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When people think of therapy, they often picture themselves talking to a counselor while lying on a couch in an office. While this type of talk therapy can be effective, some people prefer other methods. EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ, is an option for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other issues. Though different from traditional modalities, many patients reshape their lives and reclaim their well-being with the help of EMDR therapist Christy Maxey. If you have difficulty expressing your thoughts and feelings verbally, EMDR therapy could be a helpful alternative.
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Healing That Helps You Get Unstuck
Every person grows and learns in different ways. To that point, every counselor or guide has their own techniques and exercises to help clients. Not every method is effective for everyone, but with the right guidance, you can defeat your inner demons and recapture your life. That's where Christy Maxey thrives.
Christy is a trauma EMDR coach dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge of true self-love. She aims to help men and women overcome negative self-talk and patterns and finally live the fulfilling life they deserve. Christy has a special focus on supporting women who experience anxiety, depression, lack of self-trust, people-pleasing, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, she's an expert in helping men who are navigating anger, stress, and relationship challenges.
If you have received help from therapists and life coaches in the past but find yourself falling back into the same patterns as before, know that you're not alone. The simple truth could be that whatever problem you were trying to face was left unresolved.
Essentially, you cut the top of the weed, but you didn't pull out the entire root. In a sense, you put a band-aid on a serious wound when you needed more comprehensive, specialized treatment. Unlike many life coaches, Christy Maxey aims to solve the root cause of your mental and physical symptoms. By addressing the cause of your issues, you can reclaim your life and move forward without the baggage you've carried for so long. Take it from us - it's an incredible feeling!
Some of the most common problems that Christy helps solve for patients include:
- Difficulty Dealing with the Emotional Content at the Center of Their Problems
- A Lack of Resistance to and Awareness of "What Is"
- Fear and Uncertainty About Making Changes
- Fear of Getting Compassionate Help and Guidance
- Believing False Narratives Associated with Past Traumas and Experiences
What is EMDR Therapy in Vail, AZ?
EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique that assists people in recovering from the effects of distressing life experiences, such as emotional distress and symptoms.
Created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is an evidence-based treatment approach that provides both trauma-informed treatment and treatment protocol. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation to replicate the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep. In fact, EMDR treatments have shown that the mind can heal from psychological trauma faster than traditional talk therapy.
Traumatic events often lead to negative beliefs and emotions, such as shame, anger, and sadness. EMDR enables your brain to reprocess such events, promoting healing, well-being, and positivity in patients.
If you're wondering whether or not EMDR treatment from Christy Maxey might be a good choice for you and your family, ask yourself these questions:
- Do You Feel Stuck in Your Life?
- Do You Find Yourself Stuck Feeling the Same Types of Fear, Sadness, or Anxiety?
- Have You Grown Accustomed to a Negative Inner Critic?
- Do You Feel Stuck with Feelings of Shame from Past Mistakes or Traumas?
- Are You Always Repeating the Same Patterns in Relationships? Too Nice, Too Accepting, Avoidant, Easy to Get Triggered, Etc.?
- Is Your Brain Full of Self-Doubt and Harmful Self-Talk?
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
Once it's agreed that EMDR therapy is suitable for you, your initial sessions involve discussing your goals and enhancing your ability to cope with stress. In the following phases of EMDR therapy, you concentrate on a specific event or focus on a negative image, belief, emotion, or bodily sensation related to the event. You then focus on a positive belief indicating that the issue has been resolved.
While you're focused on the upsetting event, Christy begins sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. After each set, you are guided to observe what comes to mind. Shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs about the event may occur. It should be noted that you can stop therapy at any moment if necessary. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps will be repeated until distress caused by the event decreases. EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of therapy offered through the Maxx Method.
To help paint you a picture of how EMDR therapy works, think of it like a cast for a broken bone. Unlike other forms of therapy, however, EMDR can be more uncomfortable than traditional treatments. It's important to be ready for possible emotional exhaustion afterward. To cope, you can create a relaxing playlist and plan some activities to unwind. Once the sessions are finished, take some time to recharge and decompress.
Who Should Use EMDR Therapy in Vail, AZ?
