City News

Get Festive at Desert Ridge Marketplace this Holiday Season

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY FUN, AND DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE HAS A LINEUP OF FESTIVE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, WITH ABUNDANT FREE PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES.

Snap starry nights with sparkling holiday lights during Desert Ridge Marketplace’s first-ever Starry + Bright Star Tunnel, on view through December 31. Safely stroll through a super-sized, 30-foot-long, star-shaped tunnel. Snap photos and capture merry moments for holiday cards. The Starry + Bright Star Tunnel is free to walk through and explore any time near AMC Theatres on the east side of The District. After touring the Starry + Bright Star Tunnel, stick around to see snow fall near AMC Theatres. Every night at 7 and 8 p.m., snow magically falls from the sky, turning Desert Ridge Marketplace into a living snow globe! The magic will intensify on Christmas Eve as snow falls at the top of every single hour from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s a great way to capture holiday whimsy as you’re shopping for your last-minute holiday presents.

Another great family photo opportunity will be on display at the Decked the Hall hanging installation and photo booth, located near H&M in The District, on view through December 31. Gaze up at garlands of hanging holiday hats, Santa beards and star-topped trees in an artful Christmas canopy. Capture the moment at the nearby free photo booth with festive neon lights.

Feeling lucky in 2020? Head to the Wish Upon a Star wall near AMC to complete your holiday list for a chance to have your dreams come true. Desert Ridge Marketplace will surprise shoppers with $10,000 in gifts and goodies from their list. Simply scan your star, make a wish on Desert Ridge Marketplace’s website, and enter to win. The Wish Upon a Star wall is available through December 18. Winners will be selected from December 19 – December 23 and will be notified by phone and email.

Think you’ll have to skip the Santa photos this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Think again. Desert Ridge Marketplace got creative with Virtual Photos with Santa. Capture your seasonal memories from home by having your child digitally placed on Santa’s lap at picturemesanta.com. Photo packages are available for purchase. Use code “SantaDRM” for $5 off at checkout. Virtual photos with Santa are available through Christmas Eve, December 24.

Festive fun will also be available online on the shopping center’s Instagram page. Tune in Fridays through December 18 on IGTV at Instagram.com/desertridge for Sleigh These Sing-a-longs. Test your holiday pipes alongside professional crooners, carolers and District Stage favorite bands as they belt out some of the season’s classics in sing-a-long format.

Kiddos can get their fill of timeless tales of the season on IGTV, too. Mrs. Claus will venture from the North Pole to read holiday classic books for Festive Favs with Mrs. Claus every Wednesday through December 23. Check the reading list at shopdesertridge.com/holiday and grab the book at Barnes & Noble beforehand to read along with Santa’s main squeeze.

Now is your chance to give back at a time when kids need it most. Grab a tag from the Salvation Army Angel Tree, located near Dave & Buster’s, to help fulfill the holiday wishes of more than 50,000 children in Arizona this holiday season.

“We know this year has been tough for so many, so we are working hard to do our part to spread joy to the Desert Ridge community this season,” says Katie Hauptman, marketing manager at Desert Ridge Marketplace. “We have gone above and beyond with our safety standards to ensure a healthy, happy holiday for our guests.”

Desert Ridge Marketplace is located at 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard in Phoenix. For more information, visit shopdesertridge.com or like the shopping center on Facebook at facebook.com/DesertRidgeMarketplace.

City News

Scottsdazzle Delights with Seasonal Activities

By Molly Cerreta Smith

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY! For those that are looking to celebrate cautiously this month, Scottsdazzle, the City of Scottsdale’s signature holiday extravaganza, offers all new micro-events and reimagined experiences to give guests and locals the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit in a safe and socially distanced manner.

Holiday movie buffs can enjoy three favorite flicks during the all-new Holiday Movie Nights: The Santa Clause on Friday, December 4; Elf on Saturday, December 5; and Home Alone on Sunday, December 6. The films will be projected on a huge inflatable screen at the East Lawn of the Scottsdale Civic Center, and groups of up to four will have their own socially distanced space in which to view the film. The event begins at 5 p.m. with “socially distanced hour” movies begin at 6 p.m.

