Calendar (10/17)

Friday, Oct. 17

MOMS Club of Ahwatukee North Annual Open House: 9:30 to 11 a.m., Western Star Park, 44th Street and Western Star Boulevard. Chris, (480) 814-8125.

Ahwatukee Republican Women Host Meet and Greet: 6 to 8 p.m., 4518 E. Arapahoe St. Meet former County Treasurer and U.S. Congressional Candidate David Schweikert, Arizona Sen. John Huppenthal, County Supervisor Fulton Brock and Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Open to the public. Mary, (602) 206-1189.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Breast Cancer 3-Day Yard ‘Boutique' for the Cure: 6 to 10 a.m., grassy area on East Cathedral Rock Drive, behind Safeway at Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway. The yard sale is hosted by Kristi Soerensen and her Ahwatukee Foothills-based team, Babes BUST'in Out!, to raise money for their participation in the 2008 Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk for the Cure. For yard sale donations, contact Soerensen at (480) 229-8948. For information, visit www.the3day.org/goto/kristi180.

Desert Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Features the largest variety of arid-adapted plants available in one location. Garden volunteers, horticulturists and professional landscape designers are all on hand to answer questions, assist in plant selections and offer advice. No admission charge. (480) 941-1225 or www.dbg.org.

Library Book Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Find great bargains on CDs, DVDs and all kinds of books for children, teens and adults. All proceeds benefit the Ironwood Library Teen Council. (602) 262-4636.

Special music by I Due Briganti: starting at 6 p.m., Bell' Italia Pizzeria, 4909 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 506. Menu specials. Reservations: (480) 893-1233.

Ahwatukee Community Fair (formerly Ahwatukee Business Expo): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mountain Pointe High School, 4201 E. Knox Road. Booth rates are $300 to $400 for members and $400 to $500 for non-members. Get information out by showcasing your business. There will also be activities for the kids including Greg Geryak from Farmers Insurance providing kids with m.i.l.k. Digital ID program. Everyone 18 or older will receive a key that may open the treasure chest filled with prizes. Check out Big Daddy's Smokehouse Sports Grill and two performance stages Free admission and parking. Julia@AwatukeeChamber.com or (480) 753-7676.

Sunday, Oct. 19

Sweet Tomatoes' Pajama Party: 9 a.m. to noon, 4723 E. Ray Road. Children 12 and younger are invited to wear their pajamas to receive a free meal with the purchase of an adult meal, in celebration of National Pajama Month. www.sweettomatoes.com.

Wine, Women and Chocolate: 3 to 5 p.m., Fairytale Brownies, 4610 E. Cotton Center Blvd. Presented by Les Dames D'Escoffier Phoenix to benefit the Downtown Phoenix Public Market. Features a chocolate demonstration with Donna Nordin, chocolate tasting and wine pairing with Chatham's Fine Chocolates. Tickets, $75, include a copy of the new Cooking with Les Dames d'Escoffier autographed by Barbara Fenzl. RSVP: (602) 740-8767 or (602) 628-3493.

Free Cinderella Youth Development Scholarship Pageant workshop: 3:30 p.m., Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. The workshop will help prepare girls ages 3 to 26 for the second Annual Southeast Valley Cinderella Youth Development Scholarship Pageant scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 8 at Sun Lakes Country Club. A baby pageant for babies between 0 and 35 months will also be held. A panel of judges will select the winner in each division: Cinderella Tot (ages 3 to 6), Cinderella Miniature Miss (ages 7 to 9), Cinderella Miss (ages 10 to 12), Cinderella Teen (ages 13 to 17) and Cinderella Woman (ages 18 to 26). All girls who enter receive participation awards and invitations to attend the State Finals. Andrea, (602) 469-2287 or fynangirls@aol.com or Kimberly, (480) 236-1169 or fantixs@msn.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Americans with Disabilities Act Case Law Update presentation: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona, 5025 E. Washington St., Classroom B. A discussion of the potential impact of the ADA Amendments Act will be included. RSVP to Andrew Moody at (602) 296-0536.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business", workshop: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,  Western International University, 9215 N. Black Canyon Highway, Room 208. Participants will learn everything a business person needs to know about successful sales. (602) 645-7250 or www.scorephoenix.org.

Charitable Giving seminar: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. Renata J. Rafferty, author of Smart Generosity: How to Make the Most of Your Charitable Giving, will discuss the key steps to take in becoming informed philanthropists. Registration: www.azgrantmakers.org.

Borders Book Club meeting: 7:30 p.m. fourth Wednesdays (with holiday exceptions), Borders, 870 N. 54th St., Chandler. For book selections and further information, call (480) 961-4915.

Thursday, Oct. 23

Chandler LeTip meeting: 7:01 a.m. to 8:31 a.m., Marie Callender's Restaurant, 7455 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Premier business leads organization meets every Thursday. mjthomas@letip.com, www.letip.com or Steve, (480) 524-0688.

Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Women In Business October Luncheon/Workshop: 8:30 a.m., Grace Inn at Ahwatukee, 10831 S. 51st St. Peter J. Burns, III who has partnered with E-Myth creator Michael Gerber on Club Entrepreneur (www.clubenetwork.com), will expand on reinventing your business to be successful in today's economy. $125 for members, $150 for non-members. www.ahwatukeechamber.com.

Wipe Out Domestic Violence Luncheon: noon to 1:30 p.m., Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 N. Third St. Tamara Woodbury, CEO of Girl Scouts of Arizona and 2007 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year, is the featured speaker. To register, visit www.jfcsaz.org or contact Jessica Junis at (602) 567-8305 email jessica.junis@jfcsarizona.com.

Internet Secrets Seminar: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. This free seminar will teach business Web site owners how to choose the most effective domain name, name their pages effectively, utilize color psychology, enhance their site through social networking sites, save money and have more flexibility than print ads. Seating is limited, RSVP to seminars@GeekyBobcat.com. No food allowed in library and only drinks in closeable containers. www.GeekyBobcatDesign.com/seminar.

Ahwatukee Little League Annual Board Meeting and Election: 7 p.m., Ahwatukee Board of Management, 4700 E. Warner Road. If you are interested in volunteering for a position on the Executive Board, e-mail your intent to tsix@cox.net. Information: www.ahwatukeelittleleague.org.

Saturday, Oct. 25

Boy Scout Troop 78 Rummage Sale: 7 a.m. to noon, Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Proceeds will help pay for summer camps, camping trips, and other activities for local Boy Scouts. If you have items you would like to donate, call Bernice at (480) 221-2236.

‘Passionately Pink Day' to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Toy Town Play Center, 12020 S. Warner-Elliot Loop, Suite 105. Guests are asked to wear something pink in honor of the event, which will raise money for the local Susan G. Komen Foundation to help find a cure for breast cancer. Refreshments will be available as well as goody bags for the children. Admission: $8 per child. (480) 496-4393 or www.aztoytown.com.

October Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mountainside Plaza Shopping Center, 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard. Features performances throughout the day by local children's music, dance and drama groups; presentations and demonstrations by merchants;  Phoenix police officers and firefighters and their vehicles; and food sampling from plaza restaurants. School supplies will be collected to donate to local schools. Drop-off boxes will be stationed at Trader Joe's and Safeway. (480) 706-3939.

‘Journey of Hope' memorial service for family and friends who have lost loved ones: 1 p.m., Unity of Phoenix Church, 500 E. Greenway Parkway. Hosted by Hospice of Arizona. Feel free to bring a photo of your loved one to display. Diane, (602) 589-2130.

Sunday, Oct. 26

History Hike of South Mountain Park: 8 to 10:30 a.m., meet at the Holbert Trailhead - first left past the entrance gate and follow the road to the end. This is a 2.5-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1.000 feet. The pace will be moderate with frequent stops to discuss the history of the area. At Dobbin's Lookout, participants will enjoy a short program on the history of the lookout before hiking back down the trail. $5 for adults, $1 for seniors and youth. All participants must register online using class number #50931 at www.phoenix.gov/PARKS under Classes and Programs.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

Employment Fair for people with disabilities: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gateway Community College, north and south lower cafeteria banquet room, 108 N. 40th St. Hosted by Magellan Health Services of Arizona. The free event will feature Arizona employers looking to diversify their employee base. Businesses throughout Maricopa County are encouraged to register for a table at the event by Oct. 17 by calling Ann MacNeil at (602) 797-8276.

