Tempe events this week – Music events at Tempe History Museum

03/11/2013 By Leave a Comment

The Tempe History Museum does a terrific job of presenting Tempe’s past with an impressive array of fun and interesting interactive exhibits. But, the museum also presents a number of free concerts and lectures, films and fun music events. This weekend the Museum is hosting two music events, one with a historic bent and one very much in the present.

On March 14, 7 p.m., the Museum, in partnership with the ASU Public History Program, will bring us images and music from the Great Depression of the 1930s. The 198 String Band will perform lesser-known songs from the 1930s against a backdrop of compelling Depression-era documentary photographs. The sequences of the songs and streaming images will be interwoven with audio excerpts from oral histories, poems and narratives, as well as historical commentary.

On March 16 the Museum, in partnership with Classical Revolution PHX, will be fully in the present with LOUD II: An Outdoor Celebration of LOUD Bands and Food Trucks, 2-6 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature sustainable green themes, loud music, bold flavors and arts and crafts. Bands, including Mana Sax Orchestra AZ, Bad Cactus Brass Band and the B-One Quartet will perform recycled and re-purposed music in new arrangements. The weather forecast for Saturday is perfect, so bring a picnic blanket, enjoy the sunshine, music, delicious food and green arts and crafts while learning more about sustaining our world. Event admission is free. Food trucks will provide tasty fare for a charge.

In addition to the Tempe History Museum activities, there are many other exciting arts, culture and entertainment options Tempe offers this week, including a some raucous St. Patrick’s Day events. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

Filed Under: Tempe Tourism Office Tagged With:

Local Substance Use Prevention Coalition Arms Tempe School Personnel with Tools to Fight Youth Drug and Alcohol Use

03/07/2013 By Leave a Comment

Tempe Group Photo

On Friday, March 1, the Tempe Coalition, a partnership between the City of Tempe and Tempe Community Council, which focuses on reducing underage drinking and youth drug use, hosted a day-long drug and alcohol prevention curriculum training at no-cost for Tempe’s middle school School Resource Officers (SROs), prevention specialists, social workers and counselors. Members from prevention coalitions and alliances from Mesa and Chandler were also invited to attend.

The 2012 Arizona Youth Survey, which was completed by over 2,800 Tempe 8th, 10th and 12th graders, shows that nearly 60% of Tempe youth have used alcohol, and over 36% have used marijuana in their lifetimes. Over the years, alcohol and drug prevention curriculum in schools has dwindled with budget and staff cuts, leaving an education gap which has contributed to alarming youth alcohol and drug use rates.

Using funds from a federal Drug Free Communities grant, the Tempe Coalition provided a trainer from California who specializes in Project ALERT, which is an evidence-based, research-backed alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention curriculum centered on middle-school-aged youth. During the training, attendees practiced hands-on activities and learned the most effective ways of teaching youth how to resist using alcohol and drugs. Each participant was provided with free curriculum products, including training handbooks, videos and posters, as well as access to online materials. The training allows for participants to take the information back to their schools and implement the curriculum at virtually no-cost.

“We were very happy to be able to put our grant money to good use by offering this free training to school staff and other local prevention coalitions,” said Bobbie Cassano, Tempe Coalition Coordinator. “Our hope is that the tools provided in this training will increase the capacity of school resource officers and staff to incorporate prevention education into their classrooms and schools.”

This training also served as a successful pilot for the Project ALERT trainer, as it was their first time working directly with an agency to conduct a training. The process utilized by the Tempe Coalition will serve as a starting point for future trainings completed by Project ALERT trainers.

Filed Under: - Hot Off The Press, City of Tempe, Community Groups, Education

Tempe Events This Week – MEMPHIS at ASU Gammage

03/04/2013 By Leave a Comment

You’ll have no problem finding a great variety of art, culture and entertaining events in Tempe, including a big one at ASU Gammage, which continues to bring great musical theatre to the Arizona. This week we can look forward to seeing another outstanding Broadway blockbuster, MEMPHIS, at ASU Gammage, March 5-10.  Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS takes place in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1950′s and is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.  Along the way, the two fall in love, which was totally taboo in that time and place. Memphis has a great story line, is full of rousing music and electrifying dancing and is sure to be one show not to be missed. Not surprisingly it won four 2012 Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Musical.

There are plenty more arts and cultural events choose from in Tempe this week. View a complete listing ofTempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 

 

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Tempe Events This Week – 12th Annual Ceramic Studio Tour

02/20/2013 By Leave a Comment

This week’s hefty roster of arts and cultural events culminates with the 12th Annual Self-Guided Ceramic Studio Tour, February 23-24.  The tour presents the work of dozens of professional ceramic artists in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including several in Tempe. It’s a great opportunity to view working and living spaces of participating artists. Even better, you get to actually watch many of them demonstrating different aspects of creating in clay, including wheel-throwing, hand-building and glazing techniques.  Be sure to take your check book and plastic because many of the artists will have pieces of their work for sale. I’ve taken this tour several times and I always find something beautiful to take home.

