Scottsdale Update Newsletter, October 13

update bannerThursday, Oct. 13

 

Headlines

Vote early and avoid the crowds on Election Day

Scottsdale joins regional veterans court

Arizona Cities and Towns Week runs Oct. 16-22

Sonoran Silver: Celebrate 25 years of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy this Sunday

 

Events

Tebow time — Arizona Fall League returns to Scottsdale Stadium

Forget bobbing for apples; try dunkin’ for a pumpkin Oct. 22

Frightfully fun “Haunted” Date Night” takes place Oct. 22

You’re invited to an Irish dinner to celebrate Scottsdale’s newest Sister City

Check out these ongoing activities and events

 

For Your Information

Scottsdale Airport turns unused lot into functional operations center

Cooler temperatures mean less water

October is the perfect time to visit Scottsdale’s Xeriscape Garden

Get the latest City Council meeting agenda

 

Programs & Services

Pitch in for National Make A Difference Day Oct. 22

Going places? Scottsdale Passport Day is Oct.22

Get fit for fall at Scottsdale’s Club SAR Boxing & Fitness Center

Teens invited to a wizard rock concert Oct. 25

Dispose of your brush and bulk

 

Headlines

Vote early and avoid the crowds on Election Day

On Nov. 8, Scottsdale voters will elect a mayor and three councilmembers. They will also decide on a City Charter amendment that corrects outdated charter language related to city election dates and when terms for City Council members begin.

Many Scottsdale residents – more than 100,000 – automatically receive early ballots for all Scottsdale elections. But last election, fewer than 30,000 were actually voted and returned (about 31 percent).

Residents who receive an early ballot can vote it and return it by mail and avoid what are expected to be long lines on Election Day – and the postage is paid.

There’s also an early option for those who like to vote in person. In person early voting is under way from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 4 at Scottsdale City Hall.

Get more election information.

 

Scottsdale joins regional veterans court

For some veterans, the battles continue long after they leave military service. Anger, depression or lack of a structured environment can lead to trouble with the law.

Scottsdale is joining a partnership that seeks to help veterans overcome these hurdles. It’s called the East Valley Regional Veterans Treatment Court.

The court physically is in Tempe, but two afternoons per month hearings will be scheduled for Scottsdale veterans facing misdemeanor charges. The program was approved by the Scottsdale City Council Aug. 30.

Unlike traditional courts, the Veterans Treatment Court will directly connect veterans with services to help them overcome behavioral issues that may be at the root of their legal problems. Learn more about the court.

 

Arizona Cities and Towns Week runs Oct. 16-22

From life-saving aid to playing in the park, Scottsdale residents and visitors benefit daily from a variety of city services.

Local government is the focus of Cities & Towns Week, Oct. 16-22. The time is set aside each year to provide citizens with important information about the services and programs provided by municipalities. Learn more about the commemoration.

Here’s a link to videos that highlight some of the services residents and visitors receive through Scottsdale government:

 

Sonoran Silver: Celebrate 25 years of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy this Sunday

For a quarter-century, the non-profit McDowell Sonoran Conservancy has championed the sustainability of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

You’re invited to celebrate that milestone and the Conservancy’s accomplishments at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead. A free reception will take place to launch an exhibit entitled “Sonoran Silver: The First 25 years of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.”

The Conservancy has grown to include more than 500 volunteers who serve as stewards in the preserve, educators and citizen scientists to ensure Scottsdale’s 30,000-acre preserve is protected for this and future generations.

The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is located at 30301 N. Alma School Parkway.

Learn more about the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Learn more about the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

 

Events

Tebow time — Arizona Fall League returns to Scottsdale Stadium

The Arizona Fall League returns to Scottsdale Stadium. Cheer on your home team, the Scottsdale Scorpions, as they take on top minor league players from both the American League and National League. Watch former NFL player Tim Tebow take the bases … will he make it on the list of these former Fall League players who made it to the big leagues: Dustin Pedroia, Brandon Webb and Derek Jeter? Who knows what future star you could see! While you are at the stadium visit our Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame and enjoy a treat from one of our concession stands.

 

Forget bobbing for apples; try dunkin’ for a pumpkin Oct. 22

Did you know pumpkins float? Come join us at the McDowell Mountain Ranch and Eldorado aquatic centers for our floating pumpkin patch!  The pools will be heated, and there will be decorating stations after you have picked your pumpkin! The event will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Admission is $10 per person and includes your pumpkin (while supplies last)! Call 480-312-6677 for more information.

 

Frightfully fun “Haunted” Date Night takes place Oct. 22

What could be better than food trucks, libations, music, games and a movie under the stars? Throw in a costume contest and you have a Haunted Date Night. The fun is for those 21 and older and takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Attendees can participate in a costume contest, order munchies from food trucks, listen to music, play games, drink libations and take a stadium tour. We’ll cap off the evening with a movie on the field. Admission is free, but we are requesting donations of “peanut free” individually-wrapped candy for our Fall Festival. Get more information by calling 480-312-0221.

 

You’re invited to an Irish dinner to celebrate Scottsdale’s newest Sister City

Enjoy a special Irish dinner at Scottsdale Community College on Thursday, Oct. 27, in celebration of Scottsdale’s new sister city relationship with Killarney, Ireland.  Featuring a special Irish menu prepared by the culinary arts students, Irish music, an exciting silent auction, and an opportunity to learn more about Scottsdale Sister Cities Association’s programs.  Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Artichoke Dining Room and advanced tickets are required.   Visit www.scottsdalesistercities.com for more information and ticket purchase.

