City News

Scottsdale Fire Drone Program Lifts Off

THE SCOTTSDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT (SFD) HAS RECENTLY DEPLOYED THREE SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS, ALSO KNOWN AS DRONES, IN THE THREE BATTALIONS IN THE CITY AND AN ADDITIONAL UNIT FOR TECHNICAL RESCUE, AFTER 14 INDIVIDUALS COMPLETED THEIR FAA CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

The program provides the department with enhanced service delivery capability. The drones provide reconnaissance of fire emergency scenes with significantly decreased personnel risk. Drone pilots may also assist in incidents in other jurisdictions.

This aerial system gives members of public safety a distinct advantage when responding to various emergent situations and large-scale events. The system is equipped with thermal imaging that increases the speed of detecting heat sources in fire situations, and thereby decreases the danger to the public and the responding SFD personnel. Thermal technology is also utilized in hazmat situations to aid in the detection of hazards and provides critical information to public safety members.

Drones are also a valuable tool in the location of injured or lost hikers on the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve and other hiking areas. They are used to increase the speed at which the injured or lost hikers are located.

This technology is also very effective in providing aerial views for brush fires, water rescues and technical rescue (like rope/trench/palm tree). The critical information can be securely transmitted in real-time to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as necessary.

Nominations Now Open for the Spirit of Scottsdale Awards

DO YOU KNOW A PERSON OR BUSINESS THAT EMBODIES SCOTTSDALE SPIRIT?

Scottsdale’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission wants to showcase the people and organizations that embody the “Spirit of Scottsdale.”

This award recognizes residents and organizations/ businesses that help to strengthen and build Scottsdale’s community through their commitment to and involvement in neighborhoods.

This year, it is especially important to highlight those that have gone above and beyond to uplift Scottsdale’s residents and neighborhoods during the global pandemic, according to the city.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER THOSE INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT:

• Have active years of service/involvement in strengthening neighborhood identity; • Champion community dialogue to produce constructive recommendations/solutions that address the dynamic need(s) of a neighborhood; • Provide unique contributions of time, effort, skills, and/or financial resources to a neighborhood.

Nominations are being accepted now through December 31. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, the 2019 nominees will be rolled into the current award cycle with the award recipients being recognized at a spring 2021 Scottsdale City Council meeting. The 2018 Organization Award Winner was Goldwater Brewing and the Individual Winner was Ron Roth, a Scottsdale volunteer.

“When Ron Roth made the leap into retirement, he decided to get involved with Operation Fix It,” according to the City. “In an average month, Ron visits 25 single family properties and contributes 85 hours of his personal time to serving our seniors.”

To nominate a person or organization, visit scottsdaleaz.gov/citizen-service/spirit-awards.

Do you have specific questions? Contact Brandon McMahon, associate planner, at bmcmahon@ scottsdaleaz.gov.

City News

Kierland Pop Celebration Celebrates the Season, Includes 5K Night Run

TO CELEBRATE ARIZONA’S COOLER FALL WEATHER AND THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY SEASON, THE FOURTH-ANNUAL KIERLAND POP FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE FRIDAY, NOV. 13 THROUGH SUNDAY, NOV. 15

IN SCOTTSDALE. Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to support local artists who have had their business negatively impacted due to having fewer opportunities to showcase their work this year.

Event planners for this year’s festival have carefully modified their plans to accommodate public health needs. All events and experiences will take place in an outdoor, open-air setting while enforcing social distancing; the local ordinance for wearing face masks in any indoor space (masks will be provided to guests who need one); and heightened cleaning, disinfecting and sanitization for all shared spaces. Hand sanitizer stations will be featured throughout the property and individual hand sanitizer containers will be available to guests.

