Oro Valley Councilman Mike Zinkin is looking to clear his name after comments made earlier this month by Mayor Satish Hiremath regarding the councilman’s town-funded trip to the Congressional City Conference for the National League of Cities in Washington D.C.

The Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship Program recognizes top students across the country based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and their participation in community services. 

(NAPSI)—After the ring is unveiled and the word “yes” is uttered, the flurry of planning a wedding commences. While the dress, the flowers and catering are important, the experience you create for you and your guests will be what stays with them—and you—for years to come. A destination that can offer a variety of attractions and activities to entertain and excite any guest, from grandparents to toddlers, will ensure happy wedding-goers and a celebration that continues before and after the nuptials.

There is no need to hire a guide, look at blurry film footage, and follow footprints in the mud to find The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen, located at Ina Road and La Cholla Boulevard.

Bring the whole family and join the party at a Special Olympics fundraiser to be held in the parking lot of Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge #2815 on April 27, at 16045 N. Oracle Road in Catalina, from noon to 8 p.m. 

It’s never too early to make your summer travel plans. DreamPlanGo, the popular website and social community devoted to bringing travelers vacation ideas and trip inspiration, surveyed a cross-section of Americans and found some interesting answers to that age-old question, “What are you doing this summer?”

THEATER

(BPT) - Whether it’s the wind in your hair, the whine of a reel or the thrill of watersports, every summer the water invites us to jump in and have some fun. Many might be surprised to learn that boating is an accessible and active hobby close to home, making it easy to plan a day on the water.

About a mile north of Cortaro Road along Silverbell Road, nestled in an area of Marana predominantly filled with homes is the Station Pub and Grill.

It might seem that, to find a relatively untouched tropical paradise, you’d need to travel halfway around the world. However, one of the best-kept secrets in travel – Panama – is close at hand and has everything you could want in a warm-weather getaway. The country combines the modern (its capital and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal) with the natural (its beaches and jungles).The best way to see it all is on a Panama Canal cruise.

(BPT) - When it comes to the excesses and indulgences of vacation, you might like to think that “what happens in Vegas (or wherever you travel) stays in Vegas.” Unfortunately, poor spending and credit choices made on vacation definitely come home with you, so it’s important to take steps to protect your credit – both before and while you travel.

You’ve retired from life’s hurly-burly. You’re in your 60s or 70s and the walls start closing in.  Retirement will often do that - slow life down and close you off from an active social life.  You end up, hour after hour, at the foot of your television either watching the soaps or increasing your anxiety about the future of the world by absorbing the clatter of “cable news”.  Life has become empty and you need to fill it up.

There are some destinations that blend spellbinding scenery, a sense of exotic remoteness and a touch of ancient mystery, creating an irresistible appeal to travelers. Perhaps the best example of that unique combination is Machu Picchu. The mist-shrouded “Lost City of the Incas,” hidden in the Andean mountain jungle, tops countless travelers’ wish lists, but the carefully controlled site can be tricky to reach. Perhaps the best way to ensure that you get to see Machu Picchu is through Peru tours that cover the technicalities of getting there, while also giving you opportunities to see more of the country.

MOVIES

(BPT) - Decongestant, check. Sunscreen, check. Antacids, check. So you’re going on vacation and your bag is well-stocked with remedies for every illness that could possibly derail your good time – from sunburn to an upset stomach. While you’re taking steps to preserve your good health on vacation, don’t overlook the body part that will carry you through all that fun: your feet.

(NewsUSA) - Among the hottest trends in travel is family travel, but multigenerational trips -- which span three generations of a family -- are quickly gaining popularity. Last year, 32 percent of vacationing U.S. grandparents took their grandchildren along.

(NAPSI)—Vacation rentals have become an increasingly popular lodging option for leisure travelers, representing a $22 billion industry and growing. With an abundance of property listings now available online and a diverse selection of vacation rentals to choose from, such as villas, condos, houseboats, private homes and castles, more Americans are discovering the benefits of vacation rentals.

(NewsUSA) - A new generation of roller coasters that give you a watery rush, a salute to the children who sailed on the Titanic and a giant Ferris wheel await visitors to Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains in 2013.

Pima Community College and the Arizona Freemasons are teaming up to help you protect your children.

Replacing My Big Fat Greek Restaurant by the Foothills Mall, Chef Aaron May opened his second restaurant in Tucson, Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen, on Jan. 1.