The winter holidays are traditionally the No. 1 time of the year that patient blood needs exceed blood donations," according to Banner Thunderbird spokeswoman Sarah Boggan.

To do its part in preventing shortages this holiday season, in partnership with United Blood Services, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center will host a blood drive 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Residents can donate blood in conference rooms 1, 2 and 3, located at the east end, lower level of the hospital.

Each individual who donates blood during November will receive a voucher for one free ticket to the Phoenix Symphony.

United Blood Services will send residents two free movie passes if they bring a first-time blood donor to donate as well.

The Ventana Lakes Board of Directors met Nov. 19 and opted not to appoint another person to the board after two members resigned last month.

The board set the assessment for next year at a 10 percent increase ($6 per month) instead of the original projected $8 a month, while establishing a 2009 schedule of improvements needed to make to Ventana Lakes, including installation of solar panels to heat two of the swimming pools.

"We should recoup our costs for this within two years, and then it is nothing but cost-savings. Also, replacing our aging irrigation systems could save us up to $30,000 a year in irrigation repairs," said Board President Sue Alandar. "This board is looking out for Ventana Lakes, as we continue to make contributions to our reserves while using the expenditures to reduce our operating costs in the future."

The Peoria Westbrook Village Lions Club meets 7 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Black Bear Restaurant 6039 W. Bell Road.

Paddock Pools, 8070 W. Bell Road, will offer a free "Yule School" 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1.

Paddock’s Director of Christmas will demonstrate everything from the benefits of artificial trees to how to create themed trees and solve lighting problems.

Call 480-947-7261.

Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, and First Credit Union partnered to introduce after-school fitness activities to children 9-14 beginning Dec. 2.

The "Be Fit, Don’t Sit" program will feature jump-rope clinics, indoor wallyball, fitness classes and more. The program, which takes place Monday through Friday throughout the school year, is a fun, affordable way for youth to get fit.

Rio Vista passes start at just $3 a day for Peoria youth.

Call 623-773-8600 or visit http://www.peoriaaz.gov/riovista.

Rack Room Shoes, 24640 N Lake Pleasant Parkway, chose resident Patricia Cosay as the lucky winner of a two-minute shopping spree 9 a.m. Dec. 4 to gather up as many shoes as she can carry.

Ms. Cosay, will not have to worry about searching for the exact sizes during the dash around the store.

Rack Room Shoes staffers will exchange those selected for the proper size after the spree.

"As part of the grand opening celebration for our Peoria store, we are treating Cosay to a two-minute shopping spree that could result in free shoes and accessories valued at thousands of dollars, depending on the techniques and pre-planning employed. Everyone is invited to watch the fun and see how well our neighbor does," said Jan Mauldin, Rack Room Shoes director of marketing.