Scottsdale Update for Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009

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Scottsdale Update for Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009

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A weekly newsletter featuring news, events and
programs from the City of Scottsdale.

To subscribe to an emailed version of Scottsdale
Update, please visit:
http://eservices.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/listserve

HEADLINE NEWS ( go to this topic )

-- Recycling schedule changes during Thanksgiving holiday
-- Scottsdale Liberty Garden replicates the American Flag
-- Three’s the limit when signing council nominating petitions
-- Giants’ spring training schedule released
-- Old Adobe Mission reopens to the public
-- Granite Reef Senior Center’s Arts And Crafts Fair is Saturday

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE ( go to this topic )

-- Arizona Hunter/Jumper Horse Show under way at WestWorld
-- Goodguys Hot Rod & Custom Car Show starts Friday
-- Fall League Championship Saturday in Scottsdale
-- WestWorld hosts Paint Horse “Harvest Of Color” Nov. 26-29

GET INVOLVED: OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR GOVERNMENT ( go to this topic )

-- General Plan Update questionnaire arriving in water bills
-- Get up-to-date info on the General Plan Update
-- Open houses cancelled on zoning ordinance definitions
-- Scottsdale Shares campaign assists with holiday donations
-- AARP tax aide program needs Scottsdale volunteers

AT YOUR SERVICE - UTILITY SCHEDULE AND MORE ( go to this topic )

-- Bus routes change in Scottsdale
-- Water rate fees to increase in November
-- When weather cools … reduce plant watering
-- Enjoy Downtown Scottsdale with free trolley rides
-- November/December brush and bulk pick up schedule

PROGRAMS FOR YOU ( go to this topic )

-- s on becoming a lifesaver takes place Saturday
-- CityCable 11 presents two programs on the flu in November
-- Sign up now for free Downtown Cultural Trolley Tours
-- Spring parks and recreation classes available to view online
-- Two farmers markets are under way in Scottsdale
-- Enjoy the Singing Cowboy Saturdays in Downtown Scottsdale
-- Pinnacle Peak Park offers hiking programs

FUTURE EVENT SCHEDULE ( go to this topic )

A listing of city events and programs scheduled in the coming weeks

HEADLINE NEWS

RECYCLING SCHEDULE CHANGES DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Here’s important information about a change to your recycling collection. Most city offices will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, and your recycling collection schedule will change. Thursday collection moves to Friday. Friday collection moves to Saturday. Place your containers where your recycling is typically picked up by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the evening prior. Call (480) 312-5600 for more information.

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SCOTTSDALE LIBERTY GARDEN REPLICATES THE AMERICAN FLAG

Next time you’re on the Civic Center Mall, check out the Liberty Garden planted recently by members of the Scottsdale Pride Commission and city parks staff.
The flowers that make up the garden are in the shape and color of the American flag. Keep America Beautiful, a national non-profit public educational organization, started the Liberty Garden movement as a way to commemorate September 11th.
The garden is on the west side of Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. For more information on the project, including photos, visit:
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/reinvestment/LB.

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THREE’S THE LIMIT WHEN SIGNING COUNCIL NOMINATING PETITIONS

Nominating petitions are now circulating for City Council candidates who seek a place on the Aug. 24, 2010, general election ballot. Three Council seats will be open in the election. If necessary, a runoff will take place Nov. 2, 2010.
Residents are limited in the number of nominating petitions they can sign. Arizona law requires only one petition be signed for every open seat in the election. In the Scottsdale general election, that means residents can sign three petitions for City Council candidates.
Information about the city's elections can be found at:
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/documents/elections.

