Community Briefs (7/23)

Activities at Boyce Thompson Arboretum

A butterfly walk is being offered from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26 at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, located on U.S. Highway 60 three miles west of historic Superior. Learn about the life cycles of butterflies and how to identify common species of the colorful insects during this walk through the Hummingbird-Butterfly Gardens. Free with admission.

An edible and medicinal desert plants guided walk will be held 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, July 27. Choctaw Tribal Nation member and ethno botanist Davis Morris will teach participants about ways native plants have fed, clothed and healed indigenous peoples for thousands of years. This tour explores the Curandero Trail, which has moderately steep sections and is not accessible by wheelchair. Free with admission.

The class will be held Aug. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will be repeated Aug. 23 and Sept. 1. The class is free.

Summer park hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day, and admission is $7.50 for adults and $3 ages 5 to 12. For details, call (520) 689-2723 or visit www.btarboretum.org.

Nickelodeon award given

The Kiwanis Recreation Center in Tempe is the winner of Best Day Camp for Big Kids and Teens in the Nickelodeon's Parents Picks Awards 2008. This honor comes at the hands of parents who voted at www.ParentsConnect.com throughout the month of June.

Kiwanis Recreation Center is located at 6111 S. All America Way in Tempe.

Hunter education class

Basic and Combo Hunter Education classes for all ages will be held in the auditorium at Poston Jr. High School, 2433 E. Adobe, Mesa, from 6:45 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Sept. 9 to Oct. 7. A four-hour required field day is Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Rio Salado Sportsman's Club on Usery Pass Road.

In-person registration for both classes will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the first class session on Sept. 9. Pre-registration is required by calling (480) 834-1791 and leave your name, phone number and the number of students in your group for the combo class. The total cost for either class is $8, and checks should be made out to MHEIA. Please bring your Social Security number or Arizona hunter ID number to registration. The maximum basic class size is 250 persons and 25 persons for the combo class. Parents are encouraged to attend with their youth. This class is required for all persons 10 to 14 years old to hunt big game in Arizona, and it also qualifies the graduate for a permanent bonus point.

For further information, contact Mike at (480) 834-1791. Please do not call Poston Jr. High for details. For an Arizona Game and Fish Hunter Education class schedule, visit http://www.azgfd.com.

Tennis Center awarded grant for QuickStart program

The city of Tempe Kiwanis Recreation Center has been awarded a grant from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for the promotion of the QuickStart Program. The grant will go to helping youth learn tennis. 

Kiwanis Recreation Center is located at 6111 S All America Way in Tempe. 

To learn more, call 480-350-5201, (480) 350-5050 TTY or visit www.tempe.gov/tennis. 

‘Silent Sundays' returns to South Mountain

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will continue the popular Silent Sunday events at South Mountain Park/Preserve in 2008. For each monthly event, the park's main Central Avenue access roadways will be closed to motor vehicles from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., reserving them for the entire day for non-motorized uses.

The Silent Sundays for 2008 are scheduled for July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 28. Each Silent Sunday also features free drop-in park ranger-guided interpretive programs and hikes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center, located adjacent to the park's main entrance.

Silent Sunday promotes awareness of alternative modes of transportation and recreation and gives the Preserve a day of rest from motor vehicle traffic. All roads past the main gatehouse at the Central Avenue entrance, including the Summit Road, are closed to motor vehicles for the day. Visitors can park in the free public lot adjacent to the Environmental Education Center.

Only roadways accessible from the preserve's Central Avenue entrance are closed for Silent Sundays. All other access points and parking areas, including trailheads at Pima Canyon, Desert Foothills, Beverly Canyon and the Mormon Trail, will remain open.

For information, call (602) 534-6324.

AZ All-Stars offers indoor playground

AZ All-Stars, 7425 S. Harl Ave., Suite 3, in Tempe, is offering an indoor playground for ages 6 and under anytime between 9:30 a.m. and noon Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 1.

The playground provides fun interaction for parents and kids and consists of four stations. The cost is $5 per child and $2 for each additional child in same family. There is no charge for adults, and wireless is available.

