As Oro Valley Safeway Manager Mike Hennings prepares for retirement after 42 years with the company, he says the career is all he’s ever known.

Contemporary jazz and blues will liven up the next Friday Night Live!

After two decades in the music business, Martina McBride is starting over. Now signed to Republic Nashville, with new management (Clint Higham of Morris Artists Management), a new co-producer (Byron Gallimore), newly-spotlighted songwriting skills (she penned over half the songs on Eleven, her new CD), and a brand new spirit of accomplishment, Martina is swinging into high gear. And she couldn’t be more thrilled.

(NAPSI)—For many motorists, the battery is a case of under hood, out of mind until they’re stranded by a dead battery, which can be inconvenient and even dangerous—but this doesn’t have to happen to you. Look for such signs that the battery is failing as the headlamps look dim at idle and brighten when you rev the engine or the starter groans and turns slowly, barely starting the car.

(NAPSI)—You and your colleagues may be more productive on your next conference call with the help of an interactive new service.

(NAPSI)—Even though I spend my days in front of the camera, I am still a busy mom of two, always on the lookout for the same things most moms are—new, smart resources to help my family thrive and simplify our everyday routine.

Oro Valley Town Council was faced with a difficult decision last Wednesday when it considered allowing a modification to a conservation easement for an undeveloped residential lot located in the Sunridge II subdivision between Tangerine and Moore roads, east of La Cañada Drive.

After reading Dave Safier’s article critiquing Basis Schools, I decided to present another view on the issue. The insidious approach of tearing down anything that offers an alternative to traditional public school has got to be exposed if we ever hope to improve education. Instead of reform, we must all conform. If the results aren’t flawless, we use them as proof that nothing is worth trying to improve at all. At the 2010 orientation of BASIS Oro Valley’s opening, founder Olga Block said, “This is not a school for geniuses. If you are willing to work hard, you will be successful.” She was right. Many families aren’t prepared for the workload. When faced with the intensity of the work and amount of homework, they decided it wasn’t a fit for their family. Some kids spend hours a week in a sport; some are in theater or have devoted themselves to music. That is their choice. For my two children, school is their sport. They are bright, self-motivated, and hardworking, but not geniuses. They “practice” in the form of homework just about every day of the school year, missing some social events, sleeping in, shopping and the latest T.V. shows, but that is their choice. The notion that BASIS only takes and therefore only keeps the “smart kids” is not being fair to all the kids like mine who work very hard to be there. It also shows just how uninformed Mr. Safier is about Basis culture and criteria.

Life-time Martial Arts #1, Inc is relocating Karate 4 Kids Martial Arts from Oracle and Magee roads to Plaza Del Oro Shopping Center at the northeast corner of Oracle and Orange Grove Roads. The new address for the 2,100-square-foot Karate 4 Kids martial arts studio will be 6450 N. Oracle Road. The owner, W.J. Choi, expects to open in the new location by June 16.

(BPT) - Whether you own a cozy cottage or mega mansion, as a homeowner, you likely embrace the outdoor living trend. But when you look at your deck or patio, does it leave something to be desired? By taking a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, you can affordably create outdoor spaces that enhance the style and functionality of your home, plus add to the overall value of the property.

Year after year, moms and children are faced with the same question: “What are we going to get dad for Father’s Day?”  Finding the right gift can be stressful and the department stores filled sky-high with matching tie and sock combinations are less than helpful.

(StatePoint) Not sure what to give your dad for Father’s Day? Classic choices like a tie or cufflinks are nice, but don’t forget to give him the most meaningful gift of all -- quality time.

My eighteen-year-old daughter’s beloved first car broke down on the side of I-10 about a month ago. In order to buy that little green Volkswagen Beetle in the first place, she’d saved for well over a year, stashing away every penny she earned from her part-time job, as well as cash birthday and Christmas gifts. So when the temperature gauge somersaulted and grey smoke poured from the exhaust pipe that day, my daughter’s dream car quite literally went up in smoke. And, unfortunately, there were no affordable options to get it back up and running. There was a grieving process to be sure, but perhaps the heaviest burden fell on the shoulders of my husband. Used car shopping, you see, is like the kryptonite to his Superman.

(NAPSI)—Millions of Americans will hit the road this summer in search of fun and sun. In fact, many will take to the road more than once. A recent survey conducted by hospitality management company Destination Hotels & Resorts found that 76 percent of travelers plan to take frequent, short trips this summer, compared to only 22 percent who plan to take a week-or-longer vacation.

According to a USA Today report, As many as eight to 10 people are believed trapped in the rubble of two buildings that collapsed in central Wednesday in central Philadelphia.

Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry is calling on local business leaders to assist the county in devising a comprehensive funding plan to address failing and deteriorating roads. 

THEATER

(BPT) - Women are busier than ever these days - the latest report from RunningUSA says women account for nearly eight million U.S. road-race finishers, with the number continuing to climb. For many women, running provides an opportunity to take a break from the challenges of work, family and other stress to be their best selves while combining fun, personal accomplishment and camaraderie with others.

(BPT) - It’s the cycle of fashion – trends are always recycling, returning and changing. Save time and money by transforming your existing wardrobe into stylish, on-trend pieces with a few simple tricks.

AGENDA

"Go big or go home." It's a popular sports chant that's found its way into numerous other aspects of American life. But when it comes to home decor, going big at home may not seem like an option, especially if your budget is less than grand.

(BPT) - Are your auto insurance premiums too high? Maybe they are, but not for reasons you might think. Insurance companies aren’t charging you higher premiums because you’re in an over-50 age group. You may be paying too much because you haven’t done anything to lower the cost of your premiums. Check out these money-saving tips – they could be right up your alley.

(BPT) - Whether you’re being treated for a minor injury or undergoing major surgery, it’s likely you’ll encounter not just one, but a team of health care professionals. While having multiple professionals working to provide you with the highest quality and safest care eases some fear, it also can cause confusion. When undergoing a surgery or procedure, it is important to truly know and understand who is providing your care.

(BPT) - Accessorizing is a beautiful thing; the right accessories can make your home exciting and inviting, and give you confidence and style. Yet accessorizing can be intimidating as well. With so many options in terms of design and color, it can be difficult to refine your personal style – and express your tastes in your own wardrobe and your home’s decor.

Domingo DeGrazia blends Spanish guitar passion with the flair of flamenco music. His music couples dynamic rhythms with vibrant Latin, salsa and rock drum beats.