Black History Month Profile: Quincie Douglas (Video) - A resident of Tucson’s South Park Neighborhood, Quincie Bell (Sims) Douglas was a community activist who spearheaded the Low-Income Free Transportation Services program in 1965, now known as Sun Van. She was also active in the Model Cities program that brought neighborhood centers, sidewalks, streetlights, and food programs to the disadvantaged areas of Tucson. Douglas died in 1986. In the video linked below, learn how employees at the Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th St., are working to carry out her legacy. Look for more Black History Month local profiles in NewsNet throughout February.
Watch a video about Quincie Douglas
Quincie Douglas Center

Nominations Open For The Southern Arizona Food Heroes AWARDS - The nonprofit Tucson City of Gastronomy (TCoG) recently announced the creation of an annual award program that will recognize Southern Arizona’s Food Heroes. TCoG is looking for local heroes in two categories: the “Food Visionary Award” and the “Jim Griffith Foodways Keeper Award.” The submission deadline is Monday, Feb. 20. The 2023 awardees will be selected through a nomination process and receive cash prizes of $1,500 each. The awards are created in partnership with Si Charro!, the Southwest Folklife Alliance, and the University of Arizona Southwest Center. The winners will be announced in April, and an event to honor the recipients will be held in early May.
From Tucson Foodie
Tucson City of Gastronomy

Beat Back Buffelgrass This Month - February is a month-long series of volunteer events to combat buffelgrass. The invasive plant outcompetes saguaros for space, nutrients, and water. It also poses a serious fire risk both in the desert and in our city. Join Tucson Clean & Beautiful, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima County Natural Resources Parks and Recreation, and maybe your neighbors at "A" Mountain for the kickoff event Saturday, Feb. 4. Sign up to volunteer or attend other buffelgrass removal events throughout Tucson. You can find a location close to home and can spend a great morning out in the desert during the "Save our Saguaros" events.
Register to volunteer Feb. 4
Save our Saguaros - Beat Back Buffelgrass events

Cyclovia Tucson Returns In April - Cyclovia Tucson is returning Sunday, April 16, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. About 3.5 miles of car-free city streets, from the Lost Barrio to Himmel Park, will be open to people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, roll, or skate and enjoy neighborhoods, participate in free activities, support local businesses, and connect with one another. Soak up some of Tucson’s beautiful spring weather as you make your way between four activity hubs. Explore Sam Hughes, Rincon Heights, Miles, and San Antonio neighborhoods while you enjoy great entertainment, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Cyclovia Tucson is a program of Living Streets Alliance, in partnership with numerous sponsors. Learn more about the event by following the links below.
Cyclovia Tucson
Cyclovia volunteer opportunities
Living Streets Alliance

Tucson Festival Of Books Needs Volunteers - The annual Tucson Festival of Books (TFOB) will be held the weekend of March 4-5 at the University of Arizona. The nonprofit TFOB is dependent on volunteers to stage the festival, with more than 2,000 people giving their time each year to present a friendly and welcoming atmosphere to guests. Opportunities are available to help before, during, and the day after the event (if needed). Follow the links below for more information about TFOB and how you can help.
TFOB volunteer opportunities
TFOB website