Calendar (10/10)

Friday, Oct. 10

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.

Coyote Fifty Meet and Greet: 5:30 p.m., Sautee Urban Bistro, 4949 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. This new women's organization is for women 50 and over (and those approaching 50) who enjoy meeting others and want to get involved in their communities in a fun way. Registration: www.coyotefifty.com. Directions: www.sautee.com/locations.html.

Register by today for Baby Signs workshop: to be held 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Road, Outpatient Building B, second floor, room 2322. Learn how babies and their parents can use simple signs to communicate important things often a full year before babies could otherwise speak. Designed for parents of children from birth to 24 months. $50 for one parent, $60 for two parents. Parents only, childcare not provided. Registration: Lindsay, (602) 546-1166 or lstevens@phoenixchildrens.com.

Saturday, Oct. 11

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.

Annual Parking Lot Sale: 6 a.m. to noon, Mountain View Lutheran Church parking lot, 11002 S. 48th St. All funds raised will help send the church's high school youth to the Lutheran Youth Gathering in New Orleans next July, where attendees will participate in service projects around the city. If you have items to donate, please drop them off at the church. To have items picked up, call Ashley at (480) 893-2579 or e-mail ashleyh@mvlutheran.org.

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.

Fabulous Food Festival of Ahwatukee: 2 to 6 p.m., The Grace Inn, 10831 S. 51st St. Presented by the Ahwatukee Foothills Rotary Club. Up to 35 local restaurants will provide samples and there will be music, a silent auction, raffles and more. $10. Proceeds will benefit the many service projects of the club. Tickets are available in advance by calling Cindy at (480) 242-6802 or at the door.

Hunter's Moon Sunset Hike: 6 to 9:30 p.m., Mormon Trailhead, 8610 S. 24th St., south of Baseline Road on 24th Street. Hunt and gather with the animals of South Mountain Park by the light of the Hunter's Moon. Approximately 3.7 miles round-trip. Hike pace will be steady with short, infrequent stops along the way. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. All participants must register online using class No. 50953 at www.phoenix.gov/PARKS under "Classes and Programs." (602) 262-7393.

Grand Opening ‘Plaza Intensive:' today and tomorrow, Plaza de Anaya World Fusion Studio, 524 W. Broadway Road, Suite 107, Tempe. The event features a weekend of workshops and a Saturday night show. www.PlazaDeAnaya.com.

Bridging AZ Furniture Bank's Buy a Kid a Bed Monte Carlo Night and Live Charity Auction: 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Robb & Stucky, 15440 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Benefiting the "5,000 Beds in 5 Years" campaign, proceeds will be used to purchase new bunk beds for children in need within our community. Tickets, $125, available at www.blacktie-arizona.com.  For information on raffle tickets, see BuyaKidaBed.org.

Sunday, Oct. 12

Walk to Defeat ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease): 9 a.m. registration, walk starts at 10 a.m., Tempe Town Lake (South Beach Park). Sponsored by the ALS Association Arizona Chapter, the Walk is designed to raise awareness and funds for ALS research and patient services programs. No registration fee, but donations will be accepted. The Walk is 5K in length and is wheelchair accessible. Register at http://walkaz.alsa.org. Mags, (602) 297-3800 or mags@alsaz.org.

Phoenix Interstitial Cystitis Support Group meeting: 2 p.m., The Buttes, 2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe, Amphitheatre - Level 1 directly across from front lobby. Guest speaker is Terry Jo Myers, National Spokesperson for the Interstitial Cystitis Association (www.ichelp.org). (602) 225-9000.

Ahwatukee Tortoise Club meeting: 3 to 5 p.m. One 40-pound African Sulcata is looking for a new home. Share tortoise tales and enjoy light refreshments. Visitors welcome. For more information or meeting location, call Thomas at (480) 893-9054.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce morning mixer: 7 a.m., Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St. www.ahwatukeechamber.com.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Group: 9 a.m., second and fourth Tuesdays, Corona Baptist Church, 4450 W. Ray Road, Chandler. (480) 838-4040.

Strategic Business Planning workshop: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Western International University, 9215 N. Black Canyon Highway, Room 208. Sponsored by the SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business." $85, includes lunch. Registration: (602) 745-7250 or www.scorephoenix.org, click on Workshops.

Chess Club: 6 to 10 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Central Phoenix Women breakfast meeting: 7:30 a.m., The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback Road. The featured presenter is Joelle Hadley, the sponsor is BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona and the favor partner is Jeffrey's Tea. www.centralphoenixwomen.org or (602) 263-3589.

Democrats & Donuts: 8 a.m., Fire Station 4110 E. Chandler Blvd. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat representing Arizona District 17, will discuss propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot. Free and open to the public, donations accepted. Additional parking available to the east of the fire station in the CK Tavern parking lot. RSVP: (480) 706-3741 or e-mail pamelajamar@cox.net.

