April 3, 2026

REMINDER: YOUR SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED

Hawai'i 'Amakihi, the Hawaiian honeycreeper

Overview for this week.

1. Bindu's Corner: We have a new quote from Swami Vivekananda this week.

2. Report from the Field: While traveling in India, Bindu Shroff and her son, Dr. Puneet Shroff, have brought the Jindal Naturecare Institute to the Flock's attention.

3. Performing Arts: Paul McCartney concluded his "Got Back" 2025 tour last weekend with two intimate shows at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles.

4. Philanthropy: It's time to start planning and get your team together for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, the world's largest fundraiser to fight Alzheimer's and dementia held every fall between September and October in cities across the country.

5. Around Town: Explore an online catalog of Tucson's vibrant public murals.

6. Artist's Corner: This week, I'm looking at one of my favorite Tucson muralists, Joe Pagac.

7. Reader Submission: A good friend from the Big Island has shared some photos of the bounty he harvests at his Kona homestead.

8. Birds: All modern domestic chickens are decendants of the red Junglefowl from Southeast Asia. Hawaii has a feral population moa,Hawaiian for red junglefowl, that goes back 1,000 years to the first Polynesian settlers.

9. Wellness: Colored cauliflower is not just a novelty; it actually has some nutritional advantages over traditional white cauliflower.

10. Triathlons: I have an update on how the Lavaman Triathlon went last Sunday.

11. Museums: The Tucson Museum of Art is holding its annual fundraising Gala next Saturday, April 11th.

Now, to this week's Flock.

Thank you, Bindu for this wisdom from Swami Vivekananda.

Those who have brains to think for themselves are few, everywhere. These few people with brains are the real leaders in everything and in every department of work. The majority are guided by them as with a string, and that is good, for everything goes right when they follow in the footsteps of these leaders. Those who think themselves too high to bend their heads to anyone are fools, and they bring on their own ruin by acting on their own judgment.

— Swami Vivekananda

During their recent visit to India, our amazing spiritual guide, Bindu Shroff, and her son, Dr. Puneet Shroff, visited the Jindal Naturcare Institute, a sprawling naturopathy campus and hospital that practices holistic healthcare. They suggested that I share the institute’s mission with the Flock. Visitors to the Jindal Naturecare Institute grounds are greeted with a placard that summarizes the institute's approach to good health, which reads,

“A Few Words of Advice

1. People lose health for getting wealth and then desperlyerately lose their wealth for re-gaining health - but - alas! it may be too late.
   
2. Without health, no pleasure can be tasted and no happiness can be enjoyed.
   
3. To ensure good health; Eat lightly, exercise vigorously and drink water liberally. by these simple rules, one may avoid many old age diseases and sufferings.
   
4. The worst thing about medicine is that one medicine necessitates another medicine, and no medicine is free from side effects.
   
5. The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, in the cause and prevention of disease.
   
6. Anyone who practices oga can obtain success in it, but not the one who is lazy. constant practice alone is the secret of success.

 - Chairman, JNI ˮ

Jindal Naturecure Institute - A Premier Naturopathy Hospital in Bengaluru, India

Paul McCartney recently concluded his "Got Back" 2025 U.S. tour with two intimate shows at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. The 83-year-old  former Beatle played before a relatively small crowd of 1,200. McCartney has indicated that he is contemplating a final world tour called "The Long Road Home," to begin later in 2026. Internet rumors are swirling that 85-year-old Ringo Starr will join him for select dates on the tour. Amazing.

Paul McCartney’s Fonda Setlist: Every Song From the First Night of His Two-Night Hollywood Stand

A captivating McCartney joyously soared through 21 songs before an adoring audience.

From: Billboard, By: Melinda Newman, March 28, 2026

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

Each fall from September through November, the Alzheimer's Association holds the world's largest fundraiser to fight Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, the Walk to End Alzheimer's, in over 600 communities nationwide. A dear friend of mine, Linda Fulgenzi, has put a team together for the walk nearest Tucson on October 10, and I'm on the team! Visit their website below to find a walk near you, register to walk, or join a team.

From: Alzheimer's Association

Now is the moment we've been waiting for.

With new treatments emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, now is the time for hope. Now is the time for action.

Help us keep the momentum going in your community at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

About Walk to End Alzheimer's

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® ; now the Alzheimer's Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer's.

