. Those donations will then be distributed during the Kids Care Fair on July 18 at Sahuarita Middle School. The program provides backpacks, school supplies, and access to valuable community resources that support children and their families throughout the school year. Guests emphasized that rising costs continue to make these services increasingly important for many households.

Randy Graf reflected on the long history of the Kids Care Fair and how the program has evolved over the years while continuing to serve hundreds of students annually. Both guests highlighted the strong community partnerships that make these efforts possible, from businesses and civic organizations to volunteers who donate time, supplies, and financial support. According to Riemath, while many aspects of the program have changed over time, one thing remains constant: the smiles on children's faces when they receive the tools they need to succeed in school.

The conversation also looked ahead to the Salvation Army's fall and winter programs, including the Angel Tree initiative, Red Kettle bell ringing campaign, and holiday meals. The guests discussed the organization's ongoing mission to meet people where they are, providing assistance with food, utilities, and other essential needs while connecting individuals with additional community resources. Through the dedication of volunteers, donors, and community leaders, the Salvation Army continues its commitment to "Doing the Most Good" throughout Green Valley and Sahuarita.

The Sahuarita Mustang Marching Band is preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as they travel to Philadelphia to participate in the Salute to Independence Parade celebrating America's 250th Anniversary. On this week's Around the Cracker Barrel, Guy Atchley speaks with Director of Instrumental Music Ben Garland, Music Booster Lara Ludwick, and Drum Major-elect Durham Curtis about the band's journey to becoming Arizona's sole school representative in this historic national event.

The conversation highlights an incredible community-wide fundraising effort that has raised more than $208,000, allowing every student who wanted to participate to attend regardless of financial circumstances. Local businesses, civic organizations, schools, elected leaders, and individual donors all played a role in helping the band reach this milestone. The guests discuss the challenges of transporting instruments, uniforms, and equipment across the country, as well as the extensive planning required to move 87 students and 32 adults from Southern Arizona to Philadelphia.

Listeners also get an inside look at the music the band will perform, including a special arrangement of Chester, a Revolutionary War-era patriotic song arranged specifically for the group. Durham Curtis shares the excitement students feel as they prepare to perform on a national stage, while Ben Garland reflects on how the experience will inspire future generations of musicians at Sahuarita High School.

The community is invited to attend a special send-off performance on June 24 at 8:00 PM in the Sahuarita High School stadium before the band departs on June 30. The parade itself takes place on July 3 in Philadelphia, giving the Mustang Marching Band the opportunity to showcase Southern Arizona pride before a nationwide audience during one of the country's most historic celebrations.

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley sits down with The Salvation Army Tucson City Coordinator Andres Espinoza for an inspiring conversation about the organization’s growing impact across Southern Arizona. The discussion begins with the history behind National Donut Day and the legacy of the “Donut Lassies” who served soldiers during World War I, while also highlighting this year’s partnership with Bashas’ Family of Stores, where 10% of donut sales on Friday, June 5th will support local Salvation Army programs.

The episode also focuses heavily on summer heat relief efforts in Tucson, including Operation Chill Out and the Hospitality House Cooling Center. Espinoza explains how the Salvation Army provides water, snacks, hygiene supplies, showers, laundry access, meals, and a safe air-conditioned environment for those experiencing homelessness during dangerous triple-digit temperatures. Listeners will learn about the organization’s ongoing need for bottled water, protein snacks, volunteers, and community support through programs like Hydrate Tucson with Safeway and Albertsons.

In addition, the conversation highlights youth opportunities including Camp Ponderosa Ranch, summer day camps, and Vacation Bible School programs designed to give children safe, enriching summer experiences. Espinoza also shares details about upcoming back-to-school outreach efforts, including the Fry’s Backpack SOS donation drive and upcoming Stuff the Bus events helping local students receive backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and other essentials before the new school year begins. It’s an uplifting and informative episode centered on compassion, partnership, and helping neighbors in need throughout the Tucson community.

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley explores the inspiring English as a Second Language (ESL) program at La Posada at Green Valley, a unique initiative that helps employees build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and create deeper connections within the community. Guests Sylvia Valdez from Human Resources, Resident Tutor Carol Wilking, and maintenance employee Fernando Contreras share how the program has transformed lives through personalized one-on-one tutoring and meaningful relationships between residents and staff.

Listeners will hear how the volunteer-driven program has grown from just a few tutors to nearly two dozen participants, offering free English instruction tailored to each employee’s daily work and personal goals. Carol discusses how tutoring goes beyond vocabulary lessons by building friendships and cultural understanding, while Fernando shares his inspiring story of beginning to seriously learn English at age 63 and how the experience has improved both his workplace communication and personal confidence.

The conversation also highlights the strong sense of community that defines La Posada, where residents volunteer their time to help employees grow professionally and personally. Sylvia emphasizes that language learning is about more than grammar — it’s about opportunity, encouragement, and creating a welcoming environment where everyone can succeed.

The episode closes with an uplifting reminder that learning never stops, no matter your age or background.

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomed Deputy Chief Joe O’Brien from the Santa Rita Fire District for an important discussion on wildfire preparedness, monsoon safety, and the many ways the department serves the Green Valley community. As May marks National Wildfire Awareness Month, O’Brien emphasized the importance of defensible space around homes, especially in areas near the mountains, and praised the region’s many Firewise-certified communities for helping reduce wildfire risks. He also shared how the department prepares months in advance for wildfire season with specialized training, interagency cooperation, and deployment readiness.

