Scottsdale Update: January 5

Thursday, Jan. 5

HEADLINES

We’re rounding up your Christmas trees Jan. 9-14. Residential customers can 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. You also 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.

Scottsdale’s 2017 special events season begins next week. It’s a unique time of year that features world-class art, auto and horse shows, a championship rodeo and the largest crowds in golf at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Scottsdale’s free trolley service is a convenient way to travel to events and activities.

Scottsdale CEO and disabilities advocate named 2017 Diversity Champions. Achieving My Purpose founder and Chief Executive Officer Linda Groomes Walton and STARS Director of Programs Gina Griffiths were named 2017 Diversity Champions. Both will be honored at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration Wednesday, Jan. 11. Registration and a reception begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and recognition at 6 p.m. Author and two-time aviation Hall of Fame inductee William “Bill” Norwood will be the keynote speaker.

Only 300 of 1,500 citizen surveys returned. Anonymous responses to a citizen survey help the city measure the quality of its services and prioritize for the future. Households selected received reminder postcards and the survey via a letter. Completing it takes about 15 minutes; the survey closes Monday, Jan. 9. If you were not part of the random sample group but still would like to provide your feedback, an online version of the survey will open citywide in the next few weeks.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Health care and technology companies on Scottsdale’s Cure Corridor are breaking new ground in bio-life science. Learn how by watching this.

EVENTS

Experience music and culture at Native Trails, starting Jan. 12. Native Trails is a free outdoor festival celebrating the Native American cultures of the Southwest through song and dance. It also features American Indian artisans selling specialty items such as jewelry, baskets, flutes and paintings, as well as light snacks and beverages. This series takes place from noon to 1 p.m. most Thursdays and Saturdays on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon Series runs Jan. 14-15. The Rock ‘N’ Marathon is a relatively flat course that runs through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. In addition to the full- and half-marathons, this running series also offers a 5K, 10K and Kids’ Race. Road closure information will be available on the marathon website.

Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction rolls in Jan. 14-22. Hundreds of the world’s finest collector automobiles and thousands of spectators will assemble for this year’s Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction. The auction is at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road.

Drawn to art? Check out Celebration of Fine Art. Watch art as it’s being created as more than 100 artists set up working studios at Celebration of Fine Art, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Jan. 14-March 26. Housed in the big white tents southwest of Hayden Road and the Loop 101, Celebration presents a variety of art in all styles – from traditional to contemporary.

Sunday A’Fair minifestivals begin Jan. 15 on the Civic Center Mall. Sunday A’Fair features free outdoor concerts by the Valley’s top musicians, an arts-and-crafts market and fun activities for the entire family. The concerts take place from noon to 4 p.m. most Sundays through April 2, on the Civic Center Mall.

Browse the city calendar for more events.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Get a jump on a job. Become a lifeguard this summer. Did you know you have to be only 15 years old to become a lifeguard? Register for the StarGuard lifeguard training session that begins Monday, Jan. 23. The class takes place Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturdays for two weeks. Once certified, you’re eligible to apply for a lifeguard position with the city.

Registration for Scottsdale City Government 101 opens this month. This series of free Scottsdale City Government 101 classes presents the “nuts and bolts” of city government. Registration opens in January for classes, which begin early March.

Make a resolution to conserve … water your landscape less frequently during the winter. Dormant Bermuda grass needs water only about every 30 days. If you planted rye grass in the fall, it requires water about once every two weeks. Remember that adjusting your irrigation/sprinkler controller takes just a few minutes and can save hundreds of gallons of water each month. Remember to also check your irrigation system for leaks.

Get City Council meeting and agenda information.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Protect your identity by attending Saturday’s “Shred It” event. 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 also can sign up for tennis and sports leagues. Most classes start the week of Jan. 9.

Library offers series of digital media classes. Get an in-depth look at how to successfully position and brand your business. Four free classes will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 11 and 25; and Feb. 8 and 22, in Civic Center Library’s Eureka Loft. ScottsdaleLibrary.org

New year, new writing goals. Join the Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths chapter to get writing advice and encouragement. Meet anytime between10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Civic Center Library (Gold Room), 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

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