Kerri Kaczmarczyk Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona announced in March the appointment of Kerri Kaczmarczyk to the role of program director. The company says that her career in nonprofits gives her unique expertise and insights in helping the organization achieve its strategic vision for current and future programs and opens an exciting chapter after previously serving as a Free Arts Mentor. “As a former volunteer in Free Arts’ weekly mentoring program, I’ve always admired this organization as the gold standard for supporting youth who have experienced significant trauma,” Kaczmarczyk ..read more

You know those annoying calls and texts claiming to be a government agency with urgent information about your Social Security benefits ending or taxes you owe…don’t fall for it. The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that government agencies won’t call, email or text asking for money or personal information — only a scammer will do that. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 228,282 complaints of government imposter scams, with Social Security as the most frequently impersonated agency. Over 14 percent said they lost money to a scammer — a total of more than $126.5 m ..read more

Phoenix youth are invited to register for a summer basketball camp hosted by Jump Athletic (submitted photo). Jump Athletic will host a youth summer basketball camp in June for boys and girls entering second through ninth grade. Now in its 15th year, Jump Athletic was founded by Brian Sacks, a North Central resident who pivoted from the magazine publishing world to youth sports. “After volunteering as a coach for several basketball teams I knew that my next career would be supporting kids in their growth,” said Sacks. “Sports was a big confidence builder for me as a child.” The company was c ..read more

The Japanese Friendship Garden is extending its hours to take advantage of Phoenix’s early evening hours. The extended hours will allow guests to enjoy “golden hour” in the garden — a perfect time for sunset photos and an early evening stroll. During extended hours the garden will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Japanese Friendship Garden is located at 1125 N. 3rd Ave. For information about the garden, upcoming workshops and events, visit www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org ..read more

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control hosts Tails Around Town Thursdays through Saturdays at its West shelter. The event is an opportunity to take a shelter dog on a day-long adventure and give them a much-needed break from the shelter. It also helps them be seen and allows the shelter to learn more about the pooch in order to help them find their perfect forever home. Pick up is between 9-11 a.m. at the West shelter, 2500 S. 27th Ave., and volunteers should make sure to wear proper attire for the outing. “Tailwaggers” will be given a backpack with everything they will need for the day, incl ..read more

Liliana and Karsten Beth help repurpose and redistribute used Legos through nonprofit Pass the Bricks (photo courtesy of Sabrina Posillico). North Central resident Sabrina Posillico was thrilled when she learned about Pass the Bricks, an organization that collects used Lego bricks, sanitizes and sorts them, designs “new” sets and distributes them through nonprofits to kids who wouldn’t normally have access to them. “Legos are one of the best toys children can play with,” Posillico said. “They boost creativity, stimulate imagination and increase spatial, math and engineering skills. But due t ..read more

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that improvement projects will require closures or lane restrictions along stretches of Phoenix-area freeways, including Interstate 10 near Sky Harbor Airport, this weekend, April 19-22. Drivers are asked to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if necessary while the following weekend restrictions are in place: Southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and US 60 in Tempe from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (April 22) for pavement improveme ..read more

Residents of all ages can access cultural centers and museums at no cost through the Culture Pass program (photo courtesy of Act One). Whether it is summer vacation looming, with parents looking for ways to keep kids busy and off electronics during the extended time off from school, or family members and caregivers looking for options to get older adults engaged out of the house, the Act One Culture Pass may provide the perfect solution — and it is free. The Culture Pass provides access for students, seniors and under-resourced families to visit many of Arizona’s arts and cultural treasures ..read more

The Valleywise Health Medical Center is scheduled to open in April (photo courtesy of Valleywise). Valleywise Health Foundation completed its four-year ALL IN for Valleywise Health Campaign. Launched in January 2020, this first major campaign effort more than doubled its original campaign goal, raising $54,123,689 by the end of 2023. The campaign funds support Arizona’s public teaching hospital and safety net system of care for Maricopa County, including burn survivorship care at the new Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center–Valleywise Health; innovative behavioral health programs; tea ..read more

The first phase of renovations for Camelback Corridor’s Bond office complex is expected to be completed mid-year (photo courtesy of George Oliver). Mark Tarbell Phoenix-based developer George Oliver announced that the Camelback Corridor’s Bond office redevelopment has partnered with award-winning chef and entrepreneur Mark Tarbell to run all food and beverage services at the company’s latest hospitality-inspired office transformation. The company says that the agreement will elevate the onsite food and beverage offerings to new heights while maintaining its emphasis on local collaborations ..read more