Scottsdale Update - Feb. 12, 2024

HEADLINE NEWS 

Most city offices/facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, for Presidents Day. Recycling and garbage collection will not be affected. Place your containers out by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the evening before. We will publish Scottsdale Update Tuesday, Feb. 20. 

Attend city-hosted events in honor of Black History Month. Most events run *noon-1 p.m. Thursdays at the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road:

  • Feb. 15: Visual artist Antoinette Cauley

  • Feb. 22: Actress Victoria Williams

  • *Feb. 29 (noon-2 p.m.): R & B and gospel singer Zoë Gyampoh, spoken word artist Christopher Owens aka Truth B. Told and violinist Jonathan Levingston 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. This year's theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” Get event details (pdf).

Scottsdale provides opportunities to voice your opinions about various issues and projects. Tell us what you think about the following two projects:

  • Parks & Recreation Master Plan: Your feedback in this online questionnaire will help ensure future parks and recreation priorities and goals are citizen-driven and will meet the evolving demands of the community.

  • Community Assistance Office: Provide your feedback to help the city prioritize federal funds to assist low-to-moderate income individuals and families in our community via Speak Up Scottsdale.

Find more opportunities to participate in important Scottsdale decisions at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “get involved.”

The Arizona Department of Transportation is closing the northbound Loop 101 on-ramp at Shea Boulevard from 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Northbound Loop 101 lanes will be reduced near Shea Boulevard during this time, as well. This is part of Arizona Department of Transportation’s two-year project to add lanes and improve interchanges on Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road. “Stay in the Loop” by subscribing to project updates on ADOT’s website.


PUBLIC MEETINGS 

Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host. 


THINGS TO DO 

Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld runs Feb. 15-25. Since 1955, the annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world. It has grown from 50 horses to nearly 2,400 horses bringing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world.

12 days. 21 films. Three theaters. The online box office is open for the 28th annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival taking place Feb.18-March 3, at Harkins Theaters in Scottsdale, Chandler and Peoria. The festival celebrates diverse Jewish storytelling while exploring themes of culture, history and the human experience. Get details and buy tickets.

February’s Civil War Roundtable features Dr. Dave Schrader, lecturer to the California Civil War Roundtable. Schrader will present “Love Him or Hate Him? General Benjamin ‘Beast’ Butler,” and examine the Civil War service of one of Abraham Lincoln’s most controversial political generals. Learn about Butler’s contributions and shortcomings. The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meets Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The lecture starts at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. for book sales and a speaker meet and greet. 

“Celebrate the Legacy of Disney” with the Scottsdale Concert Band. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Scottsdale Community College Amphitheater, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. Highlights include selections from “Frozen,” “Star Wars Saga,” "Fantasia,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Music from Disneyland.” The Scottsdale Concert Band is an award-winning community band established in 1977, and it is the college’s longest standing ensemble. It performs a diverse repertoire ranging from timeless Big Band favorites, contemporary wind music and rousing patriotic tunes.

Recognize Scottsdale Founder Winfield Scott’s birthday. Discover the storied tales of Scottsdale’s founder at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 7333 E. Scottsdale Mall. Join the Scottsdale Historical Society, the city of Scottsdale and the Daughters of the American Revolution Winfield Scott Chapter as we mark this event in the history of our community. Light refreshments will be provided. 

  • Listen to the latest Podsdale episode. Join guests Jason Song and Bruce Wall as we commemorate Scottsdale's Founders Day and the dynamic duo of Winfield and Helen Scott, who laid the foundation for Scottsdale more than a century ago. Get ready to transport yourself back to the Scott farm, where the Scotts, along with their army mule Maude, set the stage for the rich history of Scottsdale. Listen now.


Ongoing: 

  • Scottsdale ArtWalk: 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. 

  • Old Town Farmers Market: Find a variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, and seasonal specialties such as cider and apples, flowers, natural pork, beef, fish and free-range eggs. Th market runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through June at 3806 N. Brown Ave.  

  • Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: Immerse yourself into the unique story of the greater Western region with unique exhibits and events. 

  • Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year. 

Get more events information.


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

City provides one-stop-shop resources for senior citizens. The free All Things Senior Expo and Tradeshow takes place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7308 E. Second St. Participants can get information about healthcare, senior housing, city services, recreation, technology and transportation. The event also features free health screenings and educational opportunities. 

Update your vaccines – Paiute Neighborhood Center hosts a free vaccination clinic for all ages. Come to the center 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 22. Available vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Tdap, shingles, pneumococcal and COVID-19. Children will need parent or legal guardian consent to get vaccinated. Bring insurance information if you have it. Those without insurance are still welcome. Call the CARES Center at 602-506-6767 if you need more information.

Volunteer tax professionals will be assisting residents with tax preparation at 1 p.m. Thursdays through April 11, at Vista del Camino. Bring a photo ID, social security cards, income information and last year’s tax returns. You do not need an appointment. Learn more at the VITA nonprofit Masters of Coin.

Engage in dynamic and interactive learning experiences, group discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities to enhance your understanding of the inner workings of the city. Scottsdale 101 Citizen Academy, open to Scottsdale residents and business owners, meets at 9 a.m. Thursdays, March 21-May 9. Graduation takes place 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. The nine-week program is limited to 40 participants. Participation in seven of 9 nine sessions is required to graduate.  Two special assignments will be required as part of the curriculum. Apply.

Neighborhood College Spring 2024 Series continues with “The Great Desert Escape.” Eighty years ago, the largest escape of prisoners of war in North America during World War II happened in Scottsdale. Join historian and author Keith Warren Lloyd as he explores the factors leading up to the escape, the escape itself and the aftermath. The free class runs 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Mustang Library - Auditorium. Learn more and register.

Other classes:

  • HOA/Condo Series track: Rentals, Animals & Disabilities - What You Need to Know. 

  • The Stories of Scottsdale History Series track: Treasures of Scottsdale: The Extraordinary Ellis Family; Murder in the First Degree; and The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree.


FYI

Students are invited to apply for Mayor's Ability Awards scholarships through March 1. This initiative underscores the importance of encouraging education and fostering inclusivity for students living with disabilities, recognizing their potential and empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals. Get detailed scholarship information and eligibility requirements.

Job of the Week: A part-time internship opportunity in the City Manager’s Office. Spend your summer soaking up invaluable experience alongside seasoned local government professionals and help us showcase our city's achievements to residents. You'll take the lead on a pivotal project: crafting the annual “Report to the Community.” From conducting research and analysis to writing and editing city publications, you'll be at the forefront of communicating our city's successes. Plus, you'll gain hands-on project management experience through cross-departmental collaboration and data visualization. Learn more and apply.


QUICK LINKS: 

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