“BEHIND THE SCENES” THE MAKING OF A CHILDRENS BOOK
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | HD SOUTH, 10 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ, 85296, United States
Join local children’s picture book author-illustrator, Jenifer Tull-Gauger, for a book talk on the behind-the-scenes making of a children’s picture book. The author will talk about the adventure of creating her first children’s picture book, The Can-Do Karate Kids: A Dojo Kun Character Book on Defeating Laziness & Procrastination. Character building topics include inspiration, tough decisions, and the process that she went through to write and illustrate the book. Jenifer’s books are geared toward children ages 5 to 10, but all ages are welcome to join this special event.
Registration required.

COOKIE DECORATING WITH MAE’S COOKIE JAR
2026-05-02 13:00 - 15:00
for “May the Fourth be with You” Star Wars themed cookie decorating class. Come Han-solo or bring a Wookie–either way you’ll have a great time! Guided by the Jedi wisdom of the talented Vickie from Mae’s Cookie Jar, participants will learn a variety of cookie decorating techniques including how to hold the icing bags, outlining, flooding, and more! All supplies & a take-home box are provided. Ages 16 and up.
Registration is required. www.maescookiejar.com/hdsouth

LUNCH HOUR BOOK CLUB
2026-05-04 11:30 - 13:00, 2026-05-18 11:30 - 13:00
Bring your lunch and join HD SOUTH and Literally, A Bookshop, who have partnered to host a community book club. The Book Club will meet twice a month, and the book selection will be discussed over the course of the two sessions. This month’s selection is “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. In this historical fiction novel, a young Latin tutor falls in love with an extraordinary young woman who is known throughout the countryside as an herbalist and healer. Once they marry and settle in Stratford-upon-Avon she becomes a force in the life of her young husband, whose career on the London stage is just taking off when their beloved young son succumbs to sudden fever. This fictional account of William Shakespeare and Agnes Hathaway’s son Hamnet who died at the age of eleven in 1596 focuses on his parents’ grief and the idea life always goes on. Advanced registration is required and limited to the first 12 registrants.
To register and purchase the book visit Events 4146920260504 | Literally A Bookshop

LINE DANCING
2026-05-04 19:00 - 20:00
Welcome local instructor Jennifer Sherman as she shares her love of music and dance with line dancing instruction. Come join the fun with upbeat music and line-dancing steps that will boost your energy levels and enliven the spirit. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in education and has expanded her work to include movement-based teaching. Attendance limited.
Registration required. Cost: $12 (to be paid using cash or Venmo at the beginning of class).

COOKIE DECORATING WITH MAE’S COOKIE JAR
2026-05-05 18:00 - 20:00
Attendees will decorate an adorable cookie set with a Tea Time & Treats theme. Come solo or bring a friend-either way you’ll have a great time! Guided by the talented Vickie from Mae’s Cookie Jar, participants will learn wet on wet roses and other simple florals in addition to how to hold the icing bags, outlining, flooding, and more! All supplies and a take-home box are provided. Ages 16 and up. See calendar for this month’s themed cookie set. Registration is required. www.maescookiejar.com/hdsouth

SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
2026-05-12 18:30 - 19:30
Kids ages seven and older, teens, and adults are invited to join certified black belt instructors from East Valley Martial Arts to learn and brush-up on self-defense. Instructors are caring professionals experienced at teaching both kids and adults the life protection arts. Physical techniques for protecting oneself will be covered, as well as “street smarts” and prevention of incidents. Children ages 7 to 12 must have a parent or guardian present with them. Parents/guardians are welcome to join the class, or to sit quietly and observe from the sidelines. Safety is always a priority, and we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
Registration required. Cost: FREE

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: USING ANCESTRY.COM
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:00
Join ASU professor emeritus Duane Roen, founding coordinator for the Project for Writing and Recording Family History in the College of Integrative Science and Arts, for this unique family history workshop. Learn general application skills using Ancestry.com and its’ unique database for researching ancestors. Please bring paper and pen or a laptop.
Ages 14 and up. Registration required.

ART OF IMAGINATION
2026-05-16 10:30 - 12:00
Join HD SOUTH and Debra McVay M. Ed., for this unique art workshop. Children are guided through a calming visualization that encourages relaxation, imagination, and self-expression. After the guided journey, they’ll paint what they visualized, turning their inner world into meaningful artwork. Visualization helps children build focus, reduce stress, and boost creativity and imagination while having fun and expressing themselves through art. Parents are invited to attend this special art class with their children. Ages 9—13. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required. Cost: FREE

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: USING FAMILY SEARCH
2026-05-19 18:30 - 20:00
Join ASU professor emeritus Duane Roen, founding coordinator for the Project for Writing and Recording Family History in the College of Integrative Science and Arts, for this unique family history workshop. Learn general application skills using Family Search for researching your ancestors to build your family tree. Learn about the tools Family Search provides to keep research organized. Please bring paper and pen or a laptop. Ages14 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE

TAOIST TAI CHI
2026-05-20 18:30 - 19:30
Improve Balance ~ Maintain Health ~ Strengthen Focus – Welcome Janice Motoike with TTCSUSA as she shares this unique health and wellness program where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Taoist Tai Chi arts using some of the 108 movements in their unique set. Experience how a regular tai chi practice provides a positive impact on body, mind, and spirit. Whether you are looking to reduce stress, maintain health, or find deeper meaning, Taoist Tai Chi arts can help at every stage of life. Ages 14 and up. Attendance limited.
Registration required

SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF
2026-05-26 18:30 - 19:30
Join Stuart Preston, a certified Sound Practitioner, for a deeply empathetic Sound Meditation Session designed for those grappling with loss. It’s not about moving on but finding moments of peace and clarity amidst sorrow. Bring a yoga mat, blankets, and a pillow to create your personal sanctuary. Dress comfortably and arrive 10 minutes early. Registration is required. Ages 16 & up.
Learn more about Stuart and this unique practice at www.LaoStu.com.
