Anita Marra of Foothills Family Dental

Soaked in sweat and reeking of cigarettes, Southern-fried and smothered in cheese, “The Paperboy” is, quite literally, a hot mess.

In the past several years the local media has worked hard to try to tie Russell Pearce to the J.T. Ready that preached hate, and it is a lie.

In the past several years the local media has worked hard to try to tie Russell Pearce to the J.T. Ready that preached hate, and it is a lie.

Feral cats are friends, not pests.

Feral cats are friends, not pests.

The first of two blood drives at Desert Vista this year will take place Tuesday.

Last semester, Dobson High School English teacher Mike McClellan's students examined the plots, characters and themes of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Israeli Scouts to perform on Wednesday

“No Service Fee June” for all tickets at Cricket Wireless Pavilion

The state of Arizona needs more than 700 blood donors every day to properly supply its hospitals, and last Thursday Desert Vista High School students did their part by participating in an on-campus blood drive organized by the Key Club.

1st place: Dr. Anita Marra

 Buzztime’s Friday night Twilight Trivia event

Saturday, Aug. 2Become a Mystery Shopper class: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., South Mountain Community College at Horizon Community Learning Center, 16233 S. 48th St. Learn what mystery shopping is and how to get started. Access to a computer is highly recommended to be successful. All materials included. $49. (480) 659-3070. My Gym Open House: 1 to 4 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, 4142 E. Chandler Blvd. See the facility, meet the staff and learn about the fun-filled activities offered. Age-appropriate classes are available for children ages 6 weeks to 13 years. Tremendous savings will be offered with various registration specials. AhwatukeeMyGym@aol.com or www.mygym.com. Ahwatukee Tortoise Club: 3 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. The meeting provides an opportunity to meet new prospects, participate in a free drawing for two or more desert tortoises, get a report from a Valley herpetologist and good fellowship. Thomas, (480) 893-9054. Sunday, Aug. 3Ahwatukee First Sundays - Healthy Laughter with Laurie's Laughter Club: 2 to 3:30 p.m. first Sundays, Fire Station 43, Community Room, 4110 E. Chandler Blvd. Presented by certified laughter instructor and local resident Laurie Nathanson. Attendance is free, but donations are graciously accepted with a portion being donated to a local charity. Laurie, (480) 540-4776 or laurie52@cox.net. Tuesday, Aug. 5Phoenix School of Law information session: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, 4041 N. Central Ave., Room 300. Meet the admissions team, faculty and learn about the application process. Tours available. Free. RSVP by Aug. 4 to Anita at (602) 682-6800 or agutierrez@phoenixlaw.edu. RSVP by today for the Congressional District 5 Republican Debate and Luncheon: to be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 12 at The Grace Inn at Ahwatukee, 10831 S. 51st St. Hosted by the Ahwatukee Republican Women. Candidates participating include Mark Anderson, Lee Gentry, Laura Knaperek, Jim Ogsbury, Susan Bitter-Smith and David Schweikert. This is an open event. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers, includes fiesta buffet. RSVP to Mary Baumbach at (602) 206-1189. Wednesday, Aug. 6Ahwatukee Chat, Chew & Chocolate monthly coffee: 9 a.m., Dolce Luna Gelato, 4647 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 10. 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.  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. Cub Scouts Fall Recruitment Night: 6:30 p.m., Fire Station community room, 4110 E. Chandler Blvd. Hosted by Cub Scout Pack 278, servicing Colina, Horizon and Summit schools, as well as other Ahwatukee Foothills schools. Boys in grades 1 to 5 and their families are invited to attend. Cub scouting combines outdoor activities, sports, academics and more fun and exciting programs that help families teach ideals such as honesty, good citizenship and respect. During the meeting, families will have an opportunity to meet with leaders and learn about den and pack activities. Applications for new scouts and leaders will be available. Liz, (480) 592-9160. Thursday, Aug. 7Central Phoenix Women luncheon: 11:30 a.m., The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, 2401 E. Camelback Road. Shelly Esque, director of corporate affairs for Intel Corporation, is the featured presenter; Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite is the sponsor; and Sisley Paris Cosmetics is the favor partner. Information: www.centralphoenixwomen.org or (602) 263-3589.   