Foodie fans can enjoy some interactive (and delicious) demonstrations this season during Scottsdazzle. On Wednesday, December 9 from 6-8 p.m., Schmooze in Old Town hosts the Seasonal Charcuterie Teach and Taste, during which guests will be supplied with everything needed to make their own charcuterie board with live tips from Chef Tony Hamati. On Saturday, December 12 from 2-3 p.m., La Senora, the Saguaro Hotel’s signature restaurant, presents the Holiday Food Demonstration featuring tips, tricks and recipes for preparing elegant holiday bites.

Creatives and crafters can make their own holiday masterpieces to enjoy or to gift to loved ones this season with two Merry Make and Take events held at The Merchantile. One leads guests through designing their own wood ornament in which to trim the tree (Saturday, December 12 from 11 a.m. to noon), and the other instructs guests on how to make their own festive succulent terrarium (Sunday, December 13, 10 to noon). On Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 1 – 2 p.m., The Brush Bar hosts the socially distanced Holly Jolly Painting Party on Marshall Way Bridge. Individual supply kits and tutorials are included with registration for each event.

New events that have health and wellbeing in mind include some Yuletide Yoga designed to stave off holiday stress with two sessions — one on Saturday, December 19 hosted by CorePower Yoga, and one on Sunday, December 20 hosted by CA Yoga Barre. Each class takes place on Marshall Way Bridge from 8 – 9 a.m. Another session, Sun Salutations Yoga, held on Monday, December 21 beginning at 11 a.m. welcomes in the winter solstice and celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Old Town’s Soleri Bridge. Bike riders can “spin their wheels” during the Sparkle and Spin Scavenger Hunt, which will lead them around Old Town for this fun event with two times — Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Some of the Scottsdazzle’s most popular events are returning this year, including the Scottsdazzle-themed Gold Palette ArtWalk on Thursday, December 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA). Participating SGA members are hosting special events including artist demonstrations, refreshments, and live music in their galleries. Guests can enjoy appearances from seasonal characters such as Santa and the Grinch, classic holiday melodies from stroller carolers, and treats and sips as they peruse the Scottsdale Arts District and shop for their favorite art enthusiasts.

The Santa Wine Around, another popular Scottsdazzle favorite, returns on Saturday, December 12 beginning at 6 p.m. This spirited event allows participants to partake in a fun self-paced sip through some of Old Town’s signature wineries and tasting rooms. To elevate the holiday spirit, attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite holiday characters. For those that love to shop local for gift-giving season, the Old Town Farmers market, held on Saturdays through December 19, takes on a festive spin throughout the season, and many of the area’s retailers and restaurants are offering specials to encourage residents and visitors alike to Shop Scottsdale.

The City of Scottsdale abides by all state and federal regulations and CDC guidelines in regards to COVID-19 and asks that all attendees do their part by wearing a mask and social distancing at Scottsdazzle events to ensure a safe celebratory season for all! For details on each event, including prices and registration, visit scottsdazzle.com. Are you ready for class? Are you looking for in-person learning? POP-UP PRIVATE SCHOOL

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A New Look to Year-End Tax Planning in 2020

By Renee A. Hanson, Private Wealth Advisor TAKE EARLY WITHDRAWALS Affi nity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth IF NEEDED advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, If your fi nancial circumstances have been LLC directly affected by COVID-19 (such as a job loss), or you or others in your household have

At this time of year, you often hear advice been diagnosed with the virus, you can tap your to take steps before year-end to limit your retirement savings. If you have not yet reached tax liability. Yet 2020 is a unique year in age 59-1/2, you can do so without penalty if you a variety of ways – while many of the normal qualify, but the early distribution must occur before rules regarding managing income and timing the end of the year. The tax burden associated deductions still apply, new provisions for 2020 with these early distributions can be spread out have been implemented by The Coronavirus Aid, over three years. Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that may impact your year-end tax planning. Consider HARVEST INVESTMENT GAINS if any of these actions make sense for you. OR LOSSES Given the market’s volatility this year, you may RECONSIDER REQUIRED want to consider “harvesting” capital losses. This DISTRIBUTIONS is accomplished by selling investments in a loss

