HEADLINE NEWS
Have your say: Scottsdale seeks input on quality of life and open space preservation. The Protect and Preserve Scottsdale Task Force – a group of nine people appointed by the City Council to develop financial strategy recommendations to protect Scottsdale’s open spaces and quality of life – is asking residents to participate in a questionnaire to measure their views on the topic.
The questionnaire allows residents to rate their overall quality of life and provide specific feedback about open spaces, parks and recreational spaces, public safety, park maintenance, recreation funding and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
The online feedback follows a survey provided to randomly selected households. Open through Sunday, Nov. 19, the questionnaire takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is an important part of the task force’s directive. The questionnaire is available in English and Spanish. Read more.
Attend the final workshop on the “the impact of sound in Scottsdale.” The city is evaluating potential ordinance changes and other mitigation methods that could ease the impacts from unreasonable noise while maintaining a vibrant and successful event and business environment. Your feedback is a key part of this process. Register to attend the final interactive workshop runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Learn more and share ideas for improving the city’s response to this important quality of life issue. For more information or to learn about other public involvement opportunities in Scottsdale, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “get involved.”
Scottsdale Veterans Day commemoration features Michael McLaughlin, retired submariner and former APS/Palo Verde executive. Scottsdale’s 2023 Veterans Day Commemoration will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 on the Memorial Lawn at Scottsdale City Hall in partnership with American Legion Post 44 and other veterans service organizations.
This year’s keynote speaker is Michael McLaughlin, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired), who had a 30-year career in the U.S. Naval Submarine force. McLaughlin graduated from high school in Mesa and is a 1981 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. His Navy service included billets as commanding officer, USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701), Commodore of Submarine Squadron 11 and Chief of Staff of Naval Submarine Forces. He rose to the rank of Rear Admiral and finished his naval service as Commander, Submarine Group Two, comprising the 25 attack submarines on the East Coast.
Mayor David D. Ortega emcees the event. Additional speakers include Scottsdale’s American Legion Post 44 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 3513 representatives.
More local Veterans Day commemorations and information:
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Scottsdale Salutes: Banners featuring more than 40 local veterans/servicemembers are flying from street light poles along Drinkwater Boulevard through mid-November. This recognition program was initiated last year by the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission, seven residents appointed by the City Council to advise on veterans’ issues and to raise awareness of and honor veterans in the community.
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Hear the Jazz Ambassadors of The United States Army Field Band 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Scottsdale Civic Center East Bowl. As the official touring big band of the United States Army, the Jazz Ambassadors have received great acclaim at home and abroad for performing America's greatest art form: jazz.
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In honor of Military Service Appreciation Day, Maricopa County's Regional Parks will waive the $7 per vehicle day-use entry fee for all active and inactive military personnel Saturday, Nov. 11. In addition to waiving the day-use entry fee on Veterans Day, the county also offers an annual pass (pdf) discount. Learn more about the county park system.
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Veterans AZ honors those who serve throughout the year. The city produces Veterans AZ, a video program and podcast featuring Arizona veterans and the many organizations who support them. See a full list of resources, memorials, partner organizations and more serving veterans in Scottsdale at ScottsdaleAZ.gov/veterans.
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:
Pancakes, flapjacks, griddle cakes … no matter what you call them, eating them supports the historical society. The Scottsdale Historical Society is hosting its Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast fundraiser 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in front of the Little Red Schoolhouse, 7333 E. Scottsdale Mall. Stop by, mingle, eat some good grub and support the nonprofit. Learn more about the society.
November’s Civil War Roundtable features John Matteson, “The Concord Nurse and the Brooklyn Bard: Alcott and Whitman in Washington.” This free program will examine the Civil War nursing careers of Louisa May Alcott and Walt Whitman. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Matteson is a professor of English and legal writing at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. His books have received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for biography for his first book, “Eden’s Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and her Father.”
The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable meets Tuesday, Nov. 14, 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.
Meet amazing birds of prey that are native to Arizona. Liberty Wildlife presenters will teach participants about the history, habitat, preservation and safety of various animals. Three opportunities are available:
Gather with friends and family for a traditional Thanksgiving meal at Granite Reef Senior Center. Enjoy a delicious meal, live entertainment, raffle prizes and more. The luncheon takes place noon-2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Cost is $7 for residents; $10 for everyone else. Register and learn more at Recreation.ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search "Thanksgiving Luncheon."
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Canal Convergence: This year’s theme, The Power of Play, highlights the concept of “play” as one of the most creative and meaningful activities in the human experience. Discover the strength of play at this free, outdoor, public art event featuring immersive, large-scale, light-based artworks, educational workshops, family-friendly activities, art tours, live music and dance performances, a beer and wine garden, food trucks and more. Through Saturday, Nov. 11, Scottsdale Waterfront.
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Arizona Fall League: Operated by Major League Baseball, this league emerged in 1992 to bring together top minor league prospects during the off-season. Get the schedule and learn how to buy tickets.
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Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center: The city is celebrating the much-anticipated Scottsdale Civic Center remodel — a comprehensive renovation of the area that has served as the city’s civic and signature special event and gathering space for 55 years. This celebration features more than 70 activities taking place in and around the center and throughout Old Town through Wednesday, Nov. 22.
