Community Briefs (8/13)

Gymnastics gold medalist Amanda Borden to host Olympic clinic

The summer of 1996 will always be memorable to Amanda Borden, who won a gold medal in gymnastics as captain of the Magnificent Seven Women's Gymnastics Team. Twelve years later, the summer of 2008 is also becoming memorable as Borden celebrates her June induction in the Olympic Hall of Fame and opens her second Gold Medal Gymnastics facility in the East Valley. Borden and fellow Olympic gymnast Courtney Kupets will speak about their Olympic journeys followed by a free gymnastic skills clinic and autograph session at the grand opening of her second gym from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Gold Medal Gymnastics, 255 W. Warner Road in Chandler. Space is limited.

In addition to the Olympic Hall of Fame honor in June, Borden and her teammates were inducted into the Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2006. Borden graduated from Arizona State University summa cum laude with a degree in early childhood education and is a television commentator and public speaker.

Borden and husband Brad Cochran opened the Gold Medal Gymnastics Tempe location at 1700 E. Elliot Road in 2004 where they have hosted gymnastics, cheer and fitness programs for all skill levels.

For more information on Gold Medal Gymnastics, visit www.goldmedalgym.com or call (480) 557-0006.

Registration open for DBG Landscaper School

The Desert Botanical is currently accepting registrations for the Desert Landscaper School, a 30-week program offered in three sessions.

Prospective students are invited to attend the annual Desert Landscaper School Open House from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, in Archer House at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway.

The program is offered in both English and Spanish. The course fee is $1,265, which includes a training manual and associated materials. 

To register, visit www.dbg.org or call Rebecca Senior, Desert Landscaper School Coordinator, at (480) 481-8161. 

Fall Pilates class beginning at The Body Firm

Experience the mind and body exercise of Pilates at The Body Firm, located at 4405 E. Ray Road. Bev Callison, a certified Pilates instructor, will teach this six-week session beginning Aug. 18. Classes will be held on Mondays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., and the cost is $90. Space is limited.

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

Cats taking over MCACC

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) is being overrun with cats. Right now, there are more than 200 of these fluffy fur-balls at MCACC's Animal Care Centers.

A crowded space can lead to sick cats. The folks at MCACC does not want that to happen, so they are asking anyone interested in adopting a new furry friend to come out and do so now. Its summer cat special of all cats over six months for $25 is still available. And now, all kittens are $50. The price includes spay/neuter surgery and a rabies vaccination and is good through the end of August.

Cats have so much love to offer. They make great pets for families and single people. They can take care of themselves, but love a good snuggle and some play time. So hurry in today and add a new member to your household.

For more information on MCACC, visit www.pets.maricopa.gov or call (602) 506-7387.

Farm makes Ahwatukee part of its community

Desert Roots Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in Queen Creek. Supporters cover a farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's harvest. On Tuesdays starting Aug. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., farm members living in the Ahwatukee Foothills area will be able to pick up their vegetables at Dolce Luna Gelato at 4647 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 10.

Go Green at Curves

Reduce your waistline and join the "Go Green" movement at Curves Ahwatukee.

Each time you participate, you get entered into the Go Green raffle for prizes, including spa treatments, Curves stuff, restaurant gift certificates and more.

Here's how to participate:

- Recycle plastic bags, used water bottles or gently-used clothing. Place them in the marked containers by Aug. 31 at Curves Ahwatukee, 15410 S. Mountain Parkway, Suite 101.

- Conserve energy. Curves will host "Hot Friday Nights" in August when the air conditioning will be turned off and the lights dimmed from 5 p.m. to close. 

- Ride your bike, walk, Rollerblade, skateboard or carpool to Curves.

- Buy a refillable water bottle (or win one on the circuit) and fill it at the fountain instead of buying bottled water.

- Get a friend to join Curves Ahwatukee by Aug. 31 and bring a plastic bag stuffed with plastic bags, used water bottles or used clothing and get the rest of summer free.

For more information, call (480) 759-4340 or visit info@curvesgym.com.

Museum moving collection, needs volunteers

The Arizona Capitol Museum, 1700 W. Washington St., seeks volunteers interested in assisting staff as they prepare to move the museum's collection of artifacts to the new Polly Rosenbaum Building, 1901 W. Madison St.

Volunteers are needed now through October and are asked to commit to a minimum of four or more hours per shift. Persons with prior museum (or similar) experience capable of writing conditions reports, entering data in a computer and handling delicate objects are encouraged to apply. Applications are available in the Volunteer Opportunities section of the Web site, www.lib.az.us/museum.

To submit applications and resumes or receive additional information, e-mail Jason Czerwinski at volunteer@lists.lib.az.us.

For information on the museum, call (602) 926-3620 or visit www.lib.az.us/museum.

Pre-season practices under way for DV, MP ice hockey players

The Desert Vista High School Hockey Club is hosting pre-season practice sessions from 4:50 to 5:50 p.m. Aug. 16 and 23 at Desert Schools Coyotes Center, 7225 W. Harrison St., Chandler, open to both Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high school hockey players.

The cost is $12 per session.

For more information on the pre-season practice sessions, call Steve McGinn at (602) 363-3568.

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.

Abrakadoodle enrolling for fall

Enrollment is under way for the fall session of Abrakadoodle Art Education classes at the Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road. Classes for the fall session begin Aug. 14.

Abrakadoodle is a popular national arts education program for children ages 20 months to 12 years old. Children paint, draw, sculpt, design, imagine, sketch and explore using a wide variety of artist materials and techniques. All artwork goes home framed each week!

The cost for an eight-week session is $80, plus a $30 additional materials fee per session. For more information or to register online, visit www.abrakadoodle.com/AZ02.html or call Karen Kahn at (480) 279-1555.

AFCC presents E-Myth Solution Workshop

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business organization will present the world-renowned E-Myth Solution Seminar Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Grace Inn, 10831 S. 51st St.

This informative leadership development workshop teaches business owners how to craft a vision for their life by achieving higher productivity, drive revenue growth, gain a competitive advantage and get more out of life by thinking and acting like an entrepreneur.

The seminar starts at 8:30 a.m. and goes until noon with lunch provided afterwards.

Don't miss the early bird special with chamber members at $99 per person and nonmembers at $125 through Aug. 31. After that date, prices increase to $125 and $150, respectively.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.ahwatukeechamber.com or by calling the chamber at (480) 753-7676.

Register now for YMCA youth sports

Does your child enjoy sports such as basketball, flag football, soccer, t-ball, or volleyball?

The Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane, is accepting all participants for the fall season which runs from Sept. 20 to Nov. 1.

The YMCA fall sports program emphasizes good sportsmanship, fitness, fair play, fundamentals and fun, while implementing its core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

For more information or to register, call (480) 759-6762 or visit www.valleyYMCA.org

Just a buck, change their luck

PetSmart Charities' fall 2008 "Just A Buck, Change Their Luck" campaign runs Aug. 9 to 26 in PetSmart stores. In conjunction with this campaign, pet parents can enter the first Just A Buck Online Pet Photo Contest and possibly see their companion animal featured on the 2009 campaign merchandise.

One dog and one cat will be chosen to appear on next year's merchandise as part of the first online pet photo contest. Rules and entry information can be found at www.petsmartcharities.org and clicking on "Just A Buck."

Customers can donate when they make a Just A Buck purchase at any PetSmart store or online at PetSmart.com, through Aug. 26.

Learn about DBG's preschool program

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, will host two "planting parties" for parents interested in learning more about Sammy's Seedlings Preschool Program - 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, or 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. 

Join in the fun of planting vegetables and flowers while learning about what plants need in order to grow. Explore at plant learning centers and even plant a seed of your choice to take home and grow. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the classroom, backyard and meet the teacher and volunteer team.

For more information or to register, call (480) 481-8146 or visit www.dbg.org. Limited space is available.

Free home painting for low-income, disabled or elderly homeowners

Low-income, disabled or elderly homeowners statewide whose homes need exterior painting but can't do the work themselves and volunteer groups willing to handle the painting are being sought by Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun for the fifth annual Wells Fargo Rock & Roll Paint-A-Thon, 1 Day of Peace, Music & Paint, Saturday, Oct. 25.

Rebuilding Together also is looking for nonprofit organizations to apply to have their facilities painted. Two agencies will be selected.

Eligibility guidelines and an application for homeowners, volunteers and nonprofit agencies can be found at www.rebuildingtogetherphx.org.

Annual Ahwatukee Community Fair

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce will present the Fifth Annual Ahwatukee Community Fair, formerly the Ahwatukee Business Expo, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Mountain Pointe High School, 4201 E. Knox Road. Admission and parking for the event are free.

A variety of large and small businesses in Ahwatukee Foothills and surrounding areas will showcase their products and services during this event. Featured activities include a kid zone with large bounce houses, face painting and a barbecue. Arrive early for a chance to try your hand at unlocking the treasure chest to win prizes.

Booths for merchants are available at early-bird rates until Aug. 25. For more information, call Julia Williamson at (480) 753-7676 or e-mail Julia@ahwatukeechamber.com. Booth space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis with payment.

Jewish Couples Club forming

A new East Valley Jewish Couples Club is being formed. Join other couples each month for fun events such as dining out, plays, wine tasting, sports, day trips and more.

For more information, contact Melissa at (480) 785-0744 or beadlover@cox.net.

Volunteer guides needed

The Desert Botanical Garden needs volunteer guides to lead public tours and school field trips.

School tours are offered from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday to Friday, and public tours are offered 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week from Oct. 6 to May 15. Visit www.dbg/education for a complete outline of tours and content presented through the Sonoran Desert Adventure Field Trip program.

Training begins Sept. 9 at the Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway.

Anyone interested may fill out a volunteer application online at www.dbg.org and then contact Nancy White at nwhite @dbg.org or (480) 481-8197 to schedule an interview or Tina Wilson at twilson@dbg.org for more program information.

Women's Club kicking off new season

The Foothills Women's Club will start a new season on Sept. 10.

The club meets at 7 p.m. one Wednesday a month from September through May at the Club West Golf Course Clubhouse, 16400 S. 14th Ave. Beverages are available, and snacks will be served. The December and May meetings are members-only parties, but all other meetings are open to the public, and there is no cost to attend.

For more information, e-mail Kari Lindner at karijolindner1@cox.net or visit http://foothillswomensclub.org/index.php.

DBG offers programs for all ages

The Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix's Papago Park, is offering a variety of workshops, tours, classes, hikes, presentations, wellness programs, trips and adventures this fall for adults, children and families. 

For a complete listing, visit www.dbg.org.

Grand Canyon Railway calling charities

Grand Canyon Railway is opening up tickets for its annual Polar Express charity train to charities across Arizona. All charities will have the opportunity to receive tickets aboard this year's The Polar Express via a simple application process.

Grand Canyon Railway is dedicating its 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, Polar Express train to charity organizations. Nonprofits interested in applying can download The Polar Express charity train ticket application at www.thetrain.com/polarexpress. Charities applying must be able to travel on Thursday, Nov. 6. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30.

Charities that have questions about the application process can contact Shannon Stegmeir at stegmeir@thetrain.com or (928) 773-1976, ext. 1014.

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.

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 leaving 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.

South Mountain ‘Silent Sundays' return

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Polar Express season coming up

Grand Canyon Railway's 2008 Polar Express Season kicks off Nov. 6 and continues select evenings into January. The round trip journey is approximately an hour in length. Most evenings, Grand Canyon Railway offers two Polar Express trains, with one departing Williams Depot at 6:30 p.m. and a second train departing at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $26 for adults and $14 for children. Special Polar Express packages, which include The Polar Express train trip, one night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and dinner and breakfast at the railway's restaurant, are available starting at $289. Package prices are for two adults and two children and are based on double occupancy. Prices do not include tax and are valid for travel from Nov. 6 to Jan. 10, 2009.

For more information, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).

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.

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.