City News

CITY HELP FOR SCOTTSDALE BUSINESSES THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE IS SCOTTSDALE GOOD TO GO DOING ITS BEST TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESS FINDER BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES DUR- Scottsdale’s new interactive map puts ING THESE UNPRECEDENTED local business information right at loTIMES. We’ve rounded up some recent cals’ fingertips. The Scottsdale Good To initiatives that help Scottsdale business- Go Business Finder is a tool that allows es and the customers that they serve. users to locate open businesses. This new tool serves as a liaison between SUPPORT SCOTTSDALE SITE consumers and companies in terms of OFFERS BUSINESS, RESIDENT communicating their availability. Users RESOURCES can use their location to scroll through The city of Scottsdale’s Tourism & the map to see what restaurants, retail Events and Economic Development shops or hotels are open around them. departments, Experience Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Com- “This is a great tool for both the busimerce have partnered on a resource mi- ness community and our residents to dale small businesses. The Scottsdale sources and a commitment that a team crosite to help businesses, employees, utilize now during the COVID-19 crisis Small Business Assistance Center member will follow up directly within and residents navigate the COVID-19 when so much information is changing (SSBAC) will serve as the city of one business day. outbreak. daily,” says Cristal Rodriguez Econom- Scottsdale’s virtual one-stop shop ic Development Marketing Manager. for Scottsdale businesses looking for “Our Scottsdale businesses are working If you are a business owner or employ- information on available business sup- tirelessly navigating complex programs ee, make SupportScottsdale.com your The Scottsdale Good To Go Busi- port programs and resources during while at the same time trying to run first stop to access city, statewide and ness Finder was created by the City of the COVID-19 crisis. their businesses and take care of their national programs to keep your doors Scottsdale’s Geographic Information employees. The SSBAC is designed open and Scottsdale’s workforce strong. Systems department. To use the tool or The SSBAC looks to assist Scottsdale as a resource to get information and The city is also collecting Instagram have your local business added to the businesses with questions regarding we look forward to helping our small handles of businesses actively promot- map, visit choosescottsdale.com/media/ federal, and other government funding businesses,” says Rob Millar, Economic ing offers or online shopping, as well as covid19/good-to-go. programs and connect them with criti- Development Director. restaurants offering take-out, curbside cal resources. Businesses can rely on or delivery, for the Shop Local and SCOTTSDALE SMALL BUSINESS the center to provide the most up to date The Scottsdale Small Business AssisMeals To-Go pages of the site. If your ASSISTANCE CENTER OFFERS information on assistance programs, tance Center can be reached by texting business or restaurant fits these prereq- GUIDANCE step-by-step guides, and useful webi- 480-312-3111, emailing business@ uisites, help support this initiative by Scottsdale’s Economic Develop- nars. Upon contacting the virtual center, scottsdaleaz.gov, or by visiting Scottsusing #supportscottsdale in your social ment Department has launched a new individuals will receive an email from daleAz.gov and searching “Small Busimedia efforts. initiative aimed at assisting Scotts- the SSBAC team with valuable re- ness Assistance Center.”

HONORHEALTH PROVIDES MEALS TO SCOTTSDALE ELDERLY THROUGH MOBILE MEAL PROGRAM COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH AND WELL Meal Program, began back in 2015, as an attempt to are undernourished or don’t eat enough can impact BEING OF THE COMMUNITIES, THE FOOD develop interventions and improve nourishment for their daily health, and in cases where people are SERVICES TEAM AT HONORHEALTH SCOTT- neighboring senior citizens. Studies show that provid- healing after a hospitalization, nourishment helps SDALE THOMPSON PEAK MEDICAL CENTER ing a balanced intake of proper nutrition can support them heal faster. HAS PARTNERED WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY aging immune systems better, and can lead to quicker PROGRAMS TO HELP PROVIDE HEALTHY AND recovery times for those discharged from the hospi- The HonorHealth team preps and packages an averNUTRITIOUS MEALS TO HOMEBOUND ELDER- tals, as well as reduce hospital admission rates. age of 700 meals a week, which arrive hot for immeLY NEIGHBORS. The initiative, called the Mobile diate consumption, or refrigerated for later. Commu“As a registered dietitian, the objective of our meal nity volunteers deliver the meals, making sure that service program is to work with our chef, Christine residents have a hot and well-balanced meal each Leo, on an approved monthly menu for nutritional day. Since March, the program has cranked out an adequacy to ensure that seniors are receiving fresh, additional 100 meals a week and increased services hot and nutritious meals,” says Melissa Schmidt, to three area senior centers in the Scottsdale area due network director, clinical nutrition and food services to the COVID-19 pandemic. at HonorHealth. “This not only makes eating convenient for people, but can help improve nutrition “We love that we’re able to provide this service to outcomes as well.” our community,” Schmidt says. “It’s so rewarding to know that some of our homebound Scottsdale Many factors can account for inadequate nutrition neighbors are able to receive a nutritious meal from and the impact plays out in many ways. Seniors who us nearly every day.”

