Now you can fulfill that need at Metrocenter! BH Skating Int'l is bringing ice skating to the mall this summer. Here are the details:

Dates: May 25-July 1, 2012
Hours of Operation: noon to 6 p.m.
Price: $5 per person per session
Discounts: receive 50% off any single admission with proof of $10 same day purchase from any Metrocenter tenant. You may also purchase a 5-visit pass for $19 plus tax.
Location: at Dillard's Court

A session lasts for 45 minutes. Check the schedule at the rink for special evening events and programming, including "So You Think You Can Skate," hockey and curling demonstrations. Call for more information, 602-997-8991.

In this issue: stand-up comedy for adults only, eat to benefit St. Jude's, pool party, Bunco tournament, creative fun and a golf scramble.

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.

Read More...

This week you can learn about birds, hear the blues and discover yourself.

This column includes activities and programs in the Greater Phoenix area that have free admission. If you are looking for fundraisers, seminars, workshops, and other community programs that have an admission charge, or where donations are expected, I have a separate column for those. I call them "Phoenix Area Programs, Fundraisers & Events" and you can find those listings in my blog. They tend to cover a wider range of dates than a week, because advance registration is often required. For a long list of programs and festivals that are annual events in Greater Phoenix check the calendar.

Read More...

In 2010 the name Judith (that's my given name) made the worst showing ever, ranking at 876. Things are looking up a bit -- but not much! -- because last year my name improved to 838 in all time popularity. Judith was actually ranked in the top ten for the years 1939 through 1945! No, I wasn't born during those years, but I was named after someone who was. The names Diamond, Harley, Mercedes, Krystal, Macy, Tiffany all ranked higher than Judith for the past 100 years. Really? I guess my mom wasn't much of a shopper.

In any case, the most popular baby names for 2011 have been tallied by the people over at Social Security. Here are the most popular names being given to newborns in Arizona.