New program for special needs children to start in November

ANTHEM – Smart Starts LLC is opening a new program for children with special needs in November and December, according to a company press release.

The program focuses on children of special needs pre‑kindergarten through third grade and offers  safe extracurricular activity including arts and crafts, exercise fun and computer time.

The classes, developed by a certified special education teacher, are limited to six students per class.

Classes will be held from 9‑11 a.m. on Nov. 4 and Dec. 9. The cost for each class is $45. Registration is ongoing at the Anthem Community Center, where the classes will be held.

Kiwanis Chapter’s Health, Wellness and Safety Fair

NEW RIVER – The Kiwanis Club of New River will host a free Health, Wellness and Safety Fair on Oct. 28 at the 80‑acre Kiwanis Park in New River.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the outdoor area surrounding the new Kiwanis Park Community Center. The fair will feature displays, information and services provided by more than 40 exhibitors, including health screenings, flu shots, blood pressure checks, nutrition counseling, as well as health services for pets.

The Daisy Mountain Fire Department will demonstrate CPR and first aid and conduct free car seat safety checks.

Children who bring their bicycles to the event can receive a free bike safety check and participate in a bike rodeo.

Mollen Flu Shot Clinic will offer flu, pneumonia, and tetanus shots throughout the day on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Each flu shot is $25.00, or free (no co‑pay) with proof of eligible insurance.

Lunch and snacks will be available. A raffle will feature prizes including items donated by organizations including the Arizona Cardinals.

The New River Senior Center will hold an Amateur Chili Cook‑Off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A $10.00 entry fee and a quart of chili is required to participate in the event. All proceeds from the chili cook‑off will benefit the senior center.

Kiwanis Park is located at 48606 N. 17th Ave. in New River.

For more information, visit www.newriverkiwanis.org.

Church groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 22

CAVE CREEK – The Desert Mission United Methodist Church will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the site of their future church building, located at the southeast corner of Dixileta and Scottsdale Roads.

Prior to the groundbreaking, Central East District Superintendent Sharon Ragland will preach at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the church’s current location, Bella Vista Private School, 6914 E. Bella Vista in Cave Creek. For more information, call (480) 231‑9927.

Foothills Caring Corps seeking volunteers

CAVE CREEK – The Foothills Caring Corps is seeking volunteers to drive passenger vans to provide transportation to homebound senior citizens.

No special license is required.

The volunteer group will hold an orientation from 9‑11 a.m. on Saturday at the Christ Episcopal Church, 35500 N. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. For more information, call (480) 488‑1105.

The Desert Foothills New Horizon Band to start new season

DESERT FOOTHILLS – The Desert Foothills New Horizon Band will begin its 2006‑2007 season in October and is looking for additional players.

The nonprofit band founded in 1995 includes members at a variety of talent levels from beginner to people who have played all their lives. An audition is not required to become a member.

The band performs at various functions around the state and annually gives a spring and winter concert.

For more information, call Ron Phillips at (602) 992‑1550.