NE Valley Times

Most city offices/facilities in Scottsdale will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19, for Presidents Day, according to a recent announcement. However, recycling and garbage collection services will not be affected. Residents are reminded to place their containers out by 5 a.m. on the morning of collection or the evening before. Scottsdale Update will be published on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

In honor of Black History Month, the city is hosting several events featuring prominent African American artists. Visual artist Antoinette Cauley will be presenting on Feb. 15, followed by actress Victoria Williams on Feb. 22. Additionally, on Feb. 29, there will be a special event featuring R&B and gospel singer Zoë Gyampoh, spoken word artist Christopher Owens aka Truth B. Told, and violinist Jonathan Levingston. These events aim to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their central role in U.S. history, particularly in the arts.

Scottsdale is also providing opportunities for residents to voice their opinions on important projects and issues. The Parks & Recreation Master Plan is seeking feedback through an online questionnaire to ensure that future priorities and goals are citizen-driven and meet the needs of the community. The Community Assistance Office is also seeking feedback to help prioritize federal funds for low-to-moderate income individuals and families in the community.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced the closure of the northbound Loop 101 on-ramp at Shea Boulevard on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day. This closure is part of a two-year project to add lanes and improve interchanges on Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road.

In terms of public meetings, there are several scheduled for the weeks of Feb. 12 and Feb. 19. These meetings cover a range of topics including planning, public safety, transportation, tourism development, and more. Residents are encouraged to attend or listen in to stay informed about city issues, projects, and activities.

There are also a variety of upcoming events and programs in Scottsdale. The Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld will be running from Feb. 15-25, showcasing top owners, trainers, and breeders from around the world. The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival will be taking place from Feb. 18 to March 3, featuring 21 films at three theaters in Scottsdale, Chandler, and Peoria. The festival aims to celebrate diverse Jewish storytelling and explore themes of culture, history, and the human experience.

The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable will be hosting a lecture on Feb. 20, featuring Dr. Dave Schrader who will discuss the Civil War service of General Benjamin 'Beast' Butler. The Scottsdale Concert Band will be performing a free concert titled "Celebrate the Legacy of Disney" on Feb. 21, featuring selections from popular Disney movies.

In addition to these events, Scottsdale offers ongoing attractions such as the Scottsdale ArtWalk, the Old Town Farmers Market, and the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West.

For seniors, the city is hosting the All Things Senior Expo and Tradeshow on Feb. 21, providing information about healthcare, senior housing, city services, recreation, technology, and transportation. The event will also offer free health screenings and educational opportunities. The Paiute Neighborhood Center is hosting a free vaccination clinic on Feb. 22, offering a variety of vaccinations for all ages.

For those interested in learning more about the inner workings of the city, Scottsdale offers the Scottsdale 101 Citizen Academy, a nine-week program that provides hands-on learning experiences and discussions about city operations. There is also the Neighborhood College Spring 2024 Series, which includes classes on various topics such as the Great Desert Escape during World War II.

Lastly, Scottsdale is offering scholarships through the Mayor's Ability Awards program for students living with disabilities. The city is also seeking a part-time intern for the City Manager's Office, offering valuable experience in local government and communication.

For more information on these events, meetings, programs, and services, residents can visit the ScottsdaleAZ.gov website and search for "get involved" or the specific program of interest.