Calendar (3/27)

Friday, March 27

Phoenix Holistic Health Center grand opening: 4 p.m., 4747 E. Elliot Road, Suite 13. Features complimentary vegetarian food, organic wine and coffee and live entertainment. (480) 753-0888 or www.PhoenixHolisticCenter.com.

Saturday, March 28

DV Band Boosters rummage sale: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Desert Vista High School, 16440 S. 32nd St.

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road. Pack 278 invites boys in grades K to 5 to participate. Attendees will be able to build and race their own cars and watch the existing cub scouts race in the Pack Finals. New scout information and applications will be available. Brian, (480) 759-2592.

Annual Dan Devine Memorial Golf Tournament: 1 p.m. shotgun start, Wigwam Resort, 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Bertrand Berry of the Arizona Cardinals (former University of Notre Dame star) joins the Notre Dame Club of Phoenix as the host/speaker. All tournament profits will fund academic scholarships for Notre Dame students from the Phoenix area. Space is limited. Evening dinner, silent auction and Berry speech follows. Registration: www.ndclubofphoenix.com or (602) 793-1955.

Jicarilla-Walatowa barbecue block party for Breast Cancer 3-Day: 2 to 6 p.m.,

Walatowa from Oke to Mandan. Hosted by Ahwatukee Foothills resident Lisa Marie Rosson, who will again walk 60 miles in the Breast Cancer 3-Day this November. Features food, entertainment and fun. www.the3day.org/goto/lisamarie or (480) 200-5472.

The New Agenda Arizona meeting: 6 p.m., Solo Cafe, 107 E. Baseline Road, Suite A-4, Tempe. Meet other area women who support fair pay, ending domestic violence, stopping sexism and promoting women's leadership. This group is an affiliate of The New Agenda, a non-partisan group for women's rights. thenewagendaaz@yahoo.com or www.thenewagenda.net.

Earth Hour 2009: 8 to 10 p.m., Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St. View the night sky through telescopes and learn how you can support our planet by doing something as simple as turning off your lights for one hour. Free, weather permitting. info@azscience.org or www.azscience.org/family_events.php.

Sunday, March 29

Power for Life Strength Team appearances: 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, Adventure Community Church campus, 4633 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 112, and 7 p.m. March 31 and April 1, Horizon Community Learning Center, 16233 S. 48th St. Former NFL players, professional wrestlers and record-holding athletes perform amazing feats of power and speed. They are motivational, inspirational and challenging as they perform an awesome show of strength and ability. Free. (480) 940-3540 or www.adventurecc.org.

24th Annual M&I Bank Bon Vivant ~ A Celebration of Fine Food & Drink: 4:30 to 10 p.m., Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley. More than 300 varieties of wine, beer, liquor and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided and a few dozen restaurants will sample some of their most popular dishes. Sponsors, restaurants and silent auction items still being accepted. Tickets range from $100 to $150 and are available at any Southeast Valley M&I Bank locations, www.clubzona.org or by calling (480) 345-CLUB (2582). For more information, e-mail Kerri Weiss at kerriw@clubzona.org, call (480) 820-3688 or visit www.clubzona.org.

Monday, March 30

Pre-Prom Boot Camp: Mondays and Wednesdays today through April 22, Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. The four-week program will be taught by Deb Mitchell, healthy lifestyles administrator at the Y. Two session times are available - 6 to 7:15 p.m. or 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. - and the cost is $72 for facility members and $88 for program members.

Register at the Member Service Desk. Deb, (602) 212-6081.

Health Care Forum: 7 p.m., Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. Dr. Jonathan Weisbuch will examine the condition of the U.S. healthcare system and outline the common sense approach to provide healthcare that is affordable, accessible and of the highest quality. Janet, (480) 545-0219.

Lecture on Immigration and the Economy: 7 p.m., Arizona State University, Memorial Union, Ventana Ballroom, Tempe campus. Syndicated columnist, women's activist and economist Julianne Malveaux will present "Unfinished Business: Immigration's Economic Impact on America" for the A. Wade Smith Memorial Lecture on Race Relations. Free and open to the public. Reservations required: clas.asu.edu/smithlecture. Additional information: (480) 965-1441 or clasevents@asu.edu.

