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A pink carnation and a white sports coat to the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department for making sure that, despite budget cuts, the weekly seniors dance continues at the Armory Park Senior Center.

Some community recreation centers have reduced hours because the city is trying to save money. Patrons at the Armory Park center were worried that their dances would go by the wayside and put together a petition asking officials to continue the tradition.

The senior center is now closed on Sundays, so it moved the dances to 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturdays, said Peg Weber, the Parks and Rec administrator for the Northwest District. It's unfortunate that the center has had to cut back its hours at all, but we're glad that the seniors who rely on the weekly dance for socializing and fun have been taken into account.

Thorns to folks who go for walks or bike rides after dusk without using lights, reflective gear or even light-colored clothing. Twice in the past few days we've seen — barely — people, including kids, crossing busy streets in the dark. Drivers fortunately spotted them before there was an accident, but it was needlessly dangerous.

Because the weather is still so mild, it's easy to forget that it gets darker earlier. Please remember to take steps to make sure drivers can see you — and your kids — when you're out on the roads after sunset.

Flowers to the organizers and participants of the Runway for Research event, which featured 38 young models who had experiences with cancer themselves or a sibling with the disease.

The second annual event, held Sunday, was a fund-raiser for cancer research.

Colin Easom, director of library services for the Art Institute of Tucson, joined forces with the nonprofit Tee Up for Tots to put together the event. He was motivated by the experience he and his wife, Lina, went through when their daughter, Ilaria, was diagnosed with cancer. She is now in remission.

The models, ages 2-18, wore outfits made by Art Institute students and faculty members.

Last year the event raised $3,000 for the pediatric cancer Steele Children's Research Center at the University of Arizona.

Flowers to the DM-50, a group of local business members who actively advocate for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and its impact on Tucson's economy, the University of Arizona and Cox Communications for sponsoring today's D-M Day celebration.

D-M Day includes a tailgate party for 1,500 to 2,000 base personnel prior to today's UA football game against Oregon State. At halftime of the game, several people who have returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan will be recognized.

"We hope that everyone who attends the game in person or catches it on TV or radio will join us in thanking the men and women of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, who are giving so much to our community and our nation," said Stephen J. MacCarthy, UA vice president of external relations, and Lisa Lovallo, vice president for Cox Communications in Southern Arizona, in a letter to the Star.