Community Briefs (Updated March 19)

Suns, hospital looking for ‘Gorilla of the Day'

The Phoenix Suns and Banner Children's Hospital are offering one lucky child/student the opportunity to assist The Suns Gorilla in his game night activities as part of the "Gorilla of the Day" contest running now through March 31.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to register their child or student at www.Suns.com and submit an essay outlining why he/she deserves to be the Banner Children's Hospital "Gorilla of the Day." Essays are limited to 100 words or less.

The winner will get to take part in the game night practice, warm ups and shadow The Gorilla when the Suns take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, April 4. In addition, the winner will also receive four tickets to the game, a pre-game photo and presentation with The Gorilla on the court. 

For more information, official contest rules or to register, log on to Suns.com.

Registration under way for Alzheimer's conference

The Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium has begun registration for its 10th annual conference designed to update patients, caregivers, family members and scientists regarding progress in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Leading physicians, researchers and scientists will make presentations at this free community service event that is open to the general public.

The conference will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa, 9495 W. Coyotes Blvd., Glendale. A free buffet breakfast and lunch will be provided. Seating is limited.

All interested persons can register for free, online at www.azalz.org or by calling (602) 239-6901.

Mosey on over to Rawhide

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, is offering a variety of activities for all ages.

- Easter Eggstravaganza noon to 7 p.m. March 22 and 23 for kids of all ages. A variety of family activities will include an Easter egg hunt, kids games, a crafting corner and a visit from "Cowboy Cottontail" (Rawhide's own Easter Bunny!).

- 23rd Annual M&I Bank Bon Vivant - A Celebration of Fine Food & Drink March 29. Features sampling of more than 300 varieties of wines, ales, liqueurs, microbrews and non-alcoholic beverages. Schedule: 4:30-5 p.m., sponsor pre-taste; 5-8 p.m., main event and VIP tent; 7:30-10 p.m., afterglow sponsor party. Individual tickets range from $80 to $140. To become a sponsor, vendor or to purchase tickets, call (480) 345-2582.

For more information on activities at Rawhide, visit www.rawhide.com.

Recycling efforts expand

The city's recycling efforts are being expanded to the Phoenix Mountain Preserves and city-involved special events. Blue barrels made from recycled milk jugs are being installed at park trailheads in order to make it easier for hikers to dispose of plastic water bottles. In addition, other blue containers and a truck have been purchased for use for recycling at special events.

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.

Curves gathers food for the hungry

Curves Ahwatukee has joined forces with thousands of other Curves facilities across the nation in the Curves Ninth Annual Food Drive by collecting bags of non-perishable groceries that will be donated to local food banks at the end of the month.

New members who join on or before March 27 and donate of a brown bag of non-perishable items will enjoy a discount on their membership. Food collections will be accepted through the month of March, and community involvement is encouraged. Non-perishable food items may be dropped off at Curves, 15410 S. Mountain Parkway, Suite 101, during regular business hours.  All food donations will benefit St. Mary's Food Bank.

To wrap up the Food Drive, Curves Ahwatukee will host its inaugural Taste of Ahwatukee event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 27. Entrance is free to the public with a food donation to St. Mary's Food Bank. For each brown bag of non-perishable items donated, two tickets to Taste of Ahwatukee will be given.

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

Christmas donations used for Easter baskets

During the 2007 holiday season, Tempe Schools Credit Union raised $1,378 for Phoenix Children's Hospital through the generosity of its members. Instead of donating the money or purchasing Christmas gifts, the Credit Union decided to use the funds to purchase Easter baskets for the kids.

Volunteers put together 96 Easter baskets, which will be delivered March 19 to the children at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Discover Girl Scouting

Girls in kindergarten through third grade interested in joining or learning more about Daisy or Brownie Girl Scout troops are invited to discover the fun, exciting and educational experiences of Girl Scouting.

Teen Girl Scouts and volunteers are offering three Saturday meetings for girls to participate in engaging hands-on projects. Try-It events will be held 3 to 5 p.m. March 29, April 26 and May 17 at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane.

Parents need to attend the first gathering to complete registration form. The cost is $20 (financial assistance is available) for Girl Scout membership and program materials. To register, contact Susan at (480) 460-1025 or susan@desertfoothills.org.

