This week you can visit a solar powered house, have Fluffy neutered, get photography tips, make a movie, deal with Alzheimer's, provide the right food, see a movie, recycle, examine the night sky, plan your estate, have fun with math, learn to act, be healthy, walk with chi, be a smart patient, celebrate Chinese New Year, give your kid the boot and learn about IRAs.
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 & Events - Fee or Donation" 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.
What: Solar Powered Home: dasHAUS
When: See below
Where: Tempe Arts Park, 700 West Rio Salado Parkway just east of Tempe Center for the Arts
dasHAUS is a full-sized home with the latest market-ready renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions from Germany. Everyone from young children to professionals in the fields of energy, construction, architecture and engineering will be able to learn something from this traveling exhibit. Free tours of the home are available for the public beginning by signing up online or calling dasHAUS at (415) 248-1242. The dasHAUS exhibit will be open to the public from Jan. 23-24 and Jan. 25-30. On Jan. 31, the house comes down and moves to its next location. Visitors to dasHAUS can learn about a multitude of sustainability technologies including: Thin film photovoltaic roof, facade and louvered panel systems; Heat-recovery climate control and ventilation systems, Passive House Standard triple-pane windows; Solar-powered LED lighting systems and high-efficiency appliances; Vacuum insulated panel systems; VRLA battery systems; Advanced wall construction materials and methods.
What: Free Spay/Neuter Services
When: January 24 - January 26, 2012
Where: Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale
Arizona Humane Society's' Mobile Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic will be offering free spay and neuter services. Spay and neuter surgery costs range typically from $40 to $59 for cats based on gender and $62 to $105 for dogs based on gender and weight. However, these services will be provided at no cost, thanks to a very generous grant provided by Petsmart Charities. Surgery check-in will begin at 6:30 a.m. each day, with patients accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Because surgery space is limited, pet owners should arrive early. Dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be in carriers. All pets must have fasted (no food) for 12 hours prior to surgery. All pets must be at least 2 months old, under 5 years and weigh at least 2 ½ pounds. No more than 2 pets per household, unless vacancy allows. Pets will go home the same day; pet owners should be prepared to pick up their pets at a designated time. For more info call (602) 997-7586, ext. 3002.
What: Travel Photography: Tips and Techniques
When: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Professional photographer Richard Maack will provide tips for making your travel photographs the best they can be. This presentation will be illustrated with spectacular images from Richard's work as staff photographer for Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions in Scandinavia and the Baltic.
What: Write It, Act It, Film It!
When: Every Wednesday, from January 25 through May 30, 2012 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, Avondale
Participants will learn to use camera equipment, plan and write a script and everything else needed to know about making movies. Ages 10-18. Call for info 623-333-2601.
What: Communication & Alzheimer's Disease
When: Wednesday, January 25 from 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Mesa Main Library, 64 E. First Street, Mesa
Dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer's is challenging. To cope, the Alzheimer's Association will be holding a series of workshops to educate the public and understand this disease. Registration for the workshop is required. Call (602) 528-0545.
What: Nutrition 101 for Parents
When: Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Care1st Avondale Resource and Housing Center, 328 W. Western Avenue, Avondale
Do you have a little one who is a picky eater? How do you know if your child is getting proper nutrition? Join us for a free class on nutrition, for parents and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years-old. Discussion will include ages and stages of nutrition, picky toddlers, proper portion sizes, and label reading.
What: Family Flicks
When: Saturday, January 27, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Casa Grande Center B101, 1015 E. Florence Boulevard, Casa Grande
Lovers of nature will love Kirk Douglas in The Big Trees as he attempts to save the giant sequoias from a timber baron. Central Arizona College sponsors free PG and PG-13 rated movies to generate awareness of the different CAC Centers and Campuses, and the college in general. Popcorn provide while supplies last. Register online.
What: Electronics Waste Recycling and Paper Shredding
When: Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Parking Lot G of Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale
For residents of the Southwest Valley cities of Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson. Unwanted televisions, computer equipment, monitors, batteries, chargers, cell phones, VCRs, CD and DVD players, printers, small appliances, fax machines, stereos, cables and cords will be collected. A paper shredder will be on site. All hard drives will be erased.
What: Star Party
When: Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Appropriate for all ages. The East Valley Astronomy Club will bring telescopes for visitors to explore Arizona's amazing night sky. Visitors may see the moon, planets, double stars, nebulae, star clusters and more. From 5:30-6:30 p.m. there will be a presentation inside the EEC on a special astronomy topic. An optional $5 donation is suggested for the indoor presentation. Telescope viewing takes place outside from 6:30-9 p.m. at the east end of the parking lot. Also, although it's best to arrive early to see as much as possible, including the presentation, participants may arrive and join the program at any time. Visitors should park in the west side of the parking lot and then walk to the east side of the lot, where the telescopes will be set up. Visitors are asked to please drive carefully, since the park lights will be turned off during the program. Inclement weather could alter or cancel the outdoor portion of the event, so it is recommended that interested participants check visibility Saturday, and if the sky is cloudy, call the EEC Program Hotline at 480-782-2889 for updates.
