This week you can meet a tortoise, fight wet, discover dragonflies, see night creatures, be a film editor, beat your migraine, watch cute doggies, see a movie, relieve your pain, make a tee shirt, get a job, make a video game, capture a flag, see a dolphin story, meet reptiles, get to know Kiwis and attend an open house.
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.
What: Tortoise Encounter
When: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Come to the new desert tortoise habitat at the Environmental Education Center (located just outside the front doors)for a free 'Tortoise Encounter' to meet and learn about the center's new Sonoran Desert Tortoises. If the tortoises are cooperative, guests will get a close look at the animals, watch them have breakfast and learn more about these amazing, desert creatures.
What: Water Wars
When: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to join in the annual Summer Water Wars party. Water balloons, super soakers and more will make sure everyone gets wet. Bring sunscreen, a towel and dress appropriately to get wet. All materials will be provided. Register by calling 623-930-3437. Participants will be eligible to win free swim passes to either Rose Lane Aquatics Center or the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center.
What: Dragonfly Discovery Walk
When: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Join a naturalist for a guided walk to observe dragonflies and damselflies buzzing about the desert and wetland habitats at Veterans Oasis Park. Bring binoculars, water and wear good walking shoes and a hat. All ages. The walks are not fast-paced and the terrain is easy. Participants should meet at the Red-tailed Hawk ramada in Veterans Oasis Park and may leave at any time during the walk.
What: Wildlife World Zoo presents: Creatures of the Night
When: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale
Wildlife World Zoo brings some of their animal ambassadors to explore the world of animals that are active in the night.
What: Film Editing 101
When: Wednesday and Thursday, July 11 & 12, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Public Library, Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Learn the importance of storytelling through film editing and Final Cut Pro basics. After arranging a storyboard, students will work with raw footage to assemble a short scene. Space is limited. Registration required. Ages 12 - 18. Class is the same on both days, register for just one.
What: Migraines/Headaches Lecture
When: Thursday, July 12, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Sunnyslope Community Center, 802 E. Vogel Ave, Phoenix
Wade through the tidal wave of information on headaches today. See how stress affects headaches. Simple cures without a prescription. This lecture is accompanied by a 15 minute Trigger Point Workshop so you will be able to reduce trigger points at home. All ages. Presented by Dr. Ryan Schulze, D.C. with AFC Chiropractic.
What: Doggies of the Wild West Variety Show
When: Friday, July 13, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Goodyear Justice Center, 185 N 145th Ave., Goodyear
This Western or Rock n' Roll themed comedy variety show for children features eight adorable doggies performing exciting stunts. A high energy show with lots of audience participation, beginning with comedy magic presented by "Calamity Jo" with doggies following.
What: Movie Night at the Ballpark
When: Friday, July 13, 2012 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.
Where: Goodyear Ballpark
"Tango" rated PG. Admission and parking are free. Concessions available.
What: Understanding Fibromyalgia: A Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain and Fatigue
When: Friday, July 13, 2012 from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Peoria Community Center, 8335 W Jefferson St, Peoria
People who are suffering with Fibromyalgia are desperate for relief from the constant nagging symptoms, pain and fatigue. The health care motivational and keynote speaker will educate the audience about safe, effective and natural alternative methods for addressing Fibromyalgia and chronic pain symptoms.
What: Silk Screen T-Shirt Printing Workshop
When: Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Sunrise Mountain Library, 21200 North 83rd Avenue, Peoria
Design, prepare, and then print a one-of-a-kind T-shirt using the silkscreen printing art form. Finished shirts are permanent, washable, and very colorful. All materials, including T-shirts are supplied. Registration required as space is limited. Please Call 773-8650. Ages 16+.