SCOTTSDALE ARTS LAUNCHES NEW VIRTUAL ARTS PROGRAMMING VIA ITS WEBSITE IN RESPONSE TO THE CLOSURES only for ourselves, or do we find a festival in March was canceled due to for arts educators and examines new OF ITS FACILITIES DUE TO THE deeper level of compassion, care more COVID-19 concerns. movements that have sprouted from COVID-19 PANDEMIC, SCOTTS- honestly for others and reflect on our the pandemic, like #ChalkYourWalk. It DALE ARTS HAS LAUNCHED A fellow human beings? Most of us have Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary will also promote the launch of ScottSERIES OF NEW VIRTUAL ARTS lived lives relatively free from major Art (SMoCA) programs the Inspire sdale Arts’ first fully online exhibition, PROGRAMMING VIA ITS WEBSITE, crises, and I believe that this moment blog, which cultivates a space that “Scottsdale Sister Cities Association: SCOTTSDALEARTS.ORG, AND prompts us to think about how incred- inspires dialogue about contemporary Young Artists and Authors Showcase.” THE WEBSITES FOR ITS FOUR ibly connected we all are around this art through curated conversations. It BRANCHES. globe — how extraordinarily similar will also offer artistic how-tos, in-depth “The arts are critical in a time like this,” our basic needs are.” looks at SMoCA’s collection and other Wuestemann says. “It is through this Recognizing that many of its patrons virtual experiences. higher form of expression that we rise and other arts lovers are now spending Like Scottsdale Arts itself, Connec- above, develop a deeper connection more time using web-based platforms tions comprises four unique blogs for The Immerse blog from Scottsdale to our community and communities to view paintings, listen to music, each of its four branches. The blogs Public Art continues the organization’s around the globe, ask how we can do explore photography and experience introduce a variety of content that mission to contribute to the commu- more for others and find both enlightenstories, Scottsdale Arts and its team will include video conversations with nity’s creative, cultural and economic ment and solace for ourselves. At Scottof curators, performing arts program- artists, virtual exhibitions, artistic vitality. Visitors will experience online sdale Arts we are committed to bringing mers, public art managers, and arts resource lists and more. exhibitions, digital journeys through our community and our world closer learning facilitators have developed the city of Scottsdale’s Public Art Col- together through Connections. We hope a new arts-based blogging initiative Amplify is the blog for Scottsdale lection and conversations with public this program will inspire you, bring you called Scottsdale Arts Connections. Center for the Performing Arts. It is artists and those who work behind the comfort and perhaps make you smile a designed to form connections with scenes at events like Canal Conver- little in this difficult time.” “When, as humans, we are faced local performing artists and nation- gence. with crisis and catastrophe, we must ally touring performers who have The blogs for each branch of Scottsdale turn inward and find resolve,” says appeared at the Center. It will also Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation Arts will be collected as Scottsdale Dr. Gerd Wuestemann, president and promote new endeavors like the Vir- uses its Spark blog to promote mental, Arts Connections on the organization’s CEO of Scottsdale Arts. “We have a tual Scottsdale Arts Festival, which physical and social well-being for all primary website at ScottsdaleArts.org/ choice to make: Do we panic and fend launched on April 2 after the physical ages. Its blog offers online resources connections.

