HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale library honored for cutting edge technologies
The "Gimme Engine" is the best way to find the book you want to read next . . .using your phone! The American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy and the Library Information Technology Association recently honored the Scottsdale Library for providing this cutting edge technology for customers. The library was one of just four recognized nationally for technological advances.
From a smart phone or computer, customers can visit http://gimme.scottsdalelibrary.org and receive a book recommendation based on a category they select. For example, customers can select "Gimme something good to eat" and they will receive a recommendation for a cookbook, complete with a review from a library staff member, book information and a quick link to reserve the book. Gimme! also integrates with customers' Goodreads account, a social media site that allows users to share and rate books they have read with one another.
Voter registration deadline is Feb. 13 for city's March special election
Those wanting to vote in Scottsdale's March Special Election have until Feb. 13 to register. Voters will consider a General Plan update, a franchise agreement and seven City Charter amendments. The special election is on March 13. The General Plan update guides development and growth in the city for the next 10 to 20 years. Cities and towns are required to update their plans every 10 years. The franchise agreement, if approved by voters, would allow Southwest Gas to continue using the city's rights of way for pipelines and equipment. Seven charter amendments were carryovers from 2010 and did not make it on last year's ballot. The amendments would seek to change or clarify the charter, which is the document that defines the city's roles and powers. More information about the ballot items and election will be available soon at www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/elections.
Be aware of burglars posing as city workers
Stay alert and safe at home! Burglars have been known to pose as utility or city employees to gain access to your home and steal your valuables. If someone claims to be a city employee or from a utility company and asks to enter your home, call the police. Most city employees will not enter your home, unless you request it. Also, employees will always have a city identification badge and will provide a phone number for residents to call and verify their identity. If you have any concerns or question, do not let them in. Call the Police Department right away at (480) 312-5000 to report your concerns.
CityCable 11 airs "Perspectives with Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp"
Scottsdale Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp visits SkySong and explores its economic impact on our community. The program runs at 1, 5 and 8 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays, with the last airing at 8 p.m. Feb. 20. You can also watch it online anytime at http://scottsdale.granicus.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out these ongoing activities:
** ArtBridge Thursdays - Arizona-based talent to exhibit, demonstrate and sell their products and services in a festive atmosphere, 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday through May, SouthBridge on the Canal, Downtown Scottsdale. www.artisanmarketsaz.com.
** ArtWalk - Visit many of the more than 100 art galleries in Downtown Scottsdale, 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Scottsdale Arts District, just west of Scottsdale Road along Main Street and on Marshall Way north of Indian School Road to Fifth Avenue. www.scottsdalegalleries.com.
** Thursday Tunes at ArtWalk - Live music, Downtown Scottsdale next to the Method Art Gallery on Marshall Way, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. www.scottsdalegalleries.com.
** Old Town Farmers Market - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, First Street and Brown Avenue. (623) 848-1234.
** Stagecoach rides - Free, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays through March, Fifth Avenue and Southbridge area of Downtown.
** Singing Cowboy Gary Sprague & Trusty Steed Dusty - 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, through May, Downtown Scottsdale.
** Saturday Sounds - 1 to 3 p.m., Saturdays, northwest corner of Main Street and Scottsdale Road. www.scottsdalegalleries.com.
** SouthBridge Sundays - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays through May, SouthBridge on the Canal, Downtown Scottsdale. www.artisanmarketsaz.com.
** Downtown Cultural Trolley Tours - 10:30 a.m. second Saturday of the month, Old Adobe Mission - Downtown Scottsdale. (480) 634-6850, www.ultimatearttours.com.
** WestWorld hosts various horseshows and other events. www.Scottsdaleaz.gov/events.
** Celebration of Fine Art - More than 100 artists set up working studios, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through March 25, southwest of Hayden Road and the Loop 101. (480) 443-7695, www.celebrateart.com.
** Native Trails - Experience the music and culture of Arizona's original residents, noon to 1:30 p.m. most Thursdays and Saturdays through April 14, Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com.
