This week you can be a tough girl, prepare for baby, Zumba, see a tense movie, improve your body and mind, look at heroes, play old time ball, hear an AZ concert, love a loaf, ooh and aah over cars, hear energetic music, dedicate a plaza, analyze ceramics, send a kid to boot camp, share your passion, become a knight, grow a beard and get tax help.
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: Women Only: Title IX
When: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: CrossFit Scottsdale, 14885 N. 83rd Place, Suite 102, Scottsdale
CrossFit Scottsdale is honoring former, current and aspiring female athletes as part of the National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This year's celebration marks the 40th anniversary of the implementation of Title IX, and increased opportunities for girls in high school and college athletics. Throughout the workout, experienced female CrossFit Scottsdale athletes will demonstrate exercises traditionally categorized as "too tough for girls." These "men's only" exercises like pull-ups, rope climbs, lifts and handstand push ups are just part of these strong women's everyday fitness routine.
What: Inn Mommies @ Babymoon Inn
When: Wednesdays at noon
Where: 220 E. Lexington Ave., Phoenix
A free weekly postpartum group facilitated by Amey Clark RN. This is a group for expecting and new moms to meet other new moms and their babies. Every week there will be a different topic such as postpartum depression, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, babywearing, teething, starting solids and more. This group also overlaps with an IBCLC led breastfeeding support group.
What: Zumba Plus For Seniors
When: Thursday, February 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: SCAN Connections Resource Center, 1313 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix
A Latin-inspired dance and fitness class for those 50 plus. SCAN Health Plan Arizona is encouraging seniors to take advantage of its free health and fitness classes designed specifically to meet the needs of older adults. These classes are open to SCAN members as well as the general public. However, space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended. Anyone interested in attending may call 602-778-3420.
What: Family Flicks
When: Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Central Arizona College, SPC T116, 8470 N. Overfield Rd, Coolidge
Join CAC's Professor Wayne Pryor during the viewing of Apollo 13, a film about the true story of astronauts who overcame a plight using expertise and dedication. 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: Yoga for Every Body, Mind and Soul
When: Thursday, February 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: SCAN Connections Resource Center, 1313 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix
A gentle yoga class specifically designed for seniors with movement disorders. Students will develop an overall sense of well-being, improved mobility and confidence. SCAN Health Plan Arizona is encouraging seniors to take advantage of its free health and fitness classes designed specifically to meet the needs of older adults. These classes are open to SCAN members as well as the general public. However, space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended. Anyone interested in attending may call 602-778-3420.
What: Peoria's State Centennial Celebration
When: Friday, February 3, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Peoria Sports Complex
A vintage baseball game where players will use the type of equipment and rules from 1912, high school home run challenge, local Little Leaguers playing in old time uniforms and a Cactus League Museum display, as well as free giveaways for the first 400 kids 17 and under and a kid's entertainment area. The evening event will be capped with a fireworks display to start at approximately 9 p.m.
What: Arizona Centennial Celebration Concert
When: Friday, February 3, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Where: Chandler Center for the Arts
Chandler Symphony Orchestra will present a free Centennial celebration concert featuring music that reflects the rich heritage of the Southwest. Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Chandler and Arizona with Flamenco guitarist Chis Burton Jacome, Native American flutist Arvel Bird, composer Frank Darmiento and Chandler Celebration Choir. For more information call 480-782-2680
What: Loaf Love Tour
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 starting at 9 a.m.
Where: Phoenix Zoo
The Tillamook "Loaf Love Tour," the third annual cross-country event dedicated to "bringing tasty cheese to the people," debuts with a kickoff event at the Phoenix Zoo. Tillamook will be offering free admission to the zoo for the first 100 fans sporting their brightest Tillamook orange. Check in at the Tillamook Baby Loaf bus located outside the Phoenix Zoo main gate. To qualify, attendees must be wearing orange. Limit one free entry per person. Orange-clad fans arriving after first 100 tickets will receive $1 off admission. As a fun and tasty way to spread the "Loaf Love" with Phoenix-area residents, fans of all ages will have the chance to experience the Loaf Love Tour, meet the Tillamook Brand Ambassadors and Loafy, receive cheese samples, coupons, participate in a scavenger hunt, and more. During the nine-month road trip, the Loaf Love Tour will leave their cheesy footprint in over 20 cities from Phoenix to Boise stopping in almost every major town in-between. Tracking their miles, the Loaf Love Tour will cover more than 7,000 miles across California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The Loaf Love Tour will visit grocery stores, farmers' markets and special events, educating attendees about Tillamook products. To see detailed schedule of stops in Arizona visit the Loaf Love Tour online.
What: Motoring Through Time - Celebrating Arizona's Centennial Heritage
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Heritage & Science Park, downtown Phoenix
Where the transportation past meets the future! Come celebrate Arizona's Centennial heritage driven! From Model Ts to Corvettes, vintage travel trailers, fire trucks and more. Over 100 beautiful antique and classic vehicles courtesy of Valley collectors and enthusiasts will be on exhibit throughout the park at this fun filled free event. For information or exhibit vehicle registration call 602-262-5071.
What: Performances at the Museum: Quetzal Guerrero in Concert
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Where: Tempe History Museum
Quetzal Guerrero is a unique and energizing musician with roots in American, Mexican and Brazilian music. Guerrero crafts his songs with a fusion of musical genres including Folk, Soul, Jazz, Funk, Samba, Bossa Nova, Reggae and Afrobeat. Concert-goers will hear songs straight from Guerrero's new album, Coiza Boa (Good Thing) at this free concert.
