What started as a simple service project five years ago, now serves hundreds of teens each summer — giving them a unique experience and opportunities to “blossom” in a number of ways as citizens and young women.

Once faced with what could have been crippling challenges, a former NFL veteran is now giving back in a big way—including sponsoring a benefit event in June designed to help young people achieve their goals.

Opening in Mesa this weekend is a new film that depicts the true story of a little-known hero of the early West.

Using their talents for hilarious, family-friendly improvisational comedy, Jef and Shurlin Rawls of Mesa hope to lift spirits while lightening the load for a family in their neighborhood with an event they are calling a “FUN-draiser.”

A free all-day workshop for women in Phoenix this Saturday, May 18, aims to offer a way to “unlock one’s true potential as a catalyst for lasting love, stronger relationships and a greater sense of fulfillment,” says event promoter, Jan Hemming.

“Reveille” mini camps offer a wake-up call for addicts, their families and helpers; while a two-hour workshop for couples provides the means for “Reunification.”

Every year leading up to Easter, on a temporary, five-story, outdoor stage erected near downtown Mesa, the story of the life and mission of Jesus Christ, taken from the Bible, is portrayed in live performance, music and dance.

They come from all parts of the Valley — 475 men, women, teens and children — and spend countless hours in practice and performances during the month leading up to Easter. The goal: presenting to the community the story of the life and mission of Jesus Christ in music, drama and dance.

Sarah Hinze, a Mesa mother of nine grown children, has made it her life’s work to advocate for the rights of children. Not necessarily those children in communities across the country, but instead, she is a spokesperson with an interest in children who are yet to be born.

With an invitation that seems to resound with a hearty “All Aboard,” the Arizona Big Train Operators have announced their Annual Spring Open House Railway Tour. For the 2013 Tour, 22 members — including seven stops in Mesa, two in Chandler, four in Sun Lakes, two in Gilbert and another in Gold Canyon — will open their large-scale backyard railways for the public to view and enjoy.

By Cecily Markland

At Silver Star Playhouse, Broadway shows and popular musicals are remade with a splash of comedy — including funny songs, amusing characters and a delightful smattering of local humor.

The Arizona Big Train Operators are not only “big” in terms of the size of model trains they run, but also on holiday spirit as they host the Trains in the Garden Christmas Open House Tours again this year.

Continuing the tradition that has lasted more than three decades, the Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens will again host the spectacular Christmas lights display that is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the state.

Pie in general, but particularly pumpkin pie, has become a virtual necessity when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, almost as common as the turkey itself.

The world-famous Osmond Brothers are coming to Arizona -- bringing their 50-year tradition of entertainment and their passion for giving.

While Cheryl Standage, of Mesa, was building her career as a successful vice-president with World Savings and Wachovia, her passion for baking delectable desserts was being pushed to the back burner.

The list of workshop topics and vendors for this weekend’s Self-Reliance Expo reads like a walking encyclopedia of preparedness and resourcefulness, everything from alternative energy to self-defense, sprouting and water purification.