This week you can get the 10 signs, take a tour (If you're older), see a movie about a tall monster, meet a tortoise, watch a movie about when trees are gone, celebrate the mill, walk with dragonflies, visit a museum, celebrate diversity, do some safe things, go to a concert in a park, get ready to die, get ready to ride and learn to conserve water.
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: 10 Signs of Alzheimer's
When: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Ave., Peoria
A special presentation by the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association entitled "Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters" will highlight the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease which are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it's time to learn the facts. The workshop will cover the 10 warning signs, basic overview of Alzheimer's disease, risk factors, what is involved in getting a diagnosis, benefits of early detection, accessing available treatment, planning for the future and participating in clinical trials. This workshop is recommended for anyone interested in learning about the signs of Alzheimer's disease.
What: Senior Tour of SMoCA
When: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Explore two of our current exhibitions with other seniors led by a SMoCA Docent and enjoy light refreshments after the tour. RSVP to 480-874-4641.
What: Family Movie
When: Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Dobson Library, 2425 S. Dobson Road, Mesa
Watch a flick, snack on popcorn, and enjoy quality time with the kids. Thanks to a generous grant from District 3 Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh, the Meeting Room will transformed into a community theater. Showing: Frankenstein, rated PG.
What: Tortoise Encounter
When: Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Stop by the new desert tortoise habitat at the Environmental Education Center (located just south of the Center's front doors)for the chance to meet and learn about the Center's new Sonoran Desert tortoises. If the tortoises are cooperating, guests will get a close look at them, watch them have breakfast and learn more about these amazing, desert creatures. Registration is not required.
What: Family Flick Under the Stars
When: Friday, October 5, 2012 at dusk, about 6 p.m.
Where: Kiwanis Park, Tempe
The Lorax, rated PG. Families and friends can bring blankets and a picnic to watch the film on one of the largest inflatable screens in Arizona, located on the west side of Kiwanis Lake near the fire pit.
What: Hayden Flour Mill Celebration
When: Friday, October 5, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 119 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe
The Green at Hayden Flour Mill will open as a special event venue. At 5:40 p.m., the City of Tempe invites anyone who worked at the Hayden Flour Mill to the newly constructed stage to have a group photo taken. The dedication of the mill happens at 6 p.m. President Diane Enos of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRP-MIC) will speak to honor the first setters of the land that is called Tempe today. Jared and the Mill, a band that named itself after the building, will perform starting at 6:45 p.m. The group plays instruments that might have been used by people who lived in the 1870s, when the flour mill was built, such as washboards, banjos, accordions and drums. To celebrate the culture of the Mexican people who settled what would later become Tempe and San Pablo, Mariachi Los Rebeldes will take the stage at 8 p.m.
About 50 restaurants, retail, service businesses and non-profit organizations will host booths at the event in the area adjacent to the Hayden Flour Mill in the north parking lot of Tempe Mission Palms Hotel.
What: Dragonfly Discovery Walk
When: Friday, October 5, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Join a naturalist for a guided walk to observe the butterflies and dragonflies buzzing about the desert and wetland habitats. Bring binoculars and water and wear good walking shoes and a hat. The walks are not fast-paced and the terrain is easy. Meet at the Red-tailed Hawk ramada. Registration is not required.
What: Garibaldi Night
When: Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Chandler Gilbert Community College
Family event providing entertainment, informational booths for the community in education, health, and community services, presented by the Chandler Coalition for Civil and Human Rights.
What: Keep it Safe - A Family Affair
When: Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: 7727 W. Deer Valley Rd., Suite 210, Peoria
Sponsored by City of Peoria and St. Joseph's Medical Group Peoria North Clinic. Activities include: Bike Rodeo, Fire & Water Safety Prevention, Fire Truck Tour, Child ID Kits, Free Blood Pressure Checks, $10 Flu Shots (for Adults Only), Pumpkin Patch, Face Painting, Inflatables, Vendor Booths, Helmet Fitting & Giveaway (while quantities last); Booster Seat Fitting & Giveaway (while quantities last). All activities will take place outside in the parking lot.
What: Bank of America presents Museums on Us
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012
Where: Phoenix Art Museum, Musical Instrument Museum, Children's Museum of Phoenix
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card holders get a free admission to the three museums mentioned. Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. One free general admission limited to cardholder at participating institution, excluding fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows. Not to be combined with other offers.
What: Beardsley Concert
When: Sunday, October 7, 2012
Where: Beardsley Park, Sun City West
Mary Hoffman: country and pop. Gates open at 5 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Concessions sold until 7 p.m.
What: Wills & Trusts
When: Tuesday, October 9, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Surprise Public Safety Building, 14250 W. Statler Plaza, Surprise
Without a will and/or a trust, you can't control what happens to your property if you become incapacitated or die. Learn how with proper planning you can preserve your assets and provide for your loved ones. The workshop, presented by Mark Melkowski and Bobby King with the non-profit educational speakers' bureau The Joseph Foundation, will cover the following topics: the four main estate documents every individual should have, the difference between a will and a trust, pros and cons of the probate process, key points about the 2009 Arizona Trust Code. To register call 623.222.3242. Space is limited.
What: Ready-To-Ride Workshop
When: Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria
Learn the safest places to ride on the road, proper bicycle fitting, how to change a flat tire, all about Arizona traffic laws for bicycles, and more. This workshop includes 45 minutes of practice on your bicycle in the Rio Vista parking lot. Ages 16+. To register call 623.773.8600, mention Course # 73394.
What: Water Conservation Landscape Workshop
When: Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden, 5601 N Hayden, Scottsdale
Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden Tour. Go on a walking tour through Scottsdale's 5.5 acre Xeriscape Garden with Bill Casenhiser, the garden's caretaker, and learn about beautiful, water thrifty plants that thrive in our desert environment. 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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