Scottsdale Update Newsletter, Thursday, Feb. 9

scottsdale_update_newsletter_bluebanner_nov2016Thursday, Feb. 9

 

HEADLINES

Waste Management Phoenix Open sees record crowds. Throughout the week, 655,434 people headed to the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, besting last year’s previous record of 618,365. The event also beat its record for Saturday attendance. This year, 204,906 people were on hand. The tournament generates more than $9 million annually for Arizona charities.

 Police Chief Alan Rodbell named Arizona’s Chief of the Year. Rodbell was commended by the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police for his part in developing an agency with a deep sense of community, ethical behavior and professionalism in policing.

 Northern face of Tom’s Thumb temporarily closed to rock climbing while sensitive birds of prey nest. A pair of prairie falcons has established a nest in a rocky crag. Temporary access restrictions are in place to keep them from being disturbed during nesting season, which should last through mid-June. The Tom’s Thumb trail remains open.

 Special Native Trails show shares message of unity. Performers representing various cultures will join the Native Trails cast Thursday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb. 18. These free performances run noon to 1 p.m. most Thursdays and Saturdays through March 30. 


VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Get a preview of the Scottsdale Philharmonic Orchestra before you head out to see its free performance Sunday (see concert information under “Events” section).


EVENTS

Watch Hashknife Pony Express complete 200-mile journey to deliver mail. Greet more than 25 riders as they deliver mail to U.S. Postal Service representatives near Scottsdale’s Museum of the West’s front steps. The excitement takes place at high noon, Friday, Feb. 10. Mingle with riders and enjoy family-friendly activities – including a hands-on “Cowboy Bootcamp” for kids – until 3 p.m.

 The Parada del Sol and Trails End Festival take place Saturday, Feb. 11. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Scottsdale Road south of Camelback and weaves through Downtown. The party continues at noon in Old Town with live music, activity booths, shoot-out re-enactments and multicultural entertainment. Road closures will take place from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the parade route and until 6 p.m. in Old Town.

 Attend free Scottsdale Philharmonic concert Sunday. Attend this professional symphony orchestra concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E. Shea Blvd. The group receives support through the city’s Community Event Funding program.

 Exhibit reception and panel celebrate upcoming Cactus League season. Baseball is back, and the public is invited to a free reception and panel discussion Wednesday, Feb. 15, focused on the Cactus League and the first players to be inducted into the Cactus League Hall of Fame. The reception takes place at 5 p.m. in the main exhibit space of Scottsdale’s Civic Center Library. The library is hosting a 2,500-square-foot historic baseball exhibit produced by the Arizona Spring Training Experience and the Cactus League Hall of Fame.

 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show trots to WestWorld Feb. 16-26. Since 1955, the annual horse show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world … growing from 50 horses to more than 2,000 horses – bringing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world competing for a chance to win.

 Browse the city calendar for more events.


FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Museum of the West exhibition named one of top 11 in country. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West’s exhibit “The Taos Society of Artists” was named a “can’t miss” by USA Today. The exhibit, which runs through April 30, features vivid images of the American Southwest’s dramatic landscapes and Native Americans.

 Vista del Camino serves hundreds through 2016 holiday donation program. The recent program served 455 Thanksgiving and 413 winter holiday households thanks in large part to the generosity of 264 donors who sponsored these families. In addition, 821 volunteer hours were donated to help screen families, gather items and make deliveries. The total estimated value of these programs to the community is $193,665.

 Scottsdale pools are open and heated year-round. Enjoy lap swimming or water exercise classes at one of three facilities: McDowell Mountain Ranch, Cactus or Eldorado. Get more information on facility locations and specific schedules.

 Your irrigation system is your landscape’s lifeline. Be sure to include checking it in your regular maintenance routine. Follow these tips. Learn more about water conservation by viewing the how-to videos and using our free leak detection and landscaping guides.

 Donate your plastic grocery bags to Chaparral Park’s dog park. To cut costs, the city is asking for your donation of unneeded plastic grocery bags for dog waste. Scottsdale spends over $52,000 annually on Mutt Mitts – the bags used to pick up dog waste at parks. There are three bag holders throughout the park.

 Get City Council meeting and agenda information.


PROGRAMS & SERVICES

AARP offers free tax preparation to those who qualify. This program is available through April 15 at various city facilities. Schedule an appointment by calling the Via Linda Senior Center at 480-312-5810, the Granite Reef Senior Center at 480-312-1700 or the Paiute Neighborhood Center at 480-312-2529.

 Protect your identity by attending “Shred It” event, Saturday. Bring your personal and/or commercial documents to the “Shred It” event from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Wal-Mart parking lot, 15355 N. Northsight Blvd. A $3 per box donation is suggested.  

 Rid your home of household hazardous wastes. Bring them to Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the city Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador.

 Tennis League registration begins Feb. 14. Not sure which skill level league to join? Attend one of our free rating sessions. Call 480-312-2740 for an appointment or register to join a league.

 “All Things Senior” Expo & Tradeshow offers one-stop resources. This free event features more than 100 exhibitors providing information about health care, senior housing, recreation and fitness opportunities, entertainment, lifestyle, technology, transportation and much more. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. 

 Create your signature style. Join us for a panel discussion with local style experts to gain insights and ask questions about how to dress for your body and taste, and how to sharpen your style literacy. The free program is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Civic Center Library.

 Learn about Arizona’s horned lizards. Arizona Game and Fish representative Randy Babb will talk about the seven species of horned lizards in Arizona at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Pinnacle Peak Park, 26802 N. 102nd Way. Register for the free program by calling 480-312-0990.

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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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