Runners load starting blocks for benefit run

ANTHEM - Students, staff and community members at Boulder Creek and Sandra Day O'Connor high schools are loading the starting blocks for Kendra's Run, a benefit relay race that raises money for kids with cancer. The 100 lap relay features teams of ten.

The race begins April 2 at 2 p.m. at Boulder Creek High School, 40404 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway. Registration is $10 per team member. For more information, call (623) 445 8600.

Creative women host benefit fashion show

PHOENIX - See the latest in fashion trends while raising money for Valley charities at the annual "Sahara" fashion show presented by the Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak. The "Sahara" showcases the best fashions from boutiques at the Arizona Biltmore.

This exotic event also features a silent auction with proceeds benefitting Homeward Bound, Thomas J. Pappas School and Waste Not. Since 1991, the Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak have distributed nearly $2 million to Valley charities through special events such as the fashion show.

The event will be held April 6 at the Arizona Biltmore, 2400 East Missouri Avenue. The silent auction begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the fashion show and lunch at noon. Tickets are $100 each. For more information or to order tickets, call (480) 502 1773.

Desert predators help ecosystem

SCOTTSDALE - Arizona's common predators-the coyote, gray fox, mountain lion, bobcat and Mexican gray wolf-are important to a healthy Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Kevin Hansen, education director, will discuss their ecological role, as a part of Southwest Wildlife Rehabilitation and Educational Foundation's education series on April 1 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The program will include a brief tour of SWREF's facility, 27026 N. 156 th St., as related to the program. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children under 15 years of age. Not appropriate for children under 8. For information, call (480) 471 3621 or e mail swkevin@extremezone.com.

Extreme Readers meet Thursdays

ANTHEM - Extreme readers, grades 4 6, meet monthly on first Thursdays at 4 p.m. at North Valley Regional Library Meeting Room for games, prizes and to discuss "Flyboy" by Bill Harley, the new online novel available on the Maricopa County Library website.

Starting April 6, Extreme Readers read two chapters per month and share their ideas and activities with other readers. Registration is on now. The Maricopa County Library is at 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway. Information: (602) 652 3000, or www.mcldaz.org.

Fun for kids at Anthem library

ANTHEM - Toddlers of 8 36 months and their caregivers can enjoy stories, finger plays, action rhymes and fun Mondays and Tuesdays through April at 10 a.m. in the Story Time Room at the North Valley Regional Library.

At 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, activities for preschoolers 3 5 years and caregivers are available.

Thursdays at 10 a.m. is baby time (birth 18 months), when movement activities, stories and playtime are planned.

No registration is needed with first come, first served, limited seating available. Caregivers must remain with their children. The Maricopa County District's Library is at 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway. For information, call (602) 652 3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

U.S. Senate candidate talks "sense"

ANTHEM - Voters will be able to query U.S. Senate candidate Jim Pederson when he addresses the April meeting of the North Maricopa Democratic Club. An Arizona native and past chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party, Pederson will elaborate on his "common sense" approach to government.

In lieu of the usual second Wednesday meeting, the club is holding this special event on Tuesday, April 12, at 7 p.m. at the library on the Boulder Creek High School campus, 40410 Gavilan Peak Parkway. For more information, contact Bill Engler at billengler@qwest.net.

Boomers shown new concepts for careers, volunteerism

SCOTTSDALE - For baby boomers and active seniors who are anxious to redesign mid life, reinvent retirement, begin another career, or explore life in new and unexpected ways, Boomerz is hosting a free Orientation Coffee, at 10 a.m, April 11, at Grayhawk Golf Club.

The nonprofit Boomerz organization, funded by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, produced the one hour program as a catalyst to help boomers rethink their life options, reconnect with a wider community, retool or reinvent or even begin a new career to enhance their quality of life. The coffee will acquaint attendees with diverse opportunities in business, civic, and volunteer sectors designed specifically for this dynamic group.

Reservations are preferred, but not required for the event in the Heather Farr Room, 8620 E. Thompson Peak Parkway. For information or reservations, contact Boomerz at (480) 423 6188 or log on to www.BoomerzAz.com.

Get your chili fix

CAVE CREEK - Cactus Shadows High School PTO's Second Annual Chili Cook Off and Raffle takes place April 1, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Buffalo Chip Saloon, 6811 E. Cave Creek Road.

Activities will include chili tasting, entertainment and a cash bar. Admission is $5. Raffle tickets with a $20,000 2006 Chevy HHR grand prize will be sold at the entrance.

Hole in one wins Corvette

ANTHEM - Top prize at the Second Annual Golf Tourney on May 6 is a Z06 Corvette coupe, courtesy of Schippel Consulting, for the first designated hole in one. The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Anthem.

The tourney, a scramble format with a shotgun start at noon on Anthem Country Club Persimmon's Course, will benefit the Maricopa County Sheriff's Anthem Posse and other local charities. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 teams, longest drive and closest to the hole.

Cost is $125 per golfer with a discount for country club members. Guests are welcome at the no host cocktail party on the patio following the event, where awards will be presented.

Qwest is the title sponsor.For registration and sponsor information, call Sam at (623) 551 5457, or Bob at (623) 551 5600. Registration forms are available www.AnthemRotary.org.