Neighborhood College classes continue through Dec. 5. Register for Scottsdale’s Neighborhood College, a series of free classes where residents can receive information, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders. The final class Tuesday, Dec. 5, is “Knowing, Understanding and Asserting Your Right in an HOA.” It runs from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “college”
Singing Cowboy returns to Downtown. Singing Cowboy Gary Sprague and his trusty steed Dusty have returned to Downtown Scottsdale to serenade shoppers with Western classics and local folklore. From 1 to 4 p.m. each Saturday, Gary rides throughout the Old Town area, concluding his performance at the Rusty Spur Saloon, 7245 E. Main St. TheSingingCowboy.com
Veg out at Old Town Farmers Market. Check out Scottsdale’s Old Town Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in December, for a wonderful selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, organic produce and socializing. The market is on the southwest corner of First Street and Brown Avenue. ArizonaFarmersMarkets.com, search “Old Town Scottsdale”
Scottsdazzle events continue in December. Spread the holiday cheer through the end of the year … Canal concerts, wine tastings, Cowboy Christmas and more. Here’s the calendar of Scottsdazzle events. Scottsdazzle.com
Register for the Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration. Bob Enderle will share his perspective on growing up during the civil rights era – living in and raising a multiracial family. He also has 35 years of Human Resources leadership, addressing diversity issues. This year’s event will be Tuesday, Jan. 9, at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and the program starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75. ScottsdaleMLK.org
Holiday Lights expands to five weeks. Opening night is Friday, Dec. 1, and the event runs through Sunday, Jan. 7, at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Festivities take place from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly, with just a few exceptions. The Holiday Lights experience on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad is $5 with children 2 and younger riding free with a paying adult. Avoid lines by buying a fast pass. Get event details. TheRailroadPark
Protect your identity by attending “Shred It” event, Dec. 2. Bring your personal and/or commercial documents to the “Shred It” event from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Wal-Mart parking lot, 15355 N. Northsight Blvd. Cost is $4 per box or bag. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “shredding event”
Plug into Electronics Recycling Day Dec. 2. Scottsdale residents can recycle electronics from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the city’s North Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador. Items accepted include computer, office and entertainment equipment. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “electronic recycling”
Dash, dance and prance your way to Pinnacle Peak Park’s Jingle Hike, Dec. 2. Enjoy a ho-ho-ho hike and a trailside visit with the jolly old guy himself. Various times are available Saturday, Dec. 2 at the park: 9 to 9:30 a.m., 9:30 to 10 a.m. or 10 to 10:30 a.m. The cost per family is $10 for residents; $15 for nonresidents. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult who also will be on the trail. Strollers and bikes are not allowed. Recreation.ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Jingle Hike”
Donate a toy and get a free engine ride Dec. 2. Children can ride free in a fire engine from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Target store, Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. To participate in Rides for Toys, donate a new unwrapped gift for Scottsdale Fire’s annual holiday toy drive. Call 480-312-1817 for more information.
Put the ‘spring’ back in your step and register for parks & rec classes, Dec. 4. From A(erobics) to Z(umba), we’ve got you covered. Spring into a variety of parks and recreation classes and team sports to keep you healthy and happy! Residents can register beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4; nonresidents can register at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. Classes for the spring session run January through May. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “recreation classes”
Special Day for Special People, Dec. 4. Adaptive Services’ participants of all ages will have the opportunity to jump on free train rides, meet Santa and experience the Holiday Lights with a cup of warm cocoa. It takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Adaptive Recreation”
Hooking New Readers: Presenting Your Work in Public, Dec. 6. Sharon Skinner’s workshop is designed for writers seeking to develop a professional presence and increase their audience through personal appearances, eye catching table displays, a quick reader’s pitch and more. The free program is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, in the Civic Center Library Auditorium. ScottsdaleLibrary.org, click “Events,” then “Online Calendar”
Learn about solar energy and storage batter systems at Dec. 7 Green Building lecture. Hear about the latest energy storage technologies and the city’s largest solar photovoltaic system installation using battery storage to reduce peak demand. This free Green Building lecture will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Green Building”
Craft Beer 101, Dec. 13. Join Andrew Bauman from Uncle Bear’s Brewhouse and Grill as he shares the story of this popular beverage. Included will be info on beer through the ages, styles of beer and trends in brewing. Sorry, no tastings. The free program takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, in the Mustang Library Auditorium. ScottsdaleLibrary.org, click “Events,” then “Online Calendar”
Via Linda Senior Center art show draws gallery-caliber talent, Dec. 15. Artwork students and instructors will be on display at a reception starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the center. Admission is free with one canned food item to benefit the Vista del Camino Food Bank. Call 480-312-5810 for details.
City’s Christmas schedule. City offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, for Christmas. Please note that trash and recycling collection will take place one day later than normal for the entire week through Saturday. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “holiday collection”
“Scottsdale Shares” program assists with holiday donations. Scottsdale Shares provides one point of contact for residents, businesses and organizations seeking to assist those in need through donations or volunteer activities. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Scottsdale Shares”
Take control of your irrigation controller. Adjusting your irrigation controller to match the weather is one of the easiest ways to save water. At a minimum, change your controller seasonally. Learn more about how much and how often to water your landscape with our free watering guide at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “publications.”
Reduce your winter water use and save. Scottsdale Water calculates sewer fees based on winter water use. Reducing your use during December, January and February will help you save money all year long. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “rates and fees”
Check your irrigation system for leaks. December is a great time to check your irrigation system. Use Scottsdale Water’s handy checklist to guide you through a mini-irrigation efficiency check. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “mini-irrigation check”
Free water efficiency workshops. Scottsdale Water offers free water efficiency workshops to customers. The new workshop schedule will be available in December. ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “workshops”
Free Downtown Cultural Trolley Tours showcase city’s rich past, exciting future. Free Cultural Trolley Tours take place at 10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of every month. Participants will tour the Old Mission and then board a trolley for a two-hour guided tour of the arts district, Civic Center campus, Hotel Valley Ho and the Waterfront.
