We will not publish Scottsdale Update Monday, Sept. 5, due to the Labor Day holiday. Look for us Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Most city offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, for Labor Day. Trash and recycling collection will not be affected. Please place your containers in their typical spot by 5 a.m. the day of collection or the night before. Learn more.
September is National Preparedness Month – are you ready? Natural disasters and other emergencies can strike with little warning. The “Ready, Set, Go!” program encourages Arizonans to be proactive before an emergency, and to listen and follow instructions when communities are threatened:
-
Ready – prepare now for potential threats like floods and wildfires
-
Set lets you know there is significant danger in the area, and relocation/evacuation may be ordered
-
Go means go! Danger in your area is imminent and life threatening – time to evacuate!
Mayor’s “We the People” Constitution Day Contest showcases American pride; offers prizes and recognition for winning entries. Mayor David D. Ortega is hosting a Constitution Day Contest to commemorate the Sept. 17, 1797, signing of the U. S. Constitution. Compose an essay; create a piece of art in any medium; write, perform and video an original song or act; or produce a podcast. Prizes will be awarded in different categories for various age groups. The submission deadline 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16. Learn more.
Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host. Here’s what’s coming up:
Volunteers are needed for six boards and commissions: Airport Advisory Commission, Board of Adjustment, Building Advisory Board of Appeals, Human Relations Commission, Transportation Commission and Veterans Advisory Commission. Learn more and apply.
Scottsdale Library presents expanded Hometown Happy Hour – unique and entertaining stories about Scottsdale. The series includes:
-
Stories from the Files of the Scottsdale Police Department by Citizen Advisor Bruce Wall – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, Mustang Library.
-
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Scottsdale Historic Preservation Program by award-winning architect Doug Sydnor – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, Appaloosa Library.
-
Scottsdale as a Mecca for the Fabulous and Fashionable of the Southwest by community Historian Joan Fudala – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, Mustang Library.
Taliesin West hosts family workshop … make a blueprint picture frame. Learn why blueprints are blue and the history of the earliest blueprints, called cyanotypes. You’ll also get to view parts of Wright’s home. The program runs 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 10, at 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Cost is $25 per person. Register.
Library offers free program exploring “Early Human History of the Sonoran Desert.” Discover who’s lived in the Sonoran Desert the past 10,000 years. Learn why the Hohokam were considered “Masters of the Desert,” about Army Generals McDowell and Stoneman, and everyone in between. The free program will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Learn more.
Register for the United Diversity Business Summit. Attendees will discover innovative tools to unite and ignite businesses growth opportunities through diversification and inclusion initiatives. This second annual event takes place 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St. It features keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities and resources for the business community. Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the city are presenting the event. Learn more and register.
Gallop to the Arabian National Breeder finals Sept. 14-17, at WestWorld. This prestigious show presents an unprecedented halter/breeding showcase opportunity that offers prize money and marketing opportunities for breeders and purebred Arabian horse enthusiasts. The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona is the most established and successful breed organization in the state with more than 66 years of experience in marketing and promoting the Arabian horse.
Try a new dining spot … or hit up an old favorite for Arizona Restaurant Week, Sept. 16-25. Arizona Restaurant Week showcases local chefs and their culinary achievements with special menus and dining experiences at participating restaurants. Each eatery is featuring a three-course, prix-fixe menu, along with their regular menu items.
-
Scottsdale ArtWalk: Internationally known as a mecca for art collectors, Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from around the world and locally. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Specialty-themed Gold Palette ArtWalks are held 6:30-9 p.m. about once a month.
Do you know someone who is interested in learning English as a second language? Experienced ESL instructors will help learners improve vocabulary, comprehension and word recognition. Participants attend in person from 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays for 12 weeks, Sept. 7-Nov. 16, at Paiute Neighborhood Center. Registration is required. Contact the center at 480-312-2529 for details.
“Meet and greet” provides networking and educational opportunities to transform your business. You’re invited to this inaugural Scottsdale and HUUB small business event where you’ll meet city department teams and others to help you with your business needs. The event runs 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road. Registration required.
Investing in Our Scottsdale. Pima and Happy Valley roads improvements. The city is widening Pima Road from Pinnacle Peak to just north of Happy Valley roads to three thru-lanes in each direction; and Happy Valley Road from Pima to Alma School roads to two thru-lanes in each direction with roundabouts at Golf Club Drive and Alma School Road. Both projects include a raised median or a center turn lane, bike lanes, sidewalks, multi-use paths, drainage improvements and utility relocations. Construction began for Pima Road; and is scheduled to begin in early September for Happy Valley Road.
Second responders get their own day of recognition Sept. 1. They may not be first on the scene, but their work has lasting, life-saving results. Second responders provide support to individuals and families in the wake of a crisis, including access to safe shelter and housing, employment, food and other community resources. Find resources.
A History Mystery: How the streets got their names: McCormick Parkway. In 1942, Anne and Fowler McCormick purchased land around Scottsdale and Indian Bend roads to create an Arabian horse and Angus cattle ranch. They eventually bought more than 4,200 acres that was then sold in 1970 to Kaiser-Aetna to develop the McCormick Ranch master-planned community. The family donated 100 acres for the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park at Scottsdale and Indian Bend roads. The east/west road in the southern section of the old ranch from Scottsdale to Hayden roads was named McCormick Parkway in their honor.