What: NAPA Auto Parts Career Day
When: Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: NAPA Auto Parts, 2811 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix
Job seekers will meet members of the HR Department, and learn about different job opportunities at the company in the Phoenix area. Job opportunities for bilingual candidates (Spanish/English) include part- and full-time positions at every level of experience (from distribution of parts, to store management). Hispanos bilingües en busca de trabajo podrán conocer a miembros del Equipo de Personal (HR Department) y aprender sobre los puestos disponibles con la empresa en la zona de Phoenix-- incluyendo de tiempo completo y compartido, en todos los niveles de experiencia (desde distribución de partes hasta gerencia de tiendas).
What: Make Your Own Video Game
When: Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Public Library, Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Learn the basics of game design, using Game Maker software, in this free one day workshop. Work with professionals from Betz Software to complete your own game to take home. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Registration required. Ages 12 - 18.
What: Capture the Flag: Water Fight
When: Monday, July 16, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Glendale Main Library, Glendale
Beat the summer heat at this massive water fight. Two teams will compete to capture the flag and reign supreme. Bring your own water gun or use one of ours, and dress to get wet. Registration is required for this event for ages 8-11. Register by calling 623-930-3537. Participants will be eligible to win free swim passes to either Rose Lane Aquatics Center or the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center.
What: Capture the Flag: Water Fight
When: Monday, July 16, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Where: Glendale Main Library, Glendale
A water-fight free for all. Teens will attempt to stay dry and claim victory over their peers. Dress to get wet. This event is for ages 12-18 only, and registration is required. Call 623-930-3537 to register. Participants will be eligible to win free swim passes to either Rose Lane Aquatics Center or the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center.
What: Monday Matinee: "Dolphin Tale"
When: Monday, July 16, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue, Glendale
Rated PG. Swimming free, a young dolphin is caught in a crab trap, severely damaging her tail. She is rescued and transported to Clearwater Marine Hospital where her fight for survival begins. Every Monday in July, bring a snack and enjoy a movie with your friends. Children ages nine and under must have a parent, teen sibling, or other caregiver at the program. Groups are welcome; please have an adult for every five children.
What: Reptiles of Arizona
When: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Where: Scottsdale Public Library, Arabian Branch, 10215 E McDowell Mtn Ranch Rd, Scottsdale
Get up close and personal with some amazing local reptiles. Learn about reptile behavior, habitat, preservation and safety with a trained volunteer from Phoenix Herpetological Society. Registration required. Ages 6 and up.
What: Wild Wednesdays
When: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
Drop in Wednesdays and learn about Tempe's Sister Cities through a variety of activities, games, crafts and performances. This Wednesday: Lower Hutt, New Zealand. An annual summer program, Wild Wednesdays is presented by the Tempe History Museum and provides parents and children an educational and entertaining learning opportunity. Created for children in pre-school through sixth grade, this series features a different theme each year. This year's theme introduces families to Tempe's eight sister cities and each week celebrates a different culture.
What: Journey Healing Centers / Sundance Center Open House
When: Thursday, July 19, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Journey Healing Centers, 11624 Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
Enjoy hor d'oeuvres and live music at JHC Headquarters, then tour The Sundance Center and The Retreat where you will sample desserts made by in-house gourmet chefs. Company shuttle service is provided for your transportation convenience between JHC Headquarters and Sundance Residential Facility, 2 miles away. Art and equine therapy exhibits, giveaways, meet JHC staff. 20 minute Community Workshops: 3:30pm - How to Talk to a Loved One About Addiction; 4:30pm - How to Recognize Signs of Addiction and Utilize Local Resources; 5:30pm - How to Talk to a Loved One About Addiction; 6:30pm - How to Recognize Signs of Addiction and Utilize Local Resources. RSVP to 480-320-3106.
What: Make Your Own Video Game
When: Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Public Library, Arabian Branch, 10215 E McDowell Mtn Ranch Rd, Scottsdale
Learn the basics of game design, using Game Maker software, in this free one day workshop. Work with professionals from Betz Software to complete your own game to take home. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Registration required. Ages 12 - 18.
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.
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.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
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