Tag: Phoenix

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Bride in limbo after Val Vista Lakes HOA votes to cancel events

Bride in limbo after Val Vista Lakes HOA votes to cancel events

GILBERT, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) – A bride-to-be is scrambling to re-plan her wedding after she was notified her venue is no longer hosting events starting at the beginning of next year.

“Yesterday, I got a phone call from the general manager of Val Vista Lakes telling me they were canceling all events after January 1st, 2023, and they said it was because of legal reasons,” said Amy Greco. “It’s not actually the HOA company. It’s actually the HOA board members that are voting against having the events there. The only thing that I could think of is that they want to host events there themselves and maybe because Val Vista Lakes is such a popular venue, they’re not able to do so. Which is fine, but I feel they should honor my contract.”

Greco said she wanted the venue so badly that she booked her reservation in August 2021 for her wedding in March 2023.

“Since I moved here in 2006, I wanted to get married there mainly because of the lake and the views there. Because of the docks, it reminded me of my hometown in Long Island,” Greco said. “It was a must for me. That was the first thing that I booked, and then I kind of built the wedding around that.”

Val Vista Lakes said in an email to Greco that she would be returned her $1,000 deposit. However, Greco said she doesn’t know what will happen to her vendors.

“It’s kind of like build your own wedding. So it’s up to me to pick all of my vendors and book them and put it all together,” Greco explained. “I have everything booked. I have my caterers booked, I have the bartender, invitations are sent out, there’s a hotel room block already booked, RSVPs are already coming in. If I were to have to go somewhere else, I don’t know that I can bring my vendors with me, I don’t know if they can refund me the deposits. I don’t know what’s within my budget anymore. It’s all kind of ruined.”

Greco said she wanted Val Vista Lakes as her wedding venue before meeting her future husband. She’s hoping there’s still a way to make it happen.

“The general manager from Val Vista Lakes, or the HOA company, had called me and said that there is a loophole and if I find any resident in Val Vista Lakes that will sponsor me for my event, I’m still able to have it,” Greco said. “But I don’t know anyone that lives in Val Vista Lakes because I’m all the way here in Phoenix.”

Arizona’s Family reached out to the vice president of Val Vista Lakes, but we have not gotten a response.

Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.

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Pride Month events to beat the Phoenix heat

Pride Month events to beat the Phoenix heat
A rainbow over a desert landscape
Photo via Getty Images

It’s Pride Month, and in most of the country, that means Pride parades.

  • Here in the Valley, it’s way too hot for that in June, so our parade is in October, when we can finally count on high temperatures to drop below 100.

There’s still plenty to do in the Phoenix area to celebrate Pride Month.

  • The Tempe Center for the Arts will host two events on June 12 – the Phoenix Pride Spirit Awards, and the first, gender-neutral Mx. Phoenix Pride Pageant.
  • Phoenix Pride spokesperson Jeremy Helfgot said the pageant will hopefully become an annual event.
  • The Pride Bar Crawl will begin at 4pm on June 18 at Boondocks, and party goers will make their way to Casa Amigos, El Hefe Mexican restaurant, Riot House, The Hot Chick and other locales in Old Town Scottsdale.

Team Pride nights: Valley sports teams that are in season are holding Pride nights throughout the month. Phoenix Rising had theirs on Saturday, but you’ve still time to catch others.

  • The Phoenix Mercury’s Pride night is on Friday for their game against the Atlanta Dream. You can buy your tickets here.
  • The Arizona Diamondbacks will hold their fifth annual Pride night on Saturday, June 25 against the Detroit Tigers. You can get tickets here.

Outside the Valley: If you want to get out of town to celebrate, there are still festivals in other parts of the state.

Zoom out: For a more comprehensive list of Pride Month events across the Valley, Visit Phoenix and ONE Community have you covered.

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Phoenix Fan Fusion doesn’t stop after dark: Your list of the top after parties, events

Phoenix Fan Fusion doesn't stop after dark: Your list of the top after parties, events

Just in case you thought that Phoenix Fan Fusion at the Phoenix Convention Center ended once the sun went down, think again. 

This year’s Fan Fusion will offer several events including after-parties and evening events that might be worth staying up for. 