Start your tour at the ASU Ceramic Research Center where you can see the current exhibition Born of Fire: The Pottery of Margaret Tafoy, AND Re: Generation: A Survey of Margaret Tafoya’s Descendants a stunning survey of ceramics by Margaret Tafoya and her descendants. This exhibition of pueblo pottery provides a unique overview of one of the most accomplished potters from the 20th century.  Margaret Tafoya was one of the pioneering Pueblo artists who sustained the ceramic tradition of her ancestors by transforming it from a process for making functional vessels to an art form.

As you can see, there’s a lot going on all week. Check out this list and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 

Filed Under: Tempe Tourism Office Tagged With:

TCC Seeks Board Members

02/15/2013 By Leave a Comment

Tempe Community Council (TCC) is seeking nominations for candidates to join our esteemed Board of Directors. Candidates must live or work in Tempe and expectations include attendance to monthly board meetings, service on committees, participation in the Agency Review process, and support of TCC’s fundraising and community outreach efforts.  The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 1 by 4:00pm.

The TCC Board of Directors consists of up to thirty members and serves as the governing body and fiscal agent for the organization.  Members of the Board must either work or live in the city of Tempe at the time of appointment and are eligible for a maximum of two, three year terms.    Membership of the Board reflects a variety of professional and personal backgrounds and expertise.  Members have the opportunity to make an impact on vital local human service issues, including advocacy and planning decisions as they relate to public and private funding and services for some of Tempe’s most vulnerable populations: the aging, homeless, youth and disabled.   A nomination form is available online, or call 480-858-2300 for more information. Please consider becoming a part of this dynamic organization and make a difference in your community!

Filed Under: - Hot Off The Press, Tempe Community Council

Tempe’s Free Tax Preparation

02/15/2013 By Leave a Comment

Qualifying residents can have taxes filed for free!
Tempe Community Council’s Financial Stability Intiative has wonderful volunteers on hand to help you prepare, e-file and claim tax credits.

WHEN AND WHERE:
Tempe Schools Credit Union  2800 S. Mill Ave, Tempe
Saturdays 9am-12pm  2/2/13 to 4/13/13 Closed 3/9 & 3/16 for Spring Break Wednesdays 5pm-7pm  1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20 & 2/27

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

Those who made under $50,270 in 2012, those with disabilities, and the elderly. Please note that you may not qualify if your return is complex.

WHAT TO BRING TO A VITA SITE: 

  • Valid photo ID for yourself and/or your spouse.
  • Social Security cards or ITIN cards for you, your spouse, and dependents.
  • Birthdates for you, your spouse, and dependents.
  • Wage and earnings statements from all employers. (Form W-2 or 1099-MISC)
  •  Interest and dividend statements from banks.  (Form 1099-INT or 1099-DIV)
  • Social Security Statement (SSA-1099), Education Expenses (1098-T), Pensions (1099 R) and Unemployment Statement (1099-G) if applicable.
  • Other relevant information about income and expenses, i.e., donations made, including those to schools, educational expenses, home interest, property taxes and medical expenses for those who will be able to itemize.
  • Total amount paid for day care and the day care providers’ tax identification number.
  • For Direct Deposit—bank routing numbers and account numbers.
  • Copy of last year’s tax return.
  •  If filing joint, both you and your spouse must be present to sign the return.

Pre-screening for public benefits and FAFSA application assistance available upon request.
Additionally, if you earned $57,000 or less in 2012, you can have access to free tax software and prepare your own taxes. IRS certificed volunteers will guide you through the process.

FOR MORE INFO:   www.tempecommunitycouncil.org  480.858.2323

For other free tax preparation sites, http://www.cir.org.tax or call 2-1-1

 

Filed Under: Tempe Community Council

Recognizing Achievement, Access and Ability

02/15/2013 By Leave a Comment

TEMPE MAYOR’S DISABILITY AWARDS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Tempe Community Council and the City of Tempe is currently accepting nominations for the 25th Annual Tempe Mayor’s Disability Awards. Forms are available online at www.tempecommunitycouncil.org or via request by calling (480)858-2300.  Submissions must be submitted or postmarked by Friday, March 22, 2013 at 4:00PM to Tempe Community Council. Mail: 34 E. 7th Street, Building A. Tempe, AZ 85281 Fax: 480-858.2319 or Email: emma_gully@tempe.gov.

Since 1988, the City of Tempe and Tempe Community Council have collaborated together to highlight the accomplishments of people with disabilities as well as spotlight individuals, businesses and organizations that promote the advancement and equal opportunity of the disability sector. The hope is that this annual event will inspire others to emulate the honorees and provide a fully accessible Tempe for everyone.

Award nominations in each category are open to qualifying individuals/organizations:

Outstanding Workbridge Student Employee – Recognizes a Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) graduating senior in the Workbridge program who has demonstrated excellent dedication and performance as a student, employee or volunteer. Each year 10-12 recipients are selected in this category.  Nominations must come from a TUHSD school administrator, teacher, or staff member with two additional recommendations from an employer and/or community partner.

Workbridge Employer of the Year – Recognizes a business/organization that employs a TUHSD Workbridge student(s) and has a business location in Tempe.  Nominations must come from a TUHSD teacher or staff member.

