In an effort to help wounded service members, Ahwatukee residents Agnes Oblas and Peggy Coomans are hosting a seven-hour knit-a-thon this weekend.

Sun Devil and Wildcat fans will get to show their school pride at Florencia Pizza Bistro in Ahwatukee tomorrow during the “Duel in the Desert” fundraiser.

Another Italian eatery is preparing to open in the recently closed Anzio Landing restaurant space in Mesa.

Ahwatukee resident Michael Feyrer subscribes to the philosophy that his life is like a pair of shoes — to be worn out in service.

While Arizona is home to several upscale dining establishments that meet the most discriminating palates, the state is also home to several fun and kitschy places to nosh at as well. Whether diners are on a road trip or just seeking out the unusual, below are some suggestions for AAA One and Two Diamond restaurants known for their quirkiness as much as their food.

In “Wrong,” a movie playing through April 12 at Harkins Valley Art theater, Alexis Dziena plays a love struck pizza-shop employee who leaves her husband for Jack Plotnick’s sad-sack protagonist, whose canine's disappearance sets off a bizarre and unpredictable chain of events.

Whenever Esi Impraim’s mother made jollof — a rich, tomato-laced dish of meats, rice and sometimes seafood — the time it took to bubble away on the stove was always excruciating.

Victor Buono is the owner of Nicantoni’s New York Style Pizza, 1430 W. Warner Road, Gilbert

Arizona high schoolers may soon be rid of having to pass AIMS -- or any standardized test -- to graduate.

The pilot had just given the all-clear for electronic devices, which left me free to rummage under the seat in front of me for my laptop. I was taking a moment to consider the barbarism that allows airline passengers to push their seats back into my head when the kindly older woman next to me inquired if I was on a business trip. I think the PowerPoint deck and the calculator I pulled out of my briefcase tipped her off.

Dean Starbuck can spin pizza dough above his head for one minute and thirty seconds. He and his co-workers from local restaurant chain Barro’s Pizza are hoping to beat that record at this year’s International Pizza Expo and World Pizza Games in Las Vegas.

So, despite my best efforts to resist self-improvement (I bought a self-help book on how to avoid it), I finally had to bite the bullet one day and address my weight when I realized that: a) I was 53 years old; b) my knees were making funny popping noises when I walked up stairs; and c) me in a bathing suit currently violates six zoning ordinances.

For Horizon Honors senior Stephanie Yamamoto, 17, Japanese taiko drumming is more than just rigorous exercise or a way to get in touch with her roots — it’s a spiritual art.

A national pizza chain known for an impressive array of art and pizza made with high quality ingredients is taking over the space left empty by Rock Bottom Brewery in 2011.

On its 20th anniversary of being in business, the owners of Zipps Sports Grill are bringing their fresh family friendly restaurant to a new 10th Valley location in Ahwatukee Foothills.

A unique partnership between a car dealership and area rescue groups is good news for animals looking for forever homes.

Just under a year as one of Kyrene’s newest positions that aims to connect the school district with business sponsorships, Ted Gonzalez said the key is creating relationships.

At Silver Star Playhouse, Broadway shows and popular musicals are remade with a splash of comedy — including funny songs, amusing characters and a delightful smattering of local humor.

Love movies? You might want to check out the ASU School of Theatre and Film’s screening series, “Hollywood Invades Tempe.”