et cetera
Designer DIY
Baker+Hesseldenz Design recently launched Greybox, an innovative new option for homeowners looking for an alternative to traditional professional design services. This concept is a great fit for those on a limited budget who want the designer look, or those who simply want to put their own elbow grease into a project. Send in measurements, photos of the room, and images you're inspired by, and after a few weeks you'll receive your greybox, complete with floorplan, concept boards, resource lists, and how-to guide. DIY with a little nudge from a designer. Visit greyboxinc.com for more information.
Hot Hats
Did you know Panama hats actually originated in Ecuador? Workers on the Panama Canal wore this style of hat, and when President Roosevelt visited and was photographed wearing one, it was incorrectly dubbed the "Panama hat." Grant Sergot, owner of Optimo Hatworks, has been custom fitting Panama hats for 30 years. Starting with a handwoven straw hat body purchased in Ecuador, Sergot shapes each hat to fit the wearer. A milliner and renovator, he also offers hat renovation and educational tours of this shop by appointment. Check out Optimo Hatworks in Bisbee, 520-432-4544, optimohatworks.com.
Know Your Nonprofit
You hear about them in the news and around town, but how well do you know your local nonprofits?
Reading Seed
This literacy program began in 1995, when a group of volunteers collaborated to address the growing issue of children's literacy in Pima County. Since then, the organization has grown and is now a member of the Literacy for Life Coalition, a group of providers, educators, and businesses committed to literacy. The group has more than 800 volunteer reading coaches, maintains a lending library of more than 15,000 books, and has coached more than 2,000 children in Tucson. Interested in volunteering opportunities? Check out readingseed.org, or call 798-0700.
This spring marks the second annual Tucson Festival of Books, a repeat of the wildly successful celebration of literacy, books, and reading. The event happens the weekend of March 13-14 on the mall of The University of Arizona, and boasts more than 400 authors, including Elmore Leonard, J. A. Jance, and Alice Hoffman. Plus, enjoy lectures, readings, and panel discussions; booksellers, publishers, and literary organizations will also be in attendance. Proceeds benefit Reading Seed, the Literacy for Life Coalition, and the U of A. For more information phone 721-7964 or visit tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.
Book Review
Local writer Edie Jarolim's Am I Boring My Dog? And 99 Other Things Every Dog Wishes You Knew strives to answer every question a new or confused dog owner—plus those of us who just want to do right by our furry friends—might have. The book humorously and humbly tackles questions such as, Is it OK to make my dog a vegetarian? What should I look for in a groomer? Where should my dog sleep? We asked Jarolim a few questions about her book, being a dog owner, and her pup, Frankie.
Q: Was there a particular moment that inspired you to write this book?
Oddly, it was a rejection from an agent for another book that inspired me to write this one. She didn't like the topic (a travel memoir) but liked my writing, and asked if there were any other things I was interested in. I immediately said, "Dogs." I didn't end up using the agent—or any agent—but the idea for the book was born.
Q: What's been the best part of dog ownership so far?
Knowing there's someone who's always glad to see me when I come home, no matter how badly dressed, sweaty, or crabby I am.
Q: If Frankie could speak, what do you think he'd say to you?
More hamburger and chicken, please, and could you skip those insulin shots?