While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

Goddess of Agave by Rock Martinez

Tucson has become a public art hub over the past 20 years, with vibrant murals spreading across the city like a wildflower superbloom. Local photographer BG Boyd has compiled a searchable online mural database cataloging photos and video of over 500 Tucson murals painted by 200 regional artists at his website, Tucson Murals. 

From: tucsonazmurals.com

Tucson, Arizona renowned for its rich heritage and artistic soul, has become a haven for creative minds seeking inspiration and a platform to share their narratives with the world. The city's walls serve as dynamic canvases, showcasing a tapestry of stories, traditions, and emotions through breathtaking murals that adorn its streets.

Greetings from Tucson

We collaborate with local artists who infuse their unique perspectives into their creations, capturing the spirit of Tucson and its vibrant communities. From breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks to thought-provoking social commentary and captivating abstract designs, each mural tells a compelling story, inviting you to explore the rich cultural heritage of Tucson.

Tucson 250 by Ignacio Garcia, photo: BG Boyd Photography

Artist Joe Pagac has painted some of my favorite murals around Tucson. His murals are characterized by a surrealistic sense of whimsy, often incorporating desert dwellers, Southwest landscapes, western culture, and Tucson's love of bicycles.

Joe's Story

Starting out after college Joe put an 'Artist for Hire' ad in the local paper and began taking any creative job's that came his way. Within a few months he was able to quit all his other jobs and pursue his art career full time. Allowing himself to be happy 'painting what was in other peoples hearts instead of insisting on only painting what was in his own' he quickly built up a client base painting Tromp L'oeil and impressionistic murals in restaurants and private homes. In 2007 Joe took a year off to travel the world, living, working and volunteering in 8 different countries during that time and greatly expanding his bank of creative inspirations.

4000 square foot bicycle mural on the side of Epic Rides at Stone And 6th Street in Tucson AZ

Returning to America just as the economy crashed, Joe branched out into more commercial and public art, building a much more visible career that included work for multiple grocery and retail chains, concert venues, hotels, schools and non-profits. He also began doing performance painting, creating 30+ foot murals in a matter of hours during events and live painting on stage during performances. Never content to stop growing, Joe also enjoys creating massive 2D and 3D set pieces for shows, parties, concerts, and charity events. The more out there the project, the better! 

Detail from Himmel Park Mural

Joe's passion is to share his art with the Tucson Community he loves so dearly. His work reflects that love through the use of the brilliant colors reflected in the vast Arizona and Southwest landscapes. Many of his murals also incorporate the diverse plants and animals of the region as well as the breathtaking sunsets which are near and dear to Joe's heart.

Cyclists in the Clouds

When Joe is not busy painting he loves to get outdoors to find new inspiration. You will likely catch him and his wife Arielle cycling, hiking, camping, traveling, and spending time with his family, especially his two young nephews whom he adores.

Jade Plant, Gerbera daisies, and Anthurium thrive in the Kona climate.

This week, I have a reader submission from one of my long-time friends from the Big Island. Casey came to this country as a refugee after the Vietnam War and has created a great life for himself in Hawai'i. As these pictures from his Kona homestead demonstrate, he's also a very talented agriculturalist.

Colorful cauliflower

Plump, healthy bananas

Homegrown avacados!

With no large predators in Kona, chickens are free to peck around in the yard.

Chickens hanging out in the shade by their coop

Wow, a whole bucket of macadamia nuts in their hard shells, and look at that beautiful light.

From: Hawai'i Birding Trails

The first Polynesian settlers brought moa, or red junglefowl, to Hawaiʻi centuries ago. This tropical, forest-dwelling chicken is colorful rusty red with long curved black tail feathers and a red comb atop their head. The males can be 30 inches long compared to the drab colored females at 17 inches long. Hawaiians valued them as a food resource and throughout Polynesia their feathers were used in cloaks for royalty.

Colored cauliflower has become popular as both a novel vegetable option and an ornamental garden plant, but is it still as healthy as traditional white cauliflower? The answer is yes, it's even a little healthier, with colored varieties containing additional vitamins and compounds associated with their coloration.

From: Iowa State University, By: Marlene Geiger, October 14, 2019

Have you been seeing something in the supermarket or famer’s markets that looks like cauliflower but instead of the traditional white, the heads are purple, orange, and green? Colored cauliflower started popping up in the markets about 10 years ago and have increasingly become more popular and readily available.  What are these colored cauliflowers? How do they taste? How to prepare them so they retain their color?