EMDR therapy is something anyone can benefit from. It's not only reserved for people with extreme experiences or traumas. Even mild cases of anxiety and depression can be treated by a trained EMDR coach like Christy Maxey. When you remember something that reminds you of a bad experience, your body might react like it's in danger, even if it's not. This is a normal reaction, but if it keeps happening, it can make you feel really stressed out. With EMDR, you can heal and learn new ways to cope without having to talk about exactly what happened. This can help you feel better and live your life without over-worrying and ruminating on negativity.
If you're one of the many people who have experienced lackluster results from one or more EMDR sessions, it's crucial that you do not give up hope. In fact, many men and women come to Christy Maxey having had poor EMDR experiences. Thankfully, they soon realize how impactful and fulfilling the therapy can be for trauma. That's especially true when combined with other therapies like Inner Child Healing and Guided Visualization. Of course, EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ, isn't the best choice for every patient - after all, every person is different and responds to therapies in different ways.
To truly discover if EMDR therapy is the right choice for your mind and body, contact Christy ASAP to schedule your initial consultation. That way, you and Christy can get to know each other better and discover the best ways to promote long-term healing and well-being. With that said, patients choose EMDR treatments for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for using EMDR therapy include the following:
- Panic Attacks and Anxiety
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome)
- Eating Disorders like Bulimia, Anorexia, and More
- Trauma from Abuse and Violence
- Abusive or Violent Relationships
- Rest and Sleep Problems
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Childhood Trauma and Abuse
- Anger and Sadness
- Fear of Speaking in Public
- Betrayal and Grief
The Life-Changing Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Though EMDR therapy is more popular than ever, many people are still unaware of its benefits and how life-changing the therapy can be for people who are stuck. If that sounds like you, keep these benefits in mind as you continue to research this amazing therapy choice.
Triumph Over Trauma
Recovering from a traumatic experience can be extremely challenging, but EMDR therapy can provide a solution. Trauma can create triggers that make you feel like you're experiencing the event all over again. EMDR can help reorganize the thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with the trauma so that you no longer feel controlled by it. While the effects of trauma may never completely disappear, EMDR can significantly reduce its impact on your life and enable you to live in the present without constantly reliving the past.
Enhance Your Mental Fortitude
Achieving personal growth involves accepting one's identity, building self-esteem, and understanding the internal narratives that shape our daily experiences. EMDR and guided therapeutic processing can help create a peaceful, efficient, and confident setting for individuals to accept their past and move forward. This therapeutic process empowers individuals, providing them with the strength and courage to confront any obstacle that impedes their well-being.
Reshape Your Life
During EMDR therapy sessions, traumatic events are broken down, enabling patients to gain a different perspective on negative events. This altered view can be as life-changing as the traumatic event itself, giving individuals greater control over how they adapt to the effects of trauma.
Overcome Circular Thinking
If you struggle with circular thinking patterns related to anxiety disorders, phobias, or generalized anxiety, EMDR therapy may be helpful. EMDR can assist you in overcoming these thought spirals by teaching you how to deal with your fears and worries without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety.
Understanding the Phases of EMDR Therapy in Vail, AZ
According to the EMDR Institute, there are eight phases in traditional EMDR treatment:
The EMDR Institute has identified eight phases of EMDR therapy. These are:
- History and Treatment Planning
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan
- Closure
- Reevaluation
History and Treatment Planning
During the initial stage of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Christy will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and emotional history and create a treatment plan. This stage involves discussing the particular issue that led you to seek therapy. You'll also identify behaviors and symptoms associated with the issues you're facing. Based on this information, Christy will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the goals to be addressed using EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ:
- The Traumas or Events Causing Issues
- Present-Day Problems and Traumas Causing Distress
- Healthy Behaviors and Skills Needed for Long-Term Well-Being
Preparation
During this phase, Christy will explain the theory of EMDR, how it is applied, and what you can expect during and after treatment. Christy will then teach you several techniques for relaxation so that you have the tools to calm down in the event of emotional disturbance.
One of the biggest goals of this first phase is to establish trust between you and your EMDR coach. While you don't have to go into great detail about disturbing memories, if you don't trust your therapist, you may not accurately report what is felt and what changes you are or aren't experiencing. If your goal is to please the therapist and say you feel better when you really aren't, no therapy in the world will resolve your trauma.
