This week you can see a piano performance, garden in pots, unhoard, eat from your garden, attend an anniversary party, celebrate dragonflies, keep kids healthy, color your garden, recognize ADD, learn how to water and pick the right plants.
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: Performance with A View
When: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Bob Ravenscroft presents a creative solo piano experience that offers a peaceful oasis in an otherwise chaotic world. "LoveSong" is a spontaneous live composition inspired by love songs, jazz standards and poetry, performed on a hand-crafted Ravenscroft piano. Coffee service (not free) begins at 9:30 a.m.
What: Container Gardening
When: Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Public Works Admin Building, 4980 S. 157th Ave., Goodyear
For those who want to plant tender plants, control rapidly spreading plants, or only have plants a few months a year, containers are just right. Learn to keep those plants healthy in our tough climate. Taught by Jonathon Manning, arborist at Elgin Nursery. Call 623-882-7510 to register.
What: Understanding Hoarding
When: Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Do you really know what hoarding is? An estimated 5 percent of the nation's population can be categorized as a "clinical hoarder." That means most of us either have a friend, loved one or co-worker struggling with hoarding. Scottsdale Police Crisis Intervention Specialist Anthony Pagliuca will define hoarding and Animal Emergency Medical Technician Tami Murillo will discuss animal hoarding. They will present information and share real-life hoarding stories. Register online.
What: Edible Landscaping
When: Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive
Discover the importance and details of soil preparation and how to overcome the challenges of our environment. Taught by a Master Gardener, you'll learn how to select, plant and care for vegetables / herbs / fruits and citrus for a bountiful harvest. Pre-registration is requested to reserve your seat. Call (623) 333-4422.
What: South Mountain Community Library Anniversary
When: Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: 7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix
South Mountain Community Library will celebrate its first anniversary with Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Johnson, City Librarian Rita Hamilton, Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board Chair Doyle Burke and South Mountain Community College President Dr. Shari Olson. Arizona State University Regents' Professor Alberto Rios will read "Baseline Blooms," a collective poem about South Phoenix and Laveen. The poem was compiled and edited by Rios from words, lines, phrases, short memories and observations submitted by community members. The poem has been recorded for the artistic acoustic chairs in the plaza adjacent to the library. Part of a multi-faceted public artwork by Mags Harries & Lajos Héder entitled "Passage," the chairs feature a selection of poetry curated by Rios that reflects South Phoenix and the local landscape. The artwork includes the chairs and steel letters embedded in concrete in the plaza in front of the library and continues to a shaded pathway that connects the library to the Western Canal Bridge. A performance by the SMCC Jazz Ensemble and other activities for children and their families will continue through noon at the library.
What: Dragonfly & Butterfly Bash
When: Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Dragonflies, damselflies and Monarch butterflies rule the wetland habitats at Veterans Oasis Park during the late summer. This annual event celebrates these beautiful insects through guided nature walks, hands-on crafts and presentations. Walks are approximately 30 minutes in duration and the terrain is easy. The last walk will depart at 11 a.m. Pre-registration is not required.
What: The ABCs of a Healthy Student
When: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: AFC Physical Medicine: Mesa, 3130 E Baseline Rd, Suite 107, Mesa
Nothing is more stressful than a sick and tired child. This lecture offers practical solutions to the most common problems that parents face today. Bring a friend and learn new strategies for keeping your student healthy during the school year and throughout their lifetime. Presented by Dr. Petula Morris, D.C. with AFC Physical Medicine - Mesa.
What: Water Conservation Landscape Workshop
When: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale
Fall & Winter Color Splashes for your Desert Gardens - This workshop will introduce you to the colors of winter desert plants and how to select the correct plants to brighten up your garden with splashes of seasonal color. Open to Scottsdale residents. Advanced registration is required and available online or by calling 480-312-5690.
What: Myths & Misconceptions about ADD
When: Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Center for Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders, 10229 N. 92nd St., Suite 101, Scottsdale
You may have heard a variety of myths and rumors about the signs, symptoms, behaviors and treatments of someone with ADD. In this seminar, learn the myths and misconceptions of the condition, and real-world facts you can trust for making sounds decisions on the treatment and management of ADD and ADHD. Free parking. Registration required.
What: Landscape Watering and Controller Programming
When: Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive
If you're mystified about landscape watering, you're not alone. Hands-On instruction creating a schedule to meet your plants watering needs. Watering efficiently is the easiest way to reduce your water bill. Pre-registration is requested to reserve your seat. Call (623) 333-4422.
What: Water Conservation Landscape Workshop
When: Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale
Plant Selection for Landscaping: Choosing plants that are just right for your yard is the key to landscaping in the desert. You'll learn basic design concepts and plant choices. Open to Scottsdale residents. Advanced registration is required and available online or by calling 480-312-5690.
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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