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GIANTS’ SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE RELEASED

The 2010 spring training scheduled for the San Francisco Giants has been released.
The team opens its home schedule at Scottsdale Stadium at 1:05 p.m. March 4 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The stadium is at 7408 E. Osborn Road, a half-mile east of Scottsdale Road.
For more information on spring training and the Giants, visit:
http://www.springtrainingonline.com/teams/san-francisco-giants-3.htm

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OLD ADOBE MISSION REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC

The Old Adobe Mission has reopened as a place for residents and visitors to sit, contemplate and find serenity.
The historic building opened in the early 1930s and served as a Catholic Church. The church still owns the property which was recently renovated and reopened to the public.
The mission is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday and is at First Street and Brown Avenue. For more information, visit: http://www.olphaz.com/old_adobe_mission.htm

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GRANITE REEF SENIOR CENTER’S ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR IS SATURDAY

Enjoy early holiday shopping at the Granite Reef Senior Center’s 26th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the center at 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. This year’s event will be bigger than ever with art, photography, baked goods, ornaments, knitted items and live entertainment. Call (480) 312-1700 for more information.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE

ARIZONA HUNTER/JUMPER HORSE SHOW UNDER WAY AT WESTWORLD

The Arizona Season Finale Hunter Jumper competition runs through Sunday, Nov. 22, at WestWorld, Scottsdale’s equestrian and special events center at 16601 N. Pima Road. There are both day and evening sessions. Parking and admission are free. For more information, visit: http://www.cepshows.com.

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GOODGUYS HOT ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW STARTS FRIDAY

Head out to WestWorld for the Goodguys Southwest Nationals Hot Rod & Custom car show Friday through Sunday, Nov. 20-22. This event features more than 2,000 hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trick trucks.
Shop at hundreds of vendor/exhibitor booths or take a trip to the swap meet for automotive related parts and cars for sale. There’s fun for the whole family with a model car show and free model make and take.
WestWorld is Scottsdale’s equestrian and special events center at 16601 N. Pima Road.
For more event information and ticket information, visit: www.southwestnats.com.

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FALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY IN SCOTTSDALE

The Arizona Fall League baseball championship game will be played at 12:35 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 at Scottsdale Stadium.
It’s the final game of the season. The Arizona Fall League features some of the top minor league players from both the American and National leagues. Former Fall League players include Dustin Pedroia, Brandon Webb and Derek Jeter so you never know what future star you could see. While at the stadium, visit the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame and the concession stands. Daily ticket prices are $6 for adults and $5 for those 17 and younger and seniors. Scottsdale Stadium is at 7408 E. Osborn Road. For a schedule of upcoming games or more information, call (480) 312-2586 or visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium.

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WESTWORLD HOSTS PAINT HORSE “HARVEST OF COLOR” NOV. 26-29

You’re invited to WestWorld Thanksgiving weekend for the Arizona Paint Horse Club's Harvest of Color show. This family event takes place starting at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, and runs through Nov. 29.
A number of exciting classes and competitions will take place. Come see some of the most beautiful and talented Paint horses in the country compete. The show will have various vendors on site for your holiday shopping. Parking and admission are free.
WestWorld, Scottsdale’s equestrian and special events center, is at 16601 N. Pima Road. For more information on this event, visit: www.azpaints.org.

GET INVOLVED:
OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR GOVERNMENT

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE QUESTIONNAIRE ARRIVING IN WATER BILLS

In addition to your utility bill and the city’s monthly newsletter, Scottsdale Pride, you should also be receiving a copy of the General Plan Update questionnaire. You’ve likely been hearing about this process, and it’s important that you tell us your vision for Scottsdale’s future. So take an extra few minutes by filling out the survey and returning it with your payment . . . or simply fill out the survey online at www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/generalplan/update. You’ll see a link to it about half-way down the page.

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GET UP-TO-DATE INFO ON THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE

Subscribe to the General Plan Update Newsletter and get information about the latest and greatest things happening with this communitywide effort. To subscribe, go to www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/generalplan/update. Scroll down on the right side of the page and link on “Newsletter.”
The General Plan Update is our collective vision for how we want the community to evolve during the next 10 to 20 years. It acts as guide. It’s important because it affects how the community looks and feels, and how it will meet future needs. It provides clear direction to the future of our city. Arizona State law requires that communities with more than 2,500 residents adopt a General Plan. The Growing Smarter Acts require Arizona cities update their plan every 10 years. The plan is designed to be broad and flexible so that it can adapt to a changing community.
For more information, visit the Web site listed above or call the city at (480) 312-2205.

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OPEN HOUSES CANCELLED ON ZONING ORDINANCE DEFINITIONS

A pair of open houses planned in mid December on proposed changes to the zoning ordinance have been cancelled.
For more information, contact Project Coordination Manager Kira Wauwie at kwauwie@ScottsdaleAZ.gov or (480) 312-7898.

