Live mermaid swimming performances, mermaid meet and greets, special activities and more.
Mermaid activities included with admission to the aquarium.
Butterfly Wonderland becomes Winter Wonderland to kick off the holiday season with our tranquil blue, white and silver decor. Every Saturday and Sunday, and every day from December 19 through 23, our amazing 7ft. living angels with expansive wings add an ethereal aura to the Conservatory from 10am-4pm, while musical groups Nouveau Papillon, the Scottsdale String Quartet and harpist Adrienne Bridgewater fill the air with the serene sounds of the season from 11am-3pm.
Live mermaid swimming performances, mermaid meet and greets, special activities and more.
Mermaid activities included with admission to the aquarium.
Butterfly Wonderland becomes Winter Wonderland to kick off the holiday season with our tranquil blue, white and silver decor. Every Saturday and Sunday, and every day from December 19 through 23, our amazing 7ft. living angels with expansive wings add an ethereal aura to the Conservatory from 10am-4pm, while musical groups Nouveau Papillon, the Scottsdale String Quartet and harpist Adrienne Bridgewater fill the air with the serene sounds of the season from 11am-3pm.
Mixed Media artist LynnRae Lowe has embarked on an exploration of the aleph bet through the works of 20th Century Jewish masters of abstract expressionism. Borrowing from the signature styles of Louise Nevelson, Mark Rothko, Adolf Gottlieb and more, she teases out a deeper understanding of the depths and intricacies of the Hebrew alphabet.
Beginners’ Tai Chi: NEW CLASS 2:30 – 4 p.m. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley Social Hall, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Open to the general public; no experience required. Repeats every Monday through Dec. 19 except Sept. 5, Oct. 3, 10. Free. Information: taichi@tbsev.org
Temple Kol Ami’s annual toy drive, held in partnership with The Love House Kids Program, is underway! Now thru December 11, TKA will collect new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages from infant to 18 year old. The biggest need for gifts is in the 7 to 18 year old age range.
All are welcome to drop off toys in collection bins located inside the Temple Kol Ami lobby (15030 N 64th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254)
The Love House (www.lovehousekidsprogram.org) is a local charity that helps kids who have been removed from homes due to abuse and neglect. The children who will benefit from our toy drive are disadvantaged or at risk. Some live in foster or state-run group homes; others may live with a relative. But each child receives just $300 a year to cover all of their material needs including shoes, clothes, school supplies–everything.
“These are kids who fall through the cracks and would otherwise have nothing at Christmas time. There’s no other group that’s going to provide for them. They don’t qualify for charities like Toys for Tots,” said Temple Kol Ami member and toy drive volunteer Danny Adelmann.
Some of the kids have never received a Christmas gift before.
“Kids in group homes don’t have choices, don’t get to share in love and caring and are alone. No matter how badly these kids were abused, we so want them to be able to be kids. It’s okay to be excited, it’s okay to dream. It also gives us an opportunity to tell them they are cared for and loved unconditionally,” said Love House Executive Director Maureen Karpinski.
Adelmann and Temple Kol Ami have been working with the Love House at Christmas time several years in a row. Adelmann is proud to share some of the many notes of thanks he’s received over the years:
“Jasmin has been carring around her HUGE teddy bear for the last few days. She put on her new Nike shoes and I don’t think she will ever take them off!”
“I don’t have enough words of gratitude. One look at one of those faces on Christmas morning says it all. Thank you for making this happen for these innocent victims of abusive people.”
“Kimberly was snuggled up on the couch today with her new Mickey Mouse blanket and was so excited to show it off, along with her new shoes.”
“This was the first Christmas they were able to experience the wonder and joy of waking up to run out to the living room and see a tree surrounded by presents, stockings filled, and warm cinnamon rolls for breakfast.”
Storytime for Tots! Bring your tots, ages 2-5, for story time, featuring fun education on butterflies, caterpillars and more! Included with admission: $19.95 adults, $17.95 ages 13-17, $12.95 ages 3-12, ages 2 and under free. 10 am. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-800-3000 or butterflywonderland.com.