NE Valley Times

City of Scottsdale issued the following announcement on Dec. 27.

Most city offices been closed Friday, Dec. 31, and Saturday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s. Garbage and recycling collection not be affected. Place your containers out by 5 a.m. the day of collection or the evening prior.

2022 brush/bulk and holiday schedule 

Scottsdale Fire Department urges everyone to use fireworks in a safe and responsible manner. The preference is that fireworks be left to professional shows, which have safety personnel onsite to immediately address fire issues. Fire Chief Tom Shannon urges anyone who chooses to light fireworks on their own to use them in a safe and responsible manner. He offers the following safety tips:  

• Check and obey the local laws and use common sense.   
• In Scottsdale, their use in and near many sensitive desert areas remains illegal and violators are subject to substantial fines. Use of fireworks is prohibited in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park and all properties located within 1 mile of these fragile desert lands.  
• The use of fireworks is also prohibited on all publicly owned properties, which include but are not limited to city buildings, parking lots, parks, streets and public schools. 
• Always read and follow instructions and have an adult present. 
• Keep burning sparklers and other fireworks away from clothing and other flammable objects. 
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles. 
• Light only one firework at a time. 
• Alcohol, fireworks and sparklers do not mix. Be responsible. 
• Do not point or throw fireworks at another person. 
• Children younger than 12 should not handle fireworks, including sparklers. 
• When finished, place used fireworks in a bucket of water. 

In addition, do not to shoot firearms in the air to celebrate. What goes up must come down. 

COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 by the numbers. Maricopa County has been tracking COVID-19 cases since Jan. 22, 2020. Review the latest numbers.  

Scottsdale remains at high community transmission for 23rd straight week. The city’s COVID-19 case rate has increased by 14.3% to 220.1 cases per 100,000 residents (week of Dec. 4). High transmission is defined as greater than 100 cases per 100,000 people. According to Maricopa County’s Vaccine Dashboard, 72.3% of eligible Scottsdale residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose, and 67% are fully vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is your best defense against getting or spreading COVID. Attend a city vaccine site (see below) or find another location.  

The city is hosting another series of free vaccine events at community centers. We’re offering all three vaccination types at: 

• Horizon Community Center, 15444 N. 100th St.: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 14 and 28, Feb. 11 and 25, and March 11 and 25. 
• Eldorado Park and Community Center, 2311 N. Miller Road: 1-4 p.m. Jan. 17 and 31, Feb. 14 and 28, and March 14 and 28. 

Registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome. Please check in no later than 30 minutes before the session ends. Call 602-506-6767 for more information. 

In addition, the city will host free second doses for those who received their first dose in mid-December at Scottsdale Stadium. They will be available from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, or Wednesday, Jan 12. All three vaccination types will be available – registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome. 

THINGS TO DO 

Scottsdazzle wraps up Saturday - don't miss out. There are only a handful of days left but still a lot of activities to celebrate the merriment and cheer of the holidays. There is something for everyone. 

Ongoing Events and Activities: 

• Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 
• Old Town Farmers Market 
• ArtWalk

  PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Adaptive Services Social Club announces January activities: 

• Willie Wonka presented by the Detour Company Theater: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (meet at the Adaptive Services Center). $20. The event will be canceled if fewer than 15 people sign up. Detour Company Theatre provides theatre training and performance experiences for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. 
• New Year’s Dance: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, Adaptive Services Center, 8102 E. Jackrabbit Road. $5; and for those 16 and older only.  

Learn more. 

FYI 

If it rains, please refrain. The National Weather Service predicts wet weather throughout the week. Be a good steward of the McDowell-Sonoran Preserve and partake in “rain refrain” practices. Wet and muddy trails are vulnerable to damage from boots, hooves and bike wheels. There’s no definitive rule on when it’s okay to hit the trails after a heavy rain. A good rule of thumb is if you are leaving tracks, it’s still too wet. Stop and turn around.  

Scottsdale Fire Department honors outstanding achievements. “The past year has challenged all of us to stay positive and continue to do great work,” said Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “This group of people highlight the dedication to excellence and the ability to live the ‘We Care for You’ mission. We are proud to have them represent the best of the best.” Learn who won in these categories: Community Partner of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Civilian Employee of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Officer of the Year, Chief’s Award for Outstanding Service and Meritorious Service.

Original source can be found here.