North Central Phoenix teen Alma Chandler had her ‘Holiday House’ drawing (inset) selected as one of the designs for Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s annual holiday boxes of cards (photos courtesy of Phoenix Children’s Hospital).

Chandler was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Chandler became more familiar with a hospital than she wanted to. At age 12 she was injured in a fire and suffered burns over 22 percent of her body. But, Alma is a fighter … and not just figuratively. She also is a two-time state champion in Judo. This resilient teen is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and says that someday she wants to be a pediatric nurse so she can work with kids who have cancer. She knows her own experiences will help to inspire them and keep them positive.

The holiday card designs for the 2008 Art Project will support the Hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Retail packages are $10 for 15 cards and are available at Valley Bashas’, Food City & AJ stores, or online at www.phoenixchildrensartproject.com. For more information, contact Elaine Falkner, Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Foundation, at efalkner@phoenixchildrens.com or 602-546-2659.

Annual VA Veterans Day Parade
11 a.m.  Tuesday, Nov. 11
Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center
650 E. Indian School Road
The parade starts at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center grounds at 7th Street and Indian School Road. The parade goes north on 7th Street from Montecito to Camelback Road, west on Camelback to Central Avenue, and north on Central to Montebello, ending at the North Phoenix Baptist Church. The parade pays tribute to our nation’s veterans, honoring all who have served in war and peacetime. One of the largest such events in the nation, the parade will feature approximately 100 entries, including historic military vehicles, Veterans Service Organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans and others, marching units, color guards, equestrian units, floats, balloons and bands. This year's theme is "Serving with Honor," paying special tribute to those who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

‘Irish’ You a Merry Christmas Holiday Gift & Bake Sale
Nov. 7-8
Irish Cultural Center,
Great Hall
1106 N Central Ave.
602-843-6731
You will find quality, and a great selection of items for sale. There is something for everyone—including the family pet. There also is a special, inexpensive selection of gifts for children to buy. All items for sale have been made, baked, and donated by members of the Irish Crafters Group. There will be Christmas Carol background music including the group’s very own “theme song, ” Irish You A Merry Christmas, arranged and sung by one of the Valley’s best musical entertainers, Pat McCrossan. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission charge to the sale. Visit www.irishcrafters.com for additional information.

Holiday Craft Sale
Nov. 24-25
Adult Day Care Center,
John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital
303 E. Eva St.
602-870-6374
Hand-crafted tote bags, holiday decorations, jewelry and baked goods are a few of the items that will be on sale to benefit the activity fund for participants in the Adult Day Care program at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital.  The sale will take place in the north dining room. Proceeds from the sale buy movie tickets, craft supplies and pay for other activities for the participants. The Adult Day Care program provides supervised care and activities, with nutritious meals, for adults who cannot care for themselves during the day, while their caretakers work, run errands, or take a break from caregiving.

Crystal Princess Tree Lighting
5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1
John C.  Lincoln North Mountain Hospital
250 E. Dunlap Ave.
Children of all ages are invited to share a treat and have their pictures taken with the Crystal Princess in the new Emergency Department parking lot between 2nd and 3rd streets on the north side of Dunlap Avenue. The event lasts until 8:30 p.m. Free.

APS Electric Light Parade
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Central Avenue at Montebello
602-261-8069
    The theme for the 2008 parade is “Preserving a Family Holiday Tradition.” The parade route heads south on Central to Camelback, where it heads east to 7th Street before turning south to the end at Indian School Road.  Tens of thousands of spectators line the parade route each year to enjoy the amazing spectacle of lighted floats, performance groups and the sights-and-sounds of the holidays.

Holiday Tea and Networking Event
E Women Network of Phoenix
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16
The Ritz Carlton-Phoenix
2410 E. Camelback Road
High tea will be served and an auction will be held to raise funds for the eWomen Network Foundation, an organization that gives grants and awards to programs benefiting women in various stages of their lives. The eWomen Network meetings are open to the public. Cost is $60 for members and $75 for non-members and includes the high tea. Reservations can be made at www.ewomennetwork.com or by calling 480-429-6997.

Beatitudes Center Doar’s Poinsettia Tea
2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch
7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road
602) 274-5022
This holiday gala draws more than 500 guests who are treated to a traditional afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches, scones and dessert. One highlight at this year’s event will be an engaging and interactive performance by local TV personality Mike Chamberlin. While he has spent years working as a TV broadcaster, music is his first love. Destry Jetton, Arizona Midday Host with Channel 12, will serve as master of ceremonies. As guests arrive at this prestigious event, The Harp Foundation will provide enchanting music. Tickets are $60 per person of which $27 is tax deductible. Call for reservations.