Give Teddy Bears to Desert Mountain

DESERT HILLS – Desert Mountain School is collecting gently used stuffed animals for their Boo Bash Fall Carnival to be held on Oct 20.

Donations can be dropped off at the school’s main office, 35959 N. 7th Ave., from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Stuffed animals are given as prizes at the carnival, one of the main FUNraisers planned by the Desert Mountain PTO this year to raise money for classroom computers.

For more information, call (602) 405‑0557.

Anthem family walks for diabetes cure

ANTHEM – The Phebus family of Anthem is soliciting donations for the Nov. 4 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk for a Cure.

Kindergartner Trenton Phebus has juvenile diabetes, and the family has organized “Trenton’s Team” to join the walk at Tempe Town Lake and collect donations for the foundation.

“Eighty‑five cents of every dollar goes for research,” says Amy Phebus, who urges the community to join their team, either by walking, donating or both.

To sign up for the walk or make tax‑deductible donations, go to www.jdrf.org/arizona and sign up under the names of “Trenton’s Team,” Amy, Trenton, Brice or Mike Phebus. Company gift‑matching donations double your contribution.

Blackhawk Buddies boost bingo

DESERT HILLS – Blackhawk Buddies, Desert Mountain School’s PTO, has announced Sept. 22 as the first Family Fun Night fund‑raiser of the year.    

A “Buddy Bingo,” with 10 games for 50 cents each, runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the school cafeteria located at 35959 N. 7th Ave. Winners get to pick from a prize stash, and refreshments will be available for sale.

All money raised will go to outfitting each of the school’s 43 classrooms with computers. For more information, e‑mail dburton@hughes.net.

Land trust seeks desert‑lovers

DESERT FOOTHILLS – For those who want to learn and teach others about the Sonoran Desert, Desert Foothills Land Trust announced it is starting docent training Sept 26.

Classes will be conducted from 9 a.m. to noon, every Tuesday through Oct. 31, at the land trust office, 7518 E. Elbow Bend Road, Suite B‑4, Carefree.

Each participant receives a comprehensive training manual as well as hands‑on, outdoor learning experiences at area preserves. Those who complete training may lead tours and are eligible to take a preserve stewardship class. Stewards help protect DFLT preserves.

For more information and to register, call (480) 488‑6131.

Learn to forgive

CAREFREE – A retreat on “The Healing Power of Forgiveness” explores the five stages in learning to forgive from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 7.

Dr. Rick Rouse, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Phoenix and author of “Fire of Grace: The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” will lead the seminar at Spirit in the Desert Lutheran Retreat Center, 7415 E. Elbow Bend, Carefree.

Registration is $35 and includes lunch. Deadline is Oct. 1. For more information, call (480) 488‑5218, or register at www.spiritinthedesert.org.

Retreat focus is immigration

CAREFREE – “Who Is My Neighbor?” a discussion of immigration issues, is the focus of a retreat, Oct. 15 to 17, at Spirit in the Desert Lutheran Retreat Center.

Religious leaders from various immigration organizations, an immigration attorney, migrant workers, and members of the community have the opportunity to discuss and learn about the issues.

Registration deadline is Oct. 8, with discounts for early registration ending Oct. 2. Full registration is $150, including meals and lodging at the center, 7415 E. Elbow Bend, Carefree; $75 for commuter registration. Register online at www.spiritinthedesert.org, or call (480) 488‑5218.

Rotary rounding up sponsors

ANTHEM – Anthem Rotary is looking for sponsors and patrons for their 4th Annual Rotary Roundup & Western BBQ to be held Nov. 4. at Pioneer Restaurant.

This is one of the group’s major fundraisers with monies to be distributed to eight local schools and Sunrise House Orphanage.

The Roundup includes food, music and a silent auction. It takes place at 5 p.m., just south of Anthem at the Pioneer Living History Museum, 3901 W. Pioneer Road, Phoenix.

For more information, call Bob Bradshaw at (623) 551‑5600, Andy Mayer at (623) 587‑8711, Alfie Klaus at (623) 465‑4515; or visit www.anthemrotary.org

Holiday shopping starts now

ANTHEM – A Holiday Shopping Extravaganza fundraiser is open to the community Oct. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church.

Home‑based businesses will offer jewelry, candles, beads, toys, clothing and more, in the church’s canopied courtyard at 39808 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, said Lee Richardson, woman’s ministry coordinator. “We’ll have lots of gift ideas not usually available in stores.”

Proceeds benefit the first annual Woman’s Retreat and the ministry. Businesses that want to participate can call Richardson at (480) 797‑3620.