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SCOTTSDALE SHARES CAMPAIGN ASSISTS WITH HOLIDAY DONATIONS

The city of Scottsdale has a new campaign this holiday season that makes it easier for residents to get information about city charitable programs and how to make donations.
The Scottsdale Shares campaign provides one point of contact for residents, businesses and organizations seeking to assist those in need through donations or volunteer activities.
The Scottsdale Shares campaign features a Web site that consolidates information about many of the city programs that assist those in need during the holidays. It includes links to information on how to make donations as well as a list of community needs and volunteer opportunities. The Web address is: www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Shares.
Anyone who wants more information on local charitable programs or how to contribute can also call the city’s information phone line at (480) 312-3111. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Charitable programs participating in the Scottsdale Shares campaign this season are:

The Vista del Camino Food Bank, which is experiencing exceptionally low supplies of food this holiday season.
The Scottsdale Fire Department's annual toy drive to benefit the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Program and the Paiute Neighborhood Center. The program kicks off on Nov. 27 and will continue through Dec. 24.
Scottsdale’s Adopt-A-Family Program assists families in need through donations of food, gift cards or monetary contributions that can be used for age-appropriate children’s gifts.
Scottsdale’s Adopt-A-Senior Program provides isolated seniors with personalized holiday packages that includes grocery gift cards, postage stamps and small-size hygiene items.

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AARP TAX AIDE PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR SCOTTSDALE

Are you good with numbers and want to give back to your community? If so, volunteer tax counselors are needed to provide free tax counseling and tax return preparation for those with moderate to low incomes. Volunteers are needed at various locations throughout Scottsdale. You’ll receive free training to help prepare basic tax returns and can choose from flexible hours and convenient locations
Between Feb. 1 and April 15, 2009, more than 90 Arizona sites served more than 44,000 taxpayers.
Prior tax preparation experience is not necessary. For more information, contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or visit http://www.aarp.org/taxaide.

AT YOUR SERVICE - UTILITY SCHEDULE AND MORE

BUS ROUTES CHANGE IN SCOTTSDALE

Bus Route 114 (Via Linda) has ended service. Route 106 (Peoria/Shea) has changed to accommodate riders heading eastbound on Shea Boulevard to Mayo Clinic. Route 106 will make two additional trips from 90th Street to Mayo Clinic/136th Street every morning and afternoon during peak hours.
The route changes were part of Scottsdale’s budget reduction efforts earlier this year and are projected to save the city roughly $250,000 per year.
For a complete schedule and bus route map go to www.valleymetro.org or call (602) 253-5000.

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WATER RATE FEES TO INCREASE IN NOVEMBER

Starting in November, you’ll notice an increase in your water rate. Overall water fees will increase 2.5 percent, raising the typical customer’s bill by 88 cents. The Scottsdale City Council approved the increase after public hearings last spring. For questions about water rates, call (480) 312-5685.

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WHEN WEATHER COOLS … REDUCE PLANT WATERING

There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you. November is a good time to decrease the watering of cactus and other plants – it’ll promote winter dormancy and reduce frost sensitivity. Learn more at www.wateruseitwisely.com or call (480) 312-5650. And remember . . . Water. Use it Wisely!

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ENJOY DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE WITH FREE TROLLEY RIDES

Scottsdale's Downtown Trolley is a free ride to anywhere you want to go Downtown - shopping, dining, entertainment or the arts district. Ride around in environmentally friendly bio-diesel shuttles complete with air conditioned comfort during warm weather and fresh air during cooler temperatures. The Downtown trolleys run daily, every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Thursdays until 9 p.m. for ArtWalk. The Downtown trolleys connect with Scottsdale's free Neighborhood Trolley, Tempe's Orbit system and the Valley Metro bus system. More information and trolley routes can be found on the city's Web site at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/trolley/downtown or by calling John Kelley at (480) 312- 7626.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER BRUSH AND BULK PICK UP SCHEDULE

