Stories about finding - and making - peace.

Featured on the February 2nd, 2023 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:

• After the death of her father in 2015, dancer & choreographer Yvonne Montoya began developing a dance event called “Stories from Home”. It premieres next week in Green Valley, performed by The Safos Dance Theatre. Mark talks with Yvonne about the project’s complex personal themes.

Stories from Home brown background featuring Yvonne, her son Buddy, and her father Johnny. Animation still by Wesley Fawcett Creigh.

Courtesy of Yvonne Montoya

Still image by Wesley Fawcett Creigh from video work by Dominic AZ Bonuccelli.

Courtesy of Yvonne Montoya

• If you have any citrus fruit trees in your yard, a local non-profit wants to hear from you. This group helps United Nations refugees build new lives in Tucson, while providing local, healthy food to a growing number of residents. Tony Paniagua has an interview with Iskashitaa founder Dr. Barbara Eiswerth and some special volunteers.

VIEW LARGER Barbara Eiswerth, PhD, is the founder and executive director of Iskashitaa Refugee Network. She established the non-profit organization in 2003 to help United Nations refugees become better acquainted with United States and its people, and to reduce food waste in our community.

Tony Paniagua / AZPM

Lauren Isaak, left, is originally from Oregon and became a team leader for the National Civilian Community Corps, which is part of AmeriCorps. Diana Chookagian, from Pennsylvania, is a member of the NCCC this year after graduating from high school. Along with seven other participants, they are volunteering with the fruit harvesting.

Tony Paniagua / AZPM

Barbara Eiswerth, PhD (left) is the founder and executive director of Iskashitaa Refugee Network. She joined us in the AZPM radio studio with Lauren Isaak (dark green top) and Diana Chookagian. Both are members of the National Civilian Community Corps, which is part of AmeriCorps.

Tony Paniagua / AZPM

• Eri is a young man who emigrated from The Republic of the Congo seven years ago, and is now a member of “Owl and Panther” in Tucson. He reads an essay he wrote about what peace means to him, and lessons from his childhood that helped to form his social conscience.

Eri, a member of Owl and Panther, in the AZPM Studio. Eri immigrated to the United States from The Republic of the Congo.

Courtesy of Abby Hungwe

Eri, who wrote a personal essay about peace, with Arizona Spotlight producer & host Mark McLemore.

Courtesy of Abby Hungwe

• The Tucson non-profit Literacy Connects sponsers a group of performers and musicians called “Stories That Soar!”. They help young writers realize the power and potential of bringing their stories to life, for the stage, video, and radio. We are now presenting these stories on the first Thursday of every month here on Arizona Spotlight. Next, we’ll hear some wisdom shared by Felicity, a 5th grader at Drexel Elementary in the Sunnyside School District. It is called The Peaceful Place” , narrated by Angela, a middle schooler from the Youth Center Program at Literacy Connects. Aspiring student-age writers can submit their stories to The Magic Box Story Portal now!