Stuff to do in Yuma

Monday, March 15, 5:30-7:00pm — The Arizona Commission on the Arts has served as Arizona’s state arts agency for over 43 years. It is no secret that the recession has left Arizona’s arts and culture industry at a crossroads. Now is the time to evaluate the efficacy of existing programs and consider strategic changes in course.  Help chart the agency’s course for the next five years by participating in the local listening session meeting at Yuma Art Center, 254 S. Main Street, as part of ACA’s 2010-2015 Strategic Planning Process: Building an Artistic Future for Arizona. You need only bring your unique experiences and your dreams for meaningful change in your communities. There is no charge to attend, the public is invited.

Tuesday, March 16 – Campus Tour and Luncheon sponsored by AWC Foundation, featuring AWC Student Success Center. Reservations are required, 344-1720.

Arizonans have voted, and the 2010 OneBookAZ selection is “The Trunk Murderess: Winnie Ruth Judd: The Truth About an American Crime Legend Revealed at Last” by Jana Bommersbach. OneBookAZ is an exciting program hosted by libraries and other partners across the state. The driving force behind this project is its goal to bring communities together through literature and reading. It encourages communities across the State of Arizona to read the same book and participate in discussion and programs centered on that book. For more information, visit www.onebookaz.org  Books are available for purchase at the Friends Bookstore inside the Main Library.  Here are the dates for local book discussion groups:  Tuesday, March 16th @ 10:30 a.m. Main Library, 2951 S 21st Drive; Wednesday, March 17th @ 10:00 a.m. Wellton Library, 28790 San Jose Avenue; Thursday, March 18th @ 10:00 a.m., Heritage Library, 350 Third Avenue;
Tuesday, April 6th @ 10:00 a.m. Somerton Library, 240 Canal Street; Thursday, April 8th @ 6:00 p.m.  San Luis Library,
1075 N. 6th Avenue.

Tuesday, March 16, 11:00am-noon – Dr. Barbara Jacquay will present on diversity “Funky Art in the USA”, at the AWC Main Campus, 3C building. Free admission.

Tuesday, March 16, 5:00pm – Teens; enjoy new-to-DVD movies at Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive. “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” A young boy named Darren Shan meets a mysterious man at a freak show who turns out to be a Vampire. (PG-13)

Tuesday, March 16, 5:00pm — Sons of Norway Meeting, Sola Lodge of Yuma, Fourth Anniversary, 5 pm social hour, 6 pm dinner, at Faith Lutheran Church, 2215 S. 8th Ave., program includes Scandinavian music. $7.00 donation requested for dinner, please RSVP by March 12, contact Diane (928) 343-2553  

Tuesday, March 16, 6:00pm — Poe Ballantine, a fiction and non-fiction writer known for his novels and especially his essays, will be making an appearance at the Yuma Main Library, 2951 S 21st Drive. Mr. Ballantine will be reading, speaking and autographing books. Books will be available for purchase at the event, brought to you in part by Friends of Yuma County Libraries, Inc. and Barnes & Noble.

Tuesday, March 16, 6:00-7:00pm – “Effective Job Search Techniques” presented at Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive. The want ads in the newspaper aren’t the only place to look for work. Marco Garcia, PHR, will guide you through the many different ways to find job openings.

Tuesday, March 16, 6:30pm – Pecan Grove Garden Club meets at Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive.  Member Elizabeth Moody will speak on native plants. Visitors are welcome.

Wednesday, March 17, 1:00-5:00pm – Sunset Community Health Center Health and Information Fair at 10425 Williams Street in Wellton. The event includes basic dental exams, cholesterol, pregnancy tests, stress tests, pap smears, glucose, HIV, blood pressure, Weight and height.  Free information about assistance and health care.

Wednesday, March 17, 2:00-6:00pm — Arizona Western College invites the South Yuma Communities of San Luis, Gadsden and Somerton to “Educational Community Awareness Day” at the AWC San Luis Learning Campus Center.  The purpose of this event is to provide the South Yuma residents and high school seniors an opportunity to find out more about lifelong learning opportunities and careers at AWC. For more information, please contact Arnold Trujillo, Student Services Coordinator-South Yuma County, at (928) 314-9426.

Wednesday, March 17, 5:30pm – City Park & Rec Canoe Trip: Enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends as we cruise down the Colorado River in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.  Meet at Gateway Park.  The canoe trip is open to those 11 and up, children 6 to 10 must have an accompanying adult.  The fee is $16 per person.  Register today to guarantee your spot on this festive ride.

Wednesday, March 17, 6:00pm – St. Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run at Quartermasters Depot, 201 N. 4th Avenue. Sponsored by Yuma Desert Runners, the event includes green beer and festive snacks at the finish line. Prizes awarded for best costumes. $5 for members; $10 for non-members, with proceeds to YDR’s Relay for Life team. www.yumadesertrunners.com

Wednesday, March 17, 6:30pm – Casual family fun run/walk, about 2 miles, will meet at Lute’s Casino. Bring flashlight and your own water.

Wednesday, March 17, 7:00pm – Chuckawalla Rhythm Kings perform at The Pub.

Thursday, March 18, 1:00pm — The Foothills Library Sewing Club meets every Thursday at the Foothills Library, 13226 E. South Frontage Road. The club will be sewing clothes for babies, toddlers, and young children. All clothes will be donated to children in need.  All ages and levels of sewing experience are welcome! There is no charge to attend. For more information, please call the Foothills Library at (928) 342-1640.

Thursday, March 18, 1:00-2:00pm — Secure funding for your nonprofit organization! Grantseekers are invited to attend Proposal Writing Basics at Main Library Meeting Room C, 2951 S 21st Drive. In this webinar you will learn the basics of writing a proposal for your nonprofit organization. If you are new to proposal writing, you may be wondering: What are the key components of a proposal to a foundation or corporation? Who should sign a grant request? How should the proposal be packaged? Should you contact a funder if your proposal is turned down? 

Thursday, March 18 – Interactive Science and Health Night at San Luis High School, 1250 N. 8th Avenue. Dinner served 5:30-7:00pm $5; Activities 6:00-7:30pm in the 300, 600, and 700 buildings.

Thursday, March 18, 6:00-8:00pm – The Village Jazz Series outdoors at Yuma Palms with Pete Pancrazi Trio. Phoenix’s highly regarded jazz guitarist and singer Pete Pancrazi brings his critically acclaimed  stylings back to Yuma.  One of the best guitarists anywhere, Pete is also great with a lyric and loved by audiences.

Thursday, March 18, 7:00pm – “A Taste of Mexico” by Folkloric Group Missael performs at Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main Street, sponsored by Cultural Council of Yuma. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door.

Thursday-Saturday, March 18-20, 7:00pmn and Sunday, March 21, 2:00pm – Yuma Community Theater presents ”Caught in the Net”, the hilarious sequel to last season’s successful “Run for your Wife”. This play will be performed at Gila Ridge HS Performing Arts Center, 7150 E. 24th Street.  Reserved seat tickets may be purchased online at www.yumacommunitytheater.org and at the door 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Thursday-Saturday, March 18-20 at 7:00 pm — Yuma High School Production of “Pirates of Penzance”, at Snider Auditorium

Friday, March 19, 8:00am-noon — The YRMC Foothills Campus is hosting an open house and tour of the all the services conveniently located on the Foothills Campus – PrimeCare Urgent Care, YRMC Plaza Lab, and YRMC Diagnostic Imaging – all at 11142 S. Scottsdale Dr. See the new digital mammography equipment and lab technology. Get your free cholesterol screening and blood pressure check. Sign up for Silver Connections, YRMC’s new free membership program for those 55 and older. Enjoy complimentary snacks and exciting door prizes. See you there!

Friday, March 19, 9:00am-1:00pm – Non-Traditional Career Fair on the AWC Campus. Free admission. Tech Prep and AWC have partnered together to provide local high school students from Yuma and La Paz Counties the opportunity to explore and participate in interactive activities and breakout sessions during this conference. The goal of the conference is to bring down barriers which may prevent someone from pursuing a particular career because of their gender.  Breakout sessions for males may include Hospitality, Massage Therapy, Nursing and Paralegal.  Females will participate in sessions such as Automotive, Construction Trades, Public Safety and Welding.

Friday, March 19, 10:00am – The Wellton Library Book Club will meet at the library, 28790 San Jose Avenue, to discuss “Blue Tattoo” by Margot Mifflin. There is no charge, and all are welcome to attend. For more information, call (928) 785-9575.

Friday, March 19, 11:00am-9:00pm – “Pull Thru for the Prison” event at Foothills Bank, 2285 S. 4th Avenue.  Drive through and drop off your donations. The first 250 donors will receive an official “Chain Gang” bumper sticker. The following groups are challenging each other for the most donations, so make your Pull-Thru during these time slots:  11am-1pm: Police, Fire, EMT’s etc.; 1-3pm: Yuma High Crims Alumni; 3-5pm: Elected city, county, state and regional officials; 5-7pm: Educators and students; 7-9pm; Current YHS Crims. www.savetheprison.com

Friday, March 19, noon-1:00pm – Lunchtime Lecture Series at Yuma Art Center, 254 S. Main Street. Silk Screen Monoprint, presented by artist Larry Yanez. Admission is free, bring your lunch.

Friday, March 19 – Southwest Christian School Fundraising event at Yuma Civic Center includes raffle prizes and silent auction. 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Silent Auction; 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Live Auction; 7:30 p.m. Raffle drawing begins; 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner begins for eat in or take out catered by Las Palapas; Dinner tickets may be purchased at the SWCS school office M-F 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., the Fish Tales Bookstore at First Christian Church and Paul Bensel Jewelers.  Raffle tickets (for $10.00 each) may be purchased from any student attending SWCS or from Fish Tales Bookstore. (NOTE: Grand prize winners need not be present to win; basket winners must be present to claim prize.)  

Friday, March 19, 6:00pm — Family Hang Time at the Yuma Community and Readiness Center, Araby Road at 24th Street, features games like washoes, dodge ball, and even a climbing wall.  Each family will receive a large one topping pizza too.  The cost is just $11 per family.  All ages are welcome.  Please register in advance; call 373-5243.

Friday, March 19, 7:00pm – Ballet Yuma Presents “Works by Daniel Marshall”, award-winning choreographer, featuring LaDiego Dance Theater and Ballet Yuma, at Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main Street.  Admission is $10, $6 ages 12 and under.

Friday, March 19, 7:00pm – “Yuma Jazz Company” performs at Julieanna’s Patio Café.

Friday-Saturday, March 19-20, 8:00pm – “Highway 61” performs at LZ Bar and Grill.

Friday-Saturday, March 19-20, 9:00pm – “Slick Nickel” performs at Sharky’s Bar and Bites inside Paradise Casino. Must be 21+.

Friday-Saturday, March 19-20, 9:00pm – “Mirage” performs at Sidewinders inside Quechan Casino. Must be 21+.

Saturday, March 20, 7:00am — 2010 Yuma Family YMCA Golf Tournament at Las Barrancas Golf Course. Four person Scramble with an 8am Shotgun Start. $100 Package includes Entry/Green Fees/ Golf Cart/ 2 Beverage Tickets/ Awards Lunch & Silent Auction. $15 Package includes Awards Lunch & Silent Auction. All proceeds benefit the Strong Kids & Strong Families Campaign which provides scholarships for youth & families to participate in YMCA Programs.  (928) 317-0522.

Saturday, March 20, 7:00am registration, 8:00am shotgun start – Yuma Special Olympics golf tournament at Cocopah RV Golf Resort, 6800 S. Strand Ave to raise money for traveling expenses for local special athletes. Registrations or donations may be made by calling Linda Cook at 580-1068 or Annie Fisher at 210-6601.  A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided by World Gym and Fisher Automotive.
 
Saturday, March 20, 7:30am — 5K walk or run race to benefit the Sunrise Elementary School PTO. *T-shirt, *Awards to top 3 finishers in divisions, *U.S.A.T.F. sanctioned. Online registration http://sunriseelementarypto.com/jog-a-thon

Saturday, March 20, 8:00am-noon — Yuma High School Band will be having a car wash at Filiberto’s, 1750 S 4th Avenue. The band will be taking donations to help with travel costs and equipment needs.

Saturday, March 20, 9:00am-6:00pm – 2nd Annual State Farm Cibola Scorcher Track Invitational. Come see area track and field teams compete against teams from California and Phoenix in an All Day Track Invitational. There will be sprinting, relays, distance events, throwing events, jumps and pole vault, at Cibola HS, 4100 W. 20th Street.

Saturday, March 20, 9:00am – 6th Annual Tour de Yuma Cycling Event begins at Cocopah Casino. Details and registration information here: http://yumabikeclub.com/index.php?page=tour-de-yuma

Saturday, March 20, 9:00am – Ladies auto do-it-yourself class.  Learn how to change a tire, check the fluids, and what you need in your essential emergency safety kit.  Also learn about basic traffic laws from DPS Detective Ed Aulds.  Register today for this event that is being held at the Clymer Recreation Center.  The fee is just $6 and this class is open to ages 16 and up. http://www.active.com/business-events/yuma-az/all-the-ladies-diy-2010

Saturday, March 20, 11:00am — Sing along with your favorite rock, pop, and blues songs from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with guitarist David Piper at the Foothills Library. 13226 E. South Frontage Road. There is no charge to attend. For more information, please call (928) 342-1640.

Saturday, March 20, 11:00am-5:00pm — Since 1998, La Raza Car Club has provided numerous community involved events, hosted fundraisers for less fortunate and for families in crisis situations. La Raza Car and Bike Club will donate the proceeds from our Cruising to the Valley of the Sun 12th Annual Car and Bike Show at Joe Henry Park ($10 per vehicle shown) to K.I.D.S. Cuddlekit Closet. The K.I.D.S. Cuddlekit Closet is a wonderful community program providing assistance to families during times of economic hardship, emotional turmoil, trauma, etc.

Saturday, March 20, noon – Yuma County Cinderella Scholarship Pageant will be held at Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main Street. To participate, call Ernie, 919-3998 by March 15. Public is invited to attend.

Saturday, March 20, noon-6:00pm — The annual family United Way Music Fest will be held at the West Wetlands Park. Bring your blankets and chairs to have a seat on the lawn to enjoy great music, fabulous food, and fun children’s activities all while supporting the community. The event includes performances by a different local band each hour: Mexican Ostrich, Highway 61, Tommy and the Drifters, Mirage, Rewind, Three Forty. A variety of food will be available for purchase. Admission to the event is FREE. There will be activities for children and lots of delicious desserts and snacks to nibble while enjoying the performances. For additional information, visit www.unitedwayyuma.org or contact Madeleine Coil at 783-0515 or madeleine.coil@unitedway.org

Saturday, March 20, 1:00pm – Yuma Sidewinders Rugby Football Club takes on the Tucson Magpies RFC at Gila Ridge High School, 7150 E. 24th Street.  Free admission, match will be held in the practice basin behind the school.

Saturday, March 20, 1:00pm — Families are invited to the Heritage Library, 350 Third Avenue, for a free screening of Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” a fairy tale set in Jazz Age-era New Orleans about a young girl named Tiana and her fateful kiss with a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again. (Rated G.) For more information, call (928) 783-5415.

Saturday, March 20, 1:30pm — Visit the Foothills Library, 13226 E. South Frontage Road, Saturday afternoons in March and see a different movie.  Family movie:  “Confessions of a Shopaholic”, A college grad lands a job as a financial journalist in New York City to support where she nurtures her shopping addiction and falls for a wealthy entrepreneur. (PG) Light refreshments will be served courtesy of the Friends of the Foothills Library. There is no charge to attend. For more information, contact the Foothills Library at (928) 342-1640.