Jewish Women International Avodah Chapter 1581 luncheon meeting: 11 a.m., Zorba's Greek Cafe, 1964 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Reservations: Dorothy, (480) 883-1503 or Marilyn, (480) 802-9727.

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.

Arizona Capitol Museum Lunch Bunch meeting: 12:15 to 1 p.m., 1st floor Museum Lounge, 1700 W. Washington St. Author Frank M. Barrios, Phoenix native, president of First Families of Arizona and board member of the Phoenix Museum of History, will discuss Mexicans in Phoenix, a history of the Mexican-American community. He will sign copies of the book after the program. Free. Bring your lunch and enjoy coffee and cookies provided by the Museum Guild. Free parking. www.lib.az.us/museum/ or (602) 926-3620.

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.

Rotary scoops ice cream for a good cause: 5 to 9 p.m., Cold Stone Creamery, 7131 W. Ray Road, Chandler. Members of the Rotary Club of the Kyrene Corridor will be on hand to help serve ice cream ... and the community. Proceeds from this one-day event will go to the eradication of Polio across the globe. (489) 961-8033.

Ahwatukee Chat, Chew and Chocolate: 6 to 9 p.m., Mimi's Cafe, 4901 E. Ray Road. The theme is "Facing Fears Gracefully," and Crystal Sirignano will talk about how she faced her fears in the process of giving birth to her twin grandchildren. Registration: Liz, (623) 505-5300, ext. 3, liz@chatchewandchocolate.com or www.AhwatukeeCCC.com.

Thursday, Oct. 16

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

Free bra fitting: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kohl's, 4637 E. Chandler Blvd. Full-figure bra brand, Olga, is celebrating the launch of its new wire-free collection by offering women the opportunity to be expertly fitted. Those fitted will receive a coupon for $5 off the purchase of an Olga bra.

Poker Night Reception: 6 p.m., Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback Road, bistro 24. The $300 buy-in (donation) covers the reception and poker to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs. Prizes include Suns floor tickets, stays at The Ritz-Carlton, custom-made humidors and more. Reservations: (602) 522-6644.

Friday, Oct. 17

18th annual Empty Bowls event: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Arizona Center, 400 East Van Buren St. Presented by the Arizona Clay Association in honor of World Food Day. Money raised will be donated to Waste Not, an agency that feeds the Valley's hungry men, women and children. For a minimum $12 donation, patrons select their own unique, handcrafted ceramic bowl, which is then filled with a lunch donated by Sam's Café. Patrons keep the commemorative bowl as a reminder that someone else's bowl is always empty. www.wastenotaz.org or (480) 941-1841.

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.

17th annual Frank Kush Family Fun Run & Walk: Tempe Town Lake. The affordable, family-oriented event promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles and benefits Arizona youth groups through the Frank Kush Youth Foundation. Open to all ages. Features a 5K Run, 5K Walk, 1 mile Fun Run, 1 mile Walk and popular Dog Walk. There also will be martial arts and other fitness-oriented demonstrations. Advance registration: $10 for adults, $5 for children 16 and under. Special $20 family package available (four family members, $5 for each additional child). All participants receive a race T-shirt, all children who run or walk the 5K or 1-mile event receive medals and all dogs are given ribbons. www.frankkush.org, www.arizonarunningeventsco.com, or Andy Dzurinko (Kush Foundation) at (480) 921-9341 or dzurinko@juno.com.

Fifth Annual Native American Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4619 E. Washington St. Free and open to the public. (602) 495-0191.

Family History Society of Arizona's 25th Anniversary Fall Seminar: 8 a.m., St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 2540 W. Baseline Road, Mesa. Arizona's favorite son, Marshall Trimble, will entertain with Old Arizona Tales; view a video telling the true story of Annie Moore, the first immigrant through Ellis Island; Sue Clark will follow with the immigrant experience at Ellis Island, as your ancestors might have experienced it. (480) 705-0927 or www.fhsa.org.

Two-part seminar for entrepreneurs: 9 a.m. to noon, Arizona Small Business Administration office, 4130 E. Van Buren, Suite 150. SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Business, offers "Establishing an Internet Presence" today and "Maximize Your Web Effectiveness" Oct. 25, detailing how entrepreneurs can most effectively utilize their Web sites in growing their businesses. $40. Registration: (602) 745-7250 or www.scorephoenix.org.

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. Free admission and parking. Julia@AwatukeeChamber.com or (480) 753-7676.

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.

Sunday, Oct. 19

Sweet Tomatoes' Pajama Party: 9 a.m. to noon, 4723 E. Ray Road. Children 12 years old 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.

Chess Club: 6 to 10 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430.

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: The Grace Inn, 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.

Saturday, Oct. 25

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.

Thursday, Oct. 27

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.

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.

Chess Club: 6 to 10 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430.

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

Thursday, Oct. 30

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Send submissions to: jwalker@ahwatukee.com