NE Valley Times

Scottsdale Solid Waste is providing two options for recycling natural Christmas trees and wreaths until January 15. Residents can drop off their trees at designated locations or place them in the green waste pile for collection during scheduled brush/bulk service weeks.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will begin a Loop 101 widening project this weekend, lasting two years between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road. The project includes adding lanes and modifying interchanges, with northbound closures from January 5 to January 8 and southbound closures from January 12 to January 15. Detour routes will be available.

Residents are invited to share ideas on bike and pedestrian crossing improvements at open houses on January 10 and January 13 at Granite Reef Senior Center. Feedback will help determine future steps, with another open house planned for spring 2024.

Scottsdale's Blue Zones Project aims to promote community health and well-being. A kickoff event featuring activities like yoga and discussions on healthy living will take place on January 13 at Scottsdale Civic Center.

Mayor David D. Ortega's State of the City Address is scheduled for January 25 at the Scottsdale Princess, highlighting past successes and future plans.

Public meetings this week include sessions by the Veterans Advisory Commission, Board of Adjustment, Development Review Board, and Historic Preservation Commission.

Various events are happening in Scottsdale, including performances by Detour Company Theatre from January 5-7, Arizona Concours d’Elegance on January 21, and a Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration on January 11.

Ongoing attractions include holiday lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park through January 7, weekly Scottsdale ArtWalks, Old Town Farmers Market every Saturday through June, and diverse events at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Programs such as the Scottsdale Government 101 Citizen Academy start in March to educate residents about city operations. Additionally, a "Shred It" event is set for January 13 for document disposal.

Community Celebrating Diversity offers scholarships to high school graduates involved in community projects with a minimum GPA requirement. Applications are open now.

Residents are advised on preventing frozen pipes during cold weather by insulating exposed pipes and knowing how to use shut-off valves if needed.

Scottsdale encourages participation in city boards or commissions with several openings available. Interested individuals must apply online by January 26.

Recycling guidelines emphasize breaking down shipping boxes before disposal due to increased waste from online shopping during holidays.

The city is hiring a Safety and Training Coordinator responsible for developing health and safety programs with various benefits offered.