Cauliflower is an ancient vegetable that was naturally pigmented; over time, with selective breeding, white cauliflower evolved and became the market standard. The colored cauliflowers, like the white variety, are members of the cruciferous vegetable family. They have a similar texture and taste—mild, sweet, and nutty. The major difference is their color and with color, a slight difference in nutritional value. In general, cauliflower is widely known as one of the world’s healthiest foods and has been cited in its ability to reduce the risk of cancer. Cauliflower is high in Vitamin C and Vitamin K which promotes a healthy immune system along with hearth and bone health…

Purple cauliflower gets its color from anthocyanin, a naturally occurring phytochemical that is also found in other red, blue, or purple fruits and vegetables, as well as red wine. Carotenoids are responsible for the color in orange cauliflower; carotenoids are also found in carrots, squash, and other yellow vegetables and fruits. Orange cauliflower actually came about as a genetic mutation that allows it to hold more beta carotene than its white counterpart. Green cauliflower, also known as broccoflower, is a hybrid of broccoli and cauliflower. Green cauliflower contains more beta carotene than white cauliflower, but less than broccoli.

Last week, I posted about my team competing in the Lavaman Triathlon in Kailua-Kona on Sunday, March 29th. This is an update on how the race went. Luckily, the rains from last week's Kona low-pressure system had passed, and we had a warm, sunny day, however the trade winds returned with Northeast winds up to 30 mph. The wind didn't affect my run too much. I paced myself well and left enough in the tank to finish with a strong kick. My heart went out to our swimmer and cyclist, who had more difficulty dealing with the strong winds. The wind made the water very choppy and even blew two of the race buoys off the course and out to sea. Anyone who rides a bike, knows that thirty-mile-an-hour headwinds and crosswinds are no fun, but my teammates persevered, and we all finished well. Despite the strong winds, participants' comments on Facebook were overwhelmingly positive, with many complimenting the race organizers and volunteers who made the race an exceptional event.

This year's theme for the Tucson Museum of Art's annual fundraising Gala is a masquerade. Get your tickets while they are still available.

Saturday, April 11, 2026

From: Tucson Museum of Art

The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block celebrates Connecting Art to Life with the spirit and mystery of the masquerade!

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate connecting art to life at our historic location. Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy cocktails, small bites, mingling, silent and live auctions, and Fund-the-Future paddle raise on the TMA campus with dinner catered by Carte Blanche in the lovely Bonnie L. Bradford Courtyard.

Come dressed for the masquerade.

All proceeds benefit Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. Complimentary valet parking and Gala entrance located at 173 N. Meyer Ave.

Pink bougainvillea at sunset in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

These Flock regulars are always here for you:

Cita Scott for paintings, photography, and culinary art. Cita will be in and out of town all summer. Don't hesitate to give her a jingle. (520) 404-1551

Kimberly Gomer, MS, RD/LDN:

Registered and licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist. Find me on my website at KimberlyGomer.com for information about nutrition coaching.

Sarah Smallhouse & Make Elections Fair ArIzona

– Sign the petition here

Sensitive & Specific: The Testing Newsletter by Mara G. Aspinall and Liz Ruark. Mara is always here to help in understanding testing knowledge and how it's being applied.

Kyria Sabin of Fletcher Pilates:

(520) 323-7070

The Fabric Jeanie!

Tap to learn more. 

(520) 245-0589

Linda Collazo, mezzo-soprano:

for piano and voice lessons

Andres Valbuena: drum selection, drum basics, and more.

Dr. Hayward M. Fox, Ph.D.

The institute of Personal andTranspersonal Knowledge

Tucson Village Farm:

Vegetaable growing in the summer heat.

The Physio ShopThe Physio Shop:

Elite physical therapy services and more.

Icebox Cryotherapy:

Icebox Tucson’s unique enhancers allow you to be your best version! 

Nathan Anderson of Catalina Acupuncture:

(520) 999-0080

Greer Interiors: Insightful, elegant spaces that complement your life. True beauty begins with alignment. 
(970) 570-3039

Don't Be Shy: Share Your Stories!

I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our third year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story.

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

520-818-4433

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