Assessment
In this phase, you will be prompted to access each target in a controlled manner so it can be effectively processed. Processing does not mean talking about it. From there, Christy identifies different parts of the target to be processed. The first step is for you to select a specific image or mental picture from the target event (identified during Phase One) that best represents the memory.
You then choose a positive statement that you would like to believe. The statement should have an internal sense of control, such as "I am valuable/lovable/a good person/in control" or "I can achieve success." In some cases, when the primary emotion is fear, such as after a natural disaster, the negative thought could be "I am in danger," and the positive thought could be "I am safe now." "I am in danger" is considered a negative thought because fear is no longer necessary, but it is still present in the nervous system. The positive thought should reflect what is appropriate in the present moment.
During this phase, you will also identify negative emotions like anger or fear and physical sensations that you associate with trauma.
Desensitization
This phase of EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ, hones in on the disturbing sensations and emotions associated with your trauma and the ways that you respond to it. In doing so, patients often resolve similar events as well. The goal of this phase is to use sounds, taps, or eye movements with shifting focus until your subjective disturbance levels are lowered.
Installation
The goal here is to concentrate on the positive belief that you have identified to replace your negative belief(s). For example, you may have suffered child abuse in your younger years and hold the negative belief that you are powerless. Christy will help strengthen and install positive cognitions that reinforce the fact that you are in control, not the negative thoughts and emotions keeping you stuck.
Body Scan
Research into EMDR sessions indicates that physical responses to unresolved thoughts are common. After your positive cognition is fortified and installed, Christy will ask that you bring the original target event to the forefront of your mind. If she notices any additional body tension, those physical sensations are reprocessed. If you do not have any body tension or symptoms present when your original target event is brought up, your EMDR session is considered successful.
Closure
Typical EMDR sessions end with closure and a debriefing on what you can expect between your current and subsequent EMDR sessions. If necessary, Christy will provide calming techniques that you can use outside of therapy. This part of the EMDR process ensures that you leave Christy's office feeling better than you did at the beginning of the session.
Reevaluation
This phase gives Christy insight into any other treatment plans that may be necessary for your healing and well-being. Like any type of sound therapy, reevaluation is critical in determining the success of your EMDR treatment over a period of time.
Reshape Your Life with EMDR Therapy from Christy Maxey
Regardless of the events and trauma keeping you stuck, EMDR might be a viable solution for reclaiming your life. Christy Maxey provides patients with the safe space needed to do so. If you're ready to let go of past or present traumas and reclaim your love of life, EMDR therapy could be the first step on your healing journey. Contact our office today to learn more about the Maxx Method, EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ, EMDR online, and how Christy Maxey can help you defeat the inner demons holding you back.
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Latest News in Vail, AZ
All Vail schools expected to resume Thursday
Denelle Confairhttps://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/5-vail-schools-cancel-classes-wednesday
Copy This Embed Code: Ad Update: 3:42 p.m.Vail schools will resume their normal hours on both Feb. 16 and 17.All bus routes, including after-school and activity buses, will run their normal schedule.IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING THURSDAY 2/16 & FRIDAY 2/17Dear Vail Families,We want to provide you with an update regarding the current plans for tomorrow and the remainder of this week.Multiple public agency sources have reported that barring any unforeseen circumstances Interstate-10 should op...
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Update: 3:42 p.m.
Vail schools will resume their normal hours on both Feb. 16 and 17.
All bus routes, including after-school and activity buses, will run their normal schedule.
IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING THURSDAY 2/16 & FRIDAY 2/17Dear Vail Families,We want to provide you with an update regarding the current plans for tomorrow and the remainder of this week.Multiple public agency sources have reported that barring any unforeseen circumstances Interstate-10 should open around 8:00 this evening. At that time, it is also expected that the remaining “shelter in place” will be lifted.Assuming the above occurs as expected, school will reopen at all regularly scheduled times, including zero hour classes as well as before and after school programs on Thursday, February 16th. All bus routes will run as normally scheduled including after school and activity buses.There have been several questions about what needs to be done to clean schools within the one-mile “shelter in place” radius prior to opening them for students. We have received clear guidance from the Pima County Health Department who has been working in conjunction with Pima County Poison Control regarding this question. Their guidance is as follows:-There is no need to change HVAC filters or clean ductwork.-There is no need to clean or wipe down indoor surfaces.Before students return tomorrow, we will be washing down and spraying with water and a mild detergent exterior surfaces including water fountains and play equipment at all of the schools in the “shelter in place” radius.Please note that no student will be marked absent for February 15th. Further, the day will not need to be made up at a later date.We would also like to remind you that this Friday, February 17th is a half-day for all students.Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to celebrating your children’s successes and our community support of young people at Vail Pride Day this Saturday. We will see you there!John CarruthSuperintendent
Update: 3:42 p.m.
"None of the additional 22 schools other than the original five were impacted as far as being in the shelter in place zone at that time," John Carruth, Vail Unified School District Superintendent said. "It was more out of a sense of there's a lot of traffic in our area with I-10 and being closed down and interstate traffic being routed through our area."
Meanwhile school officials are working with Pima County Health officials to determine if any of their schools will need clean up crews from the spill.
"We're also working with county officials on what this looks like as far as mitigation, if any is needed. This isn't an issue that just impacts a school. It also impacts every resident in that area,"Carruth said.
Since the closure of all Vail Unified Schools was decided a little late in the morning some students still went to school.
"Any student who arrived to campus arrived in a safe place that had staff also on that campus. And so we simply worked with those students and are continuing to work with them to they can remain there," Carruth said. "We're calling parents in, it's their choice to come get them if they want to do that at that time or they can have their students remain and if they need transportation home we'll provide that transportation to home."
Carruth says that he plans on opening up all the Vail schools on Thursday in less of authorities deem it not safe.
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All Vail Unified School District schools canceled classes Wednesday due to a shelter-in-place order resulting from Tuesday's deadly I-10 crash that resulted in a nitric acid spill.
Here is the latest message the district sent to families:
Dear Parents,At 8:50 a.m. public agencies coordinating the I-10 incident requested that all Vail Schools close for the day for both safety and to help ease traffic congestion around the area.If a student is already at school or en-route to school, they are safe and can remain at school. Staff are currently on site. Parents are welcome to come pick their children up at any time. If parents need afternoon bus service for their children, we will provide regular afternoon bus routes to get them home.Shortly before DPS requested we close schools, they expanded the “shelter in place” zone to three miles from the incident due to changing conditions at the scene. Only the four Rita Ranch schools and Vail Academy and High School are within the expanded “shelter in place” zone. Those schools have been closed since 6:00 a.m. No other school is impacted by this expansion.John CarruthSuperintendent
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——-Phil Villarreal is the senior real-time editor for KGUN 9. He is also a digital producer and host of "Phil on Film" seen weekly on Good Morning Tucson, Phil moved to KGUN after 17 years with the Arizona Daily Star. He is married and has four children. Share your story ideas and important issues with Phil by emailing phil.villarreal@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Guide to 16 Restaurants in Vail & Rita Ranch
Samantha Colaiannihttps://tucsonfoodie.com/2019/05/14/vail-rita-ranch-restaurants/
There was a time in Vail when residents were ecstatic that a Dairy Queen opened near the local church and post office. Within the last ten years, however, Vail and the Rita Ranch area has expanded.Where there was once miles of raw desert now stands a vibrant community, including new and exciting Vail and Rita Ranch restaurants like Serial Grillers and ...
There was a time in Vail when residents were ecstatic that a Dairy Queen opened near the local church and post office. Within the last ten years, however, Vail and the Rita Ranch area has expanded.
Where there was once miles of raw desert now stands a vibrant community, including new and exciting Vail and Rita Ranch restaurants like Serial Grillers and Bowld.
Here's a list of local favorite Vail and Rita Ranch restaurants to try.
Guide to 16 Restaurants to in Vail & Rita Ranch
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Argenziano’s
16251 S. Houghton Rd.
While closer to Corona de Tucson, Argenziano’s was the first Italian restaurant all Vail citizens went to for birthdays and special occasions. They offer both pizzas both classic — like the margherita —and inventive — like the taco pizza.
