A colleague of mine quipped the other day that the only religion he believes in is his own. “Sure,” I countered. “You piously believe in your own opinion.”

It’s no surprise that Chelsea Bain has been attending NASCAR races since she was 5 years old. Her dad, Emmett “Buddy” Jobe, brought NASCAR to Phoenix International Raceway in 1987. Now, Bain is more involved in NASCAR than she ever has been, but not as a spectator — as a rockin’ country musician.

For weeks now, the women of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Chandler have been preparing dolmathes, spanakopita, pastichio, baklava, kourambiedes, loukoumades and a wealth of other Greek delicacies in preparation for the annual spring “Taste of Greece” festival, which kicks off Friday.

A new three-day music fest featuring more than a dozen Southern Gospel artists comes to the Valley. Performers include The Martins (pictured), The Booth Brothers, The Liberty Quartet and The Allen Family.

There is no drearier time at the multiplex than the first two months of any given year. All those commonplace horror flicks and mediocre blockbusters that studios have little faith in are mercilessly dumped into theaters, leaving us cinephiles to go see “Zero Dark Thirty” for a third or fourth time.

Browse the booths of this juried art festival, featuring, among others, the work of Gold Canyon and Apache Junction artists. Musicians and entertainers, including the Mariachi Pasion Band, the Yellow Bird Indian Dancers, and the Salt River 5, perform throughout the day.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's internationally-acclaimed ski resorts are the main reason people visit Salt Lake City in the winter, but there are plenty of fun, free and interesting things to do in Salt Lake City while in the area and other times of year. Here's a sampling:

Several Mesa residents hit the road to ring in the new year. But they weren’t looking to take part in normal New Year’s festivities like watching television as a glass ball descended a pole in Times Square, watching fireworks or clinking champagne glasses.

Everyone is familiar with the Salvation Army’s bell ringers, who raise money during the holiday season to help the poor. In addition, funding from Mesa United Way helps support the Mesa Citadel Corps’ recreation, education and music programs for children, as well as its emergency food pantry.

When you think of balloon festivals, Albuquerque undoubtedly comes to mind, but this weekend, Gilbert hosts a balloon fest of its own.

The advent calendar, which eases anxiety by counting down those pesky 24 days until Christmas Eve, is as much a holiday tradition for my family as the tree.

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.

Today is my favorite holiday of the year! I know as a Christian I should probably say it’s Christmas or Easter, but I have to admit it’s actually Halloween.

Millenials, Generation Y, or simply, teenagers and the 20- to 30-something population has seemed to slip through the “grasp” of the church’s hand.

The Edge Talent Explosion makes its first appearance in the Southeast Valley on Nov. 3.

The setup to this week’s Perry vs. Basha clash looks eerily similar to last year.

Children grab books and find a place to read in the kindergarten class at Tempe’s Bethany Christian School. It’s quiet reading time in the class.

Whether you want to explore a classy art festival or cheer at the ostrich, or even Chihuahua races, the East Valley has it! Let’s take advantage of our Arizona paradise and dance outdoors to live music, indulge during a cook-off, put on our boots for the rodeo and Old West Days, or run foot races.

Most people believe bigger isn’t always better: Cars, cameras, music players, computers, phones, even clothes.

Performing Arts 2012-13 season preview

Performing Arts 2012-13 season preview

Performing Arts 2012-13 theater season preview

Performing arts 2012-13 season preview

The Grammy-winning Contemporary Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman performs alongside guest Bebo Norman after a special pre-concert Q&A.