Coping with Depression: 4 p.m., Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyene Dr. A lighthearted approach will be taken by the speaker who provides practical solutions to dealing with depression. Refreshments. (480) 893-2549 or www.arcaz.net. Saturday, Aug. 9Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA open house: 9 a.m. to noon, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. Learn about fall offerings, including enrichment, sports, pre-school and after-school programs. (480) 759-6762. Award-winning Tempe writer Robin Reynolds to speak and sign books: 11 a.m., Changing Hands Book Store, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe. Reynolds will sign and read from her award-winning book, Life to the Max: Maxims for A Great Life by a Dog named Max. The book earned an Award of Excellence in the 2007 Writing Competition of Dog Writers Association of America and was named Best Gift Book in the Arizona Book Awards, hosted by Arizona Book Publishing Association. (480) 730-0205.  Tuesday, Aug. 12Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Group: 9 a.m., second and fourth Tuesdays, Corona Baptist Church, 4450 W. Ray Road, Chandler. (480) 838-4040. Thursday, Aug. 14H.I.P. (Hospitality Industry Professionals) meeting: 5:30 to 7 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Guests will learn about transportation options - from limos to cabs that give you and your car a ride home, creative "mocktails" for designated drivers, smoothie bars and more. Open to anyone in the hospitality industry. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Register online at www.hip-az.org. Saturday, Aug. 16Full Red Moon/Sunset Hike: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Pima Canyon Trailhead, 9904 S. 48th St. Watch as the orange sun sets and the moon rises in a reddish fireball. Approximately three miles round-trip. Hike pace will be steady with short, infrequent stops along the way. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. $5 for adults, $1 for seniors and youth. All participants must register online using class No. 43541 at www.phoenix.gov/PARKS under Classes and Programs. (602) 262 7393. Wednesday, Aug. 20Democrats & Donuts: 8 a.m., Fire Station, 4110 E. Chandler Blvd. U.S. Congressman Harry Mitchell will speak. Free and open to the public, donations accepted. Additional parking available in the CK Tavern parking lot. Space is limited, and RSVPs are essential. Walk-ins will be accommodated after all RSVPs are seated. RSVP: (480) 706-3741 or email pamelajamar@cox.net. Free reverse mortgage seminars: 10 a.m. today and Sept. 24, M&I Bank, 4835 E. Warner Road. For reservations or questions, call presenter Jan Meyer at (480) 324-5070. Saturday, Aug. 23Arizona Buckeye Ohio Club meeting: 10 a.m. to noon, Home Town Buffet, 1501 W. Bethany Home Road. All Ohioans and friends invited to luncheon and meeting. Programs planned. (480) 802-0868. Discount admission to Wave Pool: 1 to 3 p.m., Kiwanis Recreation Center, 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe. Buy one wave pool admission and get the second one half off of equal or lesser value. To print a coupon, visit www.tempe.gov/kiwanis and click on "Special Events/Coming Events." You must bring in the printed coupon to receive the offer. (480) 350-5201, (480) 350-5050 TTY or www.tempe.gov/kiwanis.  Tuesday, Aug. 26Ahwatukee Republican Women General Meeting: 7 p.m., Phoenix Fire Station 43, 4110 E. Chandler Blvd. (480) 460-7101 or ARWomen@aol.com. Wednesday, Aug. 27"Decorating with Leather" workshop: 7 to 8:30 p.m., The Grace Inn at Ahwatukee, Saguaro Room, 10831 S. 51st St. Presented by Ahwatukee Foothills resident Cynthia Hammersley of Interiors by Decorating Den. Free, but space is limited and registration is required to (480) 855-1600. Information: www.decdens.com/chammersley or decoratingdenteam@cox.net. Saturday, Aug. 30Saturday Morning Bird Hike: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. today (42611) , Sept. 6 (50723) and Oct. 4 (50717), 2439 S. Central Ave. - Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project. Participants will learn basic skills of binocular use, then practice bird watching and identification using field guides. This one- to two-mile walk on even surfaces will be taken at a leisurely pace with numerous stops. Bring binoculars and bird guides if you have them. All participants must register online using class number at www.phoenix.gov/PARKS  under Classes and Programs. (602) 534-9857. Tuesday, Sept. 2Chess Club returns: 6 to 10 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430. Sunday, Sept. 