Hale Centre Theatre - 50 West Page Avenue, Gilbert - Box Office: 480-497-1181
Gilbert Fine Arts Association - Main Office Number: 480-505-6205
Chandler Center for the Arts - 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler - Box Office: 480.782.2680
Mesa Amphitheater - Center & University - (480) 644-2178
Mesa Arts Center - 1 East Main Street - Box Office: 480-644-6500, Admin: 480-644-6501

January Events at the Riparian Preserve
Enjoy nature and maybe learn a few things, too, at these upcoming events at the Riparian Preserve:

• Jan. 11, 8 p.m.: Skywatch. Enjoy a presentation of current astronomical events at the library. For ages 10 and older; $3 donation requested.
• Jan. 12, 8-9:45 a.m.: Junior Birdwatching. Kids ages 8 and older join ranger Scott Cleaves at the library to observe and study birds of the Preserve. Cost is $5; registration is not required.
• Jan 19, 8-11 a.m.: Audubon Family Bird Walk. Groups gather anytime between this three-hour window for a free introductory bird watching tour. The tour meets at the Riperian Preserve Ramada.

For more information, visit www.riparianinstitute.org.


2008 Annual Health Summit
The Gilbert Chamber presents its free Annual Health Summit on Jan. 16, from 10 a.m.-3p.m. at the Southeast Regional Library.

Sponsored by Banner Gateway Medical Center, the event will feature interactive screenings conducted by qualified medical personnel. Other exhibitors will include nutrition specialists, and exercise and personal trainers. Both men and women will learn ways to counteract fatigue, stress and other factors that keep people from being their best both in the office and at home.

Exhibitors include experts in such topics as dentistry, glaucoma/cataracts, respiratory, chiropractic, pulmonary, depression screening, oncology, Alzheimer’s disease and more. An extra treat will be a healthy food demonstration by a local Valley chef.

Lunch will be served, and will feature a panel of hospital personnel and specialists to answer questions and give up-to-date information on many areas. Tickets for lunch cost $20 for Chamber members or $25 for non-members.

Research shows that the majority of New Year’s resolutions revolve around healthy living. Attending the Health Summit is a wonderful way to start the New Year. For more information or to register, call 480-892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com.


2008 Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner
Step back in time and enjoy the music and elegance of Frank Sinatra at the 2008 Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner on Feb. 28 at the Villa Siena in Gilbert.

This event will make all attendees feel like celebrities, from the valet parking and red carpet adorning the path into the event to the photographer who will be taking candid shots throughout the evening.

Please play the part, and dress like a celebrity, too! Ladies, those beautiful evening gowns will be perfect for this event and, while tuxedos are not required for gentlemen, Frank always performed in a suit and tie, so please come dressed appropriately!

Dinner selections will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and attendees will be waited on by local celebrities for the evening. Sign on as a table sponsor, and you will have the opportunity to select your waiter.

Then, attendees will enjoy a spectacular performance by “The Don” – a Valley performer known for his imitation of Frank Sinatra. His charisma and elegance will fill the room.

For reservations or more information, call 480-892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com. Last year, the Celebrity Waiter Dinner was sold out, so don’t delay! The Villa Siena is located at 890 W. Elliot Road, in the Trend Home corporate offices on the corner of Elliot and Cooper.


Resources on Foreclosure
Residents facing possible foreclosure should know there are a variety of resources they can turn to for help and information. Two of those include:

• Community Housing Resources of Arizona (CHRA), which provides assistance to Gilbert homeowners at risk of defaulting on their mortgages. Call 602-631-9780 or visit www.communityhousingresources.org.
• Homeownership Preservation Foundation, which provides resources and online counseling. Call 888-995-4673 or visit www.995hope.org.

Hunter Education Class
Basic Hunter Education classes will be held at the Poston Jr. High auditorium, 2433 E. Adobe in Mesa, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from Jan. 8, 2008 through Feb. 7, 6:45-9 p.m. In addition, a four-hour required field day will be held Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club on Usery Pass Road.

In-person registration will be held at 6:30-7 p.m. prior to the first class session. Total cost for the class is $9. Checks should be made out to MHEIA. Attendees should bring their Social Security number or AZ Hunter ID number to registration.

For more information, contact Mike at 480-834-1791. See the Arizona Game and Fish Hunter Education class schedule at www.azgfd.com.


Donate Old Cell Phones
The Arizona Crime Prevention Association (ACPA) was created in 1977 by crime prevention officers, civilians, volunteers and loss prevention individuals. Donating old cell phones to the ACPA will help provide funds to continue crime prevention training in Arizona.

Drop off your old cell phones at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce office, 119 N. Gilbert Road.