We talk to White Elephant Executive Director Daniel Esquivel.

We talk to Ryan Bennett with Bill's Home Service.

This week on In The Know, Andy Taylor welcomes members of the Green Valley Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers (SAV), including Deanna Lindeman and Steve Swallows, for an inside look at how this dedicated volunteer group helps keep the community safe and connected. From daily Telecare wellness calls to over 100 residents, to patrols in neighborhoods and parks, SAV plays a vital role in providing peace of mind—especially for seasonal residents and seniors.

Deanna shares how SAV volunteers assist with home checks, front desk operations, and even proper medication disposal—helping protect both residents and the environment. With new volunteer classes underway and more training planned, the organization continues to grow, offering meaningful ways for community members to get involved while supporting local law enforcement.

The conversation also turns to safety and preparedness, including the upcoming monsoon season and community events like “Monsoon Madness,” where residents can learn how to handle severe weather and emergencies. SAV volunteers are often on the front lines during these events, directing traffic and ensuring public safety.

Rounding out the episode, Steve Swallows from the Scam Squad highlights the growing threat of scams—especially those powered by AI and impersonation tactics. He shares practical advice on avoiding fraud, including letting unknown calls go to voicemail and being cautious with personal information. It’s a timely reminder that staying informed is one of the best defenses in today’s digital world.

On this episode, Andy Taylor welcomes Rebecca Willer, owner of Continental Spa and Wellness Center, and Luke Smith of Tucson Cold Plunge into the studio to talk about an exciting upcoming open house event in Green Valley. Taking place this Saturday 04/04/2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event invites the community to experience a range of wellness services including cold plunge, sauna therapy, red light therapy, and chair massage—all free for attendees.

Luke explains the growing popularity of cold plunge therapy, highlighting its benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved mood through increased dopamine, enhanced focus, and better sleep. Paired with sauna sessions and red light therapy, these treatments work together to promote overall wellness, recovery, and longevity. The event will also feature guided sessions, helping newcomers learn how to safely and effectively use each modality for maximum benefit.

Rebecca shares details about the variety of massage services available at the wellness center, including relaxation, therapeutic, deep tissue (ashiatsu), and maternity massage. She emphasizes that the open house is designed for everyone—whether you're curious about wellness trends or simply looking to relax and learn more. Guests are encouraged to bring comfortable clothing or swimwear and a towel, and come ready to explore a new approach to health and self-care.

Located in the Continental Shopping Plaza in Green Valley, the wellness center aims to create a welcoming, social environment where people can feel good, connect, and discover healthier alternatives to traditional social outings. With expert guidance and a hands-on experience, this event is a perfect opportunity for the community to explore modern wellness practices in a fun and supportive setting.

Kiwanis Club of Sahuarita members Laurie Wykoff and Denise Hoyos discuss:

PetPalooza – Sahuarita The PetPalooza event in Sahuarita is a community-focused, pet-friendly festival organized by the Kiwanis Club of Sahuarita. It brings together residents, families, and their pets for a morning of fun and community engagement.

• Date/Time: May 16, 2026, from 7:00 AM to noon 
• Location: Sahuarita Lake Park

The event is designed as a celebration of pets and community, featuring:

• Opportunities for pet owners to participate in activities and showcases
• Family-friendly entertainment and gathering space
• Engagement with local vendors, sponsors, and animal-related resources

As a Kiwanis-led initiative, PetPalooza also supports the club’s broader mission of serving the community and benefiting local youth and families. In short: PetPalooza is a lively, inclusive outdoor event centered on pets, community connection, and local engagement in Sahuarita.

Town of Sahuarita Economic Development Specialist Alex Magallanes and Business Coach with the Grow in Sahuarita Program Stephanie Bermudez discuss:
Grow IN Sahuarita Program The Grow IN Sahuarita program, run by the Town of Sahuarita, is a no-cost business assistance initiative designed to support local small businesses and entrepreneurs. It offers:

• One-on-one coaching and technical assistance
• Guidance on business challenges and growth strategies
• Access to workspace (BizHub) and local economic development resources

The goal is to help businesses start, stabilize, and scale sustainably within the Sahuarita community.  Business Resource Expo – May 6, 2026 The Business Lending & Resource Expo (also referred to as a Business Resource Expo) is an upcoming free event:

• Date/Time: May 6, 2026, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Location: Sahuarita Town Hall
• Cost: Free

The expo connects business owners with:

• Lenders and financial institutions
• Business experts and support organizations
• Practical tools, funding information, and growth strategies

Attendees can network, explore available resources, and gain insights to strengthen or expand their businesses.  In short: the Grow IN Sahuarita program provides ongoing hands-on support for businesses, while the May 6 expo is a focused, in-person opportunity to connect with funding sources and expert guidance in one place.

