Last week, staff from The Explorer stepped foot into the Metropolitan Grill, otherwise known as “America’s Kitchen,” located at 7892 N. Oracle Road. 

Early one April morning, Estes Elementary School students Julian Rodriguez and William “Blueboy” Estrella were walking to school, just like they do together most days.

Hawkeye Richardson begins telling a story about a prehistoric shark from 20 million years ago. He explains that this shark, when it was alive, was the size of a semi tractor-trailer measuring in around 50 feet long and weighing 50,000 pounds. From a felt pouch, he slid out a palm-sized fossilized tooth belonging to one of those sharks, which was available to be held and touched.

Oro Valley

Throughout his time at Canyon Del Oro High School and in working toward his degree from the University of Arizona, Clark Jewett’s life has slowly been preparing him for this month. On May 17 and 18, his musical will be performed at Fox Theatre.

Recently, several dozen residents came together in front of U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake’s office on Oracle Road in order to protest his vote against a scaled down bill that would have extended background checks to purchase firearms.

Pima County

Several years ago, the idea was hatched to have Canyon Del Oro High School students build a home from a cargo shipping container. Now, after most of the legal hoops have been jumped through and the plans are nearly finalized, physical construction can begin.

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.

The Wings of Freedom Tour in Marana put on by the Collings Foundation, was in Marana last weekend. The tour travels the nation a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve.

Following in the tradition of the YMCA, Triangle Y Ranch in Oracle continues to offer overnight camping for children ages 6 to 17.

Though Camp Conquistador will not be offered this summer, kids wishing to attend tennis camp at the El Conquistador Resort and Country Club may still do so.

Last week, the residents at Clare Bridge in Oro Valley were treated with a visit from a couple of mini horses, brought by the organization Little Hooves and Big Hearts.

Kids looking to shoot some hoops and receive some close instruction this summer can do so by attending Hardwood Summer Camp.

Oro Valley

MARANA

Thousands of works of art made by students within the Amphitheater School District, spanning the artistic range through drawings, photographs and three-dimensional art, have filled both ends of the Foothills Mall.

Last week, local author Patty Vallance dropped off 28 copies of the book she wrote for the classes at Copper Creek Elementary School.

Just beyond the entrance to Wilson K-8 School, one school bus rear-ended another, sending two people to the hospital.

Oro Valley

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.

The goal for Dream Dinners is simple; to allow families to have a healthy home-cooked meal, and give them the time to sit around a table and enjoy each other’s company.

Oro Valley Pediatrics is expanding its practice by accepting new patients beginning in April.

Sheryl Kocher - Receptionist

On March 15, the 15th annual MountainView Collegiate Women’s Golf Invitational came to SaddleBrooke.