Jewell Parker Roades, the Virginia G. Piper Chair in Creative writing, meets fans and discusses "Sugar," her new novel for middle readers. It tells the story of a 10-year-old girl who lives on a sugar plantation on the banks of the Mississippi and takes it upon herself to serve as the cultural bridge between the plantation residents and the Chinese workers who come to harvest the cane. Roades will sign copies of her book after the presentation.

By the time a client parks their car and walks up to the front doors of Harvest of Tempe, the southeast Valley’s only medical marijuana dispensary, he or she, their license plate, and their car have all been caught on camera.

Most people know what it’s like to pull up a chair at a family reunion or holiday meal, but not many have tucked their toes under the table at a community harvest feast. Several local art and community organizations are hoping to change that with Saturday’s “Feast on the Street” in downtown Phoenix.

Recently deciding to collaborate with Canon in a Digital University partnership is just one of the steps Arizona State University is taking to maintain its goals to achieve higher sustainability. Implementing “Sustainable Printing” has decreased its number of printers by 32 percent, but is still easily accessible for students.

On a chilly Thursday afternoon, Desert Vista High School junior Ava Posta worked contentedly at Pomegranate Cafe in Ahwatukee Foothills, stamping pastry bags and coffee sleeves with the local cafe’s signature pink logo.

The festival and fundraiser has been at the middle school for 15 years, and will include food, music, games, and prizes to support teachers.

A few years ago a friend of mine told me that she believed the problems our country has had with a struggling economy was a very good thing — now I will admit to being a little shocked by her comment.

Residents can celebrate Halloween early with activities at Ahwatukee Foothills churches this weekend.

Leaves are changing and pumpkins are appearing on doorsteps around the country. As vibrant shades of orange fill the outdoors, they’re also becoming increasingly popular inside.

They are our neighbors. They live to the north of us in rural Arizona. Some are Native Americans, many still live in primitive conditions; other folks dwell in small communities, eking out livelihoods. Various are generational Arizonans, whose pioneer forefathers settled this state.

Many people like the idea of cooking with whole grains — They are so healthful! — but refrain from actually plunging in because so many of them are unfamiliar.