Karen Schaffner

Tucson

Reporter at Marana News

Reporter at The Northwest Explorer

Reporter at Tucson Local Media

Reporter at Desert Times

Reporter at Tucson Weekly

Articles

Learning to earn in the electrical field with the Tucson Electrical Joint Training Program

1 week ago | tucsonlocalmedia.com | Karen Schaffner

At 35 years old, Cassandra Bodanza is looking toward an electrifying and bright future, pursuing something few women consider. As part of a joint apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Bodanza is training to become a commercial electrician. “It seemed like a good fit,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed math. I’ve always enjoyed science, and I like being active, too.
Buried in Laundry?: Poplin comes to the rescue

1 week ago | tucsonlocalmedia.com | Karen Schaffner

As an entrepreneur, Mort Fertel, the CEO and co-founder of Poplin, recognizes a good business idea when he hears it. One day, his wife offered one. “My wife was home with our five kids buried in laundry,” he said. “She said, ‘This is crazy. I can tap an app and get to the airport, FaceTime someone on the other side of the world, but I’m still doing laundry like my grandmother.” Fertel agreed. “Technology has transformed every aspect of our lives,” he said.
Add healing to this busy Kingman student’s agenda

1 week ago | tucsonlocalmedia.com | Karen Schaffner

Tuesday, April 1, promised to be fun. Katie Holmes, a 17-year-old high school junior, boarded a school bus in Kingman, Arizona, with her Future Business Leaders of America teammates, expecting to arrive in Tucson for a competition. She was anticipating a good showing because, according to her mom, Katie had already qualified for the national competition. Things didn’t go as planned. A bus crash got in the way.
Saluting the Fallen: Ceremony honors unclaimed veterans

2 weeks ago | tucsonweekly.com | Karen Schaffner

Garry Lawrence, the Oro Valley American Legion Post 132’s second vice commander, has a solemn but essential job ahead of him. On Saturday, April 12, he and several others will escort the remains of several Pima County veterans to their final resting places. With the help of the national organization Missing in America Project, the procession will head from the Marana Mortuary to the Arizona Veterans Cemetery at Marana.
American Legion Post ceremony honors unclaimed veterans

2 weeks ago | tucsonlocalmedia.com | Karen Schaffner

Garry Lawrence, the Oro Valley American Legion Post 132’s second vice commander, has a solemn but essential job ahead of him. On Saturday, April 12, he and several others will escort the remains of several Pima County veterans to their final resting places. With the help of the national organization Missing in America Project, the procession will head from the Marana Mortuary to the Arizona Veterans Cemetery at Marana.
Cold Weather, Hot Place: Discover the beauty of Door County, Wisconsin

2 weeks ago | phoenix.org | Karen Schaffner

Lake Michigan ice is breaking up in Door County, Wisconsin. The shanty towns are coming down, but the lake was covered in ice just a few months ago. Located on a strip of land jutting into the lake, Door County gets the brunt of bad weather. During an early February visit, the wind blew (50 m.p.h.), the temperature fell (9 degrees and colder) and, the next day, it snowed. For desert dwellers, these make for pleasant memories to revisit in the summer. At the time, though, not so much.
Discover the beauty of Door County, Wisconsin

2 weeks ago | recordgazette.net | Karen Schaffner

Lake Michigan ice is breaking up in Door County, Wisconsin. The shanty towns are coming down, but the lake was covered in ice just a few months ago. Located on a strip of land jutting into the lake, Door County gets the brunt of bad weather. During an early February visit, the wind blew (50 m.p.h.), the temperature fell (9 degrees and colder) and, the next day, it snowed. For desert dwellers, these make for pleasant memories to revisit in the summer. At the time, though, not so much.
Too Long in Oolong? ‘Steep’ into sweetness at Boba Cucue

3 weeks ago | insidetucsonbusiness.com | Karen Schaffner

Boba Cucue isn’t exactly like a visit to Japan, but it has a Tokyo vibe. Thanks to owner Sharon Walker, Boba Cucue has been open for just over a year, featuring pink walls, neon lights, and oversized decorations. Its signature drink blends Hong Kong and Taiwan flavors with tapioca pearls (or boba) at the bottom of the cup. “Taiwan created the boba, which are the little pearls that you see at the bottom of the drink,” Walker said. “Hong Kong developed the milk tea.
Classic Cars: Time for the annual Chevy Showdown

3 weeks ago | tucsonweekly.com | Karen Schaffner

When Steve Thatcher was in high school 45 years ago, he bought his neighbor’s bright yellow 1957 Chevy Bel Air for $1,500. “It belonged to an older lady who lived down from my grandmother’s house,” he said. “She just couldn’t drive it anymore — and I was looking for a ’57 Chevy.” Now, he and his wife, Mary, take the car to shows across the western United States. On Saturday, April 5, the couple will drive to Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W.
Seniors help seniors age in place in Marana

3 weeks ago | tucsonlocalmedia.com | Karen Schaffner

Tom Neuman and Cindy Rekemeyer understand the term “sandwich generation” all too well. “We are taking care of people on both sides of our generation,” Neuman said. “I was, too, until my dad passed away in 2021. We were raising three teenage kids and taking care of Cindy’s dad, who had a little bit of a medical issue.”Knowing the need for assistance, the partners brought Seniors Helping Seniors to Marana. “We’re trying to step in and help those families,” Neuman said.