Farewells, Singing, Food Bank, Skiing

This week on Arizona Illustrated…the story of a gas station that spans decades, generations and nations; Tucson Masterworks Chorale celebrates 75 melodic years in Southern Arizona; how the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona fills a gap as housing prices continue to rise and hit the slopes in the Sonoran Desert at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley. Farewell to Full-Service The A & M Shell Service Station on East Speedway has been owned by Arnold Mendez since 1965. His is the true immigrant success story - he came from Cuba in 1962. It is one of the only full-service stations that still exists in Tucson. At 88 years of age, Arnold Sr. still goes to work every day with his son Arnold Jr. and they recently sold the business. Many people in Tucson will remember Arnold Sr. for his kindness, generosity, and his incredible service to the community. We captured their last day of business and witnessed dozens of customers come by to express their gratitude. For the Love of Singing – Tucson Masterworks Chorale "Tucson Masterworks Chorale is the region's longest-standing community choir. From the eerie melodies of pre-Baroque era to the vibrant compositions of today, they sing the timeless masterworks of choral literature. With their 75th anniversary approaching in April 2024, their mission remains the same: to create a welcoming space where voices from all walks of life can unite in musical harmony and growth. If you are drawn to the allure of choral classics, you can get more info at their website: tucsonmasterworkschorale.org." Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona provides a range of services, including emergency food assistance, community garden plots, a culinary training program, and a farmers’ market. They are feeding the hungry and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. Mount Lemmon Ski Valley Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is the southernmost ski resort in the country. This slice of Tucsonan life in Winter shows a uniquely short journey to the top of the Mount Lemmon, a day skiing, and just a short while later, a completely unique Après skiing activity singular to Tucson’s climate. Tweet