This Saturday, July 12, 2008 the cool place to be will be the Phoenix Zoo. The focus is on fun, for both the animal and the children from 7 - 11 a.m. with planned activities and encounters with the animals. It is Winter in July at the Phoenix Zoo with tons of snow where the kids can make their own "Snow Creature." Big kids (over 5) can play on 2 big water slides and an inflatable slip and slide. A special toddler area for children under 5 will have a smaller snow pile, smaller waterslide, bubbles, hula hoops and snow creature building.

Animal Encounter Times For Winter in July
7:30 a.m. – Elephants
8:00 a.m. – Orangutans
8:30 a.m. – Mandrills & Baboons
9:00 a.m. – Cheetahs & Wild Dogs
9:30 a.m. – Tiger
10:00 a.m. – Otters
10:30 a.m. – Ocelot

After the snow fun there will be a Winter in July BBQ in the air conditioned Stone House Pavilion. Hamburgers, hot dogs, green salad, cookies, and soda are on the menu for $10 per person. Call 602-914-4333 to reserve a space, as seating is limited.

I received a great question from a local mom who wants to teach her son some valuable lessons early in life.

Hello. I have two children my daughter who's 21 months old and my son who is 6 and a half years old. My question is are there any volunteer activities in Phoenix for young children. Obviously not my daughter yet because she's too young. But I feel my son is at an appropriate age to be introduced to volunteer work. He has a few of his own responsibilities at home plus school and he takes them pretty seriously (for a six year old). But we are a lower-middle class family and although we don't always have a lot to give, or all the newest games and toys that their peers may have, I want my children to understand that we have many blessings. And that by appreciating what we have and giving to help those less fortunate can lead to a deeper happiness that can't be bought. I know that seems a little deep for small children but I believe they don't have to understand why right away but by giving them that experience it will help them to understand it all later in life. I have searched as much as my knowledge allows online and have found many organizations for children to volunteer in other states but none here in Phoenix. I am looking for just a few hours a month that maybe we could all do something as a family to help those less fortunate.

I am so impressed that you want to share your admirable philosophy with your young son. He sounds like a great kid, and learning compassion first hand, in addition to having such a caring mom, will surely help mold him into a fine adult. Several types of opportunities came to mind. Read more...

Now that it is the morning after, did you get some great shots of fireworks? If you did, and you'd like to submit them to the Arizona Fireworks Gallery, here are the instructions. Not only might your picture be selected to be included in the photo gallery, but I might also spotlight it in my weekly newsletter.

If you send me your fireworks photos, don't forget to tell me which celebration you attended when you took them.

Last month I stopped in downtown Phoenix and spent a couple of hours at First Friday. It has been a couple of years since I've been to the event, and I know that galleries and artists have changed significantly since I last participated.

There were quite a few other changes as well. The shuttle system is a little different, due in part to what I imagine are the budgetary constraints of the nonprofit organization that ruins the event, ArtLink. Additionally, some City of Phoenix ordinances created problems for those artists setting up tables on the city streets and now there are designated areas where tables and booths may be erected. If you've never attended First Friday in Phoenix, the new photos that I added to the First Friday Picture Gallery should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect. I also updated some tips that you might find useful.

One would think that they would cancel First Friday this month because of the holiday. Nope. Although the Burton Barr Central Library will be closed on that day (so you can't visit that gallery) I have been advised that the First Friday shuttles will be running and there will be maps available in the parking lot there.

Good news: You can enjoy First Friday and see the Phoenix 4th of July fireworks from wherever you are on the route!
Bad news: The Fabulous Phoenix Fourth Celebration is at Steele Indian School Park. Expect the area to be congested.