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from position and using those losses to offset gains you workplace retirement plans or IRAs are optional realized when selling other investments. Capital due to The CARES Act in 2020. If you haven’t yet losses can also be used to reduce up to $3,000 of taken your RMD for this year, you can let your earned income in a given year. money continue to grow. If you have taken your RMD, there is a 60-day window where you can BE PREPARED FOR CHANGES redeposit those funds in your IRA and eliminate With an election upon us, there could be changes the claim to an RMD. As another option, if you in tax laws that might impact everything from tax have earned income from work you may want to brackets to estate tax laws starting next year. This take all or part of your RMD for this year and invest may be an additional consideration as you make some or all of the proceeds in a Roth IRA. This your year-end plans. Be sure to consult with your allows you to build up your Roth savings, which fi nancial advisor and tax advisor before fi nalizing ultimately can qualify for tax-free distributions later your decisions. in retirement and aren’t subject to RMD rules. Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, BFA®, CAPITALIZE ON DEDUCTIONS APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affi nity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

The standard deduction for 2020 is $12,400 for in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in fee-based fi nancial planning and a single person and $24,800 for married couples fi ling a joint return. At that level, most people asset management strategies and has been in practice for 28 years. To contact her visit www.affi nitywealthadvisor.comor call (602) 923-9800. Her offi ce is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, claim a standard deduction rather than itemizing AZ85054-3115. deductions. In 2020, you can claim an additional $300 for cash contributions to qualifi ed charities. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affi liates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specifi c situation. Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find Be sure to take advantage of that opportunity Investment advisory products and services are made available through the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where before the end of the year. This is a one-time deduction for those who don’t itemize. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adv Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. iser. you want to go.

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City News

World of Illumination: A Bright Idea in Entertainment

IN A BRAVE NEW WORLD, WHERE THE Illumination co-founder Yakir Urman. HEIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT IS SEEING “We will rock you, Glendale!”

WHAT RECENTLY DROPPED ON NETFLIX,

ONE VALLEY BUSINESS IS WORKING TO For those who venture to the East side BURST THE BOREDOM BUBBLE — JUST of town, Arctic Adventure highlights IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. a 36-foot tall Snowman, appropriately World of Illumination — the largest friends — think Baluga whales, polar bears, drive-through animated light show in penguins, Eskimos and more. While each the world — has two Valley locations, theme park features traditional Christmas each with its own unique theme. Rockin’ characters, the attractions are distinct in Christmas, a musical adventure come both displays and music, making it posto life, is in Glendale at Westgate Enter- sible for visitors to see to completely differtainment District. Arctic Adventure, a ent shows depending upon the location. polar-themed extravaganza, is located at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Both shows are Each light show takes approximately a a mile in length and feature millions of half hour to drive through and is uniquely RGB LED lights, customizable to up to COVID-friendly, as visitors enjoy the 16 million shades of color. The drive- views from the safety and comfort of their through attractions also boast hundreds cars. Online reservations are also required, of animated displays and both shows are making the experience totally touchless synchronized to popular and beloved and socially safe, while also controlling holiday music. traffic to decrease waiting times.

In the West Valley, attendees will enjoy a holiday spectacular that showcases such elements as larger-than-life size boomboxes, iPods and jukeboxes. Rockin’ Christmas also features DJ Santa and his sidekick the Little Drummer Boy spinning tunes for disco dancers. Additionally, a 500-foot long lit-up tunnel doubles as Santa’s magic portal. Because of the musical nature of World of Illumination’s Rockin’ Christmas, the show even has a brief breakout tribute to the music of Queen.

