For  those who live in DC Ranch, Grayhawk or any other Scottsdale, Arizona community, here is some great information about upcoming events in Scottsdale.  For those thinking about buying DC Ranch real estate or Grayhawk real estate, especially if you’re from out of state, this introduces you to the City of Scottsdale and gives you some great details about what is going on in your new City.  Enjoy!

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale Update – Dec. 15, 2011

HEADLINE NEWS
Public invited to participate tonight as Bond Task Force prioritizes potential projects
Successful auction adds 2,482 acres to Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Deadline is Friday for Diversity Champion nominations
Most city offices will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 for holidays
Enjoy the holidays . think safety and reduce fire hazards
City hosts successful Electronics Recycling Day

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE
Holiday Lights continues Friday at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Tune into “Thursday Tunes at ArtWalk”
“Saturday Sounds” music series set in Scottsdale’s Arts District
Check out ongoing activities

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR GOVERNMENT
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers needed for 2011 tax filing season
City hosts public meetings on proposed changes to how water and sewer rate are calculated

AT YOUR SERVICE — UTILITY SCHEDULE AND MORE
Upcoming brush and bulk pickup schedule
Downtown Trolley route changes better serve customers
Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center closes for maintenance starting Saturday
Is your street address visible? Curb painting kits available

PROGRAMS FOR YOU
Home Energy Audit program reopens
Enroll your child in “Thrive After Three,” Scottsdale’s after-school program
Make a splash- be a lifeguard!
CityCable 11 airs new programs

FUTURE EVENT SCHEDULE
A listing of city events and programs scheduled in the coming weeks

HEADLINE NEWS

Public invited to participate tonight as Bond Task Force prioritizes potential projects
What are the priority projects for Scottsdale’s future? Answers to that important question are being developed tonight, Dec. 15, by the city’s Bond Task Force. Residents and other community stakeholders are invited to share their own views at the meeting set for 5 p.m. at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. The Task Force was formed this summer by the City Council and charged with reviewing and recommending projects for a possible bond election in 2012 or beyond. The Task Force has reviewed more than 40 possible projects to date, carrying a potential price tag of $259 million. The Task Force is working to keep its recommended list of bond projects within the $150 to $200 million range. To help create a list of recommended projects, Task Force members earlier this month gave each proposed project a numerical score from 1 to 10 based on a set of technical criteria. At Thursday’s meeting, task force members will review those collective project rankings. The Task Force will meet Jan. 12, Jan, 26 and Feb. 9 as members continue to formulate a recommendation on a future bond election. The Task Force plans to present its recommendations to the City Council in spring 2012. To view the information on reviewed projects, meeting dates and locations, visit: www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/BondTaskForce.

Successful auction adds 2,482 acres to Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The city of Scottsdale acquired 2,482 acres of land for the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve at a state land auction earlier this week in which the city was the only bidder. The city’s successful bid was $ 45 million – approximately $19 million of that will come from a Growing Smarter State Trust Land Acquisition Grant approved by the Arizona State Parks Board in September. The remainder of the purchase price will come from money generated by two dedicated sales taxes approved by Scottsdale voters in 1995 and 2004. The use of state grant funding frees additional dollars to be used on future purchases. With today’s acquisition, Scottsdale’s mountain preserve encompass approximately 21,400 contiguous acres – more than 33 square miles. That is roughly 63 percent of the long-range goal to preserve about 34,000 acres, nearly a third of the city’s land area. Learn more about this recent acquisition at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/News/12-14-2011-News. Learn more about the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve.

Deadline is Friday for Diversity Champion nominations
The deadline is tomorrow, Dec. 16, to nominate someone as a “Diversity Champion.” The nonprofit organization Community Celebrating Diversity seeks to recognize individuals who exemplify the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and who have enriched the community by empowering others. Eligible nominees must work, live or volunteer in Scottsdale. Nomination forms are available at www.CCDArizona.org, by contacting the Office of Diversity and Dialogue at (480) 312-7738, or by emailing Diversity@ScottsdaleAZ.gov or susd.schoolfusion.us. Winners will be honored at the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Living the Dream” Community Celebration. The event, featuring keynote speaker newsman John Quiñones, begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Chaparral Suites, 5401 N. Scottsdale Road. Tickets are $60 per person. To reserve a seat or for more information, visit www.CCDArizona.org or call (480) 312-3030.

Most city offices will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 for holidays
Most city offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2, in recognition of Christmas and New Years, respectively. Because both holidays fall on a Sunday, the city observes them on the following regular work day. Trash and recycling will be collected as scheduled. Please have your containers out for collection by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the night before. Call (480) 312-5600 for more information.

Enjoy the holidays . think safety and reduce fire hazards
Did you know the top five days for home candle fires are Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve and Halloween? This holiday season consider using flameless candles in your home. If you do burn candles, use holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Remember — always extinguish candles before leaving home or going to sleep. For more fire safety tips, visit www.ScottsdaleFD.com.