Tuesday, March 31

Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Brown Bag Lunch Workshop: 11 a.m. sign in, 11:30 a.m. workshop, South Mountain Community College, 10429 S. 51st St., Suite 101. The topic of the final "Starting and Staying in Business" workshop is on financial planning and is designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and those thinking about opening a business. $5 for Chamber members, $15 for non-members. Pre-register by e-mailing Julia@ahwatukeechamber.com or calling (480) 753-7676.

Spanish Parent & Me Classes: 9 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesdays today to May 5, Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 4929 E. Chandler, Blvd. Children ages 3 to 5 will learn Spanish in a fun environment through music, songs, stories and games. $72. Registration: info@languagesynergy.com, (480) 231-5649 or www.languagesynergy.com.

Wednesday, April 1

Ahwatukee Chat, Chew & Chocolate monthly coffee: 9 a.m. 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.

CK's Foxy Breast Cancer Fundraiser: 8 p.m. to midnight, CK's Tavern & Grill, 4142 E. Chandler Blvd. Features live music by more than six bands and two raffles with all proceeds being donated to charity. Raffle tickets are available for purchase anytime during the day. Enter to win a $200 CK's gift certificate. (480) 706-5564.

Thursday, April 2

Catholic Charities Third Annual Compassion in Action Breakfast: 7:30 to 8 a.m., registration and breakfast; 8 to 9 a.m., program, Arizona Biltmore Ballroom, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. This free breakfast provides an opportunity to learn about the programs and services that Catholic Charities offers. Sean McLaughlin from CBS 5 News will emcee. All proceeds raised will directly benefit Catholic Charities programs that help individuals, families and children climb out of poverty. To attend or become a sponsor, call Sylvia at (602) 650-4830 or e-mail shopkins@cc-az.org.

Saturday, April 4

YMCA 5K Run/Walk: 6:30 a.m. registration begins, 8 a.m. 5K Run, 8:07 a.m. 5K Walk, 9 a.m. Family 1-Mile Fun Run, Ahwatukee Foothills YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. Cash prizes for top finishers. All runners and walkers will receive a T-shirt, goodie bag and post-race refreshments. Registration is $30 for adults, $20 for children under 12. Other activities include family fun games, music, raffle drawings, health screenings, massages and free day pass into the YMCA with race bib. Booth space is available. The MidFirst Bank Fundraising Van will be on-site collecting coins for the Strong Kids Campaign, matching up to $1,000. tmccarthy@vosymca.org, tobilittlemac@qwest.net or (602) 538-9017.

Teamwork building workshop: 9 to 11 a.m., Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Building, 4341 E. Broadway Road. Learn how to facilitate 10-to-30-minute activities requiring little or no materials or preparation time. $10. Registration: http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/4h/temp_docs/fun_fun_fun.pdf. Questions: (602) 827-8200, ext 359.

International Migratory Bird Day: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, 2439 S. Central Ave. Features story time, meeting Dr. Biology, butterfly tagging, bird walks and talks, crafts, games, live birds, face painting, bird mist demos, petroglyphs, oragami cranes, photography tips, Audubon Arizona, Liberty Wildlife, Wild at Heart, Adobe Mountain Rescue and the Arizona Game & Fish Department. Free, fun for all ages. (602) 262-6863 or http://phoenix.gov/RIOSALADO.

Ahwatukee Relay for Life fundraiser: 6 p.m. to midnight, Bleachers Sports Grill, 15410 S. Mountain Parkway. Ahwatukee Foothills resident Shelly M.S. Benezra is a cancer survivor and captain of the Islanders team, which will participate in the Relay For Life event April 18 and 19 at Mountain Pointe High School. All money collected from tonight's cover charge ($5 for adults, $2 for children under 18) will benefit the American Cancer Society. Comedian and entertainer Dani King of "That Dam Dani Show" will host, and music will be provided by the Gospel Claws at 6 p.m. and Slightly Right at 8 p.m. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09GW?px=8736988&pg=personal&fr_id=14853.

