This week in Maricopa

Here’s what’s coming up this week. Maricopa children go back to school on Monday, so drive carefully and watch out for them as they head back to their classrooms.

Monday, Aug. 13: First day of school for all students in the Maricopa Unified School District. Times for Maricopa, Pima Butte, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Elementary Schools are 7:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Maricopa Wells Middle School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:36 p.m. Maricopa High School will be in session (7:15 – 8:07 a.m. for early class) from 8:15 a.m. to 3:23 p.m. for regular session.

The Friends of the Library meet Monday at 6 p.m. in the Pima Butte Elementary School library. New members are always welcome to come and join the group in their efforts to assist the library programs in Maricopa.

Tuesday, Aug. 14: Networking Maricopa, a group of Chamber of Commerce men and women will meet at the Chamber office at 7 p.m. to share leads and do cross promotion. Each weekly group is limited to one company per profession. For more information, contact Chris at (480) 250-2915.

Building upon the hundreds of ideas created by residents, a series of workshops are being planned to discuss, prioritize and craft a Pinal County Vision Statement. A workshop will be held in Stanfield at the Stanfield Elementary School gym from 6:30-8 p.m. (see related story).

Wednesday, Aug. 15: Are you breastfeeding or considering it? La Leche League was founded to give information and encouragement, mainly through personal help, to all mothers who want to breastfeed their babies.

The Pinal County West Group meets every third Wednesday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Villages Clubhouse. Pregnant women, mothers, and children are welcome. E-mail Kristin for directions or more information.

Thursday, Aug. 16: The MASH Anti-Substance Abuse Coalition will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Montezuma Room located in the middle portion of City Hall. Enter through the front doors. New members are always welcome to join and learn how together we can help Maricopa and surrounding areas combat substance abuse.

Saturday, August 18: Pinal County Juvenile Court Services will be hosting a volunteer orientation for anyone interested in volunteering to work with disadvantaged, at-risk youth. There is an application process and background check done on all volunteers — who are needed in the Maricopa area.

The orientation will provide information on the Juvenile Court and its services, restorative justice practices, the Volunteer Code of Ethics and the responsibilities of volunteers and the court.

To find out more about the Volunteer Program and to register for the orientation, contact Donna McBride at Juvenile Court (520) 866-7074 or by e-mail.

All week: Registration for the 2007 Fall Soccer season continues at City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The registration deadline is Friday, September 28, at 5 p.m. The fee of $45 for children ages 4-15 includes a soccer jersey, matching shorts, matching socks, a trophy and an end of the season party.

For a list of upcoming events, or to list an event of your own, visit the events calendar.

Photo by Joyce Hollis