Let's Go in the Northeast Valley - February 2012

FOCUS: Public Art in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills Page 4

Lifestyle • Entertainment • Business

Vol. 23, No. 2 • www.fhtimes.com/letsgo

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FEBRUARY On the Go! Calendar, Pages 27-31

IN THE LOOP inside

in the Northeast Valley February 2012

What’s happening in

IN THE

Library welcomes special visitor Pages 21

ARIZONA TURNS 100

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LET’S GO! February 2012

short stuff

Atalanta

by Linda McThrall Let’s Go! Editor

Big Brother and the insurance company

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I consider myself a pretty good driver.

I’m probably a little old lady-ish, but I have always driven like this. I am compulsively early. I drive in the right lane unless I have to make a left turn (duh) or overtake a slower vehicle. I signal every turn or lane change in ample time and am friendly to my fellow drivers. I am just a regular pleasure to share the road with.

So when my insurance agent asked me if I would be interested in getting one of those plug-in devices that checks your driving skills – how fast you drive, how quickly you accelerate or brake, just basic stuff – I thought, “No brainer.” And I can save up to 10 percent off my rates. Heck, yeah.

The little device comes in the mail, and you just plug in to your computer in your car. Easy enough. I could see the savings adding up already.

After a week, I got a notice in my e-mail that my “driving” report was ready to view.

Of course I am imagining that my insurance company is going to give me EXTRA savings because I am such an amazing driver. (No wrecks, no tickets, NO claims.)

And my little plug-in is going to prove to the world that I deserve the best driving rating on earth.

Well.

It turns out I am NOT a perfect driver (at least according to the plug-in, which I kind of think is defective). According to the first report, I have a tendency to “brake hard” too much. Like 23 times in the first week. I do everything else well – no hard accelerations, no extreme braking or accelerating. Just this hard braking thing. I do NOT slam on my brakes EVER. Maybe that is what extreme braking would be.

But what the heck is hard braking anyway?

The report shows all these little graphs and speed vs. distance differentials. Like that MEANS something to me? Ha. And to top it off, I got NO extra discount. Fortunately I am not penalized either, but shoot. Why did I agree to this?

You look at this report and you can see how many trips you take in one day, how many miles you drive that day and how many “incidents” you have on any given trip. It’s kind of creepy when you really think about it.

Somebody could ask me what I was doing at such and such a time on such and such a date, and if I was driving at that moment, I could actually tell you.

It’s not that I actually think somebody is going to wonder what I have been up to, but jeepers, I don’t really like the idea of my insurance company tracking me around when I’m running errands. I don’t think it’s their business if I decide to stop in and have a rocky road ice cream cone at 9 o’clock on a Saturday morning. Maybe I’m just hungry for ice cream. Maybe I just feel like a break. Maybe I just happened to pass a B&R. Oh, and one other thing you should know about these keen apparati…ya know when it’s time to get emissioned for your license renewal? And you know how you wait in line with your engine running?

And how you might wait until the end of the month when all the other jokers have procrastinated about doing the same thing? So you have to wait in longer lines than if you go in the middle of the month (just look at the Website – it’s plain as day that the WORST time to go is the end of the month).

So you have waited almost an hour in the line, and the guy signals for you to drive into the bay so you can have your catalytic converter system checked to make sure your car isn’t emitting terrible pollution. And you get in there, and he asks you to step out of your car, leave the keys and he sits in the driver’s seat and looks down and spots the device.

He looks at you. He gets out of the car and calls his supervisor over. His supervisor has a very serious look on his face and says, “You are disqualified.”

WHAT? Disqualified? Because WHY? Well, turns out you are supposed to take the stupid little device OUT of your car computer BEFORE you go to the emissions place. Otherwise, you have to drive OUT of the bay and away from the driveway of the emissions place and REMOVE the device. The emission checkers aren’t allowed to do it for you.

After you remove the device – reaching down and giving a little – and I mean LITTLE – tug to remove the gizmo – you get to get BACK in line so you can have your emissions checked.

And after you pass, which you knew you would, you drive out of the bay and replug the device into the computer. Just so you can accelerate extremely and then slam on your brakes because you remembered that you hadn’t gotten the piece of paper saying you successfully passed the emissions and could now reregister your car for another year on the road.

After this I’m going to take the bus. Let them worry about insurance discounts.

LET’S GO! February 2012

LTHS alum set lunch Alumni from Lyons Township High School are invited to the annual Southwest Time Machine Luncheon.

The event, organized by Niobe and Teena Borman, is set for Friday, March 9, from noon to 3 p.m. at Sunridge Canyon.

Tickets are $25 per person, and registration deadline is Thursday, March 1. Call Niobe at (480) 837-0239, or Teena, (480) 837-5063 for reservations.

Lyons Township High School is located in LaGrange, Ill. A contingency of alumni live in the area, and the group gathers each year for a small reunion. All former students who attended the school are invited to the buffet lunch.

Sunridge Canyon Ridge Room is located at Sunridge Canyon Golf Course, 13100 N. Sunridge Drive in Fountain Hills.

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Arizona turns 100 February 14, 2012. Communities from all over the state are celebrating the occasion in a variety of ways. Arizona, the country’s 48th state, is the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the union. Alaska is the 49th state, and Hawaii is the 50th. Both were added in 1959.

Owned and published monthly by Western States Publishers, Inc. 16508 E. Laser Dr., Suite 101, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Send Correspondence to:

Let’s Go! P.O. Box 17900, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 (480) 837-2443 Office (480) 837-1951 Fax linda@fhtimes.com Email Publisher: L. Alan Cruikshank Editor: Linda McThrall Linda@fhtimes.com Business Manager: Kip Kirkendoll

Advertising Sales: Brent Cruikshank Duke Kirkendoll John Gibson

Advertising deadline for March 2012 issue is February 14, 2012.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

This month’s

FOCUS The measure of any great civilization is its cities, and a measure of a city’s greatness is to be found in the quality of its public spaces, its parks, and its squares.

-John Ruskin

FH, Scottsdale boast public art The Town of Fountain Hills and the City of Scottsdale can be called great, especially based on the quality of their

public spaces.

One of the goals set by art lovers in Fountain Hills to commemorate Ari-

zona’s 100th birthday was to have at least 100 pieces of public art in place at the time of the anniversary date.

Both Fountain Hills and the City of Scottsdale have large public art collections, pushed forward by dedicated citizens who place a high value on art in a community. The Town of Fountain Hills exceeded its goal to have 100 pieces of public art in time for the 100th anniversary of Arizona. The City of Scottsdale has more than 1,950 objects including 704 municipal and 1,250 museum pieces.

Both communities provide programs to showcase artworks. Fountain Hills’ public art committee hosts monthly art walks during the winter months. Two different art tours are held on the first Saturday of each month. Volunteer docents take visitors on the tours, providing information about each piece they visit.

The tours have been revamped this year to include several new art pieces.

One of the tours, called the Civic Center Tour, features pieces in the courtyard area and inside both the Community Center and Library/Museum.

The second tour, called the Fountain Park Tour, proceeds down the Avenue of the Fountains to Fountain Park. This

tour highlights pieces in Town Hall, down the Avenue of the Fountains and the collection at the Park.

Both tours meet at the Community Center. The cost of each tour is $5 and includes a commemorative mug with gift coupons to those who preregister.

Preregistration deadline is 5 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the tours. The next scheduled tours are Saturday, Feb. 4, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The City of Scottsdale established its municipal art collection formally in 1967. In 1985 the City established its Public Art Program, putting in place guiding ordinances and funding sources.

Both Fountain Hills and Scottsdale have programs requiring developers and businesses to pay one percent of construction costs to fund public art at commercial and multi-residential buildings.

The Public Art Committee in Fountain Hills has a major role in raising money for public art works. Active procurement of a specific piece, by commissioning a specific artist or through gifts to the town, the committee reviews and facilitates each proposed art acquisition.

For more information on the Fountain Hills public art program, visit www. fountainhillspublicart.org. Scottsdale’s Website is www.scottsdalepublicart.org.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

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‘Late Nite Catechism’ back in Scottsdale The popular Late Nite Catechism comedies are back in Scottsdale.

The original Late Nite Catechism is on Fridays at 8 p.m. and its sequel, Late Nite Catechism III: ‘Til Death Do Us Part is performed Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Performances run through March 24 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Stage 2.

Late Nite Catechism debuted at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in June 2000 and was an overnight sensation, eventually becoming the longest-running theatrical production in Arizona. Its

other popular sequels include Late Nite Catechism II: Sometimes We Feel Guilty Because We Are Guilty and Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold.

Originally a Chicago actor, Patti Hannon has performed the role of Sister in all the Scottsdale productions.

Stage 2 is located in Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. Tickets for the performances are available for $39 online at www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org, or through Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Patron Services Box Office at (480) 499-8587.

3 Desert Stages active All three venues at Desert Stages in Scottsdale are busy in February.

The children’s theater opens Alice in Wonderland Feb. 24. Actor’s Café’s production, The Pillowman, opens Feb. 3 and continues until March 4, and Annie Get Your Gun finishes Feb. 11 in Cullity Hall.

Alice in Wonderland plays in the Children’s Theater through March 25 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 3 p.m.

Actor’s Theater shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Cullity Hall performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Desert Stages is located at 4720 N. Scottsdale Rd. Call (480) 483-1664 or visit www.desertstages.org for tickets and information. Tickets also may be purchased at the box office.

Patti Hannon stars as the tart-tongued Sister in the Late Night Catechism comedies at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Power training studio, first of its kind in Arizona threshold is the key to becoming a stronger and faster rider.”

The 1900-square-foot studio, which is tucked in the business complex just north of Shea Boulevard between Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and 116th Street, additionally features group TRX suspension training classes. The TRX is an incredibly effective fitness tool, used by countless celebrities, high profile trainers and many pro sports teams, which leverages the user’s own bodyweight for resistance.

Cycling is a popular activity in the Valley, evidenced by the packs of riders that take to the streets weekend mornings, as well as the spinning fanatics filling classes in local health clubs. A new fitness studio recently opened its doors in Scottsdale to make cutting-edge cycling training available to both groups.

In a breakaway from traditional spinning, Forza Power Training Studios is the only fitness facility in the Valley utilizing

power -meter technology in a group training environment.

Studio owner Andrea Jones explains, “Our CycleOps bikes are the Ferraris of the indoor cycling world. Unlike the spin bikes used at health clubs, they offer an authentic cycling experience. Best of all, each of our 20 bikes are equipped with computers that measure a rider’s speed, cadence, distance, and most importantly, power output. Increasing your power Paid Advertisement

Jones explains “because the TRX straps are anchored from above, users are constantly engaging their core muscles to stabilize their body, all while building strength and increasing flexibility. So many people injure themselves training with weights because of weaknesses in their core.”

Forza offers classes daily, and has an introductory package of five classes for $25. To learn more about classes and pricing visit forzapowerstudios.com or call (480) 559-0945.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

The FHT Players will entertain partygoers at the annual Broadway in the Hills gala celebration Sunday, March 18, at the Fountain Hills Community Center.

FH Theater bringing ‘Broadway’ to Hills Fountain Hills Community Theater is making plans for the annual Broadway in the Hills celebration.

The event is set for Sunday, March 18 at Fountain Hills Community Center. The evening of fun features live entertainment with FHT players, a champagne reception, dining and live and silent auctions. KTVK

3TV’s Gina Maravilla hosts the event.

Early bird tickets are $100 each until Feb. 9. After that date, they increase to $125 per person. Call the box office, (480) 837-9661, ext. 3, to reserve seats or to make a donation.

The stage show will include numbers from the past season and numbers from

the upcoming season. Auction items include golf, spa and travel packages, exciting experiences such as balloon rides, jeep tours and wine and cheese tastings, designer jewelry, artwork, restaurant vouchers, wine and beauty baskets and more. Funds from the event help support the Mainstage and Youth theaters, as

well as the year-round after-school and summer performing arts and outreach programs for youth.

The gala will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. the event is sponsored in part by Wells Fargo Bank, Envision Capital Management and The Arizona Lotter.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

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‘Seussical’ on youth stage in Fountain Hills Seussical Jr. is Fountain Hills Youth Theater’s next production.

The show opens Feb. 3 and continues through Feb. 19. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for children 17 and younger and $15 for adults.

Seussical Jr. features many characters made famous by the Dr. Seuss’s books.

Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mazie and the boy with the big imagination, Jojo appear in the story. The show features plenty of heart, happiness, music, magic, and of course, rhymes.

For tickets, visit www.fhct.org; call (480) 837-9661, or stop by the ticket office at 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd.

Gershwin extravaganza means toe-tapping fun The Gershwin extravaganza coupled with Ken Ludwig’s hilarious dialogue is the offering in Fountain Hills Theater’s next production, Crazy for You. The show opens Friday, Feb. 24, and runs through March 11. The tale of boymeets-girl in the Wild West follows the course of the couple, who at first clash and ultimately fall in love. The memorable score includes such classics as “Someone

to Watch over Me,” “I Got Rhythm” and “But not for Me.” Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children 17 and younger. They are available online at www.fhct.org, at the theater box office, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., or by telephone, (480) 837-9661.

Shows are staged Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Seussical Jr. starts its run in Fountain Hills Friday, Feb. 3. Among the players are Elysha Nemeth, left front and Skylar Bickley, and Emily Spets, left back, Patrick Moyse and Peyton Jordan.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

‘Prairie Home’ Keillor at Celebrity Feb. 2 “An Evening with Garrison Keillor” is set for Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix.

The show is presented by Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Curtain is 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $59 and $69 online at www. scottsdaleperformingarts.org, or through the Patron Services Box Office, (480) 4998587.

Keillor will be joined by A Prairie Home Companion pianist and music director

Rich Dworsky and singer-songwriter Heather Masse.

Minnesota-born and raised, Keillor is the living embodiment of the Midwestern spirit. Each week he shares his thoughtfulness, old-fashioned values, traditional songs and dry humor through his legendary, critically acclaimed radio show A Prairie Home Companion, which can be heard locally on KJZZ, 91.5 FM at 5 p.m.

Saturdays and 11 a.m. Sundays.

‘Brigadoon’ in Mesa

Broadway Palm Dinner Theater continues its production of Brigadoon through Feb. 11. The musical by Lerner and Lowe is the story of a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every 100 years. Among the songs from the musical include “Almost Like Being in Love,” “From this Day on” and “Brigadoon.” The Broadway Palm is located at 5247 E. Brown Rd. in Mesa.

Tickets range $22 to $49. For reservations, visit www.broadwaypalmwest. com or call (480) 325-6700. Tickets also are available at the box office.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

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Women’s casual fashions Run for your Wife, a study in British farce, plays at the Marquee Theatre at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater until March 18.

British farce takes stage at Broadway Palm Theater Ah, the British farce.

The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater is featuring one of the best, Run for your Wife, which runs through March 18, in the theater’s Marquee Theatre.

Witten by Ray Cooney, known as the British Neil Simon, Run for your Wife is filled with one-liners, mistaken identities and improbable situations. The story is about John Smith, an ordinary London cabbie, except for one element: he has two wives. Ticket prices in the Marquee Theatre are $39 for buffet and show, or $20 for show only.

On the mainstage, Broadway Palm is featuring Brigadoon through Feb. 11, fol-

lowed by Me and My Girl, opening Feb. 16 and running through April 8. Tickets for mainstage productions range from $28 (show only) to $49.

Me and My Girl has a little trace of My Fair Lady in it, but it features a British blue-blood trying to turn a Cockney ne’er-do-well into a proper gentleman.

Another show featuring British humor, audiences are sure to appreciate either of the February productions.

The Broadway Palm is located at 5247 E. Brown Rd. in Mesa. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, online at www. broadwaypalmwest.com or by telephone at (480) 325-6700.

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SCC announces season of musical performance The Scottsdale Community College Department of Music has announced its spring concert season.

The Faculty Piano Recital opens the season on Valentine’s Day. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and features Dr. Andrew O’Brien, at the SCC music building.

Other upcoming concerts include Music Department Showcase (Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. SCC Performing Arts Center -- PAC); Scottsdale Concert Band (Sunday, March 4, 3:30 p.m., Saguaro High School); Jazz Orchestra (Saturday, March 31, 1 p.m., Chandler Jazz Festival); Jazz Orchestra with J.C. Sanford (Thursday, April 12, 7:30 p.m., Kerr Cultural Center); Jazz Faculty (Thursday, April 19, 7:30

p.m., Sacred Grounds Coffee House); Jazz Combos (Tuesday and Wednesday, April 24 and 25, 7:30 p.m., SCC Turquoise Room); Trombone Choir (Wednesday, April 25, 6:30 p.m., SCC music building); Jazz Showcase (Monday, April 30, 7:30 p.m., PAC).

Also, Guitar and Cello Ensembles (Tuesday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., PAC); Choral Concert (Thursday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., PAC); Orchestra Concert (Saturday, May 5, 7:30 p.m., PAC); Trombone Choir and Concert Band Performances, (Sunday, May 6, 3 and 3:30 p.m., Saguaro High School).

For more information, call (480) 4236333 or visit www.scottsdalecc.edu/music.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

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Gary Kotula and Dave Woodruff. “Brad Zinn” will open the show with a half-hour of comedy, impressions and magic. The act is a new one to audiences who may have seen him perform in the valley in the past.

All shows start at 7 p.m. For ticket availability, call (480) 837-1763. Prices range from $10 to $20, depending on seat location. Tickets can be purchased at the church office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Payment must be made by cash or check. No credit cards will be accepted.

The 12th edition of the Entertainment Series also features Highway Legends starring former resident Jeff Day ton, along with Mike and T (March 6); and These Three Arizona Trio and Tenors (March Brad Zinn 20).

Western, chamber music at Friday Munch & Music

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The February shows in the Fountain Hills Enter tainment Series are set.

First up is “Barnaby” and “Rhy thm and Rhyme” Tuesday, Feb. 7. “Barnaby” B a r n a b y a n d is a unique enterRhythm and Rhyme tainer with offthe-wall humor, juggling and balancing stunts. He is the number one novelty performer on Holland America cruises. Also on the bill Feb. 7 are Ray Templin and Rob Wright with “Rhythm and Rhyme.” The two instrumentalists are versatile and entertaining, offering humor and talent throughout the show.

“The Arizona Trio” and “Brad Zinn” will be featured Tuesday, Feb. 21. “The Arizona Trio” performs in the tradition of the Kingston Trio, The Limelighters and the New Christy Minstrels offering music from the folk era. The trio features former Valley sportscaster Mike Chamberlin,

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The annual Munch and Music series continues at the Fountain Hills Community Center in February.

The Friday programs feature a variety of music starting at 12:15 p.m. and continuing for a half hour February shows include the OK Chorale (Feb. 3); members of the Fountain Hills Chamber Music Society (Feb. 10); and The Fountain Hills Band plays Feb. 17.

Al Roselieb and the Fountain Hills Brass Ensemble closes out the season March 2.

Barbara Wyman takes care of publicity for the series.

Munch and Music shows are held on various Fridays in January, February and March in the lobby of the Community Center. The programs are free and open to the public. The community center volunteers and staff organize the events.

Often called the greatest musical of all time, West Side Story tells the tale of two star-crossed l ov e rs c a u g h t i n a turf war of rival ethnic gangs. Unforgettable music from Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim feature To n i g h t , A m e r i c a , Maria and Somewhere.

The show is playing at Mesa’s Encore Theater F e b . 3 t h ro u g h 1 9 .

Call (480) 644-6500 for tickets and information.

LET’S GO! February 2012

Sunday A’Fair continues in Scottsdale One of Scottsdale’s most popular weekend events is under way.

Sunday A’Fair started its 25th anniversary season in January and continues through mid-April. Sponsored by Scottsdale Insurance and Nationwide Foundation, Sunday A’Fair takes place in Scottsdale Civic Center Park on selected Sundays. Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs or picnic baskets and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment. Each event features free outdoor concerts by the

valley’s top musicians. Fine arts and crafts, children’s activities and free admission to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art are all part of the afternoons’ activities.

An Arizona Centennial Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 12. Events run from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. The Persuaders, a band featuring former members of The Gin Blossoms, The Pistoleros and Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, will perform. Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns also will play.

A free guided walking tour of the park’s sculptures will take place at 3 p.m.

The next February event is set for Feb. 19. KC Blues Band plays from noon to 1:30 p.m., followed by Mogollon from 2 to 4 p.m. A guided walking tour again will be held at 3 p.m.

The last Sunday A’Fair in February is scheduled for Feb. 26, featuring Chuck Hall Band from noon to 1:30 p.m., then Powerdrive from 2 to 4 p.m. A free walking tour begins at 3 p.m.

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The final show of the Fountain Hills Chamber Players season is set for Sunday, Feb. 26.

The concert will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 16150 E. El Lago Blvd. It starts at 3 p.m.

Offerings include Trio K. 498 “Kegelstadt” by Wolfgang Mozart; String Quartet op. 18 #6 by Ludwig van Beethoven; and Piano Trio op 15

by Bedrich Smetana.

Fountain Hills Chamber Players marked its 15th performance year this year. The group performs music from all classical eras. They combine traditional and contemporary sounds and sometimes an unusual mix of instruments.

Tickets are $15. For more information visit fountainhillschamberplayers.org.

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Admired for his mastery of the works of Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, as well as the Romantics, American virtuoso pianist Garrick Ohlsson joins the prestigious orchestra from Wroclaw, Poland. The concert is Saturday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $59 and $69. Call (480) 499-8587 to purchase.

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Coin Club sets next show The Fountain Hills Coin Club’s spring Coin Show is set for Saturday, Feb. 25.

The show will be held at the Fountain Hills Unified School District’s Learning Center, 16000 E. Palisades Blvd. According to event co-chair John Gibson, the new venue will provide space for more dealers and better technology.

Gibson said the club expects more than 25 coin dealers to participate in the show.

Classic and vintage car owners have been invited to display their vehicles in the parking lot.

MidFirst Bank’s “Coin Van� will be on hand to collect donations for the L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum. Visitors can bring their change to deposit in the van, and MidFirst will match donations up to $1,000.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

and is free to the public. The show will feature silent and live auctions, a coin raffle, door prizes, along with free coins and coin albums for children under 18.

Gibson said this coin show is the only one with a live auction in the state.

The coin club will sell its Arizona Centennial medals during the show, commemorating the club’s fifth anniversary and Arizona’s 100th birthday. A limited number of specially created pairs of coins will be sold for $75. Copper medals are available for $15.

Molnar Stamp and Coin, 7118 E. Sahuaro Drive in Scottsdale, is show sponsor.

This is the sixth coin show hosted by the Fountain Hills Coin Club.

For more information, call co-chair Carl Spencer, (480) 226-0151

Fine Art Expo up, running for eighth season in valley Thunderbird Artists opened its eighth season of Arizona Fine Art Expo Jan. 19.

The art show continues in the big white tent, located at the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Jomax roads. It features working artists in the process of making their art. The art is exhibited and for sale.

The show continues through April 1.

Paintings, charcoals and pastels, etchings, rapidograph pen cross-hatching, drawings, photography, stone, copper, clay, wood, metal sculptures, bronzes, jewelry and more are featured. Established and emerging artists participate in the expo.

More than 100 studios are filled with award-winning artists.

Season passes are $10, and $8 for seniors and military. A dollar from every season pass is donated to U.S. Veterans.

Parking is free.

Mountain View Coee Co. Best coffee, pastries, blended drinks, breakfasts, lunches with patio by the World Famous Fountain!

For more information, call (480) 8377163 or visit www.arizonafineartexpo. com.

Other events sponsored by Thunderbird Artists include Talking Stick Fine Art, Wine and Chocolate Festival and the Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival, both in Scottsdale The Talking Stick event takes place at Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Feb. 10, 11 and 12. Admission is $5, with a $10 addition fee for the wine tasting. Parking is free.

Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival will be held Feb. 17, 18 and 19 at Scottsdale Waterfront, 7125 E. Camelback Rd. Admission is $3 for adults, with a $10 wine tasting fee. Free parking is available, as is valet parking for an additional cost.

For more information on the two February shows, visit www.thunderbirdartists.com.

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Art classes offered at Scottsdale gallery The AZ Art Alliance Gallery has scheduled a number of art classes for the coming months.

The gallery is located at 9011 E. Indian Bend Rd. in Scottsdale. Classes in oil painting, acrylics, watercolor, pastels and color psychology will be featured in February.

Here’s the lineup: Four week watercolor class. Saturdays, Feb. 4-25, 1-4 p.m. $120. Instructor, Kathryn Tartaglia.

It’s All about Color, two-day workshop,

Sunday and Monday, Feb. 5 & 6, 10:30 a.m.4 p.m. $160. Instructor, Kathleen Hope.

Six Simple Steps to Better Oil Paintings, five week course on Wednesdays, Feb. 8 through March 7, 1-4 p.m. $150.

Instructor, Red Rohall.

One Day Dynamic Acrylics: Making More with More. Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $100. Instructor, Kurt von Behrmann.

Descriptions of all the workshops are available online at www.azartalliance.com, or by stopping by the gallery.

Tony Duncan of Mesa was crowned World Champion Hoop Dancer in the 2011 competition at the Heard Museum. The event will be held again this year Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11 and 12, at the Heard, 2301 N. Central Ave., in Phoenix. There is a $15 general admission charge for the event. Call (602) 252-8848, or visit www.heard. org/hoop for more information.

Valley Singles Club plans romance for February Beth Hagivot celebrates spring with special seder Valley Singles is planning a romantic month for February.

A pre-Valentine’s Singles Fair starts at noon Saturday, Feb. 4 at Paradise Valley Doubletree Resort. The event is followed by a social and dance starting at 6 p.m.

RSVP, Debbie, (480) 837-9449.

A Super Bowl party will be held at Gayle’s house starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. The party is free for those bringing a dish to share with six or more people.

The fee for those not wishing to bring a dish is $7. RSVP and directions, Gayle,

(480) 816-8653.

The group will meet at Old Chicago in Mesa for Happy Hour at 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10. RSVP, Debbie, (480) 837-9449.

A night of music and dancing is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18, at Char’s Has the Blues in Phoenix. There is a $6 cover charge. RSVP, Angie, (414) 324-6824; or Ray, (480) 231-4475.

Valley Singles will meet at Brunswick Bowling Alley Saturday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m.

RSVP, Ray, (480) 231-4475.

Beth Hagivot congregation will celebrate spring planting with a TuBe’ Shvat Seder Wednesday, Feb. 8.

The potluck event starts at 6:30 p.m. at The Fountains, A United Methodist Church, 15300 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., in Fountain Hills. Members and nonmem-

bers of the congregation are invited. For more information, call (480) 650-3061.

The congregation also will hold its regular services Friday, Feb. 24, at the Methodist Church. The service starts at 7:30 p.m. Cantor Shira Batalion leads the service.

Verde Canyon Railroad is offering an opportunity to celebrate chocolate with its Chocolate Lovers’ Train. The train is 100 years old this year and will feature a Centennial Celebration Feb. 11 and 12. The Chocolate Lovers Train continues through Feb. 19. For information and reservations, call (800) 293-7245 or visit www. verdecanyonrr.com.

Prospective SCC students invited to Feb.9 open house Scottsdale Community College is holding an open house for prospective students Thursday, Feb. 9.

SCC representatives will be on hand to talk about various academic programs and student support services. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at SCC, 9000 E. Chaparral Rd. Representatives from programs including Hospitality and Tourism, Culinary Arts, Business, Nursing and Theater

Arts, among others, will be available to talk with prospective students. The event is open to the public and will include a meet-and-greet with SCC President Dr. Jan Gehler.

Visitors can get information about getting started at SCC, scholarship and financial aid, choosing a major and career, getting involved on campus, transfer opportunities and more.

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Happy Birthday Arizona 100 years old

Feb. 14, 1912 - Feb. 14, 2012 In fewer than 365 days, the people of Fountain Hills achieved the lofty goal of planning and executing activities commemorating Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100th birthday.

In February 2011, the Town of Fountain Hills and a large group of citizens gathered to kick off Fountain Hillsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; part in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s year-long celebration. Arizona turns 100 Feb. 14. Communities throughout the state have held celebrations and events commemorating the Centennial.

Organizers set a goal of holding at least 100 events, and when the official celebration takes place Saturday, Feb. 12, the goal will have been exceeded by five activities. Numerous groups have participated in projects, resulting in Fountain Hills holding the most events for one community dedicated to the Centennial.

Due to the number of local events, the state named Fountain Hills an official Centennial organizer. Community Services Director Mark Mayer said he is unaware of other communities who planned and realized such ambitious goals for the Centennial. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been working on this for more than a year, and we have had great success,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know of anything quite like what we have done.â&#x20AC;?

Of the 105 events, Fountain Hills had two â&#x20AC;&#x153;official Centennial eventsâ&#x20AC;? and three â&#x20AC;&#x153;legacy projects.â&#x20AC;? The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsorship of the annual Fiesta Bowl Parade was one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official Centennial events. The Town of Fountain Hillsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; closing event set for Sunday, Feb. 12, also is officially sanctioned.

Legacy projects include the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centennial Circle, located between the Community Center and the Library/ Museum building. The other project is an ongoing activity in Fountain Hills. The Fountain Hills Civic and Community Association set a goal of placing at least 100 pieces of public art throughout the community. FHCCA has exceeded that goal. The three newest pieces will be installed in the coming weeks prior to the Feb. 12 celebration, including a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln, a rabbit sculpture and an eagle sculpture called â&#x20AC;&#x153;America.â&#x20AC;? A fourth, existing piece called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Truth,â&#x20AC;? will be moved to a new spot in Centennial Circle. There are eight places in Centennial Circle for art pieces. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the Fountain Hills activities have been very grass roots,â&#x20AC;? Mayer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have demonstrated again what an involved community we have.â&#x20AC;?

LET’S GO! February 2012

15

Official Centennial Celebration in FH Feb. 12 Fountain Hills’ Centennial Celebration gets under way officially at 3 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 12.

But other activities will be taking place throughout the day and will even continue on through the year.

Mark Mayer, director Community Services, said 2012 is the Centennial Year for the State of Arizona, and Fountain Hills will continue to commemorate the state’s 100th year with a variety of activities.

The official day looks like this: 2:45 p.m. Fountain Hills Community Band 3 p.m. VFW Color Guard; Star Spangled Banner led by Community Band and Community Chorus 3:05 p.m. Welcome and unity message by the Rev. Glenn Atchinson 3:10 p.m. Introductions of VIPS by emcee John Gibson 3:20 p.m. Songs by Ft. McDowell kindergarteners led by their teacher &

superintendent Gary Lauder 3:25 p.m. Dedication of Centennial Circle and three new pieces of sculpture

by Jerry Miles and Sandi Thompson.

Prizes given by the Library Association to the winner of the rabbit sculpturenaming contest 3:35 p.m. “I Love You, Arizona” by the Community Chorus – Commissioned Arizona Centennial song by the Community Band 3:45 p.m. Dedication of the “Mile-

stones, A Desert Odyssey Through Public Art” by Roy Nickel 3:55 p.m. OK Chorale Performance 410 p.m. Time capsule announcement

by Mayor Jay Schlum and Judy Confer 4:20 p.m. Refreshments with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and boy Scouts helping serve. Exhibits by various organizations and clubs.

5-7 p.m. FHCCA Fundraiser, $25 per person.

Town’s commemoration of Centennial inclusive In addition to the official Centennial Celebration in Fountain Hills Sunday, Feb. 12, other events will be taking place before and after that date.

Honest Abe Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, would be 203 years old Feb. 12, 2012. The embodiment of Mr. Lincoln will be on hand in Fountain Hills that day when a sculpture by Mark Lundeen is dedicated.

As part of the community’s public art collection, the statue, which features Abraham Lincoln sitting on a park bench, will be dedicated in a 1 p.m. ceremony Sunday, Feb. 12, just prior to the town’s Centennial Celebration.

The project has been spearheaded by Fountain Hills resident Roy Nickel as part of the Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association’s public art committee. The piece will be installed on a site next to the Teddy Roosevelt sculpture at Fountain Park, along Saguaro Boulevard.

Fountain Hills Library Fountain Hills Branch Library is celebrating the state’s 100th anniversary with a number of activities, which started in

January.

February events at the library include Arizona’ Centennial Artist Trading Cards Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will create and trade mini-artworks celebrating the Centennial. Artist Trading Cards are baseball card-sized pieces of art.

The projects are easy, and participants will take home some others create.

Learn fun and interesting facts about the valley and the state at a “Tour Arizona” event sponsored by the Arizona Office of Tourism set for Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Jerry Sieve will have a photography display from Wednesday, Feb. 29, through Friday, March 13. Sieve, a preeminent landscape artist, will display a selection of his collection of Southwest images.

A Carl Hayden Impersonator, Larry Edmonds, will be on hand Friday March 2, at 2 p.m. for an entertaining and colorful living history showcase of Carl Hayden, recognized as the most influential Arizonan who helped the state move from a dusty, wild-west frontier to a major part of the southwest. Hayden represented Arizona as a U.S. Congressman from 1912 through 1969.

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L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum The River of Time Museum will mark

the Centennial with costumed docents who will lead tours at the facility just prior to the official celebration. Visitors will hear stories of the Hohokam, conquistadors, ranchers, miners, trappers, pioneers and soldiers as they journeyed through the Verde River Valley.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

State’s birthday celebrated far and wide The pageantry, majesty, celebration and excitement of a 100th birthday soon will evident all over Arizona The state turns 100 on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012. The history of the state will be celebrated in communities throughout Arizona over the weekend of Feb. 11 and 12, and into the actual Centennial.

Events have marked the anniversary since February a year ago. As the Centennial Year, communities will hold commemorative events throughout 2012 and into 2013.

A number of public events are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11 and 12, in Phoenix: Arizona native and country music star Dierks Bentley is serving as honorary chair of the Arizona Centennial Motorcycle Ride Saturday, Feb. 11. He will lead the climactic event via motorcycle.

The ride culminates at Arizona Best Fest Phoenix that day. Participants will follow Bentley as he travels with an expected 2,000 bikes who will park in promenade fashion along Centennial Way (Washington Street).

“A motorcycle ride has to be one of

the best ways to celebrate Arizona’s 100th birthday,” Bentley said. “It’s a great firsthand reminder of how beautiful the state is.”

The Arizona Centennial Official Mascot, The Copper Chopper, also will be in the motorcycle ride. The bike’s designer, Paul Yaffe, who is world-renowned for fabricating custom motorcycles, will join the Centennial Ride, a first for all to see the priceless bike in motion.

The Copper Chopper will be awarded to one lucky winner. Tickets are $5 and available at Circle K stores statewide. The winner will be drawn near the end of Arizona Best Fest Phoenix Sunday, Feb. 12.

The 2012 Parada del Sol Parade honors the Centennial when it gets under way at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 on Scottdale Road between Oak and Indian School.

Following the parade, the annual Trail’s End celebration will take place in Old Town Scottsdale on First Avenue between Brown and Scottsdale roads. The huge block party is for every age. Food and merchandise vendors will be featured, and live entertainment will be performed on the main state.

As the kick off to the Parada del Sol, the

Hashknife Pony Express begins its ride in Holbrook and heads south through Payson and Fountain Hills to Scottsdale. The 54th annual ride takes place Feb. 7 to 10.

Riders stop in Fountain Hills at the U.S. Post Office on the Avenue of the Fountains between 2 and 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 before heading down the trail to Scottsdale.

The ceremony in Scottsdale takes place at the main post office at noon Friday, Feb. 10.

America’s Choir, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, performs twice to celebrate Arizona’s 100th birthday. The choir appears Feb. 10 and 11 at US Airways Center in 8 p.m. concerts.

This is the first time in 40 years the 360-voice choir, accompanied by the 110-member Orchestra at Temple Square, have performed in Arizona. Tickets can be purchased online at www.usairwayscenter. com/tickets and on the choir’s Website, www.mormontabernaclechoir.org.

In the Devil’s Frying Pan premieres in Cave Creek Feb. 3 through 19. The com-

munity project includes some 100 cast members. The play tells the story of the founding of Arizona through first-person accounts of life in the Territory prior to 1912.

Performances will take place at Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. Show times are 7:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets range from $22 to $30 and are available online at www.desertfoothillstheater.com.

Cave Creek is tying its fundraiser for the local library in with Centennial events.

The Western Centennial Gala is set for Feb. 11. The evening will feature a western theme with a sit-down dinner. Entertainment will include a piano player, guitarist and possibly a mock hold-up. Bob Boze Bell, executive editor of True West magazine is special guest. He will tell the history of Arizona dn the local area.

The Verde Canyon Railroad turns 100 this year. The Railroad will share the Centennial spotlight Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11

The official mascot for Arizona’s Centennial will be awarded to the winning raffle ticket holder during ceremonies over the Feb. 11-12 weekend. The bike’s designer, Paul Yaffe will ride the bike during the Centennial Ride Saturday, Feb. 11.

and 12. Celebrations are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days, then special train rides begin at 2 p.m. Tickets must be purchased to ride the train.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.verdecanyonrr.com or by calling (800) 293-7245.

Residents and visitors in Carefree will bury a Centennial Time Capsule Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Carefree’s sundial is the largest in Arizona. The capsule will be opened in 2059, the centennial of the sundial.

Expo 2012 is an event to be held in the Salt River American Indian Community, honoring the state’s Centennial.

Being held in conjunction with the Solanna Group, the Salt River community’s member-owned economic development and land advisory/investment firm, will establish a 10-month long World’s Fair style EXPO within the community.

As a 100 year birthday tribute to the people of Arizona, the Expo themes are “Nature’s Wisdom: and “The Future.” The (cont. on page 17)

LET’S GO! February 2012

17

FH Centennial cocktail party follows celebration A Centennial Celebration cocktail party fundraiser will follow the Fountain Hills commemorative event Sunday, Feb. 12.

To be held at the Community Center, the event will have an early Arizona theme with live music, appetizers and drinks.

Music will be provided by The Dirt Music Express, known for their “American roots” music.

In addition to food, drink and entertainment, everyone who purchases a ticket to the celebration will be entered into a “reverse raffle,” a raffle with a twist. The grand prize is $500, and participants must be present to win. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased for $5 each at the door.

All proceeds benefit the Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association’s general

fund. The fund supports various community activities including the Choir Fest, piano competition, an upcoming Town Council candidate forum along with the annual Club, Organization and Volunteer Expo. The FHCCA is the parent organization of the Public Art Committee, the Community Chorus, the Community Band, In-Home Concert Series and others.

The Centennial Celebration cocktail party will be held in the Ballroom of the Community Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through FHCCA board member Denise Baldwin at dennieb@cox.net .They also are available at Gridleys of Fountain Hills, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains.

STATE’S CELEBRATION (cont. from page 16)

fair is designed as a symbolic portal to the next 100 years. The event will be held from Feb. 14 through November 2012.

People, businesses and nonprofits who are 100 years old or older this year will be honored at a special Arizona Centennial Centenarian Brunch Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Gov. Jan Brewer, Secretary of State Ken Bennett, The Honorable Sandra Day O’Conner (retired) and Gov. George W.P. Hunt (aka Don Shields) will be on hand to commemorate the honorees. Pat McMahon will serve as master of ceremonies.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theater will offer “A 100 Year Retrospective through Music, Song and Dance.”

Arizona will be center stage at the “Gala of a Century,” Tuesday, Feb. 14. The el-

egant signature event caps off a season of celebration on Arizona’s 100th birthday.

The grand affaire takes place in the 46,000-square-foot North Ballroom of the Phoenix Convention Center, beginning with cocktails at 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds from “Fandango! Arizona” help underwrite Arizona Centennial activity dedicated to education and commemoration of Arizona’s 100 Years through the production of time-honored Signature Events and Projects that provide the opportunity to observe Arizona’s 100 Years of Statehood.