RESOURCES FOR ABUSE VICTIMS DURING COVID-19 Compiled by Michelle Talsma Everson for all of the U.S. and Canada,” shares immediate barriers keeping people in vides legally mandated victim notificaSavannah Harrelson, a spokesperson unsafe, abusive environments. They tion services as well as professional WHILE MANY ARE STAYING for the hotline. “We saw a 31 percent provide emergency cab rides, hotel level victim advocacy to misdemeanor WITHIN THEIR HOMES AND SHEL- increase in contacts to the hotline this accommodations, meals, storage and crime victims in the city of Scottsdale. TERING IN PLACE DUE TO THE March compared to March 2019, which moving companies. COVID-19 PANDEMIC, FOR SOME, is a result of the pandemic. We’ve The Childhelp National Child Abuse HOME IS THE LAST PLACE THEY received numerous calls about parental National Domestic Violence Hotline Hotline WANT TO BE. “Abuse is about power anxiety, concerns about staying at home thehotline.org/help childhelphotline.org and control. When survivors are forced with an abuser, and resource inqui- 1-800-799-7233 Calling or texting: 1-800-422-4453 to stay in the home or in close proxim- ries—all related to COVID-19.” For anyone who is experiencing do- Professional, degreed counselors offer ity to their abuser more frequently, an mestic violence, seeking resources or crisis intervention, information, and abuser can use any tool to exert control Below are some resources for victims information, or questioning unhealthy referrals to thousands of emergency, over their victim, including a national of abuse that are available during the aspects of their relationship. social service, and support resources. health concern such as COVID-19,” coronavirus epidemic. Of course, if it’s according to the National Domestic an emergency, call 911. New Life Center The Shelter Without Walls domestic Violence Hotline. “In a time where NewLifeCtr.org violence program at Jewish Family & companies may be encouraging that Chrysalis 24-hour crisis hotline: 623-932-4404 Children’s Service their employees work remotely, and the noabuse.org New Life Center is Arizona’s largest JFCSAZ.org/programs-services/domesCDC is encouraging social distancing, 24-hour crisis hotline: 602-944-4999 domestic violence shelter and serves tic-violence-victim-assistance an abuser may take advantage of an Services include: emergency shelter, more than 1,000 children and adults an- 602-452-4640 already stressful situation to gain more transitional housing, counseling, mobile nually through an emergency placement Addresses the unmet needs of Maricopa control.” victim advocacy, and more. and outreach support program. County survivors of domestic violence and their children, female or male, who And, it’s not just adult victims who Control Alt Delete Scottsdale Victim Services are residing outside of a shelter setting, suffer. “The Childhelp National Child dvcontrolaltdelete.org (contact form on ScottsdaleAZ.gov/victim-services and are struggling to attain and/or mainAbuse Hotline is headquartered here in website) 480-312-4226 tain safety and independence, whether Arizona, but it’s the child abuse hotline An organization that helps remove the The Victim Services Department pro- or not still living with their abuser.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR LOCAL TEACHERS, 2020 GRADUATES THIS SCHOOL YEAR WILL END UNLIKE ANY supporting students over the phone and through online house with encouraging messages for grads and notes OTHER BEFORE IT. But that doesn’t mean it resources, while helping to track their mental well be- of appreciation for teachers shouldn’t be memorable. At a time that families are ing, safety and academic needs. • Orchestrate a block driveway party to celebrate usually marking Teacher Appreciation Week and graduates graduations, typical celebrations will be cancelled or “Graduation ceremonies are an important milestone in • Share messages of congratulations/recognition on postponed and the future of them remain unclear. a student’s life, whether it’s kindergarten or a Ph.D.,” social media using the appropriate hashtags (#AZThompson adds. “They’re a rite of passage, particu- TeachersRock and #AZClassOf2020) To ensure that both educators and graduates have a larly for students who are first generation gradu- • Families (or graduating classes) could coordinate a memorable May, Expect More Arizona, a nonprofit, ates, those who overcame unique burdens and those virtual graduation party; create school-themed virtual nonpartisan advocacy organization, is rallying the who accomplished their academic goals. The efforts backgrounds that all students can use state behind two special days: shouldn’t go unnoticed.” • Make homemade yard signs or banners • Tuesday, May 5, 2020 – Arizona Teacher Appreciation Day To help the community rally behind local teachers “We want communities to get creative,” says Thomp• Wednesday, May 20, 2020 – Arizona Graduate Rec- and graduates, Expect More Arizona has compiled son. “We love our teachers and we honor our graduognition Day creative ways to get involved. ates and we want them to know that.”