See www.azallstars.com for more details.

Psychologist offers path to authenticity workshop

World-renowned transpersonal psychologist and author Albert Clayton Gaulden will hold a Path to Authenticity Workshop Aug. 22 to 24 at the Sedona Hilton in Sedona.

Based on his new book, You're Not Who You Think You Are: a Breakthrough Guide to Discovering the Authentic You, this class will guide participants with proven strategies and tools to unearth their genuine, real selves.

For more information or to register, call (800) 647-0732 or e-mail info@sedonaintensive.com.

A-Peeling Faces offers sun safety education

A-Peeling Faces Skincare & Massage Therapy is offering education on sun safety throughout the summer months. Owner Darla Salem has more than seven years of professional skin care experience and will provide one-on-one education as well as group sessions. She is a facilitator for the "Look Good, Feel Better" program sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Information will include sun safety tips for adults and children, what to look for in SPFs (such as what active ingredients warrant a broad spectrum SPF), detailed information on various skin cancers as well demographics among skin types. Sessions include education materials as well as sample SPFs. Schools, youth groups, business organizations, moms clubs, golf clubs, in-house companies and families are invited to participate.

A-Peeling Faces was awarded a selected member of the best of greater phoenix.com, a local online directory for beauty and day spas.

For more information, call (480) 540-7555, e-mail darlasalem@yahoo.com or visit www.a-peelingfaces.com.

Huge demand for election board workers

Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell is extending an invitation to the voting public to sign up and become a board worker on Election Day. The positions are paid and vary in responsibility. Workers must attend a training class and set-up meeting. The hours are from 6 a.m., when the polls open, to 7 p.m., when they close.

Of the 1,142 precincts in the county, 636 need to be staffed with 848 bi-lingual workers. Some of the polling sites require more than one bi-lingual board worker. The department needs assistance in this program as well.

Because of a dire need for board workers during the election cycle, a state law was passed in 2006 that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work at the polls on Election Day. They must have parental approval, and the high school must be notified of their intent. They receive pay for attending class, set-up meeting and working Election Day. Passage of this law does not penalize either the high school or the student for being absent while working at the polls.

Anyone interested in working the polls for both the 2008 Sept. 2 primary and Nov. 4 general elections may call (602) 506-1511.

Arizona Grand Resort celebrates Christmas in July

Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, will host its "Christmas in July" event, complete with snow and Santa Claus, at the Oasis Water Park July 25 to 27.

Winter will arrive Saturday at 9 a.m. as snow is brought onto the Oasis Island to glimmer in the summer sun. Summer Santa will make an appearance on Saturday and Sunday on the Oasis Spiral.

The Christmas in July celebration will run all weekend long. A variety of activities and entertainment will be available. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be shown on Friday and Polar Express on Saturday, both at 8 p.m. Each day the Oasis will offer a lunch buffet, including a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar. A specialty drink for adults called "Grown-Up Candy Cane" will be served all weekend.

Special rates start at $139 midweek and packages start from $229 and include a deluxe suite upgrade, 20 percent off golf and spa treatments and a $40 per day food and beverage credit. Call (866) 267-1321 to make reservations.

United Way calls for community to donate water

Valley of the Sun United Way will host a community-wide water drive on Aug. 2 to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and other individuals in Maricopa County that are at risk for heat-related illnesses and potentially death due to the intense summer heat.

Valley residents are encouraged to drop off cases of bottled water or gallon jugs from 8 a.m. until noon Aug. 2 at Valley of the Sun United Way, 1515 E. Osborn Road. Cash, credit card and checks will also be accepted on site. Online donations to benefit the water drive will be accepted July 21 to Aug. 2 at vsuw.org.

Valley of the Sun United Way hopes to collect 75,000 bottles of water.

Additional dates are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, July 28, to Friday, Aug. 1, at St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance locations at 2831 N. 31st Ave.; 4211 N. 43rd Ave.; and the United Food Bank location at 358 E. Javelina Ave., Mesa.

New group fitness instructor training class offered

Carrie McNeish will teach a Group Fitness Instructor Training - Practical Application class through South Mountain Community College from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 2 to Dec. 2 at the Ahwatukee Swim and Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road.

Learn the practical side of teaching group fitness classes; how to put together fun, safe, and successful classes; how to teach a multitude of formats to your students, including floor aerobics (hi/lo), step aerobics, kickboxing, muscle/body toning, dance, cycle, yoga, Pilates and aqua; and learn about teaching classes for youths, seniors, and women during pregnancy.

The cost is $100. To register (class 42739), call (480) 659-3070 or go online to www.My.Maricopa.edu.

Registration for the fall session of McNeish's line dance and muscle classes at Pecos Community Center begins Aug. 2.

For more information on class offerings, visit www.dancemeetsfitness.net.

Sweetie the Tomato offers kids a taste-bud tour

This summer, kids and parents are invited to join Sweetie the Tomato on an eight-week taste-bud tour with Sweet Tomatoes' 2008 Passport to Flavor.

Every two weeks, from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, Sweet Tomatoes will debut an internationally-inspired menu - for one all-you-care-to-eat price - offering guests the chance to sample dishes inspired by four new flavor destinations, including Italy, Mexico, Greece and Asia.

For more information, visit www.sweettomatoes.com.

Volunteers needed to tag Monarch butterflies

Chris Kline, education coordinator for Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, is seeking volunteers to help search for monarch butterflies during offsite research trips. The program objective is to capture, tag and release adults while exploring the edges of the state, and learn more about the travel corridors these insects use.

Arizona Monarch field trip dates include Jacob's Lake, Aug. 12 to 15; Springerville, Aug. 16; Canelo Hills, Aug. 30 and Sept. 14; Hereford, Sept. 6; Blue River, Oct. 2 to 4; Hualapai Mountains, Oct. 15 to 17; Perkinsville, Oct. 18; and Sonoita, Nov. 1.

For more details, call Chris Kline at (520) 689-2723 or visit www.btarboretum.org.

Holiday boutique looking for artists, crafters

Members of Arizona Community Church are currently gearing up for their Seventh Annual Holiday Shoppe to be held Nov. 14 and 15. Vendor registrations are now being accepted until Oct. 16, or until all spaces are sold.

Vendor setup, close to 100 spaces available, is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The Shoppe will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.

The vendor registration packet contains details on dates, times, requirements and fees. To download a packet, go to www.azcc.org and click the "Holiday Shoppe" button. You can also stop by Arizona Community Church at 9325 S. Rural Road in Tempe between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To pick up a packet call Jackie Fahey at (480) 491-2210 to have one mailed to you.

Massage Envy sponsors fundraiser

Massage Envy's fourth annual fundraiser event, Massage for the Cure, provides complimentary one-hour therapeutic massages in exchange for a donation at its 25 statewide locations to raise funds for the Phoenix and Southern Arizona Affiliates of Susan G. Komen.

The event, set for 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at 3820 E. Ray Road, Suite 16, is open to the public and requires an appointment. Reservations for appointments will be accepted by phone or in person beginning Sept. 8. There is no charge; however, the suggested donation is the value of the massage ($49), but any amount will be accepted.

Since the inception four years ago, Massage Envy's Arizona locations have raised nearly $150,000 to support breast cancer research for the Phoenix and Southern Arizona Affiliates of Susan G. Komen, as well as breast cancer education, screening and treatment initiatives in Arizona. 

Last year, Massage for the Cure raised more than $55,000 in Arizona.

For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com.

Catholic Charities hosting annual golf tournament

The 2008 Catholic Charities Tournament of Champions will begin with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start Friday, Nov. 7, at the Legacy Golf Resort, 6808 S. 32nd St., followed by dinner and awards. The format will be best ball, four person scramble.

All golfers and Catholic Charities supporters are invited to participate, and players will have an opportunity to win several hole-in-one prizes. Foursomes are available for $700 or individuals may register for $175 per person. A 10 percent discount is being offered to sponsors who sign up by Aug. 1.

Proceeds will benefit more than 50 programs helping vulnerable children and families in crisis throughout northern and central Arizona.

For more information or to register to play, become a tournament sponsor or volunteer, visit www.golfinvite.com/events/index.asp?eventID=1078.

DV Spirit Line Cheer Squad hosting cheer clinic

The Desert Vista Spirit Line Cheer Squad will host its semi-annual cheer clinic from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Desert Vista High School, 16440 S. 32nd St., for ages Pre-K through eighth grade. Walk-in registration and preregistration begin at 12:30 p.m.

All participants will be invited to perform during halftime of the varsity football game on Friday, Sept. 12.

The $35 fee includes instruction, cheer clinic T-shirt, poms, souvenir photo, refreshments and admission for one adult to attend the football game.

For more information or to obtain a preregistration form, contact Nancy Kapler at (480) 529-1115 or bkapler@msn.com, or Mary Proulx at (480) 577-3598 or rproulx1@cox.net.

Suns Dancers auditions Aug. 2

Phoenix Suns fans possessing the style, skill and enthusiasm to be a member of one of the premier NBA Dance Teams are encouraged to audition for the 2008-09 Suns Dancers, beginning Saturday, Aug. 2. Registration begins at 10 a.m. in the Casino Arizona Pavilion at US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St.

For more information on auditions or to register for a prep class, visit Suns.com or call (602) 379-7927.

Tour de Scottsdale gearing up

Cyclists are gearing up for the Fifth Annual Tour de Scottsdale, and the "105,000 Miles for the McDowells" challenge, which will launch at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct 5, from Market Street at DC Ranch, located at the southeast corner of Pima Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.

For more information or to register, visit dcbadventures.com or call (480) 460-5052.

Zoo offers Friday night fun this summer

Phoenix Zoo guests can get out of the heat and into the wild with the zoo's Starry Safari Friday Nights on Friday nights through Aug. 8. Starry Safari offers cool fun for the whole family, including water play, animal presentations, zoo rides and more.

The popular Monkey Village walk-through exhibit will be open and other animals including the giraffe, watusi cattle, zebra, flamingo, otter and orangutans will be on exhibit until dusk. The Arizona Trail featuring native plants and animals will be open throughout the evening. The zoo's other animals will be resting during Starry Safari evenings, and those areas will be closed to guest traffic.

Nightly activities include the Leapin Lagoon water spray ground; 18- and 16-foot-long water slides; 45-foot-long Slip and Slide; inflatable bungee run; live animal presentations; a 10-foot water slide, two bounce houses and free play areas for kids age six and younger; animal encounters and feedings at a variety of exhibits including elephants, orangutans, zebras and at Monkey Village; rides on the zoo's camels, carousel or Safari Train (fees apply); and live entertainment each Friday Night. Food will be available for purchase at most of the zoo's snack bar areas.

Admission is $4 per person (all ages) and $3 for zoo members. Visit phoenixzoo.org for tickets and detailed activity information and entertainment schedule.

Water bottles needed to save lives

We are in triple-digit weather, and survival for those living on the streets, in homes without refrigeration, the disabled and elderly is at a crisis level. The need for hydration and refuge is immediate. A bottle of water can save a life! Now is the time to organize water drives and continue them throughout the summer.

The Web site, www.mag.maricopa.gov/display.cms, will be kept current throughout the heat season. The site has two maps on it - one shows water collection sites and the other shows sites that will provide hydration and refuge for the homeless during the day. Donations also may be made directly to any of these sites.

The Arizona Ecumenical Council along with city and county government offices are asking the faith-based community to consider water drives throughout the summer to help replenish these locations.

Large donations can be picked up by contacting Becky Franco at (602) 261-8806 or by e-mail to rebecca.franco@phoenix.gov. Further, all area food banks are collecting and storing water for distribution.

Another collection and distribution site not included on the maps is Tempe First United Methodist Church, 215 E. University Dr., Tempe, (480) 967-3376. The church gives out water, shirts and sunscreen to the homeless.

More information is available online at www.aecunity.net.

Escape to the High Country with DBG

As the Valley heats up, take advantage of Arizona's higher - and certainly cooler - elevations to escape the heat and experience the beautiful summer seasons of Flagstaff, Payson and Sedona areas. The Desert Botanical Garden is offering a variety of hikes to show participants a different side of Arizona beyond our lower Sonoran Desert home and raise awareness for the unique plant and animal adaptations and ecological relationships just a short drive away. Participants can create their own weekend getaways around these fun hikes that will feature fantastic summer wildflowers, cool forests and breathtaking sights. Interpretation and hands-on demonstrations will be provided by naturalist Eric Garton of the Garden's education department and guest experts. Group sizes are limited to 10 hikers to ensure a personalized experience. Hikes vary in length and difficulty. The hikes are intended for enjoyment and education throughout, which means many stops along the way to learn about the world around you (and to catch your breath!).

Sedona Area Hikes

- Secret Canyon Trail - the heart of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain wilderness, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16. Length: 6 miles total out and back. Trail Rating: Moderate. Elevation: 5,000 feet (little change during hike).

- Bear Sign Canyon - Dry Creek Trail among the Cypress, Pines and Junipers, 8 to 11 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 17. Length: 3.5 miles total out and back. Trail Rating: Easy. Elevation: 5,000 feet (little change during hike).

Individual hike prices are $25 for members and $32 for non-members, which includes water, snacks and educational handouts for the hike. All times listed indicate roundtrip time from the trailheads. Participants will receive detailed directions and specific information following registration, which is available at www.dbg.org or by calling (480) 481-8146.

Big League Poker Tournament benefits D-backs Foundation

The Fourth Annual Big League Poker Tournament presented by Gila River Casinos will benefit the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation.

Through Aug. 26, pre-qualifying tournaments will be held every Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Wild Horse Pass, 5550 W. Wild Horse Pass. For just $30, fans can compete to qualify for one of 126 seats in the main tournament alongside members of the Diamondbacks broadcast team including Daron Sutton, Mark Grace, Brad Steinke and Reggie Sanders; Sports 620 KTAR personalities Doug Franz and Mark Asher; National Hockey League player Jeremy Roenick; former D-backs relief pitcher Mike Fetters; renowned comic book artist and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane; as well as other celebrities. The first-place winner at the main tournament is guaranteed $15,000.

The main tournament will be held at Wild Horse Pass Casino Poker Room on Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information call 1-800-WIN-GILA or visiting WinGilaRiver.com.

Pilates classes offered at The Body Firm

The Body Firm Fitness Studio, located at 4405 E. Ray Road, is offering Pilates classes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays. Classes are taught in six-week sessions, and the cost is $90.

For more information, call (480) 705-9801.

Arizona Region of USA Volleyball hosting golf tourney

The Arizona Region of USA Volleyball is hosting its second fundraiser golf tournament at the Arizona Grand Golf Club, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, on Saturday, Sept. 20. The scramble tournament will start at 7:30 a.m. and include golf, lunch, raffle and more. The proceeds of the tournament benefit the Development Grant Fund aimed to grow the sport of volleyball throughout the state in areas that need financial assistance to do so. The cost is $120 per individual, or $400 per foursome.

For more information or to register, contact Christy at (602) 454-1367, e-mail cnaughton@qwestoffice.net or visit www.azregionvolleyball.org.

Local writer to teach Memoir Writing Course in Mexico

As a recipient of a 2008 Artist's Project Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Ahwatukee Foothills resident and writer Patricia Colleen Murphy has spent this summer writing her own memoir. But for the past 15 years, as a writing teacher at Arizona State University, she has been dedicated to helping others craft their personal stories. Murphy continues to support the growing number of people interested in memoir writing with a workshop Oct. 2 to 5 at Hacienda de los Santos in the historic town of Alamos, Mexico.

The four-day writing workshop, titled "Writing the Memoir: Crafting Your Personal Experience into Art" will start with an introductory session Thursday evening, Oct. 2. There will be three morning workshops on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, culminating in a student reading Sunday evening. Murphy will also give public readings of her own poetry and prose in the Hacienda Theater. The total cost for the workshop is $60 (not including, room, food or beverage).

The Hacienda de Los Santos is located at Calle Molina No. 8, Alamos, Sonora, Mexico 85763.

For further information, e-mail Hacienda de los Santos at Swickard@haciendadelossantos.com or visit www.haciendadelossantos.com or email the author at pcm@asu.edu or visit www.patriciacolleenmurphy.com.

Save on Kartchner Caverns trip

Kartchner Caverns State Park cave tours will be discounted down to $12 for adults and $5 for children for August and September as part of the summer Internet promotion. Walk-up tickets and phone-in reservations will still be offered at a seasonal discount, so those tickets will be $8.95 for children and $16.95 for adults. There is no park use fee if you have cave tickets for the day, so you can combine a hike into the Whetstones, but camping is not discounted for this promotion."

For tickets, visit www.azstateparks.com or call (520) 586-2283.

East Valley Marines promote college scholarships

Membership in any Marine Corps League or Auxiliary allows spouses, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and step children to be the recipient of a Marine Corps League National Scholarship.

On the local level, the major requirement for the college scholarship is membership in the East Valley Marines. Dues are $35 a year. To become a member, contact Rich Hippner at hipexec@yahoo.com or (480) 883-9393 or Dave Althoff at davealthoff@cox.net or (480) 838-3611.

The East Valley Marines meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes at 6:30 p.m., and this year's Marine Corps Ball is set for Saturday, Nov. 8, at Oakwood.

Charity Ride coming up

Arizona Beta Sigma Phis Against Domestic Abuse (AzBSPADA) are hosting their annual Charity Ride or Drive starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 at Chesters Harley Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa. All proceeds will be donated to local domestic abuse shelters.

This event is for bikes, car, trucks or whatever will get you there. The route will take us to Fountain Hills via surface streets and then through Rio Verde on to New River for lunch at the Roadrunner Restaurant and Saloon. There will be a 50/50 drawing, as well as door prizes. The entry cost is $20 per bike or $20 per vehicle (does not include the cost of lunch). For more information, visit www.sharethemagicada.org. To register, call Joan Arnold at (480) 818-0831.

Bondurant Corvette Performance Experience

The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving will offer the Bondurant Corvette Performance Experience on Saturday, Dec. 6. Corvette owners (with guest) are welcome to participate in an all day driving experience at the Bondurant School's 60-acre training facility and 1.6 mile road course located at 20000 S. Maricopa Road in Chandler, at Firebird Raceway, Gate 3 (Exit 162, Wild Horse Pass and I-10).

The cost is $195 per Corvette.

For more information, visit www.bondurant.com. Registration is available online at www.bondurant.com/corvetteday08.

Women offered 10-day retreat to Peru

This 10-day women's retreat, presented by A Woman's Way, will be held May 23 to June 2, 2009.

Experienced facilitator, Karen Ely, will lead participants on a quiet exploration back to themselves. Sitting in the quiet of the ancient, spiritual sites, the women will use journaling, meditation and special exercises to move them back into their old life in a new, more authentic way.

The cost is $2,985.

For information or to register visit www.awomansway.com or call (928) 254-1897.

Hot weather supplies needed for homeless outreach

Southwest Behavioral Health Service's Homeless Outreach, a non-profit program to help homeless individuals with mental illness, is requesting donations of hot weather supplies. SBH's Homeless Outreach is not a traditional shelter or food bank but a mobile program that delivers supplies to the homeless where they live - on the streets, in alleyways, riverbeds, parks and deserted buildings.

Items that SBH's Homeless Outreach is requesting include water, sunscreen, hats or caps, lip balm, hygiene kits (including toothpaste, toothbrushes), lightweight T-shirts, shoes, socks and underwear.

Donations can be dropped off to SBH's Homeless Outreach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Day Resource Center, 1125 W. Jackson St., Suite 448. It is recommended to call (602) 393-9930 ext. 3454 before making any drop-offs.

The Homeless Outreach program covers all of Maricopa County - a vast area - from Wickenburg to Apache Junction. On scheduled days they visit soup kitchens, pocket shelters and transport homeless to mental health and substance abuse screenings.

Attention Veterans that served in Korea

The Department of Arizona, Korean War Veterans is wishing to locate Veterans that have served in Korea during their service to their country.

The five Valley chapters are interested in contacting any Veteran that has served duty time on the ground in Korea, flew missions over Korea or served in the territorial waters of Korea between June 1950 to the present day, or were in the service anywhere in the world from June 27, 1950 through July 25, 1953.

All veterans of that period are encouraged to contact the Commander of the Department of Arizona at (623) 815-1206 to find out meeting dates, times and locations.

Neighborhood clean up program launches

The city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department, Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Public Service recently launched the sixth annual "Help Put the Diamond Back into Your Neighborhood - Keep It Clean!," an education and public awareness effort aimed at encouraging all residents to maintain their properties and keep neighborhoods in good condition.

The education effort includes distribution of a key chain and a comprehensive Web site (phoenix.gov/cleanphx) with information on several city programs available to residents and neighborhood groups and community groups to help improve and maintain their properties.

Programs by Neighborhood Services include the city's graffiti removal program, removal of illegal signs in the right of way, free tool-lending program and workshops on preserving and improving neighborhoods.

Hitch a ride on a Trail Horse Adventure

"Trail Horse Adventures," owned by Jess and Judy Dominguez, Jamie Perez and Jesus Castillo, and managed by G.W. Woolstenhulme, is now offering trail horseback rides inside Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

Experienced cowboys lead three different trail ride packages along the Verde River. Most of the ride will take place in the shade and near the water to keep you cool. There are one-hour, two-and-a-half hour and three-hour rides available. The cost is  $70 to $136, depending on the amount of time, and the three-hour ride includes lunch.

Ride hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. There is a limit of six people per wrangler. There are height and weight restrictions, and riders must be at least 7 years old. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations do guarantee your spot. Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers hiking, fishing and camping with electric, non-electric sites, and cabins now available by reservation.

For more information about the Trail Horse Adventures, call (928) 634-5276. For more information about fishing and camping, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at (928) 634-5283. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located in Cottonwood.

East Valley Marines planning birthday ball

With their 2008 Birthday Ball scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes, the East Valley Marines are focusing on their mission. As guests arrive, they will be heralded into the ballroom by the Tempe Police Pipe Band, dressed for the occasion in their uniform kilts. Hundreds of Marines ranging in age from teens to men and women in their 80s are expected to attend. Special tributes and speeches will be made to honor a large number of Marine guests who will have just returned from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The event will be a night of tradition, ceremony, dinner, music and dancing.

The Birthday Ball is open to all Marines and all Americans that support our troops. Tickets will go on sale the beginning of September.

For further information, contact Richard Hippner at hip exec@yahoo.com or call (480) 883-9393.

Mommy Perks offers savings

Mommy Perks is a free online savings program for moms in their area and nationwide. Each business offers members a "perk" such as 10 percent off, free shipping, buy-one-get-one-free and more.

Mommy Perks has joined forces with Dr. Sally Goldberg of Dr. Sally Parenting, Inc. to bring members free advice from this parenting expert. Goldberg is the author of seven parenting books.

Affordable advertising for small- and mom-owned businesses is also available.

For more information, visit www.mommyperks.com or send an e-mail to mommyperks@gmail.com.

Foster parents needed

The Crisis Nursery is constantly looking for families who want to give back to the community through its involvement in the foster care system. This can be done in a few different ways. First, families can become licensed foster and/or adoptive parents.

If getting licensed is not an option for you, a second way to help is for businesses or individuals to become community sponsors willing to help families who are working on becoming licensed. There is no fee for getting licensed for foster care, however, there are expenses that a family may incur during the licensing process

For more information about Crisis Nursery's foster care program or other programs, contact Rachel at (602) 412-8861,Veronica at (602) 358-5166 or e-mail fostercare@crisisnurseryphx.org.

YMCA's OPAS program

Y OPAS (Outreach Programs for Ahwatukee Seniors) is a volunteer program of the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA providing support services for seniors, 62 and older, who live in Ahwatukee Foothills. Transportation, shopping and errands, friendly visiting, caregiver relief, business help and household assistance are some of the services provided by Y OPAS volunteers.

If you, or someone you know would like to use its services, or if you are interested in volunteering, call the Y OPAS office at (602) 212-6088 (note that the phone number has recently changed).

Income tax too high?

The Arizona Kidney Foundation is reminding "Kidney Car" donors that while they are working on their 2007 tax returns, it's not too early to start thinking about 2008 tax deductions and if you have not donated your vehicle to AKF, now is a great time to begin - you could have a tax deduction in 2008. All vehicle title and paperwork must be received by the Arizona Kidney Foundation no later than Dec. 31 to qualify for a 2008 tax deduction.

There are three ways to participate in the AKF Kidney Car Donation Program. First, a donor can visit the Arizona Kidney Foundation Web site at www.azkidney.org and register online. Second, a donor can call (602) 840-1644, the Arizona Kidney Foundation, and ask that a Kidney Car Donation Program information packet be mailed to their home address. Or third, a donor can call for an appointment and visit the AKF headquarters at 4203 E. Indian School Road, Suite 140, to complete their donation. In all cases, the process requires a donor to submit the original MVD vehicle title as well as completing an odometer disclosure statement and a limited power of attorney form. The Foundation has two notary personal at their headquarters to assist in completing the power of attorney form.

Older children and larger sibling groups need adoption, too

November is National Adoption Month, and Christian Family Care Agency hopes to draw attention to two very special groups of kids who need adoptive homes - children over the age of 10 and children from larger sibling groups (three or more children).

Louise Gonzales, of Christian Family Care Agency's Phoenix office, said while progress is being made in these two areas, the need for loving parents willing to adopt these kids is still tremendous.

Gonzales said parents willing to adopt children from these two areas often will move through the adoption process more quickly. She added that a parent's age isn't usually as big an issue when it comes to adopting an older child.

An adoptive parent's bank account also isn't necessarily a barrier. For more information, call (602) 234-1935 or visit www.cfcare.org.

Woodworkers looking for projects

The Ahwatukee Woodworkers Club gets together on Thursdays to work on charity projects and is currently looking for more projects to take on.

Past projects have included making plaques for Phoenix Children's Hospital, building tables and chairs for preschools and even making model MRI machines for doctors to explain the procedure to children to ease their fears. A model doll house kit was donated to the group, so members built it and held a raffle to raise money to support the club. In another project, models of homes in Tempe were built for the Tempe Historical Society that were raffled in a fundraiser for the society. The group is currently busy making cubbies for a local preschool.

The club is located near the Ahwatukee Recreation Center and is part of the Ahwatukee Retirement Community.

Projects are needed, and organizations such as schools, hospitals, churches or other charities in need of something built or made are asked to contact president Tom Rosenthal at (480) 275-6631.

MOMS Club of Ahwatukee has five chapters

The MOMS (Mothers Offering Mothers Support) Club of Ahwatukee is a national non-profit support group for at-home moms and their children. There are five chapters serving the Ahwatukee area.

- East chapter: south of Chandler Boulevard, north of Pecos Road, East of 32nd Street , West of I-10. Contact Michelle at (480) 704-6609.

- North chapter: north of Warner Road to Baseline Road. Contact Michelle at (480) 229-9323 or nielsens2001@hotmail.com.

- Central chapter: south of Knox Road, north of Chandler Boulevard, east of 36th Street. Contact Sara at (480) 540-2339 or central@ahwatukeemoms.com.

- Northwest chapter: 32nd Street and Ray Road to Pecos Road and 24th Street, including Thunderhill Park Area to 18th Street. Contact Stephanie at (480) 751-7570.

- West chapter: north of Pecos Road and West of 24th Street. Contact Linda at jlnagel@cox.net or (602) 571-4393.

Send submissions to: (480) 898-7924 or jwalker@ahwatukee.com.