Tickets range from $250 for individuals to a variety of sponsorship levels, including $50,000 or more for major sponsors.

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18

LET’S GO! February 2012

Musicfest gets under way

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet will appear in concert Friday, Feb. 24, as part of the Musicfest Festival Orchestra series. Trombonist Chris Brubeck is one of the second generation of America’s “first family of music,” as son of jazz great Dave Brubeck.

Arizona Musicfest gets under way Friday, Feb. 3, and continues through March 2.

The premier winter music festival presents top artists of classical, Broadway, jazz and pop in programs at venues throughout Scottsdale and Carefree.

Musicfest 2012 begins with the “The Greatest Hits of the ‘70s” as four Broadway performers sing the “feel good” songs of the era. Other guest artists over the course of the month include Imani Winds, Dan Levinson’s Palomar Quartet, piano Andrew von Oeyen and Barbara Rosene.

Chris Brubeck is this year’s Artist-inResidence, appearing as a classical composer, performing as a member of the Brubeck Brothers Quartet and sharing the spotlight in Bob Moody’s Cabaret.

Arizona Musicfest 2012 is under the direction of Robert Moody. More than 60

musicians selected by Moody from orchestras throughout the country perform in four concerts: Classical Passion, Maestro’s Mix, Brubeck Brothers Quartet in Concert and The Verdi Requiem with the Arizona Musicfest Chorus and the UCLA Chorale, totaling 200 voices.

“Live performances, where we all journey together, are profound, thrilling and rejuvenating,” Mood said. “We musicians feel it as we perform, and you sense it in the concert hall. Nothing is more powerful.”

Ticket prices range from $35 to $90.

Student tickets are $5 for selected guest artists and free for Festival Orchestra concerts. Special Jazz Pack and Festival Orchestra ticket packages are available.

Call (480) 488-0806 or visit www. azmusicfest.org for tickets and detailed concert information.

26th Great Fair to bring 500 artists to Fountain Hills Brilliant blue skies and desert surroundings are the planned backdrop for the annual Fountain Hills Great Fair.

The event is set for Friday through Sunday, Feb. 24 through 26, along the Avenue

of the Fountains. Show times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free.

Booths are set up along the Avenue of the Fountains and Saguaro Boulevard.

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Visitors can stroll along and enjoy the variety of artworks in the art fair, as well as take in the Park and other sights in the area.

The Great Fair brings artists from all over the country. Sharon Morgan, event organizer for the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, said a number of new artists are appearing this year.

“We have some really interesting artists coming in February,” she said. “People will really enjoy the variety this year.

There are some 500 artists participating in this year’s fair. Morgan said she expects

more than 200,000 visitors over the three day event.

Food booths and seating areas are plentiful throughout the venue. Live musical entertainment, featuring the Sonas Brothers and Paul McDermott, also is featured each of the three days.

More than 200 volunteers called “The Purple People” will be on hand assisting artists as needed. This has been a tradition since the fair began.

Wheelchairs and scooters are available for rent. The event takes place, rain or shine.

Phoenix Open at TPC thru Feb. 5 PGA Tour members had until 5 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 27, to commit to play in the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The commitment deadline took place after Let’s Go’s deadline.

To date, four of the top six and 88 of the top 125 leading Money Winners from the 2011 PGA tour have committee to play in the upcoming open at the TPC Scottsdale.

The tourney got under way Jan. 30 and continues through Sunday, Feb. 5.

The field includes 39-time PGA Tour winner Phil Mickelson (who won the 1995 and 2005 Phoenix Opens), defending champion Mark Wilson, Rickie Fowler, Mark Calcavecchia, PGA Tour rookie Harris English and 15-time PGA Tour winner Fred Couples.

The 2012 tournament marks the 77th playing of the Phoenix Open, making it one of the five oldest events on the tour,

not including the major championships.

Tournament sponsor is Houston-based Waste Management, Inc.

Kudos to Grapeables Grapeables Wine Bar in Fountain Hills was selected one of the “top 10” wine bars in the Greater Phoenix area.

The establishment, located at 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd., received the accolade from The Arizona Republic. Grapeables also was named one of the “top 50: bars in the state

by Phoenix Magazine.

The wine bar is owned by Dave and Diane Link, who purchased Grapeables less than four years ago. The couple routinely brings musical entertainment to the local establishment and hosts wine tastings and other educational events.

LET’S GO! February 2012

19

Fascinated by faces

By Mike Scharnow Special for Let’s Go

S

haron Dennis never met a face she didn’t like.

And the same goes for a potential adventure.

While those two qualities certainly do not summarize Sharon Dennis the woman, they definitely helped mold the shutter bug into a professional photographer over the decades.

As if culling together a potential title for a book, she says, “The pure excitement of exploration and adventure….there’s nothing like it.

“I have had many extraordinary opportunities over my lifetime to travel and experience adventures.”

Naturally, all those experiences were recorded on film, allowing her to hone her photography skills and document landscapes, peoples, cultures and customs around the globe.

“My emphasis has always been on people, families, that human connection,” she says. “That’s my favorite work – anything with the human face.”

Portrait work thus remains her best art form, her favorite line of work. She loves shooting life-changing events (pregnancies, for example, or even babies being born), kids playing, anniversaries, generational photos, other special events.

She has covered her fair share of weddings for the past 30 years, but other than the occasional small, backyard wedding, Dennis is now happy to recommend two associates for weddings – Mim Hershey (27 years of experience as a photographer) and Michelle Fiorenza, based in Chicago.

Some of her favorite locales for shooting portraits include SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, the top of Eagle Mountain, Mayo Clinic Trail and Fountain Park.

The 13-year Fountain Hills resident shows little sign of slowing down. She regularly swims at the Fort McDowell Radisson Resort and hikes often. She has taken up the game of golf. She substitute teaches periodically in Fountain Hills’ schools. She likes to mentor young teens on the art of photography.

Yet she is always drawn to her vast collection of photos and her adventures. With 2012 slowly ticking away already, she has resolved to compile some books.

The first photo book will detail a year she spent in China from 1981-82 with her daughter, Courtney. Dennis was asked to teach English in that vast country. He daughter was in fourth grade at the time.

A chance meeting in Senegal in 1991 allowed Sharon Dennis to capture this iconic image.

“I have over 4,000 slides to sift through,” she says. “The book will be mostly photos, some anecdotes. It will document our adventures as a mom and her daughter in a foreign country.”

Her second book will concentrate on highlighting letters from a man (Arnold Vogeo) she met while on a ship traveling to New Zealand after leaving graduate school in 1967.

They became good friends and pen pals over the ensuing decades.

“He became a good family friend and a mentor,” Dennis says. “I kept every letter from him. Toward the end of his life he lost his English, so some of the letters will need to be translated from German.

“It was a type of relationship that people don’t have anymore. We actually wrote hand-written letters to each other.”

Her third planned book would revolve around a one-month trip she took to Senegal, Africa with Leslie Rabine from the University of California-Irvine.

“The photos would highlight the faces of people, the friendships you can make in a month,” she adds.

The fourth tome will be an adventure/ (cont. on page 20)

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LET’S GO! February 2012

Finding the funny

by Bob Howard Open Mic Nights and Classes So, you think you can be funny.

There are lots of ways to find out, but one of the most common is getting on stage at an open mic. Most folks think that if a club says open mic, anyone can get up there and take a shot. While that may be the classic definition, it does not always apply. You need to check the rules of the comedy club you are going to before you make that attempt at stardom.

Actually there are few open mic nights of any variety in the Phoenix area. Neither the Tempe Improv nor Standup Live

in downtown Phoenix has an open mic night. Both of them have free shows and I will get to that later. But, if you want to get on those stages, you are going to have to take some classes or have some contacts.

There is a classic open mic night at Standup Scottsdale, 6820 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, on Wednesday nights. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8. The shows are free. If you get there early enough, you just need to sign up, and they will put you on stage for five to seven minutes.

They indicate you will get more time if it’s going well. I am not sure if they limit the numbers but my guess would be that there won’t be more than 10 to 15 performers on any given night just because most shows only go for two hours. No auditions, no requirements, just show up and go up. They seem to tolerate just about any attempts at humor and let the audience be the judge of what is happening.

The other regular open mic in town is at the Comedy Spot, 7117 E. Third Ave., Scottsdale on the last Sunday of the month. Doors open at 6 and the show runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 with a two item minimum. You have to sign up for this show in advance on line, and they only book a little over 10 performers for each show. The comic’s time is five minutes their first time and five to seven minutes on subsequent performances if

they like you. The comics are expected to promote the show and bring at least three to five audience members. If you don’t bring anyone, you lose your spot. They have a dress code and expect the material to be PG-13. They indicate that they will cut off the mic if you do something offensive or distasteful. To get a spot, you need to email them a list of prior shows and send a link where they can see a video of your comedy.

The Comedy Spot recommends that you take some classes on standup, and they offer them on a regular basis, which is another way to get initial stage time as most classes have a graduation night where all

the students get a chance to perform. The Tempe Improv also has regular classes and graduation shows. These shows are usually on an off night in the middle of the week. But, many of them are free and it is another way to get on to a bigger stage.

Standup Live in downtown Phoenix is not offering classes, but they do have a once a month showcase show that is booked locally. It is on the last Wednesday of the month and admission is free.

It is not even close to an open mic night because they use six local comics and a featured headliner. Most of the local folks you will see at these shows have been (cont. on page 22)

Quality Consignments Off on an adventure, Sharon Dennis and her daughter, Courtney, spent a year in China in the early 1980s. Courtney still had to do her homework, however.

Natural lighting allowed Dennis to frame this family photo.

SHARON DENNIS (cont. from page 19)

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travel photo book exploring Costa Rica, Europe, Slovenia and other places.

“The emphasis once again will be on people, families, the human connection,” she says.

“I’m hoping these things will encourage young people to get away from the computers once in a while and get on a port and go see the world….

“I’ve been on a lot of adventures, and I want to inspire young children to explore rather than just learn about things on the Internet. I want to share that enthusiasm I had.”

Dennis was asked a long time ago to “shoot faces” at a Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, and she’s been hooked on photography ever since.

She worked in the late ‘70s as a stringer for The Cleveland Press, shot sports at Cleveland State and eventually became the

official city photographer for Cleveland Heights, working with every department on a variety of photography tasks.

“I never said no to an assignment,” she says. “I grew up with newspapers and have always liked to write and photograph. I suppose a lot of the stuff I’ve done took more guts than brains…

“Any photography of the human face is exciting to me, but the documentary and photojournalistic work, especially in foreign countries like Africa and Asia, where language was a barrier, was extra special to me.

“The human side to connecting with and through a camera, bridging the gap between cultures – using smiles and gestures, for example – is very important to me, along with the excitement and adventure of foreign travel.”

And so the adventures continue…

For those who want to explore using the photography skills of Sharon Dennis, she can be reached at (480) 836-8556 or visit www.sddphoto.com.

LET’S GO! February 2012

21

Clay Thompson: Arizona’s ‘official’ Thinker

By Linda McThrall Let’s Go! Editor Reporters like to conduct interviews.

They do not like to be on the other side of the notebook.

Just ask Clay Thompson, the popular columnist who writes “Valley 101” for The Arizona Republic. He will be in Fountain Hills speaking and signing his books Saturday, Feb. 4. After an interview request for Let’s Go! Thompson replied, “such things make me uncomfortable, but if you would really like an interview write me back and we’ll set up a time. thank you for your interestt (sic).”

The next day, the interview took place over the phone. Thompson has a nice, Midwestern accent. He has a quiet voice, and he seems amiable, as you would expect from someone from Iowa.

“Valley 101” has been running in the Arizona Republic since 2000. The column started out as daily piece about outdoor Arizona. It has evolved, and Thompson daily answers questions from readers. He has a running tally of who is right more often, men or women (women lead), refers to his dogs as Dumb and Dumber, mentions his daughters and often runs call-in contests in which readers can win prizes.

Thompson lives in Phoenix with his two dogs, whose names are not Dumb and Dumber. He didn’t want to say what their names are. He said he requires people to say he is 42 if they request his

Clay Thompson’s newest book, Occupy Gooberville, will be available when he appears at Fountain Hills Library Feb. 4.

age, which is 62.

He grew up on a dairy farm near Vinton, Iowa, which is located between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. He went to school at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, majoring in history and political science. He took two terms in newswriting to satisfy English requirements for his degree and kind of liked it.

“I thought it was something I might like to do,” he said.

He started his newspaper career at a small newspaper in Davenport.

“I worked for screamers,” Thompson said.

Screamers?

“You know, people who yell,” he said.

Apparently something like his masters he now works for in the Dark Tower, a reference he makes frequently in his column.

Thompson said he enjoyed his days in small newspapers and wouldn’t mind doing it again, although he said he really likes his job now. He started at The Phoenix Gazette in 1979 and worked most of his years there as a general assignment reporter. The final two years he was assistant city editor, which is how he started when The Gazette folded and he went to work for the sister company, The Arizona Republic.

After a couple of years, Thompson went back to working religion, features and general assignments.

“I never wanted to be stuck in one place in newspapers,” he said. “I like general assignment work.”

Which is perfect, considering his column covers just about any general topic you can imagine. He has written about mockingbirds (frequently), acclimating to Arizona temps (hot and cold), the value of flies, driving in Phoenix and the times the sun rises or sets, among about a million other subjects.