City hosts successful Electronics Recycling Day
Nearly 580 participants dropped off about 37,891 pounds of unwanted electronics at the Dec. 10, Electronic Recycling Day. These items would have ended up in the landfill but will now be refurbished or resold. Since the first electronics collection event in April 2002, more than 19,000 participants have dropped off more than 1 million tons of electronics. The next event will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the city Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador. Get details at (480) 312-5602 or www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tune into “Thursday Tunes at ArtWalk”
“Thursday Tunes at ArtWalk” spotlights the Valley’s up-and-coming pop, rock and jazz talent in Downtown Scottsdale next to the Method Art Gallery on Marshall Way. You’ll hear great music and can check out dozens of art galleries from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday along Marshall Way. Upcoming performances:
** Thursday, Dec. 15: Carole Pellatt – Acclaimed guitarist covers it all from blues to jazz to pop
** Thursday, Dec. 22: Cesar Cotacachi – Holiday sounds with a Mexican spirit. Felicidades!
** Thursday, Dec. 29: Michael Broyles – Contemporary jazz keyboard classics and originals
Get more details at www.scottsdalegalleries.com.

Holiday Lights continues at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
All aboard! Take a train ride through many festive holiday lights and displays turning the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. Holiday Lights runs 6:30 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30, excluding Dec. 24 and 25. Santa will be at the park through Dec. 23. Train and carousel rides are $2 each with children younger than 3 riding free with a paying adult. The park is at 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. For more information, call (480) 312-2312 or visit www.therailroadpark.com.

“Saturday Sounds” music series set in Scottsdale’s Arts District
Flute-meister Sherry Finzer performs at this week’s “Saturday Sounds.” The program is a free series that features the Valleys’ best musicians. Listen to great music while strolling through Downtown Scottsdale’s art galleries. Saturday Sounds runs from 1 to 3 p.m. at the northwest corner of Main Street and Scottsdale Road. For more information, visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com.

Check out these ongoing activities:
** ArtBridge Thursdays – 6 to 10 p.m., every Thursday through May, SouthBridge on the Canal, Downtown Scottsdale. www.artisanmarketsaz.com.
** ArtWalk – 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.
** Old Town Farmers Market – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, First Street and Brown Avenue. (623) 848-1234. http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/pageScottsdaleOldtown/ScottsdaleOTsat.htm.
** Horse-drawn Carriage Rides – Free, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays starting in January, Brown Avenue and Main Street.
** Singing Cowboy Gary Sprague & Trusty Steed Dusty – 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays, through May, Downtown Scottsdale.
** 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. www.Scottsdaleaz.gov/events.
Watch E-Ticket for information about more events: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/eTicket

GET INVOLVED: PARTICIPATE IN YOUR GOVERNMENT

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers needed for 2011 tax filing season
The AARP Foundation is recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters, client facilitators and tax counselors for the 2011 tax filing season. Volunteers file free tax returns for seniors and low income families. Last year, volunteers assisted 116,811 clients and filed more than 94,600 returns. For more information or to volunteer, contact Alan Jensen at (480) 947-3124 or register online at http://www.aarp.org/giving-back/volunteering/.

City hosts public meetings on proposed changes to how water and sewer rate are calculated
The Water Resources Division is conducting a study, approved by City Council in March 2011, which may result in proposed changes to how the city calculates water and sewer rates. The goal is to ensure equity for all customers and enhance water conservation efforts. For 2012, the city does not anticipate proposing a rate increase for water service, but does anticipate proposing an approximate 3 percent rate increase for sewer service. You are invited to provide your comments on the proposed changes at one of two public meetings. Information presented at both meetings will be identical:
** 5 to 7 p.m. (5:30 p.m. presentation) Monday, Jan. 9, Via Linda Senior Center, Rooms 1-3, 10440 E. Via Linda
** 4 to 6 p.m. (4:30 p.m. presentation) Wednesday, Jan. 11, Civic Center Library Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Can’t attend? Learn more and comment at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/rates or send an email to enterprisefinance@scottsdaleaz.gov.

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 #3 – Indian Bend Road to Thomas Road; and Happy Valley Road to Pinnacle Peak Road: Week of Dec. 19.
** Service Area #4 – Thomas Road to McKellips Road; and Pinnacle Peak Road to Thunderbird Road: Week of Dec. 26.
** Service Area #1 – Thunderbird Road to Indian Bend Road, east of the 101 Freeway; and Dynamite Boulevard to northern city limits: Week of Jan. 2.
** Service Area #2 – Thunderbird Road to Indian Bend Road, west of the 101 Freeway; and Dynamite Boulevard to Happy Valley Road: Week of Jan. 9.
For more information, contact Solid Waste Management Division (480) 312-5600 or visit http://www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle.

