FAMILY HISTORY: RESEARCHING AN ANCESTOR-CASE STUDY
2026-07-09 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | HD SOUTH, 10 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ, 85296, United States
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. In this class, a case study for researching a particular ancestor will be demonstrated in the process and the tools used to find information about that ancestor. Both the process and the tools are customizable to searching for any ancestor. Bring paper and pen or a laptop. Age 14 and up.
Registration required.

THE AMERICAN BUFFALO
2026-07-11 10:30 - 12:00
Welcome Susan Ricci, the Executive Director of the Mesa Historical Museum as she presents “The Restoration of the American Buffalo.” This presentation explores the near extermination of the American buffalo and the remarkable efforts that brought the species back from the brink. It also highlights the deep, interdependent relationship between buffalo and Native American tribes, whose cultures, economies, and traditions were inseparable from the animal’s survival. There will be artifacts from the camps to see. Ages 12 and up.
Registration required.

KARATE FOR ALL AGES
2026-07-13 18:30 - 19:30
Join HD SOUTH as we welcome certified black belt instructors from East Valley Martial Arts who will teach traditional karate to children and adults. Students experience the fun of martial arts while improving fitness and working on goals. In these mixed-age classes, adults and children will learn together. Wear comfortable work-out type clothing and closed-toe shoes. Ages 7 and up.
Registration is required.
Register here
For questions: evmakarate@gmail.com or 480-330-8886.

SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
2026-07-14 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.

TAOIST TAI CHI
2026-07-15 18:30 - 19:30
Welcome instructor Janice Motoike 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. Attendees will 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.

PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT MAKE AND PLAY
2026-07-18 10:00 - 11:30
Play musical instruments from around the world with ASU Professors Emeritus Duane and Maureen Roen. In this fun and interactive musical workshop, learn how to make and play simple percussion instruments from items found around the home. The workshop will end with a brief concert performance alongside Duane and Maureen. All supplies are provided. Ages 6 & up.
Registration required.

LUNCH HOUR BOOK CLUB
2026-07-20 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 “The Calamity Club” by Kathryn Stockett. The Calamity Club unfolds in 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, where orphaned Meg, outspoken Birdie, and down-on-her-luck Charlie cross paths. In a town gripped by the Depression and rigid social codes, they hatch a daring scheme, forging a risky sisterhood that could cost them everything.
Advanced registration is required and limited to the first 12 registrants.
Literally A Bookshop

KARATE FOR ALL AGES
2026-07-20 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-27 18:30 - 19:30
Join HD SOUTH as we welcome certified black belt instructors from East Valley Martial Arts who will teach traditional karate to children and adults. Students experience the fun of martial arts while improving fitness and working on goals. In these mixed-age classes, adults and children will learn together. Wear comfortable work-out type clothing and closed-toe shoes. Ages 7 and up.
Registration is required. https://evma.net. For questions: evmakarate@gmail.com or 480-330-8886.

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: USING CEMETERY RECORDS
2026-07-21 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. Family historians can access a wide range of sources for conducting research, including cemetery records. In this workshop, we will talk about how to find the records and how to make good use of them. Even though these records contain limited information, they can lead us to other sources that can unlock the mysteries of our ancestors’ lives. Please bring paper and pen or a laptop. Ages 14 and up.
Registration required.

WHAT LIES HIDDEN BENEATH OUR FEET
2026-07-23 18:30 - 20:00
Join HD SOUTH as we welcome Steve Skotnicki, a Ph.D. in geology at ASU, for this informative presentation. The 600 square miles of the “East Valley” is home to 1.4 million people. Steve will briefly discuss the general geology of the mountain ranges surrounding this urban center and share what we know is hidden beneath our feet.
Registration is required. Ages 14 and up.

ART OF IMAGINATION
2026-07-25 10:30 - 12:00
Welcome 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. Parents are invited to attend this intuitive art class and enjoy a special connection through art. Ages 9—13. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required. Attendance limited.

SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF
2026-07-28 18:30 - 19:30
Join Stuart Preston, a certified Sound Practitioner, for a deeply empathetic Sound Meditation session designed for those grappling with deep grief and 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. Learn more about Stuart and this unique practice at www.LaoStu.com.
Registration is required due to limited space. Ages 16 & up.

AUTHOR’S VISIT AND BOOK READING
2026-07-30 18:30 - 20:00
Join HD SOUTH as we welcome author Gordon L Sheaffer Jr for an author’s visit and book reading of his new book “The Brothers’ Duty.” This is an historical novel of unflinching realism and emotional depth set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. “In the sweltering heat of a Pennsylvania summer in 1861, the Truitt brothers stood side by side, staring down the uncertain road to war. What began as a patriotic fever in the summer heat would burn into something far more complicated-something that would test the bonds of blood, faith, and loyalty.” Ages 16 and up.
Registration required.

WACKO FOR WASTE: UNLOCKING THE MYTHS AND MYSTERIES SURROUNDING ANCIENT EXCREMENT
2026-08-08 10:30 - 12:00
Facilitated by Nathanael Brodhagen, a youth fossil collector and naturalist, attendees will share his knowledge on coprolites. With a personal collection of over 100 specimens from all over the world, Nathanael will also share information relating to fossils that have been replaced by minerals, such as rhodochrosite, opal, pyrite, and more. Voted Junior Rockhound Of The Year by members of the Mineralogical Society of Arizona, Nathanael has earned multiple awards and is an active MSA volunteer.
Due to space limitations, program registration is required

MINERAL CONNOISSEURSHIP: A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO FINE MINERALS
2026-08-08 13:00 - 14:30
A collector for almost 10 years, Hannah Brodhagen quickly learned what made a good mineral specimen and began refining her collection. She seeks out aesthetic, focal crystals perched on matrix that are undamaged, well-terminated, and transparent with good luster and depth of color. Hannah will provide information about her collection and collecting by primarily focusing on worldwide miniature minerals, along with sharing her love for Arizona minerals, including rhodochrosite, her favorite mineral. Having received multiple awards, including Best Junior Collector, Hannah has also participated in the female collector’s exhibition at the Colorado School of Mines Museum called, and her collection is currently on loan to the same museum.

Due to space limitations, program registration is required
