In this issue: Mrs. Arizona, trunk show, tiny things, Navy Week, Kidney Walk, bird tours and belly dancing.
This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.
If you are looking for programs or activities where there is no charge for admission, you can check my weekly “Free Things To Do” column (it comes out every Monday), or check the monthly calendar of recurring annual events.
Events are presented here in date order.
What: 2012 Mrs. Arizona America Pageant
When: Friday, March 23, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Celebrates the beauty of the married women of Arizona and crowns Mrs. Arizona America, who will compete in the nationally televised Mrs. America Pageant. Seating is general admission. Tickets are $45 for adults, $20 for children under 8, not including service or convenience fees.
What: Trunk Show
When: Friday, March 23, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Cochise Geronimo Clubhouse at the Desert Mountain Club
A fine jewelry trunk show featuring Italian gold, diamonds, gemstones and designer silver jewelry to benefit the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center. During the fund-raiser participants will enjoy wine tasting featuring wines from Argentina and California, gourmet food, a silent auction and raffle prizes including jewelry, artwork, wine and more. The Foothills Food Bank will receive 100% of the raffle proceeds. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes 10 free raffle tickets. A percentage of every purchase will be donated to the food bank. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 480-488-1145. All tickets must be purchased by Monday, March 19, 2012.
What: NanoDays 2012
When: Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25, 2012
Where: Challenger Space Center Arizona, 21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria
“Nano” is the study of extremely small things like atoms and molecules. One nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter. Fun hands-on activities will demonstrate the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. Visitors of all ages will discover that gold can be different colors like red, orange, and even blue, along with making their own nanomaterials using cellophane tape, investigating super thin materials used in solar cell technology, and changing the color of a butterfly’s wings.
What: Navy Week Phoenix 2012
When: March 27-31, 2012
Where: Challenger Space Center Arizona, 21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria
Demonstrating the mission of the U.S. Navy and its proud heritage. Phoenix is one of 15 cities nationwide selected to host a Navy Week. Activities at Challenger Space Center kick off when students preparing to fly the simulated space mission “Voyage to Mars” will experience a pre-mission briefing with Rear Admiral Patrick Brady, Commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. On Saturday, March 31, the final day of Navy Week Phoenix, Challenger Space Center will feature the following from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Navy-themed Suburban Game Truck – A vehicle containing four interactive game stations where the public can play Sony SOCOM, a Navy SEAL inspired video game; Twelve-Passenger Mobile Simulator – A 49-foot semi-truck that features live action-action Navy films; Members of the Navy EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) Team, along with their robots and the armored vehicle they use when deployed; A 36-foot replica of the USS Arizona battleship.
What: Phoenix Kidney Walk
When: Sunday, April 1, 2012. Registration 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., program 8:30 a.m., walk 9 a.m.
Where: Chase Field, Phoenix
A non-competitive 5K walk focusing on education and prevention of kidney disease. The event will also feature a free Kidney Health Risk Assessment for walk participants, their families, friends, and the general public interested in learning more about kidney disease prevention. The Kidney Health Risk Assessment (KHRA) is a public education service that measures an individual’s risk for developing chronic kidney disease. After testing for high blood pressure, family history and body mass, at-risk participants then meet with an on-site doctor or advanced practitioner to discuss their health risks and receive educational information about kidney disease. This risk assessment is available at no cost and participants do not need to register to walk. The KHRA will be operating from 7 a.m – 11 a.m.
What: Desert Bird Tours
When: Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Where: Deer Valley Rock Art Center, 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix
Join docent Jo Brookshier for a walk along the Center’s trail and learn about the Sonoran desert birds that make this nature preserve their home. Tour admission includes museum admission: Adults $7, Seniors $4 and Children $3. To reserve your spot, please call 623-582-8007.
What: Level I Belly Dance Class
When: Fridays for 8 weeks, beginning April 6, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Foothills Recreation Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale
This dance style incorporates stretching and muscle movements that promote toning in arms, legs and core and is great for all abilities. Focus on basic moves and how to flow from one move to the next. Each session highlights a particular sub style of belly dance. Wear comfortable form fitting clothing in order to see and understand the moves. Ages 16+. $55 (nonresident $66). Preregistration required. Call 623-930-4613.
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If you’ve arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more fundraisers, seminars and programs happening around town.
If you have an program or event that is open to the public that you’d like me to consider for this column, complete this form and submit it to me at least 8 days prior to the event (or registration deadline, if applicable).
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.