What: Benβs Bells promotes kindness and community involvement. Each week a person who makes Tucson better is βbelled.β
Last weekβs recipient: Randy and Kathy Gee
Nominated by: Robin Conner
Day in the life of a small cross-section of creatures that come and go behind Daily Star reporter Henry Brean's house in Tucson. Video by Henry Brean / Arizona Daily Star, produced by Rick Wiley (2020)
By Henry Brean
Arizona Daily Star
Keep reading with a digital access subscription.
Why: For providing meals in their neighborhood. When Randy and Kathy Gee moved into the neighborhood, a senior mobile home community, it became apparent that they were special, Robin Conner wrote in her nomination letter. βFrom the beginning, they displayed random acts of kindness throughout the neighborhood,β she wrote. βWhen my husband had heart surgery, they brought dinner over. If a ride was needed, they volunteered.β Conner wrote the Gees noticed some neighbors were having difficulties in their older years. Since then, six nights a week, five families receive a hot dinner, delivered, around 5:00 p.m., she wrote. βThe Gees live across the street and I often witness this generosity, filling my heart with gratitude to know there are folks out there who give so much of themselves,β Conner wrote. When being thanked for providing wholesome meals to those folks, the answer from Randy and Kathy is that they like to cook and it gives them something to do after they retired. And it brings them joy, Conner wrote.
For more information: Go to tucne.ws/bellee to submit a name. Go to bensbells.org or call 622-1379.
Photos: Water fills the desert at these spots around Tucson
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A father fishes with his two sons at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing. The lake is stocked with catfish, trout, bass and sunfish.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A duck runs on water at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
While fishing with family members, Jose Saenz places a caught rainbow trout in a basket at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing. The lake is stocked with catfish, trout, bass and sunfish.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A fisherman waits for a fish to bite their lure at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
The reflection of Chuck Ford Lake shows in avid fisherman Richard Espinoza's sunglasses while Espinoza fishes for trout at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing. The lake is stocked with catfish, trout, bass and sunfish.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A person walks around the lake at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Lakeside Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
While fishing with her family, Aziza Ramirez waits for a fish to bite her lure at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, 8201 E. Stella Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 17, 2020. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, an urban lake on the southeast side of town, is a popular spot for walking and fishing.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Several resident ducks ply the waters of the main pond as sun sets at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020. The park is one of the most popular bird watching sites in the county.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Park goers stop for photos of a pack of javalina roaming the park just before sunset at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A pack of javalina rush for the trees after getting spooked while nosing around the lawn for food at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Jun 21, 2024
The sun goes down and the bats come out over the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
The island in the main pond has been renovated and the bridge completely replaced at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A park patron and his dog stroll along the paths on the shores of the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Some of the wetland vegetation is beginning to reassert a hold after months of work to restore and renovate the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Bernie Kanavage and Toby take a break from their evening walk on the bank of the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020. The main pond was recently restored, a major renovation that shut the park down for months in late 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A pair of park goers get close-ups from an obliging duck along the shores of the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Agua Caliente Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Sun set over the main pond at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, Ariz., November 17, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River south of downtown Tucson, Ariz. on November 16, 2020. The addition of reclaimed water to the Santa Cruz River has hastened the return of wildlife.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Dec 18, 2020
A cyclist rides along The Loop as water flows in the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A heron sits by the water in the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River south of downtown Tucson, Ariz. on November 16, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River south of downtown Tucson, Ariz. on November 16, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A Vermillion flycatcher rests on a branch along the Santa Cruz River south of downtown Tucson, Ariz. on November 16, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A bird rests on a branch of a tree along the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Santa Cruz River, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows in the Santa Cruz River near the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, in Marana, Ariz. on November 18, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Water flows near the entrance at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Ducks swim in one of the bodies of water at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Libby Sullivan, left, and Sue Bridgemon walk along one of the trails at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Libby Sullivan, left, and Sue Bridgemon do some birdwatching at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A duck flight at Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Cattails grow near a body of water at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Ren Sullivan watches a group of ducks at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Sunlight breaks through the trees at the Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, in Tucson, Ariz. on November 17, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
James DeDitius points at ducks as he sits with caregiver Mary Figueroa on a bench next to a lake at Reid Park, on March 17, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
The city's new 4.5 million gallon lake and storage basin at Randolph (now Reid) Park, Tucson, in December, 1959.
Tucson Citizen
Silverbell Lake, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
The Arizona Game and Fish Department brought in 14,300 pounds of catfish from Arkansas to restock 21 lakes in the Core Community Fishing Program in Tucson and Phoenix. These catfish were dumped into Silverbell Lake on April 03, 2015.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Silverbell Lake, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Jim Skay fishes at Silverbell Lake, on March 13, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Silverbell Lake, Tucson
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
In this 2016 photo, Nathaniel Ortega, left, grins while his grandfather Michael Ortega helps remove a fish from his line during a fishing clinic at Silverbell Lake, located in Christopher Columbus Park at 4600 N. Silverbell Rd. in Tucson, Ariz. Nathaniel's catch was the first catfish of the day.
Alex McIntyre / For the Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
A person walks along Sahuarita Lake on March 5, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Ted Moreno reels in a line while fishing at Lake Sahuarita, on March 5, 2020. Moreno, who lives in Tucson generally goes between LakeΒ Sahuarita and Kennedy Lake to fish for trout during the fall and winter months.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
Sahuarita Lake in the town of Sahuarita south of Tucson is popular with anglers, walkers, cyclists and others and its waters range from dazzling blue to aquamarine depending on the light.
Doug Kreutz / Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Nov 24, 2020
In this 2001 photo, Dan Hampshire works on the top designs of a 34-foot monument tower at the entrance to Rancho Sahuarita, an 8,000 home project on 2,500 acres that includes a yet-to-be-filled 10-acre lake (in background).
Aaron J. Latham / Arizona Daily Star
Sahuarita Lake
Updated
Jun 21, 2024
In this 2013 photo, a couple walk around Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star