The Holland Center

Excellent information about all the tree pods we're seeing everywhere. Thank you to our signature program Desert Awareness Committee for keeping us educated about our desert!

These littles ages 4-6 performed Spellbound last week -- a culmination of a week-long camp through our signature program Desert Foothills Theater. (Cuteness overload!) Kids loved it because it was fun and they enjoyed "playing" with their friends. Parents loved it because of the unique way the experience teaches skills like following directions, memory, focus, concentration, and patience.

More to come with other age groups this summer. Stay tuned!

Thank you Dr. Young / Sozo Lifestyle Medicine for spending some time with us yesterday and sharing strategies for getting a better night's sleep!

DFT's Teen Dream Project is back again this summer with auditions starting June 30th! Teens, if you've ever been in a show where you feel you have great ideas, or want a new way to stretch your talents, or perhaps learn and lead at the same time, this is a project for you!

Use this project to make your college essays pop with meaningful theatrical experiences. Explore rare opportunities to design and produce theatre from beginning to end. Check off community service hours, and hang with friends all summer long!

We've been having so much fun this June! Our Beat the Heat class series has something for everyone, and there's still time to make plans for next week's FREE (air-conditioned) classes! https://hollandcenter.org/events/month/2024-06/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Create Gourd & Clay Critters "

https://hollandcenter.org/event/gourd-clay-critters/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Medicare 2025 Savings Tips"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-medicare-2025-savings-tips/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Stay Cool in Heated Conversations"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-stay-cool-in-heated-conversations/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Strategies to Improve Sleep"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-strategies-to-improve-sleep/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Draw a Desert Critter"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-draw-a-desert-critter/

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Ken Pyra

Ken is our go-to handyman, and we are so thankful for his talent and skills! He said that as a recent retiree, he felt the need to get more involved with local organizations, and then became interested in the volunteer handyman opportunity after taking some classes here. He was previously a service technician for IBM in Chicago, and also developed skills from working on a small farm in Minnesota.

Ken recently hung the barn doors for our Organic Bread Cafe -- a beautiful new addition to our facility.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Ken! ❤️

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Align with Angels"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-align-with-angels/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "American Political Parties- Jim Sherbert Lecture Series"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/american-political-parties-jim-sherbert-lecture-series/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Don’t Get Duped"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/dont-get-duped-in-cyberspace/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Stay Safe in the Heat!l"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-heat-emergencies-101/

Beat the heat and quench your curiosity with our June classes! https://api.emailinc.net/public_message_view.jsp?s=2af1ztkoq0

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Summer Mocktail"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-summer-mocktail/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Create a Glass Dragonfly"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/dragon-fly-class/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series- Medicare RX Savings"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-medicare-rx-savings/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series-Travel Insurance 101"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-travel-insurance-101/

Thank you to our signature program Desert Awareness Committee for sharing your knowledge about the magnificant Ironwood tree!

What is that beautiful tree with purple flowers!!! It’s the Ironwood Tree!
Hey friends! Have you ever come across the Ironwood tree while exploring the Sonoran Desert? This incredible tree, scientifically known as Olneya tesota, is truly a desert gem with a fascinating story to tell. Let's dive into some amazing facts and history about this resilient tree!
The Ironwood tree stands out with its grayish bark and dense, twisting branches that form a broad canopy. Its leaves are pinnate, consisting of multiple small leaflets that provide a delicate, feathery look. In the spring, it blooms with clusters of pale lavender, adding a splash of color to the arid landscape. These flowers eventually give way to seed pods, which ripen in the summer.
Age & Growth: Ironwood trees can live for over 1,500 years! They grow slowly, which makes their wood incredibly dense and heavy.
Habitat: These trees are primarily found in the Sonoran Desert, thriving in the harsh conditions with their deep roots and hardy nature.
Ecological Role: Ironwood trees are considered "nurse plants" because they provide shade and protection for young seedlings of other species, helping to foster biodiversity in the desert.
History
• Cultural Significance: Indigenous peoples of the Sonoran Desert, including the Tohono O'odham and the Seri, have long revered the Ironwood tree. They used its wood for tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects due to its durability.
• Conservation Status: Due to its slow growth and the impact of human activity, the Ironwood tree is considered a keystone species that needs protection to maintain the health of the desert ecosystem.
• Woodworking: The dense wood of the Ironwood tree is highly valued for carving and making durable items like furniture and crafts. Its strength and beauty make it a favorite among artisans.
• Traditional Medicine: Various parts of the tree have been used in traditional medicine by native tribes to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to skin problems.
You can eat the nuts out of the pods!!
The seeds of the Ironwood tree are edible and were traditionally ground into flour by indigenous peoples. They can be roasted and have a nutty flavor, making them a unique addition to the diet. Gather ripe pods, blanch, dry, shell, freeze or/and roast seeds. Use them whole or ground in dishes. Healthy and yummy!
Don’t forget the critters! The flowers, seeds, and pods of the Ironwood tree are important food sources for desert wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals.
Next time you're hiking through the Arizona Sonoran Desert, take a moment to appreciate the Ironwood tree. It's not just a tree; it's a living testament to the desert's resilience and a crucial part of its ecosystem.

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Gourd Light Luminaries"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/gourd-light-luminaries/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Mom & Me-Creative Memories “This Life” 8 x 8 Paper Album"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/mom-me-creative-memories-this-life-8-x-8-paper-album/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series-Song & Stories with Jan Sandwich"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-song-stories-from-hollywood-actress/

Hot temperatures are here. 🥵 Don't let your mind melt away! All through June, our FREE (air-conditioned!) Beat the Heat classes will quench your curiosities on a broad range of topics. Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 AM. RSVPs appreciated but not required. https://hollandcenter.org/events/month/2024-06/

When the Incident Command Team managing the Wildcat Fire asked to use our facility as their command center for a week, we dropped everything to make it work... because that's what we do. We're here to serve our community. Always.

We were there for you during Covid... are always open during the summer ...are flexible & accommodating to the needs of our patrons ...and love to partner with neighborhood organizations and nonprofits to help them thrive..and all with no residency requirements or membership fees.

Come check us out if you haven't already! Our summer Beat the Heat class series offers a broad range of topics to keep your mind from melting away... and there's much more to explore too. Check out our calendar here: https://hollandcenter.org/events/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series-Sun Safe Nutrition"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-sun-safe-nutrition/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Beat the Heat Series: Cut the Cord!"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/beat-the-heat-cut-the-cord/

We cultivate exceptional instructors & learning experiences that provide rare education opportunities for all ages. Here’s an upcoming one to put on your calendar: "Fused Glass Plant Stakes"

https://hollandcenter.org/event/fused-glass-plant-stakes-2/