Thompson said he likes the research part of his job, as well as the things people think about.

“It’s always interesting to learn about what people wonder about,” he said. “They think of stuff I would never think of. It’s kind of amazing really.”

Thompson said he has a long list of experts from ASU and UofA who can answer the mysterious questions he gets.

He also has reference books, and of course, he said he uses the Internet.

Thompson indicated he doesn’t live a fun-packed life, but he’s a pretty happy

guy.

“I like to read a lot, and I drive around and see the sights,” he said. “I do a lot of crosswords.”

He said he knows a lot of dirty jokes, but he wouldn’t tell any. He said the joke about the Schnauzer is especially funny, but unprintable, and he likes the killer bee joke, too, but it remained untold.

While he noted more than once that he does not like to be interviewed, he does like people.

“I like being in contact with people,” he said. “I like to get the feeling for what they like and what they don’t enjoy.”

Thompson said he thinks his columns are popular for particular reasons: he does not do politics, war or government.

“I wrote a column a while ago about something or other, and I had a

throw-away line that said something like ‘Since when do we torture people? We’re supposed to be the good guys.’

“I got a lot of e-mails from people saying they didn’t read my column to read about torture. They read it because it isn’t about that stuff.”

Thompson’s columns are light, but they also are enlightening. He now has three books featuring his best columns.

The newest book, Occupy Gooberville, will be available at the book signing in Fountain Hills, along with his other publications, The Valley 101 Great Big Book of Life and Clay Thompson’s Valley 101: A Slightly Skewed Guide to Living in Arizona.

Thompson said he enjoys his book tours.

“I probably have the greatest collection of Arizona Rotary Club coffee cups in the state,” he said.

When asked what people are most surprised to find when he makes a public appearance, he answered without a pause.

“They are always surprised at how good looking I am,” he said. “Actually nobody has ever expressed any surprise when they meet me.”

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LET’S GO! February 2012

Fountain Hills Branch Library Fountain Hills Library has a busy February scheduled.

Activities are scheduled before and after the facility is closed for Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 20.

Regular library hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (602) 652-3000 for more information. The Friends of the Library Bookstore, located just outside the library, can be reached at (602) 652-3263.

The library is located at 12901 N.

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LaMontana Drive. For a complete listing of services, visit www.mcldaz.org.

February events are as follows:

Children

Happily Ever after on Thursday Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 – 10-11 a.m.

Story time especially for infants to age three. Stories, finger plays, rhymes and crafts for fun and for skill development of this age group. “Shapes” is the theme for February. Conference Room.

Writing Box Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, 4-5 p.m.

Words can be explored in many different ways. One example is doodling. The Writing Box sessions will help participants explore different kinds of doodling and self-expression. Some of the works will be published in a doodling book. For ages 9-12. Conference Room.

Once upon a Monday Feb. 6, 13 and 27 – 10-11 a.m.

Preschoolers are invited each Monday for stories, activities and crafts. The theme this month is “Preschool Concepts.” Conference Room.

Ready to Read Family Story Times Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

Children get ready to read long before they start school. One of the six essential early literacy skills is highlighted at each of the story time sessions. At the end of each story time, families will receive a book to keep. For families with children 0-5.

Lightbulb Lab Saturday, Feb. 11, 3-4 p.m.

Registration is required for the lab that meets once a month to conduct and record fun science experiments. Ages 5-8. The September lab is “5 senses.”

All Ages

Music in the Library – Alex & Maldonado Saturday, Feb. 11, 2-3 p.m.

Alex Maldonado and Nick Maldonado are a father and son who play a mixture of cultural and contemporary Native American music. They have performed together for the past 12 years. Alex is an award-winning Native American artist and flute player/maker. Nicholas performs percussion using a custom-made native drum set that mimics the set-up of a contemporary drum set.

Music in the Library – The Swinging with Dean Show Saturday, Feb. 18, 2-3 Dean Ratzman touches on the styles of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Cole Porter, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, The Beach Boys, Santana and others, as well as

Clay Thompson in FH Feb. 4 Clay Thompson, the author of Valley 101 column in the Arizona Republic, will appear in Fountain Hills Saturday, Feb. 4.

The event will be held at Fountain Hills Library starting at 2 p.m. Thompson will speak and sign books. His three books, The Valley 101 Great Big Book of Life, Clay Thompson’s Valley 101: A Slightly Skewed Guide to

Feeling Tired, Fat, Sluggish or Bloated?

Living in Arizona and his latest, Occupy Gooberville, will be available for sale at the River of Time Museum before and after he speaks. All three books are collections of his columns which have appeared in the Republic over the years.

The lecture is free.

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Chain Reaction (Video Club) Wednesdays, Feb. 1, 8, 22, 29, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Check out this group if you are interested in creating videos from pre-production (writing), production (filming) to post-production (editing) for live-action and animation. The plan is to create a collaborative work each month.

Special Edition Chain Reaction (Video Club) & Silent Film Screening Wednesday, Feb. 15, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

This special session will feature the showing of three silent film shorts from the 1920s with ragtime piano accompaniment by local teen, Caleb Black.

Guitar Club (Performance, not instruction) Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Guitar players are invited to come out and jam in Centennial Circle. There may be discussions about trends, theories, tricks, tips and techniques.

Anime Cinema Saturday, Feb. 4 and 18, 3-4:45 p.m.

Warm up with Anime film screening.

Game On Fridays, Feb. 10 and 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Bring your remotes, consoles and games, rated E or T. No M or first-person shooters. Play Xbox, Playstation, Wii, Nintendo, Foosball and board games. Snacks provided. Conference Room.

Teen Council Tuesday, Feb. 28, 3:30-4 p.m.

Fountain Hills Branch Library wants teens to participate on its teen council. Be a part of planning activities, scheduling performances and creating a cozy teen corner in the Library.

FUNNY (cont. from page 20)

performing for several years or more. It is a great way to sample the better comics out there around town because the person booking the show is looking for proven talent and not first-timers.

I got started by taking a class and then performing for five minutes during an improv comedy show. My big break came in winning a comedy contest where the prize was opening at the Tempe Improv for a real headliner. In my case it was Wanda Sykes. If you have never tried it, I would start with the class and see how you do at graduation. You just never know where it will lead.

Bob Howard will be performing at the Comedy Spot on Friday, Feb. 24, at 8 and 10 p.m. If you want to e-mail him, send it to findingthefunny@hotmail.com.

23

LET’S GO! February 2012

O’Flynn Senior Activity Center The John O’Flynn Senior Activity Center will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in honor of Presidents Day. The center will have some special events in Feburary in honor of the state’s 100th birthday.

The activity center is located in the Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N. LaMontana Drive. Call (480) 816-5226.

It provides hundreds of opportunities each year. The center has an annual membership fee of $17 effective Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2012, which entitles members to participate in many activities. Membership is not limited to “seniors.” All adults 18 and over are eligible for membership.

Upcoming events follow: Special Centennial Presentations Dobson Sheep Walking: Heber-Reno Trail, Monday, Feb. 6, 2-3 p.m. Free for members, $3 for non-members. Preregistration required. Reference Course #5492.

Vanished Arizona: Arizona Army Life by a New England Woman, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 10-11 a.m. $3 non-member fee.

Pre-registration required. Reference Course #5943.

Heard Museum: “Goldwater’s Arizona,” Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2-3 p.m. $3 non-

member fee. Pre-registration required.

Reference Course #5931.

Arizona, 100 Years and Still Kicking, Thursday, Feb. 9, noon-12:30 p.m. followed by Q&A. $3 non-member fee. Preregistration required. Reference course #5944.

Yavapai Lunch and River of Time Museum Tour, Monday, Feb. 13, noon-2 p.m.

Fee is $10 in cash, payable at the luncheon to the museum director. Reservations required. Reference Course #5945.

Other Special Events Avoiding Falls presentation by Schultz Chiropractic Clinic, Thursday, Feb. 2, 1-2 p.m. $3 non-member fee. Pre-registration required. Reference Course #5952.

Living with Memory Loss Workshop, Thursday, Feb. 16, 1-3 p.m. $3 nonmember fee. Pre-registration required.

Reference Course #5936.

Health Talk by Spooner & Shaft, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 9:15-9:45 a.m. $3 nonmember fee. Pre-registration required.

Reference Course #5934.

Sugars and Sweeteners presentation by Scottsdale HealthCare, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 10-11 a.m. $3 non-member fee. Preregistration required. Reference Course #5950.

Bronze Sculpture – Creation to Completion, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 10-11 a.m. $3 non-member fee. Pre-registration required. Reference Course #5937.

AARP Defensive Safe Driving Class, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pick up flyer for details on payment. Pre-registration required. Reference Course #5939.

Regular Activities Activity Center membership is required for these activities.

Monthly: Classical Music Matinee – third Wednesday, 1– 3 p.m.

Swing Time Music – third Tuesday, 10 a.m. -noon.

Armchair Travelogue, third Wednesday, 9-10:30 a.m. Desert Beekeepers, A Sherlock Holmes Book Club, Friday, Feb. 10, 3-5 p.m. “The Engineer’s Thumb.”

Scrabble Club, first and third Wednesday, 1-4 p.m.

Women’s Singles, second Wednesday, 2-3 p.m.

Hand & Foot Cards, second and fourth Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon.

Quilts N’ More, first and third Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. Program is open to anyone who wants to join in the wonderful world of sewing and quilting.

Golden Age of Radio, first Thursday, 1-3 p.m.

Bunko, First Thursday, 6-8 p.m.

Activity Center membership is required

for the following: Weekly: Ping Pong, Mondays, 9-11 a.m.

Men’s Discussion Group, Mondays, 9-10:30 a.m.

Conversational Spanish (some Spanish skills needed to practice speaking the language), Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Hooks and Needles, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.noon. (except Jan. 3) Line Dancing (advanced) Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (except Jan. 3) Bridge (contract-beginners), every Monday, noon-3 p.m.

Mah Jongg, Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m. (except Jan. 3) Movie, Tuesdays, 1-3:30 p.m. (except Jan. 3) Bingo, Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. (except Jan. 3) Must be 21 or older.

Poker, Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. (except Jan. 4) Line Dancing (intermediate), Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing (introduction), Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m.

Spanish II (intermediate), Thursdays, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Table Talk, a women’s discussion group, Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.

Parkinson’s Art Group, Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.

Parkinson’s Exercise, Fridays, 9-10 a.m. and 10-11 a.m.

Dominoes, Fridays, 1-4 p.m.

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24

LET’S GO! February 2012

Via Linda Senior Center The Via Linda Senior Center Knitting Group is meeting again after a long hiatus.

The group meets the first Monday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m., and the third Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Those interested are invited to the center, 10440 E. Via Linda.

The center will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in honor of Presidents Day. It will reopen as usual Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Regular center hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the service desk, (480) 312-5810, for information and to register for some classes.

Two special events are planned for February. The “All Things Senior” Expo is set for Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Scottsdale Center for the Per-

forming Arts, 7380 E. Second St. The event is free to attend. The expo will feature information on senior-related resources all in one place.

A Sweetheart Dance is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the center. The event will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $3 for residents, and $5 for non-residents.

February events: Check with the center for days and times for blood pressure checks, table tennis and vision screenings.

Volunteer opportunities are available.

Those wishing to volunteer may call the center for a list of opportunities and complete information.

Events that occur weekly on the same day are support groups for Divorced or Separated (Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon); Benefits Assistance (Wednesdays, 9:30

a.m. to noon, call for appointment); Grief and Loss (Wednesdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m.); Men’s Group (Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.); Master Gardener Q & A, (Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); Can We Talk discussion group (Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon); Market Strategies (Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m.); and Bipolar (Fridays, 3 to 4:30 p.m.).

Other regularly scheduled events include Billiard Tournaments (Mondays, 1 to 5 p.m.); Movie Matinees (Saturdays, 1:30 p.m.); and Open Cards and Games, daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Partners, Wednesday, Feb. 1 and 15; 11:30 to 1 p.m.

Women’s Discussion, Friday, Feb. 3 and 17, 10 a.m. to noon.

Knitting Group, Monday, Feb. 6, 1-3 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Chronic Pain Support, Wednesday, Feb. 8 and 22, 6:30 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support, Wednesday, Feb. 8 and 22, 11:30 a.m.

Sing-Along, Friday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. –

12:30 p.m. (Call to confirm.)

Caregivers’ Support, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

MS Support, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 5 to 7 p.m.

Mended Hearts, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Book Discussion, Thursday, Feb. 16, 10:30 a.m. The Glass Room by Simon Mawer.

Low Vision Group, Thursday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m.

Library Services. Friday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m.

Lyme disease, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2:30 p.m.

Hearing Test, Tuesday, Feb. 21, call for appointment.

Legal Services, Tuesday, Feb. 21, appointments required from 10 a.m. to noon.

IPF Support, Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.

(Call to confirm.)

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LET’S GO! February 2012

PREVIEW

by Ryan Winslett FEBRUARY RELEASES Feb. 3

The Woman in Black When a lawyer travels to a mysterious village to sort out the affairs of a recently deceased client, he discovers dark secrets that could cost him his sanity.

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe Genre: Horror, Drama MPAA Rating: Rating pending.

Chronicle When three high school friends discover they have superpowers, their bonds will be tested as they struggle to keep the power from going to their heads.

Starring: Michael B. Jordan Genre: Sci-Fi MPAA Rating: Rating pending.