The city provides monthly brush and bulk item collection, offering residents a convenient way to dispose of items too large for refuse containers. Residents are asked to have brush and bulk items out for pick up by 5 a.m. on Monday the week of scheduled service.
Here's the upcoming schedule:

Bell Road to Cholla Street and Dynamite Boulevard to northern city limits: Week of Nov. 30.
Cholla Street to McDonald Drive and Dynamite Boulevard to Happy Valley Road - includes Sundown Drive between Cactus Road and Shea Boulevard: Week of Dec. 7.
McDonald Drive to Thomas Road and Happy Valley Road to Pinnacle Peak Road: Week of Dec. 14.
Thomas Road to McKellips Road and Pinnacle Peak Road to Bell Road: Week of Dec. 21.

For more information, contact the city's Solid Waste Management division (480) 312-5600 or visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/recycle

PROGRAMS FOR YOU

CLASS ON BECOMING A LIFESAVER TAKES PLACE SATURDAY

Get ready to be a hero. The Scottsdale Fire Department is hosting a free class Saturday, Nov. 21, on how to save the life of a person in sudden cardiac arrest. The session takes place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at La Mirada Desert Park, 8950 E. Pinnacle Peak Road.
Fire Department representatives will teach participants how to perform Continuous Chest Compressions and use an Automated External Defibrillator.
For more information or to register for this class or additional classes, contact Patty Jo Angelini at (480) 312-8000 or via e-mail at pangelini@scottsdaleaz.gov.
More information is also available on the city’s Web site at: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/CCC-CPR

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CITYCABLE 11 PRESENTS TWO PROGRAMS ON THE FLU IN NOVEMBER

Scottsdale’s CityCable Channel 11 is presenting two informational programs on the upcoming flu season and how you can protect yourself and your family.
A program entitled “2 Flues and You,” will play every Wednesday at 12:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. in November. The program, hosted by Scottsdale Healthcare, features registered nurses Jayne Ambrose and Patti Gray, discussing the seasonal and H1N1 flues, who is most at risk and what you can do to protect yourself.
A second program, “Fired Up,” is hosted by Scottsdale Fire Chief Willie McDonald. It features Dr. Robert French, a medical specialist with Maricopa County’s Public Health Emergency Management agency, Dr. Milissa Wolven Sackos, executive director of student and community services with the Scottsdale Unified School District and Registered Nurse Jayme Ambrose, director of corporate and community health at Scottsdale Healthcare. “Fired Up” plays every Friday in November at 12:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
For more information on the H1N1 flu, visit: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/H1N1.
For more information on CityCable Channel 11 programming, visit:
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/citycable11.

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SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE DOWNTOWN CULTURAL TROLLEY TOURS

All aboard … Free Cultural Trolley tours of Downtown Scottsdale take place the second Saturday of every month. Tours are filled through November, but spots are available for the Dec. 12 tour.
The tours begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Old Town Farmer's Market parking lot on the northwest corner of Brown and Second Street. From there attendees tour the Old Mission and then board a trolley for a two-hour guided tour of the arts district, Civic Center campus, Hotel Valley Ho, SouthBridge and the Waterfront area.
To reserve a spot on the December tour or to be put on a wait list for November, please contact (480) 634-6850.

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SPRING PARKS AND REC CLASSES AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE

Did you know that the there is a new brochure format for the Parks & Recreation Classes & Programs Brochure? Be sure to keep a look out for the Spring brochure. Spring classes are now available to view online. Spring registration begins in early December. For more information, call (480) 312-7957 or visit http://Recreation.ScottsdaleAZ.gov.

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TWO FARMERS MARKETS ARE UNDER WAY IN SCOTTSDALE

The charm and convenience of a farmers market are now available in two Scottsdale locations.
Scottsdale’s Old Town Farmers Market is located on the southwest corner of First Street and Brown Avenue. It operates Saturdays, from 8:30 to 1 p.m. and features a wonderful selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, organic produce and socializing. Call the Downtown Office at (480) 312-7750 for more information.
The SkySong Evening Farmers’ Market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday this fall under SkySong’s iconic shade structure.
The market features more than two dozen farmers, agriculturalists, food caterers and food retailers plus entertainment and musical performances.
For regular updates and schedules for the SkySong Evening Farmers’ Market, visit www.skysongcenter.com.