The weekend-long festival kicks off on Friday, Nov. 13 with the 5K Night Run around The Westin Kierland

Golf Club. One hundred percent of Kierland Night Run 5K proceeds will go directly to Arizona’s own cancer charity, Don’t Be A Chump! Check For A Lump! (DBAC). In 2019, they raised over $5,000 for this amazing cancer charity, and while this year’s participation is capped at 150 runners, many of the runners have made donations above their entry fee to support DBAC. To register for the event, visit kierlandnightrun.com. On Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, Kierland POP continues at Kierland Commons with a series of free, fun, socially distanced activities outdoors, including live music, entertainment and arts performances, and the opportunity to do some holiday shopping from an artisan market featuring almost a dozen local artists, creators and makers selling a variety of beautiful handmade creations.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is offering a weekend staycation package for Kierland POP guests, who can enjoy 25% off the best available room rates, a $25 resort credit per night, plus two complimentary registrations to the Kierland POP 5K Night Run. To redeem this offer, mention or enter special booking code LRR. Visit Marriott.com/PHXWS or call 480624-1000 to learn more.

Kierland POP is presented by the Kierland Master Association and a collaboration between Kierland Commons, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), and Adventure Fitness. For more information, visit kierlandpop.com.

City News

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market Opens Pop-Up Storefront for Holiday Season

JUNK IN THE TRUNK VINTAGE MARKET IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT IT HAS OPENED A POP-UP LOCATION AT SCOTTSDALE QUARTER WHERE SHOPPERS WILL FIND A COLLECTION OF CREATIVELY CURATED VINTAGE, ARTISANMADE, AND OTHER GOODS FROM LOCAL SMALL

BUSINESSES. The Holiday PopUp, which opened November 1 and

runs through December, features over 25 of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market’s vendors selling all things chippy, rusty, vintage, and handmade.

Junk in the Trunk Market, a semiannual shopping experience that is the most popular attraction of its kind in the Southwest, canceled its 2020 Scottsdale markets due to COVID-19. The pop-up event will allow people to shop for the one-ofa-kind items that Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market is known for in a smaller, more intimate setting.

“Since we haven’t been able to have our last three markets, our vendors have an amazing collection of items that they’ve been storing up,” says Coley Arnold, Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market cofounder and owner. “The Holiday PopUp will showcase all of that vintage and handmade goodness you can’t find anywhere else.” The Junk in the Trunk Holiday PopUp Market is located at Scottsdale Quarter in The Quad and is open during the Quarter’s operating mall hours. It will be closed on Mondays.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our community the opportunity to experience our creatively curated shopping in a more intimate and safe setting,” says Lindsey Holt, Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market co-founder and owner. “It’s the perfect time to get all of those special items you’re looking for during the holidays—gifts, home décor, artisan goods, and one-of-a-kind vintage and antiques.”

For those who are unable to attend the Holiday Pop-Up, Junk in the Trunk has an online marketplace featuring over 80 of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market’s vendors so people can shop from the comfort of their own homes. Find it online at junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com/ marketplace.

For more information on Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market, follow them on Facebook and Instagram (facebook.com/ junkinthetrunkvintagemarket and @ junkinthetrunkvintagemarket), or follow along via hashtag #junkinthetrunkvintagemarket or #partylikeajunker.

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market began as a small backyard market in 2011 and has since welcomed well over 225,000 shoppers through its doors across Arizona and California. Through this creative outlet, founders Holt and Arnold have supported more than 2,500 small businesses. Reaching the local community has always been at the heart of the event. The market has long partnered with local Young Life chapters to send high school and junior high kids to camp, as well as other nonprofits to bring forth the greater good. Learn more at junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com.

Modified Pinners Conference and Expo Comes to WestWorld

and disinfection of each classroom between

THE PINNERS CONFERENCE AND EXPO HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO MAKE A SAFE RETURN TO SCOTTSDALE ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

THROUGH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14. Held at WestWorld, located at 16601 North Pima Road, the two-day event brings the online inspiration of crafting to life through more than 100 classes to life by inviting crafty guests to learn, create

taught by the nation’s top experts plus an entire shopping floor featuring nearly 300 local and national brands.

“Initially, we were worried about explaining the unique coolness of Pinners, but we’ve been amazed by how quickly everyone picked up on the vision,” says Kendall Bennett, who co-founded the Pinners Conference and Expo with Roxanne Bennett. “People love the classes; they love the shopping; they Pinners. Wherever we open a show, people just seem to immediately get it, and more importantly, love it.”

