This week you can see what Tempe was like, kickoff a season, rally against suicide, walk through the planets, see a fairy tale, go fishing, test the water, plan a wedding, feel young again, relieve your pain, manage the change, plan your retirement, learn about breast health and control what happens when you're gone.
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: Art Exhibition Reception: Images of Tempe
When: Friday, September 14, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
View the city up close and on canvas. Starting Friday, Sept. 7 and running through Sunday, Oct. 21, the Tempe History Museum will feature the Tempe Artists Guild's Images of Tempe art exhibition. Works highlight various Tempe landmarks presented in unique artistic points of view. Reception hosted by the Tempe History Museum and the Tempe Artists Guild.
What: Fire and Ice: Season Kickoff
When: Friday, September 14, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Mesa Arts Center
Fiery demonstrations, including glass blowing, casting, lamp working and neon. The demos will be accompanied by live music, food booths, ice carvings, fire spinners, a glowing hula hoop play zone for the kids and a "pumpkin patch" filled will glass pumpkins created by local glass artisans. The glass pumpkins will be available for purchase with the proceeds benefiting Mesa Arts Center.
What: Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Community Rally
When: Friday, September 14, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Desert Ridge Marketplace, Phoenix
This entire week is sanctioned by Governor Jan Brewer and helps local non-profits to raise awareness about the unnerving facts of teen suicide. Learn about valuable resources for teens, live music, raffles, prizes and lifesaving information. Take time to enjoy living!
What: Chandler Solar System Walk
When: Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Take a guided tour along the new Chandler Solar System Walk. This Walk is a series of monuments and signs representing the sun, planets and other objects in our solar system, placed at scale distances along the pathway that surrounds the park's lake. While the walk can be enjoyed as a self-guided journey, this guided tour will include additional information about the solar system, and the inspiration for creating the Solar System Walk at Veterans Oasis Park. This is an easy, 1/2 mile walk, all ages. Meet inside the EEC. Registration is not required.
What: Theater Works Presents "Dusty Locks"
When: Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Glendale Main Library, Glendale
A Theater Works presentation of "Dusty Locks and the Three Bears," a western version of the fairy tale. For more information, call 623-930-3537.
What: Fishing Clinic
When: Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 7 a.m. to noon
Where: Papago Ponds, Pond #3, 625 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
SEA LIFE Arizona has partnered with the Arizona Game & Fish Department to host this free fishing clinic. The Department is providing fishing rods and bait for guests to borrow, as well as fishing instructors to offer tips. SEA LIFE Arizona will also have staff on-site to help out, along with games and prizes. There is no need for an urban fishing license as long as you check in at the Game & Fish table and attend within the event hours.
What: Pool Care 101
When: Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Where: Public Safety Building Auditorium, next to the Surprise Police Department, 14250 W. Statler Plaza, Surprise
A class designed to help you to conserve water and save money on the water bill. Free for Surprise residents. Register online or by calling 623.222.6200.
What: Western Wedding Expo
When: Sunday, September 16, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Fountain Patio at Cave Creek Smokehouse, 6245 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
Pre-Register online to be eligible for a $100 Rolfs Salon Door Prize at the expo. Live entertainment throughout the day culminating in the Western Wedding Fashion Show at 2 p.m. Pre-Registration is good for free admission for your entire bridal party or group. Exhibitors will assist with disc jockeys, hall rentals, honeymoon destinations, wedding cakes and more to help you realize your vision and make your special day perfect.
What: Five Secrets to Looking and Feeling Younger
When: Monday, September 17, 2012 from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Where: Fountain Hills Christian Center, 16239 E Ironwood Dr., Fountain Hills
This presentation will educate you about how the body and metabolism works, why most diets don't work, the true value of being healthy and fit, how food, water, and medication play a roll in your health and how pain limits a person from achieving their full health potential. Presented by Dr. Ryan Sculley, D.C. with AFC Physical Medicine in Fountain Hills.
What: Arthritis: Alternative Approaches to Preventing and Relieving Joint Disease
When: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Public Library, Yucca Branch, 5648 North 15th Ave., Phoenix
Over 50 million Americans suffer with joint disease. This presentation will educate you on what arthritis is, who is susceptible to arthritis, what causes it, how to relieve it, and steps to help prevent joint disease.
What: Managing the Change: The Role of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement
When: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mesa Library Main Branch, 64 E. First St, Mesa
This presentation will educate you about what menopause is, what the symptoms of menopause are, if bio-identical hormones are safe, and what can bio-identical hormones do for you. Presented by Dr. Janet Pragit, D.O. with AFC Primary Care - Mesa. Registration required, deadline 9-17. Call 480-726-2287 x103.
What: Retirement: What You Don't Know May Surprise You
When: Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Disability Empowerment Center, Nina Pullman Conference Center, 5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix
An informational forum for people 55+ from representatives of Social Security, Medicare, Department of Labor, AZ Department of Economic Security, AZ Bridge to Independent Living and Area Agency on Aging. Free, but registration required no later than 9-19-12. Call 602-542-4446.
What: Women Empowered Forum 2012
When: Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: The Sue Levy Breast Center, 9220 E. Mountain View, Scottsdale
Scottsdale Medical Imaging hosts this breast health forum discussing mammography, ultrasound, and breast MRI. Hear the latest from physicians and nurses and tour the Women's Center. An event for all ages. Refreshments will be served. To take part call 480-425-4154. Registration and parking are free.
What: Wills and Trusts
When: Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Public Safety Building, 14250 W. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise
Without a will and/or a trust, you can't control what happens to your property if you become incapacitated or die. Generally, people create wills and trusts because they want control over their property and they want to avoid disputes. With proper planning you can preserve your assets and provide for your loved ones. The workshop will cover types of estate documents every individual should have, difference between a will and a trust, pros and cons of the probate process, key points about the Arizona Trust Code. For information or registration, call 623.222.3242. Register early, space is limited.
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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