“Our teachers are amazing in normal times, but this spring has brought unique challenges,” says Christine Thompson, president and CEO of Expect More Arizona. “The sacrifices of time and emotional burden have been great as they adapted to distance learning. We want every educator in the state to feel honored.”

School closures have placed new burdens on educators as they transitioned from teaching in classrooms to teaching online or through paper packets. They’re Whether it’s sharing messages of congratulations/recognition on social media or orchestrating a neighborhood parade of cars, there’s something for everyone. Expect More Arizona has even included ideas on how teachers and graduates can identify themselves. Decorating homes or cars, homemade banners or caps and gowns are just a few suggested activities.

Some of these ideas include:

• Chalk your driveway or the sidewalk in front of your Find more suggestions for creative ways to celebrate at bit.ly/CelebrateAZ.

Put Your Graduate in the Spotlight!

Whether it’s a preschool diploma or a Ph.D., this year’s graduates won’t be able to walk across the stage in front of classmates, family and friends. Because of this, we’re offering our loyal readers the chance to celebrate your graduates with a spotlight ad in our June/July issue. Make a mem able keepsake f years to c e!

Price includes Digital Shareable Edition and 15% Donated to the Graduate’s School

STUDENT NAME Student School Student School

STUDENT NAME Student School

Congratulations to Nichole Smith who is graduating from Skyline High School! Nichole was on the newspaper, making editor-in-chief by her sophomore year. She was also a photographer for the yearbook and in the National Honor Society. She volunteered her time at Skyline Elementary School, working on her goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She will go to Northern Arizona University this fall. Nichole will be the fi rst person in her family to go to college, a milestone we are all so proud of her for achieving. Nichole, we believe that whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve. STUDENT NAME Student School

Congratulations to Nichole Smith who is graduating from Skyline High School! Mom and dad are so proud of you! During high school, Nichole was on the newspaper, making editor-in-chief by her sophomore year. She was also a photographer for the yearbook, starred in three school plays, and was in the National Honor Society. She is this year’s valedictorian. More than all of her academic achievements, her family and friends are proud of her for her community service. She has volunteered with several nonprofi ts during her time at Skyline High, including the local homeless shelter and food bank. In addition, since her junior year, Nichole has volunteered her time at Skyline Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, working on her ultimate goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She earned a full ride to Northern Arizona University and will be majoring in education. She will be the fi rst person in her family to go to college, a milestone we are all so proud of her for achieving. Nichole, we believe in you—whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve. We know you are going to meet and exceed your plans and we can’t wait to see where life takes you!

STUDENT NAME Student School

Congratulations to Nichole Smith who is graduating from Skyline High School! Mom, dad and your sisters are so proud of you! Go class of 2020! During high school, Nichole was on the newspaper, making editor-in-chief by her sophomore year. She was also a photographer for the yearbook, starred in three school plays, was on student council, never missed a day of school, and was in the National Honor Society. She is this year’s valedictorian as well—a goal she set her freshman year and achieved. More than all of her academic achievements, her family and friends are proud of her for her community service, too. She has volunteered with several nonprofi ts during her time at Skyline High, including the local homeless shelter and food bank. In addition, since her junior year, Nichole has volunteered her time at Skyline Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, working on her ultimate goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She did this all while working part-time at a local retirement home, helping the elderly. What we are most proud of is her can-do spirit and the example she set for her younger sisters. They’re both so proud of you! She earned a full ride to Northern Arizona University (Go Lumberjacks!), and will be majoring in education. She will be the fi rst person in her family to go to college, a milestone we are all so proud of her for achieving. Nichole, we believe in you—whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve. No matter whether they’re graduating kindergarten, college, or anything in between (preschool counts, too!). Simply share with us photos and a description of their accomplishments and we’ll take it from there. (Please note, editorial staff has fi nal editing rights if needed.)

H y r graduate today!

Congratulations to Nichole Smith who is graduating from Skyline High School! During high school, Nichole was on the newspaper, making editor-in-chief by her sophomore year. She was also a photographer for the yearbook and the National Honor Society. In addition, since her junior year, Nichole has volunteered her time at Skyline Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, working on her ultimate goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She earned a scholarship to Northern Arizona University and will be majoring in education. She will be the fi rst person in her family to go to college, a milestone we are all so proud of her for achieving. Nichole, we believe in you—whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve.