Long before Hostess Brands’ plan to shut down made Twinkies the rage, Nancy Peppin found something special about the cream-filled snack cakes.

Christmas is approaching and while we are all getting our homes ready for guests, and shopping for presents, let’s not forget about those that are not able to do so this year.

Ahwatukee Preschool once again hosted its annual breakfast with Santa on Dec. 8. The children were dressed in beautiful holiday clothing eating muffins and fruit anxiously waiting for Santa. Around 8:45 a.m., the sound of jingle bells rang as Santa entered the Family Life Center at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee, to the delight of the children.

Ahwatukee Foothills couple Michael and Jenifer Corey don’t mess around when it comes to their annual haunted house.

Kids are often enthralled with the wild kingdom, so it’s fun to do their rooms with animal-themed decor.

The Parish of St. Benedict in Ahwatukee Foothills knows the importance of homeless services, especially in the heat of summer.

Kayla Peterson was among nearly 900 St. Olaf students who were recognized for academic achievement at the college’s annual honors day convocation on May 4. Peterson is from Ahwatukee Foothills and is a graduate of Desert Vista High School. She is a sociology/anthropology and environmental studies major. Kayla is the daughter of Todd and Jayne Peterson.

Kayla Peterson was among nearly 900 St. Olaf students who were recognized for academic achievement at the college’s annual honors day convocation on May 4. Peterson is from Ahwatukee Foothills and is a graduate of Desert Vista High School. She is a sociology/anthropology and environmental studies major. Kayla is the daughter of Todd and Jayne Peterson.

He has been there once before, but Erik Woodward’s next trip to Guatemala will be longer and more intensive.

He has been there once before, but Erik Woodward’s next trip to Guatemala will be longer and more intensive.

The college class of 2012 is in for a rude welcome to the world of work.

A Brief History of Weddings: In the beginning, there were People, who realized fairly quickly they wanted to invent The Couple. Five minutes after The Couple hit the scene, someone dreamed up Flash Mob Marriage Proposals. At which point, The Bride became a foregone conclusion. Some 50,000 years and one Internet later, there came The Knot, a popular website designed for The Bride, so she might have a better source of ideas in order to produce Her Day.

Occupy protesters, Rick Santorum, Barack Obama and college students everywhere agree. College costs are too high and student debt unbearable. They only differ in what to do about it.

Kindergarten teachers Michelle Willis and Denise Johnson wanted to get their students' families a little more involved, and have some fun in the process.

If U.S. Congressman Trent Franks' Bill No. 2938 passes, Arizonans' water bills are sure to increase again. Bill 2938 was submitted to prevent construction of a casino on a strip of county land between Peoria and Glendale. The 25-year-old government treaty with the Tohono O'odham Indian Nation allowed them to acquire land and build a hotel casino on replacement land. In return, the Nation gave up precious underground water rights that we now use. They surrendered their claim to 32,000 acre feet of water each year with the expectations of increasing profits to their gaming business.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Salotti of Ahwatukee Foothills announced the marriage of their daughter, Kara, to Joshua Neuman. The wedding took place on Sept. 16 at Weather Wood Ranch in Columbia Falls, Mont.

Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix will host an exhibit of photographs by Christopher Colville, titled "Instar," now until Oct. 20 at the library's Central Gallery, 1221 N. Central Ave.

Wondering what happened in the 14 billion years the universe has been around? A local author hopes her children's book can put it into perspective.

Wondering what happened in the 14 billion years the universe has been around? A local author hopes her children's book can put it into perspective.

Jessica Vipperman has been swimming since she was 4 years old. After taking a few years off to pursue graduate study and social work, she returned to coaching and is being rewarded for it.

Jessica Vipperman has been swimming since she was 4 years old. After taking a few years off to pursue graduate study and social work, she returned to coaching and is being rewarded for it.

Learn more about the significance of water in the desert through “Choosing a Future with Water: Lessons from the Hohokam,” a free exhibition at the Arizona State University Museum of Anthropology in Tempe. The exhibit, on display from Monday, March 7, through April 15, compares and contrasts ancient Hohokam examples of delivering water and modern-day challenges.

Phoenix Symphony holding Halloween costume contest

VYT auditioning for A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail and 13

VYT auditioning for A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail and 13