Community Calendar (11/5)

Wednesday, Nov. 5

Ahwatukee Chat, Chew & Chocolate monthly coffee: 9 a.m., Cupz N' Crepes Coffeehouse & Creperie, 4232 E.Chandler Blvd. Start your morning off with friends, fun and inspiration - no need to register, just show up to sip and chat. All are welcome. www.ahwatukeeccc.com.

Strategic Business Planning seminar: 9 a.m. to noon, Western International University, 9215 N. Black Canyon Hwy., Room 206. Sponsored by the SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business." This seminar will discuss business growth and learning what is appropriate for everyone. $40. Registration: (602) 745-7250 or www.scorephoenix.org.

Signing Story Time: 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, 4929 E. Chandler Blvd. Join Laura as she offers an interactive sign language story time for children under 4. (480) 785-8697 or janet@hoomadetoys.com.

Sixth annual Veterans Medical Leadership Council ‘Heroes One and All' Luncheon: 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. VIP reception, 10:45 a.m. to noon registration and raffle, noon-1:30 p.m. luncheon and program, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. The event honors veterans and helps raise funds to promote public awareness and financial support for veterans in need. Funds are given directly to the veterans needs at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and Arizona State Veterans Home. Luncheon, $100; luncheon and VIP reception, $200. For individual or corporate sponsor opportunities or to reserve table seating, contact Bette at (866) 553-1797 (toll free) or bjefferson2@cox.net.

Thursday, Nov. 6

St. Vincent de Paul's Annual Community Breakfast, ‘Restoring Hope through Faith and Love:' 7 a.m. registration, 7:30-8:45 a.m. breakfast and program, JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Arizona Ballroom, 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale. This breakfast raises funds to benefit the comprehensive services the Society provides to help the homeless and working poor throughout central and northern Arizona. Free, but reservations required and donations requested. Leslie, (602) 261-6837 or www.stvincentdepaul.net.

"Should I Start A Business?" Bilingual Seminar for Entrepreneurs: 5:30 to 7 p.m., South Mountain Community College Guadalupe Center, 9233 S. Avenida del Yaqui (Priest Drive), just south of Guadalupe Road, Tempe. Free. http://guadalupe.southmountaincc.edu or (602) 243-8217.

Fall Job Fair: 6 to 8 p.m., Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. The center is looking to contract individuals skilled in specialized areas to teach classes. Information on year-round part-time jobs will be available as handouts. Stacia, (602) 534-5234.

It's All About You" seminar: 7 to 9 p.m., Arizona Small Business Association, 4130 E. Van Buren St. Sponsored by the SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business." This seminar will teach attendees a simple approach to improving self-management in business and in life. $40. Registration: (602) 745-7250 or www.scorephoenix.org and click on Workshops.

Friday, Nov. 7

Desert Pointe Garden Club Garage Sale: 7 a.m. today and tomorrow, 13026 S. 40th Place (Knox Road and 41st Street). Unique treasures, collectibles, pottery, books, plants, clothing, furniture and more. All proceeds to charity.

MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Ahwatukee - East:  9:30 a.m. first Friday, Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. MOMS Club is a support group for stay-at-home moms who live within the boundaries of Interstate 10, 24th Street, Pecos Road and Chandler Boulevard. Children welcome. Lara, (623) 217-3352 or www.ahwatukeemoms.com/east.

Tukee Bowl Tailgate Party Fundraiser: 4 to 10 p.m., Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. Enjoy the football game between Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high schools on big screens while enjoying the music of Dr. Ron and the Pain Killers. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Admission is $5, and kids under 5 get in free. Proceeds go towards future expansion needs of the YMCA. Presale tickets available at the Y or online at www.ahwatukeeymca.org.

Saturday, Nov. 8

Texas Hold 'em Poker for Charity Fund Raiser: 1 p.m. second Saturday starting today, Luna Fitness, 975 E. Elliot Road, Tempe. The cost is $10, with 100 percent going to local charities. The tournament winner will choose the charity and wear the winner's badge for bragging rights for the month. The event is open to women age 21 and over. Membership at Luna Fitness is not required. (480) 456-5767 or www.lunafitnessoftempe.com.

Library Teen Council meeting: 2 to 3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Join the Ironwood Library Teen Council, make friends and plan teen events. Meetings held second Saturdays. All teens welcome. (602) 262-4636.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley's 31st Annual Bids for Kids Auction & Dinner: 5:30 p.m. to midnight, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, 5594 W. Wild Horse Blvd., Chandler. Features dinner, entertainment, a silent and live auction. Sponsors and auction items being accepted. Kerri, kerriw@clubzona.org, (480) 820-3688 or www.clubzona.org.

Sunday, Nov. 9

Blood drive: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E Knox Road.

Blood donations traditionally decline by more than 25 percent during holiday weeks. Since blood has a shelf life of 42 days, today's donations can help save lives through Thanksgiving. What's more, through the Blood Buddies referral program, donors can earn free movie tickets by bringing a new donor to United Blood Services. Sixteen-year-olds are also now eligible to give blood. Appointments: 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) or www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org.

All Breed Charity Dog Wash and Holiday Photos: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Malinda's Pampered Pets, 4302 E. Ray Road (north side of Ray Road near Jamba Juice and Baja Fresh). Volunteers will wash and dry your pup for a $20 donation - long hair is $5 extra; or wash and dry, nails clipped and ears cleaned for a $30 donation. Microchips are $25 each. Have your pooch photographed in front of the festive holiday background for $10 and receive one 4" x 6" print and an email PDF. K9 Partnership will be on site to answer training or behavior issues. All dogs must be on a leash. Boxer Luv Rescue, a nonprofit organization of volunteers dedicated to saving homeless Boxers in need, will receive all proceeds to provide medical care, housing and food to more than 100 Boxers currently awaiting their forever home. Foster homes and volunteers are also needed. www.boxerluv.org or (602) 214-6867.

Palette of Homes Tour: Explore exclusive private residences in Paradise Valley and network with artisans involved in the building of each home on the tour, sample gourmet fare by some of the Valley's most acclaimed chefs and restaurants and bid on silent auction packages. Tickets: Elizabeth, (602) 258-8100 or ecurran@freeartsaz.org.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Free x-rays and exams to Veterans of Foreign Wars: 8:30 to 11 a.m., Dr. Gregory Edmonds, Ahwatukee Oral Surgery, 15215 S. 48th. St., Suite 158. Appointments: (480) 598-3006.

Veterans Day Gourd Dance and Community Potluck: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St. Honor the memory of all veterans. Gourd dancing starts at 11:30 a.m. Free and open to everyone. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share. No advanced registration required. (602) 495-0191.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Arizona Business Circle, a networking group: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Business professionals exchange referrals to help each other build successful businesses. Shelley, (480) 820-8694, ext. 3.

Southeast Valley Chapter of Le Tip networking lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Native New Yorker, 5030 E. Ray Road. Network and build your business. $10 for lunch. Carol, (602) 295-4027.

Hope's Treasures Holiday Boutique: 4 to 8:30 p.m. tonight (preview night), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Hope Covenant Church, 1770 S. Dobson Road, Chandler. Features quality handcrafted items. (480) 899-7255.

Caffe Boa free wine tasting with appetizers: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 5063 E. Elliot Road. Select half-price bottles of wine all night long and live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations: caffeboa1@msn.com, (480) 893-3331 or www.caffeboa.com.

Foothills Women's Club meeting: 7 p.m., Club West Golf Course Clubhouse, 16400 S. 14th Ave. Local women are invited. The club meets one Wednesday evening of the month from September through May. Tonight features a fashion show. Kari, karijolindner1@cox.net or www.foothillswomensclub.org.

Friday, Nov. 14

Seventh Annual Holiday Shoppe: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Enjoy holiday shopping amongst beautiful, unique, all hand-crafted items. Presented by Arizona Women's Experience. (480) 491-2210 or www.azcc.org.

Trilogy Farmers Market Grand Opening: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Encanterra, A Trilogy Country Club, 1035 E. Combs Road, Queen Creek. Hosted by Trilogy by Shea Homes. Open to the public. Continues the second Friday each month. www.TrilogyLife.com or (800) 685-6494.

Herberger Theater's Seventh Annual Cabaret: 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m., show, Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St. Tickets: $600 for a table of four (includes two drink vouchers per person), $300 for a table of two (includes two drink vouchers per person), $65 per person for mezzanine seating, and $40 per person for balcony seating. Proceeds benefit the Herberger Theater Center's Outreach Programs for Children and helps keep costs as low as possible for resident and non-resident performing companies. For sponsorship, contact Laurene Austin at (602) 254-7399 ext. 105. Tickets are available www.herbergertheater.org, click on "Special Events."

Saturday, Nov. 15

Crash Course in Multimedia Journalism: noon to 3:30 p.m., Media Innovation Lab at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 555 N. Central Ave. at ASU's Downtown Phoenix Campus. $10 for working professionals, free for students. Proceeds benefit the AABJ scholarship fund. Space is limited, so RSVP by Nov. 13 to Weldon at (602) 317-8719 or weldonbjohnson@aol.com.

Crossroads hosts ‘Roads of Hope 2008' charity dinner event: 5:30 to 9:15 p.m., Arizona Biltmore Hotel & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. Benefits the Seed Fund for the Women of Crossroads and its women's facility and programs. Crossroads, Inc., is a network of six transitional living facilities for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. $125. Individual and corporate sponsorships are available. All proceeds raised will directly benefit Crossroads programs. Brent, (602) 279-2585.

Phoenix Rotary 100 Club's 2008 Gala & Auction "Kickin' it Up for Kids:" cocktails and silent auction at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., Marriott's Camelback Inn & Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale. Dinner and auctions will support funding of the Ray Kroc Center for the Salvation Army and the UMOM New Day Centers Homeless Shelter. $125. (602) 604-8221.

Sunday, Nov. 16

Authors and Auction: 3 to 5 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 1333 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Arizona authors Nancy E. Turner (These is My Words), Frederick Ramsay (Stranger Room), and J. M. Hayes (Broken Heartland) will speak and sign books. The program also features a silent auction. Funds raised will provide educational loans, grants and scholarships for women. Coffee and dessert provided. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance by visiting www.authorsandauction.com or calling (480) 838-2462.

Tuesday, Nov. 18

Job Fair hosted by Goodwill: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., American Legion, 364 N. 7th Ave. Jobseekers should dress professionally, bring a resume and be ready to talk with multiple recruiters from various companies who are seeking qualified candidates for various open positions. Free and open to the public. www.goodwillaz.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Arizona Capitol Museum Lunch Bunch: 12:15 to 1 p.m., First floor Museum Lounge, 1700 W. Washington St. Anne O'Brien will discuss and sign her book, Traveling Indian Arizona. Lunch Bunch is a free program about Arizona history and/or current events. Bring your lunch and enjoy coffee and cookies provided by the Museum Guild. Free museum admission and parking. www.lib.az.us/museum/ or (602) 926-3620.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design seminar and certification program: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, 2575 E. Camelback Road. Open to all businesses, but specifically recommended for property owners, restaurateurs and architects. $250, includes class materials, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments. Registration required to John Milne at (602) 954-7200 or Tim Zehring at (480) 332-9929.

Thursday, Nov. 20

Gov. Hunt Chapter of the DAR meeting: 10:30 a.m., Marie Callander's, 865 S. Dobson Road, Mesa. (480) 759-2304.

Friday, Nov. 21

2008 YMCA Stong Kids Fall Classic Golf Tournament: 1 p.m. shotgun start, Club West Golf Club, 16400 S. 14th Ave. Support the Ahwatukee Foothills YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign with a round of golf, dinner and prizes to be raffled and auctioned off. Enjoy hole prizes and enter the putting contest. Cost: $110 for single players, $375 for foursomes, $20 for dinner only. To register, visit www.ahwatukeeymca.org,  click "Register" and select "Ahwatukee Foothills Family" keyword "Golf Tournament."

Saturday, Nov. 22

Arizona Custom Hikes with AZ Bad Dogs: 7 a.m., Papago Park and Preserve (off Galvin Parkway). The fundraiser will benefit Arizona Siberian Husky Rescue and Adoption. Hike with your dogs to raise money for adoptable huskies. Donations welcome. Reservations requested to (602) 955-1615 or Pierce@AZBADDOGS.com.

Holiday Boutique: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. Get a start on holiday shopping while enjoying holiday entertainment, a wide variety of vendor booths, food and a visit with Santa. Vendor applications being accepted. www.arcaz.net.

Monday, Nov. 24

Visions of Sugarplums Holiday Lunch: 9:30 a.m., Westin Kierland Resort, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale. The 28th annual holiday event and luncheon of the Auxiliary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale includes the luncheon, a silent auction, handmade gifts, a live auction, homemade baked goods, Designer Decor from top interior designers, vintage treasures and a professional fashion show by Dilliard's. Proceeds directly support Angels for Kids, the annual giving campaign of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. Tickets start at $85. Judy, (480) 585-9177.

Mineral Monday: Deseret Aesthetic & Lifestyle Institute, 1425 S. Greenfield Road, Suite 102, Mesa. Professional makeup artists will give free makeovers using a dazzling array of ColoreScience mineral make-ups. Reservations: (480) 832-7546 or www.deseretskin.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Ahwatukee Republican Women General Meeting: 7 p.m., Phoenix Fire Station 43, 4110 E. Chandler Blvd. (480) 460-7101 or ARWomen@aol.com.

Thursday, Dec. 4

IABC Phoenix Network Night 2008: A Mosaic of Minds: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Hosted by the Phoenix Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable, canned food items for St. Vincent de Paul. Traci, tbaker@ascpa.com or (602) 324-4745.

Saturday, Dec. 6

Y OPAS (Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors) book sale: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ahwatukee Foothills YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. To donate used books, call (602) 212-6088.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Ahwatukee First Sundays - Let's Laugh Through Life Laughter Club: 12:30 p.m. first Sundays, Fire Station 43, Community Room, 4110 E. Chandler Blvd. Presented by certified laughter coach Laurie Nathanson and affiliated with www.worldlaughtertour.com, a global organization. Donations are accepted, with a portion being donated to local charity. Laurie, (480) 540-4776 or laurie52@cox.net.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Whale of a Super Rummage Sale: 7 to 11 a.m., Kyrene de los Lagos Elementary School, 17001 S. 34th Way. Donations may be dropped off 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. To drop off items before Dec. 12 or for assistance in transporting items, contact Bonnie Kinchion at (480) 251-2579 or bkinchion@cox.net. A portion of the proceeds will go to Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Monday, Jan. 12

National Council on Disability's winter meeting: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Wednesday, Chaparral Suites Hotel, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free and open to the public. Advance registration not required. (292) 272-2008.

Saturday, Feb. 14

53rd Annual VNSA Used Book Sale: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, Exhibit Building, Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road. VNSA collects books all year long, and donations can be made by calling (602) 265-6805 or visiting www.vnsabooksale.org.

Send submissions to: jwalker@ahwatukee.com