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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.
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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. The market runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through June at 3806 N. Brown Ave.
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Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year.
Investing in Our Scottsdale:
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Work is underway to install intelligent transportation system fiber, vaults and conduit along Shea Boulevard between the Loop 101 and 136th Street. Intelligent transportation systems rely heavily on seamless communication among various components, such as traffic signal controllers, sensors and surveillance systems. Fiber optic routing introduces minimal signal loss and latency compared to traditional copper cables. The project will improve traffic operations along the corridor. Other improvements will take place in the area to improve traffic flow. The project is expected to be complete in fall 2024. Get details.
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The Hayden Road/Raintree Drive roundabout is open to vehicular traffic with access to Raintree Drive on the west side of Hayden Road also restored. Pedestrian crossings construction is progressing, and public art will be placed at the roundabout in early December. Visit the project website for details.
Here are more opportunities to comment on Scottsdale Parks and Recreation’s master plan. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation kicked off its master planning process, and we want to hear from you. The plan will serve as a blueprint for department planning, projects, priorities and structure over the next 10+ years. As Scottsdale residents, your input and feedback are the most crucial part of this process. What new programs or amenities do you want to see? How can we improve our parks or processes? Over the next year, we will be collecting information and community input, assessing future needs and benchmarking with other agencies across the nation.
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Community Workshop #2 – Learn more about the master plan process and share your ideas for the future! It will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Eldorado Park and Community Center.
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Skatepark Design Pop-up – Show up at Eldorado Park’s Wedge Skatepark to share feedback on future skate and BMX facilities. We’ll have a DJ and plenty of chances to win giveaways. 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 7650 E. McDowell Road.
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Visit the master plan website to fill out our questionnaire, comment on our interactive map and learn more about the process.
Scottsdale’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission wants to showcase those who embody the “Spirit of Scottsdale.” This yearly award program recognizes residents and organizations/businesses that help to strengthen and build Scottsdale’s community through their commitment to and involvement in neighborhoods. Don't delay -- nominations will be accepted through Dec. 31.
Grants available to spruce up neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program has funds to maintain and revitalize Scottsdale’s mature neighborhoods. Eligible projects include landscape maintenance or enhancement, perimeter wall maintenance, limited alley improvements and neighborhood signage. Scottsdale’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission will consider each application proposal and request, subject to program criteria and requirements. Learn more and submit an application.
Little ones invited to explore science. The Family Resource Center hosts “Little Scientists,” a free program for kids 2-5 years old from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, through Dec. 11. Participants will think like a scientist while engaging in playful exploration. Each week brings a new topic and challenge. Register by calling 480-312-0038 or emailing [email protected].
Get updated vaccinations at Paiute Neighborhood Center. In collaboration with Maricopa County Health, the center will host a free vaccination event for all ages from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13. Available vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, Tdap, shingles, pneumococcal and varicella. Children need parent or legal guardian consent. Bring insurance information if you have it. Those without insurance are still welcome. Call the CARES Center at 602-506-6767 for more information.
Get schooled at October Neighborhood College classes. Neighborhood College offers four tracks: HOA/Condo, Good Neighbor, Stories of Scottsdale History and Scottsdale 360, a virtual learning series that highlights the people, policies and programs that shape our community. Register for one class or all.
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Scottsdale’s Unlucky Seven, 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, Mustang Library Auditorium. We’ll look back at two unusual criminal stories in Scottsdale history, and they happened in the same year! These stories include a collision that led to the family of the victim seeking longer sentences for vehicular homicides and a murder for hire case that had more curve balls than a spring training game! This is a repeat presentation.
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Treasures of Scottsdale: The Extraordinary Ellis Family, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, Community Design Studio, or 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, Mustang Library Auditorium. For more than 70 years, the Cattle Track Arts Compound has been a hub of creativity and innovation – its influence reaching around the globe and back again. Yet the site has remained off the radar of most residents and visitors. The family behind this one-of-a-kind home for the arts traces its roots back to just a few years after the founding of the state of Arizona. Come learn about this unique and remarkable family and the artists its helped flourish.
Traffic alert for Lululemon 10K. The race takes place Sunday, Nov. 12, and will impact traffic in and near Old Town. The race start line and end-of-race celebration will be at Scottsdale Civic Center. Expect road restrictions between 3-11 a.m. Plan ahead to avoid traffic restrictions. View the course map (pdf) and street closures (pdf) to avoid delays.
Mayor David D. Ortega celebrates winners of annual Constitution Contest. The mayor congratulated more than two dozen students for their winning entries for his annual “We the People” contest at a recent in-person reception. More than 110 parents, students, teachers and administrators attended. The contest commemorates the September 17, 1797, signing of the United States Constitution. Students could enter in three categories: an art piece in any medium, an essay or an original song, video or educational podcast. Get a list of winners.
Job of the Week: Water Production Manager. Be part of the team that provides high quality water and service to our customers! The successful candidate will be responsible for the efficient, safe and economical operation of the water treatment facilities and processes associated with the treatment systems. Benefits include 12 paid holidays; sick leave; medical, dental and vision benefits; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; participation in Arizona State Retirement System; and more. Learn more and apply.