In the wake of the pandemic, the co-founders have worked closely with Arizona officials to present an event that’s approved, safe and fun. Aligned with state recommendations and exceeding CDC recommended sanitary procedures, this year the Pinners Conference offers large, socially distanced classroom seating; wider aisles and more free space; increased facility sanitizing stations and restrooms; workshops. Attendees are required to wear a mask during the event. Those that are not feeling well are asked to stay home and those over 65 or at high risk are asked to consider their own health prior to attending.

Kendall and Roxanne founded the Pinners Conference and Expo seven years ago in Salt Lake City with the idea to bring the spirit of Pinterest love the pervasive feeling of sharing that happens at

and connect through a series of workshops and opportunities allowing them to customize their experience while connecting to other passionate crafters, experts, influencers and retailers. Pinners has since expanded nationally with events in California, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, and Arizona.

The Pinners Conference and Expo gathers some of the greatest brands under one roof and offers attendees an opportunity to meet and learn firsthand from some of the most inspiring, creative women on the web. At the end of the event, attendees take home finished projects and new skills to improve their lifestyles and lead to personal advancement. Perhaps more important than ever during these times, the Pinners Conference serves as a place to create lasting memories and improve relationships.

Conference hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets start at $10 for general admission and go up to $139 for a limited V.I.Pinner pass including a VIP party with swag and prizes the night before the show, early shopping opportunities, full two-day class pass, full access to in-show VIP Room, and more. For tickets and complete package information, visit az.pinnersconference.com.

City News

Scottsdale Adopt-A-Senior Program Needs You!

By Anya Wright, Via Linda Senior Center

THE HOLIDAY SEASON WILL BE

UPON US VERY SOON. We are getting ready to help Scottsdale’s lowincome seniors as well as people with disabilities for the holidays. Last year, the Adopt-A-Senior program provided 343 Scottsdale seniors with holiday gifts; this year, our goal is to assist even more people. There are many in our community who do not have the financial means or family to fully enjoy the holiday season, which is what Adopt-A-Senior is all about. There are a couple of ways to provide a joyous holiday to many of our neighbors in need.

BECOME A SPONSOR AND ADOPT-A-SENIOR

There are multiple sponsorship options to choose from. You can: Adopt-ASenior for Thanksgiving, Adopt-ASenior for the Winter Holiday, or Adopt-A-Senior for both programs. If you choose to be a sponsor, fill out the form located at scottsdaleaz.gov/ seniors/adopt-a-senior.

DONORS HAVE THREE OPTIONS THIS YEAR

1. Adopt-A-Senior for Thanksgiving ($35 contribution): $35 Fry’s Gift card to be dropped off or mailed to the Via Linda Senior Center (10440

E. Via Linda). All gift cards must be received by November 13. 2. Adopt-A-Senior Winter Holiday ($145-$170) • Three or more items from the senior’s wish list ($100-$125 average/senior) • Grocery gift card valued at $35 • One book of forever stamps 3. Adopt-A-Senior for both holidays (Average $180-$205 total contribution): This is a combination of the above sponsorships. Please consider the two separate drop-off dates if you choose to Adopt-A-Senior for both holidays.

Drop-off dates at the Via Linda Senior Center for Winter Holiday Program are from December 2-4.

If you do not want to be a part of the above options you can also make a monetary donation, either by cash, check or credit card. Please make checks payable to Scottsdale Community Partners (SCP) with Adopt-ASenior written in the memo section. Scottsdale Community Partners is a nonprofit organization contracted by the City of Scottsdale entrusted to support the city’s various giving programs.

If interested in donating grocery gift cards they must be in the amount of $35 (Fry’s is the most popular). Cash, check or grocery cards need to be mailed to Via Linda Senior Center at 10440 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Credit card donations can be made online at: scottsdalecommunitypartners.org/donate. Please put Adopt-A-Senior in the message line.

Your donation is guaranteed to lift the spirits of one of our recipients who might be isolated, homebound, or in poor health. What a generous way to make their holiday special! To learn more, call 480-312-5811 or visit scottsdaleaz.gov/seniors/adopt-a-senior.

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City News

TEDx Scottsdale Women Event Benefits Ryan House

Scottsdale and Phoenix entrepreneurs Jeanna Val- en,” says Sallaway. “We want to create a culture of enti, Kelly Sallaway and Tina Bakalis announce excellence that shows them what’s possible for women the organization of a TEDx Scottsdale Women in our community.” event on November 20. In the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spread- will bring their stories of re-invention, inspiration, and ing,” the TEDx program helps communities, organi- transformation. zations and individuals produce TED-style events at the local level. TEDx events are planned and coordi- “As a licensed therapist, I want to educate and emnated independently, on a community-by-community power girls and women,” says Bakalis. “Our future basis, under a license from TED. depends on the strength, leadership and compassion “We decided to coordinate this event for many reasons,” says Valenti. “We want to inspire, motivate, “I am honored to be the emcee the TEDx Scottsdale educate, engage and entertain our audience during a Women 2020 Re-write Your Script event that is fotime when the community wants and needs to come cused on bringing together a diverse group of remarktogether.” able female leaders to share inspirational ideas,” says The event will be held in two sessions: from 4 to 6 and an event Scottsdale women won’t want to miss.” p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 20 at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale. Lindsay Moellenber- “The community support we receive is truly a ndt, Chief Business Development and Marketing Of- lifeline for the children with life-limiting conditions ficer at Fennemore, will emcee the event. Fennemore and families we serve,” says Ryan House Executive is the lead sponsor. A portion of the proceeds from the Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “We are grateTEDx Scottsdale Women event will go to local non- ful to be named the beneficiary of this very timely profit Ryan House, whose mission is to embrace all and worthwhile event. Much like the services we children and their families as they navigate life-limiting provide at Ryan House, this event enables us to shift or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite our focus on stories of re-invention, inspiration and care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social transformation.” needs of the family. This year’s theme is Re-Write Your Script. Speakers that women leaders provide.” Moellenberdt. “This will be a power-packed line-up Learn more and purchase tickets at tedxscottsdale“One of our goals is to mentor girls and young wom- women.com.

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City News

Connie Health Launches Medicare Services Throughout Arizona

Connie Health, a personal Medicare advisory choices. These services help consumers get the most service combining Medicare expertise and out of their plan, optimize prescription costs, and find local advisors with data-driven insights, providers in their area. to help individuals make confident and informed finding the right Medicare coverage for their personal decisions about their Medicare options, has launched The service is provided at no cost to consumers. its services in Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai counties. As licensed advisors, the insurance companies compensate them when someone joins a plan. The Local resident David Luna and partners Michael Scopa maximum compensation an insurance company can and Oded Eran, all Medicare experts with decades of provide is regulated by the Centers for Medicare experience, formed Connie Health in 2019. and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is the same for all insurance companies. Therefore, Connie Health “Shopping for Medicare coverage can be complex and recommends plans solely based on an individual’s overwhelming for many individuals because Medicare needs and not financial incentives. Due to its offers a multitude of plans by varied insurance choice to affiliate with all major Medicare insurance companies,” says Luna. “By combining our healthcare providers, Connie Health can use its technology expertise with technology-powered tools, personalized to advise individuals – either in-person from a safe local guidance and support, Connie Health’s distance, on a video call, via phone or otherwise – advisors will work with our communities’ Medicare about the best options based on personal healthcare beneficiaries to ensure they make confident, worry- needs, lifestyle, and budget. The team is also able free decisions around Medicare plans and coverage.” to identify Medicare providers in the area including In addition to providing individuals with guidance on networks. those in Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO needs, the local advisors at Connie Health offer Medicare’s open enrollment period is through Decemongoing support in navigating a range of healthcare ber 7. For more information, visit conniehealth.com.

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City News

Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell Retiring

SCOTTSDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT CHIEF OF POLICE ALAN RODBELL RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT HE WILL BE RETIRING ON DECEMBER 1 TO PURSUE AN OPPORTUNITY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

Chief Rodbell’s law enforcement career began in Maryland in 1976 as a police officer with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), where he served for 25 years, retiring as Assistant Chief of Police. Chief Rodbell joined the Scottsdale Police Department as Assistant Chief in 2001 and was soon promoted to Chief of Police, serving the City of Scottsdale as Chief since 2003. Chief Rodbell is the sixth Chief of Police for the Scottsdale Police Department with the second longest tenure as Chief (Walter Nemetz served as Chief of Police for 19 years, from 1963 to 1982).

Chief Rodbell will conclude his 45year career in law enforcement, with nearly 19 years of service with the Scottsdale Police Department. While he is retiring from law enforcement, he is transitioning to the private sector.

“It is an opportunity that comes at a time when I feel confident that the Scottsdale community is in great hands,” he shares in a statement to police department employees. “I leave feeling good about the City and our Police Department. This opportunity allows me to move away from law enforcement and still work and stay busy. I am so thankful that you have allowed me to be a part of this family. Every success we have experienced throughout the years has been because of you. I brag that this is the finest culture in law enforcement today.”

Scottsdale City Manager, Dr. Jim Thompson, expresses his appreciation and gratitude for Chief Rodbell and his years of dedicated service to the community.

“As an internationally recognized leader in community partnerships and law enforcement, Chief Rodbell is leaving a true legacy of excellence in policing,” he says. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors, and he will be greatly missed. The Scottsdale Police Department is a well-respected organization because of the exceptional men and women that serve our community. We have

the highest confidence that they will continue to provide the exceptional delivery of police services that our community deserves.”

Martin Pear JCC Announces Standing Strong Together Non-Event Gala to Continue Providing Community Support

THIS YEAR HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT NOR-

MAL. Martin Pear JCC on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus (“The J”) is announcing their Standing Strong Together NonEvent as a one-ofa-kind fundraising initiative that takes the place of the annual in-person gala customarily held in early December.

Due to COVID-19, The J is forgoing its standard gala and asking the community not to dress up, not to hire a babysitter, and not to leave the comfort of home. In exchange, through December 5, the community can learn all about how The J has been providing assistance for Scottsdale as well as the surrounding area and those who are interested can support The J’s mission at vosjcc.org/2020nonevent. Donations will go even farther this year as 100% of each gift will directly impact the Martin Pear JCC on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus since there are no overhead costs for an in-person event. Thanks to a group of anonymous donors, all gifts will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

For decades, The J has been serving the community through a variety of programs and services. During COVID, innovation and nimbleness are paramount as the pandemic has forced the agency to pivot and navigate a full closure followed by a partial closure and then a reopening, all while it continues to provide vital support to the community. From an exemplary preschool program and Kids Club for members as young as 6 weeks, to ongoing camp and youth programs such as Shemesh Camp at The J, Camp in a Box (bringing camp to kids’ homes), and Club J All Day (The J’s response to COVID-19 and online learning requirements) where there is community need for parents and families, The J is there.

Through the launch of a virtual program platform called J at Home (vosjcc.org/jathome) in direct response to COVID, more than 500 programs have been brought to the community across diverse areas such as fitness, adult and cultural, sports and recreation, and many others. The J has also incurred significant expense in reopening to ensure the safety and health of members and staff. With more than $200,000 invested in reopening, a $6,000 weekly expense for enhanced sanitizing, $13,000 in plexiglass dividers for the cardio area, and a variety of other related costs, The J is focused on doing the right thing for those we serve and that includes enforcing the mask mandate.

“Everything The J does is for the betterment of our community,” says Jay Jacobs, chief executive officer of the Martin Pear JCC and the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. “Our mission is all about building community and even though COVID threw us a significant curveball this year, I have been amazed by how the staff have risen to the occasion and continued to keep our members and the community at the forefront of everything we do. Whether virtual or in-building, we always say ‘You belong here.’ Connection, community and remaining healthy are now more important than ever.”

The J has recently entered phase 3 in their reopening plan. With that comes more in-building programs and services such as youth basketball clinics, personal training and pickleball, all with strict health protocols. However, importantly, The J also recognizes the increased financial need of our community especially in the COVID-era.

“During COVID, The J has seen a significant increase in requests for financial assistance related to preschool and camp as our community navigates through this unprecedented time,” says Adam Brooks, Chairman of the Board for Martin Pear JCC. “It is an honor to be able to assist those in need gain access to programming and services that allow parents to remain at work and kids to build connections at a time that is anything but normal. The Standing Strong Together Non-Event will ensure The J remains a strong and vibrant part of our community for decades to come. I truly appreciate the spirit of generosity I continue to witness.”