Sunday, April 5

Ahwatukee First Sundays - Let's Laugh Through Life Laughter Club: 2 to 3 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.

Monday, April 6

Symposium on the Science of Our Origins: 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Arizona State University Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. The public symposium will convene some of the greatest minds in science, including six Nobel Laureates, to discuss the origins of everything, from the universe to humanity. Information: www.origins.asu.edu/symposium. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

Tuesday, April 7

MOMS Club of Ahwatukee-East Chapter Open House: 10 a.m., Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th St. Kids can play at the playground and enjoy provided snacks while moms learn about what the group offers. MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) is a national organization for stay-at-home mothers that offers playgroups, park days, mom's nights out and other activities each month. This chapter's boundaries are between Pecos Road and Chandler Boulevard and I-10 and 32nd Street. Other chapters are available for those who live outside these

boundaries. E-mail east@ahwatukeemoms.com or stop by the park.

Great Choice Chiropractic Grand Opening: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 15810 S. 45th St., Suite 140 (south of Chandler Boulevard on 45th Street in the Ahwatukee Medical Center). Meet Dr. Greg Hauser and his staff. Free health screenings and family activities will be provided throughout the day including free chair massages, scoliosis exams, stress tests, computer scans, fun and great prizes. (480) 704-6600 or www.greatchoicechiro.com.

Bilingual Story Time: 10 a.m. first Tuesday, Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 4929 E. Chandler Blvd. (480) 785-8697.

Free Forclosure Alternative Forum: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Fiest Resort Conference Center, 2100 S. Priest Drive, Tempe. Learn the pros and cons of foreclosure, loan mods, short sales and bankruptcy from real estate expert attorney Bill Kozab. RSVP: www.4closurealternatives.com.

Wednesday, April 8

Hospice Volunteer Training: today, April 11, 15 and 18 (four sessions), Merrill Gardens Mesa, 7231 E. Broadway, Mesa. Wednesdays 6 to 9 p.m., Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hospice of Arizona is looking for warm and caring people to share their time and hearts with terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers can spend time with patients in their homes, group homes or inpatient units or provide bereavement, spiritual care or administrative support. Free. Registration: (602) 678-1313.

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. Kari, karijolindner1@cox.net or www.foothillswomensclub.org.

Thursday, April 9

Sustainability Town Hall with Congressman Harry Mitchell: 2 to 3:30 p.m. (registration at 1:45 p.m.), SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road (southeast corner at McDowell; enter off McDowell). Topic: Green jobs today for a strong economy tomorrow. RSVP: Adralyn, adralyn.wendel@mail.house.gov or (480) 946-2411.

Legislative District 20 Republicans meeting: 7 to 8:30 p.m., Fire Station, Community Room, 4110 E. Chandler Blvd. Anthony, anthonydmiller@gmail.com or (480) 766-9429. Meeting dates are subject to change, please call for confirmation.

Templar Mark Pinkham speaks on Yezidis: 7:30 p.m., InnSuites Hotel, 1651 W. Baseline Road, Tempe. Mark Amaru Pinkham, author, lecturer and Grand Prior of the International Order of Gnostic Templars, will give a free public lecture on "The Yezidis, Ancient Tribe and Chidren of Sanat Kumara." Free. Wayne, (623) 256-3414 or www.suncenterofphoenix.com.

Recreating Earth's Ancient Solar Civilizations conference: today through Sunday, InnSuites Hotel, 1651 W. Baseline Road, Tempe. Hosted by the Hearts Center Community.  Topic: Recreating Earth's Solar Civilization: Resurrecting Golden Age Cultures of the Past. Guest speaker Mark Pinkham will reveal the secret history of the Lemurian Brotherhood of the Sun in the Spiritual Evolution of Humanity. Wayne, (623) 256-3414.

Registration deadline for Vertical Training Camp: set for 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 11 at The BAR School of

Athletic Performance, 4425 E. Agave Road, Bldg. 1. For volleyball and basketball players. All athletes will receive a vertical jump assessment along with an introduction to vertical training. $20. Space is limited. (480) 961-5411.

Saturday, April 11

Cowgirls Historical Foundation Shootout charity golf tournament: 7 a.m., Club West Golf Course, 16400 S. 14th Ave. Scramble format. Features prizes and a special appearance by Debbie Gaby. Public welcome. patriciagomez@cox.net or www.cowgirlshistoricalfoundation.com.

Pennsylvania Club meeting: 10 a.m., L.J.'s Pizza, 1038 E. Main St., Mesa. Lunch follows. Current and former residents invited. (480) 832-5755.

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.

Sunday, April 12

Easter Brunch: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,The Ritz-Carlton, 2401 East Camelback Road.  Features entertainment by a live jazz trio. Children in attendance will have access to the hotel's annual Easter egg hunt and holiday petting zoo. $64 for adults, $32 for children 2 to 12, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: (602) 468-0700.

Easter Extravaganza: noon to 9 p.m., Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. Features a variety of family activities including Easter egg hunts, a kids craft corral, cream pie eating contest, games and a visit from "Cowboy Cottontail" (Rawhide's own Easter Bunny). Egg hunt times: ages zero to four, 12:30 and 3 p.m.; ages five to eight, 1 and 3:30 p.m.; and ages nine to 12, 1:30 and 4 p.m. A special Western Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (reservations recommended). Shopping on Main Street, as well as cowboy attractions including gunfights, stunt shows, a shootin' gallery, gold panning, stagecoach rides, desert train, and burro rides are also available. (480) 502-5600 or www.rawhide.com.

Monday, April 13

Desert Vista Grad Night meeting: 6:30 p.m. second Mondays, DVHS Room H106, 16440 S. 32nd St. Parents are invited to help plan Grad Night, which provides a safe and controlled environment for seniors. This year Grad Night will be held at F-1 Race Factory after graduation May 21. Terri,  (480) 278-9637 or dvgradnight09@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, April 15

Spring Job Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., GateWay Community College, main building, 108 N. 40th St. Meet with local employers, talk with career counselors and have résumés evaluated by occupation professionals. Free. Ellen, (602) 286-8152 or gergely@gatewaycc.edu.

Ahwatukee Board of Management meeting: 6:30 p.m., Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road. Open to ABM residents only. www.ahwatukeehoa.com.

Thursday, April 16

60th Annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa- Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. Martin L. Shultz and Denise Resnik, two distinguished Valley residents who have positively impacted thousands of Arizonans in their respective leadership roles, will be recognized as Valley Leadership's 2008 Man and Woman of the Year. Tickets are $75 for current dues paying Valley Leadership members and $100 for non dues paying members and guests. Tickets, sponsorship: (602) 952-6760.

Women in Business Spring Fling event: 5:30 to 8 p.m., Aji Spa, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, 5594 W. Wildhorse Pass Blvd., Chandler. Enjoy the magic of Aji Spa after hours in this private spa party. Features chair massages, hand massages, mini manicures, mineral make-up applications and Aji wellness and home spa classes. Sample delicious and healthy cuisine prepared by Aji spa chef (gratuity welcome). $30 for members in advance, $35 at door;

$45 for non-members in advance, $50 at door. www.ahwatukeechamber.com or (480) 753-7676.

Registration deadline for Baseball Speed and Strength Camp: set for 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 18 at The BAR School of Athletic Performance, 4425 E. Agave Road, Bldg. 1. Athletes ages 11 and up of all ability levels will learn the importance and the basics of speed and strength training to maximize results on the field.  $20. Space is limited. (480) 961-5411.

Saturday, April 18

10 Day Detox Challenge Seminar: Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. followed by seminar 9 a.m. to noon, Chandler Police Sub Station, Nielsen Community Room, 251 N. Desert Breeze, Chandler. Revitalize your mind and body with this safe and effective life-enhancing program. Topics include breathing, water, nutrition/diet, grocery list, exercise, detox your mind and reward. $59. Sign up before March 31 and bring a friend for free. RSVP required at www.PaulaOwens.com/seminars.html.