7Scrapbooking fundraiser: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Phoenix Children's Hospital, Building E, Cohen Conference Room, 919 E. Thomas Road. Scrapbook all day in a fun environment. Vendors will set up starting at 10 a.m., and creative activities will be held for kids over the age of 12. Proceeds will directly support the Phoenix Children's Hospital General Pediatric Outpatient Clinic's Teen Tot Clinic, which seeks to provide teenage parents with help and resources to give them the best possible life outcomes for them and their children. $40. Additional classes and make-and-takes will be available, and costs range from $3 to $15 per class. Donations and food sponsorship sought. Sign up at the event, or contact DeAnn Davies at (602) 546-0235.  Tuesday, Sept. 9Chess Club: 6 to 10 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430. Wednesday, Sept. 10Jewish Women International Avodah Chapter 1581 luncheon meeting: 11:30 a.m., San Marcos Resort, 1 San Marcos Place, Chandler. Reservations: Margo, (480) 895-3226 or Martha, (480) 895-9004. Thursday, Sept. 11Dispelling the Myths of Hospice: 4 p.m., Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyene Drive. Information includes who pays for Hospice, why choose Hospice services and when to ask for Hospice assistance. (480) 893-2549 or www.arcaz.net. Tuesday, Sept. 16Chess Club: 6 to 10 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430. Saturday, Sept. 20Phoenix Glass, Pottery and Dinnerware Show and Sale: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium, 552 N. 40th St. Features American-made glassware, dinnerware and pottery, made from the 1800s through the 1990s. $6 admission. 800-357-7169 or www.Shows.OurHouseAntiques.com. Tuesday, Sept. 23Chess Club: 6 to 10 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430. Saturday, Sept. 27National Public Lands Day: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., South Mountain Park, 10919 S. Central Ave. Volunteer opportunities, Kids zone, live birds, outdoor clubs and organizations and free family fun. Phoenix.gov/parks/npld.html.   Tuesday, Sept. 30Chess Club: 6 to 10 p.m., The CoffeeBuzz, 4804 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 110. (480) 393-3430. Saturday, Oct. 4Annual Women's Business Conference: 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe. The event is targeted to Christian women who own small businesses with less than 10 employees and those women looking to start their own businesses. Includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch, two keynote presentations, powerful networking opportunities and two additional speaker sessions on Marketing and Praying for Your Business - all from a Christian perspective. Crossroads Youth Intervention (cryi.org) is the charity beneficiary of this event. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped Christmas gift for a child age 3 to 12 (value $5 to $10) to be donated to CYI. The mission of CYI is to help children, youth, families and individuals overcome the challenges of life in the inner-city. Registration is $35 for attendees, and exhibit spaces are available for $50 (which includes one attendee admission). To register, visit www.azcc.org/awe07_08_cwbc.html or contact Janet Drez at (480) 491-2210 or jdrez@azcc.org. Thursday, Oct. 9Healthcare Decisions: 4 p.m., Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyene Dr. Learn about living wills and medical powers of attorney, why they are important and when they should be completed. (480) 893-2549 or www.arcaz.net. Saturday, Oct. 11Hunter'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. Wednesday, Oct. 15Central 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. Information: www.centralphoenixwomen.org or (602) 263-3589. 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. Saturday, Oct. 18Desert 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.  Wednesday, Nov. 5Sixth 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. 6St. 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.  Thursday, Nov. 13What is Dementia?: 4 p.m., Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyene Drive. Learn about how dementia progresses and what services are available. (480) 893-2549 or www.arcaz.net. Saturday, Nov. 15Crossroads 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. Monday, Nov. 24Visions 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. 12National 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.Send submissions to: (480) 898-7924 or jwalker@ahwatukee.com.

Saturday, Aug. 2

Saturday, July 26

Tuesday, July 22

Saturday, July 19

Wednesday, July 16

Tuesday, July 15

Friday, July 11

Sunday, July 6