Techi Workshop: 4 to 5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Learn about the inner workings of your computer. Get tips on buying a computer and uploading pictures and videos from a computer expert. Sponsored by Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. No registration required. (602) 262-4636.

Ahwatukee Congressional Debate - Congressman Harry Mitchell (D) and Challenger David Schweikert (R): 7 to 8:30 p.m., Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. Supported by HOA's of Ahwatukee. (602) 495-5500.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 29

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.

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.

Thursday, Oct. 30

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

Moet Mojito Night: 5 to 7 p.m., Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback Road, bistro 24. Learn how to prepare the perfect mojito with a professional mixologist. $25. Reservations: (602) 522-6644.

Marketing Seminar for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and high-ranking Executives: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Country Inn & Suites, 1660 W. Elliot Road, Tempe. Free. Tickets: www.UltimateFreeMarketingSeminar.com or Ron, (480) 456-4700.

Vampire Wine dinner: 7 p.m., Caffe Boa, 5063 E. Elliot Road. Vampire wines will be paired with a three-course dinner, live music and lots of fun. $47 per person. Reservations: caffeboa1@msn.com, (480) 893-3331 or www.caffeboa.com.

Saturday, Nov. 1

Greater Phoenix SCORE presents "Start Smart" seminar: 9 a.m. to noon, Arizona Small Business Association, 4130 E. Van Buren St., Suite 150. Free. Seating is limited and advance registration is recommended by calling (602) 745-7250 or visiting www.scorephoenix.org.

Phoenix Zoo Volunteers' Annual Holiday ZOOtique 2008: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. While visiting the Zoo, guests will be able to shop for special and unique holiday gifts crafted and/or sold by local artisans - pottery, jewelry, home décor, photography, wall art, Christmas cards and crafts and more. Funds raised support Volunteer programs, functions and needs. Free with Zoo admission. www.phoenixzoo.org or (602) 273-1341.

Serb Fest 2008: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today, noon to 8 p.m. tomorrow, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and Cultural Center, 4436 E. McKinley St. Features authentic Serbian food; pastries; music and live dance performances; a bazaar walk offering Serbian handiwork, books, CDs and unique cultural gifts for sale; and guided church tours for a closer look at Orthodox Christian religious art. Kids can enjoy carnival games and rides in the Fun Zone. Open to the public. $2 for adults, free for kids under 12 years of age. www.saintsavachurch.com or (602) 275-7360.

Sunday, Nov. 2

Eighth annual One on One Paintball Tournament: 10 a.m., Wild Planet Paintball, 4517 N. Curry Road, Casa Grande. Prizes for first, second and third place. joe@wildplanetpaintball.com or www.wildplanetpaintball.com.

Dance workshops and auditions for Hollywood show: Kimberly Lewis School of Dance, 3820 E. Ray Road. Workshop for contemporary dancers, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; hip hop dancers, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; auditions begin at 3:30 p.m. Classes are $30 for a single class, $50 for both classes, and the audition is free. Registration: Jessica@MuseDanceCo.com

or (310) 980-6290.

Desert Vista High School Hockey Club's Fourth Annual Charity Golf Classic: 12:30 p.m. shotgun/scramble start, Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Registration and sign-in start at 11 a.m. Funds earned will help defray ice costs and other expenses associated with running the program. $95 per player, $350 per team. Sponsorships are available, and raffle and silent auction prizes and donations are needed. To sponsor, donate or sign up to play, contact Tina at (480) 633-5773 or tpyke1@aol.com.

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.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

"Finding the Money You Need" Small Business Loan Clinic: 1 to 3 p.m., Western International University, 9215 Black Canyon Highway, Room 206. Presented by Greater Phoenix SCORE. Conducted by banking and Small Business Administration officials, the clinic provides information on obtaining funding to start or expand a business, or for financial re-structuring.  Terms, credit, collateral requirements and sources of funds will be topics covered. Free. Registration: (602) 745-7250 or www.scorephoenix.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

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.

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.

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.

Friday, Nov. 7

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.

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.

Sunday, Nov. 9

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.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

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.

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

7th 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

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.

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.

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.

Saturday, Nov. 22

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.

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.