The conversation also focused on Southern Arizona’s intense monsoon season and the dangers that come with flooding, lightning, and high winds. O’Brien urged residents to respect road barricades and avoid driving through flooded washes, reminding listeners of the department’s “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” message. He explained how quickly floodwaters can become deadly and discussed the dangerous rescue operations firefighters often perform during severe storms, including helicopter rescues from fast-moving water.

In addition to emergency response, the Santa Rita Fire District continues to expand its community outreach efforts through programs like Camp Nitro, kindergarten fire safety education, Fire Corps volunteer services, smoke alarm installations, and lockbox assistance for residents. The discussion wrapped up with practical snake safety tips as snake season ramps up across the region. Deputy Chief O’Brien thanked the community for its ongoing support and encouraged residents to stay alert, prepared, and safe throughout the summer months.

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley sits down with Monica Gonzalez from the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to talk about the upcoming Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive taking place Saturday, May 9.

Monica explains how Southern Arizona residents can help simply by leaving non-perishable food donations by their mailbox for local letter carriers to collect. The conversation highlights the growing need for food assistance across Green Valley, Amado, Nogales, and Tucson, the important role volunteers and community partnerships play, and how the Food Bank supports seniors, families, and individuals facing difficult financial decisions.

Monica also shares how even a small donation can make a big impact for neighbors in need throughout Southern Arizona.

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, Guy Atchley welcomes Cassie Burruel from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for an insightful conversation on gardening in Southern Arizona’s unique desert climate.

With nearly three decades of experience, Cassie shares how the Cooperative Extension has been helping communities for over 100 years—offering everything from gardening advice to family engagement programs and financial literacy initiatives for young children.

The discussion dives into practical, science-based gardening tips, including one of the most common mistakes desert gardeners make: overwatering. Cassie explains the importance of deep, infrequent watering to promote stronger root systems and healthier plants. She also highlights beginner-friendly plants, the benefits of native species, and how to adapt gardening practices to Arizona’s changing climate.

Listeners will also learn about upcoming community programs like vertical gardening workshops and adaptive gardening techniques designed for older adults or those with mobility challenges.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this episode is packed with helpful advice to grow smarter in the desert.

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, Guy Atchley sits down with Jodi Condit, President and CEO of La Posada Communities, to discuss an exciting new addition to the campus—a Cultural Arts and Crafts Building designed to support the growing community of resident artists.

With more than 80 active artists already on campus, the new facility will feature dedicated spaces for painting, pottery (including indoor and outdoor kilns), fiber arts, photography, and a central gallery that doubles as a meeting and event space. Positioned within the scenic Central Park area, the building reflects La Posada’s commitment to creativity, lifelong learning, and resident engagement.

The conversation also highlights the nonprofit mission behind La Posada, where all proceeds are reinvested into the community, funding improvements, programs, and future development. From scholarship programs for employees to community outreach initiatives, the spirit of giving and legacy-building is a central theme.

Listeners will also learn about the unique “life plan” living model, the variety of housing options, and how La Posada continues to evolve—balancing innovation with a strong sense of community, wellness, and purpose.

On this week’s Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomes John Martin, President of the Performing Arts Guild at Quail Creek, and Dodie Martin, the organization’s Publicity Chair, to spotlight their upcoming production of Farce of Nature. This lively, fast-paced comedy follows a struggling fishing lodge caught in a whirlwind of outrageous characters, mistaken identities, and hilariously chaotic situations—true to the spirit of classic farce.

The Martins share details about the unique dinner theater experience, with performances scheduled for May 1st through 3rd at the Madera Clubhouse Crystal Ballroom. Audiences can enjoy a full meal followed by an evening (or matinee) of laughter, physical comedy, and unpredictable twists.

Beyond the stage, the conversation highlights the vibrant Performing Arts Guild community—over 70 members strong—offering opportunities for residents to perform, volunteer, and connect through the arts. The production also supports a meaningful cause, with proceeds benefiting the Sahuarita High School Mustang Marching Band as they prepare for a special trip to Philadelphia.

From behind-the-scenes stories to the joy of live theater, this episode celebrates creativity, community, and the fun of bringing people together through performance in Quail Creek.

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley delivers a truly spontaneous and delightful conversation with Irene Miller—a 93-year-young resident of La Posada at Green Valley whose energy, creativity, and outlook on life are nothing short of inspiring.

What began as a last-minute guest change turns into a heartfelt and fascinating look at Irene’s journey—from growing up in the Bronx, to a 31-year career in education, followed by 14 years in real estate, and now an active, engaged life in Southern Arizona. Irene shares how moving to La Posada eight years ago transformed her health, reduced stress, and opened the door to new friendships, experiences, and opportunities.

Listeners will enjoy her passion for volunteering at the Ventzel Treasure Shop, where unique, globally-inspired items find new homes, as well as her unexpected artistic path—becoming a “gourd artist,” crafting intricate works from natural materials and participating in local art groups and markets.

More than anything, Irene’s story is a testament to the power of staying active, social, and curious at any age. With humor, warmth, and wisdom, she reminds us that it’s never too late to try something new, make connections, and truly enjoy life.