Smoke billows from a smokestack. Train tracks vibrate. A beam of light comes into view as a train, cars and all, rounds the corner. As it’s coming straight towards you, a bellowing shriek expels from the whistle, and the brass bell clangs. But then, it takes a sharp turn and disappears around a baby barrel cactus which looms over the passing cars like a towering saguaro. The train is as long as your arm and you could probably pick the steam engine up right off the tracks. This train and other miniature wonders are the newest exhibits at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.

This year, two schools from the Tucson area were nominated for the National Blue Ribbon, a prestigious award given to schools from around the country. The schools were Senita Valley Elementary School and Sunrise Drive Elementary School, which I attended. I am very proud of my former elementary school winning such a distinguished award, so I decided to interview the Sunrise Drive principal, Andrea Davidson. Principal Davidson has been in the Catalina Foothills School District for 37 years and is delighted that the school has been chosen.

With the global COVID-19 emergency officially over, and summer vacation looming ever closer (or arrived, for some), the travel industry is looking optimistic for the summer travel season, especially after the disastrous dive holiday travel took during the pandemic.