Scottsdale Update Newsletter, February 23

Courtesy City of Scottsdale

HEADLINES

Open data drives #Scottsdale28 campaign. Open data – it’s the idea that data should be freely available and accessible to everyone. It’s also a tool for Scottsdale to promote openness, transparency and accountability. Each day this month, we’re sharing an online resource via Facebook and Twitter to help residents and visitors learn about our city.

Celebrate Scottsdale founder’s birthday. Scottsdale Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane and Arizona’s Official State Historian Marshall Trimble will provide brief tributes to U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott at noon Friday, Feb. 24, at the Scottsdale Historical Museum, 7333 Scottsdale Mall. Call the Scottsdale Historical Museum at 480-945-4499 for more information.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Take a minute to learn some safety tips before you hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

EVENTS

Watch art as it’s being created. More than 100 artists set up working studios at Celebration of Fine Art from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, 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.

Experience the music and culture of Arizona’s original residents at Native Trails. This free series takes place from noon to 1 p.m. most Thursdays and Saturdays through Thursday, March 30, on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.

Sunday A’Fair outdoor concerts continue during March. Listen to the Valley’s top musicians and experience an arts-and-crafts market. The free afternoon events take place from noon to 4 p.m. most Sundays through April 2, on the Civic Center Mall. Bring a blanket and picnic basket, or buy food on-site.

Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light runs through Sunday. This free, four-day event brings interactive, contemporary art installations by local and international artists from 4 to 10 p.m. daily to the Scottsdale Waterfront. Highlights include artist talks, artist-led workshops, a special screening of short films, live music and performances, and a nighttime light-up bike ride along the Arizona Canal.

The Boys of Summer are back this spring. Catch the San Francisco Giants in Cactus League action starting this month at the award-winning Scottsdale Stadium. Tickets are available at the stadium box office, by calling 1-877-473-4849 or at sfgiants.com.

Native Spirit ArtWalk comes to Downtown Scottsdale. Celebrate Arizona’s indigenous cultures Thursday, March 2, as part of a special Scottsdale ArtWalk. This event takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and features a variety of impressive art, live entertainment and gallery receptions. Free trolley rides are available to transport folks from free parking areas to attractions throughout the Downtown.

Catch a family-friendly “triple play” March 4. The Scottsdale Giant Race begins at 7 a.m. at Scottsdale Stadium. That’s followed by the Scottsdale Public Library’s Ultimate Play Date from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the east side of the Civic Center Mall. Scottsdale’s award-winning Spring Training Festival celebrates the start of the Cactus League and another season of America’s Pastime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the west side of the mall.

Browse the city calendar for more events.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Dive into Saturday spring swim lessons, March 4-April 22. Participation in swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children through age 4. Lessons are offered at McDowell Mountain Ranch, Cactus and Eldorado aquatic centers.

Spring break camps run March 6-10. Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and take place at Mountain View and Horizon community centers. Activities include fitness, arts and crafts, sports and more.

Get City Council meeting and agenda information.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Catch a free flick at Mountain View Park. Watch “Star Wars; The Force Awakens” beginning at sundown, Friday, Feb. 24, at 8625 E. Mountain View Road. Bring blankets and chairs and wear your favorite Star Wars attire. Raffles, snacks and a costume contest!

Via Linda Senior Center hosts Spring Barbecue Tuesday. Join the fun at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Cost is $5 for residents; $7 for nonresidents. RSVP to 480-312-5810.

Green Building Lecture features water efficient products and treatment alternatives. Up to 65 percent of city-supplied potable water is used outdoors and 24 percent of indoor water is literally flushed down the toilet. Learn how to conserve at this free program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at the Granite Reef Senior Center.

Protect your identity by attending “Shred It” event, March 4. Bring your personal and/or commercial documents to the “Shred It” event from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4, in the Wal-Mart parking lot, 15355 N. Northsight Blvd. A $3 per box donation is suggested.

Electronics Recycling Day is March 4. Rid your home of unneeded electronics at Scottsdale’s Electronics Recycling Collection Day. Accepted items include computer, office and entertainment equipment. This free program runs 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the city’s Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador.

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