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ENJOY THE SINGING COWBOY SATURDAYS IN DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE

Singing Cowboy Gary Sprague and his trusty steed Dusty are back. From 1 to 4 p.m. each Saturday, Gary rides throughout the Old Town area, serenading shoppers and concluding his performance at the Rusty Spur Saloon, 7245 E. Main St. Call the Downtown Office at (480) 312-7750 for more information.

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PINNACLE PEAK PARK OFFERS HIKING PROGRAMS

Pinnacle Peak Park offers a variety of fun and educational programs throughout the fall and winter. Enjoy a guided interpretive hike and learn about the plants, animals, geology and history of the Sonoran Desert. Or, try a night outing on a Full Moon Hike or at an Astronomy Talk. The park is at 26802 N. 102nd Way. Call (480) 312-0990 or visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/pinnaclepeak for more information.

FUTURE EVENT SCHEDULE

GOODGUYS HOT ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW NOV. 20-22 AT WESTWORLD

Head out to WestWorld Nov. 20-22 for the Goodguys Southwest Nationals Hot Rod & Custom car show. This event features more than 2,000 hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trick trucks through 1972.
Shop at hundreds of vendor/exhibitor booths or take a trip to the swap meet for automotive related parts and cars for sale. There’s fun for the whole family with a model car show and free model make and take.
WestWorld is Scottsdale’s equestrian and special events center, located at 16601 N. Pima Road.
For more event information and ticket information, visit: www.southwestnats.com.

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CLASS ON NEW STEPS TO BECOMING A LIFESAVER TAKES PLACE NOV. 21

Get ready to be a hero. The Scottsdale Fire Department is hosting a free class Nov. 21 on how to save the life of a person in sudden cardiac arrest. The session takes place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at La Mirada Desert Park; 8950 E. Pinnacle Peak Road.
Fire Department representatives will teach participants how to perform Continuous Chest Compressions and use an Automated External Defibrillator.
For more information or to register for this class or additional classes, contact Patty Jo Angelini at (480) 312-8000 or via e-mail at pangelini@scottsdaleaz.gov.
More information is also available on the city’s Web site at: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/CCC-CPR

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GRANITE REEF SENIOR CENTER’S ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR IS NOV. 21

Enjoy early holiday shopping at the Granite Reef Senior Center’s 26th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21, at the center located at 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. This year’s event will be bigger than ever with art, photography, baked goods, ornaments, knitted items and live entertainment. Call (480) 312-1700 for more information.

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RECYCLING SCHEDULE CHANGES DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, NOV. 26-27

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WESTWORLD HOSTS PAINT HORSE “HARVEST OF COLOR” NOV. 26-29

You’re invited to WestWorld Thanksgiving weekend for the Arizona Paint Horse Club's Harvest of Color show. This family event takes place starting at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Sunday, Nov. 29.
A number of exciting classes and competitions will take place. Come see some of the most beautiful and talented Paint horses in the country compete. The show will have various vendors on site for your holiday shopping. Parking and admission are free.
WestWorld, Scottsdale’s equestrian and special events center, is located at 16601 N. Pima Road. For more information on this event, visit: www.azpaints.org.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT HOSTS PANCAKE BREAKFAST NOV. 29

The Scottsdale Fire Department invites residents to come enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 29, at Scottsdale Fire Station No. 1 , 2857 N. Miller Road. The free family event will help kick-off the department’s annual holiday toy drive and benefit the Paiute Neighborhood Center.
Donations are needed for children of all ages. Some of this year’s “wish list” items include toys and clothing for children from newborn to age 3, hair accessories, makeup, curling irons, clothing, purses, DVD’s, electronics and sports apparel.
Scottsdale Fire Department's annual toy drive to benefit the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Program and Paiute Neighborhood Center begins Friday, Nov. 27, and will continue through Thursday, Dec. 24. Residents and community members are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys at one of Scottsdale’s 14 fire stations or the Witzeman Public Safety Building, 8401 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale.
To locate the nearest fire station, or for more information, visit www.ScottsdaleFD.com or call (480) 312-8000.