Saturday, March 20, 2:00pm – Families are invited to view free movies at Wellton Library, 28790 San Jose Avenue. “Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure”, Tinker Bell journeys far North of Never Land to patch things up with her friend Terence and restore a Pixie Dust Tree. (G)

Saturday, March 20, 3:00pm — Look your best this spring! Gabby Garcia, Ventures II stylist and cosmetologist, will be at the Foothills Library, 13226 E. South Frontage Road, to share hair and make-up beauty tips. There is no charge to attend.. For more information, please call (928) 342-1640.

Saturday, March 20, 5:00-10:00pm – Doctor versus Doctor Spring Culinary Competition to benefit the foundations of AWC and YRMC on the AWC campus 3C building. Competing teams of chefs whip up delicious treats for tasting, including  appetizers, beverages, dessert, silent and live auction. Team sign-up and $50 Event tickets available by calling 344-1720.

Saturday, March 20, 5:00pm start — St. Francis 5th Annual Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at Putter Inn Desert Hills Restaurant 1245 Desert Hills Drive. Entry fee is $100 with a 2-for-1 advance entry (due by March 17th), Seating is limited to 125 people. Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Proceeds to benefit St. Francis Dad’s Club Baseball Field Projects at St. Francis School. Must be at least 21 years old. Call Joe at 928-941-1634 or Martin at 928-580-6423 to sign up.

Saturday, March 20, 5:00pm – Yuma Area Art Educators’ Association fundraiser dinner and art auction at the Yuma Civic Center East Wing. Art Viewing and dinner begins at 5:00.  Admission to the art viewing is free.  Dinner tickets are $13, RSVP to Holly Hendrick Jones at 446-5532.

Saturday, March 20 — “Taste of Yuma” fundraiser to raise money for the Yuma Territorial Prison at the Hilton Garden Pivot Point Conference Center, featuring samplings from local restaurants, live entertainment, and silent auction.  Tickets on sale at the Hilton Garden Inn $30.00 each, or call 928-785-1855. www.SaveThePrison.com

Saturday, March 20, 6:00pm — KCFY and Foothills Southern Baptist Church presents “Esterlyn” in Concert at Foothills Southern Baptist Church (Corner of Foothills Blvd & 40th Street) Tickets: Suggested Donation of $5, available at The Ark Christian Bookstore, Audio Einstein, Foothills Southern Baptist Church and KCFY offices.

Saturday, March 20, 7:00pm — Arizona Western College’s Jazz I and Jazz II Ensembles will be presenting their annual AWC Jazz Festival Concert at Kofa High School’s Auditorium.  This year the Jazz Festival will feature guest artist Moisés Paiewonsky, Professor of Trombone and Jazz Studies at the University of Arizona. Donations accepted at the door.

Saturday, March 20, 7:00pm – Hot Tamales Latin Ladies of Comedy, featuring Kiki Melendez, Monique Marvez, Ludo Vika and Kira Soltanovich, perform at Paradise Casino. Tickets are $20 at www.startickets.com or (800) 585-3737. Must be 21+.

Sunday, March 21, 2:00pm — Ballet Yuma performs a free Sunday concert series in the Quartermaster Depot, 4th Avenue north of 1st Street.Link:  http://www.balletyuma.org Regarded as one of the best pre-professional ballet companies in the country, Ballet Yuma is in its 16th season under the Artistic Direction of Jon Cristofori and Kathleen Sinclair.  

Sunday, March 21, approx 7:00pm — C & C Entertainment welcomes you to a free movie night at the Quartermaster Depot to save the Yuma Territorial Prison.  Buy hot dogs, popcorn, with a prison tour guide welcoming you in.  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and your donation.  The movie starts when the sun goes down; the original “3:10 to Yuma” on a big screen.  Prior to the movie, a 6-minute video about the prison will be shown.