The Animal League of Green Valley President Kim Eisele talks about the importance of being a no-kill shelter.

Native Gardens of Green Valley   We talk to the owners---Ellen March, Harry March, Stephanie Peterson               Native Gardens is a longtime Green Valley family-owned business, located on La Canada Drive just north of Esperanza Blvd since 2012.               They sell everything they love.             There are three distinctive departments—the plant nursery, art and home décor and fashion and accessories.             The business is known as a destination attraction for locals and out of town visitors alike.             Frequent Facebook posts keep customers up to date on the latest arrivals at the store.             The store is open Monday through Saturday   9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 until 3.   Stephanie—do you have anything new and interesting happening in the nursery?   Harry—what would you like to tell us about the gift shop/gallery?   Ellen—share some information about gift items with us.   Encourage listeners to stop in and visit Native Gardens—on La Canada just north of Esperanza in Green Valley.   Open  Monday through Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 until  3.   Also follow us on Facebook to learn of new arrivals: Native Gardens of Green Valley 

Regina Ford talks about Readers Theater at CPAC.

The Santa Cruz Shoestring Players Readers Theater is a small, community-based performing arts group focused on readers theater—a style of theater where actors perform scripts aloud rather than fully staging them with sets, costumes, and memorization. Here’s the essence of what they’re about: 🎭 What they do

• Present scripted readings of plays, stories, and sometimes original works
• Perform with minimal props and staging, focusing on voice, expression, and storytelling
• Often include humor, local themes, or literary adaptations

👥 Who’s involved

• Typically made up of local volunteers and amateur actors
• Welcomes people interested in theater without the pressure of memorization or large productions
• Often connected to community centers, libraries, or arts groups in the Santa Cruz County area (Arizona)

🌟 Purpose

• Promote accessible, low-cost theater
• Provide a creative outlet for the local community
• Keep storytelling traditions alive in a simple, engaging format

🎤 Why “readers theater”? Readers theater is all about the performance of the text itself. Instead of elaborate staging, the focus is on:

• Voice acting
• Character interpretation
• Audience imagination

This makes it especially appealing for smaller communities because it’s easy to produce and very inclusive.

In a recent interview, Dareck Makowski, owner of Golf Cars of Arizona, shared the story behind the company and its growth into one of the region’s trusted golf car dealers. He explained that Golf Cars of Arizona was founded with a vision to provide high-quality, reliable vehicles paired with exceptional customer service—values that continue to drive the business today. Inspired by the versatility and growing demand for golf cars beyond the course, the founders saw an opportunity to serve both recreational and practical transportation needs across Arizona. Makowski described how the company has evolved over the years, expanding its inventory to include personal, commercial, and street-legal golf cars, as well as both new and pre-owned options. Carrying respected brands and offering extensive customization—from upgraded seating and wheels to performance enhancements—Golf Cars of Arizona has set itself apart by tailoring vehicles to each customer’s lifestyle. Popular features now include lifted suspensions, lithium battery upgrades, and street-ready packages. The conversation highlighted how golf cars are increasingly used in residential communities, events, and local businesses, especially in Arizona’s desert climate where their efficiency and ease of use make them an appealing alternative mode of transportation. Makowski emphasized the benefits of electric models, noting their quiet operation, low environmental impact, and growing role as the industry standard. He also addressed maintenance and longevity, explaining that with proper care and routine service—offered directly through the company—golf cars can last for many years. For prospective buyers, he խորհուրդ considering usage needs, budget, and desired features, with financing options available to make ownership more accessible. Beyond sales, Makowski spoke about the company’s connection to the local community and the increasing demand for golf cars across Arizona. He wrapped up with a personal touch, recalling some of the most unique custom builds and encouraging newcomers to explore the flexibility and fun these vehicles offer.