Downtown Trolley route changes better serve customers
The city has changed Scottsdale’s free Downtown Trolley’s route to provide better service to visitors, residents and businesses. The new route provides two transfer stops, one for the Miller Road Route at Indian School and Miller roads and another for the Neighborhood Route at Marshall Way and Second Street. The Downtown Trolley route provides free service seven days a week to all of Scottsdale’s popular art and shopping districts: Old Town, Main Street Arts District, Marshall Way Arts District, Fifth Avenue Shops, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Waterfront, SouthBridge and The Galleria. The trolleys run every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Downtown Route service is extended until 9 p.m. on Thursday to serve ArtWalk patrons. During spring training, the Downtown Trolley provides direct service to Scottsdale Stadium for every home game from all Downtown parking lots and business stops. Learn more by calling (480) 421-1004 or visiting www.scottsdaleaz.gov/trolley/downtown.

Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center closes for maintenance starting Saturday
Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center will be closed starting Saturday, Dec. 17 through Dec. 23 for repairs and the holidays. The facility reopens Tuesday, Dec. 27, for lap swimming and regular fitness center hours. To confirm dates, call (480) 312-2484, visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/eldopool or email troyer@scottsdaleaz.gov.

Is your street address visible? Curb painting kits available
Do your part to help public safety and emergency personnel more easily locate your home. Add painted house numbers to your curb by borrowing a Curb Painting Kit from the city. Kits are free to borrow and include stencils, masking tape, brushes and instructions. You simply provide the paint! For more information, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov and search for “curb kit” or call (480) 312-3111.

Make a splash- be a lifeguard!
Sign up for lifeguard training classes today! Meet new people, interact with swimmers and get paid while working in a fun environment. Scottsdale is offering Starfish Aquatics Institute Lifeguard Training classes to those interested in becoming a certified lifeguard. The class includes certifications in First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and AED. Participants must be 15 years old by the last day of class, meet physical requirements and attend all classes. Classes are offered at all pools starting in January. For more information, call (480) 312-2771 or visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/brochure and click on “Aquatics.”

PROGRAMS FOR YOU

City reopens Home Energy Audit program
Scottsdale citizens owning a residence south of Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale will have an opportunity to get a free energy audit. About $50,000 remains available for this program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The audit will provide recommendations on how to make homes more energy efficient. It will not cover improvement costs. Audits will include air leakage testing, heating and cooling system evaluation, and a review of a property’s last 12 months of utility bills. Program participants will receive a written report summarizing audit findings and outlining recommendations and incentives for making energy efficiency improvements. For specific information about the program or to fill out an application, visit www.ScottsdaleAz.gov/greenbuilding/energyaudits or call (480) 312-5771.

Enroll your child in “Thrive After Three,” Scottsdale’s after-school program
Looking for after-school care for your child? The city offers the “Thrive After Three” program at nine locations throughout Scottsdale – Pima Park House; Paiute, Mountain View and Horizon community centers; and Yavapai, Hohokam, Navajo, Cheyenne and Tonalea elementary schools. Programs start at school release times, run until 6 p.m. and are available to children in grades first through sixth. Trained recreation leaders conduct daily activities that include sports and fitness, arts and crafts, and nutritional education programs. Registration is $55 a month and fee assistance is available for those who qualify. For fee assistance information, call, (480) 312-7957. For more information about the program or to register, call (480) 312-2313 or visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/asp.

CityCable 11 airs new programs
** Poetry Corner with Bob Frost and Writer Alan Scheidt: Scottsdale’s poet laureate Bob Frost and freelance writer Alan Scheidt share their writing styles. Watch online anytime.
** Your Pet’s Pal – Dog Bite Signs and Prevention: Watch this discussion with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control’s Aprille Hollis to learn about dog bites and how to prevent them. Watch
online anytime.

FUTURE EVENTS

Newsman John Quiñones headlines Jan. 12 Dr. MLK Dinner Celebration
Emmy award-winning journalist John Quiñones headlines Scottsdale’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration on Jan. 12. The dinner celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Chaparral Suites, 5401 N. Scottsdale Road. Tickets are $60 per person. Quiñones has reported extensively for ABC News over the past 25 years, predominantly serving as a correspondent for “Primetime” and “20/20.” His recent work includes a series of reports entitled “What Would You Do?” The reports test human nature through hidden camera scenarios. To reserve a seat to the dinner or for more information, call (480) 312-3030 or visit www.ccdarizona.org.

For a complete list of Scottsdale events, visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/events.

For Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts events, visit http://tickets.scottsdaleperformingarts.org/tickets/calendar.aspx or call (480) 994-ARTS.

For Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts events, visit http://www.smoca.org/ or call (480) 874-4682.