“We are so excited to unveil Rockin’ Christmas — a digital orchestra built with state-of-the-art technology that will transport you into a dazzling world of visual arts and music,” says World of named Sunny, and all of his tundra-bound “It is our pleasure to provide safe and much-needed family entertainment to the Phoenix community,” says Simon Kreisberger, World of Illumination co-founder. “We have gone completely touchless to ensure the safety of our guests and hope that our shows will help 2020 end on the brightest note imaginable.”

World of Illumination tickets are priced per vehicle rather than per person, making the experience extremely affordable. Prices start at $29 plus applicable taxes and fees per car on weeknights and $39 plus taxes and fees per vehicle on weekends and holidays. Tickets are available for purchase at tickets.worldofillumination. com and online reservations are required.

City News

Mountainside Fitness Launches M Virtual Fitness

MOUNTAINSIDE FITNESS IS LAUNCHING M VIRTUAL FITNESS TO HELP PEOPLE STAY HEALTHY AT HOME AS WELL AS IN THE CLUB. M VIRTUAL FITNESS IS NOW COMPLIMENTARY AND INCLUDED AS A PART OF ALL MEMBERSHIPS.

THE OFFERINGS INCLUDE:

• Group Fitness on Demand: Fulllength group fitness classes available at home or anywhere. • Personal Training at Home: Train with one of their certified personal trainers from home. • Virtual Workouts: Weekly workouts for members available on the app.

• Senior Fitness on Demand:

Specialty group fitness classes for active seniors. • Exercise Demos: Perfect your form with how-to exercise demos. • Fitness Class Archives: Easily access your favorite group fitness class videos. • Equipment Demos: Easy-to-follow, how-to equipment demos. “Mountainside Fitness is excited about the technology we developed that allows our members to have more options that make them feel comfortable and safe,” says Tom Hatten, CEO and founder of Mountainside Fitness. “Whether you are coming into a Mountainside Fitness location or staying at home to work out, we are proud to offer a variety of classes and exercise options, including personal training, that will allow our members to choose options that are best suited for them; either in-person or remotely.” To learn more, visit mountainsidefitness.com for information on classes and memberships.

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City News

We Need a Little Christmas at The Princess

Ages 3-12

Ages 3-12 WINTER BREAK Dec. 21-23, 28-30

REKINDLE THE JOY AND TRADITION OF 11 YEARS OF “CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS” AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS.

The iconic AAA Five Diamond resort becomes the most festive place this side of the North Pole during its annual Christmas at the Princess six-week festival, taking place now through the New Year’s Eve finale.

This year’s event will feature all the best loved attractions from Christmas past such as Desert Ice, Lagoon Lights and Princess Express Train, along with new traditions to experience such as Twinkle Town, The Lodge and Lanterns of Hope. Of course, guest safety is at the top of Santa’s list this year—masks will be required of all who attend Christmas at the Princess and all recommended precautions will be taken to ensure the safe distancing and enjoyment of the event.

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ADMISSION AND PARKING

• Guests staying at the resort: express pass event admission is complimentary for registered hotel guests. •Dine at the resort’s signature restaurants and receive complimentary admission and 50% off valet parking with a $75 minimum spend at any of the resort’s signature restaurants.

Reservations required. • Self-parking and admission: $60, includes up to four wristbands.

General admission includes access to Enchanted Plaza with the four-story musical tree, Enchanted Plaza video show, Princess Express Train, a walkthrough experience of 4.5 million Lagoon Lights, the Nativity Garden, S’mores Land, Winterland, and the all new Twinkle Town.

For guests not staying at the resort, ride sharing or walking in, wristbands are $30 per person to ride the attractions including the Princess Express Trains, Polar Glide, Frosty’s Ferris Wheel, and the Christmas Carousel. Ice skating, photos with Santa, shopping, dining, and spa are priced separately. Nonresort guests must pre-purchase wristbands at ScottsdalePrincess.com.

For more information on Christmas at the Princess, visit ScottsdalePrincess. com or call 480-585-4848. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 East Princess Drive.

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