The menu features Italian-American favorites, including meatballs and stuffed shells.
Keep up with Argenziano's on Facebook.
Arizona Pizza Company
13190 E. Colossal Cave Rd., 160
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcgkJUYFz0x/
Huge pizza slices, subs, and calzones... it's comfort food that satisfies.
End your meal with a bite of sweetness in cannolo form and delight in the fact that they deliver to Vail residents.
Keep up with Arizona Pizza Company on Facebook.
Bowld
13160 E. COLOSSAL CAVE RD. STE. 100
Bowld restaurant and meal prep opened in March 2019.
The counter-service restaurant features a menu focused on a variety of bowls and “rowls,” which are items rolled in ham, breaded and fried or griddled.
Keep up with Bowld on Facebook.
Civano Coffee House
5278 S. Civano Blvd.
Tucked away in the Civano neighborhood, the Civano Coffee House is a hidden gem. Whether you’re stopping by for an espresso in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, the cozy atmosphere invites you to stay and relax.
Or, take your coffee to go and walk around the beautiful Civano Nursery.
For more information, visit civano.com.
Hacienda Del Lago
14155 E. Via Rancho del Lago
It might be surprising to learn that there is a golf course and club in Vail, but soon you’ll be looking for reasons to go play a round or two.
The Hacienda del Lago is both the clubhouse and the restaurant. Sit on the patio and enjoy the Campfire, a comforting stack of hash browns, eggs, and gravy, or stop by for a pint of beer as a celebration after hitting a hole in one — the bar is open until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information, visit dellagogolf.net.
El Coronado Family Restaurant
7385 S. Houghton Rd.
El Coronado Family Restaurant has been in operation since 1983. The staff is friendly and helpful and the servings, generous.
Standard Mexican fare is served, including enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, and combination plates served with beans and rice. Try the Menudo and Shredded Beef Enchilada with green sauce.
Weekly specials take place on Tuesday for Taco Tuesday and Saturdays for Margarita Specials.
For more information, visit elcoronadotucson.com/menu.
Happy Wok
9040 E. Valencia Rd.
Tucked in a strip mall and labeled as a "dine in and carry out Asian Bistro," Happy Wok offers Chinese and Asian-fusion appetizers; soups; noodle dishes; Chow- and Lo Mein; fried rice; meat, vegetable, and shrimp plates; and Egg Foo Young.
The Chef Specials feature Hot & Spicy Shrimp & Chicken, Hunan Triple Delight, Kung Pao Combo, and Coconut Shrimp, to name a few.
Try the Hunan Triple Delight, specific to the Hunan region of China, which features chicken, beef, shrimp with broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, water chestnut, bamboo, and onion in a spicy Hunan sauce.
For more information, visit happywoktucsonaz.com.
Luckie’s Thai Asian Cuisine
8110 S. Houghton Rd., Ste. 186
Luckie’s is the quintessential takeout spot, perfect for stopping by after doing your grocery run.
The menu includes Thai classics like papaya salad, pad Thai, and larb, and also includes other favorites like Vietnamese pho and Chinese egg foo young.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, Luckie’s will provide it both quickly and deliciously.
For more information, visit luckiesthaifood.com.
Montgomery’s Grill & Saloon
13190 E. Colossal Cave Rd., Ste 190
https://www.instagram.com/p/mrH9XAokHL/
A classic neighborhood bar, Montgomery’s offers staples like burgers, wings, and sandwiches, as well as a wide-ranging drink menu.
The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, a perfect place to stop for lunch on the way to local landmarks like Colossal Cave.
Find menus and more at montgomerysvail.com.
Papa Locos Tacos & Burgers
8201 S. Rita Rd.
Despite the name, Papa Locos is known for more than just their tacos and burgers—though those alone are worth a visit.
The menu is full of creative dishes, like the breakfast enchiladas filled with eggs, or the Enchi-Locos Platter, featuring fresh corn masa filled with meat and fried.
They also feature both Sonoran and LA-style hot dogs to satisfy your cravings.
Keep up with Papa Locos Tacos & Burgers on Facebook.
Rancho Rustico
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnaPZZeHjYb/
Ever had a molcajete?
