Benefit car wash helps teen with cancer

PHOENIX – North Valley drivers who make one stop behind the McDonald’s near I‑17 and Carefree Highway can help make two wishes come true: get their dirty cars washed and support making a wish come true for a teenager with cancer. The “Make a wish for Sammy” car wash will help Sandra Day O’Connor High School student Samantha Thorn live her dream of swimming with dolphins.

Classmates will wash cars for a donation on May 7, at 3140 W. Carefree Highway, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (623) 742‑7366.

Recycling grants available to earth‑savvy

VALLEY – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality seeks applications from businesses, subdivisions and nonprofit organizations interested in improving recycling efforts.

Applicants can apply for funding in three categories: waste reduction assistance to purchase recycling equipment and develop program infrastructure, education to increase awareness and use of recycling opportunities, and research and development to fund studies and technology development.

Anthem received a $100,000 grant in last year’s program to expand curbside collection and educate residents. For more information and an application, download the grants manual at www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/solid/download/rfgamanual.pdf. Deadline for proposals is May 19.

Rotary hears Sonoran Arts president

ANTHEM – Rotary Club of Anthem heard a presentation from Sonoran Arts League President Carole Perry about activities the league sponsors for the community. The club generally allots 30 minutes of each weekly meeting for learning about local organizations.

SAL recently joined the Arts Council of the North Valley, which supports literary, musical, theatrical, dance and visual arts. SAL also promotes artists and art education through mentoring programs. SAL fund‑raisers include Hidden in the Hills studio tour, Empty Bowls food bank project, the Umbrella Project for Tsunami victims, and preserving Native American culture.

For additional information about the Rotary or ACNV/SAL, call (623) 551‑3764.

Bad golfers needed for Trashmasters

NORTH VALLEY – Golfers playing in the one‑of‑a‑kind Trashmasters’Arizona Golf Tournament, to be held May 8 at Mirabel Golf Club, 37401 N. Mirabel Club Drive, Scottsdale, are encouraged to sink golf balls in water hazards and shoot from sand traps to earn “trash points.”

Cost per golfer is $500, with proceeds benefitting the new YMCA community center, which will break ground in 2007 at Carefree Highway and 60th Street. To register, contact Laura Atwell at (480) 595‑6468, or visit www.trashmastersarizona.org. To become a corporate sponsor, contact John Youngberg at (602) 257‑5165.

Valley of the Sun YMCA, Foothills Community Foundation, Paradise Valley Community College and Scottsdale Healthcare have joined to create the multi‑functional seven‑acre center that will provide a variety of recreational and educational programs and services.

Join Foothills Democrats

NORTH VALLEY –  The Foothills Democrats, with more than  350 local  members, is seeking to unite fellow Democrats to exchange information on issues, support Democratic organizations, and elect Democratic candidates.

Monthly meetings at Carefree Town Hall highlight guest speakers such as Democratic candidates, officeholders, and community and business leaders.

The organization sponsors fundraisers such as the Civic Breakfast Series at Grayhawk Golf Club, where members can meet leading Arizona Democrats, and participate in a political book discussion group and various social gatherings.

For more information, visit www.foothillsdemocrats.com, or call (602) 234‑6590.

Kiwanis career noted

TUCSON –  Cave Creek resident Jennifer Phillips’contributions to Kiwanis were acknowledged by Kiwanis International President Steve Siemens during his official visit to Arizona on April 22.

Phillips, a Cactus Shadows High School graduate, is a student at the University of Arizona, where she is  president of the Circle K Club. Phillips started her Kiwanis service career as a member of the Key Club at Cactus Shadows, serving as president, and before graduating, became lieutenant governor of the Black Canyon Division.

Homeschoolers celebrate 20 years

DESERT HILLS – Desert Hills Christian Homeschoolers invite local homeschool graduates, current homeschoolers, or those interested in homeschooling to celebrate their 20th anniversary on May 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at High Desert Park in Black Canyon City.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy games, activities and a talk by homeschooling activist Tom Lewis. For information, visit www.dhch.org

Have breakfast with Clancy Jayne

NORTH VALLEY – Secretary of State Jan Brewer will speak at Clancy Jayne’s Community Breakfast at 9 a.m. on May 6 at the Deer Valley Airport Restaurant, 702 W. Deer Valley Road. Jayne is running for the Arizona House of Representatives in District 6. For information, go to www.electclancyjayne.com.

Breakfast buffet is $7.49.  R.S.V.P. at (623) 492‑9926. 

Scouts wash cars for kids

ANTHEM – A car wash to benefit the children of Girl Scout Leader Tina Hanson, who passed away suddenly on March 17, will be sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 2693, “Tina’s Troop,” at the Osco Drug Store on the corner of Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak Parkway, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 2  p.m.  Any amount can be contributed for an outside wash and dry.

Donations for the Probart children, Reese, 8, and Hailey,11 can also be made to the We Care in Anthem account at Wells Fargo, account number 2732251644.

Reserve a place at benefit poker table

ANTHEM – A $100 buy‑in Benefit Poker Tournament at Franco’s Ristorante, to be held May 6 at 8:30 p.m., will go to support We Care in Anthem  helping several families in need.

Prizes include two nights at either Bison Ranch in the White Mountains, Scottsdale Marriott McDowell Mountains, or a Polar Express package; a $50 Legends Bar & Grill gift certificate; a $100 WalMart gift certificate; a golf foursome with cart at Anthem Golf & Country Club; and lunch for four at Persimmon Bar & Grill.

For questions, call Randy Thompson at (602) 725‑5937, or Steve Moss at (623) 551‑9383. To participate, register through Pay Pal link: http://tinyurl.com /f7kmk. Space is limited to the first 80 players.

Witches vs. cannibals discussion at archaeological society meeting

Dr. J. Andrew Darling, Coordinator for the Gila River Indian Community’s Cultural Resource Management Program, will speak on the controversial topic of witchcraft versus cannibalism at the monthly meeting of the Desert Foothills Chapter (DFC) of the Arizona Archaeological Society (AAS).  The meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cave Creek Town Hall, 37622 N. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. The talk is free and the public is encouraged to attend. For information, contact DFC President Judy Rounds at (602) 363‑6985.