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Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer, but more importantly, it gives us an opportunity to formally honor American soldiers who have died in service to their country. There are several Memorial Day observances on Monday, May 30, two of which are listed below, followed by some special events taking place over the long weekend.

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If you’re thinking about getting out of Phoenix this summer, it’s time to start firming up your vacation plans. Depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for, there are plenty of deals around the Grand Canyon State. So pack up the car, load in the kids (or not, if you’re planning a romantic getaway) and hit the road. We’ve rounded up five fun resorts to check out this summer.

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If you’re a runner, walker or cyclist, you’re probably already hitting the road on a regular basis. Since you’re out there, why not raise much-needed funds for Valley organizations? Even if you’re not a regular exerciser, there are plenty of options for everyone, from a short walk to a two-hour spinning session. Here are the top five events you can participate in during the next two weeks to benefit area charities.

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When spring temperatures start hovering around 85 degrees, Valley residents dig through drawers and prowl through closets for their shorts, tank tops, sundresses and sandals from years gone by. You know the drill. You try them on, tug at the tight waistband, notice the ripped hemline and look in the mirror and say, “Why did I ever think this (fill in the blank) was a good idea?”

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On April 5, you'll get a chance to "invest in Arizona" by giving to any of the 800 nonprofit organizations participating in Arizona Gives Day, hosted by Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum and presented by FirstBank. Since its founding in 2013, Arizona Gives Day has raised close to $4.5 million for Arizona nonprofits.

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If you’ve read the Diary of a Young Girl, written by Anne Frank while she and her family hid in an Amsterdam warehouse during the Holocaust, you know how profound her words were then and remain to this day. In 2005, British composer James Whitbourn set Frank’s poignant diary to music, and the 14-movement work will make its way to the Valley for two performances in April.