Rancho Rustico specializes in the traditional Mexican dish, where sizzling hot meat and vegetables are served inside a stone bowl.
The menu also offers Tucson classics like chimichangas, and plenty of seafood to remind you of a trip to Rocky Point.
For more information, visit ranchorusticorestaurantaz.com.
Sa-Ing Thai Cuisine
9136 E Valencia Rd., Ste 100
Named one of Tucson’s most underrated restaurants by Maynards Market & Kitchen executive chef Brian Smith, Sa-Ing features a vibrant menu of classic and craveable Thai dishes.
Everything on the menu is sure to please, from curry to stir-fried noodles. Pair the spicy food with a creamy, smoky Thai tea, and you’ll be able to imagine you’re far away from the Tucson fast-approaching summer heat.
For more information, visit thaitucson.com.
Serial Grillers
7585 S. Houghton Rd.
Serial Grillers expanded southeast with its third location.
This location seats 282 people — double what the second location can hold, and triple the size of the first location on Speedway Boulevard.
Although the local chain is known for its pizza and sandwiches, it also features 65 taps that include both beer and wine.
Get the signature Bone Collector pizza with mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, boneless wings, scallions, ranch, and buffalo sauce and wash it down with a beer from their extensive selection.
For more information, visit serialgrillersaz.com. Keep up with Serial Grillers on Facebook.
Tay's BBQ
16461 S. Houghton Rd.
Earlier this year, Tay's Brew House expanded to include a barbecue restaurant (with a bar) on site.
The menu features Meat Plates (choice of one to three meats and two sides), Sandwiches, Kids Meals, Family Ranch Packs, or individual meat servings — brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken.
Be on the lookout for weekend drink specials and have fun outdoors with games, such as bowling and cornhole.
Keep up with Tay’s BBQ on Facebook.
Viva Coffeehouse
9136 E. Valencia Rd., Ste. 160.
This specialty coffee house has a family focus and is supplied by local company, Presta Coffee Roasters.
Viva features a variety of drinks and treats in addition to activities like story time, monthly book club, and family game night.
For more information, visit vivacoffeehouse.com.
Wings on Fire
9040 E. Valencia Rd.
This hot, new wings spot offers regular or boneless wings in a variety of flavors. There are 11 flavors, including their fiery house sauce, Buffalo Hot, Garlic Parmesan, Honey Mustard, and Chile Lime.
In addition to wings, you'll find Appetizers, Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Shrimp, Combos, Fries and Sides, Hot Dogs, Salads, and Sandwiches on the menu.
They're open daily with the option of take out.
Keep up with Wings on Fire on Facebook.
Have any suggestions for additional Vail and Rita Ranch restaurants to try? Let us know below.
[This article was originally written on June 20, 2018, and most recently updated on May 14, 2019. Kate Severino contributed to this article.]
Jon Aitken and Claudia Anderson recall, Vail Unified School District, Arizona (2021)
Ballotpediahttps://ballotpedia.org/Jon_Aitken_and_Claudia_Anderson_recall,_Vail_Unified_School_District,_Arizona_(2021)
“ The VUSD community is demanding the recall of Jon Aitken due to his disregard for the VUSD parents, teachers, staff and especially the students. Under his leadership, the mental, emotional and physical health of the Vail students has steadily declined to an alarming level. Parents have repeatedly brought to his attention the increase in depression, loneliness, and number of suicides, which he has ignored. The ...