Big Miracle When a family of gray whales are in danger of becoming trapped in the Arctic

Jan. 10 Journey 2: The Mysterious Island A family answers a distress call coming from a mysterious island that shouldn’t exist. Home to mountains of gold, gigantic creatures and all sorts of other strange phenomena, the family must rescue the castaway and escape before the island sinks back into the ocean.

Starring: Dwayne Johnson Genre: Adventure, Family MPAA Rating: PG for brief mild language.

Safe House One of the CIA’s most wanted finally resurfaces and is put into a safe house to keep him off the grid. When this haven is attacked, a rookie operative gets caught in the crossfire and must join the renegade in a quest to discover who wants them both dead.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds Genre: Thriller MPAA Rating: Rating pending.

Feb. 24

Feb. 17

Good Deeds When a man who has always done what is expected of him breaks the norm by offering to help a woman in need, it sparks in him a desire to cast off his old life and begin a new existence of philanthropy.

Starring: Tyler Perry Genre: Comedy, Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Johnny Blaze must unleash the Ghost Rider once again in order to stop the powers of darkness from taking over the world.

Starring: Nicolas Cage Genre: Action, Adventure MPAA Rating: Rating pending.

Star Wars: Episode I 3D Relive the fourth Star Wars film and follow young Anikin Skywalker on his path to the Dark Side in glorious 3D .

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGreagor, Natalie Portman Genre: Sci-Fi MPAA Rating: PG for action/violence.

This Means War Two top CIA agents use their unparalleled skill against one another when they both fall in love with the same woman.

Starring: Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine Genre: Action, Comedy MPAA Rating: Rating pending.

The Vow A woman loses the memories of her marriage following a car crash. Now her husband must win her over a second time.

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum Genre: Romance MPAA Rating: Rating pending.

The Secret World of Arrietty The latest film from Studio Ghibli is based on the award-winning children’s book, “The Borrowers,” about a race of tiny people who live out their lives under the floorboards, swiping what they need from the large, bumbling humans.

Starring (voices): Mirai Shida, Shinobu Otake Genre: Animated, Family MPAA Rating: G.

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Wanderlust When a wound up Manhattan couple find themselves on the road to Atlanta to live with barely tolerable relatives following a financial collapse, they stumble upon the odd town of Elysium along the way. Could these kooky residents and their disregard for money, careers, and sometimes clothing, be what this stressed duo is looking for?

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Starring: Roselyn Sanchez Genre: Action, Thriller MPAA Rating: R for violence and language.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

The weather is here – wish you were beautiful McDowell Mountain Regional Park’s Interpretive Ranger Amy Ford has a number of programs planned for February.

Program changes or cancellations are posted on the Website, maricopa.gov/ parks/mcdowell. Call (480) 471-0173, ext. 201, or e-mail Ranger Amy Ford at amyford@mail.maricopa.gov for more information.

The park is located north of Fountain Hills on McDowell Mountain Road, the extension of Fountain Hills Boulevard.

There is a $6 fee per vehicle to enter the park.

Lunchtime Birding: Desert Learning Series with Ranger Amy, Wednesday, Feb. 1, noon-1 p.m., Bring a sack lunch and have questions for Ranger Amy, a lifelong birder, who will discuss the hobby of desert bird watching. Indoor program at the Visitor Center.

Little Critters Storytime with Ranger Amy, Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. (Geared toward preschoolers and up.)

Themed program set around a children’s book read aloud by Ranger Amy. Activities vary and may include live animals, songs, crafts and/or puppet plays. Visitor Center.

Friday Fitness Hikes, all starting at 8 a.m. Hike lengths vary. Feb. 3 (meet at North Trailhead for a three-mile hike on the North Trail); Feb. 10 (meet at Lousley Hill Trailhead for 1.2 mile hike in the Ironwood Picnic Loop); Feb. 17 (Trailhead Staging Area for 3.2 mile hike to Pemberton Ranch); Feb. 24 (meet at Trailhead Staging Area for a 4.8 mile Scenic Trail hike).

Team RPM Circuit Road Race, Saturday, Feb. 4, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Race starts in the Palo Verde Picnic Loop. The North Trail will not be accessible to the public until mid-afternoon. Parking is in the Ironwood Picnic Area. USCF sanctioned race on a 1.6 mile loop. Visit www.azcycling.com/ o6calflyers/rpm_06_v21.htm for more information.

Desert Birdwalks, Saturday, Feb. 4, 1011:30 a.m., Wagner Trail; Saturday, Feb. 25, 10-11 a.m., Nursery Tank Trailhead. No previous birding experience is required.

Participants will look for winter sparrows,

phainopeplas and signs of the park’s resident owls. Meet at the Wagner Trailhead in the campground.

Reptile and Live Animal Feeding at McDowell, Saturday, Feb. 4, and Saturday, Feb. 25, 1-2 p.m. Watch as some of the animals eat. Ask questions, meet the park’s huge wolf spider, a diamondback rattler and a giant hairy scorpion. Visitor Center.

Xterra Trail Run Series, Sunday, Feb. 5, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. This race is the third in a series of desert races. Points are awarded to the top finishers in each age group for long distance events. Visit www.aztrailrace.com for details.

Cactus Myth Busters, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Saturday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join Ranger Amy to learn about desert myths. Meet at North Trail.

February Full Moon Hike – for all ages, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7-9:30 p.m. p.m. Meet at the Trailhead Staging area. If you haven’t experienced a desert night hike, you will enjoy this. Ranger Amy, who will lead the hike, said you haven’t really seen the desert until you have been on a night hike. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Flashlights are not necessary but permitted. No pets, please.

Brown Bag Historic Pemberton Ranch Hike, Friday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hike begins at the Trailhead Staging Area for a two-hour, three mile hike. Bring a bag lunch, plenty of water and sturdy shoes.

No pets, please.

Pemberton Trail 50K, Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 a.m.3 p.m. This is the 12th annual Pemberton 50K ultra-marathon. Runners will complete two laps on the Pemberton Trail. Staging takes place at the Trailhead #1 ramada. Visit http://trailrun.net/pembertonweb.html.

Live Birds of Prey with Liberty Wildlife, Saturday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-noon. This annual event features a number of Arizona raptors. Cameras are welcome.

Valentine’s Campfire Sing-along with S’mores, Saturday, Feb. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a sing-along campfire with s’mores under the starry desert sky. Join Ranger Amy and special guest, Ranger Doc from

Dixie Mine hike set for Feb. 11 Steve Fleming, chair of the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills, will lead a hike Saturday, Feb. 11 in to the McDowell Mountains.

The five- to six-mile round trip hike takes moderate to difficult turns to the historic Dixie Mine. Fleming will discuss early mining history of the area, take hik-

ers to the lower shaft entry to the mine and lead those who wish to go to some petroglyphs.

Hikers will meet at the Golden Eagle parking area at 8 a.m. Bring plenty of water, snacks and a full-brimmed hat. Sturdy shoes also are highly recommended.

White Tank Park as they sing. Adults only.

Dress appropriately, bring a flashlight.

S’more fixings provided. Trailhead Staging Area.

Close Encounters of the Reptilian Kind, Feb. 12, 9-10 a.m. Ranger Amy introduces participants to some of the cold-blooded creatures of the desert. All ages invited.

Indoor program at the Visitor Center.

What’s in that Hole? Sunday, Feb. 12, 1-2:30 p.m. Ranger Amy will lead participants along the North Trail to see what is living underground.

Medicinal Plant Walk, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Feb. 29, 12:30-1:30 p.m. The desert is full of plants with healing properties. Ranger Amy will lead a 1 ½-2 mile walk along the North Trail to show hikers which plants are considered to have medicinal value.

Welcome to the “Wild West” – An Introduction to the Sonoran Desert, Friday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 30, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Arizonans have bragging rights about living in the desert with cactus that jump and snakes that rattle.

But how dangerous is the desert really? Join Ranger Amy for a “hands-on” introduction to the Sonoran Desert. Meet at the North

Trail Trailhead.

“Backyard Birding,” Saturday, Feb. 18, 9-10 a.m. This introduction to desert birds provides visitors with a chance to see the birds up close and personal as they come to feeders located behind the Visitors Center.

History of Stoneman Road, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. Park Supervisor Rand Hubbell discusses the establishment of Stoneman Road and its importance to Valley development. The program takes place around the fire ring at the Visitors Center, weather permitting. Bring camp chair and blanket if desired.

Wildflower Photography for Newbies, Sunday, Feb. 26, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Hikers will seek out the earliest hints of color and learn basic composition and style. Bring a camera and plenty of water. Meet at the North Trailhead.

The Desert Grocery Store, Thursday, Feb. 23, 10-11:30 a.m.. Meet at the North Trail Trailhead for a 1 ½ mile interpretive hike learning about what people used to eat before grocery stores came to the Valley.

Dixie Mine Hidden Petroglyph Hike, Sunday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-noon. The Dixie Mine is one of the best kept secrets in the Park.

Ryan’s movie picks

by Ryan Winslett February is one of those smorgasbord months in which theaters have a little something to offer pretty much everyone.

Horror fans will eat up The Woman in Black while Sci-Fi nerds will likely flock to Star Wars: Episode I 3D. Then there is Safe House (explosive action), Wanderlust (goofy comedy) and The Vow (romance).

See? If you like movies, there’s probably something there for you.

The real winners this month, though, are the folks in the market for family friendly fare. A nice selection of animated and live action films look to keep younger and older audiences alike entertained through the next 29 days.

If I have to narrow the selection down to just a single film, though, it would have to be The Secret World of Arrietty.

From the legendary Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Ponyo, Howl’s Moving Castle) comes this adaptation of childhood classic, “The Borrowers.”

Ghibli is known for its breathtaking animation and heartwarming tales that pretty much anyone with a pulse can be swept up in.

If you’re in the mood for loads of eye

candy, lovable characters and a magical experience at the local theater, the Secret World of Arrietty (Feb. 17) is likely your best bet this month.

Area theaters Want to catch a flick? Check out these theaters in the Northeast Valley (call for show times): Harkins Shea 14 Luxury Cinemas, 7354 E. Shea Blvd.; (480) 222-4275 ext. #040.

Cine Capri at Scottsdale 101, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd.; (480) 222-4275 ext. #007.

AMC Desert Ridge, 21001 N. Tatum, Suite 32; (602) 956-4262.

Studio Movie Grill, 15515 N. Hayden; (480) 991-3106.

Cinemark Mesa 16, 1051 N. Dobson Rd; 1-800-FANDANGO, ext. 2127# Harkins Tempe Marketplace and Cine Capri, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway; 480-557-0027, Ext. 021 (Marketplace) and 032 (Cine Capri).

UltraStar Scottsdale Pavilions, 9090 E. Indian Bend Rd.; (480) 278-7324.

LET’S GO! February 2012

Antiques

ON THE

28th Annual Phoenix Antiques, Bottles and Collectibles Club Show & Sale

Your guide for places to go and things to do in the Northeast Valley and around the state.

Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but dates and times are subject to change without notice.

North Phoenix Baptist Church (602) 317-4438 www.phoenixantiquesclub.org Feb. 25-26 Toys, railroad, depression glass, Fred Harvey, dolls, china, coins, signs, mining, much more. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.4 p.m. $3.

Az Centennial Iconic Arizona Celebrating the Arizona Centennial with Photographs from the Center for Creative Photography Phoenix Art Museum (602) 257-1880 www.phxart.org Through March 4 Take a visual tour of Arizona’s famous places and iconic symbols from the Grand Canyon to the Hoover Dam, all commemorating the 100th year of Arizona statehood. $4-$12.

A Hundred Years in the Desert

Find us on facebook

facebook.com/myletsgo

Herbert Theater Center Art Gallery Phoenix (602) 254-7399, ext. 117 www.herbergertheater.org/art_gallery Through April 2 The work of 26 Arizona artists will be highlighted, celebrating what it means to live in the desert and how life has changed here over time. Opening reception is Saturday, Jan. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free and open to the public.

AZ for the West: Celebrating the Centennial Burton Barr Library Phoenix (602) 262-4636 http://phoenixpubliclibrary.org Through Aug. 31 A series of events explore the state’s 100-year history with books and original art

by Arizona authors and illustrators from the library’s Center for Children’s Literature. The commemoration features “From Story Rock to Story Books.”

AZest for the West Burton Barr Library Phoenix (602) 262-4636 http://phoenixpubliclibrary.org Feb. 1 through April 30 “Six Degrees to James McClintock,” featuring an exhibit of items including letters and photos of important people and events in Phoenix history bequeathed to the Arizona Room by newspaperman James McClintock.

Downtown Tempe Walk through History http://walkthruhistory.eventbrite.com.

Feb. 4 Tour focuses on the original Tempe (San Pablo/Hayden’s Ferry) town site with expert guides presenting the development and architecture within the contest of pre- and post-statehood history and growth with special attention to the conditions at the time of statehood. Registration, 9 a.m.; tours, 10 a.m.-noon.

Lunch at Monti’s, 11:30 a.m. $25.

Marshall Trimble Old Town Center for the Arts Cottonwood www.oldtowncenter.org Feb. 4 State Historian Marshall Trimble will tell some of the fascinating stories of Arizona and the west. 7 p.m. $18-$25.

Early Life at Fort McDowell Fountain Hills Community Center www.riveroftimemuseum.org Feb. 8 Learn about the area’s history. 10 a.m.

Arizona Best Fest Arizona State Capitol - Phoenix www.az100years.org/best-fest Feb. 10-12 The final in a series of festivals in each of the state’s territorial capitols presenting Arizona’s diversity by honoring the past, present and future. Created to be the largest and most educational festival in the state’s history.

27

Statehood Day Ceremony Yuma (928) 373-5198 www.yumaheritage.com Feb. 14 Fandango, ringing of bells, fireworks.

US Airways Classic Series— Centennial Celebration Grofe: Grand Canyon Suite Symphony Hall (602) 495-1999 www.phoenixsymphony.com Feb. 16-18 Featuring Michael Christie, the Grand Canyon Suite with panoramic photography commissioned from James Westwater. 7:30 and 8 p.m.

I Am AZ Music” MIM Celebrates 100 Years of Arizona Music The MIM - Phoenix (480) 478-6000 www.themim.org Feb. 18 The exhibition examines the state’s history through a musical lens and will include exhibits focused on influential artists, instrument makers, performing arts organizations and more.

Celebrate the Arizona Centennial Glendale Main Library Auditorium (623) 930-3539 www.glendaleaz.com Feb. 23 Find out what it was like to live in Arizona in 1912. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Arizona Centennial Moments II

Live at the Library: Marshall Trimble

Kerr Cultural Center Scottsdale (480) 596-5660 http://asuevents.asu.edu Feb. 8 A program in honor of Arizona’s 100th birthday. 9:30 a.m. Free, but RSVP.

Glendale Main Library Auditorium (623) 930-3539 www.glendaleaz.com Feb. 23 In celebration of the state’s Centennial, Trimble will lecture and perform western folk music and stories. 6:30 p.m.

Romancing Arizona

Art

The MIM Phoenix (480) 478-6000 www.themim.org Feb. 14 Celebrate Valentine’s Day and the state’s 100th birthday with live local entertainment, food and drinks. 7 p.m. $50-$60.

Arizona Centennial Train and Centennial Sweetheart Dinner Grand Canyon Railway Williams www.thetrain Feb. 14 Ride behind a steam locomotive to the Grand Canyon. Entertainment, dinner. Proceeds will be donated to the Historical Society to purchase preservation equipment. $7.50 for train ride, $50 for dinner.

Docent-Led Art Walks Miles: A Desert Odyssey through Public Art Fountain Hills Community Center (48) 816-5100 Feb. 4 Enjoy a docent-led tour of the extensive public art collection in the community. 9 and 11 a.m. $5.

Art in the Park Plaza Fountainside Fountain Hills www.fountainhillsartleague.com Feb. 4 Enjoy the work of local artists in the setting near Fountain Park. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free

28

LET’S GO! February 2012

Art on the Avenue & Farmers Market

Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival

Avenue of the Fountains Fountain Hills Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 Stroll the median on the Avenue of the Fountains and enjoy a rich talent of artists, jewelers, photographers and more. Farmers Market offers fresh produce and more. Held most Thursdays through April. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Scottsdale Waterfront (480) 837-5637 www.thunderbirdartists.com Feb. 17-19 More than 150 juried fine artists along with wineries and live musical entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3

Great Fair Fountain Hills (480) 837-1654 www.fountainhillschamber.com Feb. 24-26 Nearly 500 juried artists and craftspeople.

Food, entertainment, beer garden. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

11th Annual Ceramics Studio Tour Arizona Valentine Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (602) 273-2006 www.phoenix.gov Through May 3 Artwork from Arizona artists depicting their love for the state. Works have different formats, but each depicts a unique aspect of the 100-year-old state. Free.

22nd Annual Celebration of Fine Art Scottsdale Road and Loop 101 Freeway (480) 443-7695 www.www.celebrateart.com Through March 25 More than 100 juried artists create and sell their original works. Watch the creative process. Sculpture court, entertainment, food.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. $8.

Eighth Annual Arizona Fine Art Expo Corner of Jomax and Scottsdale Road (480) 837-7163 www.arizonafineartexpo.com Through April 1 100 nationally acclaimed fine artisans working in studio environment. Hands-on art demonstrations and workshops, entertainment, café, weekends feature musical entertainment.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. $8

Glendale Plein Air Painting Event Promenade on Palmaire - Glendale www.glendaleaz.com/arts Feb. 4 Open to any artist who paints using the Plein Air technique in watercolor, oil, acrylic or pastel. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Eighth Annual Best of Scottsdale ArtWalk Scottsdale Arts District (480) 990-3939 www.scottsdalegalleries.com Feb. 16 The highlights of Best of Scottsdale month and celebrates the state’s centennial. Music, munchies and more on the streets. 7-9 p.m.

Free.

Various venues Phoenix/Tempe http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu/studiotour feb. 25-26 More than 37 professional ceramic artists in the Phoenix metro are present their work.

View working and living spaces of participating artists. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

Bicycling Fourth Annual Girls Gone Riding Bike Ride Higley High School Parking Lot start Gilbert www.active.com Feb. 18 Choose your route and charity. 15-, 34-, 62and 100-mile routes. Enjoy bike lanes, female camaraderie and route support.

Books 56th Annual VNSA Used Book Sale State Fairgrounds - Phoenix (602) 265-6805 www.vnsabooksale.org Feb. 11-12 More than 600,000 books, paperbacks, videos, CDs, DVDs, albums, puzzles and bookrelated items. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission; parking fee.

Car Shows Eighth Annual Chandler Classic Car and Hot Rod Show Historic Downtown Chandler (480) 389-7709 www.chandleraz.gov Feb. 25 More than 300 classic cars and hot rods on display. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free

Cultural Events

games, clan booths, more. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $5-$15

Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Center

28th Annual Matsuri: A Festival of Japan

Phoenix Art Museum (602) 257-1880 http://phxart.org Through April 29 Surveys more than 150 works, 33 of which have never been exhibited publicly. Reflects on Wright’s impact during his lifetime and his significance today on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Taliesin West. $4-$12.

Heritage and Science Park - Phoenix (602) 262-5029 www.azmatsuri.org Feb. 25-26 The event highlights Japanese culture with entertainment, authentic crafts, food and fine arts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

10th Season of Native Trails

Ballet Folklorico de Antioquia, Colombia

Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza (480) 421-1004 www.culturequestscottsdale.com Feb. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 A series of free festivals presented by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation celebrating Native American Culture. Most Thursdays and Saturdays, noon-1:30 p.m. Free.

J.O.G.S. Show Tucson Expo Center www.jogsshow.com Through Feb. 7 One of a kind Southwestern jewelry pavilion composed of great Mexican and Native American designs fo turquoise and coral set in silver. Top dealers, miners, manufacturers with large stock of merchandise from Albuquerque, Mexico and China. $

22nd Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest Heard Museum - Phoenix (602) 252-8848 www.heard.org/hoop Feb. 11-12 Top American Indian and Canadian First Nation hoop dancers vie for the title of World Champion Hoop Dancer. More than $30,000 in prize money. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $4-$15.

19th Annual Southwest indian Art Fair Arizona State Museum Tucson (520) 621-6302 www.statemuseum.arizona.edu Feb. 18-19 Meet more than 200 Southwest Native artists with top-quality, handmade art including pottery, Hopi katsina dolls, paintings, jewelry, baskets, rugs, blankets, more. Demonstrations, music, dance performances. Saturday, 10 a.m.5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

48th Annual Arizona Scottish Highland Games Steele Indian School Park Phoenix (602) 431-0095 www.arizonascots.com Feb. 24-25 Competition, demonstrations, Highland dancers, ancient athletic events, children’s

Dance Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 3 Vivacious dance and musical traditions of Colombia. 8 p.m.

Moscow Festival Ballet: Cinderella Yavapai College Performance Hall Prescott www.yc.edu Feb. 4 7:30 p.m.

Trisha Brown Dance Company Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 16 Groundbreaking postmodern art and dance.

7:30 p.m.

Expos Fourth Annual AAA Arizona Highways Travel Show Phoenix Convention Center (480) 838-9123 www.aaa-azhwys.com Feb. 18-19 Phoenix’s largest travel and adventure show featuring more than 200 exhibitors, seminars and AAA booking stations.

International Sportsmen’s Expo University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale (800) 545-6100 www.sportsexpos.com Feb. 23-26 Some 300 exhibitors with the latest in adventure trips, hunting accessories, fishing gear and family fun. Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7-$15, under 12 free.

LET’S GO! February 2012

Family Fun Friday Night Franks Fort McDowell Adventures Fort McDowell (480) 816-6465, Ext. 1 Every Friday through Memorial Day Experience a cookout experience in the Sonoran Desert. Entertainment, food. Groups of 10 or more can call for reservations and package options. 5-10 p.m.

Harlem Globetrotters US Airways Center Phoenix (800) 745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Feb. 17-18 The world’s most famous basketball team.

7 and 2 p.m. $15 and up.

Classic Rock Invitational University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale (480) 784-4444 www.classicrockinvitational.com Feb. 17-19 Women’s competition at all levels. 1,500 gymnasts, teams from more than 30 states, boys and men’s competitions, three live bands. $11-$16 or weekend pass, $25.

Fashion Scottsdale Fashion Week Scottsdale Fashion Square www.scottsdalefashionweek.

Feb. 29 through March 3 A celebration of fashion and fine living from Milan to New York to Los Angeles. Runway shows, entertainment, drinks.

Festvals Sunday A’Fair Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 12, 19, 26 The valley’s top entertainers, arts and crafts, picnic baskets welcome, and food is available for purchase.

Noon-4 p.m. Free.

18th Annual Chocolate Affaire Murphy Park - Glendale (623) 930-2299 www.visitglendale.com Feb. 3-5 A celebration of chocolate and romance, gourmet cuisine and beverage, horse-drawn carriage rides, national entertainment, tours of Cerreta Candy Company. Friday, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

59th Annual Great Canadian Picnic South Mountain Park - Phoenix (480) 255-5865 www.canadianpicnic.com Feb. 4 Live music, games, more. Bring a picnic or purchase from Earl’s Grill. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

22nd Annual Winter Tractor and Engine Show Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area - Glendale (623) 930-4206 www.glendaleaz.com Feb. 11-12 Antique engine displays, engine demos, tractor pulls, plowing demonstrations, children’s events. More. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

24th Annual Arizona’s Renaissance Festival Apache Junction (620) 463-2700 www.renfestinfo.com Feb. 11 through April 1 A 30-acre medieval playground where history is the theme. A day of 16th century play for the whole family. Weekends, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $12-$22.

2012 International Carnevale Fountain Hills Community Center (480) 837-2825 www.fhsistercities.org Feb. 11 Fun, entertaining evening with dining, costumes, raffles and more. Proceeds help support international educational and humanitarian initiatives with Fountain Hills Sister Cities.

5:30 p.m. $75.

48th Annual Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo/Events Center Apache Junction (480) 982-3141 www.lostdutchmandays.org Feb. 24-26 Carnival, rodeo, rodeo dance, food, vendors, BLM wild horse auction. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Free.

Film Talk Cinema Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 7 Audience members are the critics at this sneak-preview film series. Award-winning indie and foreign films are screened. Harlan Jacobson moderates. 7 p.m. $19.

The College of Arts and Letters Classic Film Series Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff www.cal.nau.edu/film Through May 1 Free and open to the public. Each Tuesday night at 7 p.m. No film March 13.

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18th Annual International Film Festival & Workshop

23rd Annual Desert Woodcarving Show & Sale

Sedona (928) 282-1177 www.sedonafilmfestival.com Feb. 18-26 Hot new domestic and international films screened prior to release. $10-$250.

Centennial Hall - Mesa (480) 484-8383 www.desertwoodcarvingshow.com Feb. 18-19 Largest woodcarving show in Arizona.

Features wood sculptures by national and local carvers. Door prizes, raffles, demos. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5.

Gems & Minerals Globe-X

54th Annual Aripex Stamp Show

Tucson Days Inn http://jewelryshowguide.com Through Feb. 11 Some 200 dealers of gems, minerals, fossils. Mostly direct import merchandise from around the world including gemstones, decorator minerals, polished minerals, rough minerals, more. 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. $

Centennial Hall Mesa (480) 664-2100 www.aripexonline.com Feb. 24-26 Celebrate more than 150 years of mail delivery in Tucson, world-renowned international philatelic (stamp) exhibition presented by Aripex and Arizona Federation of Stamp Clubs.

www.glda.com

Home Tours

Through Feb. 5 Gemstones, diamonds, pearls, finished jewelry, designer jewelry.

American Gem Trade Association Tucson Convention Center (800) 972-1162 www.agta/org Through Feb. 5 Primarily high-end loose colored gemstones and pearls, finished jewelry, MJSA jewelry suppliers, gem instruments.

Golf 76th Annual Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale (602) 870-0163 http://wastemanagementphoenixopen.com Through Feb. 5 One of the PGA Tour’s top events with the largest crowds on the tour.

8 a.m.-6 p.m. $20/day; ticket packages.

Hobbies Fountain Hills Coin and Collectibles Show FHUSD Learning Center Fountain Hills (480) 231-3896 Feb. 25 Silent and live auctions, coin raffle, door prizes, free coins and coin albums for kids under 18. The club’s Arizona Centennial medals will be available for sale. Event also features some 25 coin dealers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free Admission.

24th Annual Willo Historic Home Tour & Street Festival Phoenix www.willohistoricdistrict.com Feb. 12 A variety of homes from Tudor to Spanish revival, bungalow to ranch from the 1920s-‘40s.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. $18.

Horses Arizona Sun Country Circuit Quarter Horse Show WestWorld Scottsdale (623) 419-6318 www.suncircuit.com Through Feb. 5 One of the top 10 American Quarter Horse shows in the country. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

57th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Shopping Expo WestWorld Scottsdale (480) 515-1500 www.scottsdaleshow.com Feb. 16-26 Largest event of its kind in the world with 2,200 of the world’s most beautiful Arabians, half-Arabians and national show horses. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. $7-$15.

Music Flamenco Dancing Sofrita Fountain Hills (480) 816-5613 Every Thursday Music of Brio Flamenco and the Flamenco por la Vida dancers. 6-8 p.m.

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LET’S GO! February 2012

Jazz in the Hills Fireside Grill at the Holiday Inn Fountain Hills (480) 837-4882 (480) 837-9661 Every Friday Fridays, join jazz lovers in an intimate setting for great music and company. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. free, donations welcome. Call to confirm event.

Wine and Music Grapeables - Fountain Hills (480) 816-5959 Different musicians play at the local wine shop. Perfect for listening and dancing. 7:30 – 11 p.m. Call for individual performance information.

21st Annual Arizona Musicfest 2012 Various venues North Scottsdale, Carefree (480) 488-0806 www.azmusicfest.org Feb. 1 through March 2 Featuring classical, Broadway and jazz in 13 concerts over five weeks. $30-$40.

Part of a series of performances by Arizona State University’s School of Music students and faculty. 6:30 p.m. talk, concert at 7:30 p.m.

Celtic Nights: Journey of Hope Scottsdale Center for the Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Irish song and dance direct from the Emerald Isle. 8 p.m.

Music in the Garden Winter Concert Series Desert Botanical Garden - Phoenix (480) 481-8188 www.dbg.org Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 A series of shows at the garden. Noon. $15$21.

APS Pop Series Broadway Rocks!

Phoenix Symphony Hall (602) 495-1999 www.phoenixsymphony.com Feb. 6-8 Experience the rock and roll side of the Phoenix Symphony. 8 and 2 p.m.

Close Encounters with Music: Lisztomania!

Monday Morning Musicale

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 2 Chamber music with cellist Yehuda Hanani, featuring music of Liszt, Schumann and more.

7:30 p.m.

Metropolitan Klezmer

US Airways Classic Series Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade Symphony Hall - Phoenix (602) 495-1999 www.phoenixsymphony.com Feb. 2-4 Features conductor Michael Christie featuring the sounds of the Arabian Nights, along with Sibelius: Symphony No. 3. 7:30, 8 p.m., 11 a.m.

Munch and Music Fountain Hills Community Center Feb. 3, 10, 17 Friday lunchtime programs feature regional entertainment. OK Chorale, Feb. 3; Chamber Music, Feb. 10; Community Band, Feb. 17.

12:15-1:15 p.m. Free.

2012 George Strait Tour US Airways Center - Phoenix (800) 745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Feb. 3 The king of country with special guest Martina McBride.

ASU @ The Center – True North Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 3, Feb. 6

Kerr Cultural Center - Scottsdale (480) 596-5660 http://asuevents.asu.edu Feb. 6 Classical music. 10 a.m. Free.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 9 Yiddish folk music and jazz. 7:30 p.m.

Come Away with Me: An Evening of Romance with the Phoenix Opera The MIM Phoenix (480) 478-6000 www.themim.org Feb. 9 Celebrate the romance of Valentine’s Day with favorite Broadway love songs. 7 p.m. $20.

Duke Ellington Orchestra Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 11 One of America’s most famous big bands. 2 and 5 p.m.

The Rosewood Marimba Band The MIM Phoenix (480) 478-6000 www.themim.org Feb. 13 Join the band for a jaunt through classic ragtime and beyond. 1 p.m. Free.

Itzhak Perlman

TAO: The Way of the Drum

Mesa Arts Center (480) 644-6500 www.mesaartscenter.com Feb. 14 The reigning virtuoso violinist beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent.

7:30 p.m. $50-$90.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 18 Thundering ancient rhythms of Japanese taiko. 8 p.m.

Tuesday Morning Music & Tea

Coffee at Kerr

Kerr Cultural Center - Scottsdale (480) 596-5660 http://asuevents.asu.edu Feb. 14 ASU harp students. Free, but RSVP.

Kerr Cultural Center - Scottsdale (480) 596-5660 http://asuevents.asu.edu Feb. 22 Arizona Opera gives a preview of Aida. 9:30 a.m. Free, but RSVP.

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: From Heart to Art

Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 14 The romantic music of Franz Liszt. 7:30 p.m.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 24 2010 Grammy winner of the “Best Large Jazz Ensemble.” 8 p.m.

Thursday Concert Series with the Phoenix Boys Choir

Classical Vault: France Meets Beethoven

Steele Indian School Park - Phoenix (602) 264-5328 www.phoenixboyschoir.org Feb. 16 New works, sneak peeks in this hour-long concert with new music, patriotic songs and favorites including “Shine On Me,” “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and “Cielito Lindo.” 5:30 p.m. $10.

Steele Indian School park - Phoenix (602) 264-5328 www.phoenixboyschoir.org Feb. 24-25 A musical compilation of some of the most prominent French classical music composers.

7:30 p.m. $22-$27.

Music in Motion featuring Back Porch Bandits

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 25 Guest pianist Garrick Ohlsson, conducted

by Jack Jacek Kaspzyk. 8 p.m.

The MIM - Phoenix (480) 478-6000 www.themim.org Feb. 16 Live entertainment by the Back Porch Bandits and cocktails in the Main Courtyard. 5 p.m.

Free with museum admission.

Lorna Luft: Songs My Mother Taught Me Mesa Arts Center (480) 644-6500 www.mesaartscenter.com Feb. 17 Judy Garland’s daughter embraces her mother’s illustrious songbook with great music and wonderful stories. 8 p.m. $37.

Jake Shimabukuro and Mac McAnally Mesa Arts Center (480) 644-65400 www.mesaartscenter.com Feb. 18 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer and 2007 CMA Musician of the Year, collaborates with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. These two key members of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band join for an amazing show. 8 p.m. $31.

Poland’s Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra

Fountain Hills Chamber Players Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Fountain Hills (480) 816-1243 www.fountainhillschamberplayers.org Feb. 26 Fountain Hills Chamber Players combine traditional and contemporary sounds performed by an unusual mix of instruments. 3 p.m. $15.

ASU @ The Center Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 27 ASU Chamber Orchestra featuring Timothy Russell, conductor. 6:30 p.m. talk, 7:30 p.m. concert.

ASU Jazz Combos The MIM - Phoenix (480) 478-6000 www.themim.org Feb. 29

LET’S GO! February 2012 Featuring music from students in ASU’s School of Music. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free.

Nature Design of a Living World Desert Botanical Garden - Phoenix www.nature.org/azdesign Through April 1 Features usable products made from sustainable sources. $10-$18.

Astronomy Open House Bateman Physical Sciences Building Arizona State University - Tempe (480) 727-7010 http://astopenhouse.com Feb. 24 Learn about the moon and planets. 8-10 p.m. Free.

Parades 59th Annual Parada del Sol Parade Scottsdale (480) 990-3179 www.paradadelsol.org Feb. 11 Starts and Indian School Road and travels south to Oak Street on Scottsdale Road. Followed by Trail’s End Party. 9 a.m. Free

Runs / Walks XTerra McDowell Mountain Ultra-Trail McDowell Mountain Regional Park Fountain Hills (602) 363-7725 www.getsetaz.com Feb. 5 A 7K and a 15-mile event. 8 a.m.

11th Annual Run for the Gold Lost Dutchman Marathon Apache Junction (480) 983-1500 www.lsotdutchmannmarathon.org Feb. 19 USA Track and Field certified marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 8K Desert Trail Run and two-mile fun run/walk. 7:30 a.m. $14-$70.

Desert Classic Duathlon McDowell Mountain Regional Park Fountain Hills www.desertclassicduathlon.com Feb. 25 This run/bike/run event is popular with national and local competitors because all the running is done on trails through the Sonoran Desert. Trail run 3.5 miles, road bike 21 miles, trail run 2.7 miles. Tri-Kids run, .4 mile, bike 5 miles and run .5 miles. One of the best conducted duathlons in the country. 8 a.m.

Phoenix Start! Heart Walk Tempe Beach Park (602) 414-5320 www.phoenixheartwalk.org Feb. 25 A 5K or one-mile non-competitive fundraising event followed by a Heart Healthy Festival, health screenings, interactive and educational booths. Live band, kid’s games, celebrity appearances. 8 a.m.-noon. Free

Sports 20th Annual Winter Range Ben Avery Shooting Range - Phoenix www.winterrange.com Feb. 20-26 More than 1,000 gun enthusiasts gather for Single Action Shooting Society’s National Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting.

2012 FC Tucson Desert Cup Kino Stadium - Tucson (520) 434-1339 www.kinosportscomplex.com Feb. 22 through March 3 A professional “futbol” tourney featuring four major league soccer teams.

Theater Brigadoon Broadway Palm Dinner Theater - Mesa (480) 325-6700 www.broadwaypalmwest.com Through Feb. 11 No one from Brigadoon in the Scottish Highlands may ever leave, or the enchantment will be broken and all its inhabitants will disappear in to the mist. $22-$49.

Annie Get Your Gun Desert Stages - Scottsdale (480) 483-1664 www.desertstages.org Through Feb. 11 Irving Berlin’s award-winning musical about Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m. (No matinee Jan. 14). $22.

Late Night Catechism Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformaingarts.org Through March 23 Award-winning actress Patti Hannon as quick-tempered Sister, who rules her classroom with an iron fist. Fridays, 8 p.m. $39.

Late Night Catechism III: Til Death Do Us Part Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformaingarts.org Through March 24 The sequel to Late Nite Catechism, Sister

offers up the latest dogma fresh off the Web, with hilarious lessons on love and marriage and her own outrageous version of the Newlywed Game. Saturdays, 8 p.m. $39.

With Two Wings Tempe Center for the Arts (480) 350-2822 http://childsplayaz.org Through Feb. 5 Lyf’s parents have kept him safe in the next and not let him learn to fly. A story about a child’s instinct to grow and a parent’s instinct to protect holds an unexpected twist. 1 and 4 p.m. $15-$25.

Dreyfus in Rehearsal John Paul Theater Phoenix College (602) 264-0402 www.azjewishtheatre.org Through Feb. 5 A “serious comedy” set in the Jewish ghetto of Vilna, Poland, in 1931, where a group of amateur actors are rehearsing a new play about Alfred Dreyfus, the French-Jewish military officer exiled for treason in 1895 unaware of their own precarious situation. $

Garrison Keillor Celebrity Theater - Phoenix (480) 499-8587 www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org Feb. 2 Presented by Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m.

Seussical Jr. Fountain Hills Youth Theater (480) 837-9661, ext. 3 www.fhct.org Feb. 3-19 Enjoy this musical extravaganza with all the best Dr. Seuss characters. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m. $15 for adults, $12 for youth 17 and younger.

Rock the Presidents Tempe Center for the Arts (480) 350-2822 http://childsplayaz.org Feb. 12 through March 4 Multi-media filled musical revue spanning 223 years of the American presidency. Their lives are depicted through all-new rock, pop and folk music. A Childsplay world premiere.

For ages seven and up. 1 and 4 p.m. $15-$25.

Wicked ASU Gammage - Tempe (480) 965-3434 http://asugammage.com Feb. 15 through March 11 Called the best musical of the decade, the story that took place long before the girl from Kansas arrived in Munchkinland introduces the two girls who meet in the land of Oz who grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

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Me and My Girl Broadway Palm Dinner Theater - Mesa (480) 325-6700 www.broadwaypalmwest.com Feb. 16 through April 8 The Earl of Hareford has died leaving no apparent heir. The family has gathered, waiting for the news of how the earl is splitting his estate. Hilarity ensues. $22-$49.

Coming of the Hurricane Playhouse on the Park - Phoenix (602) 254-2151 www.blacktheatretroupe.org Feb. 17-26 Crixus escapes the horror of slavery by fleeing to the Union Army. A tragic and triumphant look at the end of slavery, the Civil War and race relations. 8, 2 and 3 p.m.

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot Tempe Performing Arts Center (480) 820-8022 www.straycattheatre.org Feb. 17 through March 3 Wicked expressionistic fantasy set in a time-bending, darkly comic world between heaven and hell. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $12-$25.

Crazy for You Fountain Hills Theater (480) 837-9661, ext. 3 www.fhct.org Feb. 24 through March 11 A New York playboy ventures to a little Nevada mining town to rescue a small theater.

Friday and Saturday shows, 8 p.m. Sundays, 2 p.m. $25.

Dead Man’s Cell Phone Herberger Theater Center - Phoenix www.atphx.org Feb. 24 through March 11 The lyrical odyssey of a woman forced to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world. 8, 2 and 7 p.m.

The Great Gatsby Tempe of Music & Art - Tucson (520) 622-2823 www.arizonatheatre.org Feb. 25 through March 17 Arizona premiere, this is the first authorized adaptation since 1926. Simon Levy brings the humor, irony, pathos and loveliness of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s American classic to the stage.

7:30, 8 and 2 p.m. $31-$56.

LET’S GO! February 2012

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