DBG seeks photos of ‘vogueing' cacti

The Desert Botanical Garden is inviting Valley residents and visitors to participate in an amateur photography contest - Dancing Flora - that will capture some of these animated native desert plants on film. A selection of photos will be featured as part of the grand opening celebration of the garden's new Sybil B. Harrington Cactus and Succulent Galleries April 5.

Photos must be submitted no later than Monday, March 24.

The first place and honorable mention winners will be announced April 4. The grand prize package will include a four pack of tickets to a garden event of the winner's choice - Agave on the Rocks, Jazz in the Garden, Las Noches de las Luminarias, etc., and publication of the winning photo in the Garden's newsletter, Sonoran Quarterly.

For more information or details on submitting a photo, contact B.J. Communications at (602) 277-9530.

Music Maker Workshops offerings

Suzanne Di Carlo is offering several workshops for children ages 3 to 7 at Music Maker Workshops, located at 32nd Street and Chandler Boulevard.

- A spring workshop, a "Bunny Hop," will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, and will include carnival games, an egg hunt, egg coloring contest, classical music gardening and storytime. This workshop is a drop-off program and costs $25. Space is limited, registration is required.

- The popular Saturday Music Appreciation workshops continue with the theme a "Trip Around the World." The drop-off program takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, and the fee is $30. As these workshops fill up quickly, early registration is recommended.

For more information or to sign up, call (480) 706-1224.

The Body Firm hosts sports equipment drive

To promote physical fitness and activity for children, The Body Firm Fitness Center is hosting a sports equipment drive for the Guadalupe Thunderbirds Branch of the Boys and Girls Club now through May 2. New and gently-used kick balls, hula-hoops, jump ropes, basketballs, soccer balls and volleyballs are needed.

Equipment can be dropped off any time between 5:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at The Body Firm, located at 4405 E. Ray Road.

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

Wave pool theme days at Kiwanis Recreation Center

Whether you're part of an organization, a good student, a good parent or serving our country, Kiwanis Recreation Center wave pool theme days are set to honor your achievements in a fun and special way.

Wave hours are 1 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at the KRC, located at 6111 S. All America Way in Tempe. Regular admission to the wave pool is $6, $3 for those 2 to 12 years old. Children under the age of 8 must have an adult with them at all times. Mid-day hours are 3 to 5 p.m., and regular admission is $4, or $2 for those 2 to 12 years old.

- March Madness Day: March 22. Wear your favorite college team apparel and get half off one admission.

- Happy Birthdays: March 29 (for birthdays March 1-31) and April 26 (for birthdays April 1-30). Get free admission to the wave pool with proof of birthday during that month.

- Girl Scouts Day: April 19. Girl Scouts wear your shirt or uniform and get one free admission to the wave pool.

- Reading is Fundamental Day: April 26. Donate a book and receive one free wave pool admission.

- Mother's Day Weekend: May 10-11. Mothers get in free with a youth's paid admission.

- Armed Forces Weekend: May 17-18. Show your current military ID and get in free.

- Report Card Day: June 7. Bring in your last report card and get half off. A report card with straight A's gets you in free.

- Father's Day Weekend: June 14-15. Fathers get in free with a youth's paid admission.

For more information, call (480) 350-5201 or (480) 350-5050 TTY, or visit www.tempe.gov/kiwanis.

Donate an old bridesmaid or prom dress, get free tickets

Beginning March 24, ASU Gammage will partner with The Cinderella Affair, and the first 100 people who bring a gently-used bridesmaid, prom or wedding dress to the Arizona State University Gammage box office will receive two tickets to see The Wedding Singer on Tuesday, May 20, at ASU Gammage.

The donated dresses will benefit The Cinderella Affair, an all-volunteer project supported by Tempe Community Council, the city of Tempe and the East Valley Women's League. Its mission is to make attending prom affordable for all Phoenix-area high school junior and senior students.

To donate your dress, bring the dress to ASU Gammage Box Office between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday March 24 through May 25. The first 100 people who bring a dress will receive the pair of tickets. You are welcome to bring more than one dress, but each person will only receive two tickets. After the 100 dresses are collected, all other donors will receive a discounted ticket for $19.85 to see The Wedding Singer.

Tickets are available at ASU Gammage, Ticketmaster outlets, by calling (480) 784-4444 or visiting asugammage.com.

‘Fergie & Friends' celebrity baseball game

The Mesa HoHoKams and the Ferguson Jenkins Foundation are teaming up to celebrate baseball and raise money for charity by producing the inaugural "Fergie & Friends" celebrity baseball game to be held at Mesa's HoHoKam Stadium, 1235 N. Center Street, Mesa, at 7 p.m. Friday, March 28. General admission tickets are $10; VIP preferred seating is $25. Gates open at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.FergieandFriends.com. To reserve tickets, call (480) 964-4467 or drop by the box office. For sponsorship information, including reserved seating and VIP meet and greets, contact FieldWorks Events & Marketing Inc. at (480) 609-3978 or e-mail info@fieldworksevents.com.

Spring forward in education, fitness

If you are looking for something fun and educational for your child during the month of April, Kiwanis Recreation Center has you covered. Kiwanis is offering recreational classes, educational classes, crafts, cooking and more. No matter your child's interest or activity level, they can find something to do at KRC. Adult classes are offered as well.

Enrollment for April classes is now under way. Register online at http://pkreconline.tempe.gov/ or on site at 6111 S All America Way in Tempe. For a full class listing and more information, visit www.tempe.gov/kiwanis or call (480) 350-5201 or (480) 350-5050 TTY.

Nominations sought for Governor's Awards in preservation

The non-profit Arizona Preservation Foundation and the State Historic Preservation Office are seeking nominations through April 4 for the Governor's Heritage Preservation Awards to be presented at a luncheon ceremony June 13 at the Sixth Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Partnership Conference, "Preservation on the Line."

Each year, 10 awards are given to individuals, businesses, organizations and projects in recognition of outstanding achievements in preserving Arizona's prehistoric and historic treasures. 

A nomination form and submission requirements can be downloaded at www.azpreservation.com. Completed nominations and support material must be received close of business Friday, April 4, to Eric Vondy, SHPO/Arizona State Parks, 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 85007. Submissions transmitted via fax or e-mail will not be accepted.

Military Service Academies conference announced

Sen. Jon Kyl, Rep. Jeff Flake and representatives of the Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval academies will host a free military services academy conference from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Gilbert High School, 1101 E. Elliot Road.

All Arizona high school students and their parents will have the opportunity to meet with representatives who will explain the unique academic, career and military opportunities that each school offers. Congressional staff will also be present to explain the required congressional application and nomination process.

For more information or to RSVP, call Kyl's Phoenix office at (602) 840-1891 or visit online at kyl.senate.gov/rsvp.

Applicants sought for film, arts festival

The Third Annual Cave Creek Film and Arts Festival is July 19 at Harold's Cave Creek Corral. The creative competition includes several categories, including film, visual arts, photography, poetry, short stories, original song and choreography.

The festival is an open competition to residents statewide with two age divisions per category: youth (ages 12 to 17) and adults (ages 18 and over). Entry fees are $10 for the youth division and $25 for adults. A special presentation of awards is scheduled for July 19 at Harold's Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, in Cave Creek. Admission is free.

Applications can be downloaded at www.CaveCreekFilmandArtsFestival.com. The application submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 2.

Kimberly Lewis offers free dance classes

If your kids would like to try something new over the summer, then head on over to Kimberly Lewis School of Dance June 9-12 for a week of free dance classes.

Classes, offered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 3820 E. Ray Road, will include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop for beginner to advanced level, ages 3 to teen.

For more information, call (480) 706-6040, e-mail klewisdance@yahoo.com or visit www.kimberlylewis.com.

Phoenix Public Library cardholders get Phoenix Art Museum discount

Phoenix Public Library has partnered with Phoenix Art Museum so library cardholders can receive a $2 discount off admission for the following exhibits:

- Richard Avedon: Photographer of Influence, now through April 13.

- Masterpiece Replayed: Monet, Matisse and More, now through May 4. The discount is for Tuesday through Friday entry times only.

- Chado Ralph Rucci: Infanta Gown, spring 2003, Silk Faille, March 21 through Aug. 17.

All library customers need to do is present their Phoenix Public Library card at the Phoenix Art Museum visitors' desk to receive the discount. The discount is for a maximum of four people per household.

For more information, call (602) 262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

 Easter Parade, Spring Fling March 22

Planning is underway for the 32nd Annual Kiwanis Ahwatukee Easter Parade & Spring Fling scheduled for Saturday, March 22. Entries are needed, so now is the time for businesses, youth and church groups, families and individuals to put their heads together and start organizing their entries for the Easter Parade, Ahwatukee Foothills' largest community-participation event.

Sponsored again by the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee, this year's Parade Boss (for the 16th time) is Mike Schmitt. Helping out are Kiwanis club members Bill Clark and Jim Bell. News anchor and Ahwatukee Foothills resident Scott Light will be Grand Marshall.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the parade forms at 48th Street and Warner Road and progresses north about one mile along 48th Street to Cheyenne Drive. Spectators are welcome to bring lawn chairs or spread blankets to enjoy the parade. Public address stations will be located at the Ahwatukee Country Club and at the corners of Ahwatukee Drive, Kiowa Street and Pawnee Street.

After the parade, all are invited to the Spring Fling at the Ahwatukee Community Center Park, located at 48th Street and Warner Road. The whole family can enjoy entertainment by local groups, carnival rides, games, food, beverages and games from about 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kiwanis member Andi Pettyjohn is heading the Spring Fling committee.

Parade entry forms have been mailed to over 300 local businesses, groups and previous parade entries.

For more Easter Parade information, call (480) 496-4270 (days), (480) 759-0007 (evenings) or e-mail msch0007@aol.com. For more Spring Fling information, call (602) 402-6267 or e-mail andi@wttaz.com.

Water Expo offers ‘smart' savings, free advice

Salt River Project is offering free advice as well as a 50 percent discount to its electric customers and water shareholders who purchase a "smart" irrigation controller at SRP's DesertWise Water Conservation Expo Saturday, March 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at the PERA Club, located at 1 E. Continental Drive in Tempe.

The expo will also feature on-site landscape experts to answer questions and provide water-conservation advice. Representatives from seven Valley cities.

To register for a spot in a workshop or for more information about the expo or smart controllers, contact SRP's Water Conservation line at (602) 236-3291 or visit www.srpnet.com/discount.

Foreign exchange students need host families

Foreign exchange students between the ages of 15-18 are scheduled to arrive in the East Valley for the 2008-09 school year. Students will learn about America firsthand while residing with host families, participating in their daily activities and attending local high schools.

OCEAN (Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations) is currently seeking volunteer host families willing to open their hearts and homes to students arriving in August.

Students are fully insured, proficient in English and come with their own spending money to cover personal expenses. Host families are responsible for providing the student with room and board, as well as a loving family environment.

OCEAN, a non-profit organization located in Tempe, incorporated in 1994.

For more information, call (480) 784-4671, e-mail ocean@hostaforeignstudent.org or visit www.hostaforeignstudent.org.

Kids who help "K.I.D.S." receive a free breakfast at Sweet Tomatoes

Sweet Tomatoes is helping to teach children the important lesson that "giving is better than receiving" by inviting kids ages 12 and under to bring a new clothing item with tags attached to Sweet Tomatoes, 4723 E. Ray Road, on Sunday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to noon during the restaurant's Sunday Breakfast. All clothing items will be donated to the non-profit organization Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S). Each child who brings in an item of clothing during that time will receive a free kid's breakfast meal.

K.I.D.S. annually distributes over $50 million worth of new products to approximately four million children in need through more than 1,000 grassroots non-profit agencies.

For more information, visit www.kidsdonations.org or call (800) 266-3314.

Renaissance Festival offers raucous revelry

The Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace is back for its 20th season of tomfollery, tricks and thrills.

The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rain or shine) Saturdays and Sundays through March 30.

The whole family will enjoy a full day of fun and adventure, including 12 stages of nonstop entertainment, a 30-acre circus, a village crafts fair, jousting with armored knights and a royal feast fit for a king.

The event is located just east of Phoenix on US Highway 60, past the Gold Canyon Golf Resort.

Tickets - $18 for adults, $6 for youths 5-12 and free for children 5 and under - are available online at www.RenFestInfo.com or at Fry's and Fry's Marketplace. Tickets purchased at the festival box office are $2 higher. Discount tickets for seniors 60 and up are $17 and are only available at the festival ticket booth. Parking is free.

For directions or more information, call (520) 463-2700 or visit www.RenFestInfo.com.

Boy scouts hosting rummage sale, car wash

Boy Scout Troop 14 has two major annual fundraising events. In the fall, the troop participates in the Boy Scouts of America's nationwide popcorn sales event. In the spring, the troop conducts a rummage sale and car wash.

This year, the rummage sale and car wash will be held on Saturday, April 5, in the parking lot of Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E. Thunderhill Place. The rummage sale begins at 7 a.m., and the car wash starts at 8 a.m. Both will end at noon.

Funds raised will help pay for troop activities, ranging from the annual summer camp at Camp Geronimo north of Payson, to the troop's out-of-state activity. This year, Troop 14 will head to the Boundary Water wilderness area in northern Minnesota, where members will canoe through some of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes. The funds raised also help the members pay for scouting-related items such as hiking boots, tents and sleeping bags.

For more information or to donate items for the sale (such as furniture, toys, books, electronics, and especially clothing), call Lyle at (480) 229-9119 or 480-441-5101. People can also drop off donated items at Esperanza Lutheran on Friday, April 4, between 6 and 8:30 p.m.

Leadership Council looking for teens

Pecos Community Center is looking for young men and women who enjoy a challenge, love to organize and want to see their work come to mean something in the community. If this sounds like you, Teen Leadership Council may be exactly what you are looking for. Teen Leadership Council (TLC) meetings are held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in classroom 4 at Pecos Community Center. TLC activities include volunteerism, field trips, social gatherings and city-wide networking.

For information, contact Jimi Vargas, teen coordinator, at (602) 534-5234, noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

‘Pass It On' basketball camp offered this summer

An overnight "Pass It On" basketball camp is being offered Thursday, July 10, through Monday, July 14, in Prescott, Arizona, for boys and girls entering fifth through ninth grade. The fee is $350 and includes room, board, T-shirt, basketball, water bottle and more.

For more information or to register, visit www.passitoncamps.com.

Zoomation encourages guests to find art in nature

The Phoenix Zoo's newest event, Zoomation, will encourage guests to discover their inner artists and find the art in nature. Zoomation will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 19-23 at the zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway.

The zoo will display art that's been submitted, plus guests can participate in found object art, copper leaf making, interactive entertainment, music-making, green screen video fun and more.

Prior to the event, people of all ages are invited to find art in nature and tell what spring means to them through any type of creative self-expression such as art images, video, text or music. Art can be submitted by going to phoenixzoo.org/zoomation. All submissions that meet the criteria will be displayed during Zoomation.

Zoomation is a separate ticketed event, and the fees are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 2-12. Zoo members receive a $1 discount. Because this is an evening event and most of the animals are resting, there are limited animal viewing opportunities. For additional information and tickets, visit www.phoenixzoo.org.

Circle K Tempe Music Festival coming up

Puddle of Mudd, Cowboy Mouth, The Chris Parker Project, Dorsey and The Meat Puppets have been added to the rock-solid lineup of the 2008 Circle K Tempe Music Festival, Arizona's largest music festival. This year, the event will take place Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, at Tempe Beach Park. Tickets are limited and on sale now through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com, and Live Nation, www.livenation.com.

For more information, visit www.tempemusicfestival.com or call the information hotline at (480) 970-3378.

Volunteer for upcoming Anne Frank exhibit

Volunteers are needed to assist with the exhibit, Anne Frank: A History for Today, showing April 4-May 1 at the Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Chandler. Docents are asked to attend a 90-minute training session and be comfortable speaking to groups. Volunteer opportunities include administrative support (mailings, data entry, phone calls) as well as event staff (greeting visitors, additional security and more).

To volunteer, or for more information about the exhibit, call (480) 897-0588 or visit www.evjcc.org.

ABC15 launches state's 1st travel channel

GoAZ.TV is Arizona's first travel channel, broadcast over the air on digital channel 15.2 and Cox Cable channel 95. It's Arizona's only channel dedicated to bringing the Valley, real time traffic information to get travelers around faster and safer.

Fund offers low-income families statewide emergency help Low-income families experiencing extreme financial hardship now have a new resource to help pay overdue utility bills and prevent potential electric or gas shutoffs.

The Home Energy Assistance Fund, which will be administered by the Arizona Community Action Association (ACAA) through Community Action Program (CAP) offices in every county, may provide eligible individuals annual one-time financial assistance of up to $500 to restore utilities to avoid disconnections. Individuals may only apply once in a 12-month period for funding.

The Home Energy Assistance Fund, the nation's first CAP-driven statewide fuel fund, also is available to members of Arizona's tribal communities.

Approximately $250,000 is available for distribution by June 30.

For information about the Home Energy Assistance Fund and the Arizona Community Action Association, visit www.azcaa.org or call (602) 604-0640.

Catholic Foundations make Catholic education possible

Several Catholic Foundations in the Diocese of Phoenix, headed by The Catholic Tuition Organization of the Diocese of Phoenix (CTODP), are making it possible for many students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds to afford a Catholic education.

CTODP is the Catholic fundraising organization that is solely dedicated to allocating the contributions it receives toward scholarships for students attending the schools owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. The organization was established in 1998 pursuant to certain Arizona tax credit legislation that now enables individuals and corporations to contribute money in support of those students who wish to attend private schools and need financial assistance to be able to do so.

CTODP has awarded a record number of 6,517 tuition scholarships for students attending Catholic schools for the 2007-08 school year.

The tax credit allows the contributor to utilize his or her tax dollars otherwise payable to the state of Arizona towards student scholarships up to a maximum of $1,000 for married filers and $500 for single filers. Because the tax credit allows for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, the contribution ultimately does not cost the contributor anything, and students are able to receive the private education they desire.

More information is available at www.diocesephoenix.org.

Environmental Excellence Awards Exhibit

A traveling exhibit of winning entries in Valley Forward's 27th annual Environmental Excellence Awards program is under way.

The exhibit spotlights local projects, technologies and programs recognized in Arizona's oldest and largest environmental awards program.

Valley Forward received nearly 100 entries in this year's competition. Projects were submitted in 22 categories, including buildings and structures, site development and landscape, livable communities, open space and connectivity, art in public places, environmental technologies, environmental education/communication and environmental stewardship.

The exhibit schedule is: now through March 5 at Intel Corporation, 5000 W. Chandler Blvd., C7-301, Chandler; and March 5-26 at Arizona State University, College of Architecture, Tempe.

For more information about Valley Forward and the Environmental Excellence Awards, call (602) 240-2408 or visit www.valleyforward.org.

Furniture design call for entries

The Phoenix Contemporary Design Fair invites submissions from any and all independent furniture deisngers for a design competition. Take this opportunity to have thousands of professionals and design enthusiasts see your design brought to life. Finalists will display at the 2008 Phoenix Contemporary Design Fair April 18-20 and will appear in a post-show feature in kontakt magazine. The deadline to enter is March 14.

For details, visit www.pcdf08.com.

New location, classes for Childsplay Summer Academy

The 2008 Summer Academy class schedule for Childsplay, Arizona's professional theater for young audiences, is now available. All classes will take place at the new Sybil B. Harrington Campus for Imagination and Wonder at Mitchell Park, 900 E. Mitchell Drive, Tempe.

Classes range from one day to four weeks, serve 3- to 18-year-olds and cover subjects from Shakespeare to musical theater. All classes held June through July, Monday through Friday and include a sharing time for family and friends on the last day of class. Production classes may have additional performances on Saturdays.

For detailed information and to register online, visit www.childsplayaz.org or call (480) 350-8119 for a brochure.

Information session set for bilingual adults interested in nursing

If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse - and you speak, read and write fluently in both Spanish and English - you will want to attend an information session about the Bilingual Nursing Fellowship Program (BNFP).

The program is a joint effort of South Mountain and Gateway community colleges, in cooperation with Banner Health System.

A session will be held 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 12, in the SMCC Student Union, 7050 S. 24th St., just north of Baseline Road. Applications will be available.

Students may complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing and obtain a nursing license within three years. General education courses, nursing instruction, lab experience and hands-on training make up the course of study.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible for application for licensure as registered nurses through the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

For more information, call (602) 243-8269 or visit www.southmountaincc.edu.

Velcro launches student competition

For 50 years, Velcro brand hook and loop fasteners have inspired innovations that have taken astronauts to the moon, helped young children keep their shoes on and saved lives with artificial heart equipment. Now, Velcro USA Inc. is offering students the chance to come up with their own designs.

Engineering and design students enrolled at four-year, degree-granting universities in New Hampshire, Michigan and Arizona are invited to participate in the Student Design Challenge during this school year. To enter, students must create and submit a product design concept using one of three new technologies from Velcro USA Inc. Entries will be judged on the design's creativity, commercial appeal and aesthetics, functionality and the overall presentation.

Three grand prize-winning students will each receive a $3,000 scholarship and a trip to the corporate offices in Manchester, N.H., to tour the production facilities that are home to one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century.

The contest is now open, with entries accepted through June 2. For complete rules and requirements, submission details and design specs, students can visit the Student Design Challenge Web site at www.velcro.com/50years.

Abrakadoodle classes forming now

Abrakadoodle remarkable art education is currently enrolling students at the Ahwatukee Swim and Tennis Club. Classes will begin in March.

Classes, which will meet for 45 minutes to one hour, include Twoosy Doodlers (ages 20-36 months), Mini Doodlers (ages 3-K) and Doodlers (grades 1-6). These classes are designed to ignite a child's imagination while teaching artistic techniques, art vocabulary, art history and art styles with wonderful tools and a wide range of materials.

The cost is $90 for a nine-week session and $80 for an eight-week session. Space is limited.

Contact Abrakadoodle at (480) 279-1555 or KKahn@abrakadoodle.com for more information or to reserve your spot.

Arizona Event Industry Awards now accepting applications

Applications are now being accepted for the second annual Arizona Event Industry Awards - the Zonies. The winners will be announced at the gala on May 15 at the Venue of Scottsdale.

Award categories include: Best On Premise Catering; Best Off Premise Catering; Best Use of Rental Equipment; Best Event Décor; Best Event Marketing Campaign; Best Lighting/Technical Production; Best Logistical Achievement; Best Event Photography/Videography; Best Entertainment Production; Best Entertainment; Best Sports Event; Best Fair/Festival; Best Multi-Day Event; Best Social Event, Budget Under $25,000; Best Social Event, Budget Over $25,000; Best Non-Profit Event, Budget Under $25,000; Best Non-Profit Event, Budget Over $25,000; Best Corporate Event, Budget Under $25,000; and Best Corporate Event, Budget Over $25,000.

Each entrant must be a member of the event and hospitality industry in the state of Arizona and have an Arizona address and the event must have occurred within the state of Arizona between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2007. The entry deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, April 7, and must include the $35 entry fee.

More information is available online at www.isesaz.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=47 or by contacting Christina Quintana at cquintana@azhla.com or at (602) 604-0729.

Pueblo Grande Museum looking for volunteers

Pueblo Grande Museum needs a variety of volunteers to work as tour guides or docents, gift shop attendants, collection aides, library aides and exhibit aides. Volunteers are also needed to help in special events like the Farmers Market and the annual Indian Market.

Volunteers will receive free on-the-job training, continued education classes and the opportunity to attend a recognition luncheon, dinner and lecture series.

Museum staff will arrange on-the-job training for all interested volunteers, and a structured training class also will be available in March.

For more information, call (602) 495-0901 or visit www.pueblogrande.com. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, a Phoenix Parks and Recreation facility, is located at 4619 E. Washington St.

Holy Yoga experiencing continued growth

Holy Yoga, internationally registered yoga school and the leading style of Christian Yoga, has added instructor training to begin in March in response to continued demand for classes and instructors nationwide.

The spring 2008 instructor training will begin March 22. The internationally registered yoga school will offer both a 200-hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) certification for new yoga instructors as well as a 20-hour CYT (Certified Yoga Teacher) certification for existing RYTs interested in becoming certified as a Holy Yoga instructor. The Holy Yoga training and certification, fully accredited by the Yoga Alliance, consists of a rigorous program with training in technique, teaching methodology, anatomy, philosophy, ethics, lifestyle and an instructor practicum. Training is available to local, national and international students via Web cast and teleconference, and concludes with a mandatory instructor training retreat.

Registration is currently under way, and applications are being accepted at www.holyyoga.net.

Santan Financial offers free seminars

Santan Financial is offering free seminars to the community.

The seminar "How to Use Your Mortgage as a Financial Tool to Create Wealth for You and Not Your Bank" is held the third week of each month. Learn how traditional loans limit your ability to meet your financial goals and keep you living in the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle.

Discover "How to Beat the High Cost of College" the fourth week of each month.

Registration in advance is required. For location, dates, more information or to register, call (480) 776-1699 or visit www.santanfinancial.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 March 30, April 27, May 25, June 22, 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.

Information: (602) 534-6324.

Homeless Outreach program sends plea to community

Southwest Behavioral Health's Homeless Outreach, a program to help homeless individuals with mental illness, is requesting donations of cold weather supplies now through March. SBH's Homeless Outreach is a mobile program that delivers supplies to the homeless where they live - on the streets, in alleyways, riverbeds, parks and deserted buildings. Requested items include blankets, hats, gloves, warm shirts, jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, thermal and regular underwear, hygiene kits (including toothpaste, toothbrushes), shoes and socks.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Day Resource Center, 1125 W. Jackson, Suite 448. Please call (602) 393-9930, ext. 3226, before making any drop-offs.

Submit photos for ‘Leave No Child Inside' contest

Photos of nature and children enjoying outdoor environments are being sought for Arizona Parks and Recreation's "Leave No Child Inside" photo contest. Entries must be postmarked by May 1.

The purpose of the "Leave No Child Inside" theme is to encourage parents to take their children to national, state, county and city parks to enjoy nature and recreate in Arizona's natural areas.

Prizes will be awarded for the best photos. Categories for photos include Urban Experience, Leave No Inner Child Inside, Kids and Critters and Most Unique Experience.

Photos will be displayed at the 2008 Arizona Parks and Recreation Conference at the Camelback Inn in August. Submitted photographs must be 4-inch-by-6-inch and may be either color or black and white.

For additional details, visit www.azpra.org or call (602) 335-1962.

AF Concert Band in 17th season

The Ahwatukee Foothills Concert Band was founded in 1990 as an opportunity for adults to continue their musical performance experience. Since then, the band has attracted some of the Valley's top musicians and today is recognized as one of the finest community concert bands in the nation. Under the guidance of music director and conductor Brendan Anderson, the band performs a full repertoire of classical, pop, Broadway, big band and patriotic selections.

Two performances are offered each year at its home venue in the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, as well as concerts from Apache Junction to Sun City. Concert dates are available in February and March, and the performance schedule for the 2008-09 season is currently being developed. 

If you would like to schedule a performance, want additional information or would like a CD recording of the band, contact Larry Arthington at (480) 612-1621 or arthington@cox.net. More information is also available at www.afcband.org.

Video collection of Holocaust testimonies available at library

Phoenix Public Library customers now have access to the video testimonies of Holocaust survivors and witnesses through a collection of more than 100 DVDs from the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation Institute's Visual History Archive.

The testimonies in the collection are from people who live, or have lived, in the Phoenix area. The DVDs, part of the library's circulating collection, were donated through the generosity of the Benjamin Goldberg Trust.

The USC Shoah Foundation Institute grew out of the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, founded by director Steven Spielberg to document the experiences of survivors and other witnesses of the Holocaust.

The USC Shoah Foundation Institute's Visual History Archive includes nearly 52,000 video testimonies of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses in 32 languages and from 56 countries. The Institute's mission is to overcome prejudice, intolerance and bigotry - and the suffering they cause - through the educational use of the institute's visual history testimonies.

For more information about the USC Shoah Foundation Institute, visit www.usc.edu/vhi. For more information about the library collection, call (602) 262-4636 or visit www.phxlib.org.

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.

Pecos Senior Center offers lots of activities

The Pecos Senior Center, formerly known as the Ahwatukee Foothills Senior Center, is now located at 17010 S. 48th Street in the Pecos Community Center and offers a variety of programs and activities for residents. A sampling of daily activities follows:

- Coffee social, 9 a.m. daily.

- Lunch, 11:30 a.m. daily (reservations requested one week prior, $2 for those over 60, $5 for guests under 60); soup and salad bar offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

- Crafty crafters group, 9:30 a.m. Mondays.

- Gentle yoga class, 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Thursdays.

- Pinochle, 9 a.m. Tuesdays.

- Indoor walking in gym, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays.

- Healthy breakfast, 9 a.m. Wednesdays.

- Computer class, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays.

- Big screen movie and popcorn, 1 p.m. Thursdays.

- Bridge club, 9:30 a.m. Thursdays.

- Bingo for prizes, 10 a.m. Fridays.

- Bunco, 12:30 p.m. Fridays.

The Center also offers special activities, such as field trips to the Herberger Theatre, shopping trips and the out-to-lunch club. Home-delivered meals are available, as well.

Pecos Community Center amenities include a computer lab with Wi-Fi wireless Internet, fitness center, dance room, gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis courts, soccer fields, bark park and skate park.

For more information, call (602) 534-5366.

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 5 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.

Send submissions to jwalker@ahwatukee.com