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CHECK OUT CHOPIN FOR LOVERS DEC. 1 AT SCPA

The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents Chopin for Lovers at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Center’s new, state-of-the-art Virginia G. Piper Theater.
The performance is part of pianist Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations series.
Single tickets are available for $38 online at www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org or through the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts box office at (480) 994-ARTS (2787).
Chopin for Lovers marks the opening of the 30th anniversary season of Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations in Scottsdale. Prior to performing each work in its entirety, Siegel introduces it to the audience so that the listening experience is accessible, focused and enthralling.

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PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPOSAL EVENT DEC. 2

The Scottsdale Police Department and Scottsdale’s senior centers invite you to dispose of your unwanted prescription drugs at a pair of events Dec. 2.
From 8 to 10 a.m. members of the Crime Prevention Unit will be at the Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, to take the unused or expired over the counter and prescription drugs.
From 11 to 1 p.m., members of the unit will be at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road.
Through proper prescription drug disposal, both society and the environment benefit. For more information, call Officer Craig Abernethy at (480) 312-2594.

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DEC. 2 EMPTY BOWLS EVENT TO BENEFIT VISTA DEL CAMINO FOOD BANK

Buy a bowl of pasta at Scottsdale Community College Dec. 2 to fight hunger.
A minimum donation of $5 at this year's Empty Bowls event buys a dish of pasta served in a delightful ceramic bowl hand-crafted by local school children.
The monies raised will go directly to Scottsdale’s Vista Del Camino Food Bank.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Scottsdale Community College Student Center Cafeteria, 9000 E. Chaparral Road.
For more information on Scottsdale charitable programs, including the food bank, visit:
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Shares.

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HOLIDAY HARMONY CELEBRATION IS DEC. 5

Holiday Harmony, Scottsdale’s annual holiday tree-lighting celebration, takes place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Dec. 5 on the Civic Center Mall. This free, family-friendly festival features live performances, interactive booths and lots more -- including a visit from Santa, music, and even snow, so bring your coats and mittens! The event is capped off by the Mayor's tree-lighting at 6:15 p.m. For more information call (480) 312-0217.

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CANAL CONCERT SERIES RETURNS DEC. 6

The Sunday Canal Concert Series returns to Downtown Scottsdale from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 on the Stetson Plaza, located on the east side of the Marshall Way Bridge. Come relax and enjoy live musical entertainment every Sunday this winter season. Call the Downtown Office at (480) 312-7750 for more information.

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RAILROAD PARK HOLIDAY LIGHTS EVENT BEGINS DEC. 11

More than 100,000 lights will adorn trees and displays during McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s Holiday Lights event. Festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, with a tree lighting, entertainment and a visit from a special guest – Santa! Holiday Lights runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 2, excluding Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Santa will be there nightly through Dec. 23. If you’d like more information, call (480) 312-2312.

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ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DAY IS DEC. 12

Need an outlet to discard your unwanted electronics? Scottsdale residents can recycle electronics from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the city's Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador. Items accepted include computer, office and entertainment equipment. For a list of acceptable items, call (480) 312-5602 or visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle

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FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERING RIDES FOR TOYS ON DEC. 12

The Scottsdale Fire Department hosts its annual “Ride for Toys” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at the North Scottsdale Target, 15444 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.
Each child who donates a new, unwrapped toy will be given a free ride on a fire engine around the parking lot. Parents also will have a chance to ride and discuss fire and injury prevention with Scottsdale Fire personnel.
Scottsdale firefighters will present the donated toys to the Paiute Neighborhood Center, a south Scottsdale community center that assists underprivileged children and teens, at the conclusion of the event. More than 60 percent of the families served by the Paiute Center have an income under $15,000 and many of the children would not receive a gift for the holidays without programs such as Ride for Toys.
For more information on the program, call (480) 312-8000 or visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Shares

For a more complete listing of future Scottsdale events, visit our Events Calendar .

You can view a video version of Scottsdale City Update each day at 7:55 a.m., 3:55 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. on Cox Channel 11, the City of Scottsdale municipal cable television channel.

To reach Scottsdale Update, email Mike Phillips or call (480) 312-7825.

ScottsdaleAZ.Gov

The Official Web Site of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona