Did you know this is the 18th year for the Festival of Lights Wine and Beer Tasting, Silent Auction and Golf Tournament on June 1 at the Foothills Golf Club?

Step one of 74 to prepare for the 37th Annual Ahwatukee Easter Parade began the week after Christmas when parade boss Mike Schmitt asked the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee if they wanted once more to sponsor the parade.

Nicole Kazan, a 2012 graduate of Desert Vista High School and current Arizona State University freshman, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Arizona Pageant, which will take place June 29. The winner of the pageant will receive a cash award, official crown and banner and air transportation to compete in the National Pageant in California where she will receive a tour of Hollywood and two complimentary tickets to Disneyland. Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship as well as setting and achieving personal goals.

16405 S. 16th Ave.

Jessica Starr was never one to take no as an answer.

Celebrate Recovery started up again last month. What is this class? Is this a class for me? Will I fit in? It helps people who have hang-ups, hurts and/or habits, while resuming a relationship with God. Where would I fit in? The flier says no issue is too small or too large, it also says that everyone is welcome.

Saturday, Nov. 24

Travel for humans during holidays is tough enough: Long lines, crowds everywhere, extra bags full of presents. Throw a pet in the mix, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

For those needing a safe place to deal with life’s hurts, hang ups and habits, Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee Foothills is seeking to be that sanctuary.

Q: I heard you guys talking on your radio show about some tool that used red, green and yellow dots to alert you of dangerous websites when you are searching. I was in my car and couldn’t write it down, so could you tell me what it was called? — Gina

Q: What should I do to get rid of personal information on my smartphone before I sell it? — M.

Bianca is a 1-year-old, female Chow mix that is happy-go-lucky. This beautiful gal is anxiously awaiting adoption and is ready to have a family and home of her very own. She always has a smile on her face and never turns down time to be loved. Bianca is a great exercise buddy for her humans and gets along with other dogs, but she should meet them first before any adoption is finalized. Bianca is not a fan of felines, and therefore needs to go to a cat-free home.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio served as the keynote speaker for the Ahwatukee Republican Women’s (ARW) meeting last week.

The Ahwatukee Republican Women’s Club awarded the Marjorie Miner Scholarship in the amount of $500 to Desert Vista High School graduating senior Allyson Kolodziej at its general meeting at the Grace Inn in May. Allyson is the daughter of Michael and Carol Kolodziej of Ahwatukee.

Where were you in ’99?

After having an Ahwatukee Foothills-based baseball team made the big-school state title game five times since 1999, this year’s tournament finished up without one.

After having an Ahwatukee Foothills-based baseball team made the big-school state title game five times since 1999, this year’s tournament finished up without one.

An Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Program is being offered through May by the Thunder Wrestling Program at Desert Vista High School.

An Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Program is being offered through May by the Thunder Wrestling Program at Desert Vista High School.

Q: I missed Google’s March 1 deadline to clear my history so does that mean that my information is now being shared or can I still clear it? — Arnie

Alisha Rachkoskie wants to get the word out about a class at Mountain View Lutheran Church because it may help others like it has helped her.

Alisha Rachkoskie wants to get the word out about a class at Mountain View Lutheran Church because it may help others like it has helped her.

OK, so that would be a big, flashing, neon "no" on Peyton Manning returning to the Colts?

OK, so that would be a big, flashing, neon "no" on Peyton Manning returning to the Colts?

With less than three months to go until the Special Olympics Arizona Summer Games kick off, one resident hopes she can get the word out and recruit a few more athletes and volunteers.