A Christmas present and a lot of passion are what caused Ahwatukee Foothills resident Dyanna Wooten to open her own workout studio in Ray Ranch Circle Plaza.

Like the rest of the country, Ahwatukee Foothills karate studio owner David Hays was shocked and saddened by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut last month.

One Ahwatukee Foothills resident is poised to become the youngest black belt in the history of a local martial arts academy.

It can sometimes be a challenge to spark interest in kids, especially the younger ones, to keep them at school after the final class bell rings. But it is a challenge the after-school teachers and coaches look forward to conquering at Kyrene schools across the district.

Emily Thornton started as a Girl Scout when she was 5. Now, 13 years later, the Ahwatukee Foothills resident was honored for representing a key aspect of the organization - leadership.

Karate is truly a family affair for the Roeske clan. Brother and sister James and Emily Roeske have taken the reins of Surprise Family Karate, the facility the 20-somethings and their mother, Ellie, opened in July to the community in order to offer kids and families a unique activity in which to partake.

Summer officially begins June 21, but Chandler hosts a wet welcome to the season at this weekend’s Summer Splash Festival.

I am not a runner. That is what I tell myself and anyone who asks. Sure, I run, but simply running does not make one a “runner.” A runner is someone who truly enjoys running and runs for their own sake. A runner is a person who approaches the road like an old, dear friend or a lover after a long separation. Runners are not necessarily concerned about getting from point A to point B as quickly as they can, though time almost always plays a part. They are simply concerned about being in a state of running; the act of repeatedly placing one foot rapidly in front of the other, like a physical mantra, for as long as they can.

An Ahwatukee Foothills woman seriously injured in a car accident earlier this year recently received a ride and a helping hand from Southwest Ambulance.

Joshua Speck has overcome significant challenges to his health.