Marana, AZ

Yes, it is football time again across our great country and for that we are truly joyful. But the season I refer to is the season when the NW part of Tucson starts to think about coming alive again. Its the time when the weather turns decidedly chilly and worse in most parts of the country and in the border country north. Its the time when the desert, yes, the desert that is so darn hot turns into a place that must be experienced for several seasons to truly understand.

Our family, friends, neighbors, associates and even collegues are starting to think about heading back to the Old Pueblo in numbers that stagger the imagination. Coming back to their "other home" in the great Southwest. Coming back to the comfort, better weather, change of scenery and warmth for minds and bodies that have grown accustomed to what is not new, but never ceases to enliven the spirit for a good long time.

We welcome you all back home. Can't wait to see those familiar faces. Can't wait to see the buzz again around the whole area. Can't wait to experience again the annual tradition of the throngs back again in our thriving community.

See you all real soon...

Hundreds of residents recently celebrated the opening of the new Tangerine Farms road linking the Gladden Farms housing development with Interstate 10.

On June 25 the nearly 4-mile stretch of brand new road was opened to much fanfare and anticipation of community residents. The new road is four lanes with a center median and sidewalks on both sides and will make commuting much easier for Marana residents, linking both the Gladden Farms and Rancho Marana communities to the freeway.

It will also serve as a major thoroughfare to the planned Fry's Marketplace on the corner of Lon Adams and Tangerine Farms road as well as the Shops at Tangerine, a 281 acre megaplex of retail, dining, entertainment and auto mall.

Signal lights have not been installed yet but are planned for the very near future (I've already seen two minor fender benders since the road opened so I hoped they hurry!). They are also planning to redo the freeway ramps which should make everyone happy; currently the off-ramp is only one lane so it tends to take a while during rush hour.

[Pictures courtesy of The Explorer]