By M. Keller Brewer

    A Phoenix couple may set a record for the greatest number of family members to graduate from Sunnyslope High School.

    Joy and Eric Stevens’ family has spent nearly a half-century in attendance at Sunnyslope. There are at least two wrestlers, a theater performer, four swimmers, four cheerleaders and three student council members in the family.

The Stevens family has been a major focal point of the community around Sunnyslope High School, inviting throngs of students into their home and their lives.

    Brett Stevens, their youngest son, is in his senior year at Sunnyslope. While he is the last in the family to anticipate graduation, the family still keeps in touch with the Sunnyslope community.

Joy graduated from Sunnyslope in 1972 and was the Sweetheart Queen at a Sadie Hawkins dance. She sang in choir and was part of the pom line.

Diane Kaplan (singer/songwriter/ guitarist) will present a concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 20 at Beth El Congregation, 1118 W. Glendale Ave. The concert is in celebration of Jerusalem Day.

    The New York-born recording artist grew up in Phoenix, became Bat Mitzvah at Beth El and studied at NAU before moving to Israel, where she has been performing acoustic folk and world music for more than 35 years.  Kaplan’s concerts are a mix of her own compositions, Israeli, Yemenite, Ladino as well as Celtic songs, Bob Dylan and gospel blues.

    During her Phoenix appearance, Kaplan also will teach a song or two in English or simple Hebrew, to get some harmonies going and engender audience participation, as well as perform her own compositions from her new CD.

    Ticket prices are $15 per adult, $10 per child, $25 per couple, with a $36 cap per household, if purchased in advance. Tickets at the door will be $18 each. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Renee Joffe at 602-944-3359, ext. 113.

First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) now offers an American Sign Language interpreter at its regular Sunday worship services.

    “Ours is a church with progressive view of Christianity,” explains the Rev. Dr. Stephen Wayles, senior pastor of First Congregational. “We are inclusive and hold a respectful view of humankind as being made in the image of God. Because we believe in welcoming all people into our community of faith, American Sign Language was a natural choice for us to offer.”

    Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational UCC, located at 1407 N. 2nd St., one half block south of McDowell Road. Worship services with American Sign Language may also be viewed online at DSUCC.org.

Want to make a difference in the life of a needy pug? APARN is in need of additional foster homes to care for surrendered and rescued pugs, until they can find a loving forever home.

    Some dogs may need medication or veterinary care. All medications are provided, and veterinary visits are covered. Foster homes need to provide a safe, stable and affectionate home for these pugs until a permanent home can be found. Fosters also take the pugs to APARN’s adoption events, and coordinate meetings for potential adoptive families.

    For more information, visit www.arizonapugrescue.com.