What: Peoria's State Centennial Celebration
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 84th Avenue and Mountain View Road, Peoria
Peoria will dedicate the new Centennial Plaza, an official Centennial Legacy project, on the City Hall Campus with a celebration event in the new park. The event will showcase the plaza's "Decade's Walk" which highlights 100 years of history. International, national, state and city of Peoria historical events and milestones are displayed on tiles which are embedded in the walkway that encircles the plaza. Honor Guards from Luke Air force Base will perform the opening flag ceremony and there will also be a specially designed cupcake display utilizing 1,600 cupcakes to create the Arizona State flag. The treats will be given away, while they last, following the ceremony. The Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council will host several activities and celebrate their organization's own centennial, as well as sell cookies. Other creative and cultural events will include musical performances, Native American hoop dancers, horse drawn wagons, a children's activities area, keepsake photos, food vendors and Friends of the Library Book Sale. A special time capsule, with items of interest gathered from Peoria residents, will also be dedicated and its contents on display at the event. Marshall Trimble, Arizona's "Official State Historian," will be a guest speaker.
What: Free Lecture: A Public Program for The Arizona Scitech Festival
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 1 - 2 p.m
Where: Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Phoenix
Ceramic Analysis and the Ancient Hohokam Economy presented by David R. Abbott is Associate Professor of Anthropology at Arizona State University. The prehistoric Hohokam of the Phoenix basin are best known for their impressive irrigation infrastructure along the lower Salt and middle Gila Rivers. Intensive archaeological analysis of their hydraulic works has revealed much about the Hohokam economy, but less well known is the role that ceramic research is playing in reconstructing the Hohokam past. The lower Salt River valley is characterized by a geological terrain that may be the best on the planet for ceramic sourcing studies, allowing the movement of clay containers between producers and consumers to be traced over distances as short as 5 km. Pottery transactions were common in Hohokam society, and, with this level of spatial precision, their study is revealing much about the ancient Hohokam economy. Seating is limited. This event is a public celebration for The Arizona Scitech Festival.
What: Fitness Boot Camp for Youth
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Tempe Beach Park
Several dozen Tempe Firefighters of local 493 will take time out of their day Feb. 4 to conduct a Youth Fitness Camp 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: Share Your Passion: A Volunteer Fair
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Maryland Ave, Phoenix
Come to this Volunteer Fair and meet with large, well-established non-profits from the valley. These organizations serve the the homeless, children, families, and provide food, shelter, free health care, and other services to build skills for life management. Find out which organization shares your passion; and how to benefit from becoming a volunteer. You can make a powerful impact, meet new people and gain work experience or contacts for your own career.
What: Medieval Times
When: Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale
Attention young princes, princesses, and pages - you are invited to a medieval event! The Avondale Civic Center Library, in collaboration with the Society for Creative Anachronism, invite youth to recreate a visit, and learn about Medieval Times. When you think of Medieval Times or The Middle Ages, you think of knights in shining armor, lavish banquets, wandering minstrels, kings, queens, bishops, monks, pilgrims, and glorious pageantry as well as daily life being rather harsh, uncertain, and often dangerous. Youth, ages 6-12, will learn the lifestyle and arts of this era, take part in fun reenactments, design their own shield, and view displays and artifacts of daily living.
What: The National Ann Frank Exhibit
When: February 5 - March 5, 2012, Monday-Thursday 5:30-8:30 p.m., Sundays 1-4:30 p.m.
Where: East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road
The Anne Frank exhibit will feature the heroes of the Holocaust called Whoever Saves a Life. The exhibit recognizes those who risked their lives to save people during the Holocaust. In addition, the Faces of Tolerance exhibit will work with students to make masks symbolizing their views of tolerance. Tours will be done every 15 minutes and each group will be 15 guests at a time. Go online to get your free ticket or for more information call 480-897-0588.
What: Chandler Centennial Whiskerino
When: Begins Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where:
Chandler celebrates its Centennial this year, and that means it's time for the Whiskerino, a beard growing contest similar to ones held during the City's 50- and 75-year anniversary celebrations. The Chandler Centennial Whiskerino is a free, three-person team competition open to anyone age 16 and older. The teams can be comprised of family members, friends, and co-workers who either live, go to school, or work within the Chandler city limits. Each team will also need to represent a local business, school, service organization, religious institution or other entity. While there is no fee to enter the contest, the sponsoring entities are encouraged to provide their team members with matching shirts to promote the business or group and to help identify the team during the competition's two check-in events. Each team member must attend the Centennial Kickoff event on Tuesday, February 7 at Chandler City Hall to be photographed with a clean shaven face. Check-in is between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Then, 102 days later, growing period will end. All team members must attend the Chandler Bash of the Century event at Tumbleweed Park on Saturday, May 19 to have their beard growing prowess judged and scored in various categories. Check-in at the park is between 4 and 6 p.m. The winners will be announced that evening, and prizes will be awarded to the top three finishes in each category. The Whiskerino application is online or copies can be picked up at any of Chandler's libraries, recreation and community centers, or at City Hall. The applications must be completed and returned to the City by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 3. Go online for complete Whiskerino contest rules and judging categories.
What: Free Tax Preparation
When: Saturdays, now through April 14, 2012 from 9 a.m. to noon (except March 10 and 17) and Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. during the month of February.
Where: Tempe Schools Credit Union, 2800 S. Mill Ave.
Tempe Community Council's Financial Stability Initiative offers a free tax preparation site and Earned Income Tax Credit refunds for families who qualify. This site has Spanish translators and is accessible for people with disabilities. Trained volunteer tax preparers certified by the Internal Revenue Service provide free tax preparation and electronic filing for individuals earning $35,000 or less per year and couples making $55,000 or less per year. With electronic filing and direct deposit, taxpayers can expect refunds in 3-4 working days. Go online to read other requirements and restrictions.
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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