What: Serious Mistakes Most Americans Make, An MHK Estate Planning Seminar
When: Various, see below
Where: Various, see below
What happens to your assets when you die? How to avoid unnecessary taxes. What is living probate and why it's so important to avoid. Death probate and the ways it tears families apart. Planning opportunities the government isn't telling you about. Receiving government benefits and paying for long-term care. What happens with a properly drafted estate plan, and what happens without one? Register online. Dates and locations:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Arizona Golf Resort, 425 S, Power Rd., Mesa
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hampton Inn, 8408 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at MHK Phoenix, 3300 N. Central Ave., Suite 900, Phoenix
Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Courtyard Marriott, 920 N. 54th St, Chandler
Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hilton Scottsdale, 6333 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Tohono Center, el Pedregal, Scottsdale
What: Inquire and Inspire Math
When: Saturday, January 28, February 4 and February 11 from 10:15 a.m. to noon
Where: Mesa Main Library, 64 E. First Street, Mesa
Mesa Parent University presents a workshop for 4th to 6th graders. Kids will engage in hands-on math fun. Whether you have a math whiz or a child who it's fond of it, this is the perfect opportunity for everyone to fall in love with math. Registration is required.
What: Acting 101
When: Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Peoria Public Library, 8463 W Monroe Street, Peoria
Ages 8-12 years. A series of four theatre workshops will help young people with creativity, movement, focus and thinking fast on their feet through theatre techniques and improvisation. The instructor will be Jim Gradillas, an award winning 20 year youth theatre director and teacher and the Artistic Director of Creative Stages Youth Theatre. Sessions will be one and one-half hours in length, with a maximum of 20 students per class. Parents may join for the last 15 minutes to see what students learned during the workshop. Reservations are required by stopping at the Peoria Main Library's Youth Services Desk or by calling 623-773-7562.
What: Foothills Health and Wellness Fair
When: Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale
A variety of health and service vendors. Booths include interesting and valuable information for youth and adults. For more information call 623-930-4608.
What: ChiWalking/ChiRunning Clinic
When: Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Where: Avondale Civic Center
Walking and running are one of the best ways to lose weight and stay fit, great for all fitness levels. ChiWalking/ChiRunning empowers beginners with a sense of strength and potential, and improves performance for experienced athletes. This revolutionary method uses the same principles of T'ai Chi by working with core muscles, body alignment and body/mind integration resulting in a proven injury-free, energy efficient way to walk and run. By allowing your core to power your body and allowing gravity to pull you forward, you learn to relax your body. This in turn creates a more focused and enjoyable workout experience for lifelong health and energy. RSVP to EasyFitnessSolutions@yahoo.com.
What: Speak Up and Stay Alive
When: Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Two seatings: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Gold Canyon Golf Resort, 6100 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon
A visit to a hospital is almost inevitable. You may be the patient, or you may tend to a loved one who requires a hospital stay. Medical errors are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, making the hospital a dangerous place to be. Every year, nearly 2 million hospital-acquired infections claim roughly 100,000 lives. Why do these things happen? What can you do about them? Discover where and how the dangers can find you. Learn how to prevent life-threatening infections. Avoid hospital hazards and safely navigate your way back home. Local author, Pat Rullo shares hospital safety tips and real-time tools in this interactive one hour presentation packed with life saving information, delivered with humor and wit. Book signing.
What: Chinese New Year Celebration
When: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear
Ring in the Year of the Dragon Gung Hay Fat Choy. Performance by Lau Lion Dance Team. Refreshments.
What: Fitness Boot Camp for Youth
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Tempe Beach Park
The Tempe Firefighters Youth Fitness Camp was created to fight the rapidly increasing youth obesity epidemic in Arizona. For kids ages 6 to 14. The purpose of the program is to teach kids and parents fun and effective ways to exercise with minimal equipment while raising awareness of youth obesity. After placing the kids into groups based on their age and size, they'll be assigned a coach. All coaches will all be off-duty Tempe Firefighters of local 493 with backgrounds in athletics and personal training. The coaches will teach each group age-appropriate exercises, drills and games. Parents are encouraged to attend and talk with coaches about how to implement these skills at home. Each child will be given a backpack with information on healthy eating and exercise habits. Although preregistration is not required, large youth groups and athletic programs are encouraged to preregister by Feb. 1.
What: Financial Workshops
When: Various, see below
Where: Vantage Knowledge Center, 20860 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix
Free, weekly courses on self-directed IRAs. The "I LOVE Control" introductory workshop offers investors a fundamental understanding of the flexibility available when taking control of their financial future with a self-directed IRA. The topics to be discussed include non-traditional investment choices such as private companies, precious metals, real estate and private lending. This seminar is held at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The "Got Expertise?" advanced workshop provides sophisticated investors such as real estate professionals, CPAs, attorneys and financial advisors with an in-depth look at the technical aspects of a self-directed IRA. The course covers advanced level investment strategies such as using leverage to purchase investment real estate, diversifying into precious metals or fueling the entrepreneurial marketplace by investing in private companies or through private lending mechanisms. This seminar is held at 9 a.m. Thursdays. The "Show Me The Money!" workshop teaches real estate agents and brokers how to tap into the trillions of dollars available within retirement plans. Attendees learn the important elements of self-directed IRAs so they can add this hot topic to their current marketing plan and show their clients how to utilize the financial tool. This seminar is held at noon on Fridays (for licensed real estate professionals only). Lunch is provided so RSVP is required.
More Freebies
If you've arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more Free Things -- I write about free things to do in Greater Phoenix several times per month. Also, check that same blog list for another column on upcoming fundraisers, walks, runs, seminars, workshops and programs that might interest you. It's called Phoenix Area Programs and Events For Daily Living.
If you know about a free event that's open to the public that you'd like me to consider for this weekly column, complete and submit this form at least 8 days prior to the event and I'll consider it.
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All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
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