Several events are back from previous years, including comedy shows, “Queen Lantern Corps Dragstravaganza” and “Masquerade” Costume Contest are back. There are new events as well.

Here are some of the top Friday and Saturday evening events and after parties connected with Phoenix Fan Fusion 2022. Events take place at the Phoenix Convention Center.

For a full schedule of events see this list. 

Make sure you check the programming schedule to see which events are for adults 18 and older.

What to know about Fan Fusion: Your complete guide to Phoenix Fan Fusion 2022 guests, weapon policy, costs and more

Friday

Queen Lantern Corps Dragstravaganza 

Join several drag queens and kings from across the Valley for a geek-themed drag show, hosted by Barbra Seville. This after dark event is free. Guests must be 18 years and older to attend. Panelists include Marcus Leathem, Jessica Bechhoever, Gigi DeMilo, Na-il Emmert, Patrick Jervis Jr., Delores Latcher, Hanna Maher, Andi Norton, Elijah Palles, Christopher Rapinz-Kesler, Cierra Ruiz, Jace Ryden, Barbra Seville and Jacqueline Stevenson. 

Details: 7-8:30 p.m., West 301BCD, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020?search_term=queen+lanter

‘Kids Need To Read’ Charity Poker Tournament 

This 18 and older event — presented by Lupine Entertainment — will open doors for registration at 7 p.m. Games start at 8 p.m. Guests must pay a $20 donation to participate. All guests are invited to watch the tournament for free. 

Details: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. West 106 ABC, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020?search_term=poker

Horror Trivia

The evening event will include a discussion on cult classic horror films and its history, in addition to a jeopardy style game that invites guests to distinguish all the different genres of horror.

Details: 9-10 p.m., North 230, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

Wizarding Game Night

This event features several fun, interactive games from watching Harry Potter characters play Cards Against Muggles and Harry Potter 20 questions. The event is for ages 18 and older. 

Details: 9-10 p.m., West 105BC. memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

A Comedy Show with Fan Fusion

The event will feature a range of local comedians who focus on their two passions: Comic books and video games. The event is for people 18 years and older. 

Details: Friday 9-10pm, Saturday 7:30-8:30 p.m, and Saturday 9-11:30 p.m, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

Anime Rave with DJ HeavyGrinder 

It’s a dance party that’s free but includes one of the best DJ’s in town. This event is for ages 18 and older. 

Details: 9 p.m.-1 a.m., North 120CD, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedules/view/686239

Burlesque at Phoenix Fan Fusion

Burlesque is back at Phoenix Fan Fusion — it’s free to attend, too. It’s a blend of geeky, nerdy and hot. Guests must be 18 and older to attend the event. General admission seating is free. 

Details: 9-11:30 p.m., memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

The stars are out: Chuck Norris, Kate Mulgrew among headliners for Phoenix Fan Fusion

Saturday 

Comedy Show with Fan Fusion

The event will feature a range of local comedians who focus on their two passions: Comic books and video games. The event is for people 18 years and older. 

Details: 7:30-8:30 p.m, and 9-11:30 p.m, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

P.U.G.S. (Phoenix Ultimate Geek Smackdown)

This event features eight fans as they debate comic-fest related topics. Sign up for the P.U.G.S. Friday panel event for a chance to make it to the top eight contestants. 

Details: 7:30-8:30 p.m., North 132ABC, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

Grogu’s 51st Birthday Party 

It’s baby Yoda’s first birthday. Join Din Djarin to celebrate the birth of his son — the event will feature a full cast of Star Wars friends, too. The evening will be complete with music and a dance party filled with all your favorite Star Wars characters. 

Details: 8 p.m.-1 a.m., North 120CD, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

Masquerade Costume Contest: 

This annual event welcomes anyone to see costume creators on the big stage of the Phoenix Convention Center. It will feature cosplayers who have submitted their costume designs prior to the event. Winners will be announced. 

Details: 8-11:55 p.m., West 301BCD, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

Drinks with Authors 

Join authors and other creators for a drink. The event will include door prizes, giveaways and raffles to support Kids Need to Read. 