Youth Ability Award – Recognizes a young person with a disability, aged 12-18, who has overcome challenges and/or helped advance the rights of individuals with a disability.

Adult Ability Award – Recognizes an adult with a disability, aged 18+, who has overcome challenges and/or helped advance the rights of individuals with a disability.

Exceptional Educator of the Year – Recognizes a teacher, school staff or support person who has provided exceptional education and support opportunities to individual(s) with a disability.

Emerging Leader Award – Recognizes an individual, aged 14-30, who is an emerging leader in this community by raising awareness and/or improving outcomes for people with a disability.

Business Leadership Award – Recognizes a corporation/business that has improved access for disabled customers/employees/visitors and/or created increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility Award – Recognizes a constituency, architect, developer, builder, planner, group or City department that has removed barriers and created full access to public/private buildings, outdoor space, thoroughfares, etc., for the full inclusion of individuals with a disability and/or made life easier through accessible transportation options.

Valued Community Service – Recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution by providing and/or improving personal and community support for individuals with a disability; including, but not limited to, providing independence through more choice, information and control, advocacy efforts, or improving the social participation of all people.

Pride of the City – Recognizes an individual, group or organization who has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment to those with disabilities and helped advance the full inclusion of all people in our community.

SELECTION CRITERIA

  • All nominees must work, live and/or impact people in Tempe.
  • All nominations must have current and accurate contact information for both nominee and nominator with a complete description of the full scope of activities, breadth of influence or achievement.
  • Nominations are reviewed by an independent committee based on written submissions, community impact, and scored using a rubric and point system.

About Tempe Community Council

Tempe Community Council (TCC) is a community-based nonprofit with a 40-year history of encouraging resident interaction and commitment to human services in Tempe. TCC brings our community together – including government, nonprofits, faith groups and residents – to provide support to Tempeans in need, to plan for present and future needs, and to build a lasting foundation for future generations.

About the Commission on Disability Concerns

The mission of the Commission on Disability Concerns is to advocate disability issue awareness, equal access and full community integration and to seek resolution of the concerns of people with disabilities for the benefit of all the people of Tempe. Commission meetings are held the 1st Thursday of the month at the Tempe Public Library.  Meetings begin at 6:30pm in the 2nd floor boardroom and are open to the public.

Filed Under: Boards & Commissions, diversity, Tempe Community Council

Tempe Events This Week – Comic Chris Bennett at the TCA

02/11/2013 By Leave a Comment

The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) new Tempe Comedy Concert Series is helping to fill the void left with the closing of the Tempe Improv last year.  I know that I was not alone in feeling sad when the Improv closed its doors.  After all, it was, for many years, one of the country’s most prominent comedy clubs, playing a huge role in advancing the careers of some very funny and famous comedians. Now, thanks to the TCA, we can look forward to once again enjoying great comedy live in Tempe.

This Friday the TCA will present comic Chris Bennett, who definitely has some impressive comedy credentials.  He made his TV debut on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show and has appeared at numerous clubs and festivals around the country. His unique style of comedy has awarded him the title of the funniest actor in New York at the then named New York Improv. He also won the Funniest Person in the Valley Contest, the 2006 Southwest Comedy Festival and The Ha Ha Comedy Café’s Contest in North Hollywood, Calif. The night will include a special appearance by 91-year-old comic Gert the Joke Lady.  This show is recommended for ages 16 and older.

There will be laughs aplenty at the TCA’s Comedy Concert Series in the weeks ahead. But, first take a look at what’s going on throughout Tempe this week. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 

Filed Under: Tempe Tourism Office Tagged With:

Tempe events this week – WAR HORSE gallops into ASU Gammage

02/04/2013 By Leave a Comment

This is a great week for entertainment in Tempe, starting with WAR HORSE at ASU Gammage, February 5-10. Many of us are  familiar with the story, thanks to Steven Spielberg’s 2011 movie adaptation of the children’s book by British author Michael Morpurgo.  It was a big box office hit and was nominated for a bunch of Academy Awards.

The story follows young Albert and his beloved horse Joey through  many trials and triumphs serving in World War One. Horses played a major role in The War to End all Wars and Joey actually ends up serving with both the British and German troops. The novel and the movie were wonderful; however, the musical embellishes the story futher with stirring music and the astonishing life-sized puppets that  bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride.

WAR HORSE is one of many great arts, culture and entertainment events going on this week in Tempe.  Other options include the ASU Art Museum Spring Season Opening Reception, Morrissey at the Marquee Theater, and at the Tempe Center for the Arts: The Hits @TCA: The Piano Man, Sherri Shepherd and Eddie Daniels and Roger Kellaway.  So many choices! View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

Filed Under: Tempe Tourism Office Tagged With: ,

Tempe Events This Week: Live Music in Tempe

01/28/2013 By

If you’re looking for live music this week, January 28 – February 3, Tempe offers an abundance of choices! This week’s calendar is chock full of great entertainment that includes art exhibits, theatre and live music from a cappella singing to jazz to rock.

Looking for more arts and entertainment options this week? Take a look at this list of Tempe events this week and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

Filed Under: Tempe Tourism Office Tagged With:
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