** Sunday A'Fair - Free afternoon mini-festival, noon to 4 p.m. most Sundays through April, Civic Center Mall. (480) 994-ARTS, www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
Watch eTicket for information about more events: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/eTicket
AT YOUR SERVICE
Upcoming brush and bulk pickup schedule
The city provides monthly brush and bulk item collection, offering residents a convenient way to dispose of items too large for refuse containers. Residents are asked to have brush and bulk items out for pick up by 5 a.m. on Monday the week of scheduled service.
Here's the upcoming schedule:
** Service Area #1 - Thunderbird Road to Indian Bend Road, east of the 101 Freeway; and Dynamite Boulevard to northern city limits: Week of Feb. 6
** Service Area #2 - Thunderbird Road to Indian Bend Road, west of the 101 Freeway; and Dynamite Boulevard to Happy Valley Road: Week of Feb. 13.
** Service Area #3 - Indian Bend Road to Thomas Road; and Happy Valley Road to Pinnacle Peak Road: Week of Feb. 20.
** Service Area #4 - Thomas Road to McKellips Road; and Pinnacle Peak Road to Thunderbird Road: Week of Feb. 27..
For more information, contact Solid Waste Management Division (480) 312-5600 or visit http://www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle.
PROGRAMS FOR YOU
Register your child for basketball fundamentals
Registration for basketball is now available for third-through-eighth-graders. The league runs Feb. 10 through March 30 and costs $60. Participants will learn basic basketball fundamentals in a positive and safe environment. Late registrations are available. For registration or other information call the Youth Sports Office at (480) 312-7657 or visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/youth.
Fight roof rats -- citrus drop-off program begins Saturday
Residents are joining forces to remove citrus from area properties to help control the roof rat population. The Citrus Drop-off Program runs Saturdays, Jan. 28-March 25, at the Elk's BPOE Scottsdale Lodge parking lot, 6398 E. Oak St. Participants are encouraged to drop off all viable/edible fruit from 8 a.m. to noon; commercial drop off will be from 8 to 10 a.m. and those wanting to pick up citrus can do so from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information about this program, residents should contact the Arcadia NEIGHBORtoNEIGHBOR Campaign at (602) 273-0435 or www.roofrat.net. To report a rat or for health and safety information, contact Maricopa County Vector Control at (602) 506-6616 or visit www.maricopa.gov/envsvc.
Neighborhood College classes continue in February
Registration is available for Scottsdale's Neighborhood College, a series of free classes where residents can receive the information, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders. "Dealing with the Troublesome Board and Association Member" will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6. "Managing HOAs through Tough Economic Times" will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15. Both will be at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Pre-registration is required. For a complete schedule or to register, call (480) 312-2342, email jracine@scottsdaleaz.gov or visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/education/nbhdcollege.
FUTURE EVENTS
Parada del Sol Parade takes place Feb. 11
Take part in a Scottsdale tradition on Saturday, Feb. 11, when the Parada del Sol Parade unfolds along Scottsdale Road between Oak Street and Indian School Road. This "world's largest horsedrawn parade" starts at 10 a.m. and features floats, horses, bands and tons of cowboy fun! More fun follows the parade in Old Town Scottsdale with the Trails End Celebration - dancing, entertainment and kids' activities. Remember, Scottsdale Road, from Camelback to McDowell roads, will be closed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more Parada activity details - including the Hashknife Pony Express arrival in town and the Rodeo - call the Jaycees at (480) 990-3179 or visit: http://paradadelsol.us.
Via Linda Senior Center hosts Valentine's Day Dance Feb. 14
Grab your sweetie and your best shoe-shuffling moves for the Via Linda Senior Center's Valentine's Day Dance from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14. The focus will be on ballroom dancing at the center, located at 10440 E. Via Linda. They'll be lessons available and no partner is required. The cost is $3 for Scottsdale residents and $5 for non-residents. For more information, call (480) 312-5810 or visit: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/seniors. |
