Thursday, Dec. 22

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year. Scottsdale Update will be back Thursday, Jan. 5.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Experience the delightful ambience of a glowing fireplace that won’t hurt the environment or cause a fire hazard. Gather your family in front of the TV and tune into Scottsdale Video Network (Cox channel 11, Century Link channel 8001). The mesmerizing flames, accompanied by holiday music, will be sure to warm your home. Watch at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, through midnight Sunday, Dec. 25.

HEADLINES

Christmas and New Year holiday information. Most city offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Here’s information you should know about city services and keeping safe:

• Trash collection scheduled will not be affected. Crews will be following their normal collection schedule for both Christmas and New Year’s Day. Place your refuse can curbside by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the night before.
• Getting injured while cooking holiday dinners is the No. 1 cause of urgent care visits during the holiday. If you’re planning on cooking a turkey in a fryer, follow these tips.
• ‘Tis the season to be careful … Light up your home with festive holiday lights, not a blazing fire. Get holiday safety tips.
• Make sure to follow these simple tips to avoid costly and stinky grease-related blockages in your sewer lines.
• Although some consumer fireworks use is permitted by state law in Scottsdale during the holidays, their use in and near many sensitive desert areas remains illegal and violators are subject to substantial fines. Know and follow the law.
• Don’t fire a gun to celebrate the New Year. Besides being illegal, it’s dangerous … what goes up, must come down.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Drowning is a year-round issue in Arizona. Keep children away from pools, spas and any other water features when unattended.

EVENTS

Holiday Lights continues at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Take a train ride through festive holiday lights and displays which turn the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. The train ride is $4 and the carousel ride is $2. Children two and younger ride free with a paying adult. Holiday Lights runs 6:30 to 9 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 1, excluding Dec. 24, 25 and 31. The park is at 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. Watch this.

Tickets available for annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration. Author and two-time aviation Hall of Fame inductee William “Bill” Norwood will be the keynote speaker at the Scottsdale 2017 Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration. The annual event is Wednesday, Jan. 11. Registration and a reception begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and recognition at 6 p.m.

Browse the city calendar for more events.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

City adopts the latest Building, Energy and Fire codes to improve life safety, conserve energy and safeguard property. Changes recently approved by the City Council reflect the most current building technologies, standards and construction practices.

On average, more than a third of home fire deaths in the United States occur during the winter. Critical elements of home heating safety have to do with correct installation, maintenance, fueling and operation of portable and space heaters, as well as safely arranging household items around them. In addition, about 230 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning related to fuel burning household appliances.

Get City Council meeting and agenda information.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Protect your identity by attending “Shred It” event, Jan. 7. Bring your personal and/or commercial documents to “Shred It” from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, in the Wal-Mart parking lot, 15355 N. Northsight Blvd. A $3 per box donation is suggested.

Spring into action with Parks & Recreation classes this January. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation’s spring session offers everything from A(erobics) to Z(umba) and everything between. You can also sign up for tennis and sports leagues. Most classes start the week of Jan. 9.

Adaptive Services Scottsdale Bobcats Special Olympics sports are back Jan. 9. Scottsdale Bobcats Special Olympics offers fitness and competition for those with intellectual disabilities. The season runs through April with weekly practices and team events. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

We’re rounding up your Christmas trees Jan. 9-14. Residential customers must place trees curbside by 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, to participate in the Christmas Tree Roundup. Remove stands, lights and ornaments. Artificial trees will not be collected. If you miss the Roundup or do not have residential collection services, you can drop off your tree between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Scottsdale Ranch Park, 10400 E. Via Linda, or Eldorado Park, 2311 N. Miller Road. All trees collected will be turned into compost or mulch.

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