Free Comic Book Day
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 5
All About Books & Comics
5060 N. Central Ave.
602-277-0757
    All About Books & Comics will give away thousands of free comics and host a free Comic Book Day Party, featuring an autograph session with two of DC Comics’ hottest creators from Batman Beyond. Writer Adam Beechen and Artist Dustin Nguyen will be signing autographs 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-4:30 pm. There will be free superhero face painting and balloon twisting 1-4 p.m. and discounts on all merchandise with a cash donation to support Hospice of the Valley.

Free Mystery Authors Event
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Burton Barr Central Library
1221 N. Central Ave.
602-262-4636
    Phoenix Public Library and Poisoned Pen Bookstore present Get Cozy @ Phoenix Public Library. Authors scheduled to participate in the panel discussion about cozy mysteries include Avery Aames, Kate Carlisle, Donis Casey, Jane Cleland, Hannah Dennison, Earlene Fowler, Rebecca Hale, Carolyn G. Hart, Beth Kendrick, Jenn McKinlay, Paige Shelton and Betty Webb. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Authors will sign books following the panel.

‘Power of the Purse’
2-5 p.m. Sunday, May 6
Beatitudes Campus
1610 W. Glendale Ave.
602-995-6136
    Presented by Beatitudes Campus, a not-for-profit retirement community, this fundraiser will feature cocktails and a silent auction followed by a fashion show and live auction of new and gently loved luxury designer purses and celebrity handbags, including a Kate Spade donated by actress Emma Stone. Some men’s items also will be auctioned off. Individual tickets are $75 and a “Girls Night Out” package also is available. Visit www.Beatitudes PowerofthePurse.org.  

Parking Lot Sale
7 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, May 12
Desert Mission parking lot
5th St. just south of Hatcher Road
602-550-3991
    Bargain shoppers, take note! You’ll find great deals at this sale, including books, household goods and more. Proceeds benefit the Sunnyslope Kiwanis and its programs that serve the youth of Sunnyslope.

Junior League of Phoenix
Info Session
10 a.m. Saturday, May 12
The Junior League of Phoenix Headquarters
2505 N. Central Ave.
    Valley women today are busier than ever, but still need a chance to build skills, volunteer in the community and develop friendships. The Junior League of Phoenix gives women these opportunities in a fun, team-oriented environment and is accepting applications for its 2012-2013 provisional class through June 30. To be eligible to join, prospective members must be 22 years old on or before July 31. For more information, visit www.jlp.org.

Mother’s Day Remembrance
1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 12
Hospice of the Valley
1510 E. Flower St.
602-636-5390
    Participants are invited to bring photos and personal mementos to display on a remembrance table, and also reflect on what mothers have taught us about the art of living. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free, however, reservations are requested.

AAUW hosts Warner
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15
Beatitudes Luther Life Center
1616 W. Glendale Ave.
602-510-1544
    The American Association of University Women monthly meeting features Carolyn Warner, one of America’s most articulate education and public policy leaders. Warner, in her 12 years as Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction, became nationally known for her advocacy of educational accountability. Her public speaking expertise is reflected in her most recent book, “The Last Word: A Treasury of Women’s Quotes,” available for purchase at the event. Visitors are welcome. Dinner ($13) will be served at 5:30 p.m. RSVP by May 11. Enter the Beatitudes at the gate by the flagpole.

Phoenix Writers Club
1 p.m. Saturday, May 19
Beatitudes Campus, Life Center
1610 W. Glendale Ave.
    In honor of the Arizona Centennial, the Phoenix Writers Club will be presenting a play about the history of The Phoenix Writers Club that was started in 1926. Admission is free and it is open to the public. A limited number of lunches costing $15 will be available in Elaine’s Fine Dining restaurant prior to the play at noon, by reservation only. To make a luncheon reservation you must RSVP and e-mail neeliepubl@aol.com or call 623-561-6751 by May 9. Following the play there will be a meet-and-greet in The Bistro next to Elaine’s with Phoenix Writers Club authors for book sales and signing.