| “ | The VUSD community is demanding the recall of Jon Aitken due to his disregard for the VUSD parents, teachers, staff and especially the students. Under his leadership, the mental, emotional and physical health of the Vail students has steadily declined to an alarming level. Parents have repeatedly brought to his attention the increase in depression, loneliness, and number of suicides, which he has ignored. The students, parents, and staff do not feel like they have a voice before the board and feel silenced and disrespected. When voicing concerns about students at the board meetings, he displays a demeanor of disdain for the very people he is supposed to represent by leaning back in his chair, looking at the ceiling, and rolling his eyes. He made promises with specific timeframes about bringing items to vote and has failed to keep those promises. Furthermore he will not put items on the agenda when requested and will not bring them to a vote. The community has lost confidence in Jon Aitken to represent them, and demands his immediate recall.[6] | ” |
| “ | The VUSD community is demanding the recall of Claudia Anderson due to her disregard for the VUSD parents, teachers, staff and especially the students. Under her leadership, the mental, emotional and physical health of the Vail students has steadily declined to an alarming level. Parents have repeatedly brought to her attention the increase in depression, loneliness, and number of suicides, which she has ignored. The students, parents, and staff do not feel like they have a voice before the board and feel silenced and disrespected. She appears to lack the drive to fight for students and parental rights or even bring new ideas to the table. The community has lost confidence in Claudia Anderson to represent them, and demands her immediate recall.[6] | ” |
| “ | In the Vail School District, we seek to provide parents with safe and nurturing school communities [...] We have long valued and respected parental choice. We have long valued and engaged listening to our parents. This past year has been incredibly intense and emotional. Providing education during this pandemic has produced an endless series of new challenges that must be overcome. It has brought about many equal, yet opposite, truths. We have always welcomed the voice of parents in shaping critical decisions within out district. We should be able to conduct safe meetings where parents, students, staff and school board members feel they can have thoughtful conversations to discuss various issues before the board.[6] | ” |
Correcting video duration on second paragraph, adding link on third paragraph
Reuters Fact Checkhttps://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-parents-arizona-idUSL1N2MR177
A widely shared video showing an apparent vote to “elect” a new school district board in Vail, Arizona, and to eliminate mask mandates in schools has caused confusion on social media. The claim made online that the parents elected themselves to their local school board to overturn mask mandates is untrue. While a planned meeting to discuss face-covering guidance on April 27 was canceled in response to protesters’ disruption, the “vote” conducted by protesters was not official and therefore not legitimate, accord...
A widely shared video showing an apparent vote to “elect” a new school district board in Vail, Arizona, and to eliminate mask mandates in schools has caused confusion on social media. The claim made online that the parents elected themselves to their local school board to overturn mask mandates is untrue. While a planned meeting to discuss face-covering guidance on April 27 was canceled in response to protesters’ disruption, the “vote” conducted by protesters was not official and therefore not legitimate, according to a spokeswoman of the Vail unified school district.
Most iterations feature a 2:20 minute video ( here , here , here ) extracted from an hour-and-a-half Facebook live by a user who identifies themselves as StevenTyler Daniels and describes himself as a chairman at the Patriot Party of Arizona on his social media profile here .
A longer version ( here ) shows a crowd of protesters who are mostly unmasked. Some are holding “anti-masks” signs. “So, agenda, new board members, how many do we need?” a male voice can be heard asking at the beginning of the clip. “I hear they’ve all resigned,” he later says. Protesters then conducted a “vote” and selected five individuals to be the “new board members” who subsequently presented and voted in favor of a “motion” that declared that “the entire Vail school district will be free of mask policy” (see around timestamp 4:10 here).
A video by the Arizona Daily Star captures the same moment from another angle here (around timestamp 1:19).
The scene prompted social media posts that mistakenly echoed the claim that the school board members had “quit” in response to the demonstration and those protestors had validly elected a new board here , here . In a tweet here , Tim Swain, a U.S. Senate candidate from South Carolina, alleged parents “took over the school board - all according to the rules”. Screengrabs of this tweet have been shared on Facebook at least 2,100 times ( here , here , here )
At least a hundred protesters rallied at Vail Education Center on April 27, as reported by local media here and here to make the school’s district board lift the mask mandate. Officials eventually decided to cancel their planned meeting before it began, according to KVOA here .
Days earlier, Arizona Governor Doug Dacey announced it would be up to school districts to decide whether to require face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 ( here ) .
Darcy Mentone, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Vail Unified School District, confirmed to Reuters that the vote shown in the video is not official and dismissed the claim that the legally-elected governing board had quit their roles.
The current board has “not resigned and can only be removed through an official recall election”, she clarified in an emailed statement. Mentone further explained that the election of board members must be done through an official and legal election process as with any other process for electing officials.
If a new board or member were to be validly recalled, a resident must apply for a “recall petition and collect signatures” of at least 25% of eligible voters, she said. If this signature requirement is met, the recall question “can be voted on in the next general election”.
