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

Play Bunco for the American Cancer Society
Join us for a fun night of Bunco on Nov. 7 to support the American Cancer Society.

The Hot Tamales, a Relay for Life team, is hosting the event at Mesquite High School in the B Food Court at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5, and all proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society.

Prizes will be provided by several vendors, such as Pampered Chef, Gold Canyon Candles, Tupperware, Tastefully Simple, Barefoot Parties and Cookie Lee. These vendors will also be selling their wares and giving a percentage of their profits to the American Cancer Society.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Melody Fraser, Kathleen Lopez or Cassie Alber: melody_fraser@gilbert.k12.az.us, kathleen_lopez@gilbert.k12.az.us or cassie_alber@gilbert.k12.az.us.


Skateboarding Camp Starting
Gilbert is offering a Skateboarding Camp for beginning and advanced skaters on three consecutive Saturdays in November, beginning Nov. 3.

Participants will develop basic skills and fundamentals, such as balance, coordination and control. They will learn foot control, stance and proper form, and will be introduced to some basic tricks, such as ollies and 180s. For more advanced skaters, the camp will demonstrate how to drop in, kickflip and grind.

The program is run in partnership with the 5th Street Rollers and takes place Nov. 3, 10 and 17 at the Freestone Skate Park, 1045 E. Juniper Ave. Skaters between the ages of five and nine meet 8 to 9 a.m., while riders between the ages of 10 and 15 meet 9 to 10 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.gilbertrecreation.com or call 480-503-6200.


It’s Fun, Unique: The Saturday Boutique!
It’s that time of year again… time to find unique items for your home, yourself and your loved ones at the Farmhouse Village Saturday Boutique and Craft Show.

Located in the Farmhouse Village Shops at 397 S. Gilbert Road, between Elliot and Warner, the first show will be held Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Parking is free, and there is no admission fee. Other show dates are Oct. 27; Nov. 10 and 24; and Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Attending the show is a great way to have fun, find unique gifts, relax under the shade trees, have a meal at the Gilbert House Restaurant and take home some fresh-baked goodies from the Brownie Connection.

For more information, contact Jean at sewcute@qwest.net.


Creative Memories Hosts Open House
Creative Memories representative Kim Hicks is hosting an Open House Nov. 7-10 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

The event runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day, and will feature the newest Creative Memories products, services and solutions. Demonstrations and door prizes will be given, and everyone who attends will receive a gift simply for coming! Bring a friend, and both people will receive an exclusive friendship gift. Those who are members of the Memory Keeper Club will be able to double their points at this event, as well.

A portion of the proceeds garnered during the event will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Open House is located at 1838 E. Fountain St. in Mesa. For more information, call Hicks at 480-464-1820.


Briar Patch Marketplace Coming to Gilbert
If you are new to the Valley, it’s possible that you have never experienced a shopping day at the Briar Patch Marketplace. However, if you have lived here for even a few years, you might already know that Briar Patch Marketplace is the largest traveling “arts and crafts” show in town.

Owner Jeannie Cueto and her dedicated family often bring together more than 100 vendors each spring and fall at various locations around the Valley. Spend the day strolling among this gathering of professional crafts, home-based entrepreneurs and regional artisans, nibbling on a bakery-style cinnamon bun or other handmade goodies. You’ll always find fun jewelry and trendy fashions, home accessories and quilts, holiday décor, antiques and collectibles, pottery, folk art and more. Proceeds from the Boutique will benefit the school’s athletic department.

One local Briar Patch Marketplace is scheduled for Dec. 8-9 at Mesquite High School, 500 S. McQueen. Hours are Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.briarpatchcrafts.com.


Spectrum Holiday Boutique
Spectrum Elementary PTSO’s 2nd-Annual Holiday Boutique will be held Nov. 10.

Admission is free, and attendees will find more than 40 vendors, raffles, food and more. A special shopping area has been designated just for kids, as well.

The Boutique will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Spectrum Elementary, 2846 S. Spectrum Way in Gilbert, in the multipurpose room.


United Blood Services Seeks Platelet Donors
In the 1947 movie classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a guardian angel earned his wings by showing George Bailey how he had touched the lives of others. Now United Blood Services donors can become “Angels for Life” and earn their wings by donating platelets now through Dec. 31.

Platelet donors touch the lives of Arizona hospital patients by providing the clotting factor that controls bleeding for trauma, cancer and aplastic anemia patients. Platelet donors receive special thank-you gifts along the way toward earning their wings, including a pen, T-shirt and coffee mug. Donors who complete the program by giving platelets four times in this time frame earn recognition on an Angels for Life banner, and will be invited to attend United Blood Services’ Silent Heroes recognition event in April 2008.

Platelet donations are in greatest demand during the fourth quarter of the year, when the increase in the state’s population makes it difficult to meet patient blood needs. According to Audrey Gietzen, executive director for United Blood Services, every platelet donor provides a gift to patients without expecting anything in return.

“They give a boost to the recipient and to those who love them,” Gietzen said.

To make an appointment at the Mesa United Blood Services donor center, call 877-448-GIVE or visit www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org.


New Church Opens for the East Valley
Real Life Christian Church opened its doors Oct. 28.

You may have seen its ice cream truck in your neighborhood! Church members are visiting neighborhood parks, handing out ice cream bars and setting up large bounce houses for the children as an outreach and to tell people about the new church.

The church is holding services at Williams Field High School, just north of Williams Field on Higley Road. Service times are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

For more information, visit www.reallife.cc.


Health Fair Coming
The Health Fair, to be held Nov. 3, is a great time to obtain information to become or stay healthy.

At the fair, attendees can get their flu shot or pneumonia vaccine. In addition, the Banner Desert Medical Center Women’s Health Program will take women’s blood pressure and perform risk screening for heart attack and stroke. Speakers from the American Cancer Society, Hospice of the Valley, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sign Chi Do and others will be presenting during the fair; and attendees will find information about hospice, diabetes, heart disease, exercise, nutrition, osteoporosis prevention, mental illness, controlling asthma, First Place, “5 Wishes,” healing music and much more. Snacks, water and other beverages will be available.

The fair will run 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2745 N. 32nd St., Mesa. For more information, contact Carole Savoie, RN at 480-832-0462.


Drug Rehab Resource Offers Free Consultation
Problems with drug or alcohol addiction in a loved one? Don’t know whom to turn to for help? Contact Drug Rehab Resource for a free confidential consultation to find the help you need. Call today 1-866-649-1594 or find out more at www.drugrehabresource.net. Don’t wait.