Details: 8-11:30 p.m. West 106ABC, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

‘Strut your Stuff’ dance contest  

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. for individuals and groups to sign-up and dance on stage for a panel of judges. If you don’t feel like dancing, you can sign up to be a guest judge.  The show will begin at 9 p.m. where superheroes, furries, zombies, anime otaku, sci-fi fans, video game characters or guests in casual attire can dance and strut on stage. Prizes will be awarded. 

Details: 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., North 232ABC, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

Star Trek Universal Mixer

This year’s Star Trek Universal Mixer will feature  “What’s Old is New Again – Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” panel guests including the United Federation of Phoenix, as well as local Star Trek clubs for a casual mixer. 

Details: 9-11:55 p.m., North 224 AB, https://memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

Doctor Who ‘Smash or Pass’ 

This 18 and older event answers questions like “I wonder if anybody else agrees that Daleks are hot?” or “How bad is a Slitheen in bed?” The group event will invite guests to answer which Doctor Who characters they would “Smash or Pass.” 

Details: 9-10 p.m., North 125AB, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

‘Strip a Goddess’ 

This event blends Jeopardy, Whose Line is it Anyway and strip poker into a game show that tests guests on erotic mythological knowledge — by the end, you may be one of the audience members who helps strip a goddess. This event is for adults 18 years and older. 

Details: 9-10 p.m., North 223, memberships.phoenixfanfusion.com/schedule/Phoenix_Fan_Fusion_2020

Reach the reporter at sofia.krusmark@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark 

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National Nurses Week Events at University of Phoenix Feature College of Nursing Dean Raelene Brooks

National Nurses Week Events at University of Phoenix Feature College of Nursing Dean Raelene Brooks

Brooks leads in-person panel event May 7 at Southern California Campus and online event May 12

PHOENIX, May 09, 2022–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The University of Phoenix College of Nursing Dean Raelene Brooks, Ph.D., RN, led a panel event hosted by the university’s Southern California Campus on Saturday, May 7, in collaboration with the university’s Workforce Solutions team. The event, “Inspired by You,” held to honor and recognize nursing and healthcare professionals from the community and their life-saving contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, welcomed nurses from area healthcare organizations and featured a networking reception, inspiring stories, and panel discussion.

“National Nurses Week is an opportunity to bring more visibility to nurses for their leadership abilities, their highly specialized knowledge and critical thinking skills – and their compassion,” shares Brooks. “University of Phoenix supports and celebrates the tired and tireless efforts of our nation’s nurses at this event. We honor their contributions and the opportunity to explore what we can do to support and grow our extraordinary nursing talent.”

The event also provided each recognized nurse with a platform to highlight someone within their nursing community who has inspired them during their professional journey, and to discuss how things have changed in the nursing field due to the pandemic.

The panel discussion moderated by Brooks included nursing and healthcare leaders:

  • Barbara Barney-Knox, Deputy Director Nursing, Statewide Chief Nursing Executive at California Corrections Healthcare Services;

  • Joanelle Adajar, MSN, RN, PHN, Director of Nursing Professional Practice Magnet Program & Clinical Informatics at Kaiser Permanente Riverside Service Area – Riverside & Moreno Valley Medical Centers; and

  • Pamela Bryant DNP, RN, MSN, FNP-C, PHN, Master of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner Program Chair at University of Phoenix College of Nursing.

Their discussion centered on the National Nurses’ Week theme “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Investing in nursing and respect rights to secure global health,” and explored topics of resiliency and self-care, creating a culture of nursing excellence, and how diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare can be led by nurses.

Brooks will also be keynote speaker at a live webinar hosted Thursday, May 12, at 2:00pm ET, “The History of Nursing, Current Healthcare Education, and Career Opportunities.” Registration for this live webinar event is available here.

A registered nurse for over 25 years, Brooks has practiced extensively in the areas of intensive care, trauma, and critical care in the UC Healthcare System. Completing a master’s in science of nursing education in 2000, she went on to complete her doctorate in Nursing Science with the University of San Diego in 2018. She is a Doris Howell Scholar and an active member of several professional nursing associations including American Association of Colleges of Nursing, National League of Nursing, and Association for Critical Care Nursing.

Learn more about the university’s College of Nursing programs here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220509006107/en/

Contacts

Sharla Hooper
University of Phoenix
sharla.hooper@phoenix.edu