School board elections are part of the general election, the Arizona School Boards Association states here . Special elections can be called during the term to fill “unanticipated vacancies”.
As for the mask mandate in Vail’s school district, it “is still in place” and can only be overturned by the legally-elected governing board, Mentone concluded. According to local outlet KVOA, district leaders planned to send parents a letter to reiterate this ( here ).
Newsweek reported on the failed school district “coup” here .
VERDICT
False. Protesters did rally against a mask mandates outside the site where an Arizona school district’s board was going to hold a meeting, but the vote they conducted on video was not official or legal, according to a spokeswoman for the school district.
This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our work to fact-check social media posts here .
New Shluchim to Establish Jewish Presence in Vail, Arizona
COLlivehttps://collive.com/new-shluchim-to-establish-jewish-presence-in-vail-arizona/
The 38th Shluchim in Arizona: Rabbi Sruly and Chavie Shemtov (nee Kahanov) have established Chabad Jewish Center in Vail which will be the first Jewish organization servicing the southeast suburb of Tucson. By COLlive reporterIn time for the new Jewish year, Rabbi Sruly and Chavie Shemtov from Brooklyn, NY, have established a new Chabad Jewish Center to serve the growing needs of the Jewish population in Vail, a southeast suburb of Tucson in Arizona....
The 38th Shluchim in Arizona: Rabbi Sruly and Chavie Shemtov (nee Kahanov) have established Chabad Jewish Center in Vail which will be the first Jewish organization servicing the southeast suburb of Tucson.
By COLlive reporter
In time for the new Jewish year, Rabbi Sruly and Chavie Shemtov from Brooklyn, NY, have established a new Chabad Jewish Center to serve the growing needs of the Jewish population in Vail, a southeast suburb of Tucson in Arizona.
Over the past few years, Vail has seen a surge in population growth in the family-friendly area with spectacular views of the Rincon Mountains and Saguaro National Park, a top tourism spot within Arizona.
“Many young families are moving to Vail and the Jewish community is no exception,” says Rabbi Shemtov. He said that Chabad will be “an address for everything Jewish,” providing services to Jews of all denominations and backgrounds in the area.
“Our aim is to provide a place where Jews can explore and learn about their heritage and history in a non-judgmental and comfortable atmosphere,” the rabbi said. “We hope to work with the local Jewish community to strengthen and promote Jewish pride, education and celebration.”
The Shemtovs come to Vail with experience in Jewish education roles and outreach.
Rabbi Shemtov, ordained at the Rabbinical College of American in Morristown, New Jersey, has served as a student rabbi in communities across the world. Including in Bulgaria, Wyoming, South Dakota and California where he has led educational and holiday programs. He has taught children through Torah Tutors, an online Jewish studies platform.
Mrs. Shemtov (nee Kahanov) was raised in Jacksonville where she assisted her parents Rabbi Yoseph and Rivkie Kahanov in running Chabad Lubavitch of Northeast Florida. A graduate of the Division of Higher Learning of Associated Beth Rivkah School in Brooklyn, NY, she led educational programs and administrative work at Chabad of Oro Valley in Arizona and Chabad of the West Side in New York City.
Rabbi and Mrs. Shemtov say that they were inspired by the teachings of the Rebbe. In a time when more and more people are searching for meaning and fulfillment in their lives, the Rebbe taught that the Torah is the blueprint for a meaningful life, and its relevance to every aspect of life continues in the modern era.
They were appointed by Arizona’s Head Shliach Rabbi Zalman Levertov making them the 39th family of Shluchim in the Grand Canyon State.
Rabbi Yossie Shemtov, Executive Director of Chabad Tucson, says that his nephew and niece were a natural choice for the task.
“Rabbi Sruly and Chavie have visited Southern Arizona multiple times and have become familiar with the culture and needs of the Jewish community,” he said. “Their motivation and commitment will guide them as they establish the first official Jewish presence in Vail. We wish them much success and look forward to working with them.”
Among the first Jewish activities in which locals will be able to participate are services and programs for Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Tishrei. The Shemtovs will also be offering Shabbos dinners, personalized Torah study and holiday programming.
To support their Shlichus, donate at https://www.jewishvailaz.com/5180688
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