Third Annual Ahwatukee Lions Club Golf Classic: 1:15 p.m. shotgun/scramble start, Legacy Golf Resort, 6808 S. 32nd St. The Ahwatukee Lions Club joins the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) to host the classic. Proceeds will support ACBVI, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Camp Tatiyee (a summer camp in the White Mountains for children and adults with disabilities), and the Arizona Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (which provides eye surgeries, hearing aids and ear surgeries for low income Arizona residents). Entry fees are $450 per team/$125 player in advance, or $500 per team/$135 per player at the event. Sponsorship packages ranging from $150 to $1,250 are tax-deductible. Prize, auction or monetary donations are also appreciated.

Barbara, lyijynen@msn.com or (480) 460-2272.

Writer and food geographer headlines ASU English Department event: 6:30 p.m., Changing Hands Bookstore, 6428 S. McClintock drive, Tempe. Gary Paul Nabhan, Arab-American writer and food and farming advocate, will lecture on his recent book, Where Our Food Comes From, at a fundraising event to support opportunities for undergraduate English majors at Arizona State University. The event also features a silent auction with items such as cooking lessons with local chefs and food baskets. Tickets are $50 and can be pre-purchased at (480) 965-7611.

Sunday, April 19

Free dyslexia screening: 1 to 4 p.m., Chandler Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler. Screenings will be provided by Dr. Pamela Rupprecht of The Reading Clinic. The free screenings are valued at $100. Space is limited. Appointments: (480) 456-0500.

Meditation workshop: 2 to 4 p.m., Joyful Yoga Studio, 3900 W. Ray Road, Chandler. Led by Josh Rothman. Focuses on gentle yoga poses. $20. Pre-registration required by calling (480) 726-6399. www.joyfulyogastudio.com.

Wednesday, April 22

Life Balance Workshop on Administrative Professionals' Day: 8 a.m. to noon, Grace Inn at Ahwatukee, 10831 S. 51st St. Ahwatukee Foothills resident Mimi Meredith, author of Blooming Where You're Planted, will duscuss how you can improve life balance, leadership and relationship building skills and how to harness the energy of a positive perspective. $40, includes breakfast and a workbook. Registration: www.TheGoodnessGrows.com or (480) 227-2614.

Teach for America 15th anniversary celebration dinner: 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner and program, Arizona Biltmore, McArthur Ballroom. 2400 E. Missouri Ave. The organization has been placing teachers (corps members) in Phoenix schools since 1994. All proceeds will support current corps members' training and professional development throughout their two-year teaching commitment and will help advance the organization's base of alumni leaders working in Arizona. Open to the public. Tables are $5,000; individual tickets are $500. Christina, christina.colletta@teachforamerica.org or (602) 304-0211, ext. 3512.

Thursday, April 23

IABC Phoenix Non-Profit Communications Forum: 2:45 to 6:30 p.m., Wells Fargo Conference Center, 100 W. Washington St. Learn from top Valley communicators, participate in open, topic-specific discussions and network with professionals from local communications and non-profit organizations. $30 for non-profit attendees and IABC members, $50 for general admission. http://beheardseminar.x.iabc.com/.

Saturday, April 25

Diamonds & Dreams Hope Ball: 6 p.m., Westin Kierland, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale. The evening celebrates the 60th Anniversary of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and features a silent auction, dinner, live auction, dancing and entertainment by the Hamptons. Black tie. Individual tickets are $250 each, or $2,500 for a table of 10. Sponsorships begin at $3,500. Cameron, (602) 567-7605, Cameron.childs@lls.org or www.lls.org/hopeball.

YWCA Maricopa County 2009 Women's Empowerment Lecture & Luncheon Series: 11:30 a.m., Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. Linda Silverman, Ph.D., will speak on listening to and honoring a woman's intuition. Silverman founded and directs the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development in Denver, Colo., and its subsidiaries, the Gifted Development Center. $65, $650 for table of 10. www.ywcaaz.org.

Sunday, April 26

Power yoga workshop: 2 to 4 p.m., Joyful Yoga Studio, 3900 W. Ray Road, Chandler. Experience the ancient art and powerful practice of Ashtanga Yoga with Julia Pearl. This workshop is for experienced yoga students and will include backbends, handstands and inversions. $20. Pre-registration required by calling (480) 726-6399. www.joyfulyogastudio.com.