 

Check out these ongoing activities and events:

  • ArtWalk – Visit many of the roughly 70 art galleries in Downtown Scottsdale, 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, year ’round, Scottsdale Arts District.
  • 365 Live – Live and local performers take to the streets of Downtown Scottsdale 365 times throughout the year, bringing an exciting new energy to the heart of the city. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 480-980-6202.
  • Free Downtown Trolley – New & improved service! Runs every 10 minutes from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
  • Downtown Cultural Trolley Tours – 10:30 a.m. second Saturday of the month, Old Adobe Mission, Downtown Scottsdale. 480-634-6850. Free.
  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve – Hikes and educational programs – ongoing.
  • WestWorld hosts various horse shows and other events.
  • See more on the events by visiting the city’s Event Calendar.

For Your Information

Scottsdale Airport turns unused lot into functional operations center

What was once a narrow, unsightly and unused lot on prime airport property is now a modern building that consolidates airport operations staff, heavy equipment and airport maintenance all under one roof. Sitting at the 50-yard line of the airport, the 10,000-square-foot building offers easy access to respond to airfield issues and it offers a prime vantage point for operations staff to monitor the airfield.

 

Cooler temperatures mean less water

Adjust your irrigation/sprinkler controller to match cooler fall temperatures. Bermuda grass only needs water about once a week this time of year. You can save even more water and money by not over seeding for a winter lawn. Learn how to make the most of your water use.

 

October is the perfect time to visit Scottsdale’s Xeriscape Garden 

Scottsdale’s 5.5-acre Xeriscape Garden contains more than 7,000 plants from more than 200 species. Enjoy our fantastic fall weather, see beautiful fall-bloomers and take the self-guided tour to learn about proper plant care. The garden is located on the southeast corner of Hayden and McDonald roads, adjacent to the dog park.

 

Get the latest City Council meeting agenda

Get City Council meeting and agenda information.

Programs & Services

Pitch in for National Make A Difference Day Oct. 22

Every year on the fourth Saturday in October, millions of Americans unite to do good for others on national Make A Difference Day. You can make a difference in Scottsdale Saturday, Oct. 22, by taking part in Keep Scottsdale Beautiful Day, an annual citywide litter cleanup sponsored by the city and the nonprofit Keep Scottsdale Beautiful. Registered Adopt A Road groups and “one-time” groups or individuals are encouraged to participate.

 

Going places? Scottsdale Passport Day is Oct.22

If you plan on traveling overseas in the near future, take note of Scottsdale’s Passport Day, Oct. 22. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., you’ll be able to renew your passport or apply for a new one at the city’s One Civic Center Building, 7447 E. Indian School Road.

Routine and expedited service is available. Blank forms and information about application procedures, requirements and fees are available at www.Travel.State.Gov or at 1-877-487-2778.

For more information on Scottsdale’s event, call 480-312-2400 or email.

 

Get fit for fall at Scottsdale’s Club SAR Boxing & Fitness Center

Club SAR Boxing & Fitness Center is a multisports instructional facility that can help meet a variety of physical conditioning goals. Classes include boxing, kickboxing, conditioning, barre, tabata, rowing and weight training. Equipment includes a boxing ring, cardio treadmills, bikes, stair climbers, rowers, elliptical machines, free weights, weight machines and full-court indoor basketball. Annual, three-month and one-month memberships are available at affordable prices.

 

Teens invited to a wizard rock concert Oct. 25

Those 12 to 18 years old are invited to a concert by a band inspired by Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Star Wars. Tonks and the Auros, a self-described “fierce lady wizard rock band” performs at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Get ready to dance, sing and fight against evil. Nerd out in your favorite Harry Potter costume, build a wizard wand and enjoy some butterbeer! Call the library at 480-312-READ (7323) for more information about the free event.

 

Dispose of your brush and bulk

The city provides monthly brush and bulk item collection offering residents a convenient way to dispose of items too large for refuse containers. Place brush and bulk items out for pickup by 5 a.m. Monday the week of scheduled service. Here’s when we’ll be in your neighborhood:

  • Service Area #3 – Indian Bend Road to Thomas Road; and Happy Valley Road to Pinnacle Peak Road: Week of Oct. 17.
  • Service Area #4 – Thomas Road to McKellips Road; and Pinnacle Peak Road to Thunderbird Road (including McDowell Mountain Ranch): Week of Oct. 24.
  • Service Area #1 – Thunderbird Road to Indian Bend Road, east of the 101 Freeway; and Dynamite Boulevard to northern city limits: Week of Oct. 31.
  • Service Area #2 – Bell Road to Indian Bend Road, west of the 101 Freeway; and Dynamite Boulevard to Happy Valley Road: Week of Nov. 7.

 

Get a complete list of Scottsdale events and public meetings. Get Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts events or call 480-499-TKTS (8537). Get Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art events or call 480-874-4666. Get Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West events or call 480-686-9539. Reach Scottsdale Update by emailing Jan Horne or call 480-312-2636.

 

Author: Les Conklin

Les Conklin is a resident of north Scottsdale He founded Friends of the Scenic Drive, the Monte de Paz HOA and is the president of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. He was named to Scottsdale's History Maker Hall of Fame in 2014. Les is a past editor of A Peek at the Peak and the author of Images of America: Pinnacle Peak. He served on the Scottsdale's Pride Commission, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, the boards of several local nonprofits and was a founding organizer of the city's Adopt-A-Road Program.. Les is a volunteer guide at the Musical Instrument Museum.

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